CW: transmisia, queermisia

I would like to thank St. Martin’s Press and NetGalley for inviting me to review a free e-ARC of this book in exchange for a fair and honest review.

After a series of events involving wrong subway cars and a lost romance novel, Abby and Leo end up wandering the streets of Manhattan getting souvenirs for Abby’s Epic Scene for her best friend (and secret crush) Kat. While the two are quite opposites: Leo, a skeptic and is bracing for the impact of his extended family finding out he’s trans on live TV, and Abby, a hopeless romantic who feels that she can get her own rom-com moment, learn more about taking chances in life and love over the course of a whirlwind day in the heart of New York City.

As a fan of Underhill’s debut novel, Always the Almost, I was excited to be invited to review his second novel, This Day Changes Everything. I didn’t quite know what to expect from this book, the concept in itself seemed interesting. However, I read books in the past that had a similar concept to This Day Changes Everything and wasn’t really impressed with them.

Nevertheless, I believe that Underhill has done it again with creating another swoonworthy, queer rom-com in This Day Changes Everything.

For a book that unfolds itself over the course of three days and all of the main action on a single day, Underhill does a great job with pacing out the plot in This Day Changes Everything. I felt that it never got too hectic and it was just the right amount of pacing where you can follow along with the characters without feeling too lost or feeling like everything is moving at a snail's pace.

Though, it did take a while for me to form a connection with the two MCs, Abby and Leo, compared to Underhill’s previous work. Since you only get a brief snapshot of their background, almost all that you get to know of Abby and Leo comes from their time together in New York. While this may be off-putting to some readers, I think the investment of seeing Abby and Leo’s strong character development and growing connection is worth it. Amidst Underhill’s beautiful writing, you get to feel the rush of falling in love and finding a sense of belonging in just a single day, which I feel Underhill does a great job of capturing in this book.

That being said, if you’re looking for a YA queer rom-com that features grumpy x sunshine, has bookworm undertones, and/or chance encounters set in New York City, you might enjoy reading This Day Changes Everything.

After reading Always the Almost by this author, I knew going into This Day Changes Everything that it would be good, but I was even more impressed than before. This book was like a giant warm hug after a long day, I cannot stress that enough. Such loveable characters, a setting that acts as a character, amazing representation and such comforting plot lines that discuss real issues without “bogging down” the story with the shitty reality of life in too much detail. Let me outline some of what I loved, spoiler free.

I read the second half of the book in a single sitting because I was so enthralled and captivated by the story, I just had to know where the story would take them and where they would go next. I love how New York really felt like part of the story instead of just a setting. The story wouldn’t have been the same anywhere else.

Kat’s revelation made me cry because it was scarily close to my own experiences and it felt so good to have that representation in a YA book. It was written so well! That’s all I will say, go read it yourself.

Side characters? Immaculate. I want an Evan.

The bookstore scene? LOVE! Possibly my favourite of the whole book, besides the ending. The whole mini adventure in the bookstore felt so comforting and made me want to LIVE in the story. The conversations? The game? I need to find me a group like that.

It wouldn’t be an Edward Underhill book without music! The music in this book just acted as the spine of the book, holding everything and everyone together. I love it.

I can’t really think of anything negative to say about this book. It’s a huge hug in written form. Such a comfort read from now on. I will be rereading!!!!

Overall, I highly highly recommend this book. Five stars, six if I could. Thank you to Netgalley and St Martins Press for allowing me to read this book early. All opinions are my own.

The good news about receiving access to a galley by Edward Underhill: reading it in one sitting. The bad news about receiving access to a galley by Edward Underhill: reading it in one sitting--and then having to wait months to share it with my students. I adored Underhill's debut novel as well as this one. I wasn't sure THIS DAY CHANGES EVERYTHING would hold up to Underhill's ALWAYS THE ALMOST, but it does.

I loved reading about a marching band going to the Macy's Thanksgiving parade; seeing what that's like for the high school bands is fascinating even though I was never in marching band. Then we have the richly developed characters of Abby and Leo, each with their own pressing reasons to be thrilled and/or miserable about their NYC trip.

Overall, NYC was its own character and I especially appreciated seeing it through the eyes of two high school kids who clearly made some navigational mistakes. Abby and Leo were fun to read, too, because of their disagreements and they way they misread each other's reactions. Leo was set up especially well in his first chapter because even his closest friends made fun of his (usually cranky) facial expressions.

Compared to Leo, Abby felt a bit underdeveloped. This was largely because of her relentless focus on her bff Kat and that underdevelopment was kind of the point. Still, I would have liked a bit more about Abby outside of her friendship with Kat earlier on.

Otherwise, this book is funny, inventive, specific, and such a great read. I love the use of group chats, google maps, subways, and so much more to create such a rich tapestry for Leo and Abby.

