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Hollydene U #1
Things You Weren't Supposed to See: An Emotional College Slow-Burn Romance
They’re mirrors.
They’re opposites.
They represent what the other fears.
Yet, they can’t stay away.
Starting at Hollydene University was supposed to be a fresh start for Kaida a new city, new classes, and a chance to quiet the never-ending noise inside her head. Living with OCD means her thoughts are intrusive, her rituals are exhausting, and her vulnerability is terrifying. So, Kaida keeps everything locked away in her journal, which no one else is meant to read... until she drops it.
Silas Campbell is the last person Kaida expects to find holding her secrets. He is the campus golden boy with a lacrosse scholarship, an effortless smile and a mask perfectly in place. Silas is used to being seen as untouchable. What no one sees are the things he’s learned the hard way. The horrifying truth that pain doesn’t always look like pain.
As late-night conversations blur into something deeper, Kaida finds herself torn between a familiar, unhealthy relationship and the steady presence of someone who stays. But when the walls they built finally crack and trust shatters, she and Silas must decide whether love can survive being truly seen.
Because of its mature themes, this novel is recommended for readers 16+
They’re opposites.
They represent what the other fears.
Yet, they can’t stay away.
Starting at Hollydene University was supposed to be a fresh start for Kaida a new city, new classes, and a chance to quiet the never-ending noise inside her head. Living with OCD means her thoughts are intrusive, her rituals are exhausting, and her vulnerability is terrifying. So, Kaida keeps everything locked away in her journal, which no one else is meant to read... until she drops it.
Silas Campbell is the last person Kaida expects to find holding her secrets. He is the campus golden boy with a lacrosse scholarship, an effortless smile and a mask perfectly in place. Silas is used to being seen as untouchable. What no one sees are the things he’s learned the hard way. The horrifying truth that pain doesn’t always look like pain.
As late-night conversations blur into something deeper, Kaida finds herself torn between a familiar, unhealthy relationship and the steady presence of someone who stays. But when the walls they built finally crack and trust shatters, she and Silas must decide whether love can survive being truly seen.
Because of its mature themes, this novel is recommended for readers 16+
380 pages, Paperback
First published May 5, 2026
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 104 reviews
July 31, 2026
4.75 stars! 🌟🌟🌟🌟
(Spoiler~free)
‘𝐀𝐧𝐝 𝐭𝐡𝐚𝐭'𝐬 𝐰𝐡𝐞𝐧 𝐈 𝐟𝐢𝐧𝐚𝐥𝐥𝐲 𝐮𝐧𝐝𝐞𝐫𝐬𝐭𝐨𝐨𝐝 𝐭𝐡𝐚𝐭 𝐬𝐚𝐯𝐢𝐧𝐠 𝐬𝐨𝐦𝐞𝐨𝐧𝐞 𝐰𝐚𝐬𝐧'𝐭 𝐚𝐛𝐨𝐮𝐭 𝐩𝐮𝐥𝐥𝐢𝐧𝐠 𝐭𝐡𝐞𝐦 𝐨𝐮𝐭 𝐨𝐟 𝐭𝐡𝐞 𝐝𝐚𝐫𝐤𝐧𝐞𝐬𝐬, 𝐢𝐭 𝐰𝐚𝐬 𝐚𝐛𝐨𝐮𝐭 𝐬𝐢𝐭𝐭𝐢𝐧𝐠 𝐛𝐞𝐬𝐢𝐝𝐞 𝐭𝐡𝐞𝐦 𝐚𝐧𝐝 𝐧𝐨𝐭 𝐥𝐞𝐭𝐭𝐢𝐧𝐠 𝐠𝐨.’
⋆˙⟡ ⋆.˚ ⊹₊⟡ ⋆⋆˙⟡ ⋆.˚ ⊹₊⟡ ⋆
Absolutely LOVED this book!!
It was such a slow-burn which is one of my favorite tropes<3❤️🔥
And Silas was such a protecter towards Kaida it was so healing to see their dynamic blossom into something much more🙌🏼
And the OCD representation was done so well AA🥲
There’s nothing I love more than a found family and how all the friends around this story is being set up for the future books🤭
This book is definitely for the people who enjoyed Boys Of Tommen💙🏉😩🫶
Definitely recommend!!
🌟Rating: 4/5
🔥Spice: 0.5/5 (closed door)
📚Age Rating: 16+
(Spoiler~free)
‘𝐀𝐧𝐝 𝐭𝐡𝐚𝐭'𝐬 𝐰𝐡𝐞𝐧 𝐈 𝐟𝐢𝐧𝐚𝐥𝐥𝐲 𝐮𝐧𝐝𝐞𝐫𝐬𝐭𝐨𝐨𝐝 𝐭𝐡𝐚𝐭 𝐬𝐚𝐯𝐢𝐧𝐠 𝐬𝐨𝐦𝐞𝐨𝐧𝐞 𝐰𝐚𝐬𝐧'𝐭 𝐚𝐛𝐨𝐮𝐭 𝐩𝐮𝐥𝐥𝐢𝐧𝐠 𝐭𝐡𝐞𝐦 𝐨𝐮𝐭 𝐨𝐟 𝐭𝐡𝐞 𝐝𝐚𝐫𝐤𝐧𝐞𝐬𝐬, 𝐢𝐭 𝐰𝐚𝐬 𝐚𝐛𝐨𝐮𝐭 𝐬𝐢𝐭𝐭𝐢𝐧𝐠 𝐛𝐞𝐬𝐢𝐝𝐞 𝐭𝐡𝐞𝐦 𝐚𝐧𝐝 𝐧𝐨𝐭 𝐥𝐞𝐭𝐭𝐢𝐧𝐠 𝐠𝐨.’
