Missed Connections

by Tessa D'Errico

RELEASING NOVEMBER 19

Isabel Morales holds herself to a strict routine, busy balancing her cut-throat dance program with lingering grief and a never ending string of lackluster college parties with her friends. Before she can settle back into her routine at the start of junior year, she’s reunited with someone she never thought she’d see again – Cody, a vacation fling from her past.

Cody Farrell is Isabel’s opposite. He’s easygoing, curious, a pre-med student who mysteriously transferred after three years of college abroad. Yet, something about seeing him on campus stirs up emotions and memories she thought she’d buried years ago.

A happy reunion feels impossible when they realize that no matter how they felt on vacation, on campus, they are worlds away from each other. He hasn't told her why he left Ireland. She hasn’t told him about her fear of death that doubles every day. Not to mention, he’s joined the lacrosse team, the sworn enemies of the dance program and the only people standing in the way of the dancers winning a university grant that could shape the future of their program. As the two are pitted against each other by their surroundings, they must figure out what their relationship looks like in the real world or risk losing each other again.

Genres: Romance, Second Chance

290 pages, Paperback

Published January 14, 2025

About the author

Tessa D’Errico is a born and raised Ohio girl and recent graduate of Xavier University. When she’s not reading or writing about messy twenty-somethings, she’s probably eating pasta, talking about female playwrights, or haunting your local movie theater.

Reviews

[Nicola · Rating 3 out of 5]

3/5 ⭐️ ARC

I don’t know really how to feel about this story…. It wasn’t bad I just cannot tell you anything about it and I’ve just finished it.

[Hayden Faaborg · Rating 3 out of 5]

ARC READ

[Tessa D'Errico]

oh hey, i wrote this one!

[Samantha Blocher · Rating 5 out of 5]

Missed Connections is an incredible follow up to No Coincidences, book one of the Campus Crush trilogy. Tessa’s writing is fabulous and the characters she creates are wonderfully and relatably messy (as any college student would and should be). If you love messy characters, realistic representations of college culture, and rooting for characters to get better, this is absolutely the book for you.

Our FMC Isabel’s conscious is a wild ride and incredibly real and validating for all who relate to having a mind like hers. Our MMC Cody is so caring and lovable while also a bit broody- he is a boy under immense stress in his own life after all.

Confronting their past while trying to ignore their present obstacles is a recipe for poor communication, but there’s one thing constantly bringing them back together: a student organization fundraising competition. Enter: rivals with unresolved relationship drama! Just my cup of tea!!!

I couldn’t recommend this book more, it’s so special to me.

[Evi Janssens · Rating 3 out of 5]

2,5 - 3 stars I really wanted to love this book. The premise had so much potential—second-chance romance with an old vacation fling? Totally my thing! And I could see that the writing style had a lot of charm.

But… I just couldn’t get past certain issues. Isabel was honestly such a red flag for me. I get that she’s working through a lot of things and grief, but wow, she was just so frustrating at times. Her excessive drinking, especially, became a real problem for me and made it hard to root for her. That said, maybe that’s just a personal thing on my end.🫣

Overall, the story had promise, but it didn’t quite hit the mark for me.

[Melissa Wilks · Rating 3 out of 5]

I recieved this ARC from LoveNotesPR and Tessa DeErrico and willingly leave a review.

Missed Connections is book 2 in The Campus Crush series by Tessa DErrico. I did go back and read book 1 No Coincidences before starting this so I knew what was happening.
Book 2 concentrates on dancer Isabel and blast from the past Cody.
Now, I did struggle with this, as I did with book 1, I found the pressure on people not to my liking. Overall Tessa has done an amazing job with this book and I do recommend if you like the college romance genre.

[Meg Staggs · Rating 2 out of 5]

ARC READ✨

This was such a struggle for me. It was interesting enough when reading it but once i put it down, i quite literally never thought of it or remembered it.

The writing style was cool, i liked the time jumps and breakdowns of the chapters. It just had a weird flow in actual storyline though. Like what was the plot? I still couldnt really tell you.

The FMC got on my last nerve. Like this girl was all over the place and honestly so unlikable for 90% of the story.

