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The Year We Became More
Senior year is supposed to be unforgettable.
For Addie, it’s just another year of disappearing into the background, a skill she’s perfected after years of whispers that never really died down. She’s brilliant, careful, and determined to keep her world small enough that no one can hurt her again.
Jackson has spent just as long trying to forget. A new school means another chance to outrun the ghosts that trail him and the mistakes that still own too much of his mind.
Neither of them expects to be seen, not really. One unexpected night pulls them into each other’s orbit, and the walls they’ve lived behind start to crack. As old wounds resurface and new feelings spark to life, Addie and Jackson find themselves standing on the edge of a senior year that could either save them… or break them all over again.
For Addie, it’s just another year of disappearing into the background, a skill she’s perfected after years of whispers that never really died down. She’s brilliant, careful, and determined to keep her world small enough that no one can hurt her again.
Jackson has spent just as long trying to forget. A new school means another chance to outrun the ghosts that trail him and the mistakes that still own too much of his mind.
Neither of them expects to be seen, not really. One unexpected night pulls them into each other’s orbit, and the walls they’ve lived behind start to crack. As old wounds resurface and new feelings spark to life, Addie and Jackson find themselves standing on the edge of a senior year that could either save them… or break them all over again.
- GenresRomance
350 pages, Kindle Edition
Published February 14, 2026
About the author
Amber Irene
1 book5 followersAmber Irene resides in New York City with her partner and their two cats. When she is not writing, she can be found wandering through bookshops, sipping on coffee, or reading books. She gravitates toward stories rooted in perseverance and in finding love in the darkest of places. Her inspiration for writing began with her own journey, which taught her the power of resilience and the beauty of healing. She has spent close to a decade as a special education teacher in Washington Heights, the neighborhood that raised her. Her work in the classroom fuels her belief that being born different does not limit your ability. It strengthens it. As a writer, she brings that same conviction to every story she tells. She also cries whenever an underdog rises, most recently during Tanjiro and Tengen’s fight against Gyutaro in the Entertainment District arc. Naruto and All Might still hold the record for past tears though.
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Displaying 1 - 22 of 22 reviews
March 15, 2026
ARC from Netgalley
The year we became more is a story about a girl whom struggled with insecurity most of her life because of her cleft lip and a boy who fell intro drugs after trauma. This book is definitely on the upper YA side and you should check the trigger warnings first. If you’re someone who loved binding 13 then this should be right up your alley. It’s a sweet book that portrays both characters dealing with their own issues and becoming stronger together. The portrayal of teenagers and the friend group was done really well in my opinion that it felt easy to like the characters and connect with them. The characters love story felt soft and pure. I really love the therapy sessions portrayal and how it felt like it was actually helpful unlike multiple books I’ve read. I only had two issues with the book which were how absent Addie’s mom was especially when it came to her emotions given she’s a psychologist and how the fact that he was a drug addict wasn’t taken as seriously (ex: how it’s really easily disregarded that he’s driving while high yet addie doesn’t really think about that and ignores it). Overall, it was a nice read and I’d love to see the other relationships in the friend grp develop too!
The year we became more is a story about a girl whom struggled with insecurity most of her life because of her cleft lip and a boy who fell intro drugs after trauma. This book is definitely on the upper YA side and you should check the trigger warnings first. If you’re someone who loved binding 13 then this should be right up your alley. It’s a sweet book that portrays both characters dealing with their own issues and becoming stronger together. The portrayal of teenagers and the friend group was done really well in my opinion that it felt easy to like the characters and connect with them. The characters love story felt soft and pure. I really love the therapy sessions portrayal and how it felt like it was actually helpful unlike multiple books I’ve read. I only had two issues with the book which were how absent Addie’s mom was especially when it came to her emotions given she’s a psychologist and how the fact that he was a drug addict wasn’t taken as seriously (ex: how it’s really easily disregarded that he’s driving while high yet addie doesn’t really think about that and ignores it). Overall, it was a nice read and I’d love to see the other relationships in the friend grp develop too!
March 24, 2026
╔════════════════════════╗
💕✨ 𝓟𝓻𝓮-𝓡𝓮𝓪𝓭 ✨💕
╚════════════════════════╝
A huge thank you to netgalley, Franklin Publishers, and Ambre Irene for this ARC in exchange for an honest review.
⭐⭐⭐⭐
For me personally I just didn't feel too emotionally invested in the mmc and the fmc sadly for majority of the book which i think was because I wasn't in the mood for a contemporary read. I think that the grief aspect of the book was done really well and was tailored to addie and jax as their characters. I was heartbroken to see them hurt, buting finding love through the hurt was beautiful.Zahara did annoy me at times and really pissed me off. But the rest if the side characters were great. The therapy sessions felt real and really made me happy to see in a book.
💕✨ 𝓟𝓻𝓮-𝓡𝓮𝓪𝓭 ✨💕
╚════════════════════════╝
A huge thank you to netgalley, Franklin Publishers, and Ambre Irene for this ARC in exchange for an honest review.
