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Us When We're Apart
If there was one constant in the lives of the self-proclaimed Mt. Blue Crew, it was the relationship of Kiki and Jake. Their fourth grade kiddie crush soon turned into first kisses, first dates, first boyfriend/girlfriend, first love. While their friends rode the rollercoaster of life, the high school sweethearts remained the dependable staple for them. No one was surprised when they got engaged a year after high school.
But they were shocked when they called it off four years later.
Now, it’s a year after the event and their friends and family hardly recognize them. Kiki explores Genoa, Italy, rarely calling home as she reinvents herself in the beautiful coastal city and catches the eye of a handsome photographer. Jake stays in Mt. Blue, California, unable to move on as he alienates himself from everyone left in his life and retreats into the dark places of his mind.
As they discover who they are without the other, Kiki and Jake have to decide if this is where they want their lives to go or if it’s too late to correct their course. And will that decision bring them back together or keep them apart for good?
But they were shocked when they called it off four years later.
Now, it’s a year after the event and their friends and family hardly recognize them. Kiki explores Genoa, Italy, rarely calling home as she reinvents herself in the beautiful coastal city and catches the eye of a handsome photographer. Jake stays in Mt. Blue, California, unable to move on as he alienates himself from everyone left in his life and retreats into the dark places of his mind.
As they discover who they are without the other, Kiki and Jake have to decide if this is where they want their lives to go or if it’s too late to correct their course. And will that decision bring them back together or keep them apart for good?
285 pages, Paperback
Published June 3, 2025
5 people want to read
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Displaying 1 - 17 of 17 reviews
June 1, 2025
Cailin Cecchini has penned a page turner.
Heartfelt moments and then laughter.
Sometimes past moments and choices remain there.
Or do they.?
Kiki and Jake story is one that will answer that question.
“You still want to, right? Kiki said.
“Get married?Of course I do,” Jake said immediately. “I mean we love each other.”
“Right” Kiki said that hasn’t changed .”
They gave each other small smiles and ignored the churns in their stomach.”
Heartfelt moments and then laughter.
Sometimes past moments and choices remain there.
Or do they.?
Kiki and Jake story is one that will answer that question.
“You still want to, right? Kiki said.
“Get married?Of course I do,” Jake said immediately. “I mean we love each other.”
“Right” Kiki said that hasn’t changed .”
They gave each other small smiles and ignored the churns in their stomach.”
May 9, 2025
ARC Review
The plot was sweet and I enjoyed it.
I really felt for the MMC 😢
The only issue for me was that it is in third person which isn't my favourite but apart from that I really enjoyed it.
High School sweethearts
Third person POV
Time hops
MH/Depression
Alcoholism
The plot was sweet and I enjoyed it.
I really felt for the MMC 😢
The only issue for me was that it is in third person which isn't my favourite but apart from that I really enjoyed it.
High School sweethearts
Third person POV
Time hops
MH/Depression
Alcoholism
July 23, 2025
Another fantastic story from Cailin! The characters were so engaging and felt incredibly real. I’ve got such a soft spot for Brent and Busta. I could read hours of their interactions alone. And Gabriel? Totally enchanted me. 😉 The unfolding drama kept things fresh and made me eager to see how it would all come together. By the time I finished, the Mt. Blue Crew felt like old friends. 💕
May 9, 2025
❝𝓗𝓸𝔀 𝓪𝓶 𝓘 𝓬𝓸𝓶𝓹𝓵𝓮𝓽𝓮𝓵𝔂 𝓭𝓮𝓿𝓪𝓼𝓽𝓮𝓭 𝓵𝓲𝓴𝓮 𝓽𝓱𝓲𝓼 𝓪𝓷𝓭... 𝓪𝓷𝓭 𝓼𝓱𝓮'𝓼 𝓷𝓸𝓽?❞
✧.*
When I read the blurb, I knew I had to get a hold of this book as soon as possible. Was it worth it? Yes. By far, this is the most true-to-life story I have ever read and it made me rethink my life right now. This book holds so many life lessons and I do think anyone who started a relationship at a young age like me must read this. I honestly don’t know how to organize my thoughts about this book because it’s such a beautiful journey for both of the characters. Thinking about this book made me realize how much it actually hit me so hard.
