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In Another Universe : It’s you and me
Zayn A. Baayen is the perfect guy. He’s a tall, handsome basketball player, he’s smart, and he knows exactly what to say. For many girls he’s a dream come true. He’s also a total lie. What was supposed to be a harmless prank between friends has morphed into a high-stakes double life. I didn’t just create a profile; I created a ghost that haunts my every waking hour. I was just supposed to be playing a character, but my feelings for her are becoming dangerously real. Now, the late-night notifications aren't just pings on a screen—they’re a lifeline to the only person who truly sees me, even if she’s looking at a face that isn’t mine.
The more I fall for her, the more Zayn feels like a cage. I’m trapped in a masterpiece of my own making, realizing too late that while Zayn might be the dream, the nightmare is what happens when she finally wakes up. But how do you tell the girl of your dreams that the man she’s falling for… doesn’t exist?
The more I fall for her, the more Zayn feels like a cage. I’m trapped in a masterpiece of my own making, realizing too late that while Zayn might be the dream, the nightmare is what happens when she finally wakes up. But how do you tell the girl of your dreams that the man she’s falling for… doesn’t exist?
405 pages, Kindle Edition
Published April 26, 2026
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 47 reviews
Did Not Finish
May 26, 2026Thank you to the author for providing me with an advanced reader copy of this book. Unfortunately, this one just wasn’t for me, and I ended up DNFing it halfway through.
A lot of the book felt like chunks had been copied and pasted from Google — for example, explanations about dream meanings and even the plot of the Rocky movie. Much of the story was also made up of messages, emails, and texts, which made me lose track of the plot at times.
The main character definitely had some personal issues to work through, but I’m not entirely sure what the book's overall point was supposed to be.
Maybe I’m showing my age a bit, but since I didn’t grow up with social media in school, the whole fake account aspect was a miss for me. I do think this book is more aimed at a YA audience, so younger readers may enjoy it more than I did.
A lot of the book felt like chunks had been copied and pasted from Google — for example, explanations about dream meanings and even the plot of the Rocky movie. Much of the story was also made up of messages, emails, and texts, which made me lose track of the plot at times.
The main character definitely had some personal issues to work through, but I’m not entirely sure what the book's overall point was supposed to be.
Maybe I’m showing my age a bit, but since I didn’t grow up with social media in school, the whole fake account aspect was a miss for me. I do think this book is more aimed at a YA audience, so younger readers may enjoy it more than I did.
June 1, 2026
In Another Universe by Jyuu Anna
Star rating:
🌟 🌟 🌟 🌟
My first ARC review!!
This novel was very different to anything I've read before. It has romance, drama, suspense and the most unbelievable plot twists that will have your jaw on the floor.
Zayn and Natasha have a modern day love story that starts in the world of @instagram and it continues over more than four years on and off.
What started as a prank social media account, soon turns into an intense double life that creates the sweetest love story - even though it's purely online, with a hope to meet someday.
There's also themes of grief and losing loved ones, chasing your dreams no matter what and never giving up.
I'd recommend this novel to anyone who likes romance suspense, social media and chasing your dreams.
Release date: 22 July 2026
Thank you so much @jyuuanna for the opportunity to review this book for you!
#arcreader #arcbook #arcreview #jyuuanna #romancesuspense
Star rating:
🌟 🌟 🌟 🌟
My first ARC review!!
This novel was very different to anything I've read before. It has romance, drama, suspense and the most unbelievable plot twists that will have your jaw on the floor.
Zayn and Natasha have a modern day love story that starts in the world of @instagram and it continues over more than four years on and off.
What started as a prank social media account, soon turns into an intense double life that creates the sweetest love story - even though it's purely online, with a hope to meet someday.
There's also themes of grief and losing loved ones, chasing your dreams no matter what and never giving up.
I'd recommend this novel to anyone who likes romance suspense, social media and chasing your dreams.
Release date: 22 July 2026
Thank you so much @jyuuanna for the opportunity to review this book for you!
#arcreader #arcbook #arcreview #jyuuanna #romancesuspense
June 2, 2026
Thank you Jyuu Anna so so much for allowing me into your beautiful world and mind! You are a brilliant person and writer💕 I look forward to reading more of your books!!!
Some books entertain you, others break your heart then there are the rare ones that quietly slip under your skin and refuse to leave.
In Another Universe: It’s You and Me is one of those books. I truly did not know what to expect going into this read. I went in with an open mind as I do with all of my reads, and in the end I came out a new person with a new
This story is filled with longing, hope, and the bittersweet ache of possibilities. It felt like reading fragments of someone’s soul. It felt deeply personal, vulnerable, and impossible to look away from. What begins as a gentle, comforting story slowly transforms into an emotional journey that I was truly not expecting. I’m completely invested in every conversation, every moment, and every choice these characters made.
The emotional depth of this book is what truly shines. The connection between the characters felt authentic and beautifully developed. Their loneliness, their hopes, their fears, and their yearning for something just out of reach felt incredibly real. Even with its unique premise, the emotions at the heart of the story were profoundly relatable.
Then came the twist…LIKE GIRL WHY!!!
The kind of twist that stops you in your tracks, slaps you in the face.
The kind that makes your heart drop, your mind race, and suddenly changes everything you thought you knew. Looking back, the clues were there all along, woven seamlessly throughout the story. Once the truth was revealed, every interaction carried a new weight, making the emotional impact even more powerful!!!
The writing is beautiful allowing the emotions to take center stage. It’s atmospheric, reflective, and at times incredibly moving. This isn’t a fast-paced romance. It’s a story that invites you to slow down, feel deeply, and become completely immersed in its characters. This is exactly what I needed!!!!
💫 If you love: • Emotional slow-burn romances • Soul-deep connections • Themes of fate, timing, and missed opportunities • Thoughtful, introspective storytelling • Twists that leave you emotionally wrecked • Books that stay with you long after the final page …then this is absolutely one to add to your TBR.
Some books entertain you, others break your heart then there are the rare ones that quietly slip under your skin and refuse to leave.
