What do you think?
Rate this book
Five Years
Leah Green thought she had her life figured out—steady career, loyal friends, a plan that didn’t involve heartbreak. But when Ariana Harrison, the woman who shattered her world five years ago, walks back into her life with old secrets and new promises, Leah’s carefully constructed walls begin to crack.
From a snow-dusted Lake Michigan shoreline to the glittering chaos of New York City, their story unfolds in stolen glances, unfinished conversations, and a kiss that feels like coming home. But Ariana isn’t free—she’s still entangled in the life she chose over Leah. Now Leah must decide if risking her heart again is worth the chance at forever, or if some wounds run too deep to heal.
This is a story about second chances, impossible choices, and the kind of love that lingers long after goodbye.
From a snow-dusted Lake Michigan shoreline to the glittering chaos of New York City, their story unfolds in stolen glances, unfinished conversations, and a kiss that feels like coming home. But Ariana isn’t free—she’s still entangled in the life she chose over Leah. Now Leah must decide if risking her heart again is worth the chance at forever, or if some wounds run too deep to heal.
This is a story about second chances, impossible choices, and the kind of love that lingers long after goodbye.
213 pages, Kindle Edition
Published November 18, 2025
29 people are currently reading
78 people want to read
About the author
Nicole Spencer-Skillen
10 books196 followersNicole Spencer-Skillen
📍 From Lancashire, currently sipping matcha in South Yorkshire.
📚 Writer of sapphic romance, dreamer of big dreams.
Hi, I’m Nicole — a 32-year-old writer, quote collector, basketball fanatic, and proud wife of 7 years. Originally from Lancashire, I now live in South Yorkshire with my incredible wife and our three chaos-loving dogs.
For the last decade, I’ve been crafting quotes, short stories, and LGBT novels — mostly for fun, always from the heart. When I’m not glued to my laptop with a cup of matcha in hand, you’ll probably find me hopping on a plane, watching / playing basketball, or dreaming up my next big story idea from the comfort of my sofa . . . or coffee shop.
Sapphic romance is more than a genre for me — it’s a mission. Growing up, I didn’t see myself in the pages I read. The world was full of heterosexual love stories (some of which I adored), but none quite hit home. So now, I write the stories I wish I’d had: honest, modern, relatable tales where queer women can finally see themselves as the main character.
My goal? To create an escape, a spark, or even just a little moment of connection for anyone who picks up one of my books — especially for the LGBT+ community who deserve to feel seen, celebrated, and swooningly in love.
A few fun facts:
🗽 If I could live anywhere, it’d be New York City — because why not dream big?
📖 Favourite book: The Notebook by Nicholas Sparks (yes, I own a first edition, and yes, I cried)
🏀 Ride-or-die Lakers fan
✍️ Favourite quote? Easy: “You miss 100% of the shots you don’t take.” (Thanks, Wayne Gretzky — and Michael Scott, kind of.)
Let’s connect — you can find me on Instagram @nss_writings. Come for the sapphic feels, stay for the travel pics and dog content.
📍 From Lancashire, currently sipping matcha in South Yorkshire.
📚 Writer of sapphic romance, dreamer of big dreams.
Hi, I’m Nicole — a 32-year-old writer, quote collector, basketball fanatic, and proud wife of 7 years. Originally from Lancashire, I now live in South Yorkshire with my incredible wife and our three chaos-loving dogs.
For the last decade, I’ve been crafting quotes, short stories, and LGBT novels — mostly for fun, always from the heart. When I’m not glued to my laptop with a cup of matcha in hand, you’ll probably find me hopping on a plane, watching / playing basketball, or dreaming up my next big story idea from the comfort of my sofa . . . or coffee shop.
Sapphic romance is more than a genre for me — it’s a mission. Growing up, I didn’t see myself in the pages I read. The world was full of heterosexual love stories (some of which I adored), but none quite hit home. So now, I write the stories I wish I’d had: honest, modern, relatable tales where queer women can finally see themselves as the main character.
