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Seven Days in June
Audre & Bash Are Just Friends
This sweet, funny, electrifying romance stars sixteen-year-old Audre Mercy-Moore, first introduced in the NYT bestseller, Seven Days in June. Perfect for fans of Jenny Han and Nicola Yoon!
MEET AUDRE. Junior class president. Debate team captain. Unofficial student therapist. Desperately in need of a good time.
MEET BASH. Mysterious new senior. Everybody’s crush. Tall, floppy, great taste in jewelry. King of having a good time.
It’s the last day of school at Cheshire Prep, Brooklyn’s elite academy—and Audre Mercy-Moore’s life is a mess. Her dad cancelled her annual summer visit to his Malibu beach house. Now? She’s stuck in a claustrophobic apartment with her mom, stepdad, and one-year-old sister (aka the Goblin Baby).
Under these conditions, she’ll never finish writing her self-help book—ie, the key to winning over Stanford’s admissions board.
Cut to Bash Henry! Audre hires him to be her “fun consultant.” His job? To help her complete the Experience Challenge—her list of five wild dares designed to give her juicy book material. She’ll get inspo; he’ll get paid. Everybody wins.
He isn’t boyfriend material. And she’s not looking for one. Can they stay professional despite their obvious connection?
SCORCHING-HOT SUMMER. SCORCHING-HOT CHEMISTRY. But Audre and Bash can’t forget—they’re just friends.
MEET AUDRE. Junior class president. Debate team captain. Unofficial student therapist. Desperately in need of a good time.
MEET BASH. Mysterious new senior. Everybody’s crush. Tall, floppy, great taste in jewelry. King of having a good time.
It’s the last day of school at Cheshire Prep, Brooklyn’s elite academy—and Audre Mercy-Moore’s life is a mess. Her dad cancelled her annual summer visit to his Malibu beach house. Now? She’s stuck in a claustrophobic apartment with her mom, stepdad, and one-year-old sister (aka the Goblin Baby).
Under these conditions, she’ll never finish writing her self-help book—ie, the key to winning over Stanford’s admissions board.
Cut to Bash Henry! Audre hires him to be her “fun consultant.” His job? To help her complete the Experience Challenge—her list of five wild dares designed to give her juicy book material. She’ll get inspo; he’ll get paid. Everybody wins.
He isn’t boyfriend material. And she’s not looking for one. Can they stay professional despite their obvious connection?
SCORCHING-HOT SUMMER. SCORCHING-HOT CHEMISTRY. But Audre and Bash can’t forget—they’re just friends.
384 pages, Hardcover
First published May 6, 2025
327 people are currently reading
19385 people want to read
About the author
Tia Williams
29 books5,698 followersTia Williams began her career as a beauty editor for magazines including Elle, Glamour, Lucky, Teen People, and Essence. In 2004, she pioneered the beauty blog industry with her award-winning site, Shake Your Beauty - and published her debut novel, The Accidental Diva. She went on to pen two young adult novels: It Chicks, and Sixteen Candles. Her 2016 bestseller, The Perfect Find, is being adapted for a Netflix film starring Gabrielle Union – and her latest novel, Seven Days in June, debuts in June 2021. Tia is currently an Editorial Director at Estee Lauder Companies, and lives with her daughter and husband in Brooklyn.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 896 reviews
May 12, 2025
Audre and Bash are definitely not just friends. They’re stinking cute🤧🥰😭
If you haven’t read Seven Days in June, don’t worry! You can still read this and totally enjoy it. I say that confidently because, honestly, I don’t remember much from that book (as usual), and this was still such a fun, enjoyable read.
That said, I did love how memories of Eva and Shane’s story started coming back to me as I went along. It really helped elevate the experience. I found myself understanding Eva so much more, especially whenever she was being super overprotective of my baby girl, Audre.
The mother-daughter relationship in this book was everything. I never felt like I had to “choose a side.” I just got where everyone was coming from, and that made it so easy to root for them both. I loved the growth they each had by the end. So, so satisfying!!
Now, Audre and Bash!! OMG!! They have my whole heart. They are absolutely meant for each other. Audre is way too mature for her age, and I found it so adorable every time she’d say something that had me literally questioning how old she was. Wise beyond her years, that one. I hated that she felt this overwhelming pressure to be perfect, but I completely understood where it came from. It made her super relatable to me and hopefully to a lot of other readers, too. And her adjusting to some massive changes in her life probably also relatable to many.
Bash, on the other hand, isn’t really a perfectionist, but his life is heavy. And as more about him was revealed, my heart genuinely ached for him. Audre and Bash balanced each other out so beautifully. They became each other’s light, and it felt like something they both needed. I was totally in sync with their journey from friends to something more, and it just felt so natural.
There were a few things in the book that had me raising an eyebrow. Mainly because the characters are young and this is YA. But hey, teenagers are probably out here doing wild things anyway, so maybe I’m just being naive. I let it go. Nothing major enough to take away any stars.
This one’s definitely going on my 2025 favorites list, and I seriously can’t wait to read whatever Williams writes next.
If you haven’t read Seven Days in June, don’t worry! You can still read this and totally enjoy it. I say that confidently because, honestly, I don’t remember much from that book (as usual), and this was still such a fun, enjoyable read.
That said, I did love how memories of Eva and Shane’s story started coming back to me as I went along. It really helped elevate the experience. I found myself understanding Eva so much more, especially whenever she was being super overprotective of my baby girl, Audre.
The mother-daughter relationship in this book was everything. I never felt like I had to “choose a side.” I just got where everyone was coming from, and that made it so easy to root for them both. I loved the growth they each had by the end. So, so satisfying!!
Now, Audre and Bash!! OMG!! They have my whole heart. They are absolutely meant for each other. Audre is way too mature for her age, and I found it so adorable every time she’d say something that had me literally questioning how old she was. Wise beyond her years, that one. I hated that she felt this overwhelming pressure to be perfect, but I completely understood where it came from. It made her super relatable to me and hopefully to a lot of other readers, too. And her adjusting to some massive changes in her life probably also relatable to many.
Bash, on the other hand, isn’t really a perfectionist, but his life is heavy. And as more about him was revealed, my heart genuinely ached for him. Audre and Bash balanced each other out so beautifully. They became each other’s light, and it felt like something they both needed. I was totally in sync with their journey from friends to something more, and it just felt so natural.
There were a few things in the book that had me raising an eyebrow. Mainly because the characters are young and this is YA. But hey, teenagers are probably out here doing wild things anyway, so maybe I’m just being naive. I let it go. Nothing major enough to take away any stars.
