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Will Text For Love
Elise Berger is an unintentional relationship self-sabotager. Meeting Dean Ludwig, the best man at her sister’s wedding, leaves her stumped about why she’s drawn to someone who’s not normally her type. Getting to know this kind and funny guy has Elise realizing “type” doesn’t matter when he’s the only man who’s ever made her feel seen.
Long-distance texts and phone calls follow, but Elise falls into her usual pattern of ruining a good thing, leaving Dean hurt and closed off to her attempts at making things right.
When Dean tells her that it’s over, Elise has to face the reality that unless she learns to love herself and move on as a whole and healed person, she’ll end up alone, without the first man who made her feel like she could truly be herself.
Long-distance texts and phone calls follow, but Elise falls into her usual pattern of ruining a good thing, leaving Dean hurt and closed off to her attempts at making things right.
When Dean tells her that it’s over, Elise has to face the reality that unless she learns to love herself and move on as a whole and healed person, she’ll end up alone, without the first man who made her feel like she could truly be herself.
- GenresRomance
307 pages, Kindle Edition
Published January 26, 2026
7 people are currently reading
12 people want to read
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Displaying 1 - 24 of 24 reviews
dnf
February 9, 2026DNF at 59%
I received an ebook from the author via Booked With the Emily’s. All thoughts and opinions are my own.
I really tried to get into this one as it seemed like such an intriguing premise! Unfortunately I found myself skimming the book pretty early on. The dialogue felt incredibly stilted and I was bored by all the description. I also found the FMC to be whiny; which really did not help. This book was just unfortunately not for me!
This one might be for you if you like:
• Healing journey
• Dual timeline (flashback chapters)
• Brother in laws best friend
• Friends to lovers
• Second chances
• Long distance romance
I received an ebook from the author via Booked With the Emily’s. All thoughts and opinions are my own.
I really tried to get into this one as it seemed like such an intriguing premise! Unfortunately I found myself skimming the book pretty early on. The dialogue felt incredibly stilted and I was bored by all the description. I also found the FMC to be whiny; which really did not help. This book was just unfortunately not for me!
This one might be for you if you like:
• Healing journey
• Dual timeline (flashback chapters)
• Brother in laws best friend
• Friends to lovers
• Second chances
• Long distance romance
February 13, 2026
I really struggled with this story. I felt bogged down in the minute details of descriptions of where Elise lived and worked and her day to day life. Even the deep descriptions of the events surrounding the wedding prep weighed me down. Those things made for a slow story for me.
I liked seeing how Dean and Elise met and how they began to flirt and grow closer, yet I found myself frustrated with Elise for her inability to see what a great guy Dean was. I know her growth ended up being the point of the story, but the level of anxiety I felt about all of this made for a read that was not enjoyable to me. There were also quite a few low level curse words and taking the Lord's name throughout the story, so heads up if that is something that you try to avoid.
I received a complimentary copy of this book. All opinions are my own.
I liked seeing how Dean and Elise met and how they began to flirt and grow closer, yet I found myself frustrated with Elise for her inability to see what a great guy Dean was. I know her growth ended up being the point of the story, but the level of anxiety I felt about all of this made for a read that was not enjoyable to me. There were also quite a few low level curse words and taking the Lord's name throughout the story, so heads up if that is something that you try to avoid.
I received a complimentary copy of this book. All opinions are my own.
February 19, 2026
If you love second chance romance, giving long distance relationships a chance, and being surrounded by an amazing group of friends/family members, then Elise and Dean’s story is for you. I particularly enjoyed the side characters Juniper, Fremily, Dean, and of course the British dinner! That was hilarious.
did-not-finish
February 9, 2026DNF @47%
The story wasn’t bad and I think a lot of readers will enjoy it, it just wasn’t for me. I couldn’t fully get into it or feel invested. I may try again another time when I’m in a different mood.
Read if you like —
🤍 Healing journey
🤍 Dual timelines
🤍 Brother-in-law’s best friend
🤍 Friends to lovers
🤍 Second chances
🤍 Long-distance relationship
Thank you, partner @bookedwiththeemilys, for the eARC!
