What do you think?
Rate this book
Things You Weren't Supposed to See: An Emotional College Slow-Burn Romance
They’re mirrors.
They’re opposites.
They represent what the other fears.
Yet, they can’t stay away.
Starting at Hollydene University was supposed to be a fresh start for Kaida a new city, new classes, and a chance to quiet the never-ending noise inside her head. Living with OCD means her thoughts are intrusive, her rituals are exhausting, and her vulnerability is terrifying. So, Kaida keeps everything locked away in her journal, which no one else is meant to read... until she drops it.
Silas Campbell is the last person Kaida expects to find holding her secrets. He is the campus golden boy with a lacrosse scholarship, an effortless smile and a mask perfectly in place. Silas is used to being seen as untouchable. What no one sees are the things he’s learned the hard way. The horrifying truth that pain doesn’t always look like pain.
As late-night conversations blur into something deeper, Kaida finds herself torn between a familiar, unhealthy relationship and the steady presence of someone who stays. But when the walls they built finally crack and trust shatters, she and Silas must decide whether love can survive being truly seen.
Because of its mature themes, this novel is recommended for readers 16+
They’re opposites.
They represent what the other fears.
Yet, they can’t stay away.
Starting at Hollydene University was supposed to be a fresh start for Kaida a new city, new classes, and a chance to quiet the never-ending noise inside her head. Living with OCD means her thoughts are intrusive, her rituals are exhausting, and her vulnerability is terrifying. So, Kaida keeps everything locked away in her journal, which no one else is meant to read... until she drops it.
Silas Campbell is the last person Kaida expects to find holding her secrets. He is the campus golden boy with a lacrosse scholarship, an effortless smile and a mask perfectly in place. Silas is used to being seen as untouchable. What no one sees are the things he’s learned the hard way. The horrifying truth that pain doesn’t always look like pain.
As late-night conversations blur into something deeper, Kaida finds herself torn between a familiar, unhealthy relationship and the steady presence of someone who stays. But when the walls they built finally crack and trust shatters, she and Silas must decide whether love can survive being truly seen.
Because of its mature themes, this novel is recommended for readers 16+
- GenresRomanceMental Health
382 pages, Kindle Edition
Published May 5, 2026
Ratings & Reviews
Friends & Following
Create a free account to discover what your friends think of this book!
Community Reviews
Displaying 1 - 29 of 29 reviews
March 25, 2026
I genuinely loved this book so much. The grumpy x sunshine trope was done perfectly—Silas being completely in love with her from the moment he saw her had me hooked immediately. It was just so good.
I’m already obsessed with the potential between Joce and Theo—I can totally see something special building there 👀
The mental health representation in this book was handled so thoughtfully, especially the OCD rep—it felt authentic, respectful, and really well done, which I appreciated so much. And the slow burn?? Absolutely worth it. Watching the relationship between Kaida and the rest of the characters develop was one of my favourite parts.
Huge congrats on your debut, Tori McKay—this was such a strong first book, and I can’t wait to see what you write next 💗
Definitely check out this book if you love stories with a strong, meaningful portrayal of mental health.
I’m already obsessed with the potential between Joce and Theo—I can totally see something special building there 👀
The mental health representation in this book was handled so thoughtfully, especially the OCD rep—it felt authentic, respectful, and really well done, which I appreciated so much. And the slow burn?? Absolutely worth it. Watching the relationship between Kaida and the rest of the characters develop was one of my favourite parts.
Huge congrats on your debut, Tori McKay—this was such a strong first book, and I can’t wait to see what you write next 💗
Definitely check out this book if you love stories with a strong, meaningful portrayal of mental health.
May 6, 2026
This is the first romance book I’ve read where the OCD is depicted so accurately! Such a raw and real portrayal that made me feel so seen. The slow burn was intense, and I kept waiting for Silas and Kai to finally admit their feelings, and when it finally happened it was so sweet and so them!
Review of advance copy received from Author
Holy crap…. I loved this book SO much. First of all congratulations to Tori on her debut novel! It was BEAUTIFUL!
