Into the Blue

by Emma Brodie

From the award-winning author of Songs in Ursa Major comes an epic, decade-spanning love story that blazes through the worlds of acting and comedy, and charts a connection so powerful it might just break space and time itself.

In the summer of 2000, AJ Graves dreams of writing for SNL; instead, she’s stuck working in a video rental store, with slim odds of escaping her Massachusetts small town and large family. Then in walks Noah Drew, the enigmatic and intense scion of the Drew acting dynasty, and her life changes forever. Despite wildly different upbringings, the two forge a deep, cosmic bond first as friends, then as acting partners—until one day, Noah disappears without a word.

Seven years later in New York City, AJ is shocked to find herself cast in the same intergalactic TV production as Noah, by then a well-known Hollywood heartthrob. As their on-screen characters grow closer every day, the lines between reality and acting begin to blur. Unable to stay away from each other, AJ and Noah are forced to confront the truth of what happened years ago—and the devastating secret that will send their lives careening apart, even as fate continues to draw them together.

Blending unforgettable characters, explosive chemistry, and devastating emotion, Into the Blue is a journey unlike any other—one that asks: What does it mean to diverge from the script to forge your own story?

Genres: Romance, Fiction, Audiobook, Contemporary, Contemporary Romance, Book Club, Friends To Lovers

448 pages, Hardcover

First published April 7, 2026

About the author

Emma Brodie is an executive editor at Clarkson Potter. She graduated from Johns Hopkins University’s Writing Seminars program, and her debut novel, Songs in Ursa Major, received the American Book Award. She lives on Martha’s Vineyard with her husband and their very good dog, Freddie Mercury.

Reviews

[Larissa Cambusano · Rating 5 out of 5]

so that was devastating!

“you will not want to do what needs to be done”
“try me” ❤️


“your scene partner is your life” 😭😭😭😭😭😭😭

[Brady Lockerby · Rating 4 out of 5]

a messy childhood love story that makes us wonder, “will this stand the test of time?” this was fun, quirky, emotional, a book that pulled me in from the first few pages! it’s definitely on the longer side for romance (we all know how i feel about that) and don’t be discouraged if you were confused by the sci-fi tv show plot line, because same. but in the grand scheme, push through! julia whelan narrated the audio if that’s your jam and since i was traveling this week i did a mix of both reading + listening and enjoyed them equally

[Bailee · Rating 5 out of 5]

There are good books, bad books, just okay books… and then there are books like this. Books that make you feel so deeply it feels like you know these characters to their core.

AJ and Noah’s story is definitely not a perfect one, it’s not easy or clean. It’s messy, heartbreaking and frustrating. But it’s also equally as deep, beautiful and filled with the type of love story that you’ll remember forever.

I can’t even put into words how much i loved this. I CRIED at the end!!!! Do you know how HARD it is to make me cry in a book? This was phenomenal. Mark my words, this will be in my top 10 favorites of 2026.

[ellen · Rating 4 out of 5]

ended up really enjoying this one! the first 20% was a bit slow for me and it took some time to get into, but once it picked up i was fully invested.

the characters were frustrating in a way that felt intentional. they made questionable choices and i don’t think i actually liked either of them, but that also made them feel more real in a way? i felt like i couldn’t look away even though i despised what was happening. .

there were a few moments where things felt a little unclear, which pulled me out briefly, but not enough to affect my overall experience. i also think it probably could have been shorter - some sections dragged more than they needed to (e. g. th first chunk of this book).

still, this feels like one of those books where the characters linger. i can see myself thinking about them for a while. i would definitely recommend if you like (kind of) frustrating but ‘real’ love stories. the setting of this book was really unique and there are a lot of time jumps which really solidify the history these characters have together. i enjoyed !!

[Liana Gold · Rating 4 out of 5]

⭐️ 3.75 ⭐️ If you want to read a story about the rain and the flood, the pain and the pleasure, then this is a love story that you won't easily forget. It's not a lovey-dovey romance but a story that takes you through decades of thunder-like, achy love of longing and yearning. It's about two people who ached and pined for one another a whole DECADE, only torturing themselves even more as a result of never giving into their feelings. Into the Blue really screams 'TIME IS OF THE ESSENCE' so you should never waste it!

