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Into the Blue
Win a free print copy of this book!
26 days and 04:35:21
50 copies available
U.S. only
From the award-winning author of Songs in Ursa Major comes an epic, decade-spanning love story that blazes through the worlds of acting and comedy, and charts a connection so powerful it might just break space and time itself.
In the summer of 2000, AJ Graves dreams of writing for SNL; instead, she’s stuck working in a video rental store, with slim odds of escaping her Massachusetts small town and large family. Then in walks Noah Drew, the enigmatic and intense scion of the Drew acting dynasty, and her life changes forever. Despite wildly different upbringings, the two forge a deep, cosmic bond first as friends, then as acting partners—until one day, Noah disappears without a word.
Seven years later in New York City, AJ is shocked to find herself cast in the same intergalactic TV production as Noah, by then a well-known Hollywood heartthrob. As their on-screen characters grow closer every day, the lines between reality and acting begin to blur. Unable to stay away from each other, AJ and Noah are forced to confront the truth of what happened years ago—and the devastating secret that will send their lives careening apart, even as fate continues to draw them together.
Blending unforgettable characters, explosive chemistry, and devastating emotion, Into the Blue is a journey unlike any other—one that asks: What does it mean to diverge from the script to forge your own story?
In the summer of 2000, AJ Graves dreams of writing for SNL; instead, she’s stuck working in a video rental store, with slim odds of escaping her Massachusetts small town and large family. Then in walks Noah Drew, the enigmatic and intense scion of the Drew acting dynasty, and her life changes forever. Despite wildly different upbringings, the two forge a deep, cosmic bond first as friends, then as acting partners—until one day, Noah disappears without a word.
Seven years later in New York City, AJ is shocked to find herself cast in the same intergalactic TV production as Noah, by then a well-known Hollywood heartthrob. As their on-screen characters grow closer every day, the lines between reality and acting begin to blur. Unable to stay away from each other, AJ and Noah are forced to confront the truth of what happened years ago—and the devastating secret that will send their lives careening apart, even as fate continues to draw them together.
Blending unforgettable characters, explosive chemistry, and devastating emotion, Into the Blue is a journey unlike any other—one that asks: What does it mean to diverge from the script to forge your own story?
448 pages, Paperback
First published April 7, 2026
About the author
Emma Brodie
2 books1,150 followersEmma Brodie is an executive editor at Clarkson Potter. She graduated from Johns Hopkins University’s Writing Seminars program, and her debut novel, Songs in Ursa Major, received the American Book Award. She lives on Martha’s Vineyard with her husband and their very good dog, Freddie Mercury.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 12,300 reviews
April 22, 2026
so that was devastating!
“you will not want to do what needs to be done”
“try me” ❤️
“your scene partner is your life” 😭😭😭😭😭😭😭
“you will not want to do what needs to be done”
“try me” ❤️
“your scene partner is your life” 😭😭😭😭😭😭😭
April 17, 2026
a messy childhood love story that makes us wonder, “will this stand the test of time?” this was fun, quirky, emotional, a book that pulled me in from the first few pages! it’s definitely on the longer side for romance (we all know how i feel about that) and don’t be discouraged if you were confused by the sci-fi tv show plot line, because same. but in the grand scheme, push through! julia whelan narrated the audio if that’s your jam and since i was traveling this week i did a mix of both reading + listening and enjoyed them equally
April 17, 2026
There are good books, bad books, just okay books… and then there are books like this. Books that make you feel so deeply it feels like you know these characters to their core.
AJ and Noah’s story is definitely not a perfect one, it’s not easy or clean. It’s messy, heartbreaking and frustrating. But it’s also equally as deep, beautiful and filled with the type of love story that you’ll remember forever.
I can’t even put into words how much i loved this. I CRIED at the end!!!! Do you know how HARD it is to make me cry in a book? This was phenomenal. Mark my words, this will be in my top 10 favorites of 2026.
AJ and Noah’s story is definitely not a perfect one, it’s not easy or clean. It’s messy, heartbreaking and frustrating. But it’s also equally as deep, beautiful and filled with the type of love story that you’ll remember forever.
I can’t even put into words how much i loved this. I CRIED at the end!!!! Do you know how HARD it is to make me cry in a book? This was phenomenal. Mark my words, this will be in my top 10 favorites of 2026.
May 1, 2026
I genuinely don’t even know how to process this book.
I went in with high expectations, and to be fair, the first part really delivered. The setup was strong, the connection between the characters felt intense, and the ending of Part 1 had me completely hooked. But after that, things just started to go downhill for me.
The story follows AJ and Noah, who meet when she’s 17 and he’s 21. They connect through acting, and their chemistry, especially on stage, is undeniable. Noah comes from a family of actors but doesn’t want that life, while AJ clearly has the talent but refuses to pursue it. Their dynamic at the beginning was honestly really compelling.
Then comes the big turning point. Noah disappears after they share a moment, and years later we find out why. He’s been diagnosed with a hereditary illness, the same one that’s destroying his mother, and he knows he’s going to lose himself slowly and eventually die young. That part really hit. It’s tragic, it’s real, and it explains so much about his decisions.
But here’s where the book lost me.
Instead of deeply exploring that emotional weight, the story turns into this repetitive cycle of meeting, tension, fighting, sex, separation, and then repeating all over again.
And I’m not exaggerating when I say a lot of the second half is just them circling each other like this. The book spans years with multiple time jumps, but emotionally, it feels like they’re stuck in the same place the entire time.
The story is divided into three parts, and while Part 1 is strong, Parts 2 and 3 feel stretched out and frustrating. This could have easily been a much shorter, tighter book if the characters actually communicated or grew.
Also, the “soulmate” angle did not fully work for me. Yes, they have chemistry. Yes, they are drawn to each other. But emotionally, their relationship feels messy and, at times, honestly toxic. They are both seeing other people while still being in love with each other, hurting others and themselves in the process, and never really resolving anything.
And I have to say, the age gap at the beginning, 17 and 21, combined with how quickly things turn physical, did feel uncomfortable, even though the story later acknowledges it.
What frustrates me the most is that the core conflict is actually so strong. He loves her but believes being with him will ruin her life. She loves him and believes even a short life together is worth it.
That’s powerful. That could have been devastating in the best way. But instead of fully diving into that emotional and philosophical conflict, the book keeps interrupting it with repetition and physical tension.
By the end, I wasn’t heartbroken. I was just exhausted.
I don’t hate this book. In fact, I can see what it was trying to do. It aimed for something raw, messy, and real. And yes, in many ways, it is real. People do act like this. Love can be this complicated.
But realism does not always make for a satisfying story.
Overall, it felt like a book with incredible potential that got lost in its own length and repetition. I wanted depth, growth, and emotional payoff, and instead I got the same unresolved loop stretched over hundreds of pages.