In Another Universe: It’s You and Me is one of those books. I truly did not know what to expect going into this read. I went in with an open mind as I do with all of my reads, and in the end I came out a new person with a new
This story is filled with longing, hope, and the bittersweet ache of possibilities. It felt like reading fragments of someone’s soul. It felt deeply personal, vulnerable, and impossible to look away from. What begins as a gentle, comforting story slowly transforms into an emotional journey that I was truly not expecting. I’m completely invested in every conversation, every moment, and every choice these characters made.
The emotional depth of this book is what truly shines. The connection between the characters felt authentic and beautifully developed. Their loneliness, their hopes, their fears, and their yearning for something just out of reach felt incredibly real. Even with its unique premise, the emotions at the heart of the story were profoundly relatable.
Then came the twist…LIKE GIRL WHY!!!
The kind of twist that stops you in your tracks, slaps you in the face.
The kind that makes your heart drop, your mind race, and suddenly changes everything you thought you knew. Looking back, the clues were there all along, woven seamlessly throughout the story. Once the truth was revealed, every interaction carried a new weight, making the emotional impact even more powerful!!!
The writing is beautiful allowing the emotions to take center stage. It’s atmospheric, reflective, and at times incredibly moving. This isn’t a fast-paced romance. It’s a story that invites you to slow down, feel deeply, and become completely immersed in its characters. This is exactly what I needed!!!!
💫 If you love: • Emotional slow-burn romances • Soul-deep connections • Themes of fate, timing, and missed opportunities • Thoughtful, introspective storytelling • Twists that leave you emotionally wrecked • Books that stay with you long after the final page …then this is absolutely one to add to your TBR.
May 14, 2026
You ever start a book thinking, “Oh this should be interesting,” only to end up clutching your chest, questioning fate, and needing emotional compensation? Yeah… that was me with In Another Universe. Amanda and Nat completely pulled me in. Their connection felt so raw, complicated, and achingly real that I couldn’t help but become emotionally invested. Watching them navigate love, fate, and everything in between had me laughing one moment, hurting the next, and honestly wondering if my heart needed a recovery day.
What truly stole my heart, though, were the moments tied to the phrase in another universe. Every time it came up, it felt deeper than just words, it became this beautiful, heartbreaking reminder of timing, possibility, and the aching thought that love can exist so powerfully that you can’t help but wonder about all the versions of “what if.” Those moments hit me hard in the best way, adding such an emotional depth that made this story feel even more personal. It was tender, bittersweet, and somehow both devastating and hopeful all at once.
This story didn’t just give me romance…it gave me emotion, reflection, and characters that felt impossible not to care about. Amanda and Nat’s journey didn’t feel like something I simply read, it felt like something I experienced right alongside them, in all its messy, beautiful, and sometimes painful honesty. And honestly? I wouldn’t change a single second of it.
What truly stole my heart, though, were the moments tied to the phrase in another universe. Every time it came up, it felt deeper than just words, it became this beautiful, heartbreaking reminder of timing, possibility, and the aching thought that love can exist so powerfully that you can’t help but wonder about all the versions of “what if.” Those moments hit me hard in the best way, adding such an emotional depth that made this story feel even more personal. It was tender, bittersweet, and somehow both devastating and hopeful all at once.
This story didn’t just give me romance…it gave me emotion, reflection, and characters that felt impossible not to care about. Amanda and Nat’s journey didn’t feel like something I simply read, it felt like something I experienced right alongside them, in all its messy, beautiful, and sometimes painful honesty. And honestly? I wouldn’t change a single second of it.
June 1, 2026
This book was a mixed experience for me. There were several aspects that felt unnecessary to the overall story, particularly the detailed explanations of dream meanings and summaries of movie plots. A large portion of the book was told through text conversations, which sometimes made the plot difficult to follow and disrupted the flow of the story. Additionally, some of the back-and-forth between the main characters became repetitive and predictable as the book progressed.
That said, despite the slower pacing and some elements that didn't fully work for me, I found myself invested in the protagonist's journey. The story captures many of the highs and lows of everyday life, from teenage angst and complicated friendships to grief and loss. At its core, it explores the universal human desire for acceptance in a way that feels authentic and relatable.
I appreciated following the main character as she navigated fake identities, social media, and her evolving feelings about her sexuality. These themes felt relevant and thoughtfully woven into her personal growth.
Overall, the tone of the book skewed younger than my typical reading preferences. Between the heavy use of text messages and the focus on social media interactions, it felt more like a young adult novel geared toward a younger audience. While it wasn't entirely for me, I can see it resonating strongly with readers who enjoy contemporary YA stories that explore identity, belonging, and self-discovery.
That said, despite the slower pacing and some elements that didn't fully work for me, I found myself invested in the protagonist's journey. The story captures many of the highs and lows of everyday life, from teenage angst and complicated friendships to grief and loss. At its core, it explores the universal human desire for acceptance in a way that feels authentic and relatable.
I appreciated following the main character as she navigated fake identities, social media, and her evolving feelings about her sexuality. These themes felt relevant and thoughtfully woven into her personal growth.
Overall, the tone of the book skewed younger than my typical reading preferences. Between the heavy use of text messages and the focus on social media interactions, it felt more like a young adult novel geared toward a younger audience. While it wasn't entirely for me, I can see it resonating strongly with readers who enjoy contemporary YA stories that explore identity, belonging, and self-discovery.
June 6, 2026
Okay… wow. I’m thinking this is more of a 4.5 stars ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️ Why? Because I had my heart ripped out because this was so much like my own personal experience in life. It’s hard not to like this story when I saw so much of myself in it.
There were some parts that confused me and seemed long winded - but that did not take away from the heart of the story for me. I saw my own complicated situationship in the MC and Natasha’s messages. I almost felt like the author had took my own messages to the one I loved and used it in the story. I even had a dream about him while reading this - which I hadn’t had in a while. It made my heart ache.
But all that aside, no more about me, lol. I really liked reading about the MC coming to terms with herself. It’s a nice coming of age story of growth. It was also inspiring to see her go to acting school and process her past emotions and trauma by having to look at herself from the outside, from a different set of shoes. I was constantly on edge wondering what the MC was going to do next and if Natasha was going to really always reply back to her messages.
