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The Way We Used to Be
After walking away from her soul-sucking corporate job, Amara Singleton is finally chasing the dream she’s held since childhood—opening a boutique dedicated to her own plus-size clothing designs.
There’s just one problem.
The only storefront she can afford is falling apart and is in desperate need of renovations.
When she unfortunately runs into Theo Sinclair, her childhood best friend—and first love—who disappeared from her life without a trace eight years ago, he makes her an offer she can’t afford to refuse. He’ll renovate the boutique for free… if she gives their friendship another chance.
Working side by side forces them back into the easy rhythm they once shared, and the more time Amara spends with Theo, the harder it becomes to ignore the feelings she never truly left behind.
She finds out Theo’s been carrying a life-altering secret for eight years—one that could destroy the fragile second chance they’re building. Now Amara must decide if some wounds are too deep to heal…or if love is worth the risk of breaking her heart all over again.
There’s just one problem.
The only storefront she can afford is falling apart and is in desperate need of renovations.
When she unfortunately runs into Theo Sinclair, her childhood best friend—and first love—who disappeared from her life without a trace eight years ago, he makes her an offer she can’t afford to refuse. He’ll renovate the boutique for free… if she gives their friendship another chance.
Working side by side forces them back into the easy rhythm they once shared, and the more time Amara spends with Theo, the harder it becomes to ignore the feelings she never truly left behind.
She finds out Theo’s been carrying a life-altering secret for eight years—one that could destroy the fragile second chance they’re building. Now Amara must decide if some wounds are too deep to heal…or if love is worth the risk of breaking her heart all over again.
- GenresRomance
308 pages, Kindle Edition
Published August 15, 2026
About the author
Amarie Wheeler
3 books11 followersAmarie is a Black contemporary romance author based out of Cincinnati, Ohio. She loves writing about underrepresented characters following their dreams and receiving the love they deserve. When she isn’t writing, she loves reading other author’s love stories, hand making candles, and spending quality time with loved ones.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 46 reviews
June 22, 2026
3⭐️
Y’all, I really thought this was about to be a 4 or 5 star read for me. A plus-size Black FMC, Black characters, and friends-to-lovers? That’s literally the type of book I pick up on purpose. I was so excited to start this one.
The thing is, I didn’t hate it. It wasn’t bad at all. I just ended up feeling more annoyed than invested most of the time.
My biggest issue was honestly the FMC. I understood why she felt the way she did, but after a while she started getting on my nerves. I felt like she spent so much of the book stuck on what happened in the past, and it started to feel repetitive. I get that he hurt her feelings and disappearing for years was messed up, but at some point I was just like, girl, we get it.
I also felt like she was constantly self-sabotaging. Every time things seemed to be moving in the right direction, she’d start doubting everything or convincing herself it wasn’t going to work out. I understood where it was coming from, but it got frustrating to read after a while.
As for the romance, this didn’t really feel like a true friends-to-lovers book to me. Technically they’re childhood friends, but they spend years apart without speaking. When they reconnect, it felt more like she’d been carrying around this huge crush on him the entire time than two friends slowly realizing they have feelings for each other. Maybe that’s just me, but it never gave me the friends-to-lovers feeling that I usually love.
And because we’re in her POV, it honestly felt like she liked him way more than he liked her. I know that’s probably not actually true, but that’s how it came across while reading. She was thinking about him constantly and it started feeling less like friendship turning into love and more like she’d been obsessed with this man for years.
I also wasn’t super invested in the conflict. The reason they stopped talking for so long felt kind of random to me, and while I understood why both of them were hurt, I never felt as emotionally attached to that storyline as I think I was supposed to. A lot of the book kept circling back to the same issue, and eventually I just wanted everyone to move on.
That being said, I don’t think this was a bad book at all. There were definitely some cute moments, and I can see why other readers would enjoy it more than I did. It was a quick, fluffy read, and I appreciated seeing a plus-size Black FMC at the center of the story.
Overall, this was a solid 3-star read for me. Not terrible, not amazing, just okay. I went into this expecting a friends-to-lovers romance that I would absolutely love, and unfortunately it just didn’t hit the way I wanted it to.
Y’all, I really thought this was about to be a 4 or 5 star read for me. A plus-size Black FMC, Black characters, and friends-to-lovers? That’s literally the type of book I pick up on purpose. I was so excited to start this one.
The thing is, I didn’t hate it. It wasn’t bad at all. I just ended up feeling more annoyed than invested most of the time.
My biggest issue was honestly the FMC. I understood why she felt the way she did, but after a while she started getting on my nerves. I felt like she spent so much of the book stuck on what happened in the past, and it started to feel repetitive. I get that he hurt her feelings and disappearing for years was messed up, but at some point I was just like, girl, we get it.
I also felt like she was constantly self-sabotaging. Every time things seemed to be moving in the right direction, she’d start doubting everything or convincing herself it wasn’t going to work out. I understood where it was coming from, but it got frustrating to read after a while.
As for the romance, this didn’t really feel like a true friends-to-lovers book to me. Technically they’re childhood friends, but they spend years apart without speaking. When they reconnect, it felt more like she’d been carrying around this huge crush on him the entire time than two friends slowly realizing they have feelings for each other. Maybe that’s just me, but it never gave me the friends-to-lovers feeling that I usually love.
And because we’re in her POV, it honestly felt like she liked him way more than he liked her. I know that’s probably not actually true, but that’s how it came across while reading. She was thinking about him constantly and it started feeling less like friendship turning into love and more like she’d been obsessed with this man for years.
I also wasn’t super invested in the conflict. The reason they stopped talking for so long felt kind of random to me, and while I understood why both of them were hurt, I never felt as emotionally attached to that storyline as I think I was supposed to. A lot of the book kept circling back to the same issue, and eventually I just wanted everyone to move on.
That being said, I don’t think this was a bad book at all. There were definitely some cute moments, and I can see why other readers would enjoy it more than I did. It was a quick, fluffy read, and I appreciated seeing a plus-size Black FMC at the center of the story.
Overall, this was a solid 3-star read for me. Not terrible, not amazing, just okay. I went into this expecting a friends-to-lovers romance that I would absolutely love, and unfortunately it just didn’t hit the way I wanted it to.
September 14, 2026
I would DIE for Amara and Theo!!
Second-chance romances can be very hit or miss for me, but this one absolutely knocked it out of the park. From the moment Amara and Theo reconnect in the present, I was completely sucked into their love story and couldn’t stop reading, needing to know what had originally torn them apart.
Amarie Wheeler lands the plane perfectly, delivering all the angst, longing, and emotional payoff I could have asked for. Through it all, I was rooting so hard for these characters, especially Amara, as she fights to make her dreams a reality.
I loved this one so much. Amara and Theo have my whole heart.
Second-chance romances can be very hit or miss for me, but this one absolutely knocked it out of the park. From the moment Amara and Theo reconnect in the present, I was completely sucked into their love story and couldn’t stop reading, needing to know what had originally torn them apart.
Amarie Wheeler lands the plane perfectly, delivering all the angst, longing, and emotional payoff I could have asked for. Through it all, I was rooting so hard for these characters, especially Amara, as she fights to make her dreams a reality.
I loved this one so much. Amara and Theo have my whole heart.
August 30, 2026
Thank you so much to the author for the e-ARC!
This book was literally so fun to me. I love a FMC who’s kinda prickly but everyone loves her anyways! This story follows Amara who’s never been always to quite get over her first love Theo, and has spent the better part of almost a decade avoiding him (which wasn’t that hard because he moved away LOL). But when Theo returns, they both must face what’s been eating away at their friendship, their feelings towards each other and the awkward place they both reside. I feel like Theo was such a yearner and wasn’t at all like Amara’s overthinking self was making him out to be. He was working double time to get past all of Amara’s defense mechanisms while also staying true to his truths.
I liked this story enough. It gives like light fluffy palette cleanser, despite having some heavier drama happen to the characters off page and in the past. I think this is the authors first book, and I’d def pick up whatever she writes next.