[faye ✮ · Rating 3 out of 5]

— ARC Review : 3 stars ✰

I’ve been a fan of Isabel since the previous book, so I was really looking forward to this one. This time, it felt different like more personal as we got a closer look at her struggles with anxiety. I never realised she was dealing with so much beneath the surface. However, her frequent reliance on getting high and drunk as a coping mechanism felt a bit excessive. While it made sense for her journey, it sometimes took away from my enjoyment of the story. Based on the book description, I was excited about the idea of her reconnecting with her vacation fling. I was expecting a more emotional, heartfelt reunion, but unfortunately, it didn’t feel as impactful as I hoped.

I still enjoy Tessa’s writing. It’s engaging and keeps me turning the pages. While this book wasn’t my favorite, it wasn’t bad either. I’ll definitely pick up more of her books in the future!

────୨ৎ────
Thank you to Tessa D'Errico and Love Notes PR for the ARC in exchange for my honest review!

[Hannah Dailey · Rating 3 out of 5]

ARC Review
The story of Isabel and Cody is cute one. From a second chance romance, to working through (& meeting) expectations while trying to figure out how to navigate college - this has it all! Appreciate Tessa D’Errico and Love Notes PR for allowing me to read this advanced copy!

[Megan · Rating 5 out of 5]

This book was so relatable! As someone who has been a dancer and has deep seated death anxiety, this book felt like reading my own life at points. D’Errico’s prose was so lovely. She wrote the time skips very nicely. She really captured the unique combined malaise and excitement that is college life. She grew a lot in her sense of structure from her first book, yet it was still so fun to see cameos from characters in her first book. I read this book in two days and I really loved it!

[Mariah Kay · Rating 3 out of 5]

ARC Review

2.5 ⭐️

I tried really hard to like this book, but honestly it wasn’t for me. This book had its good parts but the back and forth in the timelines threw me off a lot.

Thank you LoveNotesPR & Tessa for the ARC!

[Chloe Salveson · Rating 5 out of 5]

The perfect twist of college romance and literary fiction that subverted my expectation of self-published books. Can’t wait for her next one!

[Bella Bassett · Rating 2 out of 5]

Missed connections = miscommunication

[Madeline Jones · Rating 2 out of 5]

2.5-
𝗧𝗵𝗼𝘂𝗴𝗵𝘁𝘀: Thank you to Lovenotes PR for this advanced copy, I’m so thankful for the opportunity to receive advanced copies and get to constantly try and discover new authors, sometimes they don’t resonate and that’s okay. I do still feel bad for giving lower ratings but in all honesty I wanted to not finish this book.The mental struggles Isabel faces are incredibly important and eye-opening, especially for those who don't experience anxiety, health anxiety, or a fear of death. For someone who does struggle with very similar issues, it was almost comforting to see my exact thoughts reflected on the page. That said, it was also triggering at times.
Ultimately, my main issue with the book came down to the pacing, plot holes, and the writing style. I understand that this author is newer, but the writing felt somewhat amateur, which made it difficult for me to connect with the story. There were also a lot of unanswered questions and plot points that didn’t feel fully developed. The ending felt abrupt, and I wished for more depth in certain areas. I think this had a lot of potential as a new adult college romance, but it just didn’t quite hit the mark for me.

[Brittany · Rating 4 out of 5]

ARC in exchange for an honest review.

Missed Connections is a second chance/ college romance. The story follows dance student Isabel and premed Cody. Isabel and Cody met as kids, vacationing in Aruba with their families. They quickly built a relationship but parted ways when Cody went to college in Dublin. Isabel has a strict routine and expectation for how her life will go. Cody moved back home to play lacrosse and finish his degree before going to med school. Unbeknownst to one another they are enrolled at the same school and are fighting to earn the top donation for their program. While fighting for donations their love story picks up again.

I struggled to get into the book like I have others. It was written well, I just didn’t love the storyline as much as I was hoping.

[Marloes · Rating 3 out of 5]

For about 85% of the book, I was convinced it was going to be a 5-star read.

I love a good childhood-friends-to-lovers story and the writing style was perfect to me. The amount of highlights I made on my Kindle says it all. I haven’t enjoyed a romance as much as this one in a while.

However, the last couple of pages were a bit confusing to me. I’m still left with questions that aren’t answered and there were situations with unnecessary problems and miscommunications. So much potential, but it leaves me feeling a bit disappointed..