Both of the main characters felt so human. Kiki and Jake fell in love and started their relationship at such a young age that they didn’t think about what the future could hold for them and that is so real for young relationships—that bliss we all once had because we were just kids who knew nothing of the world but living in the present. Kiki wanted change. She wanted to venture out and explore the world, to create new experiences for herself. It may sound selfish but let’s be real, aren’t we all? Jake, on the other hand, wanted to stay the same because he lived a life that was comfortable to him. He was happy and didn’t want anything to change because truth be told, change is scary. One way or another, we can see ourselves in both of the characters. There were times where they both pissed me off but then I thought, perhaps I’m pissed off of myself because I am or used to be like them. Talking about “The Crew”, I love their friendship so much. They were always there for each other and Brandy is the GOAT. I love her to bits and I wish I had a friend like her who wouldn't abandon me just because things are hitting rock bottom. I love how we could see snippets of the whole friend group throughout the book. It gave such an impact and it made me connect with them more than just being side characters.
Overall, this book is a one-of-a-kind read. Although, there were missing bits of the story and just fell kind of flat. I thought Kiki was going to end up with the new guy she met because she seemed so fond of him and got to experience new things she couldn’t with Jake. Her yearning for Jake felt missing and I was actually rooting for her and the guy but just like they say, “First love never dies.” I wish we got to see more of her missing Jake and longing for him. I also wish we got to see more of the ending because it felt too short. I need to know more! I need MORE!
‘Us When We’re Apart’ showed us two sides of a coin of how one could handle a break-up—are you someone who stays depressed and refuses to move on? Or are you someone who continues to get up and live life? This book will forever remain imprinted in my heart and mind. It taught me such a big lesson on love and relationships that started young. People are bound to grow and change and eventually want different things than you do but how are you supposed to make that work with your significant other? Or do you just accept and move on separately?
✧.*
When I read the blurb, I knew I had to get a hold of this book as soon as possible. Was it worth it? Yes. By far, this is the most true-to-life story I have ever read and it made me rethink my life right now. This book holds so many life lessons and I do think anyone who started a relationship at a young age like me must read this. I honestly don’t know how to organize my thoughts about this book because it’s such a beautiful journey for both of the characters. Thinking about this book made me realize how much it actually hit me so hard.
Both of the main characters felt so human. Kiki and Jake fell in love and started their relationship at such a young age that they didn’t think about what the future could hold for them and that is so real for young relationships—that bliss we all once had because we were just kids who knew nothing of the world but living in the present. Kiki wanted change. She wanted to venture out and explore the world, to create new experiences for herself. It may sound selfish but let’s be real, aren’t we all? Jake, on the other hand, wanted to stay the same because he lived a life that was comfortable to him. He was happy and didn’t want anything to change because truth be told, change is scary. One way or another, we can see ourselves in both of the characters. There were times where they both pissed me off but then I thought, perhaps I’m pissed off of myself because I am or used to be like them. Talking about “The Crew”, I love their friendship so much. They were always there for each other and Brandy is the GOAT. I love her to bits and I wish I had a friend like her who wouldn't abandon me just because things are hitting rock bottom. I love how we could see snippets of the whole friend group throughout the book. It gave such an impact and it made me connect with them more than just being side characters.
Overall, this book is a one-of-a-kind read. Although, there were missing bits of the story and just fell kind of flat. I thought Kiki was going to end up with the new guy she met because she seemed so fond of him and got to experience new things she couldn’t with Jake. Her yearning for Jake felt missing and I was actually rooting for her and the guy but just like they say, “First love never dies.” I wish we got to see more of her missing Jake and longing for him. I also wish we got to see more of the ending because it felt too short. I need to know more! I need MORE!
‘Us When We’re Apart’ showed us two sides of a coin of how one could handle a break-up—are you someone who stays depressed and refuses to move on? Or are you someone who continues to get up and live life? This book will forever remain imprinted in my heart and mind. It taught me such a big lesson on love and relationships that started young. People are bound to grow and change and eventually want different things than you do but how are you supposed to make that work with your significant other? Or do you just accept and move on separately?
June 2, 2025
ARC Book Review 📖
4.5 ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️💫
Us When we're apart
Thank you to the author for an early copy of this book!!
💀Alcoholism
🖤MH/Depression
🍄High School Sweethearts
🙌🏽Third Person POV
🇮🇹Italy Traveling Vibes
🙏Strong Friendship "The Mt. Blue Crew"
All the Feels for the MMC 💔
I was honestly left craving more of that slow burn between the characters after the breakup—my heart just wanted more time with them, more ache, more longing.