⭐⭐⭐⭐
For me personally I just didn't feel too emotionally invested in the mmc and the fmc sadly for majority of the book which i think was because I wasn't in the mood for a contemporary read. I think that the grief aspect of the book was done really well and was tailored to addie and jax as their characters. I was heartbroken to see them hurt, buting finding love through the hurt was beautiful.Zahara did annoy me at times and really pissed me off. But the rest if the side characters were great. The therapy sessions felt real and really made me happy to see in a book.
April 13, 2026
Thank you NetGalley and Franklin Publishers for providing me with this ebook.
4.75 stars. I highly recommend The Year We Became More. I love the characters very much because they were all different and they meshed together amazingly. I loved how Addie and Jax supported each other through everything no matter what; they genuinely cared for each other. I could really feel their love through the pages as if I were surrounded by it. I felt my heart break for what the characters have been through, and I was so proud of them for how much they grew throughout the story.
I also adore how the story spans over a whole school year. Readers really get to experience their relationship endure through hardship yet flourish at the same time. The family of friends that they found truly enhanced the storyline. I can see how Jax evolves, from starting to warm up to everyone to having friends. That made me feel so warm inside. And, Jax turned to drugs because of some big trauma that you’ll just have to read to find out, which was extremely sad.
Besides Jax, Addie also transforms in a touching way. Having a cleft lip in the beginning of the story, Addie struggles with her appearance because of it and finally comes to terms with her looks.
I truly love how although this book deals with lots of depressing and hard topics, it was written in a warm style that gives hope to readers about the characters. All in all, the whole story flowed very naturally like a river, smoothly and beautifully with occasional strong currents. I implore you to read it. I will say it is upper YA, so just go into the book knowing that and maybe check trigger warnings. I will definitely read anything else Amber Irene writes.
4.75 stars. I highly recommend The Year We Became More. I love the characters very much because they were all different and they meshed together amazingly. I loved how Addie and Jax supported each other through everything no matter what; they genuinely cared for each other. I could really feel their love through the pages as if I were surrounded by it. I felt my heart break for what the characters have been through, and I was so proud of them for how much they grew throughout the story.
I also adore how the story spans over a whole school year. Readers really get to experience their relationship endure through hardship yet flourish at the same time. The family of friends that they found truly enhanced the storyline. I can see how Jax evolves, from starting to warm up to everyone to having friends. That made me feel so warm inside. And, Jax turned to drugs because of some big trauma that you’ll just have to read to find out, which was extremely sad.
Besides Jax, Addie also transforms in a touching way. Having a cleft lip in the beginning of the story, Addie struggles with her appearance because of it and finally comes to terms with her looks.
I truly love how although this book deals with lots of depressing and hard topics, it was written in a warm style that gives hope to readers about the characters. All in all, the whole story flowed very naturally like a river, smoothly and beautifully with occasional strong currents. I implore you to read it. I will say it is upper YA, so just go into the book knowing that and maybe check trigger warnings. I will definitely read anything else Amber Irene writes.
February 12, 2026
The Year We Became More by Amber Irene is a deep, emotional story that focuses on two characters: Addie and Jackson. Addie is a girl who was born with a cleft lip, and the story highlights her struggles with her outward image regarding her scars from many, many surgeries. Jackson is the new kid at school, who lost his mother the year before, and has been drowning in grief and addiction ever since.
While reading, I found myself growing more and more connected and attached to each character. The story was compelling, the characters were impactful, and all-together, I enjoyed every page.
Having entered this story with a lack of understanding of the nature and struggles of those who have cleft lips, I read the last page feeling a whole lot more aware of the situation that The Year We Became More was addressing. It helped recognize the struggles that those born with cleft lips go through, both mentally and socially. I appreciate the way that so many different things that teenagers could struggle with as they go through the final stretch of high school were addressed throughout this book, the struggles ranging from addiction to the cleft lip that Addie has. It recognizes the fact that everyone is struggling with something, and that everyone can overcome it if they’re surrounded by those who are cheering for them.
As these characters walk through their final year of high school, Addie and Jackson bump into each other and tilt each other’s worlds on their axes. Addie helps Jackson with his grief and addiction while Jackson helps Addie gain her confidence and self-joy. The two of them build each other up, and I believe that is an amazing example of how we can use those around us to build each other up as well.
This book is a beautiful example of how our struggles do not define us, and that there is always a way out, whether it takes us until senior year or a little bit longer. Addiction and bullying may feel like the end of your life, but this book deigns to show that it doesn’t last forever. Your appearance, demons, and shadows fade with time, but only if you fight back.
Amber Irene did an immaculate job writing The Year We Became More, and I absolutely loved every page of this book. I’d recommend this book to anyone who asks, and give this book an unregretful 5-star rating.
Thank you Amber Irene, Netgalley, and Franklin Publishers for the ARC of this book. It was absolutely beautiful and I’m excited to read more of Amber Irene’s books to come.
While reading, I found myself growing more and more connected and attached to each character. The story was compelling, the characters were impactful, and all-together, I enjoyed every page.
