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You & I, Rewritten: A Novel
Not to jinx it or anything, but the stars seem to finally be aligning for Will Cowen. After accepting a dream promotion at one of New York City's most renowned publishing houses and moving in with his oldest friend, he's ready to dive headfirst into this new chapter—that is, until he crosses paths with Graham Austin.
No matter how hard he tries, he can't help but put the wrong foot forward in front of the all-business and inconveniently gorgeous heir to the publishing empire.
So, when a heartbreakingly beautiful manuscript lands on his desk, Will seizes the opportunity for a win.
Will's confidence is obliterated when the author ghosts him at an important publishing event. He finds himself in need of comfort, which comes from the least likely person, the normally cold and distant Graham. This small glimpse behind Graham's icy exterior is the spark that sweeps these two up in an epic and unforeseen romance.
As his author's manuscript begins to take shape, the words that initially brought them together become more and more tangled, making it painfully obvious to Will that despite your best efforts, there is truly no hiding from the past.
But can it be rewritten?
Contains mature themes.
No matter how hard he tries, he can't help but put the wrong foot forward in front of the all-business and inconveniently gorgeous heir to the publishing empire.
So, when a heartbreakingly beautiful manuscript lands on his desk, Will seizes the opportunity for a win.
Will's confidence is obliterated when the author ghosts him at an important publishing event. He finds himself in need of comfort, which comes from the least likely person, the normally cold and distant Graham. This small glimpse behind Graham's icy exterior is the spark that sweeps these two up in an epic and unforeseen romance.
As his author's manuscript begins to take shape, the words that initially brought them together become more and more tangled, making it painfully obvious to Will that despite your best efforts, there is truly no hiding from the past.
But can it be rewritten?
Contains mature themes.
Audible Audio
First published August 23, 2022
271 people are currently reading
7369 people want to read
About the author
Chip Pons
4 books665 followersChip Pons grew up in a small lake town in Northern Michigan, where he discovered the kind of stories that make you believe in magic, love, and second chances. Now based in Washington, DC with his dream of a husband and their pup, Margot, he writes romances rooted in queer joy and the belief that everyone deserves their happily ever after.
When he isn't writing, Chip can be found wandering through bookstores, daydreaming about new characters, or shouting about his favorite reads on Bookstagram. And snacking, like, all the time.
When he isn't writing, Chip can be found wandering through bookstores, daydreaming about new characters, or shouting about his favorite reads on Bookstagram. And snacking, like, all the time.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 747 reviews
May 17, 2022
You know when you begin a book and you can already *feel* how much you're going to love it? That was this book for me.
What I didn't anticipate at first was how deeply this was going to tug at my heartstrings, then knit me back together. The last quarter of this book was a glorious sucker-punch to my feels, full of such visceral, raw emotion, I cried, I mean CRIED, and I rarely cry with books. It was the best kind of cry: a cathartic cry, a healing cry, a hopeful cry. Chip so clearly poured deep care and love into this story, which you feel in its profound emotional momentum.
Will and Graham were crafted so tenderly, felt so real, I've missed them like I miss my long-distance friends when I have to say goodbye. The vulnerability they entrust to each other, the passion they give each other, the joy with which they love, was affirming and beautiful. I'm beyond grateful for the privilege of early reading this, and I truly cannot recommend this gorgeous story enough.
Poignant and pitch-perfect steamy, YOU & I, REWRITTEN compassionately navigates heart-wrenching human realities while championing hope and healing through deeply affirming love—between friends, family, found family, and the one whose heart is your home, whose arms are your safest place. I absolutely loved it.
Finally, while Chip is my friend and very kindly gifted me an early copy to read, this in no way influenced my opinions. My love for this book is genuine and honest, straight from my heart.
Content notes: topics discussed include alcoholism, addiction, parental abandonment and mistreatment, and PTSD particularly in the context of military veterans' experiences.
What I didn't anticipate at first was how deeply this was going to tug at my heartstrings, then knit me back together. The last quarter of this book was a glorious sucker-punch to my feels, full of such visceral, raw emotion, I cried, I mean CRIED, and I rarely cry with books. It was the best kind of cry: a cathartic cry, a healing cry, a hopeful cry. Chip so clearly poured deep care and love into this story, which you feel in its profound emotional momentum.
Will and Graham were crafted so tenderly, felt so real, I've missed them like I miss my long-distance friends when I have to say goodbye. The vulnerability they entrust to each other, the passion they give each other, the joy with which they love, was affirming and beautiful. I'm beyond grateful for the privilege of early reading this, and I truly cannot recommend this gorgeous story enough.
Poignant and pitch-perfect steamy, YOU & I, REWRITTEN compassionately navigates heart-wrenching human realities while championing hope and healing through deeply affirming love—between friends, family, found family, and the one whose heart is your home, whose arms are your safest place. I absolutely loved it.
Finally, while Chip is my friend and very kindly gifted me an early copy to read, this in no way influenced my opinions. My love for this book is genuine and honest, straight from my heart.
Content notes: topics discussed include alcoholism, addiction, parental abandonment and mistreatment, and PTSD particularly in the context of military veterans' experiences.
August 26, 2022
If I was basing this on the romance and everything up until the last 15% or so, it would be 5 stars. However, personally the plot twist and dramatic events that unfold at the end, just hasn’t sat right with me. I think this is because it made the book seem like two separate stories/books to me, it just felt a little disconnected to everything else I was reading throughout the book, if that makes sense.
The romance was stunning to me and I loved the two characters together. I cried at the jellyfish scene (if you’ve read the book, you know). That I loved and everything between the two of them and also the found family aspect of the book too.
The romance was stunning to me and I loved the two characters together. I cried at the jellyfish scene (if you’ve read the book, you know). That I loved and everything between the two of them and also the found family aspect of the book too.
July 28, 2022
I just finished this book ten minutes ago and I'm still drying my eyes!!!
You and I rewritten took me by storm. I dearly love this beautiful, emotional, important, and deeply romantic story! Will and Graham are unlike any couple I’ve read before—and they were exactly what I needed!! In a world where toxic relationships are too often celebrated, Chip Pons gave us a couple who know how to communicate and play and grieve and celebrate together. It was truly a joy to read!!
Steam: Open door
TW (as thoughtfully placed in the front of the book by the author): Alcoholism, death of a parent, panic attacks, parental abandonment, grief, PTSD, physical Abuse, military sexual trauma
You and I rewritten took me by storm. I dearly love this beautiful, emotional, important, and deeply romantic story! Will and Graham are unlike any couple I’ve read before—and they were exactly what I needed!! In a world where toxic relationships are too often celebrated, Chip Pons gave us a couple who know how to communicate and play and grieve and celebrate together. It was truly a joy to read!!
Steam: Open door
TW (as thoughtfully placed in the front of the book by the author): Alcoholism, death of a parent, panic attacks, parental abandonment, grief, PTSD, physical Abuse, military sexual trauma
September 1, 2022
Feels like a case of people love the writer and can’t bare to criticise the book. Which is ridiculous given the book is bad. Can’t believe authors are blurbing this at all.
October 9, 2025
Author wrote this book, with this fuck ass, basic bitch, Taylor swift loving, personality deficient, unlikeable, mouth breathing, unrelatable MC... AND EXPECTS ME TO BELIEVE THAT HE IS THE TOP?????? HAHAHAHAHHAHAHAHAAHHAHA
i-think-tf-not.
💀💀💀💀💀💀💀💀💀💀💀💀💀💀
I JUST CAN'T DEAL WITH BEING IN THE HEAD OF THIS GOOFY ASS CLOWN MF ANY LONGER.
Will makes me physically cringe, and I actually fucking hate him?
I could write lists of weird shit in this book.
But I'll narrow it down to my top 5 reasons:
1. Unprofessionalism is literally my trigger. Like what do you mean you can scream at your boss and slam his door in week 1 and get away with it? Like what do you mean you can rub your cocks together in a night club, but kissing on the mouth would be inappropriate? Like what do you mean you just leave work for the day after a tantrum? How are you employed after telling your boss after like a week that everyone thinks he's a dickhead? How are you not fired bro?
