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Love Letters for Other People
“Beautifully written with a twist you won’t see coming.”
—HELEN HARDT, #1 New York Times bestselling author on When We Had Forever
An emotionally gripping page-turner about heartbreak, old secrets, and second chances—with an unexpected Cyrano twist. For fans of Lucy Score and Mia Sheridan.
When mathematician Aubrey MacLean’s career implodes, she has no choice but to return to her rural Indiana hometown, at least temporarily. But small towns have long memories, and so does she, especially when it comes to Nick Thacker, the boy who broke her heart.
Nick’s life is long shifts at the steel mill, plus a side business writing love letters for other people. It’s enough to numb his regrets—until his first love returns, stirring up a past he thought he’d buried.
Aubrey is focused on rebuilding her career, until she falls for a new man whose love letters feel achingly familiar. But as their connection deepens, so does her sense that she’s been here before. The similarities must be a coincidence, right? Because if not, Aubrey may have to choose between the life she’s built and the love she left behind…
—HELEN HARDT, #1 New York Times bestselling author on When We Had Forever
An emotionally gripping page-turner about heartbreak, old secrets, and second chances—with an unexpected Cyrano twist. For fans of Lucy Score and Mia Sheridan.
When mathematician Aubrey MacLean’s career implodes, she has no choice but to return to her rural Indiana hometown, at least temporarily. But small towns have long memories, and so does she, especially when it comes to Nick Thacker, the boy who broke her heart.
Nick’s life is long shifts at the steel mill, plus a side business writing love letters for other people. It’s enough to numb his regrets—until his first love returns, stirring up a past he thought he’d buried.
Aubrey is focused on rebuilding her career, until she falls for a new man whose love letters feel achingly familiar. But as their connection deepens, so does her sense that she’s been here before. The similarities must be a coincidence, right? Because if not, Aubrey may have to choose between the life she’s built and the love she left behind…
400 pages, Paperback
Published December 9, 2025
47 people are currently reading
6246 people want to read
About the author
Shaylin Gandhi
9 books384 followersShaylin Gandhi first fell in love with love stories when she started stealing grown-up books off her mother’s bookshelf at the age of ten. By twelve, she’d perfected the art of reading under the covers by flashlight, and in high school, she attempted her first novel. She now writes from the mountains of Golden, Colorado, where she lives with her husband and identical twin daughters. When not finagling words onto paper, Shaylin can be found hiking, scheming up ways to earn another passport stamp, or ingesting enough coffee to power a small city.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 262 reviews
December 11, 2025
NOW THIS IS HOW YOU WRITE A ROMANCE BOOK.
November 29, 2025
(4.25 stars)
Thank you to Canary Street Press, Harlequin Audio and Literary Media Tours for the advance copies of Love Letters For Other People by Shaylin Gandhi!
***
If you enjoy stories featuring a second chance romance, Love Letters For Other People should be on your list to read (or listen to) ASAP!
The story features two people who fell in love as teens, in their senior year of high school, when Nick was “the new kid” and Aubrey was a math geek as well as a cheerleader, a fairly unusual combination, to be sure, and I loved that. Circumstances broke them apart and when Aubrey left for college in New York City, she never came back to their Indiana town. Nick stayed and worked at the local steel mill. He got married and separated, but has a sixteen-year-old daughter to show for it, and she is the light of his dreary life. Until Aubrey comes back to town.
In addition to the love story, we have a subplot of Aubrey being betrayed by a coworker, who stole her work and claimed it for himself, resulting in her losing her job - which is why she’s back in town. She’s bitter about that and still bitter at how Nick betrayed her all those years ago. At least that’s what she believes happened.
The title refers to a Cyrano-style twist, with Nick writing love letters for other people, to earn enough extra money to pay for expenses associated with his daughter’s summer internship. I won’t give away anything, because I hate spoilers in reviews, but I did see some of the twists coming - and guess what, it didn’t make me like the book any less!
I bounced between the audiobook, which was beautifully narrated by Carly Robins, and the ebook.
Warning - there are several explicit scenes, so if that’s something you want to avoid, you’ll have to skip around here and there.
All opinions are my own.
Thank you to Canary Street Press, Harlequin Audio and Literary Media Tours for the advance copies of Love Letters For Other People by Shaylin Gandhi!
***
If you enjoy stories featuring a second chance romance, Love Letters For Other People should be on your list to read (or listen to) ASAP!
The story features two people who fell in love as teens, in their senior year of high school, when Nick was “the new kid” and Aubrey was a math geek as well as a cheerleader, a fairly unusual combination, to be sure, and I loved that. Circumstances broke them apart and when Aubrey left for college in New York City, she never came back to their Indiana town. Nick stayed and worked at the local steel mill. He got married and separated, but has a sixteen-year-old daughter to show for it, and she is the light of his dreary life. Until Aubrey comes back to town.
In addition to the love story, we have a subplot of Aubrey being betrayed by a coworker, who stole her work and claimed it for himself, resulting in her losing her job - which is why she’s back in town. She’s bitter about that and still bitter at how Nick betrayed her all those years ago. At least that’s what she believes happened.
The title refers to a Cyrano-style twist, with Nick writing love letters for other people, to earn enough extra money to pay for expenses associated with his daughter’s summer internship. I won’t give away anything, because I hate spoilers in reviews, but I did see some of the twists coming - and guess what, it didn’t make me like the book any less!
I bounced between the audiobook, which was beautifully narrated by Carly Robins, and the ebook.
Warning - there are several explicit scenes, so if that’s something you want to avoid, you’ll have to skip around here and there.
All opinions are my own.
November 24, 2025
My first book by Shaylin Gandhi, the description alone had me excited to visit rural Indiana for a fun second chance romance. Nick moves to Aubrey’s small town months before high school graduation only to find he’s bullied as the weird new kid. Aubrey isn’t turned off by Nick, she’s drawn to him from first sight and a whirlwind of firsts between them happen. Told in alternating timelines Aubrey returns 17 years later to find Nick married, in name only, with a 16 year old daughter, who is written so adorably peppy. Emotions are high throughout but not angsty per se. There is ex and OM drama but nothing to put you off of Nick and Aubrey’s eventual reunion. Nick was sweet, but dang he cried like over the littlest thing. Excited to keep an eye out for authors future and backlog.
This was an audiobook ARC and the narrator was easy to understand and listen to. Thanks to NetGalley for this ARC, always these thoughts are my own.
This was an audiobook ARC and the narrator was easy to understand and listen to. Thanks to NetGalley for this ARC, always these thoughts are my own.
December 6, 2025
I received this book as an ARC, and I ended up switching between the ebook and the audiobook, the audio narration was actually what drew me most into the story.
This book is an easy, enjoyable read, and I found myself going through it quite quickly.
The plot twists weren’t as shocking as I hoped; some moments felt a bit predictable and leaned toward clichê. Still, the story remained engaging, and I genuinely had a good time following the characters and their journey.
Overall, it’s a charming and entertaining read, perfect for when you want something light and absorbing. I'm glad I had the chance to experience it.
