The Bright Side Of Blue

by Jessie Reyes

Seventeen-year-old Juliette Alvarez sees the world in grayscale. Since her grandmother’s death drained the color from her life, she’s given herself exactly two weeks to grieve before forcing life back into motion. Summer in her coastal hometown should be easy, but Juliette knows that if she slows down, the grief will catch her.

Liam Parker is just as faded. Moving to his mom’s hometown after his parents’ divorce, he’s ready to start over, but carrying the weight of his family’s past makes him feel like a ghost in his own skin. Determined to keep his head down, Liam isn’t looking for connection—until he meets Juliette.

Recognizing the same hollow ache in each other, they strike a deal: a summer bucket list of bold, soul-searching adventures to wake them up and, ultimately, get their color back. Each sun-soaked dare and late-night confession draws them closer, forcing Juliette to risk feeling again and Liam to risk trusting someone new.

But reclaiming their joy means more than checking off boxes—it means exposing the jagged, broken parts of themselves they’ve kept hidden. As the summer winds down, they must decide whether opening their hearts is worth the risk—or if letting someone in could shatter them all over again.

Kindle Edition

Expected publication December 15, 2026

About the author

Jessie Reyes is a journalism student at Sam Houston State University in Huntsville, Texas, where her reporting has appeared in The Houstonian, the university’s student newspaper. When she isn’t writing news stories, she writes young adult contemporary fiction, and shares her love of books through book-related content online. When she isn’t writing, she can usually be found reading, attending concerts, or spending time with family and friends.

Reviews

[Jennifer · Rating 5 out of 5]

I had the privilege of reading this book as Jessie was writing it, and I was constantly begging her for the next chapter because I just had to know what happened next! From the very beginning, the story pulled me in and kept me hooked.

This is a wonderful romance and an absolutely captivating read. Jessie has a true talent for creating characters and a story that keeps you turning the pages.

I've even had a sneak peek at the next book, and it's every bit as engaging as the first. I can't wait to read the rest!

Keep writing, Jessie! You have an amazing gift, and I know readers are going to love your stories as much as I do.

December 15, 2026 is the release date for The Bright Side of Blue by Jessie Reyes

[Sarah · Rating 5 out of 5]

I had the honor of reading an advanced copy of the Bright Side of Blue before it publishes in December! I have known Jessie all through college and I am so excited for everyone to read this book!

This story is so heartfelt and deals with themes that can be hard to put into words, but Jessie does an amazing job telling the story. I blew through this one and I can't wait for the rest of the trilogy! Her characters are so well written, and the banter was perfect. She truly blew me away; this is a perfect debut novel.

Everything about this book created the perfect summer read, and I am so thankful that I got to be an early reader!

[Tori M · Rating 5 out of 5]

Actually, the cutest, most wholesome romance I've read in a long time. Every time you think an overused trope is incoming, you get hit with a refreshing new outcome. Such a fun and sweet book. I cried and swooned so much out loud that I had to give my husband updates as I was reading. I LOVE!!!!!