What do you think?
Rate this book
In Every Future, It's Us
When childhood neighbours and best friends Florence Parker and Tom Sinclair were on the precipice of graduating college, they made a pact they hoped would link them every year at their families' lavish New Year's Eve party, they'd each write five secret predictions about the other's year ahead. Whoever got the most guesses correct would make one big life decision for the other.
So it went for nearly a decade-until the final year, when one letter shattered their friendship.
Now, Tom and Florence are home for the holidays and haven't spoken in over a year. To keep up appearances, they're forced to plan the New Year's Eve party together. But hidden in the tense silences and charged interactions is a wealth of history they can't escape, and feelings they've never spoken aloud.
It's their last opportunity to make amends before Florence moves away, but are they willing to take a chance on a future they can't predict?
So it went for nearly a decade-until the final year, when one letter shattered their friendship.
Now, Tom and Florence are home for the holidays and haven't spoken in over a year. To keep up appearances, they're forced to plan the New Year's Eve party together. But hidden in the tense silences and charged interactions is a wealth of history they can't escape, and feelings they've never spoken aloud.
It's their last opportunity to make amends before Florence moves away, but are they willing to take a chance on a future they can't predict?
Unknown Binding
Expected publication December 1, 2026
About the author
Katie Naymon
2 books504 followersKatie Naymon lives and writes in Stockholm, Sweden. Originally from Northeast Ohio, she got her BA in creative writing at Johns Hopkins University and her MFA in poetry from the University of North Carolina at Greensboro. YOU BETWEEN THE LINES is her first novel.
Ratings & Reviews
Friends & Following
Create a free account to discover what your friends think of this book!
Community Reviews
Displaying 1 - 30 of 64 reviews
June 27, 2026
thank you so much to netgalley for providing this arc!
i adored this with my whole soul. my jaw is almost on the floor after finishing this in a matter of hours. this was so magical and so sweet and was a perfect concoction of all things i love in a romance. i don’t believe ive read anything from this author before, but best believe i will be making every endeavour to pick up all of her books. she really said BRING BACK YEARNING with this one. no notes
i adored this with my whole soul. my jaw is almost on the floor after finishing this in a matter of hours. this was so magical and so sweet and was a perfect concoction of all things i love in a romance. i don’t believe ive read anything from this author before, but best believe i will be making every endeavour to pick up all of her books. she really said BRING BACK YEARNING with this one. no notes
Review of advance copy received from NetGalley
Florence and Tom have been friends for seventeen years, but one letter destroys their friendship.
I’ll admit that before reading this book, I wasn’t a huge fan of the friends-to-lovers trope, but it completely changed my mind! The connection between the main characters is so strong, their history runs so deep, and there’s so much mutual pining that I felt every single moment of it.
I fell in love with these characters from the very first page. Throughout their years of friendship, they supported each other through so much, and I don't think I'll ever forget their awkward first kiss. The book features multiple timelines, but they are woven together seamlessly. Every flashback adds another piece to the puzzle of Florence and Tom's relationship.
This book delivers a true slow burn: years of yearning, incredible chemistry, and so much tension between the characters. It also has plenty of angsty moments that broke and mended my heart, as well as a beautiful New Year's atmosphere. I'll definitely be rereading it this winter!
This was my first book by Katie Naymon, and I didn't expect it to hit me so hard! I'm in awe of her writing, and I can't wait for her future releases.
Thank you to NetGalley and Berkley Publishing Group (Berkley) for the eARC in exchange for an honest review. All opinions are my own.
I’ll admit that before reading this book, I wasn’t a huge fan of the friends-to-lovers trope, but it completely changed my mind! The connection between the main characters is so strong, their history runs so deep, and there’s so much mutual pining that I felt every single moment of it.
I fell in love with these characters from the very first page. Throughout their years of friendship, they supported each other through so much, and I don't think I'll ever forget their awkward first kiss. The book features multiple timelines, but they are woven together seamlessly. Every flashback adds another piece to the puzzle of Florence and Tom's relationship.
This book delivers a true slow burn: years of yearning, incredible chemistry, and so much tension between the characters. It also has plenty of angsty moments that broke and mended my heart, as well as a beautiful New Year's atmosphere. I'll definitely be rereading it this winter!
This was my first book by Katie Naymon, and I didn't expect it to hit me so hard! I'm in awe of her writing, and I can't wait for her future releases.
Thank you to NetGalley and Berkley Publishing Group (Berkley) for the eARC in exchange for an honest review. All opinions are my own.
May 30, 2026
if goodreads was rate my professor, here is a million stars for professor katie naymon who just taught us a master class in yearnalism. full rtc!
Want to Read
April 23, 2026the best way to store an early copy of this is to send it to my postal address
Want to Read
September 6, 20252026 BELONGS TO BEST FRIENDS
KATIE IS SCARED. THE PUBLISHERS ARE SCARED. THEY'RE TELLING ME IT WON'T BE HERE UNTIL 2026 BUT I'M SIMPLY TOO SEATED. YOU'LL PRY THIS FROM MY COLD DEAD HANDS
KATIE IS SCARED. THE PUBLISHERS ARE SCARED. THEY'RE TELLING ME IT WON'T BE HERE UNTIL 2026 BUT I'M SIMPLY TOO SEATED. YOU'LL PRY THIS FROM MY COLD DEAD HANDS
May 30, 2026
Dare I say Katie has outdone herself! Step aside Will-YUM, Tommy Boy has entered the chat!
More thoughts to come!!
More thoughts to come!!
Want to Read
July 3, 2026🎆💌 In Every Future, It's Us 💌🎆
📖 Bookish Thoughts
My full review will be shared closer to the publication date.
💖 What to Expect
• Friends to Lovers
• Childhood Best Friends
• Second Chance Romance
• Forced Proximity
• New Year's Eve
_ _ _ _
📅 Pub Date: December 1, 2026
Thank you to Berkley Publishing Group, Berkley, and NetGalley for the advanced copy.
📖 Bookish Thoughts
My full review will be shared closer to the publication date.
💖 What to Expect
• Friends to Lovers
• Childhood Best Friends
• Second Chance Romance
• Forced Proximity
• New Year's Eve
_ _ _ _
📅 Pub Date: December 1, 2026
Thank you to Berkley Publishing Group, Berkley, and NetGalley for the advanced copy.
June 27, 2026
katie, what ever did we do to deserve such delectable goodness!?
full rtc!
full rtc!
May 19, 2026
⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
Thank you SO MUCH to Katie for allowing me to be a part of this traveling ARC tour! 🫶🏻
I absolutely INHALED this book in less than 24 hours.
Katie’s writing style is just so beautiful and poetic. Seriously, nobody out here does it like her!! Friends to lovers can be hit or miss, but let me tell you, I knew I could trust her, and this was a HIT for me as expected. Everything about this was expertly weaved together. An absolutely phenomenal job!
