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Afterglow
One last summer to fall in love...
Alice and Briar were best friends through high school, returning every year to the summer camp that Briar's mother ran. Until one summer – their last together – when Alice kissed Briar, then fled to England and cut off all contact.
Now, it's up to Briar to keep the summer camp running. Determined to ease her long-term guilt over how she treated Briar, Alice offers to help co-direct, and soon the two are sharing a cabin and managing chaotic campers and counsellors.
The two constantly butt heads and rub each other the wrong way – but is all the friction they're feeling purely down to past grievances, or is some of the heat due to rekindled attraction?
Alice and Briar were best friends through high school, returning every year to the summer camp that Briar's mother ran. Until one summer – their last together – when Alice kissed Briar, then fled to England and cut off all contact.
Now, it's up to Briar to keep the summer camp running. Determined to ease her long-term guilt over how she treated Briar, Alice offers to help co-direct, and soon the two are sharing a cabin and managing chaotic campers and counsellors.
The two constantly butt heads and rub each other the wrong way – but is all the friction they're feeling purely down to past grievances, or is some of the heat due to rekindled attraction?
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Published February 26, 2026
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January 24, 2026Awful cover, lovely story.
I enjoyed this story written by a writing duo under a pen name. I loved the scene setting and camp vibes. The story might lack some depth or full redemption here and there, but I felt transported to the scene and that’s what mattered for me reading this one.
It’s calling itself a second chance romance, I am not sure that’s apt, I can’t say why without spoiling.
I enjoyed this story written by a writing duo under a pen name. I loved the scene setting and camp vibes. The story might lack some depth or full redemption here and there, but I felt transported to the scene and that’s what mattered for me reading this one.
It’s calling itself a second chance romance, I am not sure that’s apt, I can’t say why without spoiling.
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February 17, 2026I have, unfortunately, DNFed this one. I hate doing that, especially with a sapphic book. But I am 30% into this book and feeling absolutely nothing towards it.
There aren't any characters I am enjoying, the plot is doing nothing for me, and that saddens me so much. Especially as this should have been something I enjoyed from the premise alone.
There aren't any characters I am enjoying, the plot is doing nothing for me, and that saddens me so much. Especially as this should have been something I enjoyed from the premise alone.
March 13, 2026
Afterglow was a cute, YA-ish book about coming to terms with your past and moving forward. Briar is dealing with her mums death and simultaneous loss of friendship and Alice is all over the place and kind of a mess.
I think the camp setting made the whole book seem a bit young, even though both of the FMC’s are adults. However, the camp setting really seemed to be the most dominant thing and it took a lot away from the character development that I think the author was trying to get to. Both of the FMC’s had fundamental flaws that I think were hard to overcome, like Alice being incredibly smart and working towards defending her PhD but being unable to see how much everyone around her is struggling- it just makes her seem really oblivious to the world around her.
I really enjoyed Camilla Rockley as the narrator and think she definitely earned the book that last star.
Afterglow was published 02/26/ and I received a copy from Netgalley in exchange for my review.
I think the camp setting made the whole book seem a bit young, even though both of the FMC’s are adults. However, the camp setting really seemed to be the most dominant thing and it took a lot away from the character development that I think the author was trying to get to. Both of the FMC’s had fundamental flaws that I think were hard to overcome, like Alice being incredibly smart and working towards defending her PhD but being unable to see how much everyone around her is struggling- it just makes her seem really oblivious to the world around her.
I really enjoyed Camilla Rockley as the narrator and think she definitely earned the book that last star.
Afterglow was published 02/26/ and I received a copy from Netgalley in exchange for my review.
Review of advance copy received from Netgalley
Oh my, this front cover is absolutely stunning!
I adore the blend of colours and those sparkles round the title - I just love it!
Now, I'm going to admit that I actually rarely pick up a sapphic romance read and I can't explain why - other than I just don't tend to come across them as much as I do MM reads - which I've read many!
So, to come across this gorgeous second chance FF romance made such a nice change and I couldn't wait to dive in.
After years apart, ex-best friends Briar and Alice are reunited at Briar's mum's funeral.
For old times sake - and to ease her guilt at how things were left years before - Alice agrees to stay on to run the Summer camp with Briar that her mum left her in the will.
As if navigating the camp wasn't bad enough, Briar and Alice end up sharing a cabin and having to confront what happened in their past and the feelings that come flooding back now they're together again.
As much as this kind of summer camp would be my own worst nightmare, I absolutely loved this setting and the quirky group of characters that transported me there to enjoy the whole atmosphere (without leaving my safe space!).
The descriptions and the conversations made me feel like I was right there with them all - that would definitely be me sneaking around for smores after dark!
I loved how this storyline unravelled through the chaos of the camp, the kids and their issues and the girls navigating life without Briar's mum.
Once they overcame the weird atmosphere at the start, they really came together and supported each other through their own personal issues.
It was clear to see that both girls were hurt from the past - but equally, that they were both besotted with each other.
This gets a touch spicy in places - but these scenes were really well written and progressed the storyline well - this all felt naturally placed.
I absolutely loved this and devoured it in one sitting - I can't wait to read more from this author soon!
I adore the blend of colours and those sparkles round the title - I just love it!
Now, I'm going to admit that I actually rarely pick up a sapphic romance read and I can't explain why - other than I just don't tend to come across them as much as I do MM reads - which I've read many!
So, to come across this gorgeous second chance FF romance made such a nice change and I couldn't wait to dive in.
After years apart, ex-best friends Briar and Alice are reunited at Briar's mum's funeral.
For old times sake - and to ease her guilt at how things were left years before - Alice agrees to stay on to run the Summer camp with Briar that her mum left her in the will.
As if navigating the camp wasn't bad enough, Briar and Alice end up sharing a cabin and having to confront what happened in their past and the feelings that come flooding back now they're together again.
As much as this kind of summer camp would be my own worst nightmare, I absolutely loved this setting and the quirky group of characters that transported me there to enjoy the whole atmosphere (without leaving my safe space!).
The descriptions and the conversations made me feel like I was right there with them all - that would definitely be me sneaking around for smores after dark!
I loved how this storyline unravelled through the chaos of the camp, the kids and their issues and the girls navigating life without Briar's mum.
Once they overcame the weird atmosphere at the start, they really came together and supported each other through their own personal issues.
It was clear to see that both girls were hurt from the past - but equally, that they were both besotted with each other.
This gets a touch spicy in places - but these scenes were really well written and progressed the storyline well - this all felt naturally placed.
I absolutely loved this and devoured it in one sitting - I can't wait to read more from this author soon!