𝑰 𝒓𝒆𝒄𝒆𝒊𝒗𝒆𝒅 𝒂𝒏 𝒂𝒅𝒗𝒂𝒏𝒄𝒆 𝒄𝒐𝒑𝒚 𝒐𝒇 𝒕𝒉𝒊𝒔 𝒃𝒐𝒐𝒌 𝒊𝒏 𝒆𝒙𝒄𝒉𝒂𝒏𝒈𝒆 𝒇𝒐𝒓 𝒎𝒚 𝒉𝒐𝒏𝒆𝒔𝒕 𝒓𝒆𝒗𝒊𝒆𝒘 𝒂𝒏𝒅 𝒆𝒗𝒆𝒓𝒚 𝒘𝒐𝒓𝒅 𝒓𝒆𝒇𝒍𝒆𝒄𝒕𝒔 𝒉𝒐𝒘 𝑰 𝒕𝒓𝒖𝒍𝒚 𝒇𝒆𝒍𝒕 𝒘𝒉𝒊𝒍𝒆 𝒓𝒆𝒂𝒅𝒊𝒏𝒈 𝒊𝒕!
This book is an easy, enjoyable read, and I found myself going through it quite quickly.
The plot twists weren’t as shocking as I hoped; some moments felt a bit predictable and leaned toward clichê. Still, the story remained engaging, and I genuinely had a good time following the characters and their journey.
Overall, it’s a charming and entertaining read, perfect for when you want something light and absorbing. I'm glad I had the chance to experience it.
𝑰 𝒓𝒆𝒄𝒆𝒊𝒗𝒆𝒅 𝒂𝒏 𝒂𝒅𝒗𝒂𝒏𝒄𝒆 𝒄𝒐𝒑𝒚 𝒐𝒇 𝒕𝒉𝒊𝒔 𝒃𝒐𝒐𝒌 𝒊𝒏 𝒆𝒙𝒄𝒉𝒂𝒏𝒈𝒆 𝒇𝒐𝒓 𝒎𝒚 𝒉𝒐𝒏𝒆𝒔𝒕 𝒓𝒆𝒗𝒊𝒆𝒘 𝒂𝒏𝒅 𝒆𝒗𝒆𝒓𝒚 𝒘𝒐𝒓𝒅 𝒓𝒆𝒇𝒍𝒆𝒄𝒕𝒔 𝒉𝒐𝒘 𝑰 𝒕𝒓𝒖𝒍𝒚 𝒇𝒆𝒍𝒕 𝒘𝒉𝒊𝒍𝒆 𝒓𝒆𝒂𝒅𝒊𝒏𝒈 𝒊𝒕!
November 24, 2025
Audiobook
Mathematician Aubrey returns to her hometown after losing her important job in NYC. Can she escape the ghosts of her past and recover her position? Nick never left town, working at the mill and raising his daughter. Can he use his talent with words to afford his daughter's internship?
This story is perfect for fans of second-chance romances, STEM careers for women, single dads, and love letters! Aubrey and Nick share a connection and attraction that cannot be deterred. The plot is a standard romance, but the characters are endearing. I'm a sucker for MMCs who are devoted to their kids.
Advanced listening copy provided by Harlequin Audio. All opinions are my own.
Mathematician Aubrey returns to her hometown after losing her important job in NYC. Can she escape the ghosts of her past and recover her position? Nick never left town, working at the mill and raising his daughter. Can he use his talent with words to afford his daughter's internship?
This story is perfect for fans of second-chance romances, STEM careers for women, single dads, and love letters! Aubrey and Nick share a connection and attraction that cannot be deterred. The plot is a standard romance, but the characters are endearing. I'm a sucker for MMCs who are devoted to their kids.
Advanced listening copy provided by Harlequin Audio. All opinions are my own.
December 1, 2025
⭐️ 3.8 Stars
A second chance romance with a refreshing twist! This story is incredibly sweet and deeply heartwarming for two characters who truly deserved their happy ending. Nick and Aubrey never really got over one another, and what I loved most is that their breakup wasn’t rooted in a big mistake or betrayal on the couples part but instead a double twist I didn’t expect.
This book gives you betrayal, love letters, a dual timeline, and all the nostalgic small-town first-love vibes.
I listened to the audiobook and felt the narrator did a fantastic job keeping me engaged. I was invested in their journey and rooting hard for them to find their way back to each other. Spice-wise, it’s minimal to none on my scale—so keep that in mind if you’re someone who likes heat in your romance.
Overall, it was an enjoyable read.
A second chance romance with a refreshing twist! This story is incredibly sweet and deeply heartwarming for two characters who truly deserved their happy ending. Nick and Aubrey never really got over one another, and what I loved most is that their breakup wasn’t rooted in a big mistake or betrayal on the couples part but instead a double twist I didn’t expect.
This book gives you betrayal, love letters, a dual timeline, and all the nostalgic small-town first-love vibes.
I listened to the audiobook and felt the narrator did a fantastic job keeping me engaged. I was invested in their journey and rooting hard for them to find their way back to each other. Spice-wise, it’s minimal to none on my scale—so keep that in mind if you’re someone who likes heat in your romance.
Overall, it was an enjoyable read.
December 8, 2025
This was a whirlwind, angsty good time! I did predict a major reveal very early on. And I do think some aspects resolved a bit too easily. But I still really enjoyed this. Shaylin Gandhi's emotional writing is just so poetic and buttery. Truly bingeable!
After mathematician Aubrey MacLean’s career collapses, she returns to her small Indiana hometown and crosses paths with her first heartbreak, Nick Thacker. He’s now working at a steel mill and quietly selling love letters for other people on the side. As Aubrey tries to rebuild her life, she starts falling for someone new, only to realize that the heartfelt letters he gives her feel a little too familiar ... almost exactly like the ones Nick used to write!
You can see where this is going. I was deeply stressed seeing Aubrey get manipulated, but it was worth every tense moment for how it ultimately brought her and Nick back together. And like I said, I did predict the complicated, messy reasoning behind their past breakup. But I loved the angst of seeing it slowly revealed to Aubrey herself.
Nick was a little intense sometimes, but I absolutely cannot deny the depth of his love for Aubrey. Though they haven’t seen each other in seventeen years, time just didn't exist for these two. The aching chemistry was just so good. For a romance that truly grabs your heart, definitely pick this one up! When We Had Forever too!
(heat level: 2 open-door scenes, mild to moderate details)
I voluntarily read and reviewed an advanced copy of this book. All thoughts and opinions are my own.
After mathematician Aubrey MacLean’s career collapses, she returns to her small Indiana hometown and crosses paths with her first heartbreak, Nick Thacker. He’s now working at a steel mill and quietly selling love letters for other people on the side. As Aubrey tries to rebuild her life, she starts falling for someone new, only to realize that the heartfelt letters he gives her feel a little too familiar ... almost exactly like the ones Nick used to write!
You can see where this is going. I was deeply stressed seeing Aubrey get manipulated, but it was worth every tense moment for how it ultimately brought her and Nick back together. And like I said, I did predict the complicated, messy reasoning behind their past breakup. But I loved the angst of seeing it slowly revealed to Aubrey herself.
Nick was a little intense sometimes, but I absolutely cannot deny the depth of his love for Aubrey. Though they haven’t seen each other in seventeen years, time just didn't exist for these two. The aching chemistry was just so good. For a romance that truly grabs your heart, definitely pick this one up! When We Had Forever too!
(heat level: 2 open-door scenes, mild to moderate details)
I voluntarily read and reviewed an advanced copy of this book. All thoughts and opinions are my own.