[Isabela Wilder · Rating 4 out of 5]

writing group gets the book first 🤫🤩😁💓

But for real, I love this book. Isabel feels like me. Her inner monologue is very much like my own and her anxiety surrounding death and bad things is too relatable. I also love Cody. He’s great. I cannot get enough of him. Their dynamic was so interesting and it felt real. Isabel’s stubbornness also hit too close to home (sorry to everyone in my life lol) but Cody’s thoughtfulness and compassion for her was so sweet. Sorry my thoughts about this are crazy but I feel crazy about this story. Tessa, you’ve done it again and I can’t help but adore everything about it. Also the lists. I love Tessa’s lists. It’s not a Tessa D’Errico book without a list!!!

[Jaime · Rating 4 out of 5]

ARC Review

Missed Connections by Tessa D’errico
Out November 25th

I loved the premise of this book: Long-term vacation friends to lovers with a second chance.
Gosh, was there anything better than summer vacation friends/crushes? You get to be whoever you want to be, and the relationships seem to forge so intensely in that kind of setting with a known time limit. I’ve definitely been there!

Isabel and Cody’s families spent one week in Aruba every year, where they met and became friends. Summer after summer, they grew closer, then went back to their separate lives, until one year when Isabel was 17, she and Cody had a falling out, he went off to college in Ireland, and they haven’t spoken since.

Three years later, when Isabel is starting her junior year in college, she runs into Cody at the student bookstore, literally. He moved back for his senior year to finish graduate school. Things are awkward between them at first, but they try to forge a friendship between the new versions of themselves. It has its ups and downs, and Isabel and Cody are both dealing with things in their personal and family lives that they are hiding, but can this be their shot to finally be together?

I really liked the A story of Isabel and Cody reacquainting themselves as friends and hopefully more, plus the flashbacks to different points in their past were so good. I really felt the bonds being forged.
The B story about Isabel’s dance showcase drama was frustrating, because it seemed like she kept making terrible decisions repeatedly, like refusing medical attention when she clearly needed it—twice-- which we never really get to the bottom of.
The C (and C ½?) stories of the shady lacrosse house, and the charity competition were also a bit frustrating due to skeezy creeps and poor communication. I wanted to curb stomp every guy in that house, and I didn’t even read the 1st book, which apparently featured them heavily.

All in all, it was a good story. The FMC just really needed to get her crap together and stop self-sabotaging. I get tired of a main character that refuses to help themselves, but she’s only 20, so I guess I should give her a break! 😂


4⭐ .5🌶️


I read an advanced copy of this book, and these are my honest thoughts. Thank you to Love Notes PR, and author Tessa D’Errico!

[Nikki McMinn · Rating 4 out of 5]

Missed Connections by Tessa D’Errico is a heartwarming and deeply relatable exploration of love, rivalry, and personal growth. The story centers on Isabel Morales, a determined dance student struggling to balance her passion with grief, and Cody Farrell, a premed student who seems worlds apart from her. Their unexpected reunion at university reignites a past connection, but the tension between their different worlds—Isabel's cut-throat dance program and Cody's place on the lacrosse team—adds a layer of complexity that keeps the story compelling.

D’Errico's writing is sharp and thoughtful, weaving together the intricacies of both characters’ lives with emotional depth. Isabel’s journey of navigating grief while striving for success in a demanding field is beautifully portrayed, and her growth as a character is one of the novel's strongest aspects. Cody, too, is a standout character—mysterious yet vulnerable, and his own struggles with fitting into the expectations placed upon him resonate deeply.

The tension between Isabel and Cody is palpable, and the push-and-pull dynamic of their evolving relationship, set against the backdrop of the fierce rivalry between their respective programs, creates a riveting story. The author handles the themes of love, ambition, and the complexities of real-world relationships with a deft touch, making the reader root for both characters, even when their actions might seem contradictory or frustrating.

What I truly loved about Missed Connections is how it blends romance with the realities of growing up, and how it doesn't shy away from portraying the messy, complicated nature of relationships—whether they are romantic, platonic, or professional. The supporting cast of friends and teammates add richness to the narrative, and the university setting feels authentic and immersive.

Ultimately, Missed Connections is a book about finding balance, confronting unresolved feelings, and learning how to be true to oneself while navigating the challenges of love and ambition. Tessa D’Errico crafts a story that’s as thoughtful as it is engaging, and readers will be left eagerly turning the pages to discover how Isabel and Cody’s story unfolds. Highly recommended for fans of romance with emotional depth and nuanced characters!

[Jasmine Garcia · Rating 3 out of 5]

Thank you to Tessa D'Errico and LoveNotes PR for my advanced copy of Missed Connections to read and review!

