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Ideal Life: A Novel
Not yet published
Expected 18 Aug 26 An Atria Book. Atria Books has a great book for every reader.
288 pages, Paperback
Expected publication August 18, 2026
11 people are currently reading
141 people want to read
About the author
Evelyn Skye
20 books2,468 followersEvelyn Skye is the New York Times bestselling author of many novels, including The Incredible Kindness of Paper and The Hundred Loves of Juliet. She has also written for books for Netflix and Disney. Evelyn’s novels have been published worldwide and translated into sixteen languages.
Evelyn is a graduate of Stanford and Harvard Law School. She lives in California with her husband and daughter.
Evelyn is a graduate of Stanford and Harvard Law School. She lives in California with her husband and daughter.
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Displaying 1 - 24 of 24 reviews
January 16, 2026
With a unique premise that resonates with current events, Ideal Life had a good concept, but the storylines were underdeveloped, and there were far too many things happening at once. There was a wide range of fascinating characters, however it would have been better to focus on them individually rather than create and showcase romantic relationships to delve further into any of our characters' storylines as the author did. On that note, there was an excellent plotline about language that made the novel worth it to me if you are looking for a short, introspective read. Beautiful cover by the artist, and thank you, NetGalley and Atria, for the ARC!!!
Review of advance copy received from Netgalley
The premise of this book asks a fun question: if you could rewind time after making a mistake, would you and what would you do differently? Here it’s framed through a bit of magical realism that is packaged more like a romcom vibes rather than whimsical fantasy.I don’t think that’s a bad thing, it’s lighthearted and enjoyable for the most part, very much in line with Ali Hazelwood–style storytelling.
It reminds me of Ali Hazelwood-style storytelling also because the main character,Talia, is a successful woman in STEM, and her “poison” is an AI app. I appreciated how real, contemporary concerns, such as, AI accountability, ethics, and even addiction, are subtly woven into the narrative. It’s done in a way that makes these topics feel accessible and everyday, which is engaging even for readers who don’t usually interact with these ideas.
That being said, there’s a lot going on in this book. Some of the side storylines, particularly those involving Libby and Erin, didn’t fully land for me. I understand they served a purpose but it just wasn’t that deep. I did enjoy Sam’s character and the exploration of Otherness, immigration, and the tension between embracing technology and resisting it. However, I wasn’t entirely convinced by the poker subplot, I wasn’t sure what it ultimately added to the entire story. Could we have spent more time delving into Sam’s psyche in another way? Probably. Would that have been “fun”? Maybe not.
I’d say how you enjoy this book comes down to your personal preferences more than anything. Personally, I would have preferred a more literary analysis of themes such as, AI accountability, the pressures of being a woman in tech, and the familial pressures Sam faced. There were so many interesting themes in this book that even a more focused deep dive into just a few of them would have strengthened the novel for me. But with that being said, if you’re looking for a light, quick, relaxing read, this book might be just right for you.
It reminds me of Ali Hazelwood-style storytelling also because the main character,Talia, is a successful woman in STEM, and her “poison” is an AI app. I appreciated how real, contemporary concerns, such as, AI accountability, ethics, and even addiction, are subtly woven into the narrative. It’s done in a way that makes these topics feel accessible and everyday, which is engaging even for readers who don’t usually interact with these ideas.
That being said, there’s a lot going on in this book. Some of the side storylines, particularly those involving Libby and Erin, didn’t fully land for me. I understand they served a purpose but it just wasn’t that deep. I did enjoy Sam’s character and the exploration of Otherness, immigration, and the tension between embracing technology and resisting it. However, I wasn’t entirely convinced by the poker subplot, I wasn’t sure what it ultimately added to the entire story. Could we have spent more time delving into Sam’s psyche in another way? Probably. Would that have been “fun”? Maybe not.
I’d say how you enjoy this book comes down to your personal preferences more than anything. Personally, I would have preferred a more literary analysis of themes such as, AI accountability, the pressures of being a woman in tech, and the familial pressures Sam faced. There were so many interesting themes in this book that even a more focused deep dive into just a few of them would have strengthened the novel for me. But with that being said, if you’re looking for a light, quick, relaxing read, this book might be just right for you.
