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The View from Here
Not yet published
Expected 5 Jan 27Two teenagers—an ex-social media star and girl who feels totally adrift—find an unexpected connection on a eleven-day, senior citizens cruise. But will rough waters sink their temporary love story?
Tate Hall needs a sign. At least, according to the fortune she finds in a trinket shop. Which makes sense, because lately she’s felt totally adrift. So when her grandma offers her a spot on a Mediterranean cruise during spring break, she jumps at the chance—even if the cruise is for senior citizens, not seniors in high school.
Running headfirst into Luca Park, ex–social media star and one of the only other teenagers on board? Definitely not a sign. Nor is the fact that Luca needs someone to help him film videos for his secret new channel, or that everything Tate shoots for him goes viral.
As they travel from port to stunning port, something between them starts to grow—just as the views on Luca’s videos skyrocket. Can their electric connection last beyond their eleven-day journey? Or do all signs point to the end of their love story before it can really set sail?
Tate Hall needs a sign. At least, according to the fortune she finds in a trinket shop. Which makes sense, because lately she’s felt totally adrift. So when her grandma offers her a spot on a Mediterranean cruise during spring break, she jumps at the chance—even if the cruise is for senior citizens, not seniors in high school.
Running headfirst into Luca Park, ex–social media star and one of the only other teenagers on board? Definitely not a sign. Nor is the fact that Luca needs someone to help him film videos for his secret new channel, or that everything Tate shoots for him goes viral.
As they travel from port to stunning port, something between them starts to grow—just as the views on Luca’s videos skyrocket. Can their electric connection last beyond their eleven-day journey? Or do all signs point to the end of their love story before it can really set sail?
304 pages, Paperback
Expected publication January 5, 2027
About the author
Kasie West
39 books19.8k followersI write YA and adult romance novels. I eat chocolate cinnamon bears. Sometimes I go crazy and do both at the same time. A few of my works are: SUNKISSED, PS I LIKE YOU, MOMENT OF TRUTH, WE MET LIKE THIS, and more. My agent is the talented and funny Michelle Wolfson.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 41 reviews
Review of advance copy received from NetGalley
Thank you so much Random House Children's Books and NetGalley for the ARC!
This was my first Kasie West novel, and I wasn't disappointed!
𝐖𝐫𝐢𝐭𝐢𝐧𝐠
I enjoyed it. It was simplistic and easy to follow.
There was a few good uses of figurative Language thrown in.
There's not a lot of flowery language, which I think really works for this style of book.
𝐏𝐥𝐨𝐭
To be honest, it was very predictable. However, it was still very entertaining.
The ending was questionable, though. I thought the pacing throughout was super solid until the last 15%. The resolution was a tad rushed and messy in my opinion. I liked the "2 months later" chapter but before that everything felt pretty disjointed.
However, I will say that I enjoyed the depth of the book. It wasn't life-changing, but it didn't feel shallow and I appreciated that! There were some good themes woven throughout. 🙂↕️
𝐂𝐡𝐚𝐫𝐚𝐜𝐭𝐞𝐫𝐬
Tate-
She was a good mc! I think she felt 15 years old instead of 17 but that's a minor issue. I'm glad that she was sensible and not annoying like a lot of YA FMCs.
Luca-
I love Luca. He's so sweet, innocent and a good soul. He was a great guy for a love interest because he was respectful, gentlemanly and playful. He was super likeable!
He actually felt older than Tate. Though, he didn't feel immature and he also didn't feel too old. I thought his character was well-done and I enjoyed his story.
Tate's mom-
She's not a huge character in this novel but she still had a presence... and her presence BUGGED me. I know that's probably the point but I was annoyed every time she came into the story. And, I was really confused at the end. There wasn't enough of a resolution regarding her for me.
Other:
The wild grandma group trope was not my favorite at first, but thankfully it wasn't too prevalent at I couldn't ignore it.
𝐆𝐞𝐧𝐞𝐫𝐚𝐥 𝐍𝐨𝐭𝐞𝐬
This was highly bingeable! It was very easy to relax into and let yourself be swept away.
The characters were likeable and the dynamics between Tate and Luca felt very authentic.
Usually, I'm not a fan of modern references (especially slang), in books, but weirdly Kasie did a nice job of making the usage of "rotting" not seem cringe. So... Props to her!
𝐎𝐯𝐞𝐫𝐚𝐥𝐥
This book was so much fun! I would recommend this for any time of year. I know the cover seems summer-y and it's on a cruise ship but the content is not very summer forward so feel free to read whenever. :)
It was very cute, innocent and would especially make for a good read for younger YA readers. (12-14)
Language: none
Spice: kisses only
4.25⭐
Would recommend!! 🩷
Note: this book comes out January 5th, 2027!
This was my first Kasie West novel, and I wasn't disappointed!
𝐖𝐫𝐢𝐭𝐢𝐧𝐠
I enjoyed it. It was simplistic and easy to follow.
There was a few good uses of figurative Language thrown in.
There's not a lot of flowery language, which I think really works for this style of book.
𝐏𝐥𝐨𝐭
To be honest, it was very predictable. However, it was still very entertaining.
The ending was questionable, though. I thought the pacing throughout was super solid until the last 15%. The resolution was a tad rushed and messy in my opinion. I liked the "2 months later" chapter but before that everything felt pretty disjointed.