Now I need to go take some time to process my own emotions and past 😂🥹
*Read as an ARC, my review is all my own thoughts.*
There were some parts that confused me and seemed long winded - but that did not take away from the heart of the story for me. I saw my own complicated situationship in the MC and Natasha’s messages. I almost felt like the author had took my own messages to the one I loved and used it in the story. I even had a dream about him while reading this - which I hadn’t had in a while. It made my heart ache.
But all that aside, no more about me, lol. I really liked reading about the MC coming to terms with herself. It’s a nice coming of age story of growth. It was also inspiring to see her go to acting school and process her past emotions and trauma by having to look at herself from the outside, from a different set of shoes. I was constantly on edge wondering what the MC was going to do next and if Natasha was going to really always reply back to her messages.
Now I need to go take some time to process my own emotions and past 😂🥹
*Read as an ARC, my review is all my own thoughts.*
June 2, 2026
In Another Universe by Jyuu Anna is a beautifully written novel that showcases the author's talent for creating rich, authentic characters and meaningful conversations. The emotional depth of the story and the connections between the characters felt genuine and well-developed, making it easy to become invested in their journeys.
While I can appreciate the quality of the writing and character development, the pacing was slower than I typically enjoy. As someone who prefers faster-moving plots, I found parts of the story moved at a more measured pace than my personal reading taste. However, readers who enjoy character-driven stories with thoughtful dialogue and emotional exploration will likely find a lot to love here.
While I can appreciate the quality of the writing and character development, the pacing was slower than I typically enjoy. As someone who prefers faster-moving plots, I found parts of the story moved at a more measured pace than my personal reading taste. However, readers who enjoy character-driven stories with thoughtful dialogue and emotional exploration will likely find a lot to love here.
May 8, 2026
Wow! This book brought out almost every emotion of mine.
The blend of childhood antics turning into toxic behaviour had me screaming and giggling throughout the book.
As someone who has actually been in a situation like this book, I thought it was brilliantly written, with the emotions of the story hitting home every time.
I loved the tension of this book, the constant wondering what will happen, will they, won’t they?
It had hooked me from the start.
The blend of childhood antics turning into toxic behaviour had me screaming and giggling throughout the book.
As someone who has actually been in a situation like this book, I thought it was brilliantly written, with the emotions of the story hitting home every time.
I loved the tension of this book, the constant wondering what will happen, will they, won’t they?
It had hooked me from the start.
May 31, 2026
I will never forget this book. Intrigued from the very beginning and clueless I jumped into this story. It isn’t alike anything I’ve read before. The psychological aspect was my highlight and the suspense didn’t let me put down the book. I cried, laughed - was mad, then touched by it. A big recommendation from my side, this blew me away and hopefully it will do the same for you!
May 25, 2026
3.5
ARC reader: the premise of this I loved and the way the love story unfolded through the use of social media, positives and negative aspects of it. I think we forget the power and also the need that a lot of people feel to curate their image to push it out there for others and the complete feeling of despair and loneliness this can actually bring - who am we really? There were also some beautiful passages written about grief and love which I thought were explored and discussed well.
Overall the writing and unfolding of events weren't for me, but I think more YA readers might enjoy this. There were elements I really liked, but the prose just didn't hit for me the way I wanted it to.
ARC reader: the premise of this I loved and the way the love story unfolded through the use of social media, positives and negative aspects of it. I think we forget the power and also the need that a lot of people feel to curate their image to push it out there for others and the complete feeling of despair and loneliness this can actually bring - who am we really? There were also some beautiful passages written about grief and love which I thought were explored and discussed well.
Overall the writing and unfolding of events weren't for me, but I think more YA readers might enjoy this. There were elements I really liked, but the prose just didn't hit for me the way I wanted it to.
June 4, 2026
I was pulled into this book so fast! Great plot twists, great characters, slow burn romance and just great writing!
June 2, 2026
I want to say thank you from the bottom of my heart to the author for reaching out to me and sending me a digital arc copy of her book. I truly appreciate it.
I haven't written a review this way in a while so here it is, I would like to start this review with the good first. This story has a truly fantastic premise, as you go through it you'll see it, which I absolutely loved. It was well thought out and creative. It very much so vibes with 'The One That Got Away' by Katy Perry, and a few movies that I won't reveal as it might spoil it all and that's not my wish. It has great prose and you can really note the feeling behind the personal elements all throughout this book. As well it also has a truly fantastic LGBTQIA2S+ representation! From the premise you might not think that, but I promise it's there and it's amazing!
Now on to the not so good. At about 10% of the way through I honestly really wanted to dnf this book, but I pushed through and well this story has fantastic prose, and all of the merits I've listed above, its structure fails a lot. As others have also said, this books paragraphs range from a single sentence, up to almost 20 pages long, and that's not an exaggeration. It needs to be edited and broken up a lot better as it becomes a lot after a while. I don't mind the messaging and texting aspect, but they do occur sometimes randomly throughout. It sometimes also feels as thought it was written down, and set aside and then picked up again with no real thought to what was previously written.
There's also in this book a lot of plot holes, and inconsistencies scattered all throughout this book. One minute it's some way the next all of a sudden it's another. Or a 14 year old character is talking about how they had quit smoking at 13 or they're drinking alcohol at a high school prom, which also seemed somehow to be mixed in with a graduation as well. I don't know if that's how it is in the author's country of origin though and if is please disregard this one. There are a few other moments like this though, and it just causes confusion because 90% of the time the characters and story seem as though they're adults, until you get to those moments and remember that this is from ages 13 and mainly up to about 19. It would work a lot better with the characters as young adults at the start though, and seem a little more realistic.
The main character also flips from being extremely cocky and in control in any interaction with a stranger to quiet, shy, incompetent and reserved with people they know or start to know and it just felt like an act and it really got tiring after awhile. But the part that bugged me the most of all was the thoughts on who was supposedly the most toxic, and obsessive and it honestly wasn't who they all say it is in the book. The one who it actually is, didn't really have much growth or change, just the ability to some how almost always get what they want, with the bare minimum effort, well maintaining a huge level of toxicity.
Now I truly hate saying all of this because the author is an amazingly kind individual, but this book needs a relook at. It needs a more structured storyline and overall true beginning, middle and end purpose and it needs to be scaled back a bit page wise as well.