2. The Taylor Swift references, ick, stop. I actually can't. The tswizzle references are giving... old person trying to stay relevant, there's been 8 Taylor mentions by 40%. and the "omg have I found myself a swiftie" CRINGE. YOU GIVE ME CRINGE ANXIETY. literally ✨shut the fuck up✨
3. There is no boss/employee struggle/tension... They just fall in like because they're hot, and then we get... ✨nothing & no development✨... then some time skips with some "omg spent 3 months together" BUT INSTEAD OF SHOWING YOU I'LL JUST TELL YOU SOME KEY POINTS THAT SHOW HOW INLOVE WE ARE NOW.........
4. The mental health rep feels VERY phony & forced? I've mentioned this about when consent can feel very unnatural, and this is the same but for mental health rep. Like if you shove enough "you can talk to me" or "I care about your feelings" into the book with an anxious bean MC, it can pass as a book with mental health rep, so you can get a pat on the back for it being in the book?
5. OUR LOVE INTEREST DEAD ASS HAS DREAM CATCHER TATTOO 💀 SAY LESS.
I'm dnf-ing at 50%, because there are no vibes, no reasons for these mc's to be into eachother, time skips, telling & no showing, I HATE IT HERE, Goodnight xoxo
The online social media influence here be wild.
i-think-tf-not.
💀💀💀💀💀💀💀💀💀💀💀💀💀💀
I JUST CAN'T DEAL WITH BEING IN THE HEAD OF THIS GOOFY ASS CLOWN MF ANY LONGER.
Will makes me physically cringe, and I actually fucking hate him?
I could write lists of weird shit in this book.
But I'll narrow it down to my top 5 reasons:
1. Unprofessionalism is literally my trigger. Like what do you mean you can scream at your boss and slam his door in week 1 and get away with it? Like what do you mean you can rub your cocks together in a night club, but kissing on the mouth would be inappropriate? Like what do you mean you just leave work for the day after a tantrum? How are you employed after telling your boss after like a week that everyone thinks he's a dickhead? How are you not fired bro?
2. The Taylor Swift references, ick, stop. I actually can't. The tswizzle references are giving... old person trying to stay relevant, there's been 8 Taylor mentions by 40%. and the "omg have I found myself a swiftie" CRINGE. YOU GIVE ME CRINGE ANXIETY. literally ✨shut the fuck up✨
3. There is no boss/employee struggle/tension... They just fall in like because they're hot, and then we get... ✨nothing & no development✨... then some time skips with some "omg spent 3 months together" BUT INSTEAD OF SHOWING YOU I'LL JUST TELL YOU SOME KEY POINTS THAT SHOW HOW INLOVE WE ARE NOW.........
4. The mental health rep feels VERY phony & forced? I've mentioned this about when consent can feel very unnatural, and this is the same but for mental health rep. Like if you shove enough "you can talk to me" or "I care about your feelings" into the book with an anxious bean MC, it can pass as a book with mental health rep, so you can get a pat on the back for it being in the book?
5. OUR LOVE INTEREST DEAD ASS HAS DREAM CATCHER TATTOO 💀 SAY LESS.
I'm dnf-ing at 50%, because there are no vibes, no reasons for these mc's to be into eachother, time skips, telling & no showing, I HATE IT HERE, Goodnight xoxo
The online social media influence here be wild.
July 26, 2022
I am so grateful to receive an ARC for this debut in exchange for an honest review.
First off, I tried really hard to connect with the main character, Will. But I found him to be a tad annoying. He was whiney, indecisive, and needy. Which also might be why I didn't feel like this was a true romance. I didn't feel that tension that I was expecting. Sure, there were some steamy sex scenes and Graham sounded like a total hottie, but it felt thrown in. Like the romance took a back seat because the main plot point was the manuscript, which I won't get into without spoiling. The manuscript plot added the element of generalized fiction in there that I wasn't really expecting to be at the forefront of this story. I definitely thought it would be more Will and Graham, not Will and his personal life.
The romance didn't follow the typical formula, which some readers might like? There's no third act fight or confrontation which goes against the standard. But maybe I needed that to truly connect with Will and Graham because it just felt so easy. Not sure if this is being sold as grumpy/sunshine trope, but Graham was not grumpy. He was just really confident and acted like a boss. I didn't get that coldness that I think he was going for. And the way he just bent over backward for Will also made it seem so easy. And enemies to lovers trope? Definitely didn't feel that enemy vibe either.
As another reviewer mentioned, it felt like two different stories. It was hard for me to put that into words but that reviewer nailed it. Definitely disjointed. It needed to flow better and maybe not be marketed as a romance.
However, I know Chip has a huge following because he's a bookstagrammer turned author and probably has so many besties that will gobble this up. I'm grateful to receive an ARC but this wasn't the book for me.
First off, I tried really hard to connect with the main character, Will. But I found him to be a tad annoying. He was whiney, indecisive, and needy. Which also might be why I didn't feel like this was a true romance. I didn't feel that tension that I was expecting. Sure, there were some steamy sex scenes and Graham sounded like a total hottie, but it felt thrown in. Like the romance took a back seat because the main plot point was the manuscript, which I won't get into without spoiling. The manuscript plot added the element of generalized fiction in there that I wasn't really expecting to be at the forefront of this story. I definitely thought it would be more Will and Graham, not Will and his personal life.
The romance didn't follow the typical formula, which some readers might like? There's no third act fight or confrontation which goes against the standard. But maybe I needed that to truly connect with Will and Graham because it just felt so easy. Not sure if this is being sold as grumpy/sunshine trope, but Graham was not grumpy. He was just really confident and acted like a boss. I didn't get that coldness that I think he was going for. And the way he just bent over backward for Will also made it seem so easy. And enemies to lovers trope? Definitely didn't feel that enemy vibe either.
As another reviewer mentioned, it felt like two different stories. It was hard for me to put that into words but that reviewer nailed it. Definitely disjointed. It needed to flow better and maybe not be marketed as a romance.
However, I know Chip has a huge following because he's a bookstagrammer turned author and probably has so many besties that will gobble this up. I'm grateful to receive an ARC but this wasn't the book for me.
February 23, 2024
DNF - c’était trop trop cringe, écriture niveau wattpad, et faut arrêter d’écrire des personnages de 29 ans avec des comportements d’ado de 15 ans. C’était insupportable il m’a gaché ma journée
August 28, 2022
“Grief never ends, but it changes. It is a passage, not a place to stay. Grief is not a sign or weakness nor a lack of faith, it is the price of love.”
This book was beautiful. So utterly absorbing and wonderfully paced. Was it perfect? No. It was far from perfect. Truth to be told, "You & I, Rewritten" was rather an uneventful book. No drama, no serious conflict, no tragedy. It was an easy to read, funny and light hearted read for the most part. But some parts of the story was also very emotional. This book just felt very personal. It was evident that the author was speaking from experience. It was as though he was narrating his very own story. Reminiscent of memories. So, "You & I, Rewritten" seemed to me like a collection of stories and tales from our everyday lives. It was a very calming and peaceful read. You definitely should give this book a try if you're looking for an escape from all those angsty or dramatic romance books out there.
Loved the romance. Will and Graham were such a cute couple. "You & I, Rewritten" is a romance book but that's not all it is. I really appreciate all the sensitive issues it tackled. The characters were flawed. And that's what made them realistic and relatable. Overall, really enjoyed this book. However I would liked it more if it had dual povs. Not that anything was wrong with Will being the sole protagonist. It's just a matter of personal preference. I like books with multiple povs. And dual povs in romance books is kinda must for me. So, 4 stars it is....
This book was beautiful. So utterly absorbing and wonderfully paced. Was it perfect? No. It was far from perfect. Truth to be told, "You & I, Rewritten" was rather an uneventful book. No drama, no serious conflict, no tragedy. It was an easy to read, funny and light hearted read for the most part. But some parts of the story was also very emotional. This book just felt very personal. It was evident that the author was speaking from experience. It was as though he was narrating his very own story. Reminiscent of memories. So, "You & I, Rewritten" seemed to me like a collection of stories and tales from our everyday lives. It was a very calming and peaceful read. You definitely should give this book a try if you're looking for an escape from all those angsty or dramatic romance books out there.
