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I'm Gonna Get You Back
Not yet published
Expected 19 May 26OUT FOR REVENGE. IN IT FOR LOVE.
Small-town scandals, explosive secrets and friendship fallouts threaten to tear Clara and Reid apart - all over again . . .
Reid Rousseau was always a winner. Now, he's a former state champion runner with an injury no one can know about and a college scholarship on the line. When he's invited as the guest of honor for Legacy Weekend, a competitive tradition that welcomes high school alumni back to his small mountain town, Reid would rather run away than face his crumbling future-and the girl who broke his heart.
Clara Suarez's legacy can't be failure. A year out of high school and aimless, she has one last shot at getting into her dream film school shooting a Legacy Weekend video interviewing her former classmates-including her ex, Reid-about their explosive senior year and the scandal that capped it off. But any time people return to the mountain, drama follows... especially when an anonymous social media account starts airing everyone's dirty laundry.
Reid isn't the only one hiding something, and Clara isn't the only one with regrets. Their spark is still strong enough to set off a wildfire, but their secrets might just tear them apart for good.
A second-chance love story from Eva des Lauriers, perfect for fans of Lynn Painter, Tillie Cole, and Jenny Han.
Small-town scandals, explosive secrets and friendship fallouts threaten to tear Clara and Reid apart - all over again . . .
Reid Rousseau was always a winner. Now, he's a former state champion runner with an injury no one can know about and a college scholarship on the line. When he's invited as the guest of honor for Legacy Weekend, a competitive tradition that welcomes high school alumni back to his small mountain town, Reid would rather run away than face his crumbling future-and the girl who broke his heart.
Clara Suarez's legacy can't be failure. A year out of high school and aimless, she has one last shot at getting into her dream film school shooting a Legacy Weekend video interviewing her former classmates-including her ex, Reid-about their explosive senior year and the scandal that capped it off. But any time people return to the mountain, drama follows... especially when an anonymous social media account starts airing everyone's dirty laundry.
Reid isn't the only one hiding something, and Clara isn't the only one with regrets. Their spark is still strong enough to set off a wildfire, but their secrets might just tear them apart for good.
A second-chance love story from Eva des Lauriers, perfect for fans of Lynn Painter, Tillie Cole, and Jenny Han.
352 pages, Hardcover
Expected publication May 19, 2026
9 people are currently reading
7508 people want to read
About the author
Eva Des Lauriers
4 books201 followersEva Des Lauriers is a California girl who became a diehard romantic when she married her best friend, the boy she sat next to in eleventh grade Calculus. She holds both an MSW and BA in Psychology. As a clinical social worker, she had the privilege of working with the vibrant and complicated teens for whom she now writes. When she isn’t writing, you can find her wandering through the redwoods, staring at the sea, or pretending she’s in a music video. She lives with her husband, their two children, and her collection of kissing books in Northern California.
Visit her at evadeslauriers.com.
Visit her at evadeslauriers.com.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 48 reviews
Review of advance copy received from NetGalley
3.75 stars
ꗃ ͘ .
this book ended up being nothing like i expected… in a good way! i’m usually pretty wary of dual timelines but i loved how intentional every flashback was in this. i went in expecting lots of angst and yearning too, and safe to say it definitely delivered. i was genuinely so giddy reading about clara and reid reuniting and pining over each other, and the little poems 🥹
clara’s dream of working in film was the biggest highlight for me. i really enjoyed following her process of putting together her documentary, and her monologues about why she loves it hit even harder since i worked on one myself last year. i could really feel and understand her passion for it.
the legacy lore account subplot was also a fun addition, but i did find it hard to stay invested especially with so many characters to keep track of. still, the emotional core of the story made this such a worthwhile read and i’m really glad i did 💌
ⓘ thank you to netgalley and macmillan for the arc!
⊹ “cover me with all the vines that haunt your mind so i can grow with you.”
this book ended up being nothing like i expected… in a good way! i’m usually pretty wary of dual timelines but i loved how intentional every flashback was in this. i went in expecting lots of angst and yearning too, and safe to say it definitely delivered. i was genuinely so giddy reading about clara and reid reuniting and pining over each other, and the little poems 🥹
clara’s dream of working in film was the biggest highlight for me. i really enjoyed following her process of putting together her documentary, and her monologues about why she loves it hit even harder since i worked on one myself last year. i could really feel and understand her passion for it.
the legacy lore account subplot was also a fun addition, but i did find it hard to stay invested especially with so many characters to keep track of. still, the emotional core of the story made this such a worthwhile read and i’m really glad i did 💌
ⓘ thank you to netgalley and macmillan for the arc!
February 1, 2026
I adore a dual narrative. I love a parallel timeline. I’m a sucker for two flawed, pained characters, and Eva Des Lauriers has outdone herself.
When you’re in high school, your whole life is still in front of you. But you’re also expected to make choices. Some of us have no clue what to choose. Others have the future mapped out in their minds. Clara and Reid belong to that last category. They’re terrified of making the wrong choices, afraid that failure will keep them from the dreams they’ve held onto for so long. They don’t want to make mistakes, even though all of us inevitably do. That’s how we learn. We fall, and we stand up again: stronger, more confident, carrying our baggage with us. And sometimes we don’t. Sometimes we’re not okay. And we got to tell other people. Got to get help. But that voice in our head keeps telling us we can do it on our own.
Sure, I guessed the whodunnit pretty early on. But I didn’t mind. Because even though I’m Gonna Get You Back reads like a simple YA romance on the surface, it’s really a character-driven story about resilience. About asking for help. About fighting back. About choosing your own path. And I think we need stories like this in the world right now.
Also, Clara is such a steady force, and Reid is such a cinnamon roll.
Thank you, Macmillan Children's Publishing Group and NetGalley, for this beautiful ARC!
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When you’re in high school, your whole life is still in front of you. But you’re also expected to make choices. Some of us have no clue what to choose. Others have the future mapped out in their minds. Clara and Reid belong to that last category. They’re terrified of making the wrong choices, afraid that failure will keep them from the dreams they’ve held onto for so long. They don’t want to make mistakes, even though all of us inevitably do. That’s how we learn. We fall, and we stand up again: stronger, more confident, carrying our baggage with us. And sometimes we don’t. Sometimes we’re not okay. And we got to tell other people. Got to get help. But that voice in our head keeps telling us we can do it on our own.
Sure, I guessed the whodunnit pretty early on. But I didn’t mind. Because even though I’m Gonna Get You Back reads like a simple YA romance on the surface, it’s really a character-driven story about resilience. About asking for help. About fighting back. About choosing your own path. And I think we need stories like this in the world right now.
Also, Clara is such a steady force, and Reid is such a cinnamon roll.
Thank you, Macmillan Children's Publishing Group and NetGalley, for this beautiful ARC!
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October 4, 2025
One of my favorites.
September 30, 2025
PRZYSIĘGAM, ŻE TA KSIĄŻKA DOSTAJE NOMINACJĘ DO MOICH ULUBIONYCH ROMANSÓW WSZECHCZASÓW!!!!
ta książka jest niesamowita 🥹🥹
“Clara . . . This is something.”
[…]“I know it is,”
“But it isn’t everything.”
- jest ból i łzy,
- jest friends to lovers i second chance (ofc w cudownym wykonaniu)
- kindaa zagadka do rozwiązania!!
- małomiasteczkowy klimat (+góry!!!)
strasznie czekam na jej premierę (ponad pół roku czekania XD), ale nie jestem w stanie przestać o niej myśleć <3
„The hairs on my neck rose, and my response tumbled over a ner-
vous laugh. “That is such a cheesy line.”
He frowned. “It wasn’t a line. You look beautiful.”
ta książka jest niesamowita 🥹🥹
“Clara . . . This is something.”
