What If It Was Us

by Anna Lynn

Ten years apart can’t erase what never really ended

Ten years after fleeing her Michigan hometown, Addison Bianchi finally returns after inheriting her older brother’s house. After spending the past decade as a Nanny in North Carolina, she’s certain she’s only staying in Michigan long enough to fix up the house and return to the new life she created for herself. A life that doesn’t include any of the people she left behind.

When she returns to town the one person she doesn’t expect to run into is Jackson Delvecchio-the boy who was once her best friend, the boy who broke her heart, and now the man running his family’s beloved restaurant where they spent all their high school years working together. Jackson is different now, no longer the angsty teenager Addison once he’s patient, smiles, and impossible to avoid…especially when he insists on helping Addison with the house renovations.

Addison tries to keep her distance, but peeling back the layers of her old life forces her to confront the truth about what tore them apart—and what still flickers between them. As history threatens to repeat itself, Jackson inches closer to admitting his feelings while Addison does everything she can to run from hers.

As the house transforms, so does everything Addison thought she understood about home, forgiveness, and love. After two weeks with Jackson and the final touches nearly complete, she’s left with two return to her life in North Carolina, or risk her heart by staying in the one place she swore she’d never come back to.

What If It Was Us is a slow-burn story of second chances told in a dual timeline between Addison’s high school years and the present, following her journey as she discovers the meaning of love, family, and forgiveness.

Genres: Romance

321 pages, Kindle Edition

Published April 17, 2026

About the author

Welcome to my chaotic brain. I hope my stories can offer laughter, inspire healing, and help you find a way to feel understood.

Instagram @annalynnbooks

Reviews

[Gracelyn Cate]

{This is an ARC review}

What If It Was Us by Anna Lynn
𝘀𝗲𝗰𝗼𝗻𝗱 𝗰𝗵𝗮𝗻𝗰𝗲 • 𝗱𝘂𝗮𝗹 𝘁𝗶𝗺𝗲𝗹𝗶𝗻𝗲 • 𝗮𝘂𝘁𝗵𝗼𝗿 𝗱𝗲𝗯𝘂𝘁

| 𝘛𝘳𝘰𝘱𝘦𝘴– WHAT TO EXPECT |
☆ Best friends to lovers 👩‍❤️‍💋‍👨
☆ Found family ❤️‍🩹
☆ Then-Now format ⏳
☆ They both work at his family's Italian restaurant 🍕
☆ Music is their love language 🎶
☆ Open-door spice (1-2 scenes) 🔥

| 𝗧𝗿𝗶𝗴𝗴𝗲𝗿 𝘄𝗮𝗿𝗻𝗶𝗻𝗴𝘀!! |
- Substance abuse
- Neglectful home

| 𝘛𝘩𝘰𝘶𝘨𝘩𝘵𝘴 |
This book was so easy to devour! I'm usually pretty slow when it comes to reading, but I seriously could not put this one down. I was reading it everywhere–from the nail salon to my bedroom, plunged in darkness at 1AM. There's something seriously so addicting about the way this story unfolded. It felt like watching a coming of age movie! Or, like The Summer I Turned Pretty (without a Jeremiah Fisher 😂)

My favorite thing about this book was the nostalgia. Everything from the playlist, the pop culture references, fashion–everything was SO 2015 and I mean that in the best way. It made me miss that era so much. Give me back Tumblr, lolthatssotrue posts, the 1975, converse, John Green vibes, and dystopian movies in theaters. The setting was so vivid to me, which made me feel so warm and fuzzy for that time period.

I love the found family trope and how heavily it was woven throughout this particular story. I won't give anything away, but the Delvecchio family and Wren's family were seriously the sweetest. I'm so glad Addie was able to find them 💓 Peter's life was like a parallel of what Addie's life could have looked like, had she not chosen to invest in community. To me, that was pretty powerful.

