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Before the Exhale
Ivy Combs wants to disappear…
Halfway through her freshman year of college, all Ivy wants is to fly under the radar. Stay quiet, stay invisible. Putting up walls is the only way she knows how to cope with the trauma she’s been carrying since that horrible night in high school. But no matter how hard she tries to compartmentalize the past, it seeps into everything—her classes, her friendships, her sense of self. Withdrawn and anxious, she’s barely holding it together as second semester starts with the worst class imaginable: Public Speaking.
Then she meets Wes.
Smart, athletic, and effortlessly charming, senior Wes Tucker is the kind of guy everyone notices—and the kind of guy she’ll do anything to avoid. When a class project throws them together, Ivy braces for the worst. Wes isn’t what she expected, though. He’s kind, he’s patient, and Ivy finds herself wanting to believe in someone for the first time in a while.
Too bad learning to trust again seems impossible. She knows she can’t move forward without confronting her past; yet, tragically, healing isn’t linear. It’s raw, messy, and rarely ever simple…but maybe it’s not something she has to do alone.
Halfway through her freshman year of college, all Ivy wants is to fly under the radar. Stay quiet, stay invisible. Putting up walls is the only way she knows how to cope with the trauma she’s been carrying since that horrible night in high school. But no matter how hard she tries to compartmentalize the past, it seeps into everything—her classes, her friendships, her sense of self. Withdrawn and anxious, she’s barely holding it together as second semester starts with the worst class imaginable: Public Speaking.
Then she meets Wes.
Smart, athletic, and effortlessly charming, senior Wes Tucker is the kind of guy everyone notices—and the kind of guy she’ll do anything to avoid. When a class project throws them together, Ivy braces for the worst. Wes isn’t what she expected, though. He’s kind, he’s patient, and Ivy finds herself wanting to believe in someone for the first time in a while.
Too bad learning to trust again seems impossible. She knows she can’t move forward without confronting her past; yet, tragically, healing isn’t linear. It’s raw, messy, and rarely ever simple…but maybe it’s not something she has to do alone.
482 pages, Kindle Edition
Published March 10, 2026
61 people are currently reading
242 people want to read
About the author
Alyssa Wilde
3 books218 followersAlyssa Wilde has an obsession with forbidden romance and doesn’t care who knows. Designer by day and writer by night, she currently resides in Atlanta, Georgia, with her amazingly supportive husband and their cat, Kevin. When she's not reading or writing, she enjoys watching reality TV, consuming an insane amount of sushi, and occasionally stepping out into the light of day. Her new book, Before the Exhale, is coming March 10th!
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 87 reviews
Review of advance copy received from Author
my Playlist for this book
Creep by Brian Justin Crump
What was I made for - cover by Kelly Clarkson
Speechless - Naomi Scott
Save Me - Jelly Roll
3.5🌟🌟🌟 🔅
I delved into this ARC because of its sensitive subject
so trigger warning: heavy on-page SA -bullying - PTSD - depression
I love reading "healing journey" books
we need more of those, especially these days
The book is told solely from Ivy's POV. We know from the beginning that something unspeakable happened to her. She did not get any support from family or friends. She becomes depressed and closed off to herself.
Enters Wes, the confident golden retriver athlet, to symbolise hope and happiness.
The last 30% of the book is exactly how a healing journey should be, and it is because of this percentage I have pumped my rating to 3.5 - though I do not like basing a rating on the last part of a book, however, the seriousness of the topic demands it
I loved that we did not get spice scenes until the very last chapter. I hate books that show how sex is the remedy for SA. Add to that, the scene was very tasteful and suitable.
Wes was exactly what Ivy needed. Since we did not get his pov, I tended to look at him symbolically.
He is hope that survivors could look forward to.
He is the happiness that they deserve
He is the support system they need
Having said that, after we are introduced to Ivy, the story took a somewhat dull pace.
we just see the day to day interaction between Wes and Ivy.
The conversations are not that deep to understand why they clicked
Because we didn't get his POV, I did not feel the chemistry between them
For chapters, we get that there is a disconnected relationship with her family, but suddenly, it was casually and speedily resolved in a couple of chapters! Then we don't hear of them again!
I understand the traumatic situation Ivy was in, but she was so cliched presented
She is:
the girl with trauma
barely accomplished
no support system
thinks she's broken
hangs on to the guy like a pick-me girl
insecure
Suddenly, gets the attention of the hot 6,4 athlete who's studying medicine and has the perfect parents
he is good at everything even figuring out how to "fix" this broken girl
it took them 80% to even entertain the idea of therapy
I think this book needed a bit of reconstruction
Thank you to Booksiren and the author for the eARC
Creep by Brian Justin Crump
What was I made for - cover by Kelly Clarkson
Speechless - Naomi Scott
Save Me - Jelly Roll
3.5🌟🌟🌟 🔅
I delved into this ARC because of its sensitive subject
so trigger warning: heavy on-page SA -bullying - PTSD - depression
I love reading "healing journey" books
we need more of those, especially these days
The book is told solely from Ivy's POV. We know from the beginning that something unspeakable happened to her. She did not get any support from family or friends. She becomes depressed and closed off to herself.
Enters Wes, the confident golden retriver athlet, to symbolise hope and happiness.
The last 30% of the book is exactly how a healing journey should be, and it is because of this percentage I have pumped my rating to 3.5 - though I do not like basing a rating on the last part of a book, however, the seriousness of the topic demands it
I loved that we did not get spice scenes until the very last chapter. I hate books that show how sex is the remedy for SA. Add to that, the scene was very tasteful and suitable.
Wes was exactly what Ivy needed. Since we did not get his pov, I tended to look at him symbolically.
He is hope that survivors could look forward to.
He is the happiness that they deserve
He is the support system they need
Having said that, after we are introduced to Ivy, the story took a somewhat dull pace.
we just see the day to day interaction between Wes and Ivy.
The conversations are not that deep to understand why they clicked
Because we didn't get his POV, I did not feel the chemistry between them
For chapters, we get that there is a disconnected relationship with her family, but suddenly, it was casually and speedily resolved in a couple of chapters! Then we don't hear of them again!
I understand the traumatic situation Ivy was in, but she was so cliched presented
She is:
the girl with trauma
barely accomplished
no support system
thinks she's broken
hangs on to the guy like a pick-me girl
insecure
Suddenly, gets the attention of the hot 6,4 athlete who's studying medicine and has the perfect parents
he is good at everything even figuring out how to "fix" this broken girl
it took them 80% to even entertain the idea of therapy
I think this book needed a bit of reconstruction
Thank you to Booksiren and the author for the eARC
Read
January 27, 2026COVER REVEAL & PRE-ORDER
I’m so excited to finally share the cover, blurb, and release date for my next book, Before the Exhale.
📖 Releases March 10
✨ Pre-order now: https://www.amazon.com/dp/B0GHZG9W3X
📚 Add to your TBR today
What to expect from Wes and Ivy’s story:
🖤 College Romance
🖤 Friends to Lovers
🖤 He Falls First
🖤 Golden Retriever Hero
🖤 Trauma/Healing
🖤 Slow-Burn
BLURB
Ivy Combs wants to disappear…
Halfway through her freshman year of college, all Ivy wants is to fly under the radar. Stay quiet, stay invisible. Putting up walls is the only way she knows how to cope with the trauma she’s been carrying since that horrible night in high school. But no matter how hard she tries to compartmentalize the past, it seeps into everything—her classes, her friendships, her sense of self. Withdrawn and anxious, she’s barely holding it together as second semester starts with the worst class imaginable: Public Speaking.
Then she meets Wes.
Smart, athletic, and effortlessly charming, senior Wes Tucker is the kind of guy everyone notices—and the kind of guy she’ll do anything to avoid. When a class project throws them together, Ivy braces for the worst. Wes isn’t what she expected, though. He’s kind, he’s patient, and Ivy finds herself wanting to believe in someone for the first time in a while.
Too bad learning to trust again seems impossible. She knows she can’t move forward without confronting her past; yet, tragically, healing isn’t linear. It’s raw, messy, and rarely ever simple…but maybe it’s not something she has to do alone.
💌 ARC sign-ups are currently open for a limited time for readers interested in an early copy.
(Details and application can be found here: https://linktr.ee/alyssawildeauthor)
Before the Exhale took a long time to perfect, and it is deeply close to my heart. I can’t wait for you to read it and become immersed in Ivy's story.
xo,
Alyssa
I’m so excited to finally share the cover, blurb, and release date for my next book, Before the Exhale.
📖 Releases March 10
✨ Pre-order now: https://www.amazon.com/dp/B0GHZG9W3X
📚 Add to your TBR today
What to expect from Wes and Ivy’s story:
🖤 College Romance
🖤 Friends to Lovers
🖤 He Falls First
🖤 Golden Retriever Hero
🖤 Trauma/Healing
🖤 Slow-Burn
BLURB
Ivy Combs wants to disappear…
Halfway through her freshman year of college, all Ivy wants is to fly under the radar. Stay quiet, stay invisible. Putting up walls is the only way she knows how to cope with the trauma she’s been carrying since that horrible night in high school. But no matter how hard she tries to compartmentalize the past, it seeps into everything—her classes, her friendships, her sense of self. Withdrawn and anxious, she’s barely holding it together as second semester starts with the worst class imaginable: Public Speaking.
Then she meets Wes.
Smart, athletic, and effortlessly charming, senior Wes Tucker is the kind of guy everyone notices—and the kind of guy she’ll do anything to avoid. When a class project throws them together, Ivy braces for the worst. Wes isn’t what she expected, though. He’s kind, he’s patient, and Ivy finds herself wanting to believe in someone for the first time in a while.
Too bad learning to trust again seems impossible. She knows she can’t move forward without confronting her past; yet, tragically, healing isn’t linear. It’s raw, messy, and rarely ever simple…but maybe it’s not something she has to do alone.
💌 ARC sign-ups are currently open for a limited time for readers interested in an early copy.
(Details and application can be found here: https://linktr.ee/alyssawildeauthor)
Before the Exhale took a long time to perfect, and it is deeply close to my heart. I can’t wait for you to read it and become immersed in Ivy's story.
xo,
Alyssa
February 14, 2026
5⭐️ I genuinely loved this book. To dive in deep, I related to our FMC with the trauma, the anxiety, the over thinking, the fear of big crowds, and I think that Alyssa Wilde wrote what it’s like to experience these things perfectly. (At least for me)
I absolutely adored the romance of this book. Strangers to friends to lovers, with a cinnamon roll mmc who showed the FMC that it’s okay to trust people and open up. I loved the burn of this book too, go into this book expecting tons of yearning and patience and healing and comfort, and ROMANCE.