This one’s definitely going on my 2025 favorites list, and I seriously can’t wait to read whatever Williams writes next.
May 5, 2025
oh this was so much fun.
the book follows audre, who hires the school’s hottest boy to be her “fun consultant” over the summer, and obviously they're just friends.
you already know how that goes.
i didn’t expect to love this as much as i did. me and YA don’t always vibe, especially when gen z slang is involved, but this was just adorable. i ate it up.
audre and bash are both so awkward and flustered around each other and i could feel their butterflies. they were so shy and soft and i loved them.
and their texts??? stop!!
if you don’t think that’s cute, you’re lying 😭
bash honestly stole the show for me. he’s literally described as “everyone’s crush,” and i believed it. he’s sweet and funny and chill and just the kind of person people want to be around. but he also has this really emotional backstory that made me love him even more. i loved how he stayed kind and soft even after everything he’s been through. and he was so down bad for audre.
as i said. down bad.
aside from the romance, this book actually went deeper than i expected. it talks about race, gender, sexuality, and mental health, but also family stuff—complicated, toxic family dynamics. audre’s relationship with her mom was especially rough. her mom, eva (yes from Seven Days in June), is remarried now, has a new baby, and suddenly audre feels like an afterthought. she’s also pressured by her mom to be perfect and reliable.
i really liked this. probably because i relate so much to her.
also, this book is funny. like actually funny. i have never laughed so hard reading YA. there’s a scene where audre’s drunk and freestyle rapping and it should’ve made me want to crawl out of my skin, but i found it hilarious. and i cringe easily. somehow this book didn’t make me cringe once.
other little things i loved:
• them doing her “experience challenge” list together = so cute
• bash being shocked by how beautiful she is every five seconds
• “Each time we hang out, I feel like something important happened.” → sobbing.
• “You’re the prettiest girl here.” YES SHE IS.
what didn’t work for me:
i didn’t really care about reshma’s pov (audre’s best friend). it wasn’t bad, but it didn’t add much and i kept wanting to get back to audre & bash.
the ending was rushed. the main conflict got solved in like, a page? i needed more closure, especially with her mom. that was such a huge part of audre’s story and it kinda just disappeared. i also wanted to see more of these two sweethearts together.
overall though, this was adorable and had way more emotional depth than i expected. a solid 4 stars. if you like YA romances with actual feelings, cute and relatable characters, and a little real-life messiness mixed in, read this.
the book follows audre, who hires the school’s hottest boy to be her “fun consultant” over the summer, and obviously they're just friends.
you already know how that goes.
i didn’t expect to love this as much as i did. me and YA don’t always vibe, especially when gen z slang is involved, but this was just adorable. i ate it up.
audre and bash are both so awkward and flustered around each other and i could feel their butterflies. they were so shy and soft and i loved them.
and their texts??? stop!!
bash: smiles are contagious, too. yours is, at least.
audre: wait what
bash: when u smile, i wanna smile, too.
if you don’t think that’s cute, you’re lying 😭
bash honestly stole the show for me. he’s literally described as “everyone’s crush,” and i believed it. he’s sweet and funny and chill and just the kind of person people want to be around. but he also has this really emotional backstory that made me love him even more. i loved how he stayed kind and soft even after everything he’s been through. and he was so down bad for audre.
“What was i supposed to say to you? That not being near you feels pointless, like wasted time? That every kiss I don't give you burns a fucking hole in me?”
as i said. down bad.
aside from the romance, this book actually went deeper than i expected. it talks about race, gender, sexuality, and mental health, but also family stuff—complicated, toxic family dynamics. audre’s relationship with her mom was especially rough. her mom, eva (yes from Seven Days in June), is remarried now, has a new baby, and suddenly audre feels like an afterthought. she’s also pressured by her mom to be perfect and reliable.
“What about what I want, thought Audre. or what do I need? I'm a whole person with a life, not an extension of you.”
i really liked this. probably because i relate so much to her.
also, this book is funny. like actually funny. i have never laughed so hard reading YA. there’s a scene where audre’s drunk and freestyle rapping and it should’ve made me want to crawl out of my skin, but i found it hilarious. and i cringe easily. somehow this book didn’t make me cringe once.
other little things i loved:
• them doing her “experience challenge” list together = so cute
• bash being shocked by how beautiful she is every five seconds
• “Each time we hang out, I feel like something important happened.” → sobbing.
• “You’re the prettiest girl here.” YES SHE IS.
what didn’t work for me:
i didn’t really care about reshma’s pov (audre’s best friend). it wasn’t bad, but it didn’t add much and i kept wanting to get back to audre & bash.
the ending was rushed. the main conflict got solved in like, a page? i needed more closure, especially with her mom. that was such a huge part of audre’s story and it kinda just disappeared. i also wanted to see more of these two sweethearts together.
overall though, this was adorable and had way more emotional depth than i expected. a solid 4 stars. if you like YA romances with actual feelings, cute and relatable characters, and a little real-life messiness mixed in, read this.
June 26, 2025
3.5/5
- This is EXACTLY the type of book I want to read for a young adult romance! The tension! The romance! Truly was everything!
- Love that we were able to get bits of Eva in this book! Audre is such a strong character and this felt like the perfect continuation after Seven Days in June.
- The romance in this was so swoon worthy! I wish this book had been a teeny tiny bit shorter, but I loved the connection the characters had in this. The perfect balance between romance, friendship, and angst!
- This is EXACTLY the type of book I want to read for a young adult romance! The tension! The romance! Truly was everything!
- Love that we were able to get bits of Eva in this book! Audre is such a strong character and this felt like the perfect continuation after Seven Days in June.
- The romance in this was so swoon worthy! I wish this book had been a teeny tiny bit shorter, but I loved the connection the characters had in this. The perfect balance between romance, friendship, and angst!
July 21, 2025
This was my first read by this author and I really enjoyed it overall. It's about Audre, who is Eva Mercy's daughter from Seven Days in June. I haven't read that book and I didn't have any problems following the story in this one.
My favourite part of the book is Audre, she is such an interesting character to read about, and her relationship with Bash. I liked both characters so much. I loved their conversations, I highlighted a lot, and their texting was super fun. I loved them as friends, but I also loved their chemistry. They are super adorable and so good for each other.
The book touches on some heavy topics, such as mental health, friendship, family issues, unrealistic expectations and many more. Sometimes it felt like there was too much going on, but there is a good balance between emotional and fun moments.
The one thing I struggled with was Audre's relationship with her mum. I wanted to like her and I wanted to understand her, but some of her actions really frustrated me. The ending is a bit rushed, but satisfying.