This book was literally so fun to me. I love a FMC who’s kinda prickly but everyone loves her anyways! This story follows Amara who’s never been always to quite get over her first love Theo, and has spent the better part of almost a decade avoiding him (which wasn’t that hard because he moved away LOL). But when Theo returns, they both must face what’s been eating away at their friendship, their feelings towards each other and the awkward place they both reside. I feel like Theo was such a yearner and wasn’t at all like Amara’s overthinking self was making him out to be. He was working double time to get past all of Amara’s defense mechanisms while also staying true to his truths.
I liked this story enough. It gives like light fluffy palette cleanser, despite having some heavier drama happen to the characters off page and in the past. I think this is the authors first book, and I’d def pick up whatever she writes next.
September 1, 2026
🧵❤️ Rebuilding More Than What They Left Behind ❤️🧵
⭐⭐⭐⭐ 4 Stars | 🌶️🌶️ 2 Chili Peppers
The Way We Used To Be was such a sweet and heartfelt debut from Amarie Wheeler, and I always love discovering a new author and getting the opportunity to be part of their journey from the beginning. You can feel how much heart went into Amara and Theo's story, and I really enjoyed watching these two rebuild something they had both lost eight years ago.
But before I even get to Theo, I need to talk about Amara.
Because I was rooting for this woman almost immediately. ❤️
Amara Singleton is a plus-size Black woman who has finally had enough of being exploited, underappreciated, and underemployed in her corporate accounting career. She's spent years giving a company far more than she's received in return, and there were pieces of that frustration that really resonated with me as a woman who understands corporate life.
There is also another layer to Amara's experience as a Black woman navigating a professional environment where even more emotional and literal labor can be expected of her while her contributions remain undervalued.
So when she finally decides she's DONE and chooses to chase the dream she's had since childhood?
I was cheering.
Amara has already been designing and selling plus-size clothing as a side passion, and now she's ready to turn that passion into an actual boutique. I loved that her dream isn't simply about owning a business. She wants to create beautiful clothing that allows people of different body types to feel confident and seen.
The only problem is that the storefront she can afford needs... basically everything. 😂
Finding a contractor who can turn the rundown space into the boutique she's imagining without destroying her budget proves almost impossible. Then her mom recommends someone.
And Amara walks into the building to discover Theo Sinclair.
Her childhood best friend.
Her first love.
And the man who broke her heart and disappeared from her life eight years ago without saying goodbye.
AWKWARD. 😂
Amara confessed her feelings to Theo after high school and walked away believing he didn't feel the same. Then he vanished, leaving her with both the pain of rejection and the much deeper wound of being abandoned by the person who had once been her closest friend.
Eight years later, she's never completely gotten over either one.
Theo offers to renovate her boutique for free if Amara pays for the materials, but what he really wants is another chance at their friendship. I loved that he doesn't simply show up expecting her to forget everything and fall into his arms. He knows he has to earn his way back into her life.
And renovating a boutique together turns out to be a particularly effective way to rediscover some unresolved feelings. 😂🔨❤️
Their progression felt less like traditional second chance and more like childhood best friends to heartbreak to strangers to friends again to lovers, and I really enjoyed watching those familiar pieces of their friendship gradually return.
Theo still calls her Mari. They still have that natural connection underneath all the hurt. And the more time they spend together, the harder it becomes to pretend that what happened eight years ago erased everything they once meant to each other.
But Amara needs answers.
I was completely prepared to be angry with Theo when the truth about his disappearance finally came out. Instead, the reason surprised me and gave his side of their history much more depth than I expected. I won't spoil what happened, but this wasn't simply a man running away because he was afraid of his feelings.
And Theo definitely had some feelings. 👀
Watching him put in the work to rebuild Amara's trust was one of my favorite parts. Their reconciliation isn't instant. They have eight years of hurt, misunderstandings, assumptions, and missing pieces to work through before they can really move forward.
Amara's struggle with abandonment and self-worth also gave her journey more emotional weight. She's spent years comparing other men to Theo while simultaneously carrying this quiet belief that if the person who knew her best could leave, maybe she wasn't someone worth staying for.
That broke my heart.
Because so much of Amara's story is really about learning to believe that she deserves good things.
She deserves to chase the career that fulfills her.
She deserves to build the boutique she's dreamed about.
She deserves to feel confident in her body.
She deserves happiness.
And she deserves a love that chooses her and stays.
I loved the body positivity woven throughout the story and how Amara's fashion designs reflect her desire to help people feel beautiful rather than telling them their bodies need to change first.
There were times when Amara's back-and-forth over Theo and their past became a little repetitive for me, particularly after some of the misunderstandings had finally been explained. I completely understood why trusting him again was difficult, but there were moments when I wanted her to stop letting eight years ago dictate everything happening right in front of her.
Then again, apparently stubbornness and unresolved feelings are excellent ingredients for a slow burn. 😂
And Theo? Golden-retriever energy, devoted to Mari, and good with his hands?
Putting that man in charge of renovations feels slightly unfair to Amara. 😂🔥
Beyond the romance, I also enjoyed the supporting characters and would have happily spent more time with Mo and Alec. There seems to be plenty of room to return to this world, and I would definitely be interested if Amarie Wheeler decides to do exactly that.
What I ultimately loved about The Way We Used To Be was the hope running underneath Amara's story.
Hope that it's not too late to chase the dream you've kept pushing aside.
Hope that someone else's decision to leave doesn't determine your worth.
Hope that old wounds can heal when you're finally willing to understand what actually happened.
And hope that you don't have to settle for less simply because you've convinced yourself that asking for more is too much.
There was also something beautifully fitting about watching Amara and Theo renovate that old storefront while rebuilding their relationship at the same time. They couldn't simply return to the way they used to be.
Too much had happened.
They had to clear out the damage, confront what had been left broken, and decide what was worth rebuilding into something new. ❤️
A lovely debut filled with second chances, body positivity, healing, friendship, dreams worth chasing, and a heroine learning to believe she is worthy of every good thing she's worked so hard to create.
I'm excited to see where Amarie Wheeler's author journey takes her next. 🧵❤️
Thank you to Amarie Wheeler for the gifted advanced reader copy. All thoughts and opinions are my own.
⭐⭐⭐⭐ 4 Stars | 🌶️🌶️ 2 Chili Peppers
The Way We Used To Be was such a sweet and heartfelt debut from Amarie Wheeler, and I always love discovering a new author and getting the opportunity to be part of their journey from the beginning. You can feel how much heart went into Amara and Theo's story, and I really enjoyed watching these two rebuild something they had both lost eight years ago.
But before I even get to Theo, I need to talk about Amara.
Because I was rooting for this woman almost immediately. ❤️
Amara Singleton is a plus-size Black woman who has finally had enough of being exploited, underappreciated, and underemployed in her corporate accounting career. She's spent years giving a company far more than she's received in return, and there were pieces of that frustration that really resonated with me as a woman who understands corporate life.
There is also another layer to Amara's experience as a Black woman navigating a professional environment where even more emotional and literal labor can be expected of her while her contributions remain undervalued.
So when she finally decides she's DONE and chooses to chase the dream she's had since childhood?
I was cheering.
Amara has already been designing and selling plus-size clothing as a side passion, and now she's ready to turn that passion into an actual boutique. I loved that her dream isn't simply about owning a business. She wants to create beautiful clothing that allows people of different body types to feel confident and seen.
The only problem is that the storefront she can afford needs... basically everything. 😂
Finding a contractor who can turn the rundown space into the boutique she's imagining without destroying her budget proves almost impossible. Then her mom recommends someone.
And Amara walks into the building to discover Theo Sinclair.
Her childhood best friend.
Her first love.
And the man who broke her heart and disappeared from her life eight years ago without saying goodbye.
AWKWARD. 😂
Amara confessed her feelings to Theo after high school and walked away believing he didn't feel the same. Then he vanished, leaving her with both the pain of rejection and the much deeper wound of being abandoned by the person who had once been her closest friend.
Eight years later, she's never completely gotten over either one.
Theo offers to renovate her boutique for free if Amara pays for the materials, but what he really wants is another chance at their friendship. I loved that he doesn't simply show up expecting her to forget everything and fall into his arms. He knows he has to earn his way back into her life.
And renovating a boutique together turns out to be a particularly effective way to rediscover some unresolved feelings. 😂🔨❤️
Their progression felt less like traditional second chance and more like childhood best friends to heartbreak to strangers to friends again to lovers, and I really enjoyed watching those familiar pieces of their friendship gradually return.
