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Time for Once
Have you ever wondered …
If I had met this person as who I am now instead of who I was then, would it have changed anything?
Time, for Jolie, is the worst. It moves too slowly when she needs it to speed up; too fast when she wishes she could just bring everything to a halt. But for her and Jace, timing is everything. And they can’t seem to get it right.
Time, for Jace, is simple. The plan is obvious and the outcome is inevitable: earn a degree, get a job, make a life. All in due time. But for him and Jolie, timing is complicated. And they have a habit of falling out of sync.
As they navigate the tides of their relationship amid the uncertainties of life after graduation, Jolie and Jace enter a decade-long cycle of passion, heartbreak, bad timing, and, ultimately, self-discovery. All in pursuit of an answer to the inescapable question: Will time, for once, ever be on their side?
Time for Once is an adult coming-of-age story about love, acceptance, and the mistakes we all make in the messy but crucial process of growth.
If I had met this person as who I am now instead of who I was then, would it have changed anything?
Time, for Jolie, is the worst. It moves too slowly when she needs it to speed up; too fast when she wishes she could just bring everything to a halt. But for her and Jace, timing is everything. And they can’t seem to get it right.
Time, for Jace, is simple. The plan is obvious and the outcome is inevitable: earn a degree, get a job, make a life. All in due time. But for him and Jolie, timing is complicated. And they have a habit of falling out of sync.
As they navigate the tides of their relationship amid the uncertainties of life after graduation, Jolie and Jace enter a decade-long cycle of passion, heartbreak, bad timing, and, ultimately, self-discovery. All in pursuit of an answer to the inescapable question: Will time, for once, ever be on their side?
Time for Once is an adult coming-of-age story about love, acceptance, and the mistakes we all make in the messy but crucial process of growth.
331 pages, Kindle Edition
Published February 3, 2023
3 people are currently reading
56 people want to read
About the author
Jes Smyth
2 books38 followersHi, I'm Jes ... … a perpetual blusher (not shy, just painfully awkward), and a habitual coffee mug breaker. I’m quiet but goofy, or so I’ve been told, and like to think my slight wit and low-key sarcasm even out my giggly nervous side.
I’m a big fan of Rebecca Serle and Penny Reid, adore the power of a simple quote delivered in very few words, and wish I could speak as openly as I write.
I’m a big fan of Rebecca Serle and Penny Reid, adore the power of a simple quote delivered in very few words, and wish I could speak as openly as I write.
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January 8, 2023TIME FOR ONCE is a moving coming-of-age love story that spans ten years (2004-2014), told in dual perspectives. Jolie and Jace meet in college in an adorably awkward meet cute that's based on the author's own meet cute (loved that!).😄 From the get-go, Jolie and Jace have palpable chemistry, but as is the case with many young adults, they just aren't ready. After all, it's hard to be ready for love and permanence when we're still finding out who we are. As we go along on this decade-long journey with them, we witness the bumps in the road and the obstacles that stand in the way of Jolie and Jace's happily-ever-after. And we feel the pain and the hope with each and every "maybe now".
Will they finally have their time? Or are Jolie and Jace destined to be a 'once upon a time'?
💭 I met Jes last year on Instagram, and immediately became invested in this book. She would share little snippets here and there, and they definitely piqued my interest. ❤️
I was so excited to finally receive my long-awaited ARC in the mail (complete with adorable pin and bookmark 🥰), and I dove in that same day! I ended up setting it down for a few days until I had the time to dedicate. This is a slow-burn novel, and not one you can rush through -- so I really wanted to take my time with it.
I was so impressed with Jes's writing, and her poetry background is so apparent within these pages:
"Jace was a magical, pristine pool she thought could only exist in her dreams. She had no intention of treading lightly..."
"Those three words were pounding on the door he'd kept locked since his last relationship..."
"She set him free, but her heart was still captive..."
"His words fired off like a handgun, one bullet after another."
You can tell she poured her heart and soul into these characters and their story. Well done, Jes! 👏🏻 And congratulations on your first published novel.
Thank you for the gifted ARC in exchange for my honest review. Booksta post to come. 💕
Will they finally have their time? Or are Jolie and Jace destined to be a 'once upon a time'?
💭 I met Jes last year on Instagram, and immediately became invested in this book. She would share little snippets here and there, and they definitely piqued my interest. ❤️
I was so excited to finally receive my long-awaited ARC in the mail (complete with adorable pin and bookmark 🥰), and I dove in that same day! I ended up setting it down for a few days until I had the time to dedicate. This is a slow-burn novel, and not one you can rush through -- so I really wanted to take my time with it.
I was so impressed with Jes's writing, and her poetry background is so apparent within these pages:
"Jace was a magical, pristine pool she thought could only exist in her dreams. She had no intention of treading lightly..."
"Those three words were pounding on the door he'd kept locked since his last relationship..."
"She set him free, but her heart was still captive..."
"His words fired off like a handgun, one bullet after another."
You can tell she poured her heart and soul into these characters and their story. Well done, Jes! 👏🏻 And congratulations on your first published novel.
Thank you for the gifted ARC in exchange for my honest review. Booksta post to come. 💕
January 4, 2023
I adore this book!
Jes has written an compelling novel that has you rooting for Jolie and Jace from beginning to end. The life-experiences of these two have been thoughtfully written and will have you relate to these two even more; from the tough parts of life to the awkward ones and pieces that make you swoon.
And then not to forget about Jes her writing style, it's beautiful, the descriptions coming to life with, emotions bleeding from the page right into your feels and mind.
It's the first book I read this year (2023) and already one of my top favourites. Looking forward to Palmer's story in the future.
Jes has written an compelling novel that has you rooting for Jolie and Jace from beginning to end. The life-experiences of these two have been thoughtfully written and will have you relate to these two even more; from the tough parts of life to the awkward ones and pieces that make you swoon.
And then not to forget about Jes her writing style, it's beautiful, the descriptions coming to life with, emotions bleeding from the page right into your feels and mind.
It's the first book I read this year (2023) and already one of my top favourites. Looking forward to Palmer's story in the future.