This is a slowwwwww burn no spice book. The first no spice romance I’ve ever read. It was filled with so much heartache and cute moments that I didn’t even miss the spice. I totally could have read another 150 pages of Silas and Kaida <3 Kaida feeling like she’s consumed by her own thoughts is so relatable to me. I highlighted so many things because I just felt seen when reading about Kaidas struggles. There are some deep self harm scenes in this book so please be aware. I will say those were some of the most emotional moments for me as I related to them.
How on earth did Tori make me fall inlove with Silas and Kaida AND hbe excited for every single side characters stories, all in like 375 pages?! Not only was the relationship between the FMC and MMC so heartwarming but the friend group over all was so good. I need more scenes with Kaida and Ev and Kaida and Theo!!! So cute. I love Kaidas relationship with her sister and the relationship between Silas, Joce and Ev!!
This is an on campus college romance. Kaida gives black cat energy and Silas is her Golden Retriever 😭 MY FAV. He’s protective, and respectful. Most of the mental health is focused on Kaida but there are things that make you realize that Silas suffers too just not in the way we would think.
I cannot wait for this book to release officially so I can have a physical copy on my shelf. I’m also SO excited for the rest of the Hollydene U books. You NEED to read this book!! I’ve been in a reading slump all of March this is literally my first 5 star read this month.
If you’re looking for a found family, emotionally heart-wrenching but also heartwarming college romance, THIS IS IT! Her debut novel was this good I cannot imagine how the rest of the series will be! It’s officially on my most anticipated reads because now I need to know what happens with Ev, Liliana, Joce and Theo. And you know what I hope Nat gets a story too because I feel like there’s got to be more to Nats story. Ahh such a good book 😭❤️
This is a slowwwwww burn no spice book. The first no spice romance I’ve ever read. It was filled with so much heartache and cute moments that I didn’t even miss the spice. I totally could have read another 150 pages of Silas and Kaida <3 Kaida feeling like she’s consumed by her own thoughts is so relatable to me. I highlighted so many things because I just felt seen when reading about Kaidas struggles. There are some deep self harm scenes in this book so please be aware. I will say those were some of the most emotional moments for me as I related to them.
How on earth did Tori make me fall inlove with Silas and Kaida AND hbe excited for every single side characters stories, all in like 375 pages?! Not only was the relationship between the FMC and MMC so heartwarming but the friend group over all was so good. I need more scenes with Kaida and Ev and Kaida and Theo!!! So cute. I love Kaidas relationship with her sister and the relationship between Silas, Joce and Ev!!
This is an on campus college romance. Kaida gives black cat energy and Silas is her Golden Retriever 😭 MY FAV. He’s protective, and respectful. Most of the mental health is focused on Kaida but there are things that make you realize that Silas suffers too just not in the way we would think.
I cannot wait for this book to release officially so I can have a physical copy on my shelf. I’m also SO excited for the rest of the Hollydene U books. You NEED to read this book!! I’ve been in a reading slump all of March this is literally my first 5 star read this month.
If you’re looking for a found family, emotionally heart-wrenching but also heartwarming college romance, THIS IS IT! Her debut novel was this good I cannot imagine how the rest of the series will be! It’s officially on my most anticipated reads because now I need to know what happens with Ev, Liliana, Joce and Theo. And you know what I hope Nat gets a story too because I feel like there’s got to be more to Nats story. Ahh such a good book 😭❤️
Review of advance copy received from Author
ARC REVIEW - ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
Release date: May 5th 2026
I was lucky enough to get an ARC read of “Things You Weren’t Supposed to See by Tori McKay HER DEBUT NOVEL and let me tell you…
I have no thoughts. THIS BOOK HAS ALTERED MY BRAIN CHEMISTRY. I am in love with Silas and Kaida, the friendship they shared and the banter between them 😫 before they EVEN decided to be friends I CAN’T. The writing was incredible to say the least and the representation of OCD and the struggle that comes with it was depicted so perfectly it tore me apart.
Don’t even get me started on the found family. The way everyone is there for each other without words even needing to be said. They can stay in complete silence and have an entire conversation through thoughts and emotions. Solely relying on their presence alone. This is friendship I pray for!!
I cannot wait to learn more about EVERY single character and get their story because at this point it is a need.