Theo still calls her Mari. They still have that natural connection underneath all the hurt. And the more time they spend together, the harder it becomes to pretend that what happened eight years ago erased everything they once meant to each other.
But Amara needs answers.
I was completely prepared to be angry with Theo when the truth about his disappearance finally came out. Instead, the reason surprised me and gave his side of their history much more depth than I expected. I won't spoil what happened, but this wasn't simply a man running away because he was afraid of his feelings.
And Theo definitely had some feelings. 👀
Watching him put in the work to rebuild Amara's trust was one of my favorite parts. Their reconciliation isn't instant. They have eight years of hurt, misunderstandings, assumptions, and missing pieces to work through before they can really move forward.
Amara's struggle with abandonment and self-worth also gave her journey more emotional weight. She's spent years comparing other men to Theo while simultaneously carrying this quiet belief that if the person who knew her best could leave, maybe she wasn't someone worth staying for.
That broke my heart.
Because so much of Amara's story is really about learning to believe that she deserves good things.
She deserves to chase the career that fulfills her.
She deserves to build the boutique she's dreamed about.
She deserves to feel confident in her body.
She deserves happiness.
And she deserves a love that chooses her and stays.
I loved the body positivity woven throughout the story and how Amara's fashion designs reflect her desire to help people feel beautiful rather than telling them their bodies need to change first.
There were times when Amara's back-and-forth over Theo and their past became a little repetitive for me, particularly after some of the misunderstandings had finally been explained. I completely understood why trusting him again was difficult, but there were moments when I wanted her to stop letting eight years ago dictate everything happening right in front of her.
Then again, apparently stubbornness and unresolved feelings are excellent ingredients for a slow burn. 😂
And Theo? Golden-retriever energy, devoted to Mari, and good with his hands?
Putting that man in charge of renovations feels slightly unfair to Amara. 😂🔥
Beyond the romance, I also enjoyed the supporting characters and would have happily spent more time with Mo and Alec. There seems to be plenty of room to return to this world, and I would definitely be interested if Amarie Wheeler decides to do exactly that.
What I ultimately loved about The Way We Used To Be was the hope running underneath Amara's story.
Hope that it's not too late to chase the dream you've kept pushing aside.
Hope that someone else's decision to leave doesn't determine your worth.
Hope that old wounds can heal when you're finally willing to understand what actually happened.
And hope that you don't have to settle for less simply because you've convinced yourself that asking for more is too much.
There was also something beautifully fitting about watching Amara and Theo renovate that old storefront while rebuilding their relationship at the same time. They couldn't simply return to the way they used to be.
Too much had happened.
They had to clear out the damage, confront what had been left broken, and decide what was worth rebuilding into something new. ❤️
A lovely debut filled with second chances, body positivity, healing, friendship, dreams worth chasing, and a heroine learning to believe she is worthy of every good thing she's worked so hard to create.
I'm excited to see where Amarie Wheeler's author journey takes her next. 🧵❤️
Thank you to Amarie Wheeler for the gifted advanced reader copy. All thoughts and opinions are my own.
August 19, 2026
I received an advanced copy of the book from the author and these are my own thoughts.
This was a sweet debut novel from the author. I always love finding new authors and getting to be apart of their author journey as a reader and supporter.
This story features Amara, a plus size Black women who leaves her job as an accoutant at the after she becomes tired of being exploited and under appreciated and under employed by her company - which, ya, that resonates as a woman in corporate life, adding on the Black representation in Amara to that dynamic really emphasizes the disparity in literal and emotional labor Black women hold in corporate workspaces. I was rooting for Amara from the moment she decided to leave and chase her dreams and passions an open a plus size boutique to sell her clothes that was already making and selling as a side passion. Amara has also had a complicated history with dating, she has not found her person yet and seems to be have a bit of a hold up from a past experience, almost like the one who got away...
When Amara finds the only brick and mortar storefront she can afford, she goes on the search for a contractor who can take the old office space that is falling apart and transform it into her vision, and stay within her budget, which proves to be a challenge. Her mom suggests a contractor she knows and Amara agrees to meet with them and gets the surprise of her life when she finds Theo standing in the space - the contractor she is set to meet up with.
Theo offers to complete the work for free as long as she pays for the materials as a gesture to his friend whom he shares a complicated history. Amara is very hesitant given their history and, perhaps most importantly, he broke her heart several years ago and then disappeared on her. Something she's never forgotten and, frankly, has not gotten over either. The embarrassment and pain she felt all those years ago comes rushing back and she's trying to work through it and attempt to give Theo the chance to earn her trust back.
These two are complicated but ultimately both end up healing and growing together as they work to refurbish the future space for Amara's boutique. Amara, or Mari, as Theo calls her, battles her long-time feelings for Theo and her hurt, perhaps a bit stubbornly, once she learns more about why Theo had to leave all those years ago.
This one is about unrequited love, second chances, healing, growth, chasing your dreams, and letting yourself receive all the good things in life because you know and believe you deserve them. You are worthy of love and happiness.
I thought this was a lovely debut from the author, you can tell she put a lot of herself into this story, and I can't wait to see what she writes next and how her writing evolves and grows.
What to expect:
- unrequited love
- second chance romance
- childhood friends to lovers
- Plus size FMC
- mental health rep
- slow burn
- mutual pining
- neurodivergent representation
Rating: 3.5/5 (bumping up to 4 stars on GR)
Spice: 2/5
This was a sweet debut novel from the author. I always love finding new authors and getting to be apart of their author journey as a reader and supporter.
This story features Amara, a plus size Black women who leaves her job as an accoutant at the after she becomes tired of being exploited and under appreciated and under employed by her company - which, ya, that resonates as a woman in corporate life, adding on the Black representation in Amara to that dynamic really emphasizes the disparity in literal and emotional labor Black women hold in corporate workspaces. I was rooting for Amara from the moment she decided to leave and chase her dreams and passions an open a plus size boutique to sell her clothes that was already making and selling as a side passion. Amara has also had a complicated history with dating, she has not found her person yet and seems to be have a bit of a hold up from a past experience, almost like the one who got away...
When Amara finds the only brick and mortar storefront she can afford, she goes on the search for a contractor who can take the old office space that is falling apart and transform it into her vision, and stay within her budget, which proves to be a challenge. Her mom suggests a contractor she knows and Amara agrees to meet with them and gets the surprise of her life when she finds Theo standing in the space - the contractor she is set to meet up with.
Theo offers to complete the work for free as long as she pays for the materials as a gesture to his friend whom he shares a complicated history. Amara is very hesitant given their history and, perhaps most importantly, he broke her heart several years ago and then disappeared on her. Something she's never forgotten and, frankly, has not gotten over either. The embarrassment and pain she felt all those years ago comes rushing back and she's trying to work through it and attempt to give Theo the chance to earn her trust back.
These two are complicated but ultimately both end up healing and growing together as they work to refurbish the future space for Amara's boutique. Amara, or Mari, as Theo calls her, battles her long-time feelings for Theo and her hurt, perhaps a bit stubbornly, once she learns more about why Theo had to leave all those years ago.
This one is about unrequited love, second chances, healing, growth, chasing your dreams, and letting yourself receive all the good things in life because you know and believe you deserve them. You are worthy of love and happiness.
I thought this was a lovely debut from the author, you can tell she put a lot of herself into this story, and I can't wait to see what she writes next and how her writing evolves and grows.
What to expect:
- unrequited love
- second chance romance
- childhood friends to lovers
- Plus size FMC
- mental health rep
- slow burn
- mutual pining
- neurodivergent representation
Rating: 3.5/5 (bumping up to 4 stars on GR)
Spice: 2/5
Review of advance copy received from Author
THE WAY WE USED TO BE: AMARIE WHEELER (SPOLIER REVIEW)
I really wished I liked this, but alas... here are my notes before DNFing at 26%:
- Fast paced introduction, short chapters. We immediately learn of Amara's desire/ current life as an accountant, but there isn't much build up to the life changing decisions she makes: opening up her own clothing boutique. She is fired from her job. and within one paragraph, makes the decision to begin her business.