January 11, 2023
I was lucky enough to receive an advanced review copy of Time For Once in exchange for an honest review so wanted to start off by saying thank you so much for that Jes and good luck on the upcoming release!
Time for once follows the incredibly intricate and multifaceted story of Jolie and Jace over the course of 10 years while they are trying to navigate their way through coming of age, their relationship and how the mistakes we make as people can shape our journey.
Right from their very first meeting in college there is some unmistakeable pull between Jace and Jolie trying to bring them back together, however poor timing, unresolved issues and being at different stages in their lives means that they aren't able to get things quite in sync.
I really enjoyed this read and I think the author did an excellent job of building the relationship between our two main characters as well as fleshing out the side characters to a point where we are able to help keep track of the story through their progression as well as Jolie and Jace's perspective.
At some points I wanted to just give them both a shake and shout, "You two belong together what are you doing?!" which is definitely a testament to Smyth's writing style and demonstrates how effectively she was able to show the different issues our main characters had to face including metal health issues, eating disorders and sometimes even just plain stubbornness.
The pacing in the story was nice, and the time jumps were integrated very well, there was always enough background to understand what phase in their lives the characters were at but we weren't overwhelmed or swamped with unnecessary details which really helped the story to progress without too much work on the readers part.
In terms of character development we got to see a good amount from not only Jace and Jolie but also a lot of the other characters we are introduced to as well, I do have a bit of a soft spot for Palmer and I do believe Smyth teased we might see more of him in book two so I am very much looking forward to that.
This book has definitely helped me get back in to the romance genre and if you're looking for something a bit fresh and different as your next romance read I would definitely recommend it.
Time for once follows the incredibly intricate and multifaceted story of Jolie and Jace over the course of 10 years while they are trying to navigate their way through coming of age, their relationship and how the mistakes we make as people can shape our journey.
Right from their very first meeting in college there is some unmistakeable pull between Jace and Jolie trying to bring them back together, however poor timing, unresolved issues and being at different stages in their lives means that they aren't able to get things quite in sync.
I really enjoyed this read and I think the author did an excellent job of building the relationship between our two main characters as well as fleshing out the side characters to a point where we are able to help keep track of the story through their progression as well as Jolie and Jace's perspective.
At some points I wanted to just give them both a shake and shout, "You two belong together what are you doing?!" which is definitely a testament to Smyth's writing style and demonstrates how effectively she was able to show the different issues our main characters had to face including metal health issues, eating disorders and sometimes even just plain stubbornness.
The pacing in the story was nice, and the time jumps were integrated very well, there was always enough background to understand what phase in their lives the characters were at but we weren't overwhelmed or swamped with unnecessary details which really helped the story to progress without too much work on the readers part.
In terms of character development we got to see a good amount from not only Jace and Jolie but also a lot of the other characters we are introduced to as well, I do have a bit of a soft spot for Palmer and I do believe Smyth teased we might see more of him in book two so I am very much looking forward to that.
This book has definitely helped me get back in to the romance genre and if you're looking for something a bit fresh and different as your next romance read I would definitely recommend it.
February 3, 2023
This book hit me where it hurt… particularly the post-adolescent, early-twenties mess me.
Over the course of ten years, Time for Once follows Jolie (and Jace, but really Jolie) as she struggles with melding her life, her demons, her goals, and herself into the kind of person who can trust in love.
And into the kind of person who can love herself.
Jes Smyth’s writing was downright fun to read. It traversed from metaphor to banter, from witticism to heartbreak, from flirting to freak out, in the blink of an eye.
I struggled with Jolie at times, but not in a way that made me dislike her… more so in a way where I could see myself in her, and cringe at the memories. I’ve never read a book that so honestly lays out the way we genuinely fuck up our own happiness as young adults. Smyth leans into those mistakes. She doesn’t gloss them over, or attempt to make Jolie’s choices more palatable. That honesty in writing is rare, and all the more hard-hitting for it.
The discomfort was leavened by the conversation, the relationships, and how damn hard Jolie tried. A demon hangs over her head for most of the book, and we struggle as she struggles, hoping she’ll face it, and watching it tear things down when she doesn’t.
Taking Jolie’s journey wasn’t easy on me as a reader. Neither were my early twenties, so that makes sense. But I was invested! I fell in love along with her, got mad at her, raged at her, and longed for what she wasn’t ready for yet. I don’t remember reading a book so fast to get to the end… and the ending didn’t disappoint.
If you love a love story that doesn’t pull punches in what it takes to be a person who can accept the love of another, just read Time for Once. Okay?
(Okay. #iykyk )
Rating: 4.5 stars
TW: Eating disorder, mental health, addiction
Over the course of ten years, Time for Once follows Jolie (and Jace, but really Jolie) as she struggles with melding her life, her demons, her goals, and herself into the kind of person who can trust in love.
And into the kind of person who can love herself.
Jes Smyth’s writing was downright fun to read. It traversed from metaphor to banter, from witticism to heartbreak, from flirting to freak out, in the blink of an eye.
I struggled with Jolie at times, but not in a way that made me dislike her… more so in a way where I could see myself in her, and cringe at the memories. I’ve never read a book that so honestly lays out the way we genuinely fuck up our own happiness as young adults. Smyth leans into those mistakes. She doesn’t gloss them over, or attempt to make Jolie’s choices more palatable. That honesty in writing is rare, and all the more hard-hitting for it.
The discomfort was leavened by the conversation, the relationships, and how damn hard Jolie tried. A demon hangs over her head for most of the book, and we struggle as she struggles, hoping she’ll face it, and watching it tear things down when she doesn’t.
Taking Jolie’s journey wasn’t easy on me as a reader. Neither were my early twenties, so that makes sense. But I was invested! I fell in love along with her, got mad at her, raged at her, and longed for what she wasn’t ready for yet. I don’t remember reading a book so fast to get to the end… and the ending didn’t disappoint.
If you love a love story that doesn’t pull punches in what it takes to be a person who can accept the love of another, just read Time for Once. Okay?