Review of advance copy received from Netgalley
Ideal Life is a thoughtful, low-spice romance that blends a touch of magical realism with big questions about choice, regret, and what it truly means to be happy. Talia, a driven woman running a tech startup, is constantly striving for control and perfection—so when she makes a wish and receives a watch that allows her to rewind time up to 24 hours, it feels like the ultimate solution to life’s mistakes.
Her best friend Sam, the steady and warm-hearted owner of a bookstore, serves as the perfect counterbalance to Talia’s ambition and anxiety. He warns her that using the watch is a mistake, but Talia can’t resist the temptation to fix awkward conversations, missed opportunities, and professional missteps. Watching her repeatedly rewrite her days was both fascinating and quietly heartbreaking, especially as the consequences of using the watch begin to surface.
I loved how the story explored the idea that perfection often comes at a cost. The romance is gentle and emotional rather than steamy, focusing on connection, trust, and the comfort of truly being seen. Sam’s grounded perspective adds depth to the story and highlights how imperfection is often where real love and growth live.
Ideal Life is a sweet, reflective read that will appeal to fans of soft romance and character-driven stories. It left me thinking about how often we wish we could go back—and whether doing so would actually make our lives better.
Her best friend Sam, the steady and warm-hearted owner of a bookstore, serves as the perfect counterbalance to Talia’s ambition and anxiety. He warns her that using the watch is a mistake, but Talia can’t resist the temptation to fix awkward conversations, missed opportunities, and professional missteps. Watching her repeatedly rewrite her days was both fascinating and quietly heartbreaking, especially as the consequences of using the watch begin to surface.
I loved how the story explored the idea that perfection often comes at a cost. The romance is gentle and emotional rather than steamy, focusing on connection, trust, and the comfort of truly being seen. Sam’s grounded perspective adds depth to the story and highlights how imperfection is often where real love and growth live.
Ideal Life is a sweet, reflective read that will appeal to fans of soft romance and character-driven stories. It left me thinking about how often we wish we could go back—and whether doing so would actually make our lives better.
Review of advance copy received from Netgalley
I had the honor of reading an ARC copy of Ideal Life by Evelyn Skye in exchange for an honest review. Let me start by saying I enjoyed this because I can relate a lot to the quest to improve myself.
Talia is the creator of Ideal Life. Based on a combination of customers’ personal histories, habits and brain activity readings Ideal Life creates an AI profile that will give you suggestions based on what’s best for you. It works through voice or a customized avatar that you can create that appears on Omni glasses or phone notifications. Talia’s dream is to make the world a better place. Through her hard work and dedication as well as an amazing product in the tech world Ideal Life is all set to be sold to Omni which is a large company. As this is happening Talia makes an 11:11 wish that impossibly comes true. Her best friend same started the habit of making a wish at 11:11 and Talia soon followed. She wakes up with a watch the somehow can rewind time for up to 24 hours. She must make hard choices. Throughout the book she questions if she is still in alignment with her dream of improving things. And she also starts to question Omni’s real reason for wanting to acquire Ideal Life and its technology. Is being perfect really possible? Ofcourse not we all have flaws it’s apart of being human. Talia learns this and more. I really enjoyed this and look forward to more from this author.
Talia is the creator of Ideal Life. Based on a combination of customers’ personal histories, habits and brain activity readings Ideal Life creates an AI profile that will give you suggestions based on what’s best for you. It works through voice or a customized avatar that you can create that appears on Omni glasses or phone notifications. Talia’s dream is to make the world a better place. Through her hard work and dedication as well as an amazing product in the tech world Ideal Life is all set to be sold to Omni which is a large company. As this is happening Talia makes an 11:11 wish that impossibly comes true. Her best friend same started the habit of making a wish at 11:11 and Talia soon followed. She wakes up with a watch the somehow can rewind time for up to 24 hours. She must make hard choices. Throughout the book she questions if she is still in alignment with her dream of improving things. And she also starts to question Omni’s real reason for wanting to acquire Ideal Life and its technology. Is being perfect really possible? Ofcourse not we all have flaws it’s apart of being human. Talia learns this and more. I really enjoyed this and look forward to more from this author.