However regardless of that, it is a good story and if you're looking for an interesting take in a book, with good prose and a truly fantastic LGBTQIA2S+ representation, I can't recommend this enough for that.
Thank you so very much again from the bottom of my heart to the author for allowing me the absolute privilege of being able to arc read your book. I truly appreciate it.
I haven't written a review this way in a while so here it is, I would like to start this review with the good first. This story has a truly fantastic premise, as you go through it you'll see it, which I absolutely loved. It was well thought out and creative. It very much so vibes with 'The One That Got Away' by Katy Perry, and a few movies that I won't reveal as it might spoil it all and that's not my wish. It has great prose and you can really note the feeling behind the personal elements all throughout this book. As well it also has a truly fantastic LGBTQIA2S+ representation! From the premise you might not think that, but I promise it's there and it's amazing!
Now on to the not so good. At about 10% of the way through I honestly really wanted to dnf this book, but I pushed through and well this story has fantastic prose, and all of the merits I've listed above, its structure fails a lot. As others have also said, this books paragraphs range from a single sentence, up to almost 20 pages long, and that's not an exaggeration. It needs to be edited and broken up a lot better as it becomes a lot after a while. I don't mind the messaging and texting aspect, but they do occur sometimes randomly throughout. It sometimes also feels as thought it was written down, and set aside and then picked up again with no real thought to what was previously written.
There's also in this book a lot of plot holes, and inconsistencies scattered all throughout this book. One minute it's some way the next all of a sudden it's another. Or a 14 year old character is talking about how they had quit smoking at 13 or they're drinking alcohol at a high school prom, which also seemed somehow to be mixed in with a graduation as well. I don't know if that's how it is in the author's country of origin though and if is please disregard this one. There are a few other moments like this though, and it just causes confusion because 90% of the time the characters and story seem as though they're adults, until you get to those moments and remember that this is from ages 13 and mainly up to about 19. It would work a lot better with the characters as young adults at the start though, and seem a little more realistic.
The main character also flips from being extremely cocky and in control in any interaction with a stranger to quiet, shy, incompetent and reserved with people they know or start to know and it just felt like an act and it really got tiring after awhile. But the part that bugged me the most of all was the thoughts on who was supposedly the most toxic, and obsessive and it honestly wasn't who they all say it is in the book. The one who it actually is, didn't really have much growth or change, just the ability to some how almost always get what they want, with the bare minimum effort, well maintaining a huge level of toxicity.
Now I truly hate saying all of this because the author is an amazingly kind individual, but this book needs a relook at. It needs a more structured storyline and overall true beginning, middle and end purpose and it needs to be scaled back a bit page wise as well.
However regardless of that, it is a good story and if you're looking for an interesting take in a book, with good prose and a truly fantastic LGBTQIA2S+ representation, I can't recommend this enough for that.
Thank you so very much again from the bottom of my heart to the author for allowing me the absolute privilege of being able to arc read your book. I truly appreciate it.
May 12, 2026
This story felt like reading late-night text messages you were never supposed to see — intimate, aching, hopeful, and quietly devastating all at once. In Another Universe: It’s You and Me pulls you in with a soft, almost comforting atmosphere, then slowly tightens its grip emotionally until you realize you’re fully invested in these characters and the impossible space between them.
What I loved most was the emotional realism. Even with the dreamy, almost cosmic premise, the conversations felt deeply human. The loneliness, longing, missed timing, and fragile hope were written in a way that made the connection between the characters feel authentic instead of overly dramatic. The pacing is slower and reflective in the best way — this is definitely a “sit in your feelings” kind of read.
And THAT plot twist.
Without spoiling anything, I genuinely did not see it coming in the way it unfolded. Looking back afterward, the clues were there the entire time, which made the reveal hit even harder emotionally. It completely reframed certain interactions and added an extra layer of heartbreak and beauty to the story. The kind of twist that makes you immediately want to flip back to earlier chapters just to experience everything differently.
The writing style is simple but atmospheric, almost cinematic at times, especially during the quieter moments between the characters. If you enjoy emotional contemporary romance with a bittersweet edge, introspective themes, and a twist that leaves you staring at the wall afterward, this is absolutely worth the read.
Perfect for readers who love:
- emotional slow-burn connections
- “right person, wrong universe” vibes
- introspective/comforting prose
- stories centered around fate and timing
- endings that linger in your mind long after finishing
Thank you to the author for the ARC opportunity — this one stayed with me.
What I loved most was the emotional realism. Even with the dreamy, almost cosmic premise, the conversations felt deeply human. The loneliness, longing, missed timing, and fragile hope were written in a way that made the connection between the characters feel authentic instead of overly dramatic. The pacing is slower and reflective in the best way — this is definitely a “sit in your feelings” kind of read.
And THAT plot twist.
Without spoiling anything, I genuinely did not see it coming in the way it unfolded. Looking back afterward, the clues were there the entire time, which made the reveal hit even harder emotionally. It completely reframed certain interactions and added an extra layer of heartbreak and beauty to the story. The kind of twist that makes you immediately want to flip back to earlier chapters just to experience everything differently.
The writing style is simple but atmospheric, almost cinematic at times, especially during the quieter moments between the characters. If you enjoy emotional contemporary romance with a bittersweet edge, introspective themes, and a twist that leaves you staring at the wall afterward, this is absolutely worth the read.
Perfect for readers who love:
- emotional slow-burn connections
- “right person, wrong universe” vibes
- introspective/comforting prose
- stories centered around fate and timing
- endings that linger in your mind long after finishing
Thank you to the author for the ARC opportunity — this one stayed with me.
May 31, 2026
3.75 stars!
I didn't expect to read such an emotionally intense story about love in heteronormative spaces, both in the real world and the digital world. We follow the relationship between Amanda and Natasha developing over some years, and therefore, different stages in their lives. The story itself made me think of White Nights by Fyodor Dostoyevsky, with its "right person, wrong time" trope and its quite gloomy atmosphere. The writing itself was a bit repetitive, but the narrative was so encapsulating that it didn't bother at all. I love how it also explores the effects of grief on other people and how it influences the person's behavior. I think that it fitted the other themes perfectly.