(Okay. #iykyk )
Rating: 4.5 stars
TW: Eating disorder, mental health, addiction
December 22, 2022
Jes Smyth has written a story with characters familiar and new, Jolie and Jace, who glide and stumble towards each other, growing, exploring, and overcoming serious challenges as they sort themselves out and seek each other. This is a love story that made me smile, happily blush a few times, and turn page after page reading such sweet words. Well done first time novelist!
January 3, 2024
Jes Smyth has succeeded in writing a compelling and fresh coming-of-age book that a great many people will be able to identify with. Admittedly, this isn’t the genre of novels I typically read, but I was drawn in by Jes Smyth’s ability to create interesting, believable characters and follow them through the exciting and challenging years of college and the decade beyond. I appreciate good writing and Jes has a gift for descriptive language that brings alive both the imagery and emotion of a scene. She never falls back on well-worn phrases. In the book you’ll find clever and emotive descriptions such as, “They were walking on different pages in the same book, for now.”, and “seeing her last summer had pulled a thread loose and unraveled a once-solid belief that she would never return.” I think a lot of readers will be able to see a bit of themselves or their friends in the book’s characters. For me, the book brought back a lot of personal memories from my own years as a young adult. “Time For Once” is an impressive first effort by Jes Smyth and I look forward to seeing more books from her.
January 8, 2023
The characters in this book are so well written and relatable. Truly enjoyed this book!
January 9, 2023
You know the books you start itching to text someone who has read it, just to make sure things end up how you want--no, need--them to end? Time For Once was one of those. I want to begin by saying this was a wonderful debut. The book had all the elements which kept me wanting to read it. The main characters occupied a warm, fuzzy place in my heart form the get-go. even when Jace did things which Jolie found unacceptable, I wanted to yell at Jolie to take a breath. That's, to me, how I gauge my attachments to the characters I'm reading. The author does a fantastic job of weaving in heavy, complicated issues without the book becoming a downer. The relationship between Jace and Jolie, and everyone in their sphere, feels so grounded in reality, that it drove home how complicated life and the trajectory of love and friendship can be. We see fairly early on, that Jolie has a an emotional eating disorder. It is addressed and made a viable part of the overall story without our having to drown along with her. I applaud how Smyth approaches such a topic in a world that is still wanting say that discussing eating disorders and mental health as a whole, is taboo.
That said, the book is a lovely decade of the characters finding themselves and growing not only into their own skins, but into each other and the best version of what they could be to one another. Love is an infinite equation of ever changing factors and while some stories tend to gloss over the grit, Time For Once allows us to travel through Jace and Jolie's equation, understanding how they finally come to their viable sum. Jolie's catchphrase of "Okay" is the same as mine. "Okay" is rarely its naked self. "Okay" is a filler phrase used to disguise a thousand confusions and hurts. And all I wanted, in this book was for "okay" to not be okay, but to be at once a wonderful and passionate ending with its due longevity.
I would recommend this book readers of women's fiction, contemporary fiction, romantics art heart, and anyone who enjoys modern, beautiful, prose.
Fans of Sally Rooney and Hazel Hayes will love it (and appreciate it's not as negative Nancy).
I received an ARC of this book. My opinions are my own.
That said, the book is a lovely decade of the characters finding themselves and growing not only into their own skins, but into each other and the best version of what they could be to one another. Love is an infinite equation of ever changing factors and while some stories tend to gloss over the grit, Time For Once allows us to travel through Jace and Jolie's equation, understanding how they finally come to their viable sum. Jolie's catchphrase of "Okay" is the same as mine. "Okay" is rarely its naked self. "Okay" is a filler phrase used to disguise a thousand confusions and hurts. And all I wanted, in this book was for "okay" to not be okay, but to be at once a wonderful and passionate ending with its due longevity.
I would recommend this book readers of women's fiction, contemporary fiction, romantics art heart, and anyone who enjoys modern, beautiful, prose.
Fans of Sally Rooney and Hazel Hayes will love it (and appreciate it's not as negative Nancy).
I received an ARC of this book. My opinions are my own.
February 7, 2023
This book is a saga of two good people who fall in love and have to work ten years to get it right. It goes back and forth in points of view but mainly focuses on Jolie. She has an alcoholic mother who has plagued her childhood and young adulthood. She has other problems that are gradually revealed over the course of the story. We don't know as much about where Jace comes from, but he is an almost obsessive student. The story of them together is lovely, but each time something happens to pull them apart. Often the "something" is Jolie knowing she isn't ready yet because she hasn't dealt with her own problems. They watch their friends get married and start their lives. This is heartbreaking to read. Jes Smyth is an excellent writer with poetry in her soul. We completely believe in the magical world in which the author delivers their happy ending. The whole book was long, but it was a long story. I would love to read another epilogue in 5 years!
I received an ARC from Indie Press and am leaving this review voluntarily.
I received an ARC from Indie Press and am leaving this review voluntarily.
January 19, 2023
If I’ve ever encountered a beautifully written book that felt like a hug or coming home, this is it. Smyth’s poetically inclined prose and heartfelt story are the foundations to this ten year love story.
Jolie and Jace’s story is not one to be devoured, but savored. By the end, Jolie and Jace felt like old friends.
This story resonates in ways I never anticipated, raising questions of what if former relationships happened in a different period in my life? Jolie and Jace seem perfect for each other — the chemistry isn’t lacking — however life gets in the way, making it difficult to sustain their relationship. Yet, life has a way of bringing the two back together periodically, reminding them of their love and the pain of their history. They’re a couple you want to root for.
Time For Once is perfect for readers who love character driven, slow-burn romances with a little bit of spice.
An ARC was provided by the author in exchange for an honest review.
Jolie and Jace’s story is not one to be devoured, but savored. By the end, Jolie and Jace felt like old friends.
This story resonates in ways I never anticipated, raising questions of what if former relationships happened in a different period in my life? Jolie and Jace seem perfect for each other — the chemistry isn’t lacking — however life gets in the way, making it difficult to sustain their relationship. Yet, life has a way of bringing the two back together periodically, reminding them of their love and the pain of their history. They’re a couple you want to root for.
Time For Once is perfect for readers who love character driven, slow-burn romances with a little bit of spice.
An ARC was provided by the author in exchange for an honest review.