Having entered this story with a lack of understanding of the nature and struggles of those who have cleft lips, I read the last page feeling a whole lot more aware of the situation that The Year We Became More was addressing. It helped recognize the struggles that those born with cleft lips go through, both mentally and socially. I appreciate the way that so many different things that teenagers could struggle with as they go through the final stretch of high school were addressed throughout this book, the struggles ranging from addiction to the cleft lip that Addie has. It recognizes the fact that everyone is struggling with something, and that everyone can overcome it if they’re surrounded by those who are cheering for them.
As these characters walk through their final year of high school, Addie and Jackson bump into each other and tilt each other’s worlds on their axes. Addie helps Jackson with his grief and addiction while Jackson helps Addie gain her confidence and self-joy. The two of them build each other up, and I believe that is an amazing example of how we can use those around us to build each other up as well.
This book is a beautiful example of how our struggles do not define us, and that there is always a way out, whether it takes us until senior year or a little bit longer. Addiction and bullying may feel like the end of your life, but this book deigns to show that it doesn’t last forever. Your appearance, demons, and shadows fade with time, but only if you fight back.
Amber Irene did an immaculate job writing The Year We Became More, and I absolutely loved every page of this book. I’d recommend this book to anyone who asks, and give this book an unregretful 5-star rating.
Thank you Amber Irene, Netgalley, and Franklin Publishers for the ARC of this book. It was absolutely beautiful and I’m excited to read more of Amber Irene’s books to come.
Did Not Finish
June 19, 2026Unfortunately I could not get through this. It was very cringe, and had instalove which is one of my least favorite tropes. I couldn't get myself to care for this. Finalboss pick me, and I can fix him...
February 24, 2026
The characters in this novel are incredibly well-developed, providing a depth that resonates with readers on multiple levels. They are not only funny at times but also realistic and beautifully flawed, which allows readers to connect, relate, and grow alongside them throughout their journeys. Addie, the main female protagonist, is a strikingly beautiful character who embodies a myriad of admirable traits. She is funny, hardworking, kind, and incredibly smart, shining brightly with a heart of gold. Readers find themselves relating to her struggles and triumphs, as they witness her navigate through her scars and insecurities. Her undying kindness and love for her friends serve as a beacon of hope and warmth, making her a character that readers can genuinely connect with and grow alongside.
Jackson, another pivotal character in the story, is wonderfully flawed as well. His life is marked by loss and grief, and he grapples with mental health challenges that many readers may find familiar. Through Jackson's experiences, readers are given the opportunity to learn and connect with his humor and kindness. His struggles and growth are portrayed with sincerity, and his unwavering support for his friends adds layers to his character that are both relatable and inspiring.
The side characters, who can be seen as the friends we all need in our lives, contribute significantly to the narrative. Zahara is the outspoken and outgoing free spirit who tells it like it is—not out of rudeness, but from a place of genuine care, knowing that sometimes the truth can be difficult to hear. Yet, she is always there to support her friends through thick and thin. Yoona, on the other hand, is the quiet and reserved friend whose artistic nature offers a unique perspective on the world. Her kindness and intelligence shine through in subtle ways, making her an invaluable part of the group. Matthew, the tough yet quiet guy, brings humor and moments of camaraderie, grounding the group in his own understated way. Lastly, Liam is the outgoing and serious character whose determination surprises everyone. He embodies the spirit of fun, whether he’s dressing up in a onesie for a sleepover or offering his unwavering support during challenging times. Although they are side characters, their contributions are essential to the story, making them main characters in their own right. Their friendships with Addie and Jackson add richness to the narrative, highlighting the importance of connection and support.
The settings throughout the novel are beautifully described, vivid yet not overly elaborate, creating an immersive experience that helps set the tone and mood of the story. Each location is crafted with care, allowing readers to feel as though they are stepping into the world alongside the characters. The writing itself is a blend of beauty and poetry, deeply personal and emotional at times. This style draws readers in, making them feel as if they are experiencing the characters' emotions and events firsthand.
The plot is intricately developed and well-paced, harmoniously pairing with the writing style, settings, and character arcs. It showcases a variety of interconnected stories, allowing readers to learn, grow, and connect with the characters on a profound level. The emotional journey is so compelling that readers may find themselves crying tears of joy by the end, feeling an overwhelming sense of pride and happiness for the characters’ growth from beginning to end.
Furthermore, the book is rich in representation, touching on themes such as cleft lip, anxiety, addiction, grief, and trauma. Each of these topics is handled with care and authenticity, providing an educational aspect that resonates deeply. The narrative teaches valuable lessons, encouraging readers to embrace their scars as symbols of strength and beauty rather than weakness. It also emphasizes the importance of overcoming anxiety in various ways and illustrates that seeking help is not a sign of weakness, but rather a courageous step toward healing. The power of a strong support system and the significance of friendship are highlighted throughout, showcasing the self-discovery journey that is often fraught with ups and downs. Life is depicted as a winding path filled with bumps and bruises, each experience teaching us something valuable and contributing to our growth.
