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Better Than Yesterday
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Displaying 1 - 19 of 19 reviews
May 13, 2026
would like to thank netgalley and the publisher for letting me read this book
well i have to say its very compelling and i wanted to see how it all ended ..... the warning given by the author at the front of the book hints at what could be triggers for some people and i have to say i entered this book with a bit of reserve but i found that what i was reading though at times hard i was gripped in such a way that i couldnt put the book down
yesterday harrington is living the dream.... (why she is called yesterday isnt really explained) but the weight of everyones expectations on her is hard.... she doesnt know where she is from, all she knows is adoptive parents rules and worst of all society gaze....
yesterdays picture always ends up on the society pages.... no matter where she goes she is food for the fodder and now every little discretion is on the front pages highlighting her wild ways.....
aubrey is back home. working in her dads garage hiding away from the small town and small minded people in Alabama minding her own business, her dad is dying slowly and she is trying to find the meaning of life again....
so when yesterday is dropped off outside her garage looking for someone aubrey gives her a ride....
have to say i found this book hard to put down... it covers a lot of issues that will trigger some people but its handled very well... i will be keeping an eye out for this authors works
well i have to say its very compelling and i wanted to see how it all ended ..... the warning given by the author at the front of the book hints at what could be triggers for some people and i have to say i entered this book with a bit of reserve but i found that what i was reading though at times hard i was gripped in such a way that i couldnt put the book down
yesterday harrington is living the dream.... (why she is called yesterday isnt really explained) but the weight of everyones expectations on her is hard.... she doesnt know where she is from, all she knows is adoptive parents rules and worst of all society gaze....
yesterdays picture always ends up on the society pages.... no matter where she goes she is food for the fodder and now every little discretion is on the front pages highlighting her wild ways.....
aubrey is back home. working in her dads garage hiding away from the small town and small minded people in Alabama minding her own business, her dad is dying slowly and she is trying to find the meaning of life again....
so when yesterday is dropped off outside her garage looking for someone aubrey gives her a ride....
have to say i found this book hard to put down... it covers a lot of issues that will trigger some people but its handled very well... i will be keeping an eye out for this authors works
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May 2, 2026This book is not for the faint of heart.
It deals with many emotional subjects and you really feel all of them. It’s a really well written saga of loss, love, finding oneself and addiction.
As said, it’s emotional, which means it isn’t always easy to read. It’s a powerfully told and I suggest you only read it when you head is in an ok place for it.
It deals with many emotional subjects and you really feel all of them. It’s a really well written saga of loss, love, finding oneself and addiction.
As said, it’s emotional, which means it isn’t always easy to read. It’s a powerfully told and I suggest you only read it when you head is in an ok place for it.
May 20, 2026
✨ ARC REVIEW ✨
⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️ | 5 Stars
“Better Than Yesterday” by T Ashley completely took me through every emotion possible. This book was beautifully written with such an easy flowing style that made it impossible to put down.
As someone who grew up in a strict old school West Indian Christian household, this story hit me HARD. Being a bisexual woman while trying to figure yourself out in environments where it’s frowned upon ,or flat out forbidden, is something I deeply related to. There were so many moments where I found myself crying for Yesterday and Aubrey because they were simply existing as the versions of themselves their families and communities expected… while quietly struggling not being able to fully be who they truly are.
What I loved most is how real this story felt. It wasn’t just about romance; it was about identity, womanhood, self discovery, healing, and learning to exist outside of society’s expectations and your parents’ plans for your life.
Honestly, I’ve never been someone who loves labels or titles either. I don’t even feel like the bisexual label fully explains me, and I’ve never cared to announce my business to the world 😂 if I like someone, trust me… THEY will know lol. That’s why this story resonated with me so deeply.
Yesterday and Aubrey’s journeys felt raw, emotional, and authentic in a way that so many women — especially women from Caribbean and religious backgrounds — will understand immediately.
Highly recommend this read 🫶🏽💕 Thank you so much to T. Ashley for giving me the opportunity to read this before publication. This story truly meant something to me and my little platform.
⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️ | 5 Stars
“Better Than Yesterday” by T Ashley completely took me through every emotion possible. This book was beautifully written with such an easy flowing style that made it impossible to put down.