If you are looking for a very emotional dual POV story with slow burn, OCD, PTSD and trauma rep, found family, forced proximity, uni sports romance this book is FOR you.
I HIGHLY recommend this book to everyone looking for the feeling you get when you read about Boys of Tommen by Chloe Walsh. This book had the ability to put me back into that kind of world and I couldn’t have asked for a better place to be. Thank you Tori and CONGRATULATIONS on your first novel! Can’t wait to stick by you as you continue to amaze me with your writing!!!
Mini Blurb:
This story follows Kaida at Hollydene University, hoping distance will quiet the intrusive thoughts that come with her OCD. She keeps her struggles hidden, pouring everything into a journal no one is meant to see. Silas is the school’s golden boy, a lacrosse star who seems untouchable, but beneath his carefully crafted image are wounds no one notices. When he stumbles upon Kaida’s private thoughts, their lives unexpectedly intertwine. Kaida is caught between the pull of a toxic past and the comfort of someone who chooses to stay. Will love endure when everything is out in the open?
Release date: May 5th 2026
I was lucky enough to get an ARC read of “Things You Weren’t Supposed to See by Tori McKay HER DEBUT NOVEL and let me tell you…
I have no thoughts. THIS BOOK HAS ALTERED MY BRAIN CHEMISTRY. I am in love with Silas and Kaida, the friendship they shared and the banter between them 😫 before they EVEN decided to be friends I CAN’T. The writing was incredible to say the least and the representation of OCD and the struggle that comes with it was depicted so perfectly it tore me apart.
Don’t even get me started on the found family. The way everyone is there for each other without words even needing to be said. They can stay in complete silence and have an entire conversation through thoughts and emotions. Solely relying on their presence alone. This is friendship I pray for!!
I cannot wait to learn more about EVERY single character and get their story because at this point it is a need.
If you are looking for a very emotional dual POV story with slow burn, OCD, PTSD and trauma rep, found family, forced proximity, uni sports romance this book is FOR you.
I HIGHLY recommend this book to everyone looking for the feeling you get when you read about Boys of Tommen by Chloe Walsh. This book had the ability to put me back into that kind of world and I couldn’t have asked for a better place to be. Thank you Tori and CONGRATULATIONS on your first novel! Can’t wait to stick by you as you continue to amaze me with your writing!!!
Mini Blurb:
This story follows Kaida at Hollydene University, hoping distance will quiet the intrusive thoughts that come with her OCD. She keeps her struggles hidden, pouring everything into a journal no one is meant to see. Silas is the school’s golden boy, a lacrosse star who seems untouchable, but beneath his carefully crafted image are wounds no one notices. When he stumbles upon Kaida’s private thoughts, their lives unexpectedly intertwine. Kaida is caught between the pull of a toxic past and the comfort of someone who chooses to stay. Will love endure when everything is out in the open?
April 9, 2026
Review of advanced reader copy!
⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️/5
Fav quote:
“Suddenly, I felt too close to him, too exposed.
I needed to leave. But then he looked up at me, his eyes filled with sorrow, and whispered,”I don’t want to be your villain.”
First I wanna thank the author for giving me an advance copy, I am so glad i get to do this and support small author! I really believe you will become big very quickly!
The book is amazing! I have no words so Im gonna have to do my best to express how much i ADORE this book.
I have never read a book so well written, and even my fav authors can’t compare (im not joking😭).
First, the characters. Every, and when i say EVERY character has a story with a depth that can only represent real life, because let’s face it, life is not all fun, and everyone has something going on and a story that made them who they are. Silas would do anything to protect Kaida because he can’t forgive himself. Lilianne is ready to step up as soon as Kaïda needs her to. She was a real badass, but still had a soft and vulnerable spot. Kaïda is lucky enough to have friends and family always there for her, and she is NEVER alone in her darkest moments.
The OCD representation is amazing. I don’t know anyone that has it, but this made me understand that it is not just obsessive cleaning and germophobia. I love when authors represent issues as they are, because I can learn about it, because like Silas said, it is nothing like the articles.
The tropes are so well executed! The enemies to lovers, that is not just “oh they are rivals and they flirt from the start”. Kaida really hates him. And don’t get me started on the grumpy x sunshine trope.