The romantic elements of the story are also noteworthy. While there are multiple romances woven throughout the narrative, the true essence of these relationships can only be fully appreciated by reading the book. They are authentically developed, realistic, and emotionally charged, grounded in truth and honesty. The ups and downs of these relationships serve to enhance the overall narrative, adding depth and complexity to the characters' experiences.
"The Year We Became More" by Amber Irene is a debut novel that transcends the typical boundaries of contemporary romance. Within its pages, readers will find a wealth of opportunities to learn, grow, connect with, and love the characters and their journeys as if they were their own. This book comes highly recommended for anyone who is not afraid to delve into a story that will stop them in their tracks, make their hearts grow, melt, and even break at times. It promises laughter, smiles, and yes, even tears, all in the name of witnessing the growth and journey of characters that readers can’t help but root for and grow to love more and more with each turning page.
I appreciate Netgalley, the author, and the publisher for providing an E-ARC of the book for review. All views expressed are my own and are based on my personal experience with the book.
Jackson, another pivotal character in the story, is wonderfully flawed as well. His life is marked by loss and grief, and he grapples with mental health challenges that many readers may find familiar. Through Jackson's experiences, readers are given the opportunity to learn and connect with his humor and kindness. His struggles and growth are portrayed with sincerity, and his unwavering support for his friends adds layers to his character that are both relatable and inspiring.
The side characters, who can be seen as the friends we all need in our lives, contribute significantly to the narrative. Zahara is the outspoken and outgoing free spirit who tells it like it is—not out of rudeness, but from a place of genuine care, knowing that sometimes the truth can be difficult to hear. Yet, she is always there to support her friends through thick and thin. Yoona, on the other hand, is the quiet and reserved friend whose artistic nature offers a unique perspective on the world. Her kindness and intelligence shine through in subtle ways, making her an invaluable part of the group. Matthew, the tough yet quiet guy, brings humor and moments of camaraderie, grounding the group in his own understated way. Lastly, Liam is the outgoing and serious character whose determination surprises everyone. He embodies the spirit of fun, whether he’s dressing up in a onesie for a sleepover or offering his unwavering support during challenging times. Although they are side characters, their contributions are essential to the story, making them main characters in their own right. Their friendships with Addie and Jackson add richness to the narrative, highlighting the importance of connection and support.
The settings throughout the novel are beautifully described, vivid yet not overly elaborate, creating an immersive experience that helps set the tone and mood of the story. Each location is crafted with care, allowing readers to feel as though they are stepping into the world alongside the characters. The writing itself is a blend of beauty and poetry, deeply personal and emotional at times. This style draws readers in, making them feel as if they are experiencing the characters' emotions and events firsthand.
The plot is intricately developed and well-paced, harmoniously pairing with the writing style, settings, and character arcs. It showcases a variety of interconnected stories, allowing readers to learn, grow, and connect with the characters on a profound level. The emotional journey is so compelling that readers may find themselves crying tears of joy by the end, feeling an overwhelming sense of pride and happiness for the characters’ growth from beginning to end.
Furthermore, the book is rich in representation, touching on themes such as cleft lip, anxiety, addiction, grief, and trauma. Each of these topics is handled with care and authenticity, providing an educational aspect that resonates deeply. The narrative teaches valuable lessons, encouraging readers to embrace their scars as symbols of strength and beauty rather than weakness. It also emphasizes the importance of overcoming anxiety in various ways and illustrates that seeking help is not a sign of weakness, but rather a courageous step toward healing. The power of a strong support system and the significance of friendship are highlighted throughout, showcasing the self-discovery journey that is often fraught with ups and downs. Life is depicted as a winding path filled with bumps and bruises, each experience teaching us something valuable and contributing to our growth.
The romantic elements of the story are also noteworthy. While there are multiple romances woven throughout the narrative, the true essence of these relationships can only be fully appreciated by reading the book. They are authentically developed, realistic, and emotionally charged, grounded in truth and honesty. The ups and downs of these relationships serve to enhance the overall narrative, adding depth and complexity to the characters' experiences.
"The Year We Became More" by Amber Irene is a debut novel that transcends the typical boundaries of contemporary romance. Within its pages, readers will find a wealth of opportunities to learn, grow, connect with, and love the characters and their journeys as if they were their own. This book comes highly recommended for anyone who is not afraid to delve into a story that will stop them in their tracks, make their hearts grow, melt, and even break at times. It promises laughter, smiles, and yes, even tears, all in the name of witnessing the growth and journey of characters that readers can’t help but root for and grow to love more and more with each turning page.
I appreciate Netgalley, the author, and the publisher for providing an E-ARC of the book for review. All views expressed are my own and are based on my personal experience with the book.
March 30, 2026
ARC Read thanks to NetGalley
The Year We Became More is an upper YA romance novel that doesn't shy away from the hard topics and honestly that's exactly what made it stand out to me.
What I loved most was how genuinely and thoughtfully the author approached topics like cleft lip, mental health and learning disabilities. These aren't just background details, they are woven into the heart of the story that feels real, respectful and deeply important. Representation like this in YA is something readers deserve more of and this book delivers it beautifully. It is the kind of story that makes you feel seen and helps you to understand someone else's experience a little better. Which I think in this day and age is something we need more of.