However, I will say that I enjoyed the depth of the book. It wasn't life-changing, but it didn't feel shallow and I appreciated that! There were some good themes woven throughout. 🙂↕️
𝐂𝐡𝐚𝐫𝐚𝐜𝐭𝐞𝐫𝐬
Tate-
She was a good mc! I think she felt 15 years old instead of 17 but that's a minor issue. I'm glad that she was sensible and not annoying like a lot of YA FMCs.
Luca-
I love Luca. He's so sweet, innocent and a good soul. He was a great guy for a love interest because he was respectful, gentlemanly and playful. He was super likeable!
He actually felt older than Tate. Though, he didn't feel immature and he also didn't feel too old. I thought his character was well-done and I enjoyed his story.
Tate's mom-
She's not a huge character in this novel but she still had a presence... and her presence BUGGED me. I know that's probably the point but I was annoyed every time she came into the story. And, I was really confused at the end. There wasn't enough of a resolution regarding her for me.
Other:
The wild grandma group trope was not my favorite at first, but thankfully it wasn't too prevalent at I couldn't ignore it.
𝐆𝐞𝐧𝐞𝐫𝐚𝐥 𝐍𝐨𝐭𝐞𝐬
This was highly bingeable! It was very easy to relax into and let yourself be swept away.
The characters were likeable and the dynamics between Tate and Luca felt very authentic.
Usually, I'm not a fan of modern references (especially slang), in books, but weirdly Kasie did a nice job of making the usage of "rotting" not seem cringe. So... Props to her!
𝐎𝐯𝐞𝐫𝐚𝐥𝐥
This book was so much fun! I would recommend this for any time of year. I know the cover seems summer-y and it's on a cruise ship but the content is not very summer forward so feel free to read whenever. :)
It was very cute, innocent and would especially make for a good read for younger YA readers. (12-14)
Language: none
Spice: kisses only
4.25⭐
Would recommend!! 🩷
Note: this book comes out January 5th, 2027!
July 25, 2026
The perfect book for a summer read. I loved how there was just enough sprinkles of adventure and different cities amidst a budding romance. Tate and Luca are so cute together. Now I want to go on a European cruise! Thank you to NetGalley and Random House for the wonderful ARC.
Review of advance copy received from NetGalley
huge thanks to netgalley for an ARC in exchange for an honest review. all thoughts are my own
first of all why are there so freaking many books called the view from here? i had to scroll thru like ten of them to find this one (but that's beside the point)
kasie west strikes again! wow okay i just cringed myself out ✌🏼 but seriously kasie's sparkle was here for this book. recently i've read quite a few of her books and they didn't feel very kasie-ish so i was kinda concerned going into this one. but it didn't disappoint
this one was the perfect summer-y travel romance while also switching up tropes and being new and refreshing. also it has all the social media vibes which i'm here for ✨
i read this like a month ago so i'm lowk blanking on everything that happened, but i remember it was a cute fun time that was absolutely worth the read and you should go read it if you're in the mood for a cutesie romcom palate cleanser ✨
first of all why are there so freaking many books called the view from here? i had to scroll thru like ten of them to find this one (but that's beside the point)
kasie west strikes again! wow okay i just cringed myself out ✌🏼 but seriously kasie's sparkle was here for this book. recently i've read quite a few of her books and they didn't feel very kasie-ish so i was kinda concerned going into this one. but it didn't disappoint
this one was the perfect summer-y travel romance while also switching up tropes and being new and refreshing. also it has all the social media vibes which i'm here for ✨
i read this like a month ago so i'm lowk blanking on everything that happened, but i remember it was a cute fun time that was absolutely worth the read and you should go read it if you're in the mood for a cutesie romcom palate cleanser ✨
Review of advance copy received from NetGalley
As always, a big thank you to NetGalley, Random House, and Delacorte for the ARC! All opinions are my own.
Tate Hall is spending her Spring Break on a Mediterranean cruise. Granted, it’s a 55+ cruise, and she’s tagging along with her grandma and her two friends.
The only stipulation for this trip? Her mom insists she finish her application for an internship at the hospital where her mom works, hoping it’ll jump start Tate’s future career as a doctor.
But it’s still an amazing opportunity, and Tate jumps at the chance. Especially when her start of trip souvenir comes with a fortune to look for signs.
Plus, it turns out she’s not the only youngster on this cruise. On her first night, she runs into Luca and Evie Park, two teens who are known across the internet for their family vlog channel that was shut down years ago.
But, Luca’s got a secret. He has a new channel all his own, where he plans to post videos of all his travels, and his parents have no idea. So when Tate ends up shooting a video for him that goes viral, she finds herself making a deal to become his de facto videographer for the rest of the cruise. And in return, he’ll help her finish her application.
As they go from port to port, Luca and Tate start to form something more than just a partnership. But signs may not be pointing in their direction as their eleven day journey begins to reach its end.
I am a huge Kasie West fan, so of course when NetGalley gave me the chance to read and review her latest book, it was a very obvious yes. I loved “The View From Here” a lot, and honestly would put it in my top five favorite Kasie West novels.
Tate and her grandmother were such fun characters, and her grandma’s friends, lovingly nicknamed “the coven” constantly had these funny moments that made me laugh out loud.
Tate herself was very quintessential “high school senior suddenly questioning her future”, which is not a bad thing! Plus, she really didn’t start questioning said future until she struck her deal with Luca and was presented with this very real talent she had. And I liked that! It also provided tension with her mom that makes a reader want to see resolved, and West delivers.