As someone who grew up in a strict old school West Indian Christian household, this story hit me HARD. Being a bisexual woman while trying to figure yourself out in environments where it’s frowned upon ,or flat out forbidden, is something I deeply related to. There were so many moments where I found myself crying for Yesterday and Aubrey because they were simply existing as the versions of themselves their families and communities expected… while quietly struggling not being able to fully be who they truly are.
What I loved most is how real this story felt. It wasn’t just about romance; it was about identity, womanhood, self discovery, healing, and learning to exist outside of society’s expectations and your parents’ plans for your life.
Honestly, I’ve never been someone who loves labels or titles either. I don’t even feel like the bisexual label fully explains me, and I’ve never cared to announce my business to the world 😂 if I like someone, trust me… THEY will know lol. That’s why this story resonated with me so deeply.
Yesterday and Aubrey’s journeys felt raw, emotional, and authentic in a way that so many women — especially women from Caribbean and religious backgrounds — will understand immediately.
Highly recommend this read 🫶🏽💕 Thank you so much to T. Ashley for giving me the opportunity to read this before publication. This story truly meant something to me and my little platform.
Review of advance copy received from NetGalley
First, a huge thank you to NetGalley for providing this ARC. I just finished Better Than Yesterday by T. Ashley, and honestly? I'm still recovering. I cried through at least half of this book. As a thirty-something sapphic reader, I'm always hunting for stories that feel genuinely real—I want messy, lived-in experiences, not just tired tropes strung together. This novel gave me exactly that, though it demanded a piece of my heart in return.
It's incredibly beautiful—raw and unflinching. The way Ashley writes about emotional trauma is breathtakingly accurate. Yesterday Harrington's journey to stand on her own two feet resonated deeply with me, and the depiction of being in an institution was handled with so much care and honesty. It didn't feel sensationalized; instead, it felt like a mirror held up to the very real struggles so many of us face. Then there's Aubrey Baptiste, desperately trying to keep her world from falling apart. Their dynamic is layered with an overwhelming sense of grief that permeates almost every scene, which makes their connection feel all the more hard-won and precious.
(I also have to give a quick shoutout to the cover art—it’s the absolute perfect choice for the story inside.)
When you invest your time and emotions into a book, you want it to move you. You want it to change you just a little bit. This one did. If you're ready for an intensely emotional read about grief, growth, and the sheer courage it takes to live authentically, pick this up. Just make sure you have a box of tissues nearby.
It's incredibly beautiful—raw and unflinching. The way Ashley writes about emotional trauma is breathtakingly accurate. Yesterday Harrington's journey to stand on her own two feet resonated deeply with me, and the depiction of being in an institution was handled with so much care and honesty. It didn't feel sensationalized; instead, it felt like a mirror held up to the very real struggles so many of us face. Then there's Aubrey Baptiste, desperately trying to keep her world from falling apart. Their dynamic is layered with an overwhelming sense of grief that permeates almost every scene, which makes their connection feel all the more hard-won and precious.
(I also have to give a quick shoutout to the cover art—it’s the absolute perfect choice for the story inside.)
When you invest your time and emotions into a book, you want it to move you. You want it to change you just a little bit. This one did. If you're ready for an intensely emotional read about grief, growth, and the sheer courage it takes to live authentically, pick this up. Just make sure you have a box of tissues nearby.
Review of advance copy received from Author
(4.5 stars rounded up)
I was so moved by this novel by T. Ashley. It resonated with me more than I was expecting as someone who came out later in life and had to process what that meant for myself, my support system and my understanding of normal. T. Ashley does a beautiful job of revealing the impact and the weight that grief, anxiety, shame, and regret have on our lives and our motivations. The characters are vulnerable in a way that makes it impossible to not look within and reflect on the driving forces behind your own decisions. Are you making choices for a life path that was made for you to fit into, or are you making choices in a life path that was made to fit you?
This is another book that explores the theme of knowing where you come from and how the lack of that knowledge can change the trajectory of your life as well. The relationship between Yesterday and her mother was truly difficult for me to stomach at times because it was ultra relatable. Not word-for-word, but the general idea of not being enough for the people who raised you, or being what they expected you to be. Watching Yesterday evolve in this story was something that I truly appreciated because it’s more than just “getting better”. It truly is about just being better than yesterday.
Thank you to T. Ashley for this beautiful work. I truly appreciate it!