[…]“I know it is,”
“But it isn’t everything.”
- jest ból i łzy,
- jest friends to lovers i second chance (ofc w cudownym wykonaniu)
- kindaa zagadka do rozwiązania!!
- małomiasteczkowy klimat (+góry!!!)
strasznie czekam na jej premierę (ponad pół roku czekania XD), ale nie jestem w stanie przestać o niej myśleć <3
„The hairs on my neck rose, and my response tumbled over a ner-
vous laugh. “That is such a cheesy line.”
He frowned. “It wasn’t a line. You look beautiful.”
Read
May 8, 2026Okay, as someone who spent Y E A R S as an avid watcher of "Pretty Little Liars" and a fierce theorist on who "A" was, I'M GONNA GET YOU BACK by Eva Des Lauriers gave such a delicious bit of that PLL energy.
This story follows wannabe-filmmaker Clara Suarez, her back-in-town ex, and a small town with loooots of secrets. There's an anonymous social media account sharing secrets of the elusive alumni Legacies, mega-complicated friend and family relationships, and a swoony second-chance rekindling of Clara and Reid's sparkling connection.
A fun read with a lil' mystery!
Thank you to Henry Holt and Co. (BYR) and Netgalley for the e-ARC in exchange for my honest, unbiased review. I'M GONNA GET YOU BACK is out 5/19/26.
This story follows wannabe-filmmaker Clara Suarez, her back-in-town ex, and a small town with loooots of secrets. There's an anonymous social media account sharing secrets of the elusive alumni Legacies, mega-complicated friend and family relationships, and a swoony second-chance rekindling of Clara and Reid's sparkling connection.
A fun read with a lil' mystery!
Thank you to Henry Holt and Co. (BYR) and Netgalley for the e-ARC in exchange for my honest, unbiased review. I'M GONNA GET YOU BACK is out 5/19/26.
Review of advance copy received from NetGalley
Current rating: 3.25 stars
A cute second-chance romance story! I found the dual timeline to be done well, and their lingering feelings toward each other made sense. Pacing was pretty good, although it did start to drag a bit towards the end. The mystery element was a nice touch, even if I was able to guess the reveals. Overall, this was a nice, quick read.
Thank you to the publisher and Netgalley for an eARC in exchange for an honest review.
A cute second-chance romance story! I found the dual timeline to be done well, and their lingering feelings toward each other made sense. Pacing was pretty good, although it did start to drag a bit towards the end. The mystery element was a nice touch, even if I was able to guess the reveals. Overall, this was a nice, quick read.
Thank you to the publisher and Netgalley for an eARC in exchange for an honest review.
November 6, 2025
*** Thanks NetGalley for the ARC in exchange for a review.***
I was debating between giving this two or three stars, but I ultimately landed on three because even though I’m not the intended audience, I can see this story connecting with a lot of readers. It’s very much a young adult second-chance romance, and I think people in a younger demographic would probably relate to it more than I did. I felt like it dragged a bit toward the end of the book and found myself thinking, “okay, can we get to it already?”, but overall it’s an easy read.
There were several things I genuinely liked. The haikus in the beginning of each chapter from Reid’s perspective were a nice touch and gave his voice something special. I also truly believed in the connection between the two main characters. Since there wasn’t a huge time gap between when their relationship/connection ended and when they reconnected, it felt realistic that their feelings hadn’t faded.
The mystery element around who sabotaged Clara’s opportunity for a scholarship kept me interested for a good portion of the story, even if the reveal wasn’t particularly shocking.
I think the book did a great job capturing how challenging that time of your life (shortly after high school) can be and the pressures of growing up in a small town. And, I appreciated that the characters were fully developed and had personalities outside of their feelings for one another.
Overall, this wasn’t a bad book — just not completely for me. But I do think a lot of readers, especially those who enjoy YA romances with a bit of mystery, will find it engaging.
I was debating between giving this two or three stars, but I ultimately landed on three because even though I’m not the intended audience, I can see this story connecting with a lot of readers. It’s very much a young adult second-chance romance, and I think people in a younger demographic would probably relate to it more than I did. I felt like it dragged a bit toward the end of the book and found myself thinking, “okay, can we get to it already?”, but overall it’s an easy read.
There were several things I genuinely liked. The haikus in the beginning of each chapter from Reid’s perspective were a nice touch and gave his voice something special. I also truly believed in the connection between the two main characters. Since there wasn’t a huge time gap between when their relationship/connection ended and when they reconnected, it felt realistic that their feelings hadn’t faded.
The mystery element around who sabotaged Clara’s opportunity for a scholarship kept me interested for a good portion of the story, even if the reveal wasn’t particularly shocking.
I think the book did a great job capturing how challenging that time of your life (shortly after high school) can be and the pressures of growing up in a small town. And, I appreciated that the characters were fully developed and had personalities outside of their feelings for one another.
Overall, this wasn’t a bad book — just not completely for me. But I do think a lot of readers, especially those who enjoy YA romances with a bit of mystery, will find it engaging.
October 23, 2025
It is a cute romance story between the main characters Clara and Reid. This book is dual POV. They live in this small town that boast about their legacy program which is a program to help fund college for 5 lucky seniors but there are strict rules to staying in the program. There are secrets, mystery, and betrayals. I thought the story was well paced and kept me interested. The ending was not predictable. The only thing I wasn’t a fan of was the constant going back and forth in time (this is just a personal preference) overall the writing style was easy to read and understand. There were some things like when they used words like helluva that I just don’t personally like to read. The characters felt real and I enjoyed getting to see how they changed throughout the story. I also really liked the haikus at the start of Reid’s chapters. Overall, I would give this book a 3.5 stars, I enjoyed it but it didn’t stand out to me. If you like suspense, betrayal among friends, and small town romance then this would be a good book for you.
October 14, 2025
I really enjoyed Reid and Clara, they had great chemistry and felt genuine, with a dynamic that kept me hooked from start to finish. The plot was entertaining and well-paced, and I loved the mix of humor and heart. My only small wish is that the story had them actually date back in high school and then reconnect a few years later, rather than just a few months. Still, it was a charming and enjoyable second-chance romance that I’d absolutely recommend! ty Net Galley for the ARC read!!
November 7, 2025
This book took me on such an emotional journey! While it took a while to get invested in it, once I got there I was IN. This is a beautiful representation of young love and how sweet it can be. But also how heartbreaking it is. I love how many different demographics are seamlessly represented in this book. Will absolutely be reading more from this author!
January 27, 2026
This was just average to me. I requested an advanced copy back in October (?) and just got around to reading it, so you can see where it was on my list of priorities. Nothing really stuck out to me, I thought the characters were typical of a YA and dealt with YA problems, and the whole “Legacy Lore” was super topical. I liked seeing the poems (haiku representation!) and the invisible string between Reid and Clara throughout the story.
What I most enjoyed about this is that it got the “transitional period between high school and college” right and how confusing it can be, especially for those whose path/idea of who they are and what they want to do might have changed. I think the author did a great job showing different avenues and how one is not better or worse than the other, it truly just leads to different destinations.
What I most enjoyed about this is that it got the “transitional period between high school and college” right and how confusing it can be, especially for those whose path/idea of who they are and what they want to do might have changed. I think the author did a great job showing different avenues and how one is not better or worse than the other, it truly just leads to different destinations.
November 13, 2025
Definitely geared toward a YA audience as the plot centers around the experience of recent high school grads. I loved Clara and Reid, and while the push/pull of their relationship was frustrating, they were so sweet and tender with each other. The plot dragged a bit by the end but overall I really enjoyed it and found myself thinking about it during the day.
Thank you NetGalley for baby’s first ARC!
Thank you NetGalley for baby’s first ARC!
