Every Version of You

by Natalie Messier

For fans of The Love of My Afterlife and The Seven Year Slip, Reese’s LitUp Fellow Natalie Messier’s debut following a woman who gets a chance to relive her college years—with the opportunity to win back the one that got away—is “full of surprises and sneakily perceptive” (Yulin Kuang, USA TODAY bestselling author of How to End a Love Story).

Joey Vasquez’s life is the definition of good on paper. At thirty-two, she’s a Los Angeles lawyer on the cusp of making partner, but while she’s a professional success, she’s a personal disaster. Her social life mostly consists of nights spent watching TV with her elderly cat. Life isn’t quite what she dreamed when she was younger, but really, whose life is?

But a dinner party with the best friend she’s secretly pined after for years and its aftermath changes everything.

When Joey is given a second chance at life, she finds herself in college again. Armed with memories from her first life, Joey is certain she’s come back to finally convince the one man she ever loved to love her back—so why does she find herself strangely drawn to the man she thought she hated?

Genres: Romance, Contemporary, Fiction, Time Travel, Adult, Enemies To Lovers, College

368 pages, Hardcover

Expected publication April 21, 2026

Reviews

[Nilufer Ozmekik · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is one of the best debuts I've truly devoured! The themes of second chances, time travel, learning from past mistakes, discovering true love, finding your authentic self, and uncovering your life's purpose were all meticulously executed with remarkable precision. Each twist was masterfully crafted and perfectly timed, creating a reading experience that left me breathless with anticipation.

I found myself absolutely captivated by this original, unique, and deeply heartfelt story that compels every reader to confront a universal question: What would we do if we could travel back to that pivotal moment in our lives where everything went wrong and try making different choices to embrace entirely different consequences? Can we truly change our own destiny and save ourselves from endless cycles of misery and regret? Countless thought-provoking questions swirled through my mind as I turned each page, making this far more than just entertainment—it became a profound meditation on choice, consequence, and the paths not taken.

While the romance was beautifully developed, I found myself even more drawn to the protagonist's relentless pursuit of genuine happiness and self-discovery. This added an extra layer of depth that elevated the entire narrative beyond typical romance tropes.
The plot centers around Joey (Josephina Vasquez), a 32-year-old corporate lawyer in Los Angeles who appears to be living the dream—she's on the verge of making partner and seems to have it all figured out. However, this polished exterior is nothing more than an elaborate facade masking her profound unhappiness and spiritual emptiness. When she reluctantly attends a house party thrown by her college best friend Ellie (and yes, despite the nickname, Ellie is a man who married his college sweetheart Cat—the woman who ended up with Joey's first love), she'd rather endure a waterboarding session than face the evening ahead.

The situation becomes exponentially worse when Joey discovers that her arch-nemesis Alex—who has recently transformed into an insufferably arrogant billionaire—will also be attending. As if that emotional assault weren't enough, she learns that Cat is expecting a baby, delivering a devastating double blow to her already fragile heart. Her inevitable confrontation with Alex deteriorates into a vicious exchange of insults, leaving Joey desperate to escape back to her apartment and her beloved adopted cat, Ruthie—her only reliable source of comfort.

Having consumed only two glasses of red wine, Joey believes she's perfectly capable of driving home safely. How much harm could it possibly cause? The answer comes swiftly and brutally when her car collides with a tree, seemingly ending her story in tragedy.

But death, as it turns out, is merely the beginning of Joey's extraordinary journey. She awakens in what can only be described as the world's most depressing waiting room, complete with hideous carpeting that seems designed to torture souls for eternity. There, she meets her assigned caseworker, who presents her with an unprecedented opportunity: a genuine second chance at life. She can return to any pivotal moment of her choosing and attempt to rewrite her story, pursuing happiness instead of the lonely existence she'd been trapped in—escaping her soul-crushing job, her dysfunctional family dynamics, and the painful estrangement from her sister.

Without hesitation, Joey chooses to return to that fateful college party where she first met Ellie, absolutely determined not to let him slip through her fingers this time. She's convinced she has the perfect plan to secure her happy ending.