August 14, 2025
Seventeen years ago, Nick and Aubrey were everything to each other. A first love they thought would last forever. A rare romance that started with a love letter. Some love stories don’t end, they pause. And what they had was shattered by a heartbreaking betrayal. This story is written so beautifully between the past and the present. An emotional second-chance romance about timing, forgiveness, and the kind of love that never truly lets go. A reminder that some people never really leave us, no matter how long they’ve been gone.
💕Second chance
♥️Open door romance
🌶️🌶️ spice
💜Dual timelines
♥️Multiple pov
💕First love
💜Love triangle
📝Love letters
💕Secrets/betrayals
♥️Pining
“She'd never looked as compelling as in that moment.
Never looked so real. Like a woman he wanted to burn down worlds for.”
“Nick's nearness awakened something, a force as everlasting as the one that bound her to the earth.
She would never, she realized, not feel this way.”
“I want you every minute of every day. I want you when I'm dreaming, and when I'm awake, and when I'm so tired I can barely remember my own name. I want you so much that it survives every stupid, desperate thing I hurl at it. Every punch I throw and every letter I write and every shot of tequila I swallow. My whole fucking existence spins on an axis of wanting you."
💕Second chance
♥️Open door romance
🌶️🌶️ spice
💜Dual timelines
♥️Multiple pov
💕First love
💜Love triangle
📝Love letters
💕Secrets/betrayals
♥️Pining
“She'd never looked as compelling as in that moment.
Never looked so real. Like a woman he wanted to burn down worlds for.”
“Nick's nearness awakened something, a force as everlasting as the one that bound her to the earth.
She would never, she realized, not feel this way.”
“I want you every minute of every day. I want you when I'm dreaming, and when I'm awake, and when I'm so tired I can barely remember my own name. I want you so much that it survives every stupid, desperate thing I hurl at it. Every punch I throw and every letter I write and every shot of tequila I swallow. My whole fucking existence spins on an axis of wanting you."
December 22, 2025
BOOK: Love Letters for Other People
AUTHOR: Shaylin Gandhi
PUB DATE: December 9, 2025 by Harlequin Audio
PAGES: 396
RATING: ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
GENRE: Contemporary Fiction
A BIG Thank You to Harlequin Audio and NetGalley for this advanced digital copy! Opinions expressed in this review are completely my own.
SYNOPSIS: When mathematician Aubrey MacLean’s career implodes, she has no choice but to return to her rural Indiana hometown, at least temporarily. But small towns have long memories, and so does she, especially when it comes to Nick Thacker, the boy who broke her heart. Nick’s life is routine: long shifts at the steel mill, plus a side business writing love letters for other people. It’s enough to numb his regrets…until his first love returns, stirring up a past he thought he’d buried.
Aubrey is focused on rebuilding her career, until she falls for a man whose love letters feel achingly familiar. But as their connection deepens, so does her sense that she’s been here before. The similarities must be a coincidence. Because if not, Aubrey may have to choose between the life she’s built and the love she left behind.
QUICK & SPOILER-FREE REVIEW: I absolutely loved this second-chance romance, and appreciated that it had just the right touch of spice. What drew me in immediately was how grounded & real the relationship felt. This isn’t a glossy, perfect love story, but one shaped by timing, mistakes, & the lingering pull of feelings that never fully faded. Shaylin Gandhi captures the ache and hope of reconnecting so beautifully that it’s impossible not to root for these characters from the very first page. The romance unfolds with a slow-burn intensity that makes every moment feel earned, & the chemistry is undeniable. The “little spice” is woven in seamlessly and tastefully. What I loved most is how the story leans into vulnerability, growth, and the courage it takes to try again, even when the past still hurts. This is the kind of book that makes you believe in second chances, leaves you swooning, and stays with you long after you’ve turned the final page.
AUTHOR: Shaylin Gandhi
PUB DATE: December 9, 2025 by Harlequin Audio
PAGES: 396
RATING: ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
GENRE: Contemporary Fiction
A BIG Thank You to Harlequin Audio and NetGalley for this advanced digital copy! Opinions expressed in this review are completely my own.
SYNOPSIS: When mathematician Aubrey MacLean’s career implodes, she has no choice but to return to her rural Indiana hometown, at least temporarily. But small towns have long memories, and so does she, especially when it comes to Nick Thacker, the boy who broke her heart. Nick’s life is routine: long shifts at the steel mill, plus a side business writing love letters for other people. It’s enough to numb his regrets…until his first love returns, stirring up a past he thought he’d buried.
Aubrey is focused on rebuilding her career, until she falls for a man whose love letters feel achingly familiar. But as their connection deepens, so does her sense that she’s been here before. The similarities must be a coincidence. Because if not, Aubrey may have to choose between the life she’s built and the love she left behind.
QUICK & SPOILER-FREE REVIEW: I absolutely loved this second-chance romance, and appreciated that it had just the right touch of spice. What drew me in immediately was how grounded & real the relationship felt. This isn’t a glossy, perfect love story, but one shaped by timing, mistakes, & the lingering pull of feelings that never fully faded. Shaylin Gandhi captures the ache and hope of reconnecting so beautifully that it’s impossible not to root for these characters from the very first page. The romance unfolds with a slow-burn intensity that makes every moment feel earned, & the chemistry is undeniable. The “little spice” is woven in seamlessly and tastefully. What I loved most is how the story leans into vulnerability, growth, and the courage it takes to try again, even when the past still hurts. This is the kind of book that makes you believe in second chances, leaves you swooning, and stays with you long after you’ve turned the final page.
November 18, 2025
The premise was an interesting storyline. But honesty I think so much in this story just frustrated me. I wanted to also really love these characters and I unfortunately didn’t. Not sure if it was the character depth or something else. I just didn’t connect. And then some things bugged me that I couldn’t get over. It also kind of dragged at times in the middle of the book for me. Not a bad story, and I wanted to finish it. But just didn’t work for me personally. I also just don’t really enjoy 3rd person POV much - more of a me thing.
*spoilers ahead*
First, the whole him staying married thing for the kid. It is 2025 let’s move on from the “gotta stay together for the kids” bs. (I truly hate a marriage out of duty trope) And the woman he was married to… woah, total B. The plot twist involving her and Paige and all that, I kind of expected more of a reaction from Nick?
Second, I felt during the flashbacks to when they were younger they didn’t speak like they were in high school. It just felt off to me.
With the letter thing, how the hell did she not realize who wrote the damn letters?! You’re so obsessed with this guys writing but can’t recognize it now? Mmmm not sure about that one. Also when this twist was revealed it felt kind of anti climactic. But maybe it’s because we know this from early on?
And then the ending… he was just gonna wait around for 2 years? And she wanted him to do this? This just all didn’t sit right. Like yah I know eventually she came to her senses but come on… again it’s 2025 y’all can totally work this shit out lol.
Will I still tell you to read this one? Yup! I think there are a lot of readers out there that will love it. Just wasn’t my favorite.
Thanks to NetGalley for my eARC!
*spoilers ahead*
First, the whole him staying married thing for the kid. It is 2025 let’s move on from the “gotta stay together for the kids” bs. (I truly hate a marriage out of duty trope) And the woman he was married to… woah, total B. The plot twist involving her and Paige and all that, I kind of expected more of a reaction from Nick?
Second, I felt during the flashbacks to when they were younger they didn’t speak like they were in high school. It just felt off to me.