February 4, 2023
You remember it, that semester long crush on the guy or girl in your undergrad lecture... what if you'd done something about it? That's how the story of Jolie and Jace begins, on a stony cold day after finals at the University of Iowa. What's an obvious instant connection begins a journey over a decade, that will ring familiar to Millenials as Jace and Jolie go through the ups and downs of the realities of life after college, facing your demons, and ultimately finding your way back to love again and again. Beautifully written with gorgeous details, you'll find yourself rooting for starcrossed duo, both in their personal journeys as well as their inevitable way back to one another.
December 30, 2022
The thoughtful development of characters makes immersing yourself in them so effortless and enjoyable! Jes has an uncanny ability to write to so many people's life experiences, all while making foreign experiences seem relatable. I was so wrapped up in the decisions the characters were making, I often said to them (in my head), "just say you're sorry!", or "now is when you say I love you!". Thank you Jes for transporting me back to a place I haven't been in a very long time; navigating the turbulent waters of life and love as a twenty/thirty-something! Romance isn't my typical genre, but this novel, her first novel, had me turning pages uncontrollably to uncover word gems shared between Jolie and Jace like this, "It felt like a disservice to make small talk with a person who took up such a large space in her mind." I highly encourage you to lose yourself in the words of a the gifted wordsmith, Jes Smyth!
January 30, 2023
College in Iowa, Jolie was freaking out first time away from a disturbing home life an she follows the man from her class that she was semi-stalking. My first instinct was “tread lightly” into fate an I was hooked. This first novel by Jes Smyth is worth a second read to see what you missed the first time. Jace an Julie’s love story ascended through years. Jolie graduated college an ended up back home with her alcoholic Mother. Jes talks about going to visit lakes upon mountains one weekend away for the couple stating “ magical pristine pool of warm waters of his presence.” Highlighting her poetry expertise. This was a slow read page-turner exploring life an love. This was a honest review for a ARC. Loved it.
February 3, 2023
A beautiful love story. Ms Smyth did an excellent job with the characters as they grew from immature young graduates students to caring maturing young adults. Great job Jes
January 23, 2023
Almost a decade in one book goes by. A decade of growing up, finding yourself, letting life and love happen. Even though it is not my personally favoured kind of romance books, I did enjoy reading it. The main characters Jolie and Jace are typical young adults who fell in love at the wrong time. To be brutally honest: at first I did not like Jolie at all. She got on my nerves with her actions and I pretty often shook my head about her decisions. However, everything came together in the end and I finally realised what drove her most of the time. I love how the author has woven a very serious topic into a beautiful love story. For fans or romance books with a tiny bit of spice, "Time for Once" is the perfect read!
December 27, 2023
Time For Once follows Jolie and Jace over the course of 10 years. From the Time they are college seniors to their early 30s. It’s a story of life, family, adulting, choices, mistakes, forgiveness, second chances, self-discovery, self-worth, and the baggage that we carry around in life. Every time their worlds collide, it never seems to be the right time, but there is so much depth that as the reader, you don’t fully understand until the end of the book.
It’s an easy read with a quick pace. Even though it covers 10 years, the transitions are smooth and the timeline makes sense. The dual POV between Jace and Jolie support the transitions and the progression of the plot. I enjoyed being able to see how they both spent those years - drifting, trying to fill a hole in their lives that only the other could fill and finding each other again only to drift again.
The cast of supporting characters is fantastic. Alix, Dru, Carrie, and of course Palmer are critical characters throughout the 10 year story. The friends that become family. The friends that don’t hold back and are brutally honest because they love you.
Jolie struggles with her relationship with her alcoholic mother, and there is no hiding the impact that it has had on her life. Jes gives a little bit of a sucker punch right in the gut at the end of the book. It’s a powerful moment and one that the entire story was building towards.
This is the type of book that makes you want to put on your fuzzy socks, wrap up in a blanket and just escape. We’ve all experienced those moments in our youth where we doubt ourselves and our choices and wonder if we will ever be successful or have the capacity to fulfill our dreams. I feel that we can find a piece of ourselves in them. I adored this book, and I highly, highly recommend it.
Full Review: https://open.substack.com/pub/thebook...
It’s an easy read with a quick pace. Even though it covers 10 years, the transitions are smooth and the timeline makes sense. The dual POV between Jace and Jolie support the transitions and the progression of the plot. I enjoyed being able to see how they both spent those years - drifting, trying to fill a hole in their lives that only the other could fill and finding each other again only to drift again.
The cast of supporting characters is fantastic. Alix, Dru, Carrie, and of course Palmer are critical characters throughout the 10 year story. The friends that become family. The friends that don’t hold back and are brutally honest because they love you.
Jolie struggles with her relationship with her alcoholic mother, and there is no hiding the impact that it has had on her life. Jes gives a little bit of a sucker punch right in the gut at the end of the book. It’s a powerful moment and one that the entire story was building towards.
This is the type of book that makes you want to put on your fuzzy socks, wrap up in a blanket and just escape. We’ve all experienced those moments in our youth where we doubt ourselves and our choices and wonder if we will ever be successful or have the capacity to fulfill our dreams. I feel that we can find a piece of ourselves in them. I adored this book, and I highly, highly recommend it.
Full Review: https://open.substack.com/pub/thebook...
February 9, 2023
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Jes Smyth’s Time for Once is a beautifully written and captivating coming-of-age love story that spans over a decade of two young adults’ lives, Jolie and Jace. The novel introduces the two characters who initially seem to have an easy and carefree relationship. However, as the story unfolds, it becomes evident that their relationship is not without its own set of trials and tribulations. The author seamlessly blends the emotions of heartbreak and passion with the realities of self-discovery and personal growth.
The story is told in dual perspectives, which allows readers to experience the ups and downs of Jolie and Jace’s relationship through both of their eyes. The characters meet in college in a charming and awkward encounter that is based on the author's own life experiences. Their chemistry is palpable from the start, but they soon come to realize that they are not yet ready for the commitment that love requires.
As the story progresses, the reader is taken on a decade-long journey with Jolie and Jace as they navigate through the ups and downs of life and love. The author does a fantastic job of capturing the essence of what it means to be a young adult, from the uncertainty of the future to the mistakes we all make along the way. The characters’ experiences are written in a way that makes them relatable to readers and evoke a range of emotions.
