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72 Hours of You
Not yet published
Expected 1 Sep 26Sydney Hoffman can tell when someone has less than 72 hours to live, and it’s left her sarcastic, cynical and alone. Until she meets Peter, who changes everything she believes about life—and death.
This swoony, emotional, and tragically romantic debut is perfect for fans of Dustin Thao's You've Reached Sam and Adam Silvera's They Both Die at the End.
"Choke-on-your-drink funny, stomp-on-your heart tragic, and without a doubt one of the best debuts I’ve ever read.” —Clare Edge
72 hours before someone dies, Sydney Hoffman sees a pink clock over their head, counting down their final minutes. Seeing death’s status updates in real-time without being able to save anyone is . . . pretty much the worst. Which is why she never gets involved.
But then she meets Peter Beckett, her optimistic, book-obsessed, and (annoyingly) attractive new classmate. When he discovers what Sydney can do, he convinces her she doesn’t have to handle the countdowns alone. Together they make a plan to wander NYC, looking for pink clocks and helping strangers live their best final hours.
The more people they secretly help, the more Sydney believes she can let go of the memories that haunt her and hold on to Peter instead. But then the universe deals a devastating blow, forcing her to reckon with what it truly means to live your last 72 hours with no regrets.
This swoony, emotional, and tragically romantic debut is perfect for fans of Dustin Thao's You've Reached Sam and Adam Silvera's They Both Die at the End.
"Choke-on-your-drink funny, stomp-on-your heart tragic, and without a doubt one of the best debuts I’ve ever read.” —Clare Edge
72 hours before someone dies, Sydney Hoffman sees a pink clock over their head, counting down their final minutes. Seeing death’s status updates in real-time without being able to save anyone is . . . pretty much the worst. Which is why she never gets involved.
But then she meets Peter Beckett, her optimistic, book-obsessed, and (annoyingly) attractive new classmate. When he discovers what Sydney can do, he convinces her she doesn’t have to handle the countdowns alone. Together they make a plan to wander NYC, looking for pink clocks and helping strangers live their best final hours.
The more people they secretly help, the more Sydney believes she can let go of the memories that haunt her and hold on to Peter instead. But then the universe deals a devastating blow, forcing her to reckon with what it truly means to live your last 72 hours with no regrets.
336 pages, Hardcover
Expected publication September 1, 2026
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Want to Read
April 13, 2026❀° ┄───╮
pre-read
╰───┄ °❀
this sounds so good omw, so glad i got the arc!
pre-read
╰───┄ °❀
this sounds so good omw, so glad i got the arc!
March 10, 2026
I just spent the last two hours sobbing, at four AM no less; thanks for that.
But, also, there aren't enough stars in the world for this book.
I don't know that this is the book I needed to be reading at this point in my life, but what I do know is that every second I spent reading this book was beautiful. You kind of go in knowing exactly what's going to happen. There's enough in the synopsis that you can pretty easily clue in to the overall trajectory of the story. The important part here, I think, is that you don't know the journey. And even though there are aspects of Peter and Sydney's story that are predictable as hell, the truth is that 72 Hours of You still manages expertly to keep you on your toes.
I finished reading Darianne Schramm's debut novel at four in the morning, on a Sunday, when I very much had work in three and a half hours, which is hardly enough time to get a decent amount of sleep. But when you're reading a book like this, the sort you truly just can't put down for the sake of how much you care about the characters, staying up as long as you need to to complete it is a no-brainer. Work be damned.
There are stories out there that grab hold of you, make you feel so many things, teach you something—perhaps—or just reinforce a truth you'd already learned. I think 72 Hours of You is one such story. And you know, this is coming on the heels of the Stranger Things finale, which I've thought about a lot over the past few months. But it's a reminder to me, I think, that sometimes the ending you hope for works and sometimes it doesn't.
Even more, it's a reminder that there are some characters and some outlooks out there in the void that people simply need in their lives. Peter is one such character.
There's a real juxtaposition in the placement of Sydney and Peter, in the connection they build with one another and how it plays out through each page turn. I found myself frequently second-guessing the events I knew were coming, trying to weigh out how all of this could possibly be a misdirect, as I so desperately hoped. And even still, as I fell in love with these characters, laughing and adoring this journey of learning who they were and seeing their impact on each other, this certainty I felt that I knew how the story would end somehow did not take away at all from the exceptional emotional impact of its ending.
Schramm keeps just enough information from her readers to leave them sobbing in a puddle of tears by the end of the story, connecting each slow-dripped piece of information provided until finally we fully understand all this has been building toward. We're drenched in emotional turmoil, wondering how, exactly, the author managed to send us hurtling toward doom with every hope we could possibly have built up in ourselves for these characters despite the fact that she literally told us what would happen.
But that's the point, really. The point is to hope, to appreciate, to love despite knowing the end. The point is the emotional journey, and how it changes us along the way.
I lost my soul dog to brain cancer in May of 2025 and I've been reeling ever since. And in this regard, this review feels very personal for me. There's a right way to tell a story like this and there's a wrong way. I remember experiencing November and December with extreme excitement, a thrilling anticipatory expectation for what I would see once Stranger Things aired its finale. I rewatched both part one and part two several times as I waited for that last episode. To date, I still haven't rewatched the finale; because the journey did not point to the end we received, it in fact told us the exact opposite on so many different occasions so that when it came, so many of us sat back and wondered how that could even have been a possibility for the choice the Duffers would make. I still think it was one of the worst mistakes in a show in all of history; it's almost worse than Game of Thrones.
And I remember sitting on my couch, crying, not because I appreciated the journey but because I felt that the ending was not what I needed, spat in the face of every single character in the entire show and that's without even getting into how it did so to the actors and everyone who watched it. At the time, I truly thought the intensity of my emotional disappointment was centered around the idea that, after everything I had been through that year, I just needed a happy ending.