Another highlight for me was that you could see Jyuu Anna's expertise about various subjects; for instance, she KNOWS her things about film, queer love, and agony. The writing style is unique in the sense that it's snappy and poetic. Sometimes there are long passages that set the vibe, and other times there are shorter parts with messages that quickly let you connect to the characters and grasp their dynamic. What's more, I love it when authors refer to the book's title, and you see it so evidently in this one! Sometimes more explicit than other times, but yeah, it's really well done!
I would've loved to read a bit more of MC's outer social circles, and at some points their back-and-forth relationship became predictable, even though in different contexts. But overall, I enjoyed the structure of the story and the view on "right person, wrong time" with how it plays with toxicity. And especially the epilogue; man, that was the shortest but most productively mindblowing ending I've ever read!
Thank you so much, Jyuu Anna, for letting me read an e-copy of In Another Universe
I didn't expect to read such an emotionally intense story about love in heteronormative spaces, both in the real world and the digital world. We follow the relationship between Amanda and Natasha developing over some years, and therefore, different stages in their lives. The story itself made me think of White Nights by Fyodor Dostoyevsky, with its "right person, wrong time" trope and its quite gloomy atmosphere. The writing itself was a bit repetitive, but the narrative was so encapsulating that it didn't bother at all. I love how it also explores the effects of grief on other people and how it influences the person's behavior. I think that it fitted the other themes perfectly.
Another highlight for me was that you could see Jyuu Anna's expertise about various subjects; for instance, she KNOWS her things about film, queer love, and agony. The writing style is unique in the sense that it's snappy and poetic. Sometimes there are long passages that set the vibe, and other times there are shorter parts with messages that quickly let you connect to the characters and grasp their dynamic. What's more, I love it when authors refer to the book's title, and you see it so evidently in this one! Sometimes more explicit than other times, but yeah, it's really well done!
I would've loved to read a bit more of MC's outer social circles, and at some points their back-and-forth relationship became predictable, even though in different contexts. But overall, I enjoyed the structure of the story and the view on "right person, wrong time" with how it plays with toxicity. And especially the epilogue; man, that was the shortest but most productively mindblowing ending I've ever read!
Thank you so much, Jyuu Anna, for letting me read an e-copy of In Another Universe
May 30, 2026
My first ARC!
Thanks so much to Jyuu Anna for the opportunity to read your work and share my thoughts! What a lovely opportunity...and even better, a good excuse to be sat out soaking up the glorious sunshine with a book!
Now...on to the book. A mixture of emotions with this one. I really liked the premise of following the plights, highs and lows of two protagonists, who meet online and how their relationship develops over a stretched period of time. I felt it was quite fitting for audiences both young and old as so many people now communicate and lead their lives this way. I especially liked the involvement of how things which are presented online, are not always as they seem. Something I feel is a key issue to raise awareness around.
It definitely covers a range of emotions as you are left with the constant tension of wondering will they/won't they manage to get together throughout the novel and indeed how a strong connection in their teens then impacts them into their adult life.
Although the novel can be slow in places and sometimes the conversations and jumps in time can get a little confusing, you still find yourself getting invested in the main protagonist's journey ...experiencing highs and lows of every day life: the tumultuous nature of friendships, family bereavements, teen angst, anxiety and paranoia ...and beneath it all, the basic human need to be accepted and believed in for the person you are.
Fans of books which make you wonder 'What if...?' will enjoy this novel and look out for the plot twist!
Thanks so much to Jyuu Anna for the opportunity to read your work and share my thoughts! What a lovely opportunity...and even better, a good excuse to be sat out soaking up the glorious sunshine with a book!
Now...on to the book. A mixture of emotions with this one. I really liked the premise of following the plights, highs and lows of two protagonists, who meet online and how their relationship develops over a stretched period of time. I felt it was quite fitting for audiences both young and old as so many people now communicate and lead their lives this way. I especially liked the involvement of how things which are presented online, are not always as they seem. Something I feel is a key issue to raise awareness around.
It definitely covers a range of emotions as you are left with the constant tension of wondering will they/won't they manage to get together throughout the novel and indeed how a strong connection in their teens then impacts them into their adult life.
Although the novel can be slow in places and sometimes the conversations and jumps in time can get a little confusing, you still find yourself getting invested in the main protagonist's journey ...experiencing highs and lows of every day life: the tumultuous nature of friendships, family bereavements, teen angst, anxiety and paranoia ...and beneath it all, the basic human need to be accepted and believed in for the person you are.
Fans of books which make you wonder 'What if...?' will enjoy this novel and look out for the plot twist!
June 6, 2026
⭐️⭐️⭐️¼ I can confidently say I don't think I've read a story quite like this one. I want to thank @jyuuanna for reaching out and sending me this ebook. 💕 I thought the characters relationships were fitting for that of young adults going through the end of school and starting their way in the world. This story focuses a lot on right person, wrong time. In my view though, what if they're not the right person- just a stepping stone to get to your right person?
The whole fake persona profile thing is concluded around 22% through, and being totally honest, I wasn't enjoying it until after that part. I understand the need for it, but I wish we knew the main character more as a person aside from their creation. They go hand in hand it was just rough reading the beginning. Some slightly sexual remarks with one fade to black scene at the very end.
In another universe, maybe everything went the way it was supposed to. Maybe in this universe, it did too. 3.25/5
#inanotheruniverse #jyuuanna #comingofageromance #lgbtqinclusive #bookreviews
Now, as an aside separate from my review of the story. I thought the writing was a bit dense in the physical sense. There may have been in error with the ebook copy when it was sent so I didn't want that to impact the overall rating. Spoken sentences were placed back to back to back with wonky punctuation throughout. Punctuation seemed a lot better once I got to the middle, but every once in a while something would be off and it would throw me out of the story. I did still enjoy the story that was told.
The whole fake persona profile thing is concluded around 22% through, and being totally honest, I wasn't enjoying it until after that part. I understand the need for it, but I wish we knew the main character more as a person aside from their creation. They go hand in hand it was just rough reading the beginning. Some slightly sexual remarks with one fade to black scene at the very end.