Review of advance copy received from Netgalley
*Possible Spoilers*
Afterglow by Lily Easton is a sweet, nostalgic book about letting the past catch up, and moving the present forward. The characters had more depth than I expected. Briar is grief-ridden over her mother’s recent death, and Alice is floundering, unsure how to fix her life and her relationships. I enjoyed floating around Camp Lakeside with the quirky friend group and watching them mend bridges and make s’mores.
Out of the two women, Briar was my favorite. Easton did a good job writing her battle of grief without it seizing the entire plot. She was still a fairly functioning and present adult. Briar’s first instinct is to put other people first. From helping her sisters through school (RIP to her sleep schedule), to preserving her mother’s legacy, she’s always on. I liked that she channeled her grief into keeping the world spinning, not breaking down in the corner of a room and crying oceans (although that’s also valid; to each their own).
Alice I found a bit too self-centered. Not necessarily selfish, but a lot of her actions stem from wanting to make herself feel better. She’s constantly wanting to make it up to Briar for ditching her after kissing her. The guilt has eaten at Alice for a decade. So she offers to help run the camp. Sometimes it just felt like instead of looking at a situation from Briar’s perspective, she did what best suits her. When she learns of the possible sale of the campgrounds, instead of seeing that the weight of keeping such a big thing going is going to eventually crush Briar, she gets petty and passive aggressively makes nostalgic comments about her memories. I wish that she’d used some of her retired best friend telepathy, and looked for a solution that took into account Briar’s life-long belief that she’ll never be enough. By the end everything balances out, but I’d have liked Alice to start the process less closed-mindedly. I really do think Alice is a sweet person, and she does gain more perspective by the end of the novel, but subconsciously she consistently puts her wants above other people’s, especially Briar’s.
Alice and Briar are weird together. I felt like there was so much mistrust contaminating the waters of their rekindled friend/situationship. I didn’t love how Alice flees out of shame. I understand that the lingering daddy issues she sustained from him cheating on her mother threw her brain out of whack. I get that making out with Briar while still in a relationship felt like history repeating. On the other hand, I wish that she had seen what she needed from her parents and applied it to her own life. She’s still looking for an apology from her father (who is now marrying the woman he cheated with) after all.
I can also see how good they are at catching the other when they fall. When Alice is kept up by insomnia, Briar instantly cuddles with her and tells her to name nerdy plants until they fall asleep. When Briar is crashing out over her grief, Alice just holds her and lets her cry. She doesn’t try to fix anything in the moment, she’s just a steady bolder for her friend (with benefits). When Alice can hit the sweet spot of thinking through her actions, but not thinking too much, she’s actually a great emotional support.
I really enjoyed the camp setting. I loved the people populating it, from the grouchy old gay chef, to the friendly ex, to a former antagonistic acquaintance (who was my favorite character due to her complexity and reform). I appreciated how everyone actually seemed to work there. Camp Lakeside didn’t just feel like a random backdrop for the dramatized lives of traumatized adults. Briar and Alice interact with the kids, teach classes, and clean up messes. While the novel does have its imperfections and emotional disconnects, I genuinely enjoyed seeing everything steady itself out, and everyone becoming lifelong family. If you’re interested in a summery second chance romance with themes of grief and growing up interspersed throughout, this is a solid pick.
Thank you to NetGalley and Canelo for an ARC in exchange for my honest review.
Afterglow by Lily Easton is a sweet, nostalgic book about letting the past catch up, and moving the present forward. The characters had more depth than I expected. Briar is grief-ridden over her mother’s recent death, and Alice is floundering, unsure how to fix her life and her relationships. I enjoyed floating around Camp Lakeside with the quirky friend group and watching them mend bridges and make s’mores.
Out of the two women, Briar was my favorite. Easton did a good job writing her battle of grief without it seizing the entire plot. She was still a fairly functioning and present adult. Briar’s first instinct is to put other people first. From helping her sisters through school (RIP to her sleep schedule), to preserving her mother’s legacy, she’s always on. I liked that she channeled her grief into keeping the world spinning, not breaking down in the corner of a room and crying oceans (although that’s also valid; to each their own).
Alice I found a bit too self-centered. Not necessarily selfish, but a lot of her actions stem from wanting to make herself feel better. She’s constantly wanting to make it up to Briar for ditching her after kissing her. The guilt has eaten at Alice for a decade. So she offers to help run the camp. Sometimes it just felt like instead of looking at a situation from Briar’s perspective, she did what best suits her. When she learns of the possible sale of the campgrounds, instead of seeing that the weight of keeping such a big thing going is going to eventually crush Briar, she gets petty and passive aggressively makes nostalgic comments about her memories. I wish that she’d used some of her retired best friend telepathy, and looked for a solution that took into account Briar’s life-long belief that she’ll never be enough. By the end everything balances out, but I’d have liked Alice to start the process less closed-mindedly. I really do think Alice is a sweet person, and she does gain more perspective by the end of the novel, but subconsciously she consistently puts her wants above other people’s, especially Briar’s.
Alice and Briar are weird together. I felt like there was so much mistrust contaminating the waters of their rekindled friend/situationship. I didn’t love how Alice flees out of shame. I understand that the lingering daddy issues she sustained from him cheating on her mother threw her brain out of whack. I get that making out with Briar while still in a relationship felt like history repeating. On the other hand, I wish that she had seen what she needed from her parents and applied it to her own life. She’s still looking for an apology from her father (who is now marrying the woman he cheated with) after all.
I can also see how good they are at catching the other when they fall. When Alice is kept up by insomnia, Briar instantly cuddles with her and tells her to name nerdy plants until they fall asleep. When Briar is crashing out over her grief, Alice just holds her and lets her cry. She doesn’t try to fix anything in the moment, she’s just a steady bolder for her friend (with benefits). When Alice can hit the sweet spot of thinking through her actions, but not thinking too much, she’s actually a great emotional support.
I really enjoyed the camp setting. I loved the people populating it, from the grouchy old gay chef, to the friendly ex, to a former antagonistic acquaintance (who was my favorite character due to her complexity and reform). I appreciated how everyone actually seemed to work there. Camp Lakeside didn’t just feel like a random backdrop for the dramatized lives of traumatized adults. Briar and Alice interact with the kids, teach classes, and clean up messes. While the novel does have its imperfections and emotional disconnects, I genuinely enjoyed seeing everything steady itself out, and everyone becoming lifelong family. If you’re interested in a summery second chance romance with themes of grief and growing up interspersed throughout, this is a solid pick.
Thank you to NetGalley and Canelo for an ARC in exchange for my honest review.