But after reading 72 Hours of You, I'm able to recontextualize that feeling. No, I didn't need a happy ending. I just needed an ending that made the journey worth it.
I received a copy of this book from NetGalley in exchange for an honest review.
But, also, there aren't enough stars in the world for this book.
But what I do know is that he looks at the world in this (delusional) way that no one else does. Like it might actually be an okay place.
He sees beauty where I see booby traps. And like, I'm right, obviously, but damn, I wonder what it's like to live like that.
I don't know that this is the book I needed to be reading at this point in my life, but what I do know is that every second I spent reading this book was beautiful. You kind of go in knowing exactly what's going to happen. There's enough in the synopsis that you can pretty easily clue in to the overall trajectory of the story. The important part here, I think, is that you don't know the journey. And even though there are aspects of Peter and Sydney's story that are predictable as hell, the truth is that 72 Hours of You still manages expertly to keep you on your toes.
I finished reading Darianne Schramm's debut novel at four in the morning, on a Sunday, when I very much had work in three and a half hours, which is hardly enough time to get a decent amount of sleep. But when you're reading a book like this, the sort you truly just can't put down for the sake of how much you care about the characters, staying up as long as you need to to complete it is a no-brainer. Work be damned.
It is nothing. And it's also something. It's everything.
There are stories out there that grab hold of you, make you feel so many things, teach you something—perhaps—or just reinforce a truth you'd already learned. I think 72 Hours of You is one such story. And you know, this is coming on the heels of the Stranger Things finale, which I've thought about a lot over the past few months. But it's a reminder to me, I think, that sometimes the ending you hope for works and sometimes it doesn't.
Even more, it's a reminder that there are some characters and some outlooks out there in the void that people simply need in their lives. Peter is one such character.
"It's an honor, you know," he says into my neck, "to be the one you look for in a crowd."
There's a real juxtaposition in the placement of Sydney and Peter, in the connection they build with one another and how it plays out through each page turn. I found myself frequently second-guessing the events I knew were coming, trying to weigh out how all of this could possibly be a misdirect, as I so desperately hoped. And even still, as I fell in love with these characters, laughing and adoring this journey of learning who they were and seeing their impact on each other, this certainty I felt that I knew how the story would end somehow did not take away at all from the exceptional emotional impact of its ending.
Schramm keeps just enough information from her readers to leave them sobbing in a puddle of tears by the end of the story, connecting each slow-dripped piece of information provided until finally we fully understand all this has been building toward. We're drenched in emotional turmoil, wondering how, exactly, the author managed to send us hurtling toward doom with every hope we could possibly have built up in ourselves for these characters despite the fact that she literally told us what would happen.
But that's the point, really. The point is to hope, to appreciate, to love despite knowing the end. The point is the emotional journey, and how it changes us along the way.
Maybe that's how it always is, I thought—we all just go along, catching glimpses of one another, thinking we know everything.
I lost my soul dog to brain cancer in May of 2025 and I've been reeling ever since. And in this regard, this review feels very personal for me. There's a right way to tell a story like this and there's a wrong way. I remember experiencing November and December with extreme excitement, a thrilling anticipatory expectation for what I would see once Stranger Things aired its finale. I rewatched both part one and part two several times as I waited for that last episode. To date, I still haven't rewatched the finale; because the journey did not point to the end we received, it in fact told us the exact opposite on so many different occasions so that when it came, so many of us sat back and wondered how that could even have been a possibility for the choice the Duffers would make. I still think it was one of the worst mistakes in a show in all of history; it's almost worse than Game of Thrones.
And I remember sitting on my couch, crying, not because I appreciated the journey but because I felt that the ending was not what I needed, spat in the face of every single character in the entire show and that's without even getting into how it did so to the actors and everyone who watched it. At the time, I truly thought the intensity of my emotional disappointment was centered around the idea that, after everything I had been through that year, I just needed a happy ending.
But after reading 72 Hours of You, I'm able to recontextualize that feeling. No, I didn't need a happy ending. I just needed an ending that made the journey worth it.
I received a copy of this book from NetGalley in exchange for an honest review.
Want to Read
February 6, 2026this looks so tragic and beautiful ;)
Review of advance copy received from Netgalley
**Thank you to Disney Hyperion for giving me an ARC of this book via NetGalley in exchange for my honest review!**
I'm a little torn on what to rate this book.
I had a good time with the plot, and I didn't want to stop reading.
However. I had issues with a few things, like the cursing, character development, and worldbuilding. First off, the cursing. Holy cow, there were so many curse words. I'm talking 3 or 4 per page. For 200+ pages. I almost DNF'd around 17% because it was so bad. They were so useless and just really annoying to read.
Second, the characters. Sydney really got on my nerves. She was so "not like other girls" that I wanted to rip my hair out. I think I only continued the book because I loved Peter, because if it was only about Sydney, I would have lost my mind. I just found her to be so annoying. She cursed and complained incessantly for probably 85% of the book. She was also incredibly one-dimensional. I don't think I could tell you a single character trait about her except that she's sarcastic. Peter, however, was an amazing character. 10/10.
Third, the world. I think the author had some great ideas for the plot, and the 72-hours thing is a great idea. However, I feel like it was just glossed over a bit too much. I understand its usefulness as a setup for the whole "we never know when we'll die, so might as well live every moment" idea, but it just felt like a convenient part of the story rather than a key driver of the plot. Also, I wish we got a little more background on it. I felt like some of the logistics/reasoning behind it was lacking.
Side note, but this book is the weirdest combo of explicit and clean in a sexual sense that I have ever seen. The cursing was awful, and Sydney's sister says a LOT of one-liners about sexual stuff, but Sydney and Peter barely even kiss on-page, and it's not described much. I really appreciated that, honestly (although there are mentions of sexual stuff in pretty much every scene that mentions alcohol).