3.75⭐️

I really enjoyed reading this novel, but at the end, I also found it a bit forgettable.

I was really excited for the falling in love in 24 hours aspect of this book, cuz I’m actually a sucker for it, but it didn’t feel well executed.

In this novel, the two MC’s come from hometowns where they are practically the only queer kids they know. They travel to New York City for the thanksgiving parade, and NYC is this major foil to the life they know. I felt that this would’ve been better if it was subtle, but the MC’s literally run into a group of queer friends in a bookstore where a lot of their realization occurs.

I think if the novel had followed more after the characters returned from NYC and had to deal with their conservative hometowns again, it would’ve felt more impactful and possibly helped out queer kids more.

As far as the romance goes, I didn’t really feel the chemistry until the end, and more wish that they had just remained friends.

Thank you NetGalley for an eARC in exchange for an honest review.

Thank you to NetGalley for providing me with this ARC in exchange for an honest, spoiler-free review!

Themes: Love, Friendship, Fate
Representation: Queer MCs, Trans MCs, Asian-American SC, Black SC, Queer SCs
Content Warnings: Transphobia

Premise: Abby and Leo are both in marching band. Abby wants to tell her friend Kat that she loves her. Leo wants his family to see him as the boy he is. The Universe intervenes when they both take the wrong train together and end up having a magical day… that changes everything.

PERSONAL COMMENTS
Bonjour tout le monde! Je suis en vacances, donc ma revue de livre serait simple! Et je suis écrit this on my phone so… beware of any spelling or grammar mistakes. Anywho, school is also starting lol, and I am NOT too excited about that. Because that means I have to spend less time reading.

Now, back on track. Overall, I enjoyed this book! I’m a sucker for faster-paced books—I consider this book faster-paced since the events in this book take place basically over the course of a day—and this book is, I would say, pretty fast paced!

I also enjoy reading fairly sweet YA books that deal with social issues while still remaining lighthearted and this book has that too.

As for the characters and plot… I liked both Leo and Abby. I personally found them relatable and likeable. I loved how passionate they are about their bands! I also loved their friends. They have great friends. And I thought that the plot was action-packed enough to keep me on my toes.

Thus, 4.5 stars

CHARACTERS
I loved how this book is full of queer characters and lots of diverse representation. Even if the main relationship is F/M, that DOES NOT mean that it isn’t a queer relationship. Abby is queer and Leo is too. As are some of their friends and the people they meet on their adventure.

Let’s talk about Abby. From the premise, Abby’s main dilemma is that she’s in love with her friend and wants to wait for the “perfect moment” to tell her. But she gets on the wrong train and along comes Leo. And she learns that perhaps… some things work out differently but that doesn’t mean they don’t work out.

For Leo, he has to deal with transphobia. And he wants people to like him as who he is. But he meets Abby and learns that maybe, you don’t need to change or hide yourself to get others to like you.

Finally, as for the other characters, though we don’t see them much, they’re also likeable and add to the story. I’d say that the author does a good job of writing realistic characters. Though, I do wish that there was a bit more depth to the side characters.

Thus, 4.3/5

PLOT
I’d say that the setup for this book, the beginning if you will, is kind of long. I read on my kindle so I think I got to around perhaps 1/5th through the book before the action really begins as compared to 1/10th or 1/7th in usual books. Anyway, I personally don’t have complaints about long expositions, but if you’re expecting a book that jumps straight into action, then this book might not be for you. However, if you stick around, it’s action packed.

Speaking of action, the middle of the book has a lot of it with Abby and Leo racing around New York to places where her favourite book was set. The author does a good job with the setting so you feel like you’re racing through NYC with them.

Finally, the end of the book ties things up. There’s an argument. People talk things out. Some characters do and say surprising things. Questions are answered, the “goal” of the book is met. And the book just ends. Though the book ends with all threads tied, I think that it would’ve been nice if there was an epilogue.

Therefore, 4/5 for the plot

OTHER
In terms of formatting, the book has chapters of mid-length—not too long or short—duel perspective from Abby and Leo. It’s told in first person point of view and is written in the past tense. Personally, this is really fitting for a more lighthearted YA romance book as it allows for better pacing and allows you to know both MCs.

For themes, I think that the author does a great job talking about love. Talking about how you really can’t help falling in love with who you do. And that love is also a choice and you have to make it work as well. Among other things. And for friendship, I like how the author also adresses that platonic relationships are just as important as romantic ones.

As for representation, I like how the author normalizes queerness. And how the author states that you don’t owe people a label or anything. Simply being yourself and queer is enough. Which is a great message to young readers.