While I do think the steps are logical, the sequence lacks an emotional pay off as we don't get to Amara think or plan out anything, rather, we skip all the way to end where she is already touring places to buy. This is also a bit strange, given that she has recently been let go and is having to budget off her savings. It's not specified how much she has, but it would help make things feel more coherent.
- It is told to us that Amara is an overthinker, but her actions do not show that whatsoever (see the opening above). She doesn't get reassurance for her decisions or ask anyone for their opinion before risking outcomes.
- There are many sequences that I find feeling rushed through, not allowing the character nor the audience to deeply feel their emotions. I wouldn't mind longer chapters either with less telling, and more attention to detail and craft.
- The reason for the character's rift is relatable only until it is all fully explained in chapter 11 out of 45, killing all tension the plot had to keep me reading. Amara claims she has too much pride to reach out after her failed love confession to Theo, and even after eight years, refuses to be mature and put it behind her. It's really funny how she makes "rules" for her and Theo's interactions, one of them was to "put everything in the past" despite Amara being the only avoidant and rude one after all these years. I have no idea how Theo still managed to put up with how irritated she always was. It became almost silly, when all of it could've been squared away in a phone call years ago.
- If I am honest, the fmc seems to be a self-insert of the author, which would make sense as to why such unseriousness seeps into the writing.
- With that being said, I do not think I'll be finishing this book, and I have only made it 26% through. The writing is easy to understand and read through, but for an adult romance, does not feel very mature or stylistic. A pretty underwhelming and frustrating read.
I really wished I liked this, but alas... here are my notes before DNFing at 26%:
- Fast paced introduction, short chapters. We immediately learn of Amara's desire/ current life as an accountant, but there isn't much build up to the life changing decisions she makes: opening up her own clothing boutique. She is fired from her job. and within one paragraph, makes the decision to begin her business.
While I do think the steps are logical, the sequence lacks an emotional pay off as we don't get to Amara think or plan out anything, rather, we skip all the way to end where she is already touring places to buy. This is also a bit strange, given that she has recently been let go and is having to budget off her savings. It's not specified how much she has, but it would help make things feel more coherent.
- It is told to us that Amara is an overthinker, but her actions do not show that whatsoever (see the opening above). She doesn't get reassurance for her decisions or ask anyone for their opinion before risking outcomes.
- There are many sequences that I find feeling rushed through, not allowing the character nor the audience to deeply feel their emotions. I wouldn't mind longer chapters either with less telling, and more attention to detail and craft.
- The reason for the character's rift is relatable only until it is all fully explained in chapter 11 out of 45, killing all tension the plot had to keep me reading. Amara claims she has too much pride to reach out after her failed love confession to Theo, and even after eight years, refuses to be mature and put it behind her. It's really funny how she makes "rules" for her and Theo's interactions, one of them was to "put everything in the past" despite Amara being the only avoidant and rude one after all these years. I have no idea how Theo still managed to put up with how irritated she always was. It became almost silly, when all of it could've been squared away in a phone call years ago.
- If I am honest, the fmc seems to be a self-insert of the author, which would make sense as to why such unseriousness seeps into the writing.
- With that being said, I do not think I'll be finishing this book, and I have only made it 26% through. The writing is easy to understand and read through, but for an adult romance, does not feel very mature or stylistic. A pretty underwhelming and frustrating read.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
Review of advance copy received from Author
Book: The Way We Used To Be
Author: Amarie Wheeler
Publication Date: August 15, 2026
The Way We Used To Be is a second-chance romance featuring Amara Singleton, a woman who’s never been able to get over having her heart broken by her childhood best friend. After high school graduation, she got the courage to tell him how she felt, and he didn’t return her feelings. Then, he left without saying goodbye and disappeared for years.
When she bumps (literally) into him after a bad date, things get off to a rock start. Suddenly, everywhere she turns, Theo Sinclair is there, and all those old feelings haven’t gone away.
I know some people aren’t fans of second-chance romances, but this one is excellent. I was absolutely hooked by Amara and Theo. Theo isn’t some random jerk who fled because he got scared he’d lose his best friend if he dated her. I won’t say more on that, but Theo’s story was unexpected and compelling.
There’s so much heart here. I love Amara’s passion and how she uses her fashion design talents to help people of all body types look great. This book is filled with body positivity, which is a wonderful message.
Since I try to avoid any major spoilers, I think what’s most important about this book is how I felt reading it. It was like being hugged by your best friend. It was an effortless read that had me scrolling continuously to find out what happened next. It was relatable, because who among us hasn’t had a broken heart and wondered if we’d ever get over it?
And seeing Amara and Theo together had me rooting for them, although I completely understood the complicated feelings and fears that had Amara twisted in knots.
For me, this was a heartfelt and fun read. I loved the extended cast. I loved the subplots that pushed Theo and Amara together. And I loved seeing Amara thrive.
At the risk of being slightly spoilerish, some obvious subtext in The Way We Used To Be may be:
a) love your body, and
b) hear someone out so you have the facts.
But I think there’s another message that’s woven into this story: hope. There’s hope for you to make your dreams reality, hope for you to succeed,and to have the kind of love you desire… as long as you don’t settle for less along the way.
Source:
I received a review copy from the author and read the pre-published version. This review is voluntary and opinions are my own.
Author: Amarie Wheeler
Publication Date: August 15, 2026
The Way We Used To Be is a second-chance romance featuring Amara Singleton, a woman who’s never been able to get over having her heart broken by her childhood best friend. After high school graduation, she got the courage to tell him how she felt, and he didn’t return her feelings. Then, he left without saying goodbye and disappeared for years.
When she bumps (literally) into him after a bad date, things get off to a rock start. Suddenly, everywhere she turns, Theo Sinclair is there, and all those old feelings haven’t gone away.
I know some people aren’t fans of second-chance romances, but this one is excellent. I was absolutely hooked by Amara and Theo. Theo isn’t some random jerk who fled because he got scared he’d lose his best friend if he dated her. I won’t say more on that, but Theo’s story was unexpected and compelling.
There’s so much heart here. I love Amara’s passion and how she uses her fashion design talents to help people of all body types look great. This book is filled with body positivity, which is a wonderful message.
Since I try to avoid any major spoilers, I think what’s most important about this book is how I felt reading it. It was like being hugged by your best friend. It was an effortless read that had me scrolling continuously to find out what happened next. It was relatable, because who among us hasn’t had a broken heart and wondered if we’d ever get over it?
And seeing Amara and Theo together had me rooting for them, although I completely understood the complicated feelings and fears that had Amara twisted in knots.
For me, this was a heartfelt and fun read. I loved the extended cast. I loved the subplots that pushed Theo and Amara together. And I loved seeing Amara thrive.
At the risk of being slightly spoilerish, some obvious subtext in The Way We Used To Be may be:
a) love your body, and
b) hear someone out so you have the facts.
But I think there’s another message that’s woven into this story: hope. There’s hope for you to make your dreams reality, hope for you to succeed,and to have the kind of love you desire… as long as you don’t settle for less along the way.
Source:
I received a review copy from the author and read the pre-published version. This review is voluntary and opinions are my own.
August 31, 2026
This is my 2nd book by Amarie and I enjoyed it just as much as the first. Friends-to-lovers is one of my favorite tropes so I was excited to read about Amara & Theo.
I love the autism & ADHD representation in the MC and the fact that she was plus-sized and it was an integral part of her character without making it ‘her entire personality’. I also love that Theo was neurotypical and didn’t seem to struggle with understanding her needs (minus the miscommunication, which I will get to in a sec).
Theo was just amazing. No notes. His mom was also a pleasant character to experience. I liked the plot of him being a contractor/artist and being about to express how he ‘SEES’ her through his architecture and portrait skills.
Now Amara, girl, I too am a neurospicy girl but the constant miscommunication trope was so hard to deal with from a character over 21😭 I do, however, recognize as someone who is neurodivergent, it really does feel like the end of the world to express yourself and it does impact relationships negatively, so I believe that’s what the author was conveying with her annoying communication style. With that being said, I still couldn’t stand her most of the time, I’m sorry😂
I also feel like her love interest (forgot his name) was so incredibly irrelevant to the plot and his presence didn’t pull anything from her or challenge her as a character, so he could’ve been left out in my opinion.