Anyways sorry for the long review but this book is a MUST READ!
Tropes:
Sunshine x grumpy
Forced proximity
Enemies/rivals to lovers
MMC sportplayer
“He was sunshine I was midnight rain” kinda vibe
⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️/5
Fav quote:
“Suddenly, I felt too close to him, too exposed.
I needed to leave. But then he looked up at me, his eyes filled with sorrow, and whispered,”I don’t want to be your villain.”
First I wanna thank the author for giving me an advance copy, I am so glad i get to do this and support small author! I really believe you will become big very quickly!
The book is amazing! I have no words so Im gonna have to do my best to express how much i ADORE this book.
I have never read a book so well written, and even my fav authors can’t compare (im not joking😭).
First, the characters. Every, and when i say EVERY character has a story with a depth that can only represent real life, because let’s face it, life is not all fun, and everyone has something going on and a story that made them who they are. Silas would do anything to protect Kaida because he can’t forgive himself. Lilianne is ready to step up as soon as Kaïda needs her to. She was a real badass, but still had a soft and vulnerable spot. Kaïda is lucky enough to have friends and family always there for her, and she is NEVER alone in her darkest moments.
The OCD representation is amazing. I don’t know anyone that has it, but this made me understand that it is not just obsessive cleaning and germophobia. I love when authors represent issues as they are, because I can learn about it, because like Silas said, it is nothing like the articles.
The tropes are so well executed! The enemies to lovers, that is not just “oh they are rivals and they flirt from the start”. Kaida really hates him. And don’t get me started on the grumpy x sunshine trope.
Anyways sorry for the long review but this book is a MUST READ!
Tropes:
Sunshine x grumpy
Forced proximity
Enemies/rivals to lovers
MMC sportplayer
“He was sunshine I was midnight rain” kinda vibe
Read
April 13, 2026ARC REVIEW:)
this was such an emotional read and i really did enjoy it 🥹 Kaida’s struggles with OCD felt so raw and vulnerable and you could tell a lot of care went into writing her mental health journey. there were so many moments where my heart was genuinely hurting for her.
Silas was SUCH a sweet love interest and i loved how supportive and patient he was with Kaida. watching their relationship develop was so freaking cute and i was rooting for them the whole time. i also loved that Silas had his own emotional depth and struggles instead of just being there to “save” her.
the storyline with his twin sister added another really emotional layer to the book too and made everything feel even more impactful.
there were a few moments where i wanted certain scenes/chapters to be a little more fleshed out because i felt like some things moved on a bit quicker than i wanted them to, BUT overall the emotional side of this story kept me invested and made me want to keep reading.
overall this was a heartfelt college romance with emotional mental health rep, sweet slow burn romance, and characters i really enjoyed following 💗 congrats to Tori McKay on your debut novel 🥹🫶🏻
so excited to see what comes next x
this was such an emotional read and i really did enjoy it 🥹 Kaida’s struggles with OCD felt so raw and vulnerable and you could tell a lot of care went into writing her mental health journey. there were so many moments where my heart was genuinely hurting for her.
Silas was SUCH a sweet love interest and i loved how supportive and patient he was with Kaida. watching their relationship develop was so freaking cute and i was rooting for them the whole time. i also loved that Silas had his own emotional depth and struggles instead of just being there to “save” her.
the storyline with his twin sister added another really emotional layer to the book too and made everything feel even more impactful.
there were a few moments where i wanted certain scenes/chapters to be a little more fleshed out because i felt like some things moved on a bit quicker than i wanted them to, BUT overall the emotional side of this story kept me invested and made me want to keep reading.
overall this was a heartfelt college romance with emotional mental health rep, sweet slow burn romance, and characters i really enjoyed following 💗 congrats to Tori McKay on your debut novel 🥹🫶🏻
so excited to see what comes next x
Review of advance copy received from Author
This book quite literally had me on a chokehold. The trope grumpy x sunshine was shown in such a meaningful way, also they way Slias knew it was love at first sight and remembered things Kaida said she loved was just so adorable.
The slow burn was so necessary in order to show to true effects of how Kaida had to deal with mental health and how Silas led her through the darkness. The mental health representation for OCD was demonstrated so well by expanding on the darker themes rather than the common symptoms that are overlooked.