October 14, 2025
I'M GONNA GET YOU BACK by Eva Des Lauriers is a standalone contemporary Young Adult Romance with a strong cast of characters, and a pining, yearning, second chance romance told in two POVs and two timelines. I thoroughly enjoyed this story, and devoured this book in two days. I laughed, I cried, I gasped at one point. It was an emotional, creative, well-written novel that I highly recommend. Before I gush on, here's the setup.
In the small mountain town in California, Woodhurt High School offers scholarships to its four best students every year. These Legacies must meet the highest standards in their specific area of talent, in academics, and in their behavior. Every year, the town and alumni Legacies gather for the announcement of who will be the next four Legacies. To those who win, it's sometimes the difference between going to your dream school, or not going at all.
We meet Reid Rousseau in the past timeline on a ledge overlooking a panoramic mountain view with Clara. It's clear right from the first line that he's really into her. They seem to have the kind of relationship many people only dream about. Reid's a star cross-country runner and has the potential to go really far with it.
Clara Suarez has had a rough year. We meet her in the current day timeline, several days before the next Legacy announcement. Last year, a scandal rocked the assembly, and Clara lost her Legacy scholarship and couldn't afford to attend her dream film school. But that's not what's on her mind when we first meet Clara. She misses Reid.
When Reid, the guest of honor, returns to Woodhurt in the current timeline, there are two mysterious that he, Clara, and the recent Legacies must figure out before more reputations are ruined and damaging secrets are revealed by an anonymous social media account that seems to know everyone's dirty laundry. Who ruined Clara's chances at being a Legacy? Who is the anonymous poster?
What I loved most about this book:
- The main characters, Reid and Clara, were so compelling, their romance so perfectly imperfect, their character arcs so satisfying. The challenges they face resonate and help shape this twisty, mystery-adjacent romance.
- What a brilliant, well-developed set of side characters. I especially loved Mitchell and Kenji.
- Best friends can make all the difference, and I really enjoyed how authentic the relationships in this story felt.
- The mystery of who could be making those cruel anonymous posts about the previous Legacies made this already pacey read even more propulsive. It was like GOSSIP GIRL but make it small town and for revenge
- Can we talk about how awesome the twists were in this story? To avoid spoilers, I won't. Just trust me. They were so darn good!
- On top of the main romantic arc in this story are some other arcs that were so, so well-written, and reflected the contemporary high school experience. One example is the drive and push to always be improving as an athlete Reid believes in, or Clara's insecurity about her art.
- The tattoo. That's all I'll say.
- A theme that really landed with me is the pressure that so many high school seniors face to perform to the highest, most exacting standards. It can sometimes creative an extremely toxic environment that not everyone is willing to see or acknowledge.
What didn't work:
- I can't think of a single thing I'd change. This book was phenomenal. Bravo!
I'M GONNA GET YOU BACK is a romantic, pacey, mystery-adjacent, second chance romance that shows that love may not conquer all, but it's still worth it. I highly recommend it. Run, don't walk, to pre-order this fantastic novel!
Thank you to NetGalley and Macmillan Children's Publishing Group, Henry Holt and Co. for providing me with an eARC of this book for my honest feedback.
In the small mountain town in California, Woodhurt High School offers scholarships to its four best students every year. These Legacies must meet the highest standards in their specific area of talent, in academics, and in their behavior. Every year, the town and alumni Legacies gather for the announcement of who will be the next four Legacies. To those who win, it's sometimes the difference between going to your dream school, or not going at all.
We meet Reid Rousseau in the past timeline on a ledge overlooking a panoramic mountain view with Clara. It's clear right from the first line that he's really into her. They seem to have the kind of relationship many people only dream about. Reid's a star cross-country runner and has the potential to go really far with it.
Clara Suarez has had a rough year. We meet her in the current day timeline, several days before the next Legacy announcement. Last year, a scandal rocked the assembly, and Clara lost her Legacy scholarship and couldn't afford to attend her dream film school. But that's not what's on her mind when we first meet Clara. She misses Reid.
When Reid, the guest of honor, returns to Woodhurt in the current timeline, there are two mysterious that he, Clara, and the recent Legacies must figure out before more reputations are ruined and damaging secrets are revealed by an anonymous social media account that seems to know everyone's dirty laundry. Who ruined Clara's chances at being a Legacy? Who is the anonymous poster?
What I loved most about this book:
- The main characters, Reid and Clara, were so compelling, their romance so perfectly imperfect, their character arcs so satisfying. The challenges they face resonate and help shape this twisty, mystery-adjacent romance.
- What a brilliant, well-developed set of side characters. I especially loved Mitchell and Kenji.
- Best friends can make all the difference, and I really enjoyed how authentic the relationships in this story felt.
- The mystery of who could be making those cruel anonymous posts about the previous Legacies made this already pacey read even more propulsive. It was like GOSSIP GIRL but make it small town and for revenge
- Can we talk about how awesome the twists were in this story? To avoid spoilers, I won't. Just trust me. They were so darn good!
- On top of the main romantic arc in this story are some other arcs that were so, so well-written, and reflected the contemporary high school experience. One example is the drive and push to always be improving as an athlete Reid believes in, or Clara's insecurity about her art.
- The tattoo. That's all I'll say.
- A theme that really landed with me is the pressure that so many high school seniors face to perform to the highest, most exacting standards. It can sometimes creative an extremely toxic environment that not everyone is willing to see or acknowledge.
What didn't work:
- I can't think of a single thing I'd change. This book was phenomenal. Bravo!
I'M GONNA GET YOU BACK is a romantic, pacey, mystery-adjacent, second chance romance that shows that love may not conquer all, but it's still worth it. I highly recommend it. Run, don't walk, to pre-order this fantastic novel!
Thank you to NetGalley and Macmillan Children's Publishing Group, Henry Holt and Co. for providing me with an eARC of this book for my honest feedback.
April 24, 2026
Thanks to Netgalley and Macmillan Children's Publishing Group for giving me an ARC of this book (ebook version).
Clara had big dreams: about being a Legacy, about attending film school, about becoming a documentarian. Reid moved to town senior year; he was the gorgeous, motivated, running star. They fell for each other, though Clara, scarred by her parents' disastrous relationship, absolutely refused to acknowledge it was serious and refused to let Reid tell her how he felt. Everything fell apart at the Legacy banquet when both were announced as part of that year's group of Legacies, only to have Clara's spot ripped away due to some shadiness. She spiraled, broke things off with Reid, and lost all hope for her dreams.
It's now fall and time for the annual Legacy Weekend, a time when Legacy alumni return and are celebrated. A time for the school to use these young adults to drum up more money (gross). Clara's been asked to work on a hype video to celebrate the 20-year anniversary of Legacy. Reid's dealing with a serious injury and academic probation, neither of which he's told anyone about. The other Legacies are all hiding things, too. Everyone returns for the weekend. A gossipy social media account, Legacy Lore, starts posting these secrets online. As the weekend progresses, there is much drama. Clara and Reid, along with their friends Mitchell, Kenji, and Delaney, work together to find out who is behind the account and who sabotaged Clara last year. Everything comes to a head at the final event.
Mitchell and Kenji got together: yay! Clara and Reid got back together. Reid acknowledged his problems and what he needed. Clara got accepted back into film school. Clara and Delaney are friends again. While everything seemed wrapped up, I wanted more fall out from Clara's expose video. I wanted the Legacy program dismantled or at least revamped. I get this is a YA romance, but there was SO much focus on Legacy that leaving it without a resolution felt cheap.
The entire Legacy program gave me the ick. On the surface, Legacy encourages seniors in high school to strive to do their best and the reward is money for college and local prestige. In actuality, Legacy leads to mental and physical exhaustion, underhanded tactics, and the unending expectation to be perfect and not disappoint anyone in their hometown. As Reid notes, it encourages peaking in high school.
