This book is brilliantly written and the pacing of the story is perfection!

You follow the love story (and break up) of high school loves, Nate and Macy. It reminds me of Emily Henry's book, The Happy Place, how it alternates between past and present storylines. In my opinion, Tirrell masterminded the seamless transition of past/present in a way Henry wasn't able to.

I wasn't sure what to expect from a book that is set around the premise of two kids meeting at an 1800s pioneer reenactment camp, but even if I had expectations this book would've surpassed them. This book boasts raw emotions and real-life storylines, gripping me until the end. Macy struggles with shame, and as a result breaks up with Nate. Nate is homeschooled and until I met his mother, I wasn't convinced he could be real. (But then you meet the wonder woman that is Mrs. Delaney and it just makes sense how Nate is who he is!)

I thoroughly enjoyed watching love conquer all in this story! Highly recommend it

I loved this story and found myself thinking about it for days after finishing it.
It’s very well written and that kiss in her shop 🥵🔥! I think their “meet cute” is original and fun.
The only thing would’ve made it better, is a little more “happy” Nate and Macy in the present before the epilogue. The ending felt a little rushed after most of the present chapters being full of angst. I loved the past/present pacing.
I really enjoyed the story and it made me want to read Kayla’s backlist!

4 🌟🌟🌟🌟

Short, sweet, and with a lot of feels. If there is something I'm going to remember from this book, it is how much it made me feel, so you go, Ms. Kayla!

Macy and Nate have not seen each other for years since Macy broke up with Nate freshman year of collage. Now, he is back in town for his sister wedding (who is also Macy's best friend), and there is nowhere to hide (even though our heroine literally tries, let me tell you). Nate is hotter, more successful, and just as caring as the last time she saw him, and Macy doesn't know how to resist him.

Macy and Nate met in a pioneer reenactment camp when they were in sophomore year of high school, which I thought was so original!! We get flashbacks to the first few times the meet and also later into their relationship until they break up. It was really sweet to see them crush on each other and just be generally awkward teenagers in love.

We don't know why they broke up until later in the book, and the suspense is there. I did figure out a big part of it because there are a few clues in the book.

I do have to mention that there isn't much spice in the book, which I am always in favor of. Even though it is new adult, I think it very much had a young adult feel. However, I didn't miss the sexy scenes too much because the few kisses we got were HOT. Also, this is a short book, so I think it would have taken away from the story.

I really think this is a book worth picking up!!

Thank you, NetGalley, for the ARC!

Thank you to NetGalley and the publisher for this arc in exchange for my honest review!

This book has
- friends to lovers
- second chance romance
- present and past timeline
- wedding
- small town

This was a really enjoyable book with really likeable characters. It was very sweet to read about the love story unfolding between the two characters. The story was well paced. Really an enjoyable story!

This was a quick and enjoyable rea. I loved reading both stories together and getting to know theses characters. Kayla is a new author for me but this had made me want to read more of their work, excited to see what’s next!

This. Book. Was. Amazing.

There are a lot of topics I'm not going to touch on in this review, mostly because y'all would have to read a billion pages of my thoughts, so I'll keep it short(ish). Always check content warnings, because this book did deal with some pretty hard topics! This book is a New Adult, Sweet/Closed-Door romance.

Nate and Macy had such a sweet (and difficult) love story, and I loved every second of it! From their first meeting (when Nate has a sarcastic comeback🤭) to the last page of the epilogue, I was completely drawn in.

Character growth: phenomenal
Romance: perfect
Side characters: so lovable
Plot/motivation: extremely well-done

All in all, Even When It Wasn't You is on my list of favorite books, and I HIGHLY recommend pre-ordering it!!

This is a quick read, but it’s a solid standalone! In even When It Wasn’t You, Kayla Tirrell gives us the story of Macy and Nate - high school sweethearts until something caused them to split. Years later, they reconnect. The author alternates present and past, giving the backstory as we move through the present. This is no easy way to write, much less do it well, but Tirrell does an excellent job.