The character development throughout the book was just so amazing and adorable (including Liliana and Everett, I also sensed some of Jose and Theo??). The way Silas always knew and slowly hinted to Kaida was everything I needed.
Congratulations Tori McKay on writing your first book. The book was amazingly written, and for this to be your debut I am so grateful to have been an ARC reader and I am more than thrilled to see what happens for you in the future!! ❤️
I would 10/10 recommendations reading “Things You Weren’t Meant To See” as everything shown is demonstrated in the best way possible.
The slow burn was so necessary in order to show to true effects of how Kaida had to deal with mental health and how Silas led her through the darkness. The mental health representation for OCD was demonstrated so well by expanding on the darker themes rather than the common symptoms that are overlooked.
The character development throughout the book was just so amazing and adorable (including Liliana and Everett, I also sensed some of Jose and Theo??). The way Silas always knew and slowly hinted to Kaida was everything I needed.
Congratulations Tori McKay on writing your first book. The book was amazingly written, and for this to be your debut I am so grateful to have been an ARC reader and I am more than thrilled to see what happens for you in the future!! ❤️
I would 10/10 recommendations reading “Things You Weren’t Meant To See” as everything shown is demonstrated in the best way possible.
April 21, 2026
Congratulations to Tori McKay on an impressive debut! Things You Weren’t Supposed To See is a solid 4-star read!
If you’re craving a slow-burn college sports romance with "behind closed doors" heat and meaningful mental health representation, add this to your TBR.
The story follows Kaida and Silas, dorm neighbors whose journey begins with an "enemies to lovers" spark that beautifully evolves into "friends to lovers."
The OCD representation for Kaida was perfectly executed, it’s a central part of her journey and handled with such care. Silas is the ultimate golden retriever MMC; despite his own trauma, he is incredibly patient and soft with Kaida, even when she tries to push him away. Swoon 🥹
Seeing Kaida’s character development as she learns to trust and build a "found family" in college was so heartwarming 🫰🏽
Tropes:
✨ Grumpy x Sunshine
✨ Slow Burn
✨ Found Family
✨ Mental Health Rep
✨ Sports Romance
If you’re craving a slow-burn college sports romance with "behind closed doors" heat and meaningful mental health representation, add this to your TBR.
The story follows Kaida and Silas, dorm neighbors whose journey begins with an "enemies to lovers" spark that beautifully evolves into "friends to lovers."
The OCD representation for Kaida was perfectly executed, it’s a central part of her journey and handled with such care. Silas is the ultimate golden retriever MMC; despite his own trauma, he is incredibly patient and soft with Kaida, even when she tries to push him away. Swoon 🥹
Seeing Kaida’s character development as she learns to trust and build a "found family" in college was so heartwarming 🫰🏽
Tropes:
✨ Grumpy x Sunshine
✨ Slow Burn
✨ Found Family
✨ Mental Health Rep
✨ Sports Romance
Review of advance copy received from Author
I finished reading The Thing You Weren’t Supposed to See by Tori McKay and I need to say this—I absolutely LOVED your book.
Silas?? Easily my favorite. The things he did, the way he carried himself… I was completely sold on him. And Miles… wow. You made me switch up on him SO fast it actually shocked me. I’m not even exaggerating when I say I hate him with all my life 😭
Your book made me feel everything—like actually everything. And that’s so rare, especially from a newer author. The emotions felt so real and intense, and I was fully invested the entire time.
I also really loved your writing style. It flowed so naturally and made everything hit even harder. And Kai? So relatable. I saw parts of myself in her, which made the story even more personal.
I genuinely cannot wait for the next books. If this is just the beginning, I already know the rest are going to be amazing.
Silas?? Easily my favorite. The things he did, the way he carried himself… I was completely sold on him. And Miles… wow. You made me switch up on him SO fast it actually shocked me. I’m not even exaggerating when I say I hate him with all my life 😭
Your book made me feel everything—like actually everything. And that’s so rare, especially from a newer author. The emotions felt so real and intense, and I was fully invested the entire time.
I also really loved your writing style. It flowed so naturally and made everything hit even harder. And Kai? So relatable. I saw parts of myself in her, which made the story even more personal.