⋆˙⟡ ⋆.˚ ⊹₊⟡ ⋆⋆˙⟡ ⋆.˚ ⊹₊⟡ ⋆
Absolutely LOVED this book!!
It was such a slow-burn which is one of my favorite tropes<3❤️🔥
And Silas was such a protecter towards Kaida it was so healing to see their dynamic blossom into something much more🙌🏼
And the OCD representation was done so well AA🥲
There’s nothing I love more than a found family and how all the friends around this story is being set up for the future books🤭
This book is definitely for the people who enjoyed Boys Of Tommen💙🏉😩🫶
Definitely recommend!!
🌟Rating: 4/5
🔥Spice: 0.5/5 (closed door)
📚Age Rating: 16+
June 19, 2026
3.75 stars ⭐️
this was a cute slow burn read with very good OCD representation and accurate mental health representation!! i’ll be reading whatever comes next in this series
this was a cute slow burn read with very good OCD representation and accurate mental health representation!! i’ll be reading whatever comes next in this series
March 25, 2026
I genuinely loved this book so much. The grumpy x sunshine trope was done perfectly—Silas being completely in love with her from the moment he saw her had me hooked immediately. It was just so good.
I’m already obsessed with the potential between Joce and Theo—I can totally see something special building there 👀
The mental health representation in this book was handled so thoughtfully, especially the OCD rep—it felt authentic, respectful, and really well done, which I appreciated so much. And the slow burn?? Absolutely worth it. Watching the relationship between Kaida and the rest of the characters develop was one of my favourite parts.
Huge congrats on your debut, Tori McKay—this was such a strong first book, and I can’t wait to see what you write next 💗
Definitely check out this book if you love stories with a strong, meaningful portrayal of mental health.
I’m already obsessed with the potential between Joce and Theo—I can totally see something special building there 👀
The mental health representation in this book was handled so thoughtfully, especially the OCD rep—it felt authentic, respectful, and really well done, which I appreciated so much. And the slow burn?? Absolutely worth it. Watching the relationship between Kaida and the rest of the characters develop was one of my favourite parts.
Huge congrats on your debut, Tori McKay—this was such a strong first book, and I can’t wait to see what you write next 💗
Definitely check out this book if you love stories with a strong, meaningful portrayal of mental health.
July 8, 2026
So this story was a absolute page turner. Loved the setting, the mental health rep and the friendships.
“You're not too much. You're just a lot of detail in a compact package,” she tilted her chin, “like a Polly Pocket.”
Silas was an just a golden retriever MMC who had my heart in just a few pages. Loved that he also had his own struggles.
“No pressure. I just… want you to have a lifeline if it happens.”
Kai our FMC with OCD. Loved her sassy side and the vulnerable moments she had. That piece she wrote for their paper was phenomenal. It just hit in my heart and soul. How she explained all her struggles in her daily life. I do feel like I wanted to see some more of those moments. She had a few hard moments but overall it felt more like a college girl romance without the mental health struggles. Wish we had some more depth on that part. Also the part with Silas and his PTSD.
"Living with OCD feels like being held hostage by your own brain. Like a masked shooter is standing behind your eyes, telling you to do things or something terrible will happen. And they show you proof, images so vivid you don't know if your eyes are open or closed anymore. They tell you if you don't comply, you’ll die. Your friends will die. The house will burn down. You’ll be the reason the world ends. And so, you count. You check. You scrub. You harm. You obey. Because the shooter convinces you that no one survives them."
So this was the slowburn of slowburn. No problem with that because it felt like they needed that time but the ending was a bit rushed in my opinion. Wish we had a few together chapters.
Will recommend this book and looking forward for the second book in the series!
“You're not too much. You're just a lot of detail in a compact package,” she tilted her chin, “like a Polly Pocket.”
Silas was an just a golden retriever MMC who had my heart in just a few pages. Loved that he also had his own struggles.
“No pressure. I just… want you to have a lifeline if it happens.”
Kai our FMC with OCD. Loved her sassy side and the vulnerable moments she had. That piece she wrote for their paper was phenomenal. It just hit in my heart and soul. How she explained all her struggles in her daily life. I do feel like I wanted to see some more of those moments. She had a few hard moments but overall it felt more like a college girl romance without the mental health struggles. Wish we had some more depth on that part. Also the part with Silas and his PTSD.
"Living with OCD feels like being held hostage by your own brain. Like a masked shooter is standing behind your eyes, telling you to do things or something terrible will happen. And they show you proof, images so vivid you don't know if your eyes are open or closed anymore. They tell you if you don't comply, you’ll die. Your friends will die. The house will burn down. You’ll be the reason the world ends. And so, you count. You check. You scrub. You harm. You obey. Because the shooter convinces you that no one survives them."
So this was the slowburn of slowburn. No problem with that because it felt like they needed that time but the ending was a bit rushed in my opinion. Wish we had a few together chapters.