With the letter thing, how the hell did she not realize who wrote the damn letters?! You’re so obsessed with this guys writing but can’t recognize it now? Mmmm not sure about that one. Also when this twist was revealed it felt kind of anti climactic. But maybe it’s because we know this from early on?
And then the ending… he was just gonna wait around for 2 years? And she wanted him to do this? This just all didn’t sit right. Like yah I know eventually she came to her senses but come on… again it’s 2025 y’all can totally work this shit out lol.
Will I still tell you to read this one? Yup! I think there are a lot of readers out there that will love it. Just wasn’t my favorite.
Thanks to NetGalley for my eARC!
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
December 13, 2025
This audiobook was my first introduction to Shaylin Gandhi. I'm partial to love stories that include love letters, so the title of the book really intrigued me. The book started a little slowly, but quickly picked up speed once I got a handle on all the characters. It centered around Aubrey and Nick, who were high school sweethearts and had a falling out soon after graduation. It's not until near the end of the story that we find out why and it was a heartbreaking reason. People interfering in their love on both sides. But, in the end, the truths come out and both are ready to fight for their love and get their HEA. I'm looking forward to reading more from Shaylin!
I received an audiobook ARC from NetGalley and am leaving a voluntary review.
I received an audiobook ARC from NetGalley and am leaving a voluntary review.
November 23, 2025
Spice rating: 🌶️
I loved this heartwarming and realistic read! I enjoyed the twists and the obstacles of making a relationship work. The sweet moments from Nick’s gestures and letters had me head over heels for him. The second chance romance and writing was done beautifully. I will definitely be looking in to other books written by this author!
I loved this heartwarming and realistic read! I enjoyed the twists and the obstacles of making a relationship work. The sweet moments from Nick’s gestures and letters had me head over heels for him. The second chance romance and writing was done beautifully. I will definitely be looking in to other books written by this author!
December 21, 2025
4.5 stars
Thank you @authorshaylingandhi for the free copy to share and pass around! All thoughts are my own.
Seventeen years after high school sweethearts Nick and Aubrey fall apart in a blistering catastrophe, Aubrey returns to her hometown out of desperation. She's lost her dream job to a Lying Mcliarson and with nowhere else to go, she's sets up camp in her childhood home to prove herself back into her job. Except the thing about small towns is you can't escape the past or those that stayed.
Last year one of my FAVORITE books was When We Had Forever. It sucked me in, beat me up emotionally, and made me eager for more. As such, Love Letters became a top anticipated read for me. And honestly? It didn't disappoint. My brain doesn't shut down and I always wonder the why behind someone's actions etc so nothing was a surprise necessarily, but the way Shaylin brings out the emotions and carries the storyline is pretty epic. I felt their love and loneliness, the betrayals and loyalty. I've never met as selfless of a human as Nick but it made me want to hug him and hope for someone to treat him with half of the devotion he gave everyone else.
PS I hate two of the supporting characters but mostly HER.
Why it wasn’t five stars is a SPOILER but just something I personally have childhood trauma about. It’s a choice!
Thank you @authorshaylingandhi for the free copy to share and pass around! All thoughts are my own.
Seventeen years after high school sweethearts Nick and Aubrey fall apart in a blistering catastrophe, Aubrey returns to her hometown out of desperation. She's lost her dream job to a Lying Mcliarson and with nowhere else to go, she's sets up camp in her childhood home to prove herself back into her job. Except the thing about small towns is you can't escape the past or those that stayed.
Last year one of my FAVORITE books was When We Had Forever. It sucked me in, beat me up emotionally, and made me eager for more. As such, Love Letters became a top anticipated read for me. And honestly? It didn't disappoint. My brain doesn't shut down and I always wonder the why behind someone's actions etc so nothing was a surprise necessarily, but the way Shaylin brings out the emotions and carries the storyline is pretty epic. I felt their love and loneliness, the betrayals and loyalty. I've never met as selfless of a human as Nick but it made me want to hug him and hope for someone to treat him with half of the devotion he gave everyone else.
PS I hate two of the supporting characters but mostly HER.
Why it wasn’t five stars is a SPOILER but just something I personally have childhood trauma about. It’s a choice!
September 14, 2025
This dual-timeline second-chance romance reads more like literary fiction than romance. That’s not necessarily a bad thing. I felt compelled by the story and the characters, but it just fell flat at times as the reader makes the connections and figures out the secrets before the characters do. Nick and Aubrey are high school sweethearts who reconnect 17 years later in their hometown. The plot was very reminiscent of other popular second-chance romance novels, It’s Ends with Us, Every Summer After, Love and Other Words. The writing is beautifully done, which is a redeeming factor, as are the letters themselves.
Read if you like:
Second-chance romance
Love letters
Dual timeline
First love
Small town
3.5 stars rounded up
Read if you like:
Second-chance romance
Love letters
Dual timeline
First love
Small town
3.5 stars rounded up
December 8, 2025
LOVE LETTERS FOR OTHER PEOPLE
🎧 audiobook review • out 12.09.25
Narrated by: Carly Robbins
Length: 11h 39m
⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
thank you @htpbooks_audio for my #gifted ALC
I knew… as soon as I started this audio that it would break my heart a little bit.. and it absolutely did 🥹 the emotion was so. real. and it was just what I needed 👌🏻
It’s been 17 years.. and Nick has never gotten over his first love, Aubrey. So when she suddenly comes back into town - he is caught off guard. Her favorite thing about him was his love letters, and now she has found someone who writes them just like Nick used to, so she feels it’s time to finally move on from what her & Nick used to have.
Carly Robbins did an incredible job bringing the emotion to the story- it was so heartfelt and one of the best romance books I’ve listened to in awhile 🩷
🎧 audiobook review • out 12.09.25
Narrated by: Carly Robbins
Length: 11h 39m
⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
thank you @htpbooks_audio for my #gifted ALC
I knew… as soon as I started this audio that it would break my heart a little bit.. and it absolutely did 🥹 the emotion was so. real. and it was just what I needed 👌🏻
It’s been 17 years.. and Nick has never gotten over his first love, Aubrey. So when she suddenly comes back into town - he is caught off guard. Her favorite thing about him was his love letters, and now she has found someone who writes them just like Nick used to, so she feels it’s time to finally move on from what her & Nick used to have.
Carly Robbins did an incredible job bringing the emotion to the story- it was so heartfelt and one of the best romance books I’ve listened to in awhile 🩷
December 9, 2025
4.5 stars
Why did it take me til now to read a Shaylin Gandhi novel? My faux pas has since been corrected!
This story took my heart on an emotional ride! I love second chance romances and this was heartbreaking, messy, complicated, angsty and ultimately so tension-fueled. I loved it! With the dual timelines Gandhi shows us how much Aubrey and Nick loved each other back then, and how much they’ve grown since they broke up. The individuals they’ve matured into makes them even more compelling characters to root for. Yet the traits that made them fall for each other are still there and as strong as ever. Their chemistry is all over the pages, and that longing is what I live for!
𝗟𝗟𝗙𝗢𝗣 is a wonderful example of the emotional depths that romance can reach while exploring grey areas and confronting harsh truths. (I was especially cognizant of this while reading this because someone recently maligned romance in front of me and I did not let that slide.) Gandhi has such beautiful prose, and I made note of several profound quotes. Some were so gorgeous in their simplicity and hit so perfectly.