Love the book cover. Not only is it cute, but it shows exactly what Audre and Bash look like.
My favourite part of the book is Audre, she is such an interesting character to read about, and her relationship with Bash. I liked both characters so much. I loved their conversations, I highlighted a lot, and their texting was super fun. I loved them as friends, but I also loved their chemistry. They are super adorable and so good for each other.
The book touches on some heavy topics, such as mental health, friendship, family issues, unrealistic expectations and many more. Sometimes it felt like there was too much going on, but there is a good balance between emotional and fun moments.
The one thing I struggled with was Audre's relationship with her mum. I wanted to like her and I wanted to understand her, but some of her actions really frustrated me. The ending is a bit rushed, but satisfying.
Love the book cover. Not only is it cute, but it shows exactly what Audre and Bash look like.
June 28, 2025
Tia Williams has been giving my nothing but hits for the past couple of years! I'm not sure what's next from her, but this was such a wonderful read.
Audre & Bash Are Just Friends is the perfect Black summer romance. Though it follows the daughter of the main character of Seven Days in June it can be read as a standalone. If you had strong feelings about it like I did, don't shy away from picking this one up. It's beautifully written and accurately captures the experiences of the two main characters. In terms of character development and plot development, Audre & Bash Are Just Friends is what I look for in a teen contemporary romance. The characters are true to their age, the plot is realistic, and the way the two find love with each other was both heartwarming and charming. If you're interested in knowing more of my thoughts, definitely check out my review in this reading vlog: https://youtu.be/aIuV134VnsQ I highly recommend picking this one up before the summer ends.
Audre & Bash Are Just Friends is the perfect Black summer romance. Though it follows the daughter of the main character of Seven Days in June it can be read as a standalone. If you had strong feelings about it like I did, don't shy away from picking this one up. It's beautifully written and accurately captures the experiences of the two main characters. In terms of character development and plot development, Audre & Bash Are Just Friends is what I look for in a teen contemporary romance. The characters are true to their age, the plot is realistic, and the way the two find love with each other was both heartwarming and charming. If you're interested in knowing more of my thoughts, definitely check out my review in this reading vlog: https://youtu.be/aIuV134VnsQ I highly recommend picking this one up before the summer ends.
June 4, 2025
"...making the ‘right’ choices doesn’t guarantee you a happy ending. So, follow your own path. Take chances, be wild, make mistakes, get messy, be colorful. Be true to whoever you are.”
4.25 ★
this was a fun, refreshing YA contemp read with distinct characters and a renewed exploration of coming-of-age stories.
audre is the therapist friend; even moreso, she's *the* therapist of her peers. everyone knows to go to her for advice, and she loves it. as an aspiring therapist it gives her practice - and maybe she enjoys the aspect of control. it's hard living up to a supermom and supergrandma (does it stress her out to the point of hiding her burnout and panic attacks? yeah but they don't know that).
bash is the complete opposite. he's the new guy in the neighborhood, he's go with the flow, he's an aspiring tattoo artist, a mystery swirling in rumors and hearsay. when audre realizes she needs more real life experience to practically apply to her therapy (and college app essay), she decides bash is just the guy to help her complete her checklist of a live out loud summer.
but neither of them were planning on falling for each other.
a cute concept well-executed with laugh-out-loud moments, emotional discoveries, and newfound sense of identity while riding the highs (and lows) of young love.
i liked the portrayal of complex family dynamics and the effect they can have on a kid's psyche, esp with parents who put pressure on their kids to live up to a high standard. audre and bash were super cute and even reshma and clio had their moments.
it also made me really nostalgic for living in nyc, i can't even imagine the experience of growing up there as a teen.
this was my first read by tia williams, and i will definitely give more of her books a try!
4.25 ★
this was a fun, refreshing YA contemp read with distinct characters and a renewed exploration of coming-of-age stories.
audre is the therapist friend; even moreso, she's *the* therapist of her peers. everyone knows to go to her for advice, and she loves it. as an aspiring therapist it gives her practice - and maybe she enjoys the aspect of control. it's hard living up to a supermom and supergrandma (does it stress her out to the point of hiding her burnout and panic attacks? yeah but they don't know that).
bash is the complete opposite. he's the new guy in the neighborhood, he's go with the flow, he's an aspiring tattoo artist, a mystery swirling in rumors and hearsay. when audre realizes she needs more real life experience to practically apply to her therapy (and college app essay), she decides bash is just the guy to help her complete her checklist of a live out loud summer.
but neither of them were planning on falling for each other.
a cute concept well-executed with laugh-out-loud moments, emotional discoveries, and newfound sense of identity while riding the highs (and lows) of young love.
i liked the portrayal of complex family dynamics and the effect they can have on a kid's psyche, esp with parents who put pressure on their kids to live up to a high standard. audre and bash were super cute and even reshma and clio had their moments.
it also made me really nostalgic for living in nyc, i can't even imagine the experience of growing up there as a teen.
this was my first read by tia williams, and i will definitely give more of her books a try!
May 16, 2025
This is a good year for ya romance, first I'll Pretend You're Mine and now Audre and Bash, both perfect five star reads. I don't usually gravitate towards ya romance, but this one intrigued me because to this day seven days in june is still my favourite romance book, and Tia's latest book was also great.
I went in expecting a good book, but not knowing if it would live up to her adult work and I was pleasantly surprised. It is ya but you can tell the author has experience handling darker topics and I makes the book feel more emotional and gives a certain depth to the characters. When they were disagreeing I wanted to pick a side so bad but I understood both perspectives so it was conflicting, but it also made the book feel very real.
We follow Eva's, the main character in seven days in June, daughter while she deals with finding love and dealing with high expectations and anxiety. It is a brilliant book, I highly recommend it.
I went in expecting a good book, but not knowing if it would live up to her adult work and I was pleasantly surprised. It is ya but you can tell the author has experience handling darker topics and I makes the book feel more emotional and gives a certain depth to the characters. When they were disagreeing I wanted to pick a side so bad but I understood both perspectives so it was conflicting, but it also made the book feel very real.
We follow Eva's, the main character in seven days in June, daughter while she deals with finding love and dealing with high expectations and anxiety. It is a brilliant book, I highly recommend it.
August 19, 2025
3.25⭐️
This was a cute story; however, a bit too YA for my taste. If you love the cute teenage rom-com type of feels then this one is for you.
So good to get a little bit more insight on some of the issues that were in Seven Days in June by this author that we didn’t get the first time around. Loved the mental health representation in this one as well.