Luca was such a fantastic love interest, and his own situation and adjacent storyline had me invested. West writes such well developed romantic interests, so this should be no surprise at all.
And the settings! I have always wanted to go to Europe; and this book has simply increased my wanting ten fold.
Overall, this was such a good read, and I’m so happy to see Kasie make a return to YA with such a strong story.
Tate Hall is spending her Spring Break on a Mediterranean cruise. Granted, it’s a 55+ cruise, and she’s tagging along with her grandma and her two friends.
The only stipulation for this trip? Her mom insists she finish her application for an internship at the hospital where her mom works, hoping it’ll jump start Tate’s future career as a doctor.
But it’s still an amazing opportunity, and Tate jumps at the chance. Especially when her start of trip souvenir comes with a fortune to look for signs.
Plus, it turns out she’s not the only youngster on this cruise. On her first night, she runs into Luca and Evie Park, two teens who are known across the internet for their family vlog channel that was shut down years ago.
But, Luca’s got a secret. He has a new channel all his own, where he plans to post videos of all his travels, and his parents have no idea. So when Tate ends up shooting a video for him that goes viral, she finds herself making a deal to become his de facto videographer for the rest of the cruise. And in return, he’ll help her finish her application.
As they go from port to port, Luca and Tate start to form something more than just a partnership. But signs may not be pointing in their direction as their eleven day journey begins to reach its end.
I am a huge Kasie West fan, so of course when NetGalley gave me the chance to read and review her latest book, it was a very obvious yes. I loved “The View From Here” a lot, and honestly would put it in my top five favorite Kasie West novels.
Tate and her grandmother were such fun characters, and her grandma’s friends, lovingly nicknamed “the coven” constantly had these funny moments that made me laugh out loud.
Tate herself was very quintessential “high school senior suddenly questioning her future”, which is not a bad thing! Plus, she really didn’t start questioning said future until she struck her deal with Luca and was presented with this very real talent she had. And I liked that! It also provided tension with her mom that makes a reader want to see resolved, and West delivers.
Luca was such a fantastic love interest, and his own situation and adjacent storyline had me invested. West writes such well developed romantic interests, so this should be no surprise at all.
And the settings! I have always wanted to go to Europe; and this book has simply increased my wanting ten fold.
Overall, this was such a good read, and I’m so happy to see Kasie make a return to YA with such a strong story.
Review of advance copy received from NetGalley
This book didn’t hit the way I thought it would unfortunately. I’m a big Kasie West fan, especially her YA books, but for some reason I couldn’t quite sink into this one the way I usually can. Maybe that’s because I haven’t been reading as much YA recently (I loved Kasie’s adult books, btw), or maybe it was some other reason.
Tate was a good YA FMC because she clearly was struggling to find herself, which was exactly where we all were at 17. She was frustrating and almost annoying at times, but in a way that I actually liked — it made her a realistic teenager to me. She was going through a lot of confusion and hardship, and maybe she wasn’t handling it all well… but she’s 17!! No one knows anything at that age!
I wanted to like Luca, but I just didn’t quite feel like I actually got to know him that well. I think the way that things spiraled out of control with his channel felt a little silly and outsized, in all honesty. The fact that he was hiding things from his parents that, in the grand scheme of things felt quite minor, just rubbed me the wrong way.
While this story didn’t work exactly for me, I still think Kasie is a great writer — she tells a story well, that much is for sure. She’s got a way with words and manages to encapsulate that feeling of being a confused, lonely, and desperate teenager who somehow manages to turn things around, and I love her for that.
——————————————————
Thank you to Netgalley and Random House for the ARC!
Tate was a good YA FMC because she clearly was struggling to find herself, which was exactly where we all were at 17. She was frustrating and almost annoying at times, but in a way that I actually liked — it made her a realistic teenager to me. She was going through a lot of confusion and hardship, and maybe she wasn’t handling it all well… but she’s 17!! No one knows anything at that age!
I wanted to like Luca, but I just didn’t quite feel like I actually got to know him that well. I think the way that things spiraled out of control with his channel felt a little silly and outsized, in all honesty. The fact that he was hiding things from his parents that, in the grand scheme of things felt quite minor, just rubbed me the wrong way.
While this story didn’t work exactly for me, I still think Kasie is a great writer — she tells a story well, that much is for sure. She’s got a way with words and manages to encapsulate that feeling of being a confused, lonely, and desperate teenager who somehow manages to turn things around, and I love her for that.
——————————————————
Thank you to Netgalley and Random House for the ARC!
Review of advance copy received from NetGalley
The View From Here by Kasie West is a fun and heartwarming romance that takes place on a cruise. The main character, Tatum, goes on a cruise with her grandmother and some of her grandmothers friends. At first, she thinks the trip will be a nice break from the stress of applying for a competitive internship.
While on the cruise, Tatum meets Luca, a former social media star. Since they are the only young people on a cruise mostly filled with passengers over 65, they quickly become friends. Luca asks Tatum to film videos for his online channel, and in return, he helps her with her internship applications and encourages her to think about what she really wants for her future.
As they spend more time together, Tatum begins to realize that their relationship might be more than just an agreement. Their growing friendship and romance makes the story enjoyable and easy to get invested in.
I like how the book combined romance with themes of self-discovery and figuring out what you want in life. The cruise setting was unique and made the story feel fresh and entertaining. Kasie West’s writing is easy to read, and the characters are relatable and fun to follow.