The story wasn’t bad and I think a lot of readers will enjoy it, it just wasn’t for me. I couldn’t fully get into it or feel invested. I may try again another time when I’m in a different mood.
Read if you like —
🤍 Healing journey
🤍 Dual timelines
🤍 Brother-in-law’s best friend
🤍 Friends to lovers
🤍 Second chances
🤍 Long-distance relationship
Thank you, partner @bookedwiththeemilys, for the eARC!
February 19, 2026
This was a nice debut from Ashley Gill! I enjoyed this story very much!
Dean and Elise meet at Elise’s sister's wedding; Dean is in the groom's wedding party. The two hit it off and build a long distance relationship through text messages and emails. This is a second chance romance that starts off in the present with a breakup. Dean and Elise’s relationship is told through chapters going back and forth between the past and present. I really loved that concept and found the story intriguing and easy to follow. While I did find Elise naive at first and she drove me a little crazy with how she reacted at the beginning, as the missing pieces of the story were filled in her reaction made sense to me. I thought Ashley Gills perfectly captured the thoughts of a 20 year old at the wedding; she wanted to be in love and find her person, she wanted to be noticed by the cute guy, did not want him to notice her noticing him, all the butterflies. It was done perfectly and I found myself going back to who I was at that age and putting myself in her shoes. Dean had such witty and clever banter. I loved all the wedding flirting. The chemistry and the connection between them was so strong I could see why they wanted to continue connecting after the wedding as they went back to their home towns. The text message conversations they had as they got to know each other were so fun and a highlight for me. It really kept me reading to find out what went wrong in the present. Elise goes through a lot of growth in this book. She is on her healing journey as she learns to love and accept herself. The honest communication and grand gesture at the end were just beautiful.
If you love a good heartfelt romance with fun flirting and banter I highly recommend you grab this one.
I received a complimentary copy of this book. Thank you @ashleygill and @bookedwiththeemilys. All thoughts and opinions are my own.
Dean and Elise meet at Elise’s sister's wedding; Dean is in the groom's wedding party. The two hit it off and build a long distance relationship through text messages and emails. This is a second chance romance that starts off in the present with a breakup. Dean and Elise’s relationship is told through chapters going back and forth between the past and present. I really loved that concept and found the story intriguing and easy to follow. While I did find Elise naive at first and she drove me a little crazy with how she reacted at the beginning, as the missing pieces of the story were filled in her reaction made sense to me. I thought Ashley Gills perfectly captured the thoughts of a 20 year old at the wedding; she wanted to be in love and find her person, she wanted to be noticed by the cute guy, did not want him to notice her noticing him, all the butterflies. It was done perfectly and I found myself going back to who I was at that age and putting myself in her shoes. Dean had such witty and clever banter. I loved all the wedding flirting. The chemistry and the connection between them was so strong I could see why they wanted to continue connecting after the wedding as they went back to their home towns. The text message conversations they had as they got to know each other were so fun and a highlight for me. It really kept me reading to find out what went wrong in the present. Elise goes through a lot of growth in this book. She is on her healing journey as she learns to love and accept herself. The honest communication and grand gesture at the end were just beautiful.
If you love a good heartfelt romance with fun flirting and banter I highly recommend you grab this one.
I received a complimentary copy of this book. Thank you @ashleygill and @bookedwiththeemilys. All thoughts and opinions are my own.
February 6, 2026
Thanks to Booked with the Emilys and Ashley Gill for the #gifted copy of this book 🙏 All opinions are my own.
After Elise and Dean connect at her sister’s wedding to his best friend, they start a long distance friendship with consistent text and hours long phone calls. However, when Dean comes to visit and things turn romantic, Elise falls back into an old pattern of self sabotaging. Once she realized she made a mistake, Dean closed his heart and now they both have to find a way to heal…
It was a nice change to have a (F)MC who isn’t confident, a story where all things don’t go smooth and they always have the perfect answer lined up for witty banter (however much I love that).