There is a whole lot of infuriating patriarchy bullsh*t in this book. The author doesn't exactly excuse it, but it does gloss over it in a way that left me wanting more: more consequences and more pushback.
Examples:
1. Clara is disqualified, but Josh is not. They were both in the video participating in the drunken make-out session.
2. Reid and Josh get into a brawl in front of everyone. They get away with it because Principal West has a "boys will be boys" mentality.
3. Legacy is 20 years old. Clara is 18. Her parents were both Legacies, but only her mom had to give up her spot to have Clara. Why wasn't her dad required to give up his? Wouldn't "unplanned pregnancy outside of marriage" fall under the antiquated stupidity of the Legacy expectations.
Clara had big dreams: about being a Legacy, about attending film school, about becoming a documentarian. Reid moved to town senior year; he was the gorgeous, motivated, running star. They fell for each other, though Clara, scarred by her parents' disastrous relationship, absolutely refused to acknowledge it was serious and refused to let Reid tell her how he felt. Everything fell apart at the Legacy banquet when both were announced as part of that year's group of Legacies, only to have Clara's spot ripped away due to some shadiness. She spiraled, broke things off with Reid, and lost all hope for her dreams.
It's now fall and time for the annual Legacy Weekend, a time when Legacy alumni return and are celebrated. A time for the school to use these young adults to drum up more money (gross). Clara's been asked to work on a hype video to celebrate the 20-year anniversary of Legacy. Reid's dealing with a serious injury and academic probation, neither of which he's told anyone about. The other Legacies are all hiding things, too. Everyone returns for the weekend. A gossipy social media account, Legacy Lore, starts posting these secrets online. As the weekend progresses, there is much drama. Clara and Reid, along with their friends Mitchell, Kenji, and Delaney, work together to find out who is behind the account and who sabotaged Clara last year. Everything comes to a head at the final event.
Mitchell and Kenji got together: yay! Clara and Reid got back together. Reid acknowledged his problems and what he needed. Clara got accepted back into film school. Clara and Delaney are friends again. While everything seemed wrapped up, I wanted more fall out from Clara's expose video. I wanted the Legacy program dismantled or at least revamped. I get this is a YA romance, but there was SO much focus on Legacy that leaving it without a resolution felt cheap.
The entire Legacy program gave me the ick. On the surface, Legacy encourages seniors in high school to strive to do their best and the reward is money for college and local prestige. In actuality, Legacy leads to mental and physical exhaustion, underhanded tactics, and the unending expectation to be perfect and not disappoint anyone in their hometown. As Reid notes, it encourages peaking in high school.
There is a whole lot of infuriating patriarchy bullsh*t in this book. The author doesn't exactly excuse it, but it does gloss over it in a way that left me wanting more: more consequences and more pushback.
Examples:
1. Clara is disqualified, but Josh is not. They were both in the video participating in the drunken make-out session.
2. Reid and Josh get into a brawl in front of everyone. They get away with it because Principal West has a "boys will be boys" mentality.
3. Legacy is 20 years old. Clara is 18. Her parents were both Legacies, but only her mom had to give up her spot to have Clara. Why wasn't her dad required to give up his? Wouldn't "unplanned pregnancy outside of marriage" fall under the antiquated stupidity of the Legacy expectations.
Review of advance copy received from Netgalley
#Review: *I'm Gonna Get You Back* - Eva Des Lauriers - ARC
4.8/5✨
0/5🌶️
Reid and Clara had big dreams for their future, but only one of them was able to accomplish that through the Legacy Program. After that disastrous and life changing moment, they parted ways, leaving behind a beautiful love story, one they didn't know if it would ever have a chance.
With the occasion of the Legacy Weekend, former state championship runner, Reid and Clara, the film-making lover, had a second chance at love. But nothing was the same as before, because there was a strange online account which kept on stirring up the fire, bringing to surface many secrets of the ones who were part of that Legacy Program. Now they needed to find out the truth about this mysterious account and to decide if they were willing to give their love another chance or they should just leave everything behind.
I honestly needed to read a few chapters before I felt like I was fully captivated by this story. It started pretty shyly but I can guarantee that everything would get so much better after the whole craziness began. I liked all that mystery which was behind those secret posts and the fact that it was focused on the mental health of those young kids. It was pretty tough to be at that level of performance and to also be great in everything else regarding school. This was what they experienced in this story and the chase for perfection lead them into acting a bit crazy and into doing some bad things. On the other side, we had the love story of Reid and Clara which was filled with uncertainty and angst. I really liked that they were still having those strong feelings for one another and I also liked that tension and longing which was in their hearts. With that reunion occasion, Reid and Clara had the chance to fight against their fears and insecurities together, thing which made them see their situation a bit different than before. That was super inspiring and that ending was a bit emotional to me, because of those amazing lessons I learned from this story.
This was a closed door romance, filled with so much angst and so much suspense and mystery. I honestly didn't know who was the guilty one, being so many people on my list of suspects. The love story was also super captivating and sweet, being depicted that hard side of love, which defined how strong that bound was in the end.
Thank you so, so much Eva Des Lauriers and Netgalley for accepting me for this e-ARC.
✨Tropes
▫️Second Chance Romance
▫️Coming Of Age
▫️Angsty
▫️Dual Pov
▫️Scandal & Sabotage
▫️Athlete
▫️Closed Door Romance
▫️Reunited Lovers
4.8/5✨
0/5🌶️
Reid and Clara had big dreams for their future, but only one of them was able to accomplish that through the Legacy Program. After that disastrous and life changing moment, they parted ways, leaving behind a beautiful love story, one they didn't know if it would ever have a chance.
With the occasion of the Legacy Weekend, former state championship runner, Reid and Clara, the film-making lover, had a second chance at love. But nothing was the same as before, because there was a strange online account which kept on stirring up the fire, bringing to surface many secrets of the ones who were part of that Legacy Program. Now they needed to find out the truth about this mysterious account and to decide if they were willing to give their love another chance or they should just leave everything behind.
I honestly needed to read a few chapters before I felt like I was fully captivated by this story. It started pretty shyly but I can guarantee that everything would get so much better after the whole craziness began. I liked all that mystery which was behind those secret posts and the fact that it was focused on the mental health of those young kids. It was pretty tough to be at that level of performance and to also be great in everything else regarding school. This was what they experienced in this story and the chase for perfection lead them into acting a bit crazy and into doing some bad things. On the other side, we had the love story of Reid and Clara which was filled with uncertainty and angst. I really liked that they were still having those strong feelings for one another and I also liked that tension and longing which was in their hearts. With that reunion occasion, Reid and Clara had the chance to fight against their fears and insecurities together, thing which made them see their situation a bit different than before. That was super inspiring and that ending was a bit emotional to me, because of those amazing lessons I learned from this story.
This was a closed door romance, filled with so much angst and so much suspense and mystery. I honestly didn't know who was the guilty one, being so many people on my list of suspects. The love story was also super captivating and sweet, being depicted that hard side of love, which defined how strong that bound was in the end.
Thank you so, so much Eva Des Lauriers and Netgalley for accepting me for this e-ARC.
✨Tropes
▫️Second Chance Romance
▫️Coming Of Age
▫️Angsty
▫️Dual Pov
▫️Scandal & Sabotage
▫️Athlete
▫️Closed Door Romance
▫️Reunited Lovers
Review of advance copy received from Netgalley
Thank you so much to Netgalley and Bonnier books for the arc!