This book was such a refreshing palate cleanser, especially if you’re in the mood for a contemporary romance that doesn’t shy away from intense subjects while still keeping things fast-paced and engaging. It’s cute and unique in all the best ways.
What really stayed with me was the contrast between Kiki’s dreamy, whimsical perspective and Jake’s heavy, melancholic lens on life. That emotional duality hit hard. It felt so real.
There are so many raw, deeply human moments in this story—lessons and truths that anyone can see a part of themselves in. That’s what I love most about @thecailin’s writing. It’s not just beautiful—it’s soulful. Her words reach deep, capturing what it’s like to sit in the darkness and still search for light. She doesn’t sugarcoat the pain, but she makes you feel seen in it.
It reminded me that struggling is a part of the human experience—and sometimes, the most meaningful stories are the ones that hold space for that.
At this point, I’d read "anything," she writes.
I’ll definitely be diving deeper into this book to unpack the layers in each character.
But for now—just wow. It left a mark. 💔💫🖤💀
4.5 ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️💫
Us When we're apart
Thank you to the author for an early copy of this book!!
💀Alcoholism
🖤MH/Depression
🍄High School Sweethearts
🙌🏽Third Person POV
🇮🇹Italy Traveling Vibes
🙏Strong Friendship "The Mt. Blue Crew"
All the Feels for the MMC 💔
I was honestly left craving more of that slow burn between the characters after the breakup—my heart just wanted more time with them, more ache, more longing.
This book was such a refreshing palate cleanser, especially if you’re in the mood for a contemporary romance that doesn’t shy away from intense subjects while still keeping things fast-paced and engaging. It’s cute and unique in all the best ways.
What really stayed with me was the contrast between Kiki’s dreamy, whimsical perspective and Jake’s heavy, melancholic lens on life. That emotional duality hit hard. It felt so real.
There are so many raw, deeply human moments in this story—lessons and truths that anyone can see a part of themselves in. That’s what I love most about @thecailin’s writing. It’s not just beautiful—it’s soulful. Her words reach deep, capturing what it’s like to sit in the darkness and still search for light. She doesn’t sugarcoat the pain, but she makes you feel seen in it.
It reminded me that struggling is a part of the human experience—and sometimes, the most meaningful stories are the ones that hold space for that.
At this point, I’d read "anything," she writes.
I’ll definitely be diving deeper into this book to unpack the layers in each character.
But for now—just wow. It left a mark. 💔💫🖤💀
May 10, 2025
ARC Review
Had the pleasure of reading this ARC and I enjoyed it immensely. It was a quick and engaging read that was quite funny. I did struggle a bit with the back and forth time lines but managed to keep things straight for the most part.
Well done with the MMC - I felt his feels right in my bones.
Loved the little bits of culture brought in with the FMC story line.
Fun read and I recommend :)
Had the pleasure of reading this ARC and I enjoyed it immensely. It was a quick and engaging read that was quite funny. I did struggle a bit with the back and forth time lines but managed to keep things straight for the most part.
Well done with the MMC - I felt his feels right in my bones.
Loved the little bits of culture brought in with the FMC story line.
Fun read and I recommend :)
May 25, 2025
PLOT PEEK: Jake and Kiki grew up inseparable and got engaged, but Kiki broke off their engagement to find herself and took off to explore the world. In Italy, she meets Gabriel, a photographer who helps her rediscover connection and adventure. Meanwhile, Jake’s heart is shattered, and he pushes away everyone trying to help. Their tight-knit crew—Taylor, Busta, Brent, Amber, and more—stay solid through it all. Both are figuring out what happiness really means, even if it means growing and healing “US WHEN WE’RE APART”.
🌸🌸🌸🌸🌸
HONEST OPINION: This was my first contemporary romance novel, and I genuinely loved the experience. The story unfolds through different timelines, which added so much depth and emotional layering to the relationships. I really appreciated that Jake and Kiki’s breakup wasn’t rooted in betrayal or anger- it was about self- discovery and the need for growth. Even in their time apart, their love never faded. Jake never turned bitter; he was heartbroken but still held space for Kiki in his heart. And Kiki’s journey was just as meaningful - stepping out to explore, learning to live on her own terms.