“The hardest part wasn’t acknowledging that she never chose me,” Klair reads aloud. “The hardest part was accepting that this moment—the one that I’d been dreading my entire life—was definitively and heartbreakingly never about me.”
Loved the romance. Will and Graham were such a cute couple. "You & I, Rewritten" is a romance book but that's not all it is. I really appreciate all the sensitive issues it tackled. The characters were flawed. And that's what made them realistic and relatable. Overall, really enjoyed this book. However I would liked it more if it had dual povs. Not that anything was wrong with Will being the sole protagonist. It's just a matter of personal preference. I like books with multiple povs. And dual povs in romance books is kinda must for me. So, 4 stars it is....
“Oh baby, I’ve known from our very first kiss that I was a goner. What we have…” I say, my lips now pressed against his neck. “…it’s the kind of love I’ve been silently praying was in the cards for me. The kind of love I’ll never stop being thankful for.”
“You had the audacity to come rushing into my life with your big and beautiful feelings, Will Cowen, and you decided that I was worthy - worthy of your time and your heart.”
“And if I have any say in the matter, I hope to be worthy of every second of your always.”
August 27, 2022
I am not sure how to rate this. I went in, I think, with my expectations too high because everybody and their brother was hyping this book up and the premise sounded great!
I liked Will and Klair and especially liked their friendship. I enjoyed their scenes together a lot. I also appreciated the lack of third act breakup. That being said, there wasn't really any tension in Will and Graham's relationship. It was like two days in they were perfectly in love, calling each other baby, and it was just a lot. I also had a hard time with the abrupt switch in Graham's character. He's introduced as this cold, terse bossman and then he's suddenly super in touch with his emotions and super mushy.
I also found myself skimming the last probably 40% of this because the romance was kind of put on the back burner in favor of the publishing/family storyline. I've seen multiple reviews saying this felt like two books and I think I agree.
Also, there were so many exclamation points. I don't know why this was something I noticed but there were just... so many. I felt like everyone was always yelling at each other.
Clearly I'm in the minority here because, like I said, everyone has been talking about this book and hyping it up so I'm just gonna mark it down as not for me and move on.
I liked Will and Klair and especially liked their friendship. I enjoyed their scenes together a lot. I also appreciated the lack of third act breakup. That being said, there wasn't really any tension in Will and Graham's relationship. It was like two days in they were perfectly in love, calling each other baby, and it was just a lot. I also had a hard time with the abrupt switch in Graham's character. He's introduced as this cold, terse bossman and then he's suddenly super in touch with his emotions and super mushy.
I also found myself skimming the last probably 40% of this because the romance was kind of put on the back burner in favor of the publishing/family storyline. I've seen multiple reviews saying this felt like two books and I think I agree.
Also, there were so many exclamation points. I don't know why this was something I noticed but there were just... so many. I felt like everyone was always yelling at each other.
Clearly I'm in the minority here because, like I said, everyone has been talking about this book and hyping it up so I'm just gonna mark it down as not for me and move on.
October 18, 2022
DNF @ 55%
I really REALLY wanted to love this one. I wanted to give the benefit of the doubt. Debut author! M/M romance written by a gay author! New to “this whole book thing!,” and I’m left wondering where the rave reviews are coming from? Will was a truly unlikeable main character. I found him incredibly immature for a 27yo. The inner self talk was distracting. But sex in the first 35%? Get it! But also, where does the relationship actually come from? Will is short and snippy with Graham from basically the beginning and then they go on a date and that’s it. They’re a couple. It was very rushed.
I think if You & I, Rewritten was written from Graham’s perspective it could have brought more depth to the story. He had his shit together, his vulnerability shown through his professional demeanor and he was really lovable.
I almost feel bad for the DNF but I just couldn’t get past my current thoughts and feelings to continue on. Also, it could have gone through another round of edits.
Also, there was no condom or status talk. Just some lube and got right to it. That was VERY strange to me.
***ONE LAST THING***
I’ve been stewing over this for hours now and I have to say Go Chip! You wrote a book! That’s more than I can say for myself after being on these apps for the better part of a decade.
I really REALLY wanted to love this one. I wanted to give the benefit of the doubt. Debut author! M/M romance written by a gay author! New to “this whole book thing!,” and I’m left wondering where the rave reviews are coming from? Will was a truly unlikeable main character. I found him incredibly immature for a 27yo. The inner self talk was distracting. But sex in the first 35%? Get it! But also, where does the relationship actually come from? Will is short and snippy with Graham from basically the beginning and then they go on a date and that’s it. They’re a couple. It was very rushed.
I think if You & I, Rewritten was written from Graham’s perspective it could have brought more depth to the story. He had his shit together, his vulnerability shown through his professional demeanor and he was really lovable.
I almost feel bad for the DNF but I just couldn’t get past my current thoughts and feelings to continue on. Also, it could have gone through another round of edits.
Also, there was no condom or status talk. Just some lube and got right to it. That was VERY strange to me.
***ONE LAST THING***
I’ve been stewing over this for hours now and I have to say Go Chip! You wrote a book! That’s more than I can say for myself after being on these apps for the better part of a decade.
September 10, 2022
I had seen raving reviews about You & I, Rewritten and like many of you I follow Chip Pons on Instagram. Therefore I had high expectations of this story.
First of all, this book is a light and steamy read, and I flew through the pages even though it didn’t meet the high expectations I had beforehand. Somehow I thought that this story would be darker and I felt a little let down (I’m a sucker for darker and emotional stories). The story touches heavier topics but doesn’t explore them a lot, except in the last part. Still, I enjoyed myself and recommend this book to anyone who just wants a distraction from normal life, a few hours of dreaming away. I loved the interaction between Wil and Graham and smiled a lot while reading this book.
One thing that shocked me though was the lack of condom use in this book. I thought that I had missed it the first time the guys had sex, so I went back to read the passage again but nothing about a condom. The last book I read was Destination Unknown that’s set in the eighties and deals with HIV and AIDS, and not using condoms and not talking about it felt utterly wrong to me. Therefore I decided to round down my 3.5 rating to 3.
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First of all, this book is a light and steamy read, and I flew through the pages even though it didn’t meet the high expectations I had beforehand. Somehow I thought that this story would be darker and I felt a little let down (I’m a sucker for darker and emotional stories). The story touches heavier topics but doesn’t explore them a lot, except in the last part. Still, I enjoyed myself and recommend this book to anyone who just wants a distraction from normal life, a few hours of dreaming away. I loved the interaction between Wil and Graham and smiled a lot while reading this book.
One thing that shocked me though was the lack of condom use in this book. I thought that I had missed it the first time the guys had sex, so I went back to read the passage again but nothing about a condom. The last book I read was Destination Unknown that’s set in the eighties and deals with HIV and AIDS, and not using condoms and not talking about it felt utterly wrong to me. Therefore I decided to round down my 3.5 rating to 3.
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September 3, 2022
I wish this book had been rewritten.
December 6, 2022
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Actual Rating: 3.5 Stars
Usually when the phrase “separate art from artist” is mentioned it is due to a good art by a not very good person. In this case, It is kind of the opposite. The author as far as I know is a very kind and nice person and I can’t say the book was bad but I can’t either shower it with praise just because of that. I am always trying to stay unbiased and objective in my reviews (And as a human I can’t always succeed) so that’s what I am going to do here.
This is Pons debut novel so he should be cut some slack but there were parts where you could tell it was that. The problem with knowing the author is that it feels I was reading something highly personal that I should not be reading like his own journal. The story follows Will Cowen who is getting a new publishing job and the new manuscript he gets to work on will change his life forever specially that he has to work with Graham Austin who he falls for so hard. This is an LGBT story by a man which is a rarity so I get why people do like it though.