Review of advance copy received from Netgalley
My favorite part about this story is obviously the camp setting. Very nostalgic, fun, comforting, perfect place for a first love connection. Unfortunately, I think too much of the plot and story revolved around camp and not enough on the love story and character development from Briar and Alice. Briar definitely has a hard time with her grief and balancing her wants and needs with that of her family. Rather than communicating this with anyone, she keeps everything bottled up inside and is reluctant to have others help. Alice is supposed to be this super smart woman studying to defend a PhD, yet she can't even tell how bad those around her are hurting and continues to put herself over others, or run away and avoid her issues altogether.
The plot also wasn’t really doing it for me. I mean to just make out with your best friend and then leave her hanging for 10 years is kind of ridiculous. And then to keep in touch with Briar’s mom through email all that time and refusing to reach out to Briar was just cruel. No wonder Briar never felt chosen or that she was enough, because the one time she took a chance, that person walked out of her life for really no reason. Yes, Alice was going through a lot at the time, but staying silent for so long is purely selfish and inexcusable. Especially to insert herself into Briar’s life again like it was no big deal and trying to run things according to her likes, was not right. I think they both had so many issues to work out that they would have been better off rekindling as friends rather than lovers. It was hard to connect to them as a couple because of how much mistrust and miscommunication there was, especially given we had no insight into their intimacy with the fade to black scenes.
I personally enjoy more of an open door romance, so while I appreciate the cuddling and comforting of one another that Briar and Alice were able to eventually get to, I really wanted those intimate moments to shine on the page. I also felt like the characters and story all felt more suited for a YA romance rather than adult. There just seemed to be alot of immaturity and young characters and shenanigans happening that would have been more suited for a younger audience. While I did enjoy some of the side characters, other than the grumpy secret softy chef, everyone again came off as very young with no clear life direction. A lot of the middle of the story felt very slow and boring, especially the details of the camp and the plants/mushrooms. I think it would have helped move things along more if there had been higher stakes or more of a believable conflict rather than relying on decades old assumptions and constant miscommunication. I also don’t know why Alice never confronted her parents or worked to resolve those issues, especially given that seems to be the major reason why she is the way that she is. Overall, it was an okay story, with okay characters, that would have benefited from more romance, more communication, and better closure.
The plot also wasn’t really doing it for me. I mean to just make out with your best friend and then leave her hanging for 10 years is kind of ridiculous. And then to keep in touch with Briar’s mom through email all that time and refusing to reach out to Briar was just cruel. No wonder Briar never felt chosen or that she was enough, because the one time she took a chance, that person walked out of her life for really no reason. Yes, Alice was going through a lot at the time, but staying silent for so long is purely selfish and inexcusable. Especially to insert herself into Briar’s life again like it was no big deal and trying to run things according to her likes, was not right. I think they both had so many issues to work out that they would have been better off rekindling as friends rather than lovers. It was hard to connect to them as a couple because of how much mistrust and miscommunication there was, especially given we had no insight into their intimacy with the fade to black scenes.
I personally enjoy more of an open door romance, so while I appreciate the cuddling and comforting of one another that Briar and Alice were able to eventually get to, I really wanted those intimate moments to shine on the page. I also felt like the characters and story all felt more suited for a YA romance rather than adult. There just seemed to be alot of immaturity and young characters and shenanigans happening that would have been more suited for a younger audience. While I did enjoy some of the side characters, other than the grumpy secret softy chef, everyone again came off as very young with no clear life direction. A lot of the middle of the story felt very slow and boring, especially the details of the camp and the plants/mushrooms. I think it would have helped move things along more if there had been higher stakes or more of a believable conflict rather than relying on decades old assumptions and constant miscommunication. I also don’t know why Alice never confronted her parents or worked to resolve those issues, especially given that seems to be the major reason why she is the way that she is. Overall, it was an okay story, with okay characters, that would have benefited from more romance, more communication, and better closure.
Review of advance copy received from Netgalley
(3.5 Stars) I am always up for a summer camp vibe even in the middle of winter. Briar and Alice were best friends growing up through high school. They attended summer camp and worked at a summer camp that was owned and run by Briar’s mother. An end of summer kiss between the pair had Alice leaving for college early and the pair haven’t spoken in ten years. When Briar’s mother dies, running the camp for the summer falls to her. She is surprised when Alice volunteers to spend the summer helping her.
I listened to the book and Camilla Rockley does a nice job as narrator. I was confused at first at why the story set in the eastern US had a British narrator. It makes more sense that Alice is English and is attending Oxford. Alice and Briar have complex relationships with their parents. They also assume, often wrongly, what the other person is thinking or means by what they are saying. It got frustrating after happening many times. But I did like them working together. Slowly owning up to what the one kiss meant to each of them individually. Briar also has a strong friend group (fun side characters) that she has to accept help from to keep her camp running smoothly.
The characters have complexity. Briar is the caretaker for her mother and family. But it comes with a lot of pressure that isn’t always understood from others. Alice wants attention from her parents who will never give her what she needs. A lot of the issues honestly felt real but almost YA in nature. Even though they are twenty somethings they still feel young. Where they are especially good is in caring for each other. Briar helping Alice settle during insomnia is tender. As is Alice trying to take some of the burdens from Briar’s shoulders.
I liked the book. It felt over the top to have one kiss lead to a decade apart but it works for the story. The characters have depth and I will remember them. Thank you to NetGalley and Bolinda Audio for the audio book and I am leaving an honest review.
I listened to the book and Camilla Rockley does a nice job as narrator. I was confused at first at why the story set in the eastern US had a British narrator. It makes more sense that Alice is English and is attending Oxford. Alice and Briar have complex relationships with their parents. They also assume, often wrongly, what the other person is thinking or means by what they are saying. It got frustrating after happening many times. But I did like them working together. Slowly owning up to what the one kiss meant to each of them individually. Briar also has a strong friend group (fun side characters) that she has to accept help from to keep her camp running smoothly.
The characters have complexity. Briar is the caretaker for her mother and family. But it comes with a lot of pressure that isn’t always understood from others. Alice wants attention from her parents who will never give her what she needs. A lot of the issues honestly felt real but almost YA in nature. Even though they are twenty somethings they still feel young. Where they are especially good is in caring for each other. Briar helping Alice settle during insomnia is tender. As is Alice trying to take some of the burdens from Briar’s shoulders.
I liked the book. It felt over the top to have one kiss lead to a decade apart but it works for the story. The characters have depth and I will remember them. Thank you to NetGalley and Bolinda Audio for the audio book and I am leaving an honest review.
Review of advance copy received from Netgalley
This was a nice second chance read. I liked it but I thought a bit much details on how to run a camp and too little focus on the romance in past and present time.