Jes Smyth’s writing style is nothing short of beautiful, with descriptions that come to life on the page and emotions that bleed into the reader’s mind. The pacing of the story is well balanced, with time jumps that are integrated seamlessly and provide just enough background information to understand the characters’ progression without overwhelming the reader with unnecessary details.
The character development in the novel is exceptional, with not just Jolie and Jace but also the supporting characters being fleshed out to a level where they are memorable and contribute to the story’s progression. The author has an innate talent for writing witty and engaging conversations, which are a delight to read and keep the story moving forward.
One of the standout aspects of the novel is the honesty with which the author tackles the various issues faced by young adults. From mental health problems to eating disorders and sometimes just plain stubbornness, the author does not shy away from tackling these difficult topics head-on. This honesty in writing is a breath of fresh air and makes the book all the more impactful.
I can confidently give this book a solid 4.9/5 stars. Time for Once is a must-read for anyone who appreciates a well-written and relatable coming-of-age story. The author’s descriptive language brings the story to life, and the clever and emotive descriptions will leave a lasting impression on the reader. The characters are well-developed, and the themes explored in the novel are relevant and thought-provoking. Overall, this is a book that will resonate with a great many people and leave a lasting impact on those who read it.
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Jes Smyth’s Time for Once is a beautifully written and captivating coming-of-age love story that spans over a decade of two young adults’ lives, Jolie and Jace. The novel introduces the two characters who initially seem to have an easy and carefree relationship. However, as the story unfolds, it becomes evident that their relationship is not without its own set of trials and tribulations. The author seamlessly blends the emotions of heartbreak and passion with the realities of self-discovery and personal growth.
The story is told in dual perspectives, which allows readers to experience the ups and downs of Jolie and Jace’s relationship through both of their eyes. The characters meet in college in a charming and awkward encounter that is based on the author's own life experiences. Their chemistry is palpable from the start, but they soon come to realize that they are not yet ready for the commitment that love requires.
As the story progresses, the reader is taken on a decade-long journey with Jolie and Jace as they navigate through the ups and downs of life and love. The author does a fantastic job of capturing the essence of what it means to be a young adult, from the uncertainty of the future to the mistakes we all make along the way. The characters’ experiences are written in a way that makes them relatable to readers and evoke a range of emotions.
Jes Smyth’s writing style is nothing short of beautiful, with descriptions that come to life on the page and emotions that bleed into the reader’s mind. The pacing of the story is well balanced, with time jumps that are integrated seamlessly and provide just enough background information to understand the characters’ progression without overwhelming the reader with unnecessary details.
The character development in the novel is exceptional, with not just Jolie and Jace but also the supporting characters being fleshed out to a level where they are memorable and contribute to the story’s progression. The author has an innate talent for writing witty and engaging conversations, which are a delight to read and keep the story moving forward.
One of the standout aspects of the novel is the honesty with which the author tackles the various issues faced by young adults. From mental health problems to eating disorders and sometimes just plain stubbornness, the author does not shy away from tackling these difficult topics head-on. This honesty in writing is a breath of fresh air and makes the book all the more impactful.
I can confidently give this book a solid 4.9/5 stars. Time for Once is a must-read for anyone who appreciates a well-written and relatable coming-of-age story. The author’s descriptive language brings the story to life, and the clever and emotive descriptions will leave a lasting impression on the reader. The characters are well-developed, and the themes explored in the novel are relevant and thought-provoking. Overall, this is a book that will resonate with a great many people and leave a lasting impact on those who read it.
January 7, 2023
This story demonstrates such a deep comprehension of the warring heart and mind. It's so relatable - how we humans manage to complicate things. The author has managed to convey the messy part of love, with gentle subtlety.
“He couldn’t control how far her light would reach, and he wouldn’t dare try. He only wondered how long her flames would stay contained. His burns may have healed, but the scars remained.”
There are so so many stunning lines in this book - lines that I had to go back to re-read in order to savour it's beauty.
Although profound, there's a lightness and gentle humour laced throughout - like the mention of The Matrix. And now I'm curious about bacon-topped donuts. I didn’t know this was a thing! 🍩🥓
“Their silent understanding of no contact was replaced by their tentative voices, and those unspoken boundaries fell away like a perfectly coiled apple peel. Endlessly satisfying.”
Borrowing from the quote above, I'd have to say that this whole story was “endlessly satisfying.”
So much was relatable and I experienced the whole spectrum of emotion.
When I read the last line and put the book down, my heart was full and I knew these characters and their story would stay with me for a long while. I was blown away and even had to send a message to the author straight away to tell her how much I loved it.
The front cover is perfect and embodies the whole - trying to hold onto something whilst fighting against the uncompromising tug of ‘time’.
A new favourite word of mine is ‘okay’, and those that read the book will understand why.
I love a complex love story that goes deep and I'm fascinated with ‘time’ and the part it plays in relationships and life in general - the thought that a beautiful love story can hinge on something as precise as timing.
The themes and the characters, the beautiful prose and the subtle depth of emotion won me over. Not to mention the dialogue was thoroughly enjoyable to read. I loved their conversations and was often smiling at my Kindle.
An easy five stars and a book that I fervently recommend.
I was lucky enough to receive an eARC in exchange for an honest review.
“He couldn’t control how far her light would reach, and he wouldn’t dare try. He only wondered how long her flames would stay contained. His burns may have healed, but the scars remained.”
There are so so many stunning lines in this book - lines that I had to go back to re-read in order to savour it's beauty.
Although profound, there's a lightness and gentle humour laced throughout - like the mention of The Matrix. And now I'm curious about bacon-topped donuts. I didn’t know this was a thing! 🍩🥓
“Their silent understanding of no contact was replaced by their tentative voices, and those unspoken boundaries fell away like a perfectly coiled apple peel. Endlessly satisfying.”
Borrowing from the quote above, I'd have to say that this whole story was “endlessly satisfying.”
So much was relatable and I experienced the whole spectrum of emotion.