The road to healing, found family, and romance was just sooooo well done in this. This is a book that hurts so much but also feels so good to have read by the end. I loved, and I’m so grateful to have received an ARC of this book. Alyssa Wilde is 3 for 3 with me, every single one of her books eat down and this one was no different. I binged this and didn’t want to put it down.
CHECK TRIGGERS!
I absolutely adored the romance of this book. Strangers to friends to lovers, with a cinnamon roll mmc who showed the FMC that it’s okay to trust people and open up. I loved the burn of this book too, go into this book expecting tons of yearning and patience and healing and comfort, and ROMANCE.
The road to healing, found family, and romance was just sooooo well done in this. This is a book that hurts so much but also feels so good to have read by the end. I loved, and I’m so grateful to have received an ARC of this book. Alyssa Wilde is 3 for 3 with me, every single one of her books eat down and this one was no different. I binged this and didn’t want to put it down.
CHECK TRIGGERS!
Review of advance copy received from Author
I received this as an ARC from the author. To be clear, however, Alyssa Wilde generously allowing me to read an early copy of her novel is not the reason for my 5 star review.
I've read both Crash Course and The Highlight and loved both, but Alyssa's writing is aging like fine wine. She improves with every novel, and Before the Exhale is her best yet.
I think Ivy is a character that, unfortunately, a lot of women can relate to. There were so many moments reading this novel that felt like they were ripped from my own college experience. The social anxiety, familial issues, guardedness,and self-isolation that Ivy experiences were so articulately and devastatingly written that I felt every emotion. Some of the things she went through throughout the course of the novel were tough to read, but Alyssa Wilde handled the very difficult subject matter with compassion and grace.
As much as I loved Ivy though, I really loved Wes. I pictured him as Jesse from Pitch Perfect for much of the novel, because the two characters share the same jubilant nature. Wes was the epitome of human sunshine, and he was exactly the type of person Ivy, along with many other survivors, needed. Alyssa did a great job of fleshing out the two characters, and handled their slow burn relationship with the grace that a character like Ivy needed.
Check the trigger warnings before diving in, but otherwise, this was a fantastic read.
I've read both Crash Course and The Highlight and loved both, but Alyssa's writing is aging like fine wine. She improves with every novel, and Before the Exhale is her best yet.
I think Ivy is a character that, unfortunately, a lot of women can relate to. There were so many moments reading this novel that felt like they were ripped from my own college experience. The social anxiety, familial issues, guardedness,and self-isolation that Ivy experiences were so articulately and devastatingly written that I felt every emotion. Some of the things she went through throughout the course of the novel were tough to read, but Alyssa Wilde handled the very difficult subject matter with compassion and grace.
As much as I loved Ivy though, I really loved Wes. I pictured him as Jesse from Pitch Perfect for much of the novel, because the two characters share the same jubilant nature. Wes was the epitome of human sunshine, and he was exactly the type of person Ivy, along with many other survivors, needed. Alyssa did a great job of fleshing out the two characters, and handled their slow burn relationship with the grace that a character like Ivy needed.
Check the trigger warnings before diving in, but otherwise, this was a fantastic read.
March 10, 2026
Review of advance copy received from author
I’m no stranger to Alyssa’s books so when I saw the opportunity to read this early arose I took it and let me tell you I’m so glad I did. This did not disappoint. It’s a college romance that follows Wes & Ivy and you can’t help but fall in love with them both. They were written so perfectly.
I’m no stranger to Alyssa’s books so when I saw the opportunity to read this early arose I took it and let me tell you I’m so glad I did. This did not disappoint. It’s a college romance that follows Wes & Ivy and you can’t help but fall in love with them both. They were written so perfectly.
March 19, 2026
Very cliche and classic, I enjoyed it a lot, though I prefer The Highlight. The plot was just very “done-before” and I would’ve loved to see more to Wes. He needs more depth. 4.75 ⭐️
March 2, 2026
✨ARC Review✨
Alyssa Wilde is 3 for 3 with me. The Highlight is one of my absolute favorite books and Before the Exhale just goes to show Alyssa’s range. At over 500 pages, this is longer for a contemporary romance but it never dragged. The pacing was spot on. This is a very character-focused book with such great development for both main characters. Would absolutely recommend!
Alyssa Wilde is 3 for 3 with me. The Highlight is one of my absolute favorite books and Before the Exhale just goes to show Alyssa’s range. At over 500 pages, this is longer for a contemporary romance but it never dragged. The pacing was spot on. This is a very character-focused book with such great development for both main characters. Would absolutely recommend!
February 23, 2026
Alyssa has done it again, another 5 star read.
The writing is compelling, the characters are loveable and can we talk about Wes, golden retriever MMC is exactly right 🥹 he is the perfect book boyfriend!
I also had a lot of love for the friends; Quinn, Ben & Kaden.
Ivy was a lovable narrator, you could really feel all of her anxiety and pain alongside her heart.
I love the way this author writes, even the moments that move at a slower pace are impactful and keep you hooked. You are truly immersed into the storytelling and into the world of these characters.
I’ve adored the other two books Alyssa has released so I had high hopes for this one and was not disappointed, it was a beautiful, and deeply emotional, story of healing and love.
I was lucky enough to get access to this book via an ARC.
It also happens to be the first arc I’ve ever signed up for because I just couldn’t wait to read another book by this author so I’m very grateful for the opportunity to read and review it.
The writing is compelling, the characters are loveable and can we talk about Wes, golden retriever MMC is exactly right 🥹 he is the perfect book boyfriend!
I also had a lot of love for the friends; Quinn, Ben & Kaden.
Ivy was a lovable narrator, you could really feel all of her anxiety and pain alongside her heart.
I love the way this author writes, even the moments that move at a slower pace are impactful and keep you hooked. You are truly immersed into the storytelling and into the world of these characters.
I’ve adored the other two books Alyssa has released so I had high hopes for this one and was not disappointed, it was a beautiful, and deeply emotional, story of healing and love.
I was lucky enough to get access to this book via an ARC.
It also happens to be the first arc I’ve ever signed up for because I just couldn’t wait to read another book by this author so I’m very grateful for the opportunity to read and review it.
March 25, 2026
4.5 stars ★ ★ ★ ★ ☆
☆⋆｡𖦹°‧★ Before the Exhale☆⋆｡𖦹°‧★
⁺₊★·.´🎧✩°｡ 0:56 ──♡───── 3:32 ⁺₊🎧★·.·´
🎶 “I was a flight risk, with a fear of fallin' Wondering why we bother with love, if it never lasts” 🎶
Ivy Combs (h) starts her freshman year of college determined to stay invisible, burying the trauma she has carried since high school behind carefully built walls. But when she is forced into a public speaking class and paired with senior Wes Tucker (H), her quiet routine begins to unravel. Wes is patient, kind, and nothing like she expected, slowly earning a trust she is not sure she can give.
🤍•.¸✿¸.•💌•.❀•THOUGHTS •❀.•💌•.¸✿¸.•🤍
Ivy is so special to me as a character. She felt real, vulnerable, and just the essence of everything I love in a character. I saw so much of myself in her. She struggles with anxiety, panic attacks, and social anxiety, and constantly feels awkward and unsure of why someone like Wes would even want to be around her. That’s what made me love her even more. And honestly, I loved her friendship with Wes more than anything. 💌💗🤍✨💗 He showed up as a friend first. He never pushed for more, never rushed her, and was always patient and understanding. Even when she pulled away, got distant, or shut down because she was triggered, he never lashed out. He gave her space when she needed it but still checked in, still made sure she was okay. He cared about her in such a steady and genuine way. And Ivy… I’m so proud of her. Even when she was going through a mental health crisis, she chose to seek help. She dropped the class because it was what she needed, and that mattered. Seeing her go to therapy, talk through her feelings, and eventually work toward helping others who went through sexual assault like she did was so powerful. And when she finally told Wes the truth, the way he immediately believed her, no hesitation, no doubt, just support, and even felt guilt for unknowingly bringing Mason around… that meant everything.
I think this book had such a deeper message beyond romance. The family dynamics especially stood out, because her home life wasn’t supportive at all. Her mom felt judgmental and critical, and Ivy always felt like she had to be more, to be better, especially compared to her brother who was clearly favored. So when she met Wes, it was the first time she really had someone in her corner. Someone she could just exist with. And what I loved most is that he didn’t just see her as shy or awkward, he saw her as a person. At the same time, Ivy saw him beyond being the football player, beyond the athlete everyone praised. There was so much more to him, and I loved that she recognized that. He was intelligent, charismatic, a great listener, and just genuinely good in a way that Ivy needed in her life. 💌💖🤍✨Their relationship building from friendship into something more felt so natural. They were opposites, but they understood each other in a way no one else did. And I loved how they became inseparable, bonding over something as unexpected as public speaking. It felt so real.
Their growth together and individually was what made this story so great. It hurt when Ivy pushed Wes away, but it wasn’t just her shutting him out, she was dealing with real trauma, especially after seeing Mason again. It overwhelmed her to the point where she shut down, and honestly, that distance between them felt necessary. They had been so attached, but she needed time to figure things out on her own before she could fully be with him. And when they finally came back to each other, it felt right because she had started her healing process. Not perfectly healed, but in a place where she was trying, and that mattered. I also loved how Wes’s friends became hers. Quinn, Remy, Ben, and Kaden welcomed her in a way she never expected, especially because she struggled so much socially and couldn’t understand why people would like her. That part felt incredibly real to me. She was so easy to root for. And while there were so many side characters who treated her horribly, it didn’t take away from her journey. She didn’t need closure from people who never tried to understand her. Her closure came in her own way, through healing, through finally speaking up, and through Mason being exposed for what he was. She didn’t deserve to feel guilty for not coming forward sooner. Healing isn’t linear, and this book showed that so well. It went far beyond romance. It explored trauma, growth, friendship, and self-worth in such a meaningful way, and that’s what made it feel so special.