Alice and Briar used to be the best of friends, Briar had the biggest crush on Alice but knows that impossible since Alice is dating Noah. Then that last night of camp they kiss and things change. but Alice just leaves without an explanation and goes to UK to study, and Briar does not hear anything from her for a decade. Now a decade later when Briar is burying her mother Susan Alice suddenly shows up, Briar can’t believe it had taken her mother dying for Alice to come home. All Briar feels when looking at Alice is betrayal. Alice is however volunteering to help as a co-director with the summer camp that Briar inherited from her mother and really doesn’t know how to handle on her own, so she accepts that help, but she has no intentions to forgive and forget.
Back at camp when they work together Briar is slowly softening towards Alice, her leaving like that 10 years ago was a stupid thing but to do but perhaps she had her reasons. Their life the last decade very complex and they need to process so much. Alice finally realized she was a lesbian after that kiss and started dating a woman in UK, but it was always only Briar for her and thus, she kept in touch with Susan all those years away to keep some sort of contact with her. Briar always wanted to be a teacher but had to leave college to take care of her mom for six years after she got her cancer diagnosis, she has never really found anyone like Alice, the one she couldn’t have.
Can they work through all their issues and the fact that Alice will probably leave again for UK? What about the camp, will Briar keep or sell?
I received a free ARC via NetGalley and I leave an honest review voluntarily.
Alice and Briar used to be the best of friends, Briar had the biggest crush on Alice but knows that impossible since Alice is dating Noah. Then that last night of camp they kiss and things change. but Alice just leaves without an explanation and goes to UK to study, and Briar does not hear anything from her for a decade. Now a decade later when Briar is burying her mother Susan Alice suddenly shows up, Briar can’t believe it had taken her mother dying for Alice to come home. All Briar feels when looking at Alice is betrayal. Alice is however volunteering to help as a co-director with the summer camp that Briar inherited from her mother and really doesn’t know how to handle on her own, so she accepts that help, but she has no intentions to forgive and forget.
Back at camp when they work together Briar is slowly softening towards Alice, her leaving like that 10 years ago was a stupid thing but to do but perhaps she had her reasons. Their life the last decade very complex and they need to process so much. Alice finally realized she was a lesbian after that kiss and started dating a woman in UK, but it was always only Briar for her and thus, she kept in touch with Susan all those years away to keep some sort of contact with her. Briar always wanted to be a teacher but had to leave college to take care of her mom for six years after she got her cancer diagnosis, she has never really found anyone like Alice, the one she couldn’t have.
Can they work through all their issues and the fact that Alice will probably leave again for UK? What about the camp, will Briar keep or sell?
I received a free ARC via NetGalley and I leave an honest review voluntarily.
Review of advance copy received from Netgalley
Spice Level: 1/5 Closed-Door / Fade-to-Black
Alice and Briar are best friends growing up and they spend their summers at the camp Alice’s mother ran. Their last summer there and together, Briar tells Alice she has never been kissed. Alice gives Briar the best kiss she ends up ever having. A bit freaked out, she runs off not to be seen again until ten years down the road when unfortunate circumstances bring them back together. Alice’s mother passes away and Briar comes back for the funeral and they end up reconnecting. Not only do they reconnect but they end up keeping Alice’s mother’s camp alive for another summer. Was Briar’s running away too much damage to their friendship to revive it?
I received this audiobook from NetGalley and the author in return for my honest review. I honestly had a hard time getting into this book. I really wanted to like this book too. The premise drew me in and I love a good friends / former friends / former friends to lovers type book. It was so promising but for me, it fell flat. The catalyst that brought the two back together was the death of Alice’s mom. Once that moment brought them back together, and I understand that Alice had to deal with the aftermath of her mother’s death with the camp but it’s like the book’s main focus was that, and not the relationship between Alice and Briar.
For me, part of the issue might have been with the narration. The narrator has a really strong English accent. My hearing has a little more difficulty interpreting people with stronger accents. It takes a little longer for my brain to process so I’m playing catch up and that has a tendency to take me out of the story as well. By no means did the narrator do a bad job, my brain was the one having the problem.
⛺ Loss of a Parent
⛺ Sapphic Romance
⛺ Second Chances
⛺ Summer Camp
⛺ Forced Proximity
⛺ Slow Burn
Alice and Briar are best friends growing up and they spend their summers at the camp Alice’s mother ran. Their last summer there and together, Briar tells Alice she has never been kissed. Alice gives Briar the best kiss she ends up ever having. A bit freaked out, she runs off not to be seen again until ten years down the road when unfortunate circumstances bring them back together. Alice’s mother passes away and Briar comes back for the funeral and they end up reconnecting. Not only do they reconnect but they end up keeping Alice’s mother’s camp alive for another summer. Was Briar’s running away too much damage to their friendship to revive it?
I received this audiobook from NetGalley and the author in return for my honest review. I honestly had a hard time getting into this book. I really wanted to like this book too. The premise drew me in and I love a good friends / former friends / former friends to lovers type book. It was so promising but for me, it fell flat. The catalyst that brought the two back together was the death of Alice’s mom. Once that moment brought them back together, and I understand that Alice had to deal with the aftermath of her mother’s death with the camp but it’s like the book’s main focus was that, and not the relationship between Alice and Briar.
For me, part of the issue might have been with the narration. The narrator has a really strong English accent. My hearing has a little more difficulty interpreting people with stronger accents. It takes a little longer for my brain to process so I’m playing catch up and that has a tendency to take me out of the story as well. By no means did the narrator do a bad job, my brain was the one having the problem.
⛺ Loss of a Parent
⛺ Sapphic Romance
⛺ Second Chances
⛺ Summer Camp
⛺ Forced Proximity
⛺ Slow Burn
Review of advance copy received from Netgalley
I enjoyed reading this novel, though I was left somewhat underwhelmed by some aspects. It was easy-reading and had some excellent summer camp vibes that I enjoyed a lot. There were lots of fun parts! Unfortunately however, the main plotline revolved around a lack of communication/miscommunication (which I generally dislike) and the conflicts and resolutions were somewhat lacking. I think this was a perfectly fine novel, but its not one I would be recommending considering all the other options out there.
Highlights:
-I always love summer camp vibes. Maybe because I never got to go myself and I have created an idealized image of summer camp in my mind, but regardless of the reason I always love it.
-I loved all the sections where the protagonists let their deep friendship shine through. Big friendship vibes always get me! These two were good together.
-This was easy reading and cute, yet also covered some serious topics like grief. I like it when a novel hits multiple notes.
-I don’t know how else to phrase this, but this novel had a lot of random little elements I liked (which I mostly cant explain due to spoilers).
Nitpicks:
-Underwhelming? The “conflict” in the past, as well as the resolution in the present, both just left me wanting more. I feel like Alice’s motivations in the past were something I just couldn’t quite get onboard with. As a second-chance romance this results in an issue because if the past issue is underwhelming then the path to the ultimate resolution isn’t very thrilling.