I read Eva’s debut book last summer and absolutely loved it and so was so excited when I received the arc for this! It definitely didn’t disappoint at all and was just as enjoyable as her first, she’s amazing at short timeline plots as well as dual timeline and I love how fast paced they are whilst still having so much depth! I really liked both main characters and felt they definitely were made for each other and I liked how their relationship was both messy at times yet still beautiful. I loved the way their story was told through both dual pov and dual timeline as it added so much insight and backstory to both characters and made them so easy to root for as you could really feel their struggles and understand their actions. I really appreciated one of the themes being the pressure put on high school seniors to perform to high standards and as a former gifted and talented kid it really hit home and also the theme of asking for help and taking a break when needed. Both Reid and Clara’s character arcs were so well done throughout and I loved how they interacted with one another, it felt so authentic and their connection was so strong. I adored Reid (definitely Conrad coded in the best way!!) he was so loyal, sweet and who doesn’t want an mmc who reads fantasy and writes poetry! I loved the side characters too and I felt they brought a lot to the story, especially my faves Mitchell and Kenji! I love how friendships were also a key part of the story and would love to see more of these characters in the future if Eva ever decides to return to this town in future books! The mountain town setting was amazing and felt so cozy, it was so easy to visualise everything thanks to the authors writing style which immediately immerses you within the town and the characters within it. The plot itself was really well thought out and I absolutely loved the pace it progressed at. I actually didn’t see it coming who was behind anything and I absolutely loved the twists. This was thoroughly enjoyable from start to finish and I found myself wanting to keep reading and not put it down! I truly think Eva is one of the best authors of current YA romance, they’re so feel good and have such a nostalgic romcom feel to them and I’m excited for anything she releases in the future!
I read Eva’s debut book last summer and absolutely loved it and so was so excited when I received the arc for this! It definitely didn’t disappoint at all and was just as enjoyable as her first, she’s amazing at short timeline plots as well as dual timeline and I love how fast paced they are whilst still having so much depth! I really liked both main characters and felt they definitely were made for each other and I liked how their relationship was both messy at times yet still beautiful. I loved the way their story was told through both dual pov and dual timeline as it added so much insight and backstory to both characters and made them so easy to root for as you could really feel their struggles and understand their actions. I really appreciated one of the themes being the pressure put on high school seniors to perform to high standards and as a former gifted and talented kid it really hit home and also the theme of asking for help and taking a break when needed. Both Reid and Clara’s character arcs were so well done throughout and I loved how they interacted with one another, it felt so authentic and their connection was so strong. I adored Reid (definitely Conrad coded in the best way!!) he was so loyal, sweet and who doesn’t want an mmc who reads fantasy and writes poetry! I loved the side characters too and I felt they brought a lot to the story, especially my faves Mitchell and Kenji! I love how friendships were also a key part of the story and would love to see more of these characters in the future if Eva ever decides to return to this town in future books! The mountain town setting was amazing and felt so cozy, it was so easy to visualise everything thanks to the authors writing style which immediately immerses you within the town and the characters within it. The plot itself was really well thought out and I absolutely loved the pace it progressed at. I actually didn’t see it coming who was behind anything and I absolutely loved the twists. This was thoroughly enjoyable from start to finish and I found myself wanting to keep reading and not put it down! I truly think Eva is one of the best authors of current YA romance, they’re so feel good and have such a nostalgic romcom feel to them and I’m excited for anything she releases in the future!
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November 13, 2025Thanks to NetGalley and Macmillan Children’s Publishing Group for providing an eARC for Eva Des Lauriers’ novel, I'm Gonna Get You Back.
I wanted to love this book much more than I did. The writing in this book was ‘clunky’, and I found there to be many plot holes, or things we read about for a couple of dozen pages before we found out what the author meant. As this is a YA romance, I expected the book to be a fun, light, easy read, and the confusion caused by the author’s writing style or lack thereof led to quite an unenjoyable reading experience. For example, there is discuss about legacy weekend, the legacy scholarship, the legacies, but we were almost 10% into the book before we found out that legacy is not used in the manner or definition that many know in the education realm as someone that has parents that went to the same school, rather it is a group of five students that are selected, under criteria (never described in detail) from the graduating senior high school class. There were other circumstances where readers would read numerous chapters about an event before fully understanding all the circumstances or why the event was important, if it was even important. None of the characters were developed or written in a way that caused me to care about them or the direction of their story arc.
There were mentions of underage drinking (in high school) and how the use of alcohol led the children to “let loose” and lower their inhibitions with the opposite sex. (It should be noted for any parents that may purchase this book for thier young adult reader) Between this, the plot holes, the writing, and my lack of interest in the characters led me to be completely turned off by this book. I often read young adult romance and find it highly enjoyable; however, I cannot in good faith recommend this book.
I wanted to love this book much more than I did. The writing in this book was ‘clunky’, and I found there to be many plot holes, or things we read about for a couple of dozen pages before we found out what the author meant. As this is a YA romance, I expected the book to be a fun, light, easy read, and the confusion caused by the author’s writing style or lack thereof led to quite an unenjoyable reading experience. For example, there is discuss about legacy weekend, the legacy scholarship, the legacies, but we were almost 10% into the book before we found out that legacy is not used in the manner or definition that many know in the education realm as someone that has parents that went to the same school, rather it is a group of five students that are selected, under criteria (never described in detail) from the graduating senior high school class. There were other circumstances where readers would read numerous chapters about an event before fully understanding all the circumstances or why the event was important, if it was even important. None of the characters were developed or written in a way that caused me to care about them or the direction of their story arc.
There were mentions of underage drinking (in high school) and how the use of alcohol led the children to “let loose” and lower their inhibitions with the opposite sex. (It should be noted for any parents that may purchase this book for thier young adult reader) Between this, the plot holes, the writing, and my lack of interest in the characters led me to be completely turned off by this book. I often read young adult romance and find it highly enjoyable; however, I cannot in good faith recommend this book.
Review of advance copy
3.5⭐️ This young adult contemporary was angsty but a good read!
Reid Rousseau is back in town for Legacy Weekend, an event celebrating the local high school’s top alumni. He’s the guest of honor, but no one knows that his future is on the line—and that he still can’t stop thinking about the girl who broke his heart. Clara Suarez has the chance to redeem herself after a scandal that forced her out of the Legacy program last year. She wants to expose the program for what it is by completing her documentary. With former classmates back in town and an anonymous social media account starts to expose secrets, can they survive the drama?
Even though I’m not in the target demographic for this novel, I definitely would’ve loved this when I was younger! The small town, Gossip Girl vibes were strong, and it balanced well with the push/pull of the second chance romance. There was a lot of angst and the characters are messy, but that’s expected from a young adult novel. I enjoyed the dynamics between Clara, Reid, and their friend group, and I thought the portrayal of the transition period from high school to college was accurate.
The story is told in dual POV, and while I don’t mind it, Clara and Reid’s voice and tone were very similar; sometimes I had a difficult time remembering who was talking. I also did start to get bored around the 80% mark because it felt like the storyline was drawn out a little too much. Overall, the writing was good, and I especially liked the haikus before Reid’s chapters.
I recommend this book for those wanting an easy read with gossip girl vibes with interesting friend group dynamics!
Thank you to the publisher, Macmillan Children’s Publishing Group and Henry Holt and Co., for the ARC!
Tropes:
🌄 Second Chance Romance
🌄 Small Town
🌄 Gossip Girl Vibes
🌄 Coming of Age
Reid Rousseau is back in town for Legacy Weekend, an event celebrating the local high school’s top alumni. He’s the guest of honor, but no one knows that his future is on the line—and that he still can’t stop thinking about the girl who broke his heart. Clara Suarez has the chance to redeem herself after a scandal that forced her out of the Legacy program last year. She wants to expose the program for what it is by completing her documentary. With former classmates back in town and an anonymous social media account starts to expose secrets, can they survive the drama?