We follow a story of AJ Graves who dreams of becoming a writer for SNL. She meets Noah by chance when he begins working along side her in a video rental store somewhere in Massachusetts. Noah is shaped by famous acting family and the expectation of becoming an actor. He's charming but complicated. She's a dreamer, observant and ambition. They are initially drawn to each other by their love for sci-fi shows and theater. They begin acting out scenes/improvising, eventually forming a strong connection with sizzling chemistry. However, one day Noah disappears without a word. Years later, AJ who is now a writer, is cast into the same intergalactic TV show as Noah, who is not a Hollywood heartthrob. They are unable to stay away from each other, lines become blurred, leaving them forced to face the truth of what happened many years ago.

This is a long book, 450 pages (600 for large print) and it felt like I was reading this a long time. It's uniquely written, where a love story and deep connection forms through acting. So there is a sci-fi story within a story and it will be a hit for anyone who loves theater and acting. I honestly thought it was a lot. I was not a fan of the cosmic sci-fi story and thought it dragged for a long time, at least the first 45% and then sporadically through out the book until Noah fully came back into picture and Emma Brodie dropped a bomb with Noahs confession. I usually do not get shocked but my jaw was on the floor. The book went from 2 to 4 stars imminently and the second half of the book was just like 'A Love Letter to Whiskey'--emotional, toxic, peaked in angst and sad too. I wanted to throw my kindle across the room because they drove me crazy. It's heartbreaking yet hopeful. Noahs confession about what happened many years ago pulled me back in and kept me glued to the story.

It's hard to write a well thought out review when a novel packs so much into the timeline, you just have to go in and enjoy the ride.

Its featured as an add-on on BOTM, so if you're interested in signing up, the first book is only $5!
Use my link to get the discount!: https://www.mybotm.com/bgnrjn6qk0o


Many thanks to NetGalley, Ballantine and the author, Emma Brodie for an early eARC.

Publication date: April 7th, 2026

[♥︎ Heather ⚔ (Semi-Hiatus-attempting return) · Rating 4 out of 5]

“He said it easily, and AJ pretended that it hadn’t stopped her heart, and they turned away, leaving Atlas to carry heavier things.”

Into the Blue is an epic, decade-spanning love story that moves between a small Massachusetts town and the worlds of acting and comedy. In the summer of 2000, aspiring comedy writer AJ Graves is stuck working at a video rental store when enigmatic Noah Drew, heir to a famous acting family, walks into her life.

What begins as an unlikely friendship blossoms into a deep, cosmic connection until Noah suddenly disappears without a word.

I actually loved this one- and it’s like my love for it just keeps growing lol. Last night I paused the audio for the night around the 60% and just felt a little meh about it.(3 star territory)

The writing drifts between timelines in a way that sometimes feels vague, and I felt like I missed something a time or two. Had to go back on the audio which took me out a bit. (Probably user error 😅)

But later that night, lying in bed- my mind kept going back to AJ and Noah. I just started thinking about everything they were going through and how relatable it all was. The emotional weight of it all just started to hit me- I feel like it’s still hitting me! 🫠

This story captures something I totally resonate with- the way long-standing friendships can quietly accumulate meaning over time. When two people share years of history, the line between platonic and romantic can feel less like a switch and more like a slow unfolding.

I have conflicting feelings about Noah, and honestly I did in beginning with A.J. too, but as the layers unfold I really started to understand and relate to her. Their connection is messy, complicated, and deeply human.

Time is a real mf, isn’t it? It doesn’t wait on anyone or anything. This book is a beautiful, painful reminder of right person, wrong time and how some bonds refuse to stay buried.

I didn’t think I was going to feel this strongly about it, but by the end, you can’t really help it.

Quietly powerful and the kind of story that lingers with you. Watch- I’ll probably boost it to 5 stars in another day lol.

Already selected as a BOTM add on. 💖


💙Second-chance
🩵Friends to lovers
💙Slow burn
🩵Fated/soulmates energy
💙Actors / performance industry romance
🩵Forced proximity
💙Angst
🩵Miscommunication
💙Right person, wrong timing


✴︎a˚｡⋆ Connect with me on Instagram ˗ˏˋ★‿︵‧ ˚ ₊⊹


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I keep saying this 😩 but full review in a bit. I’m super behind, been a really hectic few weeks at work and home- will catch up this week !