Another thing that stood out to me was the friend group- the crew. Brent & Amber, Taylor & Busta, AJ & Brandy, Kiki, and Jake. They’ve all known each other for years and stayed close through every stage of life. There was no drama or toxicity- just pure, genuine friendships filled with nostalgia, fun, and unconditional support. It was so refreshing to read a story where the friendships were strong and real.
The themes of this book really stuck with me- coming of age, first love that doesn’t fade, emotional growth, family bonds, sibling dynamics, and that bittersweet healing that comes after letting go. And the way the fonts changed throughout the book- different for past, present, and internal thoughts- just made everything flow even better and helped me stay connected.
It’s a story about love, loss, change, and the hope that maybe, even when WE’RE APART, the “US” still exists.
🌸🌸🌸🌸🌸
HONEST OPINION: This was my first contemporary romance novel, and I genuinely loved the experience. The story unfolds through different timelines, which added so much depth and emotional layering to the relationships. I really appreciated that Jake and Kiki’s breakup wasn’t rooted in betrayal or anger- it was about self- discovery and the need for growth. Even in their time apart, their love never faded. Jake never turned bitter; he was heartbroken but still held space for Kiki in his heart. And Kiki’s journey was just as meaningful - stepping out to explore, learning to live on her own terms.
Another thing that stood out to me was the friend group- the crew. Brent & Amber, Taylor & Busta, AJ & Brandy, Kiki, and Jake. They’ve all known each other for years and stayed close through every stage of life. There was no drama or toxicity- just pure, genuine friendships filled with nostalgia, fun, and unconditional support. It was so refreshing to read a story where the friendships were strong and real.
The themes of this book really stuck with me- coming of age, first love that doesn’t fade, emotional growth, family bonds, sibling dynamics, and that bittersweet healing that comes after letting go. And the way the fonts changed throughout the book- different for past, present, and internal thoughts- just made everything flow even better and helped me stay connected.
It’s a story about love, loss, change, and the hope that maybe, even when WE’RE APART, the “US” still exists.
May 12, 2025
I enjoyed this book so much. The characters felt so real, and even the side characters felt fully developed. They all had a fully formed backstory. I enjoyed the timeline jumps between "present" and different points in their childhood. As the reader, it allowed me to see each of the characters' relationships with one another form and to really see how much that all meant to each other. I watched Jake and Kiki go from being each other's childhood crush to first love at such a young age. They displayed both extremes in a breakup, while Jake was unable to move on, Kiki was living her life and enjoying everything with it. I truly loved them both so much,
I felt so connected to the characters that I almost felt like I was a part of "The Crew." I think my favorite character in the entire book was Brandy. It seems like she had been through so much heartache in her life but was still just a genuinely good person and friend. I also just have to point out that Jake was basically a walking green flag, and I adored him.
None of the characters were perfect. They all made mistakes throughout the story, and that was what made them feel human, so real and relatable.
The love story was so beautiful and developed. As I mentioned before, there was so much backstory. I almost felt as if I had watched Jake and Kiki's love grow through the years.
I wish there was more to the end (no spoilers). I would absolutely love if there was a sequel, or even just a short story, that gave a little more where the ending left off just to see a little bit of the "after."
I absolutely loved everything about this. I am so grateful to have had the opportunity to read this ARC!
I felt so connected to the characters that I almost felt like I was a part of "The Crew." I think my favorite character in the entire book was Brandy. It seems like she had been through so much heartache in her life but was still just a genuinely good person and friend. I also just have to point out that Jake was basically a walking green flag, and I adored him.
None of the characters were perfect. They all made mistakes throughout the story, and that was what made them feel human, so real and relatable.
The love story was so beautiful and developed. As I mentioned before, there was so much backstory. I almost felt as if I had watched Jake and Kiki's love grow through the years.
I wish there was more to the end (no spoilers). I would absolutely love if there was a sequel, or even just a short story, that gave a little more where the ending left off just to see a little bit of the "after."
I absolutely loved everything about this. I am so grateful to have had the opportunity to read this ARC!
June 8, 2025
Firstly I want to say thank you to Cailin Cecchini for the ARC of this book - I really enjoyed it!
This book follows Kiki and Jake, together since the age of 10 and due to be married until Kiki feeling trapped in her life that hasn’t changed since high school, decides to leave.