Review of advance copy received from Netgalley
An ambitious tech startup CEO finds herself with a magical watch that can turn back time giving her a chance to perfect her day-to-day decisions.
The Silicon Valley setting and techy vibe was fun.
Characters were decently developed but not super rich. They had just enough diversity to avoid homogeneity. Talia, the main character, is supposedly an overall good person but repeatedly does horrible things-- I was not rooting for her.
The storytelling happens via multiple third-person narrated POVs, but mostly Talia's POV. Some of the characters we barely spend any time with. I found dialogue to be quite clunky and unnatural. There were a couple times things were over-explained. I also thought some of the side-plots were unnecessary, like Sam's parents and Erin's date.
The ending was pretty heavy-handed and read like a list of lessons the characters all learned along the way.
Overall this was an interesting story idea but I feel like it fell short of its potential. But it was still an entertaining read that I didn't mind picking up.
Thanks to NetGalley and the author and the publisher for the ARC.
The Silicon Valley setting and techy vibe was fun.
Characters were decently developed but not super rich. They had just enough diversity to avoid homogeneity. Talia, the main character, is supposedly an overall good person but repeatedly does horrible things-- I was not rooting for her.
The storytelling happens via multiple third-person narrated POVs, but mostly Talia's POV. Some of the characters we barely spend any time with. I found dialogue to be quite clunky and unnatural. There were a couple times things were over-explained. I also thought some of the side-plots were unnecessary, like Sam's parents and Erin's date.
The ending was pretty heavy-handed and read like a list of lessons the characters all learned along the way.
Overall this was an interesting story idea but I feel like it fell short of its potential. But it was still an entertaining read that I didn't mind picking up.
Thanks to NetGalley and the author and the publisher for the ARC.
January 21, 2026
There are somethings about this book that kept me interested but I feel like the story overall was just okay.
I think if the focus was more on Talia and Sam instead of having chapters where we hear from Libby, Talia’s younger sister and Erin who is Talia’s intern, it would of been a slightly more interesting story.
Talia has a start up tech company called Ideal Life. The company is meant to help users improve their lives. She then gets an opportunity with Omni to be bought out, which is the gist over the story.
One night after a wish Talia wakes up with this watch on. And it’s gives her the ability to turn back time. Just the past 24 hours though. I think it was interesting how we have a setting where Talia works in tech and we didn’t get more about the watch. If that makes sense. It randomly appears and you would think that she would want to dissect this and want to know all about this.. but it’s not the case. Maybe it’s a missed opportunity. Maybe not. But anyways…
I do feel like this book goes down roads that don’t add much to the story.
Thanks to Net Galley for this Arc!
I think if the focus was more on Talia and Sam instead of having chapters where we hear from Libby, Talia’s younger sister and Erin who is Talia’s intern, it would of been a slightly more interesting story.
Talia has a start up tech company called Ideal Life. The company is meant to help users improve their lives. She then gets an opportunity with Omni to be bought out, which is the gist over the story.
One night after a wish Talia wakes up with this watch on. And it’s gives her the ability to turn back time. Just the past 24 hours though. I think it was interesting how we have a setting where Talia works in tech and we didn’t get more about the watch. If that makes sense. It randomly appears and you would think that she would want to dissect this and want to know all about this.. but it’s not the case. Maybe it’s a missed opportunity. Maybe not. But anyways…
I do feel like this book goes down roads that don’t add much to the story.
Thanks to Net Galley for this Arc!
Review of advance copy received from Netgalley
4.5 rounded up
I flew through Ideal Life, which surprised me in the best way. I requested it for the cute cover, the magical realism, and the AI and tech angle, but I did not expect it to feel this personal. If I had the power to go back and fix my mistakes, I would absolutely abuse it, and this book understands that urge a little too well. It captures rumination, perfection, and the quiet misery of living in the past or the imagined future instead of the moment you are actually in.
