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Echo #1
First Echo
First Echo is an emotional slow-burn romance about identity, pressure, and the fragile, breathtaking moment when two girls who were never meant to matter to each other begin to mean everything.
When perfectionist Brooke Winters reluctantly agrees to tutor popular girl Madeline Hayes in chemistry, she expects nothing but frustration. Madeline represents everything Brooke avoids—superficial popularity, social politics, and the emotional messiness of getting close to others. Since losing her mother to cancer four years ago, Brooke has kept everyone at a distance, finding safety in solitude.
Madeline Hayes has her life perfectly arranged—popular friends, handsome boyfriend, and the carefully cultivated image everyone expects from her. But beneath her confident exterior lies uncertainty and a growing awareness that the person she pretends to be isn't who she really is.
When they go on a senior ski trip with school and end up sharing a room, their carefully constructed walls begin to crumble. Between snowboard lessons, quiet conversations, and moments of unexpected vulnerability, Brooke and Madeline discover a connection neither was looking for—one that challenges everything they thought they knew about themselves and each other.
First Echo is a lyrical, heart-stirring story about grief, identity, and the exhilarating terror of allowing yourself to be truly seen. With authentic characters and emotionally resonant prose, it explores how the most meaningful connections often come from the least expected places—and how sometimes, finding yourself means finding the courage to let someone else in.
When perfectionist Brooke Winters reluctantly agrees to tutor popular girl Madeline Hayes in chemistry, she expects nothing but frustration. Madeline represents everything Brooke avoids—superficial popularity, social politics, and the emotional messiness of getting close to others. Since losing her mother to cancer four years ago, Brooke has kept everyone at a distance, finding safety in solitude.
Madeline Hayes has her life perfectly arranged—popular friends, handsome boyfriend, and the carefully cultivated image everyone expects from her. But beneath her confident exterior lies uncertainty and a growing awareness that the person she pretends to be isn't who she really is.
When they go on a senior ski trip with school and end up sharing a room, their carefully constructed walls begin to crumble. Between snowboard lessons, quiet conversations, and moments of unexpected vulnerability, Brooke and Madeline discover a connection neither was looking for—one that challenges everything they thought they knew about themselves and each other.
First Echo is a lyrical, heart-stirring story about grief, identity, and the exhilarating terror of allowing yourself to be truly seen. With authentic characters and emotionally resonant prose, it explores how the most meaningful connections often come from the least expected places—and how sometimes, finding yourself means finding the courage to let someone else in.
306 pages, Kindle Edition
Published April 18, 2025
164 people are currently reading
2794 people want to read
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 133 reviews
September 16, 2025
**'Let your storytelling be that vessel of the many ideas/thoughts that you wanna share but might be afraid of what readers might think -- DON'T!! just let it be an ongoing scribbling game of enticing words, sentences, paragraphs & chapters..'
Delightful read!
A very nice, well-paced and entertaining YA love story in this book #1 of the 'Echo' ongoing chronicle.
It's also well-developed, has very good chemistry, an array of secondary characters and supporting ones.
Highly recommended book!
Delightful read!
A very nice, well-paced and entertaining YA love story in this book #1 of the 'Echo' ongoing chronicle.
It's also well-developed, has very good chemistry, an array of secondary characters and supporting ones.
Highly recommended book!
dnf
May 27, 2025No rating - DNF
You know how some books are under developed and it just feels like something is missing? Then there’s books like this that are trying way too hard and reading becomes awkward and repetitive. I didn’t get very far into the sample before realizing this book is not gonna be for me. YMMV
You know how some books are under developed and it just feels like something is missing? Then there’s books like this that are trying way too hard and reading becomes awkward and repetitive. I didn’t get very far into the sample before realizing this book is not gonna be for me. YMMV
May 31, 2025
(rounded up from 4.5)
This was sweet and very authentically YA. The oldest story in the book is that two girls from different sides of the tracks in high school are forced together, and they find that each of them helps the other grow and become more authentic as people. On the way, the quiet and nerdy one and the blonde queen bee of the high school fall in love and find one person who truly sees them and believes in them. Wholesome, emotional and very sweet.
This was sweet and very authentically YA. The oldest story in the book is that two girls from different sides of the tracks in high school are forced together, and they find that each of them helps the other grow and become more authentic as people. On the way, the quiet and nerdy one and the blonde queen bee of the high school fall in love and find one person who truly sees them and believes in them. Wholesome, emotional and very sweet.