I was so moved by this novel by T. Ashley. It resonated with me more than I was expecting as someone who came out later in life and had to process what that meant for myself, my support system and my understanding of normal. T. Ashley does a beautiful job of revealing the impact and the weight that grief, anxiety, shame, and regret have on our lives and our motivations. The characters are vulnerable in a way that makes it impossible to not look within and reflect on the driving forces behind your own decisions. Are you making choices for a life path that was made for you to fit into, or are you making choices in a life path that was made to fit you?
This is another book that explores the theme of knowing where you come from and how the lack of that knowledge can change the trajectory of your life as well. The relationship between Yesterday and her mother was truly difficult for me to stomach at times because it was ultra relatable. Not word-for-word, but the general idea of not being enough for the people who raised you, or being what they expected you to be. Watching Yesterday evolve in this story was something that I truly appreciated because it’s more than just “getting better”. It truly is about just being better than yesterday.
Thank you to T. Ashley for this beautiful work. I truly appreciate it!
Review of advance copy received from Author
Thank you to the author for sending me an e-ARC, the thoughts and opnions in this review are entirely my own.
Better Than Yesterday is quiet and soft-spoken, despite it dealing with difficult topics such as grief, loss of identity, parental abuse, depression and adoption. It was a rather quick read that scratched the surface of the inner world of the two pov characters and their challenges but didn't always reach the emotional depth I longed for.
There were some inconsistencies throughout the story and events that weren't (fully) resolved and left open or unaddressed. The ending felt a little too abrupt for me, issues had only barely sort of gotten resolved and then there was an implied HEA and that was it.
But all in all the underlying story was left intact, in which both POV characters are looking for their identity and discovering what they want and need in life, outside of what other people want for them.
It was an enjoyable, lowstake, sometimes emotional read that I'm sure I'll be left reflecting upon for the days to come.
Better Than Yesterday is quiet and soft-spoken, despite it dealing with difficult topics such as grief, loss of identity, parental abuse, depression and adoption. It was a rather quick read that scratched the surface of the inner world of the two pov characters and their challenges but didn't always reach the emotional depth I longed for.
There were some inconsistencies throughout the story and events that weren't (fully) resolved and left open or unaddressed. The ending felt a little too abrupt for me, issues had only barely sort of gotten resolved and then there was an implied HEA and that was it.
But all in all the underlying story was left intact, in which both POV characters are looking for their identity and discovering what they want and need in life, outside of what other people want for them.
It was an enjoyable, lowstake, sometimes emotional read that I'm sure I'll be left reflecting upon for the days to come.
May 5, 2026
ARC REVIEW - NetGalley
I think I’m just a sucker for a book that really knows how to pull at my emotions, and this one absolutely did.
It was beautifully written, and I loved the structure—splitting the story into three parts really allowed us to see Yesterday’s growth and her journey toward finding herself in a meaningful way.
What stood out most to me was how realistic everything felt. I could look at every character and think of someone in real life who reminded me of them, which made the story hit even harder.
While this is a great read, it does touch on some heavy topics such as adoption, self-discovery, addiction, and loss, so it definitely carries emotional weight (check triggers) .
One of my favorite parts was seeing Yesterday find people who genuinely care about her without trying to control her, and who give her the space to truly be herself. That kind of support felt really important and refreshing.
I think I’m just a sucker for a book that really knows how to pull at my emotions, and this one absolutely did.
It was beautifully written, and I loved the structure—splitting the story into three parts really allowed us to see Yesterday’s growth and her journey toward finding herself in a meaningful way.
What stood out most to me was how realistic everything felt. I could look at every character and think of someone in real life who reminded me of them, which made the story hit even harder.
While this is a great read, it does touch on some heavy topics such as adoption, self-discovery, addiction, and loss, so it definitely carries emotional weight (check triggers) .
One of my favorite parts was seeing Yesterday find people who genuinely care about her without trying to control her, and who give her the space to truly be herself. That kind of support felt really important and refreshing.
May 13, 2026
Thank you to NetGalley & the author for a kind copy of this book!
The book was a crescendo for me, with the first chapters not making a particular dent, and the story feeling too ethereal and not concrete enough.
That shifts during the second part of the book as the narrative takes a firmer shape, and with it key characters take on colors and details.
I particularly liked the way the author shows the kind of internal struggles we often go through, and does not label or judge it, merely narrates it.
A few characters were a bit too one-dimensional for my liking (Charles, Evelyn); whilst others more complex.
I found myself liking the writing style more in generally descriptive passages that just accompany the story, than in overly emotion-invoking ones where metaphors are widely used by the author.