The chapters alternate between Kiki who is travelling around Italy enjoying her newfound freedom and Jake whose life is falling apart due to depression and large quantities of alcohol. There are also multiple flashback chapters showing their life a kids, growing up and leading to the breakup.
I really liked how real the book felt with one person in the breakup seemingly dealing with it much better than the other.
The friendship aspects of this book were great with neighbours, family and lifelong friends rallying around Jake to get him to sort his life out and to start moving on. I really did sympathise with Jake but did wish he could pull himself together, especially after several months had passed.
I liked Kiki as a character and understood her desire to find something more in life than the town she’s always lived in. The secondary characters were all likeable too and you could see why they would all work together as a friend group despite their differences.
Overall, this book was sweet, sad and hopeful and a really easy, enjoyable read which I would recommend reading and I would definitely look out for more books from this author.
This book follows Kiki and Jake, together since the age of 10 and due to be married until Kiki feeling trapped in her life that hasn’t changed since high school, decides to leave.
The chapters alternate between Kiki who is travelling around Italy enjoying her newfound freedom and Jake whose life is falling apart due to depression and large quantities of alcohol. There are also multiple flashback chapters showing their life a kids, growing up and leading to the breakup.
I really liked how real the book felt with one person in the breakup seemingly dealing with it much better than the other.
The friendship aspects of this book were great with neighbours, family and lifelong friends rallying around Jake to get him to sort his life out and to start moving on. I really did sympathise with Jake but did wish he could pull himself together, especially after several months had passed.
I liked Kiki as a character and understood her desire to find something more in life than the town she’s always lived in. The secondary characters were all likeable too and you could see why they would all work together as a friend group despite their differences.
Overall, this book was sweet, sad and hopeful and a really easy, enjoyable read which I would recommend reading and I would definitely look out for more books from this author.
June 3, 2025
This is a story about two childhood sweethearts who were the glue and reliable ones in their friend group, until the day their engagement ended. What follows is a look at how chaotic life can become when you lose your partner whom you shared most of your life with.
The story is told through multiple POVs and timeline, and explores young love, heartbreak, and friendships. One thing I liked about this book is the story is also told from the POVs of the friends, which I rarely see in a book. I also liked how the story portrays how the main characters processes heartbreak differently.
The writing style was easy to read, but it was hard for me to fully connect with both the main characters whose actions were immature. I enjoyed reading the friends' POVs more! I thought the ending was a bit too fast and predictable.
Overall, this is a quick read that will resonate with readers of YA, first love, and second chances.
Thanks to @bookwormbookspr for the ARC!
The story is told through multiple POVs and timeline, and explores young love, heartbreak, and friendships. One thing I liked about this book is the story is also told from the POVs of the friends, which I rarely see in a book. I also liked how the story portrays how the main characters processes heartbreak differently.
The writing style was easy to read, but it was hard for me to fully connect with both the main characters whose actions were immature. I enjoyed reading the friends' POVs more! I thought the ending was a bit too fast and predictable.
Overall, this is a quick read that will resonate with readers of YA, first love, and second chances.
Thanks to @bookwormbookspr for the ARC!
May 12, 2025
Us When We Are Apart ❤️🩹 ARC
A romance story told from the perspective of the childhood sweethearts who had always been a constant reliability in their turbulent friendship group until all of a sudden they ended their engagement.
With multiple POV’s, jumping between different years and locations, this book gives a refreshing taste on a classic story of first-love and second chances.
I enjoyed seeing how the author portrayed two very different, very dramatic, responses to the person you loved most in the world suddenly not being by your side everyday. The book was short, sweet and an easy read 💛
I personally wasn’t hugely attached to the FMC, and found her slightly childish in the way she carried on, and the ending I thought was slightly rushed, but still a good contemporary romance for those who like a bit of sadness and dramatics
A romance story told from the perspective of the childhood sweethearts who had always been a constant reliability in their turbulent friendship group until all of a sudden they ended their engagement.
With multiple POV’s, jumping between different years and locations, this book gives a refreshing taste on a classic story of first-love and second chances.
I enjoyed seeing how the author portrayed two very different, very dramatic, responses to the person you loved most in the world suddenly not being by your side everyday. The book was short, sweet and an easy read 💛
I personally wasn’t hugely attached to the FMC, and found her slightly childish in the way she carried on, and the ending I thought was slightly rushed, but still a good contemporary romance for those who like a bit of sadness and dramatics
June 18, 2025
A beautiful, emotional second-chance romance that explores love, heartbreak, and self-discovery. After a devastating breakup, Kiki flees to Italy to heal, while Jake stays behind in California, both trying to make sense of what went wrong. While Kiki seems to be enjoying her travels, Jake is a wreck, and his friends are ready to give up on him.
