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Shrinking Me
236 pages, Kindle Edition
Published June 2, 2026
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Displaying 1 - 14 of 14 reviews
May 29, 2026
I received an ARC of this book from the author in exchange for my honest review.
The overall premise of this story immediately pulled me in. I enjoy novels centered around healing, therapy, friendship, and found family, and with the added teacher representation, I was excited to dive in.
Unfortunately, I don’t think this book was the right fit for me personally.
The writing style, especially the transitions between present-day moments and flashbacks, often left me confused and pulled me out of the story instead of drawing me deeper into it. At times, the pacing and formatting made the narrative feel fragmented, almost like I was reading disconnected thoughts rather than a fully immersive story. However, considering Jaksyn’s therapy journey and mental state throughout the novel, I can understand that this may have been an intentional stylistic choice by the author.
I always encourage readers to take reviews and ratings with a grain of salt because every reading experience is different. While this particular writing style didn’t work for me, I can absolutely see this story resonating with other readers, especially those who enjoy introspective character journeys and themes surrounding healing, therapy, friendship, and found family.
Even though it wasn’t a favorite for me, I still think the themes explored throughout the story are meaningful and worth discussing.
The overall premise of this story immediately pulled me in. I enjoy novels centered around healing, therapy, friendship, and found family, and with the added teacher representation, I was excited to dive in.
Unfortunately, I don’t think this book was the right fit for me personally.
The writing style, especially the transitions between present-day moments and flashbacks, often left me confused and pulled me out of the story instead of drawing me deeper into it. At times, the pacing and formatting made the narrative feel fragmented, almost like I was reading disconnected thoughts rather than a fully immersive story. However, considering Jaksyn’s therapy journey and mental state throughout the novel, I can understand that this may have been an intentional stylistic choice by the author.
I always encourage readers to take reviews and ratings with a grain of salt because every reading experience is different. While this particular writing style didn’t work for me, I can absolutely see this story resonating with other readers, especially those who enjoy introspective character journeys and themes surrounding healing, therapy, friendship, and found family.
Even though it wasn’t a favorite for me, I still think the themes explored throughout the story are meaningful and worth discussing.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
June 3, 2026
Happy Release Day!!!
Jaksyns scattered thoughts & random panic attacks in the middle of the night kept sending her into the bed of her upstairs neighbor. It was getting scarily out of hand; so much so, he suggested to her to see his buddy Gary. Gary turns out to be a therapist. Someone we start seeing and hearing about more and more as Jaksyn gets more comfortable with the fact that she’s seeing a shrink.
Her relationships felt incomplete like she was turning parts of herself off around certain people. Fragmented. Like her thoughts. I think the title of this book fit perfectly with the entirety of this story. Even though, Jaksyn wasn’t the only one that was seeing a therapist, it was just a bit more intriguing about her situation. She was a poet. She loved writing. It helped her. She was essentially, in my opinion, giving herself therapy lessons.
I wanted to feel so much more from her and Randall. I loved their background and how they stayed friends. It didn’t seem to me like they were in a relationship. More like friends who liked to kiss and cuddle. Friends who were very comfortable with each, that cared deeply for each other but no necessarily soulmates. It felt like they came together because of their trauma bonding. I feel like once they both come to terms about their childhood and heal from their trauma, they will remain friends; not partners. I could be wrong though.
Shrinking Me is such a great title for this book because it could essentially mean so many things depending on the phase of life our FMC Jaksyn is in. Thoughts of her shrinking herself into this person she doesn’t recognize. What she experienced as a child made her feel like she was nothing, something easily thrown away and forgotten about. Her mental health journey and how she recognizes the need for help, how she finds her way towards healing by helping herself through a form of self expression.
This went for ALL the teachers and other side characters who were ALL through their own issues! I love that the author highlighted this. There are so many hats we all wear in a day to day basis and those hats can be quite heavy. It’s knowing when it’s time to take the load off and take sometime for yourself.
I especially enjoyed the last poem she wrote titled ‘addict’ it was done phenomenally.
I absolutely love when there are discussion questions in the back, it makes it such a book club treat! It also makes you stop and truly think about how the book made you feel, as well as what thoughts crossed your mind while reading the book.