I loved the Black Mirror energy and the moral tension around AI and embodiment because it feels less like science fiction and more like an early warning.
The Taiwan representation genuinely made my heart jump. The culture, the food, the parental sacrifice, and an actual Taiwanese MMC, not a token detail, felt rare and meaningful.
The influencer storyline was also unexpectedly sharp and reflective. The author packs in a lot, and romance is not even the main plot, yet it all works. I could not put it down. A pleasant surprise. Highly recommend.
Thank you NetGalley and Atria Books for the ARC!
I flew through Ideal Life, which surprised me in the best way. I requested it for the cute cover, the magical realism, and the AI and tech angle, but I did not expect it to feel this personal. If I had the power to go back and fix my mistakes, I would absolutely abuse it, and this book understands that urge a little too well. It captures rumination, perfection, and the quiet misery of living in the past or the imagined future instead of the moment you are actually in.
I loved the Black Mirror energy and the moral tension around AI and embodiment because it feels less like science fiction and more like an early warning.
The Taiwan representation genuinely made my heart jump. The culture, the food, the parental sacrifice, and an actual Taiwanese MMC, not a token detail, felt rare and meaningful.
The influencer storyline was also unexpectedly sharp and reflective. The author packs in a lot, and romance is not even the main plot, yet it all works. I could not put it down. A pleasant surprise. Highly recommend.
Thank you NetGalley and Atria Books for the ARC!
January 12, 2026
Tech founder Talia has built a product that helps users “optimize” their lives and her company is on the verge of being acquired by a Meta-like giant called Omni. Then the technology is linked to a tragedy. Desperate to undo what happened, Talia makes a wish and wakes up with a watch that can turn back time up to 24 hours.
Talia starts using the watch to fix mistakes and prevent mishaps, first in small ways and then in bigger, higher-stakes ones. Her best friend Sam (who’s been quietly in love with her since college) tries to warn her, but Talia can’t stop chasing the “perfect” outcome — at work, in relationships, in everything. The question becomes less can she fix things and more what does it cost to keep trying?
I liked the characters and the magical realism vibe. The story raises questions about constant self-improvement, the pressure to optimize and what we hand over to technology when it promises to make life better. There are also themes of friendship, family and some romance. It’s an easy, quick read.
Thank you to NetGalley and the publisher for the ARC!
Talia starts using the watch to fix mistakes and prevent mishaps, first in small ways and then in bigger, higher-stakes ones. Her best friend Sam (who’s been quietly in love with her since college) tries to warn her, but Talia can’t stop chasing the “perfect” outcome — at work, in relationships, in everything. The question becomes less can she fix things and more what does it cost to keep trying?
I liked the characters and the magical realism vibe. The story raises questions about constant self-improvement, the pressure to optimize and what we hand over to technology when it promises to make life better. There are also themes of friendship, family and some romance. It’s an easy, quick read.
Thank you to NetGalley and the publisher for the ARC!
Review of advance copy received from Netgalley
Lightly magical, this is a romcom tech industry with a wristwatch that works exactly like the time turners from the Harry Potter universe. A few different POV, ideal life is a company owned by Talia Morgan, a Stanford grad with the ability to quickly rewind time. Her lifelong best friend Sam is in love with her. He makes Talia promise to only use it in case of an emergency. As time goes on, she finds herself becoming perfectionists and controlling.
A blend of magical realism, romance and tech boom culture, I would have liked a bit more character development and a
Deeper dive into the Ideal Life products and how they work. I saw infinite possibilities and I wish it had been explored a bit more. A clever premise! For me, this one was a like, not necessarily a “love.”
Recommend? Sure. It was harmless and cute.
Thanks to NetGalley and Atria for the ARC. Book to be published August 18, 2026.
A blend of magical realism, romance and tech boom culture, I would have liked a bit more character development and a
Deeper dive into the Ideal Life products and how they work. I saw infinite possibilities and I wish it had been explored a bit more. A clever premise! For me, this one was a like, not necessarily a “love.”