Even though I’m not in the target demographic for this novel, I definitely would’ve loved this when I was younger! The small town, Gossip Girl vibes were strong, and it balanced well with the push/pull of the second chance romance. There was a lot of angst and the characters are messy, but that’s expected from a young adult novel. I enjoyed the dynamics between Clara, Reid, and their friend group, and I thought the portrayal of the transition period from high school to college was accurate.
The story is told in dual POV, and while I don’t mind it, Clara and Reid’s voice and tone were very similar; sometimes I had a difficult time remembering who was talking. I also did start to get bored around the 80% mark because it felt like the storyline was drawn out a little too much. Overall, the writing was good, and I especially liked the haikus before Reid’s chapters.
I recommend this book for those wanting an easy read with gossip girl vibes with interesting friend group dynamics!
Thank you to the publisher, Macmillan Children’s Publishing Group and Henry Holt and Co., for the ARC!
Tropes:
🌄 Second Chance Romance
🌄 Small Town
🌄 Gossip Girl Vibes
🌄 Coming of Age
January 13, 2026
This book got under my skin in a way I wasn’t entirely prepared for.
I’m Gonna Get You Back is a story about revenge, yes—but more than that, it’s about what happens when hurt turns inward, when love curdles into resentment, and when teenagers are left to navigate emotional landmines without the tools to defuse them. Eva Des Lauriers captures that space with impressive clarity and restraint.
The protagonist is not always likeable, but she is understandable, which I value far more. Her choices are impulsive, emotionally driven, and sometimes frustrating—but they feel real. The book doesn’t frame revenge as empowering or glamorous; instead, it shows how it can become a coping mechanism when communication fails and vulnerability feels too risky.
The writing is clean and expressive, especially in moments of emotional stillness. There are scenes where very little happens externally, yet the internal stakes are enormous. I also appreciated how relationships—romantic and platonic—are treated with equal weight. The friendships, in particular, felt painfully authentic in their misunderstandings and quiet betrayals.
My only real hesitation lies in the pacing. The novel occasionally circles the same emotional beats more than necessary, and I found myself wishing certain turning points arrived just a bit sooner. Additionally, while the ending is emotionally satisfying, it felt slightly too neat compared to the messiness that preceded it.
Even so, this is a strong, thoughtful read that handles teenage anger and vulnerability with care. It trusts the reader to sit with discomfort and doesn’t rush its characters toward easy resolutions.
A solid 4 stars—raw, reflective, and emotionally resonant.
I’m Gonna Get You Back is a story about revenge, yes—but more than that, it’s about what happens when hurt turns inward, when love curdles into resentment, and when teenagers are left to navigate emotional landmines without the tools to defuse them. Eva Des Lauriers captures that space with impressive clarity and restraint.
The protagonist is not always likeable, but she is understandable, which I value far more. Her choices are impulsive, emotionally driven, and sometimes frustrating—but they feel real. The book doesn’t frame revenge as empowering or glamorous; instead, it shows how it can become a coping mechanism when communication fails and vulnerability feels too risky.
The writing is clean and expressive, especially in moments of emotional stillness. There are scenes where very little happens externally, yet the internal stakes are enormous. I also appreciated how relationships—romantic and platonic—are treated with equal weight. The friendships, in particular, felt painfully authentic in their misunderstandings and quiet betrayals.
My only real hesitation lies in the pacing. The novel occasionally circles the same emotional beats more than necessary, and I found myself wishing certain turning points arrived just a bit sooner. Additionally, while the ending is emotionally satisfying, it felt slightly too neat compared to the messiness that preceded it.
Even so, this is a strong, thoughtful read that handles teenage anger and vulnerability with care. It trusts the reader to sit with discomfort and doesn’t rush its characters toward easy resolutions.
A solid 4 stars—raw, reflective, and emotionally resonant.
Review of advance copy received from NetGalley
Thank you to Netgalley and the Publisher for this ARC.
Clara and Reid have a second chance to reconnect after a video was leaked and ruined Clara's life. Clara wanted to go to film school in California, she just needed to win the prestigious Legacy scholarship from her hometown in order to go. Unfortunately after the video was leaked at the Legacy announcement ceremony, everything came crumbling down.
Reid, the state champion runner, Legacy winner, and Olympic hopeful, now a runner at Stanford gets hit with an injury and suddenly his world changes. The one thing that doesn't his hometown's Legacy weekend. Where he would have to return and face everyone who has so much hope for him. And Clara, the girl who crushed him.
As the two navigate Legacy weekend, and each other, it's obvious a spark is still there. But now a scathing social media account could change everything for the both of them, and the other four Legacies.
I enjoyed this book. But there were definite moments of slowness for me. I kept pushing through so I could get to the end and know who ran the social media account. But the first part of the book dragged for me quite a bit. At about 50% of the way through the story starts to actually pick up. Then I was enjoying it more.
Overall it's enjoyable. If you're here to know if it's spicy, no. It's closed door, but there are parties, drinking, and kissing scenes that go into some detail.
Clara and Reid have a second chance to reconnect after a video was leaked and ruined Clara's life. Clara wanted to go to film school in California, she just needed to win the prestigious Legacy scholarship from her hometown in order to go. Unfortunately after the video was leaked at the Legacy announcement ceremony, everything came crumbling down.
Reid, the state champion runner, Legacy winner, and Olympic hopeful, now a runner at Stanford gets hit with an injury and suddenly his world changes. The one thing that doesn't his hometown's Legacy weekend. Where he would have to return and face everyone who has so much hope for him. And Clara, the girl who crushed him.
As the two navigate Legacy weekend, and each other, it's obvious a spark is still there. But now a scathing social media account could change everything for the both of them, and the other four Legacies.
I enjoyed this book. But there were definite moments of slowness for me. I kept pushing through so I could get to the end and know who ran the social media account. But the first part of the book dragged for me quite a bit. At about 50% of the way through the story starts to actually pick up. Then I was enjoying it more.
Overall it's enjoyable. If you're here to know if it's spicy, no. It's closed door, but there are parties, drinking, and kissing scenes that go into some detail.
Review of advance copy received from Goodreads Giveaways
I really wanted to love I'm Gonna Get You Back by Eva Des Lauriers—the premise had all the ingredients for messy, emotional small-town drama with a swoony second-chance romance. Unfortunately, it never quite delivers on that promise.
The setup is strong: buried secrets, a mysterious social media account stirring up chaos, and two exes forced back into each other’s orbit. But instead of feeling explosive, the story drags. The pacing is uneven, with long stretches where not much happens, followed by rushed reveals that should’ve had way more impact.
Clara and Reid had potential, but their relationship felt more frustrating than compelling. A lot of their conflict comes down to miscommunication and stubbornness, which gets repetitive fast. It’s hard to root for a couple when you spend most of the book wishing they’d just have one honest conversation.
The “big scandal” and anonymous account storyline should’ve been juicy, but it ends up feeling predictable and underdeveloped. The tension never quite hits the level it’s aiming for, and the payoff is a bit underwhelming.
That said, the writing itself is easy to read, and there are moments where the emotional core peeks through—especially when it touches on fear of failure and feeling stuck after high school. Those glimpses kept me from rating it lower.
Overall, it’s not terrible—just disappointing. If you’re here for high-stakes drama and a deeply satisfying second-chance romance, this one might leave you wanting more.
The setup is strong: buried secrets, a mysterious social media account stirring up chaos, and two exes forced back into each other’s orbit. But instead of feeling explosive, the story drags. The pacing is uneven, with long stretches where not much happens, followed by rushed reveals that should’ve had way more impact.
Clara and Reid had potential, but their relationship felt more frustrating than compelling. A lot of their conflict comes down to miscommunication and stubbornness, which gets repetitive fast. It’s hard to root for a couple when you spend most of the book wishing they’d just have one honest conversation.