The characters themselves are well written, I liked Will & Graham, I liked Klair and her BF and I loved the families. The things that did not work for me was the very fast romance -Although I believe it is based on the author’s real life story- the idea that Graham is cold and it is more of a telling rather than showing that.
The writing is okay, the description and prose are good and it has a good flow that when I started it I finished 30% without even realizing it. The thing that did not work for me was the dialogue because it felt so unnatural. I was like “Do people talk like that in real life?” and it just felt like things influencers would say to get more love online most of the time.
The plot is a bit vague till the end of the book which I believe was the best part because it gave more depth and substance to a cute romance. There was a lot of discussion about healing and families and it was great. Most of the threads are closed but I was bothered with the fact that Garaham’s brother thread was left hanging without much closure.
Summary: It was a fluffy romance that was easy to read and spend a few hours. I would not say it is a life changing book or one that will stick with me for a long time because of some of the debut mistakes that were there. The dialogue was my biggest problem but the characters and flow were very good. I am happy for Pons for publishing his debut and hope his next books are even better and more successful!
“Grief never ends, but it changes. It is a passage, not a place to stay. Grief is not a sign or weakness nor a lack of faith, it is the price of love.”
Actual Rating: 3.5 Stars
Usually when the phrase “separate art from artist” is mentioned it is due to a good art by a not very good person. In this case, It is kind of the opposite. The author as far as I know is a very kind and nice person and I can’t say the book was bad but I can’t either shower it with praise just because of that. I am always trying to stay unbiased and objective in my reviews (And as a human I can’t always succeed) so that’s what I am going to do here.
This is Pons debut novel so he should be cut some slack but there were parts where you could tell it was that. The problem with knowing the author is that it feels I was reading something highly personal that I should not be reading like his own journal. The story follows Will Cowen who is getting a new publishing job and the new manuscript he gets to work on will change his life forever specially that he has to work with Graham Austin who he falls for so hard. This is an LGBT story by a man which is a rarity so I get why people do like it though.
The characters themselves are well written, I liked Will & Graham, I liked Klair and her BF and I loved the families. The things that did not work for me was the very fast romance -Although I believe it is based on the author’s real life story- the idea that Graham is cold and it is more of a telling rather than showing that.
The writing is okay, the description and prose are good and it has a good flow that when I started it I finished 30% without even realizing it. The thing that did not work for me was the dialogue because it felt so unnatural. I was like “Do people talk like that in real life?” and it just felt like things influencers would say to get more love online most of the time.
The plot is a bit vague till the end of the book which I believe was the best part because it gave more depth and substance to a cute romance. There was a lot of discussion about healing and families and it was great. Most of the threads are closed but I was bothered with the fact that Garaham’s brother thread was left hanging without much closure.
Summary: It was a fluffy romance that was easy to read and spend a few hours. I would not say it is a life changing book or one that will stick with me for a long time because of some of the debut mistakes that were there. The dialogue was my biggest problem but the characters and flow were very good. I am happy for Pons for publishing his debut and hope his next books are even better and more successful!
September 7, 2022
I don't know what more I can add to what's already been said about this wonderfully big-hearted, steamy, emotional and deeply personal M/M office indie romance debut, other than that you NEED to add it to your TBR and it lives up to ALL the hype!!
I loved getting to know Will and Graham and especially Klair. The friend relationship between Klair and Will was serious #goals !! Everyone should have a bestie like Klair!
What I really loved though was that this book managed to avoid the typical romcom tropes and did it flawlessly!! This was just two people falling in love and being there for one another, especially during some really tough moments!!
Aside from lots of HOT scenes (ahem, conference table sex anyone??), this book also tackles important topics like anxiety and alcoholism/addiction of a family member.
If I haven't convinced you yet just take a chance or read some of the MANY other glowing reviews out there!! I am beyond excited to read what's next from my newest auto-buy author!
I loved getting to know Will and Graham and especially Klair. The friend relationship between Klair and Will was serious #goals !! Everyone should have a bestie like Klair!
What I really loved though was that this book managed to avoid the typical romcom tropes and did it flawlessly!! This was just two people falling in love and being there for one another, especially during some really tough moments!!
Aside from lots of HOT scenes (ahem, conference table sex anyone??), this book also tackles important topics like anxiety and alcoholism/addiction of a family member.
If I haven't convinced you yet just take a chance or read some of the MANY other glowing reviews out there!! I am beyond excited to read what's next from my newest auto-buy author!
April 16, 2023
this book is everything. you hear me?! EVERYTHING ❤️🩹
it touched my heart! and my soul! and it’s wonderful history of two beautiful souls!
ps: i’m naming my son Graham!
it touched my heart! and my soul! and it’s wonderful history of two beautiful souls!
ps: i’m naming my son Graham!
September 2, 2022
I’m rounding up.
Okay look, I have a lot of thoughts about what I just read, but growing up, my parents always taught me, “if you don’t have something nice to say, don’t say anything at all.”
So I’m just gonna keep quiet on this one.
Before I go, however, I do want to point out two things.
1) This is not a romance novel. Is there a love story? Sure. But the main focus of this novel was not the romance between Will and Graham; it was about Will’s journey and personal growth and his career. So no, this is not a romance novel.
2) I rounded up because Graham deserved reparations for all exclamation points added on to his sentences. He would never.
Oh and this book needs a better editor or proofreader because *yikes*
Okay the end bye ✌🏼
Okay look, I have a lot of thoughts about what I just read, but growing up, my parents always taught me, “if you don’t have something nice to say, don’t say anything at all.”
So I’m just gonna keep quiet on this one.
Before I go, however, I do want to point out two things.
1) This is not a romance novel. Is there a love story? Sure. But the main focus of this novel was not the romance between Will and Graham; it was about Will’s journey and personal growth and his career. So no, this is not a romance novel.
2) I rounded up because Graham deserved reparations for all exclamation points added on to his sentences. He would never.
Oh and this book needs a better editor or proofreader because *yikes*
Okay the end bye ✌🏼
July 10, 2022
Every once in a while you read a book that smacks you in the face emotionally and you’re asking yourself “where have you been all my life?”
That is You & I, Rewritten.
This was my face while reading: 😊😂😊🤣😍😊😳🥵😊🥰🥹🥵🥵🥵🥵🥵🥵😊😂😍🥹😊🥹😍🥰😳😰🫣😱😭😭😭😭😭😭😭😭🥰🥲🥹
In case you couldn’t tell, this book took me on an emotional roller coaster ride and I loved every minute of it.
I love Will with my whole damn heart. He is so special and I saw so many parts of myself in him and this whole book in general. Even though I may not have experienced anything 100% the same way some of the characters have, I felt like I could relate to almost every element of this story. I felt seen. I kept thinking “I know what this feels like”
Wills & Grahams story is so much more than just your average, cute love story. Yes, it’s swoony and romantic and.. uhhh… HAWT AF🥵👀 but there was such a big emphasis on overcoming and working through the challenges life throws at you. They grew so much, both together and individually and, not to repeat myself, but I loved every minute of it.
I feel like my words are not even remotely doing this book justice, but please trust this good ol stranger on the internet, and go preorder this book RIGHT NOW. I am 100% certain that you won’t regret it and will feel seen and understood throughout.
Thank you Chip for letting me be a part of the group that got to experience this literal masterpiece early 🥺
That is You & I, Rewritten.
This was my face while reading: 😊😂😊🤣😍😊😳🥵😊🥰🥹🥵🥵🥵🥵🥵🥵😊😂😍🥹😊🥹😍🥰😳😰🫣😱😭😭😭😭😭😭😭😭🥰🥲🥹
In case you couldn’t tell, this book took me on an emotional roller coaster ride and I loved every minute of it.
I love Will with my whole damn heart. He is so special and I saw so many parts of myself in him and this whole book in general. Even though I may not have experienced anything 100% the same way some of the characters have, I felt like I could relate to almost every element of this story. I felt seen. I kept thinking “I know what this feels like”
Wills & Grahams story is so much more than just your average, cute love story. Yes, it’s swoony and romantic and.. uhhh… HAWT AF🥵👀 but there was such a big emphasis on overcoming and working through the challenges life throws at you. They grew so much, both together and individually and, not to repeat myself, but I loved every minute of it.