Overall, the book was okay. Started out rough (20%), got decent in the middle, and then kind of lost the consistency toward the end (70%).

It's also hard for me to explain what I read, because I feel like I read three books combined into one. We have book one, a girl grieving her sister's death and dealing with the aftermath. Then book two, a girl is rekindling a friendship that builds into a relationship with a boy she met on vacation as a child. Then book three is a girl who is a dancer and is preparing for a showcase. It was a lot to digest, but not necessarily bad.

The book is structured through a few time jumps, which also make it a little hard to understand the storyline. You go from vacationing as a child to teenage years to college, but not necessarily in chronological order. I am personally not a fan of time jumps in books, so this may just be a me thing.

The relationship part of the book was good. I enjoyed the rekindling of Isa and Cody. I think it's a great match and I liked reading about the growth of both characters individually and as a couple. There is a third act breakup, but I can look past it given what happens at the end of the book.

The part of the book that deals with grief is very realistic and was hard to read as someone who deals with feeling guilty about a family member's death. There are a lot of "what if's" that come with the nature of an unexpected death, and I feel that Isa did the best she could when managing those feelings. I liked the full-circle moment at the end of the book and I feel like it made the whole thing worth reading.

Again, this book is not bad by any means. It's a decent book, there are just some things I would change. I don't think this is a read in one sitting book, but it is definitely worth the read if any of the topics mentioned resonate with you.

[flynn · Rating 4 out of 5]

Missed Connections is Book 2 in the Campus Crush Trilogy, following Isabel and Cody. While I realllyyyyyyyy wanted to love the whole second chance romance (i love a good second chance) this book didn't do it for me. I feel like it would've been more cute if it was a friends-to-lovers-to-strangers-to-lovers. I will however say, despite this, the book is a solid 3.75/4. The first half of the book is great pacing, and I feel like you get to know all the characters super well without any huge obstacles

The college-age writing/time place though, was so real. The partying to deal with grief, and the drinking to cope mirrors so much of what people go through in college. I felt the characters were based on real people because i felt i got to know them. The excessive drinking and partying may have irritated me a little, (like girl, just stay in) and i feel like the dive back in to Cody was a little too... fast? fake? not genuine? but the relationship overall was adorable. I think the first time they say the "L" word is so cringe but so cute; it fits Cody and Isabel's relationship to a t. Like he's just a little cinnamon roll in some aspects and she's such a black cat.

the format of the book is something to talk about as well--I love how it can mirror someone's scattered thoughts, but also hold so much meaning for the shorter chapters and end of chapter quips.

TROPES:
- Vacation Romance
- Second Chance
- Black Cat x Golden Retriever
- She's the grump, he's the sunshine
- Miscommunication (not my fav)
- Ballet Dancer x Lacrosse Player
- Flashbacks + Mental Health Rep

SOTB: Paul Revere by: Noah Kahan x Making the Bed by: Olivia Rodrigo

really embodied, "you came? you called"

[Lindsey Adams · Rating 4 out of 5]

⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️/ 🌶️🌶️🌶️

This is my first book of Tessa’s I have read. I loved the story she wrote. It is the second book in an interconnected series, but I did not feel lost in not reading book 1 first. I, of course, did read book 1 after. I would highly recommend both of these books.

Isabel was a wonderful character to read about. The way that Tessa wrote her was beautiful, inspiring, and heartbreaking. The anxiety representation in this book was wonderfully done. I related to this state of mind so much. Anxiety is no joke and a silent battle for the most part. On the surface she was determined, strong, and passionate. Underneath it all though she was in a constant battle with herself and spinning out of control.

Cody had his own struggles he was fighting, but seemed to really care for Isabel. When they crossed paths again, although not as hot as one would assume, it was still heartfelt and full of chemistry. His broodiness, to me, was a part of him that I loved. The intensity you could feel wafting off of him was palatable.

I loved how Tessa wrote this story to allow Isabel and Cody to confront their past while trying to avoid their past encounter and feelings. The chemistry is obvious, but the constant battle between the two allows for tensions to ride high until it finally snaps. The book does not lack in the drama department, but Tessa writes it well.

As always, review any author notes before reading.

