Audiobook Review: The Fortune Flip by Lauren King Jessen

Goodreads

Release date: March 17, 2026

Narrator: Katharine Chin and Austin Rising

Publisher: Hachette Audio

Genre: Contemporary Romance

Synopsis:

A stroke of luck.

Hazel Yen would love to be that person who doesn’t believe in bad luck. But having lost her job, her mom, her optimism, and even her dim-sum leftovers, she’s sitting in a fortune teller’s booth, desperate for a sign—any sign—that her luck might change. Which is when fate crashes into her, disguised as Logan Wells and his utterly chaotic cat. Except after one spontaneous and mind-melting kiss, Hazel’s terrible misfortune starts taking a turn for the miraculous. Money problems vanish. A new job lands in her lap. And she’s crushing—hard—on the guy who started it all.

Only there’s a problem: Logan’s luck has taken a turn for the worse. A shared lottery ticket could be just the answer they’re seeking or a disaster waiting to happen. Has Hazel’s fortune truly changed? And if so, could winning at life mean losing at love? 

Review:

I listened to the audiobook of The Fortune Flip and it ended up being such a delightful surprise. Narrated by Katharine Chin and Austin Rising, this dual narration setup worked beautifully for Hazel and Logan’s story. Both narrators were new to me, which honestly made it even more fun because it’s always a treat to discover not just one but two narrators you want to add to your regular audiobook rotation. Their performances brought so much personality to the banter and really captured the charm and warmth of the story.

On the surface, this is a super cute rom com built around a fun premise—what happens when luck literally flips between two people after a chance meeting. But beneath the lighthearted setup there’s actually a lot of emotional depth. Hazel is navigating grief after losing her mom, complicated family dynamics, and the ripple effects of addiction within her family. I thought the author did a great job balancing those heavier topics while still keeping the overall tone hopeful and uplifting. I also really loved the exploration of Chinese culture and traditions, especially the elements around fortune telling and luck, it added such a unique layer to the story.

The romance between Hazel and Logan is refreshingly low angst and grounded. Much of the conflict comes from external circumstances; family struggles, the whole “luck swap” situation, and life complications, rather than unnecessary relationship drama. Their banter is still playful and the connection between them feels genuine and sweet, even if the romance isn’t the sole focus of the plot. As the weather starts warming up and people are getting back into audiobook walks, this would be such a perfect listen to take along on a sunny afternoon.

Overall rating: 4/5

Thanks to the publisher for my review copy.

Review: Turn off the Light by Jacquie Walters

Goodreads

Release date: March 3, 2026

Publisher: Mulholland Books

Genre: Horror, Mystery/Thriller

Synopsis:

Two women living centuries apart are bound by the same dark secret in this haunting novel that “upends everything you think you know about ghost stories” (Jennifer McMahon, author of The Winter People).

“A delightful twist on both the haunted-house and beach-read genres.” —Carissa Orlando, author of The September House

The Devil enters through doors left open…

On the isolated Eastern Shore of Virginia, Edith is a healer, a woman of knowledge—and a woman watched. Shadows move where they shouldn’t. Whispers creep through the dark. Terrified she has opened her home to the Devil, Edith makes a desperate choice.

Claire doesn’t believe in ghosts—until she returns home to care for her dying father and finds her childhood house… listening. As one sleepless night bleeds into the next, she becomes convinced something is stirring beneath the floorboards. Something that has waited a long time to rise.

Is the house haunted? What compels this lurking darkness? As the danger mounts, Edith and Claire will discover they’ll need each other to survive. But they are separated by four hundred years. And time is running out for them both.

Review:

Turn Off the Light was exactly the kind of horror that works for me. I’m not someone who reaches for the genre often, but when I do, this is the lane I love most—spooky enough to give me chills and leave me feeling a little uneasy, but not so graphic or gory that it turns my stomach. Walters creates an atmosphere that’s genuinely creepy without relying on shock value. Think haunted house vibes, whispers in the dark, strange happenings you can’t quite explain, and that constant feeling that something is watching. It gave me goosebumps more than once, which is always a good sign.

