Thank you to NetGalley for a free copy!

As a lover of Seven Days in June, I was curious but also worried about this book, and I am so glad I can say those worries were not needed! Many authors cannot successfully switch from one age group to another, but Williams bridges the gap perfectly! Audre is set up to be like any current YA protagonists (Type A, rigid, high achiever) yet she remained distinct! Her internal dialogue is incredibly charming, her emotions are vivid, and her chemistry with Bash is so good! I really felt her pain over her new baby sister and the pressure her mother (Eva!!!) put on her. While I still enjoyed Bash's sections (I couldn't put this book down), I felt so connected to Audre and I believe that was the result of becoming invested in her when I read her mom's story. I loved the familial tension between all the characters, I wanted even more Eva and Audre, I loved seeing how Shane fit into their lives, I loved Audre growing as a big sister. . . I was so invested in them. I enjoyed learning more about Bash and his life (my heart broke for him at the reveal with what went down with his dad).

My one major complaint (which is a complaint you will see in many of my reviews) is I want more falling action. I needed at least another chapter if not 3 more. B0oks end too fast these days!! Let me and the characters process!! I am saying this constantly!!!

I also would recommend reading Seven Days in June first but it is absolutely not necessary to read if it doesn't interest you or can easily be read second, just knowing the major plot points of Eva's and Shane's lives beforehand. There is so much detail that is not unpacked in Audre and Bash that readers would still find it enthralling. I wish more authors were able to write about mothers and daughters in this way, giving them both full lives, where their familial relationships are important but they exist outside of them. William's fictional universe feels so deep and expansive, I am eager for more of her work, for any age group! 4.5 stars overall!

Cute and chaotic in a very teenage way.
This had strong messy-teen energy, which fits the characters perfectly. I love both YA and romance, so I expected to connect more, but it didn’t fully land for me, and that’s okay. I also DNF’d Seven Days in June, so maybe the author’s style just isn’t quite my match. Still, a solid read for fans of emotional, complicated young love.

Not usually into YA romance, but this book was absolutely top tier. I was just in awe with how the relationship was written so tastefully and just so sweet.

I absolutely loved this book. I’ve been a fan of Tia Williams for a long time and will read anything she puts out. I first fell in love with Audrey in Seven Days in June, so when I heard she was getting her own YA story, I was beyond excited. The book is adorable, and the banter is sharp and witty throughout.

While it’s marketed as YA and labeled for grade 9 and up, I personally would not feel comfortable letting my 14-year-old read it. I believe it’s better suited for a more mature age group, such as 17- to 18-year-olds, since the subject matter leans into mature YA territory. Although there is no sexual activity between the teen characters (Audre and Bash), the book includes frequent discussions about sex, drug use, profanity, and sexual references.

Audre is an ambitious overachiever who dreams of writing a self-help book for teens. She wants the content to be authentic, so she sets out to have more real-life experiences to inform her writing.

Bash, the new kid in town, has a bit of a reputation. Audre is cautious around him at first but eventually sees him as the only person who can help her complete her "experience challenge", a list of things she wants to do to make her book more exciting and honest.

I especially loved the dynamic between Audre and her mother, Eva. Their relationship felt very real and reflective of a typical mother-teen daughter bond. Eva’s past decisions influence how she parents Audre, which sometimes makes her seem overly protective, but it all comes from a place of concern and love.

This is a beautiful coming-of-age story where Audre learns a lot about herself, her mother, and her friendships. I truly enjoyed both listening to the audiobook and reading the e-book. Thank you to Little, Brown Books for the advanced reader copy and to Hachette Audio for the audiobook

Reading this book felt like Tia Williams was speaking directly to a younger version of me; a Brooklyn girl who went to private school in Park Slope and once had her own unforgettable high school summer romance. It was as if I had been transported back in time. This story holds a deeply personal place in my heart because it allowed me to reconnect with my teenage self in such a vivid, emotional way.