July 6, 2025
Y’all.. ts was so disappointing 💔I felt like it had such a good plot.. I mean forced proximity with a popular girl and a loser in a ski retreat ?? yess plsss!! but honestly it didn’t have that comforting mood yk?? I read this all in one night, mainly because it was so boring and i just wanted to see them kiss💔💔. Something that got on my nerve SO BADLY WAS THE FREAKING WTITTING STYLE. I’ve NEVER complain about a book’s writting style before, but this one.. It felt like I was reading a VERY badly written fanfic. Literal PARAGRAPHS I mean 4-5 sentences WOULD BE REPEATED IN THE SAME PAGE!!! I deadass sighed out loud when reading. At first I though their was something wrong with my pdf, turns out that was just the way it was. The author would rewrite the same 3 sentences then change like 5 words at the end. I saw so much hype about this book, just to be DEEPLY Disappointed (yes with a capital “D” ) Oh yeah and the author used every single stereotype possible ugh.. I just thought it could have been SO MUCH better with improved writting!!! Honestly a easy read but defo not worth ur time
If ur still looking for a highschool romance I recommend “She drives me crazy” The plot, representation is SO MUCH BETTER!!!
P.s I’m so fed up with the “looked in her eyes and knew exactly what emotions she was feeling” thing. Like bsff life would be so much easier if I could just look into one’s eyes and guess what they were thinking 🙄🙄🙄
If ur still looking for a highschool romance I recommend “She drives me crazy” The plot, representation is SO MUCH BETTER!!!
P.s I’m so fed up with the “looked in her eyes and knew exactly what emotions she was feeling” thing. Like bsff life would be so much easier if I could just look into one’s eyes and guess what they were thinking 🙄🙄🙄
June 17, 2025
Very repetitive, a few mistakes in details that were suddenly different later in the book. At the end of the book something went wrong with the page numbering. Overall not a very good book, but that doesn’t mean I don’t like it. It’s like a guilty pleasure that I secretly enjoy a lot. Even though it’s not a very good book, I will definitely be reading the sequel.
July 17, 2025
1.5⭐️// Mediocre writing, as well as a storyline that felt non-provoking, non-challenging and mostly repetitive. Was enjoyable to a slight degree since its an easy read, but that was about it
July 25, 2025
i am going to kill myself
why did i read “delicious pressure” three mf times in one scene
why did i read “delicious pressure” three mf times in one scene
July 12, 2025
DNF — I wanted to give this book a chance but I couldn’t get past the writing style 😣
September 1, 2025
Noticed a few inconsistencies in the storyline (some literally in the same chapter) and many phrases/sentences were heavily repeated.
I know there is a sequel coming out but I wish things with Sam were ended before she moved on. It didn’t feel right for her character, I get if she didn’t want to explain the reason for ending things with him but she obviously cares about him as a friend so why would she just move on with someone else (in front of him) without saying anything??
I feel like this book had the potential to be really good, but it could have used more editing and proof-reading prior to publication. In say that, I will still read the sequel because I am a sucker for wlw books.
I know there is a sequel coming out but I wish things with Sam were ended before she moved on. It didn’t feel right for her character, I get if she didn’t want to explain the reason for ending things with him but she obviously cares about him as a friend so why would she just move on with someone else (in front of him) without saying anything??
I feel like this book had the potential to be really good, but it could have used more editing and proof-reading prior to publication. In say that, I will still read the sequel because I am a sucker for wlw books.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
May 27, 2025
I finished this reading as soon as I started it — very easygoing and kind of enjoyable (considering I'm not a big fan of teenage plots). Nonetheless, there’s a lot of repetition of sentences and thoughts, as if the writer doesn't trust the reader — some things were repeated in every chapter or in every thought of that character. This immediately caught my attention (and got on my nerves at some point).
June 26, 2025
Huge thank you to Rebecca A Jackson and Becca’s Books for the eARC!
I absolutely loved this book. It was the perfect YA slow burn that had me screaming “Just shut up and kiss!” the entire time. I loved how both main characters were so different but both had their flaws.
Even in the heart of spring, this book made me want to grab a mug of hot cocoa and get under a fuzzy blanket.