Told in dual POVs, this story captures the raw ache of growing apart and the slow hope of possibly finding your way back. With lots of flashbacks across their time together, you get a true sense of their relationship and how much they mean to each other. It's tender, introspective, and deeply human - perfect for fans of emotional, character-driven love stories.
Told in dual POVs, this story captures the raw ache of growing apart and the slow hope of possibly finding your way back. With lots of flashbacks across their time together, you get a true sense of their relationship and how much they mean to each other. It's tender, introspective, and deeply human - perfect for fans of emotional, character-driven love stories.
May 12, 2025
This was such a cute story featuring highschool sweethearts, an amazing friend group, and figuring out what you want in life. I loved getting to see the background of the characters and seeing their relationship throughout their childhood.
Jake loved Kiki with all his heart and without her, his life fell apart and seemed worthless. Kiki spent their time apart figuring out what she wanted and seeing the word.... But nothing could keep them apart.
My only complaint is the multiple POV's. Once you get past two I'm a little lost
Jake loved Kiki with all his heart and without her, his life fell apart and seemed worthless. Kiki spent their time apart figuring out what she wanted and seeing the word.... But nothing could keep them apart.
My only complaint is the multiple POV's. Once you get past two I'm a little lost
May 13, 2025
ARC Review
This was a great easy read. I struggled a bit with the third person POV, but once I got used to it I was invested in Jake and Kiki’s story.
Loved the inclusion of the friend group and the banter between them was very entertaining!
No spice in this book so would recommend if you enjoy light, clean romances.
This was a great easy read. I struggled a bit with the third person POV, but once I got used to it I was invested in Jake and Kiki’s story.
Loved the inclusion of the friend group and the banter between them was very entertaining!
No spice in this book so would recommend if you enjoy light, clean romances.
June 3, 2025
✨My Thoughts On Us When We’re Apart✨
Growing up together in the small town of Mt. Blue, California, Kiki & Jake had been a couple ever since their tight knit group of friends could remember. Always stable, & so in love, no one was surprised when they got engaged after high school… but when they broke it off? That was another story. Now, Kiki is rediscovering herself, traveling around Italy, & learning what life is like without Jake as her constant. Meanwhile, Jake is still in Mt. Blue, resistant to change, & struggling to move on from the loss of his relationship with Kiki. When love isn’t always black & white, what is the best path forward?
I adored this book with every ounce of my being. Cailin Cecchini managed to create such a beautiful & true to life story that I feel so many people can relate to. Kiki & Jake were such well fleshed out characters & I love that the story jumps back to different times in their lives growing up, as their relationship blossomed. Getting to know the moments that shaped their journey as a couple made me care about them that much more as characters, & made their breakup so devastating. I really understood & felt for them.
I also absolutely loved the friend group- “The Mt. Blue Crew”. There are a lot of them, but I still felt like they all had their own unique personalities & little back stories which made it so fun to read about them. I want to be friends with them as they really are a great bunch, who care so much for each other.
Finally, the juxtaposition between Kiki & Jake’s situations makes this story even more fascinating. Kiki’s experiences in Italy are so rich, romantic, dreamy, & the beautiful details of the areas she visits made me feel like I was there with her. While Jake’s life looks so different; heavy, dark, & full of sadness.
This is one book that will stick with me for a very long time. Thank you Cailin for such a wonderful read!
Book Rating: ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
Spice Rating: 🌶️
✨Read If You Like✨
🏡 Small town romance
✈️ Travel
👥 Dual POVs
👯♀️ Found Family
⭐️ Self Discovery
❤️Latin Culture
👩🏽Strong WOC FMC
💁🏻♂️Emotionally Tortured MMC
💕 2nd chance romance?
Growing up together in the small town of Mt. Blue, California, Kiki & Jake had been a couple ever since their tight knit group of friends could remember. Always stable, & so in love, no one was surprised when they got engaged after high school… but when they broke it off? That was another story. Now, Kiki is rediscovering herself, traveling around Italy, & learning what life is like without Jake as her constant. Meanwhile, Jake is still in Mt. Blue, resistant to change, & struggling to move on from the loss of his relationship with Kiki. When love isn’t always black & white, what is the best path forward?