It is the most real love story but therefor also sometimes a little hard to read because you miss that spark building up to the getting together, it’s heavier and it holds up a mirror to reflect upon your own experiences from the past that color your self image and self worth and how they turn into self sabotage!
But I’m so glad I pushed through because the personal growth on both characters, the found family and their though honesty (the hard questions being asked, the mirror being held to reflect internally instead of just going along with the dwelling) and the taking accountability for your own actions comes together so beautifully!
> This book was published on January 26th so you can get your copy now!
After Elise and Dean connect at her sister’s wedding to his best friend, they start a long distance friendship with consistent text and hours long phone calls. However, when Dean comes to visit and things turn romantic, Elise falls back into an old pattern of self sabotaging. Once she realized she made a mistake, Dean closed his heart and now they both have to find a way to heal…
It was a nice change to have a (F)MC who isn’t confident, a story where all things don’t go smooth and they always have the perfect answer lined up for witty banter (however much I love that).
It is the most real love story but therefor also sometimes a little hard to read because you miss that spark building up to the getting together, it’s heavier and it holds up a mirror to reflect upon your own experiences from the past that color your self image and self worth and how they turn into self sabotage!
But I’m so glad I pushed through because the personal growth on both characters, the found family and their though honesty (the hard questions being asked, the mirror being held to reflect internally instead of just going along with the dwelling) and the taking accountability for your own actions comes together so beautifully!
> This book was published on January 26th so you can get your copy now!
Read
February 18, 2026DNF! I can’t even tell you how much it bothers me to do this but I just can’t continue. It never sucked me in. The FMC was really annoying. We all have our insecurities but she was just a real downer and I couldn’t take it anymore. The bachelorette scavenger hunt was a cute scene but I didn’t go much further than that. She was both self deprecating while also picky and that’s a combo that didn’t work for me.
Thank you to @bookedwiththeemilys for the gifted copy.
All opinions are my own.
Thank you to @bookedwiththeemilys for the gifted copy.
All opinions are my own.
February 8, 2026
***ARC Review***
🟣Healing journey
🔹Dual timeline (flashback chapters)
🟣Brother in laws best friend
🔹Friends to lovers
🟣Second chances
🔹Long distance romance
Thank you, Partners @bookedwiththeemilys and @ashleygill_author for this #gifted ARC.
Synopsis:
Elise Berger is an unintentional relationship self-sabotager. Meeting Dean Ludwig, the best man at her sister’s wedding, leaves her stumped about why she’s drawn to someone who’s not normally her type. Getting to know this kind and funny guy has Elise realizing “type” doesn’t matter when he’s the only man who’s ever made her feel seen.
Long-distance texts and phone calls follow, but Elise falls into her usual pattern of ruining a good thing, leaving Dean hurt and closed off to her attempts at making things right.
When Dean tells her that it’s over, Elise has to face the reality that unless she learns to love herself and move on as a whole and healed person, she’ll end up alone, without the first man who made her feel like she could truly be herself.
My review on this book:
In the beginning I thought this would be a cute little meet cute romance book. I did enjoy that they met at Elise’s sister’s wedding and it was Fred’s best friend. The whole over the phone relationship was cute. However, I didn’t enjoy all the back and forth this relationship took. It felt very much I love you, I love you not kinda vibe. I understand as a 20yo you don’t know much about life or love. But Elise just felt very immature at times. Like you dumped a guy over a phone call and what do you expect? He’s not going to continue texting you like crazy. I’m glad in the end they got together but I feel like there was too much fluff in the middle. ⭐️⭐️💫 stars out of 5 from me.
🟣Healing journey
🔹Dual timeline (flashback chapters)
🟣Brother in laws best friend
🔹Friends to lovers
🟣Second chances
🔹Long distance romance
Thank you, Partners @bookedwiththeemilys and @ashleygill_author for this #gifted ARC.
Synopsis:
Elise Berger is an unintentional relationship self-sabotager. Meeting Dean Ludwig, the best man at her sister’s wedding, leaves her stumped about why she’s drawn to someone who’s not normally her type. Getting to know this kind and funny guy has Elise realizing “type” doesn’t matter when he’s the only man who’s ever made her feel seen.