When I read the last line and put the book down, my heart was full and I knew these characters and their story would stay with me for a long while. I was blown away and even had to send a message to the author straight away to tell her how much I loved it.
The front cover is perfect and embodies the whole - trying to hold onto something whilst fighting against the uncompromising tug of ‘time’.
A new favourite word of mine is ‘okay’, and those that read the book will understand why.
I love a complex love story that goes deep and I'm fascinated with ‘time’ and the part it plays in relationships and life in general - the thought that a beautiful love story can hinge on something as precise as timing.
The themes and the characters, the beautiful prose and the subtle depth of emotion won me over. Not to mention the dialogue was thoroughly enjoyable to read. I loved their conversations and was often smiling at my Kindle.
An easy five stars and a book that I fervently recommend.
I was lucky enough to receive an eARC in exchange for an honest review.
September 11, 2023
'The overwhelming absence of noise bounced off the faded walls of Jolie's childhood home. A buzzing reminder of her current situation: no job to distract her, no income to save for her own apartment, and an abundance of loneliness to choke on. What she wouldn't give to hear the purr of her childhood cat, to feel the comfort of distraction. Instead, she had busied herself with an entire pack of Oreos.'
Another passage: 'Waiting is the worst'.
Jes Smyth's debut novel is an astounding achievement, crafted with precision, plotted with intent, and the reason it's garnering great reviews: you can tell Jes knew exactly the book she wanted to write. This shows an author that has a plan, and knows what their career will be. Not only that, but Jes is one of the most supportive and engaging people in the writing community. Her second novel is fast approaching.
Jolie and Jace meet-cute in the halls of academia in 2004. They begin a relationship. What is at first a raging fire is soon coupled with that other common element of youth: drama, and whirlwinds.
Time unfolds, and their paths deviate, both characters making a life for themselves. What they didn't expect was that their paths might converge again. And again. Each time they meet up, they're brought back to memories of that time when things felt right, before the end. And each time they meet, neither of them are in the right place. And so it goes. As Jes writes: have you ever wondered, what if you met them as who you are now - wiser, stronger - as opposed to who you were back then?
This may be a different genre for me to read, but if I see an author batting it out of the park, no matter what genre they write, I will read the book. If you're a fan of romance, drama, literary, 'second chances', this book is for you. Jes is someone to watch.
Another passage: 'Waiting is the worst'.
Jes Smyth's debut novel is an astounding achievement, crafted with precision, plotted with intent, and the reason it's garnering great reviews: you can tell Jes knew exactly the book she wanted to write. This shows an author that has a plan, and knows what their career will be. Not only that, but Jes is one of the most supportive and engaging people in the writing community. Her second novel is fast approaching.
Jolie and Jace meet-cute in the halls of academia in 2004. They begin a relationship. What is at first a raging fire is soon coupled with that other common element of youth: drama, and whirlwinds.
Time unfolds, and their paths deviate, both characters making a life for themselves. What they didn't expect was that their paths might converge again. And again. Each time they meet up, they're brought back to memories of that time when things felt right, before the end. And each time they meet, neither of them are in the right place. And so it goes. As Jes writes: have you ever wondered, what if you met them as who you are now - wiser, stronger - as opposed to who you were back then?
This may be a different genre for me to read, but if I see an author batting it out of the park, no matter what genre they write, I will read the book. If you're a fan of romance, drama, literary, 'second chances', this book is for you. Jes is someone to watch.
April 6, 2023
Time For Once is unlike most romance books I read. It is a serious literary novel with poetic prose and a plot that unfolds in waves rather than a static arc. Josie and Jace start their journey in their last year of college. After a love at first sight meet cute, a ten year drama of on again off again unfolds. Josie is dealing with trauma from her past and what is eventually revealed as an eating disorder. She keeps pushing Jace away and I often wondered why he kept coming back. The first half of the decade took up most of the book, and some scenes were repetitive or drawn out unnecessarily. This meant that the second half of the decade had to be told with years long skips. Many important plot points were briefly mentioned or summarized instead shown with a depth that these characters deserved. Especially with Josie’s mother’s addiction and her own battle with her eating disorder. I wanted so much more story about Josie and her struggles. And I wanted Jace to be a part of her healing journey. Instead he was completely out of her life. This made the ending feel a bit abrupt- as if it was just another reconciliation that may not work out, because they haven’t been with each other through any of the hard parts and struggles. With that being said, Josie and Jace did have the most romantic scenes ever at each of their reunions. Their love for one another spilled off the pages with undeniable chemistry. The side characters were fabulous and unique. Josie had 2 besties that I would definitely want watching my back. The best part of the book, however, is the author’s descriptive poetic writing style. It kept me turning page after page, and I absolutely loved it. Thanks so much to the author for sending me a copy to read and review. 3.5 stars rounded up to 4.
February 4, 2024
With far more depth than any blurb could possibly capture, Jes Smyth has crafted a story that comfortably challenges readers to consider all the intricacies of loving through life. With a strong thread of realism & the pointed pain of learning things the hard way, the author weaves a deeply relatable array of characters into an incredibly accurate tapestry of youth. While the pacing was not something I was originally comfortable with, I ended up thoroughly enjoying the writing style throughout and applaud the nuanced detail that kept me hooked from start to finish. In three words I can describe what makes this such a wonderful story:
Wit - There are so many jaw dropping lines in Time for Once. The clever crafting of phrases like "a collection of crumbs advertised as the whole cookie" feed into a refreshing and unique perspective that kept me wondering what magical accidental poetry might come next.
Whimsy - The observant moments of poking fun at the awkwardness of navigating a life un-figured-out, and quite a few hilariously concocted combination words like "humxiety" had me in fits of belly laughter at times. This is a brilliant contrast to the moments of darkness that inevitably creep into all our lives. The delicate humor is tastefully laced throughout the story as a reminder to not get stuck in our own gloom.
Wonder - This story never stops making you think and dream beyond the present line, whether to guess at the outcomes of the characters between the pages, or to consider the infinite possibilities we are capable of realizing in our own lives. This is a story for anyone capable of wonder.
Okay, so maybe I used a few more than three words. All in all, this was a delightful read, and I look forward to exploring more of Jes' writing in the future!