I feel like my words are not even remotely doing this book justice, but please trust this good ol stranger on the internet, and go preorder this book RIGHT NOW. I am 100% certain that you won’t regret it and will feel seen and understood throughout.
Thank you Chip for letting me be a part of the group that got to experience this literal masterpiece early 🥺
July 25, 2022
I just finished You & I, Rewritten and I am honestly still feeling aaaaaalllllll of the feelings. Not quite sure how coherent this review will be, but I’m going to give it my best shot.
I knew from the first page that I would absolutely adore this book. It’s hard to believe that Chip is a debut novelist, with how much heart and emotion he packed into these pages. The conversations surrounding anxiety and trauma were especially poignant, and incredibly REAL. I loved how communicative the characters were with one another and how they showed up for each other.
I’m confident that anyone who reads this book will find pieces of themselves in Will. He is desperate to be loved and accepted, deals with anxious thoughts, and is working through a lot of trauma, but he also shows up for his people, is dedicated and hard-working, and incredibly loving and passionate. Graham is swoon-worthy - serious and stoic on the outside, total cinnamon roll on the inside.
A couple other quick notes:
• THE CONFERENCE ROOM SCENE. Phew. If you know, YOU KNOW.
• there is no 👏🏻 third 👏🏻 act 👏🏻 conflict 👏🏻 - praise Chip Pons for kicking this tired trope to the curb.
• I had to put down my Kindle to sob into my hands. The final 25% is a gut punch. When Chip told me to buckle up, I should have listened.
Anyway, I’m babbling. This book is a must-read when it releases on August 23rd. Thank you to the author for giving me the opportunity to read it early. ♥️♥️
I knew from the first page that I would absolutely adore this book. It’s hard to believe that Chip is a debut novelist, with how much heart and emotion he packed into these pages. The conversations surrounding anxiety and trauma were especially poignant, and incredibly REAL. I loved how communicative the characters were with one another and how they showed up for each other.
I’m confident that anyone who reads this book will find pieces of themselves in Will. He is desperate to be loved and accepted, deals with anxious thoughts, and is working through a lot of trauma, but he also shows up for his people, is dedicated and hard-working, and incredibly loving and passionate. Graham is swoon-worthy - serious and stoic on the outside, total cinnamon roll on the inside.
A couple other quick notes:
• THE CONFERENCE ROOM SCENE. Phew. If you know, YOU KNOW.
• there is no 👏🏻 third 👏🏻 act 👏🏻 conflict 👏🏻 - praise Chip Pons for kicking this tired trope to the curb.
• I had to put down my Kindle to sob into my hands. The final 25% is a gut punch. When Chip told me to buckle up, I should have listened.
Anyway, I’m babbling. This book is a must-read when it releases on August 23rd. Thank you to the author for giving me the opportunity to read it early. ♥️♥️
September 14, 2022
The gay romance we don't deserve but Chip gave it to us anyway 🥲
"He's showed me that all of me, especially the messy and anxious parts, are not only worthy of getting to know, but worthy of normalization and acceptance."
THIS. FUCKING. BOOK. Call me R.L. Stine because a bitch had GOOSEBUMPS the entire time. When Will lands a dream job at a publishing company alongside his best friend, Klair, all is right in the world. Then, in comes the boss's dreamy, handsome, GAWD of a son, Graham, and Will realizes the job might be even better than he dreamed.
This romance is entirely infectious! It's full of warmth, cackles, tears, boners, hope, and longing. Will and Graham just make sense. They have swoon-worthy moments, they fight, they bang, they banter. No matter what happens, they find their way back to each other. And, Katy Perry in the house henny because they are a FIREWORK! Speaking of...the sex...*bites knuckles* HAWT. Also, it was the perfect speed for me! I like that it wasn't instantaneous love and then all unicorns and sunshine. Will had his awkward, but giddy phase. Graham kept to himself for the most part but would dish some subtle hints here and there. And THEN the romance began. I seriously love them, their dynamic, and their story.
Graham is PERFECTION. A man that is hawt, well-groomed, driven, a gentleman, and admits to flaws? Gimme the mf pen because bitch I'm SIGNING! His character arc is BRILLIANT. From the offset, he seems to be someone who is only concerned with his career, donning an impenetrable wall that is tough to crack. But throughout the story, he softens (even though we're HARD), and we experience this person with so much flavor and surprises that just make us fall for him chapter after chapter.
Will's connection with Mitch tugs on my heart strings so hard, and resonated with me on such a personal level. As my dad passed away when I was in college, I strive for that connection with my boyfriend's dad. And you can see Will's built-up anxiety but resolve to form that connection with Mitch. Sure because he's Will boss, but also because he's Graham's dad. They have such heartfelt moments throughout the entire book. And it's soothing and warm to me. The way Mitch is constantly open-arms to Will. Always willing to talk through rocky moments. And more importantly, never making Will feel like he needs to prove himself to Mitch. Mitch takes Will for who he is and it absolutely melts my heart.
Also, Klair. CHIIIIIILE. One of the best side characters in the mf game! "You know what's going on yours? Mediocre at handling meat." She had me lol'ing the entire book! But she's also this ride-or-die best friend that drops EVERYTHING when her friends need her. She is endearing, honest, thoughtful, and HILARIOUS! And truly brings her to the forefront of what a side character should be in a book!
I was HERE for the game night! The chills ran abundant and the feels were HIT. That first time, watching your partner and your best friend truly connect and let loose, holds so much weight and possibility. Not much can compare to that moment your people coexist. And the way you completely melt at the sight. It was such a cute moment to see Will's reaction to this scene, and is an element that I love Chip decided to display!
The storyline with Lana's book captured my attention the entire time! I loved seeing how engrossed Will was with it. It adds such a pivotal character trait for me. We get to see Will from the romance standpoint, and then we get to see him from the professional standpoint as well. We see this is a man who is driven, determined, and excited in his career. And it paints a more refined picture to who our MC is, by developing a plethora of character traits. We have a clear understanding of who Will is and what he represents, in all facets of the human condition.
And the TWIST! It truly felt like a full circle moment. Like you didn't realize you were holding your breath but then all of a sudden you exhale. First of all, did not see that one coming, and second, what a way to both invoke this "life is too short" realization and to derive an even deeper emotional attachment to this book.
What an incredible debut! Many congrats to Chip and HELLO to a new auto-buy author of mine :)
"He's showed me that all of me, especially the messy and anxious parts, are not only worthy of getting to know, but worthy of normalization and acceptance."
THIS. FUCKING. BOOK. Call me R.L. Stine because a bitch had GOOSEBUMPS the entire time. When Will lands a dream job at a publishing company alongside his best friend, Klair, all is right in the world. Then, in comes the boss's dreamy, handsome, GAWD of a son, Graham, and Will realizes the job might be even better than he dreamed.
This romance is entirely infectious! It's full of warmth, cackles, tears, boners, hope, and longing. Will and Graham just make sense. They have swoon-worthy moments, they fight, they bang, they banter. No matter what happens, they find their way back to each other. And, Katy Perry in the house henny because they are a FIREWORK! Speaking of...the sex...*bites knuckles* HAWT. Also, it was the perfect speed for me! I like that it wasn't instantaneous love and then all unicorns and sunshine. Will had his awkward, but giddy phase. Graham kept to himself for the most part but would dish some subtle hints here and there. And THEN the romance began. I seriously love them, their dynamic, and their story.
Graham is PERFECTION. A man that is hawt, well-groomed, driven, a gentleman, and admits to flaws? Gimme the mf pen because bitch I'm SIGNING! His character arc is BRILLIANT. From the offset, he seems to be someone who is only concerned with his career, donning an impenetrable wall that is tough to crack. But throughout the story, he softens (even though we're HARD), and we experience this person with so much flavor and surprises that just make us fall for him chapter after chapter.