I can’t tell you enough how much I swooned over 𝗟𝗟𝗙𝗢𝗣. It’s made me a fan of Gandhi’s writing and storytelling. Definitely add this to your TBR for one of the most heartfelt reads of the season.
Thank you @authorshaylingandhi & @literarymediatours for my copy in exchange for an honest review.
Why did it take me til now to read a Shaylin Gandhi novel? My faux pas has since been corrected!
This story took my heart on an emotional ride! I love second chance romances and this was heartbreaking, messy, complicated, angsty and ultimately so tension-fueled. I loved it! With the dual timelines Gandhi shows us how much Aubrey and Nick loved each other back then, and how much they’ve grown since they broke up. The individuals they’ve matured into makes them even more compelling characters to root for. Yet the traits that made them fall for each other are still there and as strong as ever. Their chemistry is all over the pages, and that longing is what I live for!
𝗟𝗟𝗙𝗢𝗣 is a wonderful example of the emotional depths that romance can reach while exploring grey areas and confronting harsh truths. (I was especially cognizant of this while reading this because someone recently maligned romance in front of me and I did not let that slide.) Gandhi has such beautiful prose, and I made note of several profound quotes. Some were so gorgeous in their simplicity and hit so perfectly.
I can’t tell you enough how much I swooned over 𝗟𝗟𝗙𝗢𝗣. It’s made me a fan of Gandhi’s writing and storytelling. Definitely add this to your TBR for one of the most heartfelt reads of the season.
Thank you @authorshaylingandhi & @literarymediatours for my copy in exchange for an honest review.
December 17, 2025
3.5- I was very much enjoying this until the 85% mark, then we just hit a major wall. This book is def for the romantics out there, the girls who are forever hung up on "the one that got away/ that one guy"... Although at times I found the plot predictable, and the "twist" wasn't shocking (to me), it was still a nice read. BUT, this story could have been SO MUCH MORE!
The use of the "love letters" was lacking for a book centered around them.. That entire plot just felt lazy tbh. Like the author wanted to tell Nick and Aubrey's second-chance love story more than she wanted to use the letters... like what was the point then??? And that ending? It was as if we had reached the 85% mark, and you could tell the author was just trying to wrap up the story. It was rushed and emotionally flat. Had the author expanded a few things, this story could have been monumentally emotional and beautiful...
Up until that final chunk, I was prepared to rate this book quite highly, as the romantic elements genuinely resonated with me! However, the combination of that underdeveloped plot concept and a rushed conclusion left me feeling blah. Ultimately, I would put this at a solid 3.5 stars, though it had the potential to be soo much more!
Thank you to Harlequin Audio and the HTP Hive Influencer program for the copy of this ALC.
The use of the "love letters" was lacking for a book centered around them.. That entire plot just felt lazy tbh. Like the author wanted to tell Nick and Aubrey's second-chance love story more than she wanted to use the letters... like what was the point then??? And that ending? It was as if we had reached the 85% mark, and you could tell the author was just trying to wrap up the story. It was rushed and emotionally flat. Had the author expanded a few things, this story could have been monumentally emotional and beautiful...
Up until that final chunk, I was prepared to rate this book quite highly, as the romantic elements genuinely resonated with me! However, the combination of that underdeveloped plot concept and a rushed conclusion left me feeling blah. Ultimately, I would put this at a solid 3.5 stars, though it had the potential to be soo much more!
Thank you to Harlequin Audio and the HTP Hive Influencer program for the copy of this ALC.
November 23, 2025
4.5 stars
really really enjoyed this! it immediately sucked me in and kept me hooked. it had all the things i love about second chance romance—angst, dual timelines, pining, yearning, misunderstandings. all used perfectly!
nick and aubrey had such great chemistry both in the past and present. and nick is this toughest cinnamon roll of a single dad. i know that’s an oxymoron, but it makes total sense for nick. his letter writing and love for words just set him apart. at one point in the story, he corrects another character’s spelling and grammar; it was so sexy. 🫠 i loved how aubrey was his opposite in her love for math, but they complemented each other so well.
i loved the dual timelines. the way everything unfolded in the past was absolutely heartbreaking. i’m not usually one to look for things when i’m reading romance, but the way things are set up in this story pretty much smack you in the face about the truth behind everything. the present timeline was headed for heartbreak, too, but i absolutely loved how everything turned out. shaylin gandhi’s writing is so beautiful and addictive. i’ll definitely be checking out her other stories.
content: open door (ch. 35)
thanks to canary street press for a gifted copy. my thoughts are my own.
really really enjoyed this! it immediately sucked me in and kept me hooked. it had all the things i love about second chance romance—angst, dual timelines, pining, yearning, misunderstandings. all used perfectly!
nick and aubrey had such great chemistry both in the past and present. and nick is this toughest cinnamon roll of a single dad. i know that’s an oxymoron, but it makes total sense for nick. his letter writing and love for words just set him apart. at one point in the story, he corrects another character’s spelling and grammar; it was so sexy. 🫠 i loved how aubrey was his opposite in her love for math, but they complemented each other so well.
i loved the dual timelines. the way everything unfolded in the past was absolutely heartbreaking. i’m not usually one to look for things when i’m reading romance, but the way things are set up in this story pretty much smack you in the face about the truth behind everything. the present timeline was headed for heartbreak, too, but i absolutely loved how everything turned out. shaylin gandhi’s writing is so beautiful and addictive. i’ll definitely be checking out her other stories.
content: open door (ch. 35)
thanks to canary street press for a gifted copy. my thoughts are my own.
December 1, 2025
Thank you to Harlequin Audio and Net Galley for the ALC of this title.
Love Letters to Other People is a second chance romance about Aubrey and Nick. They fell in love in high school where Nick makes a terrible mistake while Aubrey is away that changes their whole life. Then 16-17 years later Aubrey shows back up in their hometown. They haven’t seen or talked to each other since she moved to New York. The spark is still there, but the hurt is also there. During this time, Nick starts writing love letter letters for other people in order to earn some extra income. I won’t ruin it for you, but you can decide where this goes.
There were some slow parts in the middle. That was the reason for the 3.5 star review.
Nick’s daughter Paige was my favorite character in this book. I definitely enjoyed the writing style and the audiobook was very well done. I would definitely recommend this book to those who love second Chance romance.
November 12, 2025
Oh my heart! This book! All the stars! This is a lesson in choices and how one decision can change the trajectory of your future, and how the guilt/regret/emotional impact of those decisions impacts you. The letters will burrow in your heart and clench it so tight. I felt every emotion that Nick and Aubrey went through both within the flashbacks and in the present. The way the past and present and different POVs flowed was perfect! Nick is the epitome of unselfishness. I was rooting for his second chance from page one until the very end! This man deserves EVERYTHING! I related so much to Aubrey as a woman in STEM and the obstacles she faces in her career because of it. The second chance romance is full of tension and OMG the yearning! Literally pining for years!!! On top of the incredible romance, there were plot twists that will have your jaw dropping! I highly recommend this one!
⭐Second change
⭐Tortured hero
⭐Women in STEM
⭐YEARNING
⭐Small town
⭐Love letters
⭐“I’ve got you”
Thank you so much to Harlequin Trade Publishing, NetGalley, and the author for the eARC! This is my honest and voluntary review.
⭐Second change
⭐Tortured hero
⭐Women in STEM
⭐YEARNING
⭐Small town
⭐Love letters
⭐“I’ve got you”
Thank you so much to Harlequin Trade Publishing, NetGalley, and the author for the eARC! This is my honest and voluntary review.