Tropes:
🩰Vacation Romance
✨Forced Proximity
🩰Second Chance
✨Rivals to Lovers
🩰Ballet Dancer x Lacrosse Player
✨Mental Health Representation

[Marni Ortiz · Rating 5 out of 5]

Missed Connections - Campus Crush Trilogy Book 2 ) Tropes 💜forced proximity 💜vacation romance 💜second chance 💜rivals to lovers 💜miscommunication 💜ballet dancer x Lacrosse player .
Let me just start off by simply saying that I read a ton of romances and I mean a ton, many different tropes and genres by all different authors who are extremely talented. That being said said it’s not often that I come across a series that literally hooked me and made me feel so many different emotions the way this series has . From the second I opened the first book I just myself falling more and more in love with not only the characters but this world that Tess has so brilliantly created . Missed connections may only be the second book but oh was it one of the best stories I’ve read in such a long time . So extremely emotional and so beautifully written, so much more than I was expecting . The way Isabel and Cody’s story just pulled at all my heartstrings no words can even describe. I feel like I went through it all with them , the good and the bad , the love , the loss , the obstacles, the struggles , the angst , the humor , the witty banter , the heartbreaking and heartfelt moments, the family and friendships. I smiled with them , I laughed with them , I cried with them , their were even times I found myself yelling outta pure frustration. And you can bet I was cheering from start to finish .

[Ella Grace · Rating 2 out of 5]

Thank you so much to LoveNotes PR for this advanced readers copy in exchange for an honest review!

I truly believe that not every book needs to resonate with you and that is okay. I am so sad because I had the expectations that this one would. After all it’s about a girl studying dance at university, which I rarely see in books. As someone who also studies dance, I was genuinely so excited to see this representation. I felt D’errico did a great job at creating a cutthroat environment that felt somewhat relatable (inside the ballet sphere especially), and she crafted a vivid college town that I enjoyed.

Despite this fantastic setting and unique set up for the main character, the book fell flat for me. The writing style was not my personal favorite, and to me it did seem somewhat amateur. I felt like the transitions were hectic, as there were some scenes I felt needed dialogue but were just summed up in a quick sentence or two. Additionally the way that Isabel relied heavily on drug and alcoholic consumption was incredibly frustrating - to a point that it felt unnecessary. The ending was abrupt and I feel like by the end I still hadn’t properly made a true connection to these characters.

At the end of the day this is not an insult to the author at all. This was my genuine and honest review and maybe if I had the chance to read the first book I would’ve liked this more? This one was not for me but that doesn’t mean that it won’t be for you!

[Aussie · Rating 5 out of 5]

"Nothing lasts. There is a graveyard where everything I am talking about is now. ​— ​Mary Oliver"

This book was so addictive !! Long term vacation friends to lovers that comes with second chance..

What does love about summer vacation friends/crushes? Where you feel like you can be whoever you want to be and that relationship was so forge but intense in a way of known time limit.

Isabel and Cody's families they go to Aruba every year to spend one week where they met than becomes friends... summer after summer they eventually grew closer but they went back to their separate lives ...

Fast forward to one year later when Isabel was 17 ... she had a falling out with Cody .. He went off to college which was in Ireland . They haven't spoken since

Skip to three years later...... Isabel has started her junior year in college, she ended up running into Cody at the bookstore .. He moved back after his senior year to finish graduate school. It was award ward at first but they end up trying to forge a friendship between their new version of themselves . It's does comes with alot of ups and downs as Isabel and Cody are dealing with alot of things in their personal life aswell as their families lives but they are hiding.... Can this be their shot to finally be together ?

[Rissa · Rating 4 out of 5]

I love reading books by indie authors and this one was good, maybe a little predictable in plot but had great banter and pulled you into the story. I mean how can you not love the vacation friends to lovers vibe.

I have shared my mental struggles before, but seeing Isabel struggle and make the decisions she did was relatable for me. I have definitely gotten in my own way more than once, and I can relate to how she self sabotaged more often than once.

Childhood Friends to Lovers
Second Chance
Mental Health Awareness
Opposites Attract
College Romance

Isabel has the attitude of many of my friends from college, as well as I see parts of me in her tone. I truly connected to her, but I will say I struggled connecting to the two of them together.

I’m a big lover of romance, obviously, but I found it hard to root for Cody and Isabel because I couldn’t see their happily ever after clearly. It just didn’t add up for me, and then when they got there it felt like it moved too fast… I don’t know it was just hard to truly grab hold of the ending.

