I Would for You

by Jennifer Gannett

An irresistible, heartfelt, and hopeful novel about first love, first heartbreak, and the bittersweet beauty of growing up, for fans of Jenny Han, Sarah Dessen, and Mindy Kaling’s Netflix hit “Never Have I Ever.”

Senior year is off to a rough start for Augusta “Gus” Bowles; her boyfriend James “Fish” Fisher just left for college, and no amount of reassurance can fix the ache he left behind. At least next year, they'll reunite at Colgate when she locks in her spot on their Division 1 soccer team.

With the help of her loving family and best friends, Gus drags herself out of the blanket burrito phase just in time to start enjoying her last year of high school. Tired of watching her friends drool over the mysterious new guy, Reed Donovan, Gus decides to do what no one else will: introduce herself. To her surprise, Reed isn’t just a quiet loner. He’s funny, intriguing, and in a long-distance relationship of his own.

Finally, someone who gets it.

As Reed and Gus grow closer, their friends, and especially Fish, begin to doubt the platonic nature of their relationship, no matter how much Gus denies that it’s anything more.

As senior year hurtles forward, Gus finds herself torn between the boy she thought was her forever, the boy who understands her better than anyone else, and the version of herself she’s still figuring out.

But sometimes growing up means making the decision no one saw coming and rewriting your story in the only way that feels right.

Genres: Romance

302 pages, Paperback

First published July 1, 2025

About the author

Jennifer Gannett is an author. Finally. She wrote many things prior to I Would for You, including, but not limited to: short stories, mostly about dogs until her parents broke down and got her one, poems for every holiday and birthday because her elementary school budget was limited and most likely spent at Scholastic Book Fairs, and later love letters to boys, which she never signed for fear of being implicated. She mainly writes at hockey rinks and horse shows -- which would explain why some characters have horse names -- loving both locations equally, but horse shows are typically warmer. She lives outside of Boston with her husband, three children, and two quirky, sweet, black dogs (both are quirky, only one is sweet).

Reviews

[Amee · Rating 5 out of 5]

The female main character, Gus, narrates throughout her senior year of high school taking us from first day jitters to end of year prom. I was instantly transported back to my senior year, my high school boyfriend and the fun my group of friends got into. Gus goes through the wringer in her last year dealing with big life decisions she wasn’t ready to make. There was some very funny dialog as well as an important message Gus learns that a lot of us girls don’t. I loved this. Though our fmc is finishing high school it didnt feel immature to me.
I received this ARC for free and am leaving my review in response.

[Katie Megahey · Rating 5 out of 5]

From start to finish, I loved this book! It is relatable for any age! Can’t wait to see what is next for Gus and her pals!

[Laura :) · Rating 3 out of 5]

This book was good, overall… It was an absolute page-turner and it sort of made me lose track of time!

The characters are amazingly depicted as real high-schoolers who are just trying to find themselves in the confusion that is starting adulthood, and the bond between them is very special! I liked Gus' personality and the fact that she was relatable! I'm glad that the book ended the way it did!

However, I felt like everything happened a little too fast, especially the development of some of the characters' relationships. I feel like, because the book really was a page-turner, it could have been a little bit longer and better developed. I also missed having Fish's POV in the whole situation!

Besides that, the main trope that takes place in the middle to end of the book was not for me. I understand why it took place and how it fits into the story, and with that in mind I understand the choice, but it is just not for me. Nonetheless, it made sense and was very well written into the story - it might absolutely be other people's cup of tea.

But, besides all that, I liked it. It was an easy and entertaining read and an amazing debut novel!! It was amazingly written and I think the author has tremendous potential!

Thank you BookSirens for the ARC and thank you Jennifer Gannett for the entertaining read!

[Mary Knezovich · Rating 5 out of 5]

We love a YA, relatable, hits all the feels book and this one definitely had me thinking back to my late highschool/college life. Can’t wait to see what’s next!

[Lauren Venuto · Rating 5 out of 5]

I Would For You was such a great summer read! It had me hooked the entire time, and I loved all the different characters—each one brought something fun to the story. The New England vibe was everything! I seriously can’t wait to read more from this author!

[Brooke Bender · Rating 4 out of 5]

"I Would for You" follows a high school senior Gus Bowles as she struggles to move on after her breakup with her longtime boyfriend, Fish. Starting her final year, she tries to rebuild her life and find confidence in who she’s becoming. When she grows close to Reed Donovan, her feelings become complicated and force her to confront what she really wants. As Fish realizes Gus has feelings for Reed, he says, "Well, good luck to Reed. Cuz apparently you can be in love and happy and it means nothing to you” (Gannet 250). As Gus moves on from Fish, she does feel a lot of heartbreak in the beginning of the story. She says, "I didn’t know letting go could hurt this much, but maybe growing up means choosing myself anyway” (28). Throughout the story, Gus learns about love, identity, and choosing her own path.

The thing I liked the most about this book was that I found myself able to relate to the characters and their emotions. The book captures the story of a first love and I was so intrigued because of the emotional roller coaster. I thought it went at a very nice pace. I really didn't have a downside to this book.