Please do check trigger warnings before picking this up as it covers some heavy themes but for readers who are ready for it this is a genuinely moving and worthwhile read.
Liked this review? Check out my instagram @sash_wilcox for more reviews and book content!
The Year We Became More is an upper YA romance novel that doesn't shy away from the hard topics and honestly that's exactly what made it stand out to me.
What I loved most was how genuinely and thoughtfully the author approached topics like cleft lip, mental health and learning disabilities. These aren't just background details, they are woven into the heart of the story that feels real, respectful and deeply important. Representation like this in YA is something readers deserve more of and this book delivers it beautifully. It is the kind of story that makes you feel seen and helps you to understand someone else's experience a little better. Which I think in this day and age is something we need more of.
Please do check trigger warnings before picking this up as it covers some heavy themes but for readers who are ready for it this is a genuinely moving and worthwhile read.
Liked this review? Check out my instagram @sash_wilcox for more reviews and book content!
February 14, 2026
What a lovely debut about teens in their senior year.
Addie is insecure about the scars of her cleft-lip and prefers to hide behind her best friends.
When she meets Jax he makes her want to come out of the shadows. Surely the new guy in school doesn't see her.
Jax is struggling with addiction on his own till he meets Addie. A Friendship with her and her friends makes him want to do better... be better.
This was a really adorable YA story about college applications, friendship, first loves, overcoming grief and insecurities. Check trigger warnings. The cause of Jax's addiction might be too "graphic" for some.
I loved all the characters and the cute mini side-stories and graduation plans. Ah ..to be young and have your future ahead of you.
Many thanks to Netgalley and author for the opportunity to read in advance and share my thoughts.
Addie is insecure about the scars of her cleft-lip and prefers to hide behind her best friends.
When she meets Jax he makes her want to come out of the shadows. Surely the new guy in school doesn't see her.
Jax is struggling with addiction on his own till he meets Addie. A Friendship with her and her friends makes him want to do better... be better.
This was a really adorable YA story about college applications, friendship, first loves, overcoming grief and insecurities. Check trigger warnings. The cause of Jax's addiction might be too "graphic" for some.
I loved all the characters and the cute mini side-stories and graduation plans. Ah ..to be young and have your future ahead of you.
Many thanks to Netgalley and author for the opportunity to read in advance and share my thoughts.
February 21, 2026
3.5🌟
I saw this on Netgalley and downloaded it on a whim.
While I enjoyed the story and the romance, it felt slightly unrealistic in some places.
How can you go and stay and bath in a random guy's home (who BTW, she took hospital after he overdosed).
I really liked how the cleft lip and drug addiction was represented.
However, I also wish the drug addiction and the struggle to leave had seemed slightly more realistic, considering it was one of the main themes of the book.
With that being said, I lovedddddd the found family and the high school elements.
I could totally see the changes in Jax after he made friends and became a part of Adelina's closer circle.
"You quiet the chaos in my head. I can... breathe."
"Your scars feel like constellations to me."
I saw this on Netgalley and downloaded it on a whim.
While I enjoyed the story and the romance, it felt slightly unrealistic in some places.
How can you go and stay and bath in a random guy's home (who BTW, she took hospital after he overdosed).
I really liked how the cleft lip and drug addiction was represented.
However, I also wish the drug addiction and the struggle to leave had seemed slightly more realistic, considering it was one of the main themes of the book.
With that being said, I lovedddddd the found family and the high school elements.
I could totally see the changes in Jax after he made friends and became a part of Adelina's closer circle.
"You quiet the chaos in my head. I can... breathe."
"Your scars feel like constellations to me."
March 29, 2026
Good book, I was quite surprised by some things that happened but I would recommend it.
April 23, 2026
✨ARC Book Review✨
I felt like this book was well developed for young people dealing with serious life issues. Each character had depth, and I was invested in their choices. I found myself rooting for them both individually and as a couple as they grew together. The story handled the topics of emotional pain and drug abuse in an engaging and genuine way.
Thank you to NetGalley and Franklin Publishers for providing me with an ARC of this book in exchange for an honest review.
I felt like this book was well developed for young people dealing with serious life issues. Each character had depth, and I was invested in their choices. I found myself rooting for them both individually and as a couple as they grew together. The story handled the topics of emotional pain and drug abuse in an engaging and genuine way.
Thank you to NetGalley and Franklin Publishers for providing me with an ARC of this book in exchange for an honest review.
April 30, 2026
How does this book not have more reviews, the year we became more by Amber Irene is that kind of book you don’t just read you feel it.
every page feels like a quiet reminder that growth is messy, it captures love, loss, and self-discovery in such a soft, honest way that it almost feels personal.
no big drama, just real emotions. This book has really left me wanting more I need to know what happens next with addie and jackson. All the characters were amazing I loved their little circle.
every page feels like a quiet reminder that growth is messy, it captures love, loss, and self-discovery in such a soft, honest way that it almost feels personal.
no big drama, just real emotions. This book has really left me wanting more I need to know what happens next with addie and jackson. All the characters were amazing I loved their little circle.