Overall I would recommend The View From Here to readers who enjoy lighthearted romance stories with lovable characters and a meaningful message about following your own path. I would give this book a 4.5 out of 5 stars.
While on the cruise, Tatum meets Luca, a former social media star. Since they are the only young people on a cruise mostly filled with passengers over 65, they quickly become friends. Luca asks Tatum to film videos for his online channel, and in return, he helps her with her internship applications and encourages her to think about what she really wants for her future.
As they spend more time together, Tatum begins to realize that their relationship might be more than just an agreement. Their growing friendship and romance makes the story enjoyable and easy to get invested in.
I like how the book combined romance with themes of self-discovery and figuring out what you want in life. The cruise setting was unique and made the story feel fresh and entertaining. Kasie West’s writing is easy to read, and the characters are relatable and fun to follow.
Overall I would recommend The View From Here to readers who enjoy lighthearted romance stories with lovable characters and a meaningful message about following your own path. I would give this book a 4.5 out of 5 stars.
Review of advance copy received from NetGalley
The View From Here by Kasie West is a fun and heartwarming romance that takes place on a cruise. The main character, Tatum, goes on a cruise with her grandmother and some of her grandmothers friends. At first, she thinks the trip will be a nice break from the stress of applying for a competitive internship.
While on the cruise, Tatum meets Luca, a former social media star. Since they are the only young people on a cruise mostly filled with passengers over 65, they quickly become friends. Luca asks Tatum to film videos for his online channel, and in return, he helps her with her internship applications and encourages her to think about what she really wants for her future.
As they spend more time together, Tatum begins to realize that their relationship might be more than just an agreement. Their growing friendship and romance makes the story enjoyable and easy to get invested in.
I like how the book combined romance with themes of self-discovery and figuring out what you want in life. The cruise setting was unique and made the story feel fresh and entertaining. Kasie West’s writing is easy to read, and the characters are relatable and fun to follow.
Overall I would recommend The View From Here to readers who enjoy lighthearted romance stories with lovable characters and a meaningful message about following your own path.
While on the cruise, Tatum meets Luca, a former social media star. Since they are the only young people on a cruise mostly filled with passengers over 65, they quickly become friends. Luca asks Tatum to film videos for his online channel, and in return, he helps her with her internship applications and encourages her to think about what she really wants for her future.
As they spend more time together, Tatum begins to realize that their relationship might be more than just an agreement. Their growing friendship and romance makes the story enjoyable and easy to get invested in.
I like how the book combined romance with themes of self-discovery and figuring out what you want in life. The cruise setting was unique and made the story feel fresh and entertaining. Kasie West’s writing is easy to read, and the characters are relatable and fun to follow.
Overall I would recommend The View From Here to readers who enjoy lighthearted romance stories with lovable characters and a meaningful message about following your own path.
Review of advance copy received from NetGalley
Tatum is on a senior cruise with her grandmother where she runs into Luca, a former social media star. Luca's family has banned him from posting videos online, but Luca wants to rebuild his own channel. When Tatum helped him shoot one of his videos, his video went viral so he asks for her help to continue filming his videos and in exchange he will help her with her internship application that she has been delaying submitting. Together as the sail through the Mediterranean, Tate and Luca grow closer and help each other confront their fears.
I loved seeing Luca and Tate spend time together and seeing their friendship grow into more. While on the cruise Tate and Luca both think about their futures and want they want and how to help each other.
I enjoy Kasie West's books and look forward to each release. This was a fun, cute, summer read that I thoroughly enjoyed.
I received an advanced copy from the publisher through NetGalley all thoughts and opinions are my own.
I loved seeing Luca and Tate spend time together and seeing their friendship grow into more. While on the cruise Tate and Luca both think about their futures and want they want and how to help each other.
I enjoy Kasie West's books and look forward to each release. This was a fun, cute, summer read that I thoroughly enjoyed.
I received an advanced copy from the publisher through NetGalley all thoughts and opinions are my own.
August 11, 2026
Thank you Random House and NetGalley for the ARC
⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️ 4 Stars
I’m a big Kasie West fan, so I was really excited to pick up The View from Here, and it definitely delivered the sweet, feel-good YA romance I was hoping for!
I loved the unique setting of a Mediterranean cruise, especially with Tate and Luca being two of the only teenagers surrounded by senior citizens. 😂 It made for such a fun backdrop for their story, and I really enjoyed getting to travel from port to port with them while watching their relationship grow.
Tate and Luca were both easy to root for, and I loved seeing their unexpected connection develop over the eleven-day cruise. There were plenty of cute moments, some fun twists, and just enough emotional depth to keep me invested.
It’s another charming, easy to read Kasie West story with a sweet romance, fun characters, and a setting that made this one stand out. It may not be my absolute favorite of hers, but I still really enjoyed it!
If you’re already a Kasie West fan, I definitely think this is one to add to your TBR! 💕🚢📚
⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️ 4 Stars
I’m a big Kasie West fan, so I was really excited to pick up The View from Here, and it definitely delivered the sweet, feel-good YA romance I was hoping for!
I loved the unique setting of a Mediterranean cruise, especially with Tate and Luca being two of the only teenagers surrounded by senior citizens. 😂 It made for such a fun backdrop for their story, and I really enjoyed getting to travel from port to port with them while watching their relationship grow.
