I loved this story ! Thank you for resolving and giving us the most satisfying ending.

I love these characters and their families!

3.5 stars

I LOVED _What If It's Us_, so like all fans of that novel, I was thrilled to see a sequel arrive. And the sequel is...good.

Ben and Arthur are circling back into each other's orbits after a couple of years, and this puts them - for me - into New Adult, not Young Adult, territory. While their joint perspectives help readers catch up easily on the nuances of their current circumstances, love lives, and changes, there is also SO MUCH to get through here. Often, I wondered if the respective renown of these authors has resulted in too much allowance and/or too few edits from their administrative teams. This book is long, and it unfortunately feels that way. For me, the impact would be greater - and the read much more satisfying - if 100-150 pages disappeared from the final draft.

Going into the ending, because of the long and winding road, this was sitting at a solid "3" for me: disappointing after the clear 5-star first installment. But the ending is strong. Fans of these two will get answers and feel quite satisfied by the relatively extensive follow-up/insight into Ben's and Arthur's outcomes.

Overall, I am certain I would have gotten a lot out of more meticulous plotting edits, but I do recommend this read to fans of the first book.

Here’s To Us is a cute follow up to What If It’s Us. Arthur and Ben find themselves back within each others orbits for another summer in New York - but this time they’re seeing new people while dealing with the feelings that they may or may not still have for one another. I didn’t enjoy this one quite as much as I did the first, but it was still an enjoyable read flush with musical theatre moments and plenty of cute rom-comy moments.

This book ages the main characters of What If It’s Us from young adult to new adult. A few years have passed since the end of the last book and both Ben and Arthur are in college and seeing new people, but its summer break and the universe has put them back in each other’s lives. Is the universe trying to tell them something?

This book gave me the ending I was really hoping for at the end of the first book, so I’m really glad I read this one, and I especially loved the epilogues.

Also, I would totally read a Dylan/Samantha story from either of their POV.

I received this as a e-Galley from NetGalley.

I loved this sequel to What If It's Us so much! It was great to check in with all the characters two years later.

In Here’s to Us, Ben is working for his dad at the local Duane Reade and enjoying his blossoming relationship with Mario who’s also a writer. His family seems glad to know that he’s learning Spanish and connecting with his Puerto Rican roots. Meanwhile Arthur, his ex is headed to NYC to be an intern with the assistant to the director of a hot new off-Broadway show. As Arthur and Ben’s paths cross again, each assumes that the other is happily part of a couple and they’re not quite sure how to be friends in their new situations. It seems as though the universe is (and their friends and family) are pushing them back together, but could that even work?

The authors’ tell an engaging story that is a satisfying read.

I was so excited to receive an ARC from netgalley.

I loved What If It's Us and wanted to be revisit the characters of Ben, Arthur, Dylan, and Samantha. Here's to Us was a great follow up to the first book that continued to explore things like privilege, growing up, being honest with ourselves, and contained a lot of character growth that made sense for the characters. There is some cheesiness to it, some great Broadway references, and even a nod to a book that was written by one of the authors. There was so much humor, but also so much heart and I will admit I cried while reading the chapters that take place on July 11th.

I also loved this book because it did not just make the queer characters struggle with their queerness. The characters know who they are and maybe struggle with who they want to be with it, but it has nothing to do with the fact they are gay.

The ending was a great way to give us insight to the characters and is a great way to end this little duology, since I am not aware of any plans for another book.

The book did have some cheese, so that may be off-putting to some people, but I enjoyed the campiness of it, and find that it was fitting and it made sense for the characters.

Great job Becky Albertalli and Adam Silvera, thanks for giving us more Ben and Arthur.