The story moves between two timelines that kept me completely engaged. Edith’s story unfolds centuries in the past on Virginia’s isolated Eastern Shore, while Claire’s takes place in the present as she returns to her childhood home to care for her dying father. I’m not always drawn to historical timelines, but it worked beautifully here. Watching Edith and Claire’s experiences mirror and slowly connect was one of the most compelling parts of the book, and the mystery of how their stories would intersect kept me turning the pages.

Beyond the supernatural elements, there’s a strong central mystery driving the plot, along with a few twists that make the story feel fast paced and engaging. The haunting presence in the house, the unsettling visions, and the sense that time itself is part of the puzzle all build toward a tense and atmospheric reading experience. Walters blends horror, mystery, and the supernatural in a way that feels immersive rather than overwhelming, making Turn Off the Light a great pick for readers who want something creepy, twisty, and haunting without crossing into full on nightmare fuel. 👻📖

Overall rating: 4/5

Thanks to the publisher for my review copy.

Review: Once and Again by Rebecca Serle

Goodreads

Release date: March 10, 2026

Publisher: Atria

Genre: Contemporary Fiction

Synopsis:

The women of the Novak family were each born with a gift: they can, just once, turn back time.

Lauren has known since she was fifteen that her mother Marcella saved Lauren’s father from a deadly car accident. Dave is alive and happy, and out on the Malibu waves. But ever since, Marcella, her power spent, has lived in fear of what she won’t be able to reverse. Her own mother, Sylvia, is her polar opposite: a free-spirited iconoclast with a glamorous past she only hints at. Lauren has spent her life between these two role models—and waiting for her own catastrophe to strike.

Then one summer, Lauren’s husband takes a job in New York and she moves back to Broad Beach Road, back into her childhood home on the shores of Malibu. Lauren looks forward to surfing with her dad again and perhaps repairing an unspoken fracture in her relationship with her mother. What she doesn’t expect is for the boy next to door to return home as well: Stone, Lauren’s first love, who broke her heart nearly a decade before.

As Lauren falls into familiar patterns, with her family and, more dangerously, Stone, she finds herself thinking about all the choices, large and small, that have brought her to this moment. And wondering, finally, if one of them should be undone.

Review:

Once and Again is another thoughtful entry into the world of magical realism that Rebecca Serle has become known for. The premise is instantly compelling: the women in the Novak family are each born with the ability to go back and redo one moment in their lives. As with many of Serle’s stories, the magic isn’t really the point—it’s the emotional ripple effects of the choices we make and the lives we build around them. The concept makes for a reflective reading experience, prompting you to think about your own “what ifs,” regrets, and turning points along the way.

I especially loved the multigenerational dynamic between Lauren, her mother Marcella, and her grandmother Sylvia. Their different approaches to life and to the family’s unusual gift create an interesting emotional tension that carries through the story. Serle also excels at creating a strong sense of place, and the Malibu beach setting is vivid and immersive. The Broad Beach Road house, the ocean, and the laid back coastal energy give the book an atmospheric quality that makes it an ideal weekend binge or vacation read.

While the story kept me engaged and turning pages, the ending didn’t quite land for me. One aspect of the final twist felt a bit silly compared to the otherwise thoughtful tone of the book, which ultimately bumped my rating down slightly. Still, this is a fast paced and reflective novel that explores family, relationships, and the weight of our decisions in a way that feels both emotional and entertaining. Fans of Serle’s work will likely find plenty to appreciate here.

Overall rating: 3.75/5

Thanks to the publisher for my review copy.

Audiobook Review: Served Him Right by Lisa Unger

Goodreads

Release date: March 10, 2026

Publisher: Park Row, Harlequin Audio

Genre: Mystery/Thriller

Synopsis:

A woman’s brunch with friends quickly turns dark in this wickedly clever and deliciously twisty tale of revenge from New York Times bestselling author Lisa Unger. 