Addie and Jackson came a long way throughout this story–as individuals and together as a couple. They both were realistic characters who had so much growing to do. I felt that by the end, they had really made progress on that journey and I was relieved when they finally got together for real ❤️

I liked that this book addressed the reality that change isn't a finite point in time, but a process. There will be times where you stumble back and times where you excel–it's about how you choose to respond. I feel like you know the characters are portrayed realistically when they keep alternating between pissing you off or making you proud 😂 Argh I was so mad at Jackson for the way he kept treating poor SOPHIE though 🥺 But also, she was equally on her own journey of growth.

In short, I think Anna did a great job at creating multidimensional humans ❤️

Definitely pick this one up if you want something fast paced and nostalgic, while also filled with depth ✨

...
*Please note: I don’t rate ARCS. I only write reviews. I don’t want to affect star averages before pub dates. I view my job with an ARC as an opportunity to share honest feedback for prospective readers, not to categorize or score ✨

[Brittany Wilcox · Rating 4 out of 5]

OH MY GOSH!!! I absolutely LOVED this book so much. Jackson & Addie’s love story is beautiful and true and so real! I also loved Addie & Julie’s sister relationship! Family isn’t always blood and this book proved that to be true. For a debut novel, this stole my heart and I am already hoping Jackson & Addie has a part 2 in the future 🤍❤️‍🩹

[Joyce Cueto-Nieves · Rating 5 out of 5]

I haven’t read a just romance book in a while and this was a perfect reintroduction to the genre. This book has so much depth. You feel so much longing, pain, and so much love. Not only did Addison find love with Jackson, but she also found love within the Develcchio family. I love a good found family story, everything tied so beautifully in the end I can’t wait to see what will come next 🥹❤️

[Anna Lynn · Rating 5 out of 5]

gotta 5 star my own book bc Jackson & Addie are my babies 🥲🥲

[Bris.reads.and.recs · Rating 5 out of 5]

This book is absolute GOLD for those who love second-chance romance, because Anna Lynn delivers a story about returning home, facing unresolved truths, and discovering that love doesn’t always disappear because of time.

Set against the quiet familiarity of a small Michigan town, it explores grief, forgiveness, and the weight of past choices with a raw honesty that feels intimate and relatable, while the shared history gives every interaction emotional depth, and the renovation becoming a powerful backdrop for healing, reflection, and vulnerability.

But at its core, this is a slow-burning reunion filled with lingering glances, unspoken regret, and a chemistry that never truly faded, serving as a written reminder that sometimes the hardest love stories are the ones worth returning to—and that second chances can be just as powerful as first ones.

It’s tender, painful, and hopeful in all the ways that make a meaningful story.

[Samantha · Rating 5 out of 5]

I absolutely loved this book! 🥹 I could feel chemistry and connection between these characters in my heart. It transported me back to be young and in love for the first time. Great read and wonderful writing! ♥️

[Hannah Spitzley · Rating 5 out of 5]

I loved reading this book! A dual timeline that left me wanting to keep reading every chapter, and giving depth for each character. I also love seeing the growth and change for the characters, while still keeping parts of themselves. A must read!!!

[Abi Juliet · Rating 5 out of 5]

Where do I even start! This book is filled with nostalgic vibes and I loved how I was able to feel like I was there with the characters when I was reading this book. I love how Jackson's family was so welcoming to Addison and how close of a relationship they had. These characters went through a lot in this book especially Addison and she could have gone down the wrong path like her brother but she found family and friends where she felt safe and didn’t let her fall. And Jackson where as he had made some bad decisions but he grew from that and became better. These characters were so relatable and I felt like I related to these characters in so many different ways. This book made me laugh, cry and be so frustrated at the same time. I loved reading this book and I would definitely recommend it!

[Megan Draper · Rating 5 out of 5]

This was the kind of book where you say “just one more chapter” until it’s too late on a work night and you’ve just finished the entire book. So good.

[Jenn · Rating 5 out of 5]

~ARC review~
“What If It Was Us” from debut author Anna Lynn coming out April 2026

✿ dual timeline
✿ found family
✿ second chance
✿ best friends to lovers

I absolutely adored this book! All of the characters were incredible, especially Addie and Jackson- and their love for each other was so beautiful. It made me laugh and feel so much nostalgia, especially with all the mentions of specific songs I also listened to in high school.