-The entire premise of this novel is essentially “these two people never talk to each other, make lots of assumptions, and it results in problems”. I always hate this trope.
-Pacing. The middle section dragged on a bit, and the ending section felt like it went so fast that it was skipping over things.
-Ending; this is a continuation of “pacing” but deserves its own line. The ending was just so abrupt! Sure, we got an epilogue that added some extra context, but it wasn’t enough. I was concerned when I saw there was 20ish pages left and I felt like we were in the middle of the story still…..concerns that didn’t go away.
-I feel like some plotlines were not addressed? For example, the relationships between both characters and their parents were brought up often but there wasn’t any resolution, or really any justification for why.
Thank you to NetGalley for providing a free ARC. This honest review was left voluntarily.
Highlights:
-I always love summer camp vibes. Maybe because I never got to go myself and I have created an idealized image of summer camp in my mind, but regardless of the reason I always love it.
-I loved all the sections where the protagonists let their deep friendship shine through. Big friendship vibes always get me! These two were good together.
-This was easy reading and cute, yet also covered some serious topics like grief. I like it when a novel hits multiple notes.
-I don’t know how else to phrase this, but this novel had a lot of random little elements I liked (which I mostly cant explain due to spoilers).
Nitpicks:
-Underwhelming? The “conflict” in the past, as well as the resolution in the present, both just left me wanting more. I feel like Alice’s motivations in the past were something I just couldn’t quite get onboard with. As a second-chance romance this results in an issue because if the past issue is underwhelming then the path to the ultimate resolution isn’t very thrilling.
-The entire premise of this novel is essentially “these two people never talk to each other, make lots of assumptions, and it results in problems”. I always hate this trope.
-Pacing. The middle section dragged on a bit, and the ending section felt like it went so fast that it was skipping over things.
-Ending; this is a continuation of “pacing” but deserves its own line. The ending was just so abrupt! Sure, we got an epilogue that added some extra context, but it wasn’t enough. I was concerned when I saw there was 20ish pages left and I felt like we were in the middle of the story still…..concerns that didn’t go away.
-I feel like some plotlines were not addressed? For example, the relationships between both characters and their parents were brought up often but there wasn’t any resolution, or really any justification for why.
Thank you to NetGalley for providing a free ARC. This honest review was left voluntarily.
February 12, 2026
Thank you, NetGalley and Bolinda Audio, for providing this audiobook ARC in exchange for an honest review.
I overall thought this was a cute friends-to-lovers sapphic romance. We follow our two main characters in this dual POV story as they reconnect at Blair's mother's funeral and Alice offers to help Blair run the summercamp that her mother has left to Blair that they attended together every year growing up. The last time they were at camp together, Alice kissed Blair and then went to England for college, and they had not talked since. As they learn what really goes into running a summer camp, they also start opening up to each other again, and not only does their friendship rekindle, but something more.
I liked the narrator for this story, and thought she was able to have distinct voices for each character, but was confused about why the overall narration was in a British accent. Neither Alice nor Blair had a British accident, so it seemed like an interesting choice, but it did not affect how I felt about the overall story.
I did feel like it was odd that one kiss was the reason that Alice cut off her relationship with Blair. I understand that Alice felt like she had cheated on her boyfriend at the time, but later in the story, we learn that they were pretty much broken up anyway, so it just hammers the point home even more that one kiss should not have broken up a friendship. It also felt like there was more about running the camp than the romance, and I wish we got to see more of their relationship.
I overall thought this was a cute friends-to-lovers sapphic romance. We follow our two main characters in this dual POV story as they reconnect at Blair's mother's funeral and Alice offers to help Blair run the summercamp that her mother has left to Blair that they attended together every year growing up. The last time they were at camp together, Alice kissed Blair and then went to England for college, and they had not talked since. As they learn what really goes into running a summer camp, they also start opening up to each other again, and not only does their friendship rekindle, but something more.
I liked the narrator for this story, and thought she was able to have distinct voices for each character, but was confused about why the overall narration was in a British accent. Neither Alice nor Blair had a British accident, so it seemed like an interesting choice, but it did not affect how I felt about the overall story.
I did feel like it was odd that one kiss was the reason that Alice cut off her relationship with Blair. I understand that Alice felt like she had cheated on her boyfriend at the time, but later in the story, we learn that they were pretty much broken up anyway, so it just hammers the point home even more that one kiss should not have broken up a friendship. It also felt like there was more about running the camp than the romance, and I wish we got to see more of their relationship.
Review of advance copy received from Netgalley
4.25 Stars
I devoured this book, like spent the whole day listening to it because I needed to know what happened. I absolutely adored this second chance romance. The characters were so well written and watching them explore what they want out of life and how to move forward after loss was so well written. I felt both Briar and Alice's emotions come across and the struggles they each had were handled and shared with love.
Alice and Briar are sharing space for the first time in 10 years, after Alice ran away to Oxford and never came back. To make amends, Alice stays for the summer and helps Briar run her mom's summer camp, the one they loved attending and being counselors at once they were old enough. Forced back together to two have to decide if they want to have the hard conversations about what happened to end their friendship and if their history is enough to move them forward.
This audiobook had me captured. I wanted to keep listening and the narration did so well with keeping me engaged. It was fun, serious, emotional, and all the things I wanted in a romance novel. I love a little bit of seriousness in my romance, and truly felt the way grief is explored in this novel shows that there is no one way to grieve and how when we learn to let our support systems support us that is a beautiful thing.
I recommend if you love second chance romance, sappic stories, and stories that capure your heart. I am so glad I picked this one up, it was such a fun read!! Thank you to the publisher for providing an ALC via NetGalley in exchange for an honest review.
I devoured this book, like spent the whole day listening to it because I needed to know what happened. I absolutely adored this second chance romance. The characters were so well written and watching them explore what they want out of life and how to move forward after loss was so well written. I felt both Briar and Alice's emotions come across and the struggles they each had were handled and shared with love.
Alice and Briar are sharing space for the first time in 10 years, after Alice ran away to Oxford and never came back. To make amends, Alice stays for the summer and helps Briar run her mom's summer camp, the one they loved attending and being counselors at once they were old enough. Forced back together to two have to decide if they want to have the hard conversations about what happened to end their friendship and if their history is enough to move them forward.
This audiobook had me captured. I wanted to keep listening and the narration did so well with keeping me engaged. It was fun, serious, emotional, and all the things I wanted in a romance novel. I love a little bit of seriousness in my romance, and truly felt the way grief is explored in this novel shows that there is no one way to grieve and how when we learn to let our support systems support us that is a beautiful thing.
