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If We Could Fly
Julia Marrow and Alex Pestano have been inseparable since childhood. As they grow, so does their connection. But Alex is more comfortable fleeing from her feelings than dealing with them. When the lines of friendship start to blur at the same time her brother gets sick, Alex does what Alex does best. She runs, choosing to study abroad her senior year.
When Alex returns home she's left facing everything she left behind. When she and Julia make the impulsive decision to have a one-night stand, they promise it won't affect their friendship. But it does.
With their friendship hanging in the balance, and the timing never quite working out, Alex continues to distance herself while Julia struggles to figure out what she wants. Rebuilding trust is messy, but neither can deny the love that has always been there.
If We Could Fly is a slow-burn, friends-to-lovers romance about finding your way home even when it scares you.
When Alex returns home she's left facing everything she left behind. When she and Julia make the impulsive decision to have a one-night stand, they promise it won't affect their friendship. But it does.
With their friendship hanging in the balance, and the timing never quite working out, Alex continues to distance herself while Julia struggles to figure out what she wants. Rebuilding trust is messy, but neither can deny the love that has always been there.
If We Could Fly is a slow-burn, friends-to-lovers romance about finding your way home even when it scares you.
288 pages, Paperback
Published June 16, 2026
About the author
Kristin Keppler
6 books51 followersKristin is an award winning author who lives in the suburbs of Washington, DC, with her spouse, two sons, two dogs, and two cats. A lifelong sci-fi and film nerd, she spends the majority of time working or chauffeuring her two sons to their sports and club obligations. Her precious free time is devoted to writing, gaming, and cheering on the Virginia Tech Hokies. She just wishes she could find time to sleep.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 46 reviews
July 10, 2026
I loved it! I loved it! I don’t usually enjoy reading “New Adult” books because I’m just a bit older and often had trouble getting into the story. But this was completely different. I loved the pace of the story about Alex and Jules. And that slow burn…. Oh my!!! It really drove me crazy at times, but I was on fire for the two of them.
The love story spans several years, which of course amplifies the slow burn even more. At times, I was truly desperate and cried my eyes out because that overwhelming longing was so tangible and palpable.
Alex and Jules were two amazing characters, and I liked them both right away. The chemistry between them was just unbelievable and incredible! I want more from these two!!! I loved their relationship—it was so tender and deep.
I listened to the audiobook. Lori Prince nailed it! Again. The emotions were so palpable, and she did an amazing job.
I absolutely recommend it! I’m still raving about it! Insanely well-written, so many emotions, and just a beautiful friends-to-lovers novel.
Thank you to NetGalley for the ALC!
The love story spans several years, which of course amplifies the slow burn even more. At times, I was truly desperate and cried my eyes out because that overwhelming longing was so tangible and palpable.
Alex and Jules were two amazing characters, and I liked them both right away. The chemistry between them was just unbelievable and incredible! I want more from these two!!! I loved their relationship—it was so tender and deep.
I listened to the audiobook. Lori Prince nailed it! Again. The emotions were so palpable, and she did an amazing job.
I absolutely recommend it! I’m still raving about it! Insanely well-written, so many emotions, and just a beautiful friends-to-lovers novel.
Thank you to NetGalley for the ALC!
July 30, 2026
I didn't expect these books to be about YA/NA. They are not my usual go-to, but this one was really well written. This story is a sloth burn following characters from high school to the age of 25. Keppler painted accuratly people figuring out themselves, their sexuality, and their life. Miscommunication is key in their relationship. Even if it's frustrating to read sometimes, it seemed realistic as the characters are so young. I am not sure I can pinpoint the moment Alex knew she was in love and didn't just love Jules, and I wished it was clearer. So if you don't like yearning, miscommunication, and books where the two love interests are dating other people for most of the book, it might not be for you. Personally, I got hooked; I loved both Jules and Alex and couldn't wait for them to grow and figure things out. The secondary characters made the book feel so rich and gave it so much depth (❤️Chloe and Mason). The storytelling is so good, and Prince's narration highlighted it. Solid book that made me cry 😭.
June 28, 2026
(rounded down from 4.25)
I really enjoyed this but I will say if the MCs in a romance novel never having one sensible conversation with each other about their feelings bothers you, you will not enjoy this as much. I don't have a problem with people being deeply imperfect and refusing to be honest about their feelings if it's a New Adult/Young Adult age bracket (who amongst us was not a twat at that age?) and much less so when we have adult, forty-something MCs acting this way (at this big old age, y'all need to have learned to be better).
Anyway, loads of emotions, childhood friends to lovers while discovering your sexuality and dealing with the ups and downs of life and family along the way. In a way, this was very much an aged-down version of The Flight Risk (another excellent novel about a young woman who runs when big feelings threaten and the other young woman who loves her and waits for her to stop running).
I loved the cast of side characters here. They're decently fleshed out but also do not overshadow the main storyline. I did find the irksome trope of a black character who needs to say she's black, otherwise you would never know. Aside from this, I had a good time and would recommend this one if you enjoy a good New Adult friends to lovers story.
I really enjoyed this but I will say if the MCs in a romance novel never having one sensible conversation with each other about their feelings bothers you, you will not enjoy this as much. I don't have a problem with people being deeply imperfect and refusing to be honest about their feelings if it's a New Adult/Young Adult age bracket (who amongst us was not a twat at that age?) and much less so when we have adult, forty-something MCs acting this way (at this big old age, y'all need to have learned to be better).
Anyway, loads of emotions, childhood friends to lovers while discovering your sexuality and dealing with the ups and downs of life and family along the way. In a way, this was very much an aged-down version of The Flight Risk (another excellent novel about a young woman who runs when big feelings threaten and the other young woman who loves her and waits for her to stop running).
I loved the cast of side characters here. They're decently fleshed out but also do not overshadow the main storyline. I did find the irksome trope of a black character who needs to say she's black, otherwise you would never know. Aside from this, I had a good time and would recommend this one if you enjoy a good New Adult friends to lovers story.
Review of advance copy received from NetGalley
Rtc, quite enjoyed this one.
..........
10/6/26: cr the audio ARC!
..........
10/6/26: cr the audio ARC!
June 11, 2026
If We Could Fly is a slow burn childhood friends to lovers. We follow Jules and Alex over the course of several formative years (ages 18-25). They have been friends for most of their lives. Alex had always had a crush on Jules, but never knew how to tell her. After a high school relationship, Jules begins to realize there may be more to her relationship with Alex. After they have an impromptu one night stand together, neither knows how to proceed.
The storyline jumps forward often, which at first can be a bit confusing. However, once you get used to the structure, it definitely adds to the story. It shows the passage of time and how their relationship has changed in that time.
It’s a beautiful coming of age story that read more adult than it did YA. The writing style didn’t feel too young or childish. At times, the miscommunication felt a little unnecessary. The majority of the book was miscommunication which sometimes felt like too much. However, it made sense for the character development. Once you get past the miscommunication, it’s a very sweet love story that has a lot of depth to it. It’s a beautiful sapphic romance with other real life themes sprinkled in throughout.
Thank you NetGalley for an advanced listener’s copy!
The storyline jumps forward often, which at first can be a bit confusing. However, once you get used to the structure, it definitely adds to the story. It shows the passage of time and how their relationship has changed in that time.
It’s a beautiful coming of age story that read more adult than it did YA. The writing style didn’t feel too young or childish. At times, the miscommunication felt a little unnecessary. The majority of the book was miscommunication which sometimes felt like too much. However, it made sense for the character development. Once you get past the miscommunication, it’s a very sweet love story that has a lot of depth to it. It’s a beautiful sapphic romance with other real life themes sprinkled in throughout.
Thank you NetGalley for an advanced listener’s copy!
