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Into the Deep Blue
Soon to be a major motion picture.
Perfect for fans of Nicola Yoon’s The Sun is Also a Star and John Green’s The Fault in Our Stars, Into the Deep Blue is Fiona and Nick’s achingly moving, wry, and hopeful tale about falling apart and coming together, told from two unforgettable points of view.
Nick and Fiona were meant to be friends—best friends—and they wouldn’t change that for the world. At least, that’s what they tell themselves. Because they can’t be an us. Nick doesn’t believe in happy endings ever since they both lost their moms unexpectedly senior year. And Fiona often wonders if all they have in common is their numb hearts. Still, they’re content to share everything else with each other. Honestly. Everything but sparks.
But when Fiona accidentally lets her guard down more than she intended to with Nick, it threatens to ruin their fragile balancing act. Luckily, Nick isn’t about to let a little misunderstanding get in the way of the weekend trip they’ve been planning for months. Fiona is just hoping for some closure on the first anniversary of her mom’s death—except grief isn’t that simple, and choosing to love again isn’t, either. Now the only thing standing between Fiona and Nick is the truth. They just need the courage to reach for it.
Perfect for fans of Nicola Yoon’s The Sun is Also a Star and John Green’s The Fault in Our Stars, Into the Deep Blue is Fiona and Nick’s achingly moving, wry, and hopeful tale about falling apart and coming together, told from two unforgettable points of view.
Nick and Fiona were meant to be friends—best friends—and they wouldn’t change that for the world. At least, that’s what they tell themselves. Because they can’t be an us. Nick doesn’t believe in happy endings ever since they both lost their moms unexpectedly senior year. And Fiona often wonders if all they have in common is their numb hearts. Still, they’re content to share everything else with each other. Honestly. Everything but sparks.
But when Fiona accidentally lets her guard down more than she intended to with Nick, it threatens to ruin their fragile balancing act. Luckily, Nick isn’t about to let a little misunderstanding get in the way of the weekend trip they’ve been planning for months. Fiona is just hoping for some closure on the first anniversary of her mom’s death—except grief isn’t that simple, and choosing to love again isn’t, either. Now the only thing standing between Fiona and Nick is the truth. They just need the courage to reach for it.
304 pages, Hardcover
Published September 30, 2025
75 people are currently reading
15619 people want to read
About the author
Jennifer E. Archer
3 books90 followersJennifer is an author and screenwriter. She writes stories rooted in reality with just a hint of magic because what’s life without a little magic? Her stories are always full of adventure, heartache, and hope.
INTO THE DEEP BLUE, a YA contemporary romance, is her debut novel.
Jennifer won the 2022 Academy Nicholl Fellowships in screenwriting for her screenplay INTO THE DEEP BLUE which she adapted from her novel. You can follow her on Instagram @jennwrites
INTO THE DEEP BLUE, a YA contemporary romance, is her debut novel.
Jennifer won the 2022 Academy Nicholl Fellowships in screenwriting for her screenplay INTO THE DEEP BLUE which she adapted from her novel. You can follow her on Instagram @jennwrites
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November 13, 2025update: i've been getting notifications of people liking this review, and i just gotta let you know it has outdated information. india is no longer part of this project. now sara waisglass will play fiona, the FMC
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this is not only a best friends to lovers road trip romance with some angst and heartbreak but it'll also be played by damian hardung (from 'maxton hall') and india amarteifio (from 'queen charlotte') in its adaptation... i'm seated!!
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this is not only a best friends to lovers road trip romance with some angst and heartbreak but it'll also be played by damian hardung (from 'maxton hall') and india amarteifio (from 'queen charlotte') in its adaptation... i'm seated!!