I recommend if you love second chance romance, sappic stories, and stories that capure your heart. I am so glad I picked this one up, it was such a fun read!! Thank you to the publisher for providing an ALC via NetGalley in exchange for an honest review.
Review of advance copy received from Netgalley
Afterglow by Lily Easton is one of those books that settles into you and stays there.
This is a true slow burn, and is all the better for it. The story gives its characters space to breathe, to exist as full people rather than rushing them from beat to beat. Each character is thoughtfully and generously developed, well fleshed out, layered, and shaped by their past in ways that feel authentic and earned. I cared deeply about who these people were and how they’d arrived at this point in their lives.
The pacing really worked for me. There’s breathing room here, time for reflection, hesitation, and emotional honesty. The chemistry simmers quietly, building through small moments and unspoken things. When the intimacy comes, it feels grounded in connection and trust rather than spectacle, which made it far more satisfying.
What stood out most was the emotional depth. This book is a beautiful exploration of the human capacity for healing, even when time has passed and wounds have settled in deep. It’s about facing the music, reckoning with old choices, and finding the courage to move forward anyway. There’s a tenderness to how this is handled that never feels forced.
The title fits perfectly. This story isn’t about the flash of first sparks, but about the quiet glow that remains once the noise has faded.
It was a thoughtful, emotionally rich romance that stayed with me long after I finished.
This is a true slow burn, and is all the better for it. The story gives its characters space to breathe, to exist as full people rather than rushing them from beat to beat. Each character is thoughtfully and generously developed, well fleshed out, layered, and shaped by their past in ways that feel authentic and earned. I cared deeply about who these people were and how they’d arrived at this point in their lives.
The pacing really worked for me. There’s breathing room here, time for reflection, hesitation, and emotional honesty. The chemistry simmers quietly, building through small moments and unspoken things. When the intimacy comes, it feels grounded in connection and trust rather than spectacle, which made it far more satisfying.
What stood out most was the emotional depth. This book is a beautiful exploration of the human capacity for healing, even when time has passed and wounds have settled in deep. It’s about facing the music, reckoning with old choices, and finding the courage to move forward anyway. There’s a tenderness to how this is handled that never feels forced.
The title fits perfectly. This story isn’t about the flash of first sparks, but about the quiet glow that remains once the noise has faded.
It was a thoughtful, emotionally rich romance that stayed with me long after I finished.
March 20, 2026
This was fun, a bit sad, nostalgic and messy! We have two best friends at camp, Alice and Briar. They go every year to the camp Briars mother runs, the last year they go they kiss each other and well Alice runs away. I mean she was leaving anyway to go to uni in the UK but she ran and didn’t look back.
10 years pass and Briars mother unfortunately passes away, Briar heartbroken for the loss of her mother and heartbroken / bitter as seeing her ex best friend at the funeral, doing a eulogy no less. Briar has to run this camp and Alice offers (well tells) Briar she’s attending a co camp director.
So we have forced proximity as they share a cramped cabin, continue to be passive aggressive to each other, tease and mock but both of them know there is a love still there underneath everything!
This was a good mix of everything, both characters are flawed and it’s a miscommunication that really kept them apart. There is yearning, a build up and the sparks. It’s a very gentle read, falling in love with your best friend again and the camp where you spent so much time together and links by her mum.
It’s just a good read, I would have liked a bit more of them both understanding each other sooner and actually talk to one another but honestly it was a great read. Bit slow in places and some long drawn out chapters but well worth a read, I received this via NetGalley and the publishers and this is out now.
10 years pass and Briars mother unfortunately passes away, Briar heartbroken for the loss of her mother and heartbroken / bitter as seeing her ex best friend at the funeral, doing a eulogy no less. Briar has to run this camp and Alice offers (well tells) Briar she’s attending a co camp director.
So we have forced proximity as they share a cramped cabin, continue to be passive aggressive to each other, tease and mock but both of them know there is a love still there underneath everything!
This was a good mix of everything, both characters are flawed and it’s a miscommunication that really kept them apart. There is yearning, a build up and the sparks. It’s a very gentle read, falling in love with your best friend again and the camp where you spent so much time together and links by her mum.
It’s just a good read, I would have liked a bit more of them both understanding each other sooner and actually talk to one another but honestly it was a great read. Bit slow in places and some long drawn out chapters but well worth a read, I received this via NetGalley and the publishers and this is out now.
Review of advance copy received from Netgalley
3.75/5
When I read that this book was about high school friends reuniting - after one of them ran away across the ocean- because they kissed, I didn’t really know what to expect.
The book started with a retelling of what happened, the summer Alice ran away to London, and left Blair and her friends back home.
Throughout the story, we get to see even more of their shared history, which I thought was really nice. It would be weird to just leave it at that first chapter and never talk about their past anymore, both the good and the bad.
Character wise, I liked both Alice and Blair from the beginning.
Sure Blair is a little bitchy in the beginning, but given the circumstances, it would have been weird if she wouldn't have been.
I also found it very refreshing that we got to see a lot of the side characters too. Even without the main characters sometimes.
They weren’t just an addition to an already made story, they were part of it.
Overall I really enjoyed reading this book. The pacing was nice, the setting absolutely beautiful and the characters loveable.
So for anyone who likes camping, friends-to-lovers and second chances, this book is definitely for you. And for all the people out there who also kissed their best friend, whatever the outcome may have been.
I received a free copy of this book via NetGalley and am voluntarily leaving a review.
When I read that this book was about high school friends reuniting - after one of them ran away across the ocean- because they kissed, I didn’t really know what to expect.
The book started with a retelling of what happened, the summer Alice ran away to London, and left Blair and her friends back home.
Throughout the story, we get to see even more of their shared history, which I thought was really nice. It would be weird to just leave it at that first chapter and never talk about their past anymore, both the good and the bad.
Character wise, I liked both Alice and Blair from the beginning.
Sure Blair is a little bitchy in the beginning, but given the circumstances, it would have been weird if she wouldn't have been.
I also found it very refreshing that we got to see a lot of the side characters too. Even without the main characters sometimes.
They weren’t just an addition to an already made story, they were part of it.
Overall I really enjoyed reading this book. The pacing was nice, the setting absolutely beautiful and the characters loveable.
So for anyone who likes camping, friends-to-lovers and second chances, this book is definitely for you. And for all the people out there who also kissed their best friend, whatever the outcome may have been.
I received a free copy of this book via NetGalley and am voluntarily leaving a review.
December 23, 2025
3.5 stars. Thank you to NetGalley and Canelo for the eARC.