I got the arc off of NetGalley and these opinions are my own! I love this book! I loved What If It’s Us but I’m a big fan of tidy wrapped up happy endings so I was always left wanting more with the way that Ben and Arthur ended up in a it may happen someday. So when Becky Albertalli and Adam Silvera announced they were writing Here’s To Us I couldn’t air to get my hands on it! Arthur and Ben are back! It’s been two years since the events of What If It’s Us and the two have lost touch over the last few months. Arthur attends school at Wesleyan and is headed to New York for the Summer to intern for an off broadway play and Ben is still in New York, still working on The Wicked Wizard War. They reunite, this time both in “relationships” with other people. Can they be just friends? Arthur and Ben are both lively characters and t was so nice to be reading from their perspectives again! And of course the universe plays it’s tricks like always! I was also glad to see Dylan again I always really enjoyed him and it’s great that him and Samantha are still together! This book was heartbreaking, mainly in that the it was hard to read about Arthur and Ben being in relationships with other people when the reader knows how perfect they are for each other! But I loved their story and I loved the side stories as well! This book gave my all the warm and fuzzies and I can’t wait to have the paperback version! Trust me you don’t want to miss out on this one, but make sure to read What If It’s Us, if you haven’t, first so you can see how Arthur and Ben began! Here’s To Us was one of the best books I’ve read in 2021!

Just like with What If It's Us?, I read through this book at breakneck speed. The pacing between Silvera and Albertalli is fast and rarely has a moment to breathe amongst the young love and angst.

Did I enjoy this? Yes, immensely. I find the writing to be easily consumed and the character continue to be nuanced and fun to read.

Did I think it needed this sequel? Eh? I loved where WIIU ended originally, with a vague hope but a realistic ending of young love not being able to make the distance. However...

Spoiler
It feels very unrealistic to have a wedding between 18 year olds (not the main couple) and even more unrealistic for high school sweethearts making it all the way. I know that this is a true love conquers all sort of deal, but dear lord... Maybe I'm just a cynic

Despite some disillusionment with the plot, I really enjoyed this book.

"Here's to Us" is one of those books where I wish I could read it for the first time again, it was just so darn perfect. Becky Albertalli and Adam Silvera, you have outdone yourselves. Thank you for bringing this book into existence you beautiful, beautiful people.

I'm not sure what I was expecting from this sequel, but it absolutely blew my expectations out of the water. It was everything I could have ever wanted and more.

In the first book I fell in love with Arthur's and Ben's love story, and how the universe absolutely seemed to ship them together.

"Here's to Us" delivered those same feels times a thousand!

We got to see what Arthur and Ben were like in different relationships, while dealing with their confusing feelings for each other.

At first I wasn't sure exactly how their relationship was gonna end, given the fact that they are both in relationships. But I adore the way Silvera and Albertalli developed their love story.

Ben and Arthur both grew as people and ended up dealing with their feelings responsibly and it was so refreshing to see that. No cheating and no running away from feelings at the end of the day. Absolutely perfect 👏

Don't even get me started about how adorable of a best friend Dylan is. Dude is hilarious, and one hell of a wingman!

It was nice seeing his and Samantha's relationship growing as well. Dylan is silly and immature while being serious and mature all at the same time. I adore his character!

And the ending. Where do I even begin. I took my heart in its hands and cradled it with warmth and happiness. I felt so whole by the end I could have cried.

I almost cried in fact, as the relationship of Arthur and Ben was just so freaking cute that it made me want to have a relationship like that.

All in all "Here's to Us" has gone down as one of my favorites, and I can't recommend it enough!

Thank you to Netgalley and HarperCollins for giving me an ARC of this book in exchange for an honest review.

Your favorite couple is back in this follow-up to What if it's us; Ben and Arthur. Two years after the summer they met, they're both back in NYC. They each have other love knterests, but feel drawn to each other. But they can just be friends, right? A must read for fans of the first book.

When you love a book as much as What If It's Us? it's hard to top but this follow-up did not disappoint. Here's to Us is a satisfying conclusion to the story of Ben, Arthur, and their close-knit group of friends, expanding on their search for The One. It was also fun to see them beyond high school, growing into mature, young adults. Well, most of them. Ahem, Dylan.