Ana Blacksmith has gathered her closest friends and sister Vera together for a girls’ brunch to celebrate her recent breakup from her boyfriend Paul. But when shocking news about Paul and his new girlfriend arrives, all eyes are on Ana, the angry ex with a bad reputation. Suspicions only intensify when Ana’s best friend falls deathly ill after the brunch.

But Ana is not the only one who had a score to settle with Paul, a business mogul with a whispered history. And the list of people who will not shed a tear over his fate is long. As the investigation unfolds, rumours of a secret network that uses ancient methods to obtain justice begin to emerge. Vengeance is sweet, but it can also be deadly.

Ana and Vera are determined to find the truth before Ana takes the fall and their own long-buried history comes to light. Served Him Right is a riveting thriller that shows you can never underestimate the power of a woman looking for justice.

Review:

Lisa Unger’s Served Him Right starts off with a bang, a seemingly innocent brunch that quickly spirals into a dark and twisting thriller. Ana Blacksmith, fresh from a breakup, gathers her friends and sister for a celebratory meal, but tension simmers under the surface. When one of her friends suddenly falls gravely ill, suspicion and paranoia take over, and the story rapidly escalates into a complex web of revenge, secrets, and a mysterious “network” bent on meting out justice. Unger’s signature knack for suspense is on full display here, and the audiobook’s full cast—featuring Kristen Sieh, Brittany Pressley, Vivienne Leheny, Soneela Nankani, Tim Paige, and Petrea Burchard—is absolutely stellar. Each voice actor brings depth and intensity, and together they make the dramatic highs truly shine.

The novel’s structure, however, is ambitious to a fault. Multiple POVs and a sprawling cast can feel overwhelming at times, and the story occasionally veers into convoluted or far fetched territory. While the messy, dramatic elements are engaging and the revenge plot satisfying, some secondary characters felt extraneous, and the “secret network” angle stretched plausibility. Despite these issues, there’s plenty to enjoy for readers who like layered thrillers with lots of interpersonal intrigue.

Overall, I found Served Him Right to be a rollercoaster of suspense with moments of brilliance and a powerhouse audiobook performance that elevates the material. It’s messy, dramatic, and full of twists, but it didn’t entirely land for me by the finale. I’d give it a 3.5/5: great as a binge listen for fans of thrillers who enjoy a little chaos with their justice.

Overall rating: 3.5/5

Thanks to the publisher for my review copy.

Review: A Lie for a Lie by Ren DeStefano

Goodreads

Release date: March 10, 2026

Publisher: Berkley

Genre: Mystery/Thriller

Synopsis:

A deadly game of cat and mouse unfolds when a housewife with a secret life takes on a tech billionaire with secrets darker than her own . . . from the author of How I’ll Kill You.

Margaux leads a double life that would make most people dizzy. By day, she’s a seemingly ordinary interior decorator with a picture-perfect marriage. By night, she works for a mysterious employer known only as Mr. X. Her infiltrating the lives of dangerous targets, gaining their trust, and ultimately exposing their crimes. 

Her latest Unraveling the secret life of Bertram Casimir, a billionaire tech CEO whose career is as mysterious as his past. His sister claims he stole her app to build his fortune. Not only that, his girlfriend may or may not have recently gone missing.

He sees through her carefully constructed facade, matching her move for move. As the lines between hunter and prey blur, Margaux finds herself unexpectedly drawn to Bertram. They share more than she’d like to admit—a dangerous intelligence, a taste for high-stakes manipulation. When the evidence begins to shift, threatening to unravel everything she knows, Margaux realizes this is far more than just another job.

Her secrets—and her life—are now on the line. One lie remains, and it might just save her.

Review:

A Lie for a Lie was such a fun, fast paced thriller with a premise that immediately pulled me in. The concept of Margaux living a carefully constructed double life (by day she’s an interior decorator and devoted wife and mother, by night a covert operative infiltrating dangerous targets) made for a really engaging read. I loved the spy adjacent angle and the constant tension of watching her juggle two identities while trying to keep her personal life intact.