Overall, the book was a kind of fun read, but it tried so hard to be deep that I honestly was laughing a little at the cliche-ness of the ending (although the pre-ending scenes really tugged on my heart). Combined with all of the other issues I outlined above, I think three stars is the best I can give.
I'm a little torn on what to rate this book.
I had a good time with the plot, and I didn't want to stop reading.
However. I had issues with a few things, like the cursing, character development, and worldbuilding. First off, the cursing. Holy cow, there were so many curse words. I'm talking 3 or 4 per page. For 200+ pages. I almost DNF'd around 17% because it was so bad. They were so useless and just really annoying to read.
Second, the characters. Sydney really got on my nerves. She was so "not like other girls" that I wanted to rip my hair out. I think I only continued the book because I loved Peter, because if it was only about Sydney, I would have lost my mind. I just found her to be so annoying. She cursed and complained incessantly for probably 85% of the book. She was also incredibly one-dimensional. I don't think I could tell you a single character trait about her except that she's sarcastic. Peter, however, was an amazing character. 10/10.
Third, the world. I think the author had some great ideas for the plot, and the 72-hours thing is a great idea. However, I feel like it was just glossed over a bit too much. I understand its usefulness as a setup for the whole "we never know when we'll die, so might as well live every moment" idea, but it just felt like a convenient part of the story rather than a key driver of the plot. Also, I wish we got a little more background on it. I felt like some of the logistics/reasoning behind it was lacking.
Side note, but this book is the weirdest combo of explicit and clean in a sexual sense that I have ever seen. The cursing was awful, and Sydney's sister says a LOT of one-liners about sexual stuff, but Sydney and Peter barely even kiss on-page, and it's not described much. I really appreciated that, honestly (although there are mentions of sexual stuff in pretty much every scene that mentions alcohol).
Overall, the book was a kind of fun read, but it tried so hard to be deep that I honestly was laughing a little at the cliche-ness of the ending (although the pre-ending scenes really tugged on my heart). Combined with all of the other issues I outlined above, I think three stars is the best I can give.
Review of advance copy received from Netgalley
i am sobbing. uncontrollably.
at first, this book was not what i thought it was going to be like. i mostly hated it until like the last 40%-ish. some things that (sadly) made me lower my rating: the amount of swearing in this book. it was just unnecessary sometimes. also some VERY questionable lines 😭. the mentions of pop culture kept appearing and i was about to throw my laptop across the room because i was getting tired of them. i read to escape reality, why are you forcing me to read about it 😔 but really, that's just me and maybe other's don't care about that. there was also an overuse of the word 'like', and it was getting pretty annoying. also the mean comments towards Christians :(. the unnecessary hate toward peter in the beginning was so annoying and i was getting tired of syd often criticizing him. girl, he's just trying to make sure you're okay and he is such a golden retriever I love him so much. which brings me to my next point.
i loved Peter. oh gosh where can i find myself a man like HIM omg. he is so sweet, gentle, kind, etc. the way he tries to see the good things in life, and still accepts syd for who she is. This book is set in autumn, i think? but lowk i was getting major winter vibes and i was definitely eating that up 🙂↕️. syd and peter wanting to make people who didn't have much time left a better day was so heartwarming.
i really liked the dynamic between Jules and Syd!! it kind of reminds me of the relationship between my own sister and i, telling each other about our days. Jules was also VERY unhinged but i was giggling hehe.
that ending broke me. even though i predicted it because of the description it didn't fail to bring me to tears. sobbing actually. i love books like this omg. thank you to the author and netgalley for giving me the experience to read this book!
some quotes and my thoughts:
"God, why do boys think that if they call you by your last name you're contractually obligated to swoon?" i love this
"the one thing that's giving me peace is that Liam at least got to eat some of his burger before he died" help what
"like, we get it. you're two teenage girl besties!!!" GIRLLL
"I can't wait to see what you two cook up together" 😭
"my jokes come from my real actual brain" what?
"she giggled and looked at me I was a superhero" (chapter 8 20% might be an error)
chapter 14 may be an error "your red-eye because take off your shoes"
"what the actual fucking fuck was i thinking?" girl why are you talking like that i'm sorry
"I have this thing where I don't insult girls that are cooler and smarter and prettier than me. I guess THAT'S my kink." gtfo 😭😭😭
"My passenger princess demanded we hit Starbs so she could document the first PSL of basic szn on her insta,"
wth did i just read 😭🙏🏻"
s: 194
f: 230
b: 18
a: 25
date started: feb 19 2026
date finished: feb 19 2026
at first, this book was not what i thought it was going to be like. i mostly hated it until like the last 40%-ish. some things that (sadly) made me lower my rating: the amount of swearing in this book. it was just unnecessary sometimes. also some VERY questionable lines 😭. the mentions of pop culture kept appearing and i was about to throw my laptop across the room because i was getting tired of them. i read to escape reality, why are you forcing me to read about it 😔 but really, that's just me and maybe other's don't care about that. there was also an overuse of the word 'like', and it was getting pretty annoying. also the mean comments towards Christians :(. the unnecessary hate toward peter in the beginning was so annoying and i was getting tired of syd often criticizing him. girl, he's just trying to make sure you're okay and he is such a golden retriever I love him so much. which brings me to my next point.
i loved Peter. oh gosh where can i find myself a man like HIM omg. he is so sweet, gentle, kind, etc. the way he tries to see the good things in life, and still accepts syd for who she is. This book is set in autumn, i think? but lowk i was getting major winter vibes and i was definitely eating that up 🙂↕️. syd and peter wanting to make people who didn't have much time left a better day was so heartwarming.
i really liked the dynamic between Jules and Syd!! it kind of reminds me of the relationship between my own sister and i, telling each other about our days. Jules was also VERY unhinged but i was giggling hehe.
that ending broke me. even though i predicted it because of the description it didn't fail to bring me to tears. sobbing actually. i love books like this omg. thank you to the author and netgalley for giving me the experience to read this book!
some quotes and my thoughts:
"God, why do boys think that if they call you by your last name you're contractually obligated to swoon?" i love this
"the one thing that's giving me peace is that Liam at least got to eat some of his burger before he died" help what
"like, we get it. you're two teenage girl besties!!!" GIRLLL
"I can't wait to see what you two cook up together" 😭
"my jokes come from my real actual brain" what?