Review of advance copy received from NetGalley
would like to thank netgalley and the publisher for letting me read this book
jules and alex have been friends since childhood, they have been best friends since forever and know each others little secrets... but as they get older there is one secret between them that if they acted on it could ruin their friendship
so alex is supportive as jules goes through boyfriends as alex own love life is non existent until one day the pull is to much for either and they act upon it....
but it does change things and slowly they begin to distance themselves from each other and alex takes off for parts of countries she has always wanted to visit because its easier than staying....
can they rectify their issues and get their friendship back on track
its an interesting read that will keep you glued to see how they can come back from this one act of theirs... and at times i was on tenterhooks thinking this time... one of them will be brave enough...
it was heart breaking to read about Alex's grief and watching the mine field of everyone around them all.... process the grief i had tears in my eyes at times
well worth reading and cant wait to see what is next from this author
jules and alex have been friends since childhood, they have been best friends since forever and know each others little secrets... but as they get older there is one secret between them that if they acted on it could ruin their friendship
so alex is supportive as jules goes through boyfriends as alex own love life is non existent until one day the pull is to much for either and they act upon it....
but it does change things and slowly they begin to distance themselves from each other and alex takes off for parts of countries she has always wanted to visit because its easier than staying....
can they rectify their issues and get their friendship back on track
its an interesting read that will keep you glued to see how they can come back from this one act of theirs... and at times i was on tenterhooks thinking this time... one of them will be brave enough...
it was heart breaking to read about Alex's grief and watching the mine field of everyone around them all.... process the grief i had tears in my eyes at times
well worth reading and cant wait to see what is next from this author
June 16, 2026
I received an ARC copy of this book from the Publisher via Netgalley and voluntarily leaving my review.
Alex and Jules became the best of friends when they met young. Throughout the years their feelings becomes more then friendship and when that happens Alex runs from it because she and her mom are dealing with her brother illness and knows at any moment he could died. Jules knows Alex better then anyone when she returns home they have a one night stand that can ruin their friendship as they try to go back into being friends they date other people but eventually it’s doesn’t work and reconnect and bild the trust they had before and realize the live they had for each other was always there if only they talk they could’ve been happier sooner.
Alex and Jules became the best of friends when they met young. Throughout the years their feelings becomes more then friendship and when that happens Alex runs from it because she and her mom are dealing with her brother illness and knows at any moment he could died. Jules knows Alex better then anyone when she returns home they have a one night stand that can ruin their friendship as they try to go back into being friends they date other people but eventually it’s doesn’t work and reconnect and bild the trust they had before and realize the live they had for each other was always there if only they talk they could’ve been happier sooner.
July 18, 2026
Thank you NetGalley, Bold Strokes Books and author Kristin Keppler for this ARC opportunity. I am very happy to share my honest review.
This book really spoke to me and nestled its way into my heart. This one truly touched me and will live on in my heart and mind until I can re-read it. I have a soft spot for friends to lovers, sapphic romance and especially when they are a coming of age/self discovery type of love story. If We Could Fly was a really beautiful and deeply emotional sapphic romance that truly moved me and offered a love story that I just adored.
I think this book was so profound because it was so realistic. Krisitn Keppler does an amazing job of capturing how heart wrenching a young best friends to lovers story really is. This is exactly the type of story I want to read when I look for a friends to lovers sapphic romance because it's so raw and real and hard and painful and messy and moving. It felt like so much more than a love story because we watched two girls grow into young women and experience all of the trials, triumphs and sometimes painful blows life can bring. Bravo Miss Keppler.
Alex and Julia were really great characters that were of course the heart of the book. They are best friends and have been since they were kids. They have always been on the same page and totally inseparable. They know each other better than anyone else and have a friendship built on a history that is one in a million. They love each other a great deal but somewhere along the line things changed and feelings became more complicated. We follow Alex and Julia from their junior year of high school until about their mid twenties so that puts everything into a better perspective. Falling in love with your best friend is never easy, especially for young lesbians. Unrequited love is a special pain that I wish upon nobody ever. Alex has had feelings for Julia for as long as she could remember but never believed they'd be reciprocated. Although when they seemed to be, life sort of interferes and timing is just off.
This book is special because it doesn't shy away from the hard times in life. Alex and Julia are connected and have a very special bond, even if neither of them can really understand what's changing between them early on. I loved the tension that started to infiltrate their every interaction signaling that feelings had most definitely changed and veered into the romantic. That is really frightening at that age and especially with the person that knows you best and means the most to you. They were scared of losing each other and I could totally identify with that. Alex’s brother's illness and passing fuels her forward to basically escape her situation. She kind of runs away and I get it because that shit is awful.
The romance does eventually develop and is beautiful and tender. Alex and Julia don't exactly easily navigate things but that's real life. That's what made their love story so memorable for me. A lot happens and there are so many ups and downs but the intimacy feels so real because it's the result of years of yearning and loving one another. The girls discover that they are it for each other and the fears or uncertainties can be overcome together. I loved them together so much and it all felt earned. It wasn't an easy path or clean cut romance but rather two girls facing life and all its craziness and realizing that their love is real and they deserve each other. I loved it!
This is a great story and I loved that Kristin Keppler chose to create such a wonderful and memorable love story. The writing was great! I found it to be warm, tender and full of heart. It was easy to read and really very touching. I loved that there were uncomfortable topics, life , grief and regret to contend with. This is not a rosy and easy read but rather a really heartwarming coming of age story that features strong and complex characters. Alex and Julia went through it and came out on the other end stronger and together! They are special individually and even more so together…I won't soon forget them.
I highly recommend it to anyone looking for a sweet but emotional friend or lover's sapphic romance that will definitely leave you with a bit of a book hangover!
This book really spoke to me and nestled its way into my heart. This one truly touched me and will live on in my heart and mind until I can re-read it. I have a soft spot for friends to lovers, sapphic romance and especially when they are a coming of age/self discovery type of love story. If We Could Fly was a really beautiful and deeply emotional sapphic romance that truly moved me and offered a love story that I just adored.
I think this book was so profound because it was so realistic. Krisitn Keppler does an amazing job of capturing how heart wrenching a young best friends to lovers story really is. This is exactly the type of story I want to read when I look for a friends to lovers sapphic romance because it's so raw and real and hard and painful and messy and moving. It felt like so much more than a love story because we watched two girls grow into young women and experience all of the trials, triumphs and sometimes painful blows life can bring. Bravo Miss Keppler.
Alex and Julia were really great characters that were of course the heart of the book. They are best friends and have been since they were kids. They have always been on the same page and totally inseparable. They know each other better than anyone else and have a friendship built on a history that is one in a million. They love each other a great deal but somewhere along the line things changed and feelings became more complicated. We follow Alex and Julia from their junior year of high school until about their mid twenties so that puts everything into a better perspective. Falling in love with your best friend is never easy, especially for young lesbians. Unrequited love is a special pain that I wish upon nobody ever. Alex has had feelings for Julia for as long as she could remember but never believed they'd be reciprocated. Although when they seemed to be, life sort of interferes and timing is just off.
This book is special because it doesn't shy away from the hard times in life. Alex and Julia are connected and have a very special bond, even if neither of them can really understand what's changing between them early on. I loved the tension that started to infiltrate their every interaction signaling that feelings had most definitely changed and veered into the romantic. That is really frightening at that age and especially with the person that knows you best and means the most to you. They were scared of losing each other and I could totally identify with that. Alex’s brother's illness and passing fuels her forward to basically escape her situation. She kind of runs away and I get it because that shit is awful.
The romance does eventually develop and is beautiful and tender. Alex and Julia don't exactly easily navigate things but that's real life. That's what made their love story so memorable for me. A lot happens and there are so many ups and downs but the intimacy feels so real because it's the result of years of yearning and loving one another. The girls discover that they are it for each other and the fears or uncertainties can be overcome together. I loved them together so much and it all felt earned. It wasn't an easy path or clean cut romance but rather two girls facing life and all its craziness and realizing that their love is real and they deserve each other. I loved it!
This is a great story and I loved that Kristin Keppler chose to create such a wonderful and memorable love story. The writing was great! I found it to be warm, tender and full of heart. It was easy to read and really very touching. I loved that there were uncomfortable topics, life , grief and regret to contend with. This is not a rosy and easy read but rather a really heartwarming coming of age story that features strong and complex characters. Alex and Julia went through it and came out on the other end stronger and together! They are special individually and even more so together…I won't soon forget them.