Tate and Luca were both easy to root for, and I loved seeing their unexpected connection develop over the eleven-day cruise. There were plenty of cute moments, some fun twists, and just enough emotional depth to keep me invested.
It’s another charming, easy to read Kasie West story with a sweet romance, fun characters, and a setting that made this one stand out. It may not be my absolute favorite of hers, but I still really enjoyed it!
If you’re already a Kasie West fan, I definitely think this is one to add to your TBR! 💕🚢📚
Review of advance copy received from NetGalley
This was a cute young adult romance. We follow our main characters while they are on a cruise. While both are under 18, they find themselves on a 55+ cruise with their families. Tate joins her Grandma as a late minute addition. She has a tight deadline for a summer internship at the hospital her mom works at. She is stressed about it but is determined to both enjoy the cruise and get the application done. Luca is from a family that previously had a social media following. Their channel has been since removed but Tate still recognizes him. Luca has also started his own travel channel, unknown to his parents. Luca and Tate cross paths and eventually form an agreement; Tate will help record videos and content while Luca helps write essays for the application.
I've typically been reading adult romance so I am taking into account the target audience. I still wish that Luca would have helped Tate formulate her own words rather than copying/pasting his responses. Their romance and relationship was cute. This was a fun read.
Thank you NetGalley for the eARC.
I've typically been reading adult romance so I am taking into account the target audience. I still wish that Luca would have helped Tate formulate her own words rather than copying/pasting his responses. Their romance and relationship was cute. This was a fun read.
Thank you NetGalley for the eARC.
September 7, 2026
The View from Here was a good read, although it took me a little while to get into it. The beginning was fairly slow, but once I got to the middle, the story picked up and held my attention much more.
I really enjoyed the characters and thought they were charming and easy to like. I do wish there had been more banter between the two main characters, though. I think a little more back-and-forth between them would have made their relationship more realistic and entertaining. .
I loved the European setting and reading about all the different places they visited, although it definitely made me miss being there myself.
The storyline involving the grandma felt somewhat disconnected from the rest of the book, and with the way it ended, I was left wondering what the point of it really was. I think that storyline could have worked better if it had been given a different ending that connected the secondary characters.
This is definitely a teen-appropriate read. It’s sweet and light without feeling overly young.
I really enjoyed the characters and thought they were charming and easy to like. I do wish there had been more banter between the two main characters, though. I think a little more back-and-forth between them would have made their relationship more realistic and entertaining. .
I loved the European setting and reading about all the different places they visited, although it definitely made me miss being there myself.
The storyline involving the grandma felt somewhat disconnected from the rest of the book, and with the way it ended, I was left wondering what the point of it really was. I think that storyline could have worked better if it had been given a different ending that connected the secondary characters.
This is definitely a teen-appropriate read. It’s sweet and light without feeling overly young.
September 27, 2026
3.75 Rounded up to 4⭐️
Thank you to NetGalley for the ARC copy of The View From Here in exchange for my honest review!
Kasie West, I will always read and love your YA novels!
I was immediately drawn in by the cruise setting. A small-ish space where you’re guaranteed to run into the same people? A setting that’s new to the characters with spaces that you won’t find readily available at home? I’M IN!
First off, I love a quirky grandma and her friends. The Coven were great as supporting characters who kept the book light-hearted throughout.
Tatum and Luca’s relationship felt a little insta-love to me, but for a romance on an eleven day cruise, I’m okay with that. I did appreciate how they ended up working together on Luca’s channel, even though their communication was lackluster. I wish there would’ve been a little more development.
I did really love Evie as a character. May I suggest a book that follows her? 👀👀👀
Overall, if you enjoy:
• books set on cruises
• social media stars
• European travel
• almost a coming of age story
You should pick up this book!
Thank you to NetGalley for the ARC copy of The View From Here in exchange for my honest review!
Kasie West, I will always read and love your YA novels!
I was immediately drawn in by the cruise setting. A small-ish space where you’re guaranteed to run into the same people? A setting that’s new to the characters with spaces that you won’t find readily available at home? I’M IN!
First off, I love a quirky grandma and her friends. The Coven were great as supporting characters who kept the book light-hearted throughout.
Tatum and Luca’s relationship felt a little insta-love to me, but for a romance on an eleven day cruise, I’m okay with that. I did appreciate how they ended up working together on Luca’s channel, even though their communication was lackluster. I wish there would’ve been a little more development.
I did really love Evie as a character. May I suggest a book that follows her? 👀👀👀
Overall, if you enjoy:
• books set on cruises
• social media stars
• European travel
• almost a coming of age story
You should pick up this book!
Review of advance copy received from NetGalley
Sometimes life leads us down new, unexpected paths ✨ That was definitely the case for Tatum (Tate) who embarked on a 55+ cruise trip 🚢 with her grandma and met the only other kids her age on the ship, Luca Page and Evie Park, who used to be social media stars at one time 📸
This book was a quick read for me and very enjoyable! I loved that Tate, while focused on her goals, managed to learn more about herself and grew so much during her short time on the boat. The adventures Tate and Luca had in Italy were some of my favorite scenes, like the grape stomping 🍇 and swimming in the ocean 🌊 I also loved that there was a common ground resolution between Tate and her mom and that Tate's grandma taught her that maybe family curses didn't necessarily have to apply to their family 💕
Thank you NetGalley and Random House Children's Books for this wonderful ARC ⭐ 📖 from one of my favorite YA authors!!!