In another universe, maybe everything went the way it was supposed to. Maybe in this universe, it did too. 3.25/5
#inanotheruniverse #jyuuanna #comingofageromance #lgbtqinclusive #bookreviews
Now, as an aside separate from my review of the story. I thought the writing was a bit dense in the physical sense. There may have been in error with the ebook copy when it was sent so I didn't want that to impact the overall rating. Spoken sentences were placed back to back to back with wonky punctuation throughout. Punctuation seemed a lot better once I got to the middle, but every once in a while something would be off and it would throw me out of the story. I did still enjoy the story that was told.
May 19, 2026
This book had me completely hooked because I just needed to know what was going to happen next. The way the death was written felt so raw and real that I honestly felt like I was grieving alongside the main character. It genuinely felt like it was my own grandfather that had died, and I could feel every emotion pouring off the page.
During the first half of the book, I really didn’t like the protagonist. He was giving major player vibes, and the mixed signals between the characters had me so frustrated. 😭
And that plot twist? I genuinely did not see it coming.
What really stayed with me though was Natasha. I see so much of myself in her. It’s easy to say she should move on and get herself together, but love makes people do irrational things. Love makes you desperate. It makes you want to do anything for the person you care about, even when it’s hurting you in the process.
This book honestly made me reflect a lot on my own past and current relationships. Something about realizing Amanda was only 20 in London, trying to figure herself out, hit even harder because I’m the same age. It made the story feel even more personal somehow.
My only real issue with this book was the timeline. The constant jumping around became really confusing at times, and it was honestly hard to keep up with what was happening and when.
Even though I ended up enjoying the story overall, I do think the reading experience would’ve flowed much better if the timeline had been easier to follow.
During the first half of the book, I really didn’t like the protagonist. He was giving major player vibes, and the mixed signals between the characters had me so frustrated. 😭
And that plot twist? I genuinely did not see it coming.
What really stayed with me though was Natasha. I see so much of myself in her. It’s easy to say she should move on and get herself together, but love makes people do irrational things. Love makes you desperate. It makes you want to do anything for the person you care about, even when it’s hurting you in the process.
This book honestly made me reflect a lot on my own past and current relationships. Something about realizing Amanda was only 20 in London, trying to figure herself out, hit even harder because I’m the same age. It made the story feel even more personal somehow.
My only real issue with this book was the timeline. The constant jumping around became really confusing at times, and it was honestly hard to keep up with what was happening and when.
Even though I ended up enjoying the story overall, I do think the reading experience would’ve flowed much better if the timeline had been easier to follow.
May 30, 2026
This book was unlike any book I've read before. It had a very deep meaning behind it and it was so well written, well thought out and emotional
I loved the social media aspect and the way text messages were conveyed in the book. The slow burn was everything.
Zayn A. Baayen is the perfect guy. He's a tall, handsome basketball player, he's smart, and he knows exactly what to say. For many girls he's a dream come true. He's also a total lie. What was supposed to be a harmless prank between friends has morphed into a high-stakes double life. I didn't just create a profile; l created a ghost that haunts my every waking hour. I was just supposed to be playing a character, but my feelings for her are becoming dangerously real. Now, the late-night notifications aren't just pings on a screen
—they're a lifeline to the only person who truly sees me, even if she's looking at a face that isn't mine. The more I fall for her, the more Zayn feels like a cage. I'm trapped in a masterpiece of my own making, realizing too late that while Zayn might be the dream, the nightmare is what happens when she finally wakes up.
But how do you tell the girl of your dreams that the man she's falling for... doesn't exist?
Thank you to the author for reaching out and letting me read this arc.
I loved the social media aspect and the way text messages were conveyed in the book. The slow burn was everything.
Zayn A. Baayen is the perfect guy. He's a tall, handsome basketball player, he's smart, and he knows exactly what to say. For many girls he's a dream come true. He's also a total lie. What was supposed to be a harmless prank between friends has morphed into a high-stakes double life. I didn't just create a profile; l created a ghost that haunts my every waking hour. I was just supposed to be playing a character, but my feelings for her are becoming dangerously real. Now, the late-night notifications aren't just pings on a screen
—they're a lifeline to the only person who truly sees me, even if she's looking at a face that isn't mine. The more I fall for her, the more Zayn feels like a cage. I'm trapped in a masterpiece of my own making, realizing too late that while Zayn might be the dream, the nightmare is what happens when she finally wakes up.
But how do you tell the girl of your dreams that the man she's falling for... doesn't exist?
Thank you to the author for reaching out and letting me read this arc.
June 1, 2026
I tried to like this because it was a gift (So thank you to the author who is very nice---hints the 3) but like the character is to immature and just like....I cant even....also just please put trigger warnings in your books; people get triggered easily now a days; like grandparents are everything; and I'm just still like was that even?
anyways; I'm going to call this a DNF (I don't like giving stars to DNFS) but since she asked for a review...IT WAS NOT FOR ME! I think she missed the mark with me; mostly because I lost my grandfather in November of 2020, and its still raw. I was also online bullied; and that's all I got out of this book (at least the 20% mark because that's all I got out of it) LIKE I dono how I feel about it right now.
if you are a new reader and like mind bending books and a book with a character you don't exactly know who they are (I hate that---as someone who is wring) I'm just like ...first of all like wtf? *Scratch head* I don't like books that messes with my head (for the sake of messing with my head)and I think that was this book is supposed to do. (I don't like that) so sorry, but thank you to the author for gifting me the book.
anyways; I'm going to call this a DNF (I don't like giving stars to DNFS) but since she asked for a review...IT WAS NOT FOR ME! I think she missed the mark with me; mostly because I lost my grandfather in November of 2020, and its still raw. I was also online bullied; and that's all I got out of this book (at least the 20% mark because that's all I got out of it) LIKE I dono how I feel about it right now.
if you are a new reader and like mind bending books and a book with a character you don't exactly know who they are (I hate that---as someone who is wring) I'm just like ...first of all like wtf? *Scratch head* I don't like books that messes with my head (for the sake of messing with my head)and I think that was this book is supposed to do. (I don't like that) so sorry, but thank you to the author for gifting me the book.