Yes, the premise leans a little far fetched at times, but honestly that’s part of the fun. The cat and mouse dynamic between Margaux and tech billionaire Bertram kept the story moving quickly, and I found myself flying through the pages to see who was actually telling the truth. There are plenty of secrets, past traumas, and shifting motivations that keep the reader guessing about who’s manipulating whom.

Margaux was a standout character for me. Her sarcastic humor added some levity to an otherwise tense story, and I appreciated the way she genuinely tried to balance her dangerous work with being a present wife and mother. That emotional push and pull gave the story a little extra depth. Overall, this was a twisty, entertaining thriller that doesn’t take itself too seriously and delivers a suspenseful ride full of secrets and drama.

Overall rating: 4/5

Thanks to the publisher for my review copy.

Audiobook Review: Darkening Song by Delphine Seddon

Goodreads

Release date: March 10, 2026

Publisher: Saturday Books

Genre: Contemporary Fiction

Synopsis:

DARKENING SONG is a fiercely feminist debut about two young women; one a recording artist failed by the industry which made her an idol, and the other her ambitious manager, forced to make an impossible choice between friendship and power.

TO BE ADAPTED INTO A MAJOR TELEVISION SERIES

Eva is just 18 years old and interning at a record label when she discovers 16 year old Alora online. Never has she heard a voice like Alora’s and when it’s clear there isn’t anyone at the label interested in hearing this phenomenal talent, Eva takes matters into her own hands. On a whim, Eva offers Alora representation as her manager without knowing the first thing about artist management or what’s about to happen to both of them.

And it turns out Eva was right… Alora is swiftly catapulted into the spotlight of major superstardom, and as the two navigate the whirling vortex of fame—the parties, the money, the paparazzi, and power—they form a deep bond, becoming found family for one another.

But when Alora’s dark and mysterious past begins to infiltrate her present and Eva’s ambition and success blind her to the obvious signs that her client and, most importantly, her friend is in trouble, their lives unravel with disastrous consequences.

DARKENING SONG is a story about friendship and betrayal. It’s a love story, and a story about growing up in an industry which sometimes disregards the needs of young girls and women in favour of self-interest. But more than anything, it’s a story about redemption, and the ways that hopes and dreams can come true in ways we least expect.

Review:

Darkening Song by Delphine Seddon is a gritty, character driven exploration of fame, ambition, friendship, and the devastating cost of power. Following Eva, an 18 year old record label intern, and Alora, the 16 year old singer she discovers online, the story charts their meteoric rise and the deep bond that forms between them as they navigate the intoxicating chaos of superstardom. The comparisons to Daisy Jones, Euphoria and Luckiest Girl alive feel  fitting, but this debut firmly establishes its own voice as fiercely feminist, unflinching, and emotionally raw.

I’ll be honest: the middle section felt slow and at times I worried it might lose me. The pacing lingers in the rise to fame whirlwind, and the tension simmers rather than explodes. But in hindsight, that deliberate build makes the final stretch hit much harder. Patience truly pays off here. As the emotional unraveling begins and the full weight of the industry’s exploitation comes into focus, the story sharpens into something powerful and devastating. Seddon doesn’t shy away from sexual assault, misogyny, consent, and the systemic ways young women are failed by those meant to protect them. Because both main characters are so young, parts are deeply unsettling, but intentionally so and the discomfort serves the story’s larger message.

The audiobook elevates the experience even further. Narrated by Cherise Silvestri, Mei Mei Macleod, and Milly Oldfield—three new to me narrators who absolutely impressed me—the production is immersive and emotionally layered. The inclusion of original songs makes this such a compelling listen; hearing the music woven directly into the narrative adds depth that feels essential to the story being told. While it may require some patience in the middle, the payoff is worth it. This is not an easy story, but it’s an important one—bold, disturbing at times, and ultimately deeply resonant.

Overall rating: 4/5

Thanks to the publisher for my review copy.