All in all I am truly grateful to Love Notes PR for the advanced copy of this book and I’m leaving this review of my honest opinion.

[thisBandherbooks ✨☀️🌻Buffy🌻☀️✨ · Rating 3 out of 5]

✨Arc Review✨

💖 Cody & Isabel💖

Isabel is a strict dancer and all about routine. Cody was a fling on vacation years prior.
Cody is a complete opposite from her. When she sees him it stirs up old feelings but there’s no way they can have a happy reunion as he is on the lacrosse team. Sworn enemies of her dance team. They both want the scholarship grant. Will they risk not being together due to having to battle it out for the grant?

The writing in this is good. The plot was good. Most of the tropes, totally my kind of book! I just was not a fan of the miscommunication trope. I’m also not a fan of the third act break up. But the biggest problem for me was I didn’t really like Isabel and everything she was doing. I get she was going thru it but I don’t know I just couldn’t connect with her and it took away from the story for me.
It’s probably a me thing so I would still recommend if you like:

💌 College Rivals
💌 Second Chance
💌 Vacation Romance
💌 Forced Proximity
💌 Miscommunication
💌 Mental Health Rep
💌 Third Act Break Up

I also would like to check out more from this author and I really enjoyed the writing.

Thank you so much to @lovenotes.pr @tessaderricoauthor for this advanced copy

[Kris Ty · Rating 4 out of 5]

Missed Connections | ARC review ✧˖°.

✰: 4/5
✉ : vacation romance, forced proximity, second chance, rivals to lovers, miscommunication, ballet dancer x lacrosse player
✎ : @iamkimberlyjpage

Publication Date: November 18, 2024

Huge thanks to @iamkimberlyjpage and @lovenotes.pr for providing me with an ARC of the book "Missed Connections." I truly appreciate the opportunity to read the book. Your generosity means a lot!

Review:

The author did a fantastic job with this book! The way the story unfolds keeps me hooked, which makes it an enjoyable read for me. It was truly an amazing book!

I would like to say that my favorite thing about the whole book is the FMC. I loved her character so much because I kind of relate or have the same attitude as her at the beginning of the book.

The whole "I don't date" thing and her being the friend groups' "shoulder to cry on" I can very much relate to that. And I think that was one of the biggest factors that kept me going about the book.

I don't really want to spoil much about the book, but if you're interested in the above-mentioned tropes you should definitely give this book a try! I think that it's worth reading.

Thank you for joining me today! That would be all for this review.

[Lamya k · Rating 3 out of 5]

Okay, let's be real about this a little. I didn’t enjoy this book much. The characters were cute and Cody thought was hot. Now we will excuse his drunk proposal at the age of 18, but he's cute. I feel like because he grew he was able to control himself a little, but around Iz, no he couldn’t. He was an amazing boyfriend, the caring type if you want to say.
Isabel on the other hand was something else. She tried to show that she was strong all the time and couldn't even rest when she had to, which I understand because I relate. But girl you're limping, take a break.

The storyline was great, and I understand that this book is about college, second chances, and romance. But they don't have to get drvnk and h!gh all the time. I honestly didn’t like it, but then again it's my opinion.

I did like the characters when they were cute and fluffy together. I also like how the author labeled her parts like “Then” and “Now” and she specified for example “two hours and thirty-four minutes before my first kiss” That was nice.

Overall a good book, would I recommend it? Maybe. But I guess that's all I have to say about this arc.

☆☆☆.25
🌶️2.5

[Amanda Cronin · Rating 4 out of 5]

Is there anything more nostalgic than summer vacation friends turned something more? Missed Connections sets the stage with Isabel and Cody’s second-chance romance, built on years of family trips to Aruba. The flashbacks of their past summers were a highlight, showing the steady build of their connection and making me root for them to figure things out in the present.

I enjoyed watching them reconnect as older, more complex versions of themselves, but Isabel’s tendency to self-sabotage—especially with her dance program subplot—was frustrating. There were moments when I just wanted her to take control of her life instead of spiraling further. The side plots, particularly involving the lacrosse house drama and the charity competition, were a bit of a mixed bag. While they added tension, they also introduced some truly infuriating side characters that overshadowed the main romance at times.

Despite these frustrations, the premise was great, and the bond between Isabel and Cody kept me hooked. If you enjoy second-chance romances with a mix of college drama, dance vs. sports rivalry, and a touch of nostalgia, this one is worth checking out.