I also think the central conflict behind them not being together is was sooooo childish! granted, she was a child when it occurred, but girl you’re grown now. He didn’t even reject you FORREAL. & how does that justify the drama you’re giving nowwwww??! He was more patient than I woulda been, but that’s why I’m not a book boyfriend lol. They had no reason to go THAT long without speaking & then when they got reintroduced, that shoulda been the first convo, not grinding on him in the club😭
Either way, this was a fun, light read and so easy to blow through.
Thank you so much Amarie for allowing my to receive this ARC for my honest review. I can’t wait to read what you come out with next!
I love the autism & ADHD representation in the MC and the fact that she was plus-sized and it was an integral part of her character without making it ‘her entire personality’. I also love that Theo was neurotypical and didn’t seem to struggle with understanding her needs (minus the miscommunication, which I will get to in a sec).
Theo was just amazing. No notes. His mom was also a pleasant character to experience. I liked the plot of him being a contractor/artist and being about to express how he ‘SEES’ her through his architecture and portrait skills.
Now Amara, girl, I too am a neurospicy girl but the constant miscommunication trope was so hard to deal with from a character over 21😭 I do, however, recognize as someone who is neurodivergent, it really does feel like the end of the world to express yourself and it does impact relationships negatively, so I believe that’s what the author was conveying with her annoying communication style. With that being said, I still couldn’t stand her most of the time, I’m sorry😂
I also feel like her love interest (forgot his name) was so incredibly irrelevant to the plot and his presence didn’t pull anything from her or challenge her as a character, so he could’ve been left out in my opinion.
I also think the central conflict behind them not being together is was sooooo childish! granted, she was a child when it occurred, but girl you’re grown now. He didn’t even reject you FORREAL. & how does that justify the drama you’re giving nowwwww??! He was more patient than I woulda been, but that’s why I’m not a book boyfriend lol. They had no reason to go THAT long without speaking & then when they got reintroduced, that shoulda been the first convo, not grinding on him in the club😭
Either way, this was a fun, light read and so easy to blow through.
Thank you so much Amarie for allowing my to receive this ARC for my honest review. I can’t wait to read what you come out with next!
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
Review of advance copy received from Author
The Way We Used To Be was a friends to lovers, second chance romance about former high school best friends, Amara and Theo. Amara was reluctant to let Theo back into her life when he shows back up after breaking her heart when he ghosted her for 12 years. When his mother sets them to have Theo be the new contractor for Amara’s new plus size boutique, she’s far from ecstatic about having to see him so often. Her anxiety stemming from heartbreak and rejection makes it hard for her to open up so her dating life is struggling, but she can’t shake old feelings of Theo starting to resurface. I won’t lie, Amara was extremely frustrating at times, but Theo was so patient with her. Even in moments where I felt Theo was owed more grace when he reveals the secret to while he really left, he was still patient with Amara’s reactions. While I understand the reason why she was so hurt, I also I felt like Amara was a little selfish and really holding onto a feeling that was caused by an action out of Theo’s control. Also, her anxiety caused her to make situations that weren’t about her, something for her to stress over. As someone with anxiety I completely understand that because it’s something I can’t control all the time either.
Amara needed someone with Theo’s level of patience, adoration and willingness to understand her. I appreciated how much he just let her be herself. Anxiety shows up differently for everyone, and it truly makes us feel hard to love at times. His art show dedicated to her was one of my favorite moments. This was a nuanced love story that had some real, reflective moments, and I look forward to reading more from Amarie. Thank you to Amarie Wheeler for this BookFunnel ARC!
Amara needed someone with Theo’s level of patience, adoration and willingness to understand her. I appreciated how much he just let her be herself. Anxiety shows up differently for everyone, and it truly makes us feel hard to love at times. His art show dedicated to her was one of my favorite moments. This was a nuanced love story that had some real, reflective moments, and I look forward to reading more from Amarie. Thank you to Amarie Wheeler for this BookFunnel ARC!
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
Review of advance copy received from Author
The Way We Used to Be is a debut from indie author Amarie Wheeler, pitched as a childhood friends to lovers romance. Perfect for readers who like:
-Friends to lovers
-Slow burn
-Forced Proximity
-Neurodivergent rep
-Mental health rep
-Strong female friendships
-She falls first, he falls harder
It follows plus-size business woman Amara as she works toward opening a plus-size fashion boutique. She's thrown off-course when her childhood best friend Theo, who she hasn't seen or spoken to in eight years, suddenly shows back up in her life.
The premise of this novel is a lot of fun, and overall I think the execution did it justice. It's the slowest of burns. I loved seeing a plus-sized FMC. This book was so body positive!! Amara's anxiety and neurodivergence were also written very well and handled with care. And Theo? Oh boy. As Amara constantly says, that man is FINE.
Throughout the story, Amara grapples with abandonment and commitment issues, anxiety, and self-worth. I would say a better description of this story would be friends to strangers back to friends to lovers. Amara and Theo have eight years of catching up to do, and a lot of history they have to unpack with each other over the pain their separation caused. The reader ponders the same question Amara does through the novel: Why did Theo suddenly go no-contact for eight years without saying goodbye? I was fully prepared to be mad at him when the reason was revealed, but he actually gets a pass on this one. It was a nice and unexpected twist to their story.
Amara has to confront her feelings of abandonment and worthiness--she's spent eight years comparing every man she's dated to the one who disappeared on her, and yet because he disappeared on her, she can't trust that she's someone worth staying for. Theo has to put in a lot of work to earn back her trust, which I really loved. It wasn't an easy reconciliation; Theo and Amara both had to do the work to open themselves up again, which included confronting what happened between them and apologizing for their roles in it.
Overall, this was an easy, quick read. It's a really sweet story, and I'd put the spicy rating at two peppers (low spice; there are scenes but they aren't graphic). I would have loved to see more of Amara friend Mo and Theo's friend Alec on the page, but it feels nicely set up for a sequel if Amarie decides to return to this world.
-Friends to lovers
-Slow burn
-Forced Proximity
-Neurodivergent rep
-Mental health rep
-Strong female friendships
-She falls first, he falls harder
It follows plus-size business woman Amara as she works toward opening a plus-size fashion boutique. She's thrown off-course when her childhood best friend Theo, who she hasn't seen or spoken to in eight years, suddenly shows back up in her life.
The premise of this novel is a lot of fun, and overall I think the execution did it justice. It's the slowest of burns. I loved seeing a plus-sized FMC. This book was so body positive!! Amara's anxiety and neurodivergence were also written very well and handled with care. And Theo? Oh boy. As Amara constantly says, that man is FINE.
Throughout the story, Amara grapples with abandonment and commitment issues, anxiety, and self-worth. I would say a better description of this story would be friends to strangers back to friends to lovers. Amara and Theo have eight years of catching up to do, and a lot of history they have to unpack with each other over the pain their separation caused. The reader ponders the same question Amara does through the novel: Why did Theo suddenly go no-contact for eight years without saying goodbye? I was fully prepared to be mad at him when the reason was revealed, but he actually gets a pass on this one. It was a nice and unexpected twist to their story.
Amara has to confront her feelings of abandonment and worthiness--she's spent eight years comparing every man she's dated to the one who disappeared on her, and yet because he disappeared on her, she can't trust that she's someone worth staying for. Theo has to put in a lot of work to earn back her trust, which I really loved. It wasn't an easy reconciliation; Theo and Amara both had to do the work to open themselves up again, which included confronting what happened between them and apologizing for their roles in it.
Overall, this was an easy, quick read. It's a really sweet story, and I'd put the spicy rating at two peppers (low spice; there are scenes but they aren't graphic). I would have loved to see more of Amara friend Mo and Theo's friend Alec on the page, but it feels nicely set up for a sequel if Amarie decides to return to this world.
Review of advance copy received from Author
I received this book as an ARC, and honestly, I was sold from the start—Black, plus-size FMC, friends-to-lovers, neurodivergent rep? I’m in.
Mari and Theo were best friends growing up until a falling out changed everything. They went eight years without speaking until she unexpectedly sees him again in public. From there, they end up working together, and Theo slowly tries to rebuild what they lost.
I’m a yearning girl, and let me tell you—the tension and longing were definitely there. That slow rebuild of connection? Loved it.