Thank you to Tanny Swanagan for the gifted eARC of Shrinking Me. I really enjoyed my time with her.
Jaksyns scattered thoughts & random panic attacks in the middle of the night kept sending her into the bed of her upstairs neighbor. It was getting scarily out of hand; so much so, he suggested to her to see his buddy Gary. Gary turns out to be a therapist. Someone we start seeing and hearing about more and more as Jaksyn gets more comfortable with the fact that she’s seeing a shrink.
Her relationships felt incomplete like she was turning parts of herself off around certain people. Fragmented. Like her thoughts. I think the title of this book fit perfectly with the entirety of this story. Even though, Jaksyn wasn’t the only one that was seeing a therapist, it was just a bit more intriguing about her situation. She was a poet. She loved writing. It helped her. She was essentially, in my opinion, giving herself therapy lessons.
I wanted to feel so much more from her and Randall. I loved their background and how they stayed friends. It didn’t seem to me like they were in a relationship. More like friends who liked to kiss and cuddle. Friends who were very comfortable with each, that cared deeply for each other but no necessarily soulmates. It felt like they came together because of their trauma bonding. I feel like once they both come to terms about their childhood and heal from their trauma, they will remain friends; not partners. I could be wrong though.
Shrinking Me is such a great title for this book because it could essentially mean so many things depending on the phase of life our FMC Jaksyn is in. Thoughts of her shrinking herself into this person she doesn’t recognize. What she experienced as a child made her feel like she was nothing, something easily thrown away and forgotten about. Her mental health journey and how she recognizes the need for help, how she finds her way towards healing by helping herself through a form of self expression.
This went for ALL the teachers and other side characters who were ALL through their own issues! I love that the author highlighted this. There are so many hats we all wear in a day to day basis and those hats can be quite heavy. It’s knowing when it’s time to take the load off and take sometime for yourself.
I especially enjoyed the last poem she wrote titled ‘addict’ it was done phenomenally.
I absolutely love when there are discussion questions in the back, it makes it such a book club treat! It also makes you stop and truly think about how the book made you feel, as well as what thoughts crossed your mind while reading the book.
Thank you to Tanny Swanagan for the gifted eARC of Shrinking Me. I really enjoyed my time with her.
June 2, 2026
“Jaksyn Jordan. Now you already know. Black people don’t need to tell their problems to some white man.”
Mental Health advocate, slow-burn, best friends to lovers, & so much more if that’s your thing. Log on to Amazon now and order Shrinking Me
Jaksyn Jordan is a young lady with a masters degree in education. She is teaching at a prestigious black high school, but she worry’s about everything; her mother, tumultuous relationship with her father, love, health, LIFE. Will waking up in the morning ever get easier. With a recommendation of a therapist & a bold step to improve self care will, Jay’s life come together or will she continue to unravel.
Overall the story was great the writing style
* Writing style- The writing style was simple, and informal, with a mix of sentence structure. The tone of the novel was humorous and playful. With earnest and serious moments.
* The Character development- “The character development beautifully follows a young Black teacher learning that pouring into others means nothing if she’s running on empty herself. Through therapy, she begins unpacking generational expectations, emotional wounds, and the pressure of always being ‘strong.’ As she embraces self-care and vulnerability, she slowly opens herself up to love, not just romantically, but self-love too. Watching her evolve from survival mode into someone who prioritizes peace, boundaries, and joy makes her journey both relatable and empowering.”
* The Pacing- The story moved at the perfect pace, balancing emotional moments with drama and romance beautifully.
A few notes to add: during come chapters the stories felt untold; when the ellipsis would appear it took me a moment to figure out that a thought was going to be delayed and potentially bought back up later. Also the ending felt undone. I wanted to know more about the future, ATL, poetry, teaching? Despite a few undone moments, I throughly enjoyed this story.
“The characters felt messy and realistic, which made their relationship feel believable even when they frustrated me.”
Perfect for readers who love:
* Mental Health tropes
* emotionally aware individuals
* found dynamics
* Black romance with depth and humor
“I’m still thinking about these characters days later.”