My goal? To create an escape, a spark, or even just a little moment of connection for anyone who picks up one of my books — especially for the LGBT+ community who deserve to feel seen, celebrated, and swooningly in love.
A few fun facts:
🗽 If I could live anywhere, it’d be New York City — because why not dream big?
📖 Favourite book: The Notebook by Nicholas Sparks (yes, I own a first edition, and yes, I cried)
🏀 Ride-or-die Lakers fan
✍️ Favourite quote? Easy: “You miss 100% of the shots you don’t take.” (Thanks, Wayne Gretzky — and Michael Scott, kind of.)
Let’s connect — you can find me on Instagram @nss_writings. Come for the sapphic feels, stay for the travel pics and dog content.
Ratings & Reviews
Friends & Following
Create a free account to discover what your friends think of this book!
Community Reviews
Displaying 1 - 19 of 19 reviews
November 10, 2025
2.5⭐️The writing was was good. I felt the chemistry, the intimacy, the weight of memories, and Spencer-Skillen gave me tons of scenes where the two MCs get thrown into the same place. Forced proximity and second chances are my guilty pleasures. I really felt with Leah. BUT I didn't root for Leah and Ariana to get back together. There is a limit to what I can accept in terms of forgiveness, and what Ariana did was not forgivable to me. The truth is, I found her behavior to be a big issue. Twice she was in a serious relationship, and she pulled the same trick twice. Her explanations in the end only convinced me that she was an emotional cheater, and she wasn’t brave enough to choose THE ONE. The last scene with Hannah was the icing on the cake. Honestly, I felt sad for Leah the whole book for not moving on, and also for Hannah. Now, I know my rating is severe. I usually rate at least 3 stars because I know authors put their heart and soul into their work, spending endless hours, especially indie authors whom I admire and respect infinitely. The reason I am this harsh is probably because I hoped all through the book that all their beautiful interactions would be explained in the end in a way where Ariana came out clean, or wouldn't feel wrong in the end, but they did to me. I love gray areas, but I am righteous in that field, so if characters act "wrong" (nobody is perfect!), I prefer when they own it.
I like Spencer-Skillen’s writing, but this book wasn’t for me.
I like Spencer-Skillen’s writing, but this book wasn’t for me.
November 24, 2025
2.5 ⭐️ I knew I would have some issues with the story because I despise cheaters and to be honest, emotional cheating is worse than physical. To be honest, that was what Ariana was doing the whole trip in Michigan. It was hard for me to like her and I don’t think I ever got there. Leaving someone to go back to your ex fiancee to only leave that fiancee for the ex? Messy, doesn’t even begin to cover it. There’s so many red flags, it turned into a banner.
However, despite my feelings on cheating and the “love triangle” of sorts, it was a good story and writing. I found myself wanting to know what happened next, despite wanting to slap Ariana. I think that goes to show how awesome of a writer Nicole is. I also knew what the story was about, so for me to hate on it or rate it lower purely due to that didn’t feel right. Plus, like I said, I enjoyed the book. People hurt people, that’s life.
^^ I wrote this part before the ending.
I really need to stop writing parts of reviews before finishing the book…Like I said, I liked the story. I really thought it was going to end up differently and I was more than happy with that. But then something happened and it made me dislike Ariana more. I don’t get the author’s thinking in having them together in the end. Especially after the bombshell dropped on NYE… it doesn’t make sense to me. I’m actually really upset about Leah’s decision and the author for making the bombshell drop at like the 95% mark of the book and then to have them back together a mere couple pages after said bombshell. It didn’t make sense to me and Leah deserves better. there’s been times where the two MCs don’t end up together at the end and that’s what should’ve happens in this. The only reason I’m not eating this two stars is due to what I stated earlier, liking the story despite the cheating, but then that ending…
However, despite my feelings on cheating and the “love triangle” of sorts, it was a good story and writing. I found myself wanting to know what happened next, despite wanting to slap Ariana. I think that goes to show how awesome of a writer Nicole is. I also knew what the story was about, so for me to hate on it or rate it lower purely due to that didn’t feel right. Plus, like I said, I enjoyed the book. People hurt people, that’s life.