Audrey and Bash were simply two kids with some deeper issues, falling for each other and helping each other along the way-can’t go wrong with that right?🩷🩵
This was a cute story; however, a bit too YA for my taste. If you love the cute teenage rom-com type of feels then this one is for you.
So good to get a little bit more insight on some of the issues that were in Seven Days in June by this author that we didn’t get the first time around. Loved the mental health representation in this one as well.
Audrey and Bash were simply two kids with some deeper issues, falling for each other and helping each other along the way-can’t go wrong with that right?🩷🩵
Want to read
November 22, 2024SEVEN DAYS IN JUNE LOVERS, WAKE UP!!!🗣️🗣️🗣️🗣️🗣️
I'm soooo pumped for not only a new book by my queen Tia Williams but this one being a YA romance novel about Eva's daughter Audre finding love????? LFG!!!!!!
I'm soooo pumped for not only a new book by my queen Tia Williams but this one being a YA romance novel about Eva's daughter Audre finding love????? LFG!!!!!!
May 9, 2025
I LOVE this book so much. It made me feel good on the inside. 🥰 Honestly, reading this makes me want to go back and read Seven Days in June, just for the feels!
P.S. The text messages between Audre and Bash were my favorite part of the book. 😊
⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
I recommend this book to anyone who's looking for something to read that will make them feel good. 🥰
P.S. The text messages between Audre and Bash were my favorite part of the book. 😊
⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
I recommend this book to anyone who's looking for something to read that will make them feel good. 🥰
Want to read
January 31, 2025Can’t believe Audre is getting her own story 🥹
February 22, 2025
OMG OMG OMG. will return with coherent thoughts once i’ve stopped crying and screaming
July 8, 2025
4 stars. Frothy, fresh, and containing everything I love in a summer romance, Audre and Bash Are Just Friends is the exact kind of YA contemporary I love reading when the weather turns warm: swoony with just the right amount of depth.
June 4, 2025
Cutesy, fun and fluffy! Perfect for Summer! 🩵
April 23, 2025
firstly, thank you to the publisher for an arc and an alc!!
all of the stars — i even loved this more than seven days in june, which i ate up. admittedly, i didn’t realize that this was a companion ya novel to seven days in june until audre was describing her mom and i went, “hey! that sounds a lot like eva…” perhaps i need to read descriptions more often… (granted i saw a new tia williams and needed to read it)
i really enjoyed audre & bash are just friends — it was chaotic, teenage fun but still tackled serious issues and of course had the perfect amount of summer romance and teen angst.
and for the audio?! fantastic — i always love a dual narration and both narrators were fantastic. i also loved the little sound effects here and there.
overall, instant five stars!!
all of the stars — i even loved this more than seven days in june, which i ate up. admittedly, i didn’t realize that this was a companion ya novel to seven days in june until audre was describing her mom and i went, “hey! that sounds a lot like eva…” perhaps i need to read descriptions more often… (granted i saw a new tia williams and needed to read it)
i really enjoyed audre & bash are just friends — it was chaotic, teenage fun but still tackled serious issues and of course had the perfect amount of summer romance and teen angst.
and for the audio?! fantastic — i always love a dual narration and both narrators were fantastic. i also loved the little sound effects here and there.
overall, instant five stars!!
May 17, 2025
the audiobook is excellent!! duet style narration was done perfectly. 10/10
the story... was meh. the romance was very sweet. i liked both audre×bash but something was missing.
+ i hated eva×shane (audre's mom + step dad from six days of june) i truly do not understand what possessed tia to do that to eva×shane's character arcs.
the story... was meh. the romance was very sweet. i liked both audre×bash but something was missing.
+ i hated eva×shane (audre's mom + step dad from six days of june) i truly do not understand what possessed tia to do that to eva×shane's character arcs.
June 9, 2025
~ "EVERYTHING CHANGES, NOTHING WILL BE THE SAME A YEAR FROM NOW" ~ ✨
"Normal People weren't this striking."
This novel instantly screams DRAMATIC within the first chapter. At first, I seriously didn't know what
to think about any of it and was seriously considering not finishing at all. I chose the audiobook version since my days are beyond busy lately. All the same, I am thrilled to remain focused on the author's name, Tia Williams.
'Audre & Bash Are Just Friends' is this author's first YA novel. I always look forward to her positive, creative work. To continue a Journey with her characters is Pure Joy! I was flooded with Initial Excitements with this new release thanks to this novel being sort of a pin-off with previous characters from Tia Williams' novel that I just ADORE, 'Seven Days in June.' Yessss! she brings
back Shane and Eva as the Parents. And, this is the coming-of-age story of their daughter, Audre Mercy-Moore.
Interestingly, readers come to learn the deep, emotional family stories of 2 completely different teens: Audre & Bash Henry. Audre is forced to spend the summer in Brooklyn since her Father cancels their annual "Dadifornia" (California) trip. At the same time, we learn Bash is the new kid on the block at Audre's school (from California) who has recently moved to Brooklyn...
This Novel...Talking about Over dramatic and Lovable ALL in one 🩷🩵.
This time, Tia Williams has penned another Great experience to show young readers how miscommunication and/or no communication can affect others. As this author began to peel more layers from her characters, this novel became that much more riveting with the
ways she allows readers to understand the True complexity of Audre & Bash's character.
Bash: 🩵
* Dad approved all his clothes
* He'd never eaten a meal that wasn't planned by his coaches
* He knew how it felt to drown under everyone's expectations
Audre: 🩷
* Thinks of Bash as an Earth Angel
* Thinks of Bash as not the most "Open" person
* Suspected Bash only had 2 brain cells in his head
I can't even take the time to touch on all of Audre's friends and the other names ---> Pink Crocs, Witchy tote. lol
Readers will also notice ways Tia Williams digs Deeper into the dynamics of Audre's Family as a result of her circumstances; including babysitting her little sister. The "Emotional Rawness" with her Mother, Eva permits the storyline to unfold their Talk; uncovering how Eva still struggles with her own trauma and possibly the abandonment times of Shane in her previous novel. This Author! This Author! This is why is Love her novels....
** Questions began to churn. **
Lastly, at 17% ... Tia Williams displays how she Works her magic with writing. As she goes into the stage of the Audre and Ellison Escapade, this could possibly represent itself as an Experience for readers once again. This author has an Exceptional way of involving readers into a Deep, Imaginative Engagement with the story.
Vivid Imagery and Narrative Empathy: Over.The.Top 🔥
At one point of the book, I literally was picturing a Book walking around in Stilettos
every time I heard Reshma's voice. lol LOVED it 💎.
As Always, Tia Williams has Nailed it Again!