February 24, 2026
This was an amazing read! I love how it challenged the preconceived notions of what beauty is and helps remind us as readers that there is beauty in each of us. Another note is how it helps to raise awareness on mental health in men. It’s important for us to talk about what’s eating at us instead of bottling it up, and I think this book does that really well through Jackson.
April 28, 2026
This book is a YA novel featuring a simple, somewhat “imperfect” FMC and a seemingly “perfect” MMC who struggles with drug addiction. The FMC’s internal conflicts stem largely from insecurities about her physical appearance, while the MMC’s struggles are rooted in trauma and grief. Although there was potential for strong character development, both characters ultimately felt flat and one-dimensional. The FMC, in particular, lacked depth, she didn’t have hobbies or interests outside of the MMC. Ironically, the MMC ended up being the more layered character, despite fitting the trope of the closed-off, angry, traumatized, and drug-dependent love interest.
The plot itself was straightforward, and the so-called “twists” didn’t add much, they were elements the story could have done without. At times, entire chapters felt like filler, contributing little to the progression of the narrative. The story often felt overly explained rather than shown, making it harder to form a genuine connection with the characters or become immersed in the plot. Overall, it reads more like a slice-of-life story, something akin to a laid-back Sunday afternoon movie, with slight tonal similarities to Euphoria.
World-building and atmosphere were practically nonexistent, which further limited the story’s impact. The central relationship felt forced and formulaic, lacking meaningful moments that would make it feel authentic or emotionally engaging.
To be honest, there wasn’t much I enjoyed about the book aside from its focus on therapy and mental health awareness. I appreciated some of the coping tools discussed and the resolutions the MMC worked through.
In the end, the story felt more like a summary of events “this happened, then that happened”, rather than an immersive experience that allows the reader to truly feel and connect with the journey.
Thank you NetGalley for this ARC.
#TheYearWeBecameMore #NetGalley
The plot itself was straightforward, and the so-called “twists” didn’t add much, they were elements the story could have done without. At times, entire chapters felt like filler, contributing little to the progression of the narrative. The story often felt overly explained rather than shown, making it harder to form a genuine connection with the characters or become immersed in the plot. Overall, it reads more like a slice-of-life story, something akin to a laid-back Sunday afternoon movie, with slight tonal similarities to Euphoria.
World-building and atmosphere were practically nonexistent, which further limited the story’s impact. The central relationship felt forced and formulaic, lacking meaningful moments that would make it feel authentic or emotionally engaging.
To be honest, there wasn’t much I enjoyed about the book aside from its focus on therapy and mental health awareness. I appreciated some of the coping tools discussed and the resolutions the MMC worked through.
In the end, the story felt more like a summary of events “this happened, then that happened”, rather than an immersive experience that allows the reader to truly feel and connect with the journey.
Thank you NetGalley for this ARC.
#TheYearWeBecameMore #NetGalley
April 19, 2026
Thank you to Netgalley for the opportunity to read this in the read now section.
3.5 stars
I loved this book despite expecting a cute and wholesome romance and then soon figuring out that it was quite the opposite. Amber did a beautiful job of bringing such depth to her characters, not just labelling them with difficulties but expanding on them and detailing the effect that these brought to everyday life making it so much more realistic.
The year we became more is a romance about two characters, a girl in her senior year trying to navigate it whilst full of insecurities and a boy trying to do the same whilst her overcomes a drug addiction. The book spans throughout the year allowing enough time for the story to develop and investigate more than surface level. But my favourite aspect is the fact that the characters growth was never just linear, it showed flaws in characters and this only elevate the realism. However what stands out most for this is that no character is fully resolved by the end. They remain slightly unfinished, still evolving - which reinforces the story’s idea that growth doesn't have an end point, but an ongoing process.
The only problem that i had with this book is that at some points the depth of the side characters felt a little overwhelming, for example i found that there was sometimes too much detail about Zahra and this took away from the plot.
Overall i really enjoyed this book and believed it did i great job and conveying a story of such hardship with a simple and effective writing style, i look forward to seeing what else Amber will write in the future!
Please note the book is labelled YA and although it is, it has many dark themes and trigger warnings should be checked first.
3.5 stars
I loved this book despite expecting a cute and wholesome romance and then soon figuring out that it was quite the opposite. Amber did a beautiful job of bringing such depth to her characters, not just labelling them with difficulties but expanding on them and detailing the effect that these brought to everyday life making it so much more realistic.
The year we became more is a romance about two characters, a girl in her senior year trying to navigate it whilst full of insecurities and a boy trying to do the same whilst her overcomes a drug addiction. The book spans throughout the year allowing enough time for the story to develop and investigate more than surface level. But my favourite aspect is the fact that the characters growth was never just linear, it showed flaws in characters and this only elevate the realism. However what stands out most for this is that no character is fully resolved by the end. They remain slightly unfinished, still evolving - which reinforces the story’s idea that growth doesn't have an end point, but an ongoing process.