Long-distance texts and phone calls follow, but Elise falls into her usual pattern of ruining a good thing, leaving Dean hurt and closed off to her attempts at making things right.
When Dean tells her that it’s over, Elise has to face the reality that unless she learns to love herself and move on as a whole and healed person, she’ll end up alone, without the first man who made her feel like she could truly be herself.
My review on this book:
In the beginning I thought this would be a cute little meet cute romance book. I did enjoy that they met at Elise’s sister’s wedding and it was Fred’s best friend. The whole over the phone relationship was cute. However, I didn’t enjoy all the back and forth this relationship took. It felt very much I love you, I love you not kinda vibe. I understand as a 20yo you don’t know much about life or love. But Elise just felt very immature at times. Like you dumped a guy over a phone call and what do you expect? He’s not going to continue texting you like crazy. I’m glad in the end they got together but I feel like there was too much fluff in the middle. ⭐️⭐️💫 stars out of 5 from me.
February 21, 2026
Elise meets Dean, the best man at her sister’s wedding. At the wedding, they feel a connection, and continue to build a friendship long-distance via text and phone calls. Over time, their feelings grow.
Elise feels that she can be honest and open with Dean and he encourages her to be herself, which is something she has never felt before. Elise describes herself as a an unintentional relationship self-sabotager. It’s how she tries to protect herself and her feelings.
As Dean and Elise’s relationship grows, they admit they have feelings for each other. Elise’s self-protection instincts lead her to tell Dean that they are better as friends. The dynamic changes between them, and Elise realizes that learning how to heal will allow her to open up her heart.
The novel is well-paced; the time jumps between past and present were well done in showing how Elise and Dean’s feelings developed, what changed over time, and how they reconnect.
The novel is about communication, growth, healing, second chances, and knowing we’re deserving of love.
Juniper, Elise’s sister, was a great character as well and was supportive of Elise. She gave Elise the honest advice and support that she needed to hear. Juniper reminds her sister that she is deserving of love. This advice is key for Elise’s healing journey.
I thought Dean and Elise had great chemistry, and their connection was natural. Dean met Elise where she is at. The novel has a great balance of comedic and heartfelt moments. I enjoyed reading Dean and Elise’s story and how they find their way back to each other.
I enjoy epistolary novels and I liked how texts were used not only as a way for Elise and Dean to communicate, but also how texts and calls advance the plot of the story. Texts are how Elise feels he can best communicate her feelings to Dean.
Thanks to Booked with the Emilys & Ashley Gill for the gifted digital copy of the book and the opportunity to be a part of the tour!
#bookstagram #bookreview #virtualbooktour #debutnovel
© 2026 Cait’s Reading Nook. All rights reserved. I was provided a copy of this book for free and will be leaving an honest review.
Elise feels that she can be honest and open with Dean and he encourages her to be herself, which is something she has never felt before. Elise describes herself as a an unintentional relationship self-sabotager. It’s how she tries to protect herself and her feelings.
As Dean and Elise’s relationship grows, they admit they have feelings for each other. Elise’s self-protection instincts lead her to tell Dean that they are better as friends. The dynamic changes between them, and Elise realizes that learning how to heal will allow her to open up her heart.
The novel is well-paced; the time jumps between past and present were well done in showing how Elise and Dean’s feelings developed, what changed over time, and how they reconnect.
The novel is about communication, growth, healing, second chances, and knowing we’re deserving of love.
Juniper, Elise’s sister, was a great character as well and was supportive of Elise. She gave Elise the honest advice and support that she needed to hear. Juniper reminds her sister that she is deserving of love. This advice is key for Elise’s healing journey.
I thought Dean and Elise had great chemistry, and their connection was natural. Dean met Elise where she is at. The novel has a great balance of comedic and heartfelt moments. I enjoyed reading Dean and Elise’s story and how they find their way back to each other.
I enjoy epistolary novels and I liked how texts were used not only as a way for Elise and Dean to communicate, but also how texts and calls advance the plot of the story. Texts are how Elise feels he can best communicate her feelings to Dean.