^^ I wrote this part before the ending.
I really need to stop writing parts of reviews before finishing the book…Like I said, I liked the story. I really thought it was going to end up differently and I was more than happy with that. But then something happened and it made me dislike Ariana more. I don’t get the author’s thinking in having them together in the end. Especially after the bombshell dropped on NYE… it doesn’t make sense to me. I’m actually really upset about Leah’s decision and the author for making the bombshell drop at like the 95% mark of the book and then to have them back together a mere couple pages after said bombshell. It didn’t make sense to me and Leah deserves better. there’s been times where the two MCs don’t end up together at the end and that’s what should’ve happens in this. The only reason I’m not eating this two stars is due to what I stated earlier, liking the story despite the cheating, but then that ending…
January 23, 2026
I hate-finished this book because I wanted to rate it according to my feelings about it.
The ONE thing we always need to ensure in a romance book is that the main characters, at least, are worth rooting for. They don't even have to be likable. I love when two assholes get together, as long as they're good for each other and fit well together. This was just a mess.
Leah was seriously dating Ariana, who then told her she had feelings for Hannah and had to go explore them with her, leaving Leah heartbroken and jaded. Five years later, Leah bumps into Ariana and, surprise surprise, your girl is out here emotionally cheating on her current serious long-term girlfriend AGAIN, this time with her ex. Absolutely bonkers that Leah would even entertain this and not assume that a few years later, Ariana would once again be emotionally involved with her ex, Hannah, or someone new, and leave her current partner AGAIN.
We spend the whole book watching Leah pine after this terrible person, and Ariana's sister Grace is supposedly Leah's best friend, but keeps tossing Leah and Ariana together and then asking them why they're flirting. Girl, YOU FORCED LEAH TO BE HERE AND you know your sister has a long-term girlfriend and you still want to toss these people together endlessly.
Everyone in this book is a horrible person, but the worst person of all is Ariana, and I absolutely cannot bring up an ounce of sympathy for someone who ping pongs between romantic partners when almost engaged to someone and then expects to be taken seriously and trusted.
Absolutely HORRENDOUS. As I said at the beginning of this review, I hate finishing this and would not advise anyone to read this unless they are somehow charmed by cheaters.
The ONE thing we always need to ensure in a romance book is that the main characters, at least, are worth rooting for. They don't even have to be likable. I love when two assholes get together, as long as they're good for each other and fit well together. This was just a mess.
Leah was seriously dating Ariana, who then told her she had feelings for Hannah and had to go explore them with her, leaving Leah heartbroken and jaded. Five years later, Leah bumps into Ariana and, surprise surprise, your girl is out here emotionally cheating on her current serious long-term girlfriend AGAIN, this time with her ex. Absolutely bonkers that Leah would even entertain this and not assume that a few years later, Ariana would once again be emotionally involved with her ex, Hannah, or someone new, and leave her current partner AGAIN.
We spend the whole book watching Leah pine after this terrible person, and Ariana's sister Grace is supposedly Leah's best friend, but keeps tossing Leah and Ariana together and then asking them why they're flirting. Girl, YOU FORCED LEAH TO BE HERE AND you know your sister has a long-term girlfriend and you still want to toss these people together endlessly.
Everyone in this book is a horrible person, but the worst person of all is Ariana, and I absolutely cannot bring up an ounce of sympathy for someone who ping pongs between romantic partners when almost engaged to someone and then expects to be taken seriously and trusted.
Absolutely HORRENDOUS. As I said at the beginning of this review, I hate finishing this and would not advise anyone to read this unless they are somehow charmed by cheaters.
