I Love You Like It's 1999

by A.J. Pine, Helen Laser (Narrator), J.F. Harding (Narrator)

An unforgettable new timeslip rom-com bursting with hilarity, sizzling chemistry, and '90s nostalgia!

Kate Kendrick is having an epically bad day when a glowing Blockbuster catches her eye on the commute home. She could have sworn there was an abandoned building there just yesterday, and didn't Blockbuster go out of business years ago? Curiosity piqued, she steps inside the bustling store and whoosh! She's transported back to the year 1999 with no idea how to get back to her old life.

Jordan Dale works at the One Hour Photo Processing Shop next to Blockbuster, and he can't believe it when their paths cross. A time traveler himself, he's been living in the '90s for a while now, and this is the first time he's met anyone else from the future he's been all too happy to escape. As he helps Kate adjust to their new reality, sparks fly. Trouble is, Kate desperately wants to go back to her time while Jordan wants to stay. Will they find their happily ever after in the past or the present, and what if the choice isn't theirs to make?

Genres: Audiobook, Romance, Time Travel, Contemporary, Fiction, Rom Com, Fantasy

6 pages, Audible Audio

Published August 21, 2025

About the author

A teen librarian by day and a romance writer by night, A.J. Pine can’t seem to escape the world of fiction, and she wouldn’t have it any other way. She’s the author of the If Only series (Entangled Embrace), the Only You series (Berkley/Intermix), the Kingston Ale House series (Entangled Select), and the Crossroads Ranch series (Forever Romance). When she finds that 25th hour in the day, she might indulge in a tiny bit of TV where she nourishes her undying love of vampires, superheroes, and a certain high-functioning sociopath detective. She hails from the far off galaxy of the Chicago suburbs.

Reviews

[Kathy · Rating 4 out of 5]

I picked up this book purely because of the title and the cover. As a girl from the 90s, I wanted a nostalgic read that was light and fun for a Saturday night. The expectations were low, but I was surprised by how much I truly enjoyed this story. Lots of pop culture references to my high school days, I felt like I was in a time machine for a minute, and also maybe that I needed to think about talking to my doctor about perimenopause. But let's move on...

What I wasn't prepared for was the hidden kick to the feels the author threw in there. This audiobook is just shy of 6 hours long, so going into it I wasn't expecting anything groundbreaking or anything, but the author told a well-paced, well-developed story in a short amount of time. Could there have been additional details or a bit more character development? Perhaps. Am I disappointed in how the story wrapped up? Absolutely not.

I got exactly what I wanted from the story, even a little bit more. If you're looking for something to cleanse your palate, a quick little easy read, then this would be a good choice.

[Toni · Rating 3 out of 5]

26yrs = 2025-1999 (in case you needed a sad reminder)
Surprisingly, this wasn't as bad as it could have been. 2 "future" characters are having a bad day, so the universe opens up a Blockbuster Video Store at the corner. Curious to see if it's a gimmick, each goes in and poof, they are back in 1999. Jordan "checked out" in 2023 and Kate, 2025. Their bad day was just that, bad - not horrible or life-altering...maybe a 5. But the universe wants them to realize "a message" by giving them a side quest. And they get to be their hot, forever 20-something self with 2025 experience too! BUT they can't mess with the space-time continuum...they can't take advantage of anything. So much for trying to buy Amazon stocks before the rize!!

Jordan is experiencing survivor's guilt and, unfortunately, is slow to catch on to "his message" Blockbuster is throwing down. But after a couple of days with Kate in 1999, he learns. Oooookkkkkaaaayyyyy.

Kate, girl, even tho you're 45yrs IRL, you still don't have a clue about relationships if you fall in love with a guy who remains 2 years in the past (even tho IRL no time passes), then I can't wait to see what 2026 gives you as a present!