There are definitely moments that will make you angry. For example, when Wes doesn’t initially know how to react around his ex Dani and Rich, so he says nothing. He feels ashamed that he was even friends with people like that, and it happens again with Mason, even if that situation was completely unknowable to him at the time. But one thing about Wes is that he always shows up for Ivy.💞💓✨💗🥹✨ He makes sure she feels comfortable, he checks in, and he apologizes for other people’s behavior even when it isn’t his fault. He was a good friend first and became an even better one to Ivy before ultimately becoming her person. I adored Wes and Ivy, especially the slow burn and the innocence of their friendship. The only real downside for me was the gap with Ivy being a freshman and Wes being a senior. It just makes me think about all the hurdles they’ll eventually have to deal with, like time commitments, different life stages, and being in completely different places career-wise. Right now he works at the hospital near campus, but what happens when she graduates and needs a job in graphic design and it’s not nearby? Maybe freelance, but still. I’m probably overthinking it, which is exactly what Wes would say. He’s so good at grounding Ivy, pulling her back into the present, and helping her not spiral. That’s one of the things I loved most about them. He’s always there when she needs him, and she shows up for him too, even when it’s hard for her. She remembers the little things about him and pushes herself out of her comfort zone because she cares.They balance each other so well. And I love that Wes reported her bully. My sunshine boy for real. ✨💖🥹✨💓
🤍•.¸✿¸.•💌•.❀•OVERALL •❀.•💌•.¸✿¸.•🤍
This is something that everyone should read. I genuinely believe it’s healing and worthwhile. It has heavy moments, but they’re handled with so much care and gentleness. Ivy doesn’t start therapy until later in the book, but that honestly made it feel even more real. It shows that everyone’s timeline for healing looks different, and there’s no right or wrong moment to finally seek help. What really stood out to me was how natural it felt for Ivy to accept that she needed time to work on herself before she could be a partner to someone else. That kind of self-awareness isn’t easy, especially when you care deeply about someone. And I loved that Wes understood that completely. He never pressured her or made her feel guilty. He was always clear that he would be there for her, regardless of whether they were together at that moment.
☆⋆｡𖦹°‧★ Before the Exhale☆⋆｡𖦹°‧★
⁺₊★·.´🎧✩°｡ 0:56 ──♡───── 3:32 ⁺₊🎧★·.·´
🎶 “I was a flight risk, with a fear of fallin' Wondering why we bother with love, if it never lasts” 🎶
Ivy Combs (h) starts her freshman year of college determined to stay invisible, burying the trauma she has carried since high school behind carefully built walls. But when she is forced into a public speaking class and paired with senior Wes Tucker (H), her quiet routine begins to unravel. Wes is patient, kind, and nothing like she expected, slowly earning a trust she is not sure she can give.
🤍•.¸✿¸.•💌•.❀•THOUGHTS •❀.•💌•.¸✿¸.•🤍
”Me, on the other hand? I have difficulty making eye contact (not to mention conversation) with one person.”
Ivy is so special to me as a character. She felt real, vulnerable, and just the essence of everything I love in a character. I saw so much of myself in her. She struggles with anxiety, panic attacks, and social anxiety, and constantly feels awkward and unsure of why someone like Wes would even want to be around her. That’s what made me love her even more. And honestly, I loved her friendship with Wes more than anything. 💌💗🤍✨💗 He showed up as a friend first. He never pushed for more, never rushed her, and was always patient and understanding. Even when she pulled away, got distant, or shut down because she was triggered, he never lashed out. He gave her space when she needed it but still checked in, still made sure she was okay. He cared about her in such a steady and genuine way. And Ivy… I’m so proud of her. Even when she was going through a mental health crisis, she chose to seek help. She dropped the class because it was what she needed, and that mattered. Seeing her go to therapy, talk through her feelings, and eventually work toward helping others who went through sexual assault like she did was so powerful. And when she finally told Wes the truth, the way he immediately believed her, no hesitation, no doubt, just support, and even felt guilt for unknowingly bringing Mason around… that meant everything.
“At some point my brain stops rattling around in my skull long enough for me to fall asleep. When I wake up in the morning, it starts again like an engine, revving up and shifting my thoughts from carefree to anxious to high alert.”
I think this book had such a deeper message beyond romance. The family dynamics especially stood out, because her home life wasn’t supportive at all. Her mom felt judgmental and critical, and Ivy always felt like she had to be more, to be better, especially compared to her brother who was clearly favored. So when she met Wes, it was the first time she really had someone in her corner. Someone she could just exist with. And what I loved most is that he didn’t just see her as shy or awkward, he saw her as a person. At the same time, Ivy saw him beyond being the football player, beyond the athlete everyone praised. There was so much more to him, and I loved that she recognized that. He was intelligent, charismatic, a great listener, and just genuinely good in a way that Ivy needed in her life. 💌💖🤍✨Their relationship building from friendship into something more felt so natural. They were opposites, but they understood each other in a way no one else did. And I loved how they became inseparable, bonding over something as unexpected as public speaking. It felt so real.
“I crave him too much. His attention, his affection, his light. His smile makes my day, and don’t get me started on his laugh. I can’t cut him out. At this point, it would be like cutting off a limb. It would be detrimental to my health, and I really, truly mean that.”
Their growth together and individually was what made this story so great. It hurt when Ivy pushed Wes away, but it wasn’t just her shutting him out, she was dealing with real trauma, especially after seeing Mason again. It overwhelmed her to the point where she shut down, and honestly, that distance between them felt necessary. They had been so attached, but she needed time to figure things out on her own before she could fully be with him. And when they finally came back to each other, it felt right because she had started her healing process. Not perfectly healed, but in a place where she was trying, and that mattered. I also loved how Wes’s friends became hers. Quinn, Remy, Ben, and Kaden welcomed her in a way she never expected, especially because she struggled so much socially and couldn’t understand why people would like her. That part felt incredibly real to me. She was so easy to root for. And while there were so many side characters who treated her horribly, it didn’t take away from her journey. She didn’t need closure from people who never tried to understand her. Her closure came in her own way, through healing, through finally speaking up, and through Mason being exposed for what he was. She didn’t deserve to feel guilty for not coming forward sooner. Healing isn’t linear, and this book showed that so well. It went far beyond romance. It explored trauma, growth, friendship, and self-worth in such a meaningful way, and that’s what made it feel so special.
“I’m fine. Just...”
“Embarrassed,” Wes finishes for me, once again reading me like a book.
“You have no reason to be. Trust me. If anyone’s embarrassed, it’s me. I don’t want you to think I’m friends with that asshole.”
There are definitely moments that will make you angry. For example, when Wes doesn’t initially know how to react around his ex Dani and Rich, so he says nothing. He feels ashamed that he was even friends with people like that, and it happens again with Mason, even if that situation was completely unknowable to him at the time. But one thing about Wes is that he always shows up for Ivy.💞💓✨💗🥹✨ He makes sure she feels comfortable, he checks in, and he apologizes for other people’s behavior even when it isn’t his fault. He was a good friend first and became an even better one to Ivy before ultimately becoming her person. I adored Wes and Ivy, especially the slow burn and the innocence of their friendship. The only real downside for me was the gap with Ivy being a freshman and Wes being a senior. It just makes me think about all the hurdles they’ll eventually have to deal with, like time commitments, different life stages, and being in completely different places career-wise. Right now he works at the hospital near campus, but what happens when she graduates and needs a job in graphic design and it’s not nearby? Maybe freelance, but still. I’m probably overthinking it, which is exactly what Wes would say. He’s so good at grounding Ivy, pulling her back into the present, and helping her not spiral. That’s one of the things I loved most about them. He’s always there when she needs him, and she shows up for him too, even when it’s hard for her. She remembers the little things about him and pushes herself out of her comfort zone because she cares.They balance each other so well. And I love that Wes reported her bully. My sunshine boy for real. ✨💖🥹✨💓
🤍•.¸✿¸.•💌•.❀•OVERALL •❀.•💌•.¸✿¸.•🤍
This is something that everyone should read. I genuinely believe it’s healing and worthwhile. It has heavy moments, but they’re handled with so much care and gentleness. Ivy doesn’t start therapy until later in the book, but that honestly made it feel even more real. It shows that everyone’s timeline for healing looks different, and there’s no right or wrong moment to finally seek help. What really stood out to me was how natural it felt for Ivy to accept that she needed time to work on herself before she could be a partner to someone else. That kind of self-awareness isn’t easy, especially when you care deeply about someone. And I loved that Wes understood that completely. He never pressured her or made her feel guilty. He was always clear that he would be there for her, regardless of whether they were together at that moment.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
February 15, 2026
ARC REVIEW!! ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
This was one of my most highly anticipated books of 2026, and it did not disappoint. I was bawling my eyes out because I truly felt for everything Ivy was going through. She felt like she had no one and had been suffering for years before Wes came along.
And Wes—Wes was incredibly kind, gentle, and patient with Ivy. There were moments when he wanted to give up, but it was clear that staying away from her broke his heart even more. I loved how well he was able to read Ivy; that kind of emotional awareness is rare nowadays.
I was glad that many people helped Ivy along the way, especially those you would least expect. Because of them, she was able to seek help and start getting better—not only for herself, but for others too.
This was one of my most highly anticipated books of 2026, and it did not disappoint. I was bawling my eyes out because I truly felt for everything Ivy was going through. She felt like she had no one and had been suffering for years before Wes came along.
And Wes—Wes was incredibly kind, gentle, and patient with Ivy. There were moments when he wanted to give up, but it was clear that staying away from her broke his heart even more. I loved how well he was able to read Ivy; that kind of emotional awareness is rare nowadays.
I was glad that many people helped Ivy along the way, especially those you would least expect. Because of them, she was able to seek help and start getting better—not only for herself, but for others too.
March 18, 2026
Rating: ❤️ favorite
♥ Ivy & Wes ♥
Tropes:
🎓 college romance
🤝 friends to lovers
💘 he falls first
🐶 golden retriever MMC
🩹 trauma & healing
🔥 slow burn
In two sentences:
Ivy is trying to survive college while carrying the weight of a traumatic past. When a class project pairs her with Wes, his patience and kindness slowly begin to break down the walls she built to protect herself.
🇺🇸 My review:
A favorite. This book devastated me in the most beautiful way.
The writing by Alissa Wilde is absolutely stunning, and Ivy’s journey is handled with so much care. Watching her move from rock bottom through darkness, depression, and the slow, painful process of healing felt incredibly real and powerful. Healing isn’t linear, and this story captures that truth perfectly.
And Wes… truly the ultimate green flag. The definition of a cinnamon roll, golden retriever book boyfriend. Patient, supportive, gentle, and endlessly loving. The way he shows up for Ivy again and again completely melted my heart. Their relationship is soft, emotional, and deeply comforting.