Often I find that short stories leave a lot to be desired, and character development almost always suffers, but thankfully here it doesn’t. This story addresses love, loss, and grief, into an easy to read but engaging book.

AHHHHHH!!! The emotional rollercoaster this book took me on was insane. I really liked the dual timelines of the present of Macy and Nate's situationship and the past timeline with the development of their relationship. For a little bit I was getting annoyed at present Macy with how she was handling the situation with Nate but once the flower shop scene happened it got so good! The banter between young and older them was so fun. There was no questioning the love and chemistry that Macy and Nate had for one another. I also really loved Macy and Evie's friendship! The maid of honor speech had me weeping and getting emotional.

The fact that we weren't told about why she broke up with him when they were younger really kept me intrigued into this book AND THEN WHEN WE DO FIND OUT! WOW!! Definitely huge TW and I just felt so bad for younger Macy. I completely understood after that moment why she felt the need to have to break up with him.

By the end of this book I was an absolute mess. I couldn't stop crying for a good 5 mins and really had to sit with myself for a little bit so that I could get it together. No worries they were happy tears because there is 100% a happy ending.

Favorite Quotes:
"We work through our struggles together because that's what it means to love someone."
"But I want you to know i've never gotten rid of it because I still haven't given up hope that I'm going to marry you one day."
"That you're the one thing I want."

I loved this book, I couldn't put it down. The love Macy and Nate have, I believe is a love everyone wants to find. When the big thing that happened, to Macy, I really wish she wouldn't have pushed Nate away. I do understand why she did, but it was so heartbreaking. I loved all the main characters of this story. They were so easy to love. If want a nice, cute, romantic story. I definitely recommend this book.

The beginning of their relationship was so sweet they were so young. It was beautiful. It was funny and enjoyable. I really liked this book.

Where to start with this book... I. Was. OBSESSED!!
I devoured this book within a day. I adore the story line to this 2nd chance romance.
It was so cute and fun, and definitely a great book to pick up for a pick me up. I also loved the connection between the best friends, and how they too were also soulmates (in my eyes).
Highly recommend this book for you romance lovers, even those that are looking to get into the genre with the trop "Second chance romance".

Some of the tropes in this book
-Second chance romance
-Best friends brother
-First love

I had the pleasure of being able to read the arc of this book on NetGalley and feel honoured to have read this as it is close to the authors heart.
This book was a beautifully written second chance romance. It touched on some topics that’s may be triggering for example SA (off the pages) however this was carefully done by the author. I enjoyed the past and present story lines. I felt that I knew the characters and their backstory’s well which helped explain the present. It was definitely one of those books I couldn’t put down and was sad when I reached the end. Review will also be posted on insta : what.lorenas.reading

This book was a great read if you’re into romance. The spoiler warning at the begging was very helpful because I have personally been a victim of sexual assault and rape. So the spoiler warning was helpful to be prepared for what came later in the book .

First of all I want to thank NetGalley and the publisher for this ARC

Breathtaking. That’s it.
What a beautiful, breathtaking story.
I’m not even lying when I say that I DEVOURED this book, in one sitting. 5 hours. Couldn’t put it down.

This is a second chance romance that gives us past and present’s chapters, you’ll find yourself quickly loving the main characters and definitely craving for more.

Macy and Nate are 100% meant to be, their relationship is so effortless, they fit perfectly. And may I say, what a man.. I would give my heart to him without blinking.

Everything happens in the span of a week. And we keep going back to the past to learn about the story between the main characters, everything they’ve done to be where they are today.

It’s heartbreaking and heartwarming at the same time.

📌 You’ll love this book if you’re looking for an emotional short story, medium-fast paced.

I’ll be posting my review on my bookstagram @julis.bookshelf on April 25th.

This is a shorter book, but a good one to read if you’re looking for a quick read that’s short and sweet. It’s a second chance romance for two high school sweethearts. Chapters alternate between their story now and their story the first time they were together.
I enjoyed the characters and their story and am glad they ended up getting their HEA.

I loved this book! I’m a huge fan of dual timelines and seeing what happened in the past. There are definitely some heavier parts to this one so be aware of that going in. Friends to lovers and second chance are my absolute favorite tropes and this one worked so well for me!