But the story delivers with a whimsical plot, just the right amount of nostalgic 90s throwbacks, and themes that are basic and universal, but still resonate.
YOUR PAST ISN'T GOING TO SAVE YOU, BUT IT CAN REMIND YOU THAT YOU'RE GONNA MAKE IT
and this beauty
PLEASE BE KIND AND REWIND
Yes, I did go into my stuff to see if I had my old Blockbuster card...I do. hehehehehe

[Natalie · Rating 2 out of 5]

As with most of the Audible Originals, the voice acting was excellent. I thought the male and female narrators were both quite good.

My issues are with the story itself and especially the character of Jordan. He was hard to like, in my opinion. Between his “head in the sand” attitude and his contentedness to be stuck in 1999 (I think at one point it said he had been stuck in time for 3 years??), it was hard to relate to him which in turn made it hard to understand what Kate ever saw in him. He was just very passive and not terribly likable.

There was also a Shakespeare quote attributed to the wrong play (which was made worse by the fact that the main character thinks to herself something like, “Izzy didn’t seem like the kind of guy who would know his Shakespeare.” Well he didn’t!) so that was a big turnoff for me.

I did like seeing the 1990s though, especially Blockbuster! And Chi Chis! (My husband is still sad that they closed.) I also love the ‘90s vibe of the cover. If I had liked the character of Jordan more, I definitely would have rated this higher because I love stories that play with time in some way.

[Catherine Victor Simpson · Rating 4 out of 5]

3.75 stars
An enjoyable slightly shorter book on audio all about the nostalgia us older millennial have around the turn of the millennium when life was simpler and people weren't permanently connected. When life isn't going your way it's easy to wish for a simpler life and thats what happens to Kate. She suddenly finds herself in 1999 in a version of reality thats easily too perfect. As she struggles to figure out how to get back to the real world, she slowly finds herself enjoying this world and making connections that rock her world. With many pop culture references you just had to have lived through to really 'get' this will be happily enjoyable throughout, however considering how deep some of the implications of what was happening were i would have hoped that the story would have delved deeper into this meaning and the relationships which always seemed a bit surface level and too cozy too quick.

[Sassy Mystic Reads · Rating 4 out of 5]

What would you do if you could turn back time? A sweet nostalgic read.

[lysified · Rating 3 out of 5]

It’s as lemonade as it gets in the world of romantic comedy with Kate suddenly finding herself in 1999 and enjoying her overly romanticised life as a 19 year old, where she discovers, that true connections are the ones that are missing from 2020s, that we are no more than living in a virtual world.

It’s a cute read, it really is what it advertises itself to be: a light hearted, fun time in which you see a romantic comedy play out in your head with a bunch of Keanu Reeves in it.

Fans of the movie 13 going on 30 would enjoy this read.

[Sammy · Rating 2 out of 5]

Much cheese and much insta-love. Also the MC is insta-friends with everyone she meets.

Also, not being an American, the many references to out-of-business retailers and such didn't mean a thing to me, but I guess might help with a bit of nostalgia for American readers.

And I get why it was set when it was, because it needed to be within the characters' adult lifespan, but as time-travel goes, it's kinda sad. 25 years isn't exactly a huge jump. And as for it being a simpler time then... What planet was the author living on!?

[Nikki Edmonds · Rating 3 out of 5]

3.5⭐️

[Xandriaaa 🌙🦇 · Rating 3 out of 5]

This was interesting, loved reading time travel that wasn’t 100 years or more lol. And being a 90s baby, this was dear to my heart.

[Rachael · Rating 4 out of 5]

Anything that transports me back to the 90s is a win. Nostalgia plays a huge factor into my rating and I’m not apologizing for it.

[Cheltsy · Rating 3 out of 5]

The nostalgia was so much fun for this book, but I felt like the story could've been fleshed out so much more and really could have taken a deeper dive into the topics relating to the characters that would've made it a better book.

[Kasia Ann · Rating 3 out of 5]

I enjoyed listening to this. The 1999 setting was very nostalgic 😊

[Jemma Medrano · Rating 4 out of 5]

3.75⭐️ rounded up!
I’m a huge fan of time travel romance and I enjoyed the nostalgia in this one! Felt like I’ve read better chemistry between characters tbh… and this was a bit too insta love for me. But still enjoyable.