![Profile Image for ari [gin’s vrsn 🩵] [semi ia].](/_next/image?url=https%3A%2F%2Fi.gr-assets.com%2Fimages%2FS%2Fcompressed.photo.goodreads.com%2Fusers%2F1757265812i%2F180071670._UX200_CR0%2C33%2C200%2C200_.jpg&w=128&q=75)
June 11, 2025
3⭐️
this was not my favorite thing in the world?? i’m neutral abt it so i’m not gonna be doing my whole shabang review bc i literally don’t feel anything positive or negative towards this book.
i think it’s probably bc i’m in a slump and nothing is hitting like it should rn (curse you poppy war), but this felt like it was dragging on. the only reason i finished it was bc i didn’t have my kindle or any books the other day and it’s short
also i’ve been trying to spend less time on social media this month lolll
anyway, just unremarkable and lwk wish i hadn’t read it bc i could have read smth that impacted me much more (either negatively or positively at least it had an impact)
anywayyyy peace out homies ✌️🥰
this was not my favorite thing in the world?? i’m neutral abt it so i’m not gonna be doing my whole shabang review bc i literally don’t feel anything positive or negative towards this book.
i think it’s probably bc i’m in a slump and nothing is hitting like it should rn (curse you poppy war), but this felt like it was dragging on. the only reason i finished it was bc i didn’t have my kindle or any books the other day and it’s short
also i’ve been trying to spend less time on social media this month lolll
anyway, just unremarkable and lwk wish i hadn’t read it bc i could have read smth that impacted me much more (either negatively or positively at least it had an impact)
anywayyyy peace out homies ✌️🥰
October 5, 2025
I devoured this book in just two days when I read it. It’s emotional, addicting, and beautifully written story about two young adults putting their life together after losing their mothers unexpectedly. What starts as an unlikely friendship slowly blossoms into something so much more.
I’ve always loved the friends-to-lovers trope, and this story delivers it in such a raw, tender, and realistic way. Their bond grows gradually and authentically, making their relationship all the more compelling.
If you love friends-to-lovers, slow burn romance, and emotionally rich stories about grief and healing, this is a must-read.
I’ve always loved the friends-to-lovers trope, and this story delivers it in such a raw, tender, and realistic way. Their bond grows gradually and authentically, making their relationship all the more compelling.
If you love friends-to-lovers, slow burn romance, and emotionally rich stories about grief and healing, this is a must-read.
May 18, 2025
What an amazing story! It felt like a rollercoaster of emotions reading this. Nick and Fiona are absolutely everything. These two characters having gone through grief and finding the light with each other was so interesting to read. They both have experienced such a loss in their lives and reading this had me rooting for them to get their happy moments. I absolutely loved the best friends to lovers aspect of this book. Nick and Fiona have such great chemistry and I enjoyed their moments,even the ones that had my heart hurting. The angst, the pain, the strong feelings between them.. it’s all written so well. You really feel for this characters which makes a story even more amazing. I love Nick and Fiona so much and I know so many people will too!
August 6, 2025
3.5 stars!
“Into the Deep Blue” is an emotional story filled with grief, healing, friendship and love.
I honestly had a hard time deciding how to rate and review this title. I genuinely thought the story was good, but it wasn’t necessarily my cup of tea. However, the messages here are great- and I can see how this could be a really special and beneficial to a lot of readers, especially young ones- so I do not want to deter anyone from reading it.
To start off, I think books centered around grief can always be challenging. It is such a subjective topic, and everyone experiences it in their own unique way. It is never a one-size fits all.
With that being said, I did enjoy this story- and the only reason I haven’t given it a higher rating is simply because I did not really connect with the way in which the main characters were experiencing their grief.
It is intense (understandably so), and the characters sort of go off the rails several times.
In no way am I saying that this is an improper response to having experienced a loss, but it made it a bit more difficult to me to read and relate to them.
There were some things here that I did like quite a bit though!
I thought the road trip idea was awesome. Traveling to a place that was special to Fiona’s mother, so that she was able to honor and feel connected to her on the university of her passing. This was beautiful and very sweet.
I liked Fiona and Nick, as friends and as a couple.
Their friendship blossomed into a romantic relationship in a slow, but lovely way.
Having experienced a similar trauma, they were able to understand each other in ways that others could not. This gave them a special bond, and I loved seeing them support each other through things.
Bonus points to both of them for being so forgiving toward each other, even when they were going through bad moods and lots of low points. Again, part of them relating to one another in a unique way.
Overall, I think it is a special book, and there is certainly a place for it. Many readers would find this incredibly touching and emotional.