This book was a quick read for me and very enjoyable! I loved that Tate, while focused on her goals, managed to learn more about herself and grew so much during her short time on the boat. The adventures Tate and Luca had in Italy were some of my favorite scenes, like the grape stomping 🍇 and swimming in the ocean 🌊 I also loved that there was a common ground resolution between Tate and her mom and that Tate's grandma taught her that maybe family curses didn't necessarily have to apply to their family 💕
Thank you NetGalley and Random House Children's Books for this wonderful ARC ⭐ 📖 from one of my favorite YA authors!!!
August 12, 2026
Thank you to NetGalley and Random House for the arc of The View!
The View From Here by Kasie West is a cute, lighthearted teen romance about finding yourself, opening your heart to love, and maybe finding a little adventure along the way.
The story follows the main character as she goes on a retiree cruise with her grandmother, where she unexpectedly finds herself navigating romance and figuring out what she really wants for herself. I thought the cruise setting was such a fun and unique backdrop for a young adult romance.
This is definitely a clean YA romance, no spice, just some kissing, which makes it a great choice for younger teens and readers looking for something sweet and easygoing.
Overall, I thought it was a cute book with a fun premise and a nice message about growing into yourself. That said, I definitely felt a little too old for this one. It’s probably better suited for young adults/teenagers.
August 18, 2026
(I received a complimentary advance copy of this book. Opinions expressed in this review are completely my own.)
I LOVE KASIE WEST!!!
But seriously, her books just seem to get better each time!
I loved The View from Here—I thought it had such great messages about taking control of your life and seizing the moment. As an added bonus (or the main reason for reading, take your pick) the love story between Luca and Tatum was adorable! It was such a unique meet cute and it felt so sweet and true.
The “it’s not my dream, it’s yours” trope was not the most original idea, but I did think it fit well in this situation. And the lessons about digital privacy were also well-timed for today’s age.
Now of course, if you aren’t into the cute, clean, debatably cheesy sort of YA romcoms, then you may not like this. But for me? 5⭐️
I LOVE KASIE WEST!!!
But seriously, her books just seem to get better each time!
I loved The View from Here—I thought it had such great messages about taking control of your life and seizing the moment. As an added bonus (or the main reason for reading, take your pick) the love story between Luca and Tatum was adorable! It was such a unique meet cute and it felt so sweet and true.
The “it’s not my dream, it’s yours” trope was not the most original idea, but I did think it fit well in this situation. And the lessons about digital privacy were also well-timed for today’s age.
Now of course, if you aren’t into the cute, clean, debatably cheesy sort of YA romcoms, then you may not like this. But for me? 5⭐️
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
Review of advance copy received from NetGalley
Thank you to NetGalley, the author, and the publisher for an advance reader copy in exchange for an honest review. I will definitely be buying this book for my classroom once it is officially released.
I am a middle school ELA teacher, and my students will love this book. West delivers a great YA text, particularly for female young adults. Tatum finds herself on a 55+ cruise as her grandmother's last-minute guest. Unexpectedly, there are a few other teens on this adults' cruise. Tatum is surprised to find one of these teens is Luca, someone she recognizes from social media for online videos he starred in with his family. Luca wants Tatum to help him film videos for his new travel social media channel. Tatum wants Luca to help her draft responses for a medical internship application.
What will happen between Luca and Tatum? You'll have to read to find out!
I am a middle school ELA teacher, and my students will love this book. West delivers a great YA text, particularly for female young adults. Tatum finds herself on a 55+ cruise as her grandmother's last-minute guest. Unexpectedly, there are a few other teens on this adults' cruise. Tatum is surprised to find one of these teens is Luca, someone she recognizes from social media for online videos he starred in with his family. Luca wants Tatum to help him film videos for his new travel social media channel. Tatum wants Luca to help her draft responses for a medical internship application.
What will happen between Luca and Tatum? You'll have to read to find out!
Review of advance copy received from NetGalley
THIIIIS is basically what I thought “You, With a View” would be lmao but that one was a disappointment. This gives those vibes but better and YA (aka no spice). And it literally jumps right in. Page like 3 and they’re already on the cruise. THANK YOU. It was fun traveling with these characters in this way. I felt the relationship grow. I felt the characters’ motivations.
The way I SCREAMED when I was approved for this Arc. I never get the ones I really really want but I finally did 😭 I read all of Kasie West’s because she’s such a light and fluffy YA romcom author. If nothing else, her books are great palate cleansers. It was a nice, easy read. I also really wanna go on a cruise lmao so this simultaneously filled that void and intensified my dreams. Thank you to netgalley! 🫶🏽
The way I SCREAMED when I was approved for this Arc. I never get the ones I really really want but I finally did 😭 I read all of Kasie West’s because she’s such a light and fluffy YA romcom author. If nothing else, her books are great palate cleansers. It was a nice, easy read. I also really wanna go on a cruise lmao so this simultaneously filled that void and intensified my dreams. Thank you to netgalley! 🫶🏽
Review of advance copy received from NetGalley
Tatum and Luca are teenagers that find themselves on the same 65 and up cruise. As one of 4 teens on the boat, they naturally gravitate to each other in what Tate's grandma affectionately calls "The Brat Pack". Grandma and her besties were a riotous good time, especially Ginger, the over-complainer. Kasie West does banter so well, and Tate and Luca were no exception. I loved their team work on each helping the other with their goals. Tate's mom is a hard one to like in the majority of this book, but their story brought legit tears to my eyes. Getting to experience Mt Etna, wineries, Spain, through the eyes of these characters gave me such a travel itch! This was a fun adventure from first page to last, and made me want to immediately book a European cruise!