Will recommend this book and looking forward for the second book in the series!
August 8, 2026
⭐️⭐️⭐️3,75!
July 10, 2026
"𝐀𝐧𝐝 𝐭𝐡𝐚𝐭'𝐬 𝐰𝐡𝐞𝐧 𝐈 𝐟𝐢𝐧𝐚𝐥𝐥𝐲 𝐮𝐧𝐝𝐞𝐫𝐬𝐭𝐨𝐨𝐝 𝐭𝐡𝐚𝐭 𝐬𝐚𝐯𝐢𝐧𝐠 𝐬𝐨𝐦𝐞𝐨𝐧𝐞 𝐰𝐚𝐬𝐧'𝐭 𝐚𝐛𝐨𝐮𝐭 𝐩𝐮𝐥𝐥𝐢𝐧𝐠 𝐭𝐡𝐞𝐦 𝐨𝐮𝐭 𝐨𝐟 𝐭𝐡𝐞 𝐝𝐚𝐫𝐤𝐧𝐞𝐬𝐬, 𝐢𝐭 𝐰𝐚𝐬 𝐚𝐛𝐨𝐮𝐭 𝐬𝐢𝐭𝐭𝐢𝐧𝐠 𝐛𝐞𝐬𝐢𝐝𝐞 𝐭𝐡𝐞𝐦 𝐚𝐧𝐝 𝐧𝐨𝐭 𝐥𝐞𝐭𝐭𝐢𝐧𝐠 𝐠𝐨."
╰┈➤SPOILERS AHEAD
𝕥𝕙𝕠𝕦𝕘𝕙𝕥𝕤⋆·˚ ༘ *
theres just something about reading about a mc that feels broken and feels like they dont deserve to be loved and an mc who loves them like breathing, this book is exactly that. I have to say, i loveee the OCD rep in this book, my sis has it and i can say that i was VERRRYYY well written and represented in that way. I do have to say that the ending felt kinda rushed, like my jaw dropped when i realized they kissed for the first time, and then the epilogue was next. I felt like the author could have expanded on what happened afterwards (ive been following the authors journey on tiktok :) but overall, this was a great book!!
𝕔𝕙𝕒𝕣𝕒𝕔𝕥𝕖𝕣*:･ﾟ✧*:･ﾟ
Kai- i loved to see how she slowly lowered her walls around Silas and grew more comfortable with him. I also liked how she didnt hide and was acc really confident at times (but most of it was a mask, i think)i also loved her relationship with her sister Natalie (reminded me of my sis lol). overall, im glad she found Silas in her life and is happy with him now (fuck you miles)
Silas- this man was DOWNN bad the moment he saw Kai (im not that much of a fan on insta love but this one wasnt this bad). he was also very caring with Kai and her OCD, and i loved how understanding he was of her. Those two are perfect for each other, and i cant wait to read about Liliana and Everett!!
╰┈➤SPOILERS AHEAD
𝕥𝕙𝕠𝕦𝕘𝕙𝕥𝕤⋆·˚ ༘ *
theres just something about reading about a mc that feels broken and feels like they dont deserve to be loved and an mc who loves them like breathing, this book is exactly that. I have to say, i loveee the OCD rep in this book, my sis has it and i can say that i was VERRRYYY well written and represented in that way. I do have to say that the ending felt kinda rushed, like my jaw dropped when i realized they kissed for the first time, and then the epilogue was next. I felt like the author could have expanded on what happened afterwards (ive been following the authors journey on tiktok :) but overall, this was a great book!!
𝕔𝕙𝕒𝕣𝕒𝕔𝕥𝕖𝕣*:･ﾟ✧*:･ﾟ
Kai- i loved to see how she slowly lowered her walls around Silas and grew more comfortable with him. I also liked how she didnt hide and was acc really confident at times (but most of it was a mask, i think)i also loved her relationship with her sister Natalie (reminded me of my sis lol). overall, im glad she found Silas in her life and is happy with him now (fuck you miles)
Silas- this man was DOWNN bad the moment he saw Kai (im not that much of a fan on insta love but this one wasnt this bad). he was also very caring with Kai and her OCD, and i loved how understanding he was of her. Those two are perfect for each other, and i cant wait to read about Liliana and Everett!!
August 8, 2026
4 ☆ !!!
this book was super cute and i loved the mental health rep in it! this was very much a slow burn but i still ate it up. don’t get me wrong i love the nickname sunshine but i swear at one point silas said it like 4 times in one sentence and i kinda got the ick lol.
anyway this was a great debut novel!!
this book was super cute and i loved the mental health rep in it! this was very much a slow burn but i still ate it up. don’t get me wrong i love the nickname sunshine but i swear at one point silas said it like 4 times in one sentence and i kinda got the ick lol.
anyway this was a great debut novel!!
July 30, 2026
2.75 ⭐️
August 14, 2026
This would have been an automatic five if it weren't for the constant nickname "sunshine". I've never had an issue with pet names, but for a YA book, this felt a bit off and slightly unsettling.
May 6, 2026
This is the first romance book I’ve read where the OCD is depicted so accurately! Such a raw and real portrayal that made me feel so seen. The slow burn was intense, and I kept waiting for Silas and Kai to finally admit their feelings, and when it finally happened it was so sweet and so them!