As with YBTL, I really saw myself in the FMC. Struggling with direction, self-doubt, self-confidence. I really needed to read this especially now in this season of transition that I’m in where I’ve just made a pretty big career-shifting decision. Seeing myself in Florence has really helped me to feel more confident in my decision. And that’s what I love about Katie’s writing. She writes flawed, relatable characters who are easy to connect with and also allow for a sort of introspection as well. I feel seen. I adore her writing, I’ll never shut up about her, and this second novel has just solidified her as an auto-buy author for me.
This is the PERFECT book to read when you are in that limbo week between Christmas and New Years. Add to your TBRs now, preorder now, whatever it takes to make sure you don’t forget about it come December 1st!! 💜
Thank you SO MUCH to Katie for allowing me to be a part of this traveling ARC tour! 🫶🏻
I absolutely INHALED this book in less than 24 hours.
Katie’s writing style is just so beautiful and poetic. Seriously, nobody out here does it like her!! Friends to lovers can be hit or miss, but let me tell you, I knew I could trust her, and this was a HIT for me as expected. Everything about this was expertly weaved together. An absolutely phenomenal job!
As with YBTL, I really saw myself in the FMC. Struggling with direction, self-doubt, self-confidence. I really needed to read this especially now in this season of transition that I’m in where I’ve just made a pretty big career-shifting decision. Seeing myself in Florence has really helped me to feel more confident in my decision. And that’s what I love about Katie’s writing. She writes flawed, relatable characters who are easy to connect with and also allow for a sort of introspection as well. I feel seen. I adore her writing, I’ll never shut up about her, and this second novel has just solidified her as an auto-buy author for me.
This is the PERFECT book to read when you are in that limbo week between Christmas and New Years. Add to your TBRs now, preorder now, whatever it takes to make sure you don’t forget about it come December 1st!! 💜
Review of advance copy received from Netgalley
katie naymon just GETS IT. SHE FUCKING GETS IT.
Read
November 17, 2025I read this authors debut and was HOOKED. This one sounds equally as amazing, can’t wait
June 13, 2026
4.5 ★
i am so so in love with the way katie naymon writes about love! she makes these characters so relatable and realistic, i see so many parts of myself in them and get so invested in their story. i absolutely love the way the dual timeline is done in this book, it is done so well and makes perfect sense for the plot! i really loved seeing the relationship grow between these two main characters, and loved the side characters as well!
i’m so grateful to have participated in this traveling arc, and can’t wait for everyone else to read this book!!
i am so so in love with the way katie naymon writes about love! she makes these characters so relatable and realistic, i see so many parts of myself in them and get so invested in their story. i absolutely love the way the dual timeline is done in this book, it is done so well and makes perfect sense for the plot! i really loved seeing the relationship grow between these two main characters, and loved the side characters as well!
i’m so grateful to have participated in this traveling arc, and can’t wait for everyone else to read this book!!
Review of advance copy received from NetGalley
Wild to me that Tom Sinclair wants to be a journalist when he's already a world-class (I'm sorry) yearnalist
With thanks to Berkley/NetGalley for the ARC
With thanks to Berkley/NetGalley for the ARC
June 22, 2026
Florence and Tom have been best friends since their teenage years, but are at a breaking point. A huge fight, a year of no talking, and broken hearts may be the final straw for their friendship.
I did not like this one 😬 My word. Tom is extremely controlling. He dictated EVERYTHING for their entire friendship. The dynamic between them was so unhealthy and so toxic. Even at the end it felt icky. It was still decided by him, on his terms.
We didn’t have any really solid supporting characters and the relationship with Florence’s sister felt like it was healed because we needed to check off that box.
Skip Ch 22 & 26 for more closed door - suggestive dialogue throughout.
Thank you to the publisher and NetGalley for the advance copy.
I did not like this one 😬 My word. Tom is extremely controlling. He dictated EVERYTHING for their entire friendship. The dynamic between them was so unhealthy and so toxic. Even at the end it felt icky. It was still decided by him, on his terms.
We didn’t have any really solid supporting characters and the relationship with Florence’s sister felt like it was healed because we needed to check off that box.
Skip Ch 22 & 26 for more closed door - suggestive dialogue throughout.
Thank you to the publisher and NetGalley for the advance copy.
Review of advance copy received from NetGalley
Reflective, uplifting, and tender-hearted, Katie Naymon returns with her sophomore romance novel about two childhood best friends and a pact that almost destroyed them. Florence Parker and Tom Sinclair met when they were thirteen and became inseparable ever since. During a traditional New Year’s Eve party hosted by their family every year, Florence and Tom decide to write a list of predictions for each other, and the person whose list gets checked off the most gets to make a major life decision for the other person. Seventeen years later, Florence, now a PR manager, and Tom, an editor in chief, haven't spoken or seen each other in eleven months after an incident involving their pact. Florence returns to Boston to attend her sister’s wedding and offers to plan their family's annual New Year’s Eve party. When she recruits Tom into helping her plan the party, they learn what went awry during the time they lost in those months, and what it means to their friendship now and what it could mean to their future.
Florence’s character growth was truly a delight to read. Her constantly following Tom around was incredibly frustrating and difficult to read initially. However, as Florence became more self-aware of herself and her self-worth, and became more confident in her abilities and self-regard, her growth into her individuality and becoming a person apart from Tom was gratifying to read and experience with her. Tom, on the other hand, was a delight to read. I loved his character upon initial meeting, and I loved him until the end of the novel. Tom was presented as self-assured, reliable, and decisive. He was driven in his career plans and assertive about his goals. However, underneath his assertive demeanor and ambitions was someone with deep vulnerabilities and insecurities. Florence and Tom complimented as well as complemented each other perfectly. In the areas where Florence lacked confidence in and wasn’t sure of what to do, Tom reassured her and offered support. Additionally, when Tom felt lost in not knowing what direction his life was heading in and needed guidance, Florence became his lighthouse. Their sexual tension was already palpable from the get-go and only intensified further throughout the reading. Their tenderness, respect, and acceptance for each other were genuine and beautiful, and their openness and their ability to become vulnerable with each other without fear of having the other person become disappointed or judged were so comforting and encouraging to read about. Moreover, it should be widely acknowledged and talked more about that Katie Naymon knows how to write a hopeless and pathetic man in love. Tom is tragically patient, terribly enamored, and disgustingly besotted with Florence. Likewise, Florence was just as smitten as Tom. All those years of desperate waiting, painful pining, and yearly yearnings have led Florence and Tom back to each other again, and Naymon executed and conveyed that masterfully.
Katie Naymon is beyond a spectacular storyteller and a brilliant writer. Her prose presents itself poetically, and her overall writing is just wonderfully stunning. I’ve read and fallen in love with her debut novel, and I loved this one just as much, if not more. This is a story of self-discovery, self-worth, exploration, and not being afraid to take chances and risks. Naymon crafted a beautifully reflective and relatable novel for those who have ever felt unsure or lost in life. With only two novels published so far, Naymon is a promising voice in the romance community and has immediately solidified herself as one of my autobuy authors. I genuinely can’t wait to see what she releases next, but I already know I’ll read whatever she writes.
Thank you to Berkeley Publishing Group and NetGalley for providing me with an ARC in exchange for an honest review.