It reminded me of Christina Lauren’s “Love and Other Words” with its heartfelt story and the dual timeline between present day and adolescence, but it was undeniably very uniquely its own.

If you love romance, specifically the tropes mentioned above I would say that this is a must read!

“You’re my best friend, period. And I love you, period.” 🥺❤️

[Laura · Rating 5 out of 5]

4.5 ⭐️

Thank you Anna Lynn for sharing an eARC copy of your book with me!

Second chance romance and friends to lovers are two of my favorite tropes and Anna truly knocked it out of the park with this story. We follow a dual timeline story of high school best friends Addison and Jackson, who form a friendship with strong romantic under currents that they can’t necessarily act on due to some life circumstances. Anna did such a great job at conveying that familiar teenage angst, combined with the crazy first love feelings where everything feels life altering. Music plays a pivotal role in the story and the song references in the past timeframe took me right back and I knew exactly what time was in Anna’s head for the story based off the song choice referenced in the scene.
Present day Jackson irked me even more than past Jackson but he is 1. a man and 2. his name starts with a J 😂😂 just kidding. Listen our boy never claimed to be perfect okay?? Are the flaws there? Yes. Was I really frustrated at him at some points? Yes? Does he bring her food and they accidentally have matching tattoos? Also yes. Two imperfect people are perfect together and the family they are both loved by made it even better!!

Can’t wait to read what is next from this talented author 🩷

[Jamie · Rating 5 out of 5]

Amazing!! A love story that will keep you on your toes. This book has something for every type of reader.

[⋆˚࿔ Luiza 𝜗𝜚˚⋆ · Rating 2 out of 5]

•°. ❝ For every time Jackson did something to hurt me, there was always something selfless he'd do to redeem himself. ❞ *࿐

✎ᝰ. ★★ stars
✎ᝰ. 2.5/5 spice level
✎ᝰ. tropes:
𝜗𝜚 second chance romance
𝜗𝜚 protective MMC
𝜗𝜚 slow burn
𝜗𝜚 matching tattoos
𝜗𝜚 friends to lovers

˗ˏˋ ꒰ ✉︎ ꒱ ˎˊ˗

First of all, I would like to thank the author, Anna Lynn, for providing me with the e-ARC in exchange for my honest review. What If It Was Us comes out on April 17th, 2026!

This book was a roller coaster for me. I’m a sucker for dual timelines, so that was what got me completely hooked for the first quarter of the book. The initial “before” chapters were my favorites, and although I had some issues along the way, I enjoyed how the story developed throughout.

I’m going to start with the things I loved about this book. The side characters were my absolute favorite part, with a huge spotlight on Julie and Wren. They had me howling with laughter every time they appeared, and both hold a special place in my heart.

Addie, our FMC, was mostly a positive for me. I love how complex and well-developed her story was in the first half of the book, and I was so happy to see her find her family within the Delvecchio clan. The only thing I didn’t like was how naive and downright cruel she was toward Sophie, as well as how she was not only fine with, but actually enjoying, the fact that Jackson was cheating on Sophie with her. She seemed to take pleasure in the idea that he liked her more. Frankly, that’s just disgusting behavior.

As for the things I didn’t love, the main issue was the cheating, both emotional and physical, especially in the “now” timeline and in the latter half of the “before” chapters. And before someone tries to argue that “it was mostly touches and words,” just having the intention to cheat already makes you a cheater, especially when you are actively trying to act on it. Any physical touch with ulterior motives is cheating, whether it is a kiss on the lips or not. And to those who might disagree, I’ll say this: if your partner were acting this way with their “friend,” how would that make you feel?

I hated the fact that Jackson was dating or engaged while actively flirting with Addie, and I spent most of the book dreading the “now” chapters because of it. Instead of rooting for their love story, all I could think about was how sorry I felt for Sophie, because being betrayed like that is absolutely gut-wrenching. You could say this novel was a love story, but that’s only because it was told from Addie’s point of view. Had it been told from Sophie’s, it would have been a heartbreaking one.

Jackson, our MMC, was an asshole. Period. He was described as “protective,” but to me he was just a terrible human being who used others without a second thought for their feelings. He was selfish and inconsiderate, and his very few redeeming qualities were overshadowed by his awful choices.