June 16, 2026
I love Silas so much and I was so scared for him at the ending because I thought he wouldn't get forgiven. I can't wait to find out more about Liliana.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
June 16, 2026
4.75 stars !!
June 26, 2026
Ending was rushed but the burn was slow so so good!!
June 30, 2026
This book was really sweet love Silas, he’s such a little cutie, really easy to read.
Review of advance copy received from Author
Holy crap…. I loved this book SO much. First of all congratulations to Tori on her debut novel! It was BEAUTIFUL!
This is a slowwwwww burn no spice book. The first no spice romance I’ve ever read. It was filled with so much heartache and cute moments that I didn’t even miss the spice. I totally could have read another 150 pages of Silas and Kaida <3 Kaida feeling like she’s consumed by her own thoughts is so relatable to me. I highlighted so many things because I just felt seen when reading about Kaidas struggles. There are some deep self harm scenes in this book so please be aware. I will say those were some of the most emotional moments for me as I related to them.
How on earth did Tori make me fall inlove with Silas and Kaida AND hbe excited for every single side characters stories, all in like 375 pages?! Not only was the relationship between the FMC and MMC so heartwarming but the friend group over all was so good. I need more scenes with Kaida and Ev and Kaida and Theo!!! So cute. I love Kaidas relationship with her sister and the relationship between Silas, Joce and Ev!!
This is an on campus college romance. Kaida gives black cat energy and Silas is her Golden Retriever 😭 MY FAV. He’s protective, and respectful. Most of the mental health is focused on Kaida but there are things that make you realize that Silas suffers too just not in the way we would think.
I cannot wait for this book to release officially so I can have a physical copy on my shelf. I’m also SO excited for the rest of the Hollydene U books. You NEED to read this book!! I’ve been in a reading slump all of March this is literally my first 5 star read this month.
If you’re looking for a found family, emotionally heart-wrenching but also heartwarming college romance, THIS IS IT! Her debut novel was this good I cannot imagine how the rest of the series will be! It’s officially on my most anticipated reads because now I need to know what happens with Ev, Liliana, Joce and Theo. And you know what I hope Nat gets a story too because I feel like there’s got to be more to Nats story. Ahh such a good book 😭❤️
This is a slowwwwww burn no spice book. The first no spice romance I’ve ever read. It was filled with so much heartache and cute moments that I didn’t even miss the spice. I totally could have read another 150 pages of Silas and Kaida <3 Kaida feeling like she’s consumed by her own thoughts is so relatable to me. I highlighted so many things because I just felt seen when reading about Kaidas struggles. There are some deep self harm scenes in this book so please be aware. I will say those were some of the most emotional moments for me as I related to them.
How on earth did Tori make me fall inlove with Silas and Kaida AND hbe excited for every single side characters stories, all in like 375 pages?! Not only was the relationship between the FMC and MMC so heartwarming but the friend group over all was so good. I need more scenes with Kaida and Ev and Kaida and Theo!!! So cute. I love Kaidas relationship with her sister and the relationship between Silas, Joce and Ev!!
This is an on campus college romance. Kaida gives black cat energy and Silas is her Golden Retriever 😭 MY FAV. He’s protective, and respectful. Most of the mental health is focused on Kaida but there are things that make you realize that Silas suffers too just not in the way we would think.
I cannot wait for this book to release officially so I can have a physical copy on my shelf. I’m also SO excited for the rest of the Hollydene U books. You NEED to read this book!! I’ve been in a reading slump all of March this is literally my first 5 star read this month.
If you’re looking for a found family, emotionally heart-wrenching but also heartwarming college romance, THIS IS IT! Her debut novel was this good I cannot imagine how the rest of the series will be! It’s officially on my most anticipated reads because now I need to know what happens with Ev, Liliana, Joce and Theo. And you know what I hope Nat gets a story too because I feel like there’s got to be more to Nats story. Ahh such a good book 😭❤️
Review of advance copy received from Author
ARC REVIEW - ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
Release date: May 5th 2026
I was lucky enough to get an ARC read of “Things You Weren’t Supposed to See by Tori McKay HER DEBUT NOVEL and let me tell you…
I have no thoughts. THIS BOOK HAS ALTERED MY BRAIN CHEMISTRY. I am in love with Silas and Kaida, the friendship they shared and the banter between them 😫 before they EVEN decided to be friends I CAN’T. The writing was incredible to say the least and the representation of OCD and the struggle that comes with it was depicted so perfectly it tore me apart.
Don’t even get me started on the found family. The way everyone is there for each other without words even needing to be said. They can stay in complete silence and have an entire conversation through thoughts and emotions. Solely relying on their presence alone. This is friendship I pray for!!
I cannot wait to learn more about EVERY single character and get their story because at this point it is a need.
If you are looking for a very emotional dual POV story with slow burn, OCD, PTSD and trauma rep, found family, forced proximity, uni sports romance this book is FOR you.
I HIGHLY recommend this book to everyone looking for the feeling you get when you read about Boys of Tommen by Chloe Walsh. This book had the ability to put me back into that kind of world and I couldn’t have asked for a better place to be. Thank you Tori and CONGRATULATIONS on your first novel! Can’t wait to stick by you as you continue to amaze me with your writing!!!