I highly recommend it to anyone looking for a sweet but emotional friend or lover's sapphic romance that will definitely leave you with a bit of a book hangover!
Review of advance copy received from Netgalley
𝗥𝗲𝗰𝗼𝗺𝗺𝗲𝗻𝗱𝗲𝗱 𝗳𝗼𝗿: readers who love emotional friends-to-lovers stories, messy but realistic relationships, found family feelings, heartfelt romance, and books that sneak up on your heart when you least expect it.
I thought I knew what I was getting with If We Could Fly. A sweet romance, a little longing, some complicated feelings, and a cosy little story to disappear into for a while. What I did not expect was to sit there crying over a book I thought would simply be a light romance. Excuse me, I did not prepare my heart for this. 🥲
This book gave me so much more than I expected. Yes, it is a love story, but it is also about friendship, family, grief, fear, missed chances, and how sometimes the hardest thing in the world is telling the person who knows you best exactly how you feel.
Normally, I am the first person sitting there mentally begging characters to please just have one honest conversation. But here? It worked. The silence, the hesitation, the fear of changing something you cannot imagine losing. It all felt painfully human rather than drama created just to keep two people apart.
Alex completely stole my heart. Goofy, confident, full of life, but still carrying her own fears underneath it all. And Julia, trying so hard to do everything right, slowly learning how to listen to herself too. They both felt like real people trying to understand their feelings while carrying all the history, fear, and little moments that come from truly knowing someone.
What surprised me most was how much I cared about everything outside of the romance too. The friendships, the family, and the little moments that showed who these people were beyond their relationship. The side characters brought their own warmth, humour, and heart, making the world around Alex and Julia feel full instead of simply being background noise.
I smiled, I cried, and I cared so much more than I expected when I first opened these pages. By the end, I wasn’t just invested in the romance. I was invested in them. Their choices, their fears, their dreams, and all the messy little pieces that make people who they are.
Apparently I opened a cute little romance and accidentally walked straight into feelings.
✨ 𝗪𝗵𝗮𝘁 𝗲𝗻𝗰𝗵𝗮𝗻𝘁𝗲𝗱:
• A love story that felt real, messy, and beautifully human
• How perfectly balanced the romance, grief, family, and personal growth felt
• Side characters who brought meaning to the story instead of simply filling the pages
🌧️ 𝗪𝗵𝗮𝘁 𝗳𝗮𝗹𝘁𝗲𝗿𝗲𝗱:
• My heart was not prepared for the emotional journey hiding inside these pages
• The audacity of making me cry when I expected a cosy little romance
• Having to say goodbye to characters I was not ready to leave behind
⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ / 5
A little thank you to NetGalley and the publisher for opening the door and letting me wander into this story. All thoughts, feelings, and bookish ramblings I brought back are entirely my own. 📖✨
I thought I knew what I was getting with If We Could Fly. A sweet romance, a little longing, some complicated feelings, and a cosy little story to disappear into for a while. What I did not expect was to sit there crying over a book I thought would simply be a light romance. Excuse me, I did not prepare my heart for this. 🥲
This book gave me so much more than I expected. Yes, it is a love story, but it is also about friendship, family, grief, fear, missed chances, and how sometimes the hardest thing in the world is telling the person who knows you best exactly how you feel.
Normally, I am the first person sitting there mentally begging characters to please just have one honest conversation. But here? It worked. The silence, the hesitation, the fear of changing something you cannot imagine losing. It all felt painfully human rather than drama created just to keep two people apart.
Alex completely stole my heart. Goofy, confident, full of life, but still carrying her own fears underneath it all. And Julia, trying so hard to do everything right, slowly learning how to listen to herself too. They both felt like real people trying to understand their feelings while carrying all the history, fear, and little moments that come from truly knowing someone.
What surprised me most was how much I cared about everything outside of the romance too. The friendships, the family, and the little moments that showed who these people were beyond their relationship. The side characters brought their own warmth, humour, and heart, making the world around Alex and Julia feel full instead of simply being background noise.
I smiled, I cried, and I cared so much more than I expected when I first opened these pages. By the end, I wasn’t just invested in the romance. I was invested in them. Their choices, their fears, their dreams, and all the messy little pieces that make people who they are.
Apparently I opened a cute little romance and accidentally walked straight into feelings.
✨ 𝗪𝗵𝗮𝘁 𝗲𝗻𝗰𝗵𝗮𝗻𝘁𝗲𝗱:
• A love story that felt real, messy, and beautifully human
• How perfectly balanced the romance, grief, family, and personal growth felt
• Side characters who brought meaning to the story instead of simply filling the pages
🌧️ 𝗪𝗵𝗮𝘁 𝗳𝗮𝗹𝘁𝗲𝗿𝗲𝗱:
• My heart was not prepared for the emotional journey hiding inside these pages
• The audacity of making me cry when I expected a cosy little romance
• Having to say goodbye to characters I was not ready to leave behind
⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ / 5
A little thank you to NetGalley and the publisher for opening the door and letting me wander into this story. All thoughts, feelings, and bookish ramblings I brought back are entirely my own. 📖✨
Review of advance copy received from NetGalley
(4,5) Oof. This one will stay with me, even if only for the emotions it caused. And I’m saying this as someone who very rarely cries while reading; I wept.
This is a beautiful, realistic and intriguing slow burn that perfectly captures the messiness of childhood best friends to lovers. I couldn’t put the book down, simply because of how much Alex loved Jules.
The story showed the life of the characters over the span of several years while they grew up (18 to 25). It explores how they react to different personalities, difficult situations, and whatever life has to offer. So it felt very character-driven (also with lots of interesting side characters) and I’m wondering even if there was a plot at all, at least not in the usual romance sense.
It also had a slower beginning, but at no point was it boring. It still had a strong push and pull that moved the story forward. I never quite knew what was going to happen next or what I was supposed to look forward to, which made it feel kind of slow. But I don’t think it actually was, because the scenes were on the shorter side and there was always something happening (either something amusing or absolutely heartbreaking). It’s just not what I am used to in plot-driven romances, I suppose.
And this is one of those books where I didn’t mind the time jumps. In fact, they were definitely necessary to keep me interested.
I loved the tension between the love interests.
If I had to criticize something, I’d say that the prose could be a little tighter and I would’ve loved to read more scenes or have less things told in retrospect. The getting together also felt a little bit rushed or not shown enough of. But honestly, compared to how much I loved the rest, this does not hold much weight. I’m imagining that getting the pacing right for this kind of story is immensely difficult, so me wanting to have a little bit more is probably the right outcome.
Let me leave you with a quote:
“But tonight, it somehow doesn’t hurt as much. It makes me wonder if I’m finally starting to be okay with the fact that the type of love I feel for her isn’t the same as the love she feels for me. Or maybe I’m just numb. I can’t seem to tell the difference anymore.”
Thank you to Netgalley and the publisher for the ARC.
This is a beautiful, realistic and intriguing slow burn that perfectly captures the messiness of childhood best friends to lovers. I couldn’t put the book down, simply because of how much Alex loved Jules.
The story showed the life of the characters over the span of several years while they grew up (18 to 25). It explores how they react to different personalities, difficult situations, and whatever life has to offer. So it felt very character-driven (also with lots of interesting side characters) and I’m wondering even if there was a plot at all, at least not in the usual romance sense.
It also had a slower beginning, but at no point was it boring. It still had a strong push and pull that moved the story forward. I never quite knew what was going to happen next or what I was supposed to look forward to, which made it feel kind of slow. But I don’t think it actually was, because the scenes were on the shorter side and there was always something happening (either something amusing or absolutely heartbreaking). It’s just not what I am used to in plot-driven romances, I suppose.
And this is one of those books where I didn’t mind the time jumps. In fact, they were definitely necessary to keep me interested.