Recommend? Sure. It was harmless and cute.
Thanks to NetGalley and Atria for the ARC. Book to be published August 18, 2026.
Read
January 8, 2026Talia Morgan ha construido una vida guiada por la ambición y el deseo de mejorar el mundo a través de la tecnología. Cuando su empresa está a punto de alcanzar el éxito absoluto, un suceso inesperado hace que todo se derrumbe en cuestión de horas. Justo cuando cree haberlo perdido todo, aparece un objeto misterioso que le permite retroceder veinticuatro horas y rehacer el día una y otra vez. Con cada intento, Talia busca corregir errores, salvar su proyecto y proteger a quienes ama, convencida de que la versión perfecta de su vida está a solo un ajuste de distancia. Sin embargo, modificar el pasado comienza a tener consecuencias profundas, obligándola a cuestionarse si controlar cada decisión realmente la acerca a la felicidad o la aleja de vivir de verdad.
__
Entretenido, pero siento que al final no pasa nada.
Thanks to NetGalley, the publisher and the author for the ARC in exchange for an honest opinion.
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Entretenido, pero siento que al final no pasa nada.
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’m not a huge fan of medical realism but every once in a while I’ll really enjoy one (ie Ashley Poston and even this author’s other books).
But unfortunately this was not one I enjoyed. I don’t always expect rational explanations in books like this, but there was zero explanation about this watch; it just appeared and I’m supposed to just accept that?
And apart from the nonsense of the watch, there was absolutely zero chemistry between Talia and Sam. The characters were all so shallow, and even uninteresting. And every time Talia used her watch to rewind time, it actually made me angry! What was the purpose to rewind time just to eat three different breakfasts? She did it because she couldn’t decide what to eat, but not so she could have three different conversations with her parents!
Maybe you’ll enjoy this more than I did. Let me know if you did!
Thank you to Net Galley for the ARC.
But unfortunately this was not one I enjoyed. I don’t always expect rational explanations in books like this, but there was zero explanation about this watch; it just appeared and I’m supposed to just accept that?
And apart from the nonsense of the watch, there was absolutely zero chemistry between Talia and Sam. The characters were all so shallow, and even uninteresting. And every time Talia used her watch to rewind time, it actually made me angry! What was the purpose to rewind time just to eat three different breakfasts? She did it because she couldn’t decide what to eat, but not so she could have three different conversations with her parents!
Maybe you’ll enjoy this more than I did. Let me know if you did!
Thank you to Net Galley for the ARC.
Review of advance copy received from Netgalley
⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️ (4.5 rounded down)
I really loved this book, though I’ll admit I’m a total sucker for a good time-travel / “what if” story, and this one absolutely delivered! I liked how the book brought in multiple character perspectives, which helped build a richer world and a deeper understanding of the ripple effects. It also went beyond the usual butterfly effect by exploring the physical toll of “rewinding,” which added an interesting layer of stakes.
Coming from the tech world and with my own curiosity around AI, I appreciated how the story touched on the ethical responsibilities of both companies and individuals, all while keeping the tone light and accessible. Sweet, cozy, and exactly the kind of book I needed at the time.
(Thanks to NetGalley and the publisher for an ARC of this book)
I really loved this book, though I’ll admit I’m a total sucker for a good time-travel / “what if” story, and this one absolutely delivered! I liked how the book brought in multiple character perspectives, which helped build a richer world and a deeper understanding of the ripple effects. It also went beyond the usual butterfly effect by exploring the physical toll of “rewinding,” which added an interesting layer of stakes.
Coming from the tech world and with my own curiosity around AI, I appreciated how the story touched on the ethical responsibilities of both companies and individuals, all while keeping the tone light and accessible. Sweet, cozy, and exactly the kind of book I needed at the time.
(Thanks to NetGalley and the publisher for an ARC of this book)
January 14, 2026
2.5 ⭐️ rounded up to 3
📱Thank you NetGalley & Atria for the e-ARC of this book!