However, once she's transported back into her eighteen-year-old body, reality proves far more complex than her carefully laid plans. Every different choice she makes creates unexpected ripple effects, and most surprisingly, she finds herself inexplicably drawn to Alex—who, in this timeline, is completely different from the arrogant man she grew to despise. The magnetic attraction she feels toward him threatens to derail everything she thought she wanted, forcing her to confront the possibility that her assumptions about love, happiness, and destiny might have been completely wrong.

With only one precious chance remaining, Joey must navigate these unexpected feelings while ensuring she doesn't doom herself to repeat the same patterns of misery that defined her previous life. The stakes couldn't be higher, and the choices couldn't be more challenging.

Overall: This book absolutely enchanted me from beginning to end. It's a brilliantly crafted fantasy romance bursting with innovative concepts that make you yearn for your own opportunity to travel back in time and reshape the pivotal moments that defined your life. The author demonstrates exceptional skill in weaving together complex themes of regret, redemption, and self-discovery while maintaining perfect pacing and emotional resonance throughout.

This debut absolutely deserves five shining stars and has established this author as someone whose future works I'll eagerly anticipate. The creativity, heart, and wisdom embedded in these pages make it a standout addition to the fantasy romance genre.

My heartfelt gratitude goes to NetGalley and Gallery Books for providing me with a digital review copy of this marvelous fantasy romance in exchange for my honest and enthusiastic thoughts. This opportunity allowed me to discover what I'm confident will become one of my favorite reads of the year.

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[Fernanda (ivyfer_isreading) · Rating 4 out of 5]

This is the second book about a ‘fix-it’ different timeline kinda story that I've read recently and I loved both of them so I guess this is something I enjoy?!!
In every version of you we have a system that when someone dies and they were not happy with their lives they get one chance to do it again. Our protagonist chooses to do that and goes back to her first year of college. It's a mess but in the best way. 
I love how the characters are not perfect, a lot of them made very questionable choices actually but that's a reason why I loved them. It's not difficult to believe these are real people, and what they do in the situation is also pretty much what I'd do. I read the book in one sitting, so you can imagine the pace is great and I couldn't put it down. 
Also, I loved everything about the cat iykyk
I can't believe this is a debut, I'll definitely be keeping an eye out for the author. 

Thank you Edelweiss and Atria for the ARC.

[Tarah DeWitt · Rating 5 out of 5]

THIS. This is a special one. Devoured.

[Madison Martin · Rating 5 out of 5]

Maybe a hot take, but this book hooked me harder than Fourth Wing and ACOTAR. I TORE through this book. I think this is such a fan story of love and second chances and will be recommending it to everyone I know. I think this is a book anyone would be able to visualize well and enjoy to the fullest. I loved the characters, the concept, the story, everything about it. Cannot wait to read this book again when it officially comes out!

[Angie Miale · Rating 3 out of 5]

Joey is a workaholic corporate lawyer without much of a life. She goes on dates periodically but doesn’t let anyone in because she is secretly in love with Ellie (Elijah) the one who got away. She suddenly dies but gets a second chance at life and she goes back to college in 2012 to have a second chance at love. But instead she finds herself drawn to Alex, a billionaire capitalist that Ellie is friends with, a man she hates. Back in her 18 year old body with a 32 year old soul, she changes so much of what she wishes she could have done differently the first time.

If I could go back in time to my college days I’d have to do things the same so I could have my kids. But I definitely would find a way to see Whitney Houston, Prince and Michael Jackson live.

This is well paced and written. The back and forth between her 2026 mind and what she knows in 2012 is a running bit that doesn’t get old. If you enjoy time travel or second chance magical realism romance this is a book you should be reading. There are a lot of characters, many of whom play the same role and the metaphysical aspect of this doesn’t get too deep. I enjoyed the first 25% of the book the most. There were some surprises and twists near the end that were different than most time travel stories.

Thanks to NetGalley and gallery books for the ARC. Book to be published 4/28/26.

[Chey · Rating 5 out of 5]

EARLY REVIEWERS ARE RAVING!! - it’s me, i’m early reviewer. This is perfection.

[Abee Bittle · Rating 5 out of 5]

I adore this book!! I didn’t want to put it down. The story and characters were a delight. Great banter, a little spice, a little nostalgic. This was exactly what I was hoping this book would be.