The “big scandal” and anonymous account storyline should’ve been juicy, but it ends up feeling predictable and underdeveloped. The tension never quite hits the level it’s aiming for, and the payoff is a bit underwhelming.
That said, the writing itself is easy to read, and there are moments where the emotional core peeks through—especially when it touches on fear of failure and feeling stuck after high school. Those glimpses kept me from rating it lower.
Overall, it’s not terrible—just disappointing. If you’re here for high-stakes drama and a deeply satisfying second-chance romance, this one might leave you wanting more.
Review of advance copy received from NetGalley
I’m Gonna Get You Back by I'm Gonna Get You Back is a well-written and emotionally grounded YA story that balances romance, mystery, and heavier themes with care.
I really appreciated the dual POV and dual timeline structure, which added depth and kept the story engaging as past and present slowly came together. The writing handles sensitive topics thoughtfully and with a lot of care, which made the emotional beats land well. The story itself centers on resilience, learning to ask for help, and finding the strength to choose your own path, which felt very authentic for this stage of life.
I also loved the smaller details, like the haikus at the start of chapters and how they tied into the overall narrative, as well as the addition of the anonymous account spreading secrets. That element felt very realistic for today’s world and added an extra layer of tension.
While it was fairly obvious to me who was behind the major events, the execution was strong enough that I still wanted to keep reading. The second-chance romance was genuinely sweet, and I enjoyed the connection between the characters.
The pacing was mostly solid, though it did drag a bit in the later middle before the resolution. Still, overall this is a thoughtful and engaging YA story that blends emotion, drama, and romance well.
Thanks to netgally and the publisher for an advanced copy in exchange for an honest review.
I really appreciated the dual POV and dual timeline structure, which added depth and kept the story engaging as past and present slowly came together. The writing handles sensitive topics thoughtfully and with a lot of care, which made the emotional beats land well. The story itself centers on resilience, learning to ask for help, and finding the strength to choose your own path, which felt very authentic for this stage of life.
I also loved the smaller details, like the haikus at the start of chapters and how they tied into the overall narrative, as well as the addition of the anonymous account spreading secrets. That element felt very realistic for today’s world and added an extra layer of tension.
While it was fairly obvious to me who was behind the major events, the execution was strong enough that I still wanted to keep reading. The second-chance romance was genuinely sweet, and I enjoyed the connection between the characters.
The pacing was mostly solid, though it did drag a bit in the later middle before the resolution. Still, overall this is a thoughtful and engaging YA story that blends emotion, drama, and romance well.
Thanks to netgally and the publisher for an advanced copy in exchange for an honest review.
Review of advance copy received from Goodreads Giveaways
Definitely full of teenage, highschool drama. It got a bit soap opera-ey there towards the end, though, Clara and Reids shared cute/sweet moments throughout it (you know those aww... isn't that sweet kind of moments). Trying to follow some of the drama and plotting was a little chaotic at parts like were missing some of the inforation for their explanations to make sense and it had a few points that the future/present jumps got a little choppy. It did seem a little rushed at the end where it felt like a sudden and maybe little desperate to wrap everything up. It seemed like some of the explanation for who done it part two - hello gossip (you'll get it when you read it) was kind of weak and Clara all of a sudden an Aw-ha! moment that seemed to come out of thin air and again was lacking some information to make it fully believeable (not that I did not get it, it was just kind of weak). Personally, I felt it could have used a little more detectiving skills and Clara and Reid laying out there case could have used a little more something, dunno what, but it just seemed a maybe a little cheesey and grasping to be completely believable. For me, I think it has the potential, but needed a little more polish - would have like it to maintain more the fun/kick-butt/realistic feel then the soap opera/musical drama feel that evolved.
Review of advance copy received from Publisher
A dual timeline, dual POV second chance romance with a bit of a twisty Gossip Girl whodunnit in a small town? Yeah I’ll eat this up over and over and over again and again.
This is definitely correctly marketed as a YA romance because it is beautifully written as such! Eva Des Lauriers does a phenomenal job of capturing that transitional period of time where you’re suddenly now an “adult”, leaving the community and home you’ve built yourself up in and going off to college, where you’re supposed to have everything figured out, but realize that being exceptional at your high school meant average in college.
This book is a great reminder that sometimes, something that seems like a dead end is really just a detour that pivots you to a greater thing and/or opportunity in life.
I’m Gonna Get You Back was well-paced, with fleshed-out side characters (that I frankly would love a little novella about), a Gossip Girl subplot that kept me turning pages, and a second chance romance that tore me apart and put me back together by the end.
I cannot wait to pick this back up and read it over and over again.
Thank you Fierce Reads for a copy of this galley in exchange for an honest review.
This is definitely correctly marketed as a YA romance because it is beautifully written as such! Eva Des Lauriers does a phenomenal job of capturing that transitional period of time where you’re suddenly now an “adult”, leaving the community and home you’ve built yourself up in and going off to college, where you’re supposed to have everything figured out, but realize that being exceptional at your high school meant average in college.
This book is a great reminder that sometimes, something that seems like a dead end is really just a detour that pivots you to a greater thing and/or opportunity in life.
I’m Gonna Get You Back was well-paced, with fleshed-out side characters (that I frankly would love a little novella about), a Gossip Girl subplot that kept me turning pages, and a second chance romance that tore me apart and put me back together by the end.
I cannot wait to pick this back up and read it over and over again.
Thank you Fierce Reads for a copy of this galley in exchange for an honest review.
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December 2, 2025Clara regresa a su pueblo para enfrentar un fin de semana que preferiría olvidar. El regreso de los exalumnos desata viejos recuerdos, grabaciones que nunca debió revisar y una tensión que revive lo que tuvo con Reid, el chico que marcó su último año de preparatoria. Mientras los rumores vuelven a circular y un perfil anónimo amenaza con revelar secretos del pasado, Clara intenta mantener la calma, aunque su vida emocional esté al borde del colapso. Reid llega con su propio caos y una verdad que ha evitado reconocer. Cuando sus caminos se cruzan otra vez, ambos deberán enfrentar aquello que rompieron, así como las decisiones que los alejaron.
__
La historia no fue para mí. Sentí que el libro recae demasiado en drama adolescente. No entendí por qué se construye tanta tensión para que Reid le confiese a Clara que se besó con Delaney, su mejor amiga, cuando la confrontación termina sin un conflicto real. Clara se molesta molesta, pero perdona a Reid y también a la amiga en menos de un día. A veces odio crecer porque me es imposible no ser tan critica.
Thanks to NetGalley, the publisher and the author for the ARC in exchange for an honest opinion.
Review of advance copy received from Netgalley
I really wanted to love this book. The premise sounded so good, and I was excited for the drama, the second-chance romance, and all the secrets coming out. But it just didn’t hit the way I hoped it would.
A lot of the story felt kind of slow, and I found myself getting bored more often than I expected. There were moments where things should’ve felt intense or emotional, but they just didn’t fully land for me.
I think what I struggled with most was the characters. Reid had such an interesting situation, especially with his injury and everything on the line, but I kept wishing we got more of his past and what he was really feeling. It felt a little surface-level when it could’ve been so much deeper. Same with Clara, their history together had potential, but I didn’t feel as connected to it as I wanted to.
The anonymous account revealing secrets was a fun idea, but it didn’t feel as dramatic or gripping as it could’ve been. I was waiting for those big “omg” moments, and they just never fully happened.
Overall, it’s not a bad book. It just didn’t keep me hooked. I think if the characters had more depth and the pacing was a bit tighter, I would’ve enjoyed it a lot more.
A lot of the story felt kind of slow, and I found myself getting bored more often than I expected. There were moments where things should’ve felt intense or emotional, but they just didn’t fully land for me.