~ Shane and Eva ❤️🔥~
May 3, 2025
Thank you to Hachette audio and Libro.fm for this ALC. This audio book was fantastic and I am obsessed with the duet style of narration!!!
I'm so glad Tia Williams wrote this. I am a huge fan of Seven Days In June and Audre was a favorite in that book, so I was really excited when it was announced that Audre would be getting her own romance. This book was not only cute and heartwarming, but also hilarious. It was such a fun story and Audre and Bash were absolutely adorable!
Audre was a delight as usual. She still a teenage therapist and absolutely brilliant. My earth sign queen. Her and Bash were very different yet similar in ways. It was fun to see their bond develop as Bash taught Audre how to live a little for the summer. I feel like they were able to really balance each other out. I also really liked Bash’s character because everyone made these crazy assumptions about him when he was just a chill guy LOL. He had his own stuff going own that made him the way he was, but he was a good kid and really good for Audre. They were just overall really cute.
It was nice to get acquainted with Eva and Shane again and catch up with them and their new lore. We got to see them in a different light post-SDIJ and it was nice. I also found it hilarious to see Shane’s father figure moments. Eva is still my girl, but I can’t say she didn’t work my nerves at times in this book. She was being a true helicopter mom. But given what we know about her past from Seven Days In June, I definitely understood why she was acting like that. (She was lowkey like that in SDIJ too quiet as kept, so it wasn't that shocking to me lmao). It was annoying at times, but not enough to take away from the book overall.
I loved this book and these characters are my actual family.
I'm so glad Tia Williams wrote this. I am a huge fan of Seven Days In June and Audre was a favorite in that book, so I was really excited when it was announced that Audre would be getting her own romance. This book was not only cute and heartwarming, but also hilarious. It was such a fun story and Audre and Bash were absolutely adorable!
Audre was a delight as usual. She still a teenage therapist and absolutely brilliant. My earth sign queen. Her and Bash were very different yet similar in ways. It was fun to see their bond develop as Bash taught Audre how to live a little for the summer. I feel like they were able to really balance each other out. I also really liked Bash’s character because everyone made these crazy assumptions about him when he was just a chill guy LOL. He had his own stuff going own that made him the way he was, but he was a good kid and really good for Audre. They were just overall really cute.
It was nice to get acquainted with Eva and Shane again and catch up with them and their new lore. We got to see them in a different light post-SDIJ and it was nice. I also found it hilarious to see Shane’s father figure moments. Eva is still my girl, but I can’t say she didn’t work my nerves at times in this book. She was being a true helicopter mom. But given what we know about her past from Seven Days In June, I definitely understood why she was acting like that. (She was lowkey like that in SDIJ too quiet as kept, so it wasn't that shocking to me lmao). It was annoying at times, but not enough to take away from the book overall.
I loved this book and these characters are my actual family.
May 29, 2025
⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️💫 (4.25 stars)
I was so excited to dive back in and see how my girl Audre was doing, especially after getting glimpses of her in Seven Days in June. She’s always felt like a character who needed to break out of her shell, and this book gives her the chance to do just that. Enter Bash, the perfect guy to help her take that leap. Their chemistry is undeniable, but what really hooked me was how both of them are navigating identity, belonging, and family dynamics in ways that feel honest and layered.
Both Audre and Bash are trying to figure out where they fit in their families, and through their growing friendship (and eventual relationship), they also begin to find themselves. Watching them slowly open up to each other and become anchors in each other’s lives was such a joy. I also appreciated the depth of their individual arcs, especially how their relationships with family members evolved throughout the book.
This is a fantastic YA story, heartfelt, romantic, and full of that messy, beautiful emotional growth teens go through. I’m really looking forward to adding this one to my classroom library in the fall. I know my students will love it just as much as I did!
Thank you, Libro FM for the ALC
I was so excited to dive back in and see how my girl Audre was doing, especially after getting glimpses of her in Seven Days in June. She’s always felt like a character who needed to break out of her shell, and this book gives her the chance to do just that. Enter Bash, the perfect guy to help her take that leap. Their chemistry is undeniable, but what really hooked me was how both of them are navigating identity, belonging, and family dynamics in ways that feel honest and layered.
Both Audre and Bash are trying to figure out where they fit in their families, and through their growing friendship (and eventual relationship), they also begin to find themselves. Watching them slowly open up to each other and become anchors in each other’s lives was such a joy. I also appreciated the depth of their individual arcs, especially how their relationships with family members evolved throughout the book.
This is a fantastic YA story, heartfelt, romantic, and full of that messy, beautiful emotional growth teens go through. I’m really looking forward to adding this one to my classroom library in the fall. I know my students will love it just as much as I did!
Thank you, Libro FM for the ALC
April 28, 2025
This was a great YA romance!! It is definitely an older YA book, with lots of different issues addressed. It was so fun to get to go back into the “Seven Days in June” world and see how much Audre has grown up!
February 20, 2025
wait actually stop right now because this was so FREAKING cute. i really really loved this book and it might be one of my new favorite YA romcoms. Tia nailed the banter and portraying her Gen Z characters without making it sound cringe. cute!!!!
April 21, 2025
5 stars! ⭐️
Thank you to NetGalley and Hachette Audio for the ALC!
She does it again! When I first heard Tia Williams was going to write an entire book about Audre (Eva Mercy’s daughter from Tia’s previous novel Seven Days in June) I almost tipped over with excitement. I was an Audre stan from day one. Now I’m here having just finished the audio and happy to say that this did not disappoint one bit!
💫 Before going into book specifics, I was lucky enough to listen to this audio early and it was a great time. The narrations were extremely well done, easy on the ears and easy to follow. With two narrators (one male, one female) (Jordan Cobb, Torian Brackett) each character had a distinct voice and a full personality that had me feeling all the feels and laughing all the laughs.
💫 Now for the story! THIS book was YA romance done perfectly. It was fun, quirky and humorous while also being emotional, explorative, representative and deeply insightful. I was so immersed in the minds and hearts of Audre and Bash and to be honest, I could go right back and spend a little more time there. (Please Tia, pull a Bolu Babalola and write a book about Audre and Bash in the future!)
💗 What I liked:
- Representation! There was so much representation of different communities, race, family dynamics, mental health, etc. in this book. I can’t get into all of it without giving spoilers but I found it to be super modern and super encompassing of what being a teenager in NYC is like.
- The writing. I’ll say it 1,000 times, Tia William’s has a pen that leaves me in awe. Her words will always suck me in, make me pull out my highlighter, teach me something, make me laugh all while it feels like reading poetry in a beautiful garden.