3.5 stars, rounded up
The book was a crescendo for me, with the first chapters not making a particular dent, and the story feeling too ethereal and not concrete enough.
That shifts during the second part of the book as the narrative takes a firmer shape, and with it key characters take on colors and details.
I particularly liked the way the author shows the kind of internal struggles we often go through, and does not label or judge it, merely narrates it.
A few characters were a bit too one-dimensional for my liking (Charles, Evelyn); whilst others more complex.
I found myself liking the writing style more in generally descriptive passages that just accompany the story, than in overly emotion-invoking ones where metaphors are widely used by the author.
3.5 stars, rounded up
Review of advance copy received from Author
I was so eager to see where this story would go. The beginning held so much emotion and uncertainty. I love the way this author weaves her words together into such a beautiful and engaging tapestry. Her writing always feels so vivid and lyrical. I got pulled all the way into the thick of things with these characters in no time at all.
I was so eager to experience everything through Yesterday's eyes. The ebbing and flowing of resistance and submission kept me turning page after page. I needed to know what she was going to do or say next. I really wasn’t sure where her adventures would lead, but I definitely wanted to find out. This book came together so beautifully and gave me all the feels!
I was so eager to experience everything through Yesterday's eyes. The ebbing and flowing of resistance and submission kept me turning page after page. I needed to know what she was going to do or say next. I really wasn’t sure where her adventures would lead, but I definitely wanted to find out. This book came together so beautifully and gave me all the feels!
Review of advance copy received from NetGalley
Better Than Yesterday by T. Ashley is a heartfelt story that really stays with you. It explores what it means to be queer while dealing with outside pressure, whether that’s from family, community, or being in the spotlight. At its core, the book is about where we come from, who we’re connected to, and the difficult but important choice to put ourselves first. The themes of adoption, separation, grief, illness, and recovery are handled with care, and nothing feels rushed or unrealistic. There’s both tenderness and honesty here, and it doesn’t shy away from the harder parts of life. 4.5 stars for a story that feels real, grounded, and full of heart.
Additionally, this was my first book written by T. Ashley, it won't be my last.
Additionally, this was my first book written by T. Ashley, it won't be my last.
Review of advance copy received from NetGalley
*** ARC REVIEW ***
This book reads more like poetry than a novel. The author writes the hurt that Yesterday feels so beautifully; it’s haunting in its delivery and you feel every emotion. This is not an easy story to read - there is loss and grief and guilt, but also healing and love and peace. It’s not just a love story between two women, but also a story of familial love, and learning to love all the parts that make up who you are. Each character is written with such depth; while there is a lot to process because it is such an emotional story, it’s not difficult to process because you really feel like you know where each character is coming from. This story speaks to the reader who longs to be seen, to feel whole, to be loved.
This book reads more like poetry than a novel. The author writes the hurt that Yesterday feels so beautifully; it’s haunting in its delivery and you feel every emotion. This is not an easy story to read - there is loss and grief and guilt, but also healing and love and peace. It’s not just a love story between two women, but also a story of familial love, and learning to love all the parts that make up who you are. Each character is written with such depth; while there is a lot to process because it is such an emotional story, it’s not difficult to process because you really feel like you know where each character is coming from. This story speaks to the reader who longs to be seen, to feel whole, to be loved.
May 16, 2026
Thank you Netgalley for the ARC! 3.5🌟
The writing style for this book is very intricate. Yesterday’s life is a roller coaster and constantly moving 100 miles an hour. Having grown up on a tight leash I can see why there is retaliation. The family secrets and the lack of knowledge of the past really strained the relationship she had with Evelyn.
Clara needs to be everyone’s grandma- she’s so pure and sweet and loving and understanding- just someone who makes you feel welcome and accepts you regardless of the choices you make or who you are!
Aubrey, I had a soft spot for her and was so happy she knew her worth! When everything happened with Al I was a mess!
Overall definitely an emotional book that will have you second guessing if you’re happy with who you are!
The writing style for this book is very intricate. Yesterday’s life is a roller coaster and constantly moving 100 miles an hour. Having grown up on a tight leash I can see why there is retaliation. The family secrets and the lack of knowledge of the past really strained the relationship she had with Evelyn.
Clara needs to be everyone’s grandma- she’s so pure and sweet and loving and understanding- just someone who makes you feel welcome and accepts you regardless of the choices you make or who you are!