December 10, 2025
Shaylin Gandhi has the magical ability to take heartbreak and turn it into an uplifting love story, and this book is no different. Aubrey and Nick’s complicated past is interwoven with the present in this dual POV story about first love, heartbreak, second chances, and the evocative nature of a well-written letter.
From the beginning, I was enthralled. Aubrey is such an interesting character, a woman in STEM who has returned to her hometown to figure out her next steps after her career took an unexpected turn. Coming back to her childhood home is a complicated choice for many reasons, which are slowly revealed through the dual timeline that shows how she first met Nick. The twists and turns kept me engaged, but the characters, with their hearts so vulnerable and hopeful, are what made this book so special.
I love a messy love story, and this one did not let me down. There were moments when I was frustrated and others when I was overjoyed, depending on the choices the characters made. This was a highly enjoyable reading experience for me, and I look forward to future books by this author.
Thank you to Shaylin Gandhi, NetGalley, and Harlequin Trade Publishing | Canary Street Press for an advanced copy of this eBook.
From the beginning, I was enthralled. Aubrey is such an interesting character, a woman in STEM who has returned to her hometown to figure out her next steps after her career took an unexpected turn. Coming back to her childhood home is a complicated choice for many reasons, which are slowly revealed through the dual timeline that shows how she first met Nick. The twists and turns kept me engaged, but the characters, with their hearts so vulnerable and hopeful, are what made this book so special.
I love a messy love story, and this one did not let me down. There were moments when I was frustrated and others when I was overjoyed, depending on the choices the characters made. This was a highly enjoyable reading experience for me, and I look forward to future books by this author.
Thank you to Shaylin Gandhi, NetGalley, and Harlequin Trade Publishing | Canary Street Press for an advanced copy of this eBook.
December 3, 2025
This is a romance novel for the ultimate romance girlies. I loved the emotional roller coaster this story took me on, even if it was a bit over dramatic and slightly predictable at times. In my opinion, this book did not have a crazy shocking twist like When We Had Forever, but it was still very enjoyable. There is only one right way for a true romance novel to end and this story did not disappoint. If you’re looking for a book to give you that first-love feeling, this is definitely the book for you.
Thank you to Shaylin Gandhi, Harlequin Audio and Literary Media Tours for the wonderful arc and alc.
Thank you to Shaylin Gandhi, Harlequin Audio and Literary Media Tours for the wonderful arc and alc.
November 22, 2025
Ahh, another romance from Shaylin full of FEELING. It's a second chance, dual timeline story that has my favorite thing - letters! I flew through this. The level of yearning is great and some of the twists added good drama. I did find some of the story to be a little too unbelievable but overall I enjoyed my time with these characters.
Thanks, Literary Media Tours for the e-ARC in exchange for my honest review!
Thanks, Literary Media Tours for the e-ARC in exchange for my honest review!
December 9, 2025
"Don't stop writing to me"
Sometimes small town, 2nd chance romances pack a punch and this one beat the crap out of me (in the best way).
I knew I would love the writing, but I was not prepared for the soul wrenching angst. Its tragically beautiful, but don't fret, we get a happy ending! *Halleluuu
Life throws us curve balls and thats exactly what Shaylin does with Love Letters To Other People.
I knew I just had to annotate this as I read, but I soon tossed out my pen because I was clutching this book at 1 a.m. because I couldn't put it down and couldnt even fathom waiting a single second to doodle on the pages. Yes, its that spectacular.
Sometimes small town, 2nd chance romances pack a punch and this one beat the crap out of me (in the best way).
I knew I would love the writing, but I was not prepared for the soul wrenching angst. Its tragically beautiful, but don't fret, we get a happy ending! *Halleluuu
Life throws us curve balls and thats exactly what Shaylin does with Love Letters To Other People.
I knew I just had to annotate this as I read, but I soon tossed out my pen because I was clutching this book at 1 a.m. because I couldn't put it down and couldnt even fathom waiting a single second to doodle on the pages. Yes, its that spectacular.
December 9, 2025
If you’re someone who enjoys a LOT of angst, second chance romance, a woman in STEM, and a golden retriever MMC (who will fight) then you’ll love this book!
I did guess the plot twist once a certain character was introduced, but not what led up to the betrayal!
Nick was a great MMC, he would do anything for the people he loved and was respectful and calm until someone threw the first punch. He was amazing with Paige and kept clear boundaries with Aubrey until she gave the go ahead.
I really loved the addition of Paige too, she was so similar to Aubrey and her part of the book was super important.
Aubrey is the definition of stubborn, she’s going to get what she wants when she wants it whether it was her at 17 or at 33-34(?). I do wish Nick fought for her as much as she fought for him, he cares deeply and that’s reflected in his writing but his actions were always to “give up” before things got tough.
The villain is exactly who you expect them to be, and I wasn’t surprised at what they did.
Thank you so much Harlequin trade publishing for the arc!
I did guess the plot twist once a certain character was introduced, but not what led up to the betrayal!
Nick was a great MMC, he would do anything for the people he loved and was respectful and calm until someone threw the first punch. He was amazing with Paige and kept clear boundaries with Aubrey until she gave the go ahead.
I really loved the addition of Paige too, she was so similar to Aubrey and her part of the book was super important.
Aubrey is the definition of stubborn, she’s going to get what she wants when she wants it whether it was her at 17 or at 33-34(?). I do wish Nick fought for her as much as she fought for him, he cares deeply and that’s reflected in his writing but his actions were always to “give up” before things got tough.
The villain is exactly who you expect them to be, and I wasn’t surprised at what they did.
Thank you so much Harlequin trade publishing for the arc!
September 12, 2025
This is me telling you to preorder this immediately! The ARC gave me a book hangover!🥹🩷
The set up is my romance catnip (angsty, second chance, epistolary). It’s also a cleverly disguised but twisty take on Persuasion. Like, do I even need to say more about why I loved it?!
Nick and Aubrey were high school sweethearts, but really bad stuff went down right before they were supposed to leave their dead-end small town in Indiana, so they broke up. It’s now 17 years later, and Aubrey makes her first visit back to the place where her life fractured into the before, and the after. It doesn’t take long for long buried secrets — and feelings — to surface.
Nick is an entire field of green flags, so he’s loyal and honorable to the point he’s his own worst down bad enemy. As soon as he catches sight of Aubrey he’s done for, strung out, beside himself. And just when Aubrey realizes it’s been seventeen years too long since she’s had the pleasure of climbing him like a tree, she starts getting love letters that speak to her very soul.
The problem is, they’re from Nick’s high school nemesis.
💚Nick as Captain Wentworth, minus the petulant sulks
🌻Aubrey as Anne Elliot, but with a personality
🚩Gallant is William Elliot, if he sold real estate
🐍 Tansy, it’s like I’m looking at you, Mrs. Clay
🌷Paige, Mrs. Croft loves you for doing her role proud
💞Calling all Mia Sheridan and Tarah DeWitt readers, this one is most definitely for you
🌶️Sexual healing
❤️Love letters
🥹Be ready to cry (sadly) for the sweetest boy, and cry (happily) for the sweetest man
🦺Single dad (trust me)
🥂New Year’s Eve grand gestures
Thank you NetGalley and HarperCollins/Canary Street Press for the opportunity to read and review this novel prior to publication. I was not compensated in any way for this review, and all opinions are my own.