Thank you to Netgalley, Marble Press and author Jennifer E. Archer for providing me with the eARC of “Into the Deep Blue”, in exchange for my honest review!
Publication date: September 30th, 2025
“Into the Deep Blue” is an emotional story filled with grief, healing, friendship and love.
I honestly had a hard time deciding how to rate and review this title. I genuinely thought the story was good, but it wasn’t necessarily my cup of tea. However, the messages here are great- and I can see how this could be a really special and beneficial to a lot of readers, especially young ones- so I do not want to deter anyone from reading it.
To start off, I think books centered around grief can always be challenging. It is such a subjective topic, and everyone experiences it in their own unique way. It is never a one-size fits all.
With that being said, I did enjoy this story- and the only reason I haven’t given it a higher rating is simply because I did not really connect with the way in which the main characters were experiencing their grief.
It is intense (understandably so), and the characters sort of go off the rails several times.
In no way am I saying that this is an improper response to having experienced a loss, but it made it a bit more difficult to me to read and relate to them.
There were some things here that I did like quite a bit though!
I thought the road trip idea was awesome. Traveling to a place that was special to Fiona’s mother, so that she was able to honor and feel connected to her on the university of her passing. This was beautiful and very sweet.
I liked Fiona and Nick, as friends and as a couple.
Their friendship blossomed into a romantic relationship in a slow, but lovely way.
Having experienced a similar trauma, they were able to understand each other in ways that others could not. This gave them a special bond, and I loved seeing them support each other through things.
Bonus points to both of them for being so forgiving toward each other, even when they were going through bad moods and lots of low points. Again, part of them relating to one another in a unique way.
Overall, I think it is a special book, and there is certainly a place for it. Many readers would find this incredibly touching and emotional.
Thank you to Netgalley, Marble Press and author Jennifer E. Archer for providing me with the eARC of “Into the Deep Blue”, in exchange for my honest review!
Publication date: September 30th, 2025
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November 11, 2025┊⤿ 🧁 ⌗ 𝐩𝐫𝐞-𝐫𝐞𝐚𝐝: I JUST FOUND OUT THIS BOOK IS GETTING A FILM ADAPTATION!!!! alsooo, the male lead will be played by damian (the same actor who plays JAMES BEAUFORT in the maxton hall adaptation) AND THIS IS A DEBUT NOVEL. i have to read it asap 🏃🏼♀️
September 1, 2025
Thank you to NetGalley and the publisher for allowing me to read an early copy of this novel.
Good books are entertaining, great books make you feel things. This is a great book. Fiona and Nick’s journey through tragedy, grief, family, friendships, and love are beautifully woven through this novel in a way that has the reader feeling like they are in the actual story. Life is messy and it’s heartbreaking, but this book reminds us that sometimes, through the heartbreak, we can find a little sunshine.
Good books are entertaining, great books make you feel things. This is a great book. Fiona and Nick’s journey through tragedy, grief, family, friendships, and love are beautifully woven through this novel in a way that has the reader feeling like they are in the actual story. Life is messy and it’s heartbreaking, but this book reminds us that sometimes, through the heartbreak, we can find a little sunshine.
May 5, 2025
4.5/5 stars, book so good I had to make a playlist about it immediately. Loved the perspective that grief isn't something to fix or get rid of. Even though it's painful it keeps us connected to the people we love. And ofc loved the teenage angst and romance <3
ARC from NetGalley!!
ARC from NetGalley!!
September 25, 2025
'Into the Deep Blue' is Jennifer E. Archer’s debut novel, published by Marble Press on September 30, 2025, and at just 161 pages (eBook), it manages to be as powerful as it is concise.
Falling under the YA contemporary romance genre, this story blends emotional depth with a hopeful calm, creating a reading experience that lingers long after the final page.
Told in a dual point of view, the novel follows Nick and Fiona. Their dynamic unfolds through the classic friends-to-lovers trope, with a hint of a love triangle, yet Archer avoids clichés. Instead, the romance feels grounded, intimate, and real—anchored in the very human struggles of grief, healing, and the complexities of family. Much of the story centers on Nick, his strained relationship with his father, and his quiet resilience as he navigates a support group and life after loss. His bond with Max, his young nephew, is one of the most touching aspects of the book—gentle, warm, and incredibly authentic.