I am honestly still sitting here like, what did I just read?
I went in with high expectations, and to be fair, the first part really delivered. The setup was strong, the connection between the characters felt intense, and the ending of Part 1 had me completely hooked. But after that, things just started to go downhill for me.
The story follows AJ and Noah, who meet when she’s 17 and he’s 21. They connect through acting, and their chemistry, especially on stage, is undeniable. Noah comes from a family of actors but doesn’t want that life, while AJ clearly has the talent but refuses to pursue it. Their dynamic at the beginning was honestly really compelling.
Then comes the big turning point. Noah disappears after they share a moment, and years later we find out why. He’s been diagnosed with a hereditary illness, the same one that’s destroying his mother, and he knows he’s going to lose himself slowly and eventually die young. That part really hit. It’s tragic, it’s real, and it explains so much about his decisions.
But here’s where the book lost me.
Instead of deeply exploring that emotional weight, the story turns into this repetitive cycle of meeting, tension, fighting, sex, separation, and then repeating all over again.
And I’m not exaggerating when I say a lot of the second half is just them circling each other like this. The book spans years with multiple time jumps, but emotionally, it feels like they’re stuck in the same place the entire time.
The story is divided into three parts, and while Part 1 is strong, Parts 2 and 3 feel stretched out and frustrating. This could have easily been a much shorter, tighter book if the characters actually communicated or grew.
Also, the “soulmate” angle did not fully work for me. Yes, they have chemistry. Yes, they are drawn to each other. But emotionally, their relationship feels messy and, at times, honestly toxic. They are both seeing other people while still being in love with each other, hurting others and themselves in the process, and never really resolving anything.
And I have to say, the age gap at the beginning, 17 and 21, combined with how quickly things turn physical, did feel uncomfortable, even though the story later acknowledges it.
What frustrates me the most is that the core conflict is actually so strong. He loves her but believes being with him will ruin her life. She loves him and believes even a short life together is worth it.
That’s powerful. That could have been devastating in the best way. But instead of fully diving into that emotional and philosophical conflict, the book keeps interrupting it with repetition and physical tension.
By the end, I wasn’t heartbroken. I was just exhausted.
I don’t hate this book. In fact, I can see what it was trying to do. It aimed for something raw, messy, and real. And yes, in many ways, it is real. People do act like this. Love can be this complicated.
But realism does not always make for a satisfying story.
Overall, it felt like a book with incredible potential that got lost in its own length and repetition. I wanted depth, growth, and emotional payoff, and instead I got the same unresolved loop stretched over hundreds of pages.
I am honestly still sitting here like, what did I just read?
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
June 28, 2026
i’m saying this in the kindest way possible: i don’t see the appeal. and i tried. i tried so hard.
this is a warning: i don’t have many good things to say. it’ll mostly be criticism and there will be spoilers.
please don’t read my review if you’re going to be offended by my dislike of this book or are avoiding moderate spoilers.
this is Orbiter by Noah Kahan in book form. (big Noah Kahan fan. not a big fan of this book.)
if you’d like to skim this review, you can easily read all my thoughts by just reading what i have highlighted in bold.
let’s break it down:
╭──────────. ִ ࣪ ⋆ ೀ ─╮
⭑⭑⭑⭑⭑ part one
╰─ ִ ࣪ ⋆ ೀ ──────────╯
✴︎ boring. truly.
✴︎ the third person POV felt very… detached?
✴︎ they were having sexual thoughts about each other and he kissed her while he was 21 and she was 17. i have problems with this and i fail to understand why authors can’t make characters ONE YEAR OLDER so they aren’t minors?
✴︎ i almost DNF’ed here. the pacing was so slow when this childhood portion of their story should’ve been an exciting build-up.
✴︎ THERE ARE NO CHAPTERS. there are page breaks, yes, but chapters do not exist here, in this longggg section of text. i’m not a huge fan of stopping in the middle of sections, even if there are page breaks.
╭──────────. ִ ࣪ ⋆ ೀ ─╮
⭑⭑⭑⭑⭑ part two
╰─ ִ ࣪ ⋆ ೀ ──────────╯
✴︎ alright. i’ve decided to commit at this point because, while bored, i’ll admit they have chemistry.
✴︎ the first few episodes, where the characters are essentially reuniting and leaving all their feelings on the table, were so good. i figured it could only be up from there. (i was wrong.)
✴︎ the Into the Blue show itself was actually kind of fun to read about. until it became the same thing over and over.
✴︎ yay, we have chapters here!
✴︎ okay, we understand they can tap into each others emotions/minds a bit but it felt a little… excessive? at one point i actually wondered if it was supposed to be magical realism or if it was just overly dramatic writing trying to create chemistry. the “Black Room” telepathy was… a lot.
✴︎ relief finally sweeps in for me when:
╰┈┈➤ 1. Noah admits to the Big Bad Thing that caused him to up and leave when they were children (i’m sorry, i mean when AJ was a child and Noah was an adult of legal drinking age) and then...
╰┈┈➤ 2. they have sex all night. woohoo! at this point i have hope i may not hate, or DNF, this book. surely they won’t go in circles forever?! (i was wrong, once again.)
✴︎ the ‘No’ thing where she arches her back into Noah while they are filming a show and feels his erection and basically moans on camera was kind of… weird?
✴︎ this section of the book is why i rated it two stars rather than one star.
╭──────────. ִ ࣪ ⋆ ೀ ─╮
⭑⭑⭑⭑⭑ parts three onwards
╰─ ִ ࣪ ⋆ ೀ ──────────╯
✴︎ idk, all parts kinda meshed together after part two?
✴︎ both characters often treat each other horribly.
╰┈┈➤ "you deserve to be sick." i have no words.
✴︎ everything was SO repetitive. everything!!!
╰┈┈➤ the characters’ behavior: meet up randomly, flirt, have sex, disagree, ghost each other for an extended period of time, have sex with other people until they ultimately see each other again
╰┈┈➤ the actual scenes/plot of the story: when they were young and would go to work then go to practice “playing”, the Into The Blue episodes, her job, his job, both of them dating other people, the comic-cons, their last hurrah on stage with all their “playing” every single night where they were doing the same. thing. over. and. over.
✴︎ this might just be a me thing, but i’m not all that into comedy/acting/playing. that being said, i don’t mind reading about things that don’t specifically interest me (i have loved many books about things i’m not particularly knowledgeable about or interested in)… but Emma Brodie failed to make the topic compelling.