The set up is my romance catnip (angsty, second chance, epistolary). It’s also a cleverly disguised but twisty take on Persuasion. Like, do I even need to say more about why I loved it?!
Nick and Aubrey were high school sweethearts, but really bad stuff went down right before they were supposed to leave their dead-end small town in Indiana, so they broke up. It’s now 17 years later, and Aubrey makes her first visit back to the place where her life fractured into the before, and the after. It doesn’t take long for long buried secrets — and feelings — to surface.
Nick is an entire field of green flags, so he’s loyal and honorable to the point he’s his own worst down bad enemy. As soon as he catches sight of Aubrey he’s done for, strung out, beside himself. And just when Aubrey realizes it’s been seventeen years too long since she’s had the pleasure of climbing him like a tree, she starts getting love letters that speak to her very soul.
The problem is, they’re from Nick’s high school nemesis.
💚Nick as Captain Wentworth, minus the petulant sulks
🌻Aubrey as Anne Elliot, but with a personality
🚩Gallant is William Elliot, if he sold real estate
🐍 Tansy, it’s like I’m looking at you, Mrs. Clay
🌷Paige, Mrs. Croft loves you for doing her role proud
💞Calling all Mia Sheridan and Tarah DeWitt readers, this one is most definitely for you
🌶️Sexual healing
❤️Love letters
🥹Be ready to cry (sadly) for the sweetest boy, and cry (happily) for the sweetest man
🦺Single dad (trust me)
🥂New Year’s Eve grand gestures
Thank you NetGalley and HarperCollins/Canary Street Press for the opportunity to read and review this novel prior to publication. I was not compensated in any way for this review, and all opinions are my own.
July 21, 2025
Another amazing book.
I’ll update my review later . I need time to collect myself
I’ll update my review later . I need time to collect myself
December 5, 2025
ARC REVIEW:
Holy whirlwind of thoughts and this is going to be more of a brain dump than a review so prepare yourselves 🤣 first and foremost- regardless of my list of grievances below, I did enjoy this book hahaha so much so that I stayed up wayyyyy past my bedtime because I couldn’t put the darn thing down. I ended this book feeling very similarly to when I finished “The Favorites” (which is another book I have a major love-hate relationship with) in the sense that I was completely enthralled by the story but spent the vast majority either wanting to throw my book or shake every single character 😅
⚠️SPOILERS AHEAD⚠️
Okay now onto my brain dump-
I feel like this wholeeeee thing could have been avoided if these characters understood basic sex ed. You’re telling me that you supposedly cheated on your girlfriend you’re obsessed with (don’t even get me started on this one), had “unprotected sex” with some random person and then a WEEK later you believe her when she tells you she’s pregnant. And you didn’t question for a second that that baby isn’t yours. 1. It is so so so so unlikely you’d get a positive pregnancy test a week after sleeping with someone and 2. Did the doctor not provide a due date?? Could you not do the math that it was so ridiculously off from when you went home with the girl? How was NONE of this a thought and instead he jumped right into being a husband and a father to a rando and let the love of your life just leave? Jail. The man deserves jail.
I also need to root for the characters happiness and I just could not get myself to love either of these characters. Aubrey, that poor girl, had no spine. And in second chance romances especially, I need the fmc to have a spine. This girl gets home from being away for 2 weeks, sees her boyfriend PROPOSING to another girl- come to find out that while she was away he slept and impregnated said girl (again where a bit of sex ed could have led to a few questions here) and then asks her boyfriend to still be with her!!! HE turns HER down to be a father and husband with the rando. Why am I angrier than the character?? THEN she comes back 17 years later and immediately melts back into the MMC- she is angry for all of 5 seconds and then is crying into his shoulder. She then continues to be his friend and hold no semblance of resentment towards the jerk who “jumped into bed” with someone else 12 hours after he thought you broke up. She also kept apologizing and comforting him- I needed more grudge holding and definitely more groveling! The man was not a prize to be won in my eyes at all.
The love letters aspect was such a unique twist but it ultimately just frustrated me that she was able to fall in love with someone other than the MMC (even if it was the mmc’s words she fell in love with).
The baby mama? Awful. The douche of a new boyfriend? Awful. The only character I was rooting for was Paige… and that was even a stretch.
All of this to say, I did enjoy this and Shaylin’s storytelling is truly captivating! As much as I was hitting my head with my kindle, I think so many people will like this one and will be on the edge of their seat like I was. Would I recommend- yes. Will I continue to read any romance Shaylin write- also yes!
Thank you NetGalley and Literary Media Tours for the arc!
Holy whirlwind of thoughts and this is going to be more of a brain dump than a review so prepare yourselves 🤣 first and foremost- regardless of my list of grievances below, I did enjoy this book hahaha so much so that I stayed up wayyyyy past my bedtime because I couldn’t put the darn thing down. I ended this book feeling very similarly to when I finished “The Favorites” (which is another book I have a major love-hate relationship with) in the sense that I was completely enthralled by the story but spent the vast majority either wanting to throw my book or shake every single character 😅
⚠️SPOILERS AHEAD⚠️
Okay now onto my brain dump-
I feel like this wholeeeee thing could have been avoided if these characters understood basic sex ed. You’re telling me that you supposedly cheated on your girlfriend you’re obsessed with (don’t even get me started on this one), had “unprotected sex” with some random person and then a WEEK later you believe her when she tells you she’s pregnant. And you didn’t question for a second that that baby isn’t yours. 1. It is so so so so unlikely you’d get a positive pregnancy test a week after sleeping with someone and 2. Did the doctor not provide a due date?? Could you not do the math that it was so ridiculously off from when you went home with the girl? How was NONE of this a thought and instead he jumped right into being a husband and a father to a rando and let the love of your life just leave? Jail. The man deserves jail.
I also need to root for the characters happiness and I just could not get myself to love either of these characters. Aubrey, that poor girl, had no spine. And in second chance romances especially, I need the fmc to have a spine. This girl gets home from being away for 2 weeks, sees her boyfriend PROPOSING to another girl- come to find out that while she was away he slept and impregnated said girl (again where a bit of sex ed could have led to a few questions here) and then asks her boyfriend to still be with her!!! HE turns HER down to be a father and husband with the rando. Why am I angrier than the character?? THEN she comes back 17 years later and immediately melts back into the MMC- she is angry for all of 5 seconds and then is crying into his shoulder. She then continues to be his friend and hold no semblance of resentment towards the jerk who “jumped into bed” with someone else 12 hours after he thought you broke up. She also kept apologizing and comforting him- I needed more grudge holding and definitely more groveling! The man was not a prize to be won in my eyes at all.
The love letters aspect was such a unique twist but it ultimately just frustrated me that she was able to fall in love with someone other than the MMC (even if it was the mmc’s words she fell in love with).
The baby mama? Awful. The douche of a new boyfriend? Awful. The only character I was rooting for was Paige… and that was even a stretch.
All of this to say, I did enjoy this and Shaylin’s storytelling is truly captivating! As much as I was hitting my head with my kindle, I think so many people will like this one and will be on the edge of their seat like I was. Would I recommend- yes. Will I continue to read any romance Shaylin write- also yes!
Thank you NetGalley and Literary Media Tours for the arc!