That said, I really wish this had been dual POV. I needed to be inside Theo’s head. There were moments—like Chapter 24, when he’s talking about someone he cares about—where his perspective would have added so much depth. I wanted to fully understand what he was thinking and feeling.
I also didn’t expect the reason behind their eight-year silence—it caught me off guard in a good way. Theo was incredibly sweet, and his lines?? Yeah… they hit:
“You have me, all of me, Amara.”
“But I don’t think I have you.”
That emotional vulnerability really landed.
Amara’s self-doubt also felt very real. When you’ve been hurt, it’s so easy to second-guess everything—even something good. That part of her journey was relatable and well done.
Overall, this was a tension-filled, emotional friends-to-lovers romance with strong representation. With dual POV, it easily could’ve been an even higher rating for me.
Mari and Theo were best friends growing up until a falling out changed everything. They went eight years without speaking until she unexpectedly sees him again in public. From there, they end up working together, and Theo slowly tries to rebuild what they lost.
I’m a yearning girl, and let me tell you—the tension and longing were definitely there. That slow rebuild of connection? Loved it.
That said, I really wish this had been dual POV. I needed to be inside Theo’s head. There were moments—like Chapter 24, when he’s talking about someone he cares about—where his perspective would have added so much depth. I wanted to fully understand what he was thinking and feeling.
I also didn’t expect the reason behind their eight-year silence—it caught me off guard in a good way. Theo was incredibly sweet, and his lines?? Yeah… they hit:
“You have me, all of me, Amara.”
“But I don’t think I have you.”
That emotional vulnerability really landed.
Amara’s self-doubt also felt very real. When you’ve been hurt, it’s so easy to second-guess everything—even something good. That part of her journey was relatable and well done.
Overall, this was a tension-filled, emotional friends-to-lovers romance with strong representation. With dual POV, it easily could’ve been an even higher rating for me.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
Review of advance copy received from Author
The plot for this story gave me a lot of hope for a cutesy friends to lovers story but kind of fell flat for me.
Our FMC Amara is preparing to open her own boutique when she reunites with her former friend/crush Theo, our MC, whom she had a falling out with 8 years prior. He persuades Amara to give him the chance to mend their friendship while renovating her boutique for free.
- The whole reason for their falling out didn’t seem like enough for how angry/irritated she is with him. We also find out pretty early why they fell out so that anticipation is kind of gone by chapter 11. After that it’s a lot of her being annoyed and avoiding Theo and there’s no type of conversation really to resolve this until chapter 28 which is 60% into the story. There’s a little bit of an unexpected reason in addition to the FMCs side but I do wish they’d had that conversation earlier so we could see more of them together thriving as a couple.
- Even though the whole premise of the story was Theo helping her out while they try to rekindle their friendship, I feel like more time was spent with Amara avoiding him, being annoyed by him and just not letting go of the past even though thats what she claimed she wanted to do. Every time they made steps towards a resolution she’d go back to ignoring him.
Overall still a pretty good story. Curious to see if her best friend Mo will get a story in the future as well.
Thank you to the author for the opportunity to read this story!
Our FMC Amara is preparing to open her own boutique when she reunites with her former friend/crush Theo, our MC, whom she had a falling out with 8 years prior. He persuades Amara to give him the chance to mend their friendship while renovating her boutique for free.
- The whole reason for their falling out didn’t seem like enough for how angry/irritated she is with him. We also find out pretty early why they fell out so that anticipation is kind of gone by chapter 11. After that it’s a lot of her being annoyed and avoiding Theo and there’s no type of conversation really to resolve this until chapter 28 which is 60% into the story. There’s a little bit of an unexpected reason in addition to the FMCs side but I do wish they’d had that conversation earlier so we could see more of them together thriving as a couple.
- Even though the whole premise of the story was Theo helping her out while they try to rekindle their friendship, I feel like more time was spent with Amara avoiding him, being annoyed by him and just not letting go of the past even though thats what she claimed she wanted to do. Every time they made steps towards a resolution she’d go back to ignoring him.
Overall still a pretty good story. Curious to see if her best friend Mo will get a story in the future as well.
Thank you to the author for the opportunity to read this story!
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
September 28, 2026
This was a sweet, quick-reading friends to lovers small town romance. Our neurodiverse FMC leaves her unsatisfying corporate job to open her dream plus-sized fashion boutique. Unfortunately the only storefront she can afford is run down and needs extensive renovations. Our cinnamon roll MMC, her former best friend that she hasn’t spoken to in 8 years, comes back to town and offers to renovate her shop for free if she is open to rekindling their friendship. A sweet, low heat, high longing love story ensues.
The author did a good job of showing how the FMCs neurodiversity and anxiety impacted her relationships, both platonic and romantic. Despite their being minimal spice, the longing is there. If you like a slow burn book, you’ll enjoy that aspect of this book.
I didn’t like how author explained why the MMC stayed away for 8 years. That seemed a bit outlandish. She could have explained the absence in ways that were more rooted in realism. That part of the book felt very random to me. And there is only closed door spice here, so if you are looking for something more explicit, you won’t find it here.
Overall this was a sweet, feel-good friends to lovers romance. If I choose to read this again. I’’d reread it to enjoy the slow burn relationship development between the FMC and MMC.
The author did a good job of showing how the FMCs neurodiversity and anxiety impacted her relationships, both platonic and romantic. Despite their being minimal spice, the longing is there. If you like a slow burn book, you’ll enjoy that aspect of this book.
I didn’t like how author explained why the MMC stayed away for 8 years. That seemed a bit outlandish. She could have explained the absence in ways that were more rooted in realism. That part of the book felt very random to me. And there is only closed door spice here, so if you are looking for something more explicit, you won’t find it here.
Overall this was a sweet, feel-good friends to lovers romance. If I choose to read this again. I’’d reread it to enjoy the slow burn relationship development between the FMC and MMC.
Review of advance copy received from Author
The Way We Used to Be is a second chance, friends to lovers novel. At the start, we’re introduced to Amara, a neurodivergent, anxiety stricken fashion designer. She’s just made a bold decision to quit her lackluster job to focus on bringing her dreams of owning a plus sized boutique to fruition, all while balancing friendships and a horrible dating life. As if she isn’t dealing with enough, her best friend from childhood pops back up on the scene after 8 years of no contact. A best friend that gives her all the sparks she’s missing from her treacherous dating life. I enjoyed the storyline, the characters and their dynamics as well as the dialogue. But when I say Amara skressed me out, She SKRESSED me OUT! She needed therapy and I was so mad at her for not taking her bestie, Mo’s advice and seeking help. The miscommunication and non-communication irked me to no end. Like, girl, just say what you feeling, write it, type it, text it, something! On a more serious note, this was a great read filled with body positivity. I enjoyed reading about a fat character with ADHD and mental health struggles being loved, romanced, supported, and encouraged. I recommend giving it a read.
*This is a super slow burn without spice.
*This is a super slow burn without spice.
August 26, 2026
I gave The Way We Used to Be 3.5 stars. I really liked the premise and was excited for a cute childhood friends-to-lovers story. I loved seeing a plus-size FMC, and I thought the body positivity, anxiety, and neurodivergent representation were handled really well.
I’d describe this more as friends to strangers to friends to lovers because Amara and Theo haven’t spoken in eight years. I liked watching them try to rebuild their friendship and that Theo actually had to work to earn Amara’s trust back instead of everything being immediately forgiven.
My biggest issue was the pacing. Once we learned what happened between them, I felt like Amara spent a little too much time avoiding Theo or being annoyed with him. Every time they made progress, it seemed like they took a few steps backward. I would’ve loved for them to have the conversation about their past sooner so we could see more of them actually together. Tbh SHE FRUSTRATED ME. Like girl please that man wants to LOVE YOU.
I did enjoy the reason behind Theo disappearing because it wasn’t exactly what I expected. Overall, this was a cute, easy read with great representation, but the slow burn was a little too slow for me. I’m also curious to see if Mo or Alec will get their own story in the future.
I’d describe this more as friends to strangers to friends to lovers because Amara and Theo haven’t spoken in eight years. I liked watching them try to rebuild their friendship and that Theo actually had to work to earn Amara’s trust back instead of everything being immediately forgiven.