✴︎ excuse me.. the emotional cheating was INSANE??? i have read far too many contemporary novels lately that romanticize emotional cheating. our FMC (AJ) is blatantly in love with someone else (Noah), pining for him, and never ever moving on from him. she gets engaged to ANOTHER MAN (Brian) and refuses to set a wedding date because she’s still in love with the MMC (Noah) and has MANY scenes where she is getting worked up over Noah. she uses Brian for sex (and stability) after she sees Noah… like c’mon… we have to be better than this.
✴︎ i never expect characters to be perfect and likable. humans are very often neither. however, both of these characters were so immensely frustrating, i just couldn’t bring myself to care about them or their dumb decisions.
✴︎ the frequency of sex scenes. honestly… ridiculous. at one point, we have about 35 pages straight of sex scene after sex scene. (this doesn’t include the others scattered through the rest of the book.) we KNOW they have chemistry and i don’t mind sexual scenes that contribute emotionally to the story. a few sprinkled in would’ve been fine. but BACK TO BACK TO BACK TO BACK? exhausting.
✴︎ the sex scenes themselves. cringe. some of them were just… not good:
╰┈┈➤ 1. we learn that she accidentally came in her pants when she was 17 and he was 21 while they were dancing. (!?!??!???)
╰┈┈➤ 2. as adults, she “accidentally” cums in her pants once again after the MMC touches her zipper. (?!?!?!?!???)
╰┈┈➤ 3. we have to have an entire scene revolving around him making her cum five times in a row. like bro, we get it. WE GET IT.
✴︎ REPETITIVE. REPETITIVE. REPETITIVE. did i mention that?
✴︎ so many things left unresolved.
╰┈┈➤ 1. Toni. she’s a terrible friend/person, then all of a sudden the conflict between her and AJ is just… over. it felt rushed or, possibly, not completely thought out.
╰┈┈➤ 2. Noah’s diagnosis. it was the entire reason he ditched AJ and was so afraid to be with her, start a family, and live a longer life. yet, at the end they decide to be together and get married but… that’s it? you’ve got to give me a bit more of a story than that, no?
╰┈┈➤ 3. Noah wanting kids. did the author just forget that Noah desperately wanted children? the FMC, AJ, is looking up reverse vasectomies at one point and begins to change her stance on how she feels about children. we just were going to make that a huge conflict and then never bring it up again? okay.
✴︎ the ending. it was really lackluster. i didn’t cry. i, honestly, just didn’t care anymore. these characters had no emotional hold on me.
✴︎ this book was too long for what it was. if this were half the length, it could’ve been twice as good.
this book is gaining insane momentum and hype across the internet. i’m sorry to be the Negative Nancy (maybe i should start calling myself Critical Chloé at this point), but i just don’t get the hype. i’m sorry (i’m not). to each their own…
summer tbr jar prompt: hardcover
╭──────────. ִ ࣪ ⋆ ೀ ─╮
⭑⭑⭑⭑⭑ the end
╰─ ִ ࣪ ⋆ ೀ ──────────╯
this is a warning: i don’t have many good things to say. it’ll mostly be criticism and there will be spoilers.
please don’t read my review if you’re going to be offended by my dislike of this book or are avoiding moderate spoilers.
this is Orbiter by Noah Kahan in book form. (big Noah Kahan fan. not a big fan of this book.)
if you’d like to skim this review, you can easily read all my thoughts by just reading what i have highlighted in bold.
let’s break it down:
╭──────────. ִ ࣪ ⋆ ೀ ─╮
⭑⭑⭑⭑⭑ part one
╰─ ִ ࣪ ⋆ ೀ ──────────╯
✴︎ boring. truly.
✴︎ the third person POV felt very… detached?
✴︎ they were having sexual thoughts about each other and he kissed her while he was 21 and she was 17. i have problems with this and i fail to understand why authors can’t make characters ONE YEAR OLDER so they aren’t minors?
✴︎ i almost DNF’ed here. the pacing was so slow when this childhood portion of their story should’ve been an exciting build-up.
✴︎ THERE ARE NO CHAPTERS. there are page breaks, yes, but chapters do not exist here, in this longggg section of text. i’m not a huge fan of stopping in the middle of sections, even if there are page breaks.
╭──────────. ִ ࣪ ⋆ ೀ ─╮
⭑⭑⭑⭑⭑ part two
╰─ ִ ࣪ ⋆ ೀ ──────────╯
✴︎ alright. i’ve decided to commit at this point because, while bored, i’ll admit they have chemistry.
✴︎ the first few episodes, where the characters are essentially reuniting and leaving all their feelings on the table, were so good. i figured it could only be up from there. (i was wrong.)
✴︎ the Into the Blue show itself was actually kind of fun to read about. until it became the same thing over and over.
✴︎ yay, we have chapters here!
✴︎ okay, we understand they can tap into each others emotions/minds a bit but it felt a little… excessive? at one point i actually wondered if it was supposed to be magical realism or if it was just overly dramatic writing trying to create chemistry. the “Black Room” telepathy was… a lot.
✴︎ relief finally sweeps in for me when:
╰┈┈➤ 1. Noah admits to the Big Bad Thing that caused him to up and leave when they were children (i’m sorry, i mean when AJ was a child and Noah was an adult of legal drinking age) and then...
╰┈┈➤ 2. they have sex all night. woohoo! at this point i have hope i may not hate, or DNF, this book. surely they won’t go in circles forever?! (i was wrong, once again.)
✴︎ the ‘No’ thing where she arches her back into Noah while they are filming a show and feels his erection and basically moans on camera was kind of… weird?
✴︎ this section of the book is why i rated it two stars rather than one star.
╭──────────. ִ ࣪ ⋆ ೀ ─╮
⭑⭑⭑⭑⭑ parts three onwards
╰─ ִ ࣪ ⋆ ೀ ──────────╯
✴︎ idk, all parts kinda meshed together after part two?
✴︎ both characters often treat each other horribly.
╰┈┈➤ "you deserve to be sick." i have no words.
✴︎ everything was SO repetitive. everything!!!
╰┈┈➤ the characters’ behavior: meet up randomly, flirt, have sex, disagree, ghost each other for an extended period of time, have sex with other people until they ultimately see each other again
╰┈┈➤ the actual scenes/plot of the story: when they were young and would go to work then go to practice “playing”, the Into The Blue episodes, her job, his job, both of them dating other people, the comic-cons, their last hurrah on stage with all their “playing” every single night where they were doing the same. thing. over. and. over.
✴︎ this might just be a me thing, but i’m not all that into comedy/acting/playing. that being said, i don’t mind reading about things that don’t specifically interest me (i have loved many books about things i’m not particularly knowledgeable about or interested in)… but Emma Brodie failed to make the topic compelling.