One of the most powerful aspects of the novel is how it portrays anxiety. Williams captures the quiet, often unspoken struggles that so many young people face. As someone who once lacked the vocabulary or emotional awareness to articulate those feelings, I found this representation both validating and healing. I believe this book could be especially meaningful for teens navigating similar emotions; it gives language to what can feel so overwhelming and isolating.
And then there’s the romance, Audrey and Bash’s love story is everything I adore about young love in the summertime: tender, intense, and beautifully fleeting. Their connection felt so real that I found myself slowing down my reading, not wanting the story to end.
This book is more than just a love story, it’s a time capsule, a mirror, and a comfort. I’ll carry it with me for a long time.

Thank you NetGalley for this ARC!

"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

Audre doesn't know how to have fun, so she hires Bash, the unlikely mysterious new-to-town heart throb, to teach her his ways. While you know it's coming the whole time, their romance is still an enjoyable "surprise." Tia Williams shines in this YA romance with spin off characters from her adult romances. Lots of my students will enjoy this one!

Side note: There is an inconsistency with the "Smurf Lunchbox" turning into a "Smurf Phone" for a few pages. Did anyone else catch this? I hope it got fixed before pub date!

I enjoyed the storyline. Tia williams is great author and writes the perfect love stories. This is my 3rd book from this author and I will be reading more. Thanks for the arc.

I enjoyed this cute YA story.
I was hooked from the beginning!!
It was amazing and engaging.
I was instantly sucked in by the atmosphere and writing style.
The characters were all very well developed .
The writing is exceptional and I was hooked after the first sentence.

This was very cute! I love Tia Williams' books and it was so fun to pick back up in the Seven Days in June world and explore what happens next from a younger character’s POV.

This is such a cute and nostalgic YA rom-com. I saw myself in certain aspects of Audre. I wish I’d had a funsultant or just a young love like this.
I read this after the Netflix release of Forever and I want ever high school aged kid to read and watch these. Because, life!

I absolutely loved this (5 stars) but as a Seven Days in June stan... this made me HATE Eva. Like beginning to end I was so upset with how she handled this big life transition with Audre. Even when she was supposed to have been 'redeemed,' I still did not like her and that kind of tainted my view now of Seven Days in June!!!

Audre was such a great character. I still think it's a little strange that she is like a fake HS therapist (once she gets to grad school she will realize how unethical and embarrassing this is lmao) but I still love her. She is the perfect straight A, oldest daughter, rule-follower and it was so fun seeing her with Bash, someone a lot more free and brave.

Tia Williams knows how to write romance - YA or Adult - and I'll always read whatever she comes out with!

*Thank you to Netgalley and the publisher for the free digital ARC in exchange for an honest review*

Audre & Bash Are Just Friends is a YA romance and spin off from Tia William’s Seven Days in June. I don’t normally gravitate to YA but since I loved SDIJ so much I had to read this. I’m so glad I did!! Even though the story was very much centered in high school life it didn’t feel like YA to me. The writing is so good and engaging and the character development was fantastic. Tia Williams is officially an “automatic read” for me.

No spoilers. Tia Williams doesn’t miss! Really enjoyed this YA novel. Audre and Bash is a delightful story, cute and fun. The perfect combination for YA.

💖Audre & Bash Are Just Friends💖

Tia has done it again 🥹 and this time with our fave - Audre Zora Maya Toni Mercy-Moore. If you read Seven Days in June you remember Audre as the smart, quirky, unlicensed therapist who is the preteen daughter of the FMC, Eva Mercy. In Audre & Bash Are Just Friends, we still get the mother-daughter duo but we get to see things from Audre’s perspective. Unfortunately, Audre is going through a rough time. Between changing family dynamics, cancelled summer plans, and terrible peers, she could use some fun. Enter Bash Henry - the mysterious, new kid who agrees to be her fun consultant for the summer.

I absolutely loved this book. Audre and Bash definitely made me swoon. 🥰 They had crazy chemistry from the start and I loved the mystery between them. And I gotta be honest, I love a good list of dares 😂 It was great following up with Eva and Shane even though I was definitely side-eyeing the adults in this story 😒 some of them were redeemed but the others need that a** beat.