I loved the tension between the love interests.
If I had to criticize something, I’d say that the prose could be a little tighter and I would’ve loved to read more scenes or have less things told in retrospect. The getting together also felt a little bit rushed or not shown enough of. But honestly, compared to how much I loved the rest, this does not hold much weight. I’m imagining that getting the pacing right for this kind of story is immensely difficult, so me wanting to have a little bit more is probably the right outcome.
Let me leave you with a quote:
“But tonight, it somehow doesn’t hurt as much. It makes me wonder if I’m finally starting to be okay with the fact that the type of love I feel for her isn’t the same as the love she feels for me. Or maybe I’m just numb. I can’t seem to tell the difference anymore.”
Thank you to Netgalley and the publisher for the ARC.
June 16, 2026
Spice Level: 2/5 Explicit Open-Door
Julia Marrow and Alex Pestano have been best friends since childhood. As they grow, their friendship and bond grows so much to where friendship and relationship lines start to blur. Alex has always found it easier to run from things than to face them head on and when a one-night stand happens, Alex does just that, run. Though remaining friends from a distance, Alex eventually finds her way home due to unfortunate family circumstances and this allows for her and Julia to try and mend their friendship. Will Julia and Alex be able to get back to where they once were?
I received this audiobook from NetGalley and the Author in return for my honest review. To begin, there is a death of a family member in this book. They are a character that you get to know and have a bit of an attachment to so I do warn you ahead of time to have some tissues on the ready. That part got me because I honestly wasn’t expecting it. I was expecting a complete HEA but unfortunately that did not happen. Sad stuff out of the way, this is a great coming-of-age read / listen. Julia and Alex grow up and grow together. Life happens and they just always can’t meet in the middle or be ready for the other at the same time the other is needed. If that makes sense.
I resonate with Alex’s character because it is easier to run from the things that scare you but when you come back, they’ll always be waiting right there for you. Julia and Alex grow a bond that gets tested time and time again but they always find each other through the mess. It is one of those books that just gives you a little hope for humanity. Absolutely loved this audiobook.
Lori Prince is the narrator for this audiobook. I still have nothing bad to say about her. My all time fave narrator. The emotion she puts in a character always brings the stories she reads to life.
🎸 Grief
🎸 Death of Family Member
🎸 Friends to Lovers
🎸 Coming of Age
🎸 Sapphic Romance
🎸 Slow Burn
🎸 Second Chances
🎸 Emotional Avoidance
Julia Marrow and Alex Pestano have been best friends since childhood. As they grow, their friendship and bond grows so much to where friendship and relationship lines start to blur. Alex has always found it easier to run from things than to face them head on and when a one-night stand happens, Alex does just that, run. Though remaining friends from a distance, Alex eventually finds her way home due to unfortunate family circumstances and this allows for her and Julia to try and mend their friendship. Will Julia and Alex be able to get back to where they once were?
I received this audiobook from NetGalley and the Author in return for my honest review. To begin, there is a death of a family member in this book. They are a character that you get to know and have a bit of an attachment to so I do warn you ahead of time to have some tissues on the ready. That part got me because I honestly wasn’t expecting it. I was expecting a complete HEA but unfortunately that did not happen. Sad stuff out of the way, this is a great coming-of-age read / listen. Julia and Alex grow up and grow together. Life happens and they just always can’t meet in the middle or be ready for the other at the same time the other is needed. If that makes sense.
I resonate with Alex’s character because it is easier to run from the things that scare you but when you come back, they’ll always be waiting right there for you. Julia and Alex grow a bond that gets tested time and time again but they always find each other through the mess. It is one of those books that just gives you a little hope for humanity. Absolutely loved this audiobook.
Lori Prince is the narrator for this audiobook. I still have nothing bad to say about her. My all time fave narrator. The emotion she puts in a character always brings the stories she reads to life.
🎸 Grief
🎸 Death of Family Member
🎸 Friends to Lovers
🎸 Coming of Age
🎸 Sapphic Romance
🎸 Slow Burn
🎸 Second Chances
🎸 Emotional Avoidance
Review of advance copy received from NetGalley
4.5 stars!
Kristin Keppler really nails the emotional depth in this one! The story centers on two friends who have been completely intertwined since childhood, and you can just feel the heavy, undeniable weight of their history in every single chapter. Every shared look and unspoken word is so loaded with tension, making the chemistry feel completely undeniable and soul-deep. It is a beautiful journey packed with so much incredible longing, great steam, and an emotional vulnerability. I also loved how much attention to detail went into their connection, they know each other so deeply, and it makes every moment hit harder. Plus, the supporting characters, especially Chloe, do a fantastic job of being a grounding voice of reason when the emotional angst gets super high.
I usually hate miscommunication with every fiber of my being, but even though it's present here, it wasn't too strong at all. The story handles the hurdles keeping them apart with so much nuance and context that I actually understood why the hesitation was there at times, so it didn't bother me too much, which is a rare feat! My only tiny critique is that the narrative focuses so intensely on their connection that they occasionally lack a distinct sense of individual development outside of each other. I did hope for a bit more personal growth for them as independent people, but that was a very minor thing in the grand scheme of things.
Ultimately, this is a captivating, passionate, and deeply moving romance that balances intense angst with genuine heart. It is a spectacular read, and if you love a soul-deep emotional journey, you definitely need to check this one out. Oh, and the narrator was also spectacular, the way they gave their all within this reading was something else!
Thank you to NetGalley and RB Media for this free copy, all thoughts are my own.
Kristin Keppler really nails the emotional depth in this one! The story centers on two friends who have been completely intertwined since childhood, and you can just feel the heavy, undeniable weight of their history in every single chapter. Every shared look and unspoken word is so loaded with tension, making the chemistry feel completely undeniable and soul-deep. It is a beautiful journey packed with so much incredible longing, great steam, and an emotional vulnerability. I also loved how much attention to detail went into their connection, they know each other so deeply, and it makes every moment hit harder. Plus, the supporting characters, especially Chloe, do a fantastic job of being a grounding voice of reason when the emotional angst gets super high.
I usually hate miscommunication with every fiber of my being, but even though it's present here, it wasn't too strong at all. The story handles the hurdles keeping them apart with so much nuance and context that I actually understood why the hesitation was there at times, so it didn't bother me too much, which is a rare feat! My only tiny critique is that the narrative focuses so intensely on their connection that they occasionally lack a distinct sense of individual development outside of each other. I did hope for a bit more personal growth for them as independent people, but that was a very minor thing in the grand scheme of things.
Ultimately, this is a captivating, passionate, and deeply moving romance that balances intense angst with genuine heart. It is a spectacular read, and if you love a soul-deep emotional journey, you definitely need to check this one out. Oh, and the narrator was also spectacular, the way they gave their all within this reading was something else!
Thank you to NetGalley and RB Media for this free copy, all thoughts are my own.
Review of advance copy received from NetGalley
*Possible Spoilers*
If We Could Fly is an emotional rollercoaster. Alex and Julia/Jules are a complicated fairytale couple. Their inability to communicate, and fear of change, forces them to make bad choices. The road to hell is paved with good intentions, I guess. The two women's capacity to love is their greatest weakness and greatest strength. That’s what made them interesting characters to me.
The two women only exist within their interpersonal relationships. I know who they are with/without each other, but not individually. Every life choice the two make are driven by making other people happy, not for themselves. They love deeply, but outside of being family oriented and avoidant, there isn’t a ton there. The book is solely focused on the woes of their friendship/relationship. Alex’s brother is extraordinarily sick. She and her mother live with the constant awareness that he could die anytime. Due to that instability, Alex tries to outrun problems and vulnerabilities. Not only does her past catch up, but she loses a relationship with her best friend, Jules.
No one knows Jules better than Alex. Throughout their childhood and young adulthood, the two have jammed to music, planned for the future, and avoided unresolved feelings. Thanks to Alex, Jules discovers that she isn’t straight. She unravels her infinite love for her best friend, and her very finite love for her mediocre boyfriend/fiancé (the guy dislikes when she wears heels because it makes him feel short). As the years go by, Alex detaches herself from the friendship. Hurt, confusion, and growing up leads the two down different paths, both women running away from the actual problem.
