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Us in the Bright Lights
Sometimes, you have to lose everything to find yourself.
A swoony and moving novel about ending up in the most unexpected places, with the most unlikely people, and discovering it's exactly where you're meant to be.
Stevie Jones has always lived in the comfort of her best friend Bella's glorious shadow. But when Bella's suddenly gone, her absence casts a harsh light on everything Stevie's not. Who even is she without her best friend?
Unmoored, Stevie moves to Europe for a year in a desperate attempt to fulfill Bella's bucket list. As she checks off Bella's list, she begins to figure out who she the things she doesn't like, and the things she does . . . which would all be terrific, if one of those things wasn't way-off-limits Theodore, Bella's long-time crush.
As her time overseas draws painfully to a close, Stevie must decide whether she wants to go back to her old life or stay in the big, bright light of the new world she's building.
Us in the Bright Lights is a deeply romantic novel about a girl who loses everything, but finds herself in the process. Perfect for fans of Nina Kenwood and Biffy James.
Stevie Jones has always lived in the comfort of her best friend Bella's glorious shadow. But when Bella's suddenly gone, her absence casts a harsh light on everything Stevie's not. Who even is she without her best friend?
Unmoored, Stevie moves to Europe for a year in a desperate attempt to fulfill Bella's bucket list. As she checks off Bella's list, she begins to figure out who she the things she doesn't like, and the things she does . . . which would all be terrific, if one of those things wasn't way-off-limits Theodore, Bella's long-time crush.
As her time overseas draws painfully to a close, Stevie must decide whether she wants to go back to her old life or stay in the big, bright light of the new world she's building.
Us in the Bright Lights is a deeply romantic novel about a girl who loses everything, but finds herself in the process. Perfect for fans of Nina Kenwood and Biffy James.
295 pages, Kindle Edition
First published July 28, 2026
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Displaying 1 - 6 of 6 reviews
August 15, 2026
As Stevie embarks on her adventure to London to fulfil her late best friend’s, Bella, dream of visiting London and meeting her childhood best friend, Theodore, what happens next surprises her. Despite her resistance, she falls in love with Theodore as they embark on a series of special Bella Memorial Experiences, or BMEs.
This well-written novel, highlights the importance of getting out of your comfort zone and embracing new experiences. Stevie learns, often the hard way, to take chances through her chaotic, yet inspiring, journey through London, while navigating unexpected challenges that follow her every move — including falling in love with her late best friend’s crush.
This well-written novel, highlights the importance of getting out of your comfort zone and embracing new experiences. Stevie learns, often the hard way, to take chances through her chaotic, yet inspiring, journey through London, while navigating unexpected challenges that follow her every move — including falling in love with her late best friend’s crush.
July 25, 2026
“Us in the Bright Lights” by Zanni L Arnot 🎡🎨
Thank you so much to Hachette Publishing for the gifted arc I’m incredibly grateful to read such a moving and emotionally charged romance story! Releases July 28th get ready to cry your heart out 😭🩷
Summary:
After the loss of her best friend Bella, Stevie Jones feels lost and unsure of who she is without the person she's always relied on. To honour Bella's memory, she travels through Europe completing Bella's bucket list. Along the way, Stevie discovers her own passions, strengths and identity…but also develops feelings for Theodore, Bella's longtime crush. As her year abroad comes to an end, she must choose between returning to her old life or embracing the new future she's created for herself.
Tropes:
• Friends to Lovers
• Grief and Healing
• Self Discovery
• Holiday Romance
• Bucket List
• Coming of Age
• Closed Door
• Slow Burn
• Forbidden Romance
Thoughts:
So this story completely caught me off guard…I loved it and the writing was beautiful and flowed seamlessly it was so easy to follow. Omg I cried 6 separate times reading this, the way that grief and guilt is showcased in this novel was so realistic. It really focused on the way people deal with grief and how in different moments it completely overtakes their consciousness, while in others you’re loving and living freely. The way the ebs and flows of life were showcased in the highs and lows of Stevie’s emotions were so important to see and brought a real authenticity to the story. I lovedddd the slow burn and friendship between Theodore and Stevie, the way they supported each other through their own journeys of self discovery whilst also seeing one another for who they are 🩷
Thank you so much to Hachette Publishing for the gifted arc I’m incredibly grateful to read such a moving and emotionally charged romance story! Releases July 28th get ready to cry your heart out 😭🩷
Summary:
After the loss of her best friend Bella, Stevie Jones feels lost and unsure of who she is without the person she's always relied on. To honour Bella's memory, she travels through Europe completing Bella's bucket list. Along the way, Stevie discovers her own passions, strengths and identity…but also develops feelings for Theodore, Bella's longtime crush. As her year abroad comes to an end, she must choose between returning to her old life or embracing the new future she's created for herself.