The setting of Salem lends a homely, almost nostalgic quality to the narrative, while the tone remains contemplative throughout. Archer’s use of stream-of-consciousness narration makes the story addictive, as though readers are slipping into the characters’ minds and sharing their private reflections. The short chapters enhance this effect, offering breathing room for both characters and readers to process the weight of love, grief, and healing.
What stood out most to me is the believability of the plot and the characters. These are not idealized teenagers living in a heightened romance; they are flawed, thoughtful, and achingly human. Archer captures the ache of grief and the tenderness of companionship with remarkable skill, and the pace never feels rushed or dragging—it’s just right.
Fans of Abby Jimenez, Sally Rooney’s Normal People, John Green’s The Fault in Our Stars, and even the meditative beauty of Studio Ghibli films like When Marnie Was There will find something to love here. There’s a quietness to Archer’s writing, a hopeful serenity that makes the story feel both soothing and emotionally resonant.
'Into the Deep Blue' is a beautiful, contemplative debut that promises Jennifer E. Archer is a voice to watch in YA fiction. Authentic, heartfelt, and ultimately uplifting, this book is a gift to readers who seek realism and warmth in contemporary romance.
5/5 🌟
Falling under the YA contemporary romance genre, this story blends emotional depth with a hopeful calm, creating a reading experience that lingers long after the final page.
Told in a dual point of view, the novel follows Nick and Fiona. Their dynamic unfolds through the classic friends-to-lovers trope, with a hint of a love triangle, yet Archer avoids clichés. Instead, the romance feels grounded, intimate, and real—anchored in the very human struggles of grief, healing, and the complexities of family. Much of the story centers on Nick, his strained relationship with his father, and his quiet resilience as he navigates a support group and life after loss. His bond with Max, his young nephew, is one of the most touching aspects of the book—gentle, warm, and incredibly authentic.
The setting of Salem lends a homely, almost nostalgic quality to the narrative, while the tone remains contemplative throughout. Archer’s use of stream-of-consciousness narration makes the story addictive, as though readers are slipping into the characters’ minds and sharing their private reflections. The short chapters enhance this effect, offering breathing room for both characters and readers to process the weight of love, grief, and healing.
What stood out most to me is the believability of the plot and the characters. These are not idealized teenagers living in a heightened romance; they are flawed, thoughtful, and achingly human. Archer captures the ache of grief and the tenderness of companionship with remarkable skill, and the pace never feels rushed or dragging—it’s just right.
Fans of Abby Jimenez, Sally Rooney’s Normal People, John Green’s The Fault in Our Stars, and even the meditative beauty of Studio Ghibli films like When Marnie Was There will find something to love here. There’s a quietness to Archer’s writing, a hopeful serenity that makes the story feel both soothing and emotionally resonant.
'Into the Deep Blue' is a beautiful, contemplative debut that promises Jennifer E. Archer is a voice to watch in YA fiction. Authentic, heartfelt, and ultimately uplifting, this book is a gift to readers who seek realism and warmth in contemporary romance.
5/5 🌟
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August 7, 2024Queen Charlotte meets Maxton Hall???? omg can we get it now!
May 24, 2025
Thank you to Marble Press and NetGalley for providing an ARC of this book in exchange for an honest review. Opinions expressed are mine.
YA contemporary had its heyday about a decade back and I think it's time to get that spotlight again, perhaps starting from Into the Deep Blue. This book gives that nostalgic vibe of John Green's works with more updated stuff, including slangs and the way mental health is portrayed nowadays. It feels like coming home after a long journey and some part of the house has been renovated as if for growing up, but the photos and couches and kitchen's smell are still the same.
The dual POV, first person perspectives, and modern setting are easy to dive into. Both Fiona and Nick have their own distinctive voice and the story flows in even pace. Grief might be the initial trigger of their closeness, but I'm glad the romance part is built out of more solid foundation instead of making their bond merely a shared trauma. Their dynamics are fun and sweet; I could see where both of them slowly and naturally fall for each other. And what I liked about their friends-to-lovers journey is the friendship stays after romance, even if it's only a little portion.