"she giggled and looked at me I was a superhero" (chapter 8 20% might be an error)
chapter 14 may be an error "your red-eye because take off your shoes"
"what the actual fucking fuck was i thinking?" girl why are you talking like that i'm sorry
"I have this thing where I don't insult girls that are cooler and smarter and prettier than me. I guess THAT'S my kink." gtfo 😭😭😭
"My passenger princess demanded we hit Starbs so she could document the first PSL of basic szn on her insta,"
wth did i just read 😭🙏🏻"
s: 194
f: 230
b: 18
a: 25
date started: feb 19 2026
date finished: feb 19 2026
Review of advance copy received from Netgalley
“𝑰𝒕’𝒔 𝒏𝒐𝒕 𝒋𝒖𝒔𝒕 𝒕𝒉𝒆 𝒍𝒂𝒔𝒕 𝒕𝒉𝒓𝒆𝒆 𝒅𝒂𝒚𝒔 𝒕𝒉𝒂𝒕 𝒎𝒂𝒕𝒕𝒆𝒓. 𝑰𝒕’𝒔 𝒂𝒍𝒍 𝒐𝒇 𝒊𝒕.”
Sometimes you stumble upon books that leave an imprint on your heart, maybe even a little crack, but wow… this week I tripped and fell hard because 72 Hours With You took me completely by surprise. I devoured it in one sitting and was left in a puddle of my own tears at 2am on a Tuesday morning.
I’m a really big fan of books that tackle grief and loss by blending real-life emotion with magical realism, so I was drawn to the premise of this book immediately. The connection forged between Syd, a sarcastic and cynical teenage girl who can see when someone around her has 72 hours or less to live, and Peter, the new kid in town, was absolutely beautiful.
Yes, this book is filled with profanity and sexual innuendos, but honestly, as a mom who has navigated the teenage years both myself and now with my own kids, the dialogue felt authentic and believable. It strengthened the emotional weight of the story and really highlighted the emotional burden Syd carries every single day.
Never, ever did I imagine the emotional roller-coaster I would experience from a YA novel. While the author gives readers enough pieces to slowly start putting things together, there’s also a helplessness that comes from sensing where the story may be headed while being completely unable to stop it. I actually really appreciated how that mirrored the overall themes of the book itself.
Even if you think you know where the story is taking you, it’s the journey from point A to point B that makes this one feel so special. Grief touches everyone differently, and because of that, I think so many readers will connect with this story and take something meaningful away from it.
Also… keep tissues nearby.
This is a great choice for fans of Ashley Poston’s The Dead Romantics and A Novel Love Story.
Thank you to author @DarianneSchramm and NetGalley for providing me with an ARC in exchange for my honest review.
Sometimes you stumble upon books that leave an imprint on your heart, maybe even a little crack, but wow… this week I tripped and fell hard because 72 Hours With You took me completely by surprise. I devoured it in one sitting and was left in a puddle of my own tears at 2am on a Tuesday morning.
I’m a really big fan of books that tackle grief and loss by blending real-life emotion with magical realism, so I was drawn to the premise of this book immediately. The connection forged between Syd, a sarcastic and cynical teenage girl who can see when someone around her has 72 hours or less to live, and Peter, the new kid in town, was absolutely beautiful.
Yes, this book is filled with profanity and sexual innuendos, but honestly, as a mom who has navigated the teenage years both myself and now with my own kids, the dialogue felt authentic and believable. It strengthened the emotional weight of the story and really highlighted the emotional burden Syd carries every single day.
Never, ever did I imagine the emotional roller-coaster I would experience from a YA novel. While the author gives readers enough pieces to slowly start putting things together, there’s also a helplessness that comes from sensing where the story may be headed while being completely unable to stop it. I actually really appreciated how that mirrored the overall themes of the book itself.
Even if you think you know where the story is taking you, it’s the journey from point A to point B that makes this one feel so special. Grief touches everyone differently, and because of that, I think so many readers will connect with this story and take something meaningful away from it.
Also… keep tissues nearby.
This is a great choice for fans of Ashley Poston’s The Dead Romantics and A Novel Love Story.
Thank you to author @DarianneSchramm and NetGalley for providing me with an ARC in exchange for my honest review.
Review of advance copy received from Netgalley
"Seventy-two hours of you is worth an entire lifetime."
Five. 😭 Beautiful. 😭 Stars. 😭
God my heart. I don't think I can come up with a review to do this justice. It's one of those where I'm just silently crying and nodding saying read it now because words are failing me, but I'm gonna try, so here goes.
I knew going in that it would make me laugh, and sob, and dang. It certainly did that. This was so unlike anything I have read, and I never wanted it to end. I guessed pretty early on what was going to happen, but it didn't hurt any less. I quickly fell for the characters and they'll stay with me, always. The best ya I have read to date, and I truly don't know that it will be replaced. It's not even really about it being ya, it's about grief and love and how it's explored in this. How Syd learns to navigate life after all the loss she sees.
"What I'm trying to say is... we don't need to turn on the light. I can sit with you in the dark."
I feel like maybe if you have lost someone close to you, you might appreciate this more. Or it could be the total opposite and you'll hate it because of that. Idk, I just loved it personally because of the grief talk, outlook on life & death, Syd opening up and getting a better view on life, Peter and his beautiful character, etc.