The full-circle moment at the end is flawless. It feels complete while still leaving the sense that this is only the beginning for them.
A beautiful, emotional story that will stay with me for a long time. Definitely a favorite.
. ݁₊ ⊹ . ݁˖ . ݁
En deux mots :
Ivy tente de survivre à sa première année d’université tout en portant le poids d’un traumatisme. La rencontre avec Wes pourrait bien être le premier pas vers la guérison.
🇫🇷 Ma chronique :
Un énorme coup de cœur. Ce livre m’a bouleversée de la plus belle des façons.
L’écriture d’Alissa Wilde est magnifique, et le parcours d’Ivy est traité avec énormément de sensibilité. On la voit toucher le fond, traverser la douleur, la dépression, et avancer pas à pas vers la guérison. Rien n’est simple, rien n’est linéaire — et c’est justement ce qui rend cette histoire si puissante et authentique.
Et Wes… le green flag ultime. Le parfait book boyfriend : patient, doux, attentionné et infiniment bienveillant. Sa façon d’être présent pour Ivy, sans jamais la brusquer, m’a totalement fait fondre. Leur relation est tendre, émouvante et pleine d’espoir.
Le moment « full circle » à la fin est parfait : on a l’impression d’une boucle qui se ferme tout en sachant que leur histoire ne fait que commencer.
Un roman profondément touchant qui restera longtemps avec moi. Un vrai favori.
♥ Ivy & Wes ♥
Tropes:
🎓 college romance
🤝 friends to lovers
💘 he falls first
🐶 golden retriever MMC
🩹 trauma & healing
🔥 slow burn
In two sentences:
Ivy is trying to survive college while carrying the weight of a traumatic past. When a class project pairs her with Wes, his patience and kindness slowly begin to break down the walls she built to protect herself.
🇺🇸 My review:
A favorite. This book devastated me in the most beautiful way.
The writing by Alissa Wilde is absolutely stunning, and Ivy’s journey is handled with so much care. Watching her move from rock bottom through darkness, depression, and the slow, painful process of healing felt incredibly real and powerful. Healing isn’t linear, and this story captures that truth perfectly.
And Wes… truly the ultimate green flag. The definition of a cinnamon roll, golden retriever book boyfriend. Patient, supportive, gentle, and endlessly loving. The way he shows up for Ivy again and again completely melted my heart. Their relationship is soft, emotional, and deeply comforting.
The full-circle moment at the end is flawless. It feels complete while still leaving the sense that this is only the beginning for them.
A beautiful, emotional story that will stay with me for a long time. Definitely a favorite.
. ݁₊ ⊹ . ݁˖ . ݁
En deux mots :
Ivy tente de survivre à sa première année d’université tout en portant le poids d’un traumatisme. La rencontre avec Wes pourrait bien être le premier pas vers la guérison.
🇫🇷 Ma chronique :
Un énorme coup de cœur. Ce livre m’a bouleversée de la plus belle des façons.
L’écriture d’Alissa Wilde est magnifique, et le parcours d’Ivy est traité avec énormément de sensibilité. On la voit toucher le fond, traverser la douleur, la dépression, et avancer pas à pas vers la guérison. Rien n’est simple, rien n’est linéaire — et c’est justement ce qui rend cette histoire si puissante et authentique.
Et Wes… le green flag ultime. Le parfait book boyfriend : patient, doux, attentionné et infiniment bienveillant. Sa façon d’être présent pour Ivy, sans jamais la brusquer, m’a totalement fait fondre. Leur relation est tendre, émouvante et pleine d’espoir.
Le moment « full circle » à la fin est parfait : on a l’impression d’une boucle qui se ferme tout en sachant que leur histoire ne fait que commencer.
Un roman profondément touchant qui restera longtemps avec moi. Un vrai favori.
March 10, 2026
I just finished Ivy and Wes’s story, and I’m still sitting with everything it made me feel. This book is so much more than a romance—it’s a story about trauma, healing, friendship, and the courage it takes to let someone truly see you.
Ivy felt incredibly real to me. As an introvert, I often found myself recognizing parts of myself in her thoughts and reactions. Watching her navigate her past, her fears, and her growth felt both heartbreaking and beautiful.
And Wes… he is genuinely one of the most wonderful MMCs I’ve ever read. Caring, patient, loyal, and endlessly supportive without ever trying to change who Ivy is. The way he sees her and loves her for exactly who she is made their connection feel so sincere and deeply earned.
Alyssa’s writing is absolutely beautiful—smooth, immersive, and emotionally powerful. The story flows so naturally that it almost feels like you’re witnessing real lives rather than reading fiction.
What I appreciated most is that this book doesn’t romanticize healing. Falling in love doesn’t magically erase trauma, and the story honors that truth while still showing how powerful love, friendship, and support can be. This story will stay with me for a very long time. Another absolute treasure of a book.
I received an ARC in exchange of an honest review 𑣲
Ivy felt incredibly real to me. As an introvert, I often found myself recognizing parts of myself in her thoughts and reactions. Watching her navigate her past, her fears, and her growth felt both heartbreaking and beautiful.
And Wes… he is genuinely one of the most wonderful MMCs I’ve ever read. Caring, patient, loyal, and endlessly supportive without ever trying to change who Ivy is. The way he sees her and loves her for exactly who she is made their connection feel so sincere and deeply earned.
Alyssa’s writing is absolutely beautiful—smooth, immersive, and emotionally powerful. The story flows so naturally that it almost feels like you’re witnessing real lives rather than reading fiction.
What I appreciated most is that this book doesn’t romanticize healing. Falling in love doesn’t magically erase trauma, and the story honors that truth while still showing how powerful love, friendship, and support can be. This story will stay with me for a very long time. Another absolute treasure of a book.
I received an ARC in exchange of an honest review 𑣲
Review of advance copy
My Advanced copy was from Book Siren. I know it's a difficult subject but the character of Wes is so compelling. And Ivy is shy because she wants to remain invisible and Wes is the most popular man on campus. As their friendship grows due to Wes and his large personality and determination Ivy comes out of her shell a bit.
There is her family dynamics which are dysfunctional somewhat and the whole "thing" that she tucks away.
It seems too long through this middle as we wait for something to move the story along which is her confronting her past in person.
She doesn't do well. You just can't imagine.
It takes another 20% of the story to lose almost everything and climb out again
Our Ivy got it together and the book leads you to believe not telling really hurts and telling might be the bravest thing you'd ever do.
There is her family dynamics which are dysfunctional somewhat and the whole "thing" that she tucks away.
It seems too long through this middle as we wait for something to move the story along which is her confronting her past in person.
She doesn't do well. You just can't imagine.
It takes another 20% of the story to lose almost everything and climb out again
Our Ivy got it together and the book leads you to believe not telling really hurts and telling might be the bravest thing you'd ever do.
March 24, 2026
Ok, this book has a lot of potential but it dragged more than it needed to. The additional 10-15 chapters are to my opinion just page fillers and can’t believe I wasted my time on this.
March 28, 2026
♥ College Romance
♥ Friends to Lovers
♥ He Falls First
♥ Golden Retriever Hero
♥ Trauma/Healing
♥ Slow-Burn
♥ Popular guy falls for the shy girl
♥ he believes her immediately and beats up the other guy
♥ he’s the first one she tells
♥ study “dates” when they are not even together yet
♥ they help each other practice public speaking
♥ cute nicknames “poison ivy” and “ives”
♥ who did this to you?
Favorite moments:
I watch with a mixture of horror and fascination as his big hand practically swallows it whole.
“Thank you,” he whispers, and our eyes meet for a split second before my gaze drops down to his grateful smile. I narrow in on a set of straight, white teeth. “I guess I owe you my firstborn in exchange for your kindness. Congratulations. Or…maybe I should offer you condolences instead? Kind of a shit deal to be saddled with a kid you don’t want, but hey, I don’t make the rules.
I actually debated dropping this class I was so ashamed of my thievery, but then I realized I can’t drop this class because I literally cannot graduate without it, which is kind of bullshit if you ask me. So, here you go.” He flashes a crooked smile, extending the pencil across the space between our desks. “I fully accept the blight on my otherwise pristine pencil-borrowing reputation and apologize for the delay in its return.”
“Please.” The desk creaks as he leans closer. “I happen to find you fascinating.”
My head snaps up, caught off guard. “Y-you do?” I wince, but he only nods, looking like he’s biting back a smile. I clear my throat a little and try to get the next word out right the first time. “Why?”
He laughs. “Your eyes. When you finally work up the nerve to look at me, they say tenfold what your mouth does.” My mouth bobs open, but when nothing comes out, I snap my lips shut, not sure what to make of that statement. Wes grins like I just proved his point. “See? You’re trying to decide how offended you should be.”
He shifts closer, lowering his voice. “You didn’t want to come to Stratus University. I could tell by the pained look in your eye during your first response. You like design, though, way more than you’re letting on with your answers. Maybe too much in your opinion. And the entire time we’ve been doing this assignment, you’ve been trying to determine if I’m completely full of shit or not. I’m not, just so you know, but I totally understand the concern.” He leans back again, chuckling at my stunned expression. “So, what kind of books?”
“W-what?”
“You said you like to read. What kind of books?” My face flames, and he smirks, looking down at his notebook. This time I’m able to make out his handwriting as he scrawls romance books beside the question number.
“How did you…”
“Your blush. Says it all
We don’t make it to the door, though. The second Wes steps onto the grass, the guys on the porch descend on him like he’s some kind of god, clapping him on the shoulder or shaking his hand. I step away from the group before it can swallow me up, watching the mob of frat bros flutter around Wes’s light like a bunch of drunken moths.
“What the fuck, is that Doc?” calls one.
“Fuck, it is! How’s it going, Tucker?”
“What’s up, Doc!”
“Doc’s at Pike? No fucking way.”
“Want a drink, man? We’ll show you where we keep the good stuff.”
I can’t imagine what it’s like to be so beloved.
The car door opens and shuts, Wes’s footsteps hurried across the sidewalk. “Ivy, are you okay? Where the fuck is your jacket? It’s freezing out here.” I keep my head down, my hair acting as a curtain to shield it from view. “Ivy,” he says more seriously, and his feet stop inches from mine. “Ives. What happened?”
I have no choice but to look at him then, so I do, letting my hair fall back. His eyes widen, scanning over my face in disbelief, before they harden and flash with a fury I’ve never seen in Wes. “What the fuck?” He reaches out as if to touch my face, but then freezes, thinking better of it. A muscle in his jaw ticks. “Ivy. Who did this?”