✴︎ excuse me.. the emotional cheating was INSANE??? i have read far too many contemporary novels lately that romanticize emotional cheating. our FMC (AJ) is blatantly in love with someone else (Noah), pining for him, and never ever moving on from him. she gets engaged to ANOTHER MAN (Brian) and refuses to set a wedding date because she’s still in love with the MMC (Noah) and has MANY scenes where she is getting worked up over Noah. she uses Brian for sex (and stability) after she sees Noah… like c’mon… we have to be better than this.
✴︎ i never expect characters to be perfect and likable. humans are very often neither. however, both of these characters were so immensely frustrating, i just couldn’t bring myself to care about them or their dumb decisions.
✴︎ the frequency of sex scenes. honestly… ridiculous. at one point, we have about 35 pages straight of sex scene after sex scene. (this doesn’t include the others scattered through the rest of the book.) we KNOW they have chemistry and i don’t mind sexual scenes that contribute emotionally to the story. a few sprinkled in would’ve been fine. but BACK TO BACK TO BACK TO BACK? exhausting.
✴︎ the sex scenes themselves. cringe. some of them were just… not good:
╰┈┈➤ 1. we learn that she accidentally came in her pants when she was 17 and he was 21 while they were dancing. (!?!??!???)
╰┈┈➤ 2. as adults, she “accidentally” cums in her pants once again after the MMC touches her zipper. (?!?!?!?!???)
╰┈┈➤ 3. we have to have an entire scene revolving around him making her cum five times in a row. like bro, we get it. WE GET IT.
✴︎ REPETITIVE. REPETITIVE. REPETITIVE. did i mention that?
✴︎ so many things left unresolved.
╰┈┈➤ 1. Toni. she’s a terrible friend/person, then all of a sudden the conflict between her and AJ is just… over. it felt rushed or, possibly, not completely thought out.
╰┈┈➤ 2. Noah’s diagnosis. it was the entire reason he ditched AJ and was so afraid to be with her, start a family, and live a longer life. yet, at the end they decide to be together and get married but… that’s it? you’ve got to give me a bit more of a story than that, no?
╰┈┈➤ 3. Noah wanting kids. did the author just forget that Noah desperately wanted children? the FMC, AJ, is looking up reverse vasectomies at one point and begins to change her stance on how she feels about children. we just were going to make that a huge conflict and then never bring it up again? okay.
✴︎ the ending. it was really lackluster. i didn’t cry. i, honestly, just didn’t care anymore. these characters had no emotional hold on me.
✴︎ this book was too long for what it was. if this were half the length, it could’ve been twice as good.
this book is gaining insane momentum and hype across the internet. i’m sorry to be the Negative Nancy (maybe i should start calling myself Critical Chloé at this point), but i just don’t get the hype. i’m sorry (i’m not). to each their own…
summer tbr jar prompt: hardcover
╭──────────. ִ ࣪ ⋆ ೀ ─╮
⭑⭑⭑⭑⭑ the end
╰─ ִ ࣪ ⋆ ೀ ──────────╯
April 23, 2026
ended up really enjoying this one! the first 20% was a bit slow for me and it took some time to get into, but once it picked up i was fully invested.
the characters were frustrating in a way that felt intentional. they made questionable choices and i don’t think i actually liked either of them, but that also made them feel more real in a way? i felt like i couldn’t look away even though i despised what was happening. .
there were a few moments where things felt a little unclear, which pulled me out briefly, but not enough to affect my overall experience. i also think it probably could have been shorter - some sections dragged more than they needed to (e. g. th first chunk of this book).
still, this feels like one of those books where the characters linger. i can see myself thinking about them for a while. i would definitely recommend if you like (kind of) frustrating but ‘real’ love stories. the setting of this book was really unique and there are a lot of time jumps which really solidify the history these characters have together. i enjoyed !!
the characters were frustrating in a way that felt intentional. they made questionable choices and i don’t think i actually liked either of them, but that also made them feel more real in a way? i felt like i couldn’t look away even though i despised what was happening. .
there were a few moments where things felt a little unclear, which pulled me out briefly, but not enough to affect my overall experience. i also think it probably could have been shorter - some sections dragged more than they needed to (e. g. th first chunk of this book).
still, this feels like one of those books where the characters linger. i can see myself thinking about them for a while. i would definitely recommend if you like (kind of) frustrating but ‘real’ love stories. the setting of this book was really unique and there are a lot of time jumps which really solidify the history these characters have together. i enjoyed !!
June 9, 2026
4.75
OH MY GOD THE TENSION, THE CONNECTION, THE YEARNING.
As a drama/theatre nerd myself, who has taken part in many a drama camp & improv class - I was absolutely LIVING for this. It's not a picture perfect romance by any means, "love story" is definitely a better way of putting it. But OH MY GOODNESS, Emma Brodie was able to show us these incredibly intimate moments between these 2 characters that made me feel like I should look away (but I didn't).
So cleverly written, so much of the communication between our characters was done in indirect ways - through their improv & skits. Definition of saying things without actually saying them. And the little subtleties (and not so subtle moments) were SO GOOD, I viscerally felt them through the page. I felt the ache, I felt the pain. It's one of those stories where you will just want to grab the characters and yell at them to JUST BE TOGETHER, and it can feel very frustrating in moments... but in the absolute best way.
Love love love. It's not a perfect 5 star just because while the spice was actually very well written and I did actually love it. I felt like there was just a bit too much all in a row, and some of that I feel like could have been trimmed down or montaged a little more.
Anyways... this was amazing. LOVE!
OH MY GOD THE TENSION, THE CONNECTION, THE YEARNING.
As a drama/theatre nerd myself, who has taken part in many a drama camp & improv class - I was absolutely LIVING for this. It's not a picture perfect romance by any means, "love story" is definitely a better way of putting it. But OH MY GOODNESS, Emma Brodie was able to show us these incredibly intimate moments between these 2 characters that made me feel like I should look away (but I didn't).
So cleverly written, so much of the communication between our characters was done in indirect ways - through their improv & skits. Definition of saying things without actually saying them. And the little subtleties (and not so subtle moments) were SO GOOD, I viscerally felt them through the page. I felt the ache, I felt the pain. It's one of those stories where you will just want to grab the characters and yell at them to JUST BE TOGETHER, and it can feel very frustrating in moments... but in the absolute best way.
Love love love. It's not a perfect 5 star just because while the spice was actually very well written and I did actually love it. I felt like there was just a bit too much all in a row, and some of that I feel like could have been trimmed down or montaged a little more.
Anyways... this was amazing. LOVE!