Tropes:
• Friends to Lovers
• Grief and Healing
• Self Discovery
• Holiday Romance
• Bucket List
• Coming of Age
• Closed Door
• Slow Burn
• Forbidden Romance
Thoughts:
So this story completely caught me off guard…I loved it and the writing was beautiful and flowed seamlessly it was so easy to follow. Omg I cried 6 separate times reading this, the way that grief and guilt is showcased in this novel was so realistic. It really focused on the way people deal with grief and how in different moments it completely overtakes their consciousness, while in others you’re loving and living freely. The way the ebs and flows of life were showcased in the highs and lows of Stevie’s emotions were so important to see and brought a real authenticity to the story. I lovedddd the slow burn and friendship between Theodore and Stevie, the way they supported each other through their own journeys of self discovery whilst also seeing one another for who they are 🩷
Review of advance copy received from NetGalley
🌟🌟🌟💫 – I really liked this.
Stevie’s best mate, Bella, dies. So logically, Stevie travels to London to try and do a bunch of stuff that Bella would’ve loved.
In London, Stevie makes new friends and slowly discovers who she is without Bella by her side.
She even meets Bella’s long distance crush, Theodore. Theo quickly becomes Stevie’s crush, too.
Theodore is caring and attentive. He joins Stevie on her quest to create Bella themed memories around Europe.
I enjoyed Arnot’s writing in this book. The chapters were short and easy to read. The characters acted age-appropriately. I would buy this for a teenager in my life.
This book filled that little void in my heart that has always wondered what if I went travelling after Year 12?
Disclaimer: I was not incentivised to read or review. Thank you to Zanni L. Arnot, Hachette Australia, and NetGalley for the ARC.
Stevie’s best mate, Bella, dies. So logically, Stevie travels to London to try and do a bunch of stuff that Bella would’ve loved.
In London, Stevie makes new friends and slowly discovers who she is without Bella by her side.
She even meets Bella’s long distance crush, Theodore. Theo quickly becomes Stevie’s crush, too.
Theodore is caring and attentive. He joins Stevie on her quest to create Bella themed memories around Europe.
I enjoyed Arnot’s writing in this book. The chapters were short and easy to read. The characters acted age-appropriately. I would buy this for a teenager in my life.
This book filled that little void in my heart that has always wondered what if I went travelling after Year 12?
Disclaimer: I was not incentivised to read or review. Thank you to Zanni L. Arnot, Hachette Australia, and NetGalley for the ARC.
July 25, 2026
ARC READ
this was such a cute book to read! The book follows Stevie, as she travels to Europe to complete her late best friends bucket list, whilst meeting the guy she had a crush on and overcoming grief from loosing her best friend.
The friendships Stevie made were really wholesome and seeing her discover herself without Bella by her side.
Stevie and Theodore’s friendship throughout her trip, experiencing everything together and falling in love with each was the perfect slow burn!
This book was really easy to read and definitely appropriate for a younger audience with the short chapter!
Thankyou Hachette for the early physical arc!
⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
this was such a cute book to read! The book follows Stevie, as she travels to Europe to complete her late best friends bucket list, whilst meeting the guy she had a crush on and overcoming grief from loosing her best friend.
The friendships Stevie made were really wholesome and seeing her discover herself without Bella by her side.
Stevie and Theodore’s friendship throughout her trip, experiencing everything together and falling in love with each was the perfect slow burn!
This book was really easy to read and definitely appropriate for a younger audience with the short chapter!
Thankyou Hachette for the early physical arc!
⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
Review of advance copy received from Publisher
I devoured this swoony YA in one day flat. Zanni Arnot captures so well that late-teen feeling of being on the threshold of life and adventure. This book is warm and funny even as it also explores grief and awkwardness and unrequited feelings. I loved being in London and loved all the art references. Hard recommend from me.
Displaying 1 - 6 of 6 reviews