“Where did you go in such a hurry?” Ben asks, before looking up. His mouth gapes when he notices me, and he fumbles for the remote, pausing whatever’s on screen. “What the fuck? What happened?”
Kaden looks over as well, and his shocked expression mirrors Ben’s. “Okay, who do we need to kill?”
I don’t answer. Neither does Wes. “Where’s the first aid kit?” is all he says, his deep voice carrying the same restrained emotion from the car.
“In the downstairs bathroom, I think,” says Ben, getting to his feet. “Let me get a bag of ice.”
“I think we have frozen peas,” says Kaden. “I’ll get you some water.”
“Thanks,” Wes says, before guiding me again, down the hall to the door at the end. I step back while he rummages through the cabinet, pulling out band-aids and disinfectant.
“Something, um, happened to me. At the party. With him.”
I press my lips together. Clench my teeth so hard they hurt. That’s it. That’s all I can manage, and I can’t tell if it’s enough to convey what I need him to understand. Swallowing past the sudden thickness in my throat, I tentatively look up at the man across from me. His eyes roam my face, processing what little I’ve revealed, and I see the moment he finally comprehends the weight of my words.
The sun sets on Wes’s face. I watch it happen in real time, dark shadow eclipsing his light, and my heart cracks in half. He pales, looking stricken, his features etched with pure devastation. “Ivy,” he breathes, wrecked by my admission, and I try not to crumble right then and there.
I swallow. Shake my head. Do anything I can to downplay and wipe that expression off his face. “It’s okay.” It’s not. “It’s fine.” It’s not.
“Go on,” Mason urges, full-on smirking at me now, and my spine stiffens. “You said you’d tell him, so tell him.”
I open my mouth, but no words come out.
Say something. Say fucking anything.
I don’t think I can do this in front of him.
“Alright,” Mason says, sighing like he’s taking one for the team, and he looks at his friend. “Ivy was scared to tell you.”
“Scared to tell me what?” Wes asks slowly, his gaze shifting to me. His expression is cautious now, anxiety swirling behind his eyes, and my heart threatens to burst free of my chest.
Mason exhales an exaggerated breath. “Look, man. This is all in the past, okay? We didn’t mean to lie about it, I swear. We fucked a couple years ago. Nothing serious. Just sex. It happened at a party. It’s really not a big deal.”
And Wes, loud-mouthed, always-in-the-mood-to-talk Wes, doesn’t respond. He just keeps looking at me, unblinking, eyes boring into mine. And then his eyes drop to my wrist, narrowing when they notice the angry nail indentations left by his friend’s overbearing grip. When his gaze meets mine again, I watch the pieces click into place. I witness the exact moment he solves the puzzle once and for all.
The blood drains from his face. His eyes cycle through emotions, never once straying from mine. Realization. Horror. Disbelief. Fury.
Mason is oblivious, and when Wes doesn’t respond and I remain silent, he continues on. “You shouldn’t be mad at Ivy, man. It was a long time ago. No feelings there or anything. Just a hookup. We should have told you at the beach.”
Wes’s jaw ticks. His voice shakes as he utters one word. “Him?”
I give a single nod.
And that’s all it takes. Wes’s eyes ease away from mine and settle on his childhood friend’s. I don’t recognize his voice, the tone deep, ragged, eerily low. “What the fuck did you do?”
♥ Friends to Lovers
♥ He Falls First
♥ Golden Retriever Hero
♥ Trauma/Healing
♥ Slow-Burn
♥ Popular guy falls for the shy girl
♥ he believes her immediately and beats up the other guy
♥ he’s the first one she tells
♥ study “dates” when they are not even together yet
♥ they help each other practice public speaking
♥ cute nicknames “poison ivy” and “ives”
♥ who did this to you?
Favorite moments:
I watch with a mixture of horror and fascination as his big hand practically swallows it whole.
“Thank you,” he whispers, and our eyes meet for a split second before my gaze drops down to his grateful smile. I narrow in on a set of straight, white teeth. “I guess I owe you my firstborn in exchange for your kindness. Congratulations. Or…maybe I should offer you condolences instead? Kind of a shit deal to be saddled with a kid you don’t want, but hey, I don’t make the rules.
I actually debated dropping this class I was so ashamed of my thievery, but then I realized I can’t drop this class because I literally cannot graduate without it, which is kind of bullshit if you ask me. So, here you go.” He flashes a crooked smile, extending the pencil across the space between our desks. “I fully accept the blight on my otherwise pristine pencil-borrowing reputation and apologize for the delay in its return.”
“Please.” The desk creaks as he leans closer. “I happen to find you fascinating.”
My head snaps up, caught off guard. “Y-you do?” I wince, but he only nods, looking like he’s biting back a smile. I clear my throat a little and try to get the next word out right the first time. “Why?”
He laughs. “Your eyes. When you finally work up the nerve to look at me, they say tenfold what your mouth does.” My mouth bobs open, but when nothing comes out, I snap my lips shut, not sure what to make of that statement. Wes grins like I just proved his point. “See? You’re trying to decide how offended you should be.”
He shifts closer, lowering his voice. “You didn’t want to come to Stratus University. I could tell by the pained look in your eye during your first response. You like design, though, way more than you’re letting on with your answers. Maybe too much in your opinion. And the entire time we’ve been doing this assignment, you’ve been trying to determine if I’m completely full of shit or not. I’m not, just so you know, but I totally understand the concern.” He leans back again, chuckling at my stunned expression. “So, what kind of books?”
“W-what?”
“You said you like to read. What kind of books?” My face flames, and he smirks, looking down at his notebook. This time I’m able to make out his handwriting as he scrawls romance books beside the question number.
“How did you…”
“Your blush. Says it all
We don’t make it to the door, though. The second Wes steps onto the grass, the guys on the porch descend on him like he’s some kind of god, clapping him on the shoulder or shaking his hand. I step away from the group before it can swallow me up, watching the mob of frat bros flutter around Wes’s light like a bunch of drunken moths.
“What the fuck, is that Doc?” calls one.
“Fuck, it is! How’s it going, Tucker?”
“What’s up, Doc!”
“Doc’s at Pike? No fucking way.”
“Want a drink, man? We’ll show you where we keep the good stuff.”
I can’t imagine what it’s like to be so beloved.
The car door opens and shuts, Wes’s footsteps hurried across the sidewalk. “Ivy, are you okay? Where the fuck is your jacket? It’s freezing out here.” I keep my head down, my hair acting as a curtain to shield it from view. “Ivy,” he says more seriously, and his feet stop inches from mine. “Ives. What happened?”
I have no choice but to look at him then, so I do, letting my hair fall back. His eyes widen, scanning over my face in disbelief, before they harden and flash with a fury I’ve never seen in Wes. “What the fuck?” He reaches out as if to touch my face, but then freezes, thinking better of it. A muscle in his jaw ticks. “Ivy. Who did this?”
“Where did you go in such a hurry?” Ben asks, before looking up. His mouth gapes when he notices me, and he fumbles for the remote, pausing whatever’s on screen. “What the fuck? What happened?”
Kaden looks over as well, and his shocked expression mirrors Ben’s. “Okay, who do we need to kill?”
I don’t answer. Neither does Wes. “Where’s the first aid kit?” is all he says, his deep voice carrying the same restrained emotion from the car.
“In the downstairs bathroom, I think,” says Ben, getting to his feet. “Let me get a bag of ice.”
“I think we have frozen peas,” says Kaden. “I’ll get you some water.”
“Thanks,” Wes says, before guiding me again, down the hall to the door at the end. I step back while he rummages through the cabinet, pulling out band-aids and disinfectant.
“Something, um, happened to me. At the party. With him.”
I press my lips together. Clench my teeth so hard they hurt. That’s it. That’s all I can manage, and I can’t tell if it’s enough to convey what I need him to understand. Swallowing past the sudden thickness in my throat, I tentatively look up at the man across from me. His eyes roam my face, processing what little I’ve revealed, and I see the moment he finally comprehends the weight of my words.
The sun sets on Wes’s face. I watch it happen in real time, dark shadow eclipsing his light, and my heart cracks in half. He pales, looking stricken, his features etched with pure devastation. “Ivy,” he breathes, wrecked by my admission, and I try not to crumble right then and there.
I swallow. Shake my head. Do anything I can to downplay and wipe that expression off his face. “It’s okay.” It’s not. “It’s fine.” It’s not.
“Go on,” Mason urges, full-on smirking at me now, and my spine stiffens. “You said you’d tell him, so tell him.”
I open my mouth, but no words come out.
Say something. Say fucking anything.
I don’t think I can do this in front of him.
“Alright,” Mason says, sighing like he’s taking one for the team, and he looks at his friend. “Ivy was scared to tell you.”
“Scared to tell me what?” Wes asks slowly, his gaze shifting to me. His expression is cautious now, anxiety swirling behind his eyes, and my heart threatens to burst free of my chest.
Mason exhales an exaggerated breath. “Look, man. This is all in the past, okay? We didn’t mean to lie about it, I swear. We fucked a couple years ago. Nothing serious. Just sex. It happened at a party. It’s really not a big deal.”
And Wes, loud-mouthed, always-in-the-mood-to-talk Wes, doesn’t respond. He just keeps looking at me, unblinking, eyes boring into mine. And then his eyes drop to my wrist, narrowing when they notice the angry nail indentations left by his friend’s overbearing grip. When his gaze meets mine again, I watch the pieces click into place. I witness the exact moment he solves the puzzle once and for all.
The blood drains from his face. His eyes cycle through emotions, never once straying from mine. Realization. Horror. Disbelief. Fury.
Mason is oblivious, and when Wes doesn’t respond and I remain silent, he continues on. “You shouldn’t be mad at Ivy, man. It was a long time ago. No feelings there or anything. Just a hookup. We should have told you at the beach.”
Wes’s jaw ticks. His voice shakes as he utters one word. “Him?”
I give a single nod.
And that’s all it takes. Wes’s eyes ease away from mine and settle on his childhood friend’s. I don’t recognize his voice, the tone deep, ragged, eerily low. “What the fuck did you do?”
March 30, 2026
Before I begin my review, I want to acknowledge that the author does say she attempted to handle these sensitive topics with "thoughtfulness and respect" and that is admirable. However, I found that the entire novel fell short of this promise and left a lot to be desired.