Star rating 3.5
⸻
Thank you to the author for the ARC in exchange for an honest review
Mental Health advocate, slow-burn, best friends to lovers, & so much more if that’s your thing. Log on to Amazon now and order Shrinking Me
Jaksyn Jordan is a young lady with a masters degree in education. She is teaching at a prestigious black high school, but she worry’s about everything; her mother, tumultuous relationship with her father, love, health, LIFE. Will waking up in the morning ever get easier. With a recommendation of a therapist & a bold step to improve self care will, Jay’s life come together or will she continue to unravel.
Overall the story was great the writing style
* Writing style- The writing style was simple, and informal, with a mix of sentence structure. The tone of the novel was humorous and playful. With earnest and serious moments.
* The Character development- “The character development beautifully follows a young Black teacher learning that pouring into others means nothing if she’s running on empty herself. Through therapy, she begins unpacking generational expectations, emotional wounds, and the pressure of always being ‘strong.’ As she embraces self-care and vulnerability, she slowly opens herself up to love, not just romantically, but self-love too. Watching her evolve from survival mode into someone who prioritizes peace, boundaries, and joy makes her journey both relatable and empowering.”
* The Pacing- The story moved at the perfect pace, balancing emotional moments with drama and romance beautifully.
A few notes to add: during come chapters the stories felt untold; when the ellipsis would appear it took me a moment to figure out that a thought was going to be delayed and potentially bought back up later. Also the ending felt undone. I wanted to know more about the future, ATL, poetry, teaching? Despite a few undone moments, I throughly enjoyed this story.
“The characters felt messy and realistic, which made their relationship feel believable even when they frustrated me.”
Perfect for readers who love:
* Mental Health tropes
* emotionally aware individuals
* found dynamics
* Black romance with depth and humor
“I’m still thinking about these characters days later.”
Star rating 3.5
⸻
Thank you to the author for the ARC in exchange for an honest review
June 2, 2026
When I first read the tag line of Shrinking Me - Four teachers, one therapist, zero lesson plans…I knew that I wanted to read it! I found Jaksyn and her friends Amanda, Kevin, and Randall to all be very relatable as teachers. At Stonebrook, a well-respected high school in the southern suburbs of Chicago, they all worked hard, were devoted to their students, and leaned on each other like many teachers do with their work besties.
We quickly learned that Jaksyn and Randall are long time friends from Nebraska State University. They met there as freshman, and have been close ever since. In addition to working together, they also live in the same apartment complex. This is where we begin to see that Jaksyn leans on him for much more as her early morning anxiety routine plays out.
Shrinking Me was described as “A slow-burn, friends-to-lovers romance about healing, chosen family, and realizing that sometimes love isn't new. It's familiar.” I thoroughly enjoyed reading as all of this played out in the book. It was appreciated that the main and secondary characters did not have unrealistic, cookie cutter lives and families. They all had complicated lived experiences that made them who they were, and they were growing in positive directions - by choice - in spite of those experiences.
The element of seeking various forms of mental health support for themselves and for/by students was also a key factor for the development of several characters in this story. Educators are often tasked with wearing sooo many hats (teacher, school parent, confidant, social worker), while often dealing with unresolved issues from their own lives. It’s truly important to not only realize when you need help, but to seek it! In wearing ALL of those teacher hats, I respected the ways that Jaksyn and her crew worked to try to meet their students where they were, and did what they could to fulfill their needs.
Many thanks to the author for selecting me to receive an ARC of this fantastic book. I was rooting for Jaksyn and Randall every step of the way in Shrinking Me, and would love to see a part two from this talented author, Tanny Swanagan!
#ShrinkingMe #TannySwanagan #SlowBurnRomance #MentalHealthMatters #ShrinkSquad
We quickly learned that Jaksyn and Randall are long time friends from Nebraska State University. They met there as freshman, and have been close ever since. In addition to working together, they also live in the same apartment complex. This is where we begin to see that Jaksyn leans on him for much more as her early morning anxiety routine plays out.