I was really drawn in by the premise and themes of this story (magical realism, time travel). However, it ended up feeling predictable and like it wasn’t necessarily bringing up any new or powerful points about technology/AI.
I disliked the main character which made it difficult since the majority of the book is from her perspective. I thought other characters such as Sam & Erin were interesting and likable.
There were good parts about this story and I can definitely appreciate bringing up the conversation of the dangers of allowing technology to take over our lives. This just wasn’t personally my favorite.
📱Thank you NetGalley & Atria for the e-ARC of this book!
I was really drawn in by the premise and themes of this story (magical realism, time travel). However, it ended up feeling predictable and like it wasn’t necessarily bringing up any new or powerful points about technology/AI.
I disliked the main character which made it difficult since the majority of the book is from her perspective. I thought other characters such as Sam & Erin were interesting and likable.
There were good parts about this story and I can definitely appreciate bringing up the conversation of the dangers of allowing technology to take over our lives. This just wasn’t personally my favorite.
Review of advance copy received from Netgalley
This was my first novel to read by this author and I found the premise really interesting. It reminded me of the Adam Sandler movie "Click," but in multiple points of view. I liked all of the characters, but I confess that Talia was losing me by the end. Although I generally enjoyed the story, I didn't feel the kind of feelings that should have gone along with stakes as high as the ones described in the book. I think the characters needed a little more developing, or perhaps there needed to be more focus on the main things being the main things. Or maybe the emphasis on moralizing drew focus from the emotional aspects of the plot; the sixth instance of "there are great people in Silicon Valley but..." should have been an indication of hedging overkill.
January 11, 2026
Ideal Life was a fun, quick read! Despite the main characters being in their 30’s, it read more like a YA book to me. I love magical realism and multiple POV’s and felt that was done well. I was expecting some kind of negative consequence from Talia rewinding time to achieve her “ideal life” and perfect scenarios she wasn’t happy with, but also enjoyed the optimistic tone of the book. The overall message about life not always being perfect and growing from your mistakes was done in a sweet, gentle way that made it a perfect feel-good book. Thank you NetGalley and Simon & Schuster for the advanced copy!
Review of advance copy received from Netgalley
This book STAYS with you, and not because of shock or spectacle, but because of how deeply it understands the human heart.
With graceful, emotionally precise writing, Skye explores identity, choice, and the cost of perfection in a way that feels both intimate and unsettlingly familiar. The story unfolds with a calm confidence, trusting readers to notice the subtle shifts and unspoken tensions that give it its power.
Every page feels intentional, layered with meaning without ever becoming heavy-handed. This is a thoughtful, beautifully crafted novel that invites reflection rather than rushing for answers. Quiet, sharp, and emotionally resonant, this is a standout read that fully earns its five stars.
Thank you to NetGalley and Atria Books for a temporary e-ARC!
With graceful, emotionally precise writing, Skye explores identity, choice, and the cost of perfection in a way that feels both intimate and unsettlingly familiar. The story unfolds with a calm confidence, trusting readers to notice the subtle shifts and unspoken tensions that give it its power.
Every page feels intentional, layered with meaning without ever becoming heavy-handed. This is a thoughtful, beautifully crafted novel that invites reflection rather than rushing for answers. Quiet, sharp, and emotionally resonant, this is a standout read that fully earns its five stars.
Thank you to NetGalley and Atria Books for a temporary e-ARC!
January 17, 2026
I absolutely loved the premise of this book! I will say I felt there was no need for the multiple POV expect for the FMC and MMC. The other POV just felt very pointless to me and didn’t have a lot of substance to the main plot. As well as things were very dragged on until the climax finally happened which truly wasn’t until 80%. This is already a super fast read but there was just a lot of fluff I felt was unnecessary. Overall the idea of this book was still great but could’ve been better executed. Definitely still recommend if you want some magical realism and a fast pace read with a splash of romance.
Review of advance copy received from Netgalley
I was drawn to this book because of the premise and the cover, but unfortunately, the plot didn’t land. I liked Talia and could relate to her anxiety, though her use of the watch often felt unrealistic. The characters of Sam, Erin, and Libby were all interesting but didn’t get enough time to develop. I think focusing on just Sam and Talia would have been a better choice.