Florence’s character growth was truly a delight to read. Her constantly following Tom around was incredibly frustrating and difficult to read initially. However, as Florence became more self-aware of herself and her self-worth, and became more confident in her abilities and self-regard, her growth into her individuality and becoming a person apart from Tom was gratifying to read and experience with her. Tom, on the other hand, was a delight to read. I loved his character upon initial meeting, and I loved him until the end of the novel. Tom was presented as self-assured, reliable, and decisive. He was driven in his career plans and assertive about his goals. However, underneath his assertive demeanor and ambitions was someone with deep vulnerabilities and insecurities. Florence and Tom complimented as well as complemented each other perfectly. In the areas where Florence lacked confidence in and wasn’t sure of what to do, Tom reassured her and offered support. Additionally, when Tom felt lost in not knowing what direction his life was heading in and needed guidance, Florence became his lighthouse. Their sexual tension was already palpable from the get-go and only intensified further throughout the reading. Their tenderness, respect, and acceptance for each other were genuine and beautiful, and their openness and their ability to become vulnerable with each other without fear of having the other person become disappointed or judged were so comforting and encouraging to read about. Moreover, it should be widely acknowledged and talked more about that Katie Naymon knows how to write a hopeless and pathetic man in love. Tom is tragically patient, terribly enamored, and disgustingly besotted with Florence. Likewise, Florence was just as smitten as Tom. All those years of desperate waiting, painful pining, and yearly yearnings have led Florence and Tom back to each other again, and Naymon executed and conveyed that masterfully.
Katie Naymon is beyond a spectacular storyteller and a brilliant writer. Her prose presents itself poetically, and her overall writing is just wonderfully stunning. I’ve read and fallen in love with her debut novel, and I loved this one just as much, if not more. This is a story of self-discovery, self-worth, exploration, and not being afraid to take chances and risks. Naymon crafted a beautifully reflective and relatable novel for those who have ever felt unsure or lost in life. With only two novels published so far, Naymon is a promising voice in the romance community and has immediately solidified herself as one of my autobuy authors. I genuinely can’t wait to see what she releases next, but I already know I’ll read whatever she writes.
Thank you to Berkeley Publishing Group and NetGalley for providing me with an ARC in exchange for an honest review.
June 12, 2026
Thank you so much to Berkley and NetGalley for the eARC!
Oh, I ate this UP!! I love a childhood friends-to-lovers arc, and this one did not disappoint
Review: ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️.5 (rounded up)
❄️What I loved❄️
1. The Character's History
Florence and Tom were absolutely ADORABLE to read about. Watching them grow up in tandem and seeing how they always seemed to fit together was something straight out of a movie (the annotated planner?!! MY HEART😭). Having a tangible memento of all the important moments they shared and getting to reminisce over it together gave me nostalgic shivers. I loved that, whether they were together or apart, neither of them ever forgot the other or everything they had been through side by side.
2. FMC's Sister Relationship
A lot of novels portray sibling relationships in extremes. The sisters are either best friends or they hate each other. What we rarely get is the murky grey area in between. This book captured that perfectly, and I loved how real and raw it felt. Florence wanting validation from her sister and longing for a closer relationship, only to never quite get it, was something I deeply resonated with. The author did such a great job portraying a common sibling dynamic: both people wanting that familiar, close-knit bond but not knowing how (or even if) they can get there. I had tears in my eyes reading about them because it reminded me that you don't have to be on bad terms with someone to not be close to them. Sometimes, despite the love that's there, it just isn't meant to be. Their conclusion was satisfying, but I honestly think the story would have had the same emotional impact even if nothing had changed between them. It was such a refreshing portrayal of siblings, and I think a lot of readers will see themselves in it.
3. The Writing + Prose
The author's writing is truly something that needs to be studied. I remember reading her debut novel and thinking, "OMG, this is so good! It reads like poetry" (on the nose, I know). She writes in a way that immediately pulls you into the story and leaves you itching to turn the next page. I loved the choices she made with character descriptions and how deeply we were immersed in their minds. AND THE QUOTES!!! The things Tom and Florence were saying to each other had my heart achingggggg.
❄️What I didn’t love❄️
The codependency between the MCs sometimes teetered a little too far for me. I loved that they were written to be so close that they knew each other better than they knew themselves, but there were moments when it crossed into unhealthy territory. As kids and young adults, it made sense. Everyone is growing up, figuring themselves out, and doing that alongside someone else can feel natural. But when you're approaching 30, leading other people on, and still unable to make decisions or figure things out independently without that one person... I don't know, it wasn't my favourite aspect of the story. That said, their conclusion gave me hope that this phase of their relationship was behind them and that they're moving forward with a stronger sense of self and independence.
I really loved this story and will be counting down the days until December to get my hands on it!!
Thank you so much again to Berkley and NetGalley for the eARC!
Oh, I ate this UP!! I love a childhood friends-to-lovers arc, and this one did not disappoint
Review: ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️.5 (rounded up)
❄️What I loved❄️
1. The Character's History
Florence and Tom were absolutely ADORABLE to read about. Watching them grow up in tandem and seeing how they always seemed to fit together was something straight out of a movie (the annotated planner?!! MY HEART😭). Having a tangible memento of all the important moments they shared and getting to reminisce over it together gave me nostalgic shivers. I loved that, whether they were together or apart, neither of them ever forgot the other or everything they had been through side by side.
2. FMC's Sister Relationship
A lot of novels portray sibling relationships in extremes. The sisters are either best friends or they hate each other. What we rarely get is the murky grey area in between. This book captured that perfectly, and I loved how real and raw it felt. Florence wanting validation from her sister and longing for a closer relationship, only to never quite get it, was something I deeply resonated with. The author did such a great job portraying a common sibling dynamic: both people wanting that familiar, close-knit bond but not knowing how (or even if) they can get there. I had tears in my eyes reading about them because it reminded me that you don't have to be on bad terms with someone to not be close to them. Sometimes, despite the love that's there, it just isn't meant to be. Their conclusion was satisfying, but I honestly think the story would have had the same emotional impact even if nothing had changed between them. It was such a refreshing portrayal of siblings, and I think a lot of readers will see themselves in it.
3. The Writing + Prose
The author's writing is truly something that needs to be studied. I remember reading her debut novel and thinking, "OMG, this is so good! It reads like poetry" (on the nose, I know). She writes in a way that immediately pulls you into the story and leaves you itching to turn the next page. I loved the choices she made with character descriptions and how deeply we were immersed in their minds. AND THE QUOTES!!! The things Tom and Florence were saying to each other had my heart achingggggg.
❄️What I didn’t love❄️
The codependency between the MCs sometimes teetered a little too far for me. I loved that they were written to be so close that they knew each other better than they knew themselves, but there were moments when it crossed into unhealthy territory. As kids and young adults, it made sense. Everyone is growing up, figuring themselves out, and doing that alongside someone else can feel natural. But when you're approaching 30, leading other people on, and still unable to make decisions or figure things out independently without that one person... I don't know, it wasn't my favourite aspect of the story. That said, their conclusion gave me hope that this phase of their relationship was behind them and that they're moving forward with a stronger sense of self and independence.