The only problem that i had with this book is that at some points the depth of the side characters felt a little overwhelming, for example i found that there was sometimes too much detail about Zahra and this took away from the plot.
Overall i really enjoyed this book and believed it did i great job and conveying a story of such hardship with a simple and effective writing style, i look forward to seeing what else Amber will write in the future!
Please note the book is labelled YA and although it is, it has many dark themes and trigger warnings should be checked first.
Review of advance copy received from Netgalley
The Year We Became More is a story about mental health, friendship, addiction, grief, first love, vulnerability, trust and healing.
I consider this book a great debut for the YA Romance category. I believe adult readers will enjoy it. It takes you back to your own senior year, and to what you were feeling back then. Nervous for the future? Excited to move forward with a new beginning? It’s such a important moment in life and it can shape how we get through our adult years.
When Addie & Jax meet, they help each other heal, grow, live, love and forgive.
Addie’s friendship group was formed by great characters. Diverse, friendly, genuine and supportive. These type of friendships make such a difference during high school, specially for someone as quiet, shy and sweet as Addie.
📚 Addie was born with a cleft lip and went through surgeries that left visible and invisible scars. She struggles with her appearance and feels self conscious. She has a supportive friend group and a caring mother by her side.
Jackson is the new guy at school. After losing his mom, his dad decided to move away from their house and the memories attached to it. He battles with an addiction as a coping mechanism to deal with his grief.
Addie helps Jax with some school subjects and encourages him to graduate when he feels like it’s pointless. Through their friendship, they get to know each other better and soon develop romantic feelings. Will senior year be the year they become more? 📚
Thank you Netgalley, Amber Irene & Franklin Publishers for providing an ARC!
I consider this book a great debut for the YA Romance category. I believe adult readers will enjoy it. It takes you back to your own senior year, and to what you were feeling back then. Nervous for the future? Excited to move forward with a new beginning? It’s such a important moment in life and it can shape how we get through our adult years.
When Addie & Jax meet, they help each other heal, grow, live, love and forgive.
Addie’s friendship group was formed by great characters. Diverse, friendly, genuine and supportive. These type of friendships make such a difference during high school, specially for someone as quiet, shy and sweet as Addie.
📚 Addie was born with a cleft lip and went through surgeries that left visible and invisible scars. She struggles with her appearance and feels self conscious. She has a supportive friend group and a caring mother by her side.
Jackson is the new guy at school. After losing his mom, his dad decided to move away from their house and the memories attached to it. He battles with an addiction as a coping mechanism to deal with his grief.
Addie helps Jax with some school subjects and encourages him to graduate when he feels like it’s pointless. Through their friendship, they get to know each other better and soon develop romantic feelings. Will senior year be the year they become more? 📚
Thank you Netgalley, Amber Irene & Franklin Publishers for providing an ARC!
April 19, 2026
The Year We Became More by Amber Irene is a heartfelt, character-driven story that captures the quiet, transformative moments that shape who we become. It’s introspective without feeling heavy, offering a gentle but meaningful exploration of change, connection, and self-discovery.
What stands out most is the emotional authenticity. The characters feel real in a way that makes their struggles, choices, and growth easy to connect with. Their journeys unfold naturally, showing that becoming “more” isn’t always a grand, sweeping transformation—it’s often found in small, significant moments.
The relationships are thoughtfully developed, carrying both warmth and complexity. There’s a sincerity to the way the story approaches love, friendship, and personal growth that makes it feel grounded and relatable.
The pacing leans on the slower, reflective side, which suits the tone of the book. It allows readers to sit with the characters and their experiences, though there are a few moments where the narrative could have dug a bit deeper to fully maximize the emotional impact.
Overall, The Year We Became More is a moving and thoughtful read that emphasizes growth, healing, and the quiet strength it takes to evolve. It’s the kind of story that feels soft but meaningful—one that stays with you in subtle ways after you’ve finished.
Thank you to NetGalley and Franklin Publishers for providing an ARC in exchange for an honest review.
What stands out most is the emotional authenticity. The characters feel real in a way that makes their struggles, choices, and growth easy to connect with. Their journeys unfold naturally, showing that becoming “more” isn’t always a grand, sweeping transformation—it’s often found in small, significant moments.
The relationships are thoughtfully developed, carrying both warmth and complexity. There’s a sincerity to the way the story approaches love, friendship, and personal growth that makes it feel grounded and relatable.
The pacing leans on the slower, reflective side, which suits the tone of the book. It allows readers to sit with the characters and their experiences, though there are a few moments where the narrative could have dug a bit deeper to fully maximize the emotional impact.
Overall, The Year We Became More is a moving and thoughtful read that emphasizes growth, healing, and the quiet strength it takes to evolve. It’s the kind of story that feels soft but meaningful—one that stays with you in subtle ways after you’ve finished.
Thank you to NetGalley and Franklin Publishers for providing an ARC in exchange for an honest review.