May 21, 2026
babe I beg go to the bookshop or library and read this
June 1, 2026
I’m listening to this on audiobook and I’m not even halfway through but it’s already five stars bc what do you mean this level of tension and yearning and writhing agony exists. AND you put Julia Whelan on this narration?! All right that’s fine that’s absolutely chill of you, Emma Brodie.
completely unrelated but I’m retiring
completely unrelated but I’m retiring
April 19, 2026
Definitely the odd one out with this opinion but I found this book to be very hard to get through. It definitely wasn't for me. It felt pretty childish to me and I feel it could have been cut in half. It was basically the same thing over and over. Same feelings, same argument, wait a couple of years and then do it all over again. And how many times in one book can you add a version of the same sentence "he is famous and I'm just normal, he could never really love me." The answer is way too many!!!
Review of advance copy received from Netgalley
⭐️ 3.75 ⭐️ If you want to read a story about the rain and the flood, the pain and the pleasure, then this is a love story that you won't easily forget. It's not a lovey-dovey romance but a story that takes you through decades of thunder-like, achy love of longing and yearning. It's about two people who ached and pined for one another a whole DECADE, only torturing themselves even more as a result of never giving into their feelings. Into the Blue really screams 'TIME IS OF THE ESSENCE' so you should never waste it!
We follow a story of AJ Graves who dreams of becoming a writer for SNL. She meets Noah by chance when he begins working along side her in a video rental store somewhere in Massachusetts. Noah is shaped by famous acting family and the expectation of becoming an actor. He's charming but complicated. She's a dreamer, observant and ambition. They are initially drawn to each other by their love for sci-fi shows and theater. They begin acting out scenes/improvising, eventually forming a strong connection with sizzling chemistry. However, one day Noah disappears without a word. Years later, AJ who is now a writer, is cast into the same intergalactic TV show as Noah, who is not a Hollywood heartthrob. They are unable to stay away from each other, lines become blurred, leaving them forced to face the truth of what happened many years ago.
This is a long book, 450 pages (600 for large print) and it felt like I was reading this a long time. It's uniquely written, where a love story and deep connection forms through acting. So there is a sci-fi story within a story and it will be a hit for anyone who loves theater and acting. I honestly thought it was a lot. I was not a fan of the cosmic sci-fi story and thought it dragged for a long time, at least the first 45% and then sporadically through out the book until Noah fully came back into picture and Emma Brodie dropped a bomb with Noahs confession. I usually do not get shocked but my jaw was on the floor. The book went from 2 to 4 stars imminently and the second half of the book was just like 'A Love Letter to Whiskey'--emotional, toxic, peaked in angst and sad too. I wanted to throw my kindle across the room because they drove me crazy. It's heartbreaking yet hopeful. Noahs confession about what happened many years ago pulled me back in and kept me glued to the story.
It's hard to write a well thought out review when a novel packs so much into the timeline, you just have to go in and enjoy the ride.
Its featured as an add-on on BOTM, so if you're interested in signing up, the first book is only $5!
Use my link to get the discount!: https://www.mybotm.com/bgnrjn6qk0o
Many thanks to NetGalley, Ballantine and the author, Emma Brodie for an early eARC.
Publication date: April 7th, 2026
We follow a story of AJ Graves who dreams of becoming a writer for SNL. She meets Noah by chance when he begins working along side her in a video rental store somewhere in Massachusetts. Noah is shaped by famous acting family and the expectation of becoming an actor. He's charming but complicated. She's a dreamer, observant and ambition. They are initially drawn to each other by their love for sci-fi shows and theater. They begin acting out scenes/improvising, eventually forming a strong connection with sizzling chemistry. However, one day Noah disappears without a word. Years later, AJ who is now a writer, is cast into the same intergalactic TV show as Noah, who is not a Hollywood heartthrob. They are unable to stay away from each other, lines become blurred, leaving them forced to face the truth of what happened many years ago.
This is a long book, 450 pages (600 for large print) and it felt like I was reading this a long time. It's uniquely written, where a love story and deep connection forms through acting. So there is a sci-fi story within a story and it will be a hit for anyone who loves theater and acting. I honestly thought it was a lot. I was not a fan of the cosmic sci-fi story and thought it dragged for a long time, at least the first 45% and then sporadically through out the book until Noah fully came back into picture and Emma Brodie dropped a bomb with Noahs confession. I usually do not get shocked but my jaw was on the floor. The book went from 2 to 4 stars imminently and the second half of the book was just like 'A Love Letter to Whiskey'--emotional, toxic, peaked in angst and sad too. I wanted to throw my kindle across the room because they drove me crazy. It's heartbreaking yet hopeful. Noahs confession about what happened many years ago pulled me back in and kept me glued to the story.
It's hard to write a well thought out review when a novel packs so much into the timeline, you just have to go in and enjoy the ride.
Its featured as an add-on on BOTM, so if you're interested in signing up, the first book is only $5!
Use my link to get the discount!: https://www.mybotm.com/bgnrjn6qk0o
Many thanks to NetGalley, Ballantine and the author, Emma Brodie for an early eARC.
Publication date: April 7th, 2026
April 4, 2026
TOP READ OF THE YEAR MARK MY WORDS!!!
The most devastating and heart wrenching love story I have read to date. You want yearning and angst?! THIS IS FOR YOU!!! My stomach was in knots over so many moments while reading and I was so on edge that I was awake until 5am reading because I couldn’t get enough of AJ and Noah!! They were so hot and sad, I sobbed with them!! Their chemistry and banter was off the charts. You couldn’t convince me these two people wouldn’t find each other in every single universe! They are the definition of soulmates.
The storytelling and the writing was so incredibly well done there isn’t anywhere in here where I could say “well I’d have loved this more” or “I didn’t love this..” NO!! This is infinity stars and beyond!
This will be a love story that will haunt me in the best way possible!!! I honestly feel like I can’t share too much in my review because I feel like there are so many parts to their story and it’s just an experience you need to go into mostly blind but just trust me I NEED EVERYONE TO READ!!!
The most devastating and heart wrenching love story I have read to date. You want yearning and angst?! THIS IS FOR YOU!!! My stomach was in knots over so many moments while reading and I was so on edge that I was awake until 5am reading because I couldn’t get enough of AJ and Noah!! They were so hot and sad, I sobbed with them!! Their chemistry and banter was off the charts. You couldn’t convince me these two people wouldn’t find each other in every single universe! They are the definition of soulmates.
The storytelling and the writing was so incredibly well done there isn’t anywhere in here where I could say “well I’d have loved this more” or “I didn’t love this..” NO!! This is infinity stars and beyond!
This will be a love story that will haunt me in the best way possible!!! I honestly feel like I can’t share too much in my review because I feel like there are so many parts to their story and it’s just an experience you need to go into mostly blind but just trust me I NEED EVERYONE TO READ!!!
April 12, 2026
This could’ve been a good book because the love story kept me reading. However, the sci-fi skits/improv were ridiculously hard to follow and quite frankly, bizarre.