With the help of the universe, again, Ben and Arthur end up in New York together, again. Despite some awkward pauses in their friendship over the past two years, the boys realize that they really want to be in each other's lives even if it's just friends. And with both of them in or sort of in relationships, what's the harm in hanging out, again? As the universe continues to work it's magic, or at times seems to be conspiring against them, Ben and Arthur have to make some tough decisions and decide which paths to choose, knowing that it may mean the end of their friendship.

The dual point of view gives the reader insight into the complexities of dating and friendships and especially first loves. It also shows how even big cities can be small worlds with the many coincidences that continue to bring Ben and Arthur together, as if even the city was rooting for them.

As someone who really enjoyed What If It's Us, I was excited to revisit these characters and see how Ben and Arthur's second chance love story would unfold. I enjoyed the writing style the first go round, with each chapter switching perspectives between Arthur and Ben, and this time was no different. I found myself smiling multiple times at the character's quirks, and really appreciated that the tone aged up with the characters (this book is set 2 years after the first). I read the majority of this in one sitting, flying through the various dramas so I could get to the inevitable conclusion. You do know from the onset where this story is going to go, which means the stakes never feel that high. I also found myself wanting more time with the side characters we barely see, such as Jessie. Dylan is present the most of the side characters, and I wasn't the biggest fan of his and Samantha's story. Overall, if you enjoyed the first book and want more time with Ben and Arthur, I would recommend this read, and I would pick up another book by Becky Albertalli and Adam Silvera in a heartbeat.

Thank you to HarperCollins and NetGalley for sending this advanced copy in exchange for an honest review! Here's to Us will be published on December 28, 2021.

Thank you to NetGalley and the publisher for a copy of this book in exchange for an honest review.

I think I may have loved this book even more than I loved What If it's Us, and that is saying something. All my favorite characters were back, my least favorite characters weren't around that much, if at all, and some new, fun characters were introduced.

AND THAT ENDING. I am not exaggerating when I say that I teared up while sitting at my desk reading it. Yes, yes, a thousand times yes to all of it.

Fans of What If It’s Us, take heart — Here’s to Us is exactly what you’re looking for. This book picks up a couple years after the first, but the tone, banter, and emotional maturity of the main characters is exactly the same.

This book has fun writing, cute characters, and a perfectly sweet love story, but it lacks a lot when it comes to tension. Clocking in at 448 pages, this story could have been told in a novella (especially considering the two somewhat unnecessary epilogues). These characters just don’t make enough of a journey throughout this book to justify so many pages.

Or at least Arthur and Ben don’t. This book made me desperate for more info about all the side characters. What’s going on with Ethan? How’s Jessie’s love life — and her work life, for that matter? Dylan and Samantha seem like they’ve got a lot going on — tell me more! I was more invested in both Mario AND Mikey, love interests who are only really there to foil the main couple, than I was in the future of either Arthur or Ben, much less the two of them together.

Overall, this is sequel heavy on the fan service, light on any actual dramatic tension, but it is certainly worth picking up if you’re a fan of either author, or if you especially loved the first one.

Thank you to NetGalley and Quill Tree Books for providing me with an ARC in exchange for an honest review!

This book is wonderful! I really enjoyed What If It’s Us, so I was eagerly awaiting the sequel. And it lived up to my hopes -- it is an excellent next chapter in Ben and Arthur's stories. We rejoin the two of them as they are preparing for the summer after their freshman year of college. Ben's plans for the summer are to spend time with Mario, who he met in his writing class, and figure out what to make of their relationship while working in a Duane Reader where his dad is a manager and trying to find time to revise his book on the side. Arthur had planned to spend the summer in Boston with his boyfriend, Mikey, until he received a surprise opportunity -- to be an intern for one of his favorite theater directors in New York. Both in New York for the first time in two years, Ben and Arthur find themselves repeatedly crossing paths -- and each can't stop thinking of each other, or about why they broke up in the first place, even as they are sure that the other has moved on and is satisfied with their new lives and relationships. Trading between their two perspectives, we see as Ben and Arthur seek to navigate the aftermath of their first loves in light of new relationships and questions about what they want for the futures.