I really loved this story and will be counting down the days until December to get my hands on it!!
Thank you so much again to Berkley and NetGalley for the eARC!
Review of advance copy received from NetGalley
If you loved You Between the Lines as much as I did, this is a must-read. Katie Naymon has a gift for writing the perfect blend of angst, yearning, and emotional depth. Her prose is beautiful and effortless, making this the kind of book that's impossible to put down. I read it in a single sitting because I was completely invested from start to finish.
Florence and Tom are opposites in many ways, yet they've been best friends for years. Through alternating past and present timelines, we watch their relationship grow and evolve over time. When they first met, Florence was struggling to find her place in a new school and city. Tom, who seemed to have his entire future mapped out from a young age, became a source of stability and comfort for her. At the same time, as he navigated the challenges of adolescence and the pressures of school social hierarchies, Florence became his lifeline.
Their romance is the definition of a slow burn, rooted in a promise they made as middle schoolers, but every moment of waiting, drama, and emotion is worth it. Despite relationships with other people along the way, Florence and Tom continually find their way back to each other. Their love remains constant, woven through every stage of their lives. Although the story is told solely from Florence's perspective, it's impossible to miss just how deeply Tom has loved and pined for her from the very beginning. Katie Naymon does a great job at conveying those emotions in the smallest moments.
Florence and Tom have a great connection and they understand one another so well. They're able to be completely vulnerable, honest, and fully themselves with each other. Throughout the years, Florence often follows Tom to different schools and cities as she grapples with uncertainty about her own future, but over the years, we see her gradually discover her own dreams and ambitions independent of him. I loved Florence as a protagonist. She is quietly and effortlessly intelligent, never needing to prove herself to anyone as she finds her own path. When she finally discovers a career she is passionate about, it was amazing to see just how much she excelled and shined once she found a purpose that felt like her own. By the end, the dynamic of almost co-dependency shifts as they both undergo a stage of self-discovery amid big life changes.
I absolutely loved this book and would recommend it to anyone who loves romance. Katie Naymon is quickly becoming an auto-buy author for me.
Thank you to Berkley and NetGalley for the ARC!
Florence and Tom are opposites in many ways, yet they've been best friends for years. Through alternating past and present timelines, we watch their relationship grow and evolve over time. When they first met, Florence was struggling to find her place in a new school and city. Tom, who seemed to have his entire future mapped out from a young age, became a source of stability and comfort for her. At the same time, as he navigated the challenges of adolescence and the pressures of school social hierarchies, Florence became his lifeline.
Their romance is the definition of a slow burn, rooted in a promise they made as middle schoolers, but every moment of waiting, drama, and emotion is worth it. Despite relationships with other people along the way, Florence and Tom continually find their way back to each other. Their love remains constant, woven through every stage of their lives. Although the story is told solely from Florence's perspective, it's impossible to miss just how deeply Tom has loved and pined for her from the very beginning. Katie Naymon does a great job at conveying those emotions in the smallest moments.
Florence and Tom have a great connection and they understand one another so well. They're able to be completely vulnerable, honest, and fully themselves with each other. Throughout the years, Florence often follows Tom to different schools and cities as she grapples with uncertainty about her own future, but over the years, we see her gradually discover her own dreams and ambitions independent of him. I loved Florence as a protagonist. She is quietly and effortlessly intelligent, never needing to prove herself to anyone as she finds her own path. When she finally discovers a career she is passionate about, it was amazing to see just how much she excelled and shined once she found a purpose that felt like her own. By the end, the dynamic of almost co-dependency shifts as they both undergo a stage of self-discovery amid big life changes.
I absolutely loved this book and would recommend it to anyone who loves romance. Katie Naymon is quickly becoming an auto-buy author for me.
Thank you to Berkley and NetGalley for the ARC!
Review of advance copy received from NetGalley
Thank you to Berkley and NetGalley for the ARC.
The way I stayed up waiting for this ARC to go live had me absolutely sweating. The second it appeared, I hit request faster than should be humanly possible. Then came the notification... and I genuinely had to sit and stare at a wall for a minute to process that I actually got approved.
Katie Naymon has quickly become an auto-buy author for me, and In Every Future, It's Us only solidified that status. I absolutely flew through this book, completely captivated from beginning to end.
Naymon has a remarkable talent for writing emotionally layered, deeply relatable characters. Florence's struggles with self-doubt, uncertainty, and finding her place in the world felt incredibly authentic, and her journey of self-discovery was one of the strongest aspects of the novel. Watching her gradually build confidence in herself and her future added a meaningful layer to an already compelling romance.
The story follows Florence and Tom across multiple years through alternating past and present timelines. Their friendship forms the foundation of the novel, creating a slow-burn romance filled with longing, missed opportunities, and unwavering devotion. Despite the twists and turns life throws at them, there is an undeniable sense that they continually find their way back to one another.
Katie Naymon's writing is beautiful without feeling overwrought, balancing heartfelt emotion with effortless readability. The chemistry between Florence and Tom is undeniable, but what stood out most was the emotional intimacy they shared and the way they truly understood one another.
This is a thoughtful, tender story about friendship, love, growth, and learning who you are outside of the people you care about most. Fans of character-driven romance filled with yearning and emotional depth will not want to miss this one.
✨ Friends to Lovers
✨ Slow Burn Romance
✨ Dual Timeline
✨ Childhood Friends
✨ Emotional Growth
✨ Self-Discovery
✨ Angst & Yearning
✨ Character-Driven Romance
⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
The way I stayed up waiting for this ARC to go live had me absolutely sweating. The second it appeared, I hit request faster than should be humanly possible. Then came the notification... and I genuinely had to sit and stare at a wall for a minute to process that I actually got approved.
Katie Naymon has quickly become an auto-buy author for me, and In Every Future, It's Us only solidified that status. I absolutely flew through this book, completely captivated from beginning to end.
Naymon has a remarkable talent for writing emotionally layered, deeply relatable characters. Florence's struggles with self-doubt, uncertainty, and finding her place in the world felt incredibly authentic, and her journey of self-discovery was one of the strongest aspects of the novel. Watching her gradually build confidence in herself and her future added a meaningful layer to an already compelling romance.
The story follows Florence and Tom across multiple years through alternating past and present timelines. Their friendship forms the foundation of the novel, creating a slow-burn romance filled with longing, missed opportunities, and unwavering devotion. Despite the twists and turns life throws at them, there is an undeniable sense that they continually find their way back to one another.
Katie Naymon's writing is beautiful without feeling overwrought, balancing heartfelt emotion with effortless readability. The chemistry between Florence and Tom is undeniable, but what stood out most was the emotional intimacy they shared and the way they truly understood one another.
This is a thoughtful, tender story about friendship, love, growth, and learning who you are outside of the people you care about most. Fans of character-driven romance filled with yearning and emotional depth will not want to miss this one.