Ivy is an extremely shy girl who suffers from depression and anxiety due to a past trauma she experienced. Wes is the most perfect guy in the entire universe. Not only is he the star athlete of their university, but he has plans to become a doctor and is patient, kind and good at everything he does. Women love him, parents and teachers love him, he is just the epitome of perfection. While he is very sweet, I felt that he was kind of too good to be true, in a kind of boring way. There was really no depth. Both characters come off as kind of shallow (not vain, just not very deep) and they aren't that likable. There is nothing about them that really stands out in any way, nothing that makes you really root for them.
The pacing of the book was really painful, honestly. I found myself struggling to keep reading and felt the last two-four chapters were completely unnecessary.
Also, completely unrelated, the constant hating on the Phantom Menace really made me want to give this book one star. I didn't know what the author was trying to accomplish through this? It was just annoying.
Now, I am going to discuss the topics that are addressed in the books, so beware of SPOILERS AHEAD:
The family drama is just weird. She is treated "horribly," according to herself. She mentions at some point how mean her parents are for having to be convinced to let her major in design. Note: they pay for her college! She doesn't even have a job. She complains that they are so cheap and only let her get a basic latte in high school EVERY DAY after school. That's like $5-7 a day just for coffee. Excuse me for not finding that very depressing, I'll reserve that feeling for my student loans.
However, one day, her mom decides that she is done treating her harshly! She suddenly gains a conscience and decides that she is going to be an amazing mother now. She claims that their bonding is not that easy, but it basically was that easy. Yeah, okay.
As for the main topic of the novel, I can say that it was not anything special. At a time where we have multiple breakthrough novels that delve into the sensitive topic of sexual violence, such as Speak and The Way I Used to Be, to name a few, this falls short of my expectations by miles.
My first issue is the codependency displayed throughout the entire book. Ivy has entirely no will to live until she meets Wes. He is the sun that she revolves around. Her journey to healing begins because of events that transpire during their relationship. She basically wants to get better for him. While they do separate at some point, her is constantly on her mind. When she is in therapy, he is the main topic that she is thinking about. Not herself, or the impacts of her trauma. That kind of sits on the back burner.
Something that personally ticked me off was her thoughts on telling him who hurt her. She claims that she will be broken if he doesn't believe her. Girl, stand up! If he doesn't believe you, he's a disgusting human that doesn't deserve a minute of your thoughts and attention. It's like she doesn't even believe in herself unless he believes her. This sends the completely wrong message. Some people aren't going to believe you. That is just a fact. It's not about them. It's about YOU. It doesn't matter what they think! And while I know you will always care what others think about you, this book shouldn't be reinforcing these insecurities. The therapist should have said something about how his approval means nothing compared to her own acceptance. Ugh, I don't even have the words to describe the frustration I felt.
And they just continue on with their codependence. She has no other friends besides her roommate and his friends. She doesn't really grow in any other way than with their relationship. We don't see her branching out, we don't see her doing anything really besides hang out with him. Great! Now all her healing can cater to a man's needs!
My final thoughts about the entire message is that this novel brings nothing new to the table. Maybe I have already read too many books about these topics, but everything felt cliche and boring. Not once did I feel emotional about this book. Nothing felt like a breakthrough. It was just kind of meh.
Maybe this is good for people who are just starting to read books on this topic, but for anyone else I would not recommend. It's honestly just not worth the time.
Ivy is an extremely shy girl who suffers from depression and anxiety due to a past trauma she experienced. Wes is the most perfect guy in the entire universe. Not only is he the star athlete of their university, but he has plans to become a doctor and is patient, kind and good at everything he does. Women love him, parents and teachers love him, he is just the epitome of perfection. While he is very sweet, I felt that he was kind of too good to be true, in a kind of boring way. There was really no depth. Both characters come off as kind of shallow (not vain, just not very deep) and they aren't that likable. There is nothing about them that really stands out in any way, nothing that makes you really root for them.
The pacing of the book was really painful, honestly. I found myself struggling to keep reading and felt the last two-four chapters were completely unnecessary.
Also, completely unrelated, the constant hating on the Phantom Menace really made me want to give this book one star. I didn't know what the author was trying to accomplish through this? It was just annoying.
Now, I am going to discuss the topics that are addressed in the books, so beware of SPOILERS AHEAD:
The family drama is just weird. She is treated "horribly," according to herself. She mentions at some point how mean her parents are for having to be convinced to let her major in design. Note: they pay for her college! She doesn't even have a job. She complains that they are so cheap and only let her get a basic latte in high school EVERY DAY after school. That's like $5-7 a day just for coffee. Excuse me for not finding that very depressing, I'll reserve that feeling for my student loans.
However, one day, her mom decides that she is done treating her harshly! She suddenly gains a conscience and decides that she is going to be an amazing mother now. She claims that their bonding is not that easy, but it basically was that easy. Yeah, okay.
As for the main topic of the novel, I can say that it was not anything special. At a time where we have multiple breakthrough novels that delve into the sensitive topic of sexual violence, such as Speak and The Way I Used to Be, to name a few, this falls short of my expectations by miles.
My first issue is the codependency displayed throughout the entire book. Ivy has entirely no will to live until she meets Wes. He is the sun that she revolves around. Her journey to healing begins because of events that transpire during their relationship. She basically wants to get better for him. While they do separate at some point, her is constantly on her mind. When she is in therapy, he is the main topic that she is thinking about. Not herself, or the impacts of her trauma. That kind of sits on the back burner.
Something that personally ticked me off was her thoughts on telling him who hurt her. She claims that she will be broken if he doesn't believe her. Girl, stand up! If he doesn't believe you, he's a disgusting human that doesn't deserve a minute of your thoughts and attention. It's like she doesn't even believe in herself unless he believes her. This sends the completely wrong message. Some people aren't going to believe you. That is just a fact. It's not about them. It's about YOU. It doesn't matter what they think! And while I know you will always care what others think about you, this book shouldn't be reinforcing these insecurities. The therapist should have said something about how his approval means nothing compared to her own acceptance. Ugh, I don't even have the words to describe the frustration I felt.
And they just continue on with their codependence. She has no other friends besides her roommate and his friends. She doesn't really grow in any other way than with their relationship. We don't see her branching out, we don't see her doing anything really besides hang out with him. Great! Now all her healing can cater to a man's needs!
My final thoughts about the entire message is that this novel brings nothing new to the table. Maybe I have already read too many books about these topics, but everything felt cliche and boring. Not once did I feel emotional about this book. Nothing felt like a breakthrough. It was just kind of meh.
Maybe this is good for people who are just starting to read books on this topic, but for anyone else I would not recommend. It's honestly just not worth the time.
March 31, 2026
Having read Alyssa Wilde’s other novels, I was very excited to see that she had a new release! I was a little weary about the sensitive subject matter, as I was nervous about whether she would be able to handle the topic with the care it deserves, but she did not disappoint!
I really enjoy her single-POV writing style—maybe that's a me thing—I feel that books are more authentic that way, given we only really know what is going on in our own heads, however, I do see how some people could have issues with that, especially within the context of this book in particular. The two main characters don’t really…talk. The MMC claims that his reasoning for falling for the FMC was because she didn’t fawn over him like the other girls, but personally I don’t see that as a stable foundation for a long-term relationship. Once he makes this observation about her, he is completely devoted to her for some reason that I still cannot decipher. I completely understood why Ivy fell for him (charming, tall, fit, put together, ambitious, popular, calm, patient, understanding, etc.), but I really, truly, and unfortunately could not for the life of me figure out why he loved her so much. And that really saddens me to say, because I did think they were very cute together, I was rooting for her, and he was instrumental in her self-discovery and building of her confidence, but I just could not parse out why this relationship was happening. I would have been more understanding of their connection had they held deeper discussions, such as similar life goals, complimentary personalities, etc. but we were not privy to that and it made for a more confusing read than necessary, in my opinion.
Her depression, anxiety, and personality within the context of her trauma was depicted quite realistically from what I observed. Having said this, I will admit that I found myself skimming some of the parts of the chapters that focused heavily on that alone, as it had already been thoroughly touched upon prior, and it started to feel a bit repetitive. I would have very much liked if she had started seeing a therapist in the middle of the book, that way we as the readers would have been able to see the positive progression of her managing her PTSD, depression, and anxiety. Instead, I felt that the book focused more on repeating the negatives than the resolution, while the therapy sessions, family healing, and such came off as rushed towards the end. Cliche, but we should’ve been shown how she healed, not told, especially for a book of this length.
My one remaining critique is not a big deal, but it does bother me a little in all of her books. This author has a way of writing side characters as textbook villains with no complexity or nuance. Just as in The Highlight, the side characters were catty-bratty mean girls, while others were golden angels. I understand that some people are simply unredeemable in one’s eyes, and it is not your responsibility to psychoanalyze others in order to understand why they have said or done something, but c’mon…there had to have been more than ONE girl in this college that was kind to Ivy. I don’t know…it just feels too simple to completely demonize all of the characters you don’t want your reader to like, just so the FMC is justified in only seeking solace in the arms of the hottest football player to have ever graced the Earth. (But, of course, this does NOT apply to the Mason perv. He can die.)
Other than those issues, I really did enjoy this book! Maybe love is real!
I really enjoy her single-POV writing style—maybe that's a me thing—I feel that books are more authentic that way, given we only really know what is going on in our own heads, however, I do see how some people could have issues with that, especially within the context of this book in particular. The two main characters don’t really…talk. The MMC claims that his reasoning for falling for the FMC was because she didn’t fawn over him like the other girls, but personally I don’t see that as a stable foundation for a long-term relationship. Once he makes this observation about her, he is completely devoted to her for some reason that I still cannot decipher. I completely understood why Ivy fell for him (charming, tall, fit, put together, ambitious, popular, calm, patient, understanding, etc.), but I really, truly, and unfortunately could not for the life of me figure out why he loved her so much. And that really saddens me to say, because I did think they were very cute together, I was rooting for her, and he was instrumental in her self-discovery and building of her confidence, but I just could not parse out why this relationship was happening. I would have been more understanding of their connection had they held deeper discussions, such as similar life goals, complimentary personalities, etc. but we were not privy to that and it made for a more confusing read than necessary, in my opinion.