- The plot! This was a really creative way to set up a romance with some in and outs and twists that made it a bigger story than just the romance.
- POV switching. This is done so intentionally that the pace and flow make the book a breeze to get through.
- The characters. Wow wow wow, I love these characters and all their complexities. Audre? We knew she would be brilliant and funny but her character arc and the realizations she comes were so great. And Bash! He’s absolutely a new favorite character of mine. I found his back story to be extremely compelling, his personality so endearing, unique and fresh. Eva and Shane were perfectly complex (and even though they got me in my angry bag a little bit they were realistic and loveable as always). And all of the side characters offered depth and fun dynamics.
- I absolutely loved how much of Seven Days in June carried over into this novel. I won’t give spoilers but it was fun and satisfying to watch some crossover elements play out.
- All of the relationship dynamics. The romances, the friendships, the family, the peers. All of it.
🤍 What I could critique if I had to:
- Though satisfying, I think the ending did wrap up a bit quickly. I would have liked to see a little more resolve between some of the characters and maybe even some follow up on some smaller plot points (for example Audre’s dad).
Okay, now I’m branching into essay territory so I will wrap it up. This was such a great read and I highly highly recommend for those in the market for a really well-done YA romance.
Thank you to NetGalley and Hachette Audio for the ALC!
She does it again! When I first heard Tia Williams was going to write an entire book about Audre (Eva Mercy’s daughter from Tia’s previous novel Seven Days in June) I almost tipped over with excitement. I was an Audre stan from day one. Now I’m here having just finished the audio and happy to say that this did not disappoint one bit!
💫 Before going into book specifics, I was lucky enough to listen to this audio early and it was a great time. The narrations were extremely well done, easy on the ears and easy to follow. With two narrators (one male, one female) (Jordan Cobb, Torian Brackett) each character had a distinct voice and a full personality that had me feeling all the feels and laughing all the laughs.
💫 Now for the story! THIS book was YA romance done perfectly. It was fun, quirky and humorous while also being emotional, explorative, representative and deeply insightful. I was so immersed in the minds and hearts of Audre and Bash and to be honest, I could go right back and spend a little more time there. (Please Tia, pull a Bolu Babalola and write a book about Audre and Bash in the future!)
💗 What I liked:
- Representation! There was so much representation of different communities, race, family dynamics, mental health, etc. in this book. I can’t get into all of it without giving spoilers but I found it to be super modern and super encompassing of what being a teenager in NYC is like.
- The writing. I’ll say it 1,000 times, Tia William’s has a pen that leaves me in awe. Her words will always suck me in, make me pull out my highlighter, teach me something, make me laugh all while it feels like reading poetry in a beautiful garden.
- The plot! This was a really creative way to set up a romance with some in and outs and twists that made it a bigger story than just the romance.
- POV switching. This is done so intentionally that the pace and flow make the book a breeze to get through.
- The characters. Wow wow wow, I love these characters and all their complexities. Audre? We knew she would be brilliant and funny but her character arc and the realizations she comes were so great. And Bash! He’s absolutely a new favorite character of mine. I found his back story to be extremely compelling, his personality so endearing, unique and fresh. Eva and Shane were perfectly complex (and even though they got me in my angry bag a little bit they were realistic and loveable as always). And all of the side characters offered depth and fun dynamics.
- I absolutely loved how much of Seven Days in June carried over into this novel. I won’t give spoilers but it was fun and satisfying to watch some crossover elements play out.
- All of the relationship dynamics. The romances, the friendships, the family, the peers. All of it.
🤍 What I could critique if I had to:
- Though satisfying, I think the ending did wrap up a bit quickly. I would have liked to see a little more resolve between some of the characters and maybe even some follow up on some smaller plot points (for example Audre’s dad).
Okay, now I’m branching into essay territory so I will wrap it up. This was such a great read and I highly highly recommend for those in the market for a really well-done YA romance.
May 1, 2025
Tia Williams how I love thee!!🫶
Seven Days in June is one of my favorite romances so I was thrilled to see Audre (Eva’s daughter) was getting her own book! And it was wonderful!!🥹
Audre is still “therapizing” all her friends while silently struggling with panic attacks herself. Her life is not going according to plan and she doesn’t know what to do about it! Her best friend makes her a summer dare list and who better help her complete it than the new hottie in town?! Enter, Bash😮💨
Audre & Bash have such great chemistry and I just adored watching them go from friends to more than🤭they can both open up with one another, they can relax and have fun without needing to uphold their public personas!! This YA romance was one I could get behind👏
BUT in true Tia Williams fashion it also tackled tougher topics like generational trauma and the weight of familial expectations!
The audiobook for this was soooo good with duet narrations and sound effects for things like the on-page texting! Highly recommend!💯🎧
I didn’t love how quickly it all wrapped up - I would’ve loved to see more of that work being put in! Plus Reshma’s random POV chapters threw off the ~flow~ but overall another win!
Seven Days in June is one of my favorite romances so I was thrilled to see Audre (Eva’s daughter) was getting her own book! And it was wonderful!!🥹
Audre is still “therapizing” all her friends while silently struggling with panic attacks herself. Her life is not going according to plan and she doesn’t know what to do about it! Her best friend makes her a summer dare list and who better help her complete it than the new hottie in town?! Enter, Bash😮💨
Audre & Bash have such great chemistry and I just adored watching them go from friends to more than🤭they can both open up with one another, they can relax and have fun without needing to uphold their public personas!! This YA romance was one I could get behind👏
BUT in true Tia Williams fashion it also tackled tougher topics like generational trauma and the weight of familial expectations!
The audiobook for this was soooo good with duet narrations and sound effects for things like the on-page texting! Highly recommend!💯🎧
I didn’t love how quickly it all wrapped up - I would’ve loved to see more of that work being put in! Plus Reshma’s random POV chapters threw off the ~flow~ but overall another win!
May 20, 2025
Thank you to Little Brown/Hachette for the ARC of this book.
I loved this book. Tia Williams can do no wrong in my eyes when it comes to contemporary romance and this YA romance is no different. If you don’t like slang or pop culture references feel free to stay away from this book bc you won’t enjoy it.
This was just so cute and wholesome, I love Audre so much and watching her learn to enjoy herself and be more than a responsible, mini therapist, golden child. The relationship between her & Bash developed in a way that feels very true to teenage love. I flew through this book, which is saying something because I’ve been in the pits of hell in a reading slump.
Eva IS a bit insufferable in this book and i tried to understand from the perspective of a mother, but it was still frustrating to read some of their interactions and know how Audre was feeling in this transition from being an only child to being a sibling and feeling lost. I’ve seen people say this book made them hate Eva & Shane, but I don’t feel that way. Parents don’t always get everything right.