✨ Friends to Lovers
✨ Slow Burn Romance
✨ Dual Timeline
✨ Childhood Friends
✨ Emotional Growth
✨ Self-Discovery
✨ Angst & Yearning
✨ Character-Driven Romance
⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
June 9, 2026
This book is intricately written, emotionally chaotic, and absolutely packed with yearning. Every interaction between Tom and Florence felt loaded with years of history, affection, simmering resentment, and all the things they could not bring themselves to say. Their dynamic was equal parts love and frustration, and that tension made the emotional payoff so worth it.
The dual — basically trio — timeline structure worked incredibly well. The flow was so well managed that the shifts never felt confusing or disruptive; instead, each flashback chapter revealed something crucial that deepened the present timeline, either explaining something from the previous chapter or setting up the next chapter. Every glimpse into the past added context, tension, or heartbreak, making the present-day emotions land even harder. Katie Naymon might genuinely be the timeline master of romances because the way she layered past and present was one of the strongest parts of the book.
Some of my favorite scenes were the fights. They were not shallow arguments; they felt like emotional warfare between two people who knew exactly where to wound each other. The dialogue was sharp, messy, painfully realistic, and full of emotional history. To some extent, I would say the fight scenes were right on par with the steamy scenes in terms of intimacy.
Naymon’s prose is intentional and layered without ever feeling overwritten. I especially loved the way tender moments were placed beside devastating ones, the way small details from previous chapters are called on in later chapters, and the double meaning of words. Absolutely genius.
Tom and Florence are imperfect, stubborn, deeply human characters, and that is what made me root for them. This story blurs the line between friendship, dependence, love, timing, and heartbreak in such an effective way. This was a thoughtfully written, drama-filled romance that thrives on longing, complex history, and emotional devastation. It drove me absolutely insane, and I mean that as the highest compliment.
The dual — basically trio — timeline structure worked incredibly well. The flow was so well managed that the shifts never felt confusing or disruptive; instead, each flashback chapter revealed something crucial that deepened the present timeline, either explaining something from the previous chapter or setting up the next chapter. Every glimpse into the past added context, tension, or heartbreak, making the present-day emotions land even harder. Katie Naymon might genuinely be the timeline master of romances because the way she layered past and present was one of the strongest parts of the book.
Some of my favorite scenes were the fights. They were not shallow arguments; they felt like emotional warfare between two people who knew exactly where to wound each other. The dialogue was sharp, messy, painfully realistic, and full of emotional history. To some extent, I would say the fight scenes were right on par with the steamy scenes in terms of intimacy.
Naymon’s prose is intentional and layered without ever feeling overwritten. I especially loved the way tender moments were placed beside devastating ones, the way small details from previous chapters are called on in later chapters, and the double meaning of words. Absolutely genius.
Tom and Florence are imperfect, stubborn, deeply human characters, and that is what made me root for them. This story blurs the line between friendship, dependence, love, timing, and heartbreak in such an effective way. This was a thoughtfully written, drama-filled romance that thrives on longing, complex history, and emotional devastation. It drove me absolutely insane, and I mean that as the highest compliment.
July 13, 2026
In Katie Naymon’s second novel, we follow FMC Florence throughout her 16-year-long friendship with her neighbor, Tom. We see their relationship begin and end and begin again over the course of the story. One of my favorite "Tom and Florence years" was the one following their graduations from college. Tom, making it easy by having life figured out, and Florence, contemplating life and juggling unemployment, is such a reality in my post-graduate slump.
One of the more sensitive subjects navigated that I found especially heartbreaking was the grief of losing a loved one who is still here physically. Whether that has to do with Tom's mother's diagnosis or the friendship breakup between Tom and Florence. Through it all, they reconnect.
I weirdly adore when authors include complicated sibling relationship dynamics, specifically involving sisters. Florence, Elise, and their complex misunderstanding of each other had me rooting for them the entire book (at times, more often than Tom and Florence). "How am I supposed to explain to her that the contours of our sister relationship are locked in a place after years of neglect? Her being there for me, me being there for her-it's an atrophied muscle. One I can't use tonight." As an older sister, I can see both sisters and feel a part of myself in them. Naymon does a wonderful job of portraying sisters growing up, growing apart, and always wishing you were eternally 8 years old.
Tom yearns for her his entire life. Full transparency, I imagined Dr. Frank Langdon from "The Pitt" as Tom the entire time. No regrets.
I want to be Florence Parker when I grow up. Finally being with her dream man and still pursuing her career in London. Thank you for never losing sight of who you are in the midst of falling in love, Flor.
On the other hand, this is a horror story for Addy and Ethan. He's in love with the girl he told you not to worry about, Addy! Run! Meanwhile, Ethan deserves what he has coming for him. "A grand gesture shouldn’t make up for a lack of consistency.” All I have to say is: DON'T MARRY HIM!!!!!
Note: NetGalley ARC! Thank you for this opportunity!
One of the more sensitive subjects navigated that I found especially heartbreaking was the grief of losing a loved one who is still here physically. Whether that has to do with Tom's mother's diagnosis or the friendship breakup between Tom and Florence. Through it all, they reconnect.
I weirdly adore when authors include complicated sibling relationship dynamics, specifically involving sisters. Florence, Elise, and their complex misunderstanding of each other had me rooting for them the entire book (at times, more often than Tom and Florence). "How am I supposed to explain to her that the contours of our sister relationship are locked in a place after years of neglect? Her being there for me, me being there for her-it's an atrophied muscle. One I can't use tonight." As an older sister, I can see both sisters and feel a part of myself in them. Naymon does a wonderful job of portraying sisters growing up, growing apart, and always wishing you were eternally 8 years old.
Tom yearns for her his entire life. Full transparency, I imagined Dr. Frank Langdon from "The Pitt" as Tom the entire time. No regrets.
I want to be Florence Parker when I grow up. Finally being with her dream man and still pursuing her career in London. Thank you for never losing sight of who you are in the midst of falling in love, Flor.
On the other hand, this is a horror story for Addy and Ethan. He's in love with the girl he told you not to worry about, Addy! Run! Meanwhile, Ethan deserves what he has coming for him. "A grand gesture shouldn’t make up for a lack of consistency.” All I have to say is: DON'T MARRY HIM!!!!!
Note: NetGalley ARC! Thank you for this opportunity!
December 6, 2025
Here’s the thing about romance novels written by Katie Naymon. Every single sentence is poetry, even if it’s not technically a poetry book. Like, the way she connects words, the way she describes light, the way she builds texture, and always, always tells the truth? Ugh. I get mad. It physically upsets me. I become sick with envy. Why can’t I mash together words with hyphens? Why can’t the rest of us do it? Whyyyyy?????
Anyway, here’s what you need to know about IN EVERY FUTURE, IT’S US. Tom is a national treasure. Within the first few pages, I sort of understood the shape of him: a special, brilliant, detail-oriented man that not everybody gets to have or know or understand. And Florence! Gah. She’s so relatable: smart as a whip, but directionless. Brilliant, but watching life pass her by. Watching her genius self get lapped by people with less talent and more drive is heartbreaking because it’s relatable. Because it’s ugly and true and it happens all the time.
