I did not finish this one, it was not for me, I couldn't relate to the characters, and just did not care for the story.

⭐⭐⭐⭐ (4.25)

To say I was already deeply invested in this book before I even began would be an understatement. After just finishing 'The Way I Used to Be', I immediately dove in right where I left off in the first book, and was so excited to finally get the closure I needed for Eden and Josh's relationship.

This was a quick read for me, I absolutely could not put it down. I loved the characters development from the first story and getting to see what happened next for them and how they overcome their struggles with themselves and family. Expected a bit more from the ending in terms of the trial but overall a solid follow-up to the first novel.

Thank you

Raw, real and captivating. This book is everything I wanted and more! It was about being honest, vulnerable, knowing that it’s ok to not always be ok and the journey of healing. I absolutely loved getting both Eden and Josh’s POVs throughout the book. It was truly the perfect sequel.


Thank you NetGallery for a DRC in exchange for an honest review.

I was very lucky to receive an ARC for this book and I was so incredibly happy to dive into this read after the events of The Way I Used to Be. This was a second book that was deserving of Eden and even Josh. It is a great representation of what someone goes through after a trauma like Eden’s and does not delivery false happily ever afters like some teen books, but actually dives into Eden’s mind and follow through with what she needs to do to not move past her trauma, but through it. It also gives us an insight on Josh’s trauma, which is not something we had in the last book, we get to understand why it’s harder for him to trust but why he’s so intent on being there for those he loves and the effect it has on him.

This was an incredible edition to the first one, and I will continue to remember every second of it years later.

Wow this sequel has been in the making for years! It was so well worth the wait to see her happy ending with Josh, and to see her vindication from that disgusting vile shit. I loved the growth and I flew through the chapters in a single night. Cannot wait for more from this author!

Sequel to The Way I Used to Be
A few month after the end of the first book, Eden and Josh found each other again. Eden still struggling but she’s working on it. She’s going to college and her case goes to trial. Josh also have his struggles.
Will they be together again? Will they be okay? Will the trial get her justice ?
If you haven’t read the first book, just do it. While I hated Eden for not speaking and wanted her to scream, it’s good to read she’s working on well-being. We hurt for her when she’s preparing for the trial. Josh is here for her even if he always doesn’t know how to be there.
I loved the end

Rating: 4.5 stars

I honestly have no words. I loved this book so much! The first book had such a profound impact on me and I remember it so clearly even though I read it over seven years ago. It was honestly crazy how easily I fell back into the story and these characters.

Eden’s story continues to be so emotional, raw and powerful. After coming forward with her sexual assault, we see Eden trying to heal while also worrying about the trial and getting justice for herself and the two other girls Keven raped. The first book was really about exploring how difficult it is for survivors to speak up, but the second book is a deeper look at what happens after that. There are still so many struggles for Eden even after telling her family and the police about her assault. Her journey towards healing is not linear. We see her experience some moments of levity and happiness, but then she starts reverting back to using harmful habits to cope. It is not an easy book to read, but it was real.

We also get the addition of Josh’s POV, which was great. I fell in love with Josh in the first book and he is just as amazing in this book. We got to add a lot more depth to his character by exploring his relationship with his father, who has struggled with alcoholism for years. It was an interesting addition to the story and I became very invested in that plot line.

The relationship between Eden and Josh continues to be the highlight of the story for me. I liked watching them become friends again and then entering into a relationship where they just ended up falling more in love with each other. The first date was honestly so cute. I just adored them together and we get a lot of callbacks to things that happened in the first book which I loved. I also enjoyed the new characters we got in this book. Dominic and Parker were just so wholesome and supportive of both Josh and Eden.

The only complaint I had was that I wished we got more development on Eden’s relationship with her family. I felt like that wasn’t explored enough and I wanted a few chapters just having them talk it out. It kind of got pushed to the side.

Overall, I loved this book! While the first book had an open ending that I was happy with, I can’t lie and say I didn’t want a second book. I love these characters so much and I could keeping reading about them forever. This book made me laugh, cry and smile all throughout. If you were a fan of the first book, you’re not going to be disappointed with the sequel. It is just as good and just as emotional as the first.

Please also check the trigger warnings before reading this book as it deals with a lot of heavy content.

Thank you to NetGalley for sending me an ARC in exchange for an honest review!

When I first read The way I used to be my heart broke over and over for Eden, when Josh and Eden’s relationship ended it was so sad and painful.
At the end when they got back in touch I had so much hope and then the book was finished and it felt incomplete. The way I am now it’s that hope!

One thing I want to say is this book is not just the love story between Eden and Josh! This is their journey through their pain, their trauma, their scars. It’s a story about healing, justice and love!

I really enjoyed that this is a double pov!

Please note if you are sensible to topics of sexual assault and addiction this might not a a book for you.