Mini Blurb:
This story follows Kaida at Hollydene University, hoping distance will quiet the intrusive thoughts that come with her OCD. She keeps her struggles hidden, pouring everything into a journal no one is meant to see. Silas is the school’s golden boy, a lacrosse star who seems untouchable, but beneath his carefully crafted image are wounds no one notices. When he stumbles upon Kaida’s private thoughts, their lives unexpectedly intertwine. Kaida is caught between the pull of a toxic past and the comfort of someone who chooses to stay. Will love endure when everything is out in the open?
Release date: May 5th 2026
I was lucky enough to get an ARC read of “Things You Weren’t Supposed to See by Tori McKay HER DEBUT NOVEL and let me tell you…
I have no thoughts. THIS BOOK HAS ALTERED MY BRAIN CHEMISTRY. I am in love with Silas and Kaida, the friendship they shared and the banter between them 😫 before they EVEN decided to be friends I CAN’T. The writing was incredible to say the least and the representation of OCD and the struggle that comes with it was depicted so perfectly it tore me apart.
Don’t even get me started on the found family. The way everyone is there for each other without words even needing to be said. They can stay in complete silence and have an entire conversation through thoughts and emotions. Solely relying on their presence alone. This is friendship I pray for!!
I cannot wait to learn more about EVERY single character and get their story because at this point it is a need.
If you are looking for a very emotional dual POV story with slow burn, OCD, PTSD and trauma rep, found family, forced proximity, uni sports romance this book is FOR you.
I HIGHLY recommend this book to everyone looking for the feeling you get when you read about Boys of Tommen by Chloe Walsh. This book had the ability to put me back into that kind of world and I couldn’t have asked for a better place to be. Thank you Tori and CONGRATULATIONS on your first novel! Can’t wait to stick by you as you continue to amaze me with your writing!!!
Mini Blurb:
This story follows Kaida at Hollydene University, hoping distance will quiet the intrusive thoughts that come with her OCD. She keeps her struggles hidden, pouring everything into a journal no one is meant to see. Silas is the school’s golden boy, a lacrosse star who seems untouchable, but beneath his carefully crafted image are wounds no one notices. When he stumbles upon Kaida’s private thoughts, their lives unexpectedly intertwine. Kaida is caught between the pull of a toxic past and the comfort of someone who chooses to stay. Will love endure when everything is out in the open?
April 9, 2026
Review of advanced reader copy!
⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️/5
Fav quote:
“Suddenly, I felt too close to him, too exposed.
I needed to leave. But then he looked up at me, his eyes filled with sorrow, and whispered,”I don’t want to be your villain.”
First I wanna thank the author for giving me an advance copy, I am so glad i get to do this and support small author! I really believe you will become big very quickly!
The book is amazing! I have no words so Im gonna have to do my best to express how much i ADORE this book.
I have never read a book so well written, and even my fav authors can’t compare (im not joking😭).
First, the characters. Every, and when i say EVERY character has a story with a depth that can only represent real life, because let’s face it, life is not all fun, and everyone has something going on and a story that made them who they are. Silas would do anything to protect Kaida because he can’t forgive himself. Lilianne is ready to step up as soon as Kaïda needs her to. She was a real badass, but still had a soft and vulnerable spot. Kaïda is lucky enough to have friends and family always there for her, and she is NEVER alone in her darkest moments.
The OCD representation is amazing. I don’t know anyone that has it, but this made me understand that it is not just obsessive cleaning and germophobia. I love when authors represent issues as they are, because I can learn about it, because like Silas said, it is nothing like the articles.
The tropes are so well executed! The enemies to lovers, that is not just “oh they are rivals and they flirt from the start”. Kaida really hates him. And don’t get me started on the grumpy x sunshine trope.
Anyways sorry for the long review but this book is a MUST READ!
Tropes:
Sunshine x grumpy
Forced proximity
Enemies/rivals to lovers
MMC sportplayer
“He was sunshine I was midnight rain” kinda vibe
⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️/5
Fav quote:
“Suddenly, I felt too close to him, too exposed.
I needed to leave. But then he looked up at me, his eyes filled with sorrow, and whispered,”I don’t want to be your villain.”
First I wanna thank the author for giving me an advance copy, I am so glad i get to do this and support small author! I really believe you will become big very quickly!
The book is amazing! I have no words so Im gonna have to do my best to express how much i ADORE this book.
I have never read a book so well written, and even my fav authors can’t compare (im not joking😭).
First, the characters. Every, and when i say EVERY character has a story with a depth that can only represent real life, because let’s face it, life is not all fun, and everyone has something going on and a story that made them who they are. Silas would do anything to protect Kaida because he can’t forgive himself. Lilianne is ready to step up as soon as Kaïda needs her to. She was a real badass, but still had a soft and vulnerable spot. Kaïda is lucky enough to have friends and family always there for her, and she is NEVER alone in her darkest moments.
The OCD representation is amazing. I don’t know anyone that has it, but this made me understand that it is not just obsessive cleaning and germophobia. I love when authors represent issues as they are, because I can learn about it, because like Silas said, it is nothing like the articles.
The tropes are so well executed! The enemies to lovers, that is not just “oh they are rivals and they flirt from the start”. Kaida really hates him. And don’t get me started on the grumpy x sunshine trope.
Anyways sorry for the long review but this book is a MUST READ!