April 6, 2026
what a beautifully unique romance novel!! teetering between 4-4.5 stars for this one. happy to report that the early raving reviews stood up to the hype!
i went into this book semi blind and recommend you do too, but here’s what you need to know:
- second chance / right person wrong time vibes
- childhood friends to lovers trope
- SLOW BURN
- lots of yearning and angst to the romance
- follows movies/film/tv/celebrity life
- strong family side plots
this is a love story at the core but so much more! it follows two main characters that get swept away in acting and improv and then their friendship turns into so much more… but of course, there’s a catch 🥹
that’s all i’m gonna say!!! it’s unique and has some unusual elements for a romance novel but to me this is for fans of Emily Henry. it’s a romance but so much more…
and let me just say, i was SCARED for the ending but very very very happy by the time i closed the book.
🎧 also pro tip — this is FAB on audio! narrated by our queen Julia Whelan 👏🏼
so so so good! add it to your TBR! thanks to Ballantine / Thousand Voices for the early copy.
i went into this book semi blind and recommend you do too, but here’s what you need to know:
- second chance / right person wrong time vibes
- childhood friends to lovers trope
- SLOW BURN
- lots of yearning and angst to the romance
- follows movies/film/tv/celebrity life
- strong family side plots
this is a love story at the core but so much more! it follows two main characters that get swept away in acting and improv and then their friendship turns into so much more… but of course, there’s a catch 🥹
that’s all i’m gonna say!!! it’s unique and has some unusual elements for a romance novel but to me this is for fans of Emily Henry. it’s a romance but so much more…
and let me just say, i was SCARED for the ending but very very very happy by the time i closed the book.
🎧 also pro tip — this is FAB on audio! narrated by our queen Julia Whelan 👏🏼
so so so good! add it to your TBR! thanks to Ballantine / Thousand Voices for the early copy.
April 30, 2026
“He said it easily, and AJ pretended that it hadn’t stopped her heart, and they turned away, leaving Atlas to carry heavier things.”
Into the Blue is an epic, decade-spanning love story that moves between a small Massachusetts town and the worlds of acting and comedy. In the summer of 2000, aspiring comedy writer AJ Graves is stuck working at a video rental store when enigmatic Noah Drew, heir to a famous acting family, walks into her life.
What begins as an unlikely friendship blossoms into a deep, cosmic connection until Noah suddenly disappears without a word.
I actually loved this one- and it’s like my love for it just keeps growing lol. Last night I paused the audio for the night around the 60% and just felt a little meh about it.(3 star territory)
The writing drifts between timelines in a way that sometimes feels vague, and I felt like I missed something a time or two. Had to go back on the audio which took me out a bit. (Probably user error 😅)
But later that night, lying in bed- my mind kept going back to AJ and Noah. I just started thinking about everything they were going through and how relatable it all was. The emotional weight of it all just started to hit me- I feel like it’s still hitting me! 🫠
This story captures something I totally resonate with- the way long-standing friendships can quietly accumulate meaning over time. When two people share years of history, the line between platonic and romantic can feel less like a switch and more like a slow unfolding.
I have conflicting feelings about Noah, and honestly I did in beginning with A.J. too, but as the layers unfold I really started to understand and relate to her. Their connection is messy, complicated, and deeply human.
Time is a real mf, isn’t it? It doesn’t wait on anyone or anything. This book is a beautiful, painful reminder of right person, wrong time and how some bonds refuse to stay buried.
I didn’t think I was going to feel this strongly about it, but by the end, you can’t really help it.
Quietly powerful and the kind of story that lingers with you. Watch- I’ll probably boost it to 5 stars in another day lol.
Already selected as a BOTM add on. 💖
💙Second-chance
🩵Friends to lovers
💙Slow burn
🩵Fated/soulmates energy
💙Actors / performance industry romance
🩵Forced proximity
💙Angst
🩵Miscommunication
💙Right person, wrong timing
✴︎a˚｡⋆ Connect with me on Instagram ˗ˏˋ★‿︵‧ ˚ ₊⊹
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I keep saying this 😩 but full review in a bit. I’m super behind, been a really hectic few weeks at work and home- will catch up this week !
This was a complicated one and honestly last night around 50% when a friend asked me I felt meh about it. Liked but didn’t love.
But then last night as I settled in for the night and wasn’t actively listening to it anymore- I couldn’t stop thinking about it. The choices, the situation, the pain. 🥹
Full RTC.
Into the Blue is an epic, decade-spanning love story that moves between a small Massachusetts town and the worlds of acting and comedy. In the summer of 2000, aspiring comedy writer AJ Graves is stuck working at a video rental store when enigmatic Noah Drew, heir to a famous acting family, walks into her life.
What begins as an unlikely friendship blossoms into a deep, cosmic connection until Noah suddenly disappears without a word.
I actually loved this one- and it’s like my love for it just keeps growing lol. Last night I paused the audio for the night around the 60% and just felt a little meh about it.(3 star territory)
The writing drifts between timelines in a way that sometimes feels vague, and I felt like I missed something a time or two. Had to go back on the audio which took me out a bit. (Probably user error 😅)
But later that night, lying in bed- my mind kept going back to AJ and Noah. I just started thinking about everything they were going through and how relatable it all was. The emotional weight of it all just started to hit me- I feel like it’s still hitting me! 🫠
This story captures something I totally resonate with- the way long-standing friendships can quietly accumulate meaning over time. When two people share years of history, the line between platonic and romantic can feel less like a switch and more like a slow unfolding.
I have conflicting feelings about Noah, and honestly I did in beginning with A.J. too, but as the layers unfold I really started to understand and relate to her. Their connection is messy, complicated, and deeply human.
Time is a real mf, isn’t it? It doesn’t wait on anyone or anything. This book is a beautiful, painful reminder of right person, wrong time and how some bonds refuse to stay buried.
I didn’t think I was going to feel this strongly about it, but by the end, you can’t really help it.
Quietly powerful and the kind of story that lingers with you. Watch- I’ll probably boost it to 5 stars in another day lol.
Already selected as a BOTM add on. 💖
💙Second-chance
🩵Friends to lovers
💙Slow burn
🩵Fated/soulmates energy
💙Actors / performance industry romance
🩵Forced proximity
💙Angst
🩵Miscommunication
💙Right person, wrong timing
✴︎a˚｡⋆ Connect with me on Instagram ˗ˏˋ★‿︵‧ ˚ ₊⊹
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I keep saying this 😩 but full review in a bit. I’m super behind, been a really hectic few weeks at work and home- will catch up this week !
This was a complicated one and honestly last night around 50% when a friend asked me I felt meh about it. Liked but didn’t love.
But then last night as I settled in for the night and wasn’t actively listening to it anymore- I couldn’t stop thinking about it. The choices, the situation, the pain. 🥹
Full RTC.