This might be an unpopular opinion, but I do believe the main characters’ relationship became extremely toxic after the first few years. Addie herself said she forgave all the horrible things he said and did because he was sweet to her afterward, and the worst part was watching her feel guilty over things that were completely Jackson’s fault, while he let her feel that way instead of owning up to his mistakes. It felt like he knew, and was counting on, the fact that she would forgive him no matter how awful he was to her, and he was taking advantage of that. That’s not healthy and should not be normalized. A few mistakes are okay and even human, but a pattern like this isn’t.

Overall, I think this book had the potential to be great if not for the cheating aspect. I loved the writing style, and I think the author has an incredible talent with words. I will be keeping an eye out for future releases and will definitely be reading them, as long as they don’t include this plot point.

•°. ❝ I should have seen the signs — I should have known how bad it was. Was I really that blinded by my love for him that I never saw it? Or did I just not want to see it, because all I cared about back then was wanting him to want me? ❞ *࿐

✎ᝰ. trigger warnings (possible spoilers): parental abandonment, substance abuse, addiction, child abuse, mention of physical harm, violence, emotional cheating, cheating.

[ash · Rating 4 out of 5]

first— thank you so much to the author for this ARC!

3.75 rounded up!

This was such a good debut novel! I really enjoyed Addie and Jackson’s story and their chemistry. My favorite part of this entire story was easily Jackson’s family’s support of Addie and the genuine love that she was shown. Addie had a very traumatizing home life, and the Delvecchio’s took her in with no hesitation. I LOVE a found family trope so I appreciated that so much.

Second chance is an absolute favorite romance trope of mine. Anna did that REALLY well here with the dual timeline giving us an in depth look at their past and how they got to where they are now. I do tend to stay away from second chance that involves kids under 18 solely because I personally find it uncomfortable to read any sort of sexual tension between young adults, so that is my ONLY grievance with the dual timeline in this one!

I felt SO BAD for Sophie the entire time and I feel like I’m in the minority here! I really wish we could’ve seen Jackson having a conversation with her about all the things that occurred. There is a slight cheating trope here, so be mindful of that! I side-eyed Jackson SO MANY TIMES while reading this hahaha.

I LOVED the theme of using music to convey thoughts between these characters. It was so unlike anything I’ve read before and for me, so realistic. The playlist is phenomenal and the songs were so clearly carefully chosen to represent the moments perfectly.

Otherwise, this was a beautiful story about love and growth and family despite the cards that Addie was dealt. Thank goodness for families like the Delvecchios for showing up and showing out. Anna, thank you so much for the ARC opportunity. I loved this journey inside your brain. You handled some very tough topics with such grace and had my eyes filled with tears so many times. You are a gem and I can 100% believe that you came from a family like the Delvecchios, because it shows <3

[Kallie Street · Rating 5 out of 5]

✨“I never needed you to save me, Jackson. I just wanted you to love me back.” ✨

The ultimate second chance, friends to lovers story that you didn’t know you needed! It’s such a heartfelt, emotional, & beautiful love story of two kids who fall in love, but cannot be together.
But years later, they reconnect and find that the connection never faded after all these years, and now that they’re grown, they can rewrite their love story and have their happily ever after. 🥹

I could not put this book down!! The timelines fluctuated between the past and the present, from freshman year of high school all the way up to graduation and 10 years into the present.

Addison never knew her father and her mother abandoned her and her brother Peter. Peter was an alcoholic who verbally abused her at times.
So her home life was not ideal.

She found a job that became more than just a job. The family who owned it, they became her family. The found family trope is *chefs kiss* in this story!!

And that’s where Jackson comes in. He is the son of the owners of her job. He goes to the same school and they ride together to/from work and school. They spend so much time together & become best friends. They know they can’t fall for each other because it’ll destroy her work life and her only family she has now, if they don’t work out.
But they both secretly hope the other will just make a move. The slow burn is so so slow, but it’s so worth it in the end.

Found family, slow burn, SO much angst, mental health rep, substance abuse, physical abuse, friends to lovers, abandonment, are just some of the tropes in this book!