Tropes:
Sunshine x grumpy
Forced proximity
Enemies/rivals to lovers
MMC sportplayer
“He was sunshine I was midnight rain” kinda vibe
Read
April 13, 2026ARC REVIEW:)
this was such an emotional read and i really did enjoy it 🥹 Kaida’s struggles with OCD felt so raw and vulnerable and you could tell a lot of care went into writing her mental health journey. there were so many moments where my heart was genuinely hurting for her.
Silas was SUCH a sweet love interest and i loved how supportive and patient he was with Kaida. watching their relationship develop was so freaking cute and i was rooting for them the whole time. i also loved that Silas had his own emotional depth and struggles instead of just being there to “save” her.
the storyline with his twin sister added another really emotional layer to the book too and made everything feel even more impactful.
there were a few moments where i wanted certain scenes/chapters to be a little more fleshed out because i felt like some things moved on a bit quicker than i wanted them to, BUT overall the emotional side of this story kept me invested and made me want to keep reading.
overall this was a heartfelt college romance with emotional mental health rep, sweet slow burn romance, and characters i really enjoyed following 💗 congrats to Tori McKay on your debut novel 🥹🫶🏻
so excited to see what comes next x
this was such an emotional read and i really did enjoy it 🥹 Kaida’s struggles with OCD felt so raw and vulnerable and you could tell a lot of care went into writing her mental health journey. there were so many moments where my heart was genuinely hurting for her.
Silas was SUCH a sweet love interest and i loved how supportive and patient he was with Kaida. watching their relationship develop was so freaking cute and i was rooting for them the whole time. i also loved that Silas had his own emotional depth and struggles instead of just being there to “save” her.
the storyline with his twin sister added another really emotional layer to the book too and made everything feel even more impactful.
there were a few moments where i wanted certain scenes/chapters to be a little more fleshed out because i felt like some things moved on a bit quicker than i wanted them to, BUT overall the emotional side of this story kept me invested and made me want to keep reading.
overall this was a heartfelt college romance with emotional mental health rep, sweet slow burn romance, and characters i really enjoyed following 💗 congrats to Tori McKay on your debut novel 🥹🫶🏻
so excited to see what comes next x
July 8, 2026
Okay… this book had me stressed, emotional, and yelling at my Kindle.
Things You Weren’t Supposed to See was so much more than just a college romance. I went in expecting cute moments and a slow burn, but I did NOT expect how emotional Kaida’s story would be. Watching her struggle with everything she keeps locked away, especially the things she thinks nobody could understand, broke my heart.
And Silas… He was honestly the biggest surprise for me. The way he finds Kaida’s journal and instead of judging her, he tries to understand her? The patience he has with her and the way he slowly proves that she’s safe with him made me love him so much.
Small spoiler… Miles had me FUMING. The way he treated Kaida and how much damage he caused while she was already struggling made me so angry. Seeing Kaida finally realize she deserved better and watching Silas show up for her was such a satisfying part of the book.
The ending had me stressed because I genuinely thought Silas might not get the forgiveness he deserved after everything came out. But seeing the characters finally be honest about their pain and start healing was everything.
Things You Weren’t Supposed to See was so much more than just a college romance. I went in expecting cute moments and a slow burn, but I did NOT expect how emotional Kaida’s story would be. Watching her struggle with everything she keeps locked away, especially the things she thinks nobody could understand, broke my heart.
And Silas… He was honestly the biggest surprise for me. The way he finds Kaida’s journal and instead of judging her, he tries to understand her? The patience he has with her and the way he slowly proves that she’s safe with him made me love him so much.
Small spoiler… Miles had me FUMING. The way he treated Kaida and how much damage he caused while she was already struggling made me so angry. Seeing Kaida finally realize she deserved better and watching Silas show up for her was such a satisfying part of the book.
The ending had me stressed because I genuinely thought Silas might not get the forgiveness he deserved after everything came out. But seeing the characters finally be honest about their pain and start healing was everything.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
July 31, 2026
If you struggle with understanding OCD this book is a great way to learn from a fictional character. Kaida’s story is so impactful for those with any level of OCD and Silas’s story is a great way to understand how you could support someone that struggles with OCD.
As someone who struggles with OCD (specifically ruminating thoughts, magical thinking, and learning to sit with the uncomfortableness that comes with trying to work through the compulsion)
In chapter 48 and with as little spoilers as possible Kaida has the thought “He came back because you changed your shampoo. If you had just gone out and bought your shampoo instead of being lazy none of this would have happened.”
I have never felt so seen in a characters thought process than that exact quote. While my journey with OCD doesn’t look exactly like Kaida’s it’s important to remind ourselves that our experience and story still matter. Reading Kaida’s self reflection towards the end of the book was also so refreshing to read. Books like these not only bring awareness to this disorder but they also help those with the disorder just as much.
As someone who struggles with OCD (specifically ruminating thoughts, magical thinking, and learning to sit with the uncomfortableness that comes with trying to work through the compulsion)
In chapter 48 and with as little spoilers as possible Kaida has the thought “He came back because you changed your shampoo. If you had just gone out and bought your shampoo instead of being lazy none of this would have happened.”