January 12, 2026
Second chance romance? More like fifth chance 🥴 Ariana you arsehole, leah deserves so much more. Have some self worth
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
Read
November 25, 2025huh. so this is going to be a tricky one
the crux of the matter is Ariana. before the book starts she dumps Hannah and starts dating Leah, then she dumps Leah and gets back together with Hannah. over the course of the book she dumps Hannah (when her hand is forced) and gets back together with Leah, and then the book ends. which is not even getting started on her telling Leah she's broken up with Hannah (she hadn't yet) and the emotional affair she was carrying out long before that. how the fuck are you together with Hannah for five years and still keeping an apartment in the city where Leah lives just in case? that's not romantic that's fucked
the book tells me Ariana and Leah worked out in the end, but yeah I don't believe you. steal someone and the one thing you know is they're able to be stolen
so we get to the question, is it wrong for a romance to be shady? love is complicated, lots of couples in real life have questionable origins. do Ariana's misdeeds make this a bad romance (ra ra ah ah ah)? if this were literary fiction (or heaven forbid dark romance), would I be giving shitty Ariana and spineless Leah more of a chance?
not rated because I'm not comfortable going hard on 'this story is bad because I think one of the leads is a bad person' but at the same time it's not exactly a love story for the fucking ages
the crux of the matter is Ariana. before the book starts she dumps Hannah and starts dating Leah, then she dumps Leah and gets back together with Hannah. over the course of the book she dumps Hannah (when her hand is forced) and gets back together with Leah, and then the book ends. which is not even getting started on her telling Leah she's broken up with Hannah (she hadn't yet) and the emotional affair she was carrying out long before that. how the fuck are you together with Hannah for five years and still keeping an apartment in the city where Leah lives just in case? that's not romantic that's fucked
the book tells me Ariana and Leah worked out in the end, but yeah I don't believe you. steal someone and the one thing you know is they're able to be stolen
so we get to the question, is it wrong for a romance to be shady? love is complicated, lots of couples in real life have questionable origins. do Ariana's misdeeds make this a bad romance (ra ra ah ah ah)? if this were literary fiction (or heaven forbid dark romance), would I be giving shitty Ariana and spineless Leah more of a chance?
not rated because I'm not comfortable going hard on 'this story is bad because I think one of the leads is a bad person' but at the same time it's not exactly a love story for the fucking ages
November 22, 2025
I’ve read a few of Nicole Spencer-Skillen’s books and really enjoyed them. I’ll admit, I was almost put off this one because of the comments about a supposed “cheating” element. But honestly? There’s no physical cheating. And while you could argue there’s a touch of emotional conflict, I saw Ariana as someone who was genuinely confused and ultimately made the right choice.
Let’s be real—90% of books, films, and TV shows involve some kind of messy, human deception. My friends and I have spent the last few years wildly invested in a girl who kept bouncing between two brothers 🙄 so this is hardly new territory.
Anyway, to sum it up: the book is great. I adore Leah. Ariana has her flaws, sure, but she’s still a strong, compelling character. I thought overall it was very well written. Don’t let a few personal opinions of readers scare you off!
Let’s be real—90% of books, films, and TV shows involve some kind of messy, human deception. My friends and I have spent the last few years wildly invested in a girl who kept bouncing between two brothers 🙄 so this is hardly new territory.
Anyway, to sum it up: the book is great. I adore Leah. Ariana has her flaws, sure, but she’s still a strong, compelling character. I thought overall it was very well written. Don’t let a few personal opinions of readers scare you off!
January 2, 2026
I’ve really liked some of this author’s previous books (love her ‘If We Meet Again’ trilogy) but I had problems with this almost from the off. Competent writing as usual but I have to agree with several of the other 3 star reviewers about the difficulty in liking one of the MC’s and rooting for their relationship, given the emotional cheating that takes place. Ariana comes across as indecisive and scared of hurting anyone, whilst doing exactly that.