Shrinking Me was described as “A slow-burn, friends-to-lovers romance about healing, chosen family, and realizing that sometimes love isn't new. It's familiar.” I thoroughly enjoyed reading as all of this played out in the book. It was appreciated that the main and secondary characters did not have unrealistic, cookie cutter lives and families. They all had complicated lived experiences that made them who they were, and they were growing in positive directions - by choice - in spite of those experiences.
The element of seeking various forms of mental health support for themselves and for/by students was also a key factor for the development of several characters in this story. Educators are often tasked with wearing sooo many hats (teacher, school parent, confidant, social worker), while often dealing with unresolved issues from their own lives. It’s truly important to not only realize when you need help, but to seek it! In wearing ALL of those teacher hats, I respected the ways that Jaksyn and her crew worked to try to meet their students where they were, and did what they could to fulfill their needs.
Many thanks to the author for selecting me to receive an ARC of this fantastic book. I was rooting for Jaksyn and Randall every step of the way in Shrinking Me, and would love to see a part two from this talented author, Tanny Swanagan!
#ShrinkingMe #TannySwanagan #SlowBurnRomance #MentalHealthMatters #ShrinkSquad
Review of advance copy received from Author
Shrinking Me is a contemporary romance that beautifully explores the non-linear journey of healing, self-discovery, and love. I received an advanced copy as an ARC reader, and from the very first pages, I was completely invested in the story. What stood out most to me was the author's writing style: thoughtful, emotionally intelligent, and deeply immersive. Every chapter felt intentional, drawing me further into the characters' lives while encouraging meaningful self-reflection.
The characters are relatable, capturing the uncertainty and growing pains that often accompany life in your late twenties. I felt especially connected to Jaksyn Jordan, whose authenticity made her feel less like a fictional character and more like someone I might know in real life. There were moments where Jaksyn's internal dialogue felt so familiar that I had to pause and sit with it. The novel's use of flashbacks enriches the narrative and illuminates how past wounds shape present choices and thought processes. Shrinking Me challenged me to examine the lingering impact of my own past experiences, and by the final page, I felt a little more capable of extending myself the same grace and patience that healing requires.
Alongside its exploration of personal growth, the novel delivers a beautifully crafted slow-burn romance between two friends who must decide whether vulnerability, change, and emotional risk are worth pursuing in the name of genuine, supportive love. This theme lingers long after the book ends and is one of the many reasons the story feels so impactful.
If you're looking for a novel that thoughtfully explores messy healing, found family, emotional growth, and the courage it takes to love and be loved, Shrinking Me is absolutely worth reading. It is heartfelt, honest, and beautifully written. Life may never be perfect, but this story reminds us that healing is possible, especially when we have supportive people in our corner, a good therapist, and, of course, delicious Chinese takeout.
The characters are relatable, capturing the uncertainty and growing pains that often accompany life in your late twenties. I felt especially connected to Jaksyn Jordan, whose authenticity made her feel less like a fictional character and more like someone I might know in real life. There were moments where Jaksyn's internal dialogue felt so familiar that I had to pause and sit with it. The novel's use of flashbacks enriches the narrative and illuminates how past wounds shape present choices and thought processes. Shrinking Me challenged me to examine the lingering impact of my own past experiences, and by the final page, I felt a little more capable of extending myself the same grace and patience that healing requires.
Alongside its exploration of personal growth, the novel delivers a beautifully crafted slow-burn romance between two friends who must decide whether vulnerability, change, and emotional risk are worth pursuing in the name of genuine, supportive love. This theme lingers long after the book ends and is one of the many reasons the story feels so impactful.
If you're looking for a novel that thoughtfully explores messy healing, found family, emotional growth, and the courage it takes to love and be loved, Shrinking Me is absolutely worth reading. It is heartfelt, honest, and beautifully written. Life may never be perfect, but this story reminds us that healing is possible, especially when we have supportive people in our corner, a good therapist, and, of course, delicious Chinese takeout.
Review of advance copy received from Author
*REVIEW OF ADVANCE COPY RECEIVED FROM AUTHOR*
I give this book a 4.5. It was my first slow burn story and it definitely was a slow burn. That’s not why I gave the 4.5 though because that’s an ADHD issue and not a writing one. The back and forth of the main characters dragged a bit longer for me and then seemed to rush towards the ending which left me wanting more of their story, but I realize it was more centered on the MFC and her journey.