While Fiona-Nick's relationship is handled respectfully, for me the best part is their relationship with each family and friends. It's not as easy as cut-off-and-move-on solution because everyone has their own personality and character development. I especially teared at Fiona and her dad's talk and Nick with his dad after an incident. Almost everything is neatly tied up in the end while the rest seems to be intentionally left hanging, and that's what makes the characters here feel human.
I didn't really have issues while reading this, except maybe one thing and honestly I would blame my expectation for this: I thought the road trip would be the biggest part of this story, but instead it started after first half of the book. Even so, it's still a fulfilling and important part. Also I thought that this book is based on the film scenario first, but turns out the script is adapted from the novel. I can see why it's doing well as a script—the writing style in here is already cinematic.
Into the Deep Blue is recommended for the readers who long for realistic YA books about hope, acceptance, and slow-burn romance. Can't wait for the movie adaptation!
YA contemporary had its heyday about a decade back and I think it's time to get that spotlight again, perhaps starting from Into the Deep Blue. This book gives that nostalgic vibe of John Green's works with more updated stuff, including slangs and the way mental health is portrayed nowadays. It feels like coming home after a long journey and some part of the house has been renovated as if for growing up, but the photos and couches and kitchen's smell are still the same.
The dual POV, first person perspectives, and modern setting are easy to dive into. Both Fiona and Nick have their own distinctive voice and the story flows in even pace. Grief might be the initial trigger of their closeness, but I'm glad the romance part is built out of more solid foundation instead of making their bond merely a shared trauma. Their dynamics are fun and sweet; I could see where both of them slowly and naturally fall for each other. And what I liked about their friends-to-lovers journey is the friendship stays after romance, even if it's only a little portion.
While Fiona-Nick's relationship is handled respectfully, for me the best part is their relationship with each family and friends. It's not as easy as cut-off-and-move-on solution because everyone has their own personality and character development. I especially teared at Fiona and her dad's talk and Nick with his dad after an incident. Almost everything is neatly tied up in the end while the rest seems to be intentionally left hanging, and that's what makes the characters here feel human.
I didn't really have issues while reading this, except maybe one thing and honestly I would blame my expectation for this: I thought the road trip would be the biggest part of this story, but instead it started after first half of the book. Even so, it's still a fulfilling and important part. Also I thought that this book is based on the film scenario first, but turns out the script is adapted from the novel. I can see why it's doing well as a script—the writing style in here is already cinematic.
Into the Deep Blue is recommended for the readers who long for realistic YA books about hope, acceptance, and slow-burn romance. Can't wait for the movie adaptation!
December 1, 2025
Wow I wish I had a Nick when my Dad died.
October 1, 2025
Into the Deep Blue is about Nick and Fiona who, as they navigate the sharp ache of loss, develop a deep, complex friendship. This debut is painfully consuming, and Archer surgically handles the topic of grief through the eyes of two heartbroken people who desperately seek connection while actively avoiding and, at times, sabotaging it. The chemistry between Nick and Fi is palpable, and the poetic prose that Archer uses to describe the fine line between yearning and grief is observational, calculating, and masterful. If you’re a fan of authors such as John Green and Nicola Yoon, you will fall in love with Into the Deep Blue and the beautiful way this book fearlessly wears its heart on its sleeve, how it maneuvers through heavy topics with precision and humor. I cried, I laughed out loud, and I will absolutely be reading this book again. I’m warning you now: clear your day when you get this book because you won’t be able to put it down.
June 2, 2025
Whew...I don't even know what to say. This was a lot. This book has been on my radar for a while, and I'm so glad I got an ARC. I haven't read this kind of genre in a while and it was interesting how the story was seemingly simple, but then sucks you in.
Nick. Nick is heavy. He's heavy and his inner monologue just breaks your heart then he makes you laugh. I love him. Full stop. Fiona holds her own too.
I definitely felt the friendship, like it wasn't non-stop 'I want you' vibes, it was just some subtle perfect moments. That line was walked so well and I'm still trying to figure out how it was done to come off that way.