I couldn’t see how Leah would ever be able to forgive, and even if she could do that, how would she be able to fully trust Ariana in the future? That just didn’t ring true for me…
I couldn’t see how Leah would ever be able to forgive, and even if she could do that, how would she be able to fully trust Ariana in the future? That just didn’t ring true for me…
January 7, 2026
Hmm
This was an interesting story, and I am glad Leah and Arianna got their happily ever after. However, if the author's goal was to leave you with questions, then this was a success. Because I have questions, so many questions. More than anything, I felt the dynamics between the characters were not fully developed. There was so much I didn't understand about the breakup between Leah and Arianna that their reuniting felt precarious to me. This was like watching a familiar play in a foreign language. The gist of the story was there, but the nuances were missed because of the language barrier. I would recommend reading the book to form your own opinion.
This was an interesting story, and I am glad Leah and Arianna got their happily ever after. However, if the author's goal was to leave you with questions, then this was a success. Because I have questions, so many questions. More than anything, I felt the dynamics between the characters were not fully developed. There was so much I didn't understand about the breakup between Leah and Arianna that their reuniting felt precarious to me. This was like watching a familiar play in a foreign language. The gist of the story was there, but the nuances were missed because of the language barrier. I would recommend reading the book to form your own opinion.
November 22, 2025
⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
Five Years hooked me from page one. Leah is lovable, funny, and painfully relatable, and Ariana—flawed, confused, but sincere. Their connection feels real, complicated, and worth rooting for.
Nicole Spencer-Skillen’s writing is tender, and full of lines that punch you right in the chest. The story moves fast and hits hard which I like.
If you want a romance that’s emotional without being melodramatic, messy in all the right ways then Five Years is absolutely worth the read!
Five Years hooked me from page one. Leah is lovable, funny, and painfully relatable, and Ariana—flawed, confused, but sincere. Their connection feels real, complicated, and worth rooting for.
Nicole Spencer-Skillen’s writing is tender, and full of lines that punch you right in the chest. The story moves fast and hits hard which I like.
If you want a romance that’s emotional without being melodramatic, messy in all the right ways then Five Years is absolutely worth the read!
November 27, 2025
Five Years and A Lot Of Questions!
I have become a fan of Nicole’s books. I am giving this four stars but Chapter 19 is still not sitting right with me. A lot of mistrust and confusion not only with Douglas Green but Ariana also. Seriously, Leah! I feel like everyone was stepping all over you including your best friend. Yes, your epilogue shows your love but maybe let me know what happens in five years. A frustrating four stars…
I have become a fan of Nicole’s books. I am giving this four stars but Chapter 19 is still not sitting right with me. A lot of mistrust and confusion not only with Douglas Green but Ariana also. Seriously, Leah! I feel like everyone was stepping all over you including your best friend. Yes, your epilogue shows your love but maybe let me know what happens in five years. A frustrating four stars…
November 22, 2025
Leah is instantly loveable, Ariana is compelling, and their chemistry sparks off the page. The “cheating” chatter is overblown—there’s no physical cheating, just honest, human confusion.
Set against the energy of New York City (my favourite city), the story feels vibrant, real, and it was very hard to put down.
Congratulations on another amazing book, Nicole 👏🏼
Set against the energy of New York City (my favourite city), the story feels vibrant, real, and it was very hard to put down.
Congratulations on another amazing book, Nicole 👏🏼
December 10, 2025
My first book by this author and got my interest from the very start much of my reading was in the early hours.
I was disappointed with the ending and the twee HEA especially following the revelations from the ex. I was hoping the main character would get a backbone and tell her where to get off but that is probably just my interpretation.
I was disappointed with the ending and the twee HEA especially following the revelations from the ex. I was hoping the main character would get a backbone and tell her where to get off but that is probably just my interpretation.
November 18, 2025
I have been lucky enough to be a part of Nicole’s arc team for a while now, and I can’t believe this is Nicole’s 10th published book and the 5th I’ve had the privilege of reviewing.
If you love a second-chance romance that’s a slow burn and forced proximity, then this is one to add to your ever-growing TBR!