June 12, 2026
The Year We Became More by Amber Irene is a moving and emotionally honest coming-of-age novel that explores identity, grief, mental health, and the healing power of human connection. Set during the pivotal final year of high school, we follow the story of the FMC Addie and MMC Jackson, two teenagers carrying very different burdens but united by their struggles to navigate a future that feels uncertain and overwhelming. One of the things that stood out to me about this novel is its authentic portrayal of vulnerability. Addie's experience growing up with a cleft lip offers rarely seen representation in young adult fiction, while Jackson's battle with grief and anxiety is handled with sensitivity and realism. Overall, The Year We Became More is a heartfelt and compassionate young adult novel about resilience, identity, and emotional growth.
I received an ARC copy from Netgalley. Thank you so much for giving me a chance to read and voluntarily review this novel!
I received an ARC copy from Netgalley. Thank you so much for giving me a chance to read and voluntarily review this novel!
April 9, 2026
Thank you to NetGalley for an ARC in exchange for an honest review! Rating this 3 stars!
It was a heavy read. I would def recommend trigger warnings before going in. The first couple chapters opens up with Jax detailing his mother’s su!c!de and how he found her. I know mental health themes are common these days so I myself was a bit skeptical when the reviews read this as a gritty and real story. It is. I think at this time of my life it’s not for me and the season of life and healing I’m in. If you are passionate about mental health or si!c!de is not a trigger for you then I think this book might be for you.
I think amber Irene has some room for growing as an author but the bones are there for some real and deep stories in the future!
It was a heavy read. I would def recommend trigger warnings before going in. The first couple chapters opens up with Jax detailing his mother’s su!c!de and how he found her. I know mental health themes are common these days so I myself was a bit skeptical when the reviews read this as a gritty and real story. It is. I think at this time of my life it’s not for me and the season of life and healing I’m in. If you are passionate about mental health or si!c!de is not a trigger for you then I think this book might be for you.
I think amber Irene has some room for growing as an author but the bones are there for some real and deep stories in the future!
February 27, 2026
The Year We Became More by Amber Irene was such a beautiful, emotional story. Jax’s struggles were portrayed with so much honesty and depth, and it was incredibly touching to see how Addie was always there for him with unwavering love and support. Their journey felt raw, tender, and deeply moving.
I love how they help each other heal in a way. I also love their friendship group. This was such a heartwarming ya romance and I loved it.
I love how they help each other heal in a way. I also love their friendship group. This was such a heartwarming ya romance and I loved it.
April 8, 2026
ARC provided by NetGalley.
I actually really liked this book, more than I expected. It dives straight into the deep end and tackles some really heavy themes, but it explores them with enough space and nuance. We get a view into both Addie’s and Jax’s lives as they struggle with high school as well as their own demons, and their stories are woven together nicely. By the end, I couldn’t help but root for them—they won me over with how they fought for each other and themselves. If you enjoy the 'good girl redeems bad boy' trope, it’s a sweet and fun coming-of-age story, with its fair share of hardships, yet full of hope and love.
I actually really liked this book, more than I expected. It dives straight into the deep end and tackles some really heavy themes, but it explores them with enough space and nuance. We get a view into both Addie’s and Jax’s lives as they struggle with high school as well as their own demons, and their stories are woven together nicely. By the end, I couldn’t help but root for them—they won me over with how they fought for each other and themselves. If you enjoy the 'good girl redeems bad boy' trope, it’s a sweet and fun coming-of-age story, with its fair share of hardships, yet full of hope and love.
April 10, 2026
Rating: 3.5
The book fell down a cliff very quick towards the end. It started off good, credit where credit is due. I loved the premise, the plot, the characters and their backgrounds. The romance may be lacking and the chemistry felt weird at times, but it was not bad, not downright horrible. It was 'fine', 'good'.
I loved the themes of addiction, guilt, and basically, the mental health problems portrayed. Mainly for the MMC's character, I found the FMC's character not up to par, not that it was bad, maybe it was just too 'normal' when you look at the guy's life guess, haven't figured it out yet lol-
It is a very calming read though, all things said. Communication is healthy, there is no unnecessary love triangle or misunderstanding. It is a very healthy book about a teenage couple overcoming addiction, self-hatred and the struggles of every student when they reach the end of their school year
and have to find their own path in life
P.S. Thank you to NetGalley, Amber Irene and Franklin Publishers for giving me a chance to read and review a free copy of this book!💙
The book fell down a cliff very quick towards the end. It started off good, credit where credit is due. I loved the premise, the plot, the characters and their backgrounds. The romance may be lacking and the chemistry felt weird at times, but it was not bad, not downright horrible. It was 'fine', 'good'.
I loved the themes of addiction, guilt, and basically, the mental health problems portrayed. Mainly for the MMC's character, I found the FMC's character not up to par, not that it was bad, maybe it was just too 'normal' when you look at the guy's life guess, haven't figured it out yet lol-
It is a very calming read though, all things said. Communication is healthy, there is no unnecessary love triangle or misunderstanding. It is a very healthy book about a teenage couple overcoming addiction, self-hatred and the struggles of every student when they reach the end of their school year
and have to find their own path in life
P.S. Thank you to NetGalley, Amber Irene and Franklin Publishers for giving me a chance to read and review a free copy of this book!💙
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