This was a complicated one and honestly last night around 50% when a friend asked me I felt meh about it. Liked but didn’t love.

But then last night as I settled in for the night and wasn’t actively listening to it anymore- I couldn’t stop thinking about it. The choices, the situation, the pain. 🥹

Full RTC.

[emilybookedup · Rating 4 out of 5]

what a beautifully unique romance novel!! teetering between 4-4.5 stars for this one. happy to report that the early raving reviews stood up to the hype!

i went into this book semi blind and recommend you do too, but here’s what you need to know:
- second chance / right person wrong time vibes
- childhood friends to lovers trope
- SLOW BURN
- lots of yearning and angst to the romance
- follows movies/film/tv/celebrity life
- strong family side plots

this is a love story at the core but so much more! it follows two main characters that get swept away in acting and improv and then their friendship turns into so much more… but of course, there’s a catch 🥹

that’s all i’m gonna say!!! it’s unique and has some unusual elements for a romance novel but to me this is for fans of Emily Henry. it’s a romance but so much more…

and let me just say, i was SCARED for the ending but very very very happy by the time i closed the book.

🎧 also pro tip — this is FAB on audio! narrated by our queen Julia Whelan 👏🏼

so so so good! add it to your TBR! thanks to Ballantine / Thousand Voices for the early copy.

[Destiney Bomberry · Rating 5 out of 5]

TOP READ OF THE YEAR MARK MY WORDS!!!
The most devastating and heart wrenching love story I have read to date. You want yearning and angst?! THIS IS FOR YOU!!! My stomach was in knots over so many moments while reading and I was so on edge that I was awake until 5am reading because I couldn’t get enough of AJ and Noah!! They were so hot and sad, I sobbed with them!! Their chemistry and banter was off the charts. You couldn’t convince me these two people wouldn’t find each other in every single universe! They are the definition of soulmates.

The storytelling and the writing was so incredibly well done there isn’t anywhere in here where I could say “well I’d have loved this more” or “I didn’t love this..” NO!! This is infinity stars and beyond!

This will be a love story that will haunt me in the best way possible!!! I honestly feel like I can’t share too much in my review because I feel like there are so many parts to their story and it’s just an experience you need to go into mostly blind but just trust me I NEED EVERYONE TO READ!!!

[Kennedy Larson · Rating 5 out of 5]

IM SORRY I JUST LISTENED TO COMING UP ROSES AND NOW THIS IS 5 STARS

This book single handedly took me out of my 1.5 month reading slump! The relationship dynamic between the two main characters was addicting, and I had to know how it ended.

The best way to describe this one is SOULMATES. Truly. I’ve never read a book that describes the connection between two people who love each other the way this one does.

This book is for the aspiring actors, the sci-fi nerds, the fans of all encompassing romance stories, ugh it’s just so good.

Please go into this book mostly blind! Your experience will be much better that way.

[Ash · Rating 2 out of 5]

I genuinely don’t even know how to process this book.

I went in with high expectations, and to be fair, the first part really delivered. The setup was strong, the connection between the characters felt intense, and the ending of Part 1 had me completely hooked. But after that, things just started to go downhill for me.

The story follows AJ and Noah, who meet when she’s 17 and he’s 21. They connect through acting, and their chemistry, especially on stage, is undeniable. Noah comes from a family of actors but doesn’t want that life, while AJ clearly has the talent but refuses to pursue it. Their dynamic at the beginning was honestly really compelling.

Then comes the big turning point. Noah disappears after they share a moment, and years later we find out why. He’s been diagnosed with a hereditary illness, the same one that’s destroying his mother, and he knows he’s going to lose himself slowly and eventually die young. That part really hit. It’s tragic, it’s real, and it explains so much about his decisions.

But here’s where the book lost me.

Instead of deeply exploring that emotional weight, the story turns into this repetitive cycle of meeting, tension, fighting, sex, separation, and then repeating all over again.

And I’m not exaggerating when I say a lot of the second half is just them circling each other like this. The book spans years with multiple time jumps, but emotionally, it feels like they’re stuck in the same place the entire time.

The story is divided into three parts, and while Part 1 is strong, Parts 2 and 3 feel stretched out and frustrating. This could have easily been a much shorter, tighter book if the characters actually communicated or grew.