And then let’s talk about the premise. (!!!!!) You want to bottle up a million New Year’s Eve sequins, then throw them in a drink shaker with cold-but-buzzing holiday cheer and Taylor Swift’s RUIN THE FRIENDSHIP? You’re not a monster. Of course you do. Everybody wants this!!!
This book has it all. It’s hot. It’s festive. It’s full of yearning and selling yourself short and co-dependency and fear and big life choices you feel your body asking for but are too terrified or soft or scared to say aloud or make. It’s friends-to-lovers on the glitteriest, coziest, sexiest night of the year, over and over again, and you will be LITERALLY SCREAMING “JUST KISS ALREADY” so many times you’ll lose count.
I can’t think of a single person who wouldn’t like this book. It’s got everything I want in a romance, and line-level work that’s singular, lyrical, and—not by accident—glittering.
Anyway, here’s what you need to know about IN EVERY FUTURE, IT’S US. Tom is a national treasure. Within the first few pages, I sort of understood the shape of him: a special, brilliant, detail-oriented man that not everybody gets to have or know or understand. And Florence! Gah. She’s so relatable: smart as a whip, but directionless. Brilliant, but watching life pass her by. Watching her genius self get lapped by people with less talent and more drive is heartbreaking because it’s relatable. Because it’s ugly and true and it happens all the time.
And then let’s talk about the premise. (!!!!!) You want to bottle up a million New Year’s Eve sequins, then throw them in a drink shaker with cold-but-buzzing holiday cheer and Taylor Swift’s RUIN THE FRIENDSHIP? You’re not a monster. Of course you do. Everybody wants this!!!
This book has it all. It’s hot. It’s festive. It’s full of yearning and selling yourself short and co-dependency and fear and big life choices you feel your body asking for but are too terrified or soft or scared to say aloud or make. It’s friends-to-lovers on the glitteriest, coziest, sexiest night of the year, over and over again, and you will be LITERALLY SCREAMING “JUST KISS ALREADY” so many times you’ll lose count.
I can’t think of a single person who wouldn’t like this book. It’s got everything I want in a romance, and line-level work that’s singular, lyrical, and—not by accident—glittering.
Review of advance copy received from NetGalley
wait cos why’d this book pmo….. i was so excited to receive this arc considering it felt like a cozy winter read for the holidays. i love friends to lovers romances so this felt right up my alley. there are a couple things i enjoyed in the book being the development of tom and florence’s relationship and the then & now chapters.
(there are mild spoilers beyond, be aware)
however, the premise of the book pissed me tf off. JUST COMMUNICATED OMGGGGG. so much could’ve been avoided if they had just talked. like i don’t even know where to begin my rant…. so the premise of this book essentially is 2 best friends who have been friends majority of their childhood to now write predictions for each other of what might happen for one another during the year. they open on new year’s eve and see who gets the most right. cute, right? the winner essentially chooses something a plan for the other (like moving to so and so, go to grad school) odd… but okay. i think it’s odd because during the time tom & florence are friends they’re also dating other people. and i think it’s odd because they’re so clearly in love with each other but don’t want to say anything because they have a pact being they should only be friends… which is point blank ridiculous because literally communicate. this friendship has been going on for like 17 years and none of you guys thought it was a good idea between dating other people that maybe it’s a good idea to be like no i think we should date..? but nooooo we had to drag it out until their falling out is revealed and why they stopped talking for a year. btw… pissed me off too. bc bro why are u literally dictating her entire life????????? yeah idk, other than that tom & florence had cute moments.
thank you netgalley & berkley for the gifted arc in exchange for an honest review, all opinions are mine ◡̈
(there are mild spoilers beyond, be aware)
however, the premise of the book pissed me tf off. JUST COMMUNICATED OMGGGGG. so much could’ve been avoided if they had just talked. like i don’t even know where to begin my rant…. so the premise of this book essentially is 2 best friends who have been friends majority of their childhood to now write predictions for each other of what might happen for one another during the year. they open on new year’s eve and see who gets the most right. cute, right? the winner essentially chooses something a plan for the other (like moving to so and so, go to grad school) odd… but okay. i think it’s odd because during the time tom & florence are friends they’re also dating other people. and i think it’s odd because they’re so clearly in love with each other but don’t want to say anything because they have a pact being they should only be friends… which is point blank ridiculous because literally communicate. this friendship has been going on for like 17 years and none of you guys thought it was a good idea between dating other people that maybe it’s a good idea to be like no i think we should date..? but nooooo we had to drag it out until their falling out is revealed and why they stopped talking for a year. btw… pissed me off too. bc bro why are u literally dictating her entire life????????? yeah idk, other than that tom & florence had cute moments.
thank you netgalley & berkley for the gifted arc in exchange for an honest review, all opinions are mine ◡̈
Review of advance copy received from NetGalley
A heart-meltingly beautiful friends-to-lovers romance that takes place among the ups and downs of real life, with perhaps the best prose you’ll find in the romance genre. Katie Naymon has DONE IT AGAIN, folks.
Tom and Florence’s friendship is the fuel that makes this book go, and it’s so fun to watch them navigate life together, having fraught moments along the way. As with any great romance, the reader can see that they’re perfect from each other from the jump, but the joy is in seeing the ways they need to grow up and mess up to earn their happy ending. And they do need to grow up. Both Tom and Florence have flaws and blind spots, and each of them has their work cut out for them trying to become the person the other deserves.
Naymon infuses familiar tropes—kissing practice, dancing—with so much tension and real character development, drawing out the misunderstandings and painful blocks both Florence and Tom are dealing with. Really EVERY aspect of this book was clearly carefully designed to bring everything back to character, from the structure of the flashbacks to the gorgeous sex scenes.
And the slight toxicity (complimentary) is SO wonderful, lol. Truly wild that either of these two freaks could get anyone else to date them, but the other relationships—and attendant emotional boundary pushing—make for incredible friction. This book has one of the greatest third act fight scenes I’ve ever read. It’s one that truly burns the relationship down, with earned pain on both sides, so that the phoenix of LOVE can rise from the ashes.
This is a romance that is actually interested in what it takes for two imperfect people to love each other. A must-read for people who love love!
Thank you to NetGalley for providing an e-arc in exchange for an honest review.
Tom and Florence’s friendship is the fuel that makes this book go, and it’s so fun to watch them navigate life together, having fraught moments along the way. As with any great romance, the reader can see that they’re perfect from each other from the jump, but the joy is in seeing the ways they need to grow up and mess up to earn their happy ending. And they do need to grow up. Both Tom and Florence have flaws and blind spots, and each of them has their work cut out for them trying to become the person the other deserves.
Naymon infuses familiar tropes—kissing practice, dancing—with so much tension and real character development, drawing out the misunderstandings and painful blocks both Florence and Tom are dealing with. Really EVERY aspect of this book was clearly carefully designed to bring everything back to character, from the structure of the flashbacks to the gorgeous sex scenes.