I adored this book with every ounce of my being. Cailin Cecchini managed to create such a beautiful & true to life story that I feel so many people can relate to. Kiki & Jake were such well fleshed out characters & I love that the story jumps back to different times in their lives growing up, as their relationship blossomed. Getting to know the moments that shaped their journey as a couple made me care about them that much more as characters, & made their breakup so devastating. I really understood & felt for them.
I also absolutely loved the friend group- “The Mt. Blue Crew”. There are a lot of them, but I still felt like they all had their own unique personalities & little back stories which made it so fun to read about them. I want to be friends with them as they really are a great bunch, who care so much for each other.
Finally, the juxtaposition between Kiki & Jake’s situations makes this story even more fascinating. Kiki’s experiences in Italy are so rich, romantic, dreamy, & the beautiful details of the areas she visits made me feel like I was there with her. While Jake’s life looks so different; heavy, dark, & full of sadness.
This is one book that will stick with me for a very long time. Thank you Cailin for such a wonderful read!
Book Rating: ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
Spice Rating: 🌶️
✨Read If You Like✨
🏡 Small town romance
✈️ Travel
👥 Dual POVs
👯♀️ Found Family
⭐️ Self Discovery
❤️Latin Culture
👩🏽Strong WOC FMC
💁🏻♂️Emotionally Tortured MMC
💕 2nd chance romance?
June 27, 2025
Us When We're Apart - Cailin Chcchini *arc copy*
⭐️⭐️⭐️
- Highschool sweethearts
- Duel povs
- Depression
- Alcohol abuse
- Second chance romance
This was a sweet read, however there just seemed to be something not quite enough for me. The characters are relatable and written well and their relationships were really wholesome. I really enjoyed the jump through timelines, there was some before they graduated high school, around the time of their high school reunion and then the present. I've not read anything that has done it this way and I really enjoyed it.
I do enjoy contemporary romances but I did feel like I was forcing my self to finish this a little bit.
⭐️⭐️⭐️
- Highschool sweethearts
- Duel povs
- Depression
- Alcohol abuse
- Second chance romance
This was a sweet read, however there just seemed to be something not quite enough for me. The characters are relatable and written well and their relationships were really wholesome. I really enjoyed the jump through timelines, there was some before they graduated high school, around the time of their high school reunion and then the present. I've not read anything that has done it this way and I really enjoyed it.
I do enjoy contemporary romances but I did feel like I was forcing my self to finish this a little bit.
September 20, 2025
I want to thank @bookwormbookspr for the ARC! This one has been published as of June 3rd so go check it out!
This story explores themes of heartbreak, young love, and self-discovery.
Kiki and Jake have been together since the fourth grade and now they’re engaged and preparing for their wedding. As their high school reunion approaches Kiki starts to feel like she has not done enough in life just yet. Feeling trapped, in a way, she breaks off her engagement to Jake, in hopes of discovering the world and herself.
The characters in this book felt so human, and the multiple perspectives and timelines that we followed to understand the story helped a lot. We get to see how both sides of the relationship handled the breakup and how different it could be for each partner. We even see how their friend group handled their breakup, which is a perspective I enjoyed reading.
The only thing that I wish we got more of was the ending; it felt a bit short for what it is, but other than that, I recommend this one if you are looking for a fast-paced contemporary romance that aligns with the themes I listed.
TW/CW: Alcoholism and Depression.
This story explores themes of heartbreak, young love, and self-discovery.
Kiki and Jake have been together since the fourth grade and now they’re engaged and preparing for their wedding. As their high school reunion approaches Kiki starts to feel like she has not done enough in life just yet. Feeling trapped, in a way, she breaks off her engagement to Jake, in hopes of discovering the world and herself.
The characters in this book felt so human, and the multiple perspectives and timelines that we followed to understand the story helped a lot. We get to see how both sides of the relationship handled the breakup and how different it could be for each partner. We even see how their friend group handled their breakup, which is a perspective I enjoyed reading.
The only thing that I wish we got more of was the ending; it felt a bit short for what it is, but other than that, I recommend this one if you are looking for a fast-paced contemporary romance that aligns with the themes I listed.
TW/CW: Alcoholism and Depression.
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