Also, the “soulmate” angle did not fully work for me. Yes, they have chemistry. Yes, they are drawn to each other. But emotionally, their relationship feels messy and, at times, honestly toxic. They are both seeing other people while still being in love with each other, hurting others and themselves in the process, and never really resolving anything.

And I have to say, the age gap at the beginning, 17 and 21, combined with how quickly things turn physical, did feel uncomfortable, even though the story later acknowledges it.

What frustrates me the most is that the core conflict is actually so strong. He loves her but believes being with him will ruin her life. She loves him and believes even a short life together is worth it.

That’s powerful. That could have been devastating in the best way. But instead of fully diving into that emotional and philosophical conflict, the book keeps interrupting it with repetition and physical tension.

By the end, I wasn’t heartbroken. I was just exhausted.

I don’t hate this book. In fact, I can see what it was trying to do. It aimed for something raw, messy, and real. And yes, in many ways, it is real. People do act like this. Love can be this complicated.

But realism does not always make for a satisfying story.

Overall, it felt like a book with incredible potential that got lost in its own length and repetition. I wanted depth, growth, and emotional payoff, and instead I got the same unresolved loop stretched over hundreds of pages.

I am honestly still sitting here like, what did I just read?

[The Lit Homebody · Rating 5 out of 5]

AN ABSOLUTE MASTERPIECE.

[Maren’s Reads · Rating 5 out of 5]

I lack the words to even begin to describe how dynamically beautiful and achingly romantic Emma Brodie’s sophomore novel is. While not a romance in the sense we have come to appreciate them of late, this book is a love story nonetheless and one that easily catapulted to a favorite of the year.

From page one, Brodie is not afraid of delving into the heavier themes that gird the central story. From addiction to chronic illness to grief, the heavier topics are handled with both care and nuance, then perfectly juxtaposed by the brighter than sunshine love and connection between these characters. The writing is flawless, the prose exquisite. I look forward to what I know will become a terrific adaptation of this story of intense struggle, young love, and an improv television show that sparked the flame.

🎧 The audiobook is narrated by Julia Whelan, the best of the best, and as such is a must-listen. However, because of the epistolary format and large cast of characters, I loved having the ability to read with both my eyes and ears. Therefore, an immersive read would be my recommendation for the best listening experience.

Read if you like:
▪️star-crossed lovers
▪️Hollywood romance
▪️emotional depth
▪️multi-generational family drama
▪️epistolary novels

✨ Top read of 2026


Check out my Bookstagram post here ♥

Thank you Ballantine x Thousand Voices and PRH for the advanced copies.

[Lauren · Rating 3 out of 5]

I was really loving it up until the big secret was revealed. It ended up being way too similar to several other popular books (that have been made into movies) from the past two decades for me to give it a higher rating.

[ahana ⊹ [ ia ] · Rating 4 out of 5]

೯ . . . 3.5 stars 𖥔

                         ꗃ . . [ reading time ] → 27 / 4 / 26 - 29 / 4 / 26 ᰋ

what do I even rate such a book.... im so conflicted on so many bases.

[Larissa Canassa · Rating 5 out of 5]

In a 450 page book, there are roughly 100,000 words on the page, and it feels almost impossible to agree with or love every single one of them… right?

At first, because it revolves around themes that usually fall outside my personal taste (early 2000s nerd culture and improv theater) I felt a little lost in everything that was happening. But just like AJ and Noah, I ended up falling in love with this world and with what these two incredibly talented artists are.

This book changed something inside me.

The way Emma was able to build a story centered mainly around improv artists and weave their entire lives into their performances is nothing short of brilliant.

Everything about this story is brilliant.

I genuinely do not think I have ever felt this connected to a book in my life. Obviously, I am writing this while still riding the high of having finished it just two hours ago, but this is exactly the feeling I, as a reader, am always searching for, and it is so hard to put into words.

This story holds so much pain and suffering, so many questionable choices, loneliness, loss, and a kind of love unlike anything I have ever read before, and I would not change a single thing about it. Not one thing.

AJ and Noah have become my reference point for every conversation about soulmates, cosmic connection, and all those inexplicable bonds. This is not a story built on flirting or cute romantic scenes. Instead, you feel and can almost see the invisible thread connecting them simply by being in the same room. Sometimes they are not even in the same room and you can still feel it.