And the slight toxicity (complimentary) is SO wonderful, lol. Truly wild that either of these two freaks could get anyone else to date them, but the other relationships—and attendant emotional boundary pushing—make for incredible friction. This book has one of the greatest third act fight scenes I’ve ever read. It’s one that truly burns the relationship down, with earned pain on both sides, so that the phoenix of LOVE can rise from the ashes.
This is a romance that is actually interested in what it takes for two imperfect people to love each other. A must-read for people who love love!
Thank you to NetGalley for providing an e-arc in exchange for an honest review.
Review of advance copy received from NetGalley
A huge thank you to Berkley Publishing Group and NetGalley for the opportunity to read this eARC and give an honest review!
I read Katie Naymon's first novel, You Between the Lines, last year and was so sad to see it was her only novel at the time. When In Every Future, It's Us was announced, I couldn't have been more excited to read more of Naymon's beautiful prose and meet another set of undoubtedly complex characters.
Although In Every Future, It's Us fits clearly into a childhood friends-to-lovers genre, its unique twists, beautiful character development, and poetic prose make it a standout within this genre and trope. The beauty in this story is not only the trust and love between the characters, but their ability to be flawed and in fraught circumstances while still being unconditionally loved by each other. Much of this story takes place on various New Year's Eve nights over a number of years, and it made that night itself seem like a silent witness that the novel revolved around. It made watching their relationship evolve around that calendar date even more poignant. It felt as if NYE itself was watching and holding space for the characters to grow.
I would highly recommend this novel to any reader looking for a romance read with depth, devotion, and characters who, while flawed and sometimes frustrating, will have you thinking about them long after you turn the last page.
I read Katie Naymon's first novel, You Between the Lines, last year and was so sad to see it was her only novel at the time. When In Every Future, It's Us was announced, I couldn't have been more excited to read more of Naymon's beautiful prose and meet another set of undoubtedly complex characters.
Although In Every Future, It's Us fits clearly into a childhood friends-to-lovers genre, its unique twists, beautiful character development, and poetic prose make it a standout within this genre and trope. The beauty in this story is not only the trust and love between the characters, but their ability to be flawed and in fraught circumstances while still being unconditionally loved by each other. Much of this story takes place on various New Year's Eve nights over a number of years, and it made that night itself seem like a silent witness that the novel revolved around. It made watching their relationship evolve around that calendar date even more poignant. It felt as if NYE itself was watching and holding space for the characters to grow.
I would highly recommend this novel to any reader looking for a romance read with depth, devotion, and characters who, while flawed and sometimes frustrating, will have you thinking about them long after you turn the last page.
June 1, 2026
I almost felt like I couldn’t write a review for this, because anything I could say would be woefully inadequate. Once again, Katie has created something so rich and human and bone-achingly decadent, and I am so unfathomably grateful to be alive at the same time as she is. She is truly one of THE great talents of our time.
How to describe a book that is at once new and enrapturing and spinning gold in front of you, but also feels like it was written from the marrow of your bones? Katie writes like she can see all of the deepest fears and wants and questions that are hiding inside of us and she’s whispering “look - I carry them, too”. And she does - splayed out and earnest and messy and as simultaneously scary and safe as the feeling of falling in love with your best friend.
Tom and Florence are the very definition of yearning, of longing, of cell-deep love. They orbit each other, and it feels so natural that even moments in to meeting them we can feel that anything but that circling would be a discordant screech. They feel like coming home before you even know where you’re headed.
What an agonizing joy to watch them stumble and sprint and leap through the stages of life, side-by-side even when they’re miles apart; knowing that all along they are tethered in a way that feels structural. There is no hesitation, no question, no fear - even when there is. Because they will always come back to each other - in every version of every future imaginable.
(P.S. I made memes, but they’re almost all spoiler-y so you’ll have to wait to see them)
How to describe a book that is at once new and enrapturing and spinning gold in front of you, but also feels like it was written from the marrow of your bones? Katie writes like she can see all of the deepest fears and wants and questions that are hiding inside of us and she’s whispering “look - I carry them, too”. And she does - splayed out and earnest and messy and as simultaneously scary and safe as the feeling of falling in love with your best friend.
Tom and Florence are the very definition of yearning, of longing, of cell-deep love. They orbit each other, and it feels so natural that even moments in to meeting them we can feel that anything but that circling would be a discordant screech. They feel like coming home before you even know where you’re headed.
What an agonizing joy to watch them stumble and sprint and leap through the stages of life, side-by-side even when they’re miles apart; knowing that all along they are tethered in a way that feels structural. There is no hesitation, no question, no fear - even when there is. Because they will always come back to each other - in every version of every future imaginable.
(P.S. I made memes, but they’re almost all spoiler-y so you’ll have to wait to see them)
June 8, 2026
🤩Gahhh all the stars for In Every Future it’s Us! I read Katie Naymon’s debut novel last year and absolutely loved it! So I was so excited and thankful to snag an advanced copy from Netgalley in exchange for an honest review. If you’re an Emily Henry and Carley Fortune fan, you will love this book!
The tropes:
- found family 🏠🏡
- Friends to lovers 👩❤️💋👨
- forced proximity 🎄
- one bed 🛏️
- Fake dating (kinda) 👨🍳
Right away the book hooked me with the yearning ❤️🙌 Florence and Tom have been best friends for 17 years and have come close to crossing the line to something more, but a middle-school pact has kept them as friends only. Through flashbacks we delve into their shared experiences and growth over the years as they navigate the tricky high school years, the pressures of university and then finding a job. They may not always be in the same city but they always meet for New Years Eve where they share predictions of each other over the past year and help decide their fate over the next year, until one explosive NYE where the friendship is ruined :(
The yearning and tension is so well done (as was the case in Naymon’s first novel!). I felt like we really got to know Florence and see her grow and stand on her own. I can’t wait to read more from Katie Naymon!
The tropes:
- found family 🏠🏡
- Friends to lovers 👩❤️💋👨
- forced proximity 🎄
- one bed 🛏️
- Fake dating (kinda) 👨🍳
Right away the book hooked me with the yearning ❤️🙌 Florence and Tom have been best friends for 17 years and have come close to crossing the line to something more, but a middle-school pact has kept them as friends only. Through flashbacks we delve into their shared experiences and growth over the years as they navigate the tricky high school years, the pressures of university and then finding a job. They may not always be in the same city but they always meet for New Years Eve where they share predictions of each other over the past year and help decide their fate over the next year, until one explosive NYE where the friendship is ruined :(
The yearning and tension is so well done (as was the case in Naymon’s first novel!). I felt like we really got to know Florence and see her grow and stand on her own. I can’t wait to read more from Katie Naymon!
Review of advance copy received from NetGalley
4/5⭐️ 2.5/5🌶️
If you like the “You, it’s always been you” and “two idiots in love” tropes, you’re going adore Florence and Tom.
Florence finds herself in a massive predicament, having to host the annual NYE party with her now estranged childhood best friend, Tom. They haven’t spoken since last NYE after a massive blowout but no one knows they aren’t talking. The vibes felt like PWMOV, Love & Other Words, and a pinch like TSITP.
I think the character traits and long history between them was written really well, the characters felt flawed and realistic because of these factors. I found myself yelling at some of the “will-they-won’t-they” decisions these two made but every single one felt true to the character.