"Death isn't about the people who die. It's about the people who have to live through it. It's about the ones who are left behind." 💔
I also know some will likely have an issue with some of the sexual innuendos & cursing since this is marketed as teens and ya, but they're in their late teens and let's be real. I was out in a field in the middle of nowhere at that age doing things I had no business doing, so this is very mild. 😂 I think it's pretty accurate for how teens are acting and talking at that age. It just felt right, and I was cracking up big time.
"You seek like the kind of person who has a turns-in-assignments-early kink."
"You seem like the kind of guy who has a look-me-in-the-eyes-and-tell-me-you-love-me-in-missionary kink."
A big shout out to @Kaylagetsbookish on IG and TT. It's because of her I ran to request this and I'm so glad I did. Her recommendations never disappoint.
Thank you to Darianna for writing this beautiful story. & a thank you to Disney Publishing Worldwide for accepting my Netgalley request so I didn't have to wait until September to read this. ❤️🥹
Five. 😭 Beautiful. 😭 Stars. 😭
God my heart. I don't think I can come up with a review to do this justice. It's one of those where I'm just silently crying and nodding saying read it now because words are failing me, but I'm gonna try, so here goes.
I knew going in that it would make me laugh, and sob, and dang. It certainly did that. This was so unlike anything I have read, and I never wanted it to end. I guessed pretty early on what was going to happen, but it didn't hurt any less. I quickly fell for the characters and they'll stay with me, always. The best ya I have read to date, and I truly don't know that it will be replaced. It's not even really about it being ya, it's about grief and love and how it's explored in this. How Syd learns to navigate life after all the loss she sees.
"What I'm trying to say is... we don't need to turn on the light. I can sit with you in the dark."
I feel like maybe if you have lost someone close to you, you might appreciate this more. Or it could be the total opposite and you'll hate it because of that. Idk, I just loved it personally because of the grief talk, outlook on life & death, Syd opening up and getting a better view on life, Peter and his beautiful character, etc.
"Death isn't about the people who die. It's about the people who have to live through it. It's about the ones who are left behind." 💔
I also know some will likely have an issue with some of the sexual innuendos & cursing since this is marketed as teens and ya, but they're in their late teens and let's be real. I was out in a field in the middle of nowhere at that age doing things I had no business doing, so this is very mild. 😂 I think it's pretty accurate for how teens are acting and talking at that age. It just felt right, and I was cracking up big time.
"You seek like the kind of person who has a turns-in-assignments-early kink."
"You seem like the kind of guy who has a look-me-in-the-eyes-and-tell-me-you-love-me-in-missionary kink."
A big shout out to @Kaylagetsbookish on IG and TT. It's because of her I ran to request this and I'm so glad I did. Her recommendations never disappoint.
Thank you to Darianna for writing this beautiful story. & a thank you to Disney Publishing Worldwide for accepting my Netgalley request so I didn't have to wait until September to read this. ❤️🥹
Review of advance copy received from NetGalley
Darianne Schramm’s 72 Hours of You is an absolute triumph—an emotional, fast-paced, and deeply satisfying read that stayed with me long after I turned the final page. From the very first chapter, the story pulls you in with its compelling premise and refuses to let go, unfolding over a tightly structured timeline that keeps the tension high and the stakes even higher.
What truly sets this book apart is its character work. The protagonists feel incredibly real—flawed, layered, and relatable in ways that make their journey hit hard emotionally. Schramm has a gift for writing authentic dialogue and capturing the quiet, complicated moments between people just as powerfully as the dramatic ones. The chemistry between the leads is electric, building naturally and making every interaction feel meaningful.
The pacing is another standout element. The 72-hour framework gives the story a sense of urgency that propels everything forward without ever feeling rushed. Each hour reveals new layers, secrets, and emotional depth, making it nearly impossible to put the book down.
Beyond the romance and tension, the novel also explores themes of timing, vulnerability, and the courage it takes to truly open up to someone. It strikes a beautiful balance between heartache and hope, delivering moments that will make you both ache and smile.
In short, 72 Hours of You is a captivating, heartfelt story that perfectly blends romance, drama, and emotional growth. It’s the kind of book you’ll want to reread—and recommend to everyone you know. A well-deserved five stars.
What truly sets this book apart is its character work. The protagonists feel incredibly real—flawed, layered, and relatable in ways that make their journey hit hard emotionally. Schramm has a gift for writing authentic dialogue and capturing the quiet, complicated moments between people just as powerfully as the dramatic ones. The chemistry between the leads is electric, building naturally and making every interaction feel meaningful.
The pacing is another standout element. The 72-hour framework gives the story a sense of urgency that propels everything forward without ever feeling rushed. Each hour reveals new layers, secrets, and emotional depth, making it nearly impossible to put the book down.
Beyond the romance and tension, the novel also explores themes of timing, vulnerability, and the courage it takes to truly open up to someone. It strikes a beautiful balance between heartache and hope, delivering moments that will make you both ache and smile.
In short, 72 Hours of You is a captivating, heartfelt story that perfectly blends romance, drama, and emotional growth. It’s the kind of book you’ll want to reread—and recommend to everyone you know. A well-deserved five stars.
Review of advance copy received from Netgalley
Thank you author and NetGalley for providing an ARC in exchange for an honest review.
I'm rolling this one up to 5-stars because of the excellent Jewish rep, but I have to say the coincidental reading of two speculative YA books back to back in which a grumpy girl is reminded life is worth living by an adorable golden retriever manic pixie dream boy while they bumble around NYC (Tashie Bhuiyan's Right as Rain) was definitely a mind-screw.
Unfortunately, Sydney was a bit too mean-spirited for my taste. The kind of girl who judges and puts down other girls and has prejudiced opinions about certain folk, has horrible things to say about the city I love, and that whole portion about school shootings left a bad taste in my mouth. And the author did the one thing I hate the most in books like these. She created a mystery in the beginning of the book (the thing that happened 11 months ago) and then dragged it out all the way to the end like she wasn't confident we'd keep reading otherwise. And I just have to tell you, I did not care about that mystery at all. I was just reading because I wanted to see the romance between the two characters. Like trust your story sis, you don't need cheap gimmicks!