I absolutely loved this book. It was the perfect YA slow burn that had me screaming “Just shut up and kiss!” the entire time. I loved how both main characters were so different but both had their flaws.
Even in the heart of spring, this book made me want to grab a mug of hot cocoa and get under a fuzzy blanket.
May 4, 2025
As i read it in English im going to do the review in English ( or at least try to) as a spanish person so please don’t judge me
I have to say that i actually like it, it was easy to read but there where some words that i needed to translate cause I didn’t have any idea what could they mean and there were also scenes that i couldn’t understand everything but it was okay
It was a truly enemies to lovers and slowburn which i really enjoy it. Maybe there where some conversations that made me mad like Madeline treating bad Brooke because she loves to read but other moments like when Madeline pretended to not now Brooke when she went to her house to help her study, i think that i needed more scenes like that because it was really funny
Bueno ahora en español que me explico mejor.
Estaban en wattpad los primeros 10 capítulos cosa que se agradece para hacerte una idea si te gustará o no ya que estás pagando un dinero y ya me ha pasado alguna vez de comprar alguno solo con el extracto gratuito y después arrepentirme porque acabó siendo malo
Este costaba 4€ y me parece muy buen precio para lo que es, entretiene, se lee rápido, es corto y tiene un buen romance.
I have to say that i actually like it, it was easy to read but there where some words that i needed to translate cause I didn’t have any idea what could they mean and there were also scenes that i couldn’t understand everything but it was okay
It was a truly enemies to lovers and slowburn which i really enjoy it. Maybe there where some conversations that made me mad like Madeline treating bad Brooke because she loves to read but other moments like when Madeline pretended to not now Brooke when she went to her house to help her study, i think that i needed more scenes like that because it was really funny
Bueno ahora en español que me explico mejor.
Estaban en wattpad los primeros 10 capítulos cosa que se agradece para hacerte una idea si te gustará o no ya que estás pagando un dinero y ya me ha pasado alguna vez de comprar alguno solo con el extracto gratuito y después arrepentirme porque acabó siendo malo
Este costaba 4€ y me parece muy buen precio para lo que es, entretiene, se lee rápido, es corto y tiene un buen romance.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
April 24, 2025
Madeline and Brooke are very different from each other. Maddie the queen of the school, typical rich girl who is very confident and outspoken, at least that's what she projects. Brooke is the loner type who is very smart and isn't afraid of the popular kids, at least that's what she projects. But what if they start talking and see each other as more than that?
This book is very typically a book I would've been obsessed with in my teenage years. A little wattpad-y in the best sense of the description, YA but not too childish.
Though I'm an adult now, I found a book like this still has my attention. Though not something I would read every day, it was fun and nostalgic to read.
This book is very typically a book I would've been obsessed with in my teenage years. A little wattpad-y in the best sense of the description, YA but not too childish.
Though I'm an adult now, I found a book like this still has my attention. Though not something I would read every day, it was fun and nostalgic to read.
April 26, 2025
talk about a good slowww burn damn , both are so so cute together!! but i just wished we got a longer ending i needed more of them together… like what happened after the ski trip???
July 23, 2025
Got through 40/~230 pages and couldn’t do it….writing is bad.
August 7, 2025
Unfortunately this book had potential but ended up feeling repetitive, rushed and under developed. The writing style felt younger than it should have and just didn't work for me.
July 6, 2025
The story was really really cute, but the repetition of language and sentences was really noticeable. There's only so many times I can read "so and so emotion flashed in her eyes before quickly changing to so and so emotion". I think this may be the first book of this author though and I wouldn't say no to reading another by them so there are really nice things to be said about this book such as characters you can root for and a very cute story.
November 10, 2025
I’ll admit, this book was cute and fun and kept my attention, but the writing was just so bad I can’t look past it. So much repetition of phrases, plot points, and internal dialogue. The characters were so frustrating and I feel like the book could’ve been half the length. No need for so many scenes from both perspectives or having the same sequence of events occur over and over again.
June 19, 2025
some phrases were extremely repetitious. minor inconsistencies throughout the book. slow burn but still felt like the relationship was underdeveloped? i feel like the tutoring plot had a lot more potential. overall a decent read, but wished there was more of a resolution at the end.