I have never felt so seen in a characters thought process than that exact quote. While my journey with OCD doesn’t look exactly like Kaida’s it’s important to remind ourselves that our experience and story still matter. Reading Kaida’s self reflection towards the end of the book was also so refreshing to read. Books like these not only bring awareness to this disorder but they also help those with the disorder just as much.
Review of advance copy received from Author
This book quite literally had me on a chokehold. The trope grumpy x sunshine was shown in such a meaningful way, also they way Slias knew it was love at first sight and remembered things Kaida said she loved was just so adorable.
The slow burn was so necessary in order to show to true effects of how Kaida had to deal with mental health and how Silas led her through the darkness. The mental health representation for OCD was demonstrated so well by expanding on the darker themes rather than the common symptoms that are overlooked.
The character development throughout the book was just so amazing and adorable (including Liliana and Everett, I also sensed some of Jose and Theo??). The way Silas always knew and slowly hinted to Kaida was everything I needed.
Congratulations Tori McKay on writing your first book. The book was amazingly written, and for this to be your debut I am so grateful to have been an ARC reader and I am more than thrilled to see what happens for you in the future!! ❤️
I would 10/10 recommendations reading “Things You Weren’t Meant To See” as everything shown is demonstrated in the best way possible.
The slow burn was so necessary in order to show to true effects of how Kaida had to deal with mental health and how Silas led her through the darkness. The mental health representation for OCD was demonstrated so well by expanding on the darker themes rather than the common symptoms that are overlooked.
The character development throughout the book was just so amazing and adorable (including Liliana and Everett, I also sensed some of Jose and Theo??). The way Silas always knew and slowly hinted to Kaida was everything I needed.
Congratulations Tori McKay on writing your first book. The book was amazingly written, and for this to be your debut I am so grateful to have been an ARC reader and I am more than thrilled to see what happens for you in the future!! ❤️
I would 10/10 recommendations reading “Things You Weren’t Meant To See” as everything shown is demonstrated in the best way possible.
April 21, 2026
Congratulations to Tori McKay on an impressive debut! Things You Weren’t Supposed To See is a solid 4-star read!
If you’re craving a slow-burn college sports romance with "behind closed doors" heat and meaningful mental health representation, add this to your TBR.
The story follows Kaida and Silas, dorm neighbors whose journey begins with an "enemies to lovers" spark that beautifully evolves into "friends to lovers."
The OCD representation for Kaida was perfectly executed, it’s a central part of her journey and handled with such care. Silas is the ultimate golden retriever MMC; despite his own trauma, he is incredibly patient and soft with Kaida, even when she tries to push him away. Swoon 🥹
Seeing Kaida’s character development as she learns to trust and build a "found family" in college was so heartwarming 🫰🏽
Tropes:
✨ Grumpy x Sunshine
✨ Slow Burn
✨ Found Family
✨ Mental Health Rep
✨ Sports Romance
If you’re craving a slow-burn college sports romance with "behind closed doors" heat and meaningful mental health representation, add this to your TBR.
The story follows Kaida and Silas, dorm neighbors whose journey begins with an "enemies to lovers" spark that beautifully evolves into "friends to lovers."
The OCD representation for Kaida was perfectly executed, it’s a central part of her journey and handled with such care. Silas is the ultimate golden retriever MMC; despite his own trauma, he is incredibly patient and soft with Kaida, even when she tries to push him away. Swoon 🥹
Seeing Kaida’s character development as she learns to trust and build a "found family" in college was so heartwarming 🫰🏽
Tropes:
✨ Grumpy x Sunshine
✨ Slow Burn
✨ Found Family
✨ Mental Health Rep
✨ Sports Romance
Review of advance copy received from Author
I finished reading The Thing You Weren’t Supposed to See by Tori McKay and I need to say this—I absolutely LOVED your book.
Silas?? Easily my favorite. The things he did, the way he carried himself… I was completely sold on him. And Miles… wow. You made me switch up on him SO fast it actually shocked me. I’m not even exaggerating when I say I hate him with all my life 😭
Your book made me feel everything—like actually everything. And that’s so rare, especially from a newer author. The emotions felt so real and intense, and I was fully invested the entire time.
I also really loved your writing style. It flowed so naturally and made everything hit even harder. And Kai? So relatable. I saw parts of myself in her, which made the story even more personal.
I genuinely cannot wait for the next books. If this is just the beginning, I already know the rest are going to be amazing.
Silas?? Easily my favorite. The things he did, the way he carried himself… I was completely sold on him. And Miles… wow. You made me switch up on him SO fast it actually shocked me. I’m not even exaggerating when I say I hate him with all my life 😭
Your book made me feel everything—like actually everything. And that’s so rare, especially from a newer author. The emotions felt so real and intense, and I was fully invested the entire time.
I also really loved your writing style. It flowed so naturally and made everything hit even harder. And Kai? So relatable. I saw parts of myself in her, which made the story even more personal.
I genuinely cannot wait for the next books. If this is just the beginning, I already know the rest are going to be amazing.
May 16, 2026
Good! I love a debut novel for an author. &&&&& I loveee a Canadian local based book! Loved reading all the details of hometown Canada. Super cute loved that!
For the actual book, I thought the depiction of OCD had some gaps. I felt like the Kaida described her OCD to be an all consuming disorder that took up every fold of her brain, but when push came to shove she lived a pretty normal life. It seemed like OCD was sprinkled to add depth not to portray what living with the illness does to a person.