Tia just knows how to make you root for a character and I found myself immediately pulling for Audre and Bash both individually and as a couple. I would check this out if you’re in the mood for young love and slightly unhinged teens. Or if you’ve been wondering what Eva and Shane have been up to ❤️

my GOSH. I am absolutely, irrevocably in love with Audre and Bash. I thought that Tia Williams would give me a break since this is a YA novel, but I was terribly wrong. Audre and Bash, as individuals, had me in a chokehold from jump and wouldn't let me go. Audre's calm meets Bash's chaos, and they grow to realize they may be more alike than meets the eye. Tia Williams did such a good job at building out their characters and giving us so much more to root for than just the love story. In true Tia Williams fashion (even though, like I said, I hoped for some relief), she presented us with multiple "between a rock and a hard place" scenarios. She's obviously training young readers for what it will be like to grow up and read her other gut-wrenchers like The Perfect Find. I enjoyed every minute of reading this story, even the painful ones. It reminded of reading a 2014 era Wattpad book without all the extra typos. I would recommend this over and over and over, and I can definitely see myself rereading and maybe even passing it on to some of the littles in my life. Thank you so much NetGalley, Tia Williams, and Little, Brown Books for the opportunity to read this beautiful story!

This book is SUCH a good YA romance, but unfortunately it was a bit too young for me. I think I'm hit or miss with YA, but this one definitely skews on the younger side. Not so much with the topics and themes (some heavy/mature themes) but the characters are *definitely* teenagers in the 2020s and I am definitely not. So the slang, online references, etc., are something that I just can't relate to. That said! I think this book would have been an absolute hit if I was 16-19, so very highly recommend this to teenagers.

without any surprise, i LOVED this!

i loved audre's character. she's such a bright teenager, with a bright future. i enjoyed the complex relationship between her and her mom, and i loved her relationship with her step-dad.

i loved bash as well!!! i just wanted to hug him!!! i wish we had a little bit more closure on his family storyline, though.

audre and bash together.. i loved their chemistry. friends to lovers is one of my favourite tropes, and while they weren't quite friends, they were friendly enough for me to qualify that as the trope here.

i love this universe so much. very thankful to have gotten arc.

This Is Hilarious and adorable and emotional and all the things. I feel all the things. I don’t appreciate being made to feel like I hate your past characters TIA?!? I mean I get it but damn! ( this book follows the daughter of the main character from seven days in June) . I love this and I can see some teenagers who experience the things our current main character relating so hard, as well as the parents gaining some understanding about their kids. Yes this is YA but it is worth a read by everyone.

PS (SPOILERS) . The rap battled had me rolling on the floor and dying of second hand embarrassment y’all can say a lot about tia but you can’t say homegirls ain’t funny asl!!

Thank you netgally for the ARC

✨ ARC Review ✨

Do you remember being a teen who knew it all? Then you had an epiphany that you did not, in fact, know it all? This book will help you remember those days.

Audre is the perfect teenager. She excels in school and has her sights set on Stanford. She knows she’ll need more than a great GPA, excellent test scores, and a host of extracurriculars to get in though. She’s decided to write a personal growth book for teens to make her a shoo-in for admission. The problem is…she doesn’t have enough life experience to write it. She’s been so busy being perfect, she didn’t have a chance to be real.

This is where new-to-town Bash Henry comes in. Every teen in Brooklyn (and potentially all the boroughs) has his name in their mouth. When Audre has a chance meeting with him, she hatches her plan to make him show her how to live life.

And when he agrees because he can’t resist a beautiful girl with dimples? Well, dear reader, I think you know how this is going to go.

But Audre has more issues than just writing a book. She’s disconnected from her mom ever since she had a baby. They used to be best friends and now they hardly talk.

Recommended for readers of coming-of-age stories, family dynamics, and young love.

I was given an eARC via #netgalley and @littlebrownyoungreaders. All thoughts are mine alone.

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