Will's connection with Mitch tugs on my heart strings so hard, and resonated with me on such a personal level. As my dad passed away when I was in college, I strive for that connection with my boyfriend's dad. And you can see Will's built-up anxiety but resolve to form that connection with Mitch. Sure because he's Will boss, but also because he's Graham's dad. They have such heartfelt moments throughout the entire book. And it's soothing and warm to me. The way Mitch is constantly open-arms to Will. Always willing to talk through rocky moments. And more importantly, never making Will feel like he needs to prove himself to Mitch. Mitch takes Will for who he is and it absolutely melts my heart.
Also, Klair. CHIIIIIILE. One of the best side characters in the mf game! "You know what's going on yours? Mediocre at handling meat." She had me lol'ing the entire book! But she's also this ride-or-die best friend that drops EVERYTHING when her friends need her. She is endearing, honest, thoughtful, and HILARIOUS! And truly brings her to the forefront of what a side character should be in a book!
I was HERE for the game night! The chills ran abundant and the feels were HIT. That first time, watching your partner and your best friend truly connect and let loose, holds so much weight and possibility. Not much can compare to that moment your people coexist. And the way you completely melt at the sight. It was such a cute moment to see Will's reaction to this scene, and is an element that I love Chip decided to display!
The storyline with Lana's book captured my attention the entire time! I loved seeing how engrossed Will was with it. It adds such a pivotal character trait for me. We get to see Will from the romance standpoint, and then we get to see him from the professional standpoint as well. We see this is a man who is driven, determined, and excited in his career. And it paints a more refined picture to who our MC is, by developing a plethora of character traits. We have a clear understanding of who Will is and what he represents, in all facets of the human condition.
And the TWIST! It truly felt like a full circle moment. Like you didn't realize you were holding your breath but then all of a sudden you exhale. First of all, did not see that one coming, and second, what a way to both invoke this "life is too short" realization and to derive an even deeper emotional attachment to this book.
What an incredible debut! Many congrats to Chip and HELLO to a new auto-buy author of mine :)
September 5, 2022
Sorry, I really wanted to love this book and I’m feeling so bad for not liking it because of the author’s note at the beginning and me being so so excited about it but I just couldn’t.
I really hated the MC Will especially at the first half of the book.
He was just so unprofessional in his work space and took everything personal and was extremely self centered. I mean he wanted to quit after two days because Graham kept texting on the ice breaker scavenger hunt. Dramatic much? Graham wasn’t even rude or anything. Will was just dramatic and sulky without a reason. He tried just too hard with Graham and then was annoyed when Graham tried to stay professional for the time being.
Poor Graham. He didn’t do anything wrong but Will kept harassing him at the beginning non stop. Like:
›› I take another step toward him, invading the space he seemingly works so hard to put between himself and the rest of the world. “You do realize people around here think you’re a dick, right?” ‹‹
This is the first week at his new job and like after three talks with Graham. He doesn’t even know if someone is thinking that about Graham.
And tell me this is not harassment?! Accepting someones boundaries is not so hard.
Will just assumes the worst of Graham all of the time and then blames Graham for it even if he didn’t do anything wrong but on the other hand he is obsessed with him?! It doesn’t make sense.
And how did Graham saw anything in Will?!? He was just obnoxious.
But I didn’t get their relationship at all because they were so hot and cold the whole time I couldn’t keep up. The tender moments seemed like they happened out of nowhere the whole time because two pages ago Will behaved badly towards Graham and then suddenly they were very flirty again. But maybe that was just me again not understanding what Graham saw in Will at all. There was no chemistry going on between these two.
And how many times was the author gonna mention that Klair is just the „sweetest and the most wholesome person ever“? I got it after the first time. I didn’t need a reminder every two pages.
And my last straw was them having sex for the first time without a condom and not even talking about it beforehand.
I wanted to dnf it at 37% (and that’s the part of the book this review is about, not the other 63%) but then I read other reviews about how it gets emotional in the second half. So I kept reading or more like skimming.
And because I just skimmed it I’m not going to comment on the rest of the book. I’m just saying after the disastrous start I couldn’t connect with this story anymore.
I really hated the MC Will especially at the first half of the book.
He was just so unprofessional in his work space and took everything personal and was extremely self centered. I mean he wanted to quit after two days because Graham kept texting on the ice breaker scavenger hunt. Dramatic much? Graham wasn’t even rude or anything. Will was just dramatic and sulky without a reason. He tried just too hard with Graham and then was annoyed when Graham tried to stay professional for the time being.
Poor Graham. He didn’t do anything wrong but Will kept harassing him at the beginning non stop. Like:
›› I take another step toward him, invading the space he seemingly works so hard to put between himself and the rest of the world. “You do realize people around here think you’re a dick, right?” ‹‹
This is the first week at his new job and like after three talks with Graham. He doesn’t even know if someone is thinking that about Graham.
And tell me this is not harassment?! Accepting someones boundaries is not so hard.
Will just assumes the worst of Graham all of the time and then blames Graham for it even if he didn’t do anything wrong but on the other hand he is obsessed with him?! It doesn’t make sense.
And how did Graham saw anything in Will?!? He was just obnoxious.
But I didn’t get their relationship at all because they were so hot and cold the whole time I couldn’t keep up. The tender moments seemed like they happened out of nowhere the whole time because two pages ago Will behaved badly towards Graham and then suddenly they were very flirty again. But maybe that was just me again not understanding what Graham saw in Will at all. There was no chemistry going on between these two.
And how many times was the author gonna mention that Klair is just the „sweetest and the most wholesome person ever“? I got it after the first time. I didn’t need a reminder every two pages.
And my last straw was them having sex for the first time without a condom and not even talking about it beforehand.
I wanted to dnf it at 37% (and that’s the part of the book this review is about, not the other 63%) but then I read other reviews about how it gets emotional in the second half. So I kept reading or more like skimming.
And because I just skimmed it I’m not going to comment on the rest of the book. I’m just saying after the disastrous start I couldn’t connect with this story anymore.
September 7, 2025
3.5 stars
August 26, 2022
Every once in a while, you will come across that book that has the potential to change the way you see things. The way you have been processing something in your life and You & I, Rewritten was that book for me. At its core this was a love story but that is far from what this book is in its entirety.
Chip has been honest on his Instagram about how much this book is a part of his own story and I could feel that on the pages. Some of the events and past traumas of this book can only be written the way that were when the person writing them has experienced them.
“Grief never ends, but it changes. It is a passage, not a place to stay. Grief is not a sign or weakness nor a lack of faith, it is the price of love.”
This book was not sad in the way you might be thinking. It was full of so much love and light that I was swooning far more than I was sobbing. Will & Graham's fall into love was so beautiful. That might sound cliche, but it really was. From the way that Will was crazy over Graham before he even really got to know him or the way that Graham would look at Will as if he held all the answers to life Graham had been searching for.
Klair is the best friend all of us want in a best friend. She was there for Will even when he didn't know he needed her. The subtle encouragements she gave him and even the not-so-subtle ones really helped solidify how close they were. Sometimes a best friend in a book can overshadow a main character but the balance between Will & Clair was perfection.
Also, quick little mention that conference room scene!!!
For a debut novel, hell any novel You & I, Rewritten had everything I crave in a good romance. I never wanted Will and Graham's story to end. Also, props to Chip Pons for not giving the "expected" ending we see so many times. Honestly, I could rave all day about this book but just do yourself a favor and read this book!!
Chip has been honest on his Instagram about how much this book is a part of his own story and I could feel that on the pages. Some of the events and past traumas of this book can only be written the way that were when the person writing them has experienced them.
“Grief never ends, but it changes. It is a passage, not a place to stay. Grief is not a sign or weakness nor a lack of faith, it is the price of love.”
This book was not sad in the way you might be thinking. It was full of so much love and light that I was swooning far more than I was sobbing. Will & Graham's fall into love was so beautiful. That might sound cliche, but it really was. From the way that Will was crazy over Graham before he even really got to know him or the way that Graham would look at Will as if he held all the answers to life Graham had been searching for.