This book will be released 4/21/2026.
Thank you, NetGalley, for this ARC. All opinions are my own.

[Kelsi Morse · Rating 5 out of 5]

Got to read an early copy and I was hooked. Fell in love with the characters, their connections, and their personal stakes. The moment that finally brings the main couple together had me 😭😭😭

Must purchase when published!

[Abby Carico · Rating 4 out of 5]

read the arc for this and it is so so good! second chance at life? what would you do differently? Would you help others? a lot of interesting concepts and such a good story

[TheConnieFox · Rating 4 out of 5]

4 ⭐️ Review to come. 🤗💞

[Hannah · Rating 4 out of 5]

This book wasn’t what I expected it was more. It felt slow to start but soon I felt immersed with the characters and needing to read it. There’s so many profound life lessons gained by reading this book. Lessons you wouldn’t get unless you too gained a second chance at life. I love that it bounces between 2012 and 2026 and the references to things that are big now are referenced in her 2012 life. I truly had no idea how this book would end and felt extremely satisfied with the ending. My ARC was provided by the publisher via Netgalley in exchange for an honest review.

[Katie Truesdale · Rating 5 out of 5]

I got an advanced preview via my book club. This is such a fun, heartfelt read. I loved the idea of getting a second shot at college (and life!) and the story totally delivered. Joey is so relatable, and I was hooked watching her figure things out the second time around. Smart, nostalgic, and just the right amount of romantic.

[CynnieRose · Rating 5 out of 5]

Staying up till two reading this addictive book in one late night.

[Vivid Vega · Rating 5 out of 5]

Every version of me loved Every Version of You. 5 out of 5 stars!!


This is one of the most moving and beautifully written stories I’ve ever read. The themes of second chances, time travel, love, regret, and self discovery were woven together with such precision and heart that I found myself completely immersed from the first page to the last. Each twist unfolded with purpose, every emotion felt intentional, and the ending left me full of reflection.


Joey Vasquez seems to have it all together on paper: she’s a successful Los Angeles lawyer, but behind closed doors, her life feels empty and unfulfilled. When a life-altering moment gives her a second chance, she wakes up back in college with the memories of her first life intact. Determined to finally win the love she never had, Joey quickly learns that second chances aren’t just about romance, but about rediscovering who you are and what truly matters.


I don’t even have enough words to describe how much I loved this book. The character development and dialogue were emotionally perfect, and the story’s depth lingered long after I finished reading it. It’s about love, regret, growth, and the beauty of realizing that you can work on choosing your own path in life. I laughed, I swooned, I cried (in a good way), and by the end, I cried some more that it was over. Joey’s journey made me reflect on my own life on choices, timing, and love and I couldn’t help but wonder if I’d choose my partner again if I were given a second chance. The answer came easily. In every lifetime, in every version of me, I would.



I wish we could have seen more of Joey’s years in her second life, the ending did feel a little cut short kind of fast. And Ruthie her cat’s story? Absolutely cute and I’m so glad for Ruthie’s story 😭 This is a debut novel by the author Natalie Messier, Natalie if you’re reading this, pleaseeeee continue writing more books. This has become my favorite book of all time! 💙


Five stars out of five. I already preordered it for my library because I need everyone to read it so I can talk about it endlessly! I would love to get copies when it’s published for my book club as well.


Thank you to NetGalley and Gallery Books for the digital copy of Every Version of You.


That’s my Vivid take ✔️📚

[Ash · Rating 5 out of 5]

♡𝐀𝐑𝐂 𝐑𝐞𝐯𝐢𝐞𝐰♡
📚𝑬𝒗𝒆𝒓𝒚 𝑽𝒆𝒓𝒔𝒊𝒐𝒏 𝑶𝒇 𝒀𝒐𝒖
𝐵𝑦 𝑁𝑎𝑡𝑎𝑙𝑖𝑒 𝑀𝑒𝑠𝑠𝑖𝑒𝑟
𝑹𝒂𝒕𝒊𝒏𝒈 : 5★★★★★
𝑹𝒆𝒍𝒆𝒂𝒔𝒆 𝑫𝒂𝒕𝒆: 21𝑠𝑡 𝐴𝑝𝑟𝑖𝑙 2026