My biggest issue was the pacing. Once we learned what happened between them, I felt like Amara spent a little too much time avoiding Theo or being annoyed with him. Every time they made progress, it seemed like they took a few steps backward. I would’ve loved for them to have the conversation about their past sooner so we could see more of them actually together. Tbh SHE FRUSTRATED ME. Like girl please that man wants to LOVE YOU.
I did enjoy the reason behind Theo disappearing because it wasn’t exactly what I expected. Overall, this was a cute, easy read with great representation, but the slow burn was a little too slow for me. I’m also curious to see if Mo or Alec will get their own story in the future.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
Review of advance copy received from Author
ARC Review:
Tropes:
Childhood Friends to Lovers
Plus-Size Black FMC
Neurodivergent Representation
When Amara Singleton quits her unappreciative corporate job to open a plus-size boutique, she never expects her childhood best friend, Theo, to walk back into her life after eight years of total silence. He offers to handle her boutique’s renovations for free if she gives their friendship another shot, setting off a slow burn full of history and lingering feelings.
Amara’s career transition felt so real and relatable—giving 110% to a workplace that takes you for granted is something way too many Black women experience. I signed up for this book for the plus-size and neurodivergent representation, and that aspect truly delivered. The dynamic felt more like childhood friends to strangers to friends to lovers, and while Theo's 8-year gap makes sense later, Amara's self-sabotage and the single POV made the relationship feel a bit one-sided on her end at times. Despite those moments, it's a solid debut with a lot of heart!
Huge thanks to Amarie Wheeler for the opportunity to read and review this ARC!
Tropes:
Childhood Friends to Lovers
Plus-Size Black FMC
Neurodivergent Representation
When Amara Singleton quits her unappreciative corporate job to open a plus-size boutique, she never expects her childhood best friend, Theo, to walk back into her life after eight years of total silence. He offers to handle her boutique’s renovations for free if she gives their friendship another shot, setting off a slow burn full of history and lingering feelings.
Amara’s career transition felt so real and relatable—giving 110% to a workplace that takes you for granted is something way too many Black women experience. I signed up for this book for the plus-size and neurodivergent representation, and that aspect truly delivered. The dynamic felt more like childhood friends to strangers to friends to lovers, and while Theo's 8-year gap makes sense later, Amara's self-sabotage and the single POV made the relationship feel a bit one-sided on her end at times. Despite those moments, it's a solid debut with a lot of heart!
Huge thanks to Amarie Wheeler for the opportunity to read and review this ARC!
August 16, 2026
Besties. Secrets. Longing. Hurt
In the blink of eye, a confession changes everything. Amara (Mari) and Theo haven't had contact in over eight years. Unexpectedly seeing him, throws her for a loops. Anger, abandonment, grief and underlying emotions all surface at once. Meddling parents thrust the two back into each other's orbit. As they work on rebuilding their friendship alongside the renovation project, Mari struggles with her emotions. This are version of Theo has her weak in the knees. As the two become reaquainted with the adults versions of one another, everyone else is feeling the increasing sexual tension between the two. With forgiveness and openness, the two give in and decide to give it a chance. However, Mari can't quite get past the rejection from all those years ago. Her anxiety is elevated and continues to drive a rift between the two just when things get good. Having a friend who's known you for a while, means they truly SEE you even when you're attending to hide. Theo was back as his sole mission was to capture Mari's heart and forgiveness. When you meet the right person, Love will outweigh the fear.
In the blink of eye, a confession changes everything. Amara (Mari) and Theo haven't had contact in over eight years. Unexpectedly seeing him, throws her for a loops. Anger, abandonment, grief and underlying emotions all surface at once. Meddling parents thrust the two back into each other's orbit. As they work on rebuilding their friendship alongside the renovation project, Mari struggles with her emotions. This are version of Theo has her weak in the knees. As the two become reaquainted with the adults versions of one another, everyone else is feeling the increasing sexual tension between the two. With forgiveness and openness, the two give in and decide to give it a chance. However, Mari can't quite get past the rejection from all those years ago. Her anxiety is elevated and continues to drive a rift between the two just when things get good. Having a friend who's known you for a while, means they truly SEE you even when you're attending to hide. Theo was back as his sole mission was to capture Mari's heart and forgiveness. When you meet the right person, Love will outweigh the fear.
Review of advance copy received from Author
The cover, a few lines of the blurb, and the tropes. Friends-to-lovers, Black love, and a plus-size heroine? I was sold immediately.
The characters felt incredibly relatable, which made it easy to get invested in Mari and Theo's story. There were moments when I wasn't sure these two would ever get it together. Mari was so focused on the past that she couldn't see what was right in front of her, while Theo was dropping hints left and right but refusing to just say what he felt. I found myself rooting for them the entire time.
A special shoutout to the friend group because they were amazing. I'd happily read books about every single one of them.
While this isn't a traditionally spicy romance, there are definitely some swoon-worthy, blush-inducing moments. As someone who doesn't usually love slow burns, I couldn't put this book down. More than once I looked up and realized it was way past my bedtime.
If you're looking for a sweet, heartfelt friends-to-lovers romance with lovable characters and plenty of chemistry, add this one to your TBR. Trust me—you'll thank me later.
The characters felt incredibly relatable, which made it easy to get invested in Mari and Theo's story. There were moments when I wasn't sure these two would ever get it together. Mari was so focused on the past that she couldn't see what was right in front of her, while Theo was dropping hints left and right but refusing to just say what he felt. I found myself rooting for them the entire time.
A special shoutout to the friend group because they were amazing. I'd happily read books about every single one of them.
While this isn't a traditionally spicy romance, there are definitely some swoon-worthy, blush-inducing moments. As someone who doesn't usually love slow burns, I couldn't put this book down. More than once I looked up and realized it was way past my bedtime.
If you're looking for a sweet, heartfelt friends-to-lovers romance with lovable characters and plenty of chemistry, add this one to your TBR. Trust me—you'll thank me later.
August 17, 2026
Let me preface this by saying that I liked the book... I just thought I'd like it more than I did.
I loved the premise of the book - a second chance to rekindle an old friendship and discover it was always a mutual pining situation? Yes, please! Plus size + neurodivergent/mental health rep thrown in? Sign me up! Golden retriever MMC who's good with his hands? Where can I get one?
The beginning of the story had me hooked and I devoured the first third of the book.
Where the book started to lose me: While I understood the reason for the anger and trust issues in the beginning, the FMC kept getting hung up on the past even after it felt like it was resolved. Going back and forth with herself and with the MMC, it slowed down the pace and started to get repetitive. The good start, with the hope for a happily ever after, had me push through this section of the book though and I'm glad that I did.
It's a solid debut novel and I look forward to seeing how this author progresses in future books.
I loved the premise of the book - a second chance to rekindle an old friendship and discover it was always a mutual pining situation? Yes, please! Plus size + neurodivergent/mental health rep thrown in? Sign me up! Golden retriever MMC who's good with his hands? Where can I get one?
The beginning of the story had me hooked and I devoured the first third of the book.
Where the book started to lose me: While I understood the reason for the anger and trust issues in the beginning, the FMC kept getting hung up on the past even after it felt like it was resolved. Going back and forth with herself and with the MMC, it slowed down the pace and started to get repetitive. The good start, with the hope for a happily ever after, had me push through this section of the book though and I'm glad that I did.
It's a solid debut novel and I look forward to seeing how this author progresses in future books.
Review of advance copy received from Author
Amara has just upended her life by quitting her job and using her savings to open a boutique for plus-sized women. Truly a woman after my own heart. Then Theo, her former best friend and the one who got away, comes crashing (literally) back into her life. Thanks to his mother, he's hired to remodel her new shop, and the drama ensues.
This story isn’t just about romance but about healing. Amara struggles with abandonment, anxiety, and self-worth after Theo bounced without a goodbye eight years ago. He has to earn back her trust, which he does in a lot of sweet and endearing ways (we love a groveling man).
This is a slooowwww burn, which I loved. Amara is dead ass thirsting for him immediately (and has been since way before he left), and truly this man wants her baddd (he very obviously falls harder) And once they finally get out of their own way and reconciled, it felt earned.
I loved it. Keep ‘em coming Amarie! I need fifteen more ❤️
This story isn’t just about romance but about healing. Amara struggles with abandonment, anxiety, and self-worth after Theo bounced without a goodbye eight years ago. He has to earn back her trust, which he does in a lot of sweet and endearing ways (we love a groveling man).