Afterglow is a sapphic second-chance romance built around shared history and forced proximity. Alice and Briar were childhood best friends, shared one kiss that detonated everything, then spent years not speaking, only to end up thrown back together running the same summer camp. It is a tropey setup, but the book takes its time unpacking what that kind of history actually leaves behind.
I liked how much space the book gives to camp life beyond just the central romance. The side characters feel fleshed out and genuinely enjoyable, which makes the setting feel real rather than like a backdrop. The dual POV helps too; even when I was more emotionally on Alice’s side, I appreciated seeing how both women were carrying the past differently.
A good, summery sapphic romance with a strong sense of place, enjoyable side characters, and a central relationship I cared about—even if it never quite pushed into all-time-favorite territory for me.
Afterglow is a sapphic second-chance romance built around shared history and forced proximity. Alice and Briar were childhood best friends, shared one kiss that detonated everything, then spent years not speaking, only to end up thrown back together running the same summer camp. It is a tropey setup, but the book takes its time unpacking what that kind of history actually leaves behind.
I liked how much space the book gives to camp life beyond just the central romance. The side characters feel fleshed out and genuinely enjoyable, which makes the setting feel real rather than like a backdrop. The dual POV helps too; even when I was more emotionally on Alice’s side, I appreciated seeing how both women were carrying the past differently.
A good, summery sapphic romance with a strong sense of place, enjoyable side characters, and a central relationship I cared about—even if it never quite pushed into all-time-favorite territory for me.
Review of advance copy received from Netgalley
Afterglow by Lily Easton was such a fun second-chance sapphic romance. I loved getting to watch Alice and Briar find their way back to each other after ten years apart. The summer camp setting added a nostalgic, cozy vibe, and the grief storyline, especially Briar dealing with the loss of her mom, gave the book real emotional depth that I connected to.
In their senior year, the girls share a first kiss and then Alice suddenly flees back to Scotland, and they don’t speak for a decade until one final summer brings them back together. Watching that reconnection unfold was equal parts sweet and frustrating. I didn’t fully understand the dramatic running away after the kiss(it felt a little silly) but I still had a great time with their dynamic and the slow rebuilding of trust.
The romance is fade-to-black despite being an adult setting with adult language, which left me personally wanting just a bit more on page. Still, I really enjoyed my time with this one and would recommend it to anyone looking for a heartfelt, summery sapphic second-chance romance.
Releases February 26!
In their senior year, the girls share a first kiss and then Alice suddenly flees back to Scotland, and they don’t speak for a decade until one final summer brings them back together. Watching that reconnection unfold was equal parts sweet and frustrating. I didn’t fully understand the dramatic running away after the kiss(it felt a little silly) but I still had a great time with their dynamic and the slow rebuilding of trust.
The romance is fade-to-black despite being an adult setting with adult language, which left me personally wanting just a bit more on page. Still, I really enjoyed my time with this one and would recommend it to anyone looking for a heartfelt, summery sapphic second-chance romance.
Releases February 26!
Review of advance copy received from Netgalley
Afterglow is a second chance sapphic BFF's to lovers romance. I really loved this book! I think it's written well, I really enjoyed all of the characters. I think the author did a great job with each character, and the story was easy to follow and extremely hard to put down! I read it all in a day lol.. I really love the storyline. Imagine having a crush on your BFF, kissing her, then one of you move out of the country and stop talking for years! If you enjoy FF romance, BFF's to lovers, great friends, and a book that will give you all the feel then I would recommend adding this book to your TBR!
I did receive a e-ARC from NetGalley but the options are mine and were not influenced in any way! I plan on getting a physical copy for my shelf! This is definitely a book I will reread and share with my daughter!
DO NOT READ BELOW IF YOU DON'T want a spoiler, but I feel TW is needed
This book does mention mother passing from reoccurring cancer, and a absent father.
I did receive a e-ARC from NetGalley but the options are mine and were not influenced in any way! I plan on getting a physical copy for my shelf! This is definitely a book I will reread and share with my daughter!
DO NOT READ BELOW IF YOU DON'T want a spoiler, but I feel TW is needed
This book does mention mother passing from reoccurring cancer, and a absent father.
December 30, 2025
Afterglow is a beautiful ode to nature, second chances, friendship and grief.
Alice and Briar are childhood friends that had a falling out and now is complicated by the grief of Briar’s mother having passed away. In the wake of this they are running Briar’s mother’s summer camp together.
Alice and Briar’s relationship is equally frustrating and beautiful. You can see where both of them are coming from, especially with having both of their POVs, and how time complicates everything. And yet you still root for them to figure out.
I loved the setting of the summer camp, it definitely felt very nostalgic in all the best ways. The other characters added so much too, I loved all the secondary characters.
Would very much recommend Afterglow to anyone!
Thank you to NetGalley and Canelo for providing this ARC in exchange for an honest review.
Alice and Briar are childhood friends that had a falling out and now is complicated by the grief of Briar’s mother having passed away. In the wake of this they are running Briar’s mother’s summer camp together.
Alice and Briar’s relationship is equally frustrating and beautiful. You can see where both of them are coming from, especially with having both of their POVs, and how time complicates everything. And yet you still root for them to figure out.
I loved the setting of the summer camp, it definitely felt very nostalgic in all the best ways. The other characters added so much too, I loved all the secondary characters.
Would very much recommend Afterglow to anyone!
Thank you to NetGalley and Canelo for providing this ARC in exchange for an honest review.
Review of advance copy received from Netgalley
Review of advance copy received from NetGalley
I was excited to get a chance to read this book early. I loved the premise and had high hopes for it. Unfortunately, it fell a little flat for me. There was something that just didn't work for me but I still can't place my finger on what it is.
Overall I like the way Easton writes. There were enough characters to make the book interesting and keep me invested. I feel some of the pacing was off. In the middle I feel like it dragged a little but at the end, where I personally felt more should have been showcased, it was a bit rushed and just sort of ended.
If you like second chance romance and friends to lovers, definitely check it out.
I was excited to get a chance to read this book early. I loved the premise and had high hopes for it. Unfortunately, it fell a little flat for me. There was something that just didn't work for me but I still can't place my finger on what it is.
Overall I like the way Easton writes. There were enough characters to make the book interesting and keep me invested. I feel some of the pacing was off. In the middle I feel like it dragged a little but at the end, where I personally felt more should have been showcased, it was a bit rushed and just sort of ended.
If you like second chance romance and friends to lovers, definitely check it out.
January 29, 2026
A summer of discovery, friendship and love. Teenage best friends Briar and Alice were everything to each other. Alice loved the family Briar provided and they were each others person until a kiss changed everything.
Many years later Alice returned after the sad news of Briars mums death to read a speech at the funeral. Can they get past the past and become friends again?