Klair is the best friend all of us want in a best friend. She was there for Will even when he didn't know he needed her. The subtle encouragements she gave him and even the not-so-subtle ones really helped solidify how close they were. Sometimes a best friend in a book can overshadow a main character but the balance between Will & Clair was perfection.
Also, quick little mention that conference room scene!!!
For a debut novel, hell any novel You & I, Rewritten had everything I crave in a good romance. I never wanted Will and Graham's story to end. Also, props to Chip Pons for not giving the "expected" ending we see so many times. Honestly, I could rave all day about this book but just do yourself a favor and read this book!!
Read
August 26, 2022DNF @30% - No rating
I can't connect to either MC and the writing feels kind of weird to me.
Sorry!
I can't connect to either MC and the writing feels kind of weird to me.
Sorry!
February 23, 2023
I wasn’t totally sure what to expect from this book going in, but I was so pleased with what I ended up getting! I truly enjoyed the trajectory of the plot — it was paced well, it kept my attention, and it did a lot with its relatively short length of 300 pages. In my mind, the length was perfect. I loved a lot of things about the book, which are detailed below.
Alright, so …
One of the book’s hugest strengths was the characters.
Will was a protagonist who was so easy to love and root for, because he was such a good person. He was kind, he was empathetic, and he was resilient. As we started to learn more about his backstory, I loved him more and more. Getting to see Will’s journey of confronting his past head-on was rewarding and touching, and I was so proud of him by the end of the book.
Graham was a fantastic character. What a man. Once we got past his icy exterior and got to see the true sunshine that lived within him, I was so happy. The way that he treated and supported Will was beautiful – and something that everyone deserves.
Also, we all need a Klair in our lives. Period.
The book started off simple enough, but as we progressed, it touched on more and more heavy subject matter – not only are those topics important, they NEED to be talked about. And Chip did an excellent job at addressing those topics (i.e., alcoholism / addiction, abuse, mental health, military trauma, to name a few) gracefully and accurately. Jesus Christ, did I cry at numerous points. There was so much emotion packed into the book, and it was effective. I also very much appreciated the focus on trauma and PTSD, something near and dear to me.
So, overall – You & I, Rewritten was a lovely, touching, romantic, emotional, and charming debut novel. Also – the spice level broke the fucking thermometer, because we got a lot of it. A LOT.
I think Chip is a very talented author – and one to watch. Would gladly read his next book!
P.S. As a die-hard Swiftie, The Taylor Swift moments in the book were so appreciated – although I wish we got answers to what Will and Graham’s favorite eras were! I think Labyrinth from Midnights is the perfect love theme for them. 💙
P.P.S. …
JESUS, some of these reviews and their “feedback” are so incredibly toxic. Seeing people bash Will for being quick to anger, insecure, and damaged feels so uninformed. Per usual, the effects of trauma go right over people’s heads and they dismiss them as “weaknesses” and things that make them “unlikeable.” It feels judgmental.
There are a disturbing number of reviews that ignore reviewing the book itself and are instead focused on reviewing THE AUTHOR. Seems pretty immature to me. ¯\_(ツ)_/¯
Anyway -- I recommend this little gem of a book.
Alright, so …
One of the book’s hugest strengths was the characters.
Will was a protagonist who was so easy to love and root for, because he was such a good person. He was kind, he was empathetic, and he was resilient. As we started to learn more about his backstory, I loved him more and more. Getting to see Will’s journey of confronting his past head-on was rewarding and touching, and I was so proud of him by the end of the book.
Graham was a fantastic character. What a man. Once we got past his icy exterior and got to see the true sunshine that lived within him, I was so happy. The way that he treated and supported Will was beautiful – and something that everyone deserves.
Also, we all need a Klair in our lives. Period.
The book started off simple enough, but as we progressed, it touched on more and more heavy subject matter – not only are those topics important, they NEED to be talked about. And Chip did an excellent job at addressing those topics (i.e., alcoholism / addiction, abuse, mental health, military trauma, to name a few) gracefully and accurately. Jesus Christ, did I cry at numerous points. There was so much emotion packed into the book, and it was effective. I also very much appreciated the focus on trauma and PTSD, something near and dear to me.
So, overall – You & I, Rewritten was a lovely, touching, romantic, emotional, and charming debut novel. Also – the spice level broke the fucking thermometer, because we got a lot of it. A LOT.
I think Chip is a very talented author – and one to watch. Would gladly read his next book!
P.S. As a die-hard Swiftie, The Taylor Swift moments in the book were so appreciated – although I wish we got answers to what Will and Graham’s favorite eras were! I think Labyrinth from Midnights is the perfect love theme for them. 💙
P.P.S. …
JESUS, some of these reviews and their “feedback” are so incredibly toxic. Seeing people bash Will for being quick to anger, insecure, and damaged feels so uninformed. Per usual, the effects of trauma go right over people’s heads and they dismiss them as “weaknesses” and things that make them “unlikeable.” It feels judgmental.
There are a disturbing number of reviews that ignore reviewing the book itself and are instead focused on reviewing THE AUTHOR. Seems pretty immature to me. ¯\_(ツ)_/¯
Anyway -- I recommend this little gem of a book.
September 27, 2022
This was so fun, I loved reading it and laughed out loud plenty! I enjoyed Will’s inner monologues, his humor, and being in his head. I felt like I was always there with Will, Klair, and Graham — what a fun group of friends to have! I love a work setting and when it’s book related with a PUBLISHING house? I’m gone (especially in NYC)!
Graham and Will came together naturally. It never needed to be complicated and I really appreciated that. There is no miscommunication, there’s communication & ownership. Real emotions. Real issues. And so relatable with mental health. “You so clearly aren’t afraid to show the world around you your warmth and that you have this big, kind heart. Never apologize for that.”
Graham as a love interest for Will, has such a big heart, comes off cold and you’d assume to be an enemies to lovers romance but honestly it was so much smoother than that. He’s honest with his feelings right from the start. A lot of Will’s anxiety and insecurities is stemmed from his past, so Graham being there for him? I don’t think we should settle and we all deserve a Graham in our lives. They balanced each other. The steam! It came through!
Best for last, I adored Klair and the friendship so much for Will. “Graham may be my epic love, but Klair will always be my person.” Do read the authors note & acknowledgements ♥️
Graham and Will came together naturally. It never needed to be complicated and I really appreciated that. There is no miscommunication, there’s communication & ownership. Real emotions. Real issues. And so relatable with mental health. “You so clearly aren’t afraid to show the world around you your warmth and that you have this big, kind heart. Never apologize for that.”
Graham as a love interest for Will, has such a big heart, comes off cold and you’d assume to be an enemies to lovers romance but honestly it was so much smoother than that. He’s honest with his feelings right from the start. A lot of Will’s anxiety and insecurities is stemmed from his past, so Graham being there for him? I don’t think we should settle and we all deserve a Graham in our lives. They balanced each other. The steam! It came through!
Best for last, I adored Klair and the friendship so much for Will. “Graham may be my epic love, but Klair will always be my person.” Do read the authors note & acknowledgements ♥️
September 5, 2022
This is not the review I wanted to write. I've followed Chip Pons on Instagram for a while now, and really thought his book would knock the wind out of my sails and land itself on my "Best Of" lists... not my "Most Disappointing." Especially considering this book is so personal for him, it feels icky to critique a story based on his own life.
But we are not friends and I'm a reviewer, so I will do my best.
TW: death of a parent (on page), alcoholism (side characters), anxiety and panic attacks, parental abandonment, grief, physical abuse (flashbacks), military sexual trauma (side character, past incident), mentions of disordered eating*
*never discussed or brought up, but is definitely in the story more than once for a certain character
If you're looking for an angsty romance this ain't it. The romance plotline is a straight line. No conflict or anything terribly interesting. Graham is kind, can wear dress pants exceptionally well, and has exactly one (1) not perfect moment. I also kept picturing him as the cereal Golden Grahams and still don't know which character on the cover is supposed to be him lol.
Our narrator Will is starting at a publishing firm as an editor with his best friend Klair, who is based off the author's IRL bestie also named Klaire. She was the best part of the book. The only times I laughed were when she was in the scene.