This book is heartwarming and funny -- a perfect way to kick off a new year of reading. Highly recommended!

“This is part of growing up. You’re not always going to be able to please and protect everyone you love. The best thing you can do when life is hard is try your best.”

Last we heard of Ben and Arthur, they amicably said goodbye as Arthur headed back home and Ben stayed in New York, both promising to stay in touch. Now, two years later, Arthur’s about to return to New York for the chance of a lifetime—interning for a Lambda Award-winning playwright and finally living his Broadway dreams. The only downside is having to leave behind his super sweet boyfriend Mikey. While Ben has been busy working on his fantasy manuscript in college (and getting busy with his writing partner Mario), he can’t help old feelings rising up when he finally sees Arthur again. Two years, multiple heartbreaks, missed chances and yet, the universe seems determined to drive them back together time and again. As Ben and Arthur try to focus on their respective future, they can’t help contemplating the past. Things didn’t work out the first time for them and anyway, they’re happy now. Really happy. Yet, the thought still keeps popping up: what if they’re actually meant to be? And what are they going to do about it? Is a future even worth pursuing when they can’t help being stuck in the past? Or is it time to give their epic love story one more chapter?

After all, what’s fate really worth if you don’t have enough faith in it?

After bingeing this book in one sitting, all I can say is: gosh, I really missed Ben and Arthur. These characters are so real to me, reading Here’s to Us felt like catching up with a friend you haven’t seen since university. It’s weird to say that I have a soft spot for both Ben and Arthur, but that’s the way it is. I loved how their individual energy once again worked harmoniously with each other. Arthur is so obsessed with firsts—from first loves and first heartbreaks, to first impressions with new bosses. His anxiety to be worth the time people give him is something so visceral, you can’t help wanting to hug him and tell him that everything is going to be alright. Meanwhile, Ben’s financial struggles already made him way too relatable in the first book but in this one, the feeling of kinship was even stronger. Without spoiling too much, we really get to see Ben maturing, not only from his stance on money, shame of not having enough, and pursuing his novel publication to get his big break, but also in how stuck he feels in New York, this city that seems like a dream to tourists but to him has, over the years, often felt like something that’s actively trying to hold him back. Tied into that is the fact that Ben tried and is stilly trying to navigate being a white-passing Puerto Rican and feeling ashamed for not knowing how to speak Spanish or more about his roots. In Here’s to Us, this is wonderfully explored and adds so much to the overall story.

Ben and Arthur’s support system is also as lively and lovely as you expect them to be. From Dylan being, well, Dylan, to Samantha and Jessie and even Ben’s parents, you can feel the love (and exasperation) that comes with knowing someone for that long. There’s also a plot twist regarding said friends which I did not see coming but, which in hindsight, was so blaringly obvious that I want to reread it already just to feel like more of a dumbass. Ben and Arthur’s respective partners Mario and Mikey are absolute sweethearts. Like, the kind of partners you wish for and the kind of generous souls you don’t think you ever deserve. There are small and grand gestures that, whether you’re a Ben/Arthur shipper or not, will steal your heart.

As you can tell, all the elements that made What If It’s Us such a raging success are alive and kicking in Here’s to Us and yet, this book manages to somehow put a cherry on top of that and make the story even grander.

At its core, Here’s to Us is about transitions and transformations. It’s about growing up and realising that the scariest thing is that, while some things are meant to be, some things are meant to fall apart. If you head into this book expecting a picture-perfect second-chance romance with all the fluff and no conflicts whatsoever, you might not be getting what you wished for. Instead, Albertalli and Silvera offer up something even more compelling: an unflinching portrayal of what it means to grow up and re-evaluate your life choices in terms of what will make you happy, not everyone around you.