May 25, 2026
I am absolutely honoured to be given the opportunity to receive this ARC for this beautifully written story.
This story is more than just a romance story, but its an emotional roller coster following the main characters as they navigate the complexity of social media, fake identies, and their own feelings surrounding their own sexuality.
What starts off as something innocent and harmless quickly spirals into a complicated, long distance relationship full of miscommunication, longing and unrealistic expectations, which quickly turns toxic.
The twist that is revealed had me audibly gasp, but then kicking myself for not piecing together the subtle signs peppered throughout the story.
I personally found this story to be a little slow in places, but the ending more than made up for it and I felt it ended in the perfect way.
It is a beautifully written, melancholic story that captures the ache of first love, weaving heartfelt character development with the bittersweet feeling of longing, growth, and all the things left unsaid.
This story is more than just a romance story, but its an emotional roller coster following the main characters as they navigate the complexity of social media, fake identies, and their own feelings surrounding their own sexuality.
What starts off as something innocent and harmless quickly spirals into a complicated, long distance relationship full of miscommunication, longing and unrealistic expectations, which quickly turns toxic.
The twist that is revealed had me audibly gasp, but then kicking myself for not piecing together the subtle signs peppered throughout the story.
I personally found this story to be a little slow in places, but the ending more than made up for it and I felt it ended in the perfect way.
It is a beautifully written, melancholic story that captures the ache of first love, weaving heartfelt character development with the bittersweet feeling of longing, growth, and all the things left unsaid.
May 31, 2026
Grateful to author Jyuu Anna for sending me the ARC!
"You and I were always a daydream we took too far."
In Another Universe is a captivating coming of age novel that explores the themes of first love, finding your true self and loss of loved ones. This is the story of not giving up, still having hope that some day the main protagonist will meet the one they love and be together. If not in this universe then another one.
I really loved this book more than I had expected it to. Jyuu Anna has beautifully portrayed a lost/long distance love, showcasing its ups and downs, the realistic portrayal of such relationships. Zayn and Nat, their relationship is beautiful at one point then it takes a toxic turn. They long for each other one moment, then suddenly stop talking, and the cycle continues.
And that twist around 20% of the book, I did not see that coming! That really threw me off for a minute. I went back to page one and checked if I missed something! That was so smartly written!
Overall, I enjoyed this book very much, except for certain parts like the long chats. Highly recommend!
Full review on my instagram!
@what.prati.is.reading
"You and I were always a daydream we took too far."
In Another Universe is a captivating coming of age novel that explores the themes of first love, finding your true self and loss of loved ones. This is the story of not giving up, still having hope that some day the main protagonist will meet the one they love and be together. If not in this universe then another one.
I really loved this book more than I had expected it to. Jyuu Anna has beautifully portrayed a lost/long distance love, showcasing its ups and downs, the realistic portrayal of such relationships. Zayn and Nat, their relationship is beautiful at one point then it takes a toxic turn. They long for each other one moment, then suddenly stop talking, and the cycle continues.
And that twist around 20% of the book, I did not see that coming! That really threw me off for a minute. I went back to page one and checked if I missed something! That was so smartly written!
Overall, I enjoyed this book very much, except for certain parts like the long chats. Highly recommend!
Full review on my instagram!
@what.prati.is.reading
June 6, 2026
⭐️3.5⭐️
I don’t think I’ve read a book like this before. The plot was rather interesting. Zayn is the perfect guy. He’s a tall & handsome basketball player, he’s smart and he knows exactly what to say. For many girls he’s a dream come true. He’s also a total lie. What was meant to be a harmless prank between friends has morphed into high stakes double life. I didn’t just create a profile I created ghost that haunts my every waking hour.
This story captures many high and lows of everyday life. From teenage angst and complicated friendships and also grief and loss. The main characters Amanda and Nat had such a lovely connection it just felt so raw and real. This story was definitely a rollercoaster of emotions which i rather enjoy in books.
This was honestly such an enjoyable read. Even though this is YA I still found it rather enjoyable. The writing style was lovely and made it easy to follow.
Thank you for messaging me on Instagram and asking me if I wanted to read your ARC. I’m so honoured.
I don’t think I’ve read a book like this before. The plot was rather interesting. Zayn is the perfect guy. He’s a tall & handsome basketball player, he’s smart and he knows exactly what to say. For many girls he’s a dream come true. He’s also a total lie. What was meant to be a harmless prank between friends has morphed into high stakes double life. I didn’t just create a profile I created ghost that haunts my every waking hour.
This story captures many high and lows of everyday life. From teenage angst and complicated friendships and also grief and loss. The main characters Amanda and Nat had such a lovely connection it just felt so raw and real. This story was definitely a rollercoaster of emotions which i rather enjoy in books.
This was honestly such an enjoyable read. Even though this is YA I still found it rather enjoyable. The writing style was lovely and made it easy to follow.
Thank you for messaging me on Instagram and asking me if I wanted to read your ARC. I’m so honoured.
May 26, 2026
Thank you to the author for this ARC opportunity!
I was pretty well hooked at the start of this book, and the twist really threw me for a loop. The way the emotional manipulation and intensity of the push and pull was written was so raw and real. For anyone who was a teen at any point in the last two decades, the premise of chatting and meeting someone online this way has a thread of relatability. From a psychology perspective, it does give you a lot to mull over after - how much of their relationship could have been actualized and how much was a projected fantasy? I will say, this is not my usual genre and I don’t typically go for unlikeable narrators (bc let’s face it, there’s a lot of selfishness on all sides here). However, for someone who loves contemporary books and exploring the psyche of how social media interactions initiate and affect romantic relationships, this would be a book I would recommend for them.
I was pretty well hooked at the start of this book, and the twist really threw me for a loop. The way the emotional manipulation and intensity of the push and pull was written was so raw and real. For anyone who was a teen at any point in the last two decades, the premise of chatting and meeting someone online this way has a thread of relatability. From a psychology perspective, it does give you a lot to mull over after - how much of their relationship could have been actualized and how much was a projected fantasy? I will say, this is not my usual genre and I don’t typically go for unlikeable narrators (bc let’s face it, there’s a lot of selfishness on all sides here). However, for someone who loves contemporary books and exploring the psyche of how social media interactions initiate and affect romantic relationships, this would be a book I would recommend for them.