Wit - There are so many jaw dropping lines in Time for Once. The clever crafting of phrases like "a collection of crumbs advertised as the whole cookie" feed into a refreshing and unique perspective that kept me wondering what magical accidental poetry might come next.
Whimsy - The observant moments of poking fun at the awkwardness of navigating a life un-figured-out, and quite a few hilariously concocted combination words like "humxiety" had me in fits of belly laughter at times. This is a brilliant contrast to the moments of darkness that inevitably creep into all our lives. The delicate humor is tastefully laced throughout the story as a reminder to not get stuck in our own gloom.
Wonder - This story never stops making you think and dream beyond the present line, whether to guess at the outcomes of the characters between the pages, or to consider the infinite possibilities we are capable of realizing in our own lives. This is a story for anyone capable of wonder.
Okay, so maybe I used a few more than three words. All in all, this was a delightful read, and I look forward to exploring more of Jes' writing in the future!
February 27, 2023
I'll start by saying this book was completely out of my genre. I read 99% spy novels and thrillers. My idea of variety is switching from a fast-paced shoot 'em up Jason Bourne or Grey Man style book to a slow Le Carre or Olen Steinhauer thinker. But this book knocked it out of the park. You know those Friday or Saturday nights, or those work trips stuck in a hotel room, when you're surfing for something to watch and you randomly choose a romcom for no reason at all...and then you actually like it? That's this book. Except it's not just a good story. It's really damn good writing too. It's so much more than "just stumbling upon and actually liking it." It's worth seeking out and reading on purpose. Jes success at her debut novel with a compelling story that's incredibly hard to put down by expertly building characters that are relatable and a story that captures your attention. She makes you feel like you're living the story -- or did in a past life, at least -- and yet she does so in a way that feels original. She has a way of putting things into words that you've never thought to say that way, but now that you've read it that way, it totally makes sense. There's a band that does that too -- The Avett Brothers, especially the songs written by Scott Avett. And they're pretty darn successful. Here's to hoping Jes has some of the same success in her writing career because this is a strong start.
March 3, 2023
Jes Smyth’s debut novel is a long winding love poem. A dance between two souls navigating adulthood, old demons, toxic insecurities, and time, as they make their way back to each other over the course of ten years.
Jolie and Jace meet as their undergraduate educations come to a close. As they begin to navigate the complicated dance and uncertainty of their futures, they are pulled apart and brought back together by bad timing, pride, heartbreak and crippling insecurity.
Over the next decade, they continue to circle back around to each other, always being pulled back together by circumstance and fate, and the question that lingers on the tongue of ever page - are these two going to get it together?
I won’t give you the spoilers, but I’ll say this - I love the idea that you can find one single soul you’re meant to be with, and no matter what type of shit goes on or how hard you try to avoid it, you always find your way back together.
What a masterful debut. This book was beautiful. Sorta like what a slow song sounds like at golden hour. Sort of like revisiting your early twenties self and wanting to give her a hug.
Read if you love:
⏱️ Normal People, the book or the show
⏱️ Poetry
⏱️ college love stories
⏱️ slow burns
⏱️ love triangles
⏱️ self discovery
⏱️ quality book boyfriends
Jolie and Jace meet as their undergraduate educations come to a close. As they begin to navigate the complicated dance and uncertainty of their futures, they are pulled apart and brought back together by bad timing, pride, heartbreak and crippling insecurity.
Over the next decade, they continue to circle back around to each other, always being pulled back together by circumstance and fate, and the question that lingers on the tongue of ever page - are these two going to get it together?
I won’t give you the spoilers, but I’ll say this - I love the idea that you can find one single soul you’re meant to be with, and no matter what type of shit goes on or how hard you try to avoid it, you always find your way back together.
What a masterful debut. This book was beautiful. Sorta like what a slow song sounds like at golden hour. Sort of like revisiting your early twenties self and wanting to give her a hug.
Read if you love:
⏱️ Normal People, the book or the show
⏱️ Poetry
⏱️ college love stories
⏱️ slow burns
⏱️ love triangles
⏱️ self discovery
⏱️ quality book boyfriends
February 16, 2023
𝘼𝙡𝙡 𝙒𝙚 𝙉𝙚𝙚𝙙 𝙄𝙨 𝙏𝙞𝙢𝙚
I found Jes Smyth through her gorgeous writing snippets on IG that she’d share, and I discovered it was from a book she was drafting. I stalked her social-media style and asked if I could read her book when it was ready.
She graciously allowed me to sneak peek of an early copy and I loved it. I remember reaching out and telling her it reminded me of 𝘖𝘯𝘦 𝘋𝘢𝘺 by David Nicholls and 𝘖𝘯𝘦 𝘋𝘢𝘺 𝘐𝘯 𝘋𝘦𝘤𝘦𝘮𝘣𝘦𝘳 by Josie Silver.
It’s the theme of two friends/lovers whose lives continue to circle one another, and for whatever reason, time keeps pushing and pulling them apart.
Jace and Jolie are both very relatable. Jolie deals with a private and painful issue that you don’t see often in books, and I thought Smyth handled it very well. Jace contends with his own insecure fumbles through life wondering-like many young adults-𝑖𝑠 𝑡𝘩𝑖𝑠 𝑟𝑒𝑎𝑙𝑙𝑦 𝑤𝘩𝑎𝑡 𝐼 𝑤𝑎𝑛𝑡?
Along the way Smyth introduces additional characters, and I may have not so subtly demanded she write a spin off book centering on them. ♡
Read if you like:
•Relatable, down-to-earth characters (and swoony side characters!)
•Realistic love stories
•Real life struggles not often brought to light
•Heart-string tugging moments
•Happy endings!
♡
I found Jes Smyth through her gorgeous writing snippets on IG that she’d share, and I discovered it was from a book she was drafting. I stalked her social-media style and asked if I could read her book when it was ready.
She graciously allowed me to sneak peek of an early copy and I loved it. I remember reaching out and telling her it reminded me of 𝘖𝘯𝘦 𝘋𝘢𝘺 by David Nicholls and 𝘖𝘯𝘦 𝘋𝘢𝘺 𝘐𝘯 𝘋𝘦𝘤𝘦𝘮𝘣𝘦𝘳 by Josie Silver.