Thanks to Booked with the Emilys & Ashley Gill for the gifted digital copy of the book and the opportunity to be a part of the tour!
#bookstagram #bookreview #virtualbooktour #debutnovel
© 2026 Cait’s Reading Nook. All rights reserved. I was provided a copy of this book for free and will be leaving an honest review.
February 10, 2026
Will Text For Love is a fun and relatable story about young love and personal growth. I absolutely adored Dean and his attentiveness to Elise. Elise is young and still figuring out life, which makes their story a little bumpy. Dean and Elise have great chemistry and a little bit of insta-connection going on when they meet at her sister’s wedding. I typically don’t like long distance relationships, but Dean and Elise’s texts and late-night phone conversations were funny and so natural it made it a little easier for me to handle. Plus, Dean makes the effort to see her and her excitement to show him her hometown was so sweet and endearing. Dean and Elise’s family and friends were great, and I hope to see them more in the future. The one thing I did not care for, is the amount of swearing. It’s not excessive, but just something that distracted from the story a bit for me. If you are looking for a realistic romcom full of banter, laughs, heart melting moments, and growth, Will Text For Love is one to read!
My favorite things:
- The banter
- The wedding dance
- The hometown tour
- Skateboarding lessons
- Late night texting and talks
- British accent family dinner
- The family
- The grand gesture!
Tropes: romcom = long distance = friends to more = dual timeline = brother-in-laws best friend = second chances = healing journey = sweet kisses
Happy reading!
My favorite things:
- The banter
- The wedding dance
- The hometown tour
- Skateboarding lessons
- Late night texting and talks
- British accent family dinner
- The family
- The grand gesture!
Tropes: romcom = long distance = friends to more = dual timeline = brother-in-laws best friend = second chances = healing journey = sweet kisses
Happy reading!
February 15, 2026
4⭐️ Boy, do I get what Elise was feeling. Everyone needs a friend like Juniper. I appreciated Elise taking in what her friends were saying and how she began to understand herself more. Dean is absolutely sweet and the epitome of a golden retriever. This is definitely an easy read and great as a palette cleanser.
Synopsis:
Elise Berger is an unintentional relationship self-sabotager. Meeting Dean Ludwig, the best man at her sister’s wedding, leaves her stumped about why she’s drawn to someone who’s not normally her type. Getting to know this kind and funny guy has Elise realizing “type” doesn’t matter when he’s the only man who’s ever made her feel seen.
Long-distance texts and phone calls follow, but Elise falls into her usual pattern of ruining a good thing, leaving Dean hurt and closed off to her attempts at making things right.
When Dean tells her that it’s over, Elise has to face the reality that unless she learns to love herself and move on as a whole and healed person, she’ll end up alone, without the first man who made her feel like she could truly be herself.
What You’ll Find:
Healing journey
Dual timeline (flashback chapters)
Brother in laws best friend
Friends to lovers
Second chances
Long distance romance
Thank you @bookedwiththeemilys and @ashleygill_author for the #gifted copy.
Synopsis:
Elise Berger is an unintentional relationship self-sabotager. Meeting Dean Ludwig, the best man at her sister’s wedding, leaves her stumped about why she’s drawn to someone who’s not normally her type. Getting to know this kind and funny guy has Elise realizing “type” doesn’t matter when he’s the only man who’s ever made her feel seen.
Long-distance texts and phone calls follow, but Elise falls into her usual pattern of ruining a good thing, leaving Dean hurt and closed off to her attempts at making things right.
When Dean tells her that it’s over, Elise has to face the reality that unless she learns to love herself and move on as a whole and healed person, she’ll end up alone, without the first man who made her feel like she could truly be herself.
What You’ll Find:
Healing journey
Dual timeline (flashback chapters)
Brother in laws best friend
Friends to lovers
Second chances
Long distance romance
Thank you @bookedwiththeemilys and @ashleygill_author for the #gifted copy.
February 7, 2026
“He remembers everything I tell him.”