The chemistry between Leah and Ariana is undeniable. They are definitely made for each other. Some standout moments from the book included the popcorn store and the pizza 🍕🍿.
I also loved Grace; she was the best sister to Ariana and the best friend to Leah. She was a favourite character of mine.
Thank you again for trusting me to read and review your books.
If you love a second-chance romance that’s a slow burn and forced proximity, then this is one to add to your ever-growing TBR!
The chemistry between Leah and Ariana is undeniable. They are definitely made for each other. Some standout moments from the book included the popcorn store and the pizza 🍕🍿.
I also loved Grace; she was the best sister to Ariana and the best friend to Leah. She was a favourite character of mine.
Thank you again for trusting me to read and review your books.
December 9, 2025
Second Chance
I love reading anything by Nicole Spencer-Skillen! She never fails to leave the reader disappointed. Five Years has the HEA!
I love reading anything by Nicole Spencer-Skillen! She never fails to leave the reader disappointed. Five Years has the HEA!
December 13, 2025
LEAH DESERVED SO MUCH BETTER
December 14, 2025
Pros: it made me cry. but that’s because of personal trauma.
Cons: Leah deserved someone better. Someone who didn’t say “no” at that crucial moment. Read it and you’ll get it.
Cons: Leah deserved someone better. Someone who didn’t say “no” at that crucial moment. Read it and you’ll get it.
January 21, 2026
great
Another book full of ups and downs, emotions all over the place and bumps in the road that could be mountains.
Saying that, it’s another great story.
Another book full of ups and downs, emotions all over the place and bumps in the road that could be mountains.
Saying that, it’s another great story.
November 4, 2025
I was accepted by Nicole Spencer-Skillen to be a part of the ARC team for Five Years and below is my honest review.
I loved this book! It took me on an emotional rollercoaster - I was hopeful, I was angry and I was heartbroken at times. I read this in less than 24 hours, it’s the perfect length.
It follows Leah and Ariana. They are old flames who are reunited in New York after 5 years apart. Will they get closure? Will they rekindle? You’ll have to read to find out 👀
The story itself and the characters are so well written and Leah sounds like a dream! 😍 I loved following on their journey.
I recommend this to anyone who loves a sapphic romance with second chance and forced proximity tropes!
I give this 5 stars!
I loved this book! It took me on an emotional rollercoaster - I was hopeful, I was angry and I was heartbroken at times. I read this in less than 24 hours, it’s the perfect length.
It follows Leah and Ariana. They are old flames who are reunited in New York after 5 years apart. Will they get closure? Will they rekindle? You’ll have to read to find out 👀
The story itself and the characters are so well written and Leah sounds like a dream! 😍 I loved following on their journey.
I recommend this to anyone who loves a sapphic romance with second chance and forced proximity tropes!
I give this 5 stars!
December 29, 2025
WTF did I read? Ariana is a liar, a cheater and a coward! I honestly wonder how this book would pass as romantic. The ending was so WRONG. Leah YOU DESERVE BETTER. You should date Hannah.
If you are a cheater, you will love this book
Update: for those who said there was no cheating in comments. Sure there is no physical cheating. But trying to get a job at your ex's father's firm with the hope of seeing your ex again because you still have feelings, while being in a relationhsip for five years??HUGE EMOTIONAL CHEATING, you plot to see your ex = red flag. Woman up and leave your partner she doesn't deserve that. If you don't think that's wrong, serioulsy question your values...
If you are a cheater, you will love this book
Update: for those who said there was no cheating in comments. Sure there is no physical cheating. But trying to get a job at your ex's father's firm with the hope of seeing your ex again because you still have feelings, while being in a relationhsip for five years??HUGE EMOTIONAL CHEATING, you plot to see your ex = red flag. Woman up and leave your partner she doesn't deserve that. If you don't think that's wrong, serioulsy question your values...
Displaying 1 - 19 of 19 reviews