Briar has been left the camp that her mum ran and the camp her and Alice attended. Alice offers to co chair the camp over the summer. Will they get along?
This book was fun, a book about friendship, they were many layers to this and it was enjoyable.
Thank you NetGalley for this arc in exchange for an honest review.
Many years later Alice returned after the sad news of Briars mums death to read a speech at the funeral. Can they get past the past and become friends again?
Briar has been left the camp that her mum ran and the camp her and Alice attended. Alice offers to co chair the camp over the summer. Will they get along?
This book was fun, a book about friendship, they were many layers to this and it was enjoyable.
Thank you NetGalley for this arc in exchange for an honest review.
February 17, 2026
Normally I hate the second chance trope- but look if you’re a gay girl you know this story it’s set in our bones!!
I loved this one, it was the perfect sapphic joy to pallet cleanse between my horror books and life’s real horrors.
Short sweet, with loveable and likeable characters, and non issue that can’t be helped to be made into the biggest issue ever by our two main characters. You could have honestly ripped this storyline from any queers life. The best part of Lily Eastons writing- even her side characters feel full and real.
I truly had such a fun time and I’ll be pick up her other works for sure.
I loved this one, it was the perfect sapphic joy to pallet cleanse between my horror books and life’s real horrors.
Short sweet, with loveable and likeable characters, and non issue that can’t be helped to be made into the biggest issue ever by our two main characters. You could have honestly ripped this storyline from any queers life. The best part of Lily Eastons writing- even her side characters feel full and real.
I truly had such a fun time and I’ll be pick up her other works for sure.
March 15, 2026
I didn't think I would enjoy this book as much as I did. It follows a typical trope: best friends secretly having feelings for each other and failing to deal with them properly the first time around, only to be forced to confront those feelings when they meet again. However, this book has its own wonders. Hint: The Camp.
What made it so enjoyable for me is how well the characters fit into each other's lives. The story progresses at a pace that doesn't feel rushed. If I had one critique, I would have appreciated it if the pacing near the end had been laid out a bit more. Nevertheless, it was a great read!
Thank you NetGalley for this eARC in exchange for an honest review.
What made it so enjoyable for me is how well the characters fit into each other's lives. The story progresses at a pace that doesn't feel rushed. If I had one critique, I would have appreciated it if the pacing near the end had been laid out a bit more. Nevertheless, it was a great read!
Thank you NetGalley for this eARC in exchange for an honest review.
January 18, 2026
What can I say but thank you NetGalley for the arc!!!
Alice and Briar completely have my heart!!! This is such a great example of how supportive characters can be just as amazing as the main characters!! Freddie, Sierra, Noah, Harper, Laurel, Hazel, Cook, and of course Susan. All of these characters make up this incredible universe.
I would really love more of this group!! I laughed, I cried and I raged…. Alice’s parents suck and I’m a little upset she didn’t tell her dad to suck it… she was too nice to him and he definitely didn’t deserve it!!
Great book!!
Alice and Briar completely have my heart!!! This is such a great example of how supportive characters can be just as amazing as the main characters!! Freddie, Sierra, Noah, Harper, Laurel, Hazel, Cook, and of course Susan. All of these characters make up this incredible universe.
I would really love more of this group!! I laughed, I cried and I raged…. Alice’s parents suck and I’m a little upset she didn’t tell her dad to suck it… she was too nice to him and he definitely didn’t deserve it!!
Great book!!
Review of advance copy received from Netgalley
I loved the cover art and premise for this novel; who can resist a second chance romance set at a summer camp where counselors relive their childhood adventures. The history between the two main characters, Alice and Briar, came through in every interaction, and there was just enough angst between them to bring some drama but not so much that reading felt overly stressful. This is a great novel to read if you want an escape from reality where it still feels like you are surrounded by a group of long-time friends.
I received an ARC of this book via NetGalley.
I received an ARC of this book via NetGalley.
March 11, 2026
I was provided an audio ARC via NetGalley in exchange for an honest review.
This was pretty good. I enjoyed the storyline of old friends meeting again after years. I also liked the narrator. The characters were interesting but, overall, I don't think I'll remember much of this in a month or so. Basically, I had a good time mostly but it won't stay with me. And that's okay! Not every book needs to be life changing. I would read another book by this author and that's what matters most I think.
This was pretty good. I enjoyed the storyline of old friends meeting again after years. I also liked the narrator. The characters were interesting but, overall, I don't think I'll remember much of this in a month or so. Basically, I had a good time mostly but it won't stay with me. And that's okay! Not every book needs to be life changing. I would read another book by this author and that's what matters most I think.
March 15, 2026
Briar and Alice shared a kiss at camp the summer before college started, and Alice promptly ran off to England in avoidance. Ten years later, Briar's mom has passed, and Alice returns home for the first time.
This is a rather cute romance between ex-best friends. I liked the cast of characters, and the ending wrapped everything up nicely.
I did get emotional a few times as Briar grieved for her mom since I lost my dad a couple of years ago.
Thank you to Canelo for the opportunity to read and review.
This is a rather cute romance between ex-best friends. I liked the cast of characters, and the ending wrapped everything up nicely.
I did get emotional a few times as Briar grieved for her mom since I lost my dad a couple of years ago.
Thank you to Canelo for the opportunity to read and review.
January 6, 2026
The characters were so easy to connect with and I loved their journey to heal from their pasts and see a brighter future.
The writing had me hooked from the start. Characters felt developed from the main characters to the supporting cast. It was comfortable reading this book and one I will return to on the future.
Thanks to NetGallery and the publisher for this arc in exchange for my honest review
Review of advance copy received from Netgalley
I loved everything about this book. It covered grief, nostalgia, and first love so well. It had me swooning, while also crying. The love between the two main characters was obvious from the very beginning, even when they didn’t want to admit it. It was just enough angst to draw you in, but not too much. The sweet moments far outweighed the angsty ones, which is what I prefer. This is the perfect summer read (or the perfect read when you’re dreaming of summer).
Review of advance copy received from Netgalley
Thank you NetGalley for the ARC!
This is a sweet, mostly light hearted romance set at a summer camp. Though it deals with heavy topics, including the death of a parent, as well as strained relationships with parental figures in the lives of multiple characters, it was overall a fun book with a lovely cast of characters/found family. The ending was a bit quick, but would definitely recommend for someone looking for a second chance sapphic story.
This is a sweet, mostly light hearted romance set at a summer camp. Though it deals with heavy topics, including the death of a parent, as well as strained relationships with parental figures in the lives of multiple characters, it was overall a fun book with a lovely cast of characters/found family. The ending was a bit quick, but would definitely recommend for someone looking for a second chance sapphic story.
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