Read
June 23, 2025another queer book thank you
July 3, 2025
mwahh ik had andere verwachtingen van dit boek
wel sad en mooie quotes
maar de love story is matig en vooral het einde ook dus daarom 2⭐, net geen 1⭐
wel sad en mooie quotes
maar de love story is matig en vooral het einde ook dus daarom 2⭐, net geen 1⭐
June 26, 2025
felt a bit wattpad-ey and very repetitive with the terms and phrases but enjoyed none the less!
July 9, 2025
Read this ina few hours, cute first read on my new kindle
June 28, 2025
lowkey a sucker for sapphic teenage romance.. overall it was good but there was some minor inconsistencies in the writing which had me confused — referring to the key which turned into a key card? idk if that was just me but yeah
July 29, 2025
rari no me termino de gustar
June 1, 2025
4/5
First Echo by Rebecca A. Jackson delivers a compelling story with a plot that’s both engaging and emotionally satisfying. The chemistry between the two main characters is undeniable , when they finally admit their feelings, it’s not only electric but also incredibly wholesome. Their connection feels real and heartfelt, and it’s easy to root for them.
One of the standout elements is how well the characters are written. Getting scenes from both POVs really added depth to the story it was great to see how each girl processed situations and conversations. It added a lot of depth and made their emotions feel more real.
Both main characters are written with care and personality. They feel like actual people flawed, funny, guarded in some ways but so open in others. I really liked how distinct their voices were, and how they each had their own struggles and moments of growth. It wasn’t just a love story, it was also about figuring themselves out, and that made them easy to connect with.
Their relationship develops in such a natural way. It never felt rushed or forced. There’s a slow build-up with lots of little moments that show how they’re falling for each other, even before they realize it. The emotional tension is there, but it’s balanced out with tenderness and vulnerability. When they finally open up, it just clicks.
That said, I couldn’t quite give it a full 5 stars because some lines felt repetitive, and there were moments when the writing didn’t quite hit the mark. Still, those issues don’t take away from the fact that this is a story with heart.
I’d absolutely read a sequel — I’d love to see more of them in a relationship and how they grow together from here.
First Echo by Rebecca A. Jackson delivers a compelling story with a plot that’s both engaging and emotionally satisfying. The chemistry between the two main characters is undeniable , when they finally admit their feelings, it’s not only electric but also incredibly wholesome. Their connection feels real and heartfelt, and it’s easy to root for them.
One of the standout elements is how well the characters are written. Getting scenes from both POVs really added depth to the story it was great to see how each girl processed situations and conversations. It added a lot of depth and made their emotions feel more real.
Both main characters are written with care and personality. They feel like actual people flawed, funny, guarded in some ways but so open in others. I really liked how distinct their voices were, and how they each had their own struggles and moments of growth. It wasn’t just a love story, it was also about figuring themselves out, and that made them easy to connect with.
Their relationship develops in such a natural way. It never felt rushed or forced. There’s a slow build-up with lots of little moments that show how they’re falling for each other, even before they realize it. The emotional tension is there, but it’s balanced out with tenderness and vulnerability. When they finally open up, it just clicks.
That said, I couldn’t quite give it a full 5 stars because some lines felt repetitive, and there were moments when the writing didn’t quite hit the mark. Still, those issues don’t take away from the fact that this is a story with heart.
I’d absolutely read a sequel — I’d love to see more of them in a relationship and how they grow together from here.
June 25, 2025
Just an exact copy of loathing you…changing the tutor from a biology one to a chemistry one doesn’t make it any less plagiarized lol. Loathing you came out two years ago and this book has the exact tropes and story copied, the same characters recycled. Pretty shitty thing to do, get your own material. Everyone who reads this i urge you to go read loathing you by amina khan and see how much better it is, plus it’s the ORIGINAL!
September 24, 2025
Boring. Honestly the bickering and the fighting felt exhausting, couldn’t finish the book dropped half by and just couldn’t wrap my head around how they just started fighting over nothing all the time just random.
July 22, 2025
excellent story
This was a great story in my opinion. I would like to see more of these characters in the future. Well developed characters. I usually do write reviews but I felt like this one deserves one. :)
This was a great story in my opinion. I would like to see more of these characters in the future. Well developed characters. I usually do write reviews but I felt like this one deserves one. :)
Displaying 1 - 30 of 133 reviews