[Katie Given · Rating 5 out of 5]

Oh the nostalgia! I was 18 in 1999, so this was so fun to read! Such a fun feel good romance. I loved the reminders to slow down and enjoy the moment. Beauty is in connection. ❤️ The audiobook was well done.

[Ginny Muse · Rating 4 out of 5]

Love all of the references to so many of the best aspects of late ‘90’s pop culture! So fun!
The story dragged a bit. I enjoyed it but something was missing that prevented me from getting completely sucked in.
The time travel magical realism that has the main characters back in 1999 is too far fetched. But it’s also fun to suspend reality and go along for the ride.
This is cute to listen to. (Has some spicy details - so be aware if you think you’d listen in the car with others. Could’ve done without those parts.) If you used to enjoy going to Blockbuster Video and like a fun romcom audio then give it a try.

[Katie]

in 1999, this Katie dated a guy who worked at Blockbuster video, loved the pop of a Snapple bottle, shopped at Contempo Casual for baby tees to wear under my overalls, obsessively applied Dr Pepper lip gloss, and ate at Macaroni Grill for the first time. And in 2025, this Katie (still haven’t grown up enough to go by Kate) could not resist this nostalgic audiobook full of throwback references to a time before social media and online shopping (online everything 🙄) with a short ‘n sweet runtime, perfect for a long weekend hike and finished up listening on a weekday jog.

[Sarah · Rating 1 out of 5]

I picked this book up purely because of the title + cover combo. As a girl born in 1999, I thought this was going to be a cute nostalgic ride, something light and fun to spend my Saturday night with. Sadly… meh. Just meh.

✦ The Vibes

I was expecting a throwback, some warm fuzzy nostalgia, but instead I spent most of the book stressed because the FMC herself was constantly anxious. She never really accepted the reality of being in 1999—she was so focused on “how do I get back?” that she didn’t enjoy being there. Ironically, the few times she did let herself relax and just live in the moment were the best parts of the book, and those were the little glimpses I actually enjoyed. I wish the whole story had leaned into that.

✦ The Romance

Uhhh… where was the love? Because I didn’t feel it. The MMC was just… fine. Nothing more, nothing less. Honestly, he annoyed me with his “head in the sand” attitude toward life. It was hard to root for him when I couldn’t see any real spark or growth between him and the FMC. Their connection felt flat, like words on a page instead of an actual relationship.

✦ Overall

This wasn’t terrible, but it wasn’t memorable either. The nostalgia idea was great in theory, but the execution left me disappointed. The romance didn’t land, the pacing dragged, and the characters didn’t click with me.

I’ll be honest—I wanted to love this, but instead I closed the book feeling indifferent.

[Rachelle Wasik · Rating 4 out of 5]

This story made me want to go right back to the 90s. I miss the slower days when joy came from simple things like hanging out with friends, making mix tapes, and talking on the house phone until someone yelled that they needed the line. Life felt easier back then, and friendships felt strong because we spent real time together, not because of likes on a screen.
I Love You Like It’s 1999 reminded me of all of that. The plot follows two characters who reconnect and end up spending time together in a way that feels sweet and familiar. They share old memories, learn new things about each other, and try to figure out what they mean to one another. The whole story has that warm, classic 90s feeling without giving anything away.

The 90s references were my favorite part. The Walkman, the VHS tapes, the bright colors, the stickers, the pictures, and the whole vibe took me right back to when I first moved to the United States. It felt like a time when everything was a little slower and a lot more joyful.

This audiobook made me smile from start to finish. It brought back so many good memories, and it made me wish I could visit that time again. It is fun, sweet, and full of nostalgia in the best way.

[Alannah Clarke · Rating 3 out of 5]

I Love You Like It’s 1999 is a light, nostalgic romance that delivers exactly what you would expect from a story built around Y2K throwbacks and second-chance feelings. I really enjoyed the early setup, especially the fun references to the late nineties and the way the characters reconnect after years apart. It has a cosy, easy-reading feel that made it pleasant to dip in and out of.