Did Not Finish
May 31, 2026Thank you to the author for sending me an advance copy of this book and for the opportunity to read it.
I was genuinely drawn to the premise and thought the concept behind the story was compelling. Unfortunately, after spending some time with it, I found that it wasn't quite the right fit for me as a reader, and I ultimately did not finish the book.
For me, the writing style and formatting made it difficult to fully immerse myself in the story, and the overall tone felt younger than I typically gravitate toward. Because of that, I suspect I may not be the ideal audience for this particular book. Readers who enjoy younger YA-focused stories may connect with it more than I did.
While this one wasn't a match for my personal reading preferences, I appreciate the chance to experience your work and wish you every success with the book's release. Thank you again for sharing it with me.
I was genuinely drawn to the premise and thought the concept behind the story was compelling. Unfortunately, after spending some time with it, I found that it wasn't quite the right fit for me as a reader, and I ultimately did not finish the book.
For me, the writing style and formatting made it difficult to fully immerse myself in the story, and the overall tone felt younger than I typically gravitate toward. Because of that, I suspect I may not be the ideal audience for this particular book. Readers who enjoy younger YA-focused stories may connect with it more than I did.
While this one wasn't a match for my personal reading preferences, I appreciate the chance to experience your work and wish you every success with the book's release. Thank you again for sharing it with me.
June 8, 2026
Thank you to the author for the opportunity to read my first ARC, In Another Universe, It’s You and Me.
This was a sweet and heartfelt story that explores love, connection, and the idea that some people are meant to find each other no matter the universe. I enjoyed the unique concept and the emotional journey the characters experienced throughout the book.
The formatting style was a little off putting and took a little getting used to for me, but once I settled into it, I was able to appreciate the story’s message and the creativity behind the multiple-universe premise. It’s a thoughtful read that will leave you thinking about fate, timing, and the people who leave lasting marks on our lives.
If you enjoy romance with a touch of destiny and “what if” possibilities, this one is worth checking out.
This was a sweet and heartfelt story that explores love, connection, and the idea that some people are meant to find each other no matter the universe. I enjoyed the unique concept and the emotional journey the characters experienced throughout the book.
The formatting style was a little off putting and took a little getting used to for me, but once I settled into it, I was able to appreciate the story’s message and the creativity behind the multiple-universe premise. It’s a thoughtful read that will leave you thinking about fate, timing, and the people who leave lasting marks on our lives.
If you enjoy romance with a touch of destiny and “what if” possibilities, this one is worth checking out.
Did Not Finish
May 22, 2026ARC reader: Unfortunately, this one wasn’t quite for me, though I really wanted to love it. I thought the premise was fantastic, but I struggled a bit with the writing style and format. The story is structured by years rather than traditional chapters, which made it harder for me to stay immersed, and the heavy use of text-message style conversations didn’t fully click with my reading preferences.
That said, I can absolutely see this appealing to a younger demographic or readers who enjoy modern mixed-media storytelling formats. While it ultimately wasn’t the right fit for me, I still appreciated the originality of the concept.
That said, I can absolutely see this appealing to a younger demographic or readers who enjoy modern mixed-media storytelling formats. While it ultimately wasn’t the right fit for me, I still appreciated the originality of the concept.
June 4, 2026
This book has a slow pace that almost drained my energy as I tried to captivate the overall vibes and plot. Honestly, Jyuu Anna forces us to learn little by little what makes Amanda’s love journey with Nat so intriguing.
I found Amanda to be quite immature and unstable—someone who doesn’t really know what she wants, what she needs, how to move forward, or why things happen the way they do. She is completely lost at times, leaving Nat to guide her toward her life goals and help her figure out what she truly wants.
Overall, this story teaches us a valuable lesson about how immature we can be when facing love, and how life is ultimately full of choices we are forced to make.
I found Amanda to be quite immature and unstable—someone who doesn’t really know what she wants, what she needs, how to move forward, or why things happen the way they do. She is completely lost at times, leaving Nat to guide her toward her life goals and help her figure out what she truly wants.
Overall, this story teaches us a valuable lesson about how immature we can be when facing love, and how life is ultimately full of choices we are forced to make.
May 11, 2026
Thank you to the author for giving me the opportunity to read this ARC!
I really enjoyed getting to know Zayn, Nat, and the other characters throughout the story, and seeing how their relationships change and develop.
The main characters have a very “topsy turvy” dynamic. Hold onto your hats because once that gigantic plot twist is revealed, it’s a wild ride!
Sometimes fun, sometimes happy but sometimes not, it runs the gamut of emotions.
If you enjoy reading about strong friendships and building solid relationships despite personal faults, this book is for you!
I really enjoyed getting to know Zayn, Nat, and the other characters throughout the story, and seeing how their relationships change and develop.
The main characters have a very “topsy turvy” dynamic. Hold onto your hats because once that gigantic plot twist is revealed, it’s a wild ride!
Sometimes fun, sometimes happy but sometimes not, it runs the gamut of emotions.
If you enjoy reading about strong friendships and building solid relationships despite personal faults, this book is for you!
May 23, 2026
What an unusual way of following modern young adults as they explore their own sexuality and first relationships while making some truly poor decisions. Zayn, Amanda, Nat, and Tamara really go through some things as they navigate the question of fate and soul-mates. In some ways they all take on the role of guide to the others while they are at similar crossroads in their personal journeys.
By the end I felt the couple that was fated to be together ended up together. I think the author does a good job showing how fate does what it's meant to do and that doesn't always align with who is/is not soul-mates.
By the end I felt the couple that was fated to be together ended up together. I think the author does a good job showing how fate does what it's meant to do and that doesn't always align with who is/is not soul-mates.
May 22, 2026
ARC Reader; thank you to the author for the opportunity!! Honestly the book started slow for me but it ended up picking up after. Its gripped me from the start had a strong “wrong time right person” element, the twist was also unexpected! Surprisingly loved how the main character developed throughout the book, finding themselves and figuring out everything in the end. The ending was not what I was expecting and made me really think about how things fall in place (or not) in the universe for us.
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