Anyone who’s ever tried to stay friends with an ex—in particular those you still have some unresolved feelings for—will undoubtedly relate to Ben and Arthur’s struggles throughout this novel. It’s a difficult balance, trying to be happy for your ex for having found the kind of love you wished for the both of you without feeling like you were somehow inferior to the new partner because, if it works out for them, why didn’t it work out for you in the past, am I right? It’s an entirely other level of emotional anguish to liking your ex-boyfriend’s new partner yet quietly wondering what that means for the worth of your past relationship. Albertalli and Silvera already excelled at this heady potion of anxiety, excitement and contemplation of self-worth in What If It’s Us, but in the sequel, it’s almost like they let go of whatever ties held them back and dove straight into the depths of emotions a young person in love can have, where every choice feels monumental and every heartbreak feels more like an ongoing condition than a clean cut.

What is going to probably be an unpopular opinion is that I really loved that the authors didn’t give their characters a pass when it comes to certain choices they make. The authors put a lot of focus on Ben and Arthur learning that you can’t please everyone and that, even with the best of intentions, you won’t always be able to walk away from a conflict or life choice without hurting someone you care about. It’s scary to realise that, as you grow older, the decisions you have to make get tougher and that, even when you do the right thing, it’s going to hurt like a bullet.

There is also something to be said for timing in this story. Sometimes timing just isn’t on your side—whether it’s about getting the person you want, the job you desire, or the big break you so desperately seek. Albertalli and Silvera don’t cut corners for Ben and Arthur and their ambitions and, yes, while that may be hard to read at times, it’s also what makes the payoff when something great happens for either of them that much more impactful. It’s a hard lesson to learn that you sometimes can put in all the effort and things still won’t pan out. But it’s how you deal with that failure, with the mistakes you’ve made, that counts.

While I won’t spoil the ending, I will say this: there is so much heart in the last few chapters. It’s a satisfying yet inherently realistic ending, which, given the authors, should come as no surprise. And, as a long-time fan of both of them, all I can say is: no matter how they get there in the end, Arthur and Ben’s story (and conclusion) is one that will stay with readers for years to come. And I really, really hope this isn’t the last time Albertalli and Silvera team up because those two are a powerhouse.

An emotional tale of growing up and holding on to the people that matter, facing debilitating choices and trying your best, Here’s to Us delivers an unflinching yet hopeful follow-up to an unforgettable story.

I just finished the book, I’m still processing the ending! I went into this not wanting to like Mario. I love Mario now, he is a sweetheart! This book brings you on a whole adventure from the references made to the characters love life and friendships. A wonderful sequel, a great way to end off.

This was the sequel I didn’t know I needed. I loved every moment from start to finish of Here’s to Us. There were moments when I wished HEA would just happen already but that’s what makes it a good story. I love these characters and love being able to see them grow into adults.

Thanks to NetGalley and HarperCollins for an advanced copy of this to review! What If It’s Us is such a fun romance, I was excited to get back in Ben and Arthur’s world. Knowing both Becky Albertalli and Adam Silvera, this was going to be both a swoony romance and tug at my heart strings. And I was definitely right!

At the beginning, I was a bit worried that some sort of cheating was going to happen. Both Ben and Arthur start the book in relationships, and I hate it when cheating happens. But, the book is more about them realizing that maybe their feelings never went away, and taking steps to change that. Yes, their journey is a bit messy, but you have to keep reading to know if they’re going to end up together.

Also, without spoilers, can we just talk about that ending? I was almost tearing up when I read this at the desk at work. I loved it that much. Honestly, I need someone else to read it so I can talk about it with them. Because ah! I can’t get over that ending. Hits you right in all of the feels.

Not only do Albertalli and Silvera have excellent chemsitry writing together, their characters do too. And not just between Ben and Arthur, but all of the side characters as well. This little found family in New York is fantastic, each of them adding their own thing to the story. Silvera and Albertalli are royalty at creating characters, and that shines in this book.

All in all, if you’re looking for a swoony, gay romance, this will be the book for you! Definitely one to put on your holiday wish list.