𝘙𝘦𝘷𝘪𝘦𝘸:

I honestly don’t even know where to begin with this book, because I flew through it in what felt like no time at all. It completely pulled me in from the very first page, and I was amazed at how beautifully it was written while still being so easy to read. The characters felt incredibly real and human their emotions, their struggles, and their choices all resonated in such a natural way that I couldn’t help but feel invested in them. What struck me most was the way the story explored the second-life concept. It wasn’t just a clever idea, it was executed with so much depth, showing how the choices people make can completely change who they become. Watching the characters grow through this lens was both fascinating and moving, and it gave the entire book a sense of heart and meaning that really stayed with me. The romance was another highlight. It was tender and heartfelt, and while a few scenes were a little spicier than what I usually prefer, I still appreciated how it was handled because it added another layer of intimacy and vulnerability. The chemistry between Alex and Joey absolutely leapt off the page. From their very first interactions, their banter was sharp, fun, and full of sparks, and as the story progressed, it only got better. I especially adored the way they bonded over cats, it was such a sweet, genuine detail that made their connection feel even more special. And then there’s the ending. Without giving anything away, I’ll just say it caught me off guard in the best way. It was emotional, heartfelt, and left me sitting with all the feelings long after I closed the book. It tied everything together in a way that felt both satisfying and moving, which is rare to find.

Overall, I loved this book and the experience of reading it. It had heart, humor, depth, and romance all woven together so seamlessly.

[Natalee Vance · Rating 5 out of 5]

I went into this book completely blind. And I loved every minute of it! Couldn’t put it down. Really made you think what would you do with a second chance. Change everything? Keep it all the same? Just really loved it!

[trinity · Rating 3 out of 5]

For Sophie Kinsella fans!

Enjoyable, cutesy fast read.

Thank you to the publisher for sending me a copy!

[Alex Lynch · Rating 5 out of 5]

Big thanks to Gallery Books for the ARC of this book! This book had me hooked from the very first page and I really loved following Joey's journey! Joey has her whole life together, theoretically. She is a high powered attorney and have achieved many of her goals, but is still pining for her college crush at 32 years old. She doesn't get out much and prefers spending time with her cat. When she attends a dinner party for her best friend, who is also her secret unrequited love, she is given an unexpected second chance at life. This part of the book reminded me of the show, The Good Place. Joey chooses to go back and make her best friend fall in love with her and she is suddenly thrust back into life as a 18 year old in college. Her second chance in college does not play out how she thinks it will and a connection is made with someone she does not expect. I truly loved reading about how she follows her heart and finds happiness. This book is for you if you like authors like Ashley Poston and the trope of enemies to lovers. It is a romance at its core with a sprinkle of magic. This is the debut novel for Natalie Messier, and I can't wait to read what she comes up with next! Five Stars for sure!

[Tiffany Bailey · Rating 5 out of 5]

Wow, this book took me on such an emotional ride. The writing is beautiful, the characters feel so real, and the story hits you right in the heart in the best way. It’s one of those reads that makes you stop and think but also keeps you completely hooked from start to finish. I didn’t want it to end because it was just that good.

[Jennifer · Rating 5 out of 5]

full review to come ❤️

*thank you gallery books for the gifting me an advanced copy*

[Grace Conners · Rating 5 out of 5]

This book was everything I could have asked for. The story itself feels warm and heartfelt. The characters chemistry had me kicking my feet and giggling! I love a second chance romance, but this take on it was so magical and pure. When I tell you I couldn’t put this book down, I was so wrapped up in Joey’s second chance! I loved seeing her try to navigate her second life, it really makes you think about what you would do differently if you could go back!

Thank you to NetGalley and Simon & Schuster for the eARC!

[Erin Mendoza · Rating 5 out of 5]

I loved this!

If your life was so full of regret that you were offered a second chance when you died, would you take it?
What would you change?
Joey is given this chance, and finds changing can be hard.
I didn't want to put this down. I loved the characters. I loved the friendships. I loved the way the "second chance" experience was laid out.
Definitely a must read for fans of second chance romance!