Review: Love Song by Elle Kennedy

Goodreads

Release date: March 17, 2026

Publisher: Bloom Books

Genre: Contemporary Romance

Synopsis:

New York Times bestselling author Elle Kennedy returns with her signature heat and humor for a Briar universe standalone romance featuring the next generation Off-Campus characters―where one unforgettable summer changes everything.

After a brutal breakup, college junior Blake Logan escapes to her family’s lake house in Tahoe, determined to shut out the world. Her plan is simple: no men, no drama. Until Wyatt Graham shows up. Four years older and far too good at getting under her skin, Wyatt is the living embodiment of a “bad idea,” and the guy who shattered her pride when she confessed her crush at sixteen.

With his music career stalled, Wyatt has come to Tahoe for inspiration. The last thing he expects is to find it with Blake. He’s spent years keeping his distance, convinced he’s all wrong for her, but she’s no longer the innocent girl he once knew. She’s confident, captivating, and impossible to ignore. And the slow-burning tension between them? It’s catching fire fast.

They both know this can’t last, but one reckless kiss turns into another, and soon they’re tangled in something that feels dangerously like more. Just as they finally give in to the pull, tragedy tears them apart, leaving their hearts in pieces.

But forgetting that one, nearly perfect summer? Not a chance. And when fate brings them together again, Blake and Wyatt must decide if this is a second chance…or the final verse.

Review:

There are certain fictional worlds I will never, ever get tired of visiting, and the Briar universe is at the very top of that list. With Love Song, Elle Kennedy delivers everything longtime fans could possibly want — nostalgia, next gen chaos, swoony romance, and emotional depth — and somehow still makes it feel fresh. Being reunited with this crew (plus watching the older generation interact with the next?) was pure serotonin. The group chats alone had me snort laughing, and the dad chat? Elite. Absolute elite content.

Wyatt and Blake were so obviously meant to be, but watching them actually get there was delicious torture in the best way. The banter? Incredible. The angst? Perfection. The chemistry? Off the charts undeniable. I tried so hard not to devour this book because I didn’t want it to end, I wanted to live in that Lake Tahoe summer bubble forever, but it was impossible to pace myself because it was just so freaking good. Blake’s post breakup resolve and Wyatt’s long simmering feelings created the kind of slow burn tension that aches in your chest in the most satisfying way.

And while this book is wildly fun, it also carries emotional weight. Elle Kennedy doesn’t shy away from serious topics, and she handles them with her usual care and tenderness, adding layers of depth to what already felt like a perfect romance. For me, the Lake Tahoe setting added an extra layer of comfort — it’s a place that holds special family memories, and seeing it come alive on the page made this story feel even more personal. Fans of this series are going to be absolutely delighted. It’s everything we’ve been waiting for and more. I’m fully obsessed.

Overall rating: 5/5

Thanks to the publisher for my review copy.

February Recap

February felt a little shorter (because it literally is), but somehow I still packed in a solid mix of romances, thrillers, and a few surprise favorites. I leaned into seasonal vibes, Valentine’s reads, and a couple binge worthy backlist picks that completely delivered.

If you missed anything this month, here’s a quick catch up — plus a peek at what I’m excited about heading into March.

ICYMI: February Highlights

February Book Recommendations

A mixed genre roundup of love stories, twisty suspense, and a few books that genuinely surprised me in the best way.

→ Read the full list here

Full February Reading Wrap Up

All the stats, standouts, and quick hit thoughts.

→ See the wrap up here

I also shared:

• Books to read if you’re missing the Winter Olympics

• Romance books that feel like a Valentine

• An audiobook starter guide

• A 2016 vs. 2026 Bookstagram post to celebrate 10 yearsof reviewing (!!)

A Few of My Favorite Reads in February

Where the Wildflowers Grow by Terah Shelton Harris

This one absolutely wrecked me in the most beautiful way. It’s devastating and tender, layered and deeply human — a story about grief, survival, found family, and what it truly means to begin living again. Leigh’s journey is heavy with trauma, but the way healing slowly unfolds on that Alabama flower farm felt thoughtful and earned. It’s character driven fiction at its finest.