Those two only make sense within the context of the book. Arguments could be made that they’re toxic together. I don’t think their love is necessarily bad, but some grownup communication skills are needed. The amount of emotional cheating and betrayal is tiresome. What made me like the two is their attention to detail. In all the ways Jules’ fiancé gets stuff wrong, Alex does them right. The man doesn’t even remember his bride-to-be’s favorite flower.
Jules and Alex exist in shades of grey. Grief, love, and insecurity color perspective. There are reasons to like them and dislike them; reader’s choice. My favorite character was their best friend, Chloe, who saw right past the bull, and advocated for communication. If you don’t like long-winded angsty romances, this is a horrible choice. If a will-they-won’t-they couple with great tension seems engaging, here you go.
Thank you to NetGalley and Bold Strokes Books for an ARC in exchange for my honest review. I will be posting this on Goodreads and/or TikTok and Instagram in mid May.
If We Could Fly is an emotional rollercoaster. Alex and Julia/Jules are a complicated fairytale couple. Their inability to communicate, and fear of change, forces them to make bad choices. The road to hell is paved with good intentions, I guess. The two women's capacity to love is their greatest weakness and greatest strength. That’s what made them interesting characters to me.
The two women only exist within their interpersonal relationships. I know who they are with/without each other, but not individually. Every life choice the two make are driven by making other people happy, not for themselves. They love deeply, but outside of being family oriented and avoidant, there isn’t a ton there. The book is solely focused on the woes of their friendship/relationship. Alex’s brother is extraordinarily sick. She and her mother live with the constant awareness that he could die anytime. Due to that instability, Alex tries to outrun problems and vulnerabilities. Not only does her past catch up, but she loses a relationship with her best friend, Jules.
No one knows Jules better than Alex. Throughout their childhood and young adulthood, the two have jammed to music, planned for the future, and avoided unresolved feelings. Thanks to Alex, Jules discovers that she isn’t straight. She unravels her infinite love for her best friend, and her very finite love for her mediocre boyfriend/fiancé (the guy dislikes when she wears heels because it makes him feel short). As the years go by, Alex detaches herself from the friendship. Hurt, confusion, and growing up leads the two down different paths, both women running away from the actual problem.
Those two only make sense within the context of the book. Arguments could be made that they’re toxic together. I don’t think their love is necessarily bad, but some grownup communication skills are needed. The amount of emotional cheating and betrayal is tiresome. What made me like the two is their attention to detail. In all the ways Jules’ fiancé gets stuff wrong, Alex does them right. The man doesn’t even remember his bride-to-be’s favorite flower.
Jules and Alex exist in shades of grey. Grief, love, and insecurity color perspective. There are reasons to like them and dislike them; reader’s choice. My favorite character was their best friend, Chloe, who saw right past the bull, and advocated for communication. If you don’t like long-winded angsty romances, this is a horrible choice. If a will-they-won’t-they couple with great tension seems engaging, here you go.
Thank you to NetGalley and Bold Strokes Books for an ARC in exchange for my honest review. I will be posting this on Goodreads and/or TikTok and Instagram in mid May.
June 17, 2026
This was a very cute, emotional childhood-best-friends-to-lovers story. The book starts by introducing us to Jules, a 7 year-old girl hiding from her bullies on the playground. Alex steps in to defend her and scare off the bullies. The two immediately bond over their love of Bruce Springsteen and run off to go play on the swings.
The book follows the two girls’ relationship through high school graduation, college, and into adulthood. It spans various break-ups/relationship drama, self discovery, changes in family dynamics, and grief. When Alex and Jules’ relationship becomes difficult to navigate, they are usually brought back together with the help of Chloe, their mutual best friend, or Alex’s older brother, Mason.
I would recommend If We Could Fly to anyone looking for a heartwarming sapphic novel with low-level spice.
It looks like I’m in the minority here and I’m so sorry but I just could NOT get used to the narrator. I understand she was trying to give each character different vocal affectations to help us tell them apart when they’re speaking, but it just kind of made it seem like she was mocking them? It was hard to take anything seriously even during the very emotional scenes. One of the moms sounded like Cher a little bit??? I tried really hard to not let it affect my opinion of the book itself. I think I would have enjoyed reading a print version of this book a little better.
(I’m so sorry Lori. I know she’s narrated so many queer audiobooks but I think I’m just too picky about voice acting 😭)
Thank you to NetGalley for an advanced listener copy of this audiobook.
The book follows the two girls’ relationship through high school graduation, college, and into adulthood. It spans various break-ups/relationship drama, self discovery, changes in family dynamics, and grief. When Alex and Jules’ relationship becomes difficult to navigate, they are usually brought back together with the help of Chloe, their mutual best friend, or Alex’s older brother, Mason.
I would recommend If We Could Fly to anyone looking for a heartwarming sapphic novel with low-level spice.
It looks like I’m in the minority here and I’m so sorry but I just could NOT get used to the narrator. I understand she was trying to give each character different vocal affectations to help us tell them apart when they’re speaking, but it just kind of made it seem like she was mocking them? It was hard to take anything seriously even during the very emotional scenes. One of the moms sounded like Cher a little bit??? I tried really hard to not let it affect my opinion of the book itself. I think I would have enjoyed reading a print version of this book a little better.
(I’m so sorry Lori. I know she’s narrated so many queer audiobooks but I think I’m just too picky about voice acting 😭)
Thank you to NetGalley for an advanced listener copy of this audiobook.
Review of advance copy received from NetGalley
*If We Could Fly* is a love story fraught with conflict—filled with cool childhood moments, young adult feelings, deeply sad moments and, in a way, time thats feels utterly wasted.
Jules and Alex have been incredibly good for one another since childhood.
Alex—the strong, undeniably queer best friend; and Jules—the sweet girl who has always been able to rely on Alex, and indeed always has.
Yet, as they turn eighteen, things between them become simultaneously much clearer and far more confusing.
Alex always seems to be somewhere else—constantly on the move, never truly still, and never staying put for long. Jules misses her friend—a friend she is beginning to view through entirely new eyes. Women, relationships, one-night stands—none of these ever seemed to be an issue for Alex. But the jealousy Jules has recently begun to feel?
That, it seems, is becoming a problem of its own.
For Alex, however, things are anything but simple or uncomplicated.
Her feelings for Jules tug at her heart, and they never seem to fade away. After an evening that changes everything, it remains to be seen how the two of them can move forward with their lives—and their friendship.
As I mentioned at the beginning, a great deal of time is wasted. We follow these two over a long period, and some of that involved a bit too much back-and-forth for my taste.
Nevertheless, I thoroughly enjoyed this story; it evokes a wealth of emotions, and that is never a bad thing.
Thanks so much for the ARC to Bold Strokes Books and the Author!
Jules and Alex have been incredibly good for one another since childhood.
Alex—the strong, undeniably queer best friend; and Jules—the sweet girl who has always been able to rely on Alex, and indeed always has.
Yet, as they turn eighteen, things between them become simultaneously much clearer and far more confusing.
Alex always seems to be somewhere else—constantly on the move, never truly still, and never staying put for long. Jules misses her friend—a friend she is beginning to view through entirely new eyes. Women, relationships, one-night stands—none of these ever seemed to be an issue for Alex. But the jealousy Jules has recently begun to feel?
That, it seems, is becoming a problem of its own.
For Alex, however, things are anything but simple or uncomplicated.
Her feelings for Jules tug at her heart, and they never seem to fade away. After an evening that changes everything, it remains to be seen how the two of them can move forward with their lives—and their friendship.
As I mentioned at the beginning, a great deal of time is wasted. We follow these two over a long period, and some of that involved a bit too much back-and-forth for my taste.
Nevertheless, I thoroughly enjoyed this story; it evokes a wealth of emotions, and that is never a bad thing.