I don't want to spoil, but there were two moments with his sister toward the end that were so good and resonated hard. There are many sides to humans, and that was done well here.
I loved it. Thanks to Marble Press and NetGalley for the ARC.
Nick. Nick is heavy. He's heavy and his inner monologue just breaks your heart then he makes you laugh. I love him. Full stop. Fiona holds her own too.
I definitely felt the friendship, like it wasn't non-stop 'I want you' vibes, it was just some subtle perfect moments. That line was walked so well and I'm still trying to figure out how it was done to come off that way.
I don't want to spoil, but there were two moments with his sister toward the end that were so good and resonated hard. There are many sides to humans, and that was done well here.
I loved it. Thanks to Marble Press and NetGalley for the ARC.
July 8, 2025
5 stars
Short, sweet, and absolutely beautiful. This book made me cry real tears.
I was completely drawn in by Nick and Fiona’s friendship. It felt raw, soft, and beautifully messy. The best-friends-to-lovers tension was so well done, and the way they leaned on each other through their grief felt incredibly real. I could feel the pain, the comfort, and the quiet love growing between them with every page. I was rooting for them with my whole heart.
What stood out most was how grief was handled. It was not treated as something that needed to be fixed or solved. It existed, it lingered, and the story showed how people learn to live with it while still allowing love to grow again. That message was deeply moving.
There was no over-the-top drama, no major plot twist, and it did not need any. It was simply about two people navigating life and love after loss. Gentle, emotional, and unforgettable.
Nick and Fiona now have a permanent place in my heart. 💙
Short, sweet, and absolutely beautiful. This book made me cry real tears.
I was completely drawn in by Nick and Fiona’s friendship. It felt raw, soft, and beautifully messy. The best-friends-to-lovers tension was so well done, and the way they leaned on each other through their grief felt incredibly real. I could feel the pain, the comfort, and the quiet love growing between them with every page. I was rooting for them with my whole heart.
What stood out most was how grief was handled. It was not treated as something that needed to be fixed or solved. It existed, it lingered, and the story showed how people learn to live with it while still allowing love to grow again. That message was deeply moving.
There was no over-the-top drama, no major plot twist, and it did not need any. It was simply about two people navigating life and love after loss. Gentle, emotional, and unforgettable.
Nick and Fiona now have a permanent place in my heart. 💙
June 26, 2025
3.5 stars to Into the Deep Blue. Entertaining story with characters you really feel for. Fiona and Nick had a nice dynamic, comfortable and genuine. Liked the message on not losing sight of yourself despite grief, allowing it to become a part of you rather than it overcoming you. Overall, this was a good read. Didn’t quite make it as a personal favorite, but still good.
Thank you to NetGalley, publishers, and the author for an ARC of this book.
Thank you to NetGalley, publishers, and the author for an ARC of this book.
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July 2, 2025This was an emotional, yet at times humorous, read about two teenagers navigating their grief. I absolutely flew through this, Nick and Fiona read as realistic relatable teenagers. They are figuring out not only who they are after the loss of loved ones, but how they fit together, and I appreciated that it focused on them in the present rather than who they used to be. Can't wait to share this one with my teens.
August 9, 2024
So excited to see Damian speaking in english
September 24, 2025
Into the deep blue Review
Stars: 4.5/5
Pages: 304
Spice: 1/5
In Into the deep blue we follow Fiona and Nick. They both lost their mom, and met each other through the therapy group their going to. This is so they feel better grieving. Nick and Fiona are best friends and share everything with each other. When Fiona lets her guard down it threatens to ruin the fragile balance between them. The little misunderstanding doesn’t get in the way of their weekend roadtrip to Monterey. Fiona is looking for answers except grieve is not simple and love isn’t either. Are Nick and Fiona able to love each other or is that also not simple?