5/5

RATINGS
Personal Rating: 4.5/5
Characters: 4.3/5
Plot: 4/5
Other: 5/5
Final Rating: 4.5/5 (round to 5 stars)

Date Read: September 3rd
Date Reviewed: September 4th

4/5
“The point is: New York City is objectively romantic.”
I really enjoyed reading this book! I enjoyed getting to know Abby and Leo. Having both of this stories be intertwined and at the same time not being too busy to follow along. I really hope this book does well because it is such an exciting read. Yes, it is similar to the Getaway List, but only

I don't know how Edward Underhill does it. He creates such rich and touching stories about true to life experiences.

Go buy this and his other works now!

Thank you to St. Martin's Press, Wednesday Books, and NetGalley for providing an eARC for a honest review.

There's something about a 24h romance that just makes you feel things. I know this would likely never happen to me or to anyone, but it feels great to read a story like that once in a while. Abby and Leo are two queer persons who feel unsure about that part of themselves, but in an impossible turn of events, they end up in the same wrong train. After that, they keep going to different places in New York and putting off the fact that they both have to go back to their respective bands, because they're slowly becoming friends and they don't want to part ways just yet.
Honestly, this book made me feel good. I wasn't bored at any point and it was sweet puppy love, the kind of book that makes you giggle when the couple finally kiss and make you wanna go back to being 16 and confused and SO in love.
Thank you NetGalley for providing me that feelgood read I needed!

I really loved this book! Edward Underhill does a brilliant job of getting inside the teen psyche and portraying all the emotions that are right under the surface, and especially, the psyches of queer teens. The lead trans character's prickly exterior that hides the pain and discomfort of never knowing how other people will view him feels deeply true. I loved the setting of this book as well - 24 hours in New York City on the eve of the Macy's Thanksgiving Day Parade, and the visits to so many iconic locales. I especially loved the scene in the Strand bookstore. The musicianship that underscores his characters in this and his first book is also a big plus, because it gives the characters added depth. These are teens who work hard to be good at music and find joy in it.

I highly recommend this book to readers who love teen realistic fiction, queer romance, and New York City!

Thanks so much to NetGalley and the publisher for the ARC of this book!

Thank you to Netgalley and Wednesday Books for this incredible ARC!

I've first been introduced to Edward Underhill with Always the Almost, and my piano-loving heart absolutely loved that story. I had high hopes for this ARC and I have to say that it did not disappoint! I've been having a bad streak with books I recently picked up, and reading this felt like a breath of fresh air, making me smile and laugh and cry in equal measure. It didn't hurt that I literally just visited NYC just a couple of weeks ago, and seeing all these locations I've visited in the book, being able to visualize them so vividly in my mind, gave me such a feeling of nostalgia I sure will be planning another trip to the city soon. Abby and Leo's story was absolutely lovely and it brought me back to my own high school days - the excitement of that first love, the almost magical and dreamy quality of it, but also finding something so real and solid with someone new. Being that age where twelve hours can actually change the course of your life and it's not just a workday (can you tell I'm feeling old?). And just the happiness of finding someone that makes you feel free in the best way possible. I loved everything this book made me feel and I sure will be thinking about this for a while.

1 Sentence Summary: When Abby and Leo, both from different school marching bands playing in the Macy’s Thanksgiving Day Parade, end up getting on the wrong subway train at the same time, what started as mistake turns into an unexpected day of running around New York City together.

My Thoughts: Okay, so, I thought the writing was really good, but I wasn’t super invested in the story or the characters.

First, the good. I thought it was cool how the whole book takes place over just one weekend. The NYC setting was fun, and the marching band elements were fun. The whole <I>The Hundred Romances of Clara Jane</I> book that Abby was obsessed with was fun too. If it were a real book, I’d read it. Also, a side character had my name and spelled the same way I do which I almost never see in books! I loved the themes of figuring out one’s sexuality, and that it’s okay to not know exactly what labels to use or to be confused about what exactly your sexuality is. You don’t have to decide right away, and you’re still valid. (Oh, also, the cover is so pretty!)

Now, the not so good. The characters kind of annoyed me. They were so rude to their friends! And I didn’t really care about the romance either; I mean, they were saying “I love you” after literally less than a full day of knowing each other. Seriously? I don’t even make friends that fast! Also, this is super random but for some reason it annoyed me when Leo was like ‘I didn’t shave my legs and it’s really obvious so my family is gonna know I’m a trans boy unless my parents come up with some dumb excuse about how I was too busy with band practice to shave!’ Like, girls can’t have leg hair? Just because you didn’t shave your legs you’re a guy? I mean, it was probably just Leo being paranoid but it still bothered me lol.

Overall, this was fun to read and had some great representation, but I wasn’t as invested as I wanted to be.