Thanks so much for the ARC to Bold Strokes Books and the Author!
Review of advance copy received from NetGalley
I laughed, I cried, and I cringed—in the best possible way. This was my first book by Kristin Keppler, and it definitely won’t be my last.
If We Could Fly is a sapphic friends-to-lovers romance filled with years of pining, missed opportunities, heartbreak, and hope. Julia and Alex have been best friends since they were seven years old. Alex has known she was attracted to Julia since puberty but never acted on those feelings because she believed Julia was straight. But is she?
When Julia leaves for college, she begins questioning her sexuality, forcing both women to confront feelings they’ve buried for years. The question becomes: can they risk their friendship for the possibility of something more?
I loved the character development in this story. Not only were Julia and Alex well-developed, but the side characters felt fully realized and added depth to the narrative. At times, it was frustrating watching the characters avoid honest conversations—so much heartache could have been prevented if they’d simply been open with each other—but that frustration only made me more invested in their journey.
There are two open-door romance scenes, which I’d rate about a 3/5 on the spice scale.
I honestly think this story has sequel potential, and I’d absolutely read it if one were written.
As for the audiobook, Lori Prince delivered another outstanding performance. Her narration brought the characters to life and added so much emotion to an already compelling story.
This book checked all my boxes. I ended up listening straight through and stayed up far later than I intended because I simply couldn’t stop. I had to know how it ended.
⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐
Thank you to NetGalley and RBmedia for providing an ALC in exchange for an honest review.
If We Could Fly is a sapphic friends-to-lovers romance filled with years of pining, missed opportunities, heartbreak, and hope. Julia and Alex have been best friends since they were seven years old. Alex has known she was attracted to Julia since puberty but never acted on those feelings because she believed Julia was straight. But is she?
When Julia leaves for college, she begins questioning her sexuality, forcing both women to confront feelings they’ve buried for years. The question becomes: can they risk their friendship for the possibility of something more?
I loved the character development in this story. Not only were Julia and Alex well-developed, but the side characters felt fully realized and added depth to the narrative. At times, it was frustrating watching the characters avoid honest conversations—so much heartache could have been prevented if they’d simply been open with each other—but that frustration only made me more invested in their journey.
There are two open-door romance scenes, which I’d rate about a 3/5 on the spice scale.
I honestly think this story has sequel potential, and I’d absolutely read it if one were written.
As for the audiobook, Lori Prince delivered another outstanding performance. Her narration brought the characters to life and added so much emotion to an already compelling story.
This book checked all my boxes. I ended up listening straight through and stayed up far later than I intended because I simply couldn’t stop. I had to know how it ended.
⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐
Thank you to NetGalley and RBmedia for providing an ALC in exchange for an honest review.
Review of advance copy received from NetGalley
This book follows childhood best friends Alex and Jules as they finish high school and head to different colleges. Alex is a lesbian and has had to grapple with her crush on Jules for years. Jules has always dated men, but after her high school sweetheart broke up with her, she realizes there may be more to her feelings for Alex. The two hook-up one night and it was mind blowing for both of them - but lack of communication leaves them both thinking the other was content with it just being a one-nighter. As they navigate their 20s, in their separate cities, they both slowly realize they may have missed out on each other.
Tropes: friends-to-lovers, return to hometown, miscommunication/no communication, toaster oven
I loved this story and found it was hard to be a productive member of society once I started listening to it. I ended up binging the whole book in a single day. I was a little skeptical at first because sometimes romance books involving late-teens / early 20s women read a little too YA for my liking. This one did not and for that, I'm grateful. There were a couple spicy scenes, but the book really focused more on development of their relationship and feelings. The side characters in this book really stood out too. They were likable and they were important to the story.
An audio version of this book was provided to me by NetGalley, thank you!
Lori Prince narrated this book and she has never had a miss for me. The streak continues because she did an excellent job bringing these characters to life.
Tropes: friends-to-lovers, return to hometown, miscommunication/no communication, toaster oven
I loved this story and found it was hard to be a productive member of society once I started listening to it. I ended up binging the whole book in a single day. I was a little skeptical at first because sometimes romance books involving late-teens / early 20s women read a little too YA for my liking. This one did not and for that, I'm grateful. There were a couple spicy scenes, but the book really focused more on development of their relationship and feelings. The side characters in this book really stood out too. They were likable and they were important to the story.
An audio version of this book was provided to me by NetGalley, thank you!
Lori Prince narrated this book and she has never had a miss for me. The streak continues because she did an excellent job bringing these characters to life.
Review of advance copy received from NetGalley
If I could fly anywhere, it would be back to the start of this book so I could read it all over again.
Get out the tissues as this one is a roller coaster for your emotions. What could be the classic trope of the lesbian in love with her best friend is turned on its head in this novel. Yes there is still the wanting and yearning, but there is so much more to the relationship between Alex and Julia.
Julia and Alex have been friends since they were seven years old and have grown up supporting one another through thick and thin. And that includes when Alex helps Julia with her bi-awakening knowing nothing could ever hurt their friendship.
Alex wants the best for Julia, treating her happiness as more important than her own. Alex’s apparently selfless act of putting Julia first makes it harder to be friends, because Alex wants so much more.
The idea of flying away is throughout the book. It is what the characters ask each other of if you could fly anywhere where would you go? It’s about dreaming, adventure, and most of all escape. It’s also what Alex does when life gets hard, she flies away, and as we learn more about Alex we learn the reasons why she runs.
Alex and Julia’s love story is one for the ages and is captured so well on the pages. It spans several years in an incredibly slow burn as life tends to get in the way of their love, but this book was so worth the flight.
Thank you to Bold Strokes Books for the digital advanced copy via NetGalley for me to be able to read and review.
Get out the tissues as this one is a roller coaster for your emotions. What could be the classic trope of the lesbian in love with her best friend is turned on its head in this novel. Yes there is still the wanting and yearning, but there is so much more to the relationship between Alex and Julia.
Julia and Alex have been friends since they were seven years old and have grown up supporting one another through thick and thin. And that includes when Alex helps Julia with her bi-awakening knowing nothing could ever hurt their friendship.
Alex wants the best for Julia, treating her happiness as more important than her own. Alex’s apparently selfless act of putting Julia first makes it harder to be friends, because Alex wants so much more.
The idea of flying away is throughout the book. It is what the characters ask each other of if you could fly anywhere where would you go? It’s about dreaming, adventure, and most of all escape. It’s also what Alex does when life gets hard, she flies away, and as we learn more about Alex we learn the reasons why she runs.
Alex and Julia’s love story is one for the ages and is captured so well on the pages. It spans several years in an incredibly slow burn as life tends to get in the way of their love, but this book was so worth the flight.
Thank you to Bold Strokes Books for the digital advanced copy via NetGalley for me to be able to read and review.
June 4, 2026
I absolutely loved If We Could Fly. It is a sweet, heartfelt story that beautifully explores the power of friendship and how meaningful connections can endure through different stages of life. One of the things I appreciated most was the way the book showed that true friendship can transcend years and life changes, remaining a source of comfort, support, and growth.
The characters felt genuine and relatable, and I enjoyed watching them learn more about themselves through their relationships with each other. The story highlights how our closest friends often understand us better than anyone else, helping us discover who we are and who we want to become.
I also loved the romance in the novel. Rather than feeling rushed or forced, it grew naturally from a strong foundation of friendship. The book demonstrates that sometimes the best romantic relationships begin with people who already know our strengths, weaknesses, dreams, and fears. This made the romance feel authentic and especially meaningful.
Overall, If We Could Fly is a warm and uplifting read about friendship, self-discovery, and love. I would highly recommend it to readers who enjoy character-driven stories with emotional depth and a touching friends-to-romance storyline. It left me with a smile and reminded me of the lasting impact that genuine friendships can have on our lives.
The characters felt genuine and relatable, and I enjoyed watching them learn more about themselves through their relationships with each other. The story highlights how our closest friends often understand us better than anyone else, helping us discover who we are and who we want to become.