It is truly such a sweet love story that slowly formed from childhood friends, to moving away, to coming back as adults and realizing the love never went away. It only intensified as time passed. Highly recommend!! 💗

[madisyn (bookish verison) · Rating 4 out of 5]

WHAT IF IT WAS US | ★★★★☆ | KINDLE

jackson and addie. there was nothing simple about the two of them. there was always an eternal pull between them. whether time has passed or not they are forever intertwined.

addison bianchi wasn’t ever the picture perfect girl. her life was a mess. her mom? gone, forgotten in the dust. her dad? nonexistent. and her brother, peter. a raging alcoholic who is in control of addie’s life. the only one that stayed. when addie decides she wants control of her life she scrambles to find a job — that job ends up catapulting her life. however, as the years past after events between her and her star-crossed love, addie is drawn back to her hometown to deal with the mess left by her brother after his passing.

jackson delvecchio. addie’s once best friend, the boy who has broke addie’s heart more times than one could count. he became something that he never wanted to be, consumed by his addictions and poor choices, addie slips away from jackson, leaving him to pick up even more pieces than what he has broke in himself.

this story was captivating. there was nostalgia, the feeling of finding a home and family when you feel completely forgotten and unloved. it deals heavily with addiction, specifically alcoholism. the way my emotions towards the characters pulled at my heart because i understood where jackson was. did he make good choices? no. did i want to smack him upside the head? yes. but his struggles were real. he was in love with a woman he believed unattainable and not worthy of him because he was not worthy of himself. and addie. addie had to fight her way through life in the harshest manners and her journey with grief and being surrounded with addicts. even though her love never strayed.

[Annalee Moore · Rating 5 out of 5]

What a beautiful story. It's well-written, authentic, and utterly heartbreaking and heartwarming all at the same time. I always love a good friends to lovers novel, and this one was just that, but even more layered.

Her characters are deeply human, which means they're flawed, but they're also just like us. I honestly feel like I could walk down the street and possibly run into Addison, Jackson, Sophie, or Julie just by how realistic Anna was able to make them. Their complicated emotions felt so real to me, and I know I've experienced the same amount of jealousy that both Addie and Sophie had experienced throughout the novel, as well as the fear Addie has of entering her own household. The dialogue was witty, the banter was fun, but the story didn't shy away from darker themes, such as abuse, alcoholism, and drugs. I liked that these topics were included because it added to the complexity of the plot.

I especially loved this book because I've gotten to know the author herself! I don't think I can actually say that for any other books that I've ever read, and there's something so beautiful about being able to connect with the person who created Addie and Jackson's world.

[Addy · Rating 5 out of 5]

5 Stars 🌟
Thank you to the author for this ARC! 🩵

If we're being real here, I signed up for this one because I have the exact same name/nickname as the FMC, and that's so fun! 😂 I heavily enjoyed this one! It was a funny, beautiful, heartfelt story. While reading, I was so invested that I was physically anxious in a way that I kept waiting for the other shoe to drop. This book absolutely pulled me in entirely. The time jumps I especially want to point out, because I feel as though it really allowed for a better understanding of Addison and Jackson's history. It was executed very well!

What If It Was Us was one hell of an emotional roller-coaster! There were a handful of deeper topics discussed, and they were navigated phenomenally within the novel. It didn't quite make me cry, but I'll admit that it was close. If you're looking for an emotional, deep, but also sweet romance read full of heartbreak and a history that can't be ignored, consider adding this one to your TBR!