Overall I had a great time with this book and I hope we get more of the Tia Williams extended universe in another book because I’m emotionally attached to these characters.
I loved this book. Tia Williams can do no wrong in my eyes when it comes to contemporary romance and this YA romance is no different. If you don’t like slang or pop culture references feel free to stay away from this book bc you won’t enjoy it.
This was just so cute and wholesome, I love Audre so much and watching her learn to enjoy herself and be more than a responsible, mini therapist, golden child. The relationship between her & Bash developed in a way that feels very true to teenage love. I flew through this book, which is saying something because I’ve been in the pits of hell in a reading slump.
Eva IS a bit insufferable in this book and i tried to understand from the perspective of a mother, but it was still frustrating to read some of their interactions and know how Audre was feeling in this transition from being an only child to being a sibling and feeling lost. I’ve seen people say this book made them hate Eva & Shane, but I don’t feel that way. Parents don’t always get everything right.
Overall I had a great time with this book and I hope we get more of the Tia Williams extended universe in another book because I’m emotionally attached to these characters.
May 20, 2025
What an amazing companion to Seven Days in June. Tia Williams has such a gift for writing emotionally rich characters, and this book is no exception. You can really tell she has a strong relationship with her daughter(s), because the dynamic between Eva and Audre felt so real and full of love. Their connection was one of my favorite parts of the story.
There were several moments when I completely forgot this was a YA novel. The writing never talked down to the reader, and the emotional depth carried just as much weight as any adult fiction. I was intrigued from the very beginning and couldn’t put it down. The pacing kept me engaged throughout, and the story struck such a perfect balance between humor, heartache, and healing.
The duet narration was the cherry on top. Both narrators brought so much life to the characters, and hearing their voices made the emotions land even harder.
There were several moments when I completely forgot this was a YA novel. The writing never talked down to the reader, and the emotional depth carried just as much weight as any adult fiction. I was intrigued from the very beginning and couldn’t put it down. The pacing kept me engaged throughout, and the story struck such a perfect balance between humor, heartache, and healing.
The duet narration was the cherry on top. Both narrators brought so much life to the characters, and hearing their voices made the emotions land even harder.
May 6, 2025
Thank you to the publishers and Net Galley for the ARC.
All opinions are my own.
"Audre and Bash Are Just Friends" by Tia Williams is an evocative young adult novel that resonates with readers of all ages. With its authentic portrayal of teenage struggles and triumphs, the story gently transported me back to my own high school years, making it a truly nostalgic experience.
Audre's journey of self-discovery is at the heart of this narrative. Her evolution from a confused young girl to someone who finds her own voice and identity is beautifully portrayed. This transformation is both inspiring and relatable, highlighting the universal struggle of finding oneself amidst the chaos of adolescence. As I read, I found myself wanting to hug Audre for her vulnerability and courage, while also wanting to shake her in moments of frustration. Her struggles with self-esteem and friendship were depicted so vividly that they resonated with my own teenage experiences.
Bash, on the other hand, is a standout character whose depth and development added richness to the story. His complex layers and the gradual unfolding of his true self made me root for him even more as the story progressed. Bash's interactions with Audre are filled with genuine emotion and complexity, adding a layer of realism to their "just friends" relationship that is both engaging and endearing.
Despite being targeted towards a young adult audience, "Audre and Bash Are Just Friends" tackles heavy topics that both teenagers and adults can relate to. Themes of identity, friendship, and self-discovery are explored with maturity and depth, making the novel a meaningful read for anyone who has ever struggled to find their place in the world.
Tia Williams once again delivers an amazing story that captivates and resonates on many levels. Her ability to craft relatable characters and genuine narratives is truly commendable, making "Audre and Bash Are Just Friends" a must-read for anyone who enjoys a heartfelt and impactful story. I highly recommend this book to readers looking for an emotional journey and a reminder of the challenges and triumphs of adolescence
All opinions are my own.
"Audre and Bash Are Just Friends" by Tia Williams is an evocative young adult novel that resonates with readers of all ages. With its authentic portrayal of teenage struggles and triumphs, the story gently transported me back to my own high school years, making it a truly nostalgic experience.
Audre's journey of self-discovery is at the heart of this narrative. Her evolution from a confused young girl to someone who finds her own voice and identity is beautifully portrayed. This transformation is both inspiring and relatable, highlighting the universal struggle of finding oneself amidst the chaos of adolescence. As I read, I found myself wanting to hug Audre for her vulnerability and courage, while also wanting to shake her in moments of frustration. Her struggles with self-esteem and friendship were depicted so vividly that they resonated with my own teenage experiences.
Bash, on the other hand, is a standout character whose depth and development added richness to the story. His complex layers and the gradual unfolding of his true self made me root for him even more as the story progressed. Bash's interactions with Audre are filled with genuine emotion and complexity, adding a layer of realism to their "just friends" relationship that is both engaging and endearing.
Despite being targeted towards a young adult audience, "Audre and Bash Are Just Friends" tackles heavy topics that both teenagers and adults can relate to. Themes of identity, friendship, and self-discovery are explored with maturity and depth, making the novel a meaningful read for anyone who has ever struggled to find their place in the world.
Tia Williams once again delivers an amazing story that captivates and resonates on many levels. Her ability to craft relatable characters and genuine narratives is truly commendable, making "Audre and Bash Are Just Friends" a must-read for anyone who enjoys a heartfelt and impactful story. I highly recommend this book to readers looking for an emotional journey and a reminder of the challenges and triumphs of adolescence
May 11, 2025
This was a very cute YA romance. If you loved Eva and Audre in Seven Days of June, this is for you! I will say the pop culture references were a bit much for me personally and I didn’t care for Reshma’s storyline, but all in all a solid book from Tia Williams.
May 4, 2025
4.5 - Tia Williams come collect your flowers because this was a YOUNG ADULT ROMANCE!! This book just reminded me why I love this subgenre when it's done well, sometimes more than adult romance. The drama, the Black representation, the teen angst, the mental health rep, the banter and flirting of Audre and Bash!! I ate it up!! They were so cute together and so supportive of each other. But I also loved following both of them on their own paths and journey to becoming more secure in themselves.
Andre and Bash is a spinoff from Tia Williams' very popular book Seven Days in June. Audre is the teenage daughter of Eva and she gets her own little romance and character development. Audre is at the end of high school, stressed about applying to colleges and trying to maintain her ambitious academic rigor, while also dealing with strife at home with her changing family. Her mom has just married her step dad Shane and they had a new baby and Audre is left feeling very out of place at home. When she gets stuck in Brooklyn for the summer, she decides to let loose and let Bash, the new playboy in town, show her how to stress less and have fun, as inspiration for the book she is attempting to write.