This might seem like a tiny or silly thing, but it is sooooo important!! And Dean being this good was just truly amazing. Found family and a sense of belonging in a community is what I think stood out the most in this one. Add a wise fairy godmother to the mix, and it’s just the most heartwarming thing ever.
I did feel, however, that everything was taken way too seriously. Especially at the age of twenty when there’s so much of yourself and the world left to explore. On the other hand, I also know ‘when you know, you know’ and I totally subscribe to the fate and destiny part of life. What I’m glad about is that Elise was steered right and she accepted the personal growth that consequently came her way. And that thing about knowing her self-worth? Completely agreed. Absolutely makes all the difference in the world.
“You deserve to be adored. And I’m just the man to do it.”
This might seem like a tiny or silly thing, but it is sooooo important!! And Dean being this good was just truly amazing. Found family and a sense of belonging in a community is what I think stood out the most in this one. Add a wise fairy godmother to the mix, and it’s just the most heartwarming thing ever.
I did feel, however, that everything was taken way too seriously. Especially at the age of twenty when there’s so much of yourself and the world left to explore. On the other hand, I also know ‘when you know, you know’ and I totally subscribe to the fate and destiny part of life. What I’m glad about is that Elise was steered right and she accepted the personal growth that consequently came her way. And that thing about knowing her self-worth? Completely agreed. Absolutely makes all the difference in the world.
“You deserve to be adored. And I’m just the man to do it.”
February 9, 2026
This book was an absolute page-turner and yet, hard to read because I saw so much of myself in Elise. What makes this book stand out is how deeply (and painfully) relatable it is. From overanalyzing texts to wrestling with the fear of being "too much" or "not enough," the author puts words to the emotional gymnastics so many of us perform in the name of love.
Each chapter felt like a small mirror, reflecting back the parts of myself that have waited for a reply or settled for less.
Will Text for Love is a beautiful reminder that while we may crave connection from others, the most important relationship we build is the one we have with ourselves.
It's a must read for anyone who's ever stared at their phone, wondering what a single message (or the lack of a message) means about their worth.
Each chapter felt like a small mirror, reflecting back the parts of myself that have waited for a reply or settled for less.
Will Text for Love is a beautiful reminder that while we may crave connection from others, the most important relationship we build is the one we have with ourselves.
It's a must read for anyone who's ever stared at their phone, wondering what a single message (or the lack of a message) means about their worth.
February 16, 2026
This was an enjoyable, light romance that explores long distance love, missed connections, and finding your way back to someone who once meant everything to you.
The story brings together a best man and the bride’s sister, who connected at a wedding and build their relationship mostly through texts and phone calls. I loved the concept of emotional intimacy from afar, and the author did a lovely job showing how connection can grow closer or apart when distance is involved.
While second chance romance isn’t usually my favorite trope, I appreciated how the story focused on communication and vulnerability. The FMC is young, and her immaturity shows at times, which may resonate differently depending on the reader, but it also reflects the uncertainty that comes with being 20 and still figuring life out.
Overall, this was a sweet, heartfelt read with tender moments and realistic emotions.
The story brings together a best man and the bride’s sister, who connected at a wedding and build their relationship mostly through texts and phone calls. I loved the concept of emotional intimacy from afar, and the author did a lovely job showing how connection can grow closer or apart when distance is involved.
While second chance romance isn’t usually my favorite trope, I appreciated how the story focused on communication and vulnerability. The FMC is young, and her immaturity shows at times, which may resonate differently depending on the reader, but it also reflects the uncertainty that comes with being 20 and still figuring life out.
Overall, this was a sweet, heartfelt read with tender moments and realistic emotions.
February 18, 2026
Elise has a tendency to self-sabotage her relationships because of one bad experience she had in high school. She met this amazing man named Dean at her sister's wedding. They started out as friends who texted, and when things turned romantic, she reverted to her pattern of self-sabotage, and now she's regretting it. I found Elise's character very frustrating. She's twenty-one, but her actions are often very immature. The back-and-forth text banter was very cute and my favorite part of the book. Elise's self-confidence was low, something she really needed to focus on before she could be in a healthy relationship. I can appreciate that this book is about Elise's self-growth and finding her self-worth. While this book wasn't a favorite of mine, I'm sure there are readers out there who will appreciate it.