I also loved the romance in the novel. Rather than feeling rushed or forced, it grew naturally from a strong foundation of friendship. The book demonstrates that sometimes the best romantic relationships begin with people who already know our strengths, weaknesses, dreams, and fears. This made the romance feel authentic and especially meaningful.
Overall, If We Could Fly is a warm and uplifting read about friendship, self-discovery, and love. I would highly recommend it to readers who enjoy character-driven stories with emotional depth and a touching friends-to-romance storyline. It left me with a smile and reminded me of the lasting impact that genuine friendships can have on our lives.
Review of advance copy received from NetGalley
If We Could Fly brings us a group of childhood friends through the years 18-25 and how they all grow (together and apart), create new relationships, and go through life. This is a beautiful, realistic and intriguing slow burn that perfectly captures the messiness of childhood best friends to lovers. I could not stop reading about how much Alex loved Jules, even when Jules didn’t love her back. Their continued periphery to one another kept them in orbit but not necessarily always in a romantic way. They did have huge communication gaps but in my opinion, a lot of that was due to how young they were, they just didn’t have the words for it.
I really enjoyed the full cast of characters that had their own sort of side quests throughout the book and since the plot wasn’t really “alex and jules get together” or “what’s going to happen to mason”- it felt like having a full cast of other people kept the story moving forward throughout the changing timelines and storytelling.
The whole book is pretty slowly paced as it feels like it’s meandering along without an end goal, but it remained interesting throughout.
3 stars solid.
If We Could Fly will be published June 16, 2026 and I received an advanced audio copy from Netgalley in exchange for my review.
I really enjoyed the full cast of characters that had their own sort of side quests throughout the book and since the plot wasn’t really “alex and jules get together” or “what’s going to happen to mason”- it felt like having a full cast of other people kept the story moving forward throughout the changing timelines and storytelling.
The whole book is pretty slowly paced as it feels like it’s meandering along without an end goal, but it remained interesting throughout.
3 stars solid.
If We Could Fly will be published June 16, 2026 and I received an advanced audio copy from Netgalley in exchange for my review.
June 28, 2026
If We Could Fly by Kristin Keppler is an incredibly important and beautifully written novel, but readers should be prepared for a profoundly heavy emotional journey. This book is a masterclass in angst and slow-burn pining that will genuinely make you cry and yell at the world in frustration before it lets you catch your breath.
I have to be honest: I actually couldn’t fully finish reading certain sections of this book. The storyline involving the brother's health issues hit entirely too close to home for me. Navigating severe illness is uniquely challenging, and seeing those themes mirrored so accurately made this an incredibly heavy and difficult read on a personal level. However, that intense realism is exactly what makes Keppler’s writing so impactful. The narrative is deeply character-driven, raw, and doesn't shy away from the messy realities of life.
For those who love a profound emotional rollercoaster, this is a standout release in the lesfic space. Even with the heartbreak, tears, and heavy themes, you can rest assured that the payoff is worth the pain. The story ultimately wraps up beautifully, giving Julia and Alex the exact ending you so desperately want for them.
Highly recommended—just make sure you have tissues nearby!
I have to be honest: I actually couldn’t fully finish reading certain sections of this book. The storyline involving the brother's health issues hit entirely too close to home for me. Navigating severe illness is uniquely challenging, and seeing those themes mirrored so accurately made this an incredibly heavy and difficult read on a personal level. However, that intense realism is exactly what makes Keppler’s writing so impactful. The narrative is deeply character-driven, raw, and doesn't shy away from the messy realities of life.
For those who love a profound emotional rollercoaster, this is a standout release in the lesfic space. Even with the heartbreak, tears, and heavy themes, you can rest assured that the payoff is worth the pain. The story ultimately wraps up beautifully, giving Julia and Alex the exact ending you so desperately want for them.
Highly recommended—just make sure you have tissues nearby!
June 26, 2026
There are few books that are so well written (and so well narrated in this case) that they elicit strong emotions from me. This is one of those.
If you read the summary of this book, it only gives a hint at what to expect from the story. The chronology of events that shape the two main characters of Alex and Julia, both individually and as best friends, is so rich. I was invested in the story from get go, and there were so many times that I wanted to shake sense into the characters. 😂 But then I remembered that the bulk of this story takes place when they are in their late teens through mid 20s, so of course both of these women are still figuring things out. And thank goodness there was a strong friend and family support system, because Alex and Julia definitely needed it. (I probably would have screamed at the characters otherwise.)
I don't want to give more detail in this review because I don't want to spoil anything. I do want to say that I was brought to tears a few times, and that I need to add a copy of this book to my collection.
Thank you to Tantor Media, Bold Strokes Books, and NetGalley for the opportunity to listen to an advanced copy of this book.
If you read the summary of this book, it only gives a hint at what to expect from the story. The chronology of events that shape the two main characters of Alex and Julia, both individually and as best friends, is so rich. I was invested in the story from get go, and there were so many times that I wanted to shake sense into the characters. 😂 But then I remembered that the bulk of this story takes place when they are in their late teens through mid 20s, so of course both of these women are still figuring things out. And thank goodness there was a strong friend and family support system, because Alex and Julia definitely needed it. (I probably would have screamed at the characters otherwise.)
I don't want to give more detail in this review because I don't want to spoil anything. I do want to say that I was brought to tears a few times, and that I need to add a copy of this book to my collection.
Thank you to Tantor Media, Bold Strokes Books, and NetGalley for the opportunity to listen to an advanced copy of this book.
June 16, 2026
What I respect so much about how Kristin Keppler writes is that she does not shy away from the beautifully messy human nature of love. Layered with an emotional depth that is truly delicious, she has crafted this story with so much care, delivering it in such a poetic and honest way that it will leave a permanent mark on your heart.
You will laugh (it’s really funny), cry (perhaps sob uncontrollably is more accurate), gasp, and experience longing, frustration, and utter delight. Once you finish, you will want to start it all over again. Written from both Alex and Jules’s POVs, we get an intimate glimpse into their lives growing up together, and the complications, doubt, and worry that arise when they realise they want more. Can they make the leap from friends to lovers? Would you risk everything and ruin the friendship?
With a brilliant supporting cast adding even more depth to the story, if you’re looking for a read that will give you all the feels, look no further. Plus, there’s an amazing soundtrack to accompany the book!
⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
You will laugh (it’s really funny), cry (perhaps sob uncontrollably is more accurate), gasp, and experience longing, frustration, and utter delight. Once you finish, you will want to start it all over again. Written from both Alex and Jules’s POVs, we get an intimate glimpse into their lives growing up together, and the complications, doubt, and worry that arise when they realise they want more. Can they make the leap from friends to lovers? Would you risk everything and ruin the friendship?
With a brilliant supporting cast adding even more depth to the story, if you’re looking for a read that will give you all the feels, look no further. Plus, there’s an amazing soundtrack to accompany the book!
⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
June 24, 2026
This was not a slow burn romance in my opinion. This was a slow literary fiction book about fear and grief with a small subplot of romance.
Our love interests, Jules and Alex, spend eighty percent of the book apart, literally and emotionally. They are dating other people, living on different continents. We barely see them interact and when we do it is mostly surface level. There was nothing to make me root for them to be together.
I would have enjoyed this more had it been marketed as literary fiction and I wasn't continually waiting for the romance to kick in. I enjoyed the author's writing style. The emotional aspects related to Alex’s brother's illness left me wrecked. I would be interested in trying something else from Kristin Keppler.
Lori Prince did a fantastic job narrating the audiobook! Especially when it came to relaying emotion through her voice. I felt the grief the characters were feeling in her words.
Thank you to Tantor Media and NetGalley. I listened to an advanced listener copy of this audiobook. My opinions are my own.
Our love interests, Jules and Alex, spend eighty percent of the book apart, literally and emotionally. They are dating other people, living on different continents. We barely see them interact and when we do it is mostly surface level. There was nothing to make me root for them to be together.