This book had all the magic that makes YA romance books the best. Sometimes I think older authors can struggle a bit with YA, because of their age it is hard to write teenagers authentically. Tia Williams made these teenagers feel REAL and actually acting their age. Both Audre and Bash are dealing with their own struggles, with their families, growing up and trying to choose a career, and dealing with young love and their sexuality. I really connected to Audre, as someone who also was overly ambitious and struggled with trying to do everything when I was a teenager. I LOVED the banter between Audre and Bash and their chemistry. Overall, this was a fantastic YA romance and will be such a fun romance to read this summer!!
Thank you to Little Brown & Co Young Readers for the free early copy!!
Andre and Bash is a spinoff from Tia Williams' very popular book Seven Days in June. Audre is the teenage daughter of Eva and she gets her own little romance and character development. Audre is at the end of high school, stressed about applying to colleges and trying to maintain her ambitious academic rigor, while also dealing with strife at home with her changing family. Her mom has just married her step dad Shane and they had a new baby and Audre is left feeling very out of place at home. When she gets stuck in Brooklyn for the summer, she decides to let loose and let Bash, the new playboy in town, show her how to stress less and have fun, as inspiration for the book she is attempting to write.
This book had all the magic that makes YA romance books the best. Sometimes I think older authors can struggle a bit with YA, because of their age it is hard to write teenagers authentically. Tia Williams made these teenagers feel REAL and actually acting their age. Both Audre and Bash are dealing with their own struggles, with their families, growing up and trying to choose a career, and dealing with young love and their sexuality. I really connected to Audre, as someone who also was overly ambitious and struggled with trying to do everything when I was a teenager. I LOVED the banter between Audre and Bash and their chemistry. Overall, this was a fantastic YA romance and will be such a fun romance to read this summer!!
Thank you to Little Brown & Co Young Readers for the free early copy!!
May 4, 2025
Wait, why is this one of the best books I've ever read in my life?
Audre & Bash are two extraordinarily dynamic characters with deeply layered stories, emotions, and growth arcs, and I thoroughly enjoyed the way they were written. All the charm, wit, and genuine connection that Tia Williams serves in her other books is present here on a much more appropriate, digestible scale for a young adult audience, but it is definitely upper YA due to the language and underage substance use. However, that's not at all uncommon for kids this age in the area they live in with the access and resources they have to partake in these things, so it didn't really bother me at all—I wanted to state that for any parents to kids outside of the upper YA age range curious about its appropriateness for kids between 12-15—I was reading much more adult novels than this at that age LOL.
A (sort of) continuation to Seven Days in June, Audre has grown from a tenacious, omniscient child to a tenacious, omniscient, anxiety-ridden teenager who feels like she is cracking under the pressure placed on her to excel and be great by her parents, and the pressure she's placed on herself to prosper and achieve great things. She is also really struggling with feeling like she's lost her mother as her best friend as Eva balances a new marriage to Shane, a new baby named Alice (The Goblin™️), and writing a memoir about their matrilineage. She seeks out the help of the cute boy in school who has a reputation for being a bad boy to help her relax and check off daring things to do on a list she made with her best friend Reshma. Bash is living with secrets of his own and has placed a lot of pressure on himself to be a certain way and accomplish certain things to avoid failing like his father expects him to.
Without spoiling anything, I really enjoyed the social commentary within this book on several topics and didn't find them to be heavy-handed. They were very responsibly written and balanced out with a healthy amount of humor. This is a true romcom with a sweet, engaging love story that heats up but doesn't boil over, flawed characters you root for, and a supporting cast of characters who feel alive and interesting in their own right. I need Reshma to get her own book, and I wouldn't be mad if Williams decides to write Audre & Bash their very own adult love story…hint hint, nudge nudge.
The narration was lively and fun! It is a dynamic duet narration and the narrators did a wonderful job sounding like teenagers, especially the male narrator. I wish I could read this for the first time again already!
Thank you to Hachette Audio, Little, Brown Young Readers, and NetGalley for providing me with an ALC!
5 ⭐️s
🚨 Pub Date: 05/06/25
Audre & Bash are two extraordinarily dynamic characters with deeply layered stories, emotions, and growth arcs, and I thoroughly enjoyed the way they were written. All the charm, wit, and genuine connection that Tia Williams serves in her other books is present here on a much more appropriate, digestible scale for a young adult audience, but it is definitely upper YA due to the language and underage substance use. However, that's not at all uncommon for kids this age in the area they live in with the access and resources they have to partake in these things, so it didn't really bother me at all—I wanted to state that for any parents to kids outside of the upper YA age range curious about its appropriateness for kids between 12-15—I was reading much more adult novels than this at that age LOL.
A (sort of) continuation to Seven Days in June, Audre has grown from a tenacious, omniscient child to a tenacious, omniscient, anxiety-ridden teenager who feels like she is cracking under the pressure placed on her to excel and be great by her parents, and the pressure she's placed on herself to prosper and achieve great things. She is also really struggling with feeling like she's lost her mother as her best friend as Eva balances a new marriage to Shane, a new baby named Alice (The Goblin™️), and writing a memoir about their matrilineage. She seeks out the help of the cute boy in school who has a reputation for being a bad boy to help her relax and check off daring things to do on a list she made with her best friend Reshma. Bash is living with secrets of his own and has placed a lot of pressure on himself to be a certain way and accomplish certain things to avoid failing like his father expects him to.
Without spoiling anything, I really enjoyed the social commentary within this book on several topics and didn't find them to be heavy-handed. They were very responsibly written and balanced out with a healthy amount of humor. This is a true romcom with a sweet, engaging love story that heats up but doesn't boil over, flawed characters you root for, and a supporting cast of characters who feel alive and interesting in their own right. I need Reshma to get her own book, and I wouldn't be mad if Williams decides to write Audre & Bash their very own adult love story…hint hint, nudge nudge.
The narration was lively and fun! It is a dynamic duet narration and the narrators did a wonderful job sounding like teenagers, especially the male narrator. I wish I could read this for the first time again already!
Thank you to Hachette Audio, Little, Brown Young Readers, and NetGalley for providing me with an ALC!
5 ⭐️s
🚨 Pub Date: 05/06/25
Want to read
November 5, 2024⚠️ This romance stars sixteen-year-old Audre Mercy-Moore, first introduced in Seven Days in June.
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