It felt like the book ended before it truly began. The climax needed more time to be fully realized. Overall, it was a fast read, but not one I would recommend. Thanks to NetGalley and the publisher for the ARC!
It felt like the book ended before it truly began. The climax needed more time to be fully realized. Overall, it was a fast read, but not one I would recommend. Thanks to NetGalley and the publisher for the ARC!
January 12, 2026
Thank you to NetGalley and the publisher for providing me with an ARC in exchange for an honest review!
This one had hints of magical realism, which is my favorite, but it wasn’t as lighthearted as ones I’d normally pick up. I didn’t love the FMC but the story worked for me! This was more about the slow realization that the life you think you’re supposed to want might not actually fit anymore.
I would still recommend this book to someone who is looking for a deep thought read with hints of magical realism!
This one had hints of magical realism, which is my favorite, but it wasn’t as lighthearted as ones I’d normally pick up. I didn’t love the FMC but the story worked for me! This was more about the slow realization that the life you think you’re supposed to want might not actually fit anymore.
I would still recommend this book to someone who is looking for a deep thought read with hints of magical realism!
Review of advance copy received from Netgalley
Talia leads a tech startup on the verge of being acquired by a major tech company. On the night the acquisition is announced, she learns a piece of scandalous news that threatens to derail the entire deal. The next morning, she wakes up wearing a watch that can rewind time, giving her the chance to fix the mistake that could cost her company everything.
As the weeks unfold, Talia continues to use the watch to perfect the outcomes of key moments, but each change has consequences—not just for the acquisition, but for her relationships with friends, family, and herself.
I really enjoyed the characters in this book. Talia is flawed, relatable, and easy to root for, and the supporting cast feels thoughtfully developed. The story balances its speculative premise with emotional depth, and the ending felt earned and satisfying.
An advance copy of this title was provided via NetGalley.
As the weeks unfold, Talia continues to use the watch to perfect the outcomes of key moments, but each change has consequences—not just for the acquisition, but for her relationships with friends, family, and herself.
I really enjoyed the characters in this book. Talia is flawed, relatable, and easy to root for, and the supporting cast feels thoughtfully developed. The story balances its speculative premise with emotional depth, and the ending felt earned and satisfying.
An advance copy of this title was provided via NetGalley.
Review of advance copy received from Netgalley
I loved the plot of this one; it was just really hard for me to get into and for it to keep my attention. The concept is great and I think it teaches us all a lot about control and how thought we feel like we need more of it, the more we have, the harder life can be. I liked the "idea" of Talia's character, but I didn't feel like it was fully developed. This wasn't my favorite book so far this year, but I do have reading friends that will love it.
Thank you to netgalley for this arc in exchange for an honest review.
Thank you to netgalley for this arc in exchange for an honest review.
Review of advance copy received from Netgalley
(e-arc acquired from NetGalley in exchange for an honest review)
This was a fun story. I liked the concept of a watch turning back time, and what someone might do with that power. However, the technology that the FMC’s company made felt icky, even with how the story concluded, but that could’ve just been a me problem and my dislike of AI. I also wasn’t a big fan of all the business talk, though I know it was necessary. It just felt like a bit much in places. I really liked the MMC and how their relationship was developed. All the relationships in the book felt realistic.
This was a fun story. I liked the concept of a watch turning back time, and what someone might do with that power. However, the technology that the FMC’s company made felt icky, even with how the story concluded, but that could’ve just been a me problem and my dislike of AI. I also wasn’t a big fan of all the business talk, though I know it was necessary. It just felt like a bit much in places. I really liked the MMC and how their relationship was developed. All the relationships in the book felt realistic.
Want to read
November 24, 2025This looks so COOL!!! I love time travel stories I can’t wait for this one! :)
January 22, 2026
I really loved this!!!! I’ll update with my review later, but for now thank you to NetGalley and the publish for this ARC!!!!
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