The audiobook experience elevated this story to something unforgettable. Narrated by Tracie Thoms, Dionte Black, and the author herself, the performances were immersive and emotionally precise. You can hear every crack in Leigh’s armor. This would be such a powerful book club pick — it lingers long after the final chapter.

→ Read my full audiobook review here

Whisper Sweet Nothings by Laura Pavlov

The perfect send off to Rosewood River. Winnie and Archer were EVERYTHING. Single dad x nanny tension? Elite. Banter? Top tier. The Chadwick group chat? Completely unhinged in the best way.

This had humor, heart, spice, small town charm, and the sweetest emotional core. Melody stole my heart, and that extended epilogue? I devoured it. Laura Pavlov truly writes single dads like no one else, and I would happily live in Rosewood River forever.

→ Read my full review here

Across the Vanishing Sky by Catherine Cowles

Romantic suspense done right. Emotional depth, high stakes tension, layered mystery, and a slow burn romance rooted in trust and vulnerability. Brae as a fiercely protective single mom added so much weight to the story, and watching Dex with Owen melted me.

The twists absolutely got me (again), and the groundwork laid for future books has me fully invested. Catherine Cowles just knows how to balance danger and devotion.

→ Read my full review here

Love Song by Elle Kennedy

Returning to the Briar universe is pure serotonin for me. Nostalgia, next gen chaos, group chats, emotional growth — it’s everything I want from this world.

Wyatt and Blake’s slow burn tension was delicious torture in the best way. The banter? Incredible. The chemistry? Off the charts. And while it’s wildly fun, it also carries emotional weight in a way that feels real and grounded. I’m fully obsessed and will never get tired of visiting this universe.

→ Read my full review here

Currently Reading / Listening / Watching

• Reading: Turn Off the Light by Jacquie Walters and it is creepy AF. Dual timelines, haunted house energy, women separated by four hundred years, and something in the walls? I’m unsettled in the best way.

• Listening: Served Him Right by Lisa Unger I’m about to start this one and I’m so ready for messy brunch drama, secrets, and revenge.

• Watching: Season 2 of Paradise on Hulu. I’m a HUGE Sterling K. Brown fan and this show is excellent.

What’s Next

Honestly? I’m fully in my mood reading era right now. No strict plan, just vibes.

You can definitely expect:

• A spring themed reads post soon

• More carousels, guides, and random themed lists whenever inspiration strikes

• Continued 10 year anniversary throwbacks and celebratory content throughout the year

Thank you for being here! Whether you read every post, tap through a carousel, or just lurk quietly in the background. I appreciate this little corner of the internet more than you know. 🤍

Audiobook Review: Missing Sister by Joshilyn Jackson

Goodreads

Release date: March 3, 2026

Publisher: Harper Audio/William Morrow

Genre: Mystery/Thriller

Synopsis:

Revenge. It’s all relative.

Born three minutes apart, Penny and Nix Albright grew up doing everything together, close as only twins can be. But when Nix dies in a tragic accident soon after college, she leaves behind a cryptic voicemail that has Penny guilt-ridden and desperate for justice. 

Five Years Later

Penny has found new purpose as a rookie cop. She’s working to fulfill Nix’s dream of making the world a safer place, but following that dream becomes a nightmare when she’s called to her first murder scene. When she sees the victim, she knows him instantly. It’s Danny Bowery—one of three men she’s long blamed for Nix’s death—splayed in a pool of blood outside a posh Atlanta shopping center, almost as if she’d wished it so.

Stunned, Penny steps away to catch her breath and discovers a blonde in blood-drenched clothes gripping a box cutter. Before Penny can arrest her, the woman reveals that Bowery’s murder is part of a larger story that is far from over. A story about sisters. And with that, the killer disappears.

Now, Penny will stop at nothing to pursue this dangerous woman and learn why she’s avenging Nix’s death. The deeper she dives into the mystery, the less clear it becomes who is hunting whom in this captivating page-turner of hidden motives and deadly consequences.