April 20, 2026
IM SORRY I JUST LISTENED TO COMING UP ROSES AND NOW THIS IS 5 STARS
This book single handedly took me out of my 1.5 month reading slump! The relationship dynamic between the two main characters was addicting, and I had to know how it ended.
The best way to describe this one is SOULMATES. Truly. I’ve never read a book that describes the connection between two people who love each other the way this one does.
This book is for the aspiring actors, the sci-fi nerds, the fans of all encompassing romance stories, ugh it’s just so good.
Please go into this book mostly blind! Your experience will be much better that way.
This book single handedly took me out of my 1.5 month reading slump! The relationship dynamic between the two main characters was addicting, and I had to know how it ended.
The best way to describe this one is SOULMATES. Truly. I’ve never read a book that describes the connection between two people who love each other the way this one does.
This book is for the aspiring actors, the sci-fi nerds, the fans of all encompassing romance stories, ugh it’s just so good.
Please go into this book mostly blind! Your experience will be much better that way.
May 14, 2026
I lack the words to even begin to describe how dynamically beautiful and achingly romantic Emma Brodie’s sophomore novel is. While not a romance in the sense we have come to appreciate them of late, this book is a love story nonetheless and one that easily catapulted to a favorite of the year.
From page one, Brodie is not afraid of delving into the heavier themes that gird the central story. From addiction to chronic illness to grief, the heavier topics are handled with both care and nuance, then perfectly juxtaposed by the brighter than sunshine love and connection between these characters. The writing is flawless, the prose exquisite. I look forward to what I know will become a terrific adaptation of this story of intense struggle, young love, and an improv television show that sparked the flame.
🎧 The audiobook is narrated by Julia Whelan, the best of the best, and as such is a must-listen. However, because of the epistolary format and large cast of characters, I loved having the ability to read with both my eyes and ears. Therefore, an immersive read would be my recommendation for the best listening experience.
Read if you like:
▪️star-crossed lovers
▪️Hollywood romance
▪️emotional depth
▪️multi-generational family drama
▪️epistolary novels
✨ Top read of 2026
Check out my Bookstagram post here ♥
Thank you Ballantine x Thousand Voices and PRH for the advanced copies.
From page one, Brodie is not afraid of delving into the heavier themes that gird the central story. From addiction to chronic illness to grief, the heavier topics are handled with both care and nuance, then perfectly juxtaposed by the brighter than sunshine love and connection between these characters. The writing is flawless, the prose exquisite. I look forward to what I know will become a terrific adaptation of this story of intense struggle, young love, and an improv television show that sparked the flame.
🎧 The audiobook is narrated by Julia Whelan, the best of the best, and as such is a must-listen. However, because of the epistolary format and large cast of characters, I loved having the ability to read with both my eyes and ears. Therefore, an immersive read would be my recommendation for the best listening experience.
Read if you like:
▪️star-crossed lovers
▪️Hollywood romance
▪️emotional depth
▪️multi-generational family drama
▪️epistolary novels
✨ Top read of 2026
Check out my Bookstagram post here ♥
Thank you Ballantine x Thousand Voices and PRH for the advanced copies.
May 21, 2026
4⭐️! i genuinely enjoyed this, but i also didn’t find it as earth-shattering as everyone else seems to? there were moments where i was completely immersed & obsessed with it… and other moments where i felt really out of it? either way i’m glad i read it!
my favorite thing about this book was the way improv and storytelling reflected AJ & Noah’s real life relationship. since improv is such a reactive, emotionally vulnerable thing, their actual feelings inevitably slip into the work and the lines between what’s real & what’s for show get BLURRY! that aspect of the book blew me away!!! it felt so fresh for a romance!
also… the YEARNING! this book absolutely has that ‘right person, wrong time’ kinda tension. there’s soooo much longing in the story, and the chemistry between AJ and Noah was PALPABLE! for whatever reason, i just didn’t have that immediate soul-connection to these characters that some readers clearly do. but i did love how vulnerable they were with us throughout the story. and because of that, the writing is also very open-hearted and emotionally raw in a way i loved.
that said… i did struggle with the pacing at times. this definitely felt a bit long-winded for me, and the writing style took some getting used to. plus there are a LOT of character names, production references, fandom lore, improv terminology, sci-fi language, etc. especially early on, and it sometimes pulled me out of the story. part 1 didn’t fully hook me… but by the end of part 2 i was locked in and had to see it through. when i was in it i was in it, but getting there required some work!
ALSO… this is definitely more romance-forward than i expected!! i went in thinking it would lean more literary fiction with romance elements, but for me it read more like a deeply emotional romance with lit fic aspects layered in. and while the chemistry was SIZZLING, there were probably a few more spicy scenes than i personally expected for this type of story. (not complaining, just a content note i guess!)
overall though, i really do recommend this one. if the premise intrigues you at ALL, i think it’s worth trying!
p.s. i think it would be SO fun to go see an improv show before reading this if you’ve never been to one! it would probably help you enjoy the book more and would be a great little date night or book club activity!
my favorite thing about this book was the way improv and storytelling reflected AJ & Noah’s real life relationship. since improv is such a reactive, emotionally vulnerable thing, their actual feelings inevitably slip into the work and the lines between what’s real & what’s for show get BLURRY! that aspect of the book blew me away!!! it felt so fresh for a romance!
also… the YEARNING! this book absolutely has that ‘right person, wrong time’ kinda tension. there’s soooo much longing in the story, and the chemistry between AJ and Noah was PALPABLE! for whatever reason, i just didn’t have that immediate soul-connection to these characters that some readers clearly do. but i did love how vulnerable they were with us throughout the story. and because of that, the writing is also very open-hearted and emotionally raw in a way i loved.
that said… i did struggle with the pacing at times. this definitely felt a bit long-winded for me, and the writing style took some getting used to. plus there are a LOT of character names, production references, fandom lore, improv terminology, sci-fi language, etc. especially early on, and it sometimes pulled me out of the story. part 1 didn’t fully hook me… but by the end of part 2 i was locked in and had to see it through. when i was in it i was in it, but getting there required some work!
ALSO… this is definitely more romance-forward than i expected!! i went in thinking it would lean more literary fiction with romance elements, but for me it read more like a deeply emotional romance with lit fic aspects layered in. and while the chemistry was SIZZLING, there were probably a few more spicy scenes than i personally expected for this type of story. (not complaining, just a content note i guess!)
overall though, i really do recommend this one. if the premise intrigues you at ALL, i think it’s worth trying!
p.s. i think it would be SO fun to go see an improv show before reading this if you’ve never been to one! it would probably help you enjoy the book more and would be a great little date night or book club activity!