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
December 5, 2025
This book needs to come with an emotional warning. From the first chapter, Shaylin Gandhi’s writing reached straight into my chest and refused to let go. This is my first book by the author, and I was immediately struck by how effortlessly she blends lyrical prose with gut-punch realism. The storytelling is tender, aching, and beautifully layered—balancing nostalgia, heartbreak, and slow-building hope with a precision that makes every scene land harder than the last. The dual timeline is executed with such clarity and emotional weight that moving between past and present feels intentional, purposeful, and devastating in all the right ways. And those letters—woven through the narrative like little emotional grenades—are some of the most affecting pieces of writing I’ve read in a romance this year.
What impressed me most is how Gandhi structures the tension. The pacing is tight but never rushed, letting each revelation simmer before dropping the next twist. There’s a constant sense of anticipation, a quiet hum beneath the story that tells you something bigger is coming—even when you don’t know what. And when it hits? It hits. The emotional stakes rise, the writing sharpens, and suddenly the entire story tilts under your feet. It’s dramatic without being melodramatic, and the payoff feels both earned and cathartic. I found myself tensing, sighing, tearing up, and occasionally wanting to crawl into the story to shake some sense into the characters—and I mean that as the highest compliment to the craft.
Carly Robins’ narration elevates the entire experience. Her performance is expressive without ever overplaying the emotion, and she brings a beautiful warmth and vulnerability to the characters’ internal struggles. She captures the ache, the hesitation, the longing, and the moments of quiet devastation so perfectly that some scenes feel almost cinematic. It’s one of those narrations that doesn’t just suit the story—it deepens it.
This is soft, yearning, emotional romance at its finest, built on writing that is thoughtful, polished, and emotionally resonant. Gandhi’s prose is deceptively simple but packed with meaning, and her ability to capture the bittersweet ache of unfinished business lingered with me long after I finished listening. For a first read from this author, I was honestly blown away, and now I need more of her work immediately.
A beautifully written, beautifully narrated, emotionally immersive experience.
Thank you to NetGalley and Harlequin Audio for the ALC.
What impressed me most is how Gandhi structures the tension. The pacing is tight but never rushed, letting each revelation simmer before dropping the next twist. There’s a constant sense of anticipation, a quiet hum beneath the story that tells you something bigger is coming—even when you don’t know what. And when it hits? It hits. The emotional stakes rise, the writing sharpens, and suddenly the entire story tilts under your feet. It’s dramatic without being melodramatic, and the payoff feels both earned and cathartic. I found myself tensing, sighing, tearing up, and occasionally wanting to crawl into the story to shake some sense into the characters—and I mean that as the highest compliment to the craft.
Carly Robins’ narration elevates the entire experience. Her performance is expressive without ever overplaying the emotion, and she brings a beautiful warmth and vulnerability to the characters’ internal struggles. She captures the ache, the hesitation, the longing, and the moments of quiet devastation so perfectly that some scenes feel almost cinematic. It’s one of those narrations that doesn’t just suit the story—it deepens it.
This is soft, yearning, emotional romance at its finest, built on writing that is thoughtful, polished, and emotionally resonant. Gandhi’s prose is deceptively simple but packed with meaning, and her ability to capture the bittersweet ache of unfinished business lingered with me long after I finished listening. For a first read from this author, I was honestly blown away, and now I need more of her work immediately.
A beautifully written, beautifully narrated, emotionally immersive experience.
Thank you to NetGalley and Harlequin Audio for the ALC.
December 5, 2025
Seriously? This book needs to come with an emotional warning‼️
It ripped my heart out and STOMPED on it! Multiple times! 😳😢🤪
Aubrey is a mathematician! She left her rural Indiana roots many years ago when she moved to NY to pursue her career, beginning with schooling, at NYU. She also left her heart there. At least the broken parts that remained…
Nick was always a loner. He came from a fractured family, and his father never gave him the time of day. So when he met Aubrey,all those years ago in HS, well, he never thought anything of it. She was a cheerleader. Not in his ballpark. Not in his class. It’d never work out.
But, he was wrong! They meshed on so many levels. And fell deeply and forever in love…
They were planning their lives together… until they weren’t.
This one hit me like a SUCKER PUNCH 🥊 TO THE GUT!!
And left me bleeding out on the floor… requiring CPR…but never getting it!
I was so conflicted and so sad in so many parts of this book. Really, why would you do this to me? To all of your readers?? Why???
Well, just keep on reading…. Because everything gets cleaned up in the wash….
Did I suspect any of this? No, not at all. Until they started throwing ALL the hints out…and made us suspect something was up!
Did I want to reach through the book and throw some punches of my own? Absolutely!!!
But in the long run, it all turned out to be just the way it was supposed to be! And that just healed my heart right up!!!
All the stars for me, because this one made me FEEL all the feels…. All the time!!!!
⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️✨✨✨✨✨💫💫💫💫💫
#LoveLettersForOtherPeople by @ShaylinGandhi. Narrated stunningly by @CarlyRobins.
This one has not been released yet! Look 👀 for it in a few days on 12/9/25!!!
Thanks so much to #NetGalley an #HarlequinAudio for an ALC of the audiobook in exchange for an honest review.
You can find my reviews on: Goodreads,
Instagram: @BookReviews_with_emsr and/or
My Facebook Book Club: Book Reviews With Elaine
Thanks so much for reading! And if you ‘liked’ my review, please share with your friends, & click ‘LIKE’ below… And, let me know YOUR thoughts if you read it!! 📚⭐️
It ripped my heart out and STOMPED on it! Multiple times! 😳😢🤪
Aubrey is a mathematician! She left her rural Indiana roots many years ago when she moved to NY to pursue her career, beginning with schooling, at NYU. She also left her heart there. At least the broken parts that remained…
Nick was always a loner. He came from a fractured family, and his father never gave him the time of day. So when he met Aubrey,all those years ago in HS, well, he never thought anything of it. She was a cheerleader. Not in his ballpark. Not in his class. It’d never work out.
But, he was wrong! They meshed on so many levels. And fell deeply and forever in love…
They were planning their lives together… until they weren’t.
This one hit me like a SUCKER PUNCH 🥊 TO THE GUT!!
And left me bleeding out on the floor… requiring CPR…but never getting it!
I was so conflicted and so sad in so many parts of this book. Really, why would you do this to me? To all of your readers?? Why???
Well, just keep on reading…. Because everything gets cleaned up in the wash….
Did I suspect any of this? No, not at all. Until they started throwing ALL the hints out…and made us suspect something was up!
Did I want to reach through the book and throw some punches of my own? Absolutely!!!
But in the long run, it all turned out to be just the way it was supposed to be! And that just healed my heart right up!!!
All the stars for me, because this one made me FEEL all the feels…. All the time!!!!
⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️✨✨✨✨✨💫💫💫💫💫
#LoveLettersForOtherPeople by @ShaylinGandhi. Narrated stunningly by @CarlyRobins.
This one has not been released yet! Look 👀 for it in a few days on 12/9/25!!!
Thanks so much to #NetGalley an #HarlequinAudio for an ALC of the audiobook in exchange for an honest review.
You can find my reviews on: Goodreads,
Instagram: @BookReviews_with_emsr and/or
My Facebook Book Club: Book Reviews With Elaine
Thanks so much for reading! And if you ‘liked’ my review, please share with your friends, & click ‘LIKE’ below… And, let me know YOUR thoughts if you read it!! 📚⭐️
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