I would definitely recommend this book to younger people, like teens. I think anyone could read it if they're into romance, but I feel like it would be best for teenagers because of the first love topic. Overall I would suggest you read this book! I really enjoyed it.

[Natalie Bristow · Rating 5 out of 5]

I Would For You is the book that every reader needs on their list this summer. If you’re looking for the perfect balance of playful and thoughtful this is the book for you; I Would For You captures both the wonderful, sweet sides of senior year while also showing the challenges that come during this transitional period of life. This book is both relatable while also creating a world that you yearn to be apart of with lively characters and relationships that capture your attention and heart. I couldn’t put this book down and have already started reading it again- it’s just that good!

[Paige Velasquez · Rating 5 out of 5]

Add this to your Summer Reading list! This was a wonderful, sweet read that pulled at your heartstrings. Great for YA but will also be adored by Romance lovers and give you nostalgia to that time in your life when everything felt so heavy and important before college began. Ahhh loved this and the great characters the author created to build a story you didn’t want to put down! Hope to see more!

[Anna · Rating 5 out of 5]

What a delightful read this was! Took me right down memory lane to the final year of high school - dealing with the emotions, excitement, and anticipation of the next step while trying to hold tight to everyone in your life before it all changes. People are going to fall in love with Gus as well as her friends and family. I can’t wait to hear what happens next!

[Jaafar Charafeddine · Rating 4 out of 5]

Rating it 4.75

A beautifully written, emotionally raw debut that centers healing and connection over romance tropes. I Would For You is a quiet, powerful beginning to a series that promises more heart-wrenching yet hopeful storytelling.

[Ashley B. · Rating 1 out of 5]

Uhhhhh no. This was the high school nightmare of a book I cringe to relive. And the ending? Absolutely not.

[Reilly Deegan · Rating 5 out of 5]

This was one of VERY few books that I read in one sitting. The way she writes is amazing and drew me in so fast. I loved not only the word choice, but also the plot. The characters in this book became a part of me so fast, and I cared for them like my own friends. I felt the events as if I was in them. This is one of the best Romances I’ve read so far this year, and I will always recommend this to people!

[Nancy · Rating 4 out of 5]

This coming-of-age story was a fun, quick read. I thought it would be predictable but the author kept me guessing. I enjoyed this book.

I received an ARC of this book from the author. The opinions of this book are mine.

[Beth DuBuque · Rating 5 out of 5]

Great story and great writing! Transported me right back to high school days. Jennifer writes so well and captures this time period of life perfectly.

[Megan St. · Rating 5 out of 5]

Book of the Summer!!!

This New England coming of age story takes you into the trials and tribulations of lovable Gus as she navigates her senior year of high school. New author Jennifer Gannett captured my attention immediately and I was rooting for Gus and her friends from page one. Innocent, yet realistic, this book will remind you of all the things you felt as you discovered who you were as a young adult. Perfect book to read at the beach this summer! Looking forward to more from this author!

I received an advance review copy for free, and I am leaving this review voluntarily!

[Carrie Emerson · Rating 4 out of 5]

A cross between To All The Boys I’ve Loved Before and Gilmore Girls, this was a well written book about young adults coming to terms with how life and relationships change during the last year of high school. It was relatable and timely. Hoping for a sequel to see how the characters continue to grow!

I was able to read this as an advanced copy free of charge and leave this review of my own volition.

[Amy Smith · Rating 5 out of 5]

I Would for You is EVERYTHING I want in a YA novel. It’s heartfelt, romantic, and deeply relatable. Gus’s journey through love, ambition, and self-discovery pulled me in from the first page and didn’t let go. The writing is vivid, the emotions are raw, and the characters feel so real it’s like you’re living senior year alongside them. Fans of Jenny Han will adore this, and honestly, it deserves to be on screen… I’d binge this as a TV series in a heartbeat.

[Lisa · Rating 5 out of 5]

Charming coming of age YA set in South Shore, Massachusetts. Loved the friend group aspect and the main character’s search for balance. The spicy scenes are hot but tender—completely appropriate for the younger teen readership.

[Nineypoof123 · Rating 5 out of 5]

A beautifully written book that kept me excited and hooked from the very beginning! I couldn’t put it down and loved watching Gus find her way through the ups and downs that are your senior year of high school.

[KC Walker · Rating 5 out of 5]

I finished this in one sitting. Such a heartfelt read. I fell in love with the characters and their development throughout the story. And the nostalgia- senior year of high school- the ups and downs. Really hoping another one is following because there is so much more to tap into.