I also really loved the constant they were in each other’s lives throughout their two decades of friendship. The annual bet/pact was a touch unrealistic but very cute.
Tropes:
-Childhood best friends
-Second chance
-To be known, is to be loved
-Don’t marry him, marry me
-It’s always been you
-Forced proximity
-A pathetic, yearning man
Anticipated Publication Date: December 1, 2026
A big thank you to Berkley Publishing and NetGalley for a copy of this eARC in exchange for my unbiased, honest review.
If you like the “You, it’s always been you” and “two idiots in love” tropes, you’re going adore Florence and Tom.
Florence finds herself in a massive predicament, having to host the annual NYE party with her now estranged childhood best friend, Tom. They haven’t spoken since last NYE after a massive blowout but no one knows they aren’t talking. The vibes felt like PWMOV, Love & Other Words, and a pinch like TSITP.
I think the character traits and long history between them was written really well, the characters felt flawed and realistic because of these factors. I found myself yelling at some of the “will-they-won’t-they” decisions these two made but every single one felt true to the character.
I also really loved the constant they were in each other’s lives throughout their two decades of friendship. The annual bet/pact was a touch unrealistic but very cute.
Tropes:
-Childhood best friends
-Second chance
-To be known, is to be loved
-Don’t marry him, marry me
-It’s always been you
-Forced proximity
-A pathetic, yearning man
Anticipated Publication Date: December 1, 2026
A big thank you to Berkley Publishing and NetGalley for a copy of this eARC in exchange for my unbiased, honest review.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
Review of advance copy received from NetGalley
Childhood best friends to lovers gets me every time! How I loved this book so much!
Florence and Parker have been best friends for over seventeen years and have a strong bond! I loved reading the dual time line and how much they relied on each other growing up. From the pact they made at thirteen years old to the annual predictions they wrote for each other every New’s Year’s Eve, they are like pieces in a puzzle that perfectly fit together.
Parker is steady and resistant to change while Florence is a risk taker and drawn to chaos. What made them so different is what made them so perfect for each other. However it took them a while to get there. Their close emotional attachment and mutual dependence initially limited their personal development as individuals in the early years of their friendship. The event that caused the strain in their friendship actually led to their individual character growth. The yearning and slow burn in this book was beautifully written.
Katie Naymon’s writing really captivated me and I read this book in one sitting. This book will make you fall in love with Florence and Parker!
Thank you Berkley Publishing Group for the ARC. All opinions expressed are my own.
Florence and Parker have been best friends for over seventeen years and have a strong bond! I loved reading the dual time line and how much they relied on each other growing up. From the pact they made at thirteen years old to the annual predictions they wrote for each other every New’s Year’s Eve, they are like pieces in a puzzle that perfectly fit together.
Parker is steady and resistant to change while Florence is a risk taker and drawn to chaos. What made them so different is what made them so perfect for each other. However it took them a while to get there. Their close emotional attachment and mutual dependence initially limited their personal development as individuals in the early years of their friendship. The event that caused the strain in their friendship actually led to their individual character growth. The yearning and slow burn in this book was beautifully written.
Katie Naymon’s writing really captivated me and I read this book in one sitting. This book will make you fall in love with Florence and Parker!
Thank you Berkley Publishing Group for the ARC. All opinions expressed are my own.
May 31, 2026
Thank you, NetGalley and Berkley for this e-arc!
Ahhh, Katie Naymon has done it again!! Tom and Florence are characters who I immediately adored and cared for and felt such a connection to. Katie, as always, has the best way of writing these characters, revealing just enough about them, little by little, to help forge that connection. Like, the characters in this story, all of them, had so much depth they were literally jumping off the page! Even the ones who had very little presence on the page were so vivid, and it felt like I knew all of them, personally. The issues they faced were realistic and well-written. The plot was perfectly paced and so thoroughly thought out, and there was even a bit of twist there toward the end! I stand by the fact that the superior trope in all romance is childhood best friends to lovers. Nothing compares, nothing. You can tell me I'm wrong, but I'll never believe you. No other trope conjures the same emotional depth and connection between two characters. Combine that with an author who knows exactly what she's doing (Katie Naymon), and you have the world's most perfect story. This one will stay with me forever. Unforgettable. <3
Ahhh, Katie Naymon has done it again!! Tom and Florence are characters who I immediately adored and cared for and felt such a connection to. Katie, as always, has the best way of writing these characters, revealing just enough about them, little by little, to help forge that connection. Like, the characters in this story, all of them, had so much depth they were literally jumping off the page! Even the ones who had very little presence on the page were so vivid, and it felt like I knew all of them, personally. The issues they faced were realistic and well-written. The plot was perfectly paced and so thoroughly thought out, and there was even a bit of twist there toward the end! I stand by the fact that the superior trope in all romance is childhood best friends to lovers. Nothing compares, nothing. You can tell me I'm wrong, but I'll never believe you. No other trope conjures the same emotional depth and connection between two characters. Combine that with an author who knows exactly what she's doing (Katie Naymon), and you have the world's most perfect story. This one will stay with me forever. Unforgettable. <3
Review of advance copy received from NetGalley
Thank you to NetGalley and Katie Naymon for the ARC!
After thoroughly loving Katie Naymon's first book, I was very anxious to read her second novel. She announced that 200 readers were going to get automatic NetGalley approval last Thursday at midnight and lordy knows I had my alarm set and ready to go! Started it yesterday and finished it just a short 24 hours later.
Much more angsty than I thought it would be. Although, I knew that Yearntown is this author's favorite destination. I just didn't realize the journey would be so arduous. Or that I'd scream at the characters to pull their heads out of their asses so much. But now that I've finished the book, I'm not sure I would change a thing. If you like your friends-to-lovers stories to encompass DECADES (1.7 decades at least) then this is your book.
Additional random notes: Boston, DC, Southern California, and London. Sick parent. New Years Eve, like every year since the mid-2000s. Nerdy MMC. Open door but not very spicy. (Wouldn't mind more spice, though.) Excellent writing and pacing. This author continues to prove that she's one of my new faves.
After thoroughly loving Katie Naymon's first book, I was very anxious to read her second novel. She announced that 200 readers were going to get automatic NetGalley approval last Thursday at midnight and lordy knows I had my alarm set and ready to go! Started it yesterday and finished it just a short 24 hours later.
Much more angsty than I thought it would be. Although, I knew that Yearntown is this author's favorite destination. I just didn't realize the journey would be so arduous. Or that I'd scream at the characters to pull their heads out of their asses so much. But now that I've finished the book, I'm not sure I would change a thing. If you like your friends-to-lovers stories to encompass DECADES (1.7 decades at least) then this is your book.
Additional random notes: Boston, DC, Southern California, and London. Sick parent. New Years Eve, like every year since the mid-2000s. Nerdy MMC. Open door but not very spicy. (Wouldn't mind more spice, though.) Excellent writing and pacing. This author continues to prove that she's one of my new faves.
Displaying 1 - 30 of 64 reviews