Like I said, solid 4-stars, rolled up to 5 for the good Jewish rep.👍🏼
Non-spoiler TW - It should be evident from the blurb that characters we meet on-page will be dying in this one. There is also violence.
I'm rolling this one up to 5-stars because of the excellent Jewish rep, but I have to say the coincidental reading of two speculative YA books back to back in which a grumpy girl is reminded life is worth living by an adorable golden retriever manic pixie dream boy while they bumble around NYC (Tashie Bhuiyan's Right as Rain) was definitely a mind-screw.
Unfortunately, Sydney was a bit too mean-spirited for my taste. The kind of girl who judges and puts down other girls and has prejudiced opinions about certain folk, has horrible things to say about the city I love, and that whole portion about school shootings left a bad taste in my mouth. And the author did the one thing I hate the most in books like these. She created a mystery in the beginning of the book (the thing that happened 11 months ago) and then dragged it out all the way to the end like she wasn't confident we'd keep reading otherwise. And I just have to tell you, I did not care about that mystery at all. I was just reading because I wanted to see the romance between the two characters. Like trust your story sis, you don't need cheap gimmicks!
Like I said, solid 4-stars, rolled up to 5 for the good Jewish rep.👍🏼
Non-spoiler TW - It should be evident from the blurb that characters we meet on-page will be dying in this one. There is also violence.
Review of advance copy received from Goodreads Giveaways
One of the novel’s greatest strengths is how it balances heavy themes with tenderness and humor. The idea of helping strangers make the most of their final hours could have become overwhelmingly tragic, yet the story finds beauty in small acts of compassion. Every encounter reminds readers that a meaningful life is not measured by its length, but by connection, courage, and presence.
Schramm’s writing is emotional without feeling manipulative. The romance develops organically, and the heartbreak lands because the characters feel real. The novel captures the intensity of young love while also exploring grief, survivor’s guilt, and the fear of letting people in when loss feels inevitable.
By the final chapters, The Last 72 Hours becomes more than just a love story—it transforms into a meditation on how people choose to live when time is uncertain. It’s devastating in places, uplifting in others, and ultimately unforgettable.
Perfect for readers who enjoy emotionally rich YA romances with a speculative twist, this is the kind of book that leaves you staring at the ceiling after the final page, thinking about the people you love and the moments that truly matter.
Schramm’s writing is emotional without feeling manipulative. The romance develops organically, and the heartbreak lands because the characters feel real. The novel captures the intensity of young love while also exploring grief, survivor’s guilt, and the fear of letting people in when loss feels inevitable.
By the final chapters, The Last 72 Hours becomes more than just a love story—it transforms into a meditation on how people choose to live when time is uncertain. It’s devastating in places, uplifting in others, and ultimately unforgettable.
Perfect for readers who enjoy emotionally rich YA romances with a speculative twist, this is the kind of book that leaves you staring at the ceiling after the final page, thinking about the people you love and the moments that truly matter.
Review of advance copy received from Netgalley
if you can only read one book this year (or in your lifetime) choose this one.
The whole thing is just a perfect storm of emotion, and angst, and the tragedy of finding your perfect person in a life that refuses to let you have nice things.
Sydney's voice is mesmerising and unrelenting, and you can't help but stand in her shoes and just... get it. I kind of feel like I've lived her life too?
And Peter. Oh my god Peter. If you don't fall in love with Peter then you are evil and irredeemable sorry I don't make the rules.
It's rare that a book hits you so hard that it becomes somehow a permanent part of your psyche, but hey, that's where we are now, and I will never forget my 72 hours with Syd and Peter. I suggest you experience the same.
I will read anything Darianne Schramm ever writes from this moment onward. and, like, rabidly. frothing at the mouth.
okay go read your new fav book already, bye
The whole thing is just a perfect storm of emotion, and angst, and the tragedy of finding your perfect person in a life that refuses to let you have nice things.
Sydney's voice is mesmerising and unrelenting, and you can't help but stand in her shoes and just... get it. I kind of feel like I've lived her life too?
And Peter. Oh my god Peter. If you don't fall in love with Peter then you are evil and irredeemable sorry I don't make the rules.
It's rare that a book hits you so hard that it becomes somehow a permanent part of your psyche, but hey, that's where we are now, and I will never forget my 72 hours with Syd and Peter. I suggest you experience the same.
I will read anything Darianne Schramm ever writes from this moment onward. and, like, rabidly. frothing at the mouth.
okay go read your new fav book already, bye
Review of advance copy received from Netgalley
The premise of this book was very intriguing, but overall it didn’t deliver quite as well as I had hoped. I enjoyed certain scenes, but the book as a whole felt quite slow, especially throughout the first half. I also wasn’t a huge fan of the author’s writing style—it felt a bit choppy and inconsistent at times. There were quips here and there that I assumed were meant to be funny, but they didn’t always land for me. That being said, I did really love the ending. I can absolutely see why this is (and will be) a favorite for many readers—it truly emphasizes how precious life really is. Overall, this was an okay read for me—3 stars.
Thank you to Darianne Schramm, Disney Publishing Worldwide | Disney Hyperion, and NetGalley for providing me with an eARC of this book!
#72HoursofYou #NetGalley
Thank you to Darianne Schramm, Disney Publishing Worldwide | Disney Hyperion, and NetGalley for providing me with an eARC of this book!
#72HoursofYou #NetGalley
Review of advance copy received from Publisher
Thank you to the publisher for an ARC to review.