Thanks to Netgalley and Gallery Books for an early copy for review.

[Pallavi · Rating 5 out of 5]

RATING: 5/5 STARS

A SMASH of a debut. I think the comparison to THE LOVE OF MY AFTERLIFE and THE SEVEN YEAR SLIP is spot on because I adored both of those books, and this one. Joey, a thirty-two year old lawyer, takes the opportunity to relive her life as her eighteen year old college self. She'll take more chances on the best friend she loves and her nemesis absolutely won't get in the way...

I could relate to the heroine so much here - it's like you've blinked and 10 years have passed and you're not in college anymore, but your joints hurt so much more...

song // ruin the friendship by taylor swift // but with a twist on it

[Kerri Satterlund · Rating 5 out of 5]

I devoured this in two days. A MUST read when it comes out in the spring.

[Dawson Sprinkle · Rating 5 out of 5]

I got this as an advanced copy through Edelweiss, and upon reading the first chapter I knew this was going to be special. I got home after work and absolutely tore through this. Seriously, I sat down and ate this up in one sitting without rest.

This book is so special, and its premise is so unique, and the questions it raises about the morality of changing the events of someone else's life are so incredibly interesting. I absolutely did not want this to end, but I felt the conclusion we got was good even if I wasn't ready to leave this world behind.

I cried about her cat (you'll know why when you read it) 10/10

[Brit · Rating 4 out of 5]

Thank you to NetGalley & the publisher for this ARC.

I genuinely loved this story - there are so many of us who would like a second chance at lie. So many people we love who left us too soon and deserve another shot. I truly enjoyed the FMC and the intricacies of her navigating the reality of being a 30-year-old in an 18-year-olds body.

I do think that having the ending more tied up and connecting back to the beginning of the story would have made this more satisfying, but overall, this was a really fun read, and the twist was chefs kiss (although I did see it coming!).

[ren · Rating 4 out of 5]

“I would love every version of you”

What would you do if you had a second chance at life? What would you do differently? This book tackles this matter beautifully and thoughtfully. Though it comes across lighthearted and romantic, it manages to take us to the core of Joey, our FMC, and witness the regrets, doubts, and wishes she had her entire life and the things she changes her second go around. It is beautifully written, emotionally charged, filled with romance, and just a fantastic story! Thank you to NetGalley for providing me with this arc.

“She is my choice”

[Julie · Rating 4 out of 5]

loved this second chance romance and finding love again and trying life again and finding good friends. loved that they both found love and he fell first. loved the different breaks and what he did for her and took in her cat. thanks edelweiss

[Miranda · Rating 4 out of 5]

4.25 🌟

A time travel book done well!

I was so excited to get my hands on this ARC - I've been looking forward to reading this book and I really enjoyed it! I thought the growth in the main character, Joey added depth to the book. Also, I was not expecting any twists in this book but love that we got some!

[☆Laura☆]

Joey Vasquez parece tenerlo todo bajo control: a sus treinta y dos años es una abogada brillante en Los Ángeles y está a punto de convertirse en socia del despacho. Pero, detrás de esa fachada de éxito, su vida personal es solitaria, marcada por un amor imposible hacia su mejor amigo de la universidad. Una inesperada tragedia cambia por completo su destino y Joey despierta en una especie de sala de espera del más allá, donde le ofrecen una oportunidad única: regresar a un punto de su vida pasada y empezar de nuevo.

De vuelta en la universidad, con todos sus recuerdos intactos, Joey está convencida de que esta vez logrará conquistar al hombre que siempre amó. Sin embargo, pronto descubre que alterar el pasado no es tan sencillo y que, en medio de segundas oportunidades, viejas heridas y nuevas posibilidades, también se enfrenta a la incómoda verdad de quién es en realidad y qué desea para sí misma.



__



La premisa me pareció original y tenía todo para engancharme: segundas oportunidades, romance y viajes en el tiempo. Sin embargo, Joey no me cayó bien y eso influyó mucho en que no disfrutara la historia tanto como esperaba. Su manera de actuar, sus decisiones y la forma en la que se relaciona con los demás me resultaron bastante frustrantes.


Thanks to NetGalley, the publisher and the author for the ARC in exchange for an honest opinion.