For me, the middle section lost a little momentum, and I didn’t feel as strongly invested in the emotional depth of the relationship as I had hoped. Some moments felt a bit predictable, and I found myself wanting more development between the leads. Even so, it is a sweet, nostalgic story with charm, and I can see it appealing to readers who love comforting romances with a retro twist.

Overall, an enjoyable read, just not one that fully stood out for me.

[Debra Kelly · Rating 4 out of 5]

What if you could rewind your life to the summer of ’99… back when Friday nights meant Blockbuster runs, burned CDs were love letters, and Y2K was our biggest fear? That’s exactly what happens to Kate after a really terrible day in the 2020s. She steps into a Blockbuster that shouldn’t exist and walks straight into the past.

While trying to figure out what’s going on, she meets Jordan, someone who knows exactly how disorienting time travel can be because he’s from the future too. Their chemistry is instant and their banter feels pulled straight from a rom-com. But there’s one huge issue: Kate wants to get back home, and Jordan wouldn’t mind staying in the simpler, throwback glory of 1999.

This book delivers on the nostalgia hard: the music, the one hour Photo Booth, the fashion trends, the movie rentals… and it’s wrapped up in a sweet, heartfelt romance with a fun time travel twist. It’s a fast read with a charming premise that will make you smile and maybe even crave a VHS rewind.

Highly recommend picking this one up if you’re in the mood for some 90s magic and a love story that spans decades (literally).

[Heather Joyce · Rating 4 out of 5]

As someone who loves the 90’s, I loved this book so much because of the nostalgia. It hit my soul! All of the references were so spot on too and clearly the author was there or did her research thoroughly.

The premise of the story was very different, It was like a reverse of back to the future and in a blockbuster, not a DeLorean. It was super cute, a tiny bit cheesy (in all the good ways) and a fun love story!

[Carla Grossi · Rating 3 out of 5]

I think this book may deserve a better ranking but I just can't seem to be concentrated enough for audiobooks yet, it's like I just get lost on my own thoughts and then I don't remember some things that happen or I just can't keep up with them. But it's a good practice to have better concentration, to stop overthinking and just focus lol

[Anita · Rating 3 out of 5]

This had a cute premise. It was sort of a bittersweet book. The overall vibes I think were meant to encourage the reader to live life and appreciate themselves at any age but all it succeeded in making me feel was sad and old - longing for 1999. Sad for the passage of time, the loss of life and memories and the way things were that we don’t appreciate in the moment.

[Maita G · Rating 3 out of 5]

3.5 ⭐️ audiobook : Talk about a blast from the past! This was similar to 13 Going On 30. I enjoyed hearing Blockbuster, 90’s rom-coms, Cinnabon, disc man, match.com, Tae-bo…Tae-bo was my go to workout in the 90’s!

[Julie · Rating 4 out of 5]

Very good. Made me rather thoughtful, perhaps because I'm older than these characters and remember 1999. I wondered what I'd change if I had the power to time-travel in my own life. Left me thoughtful through my dreams.

[Shelf Control Needed · Rating 4 out of 5]

A beautiful reminder that sometimes the most important love story is the one you have with yourself. This book explores self-worth, forgiveness, and personal growth while still delivering a fun, romantic, and heartwarming story. It made me laugh, swoon, and reflect all at once.

[Liliana · Rating 3 out of 5]

3.5⭐

[Laurie Hahn · Rating 5 out of 5]

Ahh the nostalgia! Loved this listen, very fun but wasn’t without emotion too. I’ll definitely listen to it again.

[Sarah Mouser · Rating 5 out of 5]

Ok, this was a super fast listen— and just so nostalgic and cute. Is it going to win awards? No. Did I enjoy myself? Absolutely. And that the whole point, folks!

[BrookeC · Rating 2 out of 5]

This was a good background book while playing Stardew Valley 😂