I really, really liked this book. It was written so well I flew through it which I loved. I read it in about three days! I loved the double POV and reading how Nick and Fiona both dealt differently with grief. The road trip to Monterey was so fun to read about. I do have to say check trigger warnings cause there were some triggering things in the book and everyone reacts differently. Fiona’s dad was such a softy and how Nick and Fiona talked about him was not fair, he was so sweet! The fact that this book is becoming a movie with Damian Hardung and India Amarteifio is something I am soo excited for!!! I would definitely recommend this book if you want a deeper but sweet romance about people learning to love again through grief.
Thanks to Netgalley and Marble Press for this arc. This review is my own opinion.
Stars: 4.5/5
Pages: 304
Spice: 1/5
In Into the deep blue we follow Fiona and Nick. They both lost their mom, and met each other through the therapy group their going to. This is so they feel better grieving. Nick and Fiona are best friends and share everything with each other. When Fiona lets her guard down it threatens to ruin the fragile balance between them. The little misunderstanding doesn’t get in the way of their weekend roadtrip to Monterey. Fiona is looking for answers except grieve is not simple and love isn’t either. Are Nick and Fiona able to love each other or is that also not simple?
I really, really liked this book. It was written so well I flew through it which I loved. I read it in about three days! I loved the double POV and reading how Nick and Fiona both dealt differently with grief. The road trip to Monterey was so fun to read about. I do have to say check trigger warnings cause there were some triggering things in the book and everyone reacts differently. Fiona’s dad was such a softy and how Nick and Fiona talked about him was not fair, he was so sweet! The fact that this book is becoming a movie with Damian Hardung and India Amarteifio is something I am soo excited for!!! I would definitely recommend this book if you want a deeper but sweet romance about people learning to love again through grief.
Thanks to Netgalley and Marble Press for this arc. This review is my own opinion.
January 4, 2026
Que dire… quelle claque émotionnelle 💔
C’était beau, poignant, déchirant… et oui, j’ai BIEN CHIALÉ 😭
On est sur une romance YA friends to lovers, qui aborde avec beaucoup de justesse une épreuve difficile : le deuil d’un être proche. Le tout est magnifiquement écrit, avec une sensibilité qui touche droit au cœur.
J’ai adoré la relation entre Nick et Fiona : leur proximité, leur complicité, l’importance qu’ils ont l’un pour l’autre. Ils se connaissent par cœur, se soutiennent constamment, même quand ils sont sur le point de couler.
« Il est possible qu’elle et moi soyons des ancres, mais le fond de la mer est magnifique. »
« Sans toi, il y aura toujours un grand vide en forme de Fiona dans ma vie. »
Bon… petit bémol quand même : Nick est parfois d’une naïveté frustrante, et Fiona a clairement un sérieux souci de communication 😂 mais étrangement, ça les rend aussi très humains.
Une romance douce, douloureuse et terriblement belle, qui parle d’amour et de reconstruction. Foncez lire cette pépite, les mouchoirs sont obligatoires !
C’était beau, poignant, déchirant… et oui, j’ai BIEN CHIALÉ 😭
On est sur une romance YA friends to lovers, qui aborde avec beaucoup de justesse une épreuve difficile : le deuil d’un être proche. Le tout est magnifiquement écrit, avec une sensibilité qui touche droit au cœur.
J’ai adoré la relation entre Nick et Fiona : leur proximité, leur complicité, l’importance qu’ils ont l’un pour l’autre. Ils se connaissent par cœur, se soutiennent constamment, même quand ils sont sur le point de couler.
« Il est possible qu’elle et moi soyons des ancres, mais le fond de la mer est magnifique. »
« Sans toi, il y aura toujours un grand vide en forme de Fiona dans ma vie. »
Bon… petit bémol quand même : Nick est parfois d’une naïveté frustrante, et Fiona a clairement un sérieux souci de communication 😂 mais étrangement, ça les rend aussi très humains.
Une romance douce, douloureuse et terriblement belle, qui parle d’amour et de reconstruction. Foncez lire cette pépite, les mouchoirs sont obligatoires !