Review:

Missing Sister by Joshilyn Jackson is a slow burn revenge story wrapped in grief, guilt, and complicated sisterhood. The premise immediately hooked me; twin sisters, a cryptic voicemail, and a murder that feels almost summoned by long held rage. Five years after Nix’s death, Penny is a rookie cop trying to honor her sister’s memory when one of the men she’s blamed for that tragedy turns up murdered. From there, the story spirals into a tangled web of vengeance and secrets that asks how far someone should go in the name of justice—and whether revenge can ever truly bring peace.

I listened to the audiobook, narrated by the author herself, and I have to say, she was fantastic. I don’t always love when authors narrate their own work, but it absolutely worked here. Her performance added emotional nuance and intimacy that elevated the listening experience. That said, while I loved the premise and the emotional undercurrent, the execution didn’t fully land for me. The middle felt both draggy and oddly convoluted, with a lot going on that didn’t always feel cohesive. As a police procedural, it didn’t quite ring true for me either—it lacked the realism I usually look for in that genre. I also struggled to connect with Penny and didn’t love some of her decisions, which made it harder to stay fully invested. Not a bad read by any means, just one that ultimately wasn’t for me.

Overall rating: 3/5

Thanks to the publisher for my review copy.

Audiobook Review: In Time With You by Kristin Dwyer

Goodreads

Release date: March 3, 2026

Publisher: Wednesday Books

Genre: Contemporary Romance/Fiction

Synopsis:

A gripping speculative romance about one girl saving her first love’s life by falling for the last person she ever should – his best friend.

Nieve Monroe is devastated after her boyfriend Carter dies saving her from drowning. Even worse she blames herself for his death… and so does his best friend, Max. He was there with them on that fateful day, and he’s never liked Nieve.

Unable to pull herself from her grief and wanting to hide from the accusation in his eyes, Nieve goes to stay with her grandmother, who has always had strange stories to tell of uncanny happenings, of magic and make believe. The next morning, Nieve wakes up on the first day of college, the year before.

This time she plans to make sure Carter never follows her into that river. She’ll do everything in her power to keep him safe, even if it means losing him in other ways. But the more distance she puts between her and Carter, the closer she gets to Max, drawn to him in ways she never expected.

But is she betraying Carter if the only way she can save him is to move on? And can she ever forget her past to embrace her future?

Kristin Dwyer’s In Time With You is a heartbreaking story of first love, loss, and one chance to change everything.

Review:

In Time With You is a devastatingly tender time slip romance that balances grief and hope in equal measure. When Nieve loses her boyfriend Carter in a tragic accident she blames herself for, her world fractures. But after retreating to her grandmother’s house—where stories of magic and impossibility have always lingered—she wakes up on the first day of college, one year before Carter’s death. What follows is a character driven exploration of love, guilt, and second chances as Nieve attempts to rewrite fate and save the boy she lost.

I love a good time slip novel, and this one puts such an emotional twist on the trope. Instead of chasing adventure, Nieve is chasing redemption. The magical realism is fun but slightly kooky, never fully explained in the way some speculative novels attempt to tidy up their rules, but honestly, that ambiguity works if you’re willing to just go with it and expect the unexpected. Beneath the speculative layer, this story is deeply rooted in its characters. Nieve’s grief feels raw and honest, and both Carter and Max are fully developed in ways that make the emotional stakes soar. The secondary characters linger too, they’re not the forgettable background figures you often see in YA/NA romance.

The audiobook, narrated by Jesse Vilinsky is especially strong. She is one of the best voices for YA and NA fiction because she captures that age—the vulnerability, impulsiveness, longing—so naturally. She elevates the emotional beats, especially during Nieve’s quiet, devastating moments of self blame and the softer, surprisingly adorable romantic scenes. Between the heartbreak and the hope, this story offers so many sweet, light moments that make the heaviness feel bearable. It’s tender, messy, and ultimately healing.

Overall rating: 4/5

Thanks to the publisher for my review copy.