June 10, 2026
This was so different and not at all what I was expecting. I ate it up. Such a breath of fresh air. I loved all the uniqueness that made this book so good and complex.
April 9, 2026
dnf @ 55% … i’m bored
Want to Read
July 5, 2026putting myself out there (trying to find a romance book i'll fall in love with)
April 14, 2026
AN ABSOLUTE MASTERPIECE.
Currently Reading
June 25, 2026pre-read: I’ve literally been waiting to get my hands on this book for what feels like ages now. I was on the hold at the library but the waitlist was way too long so I had to go out and purchase it… please don’t disappoint me, I have high hopes 😭
Also I literally have no idea what it’s even about…I just needed it bad. LET’S GOOO 😝😝
Also I literally have no idea what it’s even about…I just needed it bad. LET’S GOOO 😝😝
April 24, 2026
I was really loving it up until the big secret was revealed. It ended up being way too similar to several other popular books (that have been made into movies) from the past two decades for me to give it a higher rating.
June 10, 2026
I’ll be back with a written review when I can better articulate my thoughts. That was beautiful.
May 13, 2026
Thoughts | 3.5 ⭐️
In all honesty I'm conflicted between 3 or 4 so I'll leave it at 3.5, this book had so much potential in the emotional depth aspect of it which is why I'm heartbroken to say it didn't hit the way I wanted it to (for me ) the romance was a luscious mess, I mean I LIVE for these types of romances but it just lacked. Noah was the reason I kept reading wanting to find out how everything ends. I wish this book was focusing just on their romance story and them as individuals, everything else in this book felt like fillers 🙈 like the story for me ACTUALLY started half way like maybe 40% in or so, mind you the beginning had me hooked then picked back up half way. Was this sad? Yes sure, devastating? The only devastating thing about it was Noah's dialogues. I genuinely think the structure of this read was the story's worst enemy if that makes sense. I really wanted this to be a devastating 5 stars but unfortunately it wasn't at least for me. However Noah will linger in the back of my mind for a long time to come.
My Bookstagram
In all honesty I'm conflicted between 3 or 4 so I'll leave it at 3.5, this book had so much potential in the emotional depth aspect of it which is why I'm heartbroken to say it didn't hit the way I wanted it to (for me ) the romance was a luscious mess, I mean I LIVE for these types of romances but it just lacked. Noah was the reason I kept reading wanting to find out how everything ends. I wish this book was focusing just on their romance story and them as individuals, everything else in this book felt like fillers 🙈 like the story for me ACTUALLY started half way like maybe 40% in or so, mind you the beginning had me hooked then picked back up half way. Was this sad? Yes sure, devastating? The only devastating thing about it was Noah's dialogues. I genuinely think the structure of this read was the story's worst enemy if that makes sense. I really wanted this to be a devastating 5 stars but unfortunately it wasn't at least for me. However Noah will linger in the back of my mind for a long time to come.
My Bookstagram
June 6, 2026
Hollywood/one of us is famous tropes are notoriously one of my least favorites. I struggled with that up until about 40%… (plus the sci-fi skits/improv/shows were very strange).
BUT THEN we got into it. It became messy, complex, emotional, and, quite frankly, painful… & we all know I love a good emotional love story that’ll rip my heart out!! I really enjoyed the depth of the storyline and the raw, vulnerable human moments (& some of the frustrating drama too).
However I started to feel like Noah & AJ were going in the same toxic circle - drama, fight, tension, distance, make up, make out, move on, repeat. Exhausting.
That said, I did really enjoy a lot of this book & the writing was absolutely beautiful. I don’t think I found it QUITE AS groundbreaking as I feel like everyone else has, but definitely glad I read it!
BUT THEN we got into it. It became messy, complex, emotional, and, quite frankly, painful… & we all know I love a good emotional love story that’ll rip my heart out!! I really enjoyed the depth of the storyline and the raw, vulnerable human moments (& some of the frustrating drama too).
However I started to feel like Noah & AJ were going in the same toxic circle - drama, fight, tension, distance, make up, make out, move on, repeat. Exhausting.
That said, I did really enjoy a lot of this book & the writing was absolutely beautiful. I don’t think I found it QUITE AS groundbreaking as I feel like everyone else has, but definitely glad I read it!
April 26, 2026
He’s a douche and she’s a bitch, idk what you’re all crying about
2,5 ⭐️
2,5 ⭐️
June 24, 2026
Update: I finished and it gave everything that was promised and more 🔐🙏
***
I’m hearing angst. I’m hearing tension. I’m hearing yearning. I’m hearing toxicity. I’m hearing this book was written for me 😼😼😝
So here I am dropping everything to read this bc I need my life back from the grip, the STRANGLEHOLD this slump has me in. Pray for me 🙏😫
***
I’m hearing angst. I’m hearing tension. I’m hearing yearning. I’m hearing toxicity. I’m hearing this book was written for me 😼😼😝
So here I am dropping everything to read this bc I need my life back from the grip, the STRANGLEHOLD this slump has me in. Pray for me 🙏😫
May 6, 2026
I can see why a lot of people would love this, but it didn't do it for me. I didn't love the characters—they felt underdeveloped, and despite everything they go through, there's very little real growth. The pacing and writing didn't work for me either. Also, I think the focus on the entertainment industry backdrop often felt like it came at the expense of genuine character depth.
Their chemistry (especially on stage) is intense and their connection is undeniable, but I'm not really sure where it builds since they rarely have meaningful conversations. Their story is tragic, raw, and messy, and there's a lot of emotional weight and potential here, so it sucks how underwhelming the book feels. Instead of exploring the complex themes or at least digging into them more, the story is basically an endless cycle of tension, fights, hookups, breakups, and then starting over again.
I kept reading because I wanted to know what would happen, but honestly, I probably should've dnf'd around the halfway point. This wasn't the heart-wrenching romance I expected, and overall it just didn't leave much of an impact. I think a more clearly unhappy ending (I know it wasn't exactly happy, but still) would've made this book ten times stronger—or at least some genuine growth, like therapy or one honest, adult conversation.
Their chemistry (especially on stage) is intense and their connection is undeniable, but I'm not really sure where it builds since they rarely have meaningful conversations. Their story is tragic, raw, and messy, and there's a lot of emotional weight and potential here, so it sucks how underwhelming the book feels. Instead of exploring the complex themes or at least digging into them more, the story is basically an endless cycle of tension, fights, hookups, breakups, and then starting over again.
I kept reading because I wanted to know what would happen, but honestly, I probably should've dnf'd around the halfway point. This wasn't the heart-wrenching romance I expected, and overall it just didn't leave much of an impact. I think a more clearly unhappy ending (I know it wasn't exactly happy, but still) would've made this book ten times stronger—or at least some genuine growth, like therapy or one honest, adult conversation.
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