[Kirsten · Rating 5 out of 5]

Not a single note

[Lily Grothe · Rating 4 out of 5]

In the book, I Would for You, written by Jennifer Gannet, the main character is a teenaged girl named Gus. Gus and her boyfriend, Fish, are at different points in their lives and are struggling to do long distance. Gus is a senior in high school and Fish is a freshman in college. Gus met another guy named Reed, who they soon became close friends with. Obviously Fish isn’t the biggest supporter of Gus becoming close friends with another guy but Gus always reassures him that they are just friends. However, just being “friends” quickly grew to them catching feelings for each other. One night there was a really bad storm and Gus had nowhere else to go except stay at Reed’s house. She went and stayed the night at Reed's house and cheated on her boyfriend. Gus told Fish what had happened and it completely shattered him. He said, “Well, good luck to Reed. Cuz apparently you can be in love and happy and it means nothing to you” (Gannet 250). Gus knew that what she did was horrible and she should've never done it. However, it made her understand that she needs to work on herself and not be in a relationship with Fish or with Reed. Gus found a picture of her old self and said, “I know that girl. I am that girl. I would do anything for her, to see her again. I would for you, I say to myself in my head” (Gannet 274). In the end, Gus clears things up with both Reed and Gus and realizes that she needs to find herself before she can find someone else to give her love to.

This book was very interesting and definitely had its good and bad parts. I really like reading about the complicated love triangle between Gus, Fish, and Reed. It kept me reading to find out what happened next. I really liked how there were many events that led to the big turning point which would be Gus cheating on her boyfriend with Reed. However, I really disliked the ending. There was no resolution or a clear ending. She never picked the guy she wanted but instead, chose to take time to find herself. I think it would’ve made the book more interesting if there was a clear ending to which guy she wanted to be with.

I think people who love reading about romance and love triangles, would really enjoy reading this book. The love triangle is similar to the book, The Summer I Turned Pretty, and the book, My Life with the Walter Boys. People who enjoyed reading about those love stories would also really enjoy this book. Overall, I really recommend this book because there was always something new happening in each chapter which kept me wanting to read more. This book has been one of my favorite romance novels and I think other readers would love it too!

[jenswhitenoise · Rating 4 out of 5]

"It was as if he'd just seen his future. And I had just seen mine."

Gus & Fish and Gus & Reed. Oh, the angst of high school first love. Gus (Augusta) & Fish are high school sweethearts who are in it forever. Fish goes away to college and Gus is torn up about it and is always worried. Fish reassures her regularly. Gus meets Reed and they fall into a deep friendship that everyone is questioning and Fish respectfully tries to ask about Reed and help Gus see it from his point of view. But Gus was having some misgivings before Reed came into the pictures and as you can imagine, things don't get better between Gus and Fish.

The love story between Gus & Fish, the friendship between Gus & Reed and the relationship Gus has with herself and how it evolves is absolutely beautiful. The way the author has spun the stories and wrapped them around each other is perfection. I'm not sure I know any adult who cannot relate to this. We all knew every secondary character at one point in our high school/college career and it was like reliving it while I read. I was thrilled with the ending. Perfection.

There's just one thing - a lot of teen drinking. I’d hate for my teen to read this and think it was normal or okay. (Yes, education starts at home but books are influential too.) Kudos to “DD” references though.

"I owe the old me an explanation."

I was sent this eARC for free and my review is voluntary. Thank you so much to Jennifer Gannett and Book Sirens.

[Rebecca · Rating 3 out of 5]

The novel was charming and I was super excited every time I found a reference I understood, especially as someone right around Augusta’s age.

Still, I found myself put off at first by how quickly new characters were introduced and then moved on from. It didn’t help that the chapters were so short, but as I got further they started reappearing and cementing themselves more as people than characters. But even then, some characters (like Greta) felt very one-note. It also didn’t help than some beginning dialogue felt almost unnaturally smooth for a bunch of high schoolers.

With the main cast though, I found Gus and Fish’s challenges in the long-distance relationship valid, and I really liked Gus’s internal conflict between following Fish or playing Soccer.

3/5 stars for a nice, simple read that still manages to pack some emotional depth. I look forward to how the author develops their writing in the future!.

I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.

[Kimberly · Rating 5 out of 5]

I Would for You is a good, and enjoyable young adult high school love small town friends to lovers long distance love romance read. The story has a great entertaining world building story line. The characters are great, and they have great chemistry. This story is a very entertaining page turning romance read.

I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.

[Ben Hamlen · Rating 5 out of 5]

I Would for You beautifully matches a page-turning YA novel with a sophistication in writing style not normally found. The in-depth character development makes you feel like you know each person in the book and you feel like you are part of the story development. Literally couldn't put it down until the end. Can’t wait to see what happens in the next book!

[Alicia Redfern · Rating 2 out of 5]

This book really wasn’t it for me. I won it as a giveaway so I felt like I had to finish it, but otherwise it would have been a DNF. I’ve read plenty of YA books as an adult, but the writing in this one seemed very juvenile. The characters were okay but felt really immature and predictable. I really wanted to like this book but didn’t.

[Reader Margo · Rating 5 out of 5]

I would for you is a great summer read! Loved the characters especially Gus and found them so relatable. Can’t wait for the second book!

[Hayley G · Rating 2 out of 5]

I fear I was too old for this book 🤣 definitely felt like a book for a high schooler

[Julia Capra]

I don’t know how to rate this, I’m not sure how I feel about the ending..