The prose in this one was so funny. Death is such a tough topic and yet there were beautiful moments of hilarity in it. I guess that’s life - a metaphor if ever I heard one. Although I didn’t find myself sobbing with this one, it did pull at my heartstrings. It got me thinking about my own life. How life is so beautiful and we all have no control, really, over how things end. We can only live now. Love now. And appreciate that while we can.
The reason it wasn’t a 5 star book for me was that pacing felt off at times. There were moments that were meant to be serious in character impact, but then resolved a few pages later. Also, Peter (for all his golden retriever energy) didn’t have a single character flaw. C’mon. No one can compete with that.
But worth the read? Definitely. Absolutely.
The prose in this one was so funny. Death is such a tough topic and yet there were beautiful moments of hilarity in it. I guess that’s life - a metaphor if ever I heard one. Although I didn’t find myself sobbing with this one, it did pull at my heartstrings. It got me thinking about my own life. How life is so beautiful and we all have no control, really, over how things end. We can only live now. Love now. And appreciate that while we can.
The reason it wasn’t a 5 star book for me was that pacing felt off at times. There were moments that were meant to be serious in character impact, but then resolved a few pages later. Also, Peter (for all his golden retriever energy) didn’t have a single character flaw. C’mon. No one can compete with that.
But worth the read? Definitely. Absolutely.
May 14, 2026
72 Hours of You by Darianne Schramm was such an emotional read. The idea of being able to see when someone only has 72 hours left immediately pulled me in and I really liked the mix of grief, hope, and romance throughout the story.
Sydney is guarded and carrying so much loneliness while Peter brings warmth and heart to the book. I really enjoyed watching their relationship grow while helping people through their final days. Their connection felt genuine and was what kept me turning the pages.
Some parts dragged a little for me, but the emotional moments were done really well and the ending definitely leaves an impact. Peter and Sydney stayed with me after I finished.
A good pick for readers who enjoy emotional YA romances with heavier themes and bittersweet relationships.
Thank you to NetGalley and Hyperion for the ARC.
Review of advance copy received from NetGalley
I haven't been able to stop thinking about Darianne’s gorgeous book since I turned the final page. The pacing is on point, I mean there is a literarily a ticking clock involved, but it’s the raw and heartfelt character growth that will stay with me. Peter was such a lovable book boyfriend and his relentless positivity helped pull Sydney out of her cave. Plus, Darianne has an extraordinary ear for dialogue. This story is sharp, witty and oh-so-voice-y, in the best way. And as a New Yorker, I really appreciated that this book didn’t hit up all the usual suspects as Sydney and Peter explored the city. Who knows how long we get here. Life, just like the best books, is fleeting. I was so sad to see this one end.
Review of advance copy received from Netgalley
💗No its fine, its fine. I planned on crying today anyways I guess.
💗I cannot put into words how amazingly beautiful this book was. Syd and Peter's dynamic was so wholesome and comforting. 🌭The way Peter puts Sydney at ease is very refreshing. Darianne's words are so impactful and raw. I couldn't put this book down. All 336 pages we devoured by my eyes. You can really tell how much heart was put into this novel.
����I knew what the outcome of the story would be. There was no way not to, but it made the moment more emotional.
💗Remember to cherish every moment you have with you loved ones, you never know which moments will be your last.❤️
Recommended for: those who enjoy novels by Ashley Poston
Spice: 🌶/5
Rating: ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️/5
💗I cannot put into words how amazingly beautiful this book was. Syd and Peter's dynamic was so wholesome and comforting. 🌭The way Peter puts Sydney at ease is very refreshing. Darianne's words are so impactful and raw. I couldn't put this book down. All 336 pages we devoured by my eyes. You can really tell how much heart was put into this novel.
����I knew what the outcome of the story would be. There was no way not to, but it made the moment more emotional.
💗Remember to cherish every moment you have with you loved ones, you never know which moments will be your last.❤️
Recommended for: those who enjoy novels by Ashley Poston
Spice: 🌶/5
Rating: ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️/5
May 9, 2026
4.5 ⭐️
I absolutely adored this book. Sydney has the perfect amount of sarcasm and humor! Peter was such a sweet and caring character to everyone. 72 Hours of You is one of the most unique books I have read in a while. It doesn’t reuse the same tropes and themes, which I loved!
The only thing I believe could improve is some of the writing. It seemed like some parts sounded like the author was trying too hard to make the characters sound Gen Z. One of my favorite things was how the texts and jokes seemed like they were actually teenagers.
72 Hours of You is an amazing read! It has the perfect mix of romance and grief. Thank you, NetGalley, for letting me read this book early!
I absolutely adored this book. Sydney has the perfect amount of sarcasm and humor! Peter was such a sweet and caring character to everyone. 72 Hours of You is one of the most unique books I have read in a while. It doesn’t reuse the same tropes and themes, which I loved!
The only thing I believe could improve is some of the writing. It seemed like some parts sounded like the author was trying too hard to make the characters sound Gen Z. One of my favorite things was how the texts and jokes seemed like they were actually teenagers.
72 Hours of You is an amazing read! It has the perfect mix of romance and grief. Thank you, NetGalley, for letting me read this book early!
Review of advance copy received from Netgalley
This was genuinely a masterpiece. The beginning was slow to build and then there's the one moment where you realize what is coming, and then it hits, and let me tell you, I was in tears. This book made me rethink and challenge everything that was happening and it was just beautifully written. I loved the characters dynamics and how even though Peter was her "enemy" at one point. The book was a great read and it was easy and quick, it trapped you and just made you want to keep turning the page to see their story unfold.
March 28, 2025
72 Hours of You is heartbreaking in the best way! You fall in love with Sydney whose one-liners and philosophy on death are poignant and funny. Her journey with Peter and how she comes to terms with life and death will have you grabbing for the tissues. My favorite is Jules--the sister who will tell you exactly how it is with no punches pulled. This is YA at its best.