I would have enjoyed this more had it been marketed as literary fiction and I wasn't continually waiting for the romance to kick in. I enjoyed the author's writing style. The emotional aspects related to Alex’s brother's illness left me wrecked. I would be interested in trying something else from Kristin Keppler.
Lori Prince did a fantastic job narrating the audiobook! Especially when it came to relaying emotion through her voice. I felt the grief the characters were feeling in her words.
Thank you to Tantor Media and NetGalley. I listened to an advanced listener copy of this audiobook. My opinions are my own.
July 8, 2026
A beautifully written best friend to more romance. Jules and Alex meet and become best friends when they are seven years old. They have traditions together from their formative years. The story follows them from high school graduation till roughly age 25, with an added epilogue. To round out their friend group they have another best friend Chloe, and Alex’s brother Mason.
The story builds slowly with check ins and friendship moments. Both are seeing other people and attending college in different cities. They love each other in the deepest sense of friendship. But a hasty night together has them wondering if they have permanently changed their relationship. If you are someone who is frustrated when two people don’t communicate their feelings, this book will make you crazy, Both assumptions about the other. But they do grow and learn.
The story is emotional and well written. They are characters I will think about after I have closed the cover. Thank you to NetGalley and Bold Stokes Books for the digital copy and I am leaving an honest review.
The story builds slowly with check ins and friendship moments. Both are seeing other people and attending college in different cities. They love each other in the deepest sense of friendship. But a hasty night together has them wondering if they have permanently changed their relationship. If you are someone who is frustrated when two people don’t communicate their feelings, this book will make you crazy, Both assumptions about the other. But they do grow and learn.
The story is emotional and well written. They are characters I will think about after I have closed the cover. Thank you to NetGalley and Bold Stokes Books for the digital copy and I am leaving an honest review.
Review of advance copy received from NetGalley
3.75 ⭐️
Yearning, yearning and more yearning!
All a bit of yearning in my romance books, but holy moly this was a lot! At the start of the book I was a bit worried this is gonna be too young for me (a woman in her late 30s). Whilst this book starts with the characters in their late teens it does span 10 years and most of their 20s. As a result of this they make a lot of mistakes and there is A LOT miscommunication (or lack thereof). Which frankly is quite realistic given what I was like in my 20s. But I didn’t particularly enjoy reading about it and I got very frustrated with both of the FMCs throughout the book. I just wanted to shake them!
That being said there were a lot of important topics covered and deep the emotional life moments that I thought were very well written. The side characters were fantastically written.
As ever Lori Prince was an impeccable narrator and brought all of the different characters to life in a fun & engaging way.
Yearning, yearning and more yearning!
All a bit of yearning in my romance books, but holy moly this was a lot! At the start of the book I was a bit worried this is gonna be too young for me (a woman in her late 30s). Whilst this book starts with the characters in their late teens it does span 10 years and most of their 20s. As a result of this they make a lot of mistakes and there is A LOT miscommunication (or lack thereof). Which frankly is quite realistic given what I was like in my 20s. But I didn’t particularly enjoy reading about it and I got very frustrated with both of the FMCs throughout the book. I just wanted to shake them!
That being said there were a lot of important topics covered and deep the emotional life moments that I thought were very well written. The side characters were fantastically written.
As ever Lori Prince was an impeccable narrator and brought all of the different characters to life in a fun & engaging way.
June 24, 2026
Kepler knows how to tell a story and the narration by Lori Prince brings it to life.
What a rollercoaster ride of a book is this. Even though you see the parking coming from miles away, it takes a lot of heartbreak and heartache, emotional development, bad decisions and time. You could classify this as a slowburn, or childhood romance, coming of age perhaps, I see it more as a tale of fear. Don’t want to ruin what you have, but by trying too hard to remain as you were and are is breaking you. So you run, or you try to fit the mould. Neither works, until you both just give in.
I’ve had laughs and tears with this one, as said it is a rollercoaster, which in my opinion is a good thing. It’s an enjoyable rollercoaster, one I’d happily jump on for another ride. Maybe even a sequel with our mains a little older and settled, instead of the time jumpy last chapters. (That’s this book’s only fault, the time jumps which aren’t always super clear)
What a rollercoaster ride of a book is this. Even though you see the parking coming from miles away, it takes a lot of heartbreak and heartache, emotional development, bad decisions and time. You could classify this as a slowburn, or childhood romance, coming of age perhaps, I see it more as a tale of fear. Don’t want to ruin what you have, but by trying too hard to remain as you were and are is breaking you. So you run, or you try to fit the mould. Neither works, until you both just give in.
I’ve had laughs and tears with this one, as said it is a rollercoaster, which in my opinion is a good thing. It’s an enjoyable rollercoaster, one I’d happily jump on for another ride. Maybe even a sequel with our mains a little older and settled, instead of the time jumpy last chapters. (That’s this book’s only fault, the time jumps which aren’t always super clear)
Review of advance copy received from NetGalley
Interesting book by Keppler, but a good read.
Alex and Jules' were best friends when Alex comes to terms with her feelings for Jules, but Jules takes longer. This is a very, very slow burn and more angsty then I was expecting, but was very well done with the background and character depth with both MC's.
The story takes a long time to develop as it spans years. They have a one night stand according to Jules, which was a bitchy move and Alex is gutted. They try to go back to just being friends, but its not as easy as it sounds. They date others and reconnect eventually, but if they would just talk, it would've been figured out so much sooner. But as this is a YA novel, they are idiots.
Overall, I would recommend this book. I received an ARC from Netgalley in exchange for an honest review.
Alex and Jules' were best friends when Alex comes to terms with her feelings for Jules, but Jules takes longer. This is a very, very slow burn and more angsty then I was expecting, but was very well done with the background and character depth with both MC's.
The story takes a long time to develop as it spans years. They have a one night stand according to Jules, which was a bitchy move and Alex is gutted. They try to go back to just being friends, but its not as easy as it sounds. They date others and reconnect eventually, but if they would just talk, it would've been figured out so much sooner. But as this is a YA novel, they are idiots.
Overall, I would recommend this book. I received an ARC from Netgalley in exchange for an honest review.
July 1, 2026
I enjoy slow burn stories and this one definitely fit the very slow burn with a lack of communication in the lead. Julia, Alex and Chloe are BFFs and as the story unfolds, it is hard not to like the role Chloe assumes. Her character was written in such a way that she floated between Alex and Julia; being there for them. What a strong best friend group. Alex dealing with family stuff and running when things get tough. Julia dealing with Alex running and trying to figure out how to continue their friendship.
At times, the back and forth and lack of communication seems to go on too long but the characters needed time to figure things out and rushing would not have been real. So, a good story dealing with some challenging issues. Really appreciated the parents in this read.
ARC provided by Bold Strokes Books, Inc. via NetGalley.
At times, the back and forth and lack of communication seems to go on too long but the characters needed time to figure things out and rushing would not have been real. So, a good story dealing with some challenging issues. Really appreciated the parents in this read.
ARC provided by Bold Strokes Books, Inc. via NetGalley.
Review of advance copy received from NetGalley
3.5 ⭐️ This is a very slow burn romance. Julia and Alex are best friends from age 7 until 19. When they give in to a one night stand. After that Alex keeps her distance and dates other women. Julia also pulls away and dates another woman and then a guy who she gets engaged to.
I liked both characters but thought the angst lasted too long and that they would have resolved their feelings much earlier. I liked the side characters, especially Alex’s brother Mason. His character was terrific and was the best part of the book for me.
I also felt the ending epilogue was rushed after all the angst in the book. I would have liked to enjoy the happiness longer.
Thanks to BSB and Net Galley for the opportunity to read and review this book.
I liked both characters but thought the angst lasted too long and that they would have resolved their feelings much earlier. I liked the side characters, especially Alex’s brother Mason. His character was terrific and was the best part of the book for me.
I also felt the ending epilogue was rushed after all the angst in the book. I would have liked to enjoy the happiness longer.
Thanks to BSB and Net Galley for the opportunity to read and review this book.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
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