I think what I struggled with most was the characters. Reid had such an interesting situation, especially with his injury and everything on the line, but I kept wishing we got more of his past and what he was really feeling. It felt a little surface-level when it could’ve been so much deeper. Same with Clara, their history together had potential, but I didn’t feel as connected to it as I wanted to.
The anonymous account revealing secrets was a fun idea, but it didn’t feel as dramatic or gripping as it could’ve been. I was waiting for those big “omg” moments, and they just never fully happened.
Overall, it’s not a bad book. It just didn’t keep me hooked. I think if the characters had more depth and the pacing was a bit tighter, I would’ve enjoyed it a lot more.
March 4, 2026
[NetGalley review; Thank you to Macmillan for the ARC!]
I had the time of my life reading this book! Swoony romance, small town drama, hidden scandals, and one weekend that could upend everything. This book truly had it all.
"I'm Gonna Get You Back" is a wonderful addition to the YA genre. Told through two perspectives and two timelines, Des Lauriers creates a thrilling story with complex and endearing characters that readers will be able to sympathize with while also recognizing their flaws. While Clara and Reid easily stole the show, every side character in this book added a new dimension to the story. Des Lauriers's writing cut right down to the core of these characters and made my heart ache nearly the entire time. I haven't found myself rooting for a couple the way I did for Clara and Reid in a LONG time. The chemistry was off the charts, the plot was fast-paced and intriguing, and the writing was lyrical. I'll happily give this book 4.5 stars and recommend it to fans of Jennifer Lynn Barnes.
I had the time of my life reading this book! Swoony romance, small town drama, hidden scandals, and one weekend that could upend everything. This book truly had it all.
"I'm Gonna Get You Back" is a wonderful addition to the YA genre. Told through two perspectives and two timelines, Des Lauriers creates a thrilling story with complex and endearing characters that readers will be able to sympathize with while also recognizing their flaws. While Clara and Reid easily stole the show, every side character in this book added a new dimension to the story. Des Lauriers's writing cut right down to the core of these characters and made my heart ache nearly the entire time. I haven't found myself rooting for a couple the way I did for Clara and Reid in a LONG time. The chemistry was off the charts, the plot was fast-paced and intriguing, and the writing was lyrical. I'll happily give this book 4.5 stars and recommend it to fans of Jennifer Lynn Barnes.
December 15, 2025
Rating: ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐
Eva Des Lauriers has truly outdone herself with I'm Gonna Get You Back, a captivating and layered YA romance that beautifully blends a passionate second-chance love story with a compelling small-town mystery. This book delivers a heartfelt, emotional, and perfectly paced read that cements Des Lauriers as a strong voice in contemporary Young Adult fiction.
The core of the novel lies in the incredible chemistry and palpable tension between former sweethearts Clara Suarez and Reid Rousseau. The dual timeline structure, weaving between their explosive senior year and their tense reunion for "Legacy Weekend," is masterfully handled, creating a genuine sense of longing and dramatic payoff. Clara and Reid are complex, beautifully flawed characters whose struggles with identity, pressure, and shattered dreams—Clara's film ambitions sabotaged and Reid's secret injury—feel incredibly authentic.
Their journey is one of deep pining, emotional honesty, and a slow burn that is absolutely worth the wait.
Beyond the romance, the "Legacy Weekend" setting and the introduction of the anonymous "dirty laundry" account give the story an addictive, suspenseful edge. It’s like a nuanced small-town mystery where high-stakes academic and athletic pressures clash with intense personal secrets and betrayals among friends.
Des Lauriers’ prose is sharp, and unique touches—like the thoughtful haikus from Reid's perspective—add unexpected depth to his character. The plot twists surrounding the scholarship scandal are genuinely engaging and elevate the story beyond a typical romance.
I highly recommend I'm Gonna Get You Back to fans of angsty, emotional second-chance stories, small-town secrets, and YA contemporary with a satisfying dose of mystery. It’s a compelling look at finding your footing after high school and the difficult choices we make under pressure. Run, don't walk, to pick up this fantastic novel!
Thank you to NetGalley and the publisher for providing me with an advanced reader copy (ARC) in exchange for an honest review.
Eva Des Lauriers has truly outdone herself with I'm Gonna Get You Back, a captivating and layered YA romance that beautifully blends a passionate second-chance love story with a compelling small-town mystery. This book delivers a heartfelt, emotional, and perfectly paced read that cements Des Lauriers as a strong voice in contemporary Young Adult fiction.
The core of the novel lies in the incredible chemistry and palpable tension between former sweethearts Clara Suarez and Reid Rousseau. The dual timeline structure, weaving between their explosive senior year and their tense reunion for "Legacy Weekend," is masterfully handled, creating a genuine sense of longing and dramatic payoff. Clara and Reid are complex, beautifully flawed characters whose struggles with identity, pressure, and shattered dreams—Clara's film ambitions sabotaged and Reid's secret injury—feel incredibly authentic.
Their journey is one of deep pining, emotional honesty, and a slow burn that is absolutely worth the wait.
Beyond the romance, the "Legacy Weekend" setting and the introduction of the anonymous "dirty laundry" account give the story an addictive, suspenseful edge. It’s like a nuanced small-town mystery where high-stakes academic and athletic pressures clash with intense personal secrets and betrayals among friends.
Des Lauriers’ prose is sharp, and unique touches—like the thoughtful haikus from Reid's perspective—add unexpected depth to his character. The plot twists surrounding the scholarship scandal are genuinely engaging and elevate the story beyond a typical romance.
I highly recommend I'm Gonna Get You Back to fans of angsty, emotional second-chance stories, small-town secrets, and YA contemporary with a satisfying dose of mystery. It’s a compelling look at finding your footing after high school and the difficult choices we make under pressure. Run, don't walk, to pick up this fantastic novel!
Thank you to NetGalley and the publisher for providing me with an advanced reader copy (ARC) in exchange for an honest review.
April 6, 2026
“I’m Gonna Get You Back” was unputdownable! Last year, someone ruined Clara’s chances at the Legacy scholarship, therefore her chance at college. Clara and Reid’s tender romance ended with the fallout of these events. Their hometown school runs a Legacy Program that gives a select group of elite students a scholarship. Clara has been home all year, while her other classmates were living out their lives and dreams at college. This weekend, when everyone returns, a mysterious instagram account immerses ready to expose everyone’s secrets. Clara must find out who is behind this, absolve herself, and redeem her reputation from last year. This story had so many layers, the romance element was strong and full of angst. The characters and their growth felt authentic. I loved every minute of reading this story!
For those who love:
💙 Second-chance romance
💙 “Gossip Girl”
💙 Friend Group drama
💙 Hometown reunion
Many thanks to the publisher and NetGalley for the opportunity to read this ARC.
For those who love:
💙 Second-chance romance
💙 “Gossip Girl”
💙 Friend Group drama
💙 Hometown reunion
Many thanks to the publisher and NetGalley for the opportunity to read this ARC.
Review of advance copy received from Goodreads Giveaways
A thought provoking story with elements of mystery, this novel tracks a group of friends reuniting 5 months after graduating from high school. Told in the current timeline and regular flashbacks from the previous year leading up to graduation, chapters alternate in perspective between Clara, a film maker who lost her Legacy scholarship and the chance to go to film school after being betrayed by someone she knows, and Reid, a track star and Clara's former love interest who got one of the Legacy scholarships. The story draws you in and has you guessing about who betrayed Clara and who is keeping tabs on everyone else. The plot was enjoyable and while it has a hopeful ending, there isn't a these two are going to grow up and get married "happily ever after" which, to be honest, is really crazy in a YA novel. Perfect for those who enjoy a light mystery, high school/young adult angst/drama, and anyone looking for a story with a bit of reflection about the competitiveness of high school.
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