I genuinely cannot wait for the next books. If this is just the beginning, I already know the rest are going to be amazing.
May 16, 2026
Good! I love a debut novel for an author. &&&&& I loveee a Canadian local based book! Loved reading all the details of hometown Canada. Super cute loved that!
For the actual book, I thought the depiction of OCD had some gaps. I felt like the Kaida described her OCD to be an all consuming disorder that took up every fold of her brain, but when push came to shove she lived a pretty normal life. It seemed like OCD was sprinkled to add depth not to portray what living with the illness does to a person.
Silas lacked some depth. Fell into the cliche of the mmc being nothing but in love with the fmc which is fine! But that made his chapters a bit dull and repetitive.
Overall I enjoyed the book, it was a nice, easy read. Definitely had an intense moment, that was dealt with in an odd manner but other than that it was good.
For the actual book, I thought the depiction of OCD had some gaps. I felt like the Kaida described her OCD to be an all consuming disorder that took up every fold of her brain, but when push came to shove she lived a pretty normal life. It seemed like OCD was sprinkled to add depth not to portray what living with the illness does to a person.
Silas lacked some depth. Fell into the cliche of the mmc being nothing but in love with the fmc which is fine! But that made his chapters a bit dull and repetitive.
Overall I enjoyed the book, it was a nice, easy read. Definitely had an intense moment, that was dealt with in an odd manner but other than that it was good.
Review of advance copy received from Author
This book was literally everything, Silas and Kaida were everything.
Everything about this book was so well written, I didn’t want to put it down, it brought me out of my biggest reading slump yet.
I love how OCD is explained and portrayed here, it truly makes you understand what it feels like, when you look at it from kaida’s point of view.
I’ve been waiting for this book for a while and it truly did not disappoint, it was everything I wanted it to be starting from the character to the plot!!!
I also want to congratulate Tori McKay for a successful debut!! (Pls write more books for me to read, you definitely have a spot in my favorite authors now💞💞💞)
Definitely recommend this book to everyone who loves slow burn and grumpyXsunshine tropes.
Everything about this book was so well written, I didn’t want to put it down, it brought me out of my biggest reading slump yet.
I love how OCD is explained and portrayed here, it truly makes you understand what it feels like, when you look at it from kaida’s point of view.
I’ve been waiting for this book for a while and it truly did not disappoint, it was everything I wanted it to be starting from the character to the plot!!!
I also want to congratulate Tori McKay for a successful debut!! (Pls write more books for me to read, you definitely have a spot in my favorite authors now💞💞💞)
Definitely recommend this book to everyone who loves slow burn and grumpyXsunshine tropes.
Review of advance copy received from Author
I enjoyed this book so much and I feel really privileged that I got to read it before its release day! It's a collage romance in the best sense with flawed and troubled characters who feel so real and relatable that you're just rooting for them to get their happy end. The story gripped me from the start and I read it through in two days because I just couldn't put it down. I have a soft spot for traumatised characters...
I would recommend this book to anyone who wants to read a slow burn done really well and loves emotional drama as much as I do!
I would recommend this book to anyone who wants to read a slow burn done really well and loves emotional drama as much as I do!
May 10, 2026
3.5 but we are rounding up today 🫡
5 steps forward and then 200 steps back throughout most of this book..however i fear i ate it up an unexpected amount! i love my couples bickering and i love it even more when its the fmc antagonising the mmc (peak) my type of read 🙂↕️🙂↕️ i spent my whole time reading this just rooting for the mmc (i’ve seen the name jersey boy so many times i cant actually remember his name forgive me) but definitely worth the read if ur into the close proximity trope! also the gilmore girls sleepovers? team jess? #MadeForMe
5 steps forward and then 200 steps back throughout most of this book..however i fear i ate it up an unexpected amount! i love my couples bickering and i love it even more when its the fmc antagonising the mmc (peak) my type of read 🙂↕️🙂↕️ i spent my whole time reading this just rooting for the mmc (i’ve seen the name jersey boy so many times i cant actually remember his name forgive me) but definitely worth the read if ur into the close proximity trope! also the gilmore girls sleepovers? team jess? #MadeForMe
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
May 19, 2026
⭐️3
I was loving this book and its story and powerful representation but i’m just not a fan of the whole lowkey cheating near the beginning even if her boyfriend was an asshole that deserved execution. I got over that though so i don’t really care. It was quite good and interesting near the beginning well for most of the book actually and then in the last like 20% it just lost me and took me ages to read. But yeah overall it was an alright but nothing life changing. great for a debut novel though!