Her depression, anxiety, and personality within the context of her trauma was depicted quite realistically from what I observed. Having said this, I will admit that I found myself skimming some of the parts of the chapters that focused heavily on that alone, as it had already been thoroughly touched upon prior, and it started to feel a bit repetitive. I would have very much liked if she had started seeing a therapist in the middle of the book, that way we as the readers would have been able to see the positive progression of her managing her PTSD, depression, and anxiety. Instead, I felt that the book focused more on repeating the negatives than the resolution, while the therapy sessions, family healing, and such came off as rushed towards the end. Cliche, but we should’ve been shown how she healed, not told, especially for a book of this length.
My one remaining critique is not a big deal, but it does bother me a little in all of her books. This author has a way of writing side characters as textbook villains with no complexity or nuance. Just as in The Highlight, the side characters were catty-bratty mean girls, while others were golden angels. I understand that some people are simply unredeemable in one’s eyes, and it is not your responsibility to psychoanalyze others in order to understand why they have said or done something, but c’mon…there had to have been more than ONE girl in this college that was kind to Ivy. I don’t know…it just feels too simple to completely demonize all of the characters you don’t want your reader to like, just so the FMC is justified in only seeking solace in the arms of the hottest football player to have ever graced the Earth. (But, of course, this does NOT apply to the Mason perv. He can die.)
Other than those issues, I really did enjoy this book! Maybe love is real!
Review of advance copy received from Author
First of all, I want to thank the wonderful author for the ARC I received of this book in exchange for an honest review. It’s the first ARC I’ve ever gotten and I was so honored to have the opportunity. 🥹
I’m not sure where to begin except to say that this book left me feeling a multitude of emotions. Raw. Splayed open. Real. Sad. Proud.
This book wasn’t an easy read by any means due to the subject matter, but I think it was an incredibly important read. I connected to Ivy on a deep, soul level. I felt her pain. I’ve lived her pain. I recognized her shame. I related to her feeling frozen and unable to get the words out because it would make it all real.
Alyssa did a truly wonderful job at depicting such delicate trauma in all its many complexities. She did a wonderful job at showing the gory and realistic aftermath and the fallout. When you want to be loved, but don’t know how to accept it. When you want to be heard, but can’t speak. Of wanting human connection, but being terrified of it.
All of it felt so real and so raw and heartbreakingly relatable.
Wes was fantastic and beautiful and everything you could hope to find after enduring what Ivy did. I adored him. I really did.
But the ones who quietly stole the show for me were Ben, Kaden, Quinn and even Remy. My God, they are the kind of friends you WANT in your corner. I loved them so, so much.
A book like this will always leave me wanting more of their story because I TRULY root for the characters, if that makes sense, and want to see them succeed in the years to come after the final page.
Overall though, the messages this book left me with were poignant and real, and I commend the author for writing a book that isn’t fluffy, isn’t perfect, but it’s exactly what it needs to be and it healed something vital for me.
I’m not sure where to begin except to say that this book left me feeling a multitude of emotions. Raw. Splayed open. Real. Sad. Proud.
This book wasn’t an easy read by any means due to the subject matter, but I think it was an incredibly important read. I connected to Ivy on a deep, soul level. I felt her pain. I’ve lived her pain. I recognized her shame. I related to her feeling frozen and unable to get the words out because it would make it all real.
Alyssa did a truly wonderful job at depicting such delicate trauma in all its many complexities. She did a wonderful job at showing the gory and realistic aftermath and the fallout. When you want to be loved, but don’t know how to accept it. When you want to be heard, but can’t speak. Of wanting human connection, but being terrified of it.
All of it felt so real and so raw and heartbreakingly relatable.
Wes was fantastic and beautiful and everything you could hope to find after enduring what Ivy did. I adored him. I really did.
But the ones who quietly stole the show for me were Ben, Kaden, Quinn and even Remy. My God, they are the kind of friends you WANT in your corner. I loved them so, so much.
A book like this will always leave me wanting more of their story because I TRULY root for the characters, if that makes sense, and want to see them succeed in the years to come after the final page.
Overall though, the messages this book left me with were poignant and real, and I commend the author for writing a book that isn’t fluffy, isn’t perfect, but it’s exactly what it needs to be and it healed something vital for me.
March 30, 2026
⭐️⭐️⭐️.75
I’m going to start by saying that I’m a girl that loves short chapters and this book did not have that and in my head it takes me longer to read. Also I think this is the first book in forever that I read with only one POV and usually I love having both characters have their moment.
Now aside from those two things I really enjoyed this book. Apparently I’m on a run of reading books with mentally exhausted FMCs and a MC who is ridiculously supportive and very upfront with their emotions. I think this is why it didn’t really bother me that we missed Wes’ POV because we just knew where he was and that there was never a question about how he felt about Ivy. This book felt believable, the progress in their relationship was quite slow but their friendship was pretty fast and refreshing. I’m also a sucker for books with platonic sleepovers and this book had a lot.
I will say with the length of this book I wish we had maybe a little less “he’s too good for me” scenes and replaced it with getting to know the roommate Quinn more. They seem to be close, but one chapter focused on just the two of them could’ve been nice.
I was worried the 3rd act of this book would drag on but it held my attention pretty well and I had to force myself to put the book down at night to sleep.
I’m going to start by saying that I’m a girl that loves short chapters and this book did not have that and in my head it takes me longer to read. Also I think this is the first book in forever that I read with only one POV and usually I love having both characters have their moment.
Now aside from those two things I really enjoyed this book. Apparently I’m on a run of reading books with mentally exhausted FMCs and a MC who is ridiculously supportive and very upfront with their emotions. I think this is why it didn’t really bother me that we missed Wes’ POV because we just knew where he was and that there was never a question about how he felt about Ivy. This book felt believable, the progress in their relationship was quite slow but their friendship was pretty fast and refreshing. I’m also a sucker for books with platonic sleepovers and this book had a lot.
I will say with the length of this book I wish we had maybe a little less “he’s too good for me” scenes and replaced it with getting to know the roommate Quinn more. They seem to be close, but one chapter focused on just the two of them could’ve been nice.
I was worried the 3rd act of this book would drag on but it held my attention pretty well and I had to force myself to put the book down at night to sleep.
Review of advance copy
I didn’t expect this story to hit me as deeply as it did. Ivy Combs felt so real from the very first page—her anxiety, her need to disappear, the way her trauma quietly bleeds into every part of her life. Starting her second semester and being thrown into Public Speaking? Honestly, I felt that dread right along with her.
And then there’s Wes Tucker. I loved that he wasn’t written as some over-the-top savior. He’s popular, confident, and easygoing—but what really makes him stand out is his patience with Ivy. The way their relationship develops through the class project felt natural and earned. It’s not insta-love. It’s cautious glances, small moments, quiet understanding.
What I appreciated most is how healing is portrayed. It’s not magically fixed by romance. Ivy’s journey is messy and nonlinear, and the story doesn’t shy away from that. Watching her slowly learn that she doesn’t have to carry everything alone was both heartbreaking and hopeful.
This book is soft but heavy at the same time—a tender college romance layered with real emotional depth. If you love character-driven stories about trust, trauma, and finding your voice again, this one truly delivers.
I received an advance review copy for free, and I am leaving this review voluntarily.
Review of advance copy
I didn’t expect this story to hit me as deeply as it did. Ivy Combs felt so real from the very first page—her anxiety, her need to disappear, the way her trauma quietly bleeds into every part of her life. Starting her second semester and being thrown into Public Speaking? Honestly, I felt that dread right along with her.
And then there’s Wes Tucker. I loved that he wasn’t written as some over-the-top savior. He’s popular, confident, and easygoing—but what really makes him stand out is his patience with Ivy. The way their relationship develops through the class project felt natural and earned. It’s not insta-love. It’s cautious glances, small moments, quiet understanding.
What I appreciated most is how healing is portrayed. It’s not magically fixed by romance. Ivy’s journey is messy and nonlinear, and the story doesn’t shy away from that. Watching her slowly learn that she doesn’t have to carry everything alone was both heartbreaking and hopeful.
This book is soft but heavy at the same time—a tender college romance layered with real emotional depth. If you love character-driven stories about trust, trauma, and finding your voice again, this one truly delivers.
I received an advance review copy for free, and I am leaving this review voluntarily.
And then there’s Wes Tucker. I loved that he wasn’t written as some over-the-top savior. He’s popular, confident, and easygoing—but what really makes him stand out is his patience with Ivy. The way their relationship develops through the class project felt natural and earned. It’s not insta-love. It’s cautious glances, small moments, quiet understanding.
What I appreciated most is how healing is portrayed. It’s not magically fixed by romance. Ivy’s journey is messy and nonlinear, and the story doesn’t shy away from that. Watching her slowly learn that she doesn’t have to carry everything alone was both heartbreaking and hopeful.
This book is soft but heavy at the same time—a tender college romance layered with real emotional depth. If you love character-driven stories about trust, trauma, and finding your voice again, this one truly delivers.
I received an advance review copy for free, and I am leaving this review voluntarily.
March 18, 2026
Before the Exhale is a deeply emotional, character-driven romance that focuses on healing, trust, and growth.
The story follows Ivy as she navigates the long-term effects of trauma from her past, and I appreciated how realistically that was portrayed. Her hesitation, fear, and gradual ability to open up felt natural and never rushed.
Wes was a standout character. He provided a steady and supportive presence throughout the story without ever trying to take control of her healing. His patience and consistency made their relationship feel authentic and grounded.
The romance itself is a true slow burn, built on emotional connection rather than physical intimacy. By the time the relationship progressed, it felt fully earned.
The story also does a strong job showing how healing extends beyond the individual, particularly in moments where Ivy is able to support others.
While there were aspects that may not work for every reader, particularly given the heavier subject matter, I felt the book handled its themes with care and intention.
Overall, this was a powerful and memorable read.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
The story follows Ivy as she navigates the long-term effects of trauma from her past, and I appreciated how realistically that was portrayed. Her hesitation, fear, and gradual ability to open up felt natural and never rushed.
Wes was a standout character. He provided a steady and supportive presence throughout the story without ever trying to take control of her healing. His patience and consistency made their relationship feel authentic and grounded.
The romance itself is a true slow burn, built on emotional connection rather than physical intimacy. By the time the relationship progressed, it felt fully earned.
The story also does a strong job showing how healing extends beyond the individual, particularly in moments where Ivy is able to support others.
While there were aspects that may not work for every reader, particularly given the heavier subject matter, I felt the book handled its themes with care and intention.