Review of advance copy received from Netgalley
Kasie West books are, for me, a very quick read. So quick, in fact, that I often get through them in what feels like minutes. And then end up sad because I want more. She does such a lovely job of creating characters that are enjoyable to be around. The stories are relatively unique in that there is always something quirky about the plot. That can be a quest or a quiz or, in the case of this book, signs.
The friendship and relationship between Luca and Tate develops quickly but they are both in vacation mode and thrown together which makes it work. Luca's little sister and Tate's grandmother add the right amount of supporting cast to the main characters without overshadowing them. And the way in which Tate finds her voice through photography is kind of neat. I will admit that it is a bit hard to believe that she would just be so natural at the video production pieces, but I let myself go with the flow and when I stopped questioning, it worked.
I genuinely wanted Luca and Tate to succeed in their respective paths and plans, and I also wanted them both to find their way to each other.
I expect that, at some point, West will disappoint me and I'll have to write something more negative about her books. But today isn't the day. Another solid work and a fun romance to boot.
The friendship and relationship between Luca and Tate develops quickly but they are both in vacation mode and thrown together which makes it work. Luca's little sister and Tate's grandmother add the right amount of supporting cast to the main characters without overshadowing them. And the way in which Tate finds her voice through photography is kind of neat. I will admit that it is a bit hard to believe that she would just be so natural at the video production pieces, but I let myself go with the flow and when I stopped questioning, it worked.
I genuinely wanted Luca and Tate to succeed in their respective paths and plans, and I also wanted them both to find their way to each other.
I expect that, at some point, West will disappoint me and I'll have to write something more negative about her books. But today isn't the day. Another solid work and a fun romance to boot.
September 19, 2026
Okay, I guess there was nothing objectively wrong with this ARC. It was all about personal preference. I don’t like romance as a main plot, or at the very least with a strong subplot. I’m also not really into cliches, and this book had a lot of them, so if you’re into tropes/cliches, then you’ll definitely love this book! There was only one thing that I actively disliked about the whole thing:
Girl goes on a cruise wanting to be a doctor and comes back wanting to be a YouTuber. What? And then people act that that’s okay and fine? If she was into filming, then she should have become a director or producer or camerawoman.
Anyway, yeah. Definitely a good read for anyone who loves YA romance and again, LOTS of cliches.
Girl goes on a cruise wanting to be a doctor and comes back wanting to be a YouTuber. What? And then people act that that’s okay and fine? If she was into filming, then she should have become a director or producer or camerawoman.
Anyway, yeah. Definitely a good read for anyone who loves YA romance and again, LOTS of cliches.
Review of advance copy received from NetGalley
Thank you to NetGalley and the publisher for the ARC.
The View from Here is one of those books that feels like a warm afternoon — gentle, sweet, and comforting. I loved the softness of the characters and the wholesome tone that carried the story. It’s the kind of romance that doesn’t try to be dramatic; it just wants to be kind.
But even with all that sweetness, I couldn’t shake the feeling that something was missing. The story is cute, but it doesn’t fully unfold. I wanted more depth, more emotional weight, more time with the characters. It’s a lovely read, just not a complete one for me.
Still, it’s charming, cozy, and enjoyable. A light 3‑star read.
The View from Here is one of those books that feels like a warm afternoon — gentle, sweet, and comforting. I loved the softness of the characters and the wholesome tone that carried the story. It’s the kind of romance that doesn’t try to be dramatic; it just wants to be kind.
But even with all that sweetness, I couldn’t shake the feeling that something was missing. The story is cute, but it doesn’t fully unfold. I wanted more depth, more emotional weight, more time with the characters. It’s a lovely read, just not a complete one for me.
Still, it’s charming, cozy, and enjoyable. A light 3‑star read.
Review of advance copy received from NetGalley
Many thanks to NetGalley & the Publisher for an ARC in exchange for an honest review.
Kasie West is an "auto-read" author for me. I don't even need to read the synopsis; if she's writing it, I'm reading it. And once again, she doesn't disappoint. This YA novel is so sweet. I was entertained from the start, I loved all the teen angst feels, the relationship with her grandma, and the character growth. After a string of "meh" books, this certainly got me out of my reading slump. Totally recommend this!
Kasie West is an "auto-read" author for me. I don't even need to read the synopsis; if she's writing it, I'm reading it. And once again, she doesn't disappoint. This YA novel is so sweet. I was entertained from the start, I loved all the teen angst feels, the relationship with her grandma, and the character growth. After a string of "meh" books, this certainly got me out of my reading slump. Totally recommend this!
Review of advance copy received from NetGalley
Thank you to NetGalley for the ARC!
This was sweet. Just a light-hearted, fuzzy, feel good romance to lift your spirits. I liked the romance between Tate and Luca. I thought it was adorable, and I also liked seeing Tate discover who she is and what she really wants in life. I think it’s also realistic how she didn’t have it all figured out at the end but decided to take it one step at a time. I also like how this book spread awareness on the issues that come with family channels (coming from someone who’s firmly against said things).
Usually I have some critiques for Kasie’s books but I didn’t really notice any issues here.
A cute and enjoyable read overall!