3.5
I thought the book was cute! Loved the little details like names of shops ex. Coffeeshop called spill the beans.
I'm also not a big fan of chapters going back in time but for this story it worked.

I only whish that we get to now the reason for the split a bit sooner. 80% in and still no explanation as to why they broke up.
Eventually you figure it out but idk how to feel about it. I get get reasoning behind it but i think the whole breakup could've been avoided bc he wouldn't have left her as she thought he would.

Overal a good read, does have a heavy theme near the end.
Definitely recommend if you like second chance, small town romance.

Explore the complexities of love, loss, and second chances in Kayla Tirrell's emotionally resonant novel, "Even When It Wasn't You". This poignant story delves into the intricacies of relationships, forgiveness, and the enduring power of the human heart to heal and find hope amidst life's challenges.

In "Even When It Wasn't You", Kayla Tirrell crafts a narrative that tugs at the heartstrings and resonates with emotional depth. The novel follows the intertwined lives of its characters as they navigate the aftermath of tragedy, betrayal, and the search for redemption. Through moments of vulnerability, strength, and resilience, the author paints a vivid portrait of love's capacity to endure even in the face of adversity.

Tirrell's evocative prose and nuanced character development draw readers into a world where past mistakes and regrets collide with the possibility of new beginnings and healing. Themes of forgiveness, self-discovery, and the transformative nature of love are expertly woven into the fabric of the story, offering readers a heartfelt journey of introspection and growth.

"Sometimes the greatest act of courage is not in letting go, but in choosing to hold on and fight for what truly matters."

"Even When It Wasn't You" is a powerful and moving novel that deserves a perfect 5 out of 5 rating. Tirrell's masterful storytelling, authentic characters, and poignant exploration of love and loss create a poignant and unforgettable reading experience. This book is a testament to the resilience of the human spirit and the enduring nature of hope in the face of life's challenges.

⟡ friends to lovers
⟡ second chance romance
⟡ present and past timeline
⟡ wedding
⟡ small town

Macy and Nate meet at an 1800s Pioneer reenactment camp. She is a nice girl who goes to private school and Nate, Evie and their handful of siblings are all homeschooled. The story goes through present time of Macy as a florist preparing for Evie weddings. Evie’s wedding is happening in a week which means her brother Nate is coming home.
The past is about each year Macy goes to Pioneer reenactment camp and later when they are in a relationship.
During their long distance relationship in college Macy calls things off.
Once the two are back together their old feelings come back up. They reminisce about their past. Macy is having to deal with the reason she broke it off and how to feel with him back in her life.

This story was paced perfectly, a bit slow in revealing the real reasonings behind their break up. The beginning of their relationship was so sweet they were so young. It was beautiful. It was funny and enjoyable. I really liked this book. Super easy read!

Thank you Kayle Tirrell for this book. Thank you Victory Editing Netgalley Co-op for this arc.

I have uploaded my review on Barnes and Noble. Reviews aren’t available on amazon yet. I will post about this book at the end of march on my tiktok @ eraerakaa when i speak about my march wrap up reads. I will post a review on my bookstagram by tomorrow 3/13/24. Thank you again.

I am super greatful to have been able to read this book early!
I was hooked from the second I started it and quickly fell in love with all of the characters (but especially Macy and Nate)
The description of the book had me really intrigued, as an avid lover of almost all romance books I was really interested how the author was going to make sparks fly in pioneer LARP but she killed it!
Best Friends Brother and Second Chance romance are two of my favourite tropes so I truly just ate this book up!
I was worried that with this being a closed door romance and the characters being in their early 20s that this book would feel YA but the whole book was very mature and adult! The handling of mental health and SA was also very tactful and felt like it contributed to the story in a meaningful way.
I also love the dichotomy of the past and the present to help us (the reader) better understand Macy and Nate's relationship then AND now

Overall, I really enjoyed this book and would highly recommend reading it!

See my good reads review as linked below as well as on instagram @littleredandthebigbadbooks (review post date anticipated as Mar 12/24)