It’s the theme of two friends/lovers whose lives continue to circle one another, and for whatever reason, time keeps pushing and pulling them apart.
Jace and Jolie are both very relatable. Jolie deals with a private and painful issue that you don’t see often in books, and I thought Smyth handled it very well. Jace contends with his own insecure fumbles through life wondering-like many young adults-𝑖𝑠 𝑡𝘩𝑖𝑠 𝑟𝑒𝑎𝑙𝑙𝑦 𝑤𝘩𝑎𝑡 𝐼 𝑤𝑎𝑛𝑡?
Along the way Smyth introduces additional characters, and I may have not so subtly demanded she write a spin off book centering on them. ♡
Read if you like:
•Relatable, down-to-earth characters (and swoony side characters!)
•Realistic love stories
•Real life struggles not often brought to light
•Heart-string tugging moments
•Happy endings!
♡
February 14, 2023
Jolie was sitting on the bench in front of the lecture hall. She was the first out the door after turning in her end-of-term exam. As the doors open she looks up in nervous anticipation only to see her best friend Alix and not her target.
She should have spoken to him on the first day of the semester instead of looking away. She didn't understand how meeting the eyes of someone she had never met felt like she was seeing them after a long absence. But, today she was determined to talk to Jace because besides this lecture she has not seen even a glance of him on the campus. It was now or never.
I totally enjoyed this book. It is very well written and the characters are fully developed and relatable. I have to admit that I felt like smacking Jolie a few times throughout this book. Not so much on her self-sabotage, but because she never took the blame...it was always the fault of others.
This book will keep you turning the pages even though it took Jolie and Jace YEARS to get it right. There is a wonderful cast of secondary characters and mini-romances throughout. I look forward to reading more by Jes Smyth in the future.
She should have spoken to him on the first day of the semester instead of looking away. She didn't understand how meeting the eyes of someone she had never met felt like she was seeing them after a long absence. But, today she was determined to talk to Jace because besides this lecture she has not seen even a glance of him on the campus. It was now or never.
I totally enjoyed this book. It is very well written and the characters are fully developed and relatable. I have to admit that I felt like smacking Jolie a few times throughout this book. Not so much on her self-sabotage, but because she never took the blame...it was always the fault of others.
This book will keep you turning the pages even though it took Jolie and Jace YEARS to get it right. There is a wonderful cast of secondary characters and mini-romances throughout. I look forward to reading more by Jes Smyth in the future.
March 9, 2023
Seppy's 4 Star Review:
I really enjoyed this book. Jolie and Jace's story is 10 years in the making. This book is a story of how these two finally are both at the right time for once. I was very frustrated at Jolie. She is a hot mess throughout this book. She has some major issues that prevent her from committing to Jace. It took a while for me to realize that she needed to heal herself before she could be in the type of relationship that Jace and her could have if they were at the right time in both their lives for once. For most of the book, I didn't like Jolie. She kept giving Jace false hope and it destroyed him and her time and time again. This is a heartbreaking and beautiful story that brought me to tears.
Read
August 2, 2023Thank you to the author for sending me this book and the cutest bookish accessories!
Time for Once is about a woman who just can’t seem to figure out what she wants at any stage in her life. She fights fate and overthinks everything. This is a book about her journey of self acceptance, and finally loving herself enough to be with the man she loves.
Read if you like:
⏰ 3rd person dual POV
⏰ she falls first
⏰ an imperfect FMC who’s trying her best
⏰ a simping, golden retriever MMC
⏰ not wanting to be in a relationship until you figure yourself out
⏰ a smooth, head-over-heels side love interest
Favorite quote:
“I’ll wait for you, for as long as it takes. For…forever.”
⚠️ Trigger warnings
- Eating disorder/binge eating
- Alcoholism
Time for Once is about a woman who just can’t seem to figure out what she wants at any stage in her life. She fights fate and overthinks everything. This is a book about her journey of self acceptance, and finally loving herself enough to be with the man she loves.
Read if you like:
⏰ 3rd person dual POV
⏰ she falls first
⏰ an imperfect FMC who’s trying her best
⏰ a simping, golden retriever MMC
⏰ not wanting to be in a relationship until you figure yourself out
⏰ a smooth, head-over-heels side love interest
Favorite quote:
“I’ll wait for you, for as long as it takes. For…forever.”
⚠️ Trigger warnings
- Eating disorder/binge eating
- Alcoholism
July 24, 2023
This is the first book I've read in ages and I was instantly drawn in by Jolie's slight awkwardness. Jes uniquely and greatly brought us through a decade of these characters lives. You felt their pain and their growth with every skip of time.
There were times I wanted to yell at the characters to just get it together because I wanted the best for them. But we had to go through their journey for them to end up exactly where they were supposed to!
I'm looking forward to what's next with Jes & the stories she has to tell!
There were times I wanted to yell at the characters to just get it together because I wanted the best for them. But we had to go through their journey for them to end up exactly where they were supposed to!
I'm looking forward to what's next with Jes & the stories she has to tell!
February 12, 2023
I liked Jes Smyth writing a lot. It was easy to follow along but it was also poetic which made it even more enjoyable. I especially loved Jolie’s character development throughout the years of the story.
There were times when it got very repetitive between Jace & Jolie. The same things were happening and it felt as if the plot wasn’t really progressing.
Other than that I really enjoyed this book! 4/5 stars!
There were times when it got very repetitive between Jace & Jolie. The same things were happening and it felt as if the plot wasn’t really progressing.
Other than that I really enjoyed this book! 4/5 stars!
February 12, 2023
Jolie and Jace are two people who fall in love, but something always seems to step in their paths and tear them apart, which spans this story over ten years, for them to get on the same page. This is a well written story which has acceptance, challenges, romance, family, friendships, humor, witty banter, heartbreak, love, emotions, and is a steamy and entertaining page turner.
I look forward to reading more from this talented author whose work I highly recommend.
I look forward to reading more from this talented author whose work I highly recommend.
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