3.5/5
This was sweet. Just a light-hearted, fuzzy, feel good romance to lift your spirits. I liked the romance between Tate and Luca. I thought it was adorable, and I also liked seeing Tate discover who she is and what she really wants in life. I think it’s also realistic how she didn’t have it all figured out at the end but decided to take it one step at a time. I also like how this book spread awareness on the issues that come with family channels (coming from someone who’s firmly against said things).
Usually I have some critiques for Kasie’s books but I didn’t really notice any issues here.
A cute and enjoyable read overall!
3.5/5
Review of advance copy received from NetGalley
3.5// Thanks Netgalley for an ARC!
This was a quick, easy read. Teenager Tate goes on a cruise with her grandma and meets a guy who used to be big on Youtube. They become friends while helping each other with some personal tasks. The only real conflict was "my mom wants me to be a doctor, but I don't know if I want to do that and I don't know how to tell her" - kinda basic, but it worked with the plot. I honestly will probably forget this book in 2-3 business days, but it was a cute story while I was reading it.
This was a quick, easy read. Teenager Tate goes on a cruise with her grandma and meets a guy who used to be big on Youtube. They become friends while helping each other with some personal tasks. The only real conflict was "my mom wants me to be a doctor, but I don't know if I want to do that and I don't know how to tell her" - kinda basic, but it worked with the plot. I honestly will probably forget this book in 2-3 business days, but it was a cute story while I was reading it.
Review of advance copy received from NetGalley
Thanks to Netgalley and the publisher for this ARC!
The View From Here is a sweet, breezy coming-of-age story that delivers classic Kasie West charm. It is lighthearted, easy to read, and full of heartwarming moments.
While the storyline leans into sweet and predictable YA tropes, the supporting cast really makes the book shine. The group of quirky older ladies brought so much warmth, humor, and personality to the page and ended up being my absolute favorite part of the story.
If you are looking for a gentle, clean, and feel-good YA contemporary, this is a very cute and cozy read.
The View From Here is a sweet, breezy coming-of-age story that delivers classic Kasie West charm. It is lighthearted, easy to read, and full of heartwarming moments.
While the storyline leans into sweet and predictable YA tropes, the supporting cast really makes the book shine. The group of quirky older ladies brought so much warmth, humor, and personality to the page and ended up being my absolute favorite part of the story.
If you are looking for a gentle, clean, and feel-good YA contemporary, this is a very cute and cozy read.
Review of advance copy received from NetGalley
Kasie West does it again! I really enjoyed this coming of age YA book. Tate is about to graduate high school and her mother has a very clear path laid out for her. She goes on a 55+ cruise with her grandma and it makes her question everything about her life. I loved being in Tate’s head because it felt so realistic to how that time in your life feels. There was a romance in the book but mostly I felt it was about Tate finding herself.
I was provided an advanced copy of this book which has not affected my review.
I was provided an advanced copy of this book which has not affected my review.
Review of advance copy received from NetGalley
This was my first book by Kasie West, and I really enjoyed it! I loved the cruise setting and the cute romance between Tate and Luca. Their relationship was sweet and fun, and I really enjoyed watching them get to know each other while traveling together. The story was lighthearted, romantic, and easy to read, with a really nice feel good vibe. I also loved the themes of finding yourself and figuring out what you really want. After this book, I definitely want to read more from this author!
Review of advance copy received from NetGalley
Advanced copy provided by NetGalley- thank you!!!
I sped through this sweet, coming of age novel. I loved the travel aspect of this book and enjoyed watching the characters come together and find themselves as they found each other. The almost mystical factors to the book added a fun and mysterious vibe. Overall, an endearing and fun journey of discovering who one wants to be and finding ways to trust themselves and others with those truths.
I sped through this sweet, coming of age novel. I loved the travel aspect of this book and enjoyed watching the characters come together and find themselves as they found each other. The almost mystical factors to the book added a fun and mysterious vibe. Overall, an endearing and fun journey of discovering who one wants to be and finding ways to trust themselves and others with those truths.
Review of advance copy received from NetGalley
⭐⭐⭐
I really enjoyed this one! The cruise setting was such a fun change, and I loved that Tate and Luca were basically the only teenagers surrounded by a ship full of retirees. Their relationship felt really natural, and I liked watching them go from helping each other out to slowly catching feelings. It was sweet, funny, and had just enough emotional moments without feeling too heavy. Definitely a cute easy YA romance.
I really enjoyed this one! The cruise setting was such a fun change, and I loved that Tate and Luca were basically the only teenagers surrounded by a ship full of retirees. Their relationship felt really natural, and I liked watching them go from helping each other out to slowly catching feelings. It was sweet, funny, and had just enough emotional moments without feeling too heavy. Definitely a cute easy YA romance.
August 29, 2026
Thank you NetGalley for an ARC of this book
I absolutely adored this story of Tatum and Luca. I loved watching their relationship grow, I loved watching them discover who they are and who they want to be, and I loved watching them stand up for and fight for what they wanted.
This was such a beautiful story about self discovery and growth. Perfect for teens and young adults.
Clean, fun, uplifting romance
I absolutely adored this story of Tatum and Luca. I loved watching their relationship grow, I loved watching them discover who they are and who they want to be, and I loved watching them stand up for and fight for what they wanted.
This was such a beautiful story about self discovery and growth. Perfect for teens and young adults.
Clean, fun, uplifting romance
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