Okay, let me just say this: I devoured this book. Like, clear-your-schedule, stay-up-way-too-late, "just one more chapter" kind of devoured. And it was so worth it because this story gave me all the swoons, all the feels, and a new book boyfriend to obsess over. Noah. Sweet, steady, protective Noah. We all need a Noah in our lives. End of discussion.
From the second he stepped onto the page, I was gone. He isn’t the flashy, larger-than-life type. He’s the kind of mmc who quietly makes your heart fall apart in the best way possible. The kind who pays attention, who shows up, who makes you feel safe and wanted without ever trying too hard. He’s book-boyfriend gold. Honestly? He’s the kind of fictional man who sets the bar so high you’ll side-eye every real man around you afterward. (Sorry, not sorry.)
Amber’s character was such a standout too. She’s layered and flawed and REAL. Watching her journey unfold, seeing her stand up for herself, open her heart again, and learn to embrace love, was just as satisfying as the romance itself. It wasn’t just about her finding Noah, it was about her finding herself. And that made the story hit even harder.
And let’s talk about their relationship. The build-up? Chef’s kiss. The banter? Equal parts adorable and sharp. The chemistry? Off-the-charts electric. Every scene between them carried this undercurrent of “oh no, I’m falling for you but I don’t want to admit it yet” that had me absolutely feral. The tension was perfection, slow enough to make me ache for it, but never so slow that it felt dragged out. It was the kind of romance you live for as a reader, where you’re kicking your feet, clutching your Kindle, and maybe screaming into a pillow once or twice.
And then there’s the writing. It flowed so effortlessly that I forgot I was even reading. It felt more like living inside their world, high school hallways, whispered conversations, messy emotions and all. The author has a way of weaving humor, heart, and swoony romance into every page, and it made the whole thing completely unputdownable.
I also really appreciated how the book didn’t shy away from showing toxic dynamics (Connor, I am looking at you 👀) and contrasted them so beautifully with what a healthy, supportive relationship should look like. It made Noah shine even brighter and gave Amber’s growth so much more weight.
By the time I turned the last page, I wasn’t just in love with the romance, I was in love with the journey. I laughed, I swooned, I got mad at the villains of the story, and then I melted into a puddle of happiness. And when it was over, I just sat there thinking: “Wait…that’s it? How do I go on with my life now?!”
So yes, five stars. If I could, I’d give it ten. This book was heart-melting, swoony, emotional, and everything I want in a YA romance. If you’re wondering whether to read it, let me be clear: stop wondering and grab it. Because trust me, you deserve to meet Noah, too.
Thank you Anastasia for allowing me to read this book as an ARC and review it, all opinions are my own. <3