Divided into four acts, it feels almost torturous to choose a favorite. Everything about this story is my favorite. The way every phase of the book ties together, along with the flawless writing, feels completely otherworldly.

Thank you, Emma Brodie, for this gift!!!

** just a disclaimer: it’s been a while and I’m even more obsessed. So yeah, it’s a 6🌟

[Jonetta · Rating 4 out of 5]

the setup…
It’s the summer of 2000 in Gladstone, Massachusetts and seventeen year old Ashlee Jayde (AJ) Graves is bored working at a video rental store. She’s obsessed with a 1964 cult series called Astronauticals and dreams of writing for SNL. In walks Noah Drew, a member of an acting family dynasty whose Aunt Eudora was a member of the series cast. He’s four years older and was just hired on. The chemistry between these two began to sizzle immediately but later when Eudora decides to be their acting coach, their inexplicable paranormal connection is undeniable. However, at the end of the summer, Noah just disappears and their paths don’t cross again for another seven years when they are both hired onto the improvisational intergalactic TV series, Into the Blue. He’s a Hollywood star and she’s an SNL writer and it is the beginning of their many attempts to deny what started years before.

the heart of the story…
I have a whole new appreciation for improvisation writing and performing as Brodie provides an inside view I’ve not experienced before. AJ becomes that SNL writer, struggling to move past her severed romance with Noah as he does the same. But this truly is a love story, fractured, messy, complicated and heartbreaking. I’ve not experienced much like it in fiction.

the narration…
Julia Whelan is one of a few who could handle this kind of epic saga that trips between the romance and the frenetic pace of the acting scenes. It’s all in AJ’s point of view, which she slays. Truly an outstanding performance.

the bottom line…
I must admit the world of improvisation was over my head at times but it perfectly illustrated the talent of both AJ and Noah and a powerful backdrop for their heartbreaking and heartwarming love story. This will hang around in my head and heart for a long, long time. 4.5 stars

Posted on Blue Mood Café

[Stefani Murdock · Rating 5 out of 5]

I'm not okay 😭 10/10 do not recommend finishing this book on an airplane! I think I terrified my children with stifled sobs.

[CM · Rating 2 out of 5]

Definitely the odd one out with this opinion but I found this book to be very hard to get through. It definitely wasn't for me. It felt pretty childish to me and I feel it could have been cut in half. It was basically the same thing over and over. Same feelings, same argument, wait a couple of years and then do it all over again. And how many times in one book can you add a version of the same sentence "he is famous and I'm just normal, he could never really love me." The answer is way too many!!!

[madison (madsbookclubb) · Rating 1 out of 5]

dnf @ 55% … i’m bored

[Andye.Reads · Rating 5 out of 5]

Wow this book sunk its teeth into me. There was a moment where I actually forgot I had been reading this and not watching it, that is how absolutely immersed I was in this story.

I'm going to set aside the fact that stories like these feed into our tendency to make excuses for the way men treat us because "what if they have a reason" and just take this book for what it is. 😅😅 It was beautifully written, absolutely heart wrenching, and made me feel more about two characters than I have felt in a really long time.

This is not a rom com. It is a love story. And it is fantastic.

For those of you who have read Rainbow Rowell, and loved her adult books, this one is for you. And if you like audiobooks, Julia Whelan narrates this one and she is magnificent as always.

-Andye

[Anna · Rating 5 out of 5]

5 stars with a capital 5. I didn’t know what to expect, I didn’t read the summary (I rarely do) but I had just picked up what is quite possibly my best book of 2026 and probably even beyond.
The yearning, the angst, the love, the wit, the comedy, the grief and heartbreak.
What I wouldn’t do to read this story again for the first time. 🩵🪐

Edit:
“Alexa, play Coming Up Roses” 🥹

[Jordyn (readingwithjordyn) · Rating 5 out of 5]

oh my god this is one of my favorite books I’ve EVER read.

THIS IS THE BOOK OF THE YEAR!!! I genuinely have not been able to stop thinking about AJ and Noah for weeks. Into the Blue is the most devastating, addicting, heartbreaking, immersive love story and AJ and Noah’s story will stay with me forever 🥺 Thank you so much to @thousandvoicesmedia x @ballantinebooks for the early copy of my FAVORITE BOOK OF THE YEAR!!