Read
February 19, 2026this was such a sweet read! i absolutely adore a second chance romance and honestly this one was so sweet. i knew right away when text messages were involved i was going to love this book.
elise was such a great FMC and i related to her so much. she just wanted to be seen and when dean finally notices her she self sabotaged, which i totally get lol. i also related to how she overthinks and questions everything because same girl!
dean was also a super sweet MMC and i love how he fell so hard for elise. i can’t imagine trying to do a long distance relationship like they were doing, it would be so hard.
the dual timeline was such a great touch because we got to witness their healing journey together. it was seriously so touching to see elise and dean work through all their problems and grow together.
i also LOVED juniper!! she was so fun and such a great bestie!! 🥹
elise was such a great FMC and i related to her so much. she just wanted to be seen and when dean finally notices her she self sabotaged, which i totally get lol. i also related to how she overthinks and questions everything because same girl!
dean was also a super sweet MMC and i love how he fell so hard for elise. i can’t imagine trying to do a long distance relationship like they were doing, it would be so hard.
the dual timeline was such a great touch because we got to witness their healing journey together. it was seriously so touching to see elise and dean work through all their problems and grow together.
i also LOVED juniper!! she was so fun and such a great bestie!! 🥹
January 28, 2026
Elise is at her sister's wedding as a bridesmaid and starts a little flirting (which she proclaims to be bad at) with Dean, a groomsman. Elise is a bit burnt out on love as she feels she "self- sabotages" when she tries. But it is easy with Dean and they continue a text relationship long distance. The banter/rapport they develop is super fun.
I definitely felt for Elise as I felt I was always awkward at all the dating/relationship stuff. When what they have, fizzles and you don't know exactly why, it makes you turn the pages to see what really went down. I was a little frustrated when I didn't know because they seemed so well suited.
I read this book in a day because I was really invested in these characters. The side characters were so wonderful too, I especially loved Juniper.
I definitely felt for Elise as I felt I was always awkward at all the dating/relationship stuff. When what they have, fizzles and you don't know exactly why, it makes you turn the pages to see what really went down. I was a little frustrated when I didn't know because they seemed so well suited.
I read this book in a day because I was really invested in these characters. The side characters were so wonderful too, I especially loved Juniper.
February 9, 2026
It’s been so long since a book made me cry, but this one absolutely did. That final conversation and the confession had me in tears.
I loved the constant build-up of curiosity in every chapter about what actually happened between them—it had me completely hooked. The friendship between Elsie and Juniper was chef’s kiss; JUNIPER IS MY FAVOURITE.
Dean’s approach towards Elsie throughout the wedding, without any male ego, was beautiful. The way he notices her and makes her feel at ease stood out so much. The portrayal of the struggle of moving on felt very real, and Fred’s family dynamics were almost too good to be true.
That sorry message Elsie sent perfectly showed how much she had grown as a person.
I loved the constant build-up of curiosity in every chapter about what actually happened between them—it had me completely hooked. The friendship between Elsie and Juniper was chef’s kiss; JUNIPER IS MY FAVOURITE.
Dean’s approach towards Elsie throughout the wedding, without any male ego, was beautiful. The way he notices her and makes her feel at ease stood out so much. The portrayal of the struggle of moving on felt very real, and Fred’s family dynamics were almost too good to be true.
That sorry message Elsie sent perfectly showed how much she had grown as a person.
February 18, 2026
If you love messy growth, long distance tension, and the kind of romance where feelings build through late night texts, this one deserves a spot on your radar.
Elise meets Dean at her sister’s wedding and immediately feels something different. He’s not her usual type. He’s kind. He’s funny. He actually sees her.
Cue long distance calls, constant texting, and that slow realization that this might be real.
Except Elise has a habit of self-sabotage, and when she pushes Dean away, she risks losing the first man who ever made her feel safe enough to be herself.