December 30, 2025
On aborde ici le deuil avec beaucoup de sensibilité, tout en pudeur et en douceur. On y suit une romance slow burn entre deux adolescents, une amitié qui se transforme peu à peu en quelque chose de plus profond. Même si certains aspects du trope m’ont un peu moins convaincue, la relation entre les personnages reste touchante et sincère.⠀
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Mais ce qui fait réellement la force de ce roman, c’est tout ce qui dépasse la romance. Le deuil, la résilience, la reconstruction : l’autrice traite ces thèmes avec justesse en les inscrivant dans le quotidien de deux jeunes gens en pleine construction, fragiles et maladroits. J’ai aimé la manière dont ils se soutiennent, s’influencent, s’aident à avancer, même quand ils commettent des erreurs ou se heurtent à leur propre histoire familiale.⠀
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Ce livre dépeint également ce moment charnière où l’on quitte l’adolescence pour entrer dans l’âge adulte, tout en portant encore les traces des blessures que la vie a laissées trop tôt. C’est un roman qui touche au cœur, qui parle des manques, des absences, mais aussi de ce qui renaît : l’espoir, la confiance, le droit d’aimer à nouveau et d’être aimé malgré ses cicatrices.⠀
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Into the Deep Blue est surtout un texte qui met en lumière la force qu’on peut trouver dans le partage et la vulnérabilité. Et c'était très beau !⠀
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Mais ce qui fait réellement la force de ce roman, c’est tout ce qui dépasse la romance. Le deuil, la résilience, la reconstruction : l’autrice traite ces thèmes avec justesse en les inscrivant dans le quotidien de deux jeunes gens en pleine construction, fragiles et maladroits. J’ai aimé la manière dont ils se soutiennent, s’influencent, s’aident à avancer, même quand ils commettent des erreurs ou se heurtent à leur propre histoire familiale.⠀
⠀
Ce livre dépeint également ce moment charnière où l’on quitte l’adolescence pour entrer dans l’âge adulte, tout en portant encore les traces des blessures que la vie a laissées trop tôt. C’est un roman qui touche au cœur, qui parle des manques, des absences, mais aussi de ce qui renaît : l’espoir, la confiance, le droit d’aimer à nouveau et d’être aimé malgré ses cicatrices.⠀
⠀
Into the Deep Blue est surtout un texte qui met en lumière la force qu’on peut trouver dans le partage et la vulnérabilité. Et c'était très beau !⠀
August 31, 2025
Once I started I could not drop this book for even a minute. It took me less than a day to finish. I cried so many times that I was dehydrated by the end. I loved how showed that grief can be different for everyone.
Talking about the relationship side, May is the worst kind a friend someone can have and honestly? Nick is not much better, at least not until he got called out
Fiona is such a good person, I wanted to protect her
It was also amazing to see the develpment of the characters during the year
Talking about the relationship side, May is the worst kind a friend someone can have and honestly? Nick is not much better, at least not until he got called out
Fiona is such a good person, I wanted to protect her
It was also amazing to see the develpment of the characters during the year
October 5, 2025
This was a really nice read. I love how the story revolves around grief but it doesn't take over the whole book. We get nice and sweet moments with Nick and Fiona while also getting a look inside their heads. Nick and Fiona were both each other's comforts, I loved knowing how they decided to deal with the whole "best friends for sure but do we really LOVE each other". As someone who doesn't like friends to lovers, this sure did hit the spot.
November 24, 2025
the john green nostalgia HIT with this one
January 1, 2026
4.5 ⭐️
January 9, 2026
Solid little story about two young adults navigating their way through grief and loss, family dynamics, and their internal struggles as they toe the line of friendship.
Read
August 19, 2024it's giving John Green, in a good way
December 11, 2025
The main topic in this book is grief-directly related to losing Moms, and most likely not for everyone, but grief isn’t for everyone right? If you’ve not lost your Mom, you might not find this as interesting….. I was sad, I cried, I thought about places/things that my Mom liked and did….. ugh. It was a lot. But such a quick short read.
December 29, 2025
If there’s one trope I like more than enemies to lovers it’s FRIENDS TO LOVERS. Nick & Fiona are soulmates. This book made me want to read about teenagers in love again.
May 18, 2025
I enjoyed this book and all of its perspectives towards grief. It was interesting to see it from so many different POVs (child, spouse, people in group grief setting) it was very in depth towards that theme. It felt very heartfelt.
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