The varying timelines/storylines were hard to follow at times and felt unfinished in places so I do have questions about some of them, but overall I feel like this was very cute and I loved how it really addressed mental health and Seasonal Affective Disorder.
Thank you for my first ARC reader experience. I very much enjoyed it and am so glad I was able to finish it on time!
I give this book a 4.5. It was my first slow burn story and it definitely was a slow burn. That’s not why I gave the 4.5 though because that’s an ADHD issue and not a writing one. The back and forth of the main characters dragged a bit longer for me and then seemed to rush towards the ending which left me wanting more of their story, but I realize it was more centered on the MFC and her journey.
The varying timelines/storylines were hard to follow at times and felt unfinished in places so I do have questions about some of them, but overall I feel like this was very cute and I loved how it really addressed mental health and Seasonal Affective Disorder.
Thank you for my first ARC reader experience. I very much enjoyed it and am so glad I was able to finish it on time!
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
June 8, 2026
Shrinking Me was such a genuine read. What really stood out for me was how honestly it handled mental health and the pressures that come with being an educator. Jaksyn, Randall, and their friend group felt like real people with real struggles, which made it easy to connect with them. The friends-to-lovers romance was a slow burn, and I enjoyed watching Jaksyn and Randall's relationship grow from years of friendship into something more. Their chemistry felt natural.
Besides the romance, I appreciated how the story showed the importance of leaning on your support system and getting help when you need it. The characters weren't perfect, but they were working to heal and grow, and that made their journey feel even more real.
Thank you Tanny for this ARC!
Besides the romance, I appreciated how the story showed the importance of leaning on your support system and getting help when you need it. The characters weren't perfect, but they were working to heal and grow, and that made their journey feel even more real.
Thank you Tanny for this ARC!
Review of advance copy received from Author
2.5 ⭐️ rounded up
Shrinking Me just wasn’t really for me. I never felt fully connected to the characters, which made it hard for me to stay emotionally invested in the story.
I don’t mind books that jump between past and present timelines, but the flow here didn’t quite work for me. Instead of feeling like one cohesive story, it felt more like a random collection of moments and details from the characters’ lives. Because of that, I struggled to really get pulled into the narrative.
There were some interesting ideas throughout the book, but overall this one just didn’t fully land for me.
Thank you to the author for the ARC in exchange for an honest review.
Shrinking Me just wasn’t really for me. I never felt fully connected to the characters, which made it hard for me to stay emotionally invested in the story.
I don’t mind books that jump between past and present timelines, but the flow here didn’t quite work for me. Instead of feeling like one cohesive story, it felt more like a random collection of moments and details from the characters’ lives. Because of that, I struggled to really get pulled into the narrative.
There were some interesting ideas throughout the book, but overall this one just didn’t fully land for me.
Thank you to the author for the ARC in exchange for an honest review.
June 2, 2026
If you love a good slow burn romance this one is for you! This story touches on topics love, healing, and friendship.
I really enjoyed the dynamic between Jaksyn and Randell. Their relationship was so realistic. The author did a great job at capturing the tension and warmth of their friends to lovers story.
I know when some hear “slow burn” they think slow and drawn out. This story was the opposite for me. It’s paced perfectly in a way that it allows you to feel the emotional depth and truly witness the character development.
I enjoyed this book so much and I’m looking forward to reading more from the author.
*I received an advance copy in exchange for my honest review.*
I really enjoyed the dynamic between Jaksyn and Randell. Their relationship was so realistic. The author did a great job at capturing the tension and warmth of their friends to lovers story.
I know when some hear “slow burn” they think slow and drawn out. This story was the opposite for me. It’s paced perfectly in a way that it allows you to feel the emotional depth and truly witness the character development.
I enjoyed this book so much and I’m looking forward to reading more from the author.