This is about unlearning old patterns, figuring out who you are outside of a relationship, and asking whether love gets a second shot once you’ve done the work.
Elise meets Dean at her sister’s wedding and immediately feels something different. He’s not her usual type. He’s kind. He’s funny. He actually sees her.
Cue long distance calls, constant texting, and that slow realization that this might be real.
Except Elise has a habit of self-sabotage, and when she pushes Dean away, she risks losing the first man who ever made her feel safe enough to be herself.
This is about unlearning old patterns, figuring out who you are outside of a relationship, and asking whether love gets a second shot once you’ve done the work.
January 29, 2026
Elise has been in love but she sabotages all her relationships some would call her a serial dater .
Maybe she hasn’t met the right one to be her boyfriend . Her sister Emily is getting married and Elise is her bridesmaid and there she meets Dean he is a groomsman . They immediately hit it off but they are in different areas Elise is moving and Dean too. They would be forced to have a long distance relationship so they are forced to have a texting / talking relationship long distance . Things are going well until Elise freaks out , Elise then saying she wants to be friends leaving Dean confused . Will they both be able to move on or be able to work things out ?
It was a cute romantic comedy to see what happens to Dean and Elise .
Thank you for my arc copy
Side notes
Her sister Emily and Fred are so cute together Fremily
juniper her new best friend (possibly a book 2 with her ?)
Clean book where it be a a YA or adult novel
Maybe she hasn’t met the right one to be her boyfriend . Her sister Emily is getting married and Elise is her bridesmaid and there she meets Dean he is a groomsman . They immediately hit it off but they are in different areas Elise is moving and Dean too. They would be forced to have a long distance relationship so they are forced to have a texting / talking relationship long distance . Things are going well until Elise freaks out , Elise then saying she wants to be friends leaving Dean confused . Will they both be able to move on or be able to work things out ?
It was a cute romantic comedy to see what happens to Dean and Elise .
Thank you for my arc copy
Side notes
Her sister Emily and Fred are so cute together Fremily
juniper her new best friend (possibly a book 2 with her ?)
Clean book where it be a a YA or adult novel
February 15, 2026
Thanks to @bookedwiththeemilys and @ashleygill_author for the gifted ebook.
I really enjoyed the long distance dynamic and all the texting. I felt it added such an intimate layer to their connection. And I’ll always say yes to a dual timeline and feel it gives the story so much more depth and perspective. Enjoyed Elsie and Dean’s journey as someone who was in a long distance relationship in my 20s and could relate!
I really enjoyed the long distance dynamic and all the texting. I felt it added such an intimate layer to their connection. And I’ll always say yes to a dual timeline and feel it gives the story so much more depth and perspective. Enjoyed Elsie and Dean’s journey as someone who was in a long distance relationship in my 20s and could relate!
January 31, 2026
The book begins as Dean is telling Elise that their relationship is over. Then begins the story of why. Elise met Dean at her sister's wedding where she was a bridesmaid and he was the best man. There is instant chemistry between them. Between texts, facetimes, and even a visit, their chemistry grows deliciously. As they fall apart, there is growth from Elise in accepting and loving herself.
Favorite parts
-their dance at the wedding
-his visit to her hometown
-Elise going back to humanitarian work and finding herself.
Favorite quotes
“You deserve to be adored. And I’m just the man to do it,”
Doing something I love with people that have loved me through my growing pains. Being shown acceptance from this group of five people has made me learn how to accept myself. Even at my worst, I’m freaking incredible.
Favorite parts
-their dance at the wedding
-his visit to her hometown
-Elise going back to humanitarian work and finding herself.
Favorite quotes
“You deserve to be adored. And I’m just the man to do it,”
Doing something I love with people that have loved me through my growing pains. Being shown acceptance from this group of five people has made me learn how to accept myself. Even at my worst, I’m freaking incredible.
February 20, 2026
If you want a book that makes you feel seen then I would recommend this book. I saw so much of myself in Elise, how she self sabotages relationships and how she over analyzes all of her text messages. This was a sweet romcom that I would highly recommend for anyone to read!
February 20, 2026
I loved this book!
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