Overall, this was a powerful and memorable read.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
Review of advance copy received from Author
This book had me smiling so hard. I felt like every chapter melted my heart just a little more. Wes is a perfect example of how a lady wants to be treated. Ivy Combs is struggling with something no one should have to and Wes is weaseling his way into her heart one sweet gesture at a time. I loved reading the back and forth between the two of them, wanting to shout through the book that they so clearly needed to be together.
This book was also very well written. I never felt like a character was lacking in development. The book kept a consistent pace and never dipped in energy, even when the subject matter was on the darker side.
While standalones are an enjoyable break up of the lengthy series I typically read, they do lend to feeling a little unsatisfied at the end. I feel like the end wrapped Ivy's arch beautifully and provided her with an excellent bit of closure. However, I would have loved a little more depth to Wes and Ivy's last bit in the book and that is the only thing that kept me from a full five stars. If I could do halfs here it would have absolutely had a 4.5!
This book was also very well written. I never felt like a character was lacking in development. The book kept a consistent pace and never dipped in energy, even when the subject matter was on the darker side.
While standalones are an enjoyable break up of the lengthy series I typically read, they do lend to feeling a little unsatisfied at the end. I feel like the end wrapped Ivy's arch beautifully and provided her with an excellent bit of closure. However, I would have loved a little more depth to Wes and Ivy's last bit in the book and that is the only thing that kept me from a full five stars. If I could do halfs here it would have absolutely had a 4.5!
February 28, 2026
Wow. I haven’t read a book that fast in AWHILE. Gosh that was such a heartbreaking read. But SO good, the development of everyone in this story was off the charts. Ivy made me so sad and angry for anyone who has a real life story like hers. And Wes is the kind of guy I hope my future daughter is friends with. I really appreciated how the trauma in the story was handled and it wasn’t just glazed over. It did at some points feel like maybe the trauma didn’t happen but then something would show it did and I can attest to that being very real. Sometimes it feels like your trauma was in your own head but then an outside trigger shows it was real, it was really real and it forces you to deal with it. I do wish I could’ve gotten to see Wes’s point of view in some parts to see what he was thinking… but that didn’t take away anything from Ivy’s story. Because as much as this is a love story it’s also a story about a young woman finding her courage and her self for the first time and I think it was a great read.
March 15, 2026
i read The Highlight by this author and enjoyed it so decided to pick this one up!
i enjoyed Ivy’s journey and that she couldn’t just rely on Wes to heal and cope which is the main reason i’m giving this 3 stars. however, the romance itself felt surface level:
Wes is the most popular guy at their college (to the point of being unrealistic) and there’s a lot of instalove when he realized Ivy *gasp* doesn’t know who he is. one of the issues i have with popular guy/celebrity x unpopular girl is that sometimes the guy just likes the girl because she “doesn’t care about his status or fame”; it feels like the guy would go for literally anyone who doesn’t know who he is.
Wes himself is perfect. like actually perfect. like i don’t think he does a single thing objectively wrong in this book? which made me like him a lot less
i found myself getting a little bored at the very end and some of the writing felt repetitive. at the beginning, prepare to read “how Wes could like little old me” over and over for a bit.
i enjoyed Ivy’s journey and that she couldn’t just rely on Wes to heal and cope which is the main reason i’m giving this 3 stars. however, the romance itself felt surface level:
Wes is the most popular guy at their college (to the point of being unrealistic) and there’s a lot of instalove when he realized Ivy *gasp* doesn’t know who he is. one of the issues i have with popular guy/celebrity x unpopular girl is that sometimes the guy just likes the girl because she “doesn’t care about his status or fame”; it feels like the guy would go for literally anyone who doesn’t know who he is.
Wes himself is perfect. like actually perfect. like i don’t think he does a single thing objectively wrong in this book? which made me like him a lot less
i found myself getting a little bored at the very end and some of the writing felt repetitive. at the beginning, prepare to read “how Wes could like little old me” over and over for a bit.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
March 31, 2026
I adore Alyssa’s other two books, but this one didn’t quite do it for me. I’ll start with the positives. It handles traumatic themes with care, which I appreciated, and it doesn’t force artificial intimacy, which suits this kind of story.
With that said, I found most of the book dragged. A lot of it felt like filler that could have been cut to improve pacing and keep the story engaging. I also wasn’t a fan of how Wes’s flaws were handled. He has people-pleasing tendencies, but they’re barely explored, which made him feel flat. The popularity thing also felt like a stretch, toeing into celebrity territory, but I went along with it. Now Ivy, while more fleshed out, had inner monologues that sometimes felt contradictory to her shy personality. These tiny inconsistencies wouldn’t have caught my attention as much I think if we had a tighter plot. And lastly, this is just my opinion… but since the story mainly follows Ivy’s trauma arc, with Wes on the sidelines and their relationship not fully developing until the end, it felt more like literary or women’s fiction than a true romance.
With that said, I found most of the book dragged. A lot of it felt like filler that could have been cut to improve pacing and keep the story engaging. I also wasn’t a fan of how Wes’s flaws were handled. He has people-pleasing tendencies, but they’re barely explored, which made him feel flat. The popularity thing also felt like a stretch, toeing into celebrity territory, but I went along with it. Now Ivy, while more fleshed out, had inner monologues that sometimes felt contradictory to her shy personality. These tiny inconsistencies wouldn’t have caught my attention as much I think if we had a tighter plot. And lastly, this is just my opinion… but since the story mainly follows Ivy’s trauma arc, with Wes on the sidelines and their relationship not fully developing until the end, it felt more like literary or women’s fiction than a true romance.
Review of advance copy received from Author
5 stars! I am a little speechless after reading this book, but I know I loved this book. This book gets really heavy. It is raw, it is real and it is emotional. Make sure you are checking the trigger warnings before reading it. That being said this was written beautifully. Ivy has been through so much. I loved seeing her growth, and her bravery through the ups and down. Wes is book boyfriend material. If you have read Say You Swear, and liked Noah Riley, you will love Wes. He gives off the same perfect, supportive, patient, caring vibes. This is a super slow burn, that really builds the foundation for their relationship by showing the little things in their day to day. I loved the found family, the realness, and just everything about this book. I have loved every book by Alyssa Wilde, and they seem to just keep getting better and better. I can't recommend this one enough!
Thank you so much, Alyssa Wilde for the ARC.
Thank you so much, Alyssa Wilde for the ARC.
Review of advance copy
Thanks to BookSirens for this ARC, my opinions are as always my own. I went into Before the Exhale a bit blind, I’m trying to not scan reviews or spoilers for ARCs I’m reading. I’ll put this out there firstly, be responsible for your triggers because this ride isn’t easy. The pain from her trauma and the lasting symptoms of her unchecked PTSD were written with a careful and I’d say knowledgeable hand. Our Narrator, Ivy’s, actions and feelings were hauntingly familiar, as well as the female bullying she experienced. It’s not too often I feel like an author got into my memories, and when I do I’m blown away. The only loss of a star was the back and forth in the first half of the story. I thought we could have done without 50 pages that stalled the progression for me. Wes is a doll and his patience saintly. The secondary characters brought depth to our characters and the story, and I’d love to read more if this is series bound.
Review of advance copy received from Author
✨ARC REVIEW✨
5⭐️
Check trigger warnings!!!!
I was honestly so excited when I saw I had received this arc as I devoured Crash Course. Where do I begin with this reading experience. I have so many thoughts so will probably come back to rewrite this review at some point but I’m not able to contain my excitement. So many people will be able to relate to Ivy’s experiences, and I too saw my own experiences of social anxiety in hers. Wes, oh Wes, what a savour you are to grace the pages. Wes is exactly what Ivy needs, someone to show her that things are okay and that there’s someone there to walk side by side in life’s ups and downs. Like I say I’ll most likely be back to amend this review once I’ve fully gotten over my excitement for it and will input my favourite quotes and scenes once it’s released. If you’re looking for a friends to lovers, college romance that’ll have you kicking your feet and smiling to yourself then this is the one for you.
5⭐️
Check trigger warnings!!!!
I was honestly so excited when I saw I had received this arc as I devoured Crash Course. Where do I begin with this reading experience. I have so many thoughts so will probably come back to rewrite this review at some point but I’m not able to contain my excitement. So many people will be able to relate to Ivy’s experiences, and I too saw my own experiences of social anxiety in hers. Wes, oh Wes, what a savour you are to grace the pages. Wes is exactly what Ivy needs, someone to show her that things are okay and that there’s someone there to walk side by side in life’s ups and downs. Like I say I’ll most likely be back to amend this review once I’ve fully gotten over my excitement for it and will input my favourite quotes and scenes once it’s released. If you’re looking for a friends to lovers, college romance that’ll have you kicking your feet and smiling to yourself then this is the one for you.
March 9, 2026
Before the Exhale was one of those books that quietly stuck with me after I finished it. It’s more than just a romance; it’s really a story about grief, healing, and learning how to move forward when life feels completely broken.
Because the story is told only from Ivy’s point of view, everything feels very personal and emotional. You experience everything alongside her, which makes the story feel even more impactful.
Wes was easily one of my favorite parts of the book. He slowly works his way into Ivy’s life with small, thoughtful gestures while she’s dealing with something no one should have to face. Watching their relationship grow felt natural and not rushed, which made their connection feel genuine.
The characters felt well- developed, and the pacing stayed consistent even when the story explored heavier topics. My only small critique is that I wish we had a little more of Wes and Ivy together at the end, since I wasn’t quite ready to leave their story.
Overall, this was an emotional and heartfelt read that stayed with me after I finished.
Thank you to Book Sirens and Alyssa Wilde for the ARC.
Tropes:
- College Romance
- Friends to Lovers
- He Falls First
- Trauma/Healing
- Golden Retriever Hero
Because the story is told only from Ivy’s point of view, everything feels very personal and emotional. You experience everything alongside her, which makes the story feel even more impactful.
Wes was easily one of my favorite parts of the book. He slowly works his way into Ivy’s life with small, thoughtful gestures while she’s dealing with something no one should have to face. Watching their relationship grow felt natural and not rushed, which made their connection feel genuine.
The characters felt well- developed, and the pacing stayed consistent even when the story explored heavier topics. My only small critique is that I wish we had a little more of Wes and Ivy together at the end, since I wasn’t quite ready to leave their story.
Overall, this was an emotional and heartfelt read that stayed with me after I finished.
Thank you to Book Sirens and Alyssa Wilde for the ARC.
Tropes:
- College Romance
- Friends to Lovers
- He Falls First
- Trauma/Healing
- Golden Retriever Hero
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