This is a slooowwww burn, which I loved. Amara is dead ass thirsting for him immediately (and has been since way before he left), and truly this man wants her baddd (he very obviously falls harder) And once they finally get out of their own way and reconciled, it felt earned.
I loved it. Keep ‘em coming Amarie! I need fifteen more ❤️
August 15, 2026
The Way We Used to Be is a fun summer romance read about a plus-sized neurodivergent woman named Amara who when she leaves her job to follow her dream of opening a plus-sized boutique storefront. Her old best friend, Theo, who she had a crush on, shows back in her life after many years and ends up being the contractor to fix up her store. I love the yearning in their relationship as they are trying to go back to that friendship state but it's obvious that Amara and Theo have feelings for each other. Amara is frustrating at times as we are in her head. I often wanted to slap her upside the head but luckily her best friend Mo was there to help out. Theo was fantastic and the MMC that we all need in our lives. He understands all her anxieties and insecurites. Although, I felt that we needed to get into Theo's head more, I did love reading about their journey back to each other. I loved the diversity and the ending was perfect.
Review of advance copy
The Way We Used to Be was everything I want in a childhood friends-to-lovers romance. There’s something so special about watching two people who have known each other for years slowly realize that what they’ve been looking for has been right in front of them all along. The emotional connection between the characters felt genuine, and their shared history made every interaction hit even harder. I loved how naturally their relationship developed, and the romance never felt rushed. The author did a great job balancing the sweet, nostalgic moments with the emotional ones, making it easy to become invested in their journey. This was such a heartwarming read that kept me turning the pages. If you enjoy romances built on years of friendship, undeniable chemistry, and all the feelings that come with falling in love with your best friend, this one is definitely worth reading.
Review of advance copy received from Author
3.5 ⭐️ This childhood friends to lovers romance was such a sweet read. The chemistry between them felt genuine and I'm a big sucker for yearning in a book. I loved how Theo was always mindful of her comfort, making thoughtful changes and adjustments to help her feel at ease.🥰
My biggest wish though, is that we were given his POV as well. Seeing all of the anxiety and fear from her perspective made me even more curious about what was happening on his side (especially while she was dating.) Was there as much internal conflict for him too? What was going on in his mind during those moments she occupied his thoughts? I think it would've added another layer to their love story and made it hit even harder.
My biggest wish though, is that we were given his POV as well. Seeing all of the anxiety and fear from her perspective made me even more curious about what was happening on his side (especially while she was dating.) Was there as much internal conflict for him too? What was going on in his mind during those moments she occupied his thoughts? I think it would've added another layer to their love story and made it hit even harder.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
August 15, 2026
I received an advanced reader copy of this book from the author.
This is a solid debut novel, and the author should be proud of what they've accomplished here.
The Way We Used to Be is the definition of a slow-burn romance. I'm talking 70% of the way through the book and still wondering how everything was going to come together. Because the story is told solely through the FMC's perspective, I found myself questioning the connection between the main characters just as much as she did. By the end, I'm still not entirely convinced. I think the story would have benefited from occasional glimpses into the MMC's perspective to help reinforce that the connection between Amara and Theodore was as real as everyone believed it to be.
At times, the pacing and timeline felt a little unclear, and I would have loved to see more interactions between the two leads. More page time together would have helped me better understand the full allure of Theodore Sinclair and made their relationship feel more developed.
Overall, this was a cute read! I especially appreciated the representation, including plus-sized and Black protagonists, neurodivergent representation, entrepreneurship, and a love interest with a realistic, honest career. There were definitely a few moments that had me kicking my feet, and honestly, that's all I can ask for from a romance novel.
This is a solid debut novel, and the author should be proud of what they've accomplished here.
The Way We Used to Be is the definition of a slow-burn romance. I'm talking 70% of the way through the book and still wondering how everything was going to come together. Because the story is told solely through the FMC's perspective, I found myself questioning the connection between the main characters just as much as she did. By the end, I'm still not entirely convinced. I think the story would have benefited from occasional glimpses into the MMC's perspective to help reinforce that the connection between Amara and Theodore was as real as everyone believed it to be.
At times, the pacing and timeline felt a little unclear, and I would have loved to see more interactions between the two leads. More page time together would have helped me better understand the full allure of Theodore Sinclair and made their relationship feel more developed.
Overall, this was a cute read! I especially appreciated the representation, including plus-sized and Black protagonists, neurodivergent representation, entrepreneurship, and a love interest with a realistic, honest career. There were definitely a few moments that had me kicking my feet, and honestly, that's all I can ask for from a romance novel.
Review of advance copy received from Author
I adored Amara and Theo’s love story! You can tell they had this very innocent, yet passionate love for each other that blossomed and developed well throughout the story. As a character, Amara, spoke to my soul. I understood her anxiety and panic attacks, everything about her experience felt well done!! I was swooning by the time we got to the art exhibit scene because those two lovebirds are perfect for each other. Also, the friendships were amazing, and I fell in love with Mo and Natasha. I’m also a sucker for family dynamics, consistent support systems, and imperfect relationships no matter if they’re romantic or platonic. This debut was easy to dive into and was simply stunning!
Review of advance copy received from Author
I actually enjoyed this book and thought the story was good. It’s a cute story of childhood friends becoming lovers. But baby, the FMC worked my nerves 😂. I understood where a lot of her feelings came from, especially with her being neurodivergent, so I definitely gave her some grace.
But sis played with that man’s feelings until literally the last 20 pages. 😭 Every time I thought we were getting somewhere, here she came second guessing everything again.
Overall, it was still a good read and I enjoyed the story. It didn’t deserve a three ,so I rounded it up to ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️.
It’s only the FMC that urk’d me so
But sis played with that man’s feelings until literally the last 20 pages. 😭 Every time I thought we were getting somewhere, here she came second guessing everything again.
Overall, it was still a good read and I enjoyed the story. It didn’t deserve a three ,so I rounded it up to ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️.
It’s only the FMC that urk’d me so
Review of advance copy received from Author
After reading, I'm impressed with the depth that Amarie was able to give her characters. Amara has realistic characteristics of a 20-something suffering from panic attacks and anxiety. Theo is endlessly patient with her and does his best to be there for her. I also enjoyed the time we spent with the side characters. There was a lot of back and forth as far as feelings went between Amara and Theo which could be a little frustrating and Amara made some questionable decisions, but all in all, this was a solid debut novel.
Review of advance copy received from Author
The Way It Used to Be is a SLOW BURN! 🔥 The author did such a great job with the pacing and letting the story unfold naturally. It kept me invested without feeling like the romance was being rushed, and there were enough little moments along the way to keep me wanting to read just one more chapter.
I also really enjoyed the cast of characters. They each brought something different to the story, and I found myself genuinely invested in what was happening with them. Overall, this was such an enjoyable read, and I loved watching everything come together at its own pace.
I also really enjoyed the cast of characters. They each brought something different to the story, and I found myself genuinely invested in what was happening with them. Overall, this was such an enjoyable read, and I loved watching everything come together at its own pace.
August 14, 2026
A friends to lovers story will always have a place on my bookshelf. This one is not the exception either. I loved reading about the internal struggles between Amara and Theo. There were times that I became frustrated with Amara but I had to look at myself and realize… we are so similar! I was very much amused at them sneaky messy mothers but we’ll let them live! I’m happy to have read this story. It really had me looking at my own self and the way that communication or the lack of can be crucial.
August 19, 2026
I received an advanced copy of this book
Now let’s get into the details (without spoilers if possible) Did I enjoy reading this book? Yes but there were moments that made me want to put it down and walk away.
I get that somethings in our past can define our future but the way it was so heavily referenced by the FMC drove me up a wall. Like girl come on now.
How ever I made it through and here we are.
The author is good with words but at some points even I was a bit lost on timelines and pacing.
Now let’s get into the details (without spoilers if possible) Did I enjoy reading this book? Yes but there were moments that made me want to put it down and walk away.
I get that somethings in our past can define our future but the way it was so heavily referenced by the FMC drove me up a wall. Like girl come on now.
How ever I made it through and here we are.
The author is good with words but at some points even I was a bit lost on timelines and pacing.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
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