It's John Green meets Rebecca Serle with sarcastic teenage angst thrown in. You don't want to miss this book!
It's John Green meets Rebecca Serle with sarcastic teenage angst thrown in. You don't want to miss this book!
March 28, 2025
Wait till you read this book! 😱 It is so fast paced and draws you in immediately. The characters will have you laughing and crying. The story is compelling and so different. Beautifully written and heartbreaking and charming all at once. Hold on, it’s a wild ride of a story! This is one to preorder because everyone will be talking about it!
Review of advance copy received from Goodreads Giveaways
Such a beautiful love story. This book completely pulled me in and had me emotionally invested from beginning to end. The characters felt so real, and the love between them was written in such a powerful way. I was absolutely not prepared for the ending — I was in tears. One of those stories that stays with you long after you finish the last page.
Review of advance copy received from Netgalley
Gutted, devastated, Darianne Schramm— you can break my heart any day. This book is pitch-perfect — voicey, funny, sharp, smart, and did I mention heartbreaking? I want to give it to everyone I know with a pack of tissues.
Review of advance copy received from Goodreads Giveaways
This was a sweet love story, with some teen angst, and a few secrets that unfold during the story. The premise is unique, and the dialogue is smart and funny. If this author write another book, I'll want to read it.
March 28, 2025
Legitimately the best book I’ve ever read. Depth of character is amazing and the writing is top notch.
Review of advance copy received from Publisher
I'll just say I have aphantasia and yet somehow the author was able to paint me a picture. A must read!
Review of advance copy received from Netgalley
NetGalley
IDK what to say about this one yet, sorry. Loved Peter and the cover is gorgeous.
IDK what to say about this one yet, sorry. Loved Peter and the cover is gorgeous.
Review of advance copy received from Edelweiss+
I’m distraught 😭 why did i decide to finish this at 7 in the morning right before work. I’ll be thinking about this book all day. Such a heartbreakingly beautiful book.
Review of advance copy received from NetGalley
I am holding back tears while writing this review. This book was exceptionally well-written, and the characters felt incredibly real. Peter and Sydney for life.
March 30, 2025
I've been lucky enough to read this book from the very first draft to the final and I am utterly biased and completely correct in saying that it is impossible to read this book without laughing out loud, and even more impossible to read this book without crying. Peter Beckett is a book boyfriend to be reckoned with.
Review of advance copy received from Netgalley
Thank you, Disney Hyperion, for providing an ARC of this book through NetGalley in exchange for my honest review.
When Sydney Hoffman’s grandmother died, she left Sydney with a gift– or from Sydney’s perspective, a curse. Sydney can tell when someone has less than 72 hours to live. When someone is 3 days from dying, Sydney sees a pink clock over the person’s head that counts down to what she calls “Zero Hour.” Over time, Sydney has learned that there’s nothing she can do to change this outcome, no matter how much she wishes that weren’t true. Once the pink clock appears, the person’s fate is sealed. Sydney lives by 3 rules: don’t tell anyone about the clocks, don’t try to intervene, and never witness a “Zero Hour.”
Because of her ability, Sydney is cynical, isolated and lonely. Then she meets Peter Beckett. Peter is positive, calm, and he loves to read. He connects with people easily (unlike Sydney) and is instantly likeable to everyone he meets. Sydney soon finds herself trusting Peter with her secret, and the two begin taking trips to New York City to look for “Clockers,” finding small ways to bring people happiness in their last hours.
This book is heartbreaking and dark, but it’s also hopeful. The story is well-written with a strong message about living life to the fullest no matter your age or how long you may live. Sydney and Peter are well-developed characters that seem like polar opposites in the beginning. While Peter is hopeful and optimistic, Sydney is cynical and sarcastic. Peter and Sydney balance each other out, so the more difficult sections to read, which usually involve Sydney, are softened by Peter’s presence. Their connection is sweet, and I appreciated how they were able to learn from each other.
I would recommend this book for older teens. Some of Sydney’s thoughts as well as her sense of humor are quite dark, in the beginning especially. The language and jokes made by Sydney and other characters are also pretty crude at times. With that said, the plot makes this book hard to put down. This is a unique story that will stick with you long after you’ve read the last page.
When Sydney Hoffman’s grandmother died, she left Sydney with a gift– or from Sydney’s perspective, a curse. Sydney can tell when someone has less than 72 hours to live. When someone is 3 days from dying, Sydney sees a pink clock over the person’s head that counts down to what she calls “Zero Hour.” Over time, Sydney has learned that there’s nothing she can do to change this outcome, no matter how much she wishes that weren’t true. Once the pink clock appears, the person’s fate is sealed. Sydney lives by 3 rules: don’t tell anyone about the clocks, don’t try to intervene, and never witness a “Zero Hour.”
Because of her ability, Sydney is cynical, isolated and lonely. Then she meets Peter Beckett. Peter is positive, calm, and he loves to read. He connects with people easily (unlike Sydney) and is instantly likeable to everyone he meets. Sydney soon finds herself trusting Peter with her secret, and the two begin taking trips to New York City to look for “Clockers,” finding small ways to bring people happiness in their last hours.
This book is heartbreaking and dark, but it’s also hopeful. The story is well-written with a strong message about living life to the fullest no matter your age or how long you may live. Sydney and Peter are well-developed characters that seem like polar opposites in the beginning. While Peter is hopeful and optimistic, Sydney is cynical and sarcastic. Peter and Sydney balance each other out, so the more difficult sections to read, which usually involve Sydney, are softened by Peter’s presence. Their connection is sweet, and I appreciated how they were able to learn from each other.
I would recommend this book for older teens. Some of Sydney’s thoughts as well as her sense of humor are quite dark, in the beginning especially. The language and jokes made by Sydney and other characters are also pretty crude at times. With that said, the plot makes this book hard to put down. This is a unique story that will stick with you long after you’ve read the last page.
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