Will is an emotional mess, which normally I like because I, too, am an emotional mess—this was his only personality trait though. At least the other half of my personality is sitcoms. He acted quite immaturely for his age, more fresh-out-of-college and less established-in-his-career.
Which leads to me to the biggest issue with the book.
Is Graham his boss? Because we are told he his, but he's not thank goodness, but then jokingly he's the boss. WHICH IS IT?? Because that affects the story significantly. The hierarchy appears to be Klair and Will are editors that report to Graham, who in turn reports to his father, the owner of the company.
A company, by the way, that is devoid of conflict and has men regularly confessing deep feelings and crying in it. Sounds great on paper, but is wholly unrealistic. Especially the part where there is conference table sex and no one WIPES DOWN THE TABLE BEFORE THE NEXT MEETING???
Anyways, the last point I wanted to make was about the writing. This is the author's debut, and it's self-published, two things I try to keep in mind when reviewing books. However. I am an editor in my day job and just finished a self-pubbed debut with fantastic writing. So the frequent italics... and ellipses... every five seconds was grating to read. And! The exclamation marks! I overuse the punctuation in my own writing constantly, but! I don't in professional...writing and wouldn't let that many pass if I was the editor.
Something positive to end on: I enjoyed that the book was unafraid to show mental health issues in men. I liked the different family dynamics, and the twist at the end was unexpected. Another review I read disliked the last 15% and loved everything else; I was bored until the last 15%. Again, I know many parts of the ending are specifically taken from the author's personal experience, so I won't make any further comments other than it was the most interesting part.
If the writing is less forced and try-hard I might read his next book. Still love his Instagram though!
But we are not friends and I'm a reviewer, so I will do my best.
TW: death of a parent (on page), alcoholism (side characters), anxiety and panic attacks, parental abandonment, grief, physical abuse (flashbacks), military sexual trauma (side character, past incident), mentions of disordered eating*
*never discussed or brought up, but is definitely in the story more than once for a certain character
If you're looking for an angsty romance this ain't it. The romance plotline is a straight line. No conflict or anything terribly interesting. Graham is kind, can wear dress pants exceptionally well, and has exactly one (1) not perfect moment. I also kept picturing him as the cereal Golden Grahams and still don't know which character on the cover is supposed to be him lol.
Our narrator Will is starting at a publishing firm as an editor with his best friend Klair, who is based off the author's IRL bestie also named Klaire. She was the best part of the book. The only times I laughed were when she was in the scene.
Will is an emotional mess, which normally I like because I, too, am an emotional mess—this was his only personality trait though. At least the other half of my personality is sitcoms. He acted quite immaturely for his age, more fresh-out-of-college and less established-in-his-career.
Which leads to me to the biggest issue with the book.
Is Graham his boss? Because we are told he his, but he's not thank goodness, but then jokingly he's the boss. WHICH IS IT?? Because that affects the story significantly. The hierarchy appears to be Klair and Will are editors that report to Graham, who in turn reports to his father, the owner of the company.
A company, by the way, that is devoid of conflict and has men regularly confessing deep feelings and crying in it. Sounds great on paper, but is wholly unrealistic. Especially the part where there is conference table sex and no one WIPES DOWN THE TABLE BEFORE THE NEXT MEETING???
Anyways, the last point I wanted to make was about the writing. This is the author's debut, and it's self-published, two things I try to keep in mind when reviewing books. However. I am an editor in my day job and just finished a self-pubbed debut with fantastic writing. So the frequent italics... and ellipses... every five seconds was grating to read. And! The exclamation marks! I overuse the punctuation in my own writing constantly, but! I don't in professional...writing and wouldn't let that many pass if I was the editor.
Something positive to end on: I enjoyed that the book was unafraid to show mental health issues in men. I liked the different family dynamics, and the twist at the end was unexpected. Another review I read disliked the last 15% and loved everything else; I was bored until the last 15%. Again, I know many parts of the ending are specifically taken from the author's personal experience, so I won't make any further comments other than it was the most interesting part.
If the writing is less forced and try-hard I might read his next book. Still love his Instagram though!
June 24, 2022
I have seen Chip share his love for books, and it's infectious. And I KNOW how that love can translate into incredible stories, but I also know how difficult it can be to fully achieve that. Could not be more happy to report that I truly felt that Chip succeeds in this, 100%. This story is so much more than a romance. The romance gives, don't get me wrong. The spice is habanero-fanning-myself, the characters all feel warm, multi-dimensional, and lovely, and the hospital scene gutted me and FELT REAL. My heart was lurching. I think about that scene SO OFTEN. And I'll (figuratively) expose myself here: spice scenes are what pop into my head most often when I reflect back on a lot of romance books (LOL), so for a scene to move me in such way is huge. I cannot wait for this book to make the same impact on readers. It feels special to have experienced this.
January 26, 2023
4.5 ⭐ Rounded up.
Amanda (@roorooreads on insta) and I finished our buddy read of You & I Rewritten by Chip Pons (@booksovrbros on insta).
I am in LOVE with the emotional maturity he created in this fabulous romance!
A large part of our buddy convos were how much we adored the open communication between Will and Graham (who I am now calling WHAM) and how terrified we were there might be a miscommunication coming😱😱😱
The spice is pure 🔥 but my favourite bits are still how supportive the characters were with each other. It was so refreshing to have such honest and raw emotion on every page. Realistic and mundane everyday things that grab your heart and make it smile.
I am kicking myself for not tearing into this the day it arrived on my doorstep.
Past Becka is an asshole.
Amanda (@roorooreads on insta) and I finished our buddy read of You & I Rewritten by Chip Pons (@booksovrbros on insta).
I am in LOVE with the emotional maturity he created in this fabulous romance!
A large part of our buddy convos were how much we adored the open communication between Will and Graham (who I am now calling WHAM) and how terrified we were there might be a miscommunication coming😱😱😱
The spice is pure 🔥 but my favourite bits are still how supportive the characters were with each other. It was so refreshing to have such honest and raw emotion on every page. Realistic and mundane everyday things that grab your heart and make it smile.
I am kicking myself for not tearing into this the day it arrived on my doorstep.
Past Becka is an asshole.
Read
March 20, 2023Will’s anxiety was so palpable on the page, which as an anxious little bean myself made me want to give him a big hug. His & Graham’s relationship was also super sweet. Definitely check out CWs as a lot of heavy things happen toward the end of this one.
March 14, 2022
Have you ever read a book and felt like you just got a glimpse into an author’s soul? Because YIRW did that to me. I have been flayed open and stitched back together again. It has been a long time since I have felt this level of raw emotion over a book, and I’m going to need a little bit of time to process.
Will Cowen is the most incredible main character. He’s intelligent, funny, and disgustingly adorable. I loved everything about this boy. I was so drawn to him and wanted to be his best friend, if only to give him an obscene number of hugs.
And Graham Austin? Talk about a swoon-worthy love interest. This man…he was everything you could hope for in a book boyfriend. I cannot tell you how many times I clutched my heart over him.
While this book is, at its surface, a romance novel, it is so much more than that. It’s heartfelt and raw in a way that I didn’t expect, but that I fell completely in love with. When I say I sobbed, I’m not lying. Full sobbing, by myself, in my bedroom. I want to read it again and again and again. This story changed something in me. Please, please, PLEASE pick up this book. You won’t regret it.
Will Cowen is the most incredible main character. He’s intelligent, funny, and disgustingly adorable. I loved everything about this boy. I was so drawn to him and wanted to be his best friend, if only to give him an obscene number of hugs.
And Graham Austin? Talk about a swoon-worthy love interest. This man…he was everything you could hope for in a book boyfriend. I cannot tell you how many times I clutched my heart over him.
While this book is, at its surface, a romance novel, it is so much more than that. It’s heartfelt and raw in a way that I didn’t expect, but that I fell completely in love with. When I say I sobbed, I’m not lying. Full sobbing, by myself, in my bedroom. I want to read it again and again and again. This story changed something in me. Please, please, PLEASE pick up this book. You won’t regret it.
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