Okay. This is irrelevant, but I'm a nerd and must comment on it. I was beyond ecstatic to see an Alec Benjamin song cameo! He's been my favorite artist since I was in middle school, and he's not too commonly known. :]

[Brooke’s Shelves · Rating 5 out of 5]

I’m SORRY did you think you’d read this book and move on like nothing has been changed PERMANENTLY in your brain chemistry? You’d be wrong, I sure was.
I finished this book a week ago and have been trying to get my ducks (emotions) in a row (sorted the f out) before writing this review and I’ve come to the conclusion it’s just not going to happen. Anna you are SO talented. The way I liked, then disliked, then LOVED, then categorically hated and now would die for so many of these characters needs to be studied. I was ill-prepared for the emotional rollercoaster and I think that made it so impactful. I love a found family trope but this was so much deeper than anything I’ve experienced. Accidental matching tattoos were ✨fantastic✨ but what do you mean he found her and chose to let her go because she was happy?! I’m sorry I can’t 😭
Also, the playlist being perfect is made so much better by the fact that the songs are mentioned throughout the book so we can really get a feel for how the moment felt. Ugh I love everything about it!!
I wish I could give this 10-stars, I cried again writing this by the way xxx

[Taneesha · Rating 5 out of 5]

What If It Was Us took me on such a heartfelt, emotional journey. Addison and Jackson’s story is filled with all the firsts-first jobs, first kisses, first love, and that raw, sometimes messy experience of growing up and trying to find your place in the world. It has this quiet, nostalgic quality that pulls you in and makes you reflect on your own past in the most bittersweet way.

I truly adored the characters in this one. The Delvecchios felt so real and full of warmth, the kind of family you wish you could step into. You can really see how much they shaped Addison’s life, and it’s hard not to think about how different her path could have been without them.

What stood out most to me was how intentional everything felt. Every detail, every moment, every piece of the story had a purpose. It all came together so seamlessly, and you could feel the care behind it from beginning to end.

And Jackson, even at his worst, I couldn’t help but have a soft spot for him. He was complicated, frustrating at times, but also deeply human, and honestly, he might have been my favorite.

This debut was such a beautiful, emotional read, and I’d definitely recommend grabbing a copy if you love stories that make you feel and reflect long after you finish.

[Rani El-Amin · Rating 4 out of 5]

4.25⭐️ (arc review!)

Thank you to my friend Anna for allowing me to experience Addie and Jackson’s story! It was so beautiful and relatable.

What I loved most about the story was of course Addie finding her own family through the Delveccios, I just loved reading about her being loved by their family as if they were her own. Everyone deserves a love like that and knowing that you don’t have to be blood to be considered family. My favorite parts were when Addie, Julie and Jackson had their mini concerts singing together - I loved that music was their love language!

Addie and Jackson ugh my heart, my loves, they were so cute together from the very beginning. I enjoy a good friends to lovers trope. I swear this love story made me wish I had a first love in high school😭 The the romance was so cute and I’m glad they found their way back to each other, but the time apart was probably needed lol that was an emotional rollercoaster, but in the best way.

So proud of Anna and her debut novel, I can’t wait to read the next book (Sophie?? *wink wink*)

[bookworm.mia · Rating 5 out of 5]

ANNA!!! I’m so proud of you and this book ❤️

I read this book in one sitting (it was so good that I couldn’t put it down!) and I instantly loved the captivating writing style, the friends-to-lovers plot, the cute humor, and the moments that were tugging at my heartstrings.

I instantly became invested in the characters. Along with being a fan of Jackson and Addie, I also loved the relationship between Jackson and Julie, and the way Addie was accepted by their family. It was truly heartwarming to see all the ways they loved Addie, and how they made her feel part of their family.

I also absolutely adored all of the song references (the Taylor Swift songs, the 2000s throwback songs, Gracie Abrams, Noah Kahan, etc.)!

This was such a great book, and I will read anything Anna Lynn writes!!!

[Johanna Selfridge · Rating 5 out of 5]

Jackson and Addison’s story is told through a dual timeline, effortlessly flowing from their teenage years to the current day. From best friends to lovers to no contact, how will their story end when Addison is forced to return to her hometown and face the past?

I devoured What If It Was Us in two days. If I didn’t have little people depending on me to survive I would’ve had it done in one sitting. This story broke my heart, made me physically ache, and put my heart back together piece by piece. Music is also a huge part of telling this story, so there’s a great playlist included. If you like a good second chance romance that will make you feel like the characters are your friends, then this is it!

[Kayla McKibben · Rating 4 out of 5]

First, I’m so thankful I received this ARC from the author! For a debut novel, I adored this book. Sometimes I don’t love dual timelines but this was so well-balanced and there were so many delicate themes handled so well! A sweet friends-to-lovers, found family romance that I would love to recommend!