Into the Blue follows AJ and Noah, who meet when they are both working at a local video store. While they don’t get off on the right foot, pretty soon they bond over their love for Astronauticals, a fan favorite scifi TV show, and soon after, become acting partners as they are taught how to improv from Noah’s great aunt. Right away, it is obvious that AJ and Noah have a connection deeper than most humans will ever find. But when their first kiss leads to Noah disappearing and leaving AJ behind, it is unclear whether the two will ever be able to make their relationship work. It is devastating when you find out the real reason why Noah left and didn’t think he could be with AJ all those years later.

I had the most visceral reactions reading this story. This is not your typical romance, it is MESSY and often disappointing and so raw. I found myself rooting so hard for AJ and Noah as they worked to figure themselves out and tried not to hurt each other in the process, but inevitably did.

The setting of this book and mix of genres was so magical. I loved the background of the Astronauticals, the scifi tv show set that kicks everything off for AJ and Noah, the improv shows, and how pop culture is integrated into the book! I also LOVED all the minor characters so much 🥺

The ending of this book made me SOB, I was gasping for air!! This is a love story at its core but prepare to be HURT (but its soooo worth it). I felt so connected to AJ and Noah and feel like I will never be the same for knowing their love story :’)

P.S. The audiobook for this is narrated by Julia Whelan and it is PERFECTION (I’m listening right now for a reread) 🤍

[Michelle’s Library]

Incredibly boring

[Sabrina · Rating 5 out of 5]

”Your scene partner is your life. If this is to work, you must follow them wherever they go. You must follow them to the end. You must follow them into death if necessary."

This book wrecked me so good that I finished it with tears in my eyes and can’t come to terms in having to move on?? I genuinely believe this book was a devastatingly beautiful yet humanly messy (this aspect won’t appeal to everyone) masterpiece 😭 Top favorite books of this year with how immersed it had me and the book as a whole being shrouded in brilliance. It felt like nothing I’ve read before and is written so seamlessly as a love letter to the art of connection, improv acting/cult fandoms and second chance.
“
Into the blue follows AJ and Noah circa 2000 (some early nostalgia throughout these years) that spans 15 years but 13 specifically. they became friends first and then acting partners as they’re taught by Noah’s great aunt. During this time, they forge a deep connection until Noah suddenly leaves without a word. However, 7 years later they see each other again after they’re casted to star in the same project. 7 YEARS LATER. I was honestly spiraling more as the years kept going 😫 I had predicted why he disappeared but wanted to be wrong so bad

AJ and Noah felt like star-crossed soulmates in the way fate kept drawing them together yet pulled apart by life's circumstances. I did like how there was some interference though. Their bond was the epitome of “in every universe it’s you” I was seriously losing my mind in seeing how much chemistry they had and how interconnected they were with the line between performance and reality starting to blur. I couldn’t agree more with this line from the book “They play as if they're one instrument.” This made it easy to revel in seeing them in scene as the audience or anyone else weren't privy to the silent conversations they were having in them. It truly created such an intense and electrifying connection that one only wishes to have

Behind the barriers they put up, you could feel the longing, tension and YEARNING all tangled up throughout the years. More so after each goodbye which honesty was never the last. They were right for each other but the timing never seemed to work out. And because things weren’t easy for then, they got messy with harsh things being said that I swear felt like a PUNCH TO MY GUT. It all felt so painfully real and they were flawed because of it. I found myself wanting to scream at them but in particular Noah; as it just made me viscerally feel everything alongside them. All of it piled into this overwhelming weight of angst and heartbreak that felt almost endless in “will they or won’t they” moments. Man did those moments HURT, but in a way that felt worth it in the end. I also appreciated how they grew in learning to understand each other, even if it happened in the only way that felt true to them.

The setting of the world of acting/improv felt pretty mesmerizing to witness. I loved getting to see them improv, the interactions with the other cast members, eudoras words and letters, attending the cons—all of it felt like real events that happened. The authors creative process made it feel so at least and I enjoyed getting a glimpse into this reality. Random but it warmed my heart to see how close they got to Patrick and Elle at the end as they needed that outer connection

“You will not want to do what needs to be done.” AJ leveled her gaze at him. “Try me.”

