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Red: Code Names #1
"I'll always run toward you."
Milli
Even with this heart condition, I have played more shows with my band, Code Names, in the last three years than I can count. None have ever ended and left me feeling like tonight did. It should have been my sign to go home, especially when most people run for the hills when they ultimately decide I’m dying. Instead, I’m panicking. The same guy I met and made out with last night, the guy my best friend broke up with her boyfriend for, is the man who now sits across from me, looking at me in a way that makes me want to break every rule I’ve given myself.
Lincoln
Should I know better? Yes. Should I get up and leave? Also, yes. But the look in her eyes is challenging every semblance of my self-control, and all I can think about is pinning her against the wall, much like I did last night. The problem? Her best friend is my physics tutor. We almost had something going until I met Red at the bar. Not much is holding me back, but if that first kiss with her were to turn into more, I’d have to explain why my mother is in prison instead of cheering me on at the hockey arena. Sharing that side of me rarely goes well. Still, part of me is willing to loosen the reins if it means I might kiss her one more time.
Book 1 of Code Names
Milli
Even with this heart condition, I have played more shows with my band, Code Names, in the last three years than I can count. None have ever ended and left me feeling like tonight did. It should have been my sign to go home, especially when most people run for the hills when they ultimately decide I’m dying. Instead, I’m panicking. The same guy I met and made out with last night, the guy my best friend broke up with her boyfriend for, is the man who now sits across from me, looking at me in a way that makes me want to break every rule I’ve given myself.
Lincoln
Should I know better? Yes. Should I get up and leave? Also, yes. But the look in her eyes is challenging every semblance of my self-control, and all I can think about is pinning her against the wall, much like I did last night. The problem? Her best friend is my physics tutor. We almost had something going until I met Red at the bar. Not much is holding me back, but if that first kiss with her were to turn into more, I’d have to explain why my mother is in prison instead of cheering me on at the hockey arena. Sharing that side of me rarely goes well. Still, part of me is willing to loosen the reins if it means I might kiss her one more time.
Book 1 of Code Names
356 pages, Paperback
Published January 6, 2026
3 people are currently reading
2 people want to read
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Displaying 1 - 6 of 6 reviews
December 29, 2025
*Received this book as an ARC*
“‘I won't ever run away from you. I’ll always run toward you.’”
It took everything I had to make myself stop reading to sleep! Then immediately finished it the following morning. I really enjoyed this storyline and can’t wait for the rest of the series!
There was so many different layers to this story that made it messy, in the best way! I was filled with so much emotions that had my brain all over the place (enjoyment, love, confusion, frustration, hope, excitement, anger, sadness, etc.)
“There’s a certain serenity to rain and storms. When the rest of the world has tucked itself away, hidden from the chaos, that’s when I come out, when I flourish. Because while everyone else would rather remain hidden from Mother Nature, I’d rather she see me for me, all of me.”
“‘I won't ever run away from you. I’ll always run toward you.’”
It took everything I had to make myself stop reading to sleep! Then immediately finished it the following morning. I really enjoyed this storyline and can’t wait for the rest of the series!
There was so many different layers to this story that made it messy, in the best way! I was filled with so much emotions that had my brain all over the place (enjoyment, love, confusion, frustration, hope, excitement, anger, sadness, etc.)
“There’s a certain serenity to rain and storms. When the rest of the world has tucked itself away, hidden from the chaos, that’s when I come out, when I flourish. Because while everyone else would rather remain hidden from Mother Nature, I’d rather she see me for me, all of me.”
December 29, 2025
I was lucky enough to get this as an Arc reader !!! I couldn’t put it down, and read it all in one day !!!
This book explores the balance between whit and romance !!! I found myself picturing who I would cast in different roles !! Love this next step for the amazing author Jess Turner!!
This book explores the balance between whit and romance !!! I found myself picturing who I would cast in different roles !! Love this next step for the amazing author Jess Turner!!
January 6, 2026
Around halfway through this book I realized why I love Jess's books so much: the side characters. The side characters in this book specifically are really important and she manages to give them so much life and personality while still being able to give the main duo enough space on page to grow as a couple and make their chemistry believable.
Anyway, if a book features an up-and-coming band singer, a long-distance relationship, a sprinkle of a hockey player boyfriend, toxic friendships, and childhood friends distancing over time as they grow up, and that intrigues you then pick this book up and stay up until 1am two nights in a row to finish it.
Thank you to the author for an ARC of this book in exchange for an honest review.
Anyway, if a book features an up-and-coming band singer, a long-distance relationship, a sprinkle of a hockey player boyfriend, toxic friendships, and childhood friends distancing over time as they grow up, and that intrigues you then pick this book up and stay up until 1am two nights in a row to finish it.
Thank you to the author for an ARC of this book in exchange for an honest review.
Review of advance copy received from Author
Received this as an ARC reader - such a good book! I couldn’t put it down. Through all of the love & loss, the story was incredible. I was hooked from page one to the end. Thanks for the opportunity to read it before the release, Jess!
January 10, 2026
I have been so excited for this book! I fell in love with the characters instantly and I was hooked. this book had me kicking my feet, giggling, and shook all at the same time! I cannot wait to see what the rest of the series brings for these characters
January 5, 2026
Received Red as an ARC and was so excited to read it. I couldn’t put it down! Once again, Jess provided a great story with beautiful characters. ❤️
Displaying 1 - 6 of 6 reviews