Recommend to: People who like NYC and books set over the course of only a couple days.

(Warnings: swearing)

Such a sweet romance and an excellent follow up to ALWAYS THE ALMOST. I love Edward's writing style and this one was just as lovely as his debut. As a former marching band kid, this one hit all the right notes.

This was a very classic coming of age story but set in a trip to New York City!

I loved the characters and loved the journey we went on with them! Such a great read!

This was such a cute story! There was so much lgbtq+ representation which was lovely to see. This is a classic coming of age self discovery journey but different from anything I’ve read before! I loved all the characters and seeing them grow and learn through the book I just wish I could read more about them!

This Day Changes Everything by Edward Underhill started off really slow for me. I wasn't sure I'd enjoy this LGBTQIA-positive, YA Romance, but it was so charming that I recommend it to romance readers. The premise of performing at the parade on Thanksgiving Day in NYC but having an adventure with a stranger is romance at its finest. Abby and Leo, after getting separated from their respective bands, have an adventure around NYC as Abby attempts to buy little love tokens for her crush but finds love with Leo. This was a charming story. I'm excited to see what this author has in store in the future.
Thank you to NetGalley, the author, and the publisher for the opportunity to read this book in exchange for an honest review.

I love a good romance but give me a romance with some a romance with queer teens and i'm hooked. This story was so cute

This Day Changes Everything follows Abby and Leo, whose small town school marching bands have been selected to perform in the Macy’s Thanksgiving Day Parade, as fate thrusts them onto the same subway train followed by a whirlwind 24 hours in New York City.

Abby is enchanted by life and love, inquisitive, and full of Childlike wonder. She is deeply fascinated with queer culture, often word vomits, and believes in The Universe. Her head swims with questions as she navigates her queer awakening, solidifying her plan to tell her best friend she’s in love with her (a queer rite of passage).

Grumpy, glowering Leo doesn’t see the magic in the universe like Abby does. Why would he? He is going to be outed to his Extended Family on Thanksgiving on national television. Leo is hyper focused on what he isn’t, and not being able to room with the rest of the guys doesn’t make it any easier.

I loved this cute, quirky YA romance. It tugs on the heartstrings and perfectly encapsulates the Big Emotions that only an angst-filled teenager could feel.

Both Abby and Leo are extremely relatable baby queers oblivious to their own feelings (and other’s). Each stop they made around the city I got more and more attached to each of them and the way they threw themselves into the unknown.

I can’t wait to read more from Edward Underhill!

Out February 13th, 2024 just in time for Valentine’s Day

2.5 stars
Having read and loved Edward Underhill's Always the Almost, I was excited to jump into his sophomore novel. This Day Changes Everything follows two queer teens throughout a day in New York as they explore the city and fall in love. While I was a little tentative of this premise because of my inclination towards slow burn romances, I still had high hopes. Unfortunately, I never found myself enjoying this book the way I did the author's previous. One issue I found with this novel is that, although I loved it's diverse array of queer characters, the messages and statements regarding queer identity were not thoughtfully woven into the plot the way I found them to be in Always the Almost. Instead of having moments of queer revelations and teachings be woven into the plot, the plot would instead repeatedly pause for a character to tell someone or think to themselves a very blunt statement about what it means to be queer. There were so many moments throughout the book when everything would pause for one character to deliver a message to the audience and it sometimes felt like it was breaking the fourth wall to preach to its audience. Don't get me wrong, I myself am queer and did love the themes of this book, I just wish they were written with a gentler hand. Secondly, I found both the main characters to be at times selfish, especially in the ways they treated their friends. They grew on me over the course of the book, but I never loved them. I also didn't really feel their connection until the very end of the book, and almost wish they had just remained friends. And lastly, this book felt a little too much like an (inclusive) Hallmark movie for me. This may be a selling point for some people, but many of the moments of the Universe giving the main characters a sign and the repeated praise for New York as an inclusive adult playground felt a little too cliche for my liking. So while I do love the themes of this book and am proud that queer works like this are being published, it simply wasn't my cup of tea. I know it will resonant with others though, especially those who are just beginning to understand their sexual or gender identity. I hope this book reaches those people and I look forward to the author's next novel.
Thank you to St. Martin's Press for the eARC in exchange for an honest review!

This was so wholesome and wonderful. I’m so glad I got to read this, this is a meaningful book for queer teens to see themselves reflected in the characters! I agree that it gives me Ferris vibes!

I really liked this one! I loved seeing all of the iconic New York landmarks mentioned, especially because I saw them myself just a few months ago. I also really liked how natural the progression of the relationship was. Obviously it was insta-love because it took place over 12 hours, but it didn't feel like insta-love. I stayed up way too late finishing this one, so that's my whole review, but I'd definitely recommend it!