*I received an advance copy in exchange for my honest review.*
June 3, 2026
A story of two people who started off as friends. A slow burn romance that makes you question everything. It’s going from friends to lovers and questioning is love worth changing the dynamic of friendship. Sometimes familiarity is what draws us in.
It was such a great read! I saw myself in Jaksyn. I related to how she tried her best to live and love in the moment and get through her past. The mental health representation was also done very well. It’s something so many of us go through silently. I loved that Jaksyn had such an amazing support system and pushed her when it was needed. Also the poetry! Enough said.
Tanny Swanagan thank you for the ARC copy of your book!
It was such a great read! I saw myself in Jaksyn. I related to how she tried her best to live and love in the moment and get through her past. The mental health representation was also done very well. It’s something so many of us go through silently. I loved that Jaksyn had such an amazing support system and pushed her when it was needed. Also the poetry! Enough said.
Tanny Swanagan thank you for the ARC copy of your book!
Review of advance copy received from Author
*Review of advance copy received from author*
Shrinking Me is flirty, funny, and real. Emotional and layered with depth, I saw my own reflection while glimpsing into Jaksyn's life. So human and relatable.
From the tangled threads of life, Tanny Swanagan weaves lifelines of healing, romance, and found family. If your vibe is romantic, chaotic, poetic, and therapeutic, Shrinking Me is for you.
Shrinking Me is flirty, funny, and real. Emotional and layered with depth, I saw my own reflection while glimpsing into Jaksyn's life. So human and relatable.
From the tangled threads of life, Tanny Swanagan weaves lifelines of healing, romance, and found family. If your vibe is romantic, chaotic, poetic, and therapeutic, Shrinking Me is for you.
June 4, 2026
I had the opportunity to be an ARC reader for this book and it was truly wonderful. I loved seeing the progression of Jaksyn our lead and it was really cool viewing things from a teacher’s perspective. From working on her mental health all the way to accepting the love she deserves. This was an excellent way to debut.
Thank you Author Tanny Swanagan for the opportunity.
Thank you Author Tanny Swanagan for the opportunity.
Review of advance copy received from Author
I don’t mind books that heavily reflect on the past, in fact, I usually love diving into a character's history to see what drives them. Tanny Swanagan brings some incredibly deep, important themes to Shrinking Me, focusing heavily on mental health and the internal struggles of the main character.
While I really appreciated the focus on mental health and self-reflection, the overall execution fell a bit short for me. The biggest issue was the flow. The narrative style felt disjointed in places, making it hard to fully sink into the rhythm of the story. It frequently seemed like crucial connective elements were missing between chapters and several important scenes especially those dealing with the heavier emotional moments were cut short just as they were starting to build real momentum. Because of these abrupt transitions I struggled to connect with the characters as deeply as I wanted to. This book would probably appeal to readers who appreciate characters working through therapy, anxiety, or past trauma.
Thank you Tanny Swanagan for the ARC.
While I really appreciated the focus on mental health and self-reflection, the overall execution fell a bit short for me. The biggest issue was the flow. The narrative style felt disjointed in places, making it hard to fully sink into the rhythm of the story. It frequently seemed like crucial connective elements were missing between chapters and several important scenes especially those dealing with the heavier emotional moments were cut short just as they were starting to build real momentum. Because of these abrupt transitions I struggled to connect with the characters as deeply as I wanted to. This book would probably appeal to readers who appreciate characters working through therapy, anxiety, or past trauma.
Thank you Tanny Swanagan for the ARC.
June 5, 2026
Thank you to Tanny Swanagan for the ARC Opportunity.
Shrinking Me is a beautiful friends-to-lovers slow-burning romance. What I appreciate most is the representation of Mental Health in the story. Something that so many go through, many times in silence. The authentic tension between Jaksyn and Randall was really good, with well-written character development.
I'm definitely looking forward to more beautiful stories from Tanny!
Shrinking Me is a beautiful friends-to-lovers slow-burning romance. What I appreciate most is the representation of Mental Health in the story. Something that so many go through, many times in silence. The authentic tension between Jaksyn and Randall was really good, with well-written character development.
I'm definitely looking forward to more beautiful stories from Tanny!
Displaying 1 - 14 of 14 reviews