I was loving this book and its story and powerful representation but i’m just not a fan of the whole lowkey cheating near the beginning even if her boyfriend was an asshole that deserved execution. I got over that though so i don’t really care. It was quite good and interesting near the beginning well for most of the book actually and then in the last like 20% it just lost me and took me ages to read. But yeah overall it was an alright but nothing life changing. great for a debut novel though!
May 6, 2026
⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
Such a good book! Silas was just so sweet but I do think his story was brushed over a lot it didn’t really go into detail. I would say the same with kaida as well, especially in the beginning her OCD was only lightly mentioned. With this, it never arose in the day to day scenes, only when she would spiral a lot and have a breakdown. So I almost wish it talked about I more. Both character were super sweet though and probably the longest slow burn of slow burns
Such a good book! Silas was just so sweet but I do think his story was brushed over a lot it didn’t really go into detail. I would say the same with kaida as well, especially in the beginning her OCD was only lightly mentioned. With this, it never arose in the day to day scenes, only when she would spiral a lot and have a breakdown. So I almost wish it talked about I more. Both character were super sweet though and probably the longest slow burn of slow burns
May 8, 2026
Now, that was everything that I wanted from a romance book. Chef’s kiss 🤌🏻 No spice and it’s not just pure romance. The characters all have their own struggles, there’s friendship, found family and realistic university life. I felt like I was in dorm 221 watching gilmore girls with kai and liliana. The ending could have been better but overall I really enjoyed this read. It was a perfect debut novel and I’m excited for what’s to come next.
May 17, 2026
Let me start of by saying I did not expect this book to be THIS GOOD! I was expecting this to be a really cliché, trope-y book about mental health but I was so far off. I connected with almost every character and I loved the writing style and the whole story so much! I can't wait to read more from this author
Review of advance copy received from Author
Wow. What an incredible depiction of OCD and the rawness of being in a relationship with someone struggling. I felt such a connection to the characters and really felt like I was in their minds. The romance was so captivating and kept me hooked the whole time. 10/10 would recommend.
Did Not Finish
May 12, 2026stopped at 16% on kindle unlimited
quote at stop point: (page 57 of 373)
“We were supposed to suffer through participation grades together. Now you get to have one-on-one bro time with Theo without me!”
quote at stop point: (page 57 of 373)
“We were supposed to suffer through participation grades together. Now you get to have one-on-one bro time with Theo without me!”
May 16, 2026
I really enjoyed this. Silas is such a simp for Kai that it’s really sweet. I’m happy with the pacing of this book since Kai starts the book dating someone else and didn’t immediately jump into a relationship with Silas once that ended.
May 16, 2026
i really liked the representation in this book and how the chapters interacted with each other based off of their past experience. i do wish we could've learnt a bit more about jocelyn but i hope there's gonna be a book about that later. 4/5
May 6, 2026
This book was genuinely SO GOOD!!! I would 1000000000000000% recommend!
May 6, 2026
such an incredible debut! i thoroughly enjoyed this book, and im basically praying for a book 2 sooonnn!!
ill do a proper review later
ill do a proper review later
May 7, 2026
read this in 2 days
This was SO SO good I love books with mental rep health and this did such a good job. Can’t wait for book 2!!!!
This was SO SO good I love books with mental rep health and this did such a good job. Can’t wait for book 2!!!!
May 14, 2026
4.5/5
May 15, 2026
I’m crying because this book is so realistic rtc😭😭
May 17, 2026
⭐️⭐️⭐️.5 this was an easy read
May 14, 2026
This book was generally amazing. Tori did amazing job on this. I am so proud of this book and I generally think that it’s one of the best reads ever she portrayed OCD and such a good way and this is such an amazing book. Everyone has to read it.
Displaying 1 - 29 of 29 reviews