Aubrey, I had a soft spot for her and was so happy she knew her worth! When everything happened with Al I was a mess!
Overall definitely an emotional book that will have you second guessing if you’re happy with who you are!
May 13, 2026
This was such a beautifully written story. Better Than Yesterday explored healing, depression, control, self-worth, and finding the courage to rediscover yourself.
Yesterday’s story felt so real because healing wasn’t presented as pretty or easy. It was messy, uncomfortable, emotional, and deeply human. I loved how T. Ashley allowed us to feel the emotions without forcing every answer onto the page.
This book was comforting, intentional, and full of grace. The pacing felt exactly right for the journey being told. Wrap yourself in your favorite blanket and read this one immediately. Definitely my favorite read from T. Ashley.
Yesterday’s story felt so real because healing wasn’t presented as pretty or easy. It was messy, uncomfortable, emotional, and deeply human. I loved how T. Ashley allowed us to feel the emotions without forcing every answer onto the page.
This book was comforting, intentional, and full of grace. The pacing felt exactly right for the journey being told. Wrap yourself in your favorite blanket and read this one immediately. Definitely my favorite read from T. Ashley.
May 20, 2026
This book is powerful in the way it’s wrote, every chapter feels like a punch, you truly feel the way yesterday feels
It’s a book of hurt, grief, struggle and heartbreak. It’s also a book of hope and love however it wasn’t a book for me, I was left confused but no doubt for a lot of people this will be a high rated book
* full disclosure I was given this book in exchange for an honest review through NetGalley*
It’s a book of hurt, grief, struggle and heartbreak. It’s also a book of hope and love however it wasn’t a book for me, I was left confused but no doubt for a lot of people this will be a high rated book
* full disclosure I was given this book in exchange for an honest review through NetGalley*
Review of advance copy received from Netgalley
Thank you to NetGalley and the author for the gifted copy.
Better Than Yesterday is a reflective and uplifting read centered on growth, healing, and becoming the best version of yourself. It offers relatable moments and thoughtful insights that many readers will connect with. While some parts feel familiar, the overall message is encouraging and easy to absorb.
Better Than Yesterday is a reflective and uplifting read centered on growth, healing, and becoming the best version of yourself. It offers relatable moments and thoughtful insights that many readers will connect with. While some parts feel familiar, the overall message is encouraging and easy to absorb.
May 14, 2026
Wonderfully Beautiful
I'm so glad I saw this book recommended on Instagram! Without that recommendation I never would have gotten to experience this story! If this review intrigued you - then go and get this book! You will not be disappointed!
I'm so glad I saw this book recommended on Instagram! Without that recommendation I never would have gotten to experience this story! If this review intrigued you - then go and get this book! You will not be disappointed!
Review of advance copy received from Author
This book will have you in your feels check your triggers. It's a beautifully written story about learning who you are ans standing in it. Loveed this!!
Review of advance copy received from NetGalley
T. Ashley writes such beautiful sapphic love stories that exist with layers. Each character has such a story that I’m instantly drawn in. I can honestly say she has a true fan out of me!
Review of advance copy received from Author
A raw, emotionally rich novel that spans everything from the chaos of a bustling city to the stillness of a quiet country town. This is the kind of book that doesn’t just tell a story—it stays with you.
Yesterday is strong-willed, driven by a deep sense of longing, while Aubrey feels like she’s holding everything together by sheer force. Both characters are layered and deeply human, and their journeys unfold with honesty and care.
The author’s portrayal of emotional trauma is striking—handled with a kind of quiet beauty that makes it feel real rather than overwhelming. This is a book to read when you’re ready to reflect, to sit with your thoughts, and to feel something lasting.
I’d love to see a continuation—perhaps a deeper dive into Aubrey’s story, and another exploring what comes after. Bravo to the author for crafting something so moving and memorable.
Yesterday is strong-willed, driven by a deep sense of longing, while Aubrey feels like she’s holding everything together by sheer force. Both characters are layered and deeply human, and their journeys unfold with honesty and care.
The author’s portrayal of emotional trauma is striking—handled with a kind of quiet beauty that makes it feel real rather than overwhelming. This is a book to read when you’re ready to reflect, to sit with your thoughts, and to feel something lasting.
I’d love to see a continuation—perhaps a deeper dive into Aubrey’s story, and another exploring what comes after. Bravo to the author for crafting something so moving and memorable.
Displaying 1 - 19 of 19 reviews