I also loved the songs sprinkled throughout the story to connect to the main character feelings. Side note, huge Taylor Swift fan and appreciated so many references to her songs as well.

Favorite quote: “You’re my best friend, period. I love you, period.” 🤍

Trigger warnings: I was aware heading into this read but you should be too. Substance abuse, domestic abuse, and grief present throughout.

[Drew Sandoval · Rating 5 out of 5]

Such a beautiful love story between two people who allowed trauma and some poor life decisions to come between them, but when timing was right, they found each other again 😭

Not only did I love the dual POV between Jackson and Addi, but the Delveccio family is something truly special. If there were more Marie’s in this world, I think we’d be in a better place as a society. Addi needed a home and love and care and she got that without question. I was absolutely bawling at few chapters (15 and 30!!!!!)

Last but not least, can we talk about all the fun song references?! Taylor, Gracie, Noah, Royal Otis, Role Model, Jbiebz?!? Remarkable 🤌🏼

What a great debut by Anna! Would definitely recommend.

[Presley · Rating 5 out of 5]

Addison and Jackson will forever hold such a special place in my heart. The love, the heartache, the angst, just all the feelings! I love the dual time line and feeling so connected with the characters. The found family and some of my favorite scenes that I can’t say cause I don’t want to give spoilers! I will never get over Addie and Jackson for as long as I breathe😫 I will forever love them and hold them in my heart. If you haven’t please go and read this amazing story!

“I never needed you to save me I just wanted you to love me back.”
“I always did.”

“You’re my best friend. Period.
And I love you. Period.”

[Julia Darminio · Rating 4 out of 5]

{ARC READ}
4 ⭐️


I absolutely loved this book! I flew through it in just two days. It’s a beautifully done second-chance romance with strong found-family vibes (my favorite), and I was rooting for the characters from the very first chapter. I genuinely fell in love with them and their story.

I usually struggle with dual-timeline stories (because I get bored easily), but this one felt important & necessary. The past timeline never felt like filler and I stayed fully invested in both timelines from start to finish.

I can’t wait to read more of Anna’s work. HIGHLY RECOMMEND!!!!

[Molly Post · Rating 4 out of 5]

I was lucky enough to be granted ARC access to this story, and I’m SO glad I was! Addie & Jackson are two characters I loved to get to know!

Found family, female friendships, friends to lovers, back to friends, back to lovers?? I just LOVED every trope this story offered! The banter is laugh-out-loud funny, the metaphors are enough to make you stop & think, and the emotional moments are so well written that I had tears in my eyes more times than I could count.

What an amazing read! You have a fan for life, Anna!

[Shelby MacNaught · Rating 5 out of 5]

This book was a 6 star read for me. Easily one of my favourite books I’ve read. Jackson and Addie have overcome so much together it was so beautiful to watch. I couldn’t read it fast enough yet I wanted to savour it. It made me feel like I was on a rollercoaster of emotions in the best way 🥰 I can’t recommend it enough!!

[Maddy Preston · Rating 4 out of 5]

What If It Was Us written by Anna Lynn, is a beautifully written and emotionally layered romance that explores the impact of two vastly different upbringings, as well as the quiet intensity of unspoken feelings.

At its core, this story follows two characters who have loved each other since childhood, yet are bound by a promise that keeps them from ever truly acting on those feelings. That tension wanting but being unable to have runs deeply throughout the novel and adds a heartfelt edge to every interaction.

The story really knows how to hit you in the feels one minute you’re smiling, the next it’s pulling at your heart. The way Anna Lynn handles heavier topics like abuse and abandonment feels thoughtful and real, never overdone but still impactful. It adds so much depth to the characters and makes everything they go through feel genuine.

Overall, What If It Was Us is a compelling and heartfelt read that lingers long after the final page. I highly recommend this book and would say it’s perfect for readers who enjoy slow-burn romance, emotional complexity, and stories that aren’t afraid to explore difficult truths. A massive thank you to Anna for providing me with an ARC of her debut novel! All opinions are my own.