Silas lacked some depth. Fell into the cliche of the mmc being nothing but in love with the fmc which is fine! But that made his chapters a bit dull and repetitive.
Overall I enjoyed the book, it was a nice, easy read. Definitely had an intense moment, that was dealt with in an odd manner but other than that it was good.
For the actual book, I thought the depiction of OCD had some gaps. I felt like the Kaida described her OCD to be an all consuming disorder that took up every fold of her brain, but when push came to shove she lived a pretty normal life. It seemed like OCD was sprinkled to add depth not to portray what living with the illness does to a person.
Silas lacked some depth. Fell into the cliche of the mmc being nothing but in love with the fmc which is fine! But that made his chapters a bit dull and repetitive.
Overall I enjoyed the book, it was a nice, easy read. Definitely had an intense moment, that was dealt with in an odd manner but other than that it was good.
Review of advance copy received from Author
This book was literally everything, Silas and Kaida were everything.
Everything about this book was so well written, I didn’t want to put it down, it brought me out of my biggest reading slump yet.
I love how OCD is explained and portrayed here, it truly makes you understand what it feels like, when you look at it from kaida’s point of view.
I’ve been waiting for this book for a while and it truly did not disappoint, it was everything I wanted it to be starting from the character to the plot!!!
I also want to congratulate Tori McKay for a successful debut!! (Pls write more books for me to read, you definitely have a spot in my favorite authors now💞💞💞)
Definitely recommend this book to everyone who loves slow burn and grumpyXsunshine tropes.
Everything about this book was so well written, I didn’t want to put it down, it brought me out of my biggest reading slump yet.
I love how OCD is explained and portrayed here, it truly makes you understand what it feels like, when you look at it from kaida’s point of view.
I’ve been waiting for this book for a while and it truly did not disappoint, it was everything I wanted it to be starting from the character to the plot!!!
I also want to congratulate Tori McKay for a successful debut!! (Pls write more books for me to read, you definitely have a spot in my favorite authors now💞💞💞)
Definitely recommend this book to everyone who loves slow burn and grumpyXsunshine tropes.
June 27, 2026
2⭐️ snooze for me sorry. It was very YA and not dynamic at all. I wasn’t a fan of the authors writing style nor the plot really. There was potential but it didn’t live up to my imagination.
Kaida is an incoming college freshman with OCD and Silas is also a freshman (lacrosse player) moving in across the hall from her. Kaida has trauma with lacrosse players for spreading nudes of her in HS and just so happens to be Silas’s playing number #34??? (That was hardly touched on). But he finds her journal and then befriends her and basically falls so deeply in love with her and tries to be there for her during every episode she has and also her break up. He’s very patient (props king) so veryyyyyy slow burn. Like kiss in the last chapter slow burn lmfao.
Kaida is an incoming college freshman with OCD and Silas is also a freshman (lacrosse player) moving in across the hall from her. Kaida has trauma with lacrosse players for spreading nudes of her in HS and just so happens to be Silas’s playing number #34??? (That was hardly touched on). But he finds her journal and then befriends her and basically falls so deeply in love with her and tries to be there for her during every episode she has and also her break up. He’s very patient (props king) so veryyyyyy slow burn. Like kiss in the last chapter slow burn lmfao.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
May 21, 2026
This was SO interesting. We have some OCD rep in this ‘college sports romance’ (there is almost 0 sports rep)
FMC Kaida doesn’t trust boys in jerseys, has OCD, and a VERY attached boyfriend.
MMC Silas is scared of not seeing what's right in front of him again after “The Day”. Immediately, he sees Kaida as his second chance. Oh and he’s a boy in a jersey.
There’s some weird icks here and some pretty great wins. I absolutely got trapped by an Instagram Reel that showed me one scene in this book and I was sold. I do think this is a series of really monumental scenes with a lot of things in between that dont really calculate.
FMC Kaida doesn’t trust boys in jerseys, has OCD, and a VERY attached boyfriend.
MMC Silas is scared of not seeing what's right in front of him again after “The Day”. Immediately, he sees Kaida as his second chance. Oh and he’s a boy in a jersey.
There’s some weird icks here and some pretty great wins. I absolutely got trapped by an Instagram Reel that showed me one scene in this book and I was sold. I do think this is a series of really monumental scenes with a lot of things in between that dont really calculate.
July 10, 2026
This book was a solid read overall. I loved the representation of OCD; the author did a really good job showing how obsessive compulsive disorder can affect daily life. In my opinion, the pacing wasn’t the strongest. There were several moments where the story jumped ahead a week or two, and I occasionally lost track of the timeline. Additionally I didn’t love how the ending felt rushed, it would have been a nice to see a few more scenes of the main characters together in the end. Also, the book was very cheesy at times, to the point where I got second hand embarrassment. Despite those minor flaws, I still enjoyed the story overall.
August 12, 2026
it was so well written, The Letter Kai wrote about OCD was very touching and made you really understand that there is more to it when people think its a small little thing! they both have such great development throuout the story. when Silas took Kai her to go get chicken nuggets because of the habit with his sister was so touching. because even he has a hard time. i loved this book, if your looking for a good book with a slow burn, collage love story, a good mental health rep and dont mind some foul language , this is def for you! do read the trigger warning, some subjects may be triggering for some readers.
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