This ends in a HEA even though one seemed unlikely until the very end. At its core, it’s a love story, that even the spicy bits were unexpected but so tasteful, and yet it goes way deeper than that. I appreciated the authors effort in weaving in both small and big themes and in a way that felt realistic and meaningful. But what I loved most was how Noah and AJ both came to terms with the fact that love is a risk no matter what, and took on that risk together after much unease 🥹 It’s been days and I can’t stop thinking about these two; just the thought of what’s next after the end HAUNTS ME in the painful reminder of how time is a luxury. I wish the bonus pov from Noah was included as is, so if possible, definitely pick up the target edition. I know everyone has reservations about adaptations but this is the book that demands that attention!!

some quotes

"The truth is, there's no such thing as a normal life. There's just the time you get and how you spend it." She looked at AJ, eyes brimming, and placed a hand on her arm. "Love is always a risk," she said quietly, in answer to the questions AJ hadn't asked.

Then one day, as they moved, AJ felt a tug, and there it was——the connection between them, a thin gold cord. As she concentrated on it, it began to glow. Noah looked up; he felt it too. Slowly, their hands opened against each other's. As they focused on that thread, the world began to fade, and they sank beneath their conscious selves. Down here, AJ discovered another self, an essential self. I know you, this self said to Noah. Then she felt a feeling as big as the sky. I know you, Noah's essential self said back.

Noah threw his head back. “No,” he erupted. “I’m saying that I’ve had years to adjust to the fact that I’m not capable of loving another person the way that I love you.”

“He knows I’d follow you anywhere.”

Her skin was tingling; her body was speaking to his on a molecular level. I know you, it was saying. I wished for you, hummed each cell, each fiber.

The silence that exists between two people contains entire universes.

For a second, all AJ could do was stare into his dark eyes. Could he tell the way she could, that their subconsciouses were still at play?

[Ashley · Rating 4 out of 5]

“The truth is, there's no such thing as a normal life. There's just the time you get and how you spend it... love is always a risk.”

This was an emotional rollercoaster for sure. I really loved parts of this story but then there were some things that I just didn't love, sadly.

I won't go into too much detail because I don't want to give anything away but, I think in the end - it's worth the read, especially on audio! I love Julia Whelan! She does a fantastic job.


3.5⭐️

[Alicia · Rating 5 out of 5]

I need to get my thoughts together, but plainly, this might be one of my top books this year. Phenomenally written, emotionally propelling the reader through 10+ years of heartache. Ugh

[Kathy · Rating 2 out of 5]

This could’ve been a good book because the love story kept me reading. However, the sci-fi skits/improv were ridiculously hard to follow and quite frankly, bizarre.

[Hallie (thecommonroomshop) · Rating 5 out of 5]

I don’t know how to talk about this one without melting into a puddle of tears. I went in completely blind and I wouldn’t have it any other way.

Read this if you like:

-visceral writing that is simultaneously heartfelt & funny
-fandom culture references
-books that remind you what it is to be human
-the magic of being an artist / performer
-an audiobook by julia whelan
-crying

This filled my soul in the same way that Tom Lake and Great Big Beautiful Life did.

It was an honor to meet you, AJ & Noah🥲 I will never forget this story.

[cyd · Rating 5 out of 5]

Thank you to Netgalley and the publisher for an advanced readers copy in exchange for an honest review. This book is for the fans of normal people & daisy jones who don’t mind not being able to read through their tears. This books premise was unique, heartbreaking, and heartwarming all at the same time. If pushing it down and praying was a book this was it! I could visualize this as tv show so easily and the yearning was off. the. charts. This book definitely covered some dark subjects and I felt for everyone involved. It definitely did feel a bit repetitive at times but the time jumps made it the novel could cover a long period of time without being boring. I loved this book like this and you will too if you enjoy a heartbreaking romance, flawed but loveable characters, and a hollywood story. I can’t wait for this to come out and to see everyone’s opinions.

[amanda ☾ · Rating 5 out of 5]

six!!! fucking stars ⭐️ this is exactly as good as everyone says it is. what a heart wrenching and devastatingly beautiful love story. this ruined me (compliment)