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Member Reviews

I enjoyed this story of love and grief among strangers that turn more. Sydney and Marcus can make one remember that young love feeling. That feeling of wonder and opportunity and vulnerability one shared with those they feel the most connected to. Although life seems to be on repeat, these two make the best of their situation and they do it together.

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I really liked it! I’m not the target audience for the book, but I’ll definitely get this book to put in my class room library.

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thank you NetGalley and Scholastic Press for this advanced reader copy in exchange for my honest review.


book details:
imagine living the same day over and over and over and over again. September 24th, that’s where Sydney and Marcus are stuck - the only two people in the world who is experiencing this hiccup in time; working together to figure out why and how to get “unstuck”. they fill their days with different dates and events, because i mean; what else can you do? everyone else around them seems to be oblivious and reliving the same day as if it never happened.

my thoughts:
i normally leave YA to its respective age group lol, but i wanted to go ahead try this out because if you know me, you know i support anything that is FUBU ✊🏾. surpringsly, i enjoyed this read a lot - i will be transparent the formatting on my Kindle [really amazon fire, but no different lol] was a little off - which isn’t a HUGE deal - but made it a little hard to follow and close to DNF’ing.
more importantly, as a hopeless romantic and certified lovergirl this was right up my alley. we get to explore multiple themes of romance, self-discovery, beautiful charatcter growth and even grief is touched on in a beautiful way.

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This was a cute story with Groundhog Days vibes (The Movie). It was fast paced and such an enjoyable read. I loved the short chapters. There are also themes of grief as well as lessons and social themes throughout the book. And I enjoyed the dual POV.. I think my favorite part was their visit to one of my favorite cities. The author showed the beauty of it that those of us that live there or near by see often. And some parts brought straight tears to my eyes, with what they both had to endure. Especially Marcus. But the way the author handled their individual grief situations was nothing short of emotional. I will be looking for future stories from this author

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Thank you to Netgalley and the publisher for providing this ARC in exchange for an honest review!

OMG this was wonderful!!! A brilliant YA read about grief and finding ways to keep moving after tragedy. Sydney and Marcus had amazing chemistry, and I really loved them as a pair. The story revolved around them and their backstories but in a way that wasn't overbearing or obsessive. The big reveals and turns of the story left me speechless; they weren't done in an overdramatic manner either, which I found very refreshing. The look and portrayal of grief and loss was a REAL and honest take in my opinion. The writing is great and the author's voice really stands out in a good way in the book. While this is marketed as a YA, it's good enough and has so much depth that ANYONE could read this and gain something from it (in my opinion). Books set up with this particular plot point can sometimes drag and become repetitive, but I think in this case a new twist was put on the concept and it worked so so well. And the ending? PERFECT. I can't wait to read more from this author!

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I loved this book so much and truly admire Charlene Thomas as a writer. Although I’m well out of the age range for the typical YA character, the voice for this book felt so strong and authentic that I easily got sucked into the story. Charlene managed to not only tackle the tough topic of grief while also managing the delicate time loop plot line that can get repetitive quickly (but luckily she managed to avoid that!). I found myself constantly highlighting sentences and phrases, whether because it summed up big feelings in such a great way or it simply was a hilarious line that made me laugh.
Considering how isolating grief can be at any age, but particularly at a young age, I’m so glad this book exists for any young person going through a similar difficult time so they know they’re not alone. This book of course can be read by anyone of any age but I’m especially grateful that a story like this is available for younger people.
I can’t wait to read Charlene’s next book, she’s got a huge fan in me!

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This was a nice young adult novel about a girl and a boy who continue to repeat the same day over and over. I’m usually not a big fan of the time loop trope, but I really enjoyed this story! I loved how each day, they learn something new about each other that they didn’t discover on the previous day. The dual point of view was a fantastic choice, as it allowed the narrative to explore more than just one character's perspective. I also appreciated that every chapter is short and time-stamped, making it easy to follow along. The writing was amazing! The author did a great job of addressing themes of death and grief.

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It’s You Every Time is a heart-tugging blend of self-discovery, grief, and romantic destiny that sets itself apart with a unique take on time, memory, and second chances. This isn’t just another love story, it’s a gentle exploration of how we move forward when the weight of loss keeps trying to pull us back.

The story begins with an ordinary morning in New York City and a serendipitous meeting between Sydney and Marcus, which are two strangers whose chemistry is immediate and undeniable. What unfolds after their whirlwind day together is anything but typical: Sydney wakes up the next morning…only to find herself reliving the same day. Again.

Without spoiling anything, the story takes a slow-burn approach to unpacking why these two are caught in this loop, and what it means for their lives, their hearts, and their healing. At times, especially near the end of Part 1, the pacing drags a bit as it circles around the central mystery. I found myself craving a quicker unraveling of the time loop’s purpose and stakes.

That said, the emotional payoff is worth the wait. The author does a great job of layering Sydney’s grief and uncertainty with tender moments of hope and connection. Readers who enjoy magical realism, soft romance, and introspective themes will appreciate how this story quietly builds to something meaningful.

If you’ve ever wondered what it means to get "stuck" after trauma or what it takes to break free. This book might just offer a comforting answer.

Final thoughts: A charming, emotionally thoughtful read with a slow start but a memorable finish. Recommended for fans of time-loop narratives, emotionally grounded romance, and stories about learning to let go.

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I was really excited to b her an opportunity to read this book! The cover hooked me in when I saw it! That alone had me apply ^_^, but as I read the story, I was hooked so much more than i anticipated! I was engrossed and swallowed whole as I couldn't put it down! The death mentioned... have tissues available.

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thank you to netgalley and scholastic for this arc in exchange for an honest review.

I however decided to dnf this book 5% in. I’m sure this book is amazing but I don’t have the time to read this right now and will probably come back to read at a later date.

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As I continue to fall in love with YA, this was the perfect read for me! The story revolves around a high school senior named Sydney who keeps reliving the same day over and over after meeting a guy named Marcus. Initially, I thought it was just going to be a cute love story, but it turned out to be deeper than that. The book touches on grief, healing, and second chances in a really thoughtful way which I appreciated. I loved how the time loop made the characters grow and reflect on their lives by dealing with things they’ve been avoiding—primarily grief and loss.. It was emotional but still hopeful. A cute, sweet and meaningful read.

What stood out to me was how the author balanced heavy emotions with moments of hope and connection. It’s not just a love story, but also about healing, facing the past, and realizing how one day can change everything. I found myself thinking about the characters even after I finished the book. It was emotional, meaningful, and beautifully written in a way that still felt real and grounded.

This novel is definitely worth the read if you like stories that mix romance, personal growth, and a bit of magic.
Thanks to Net Galley & the publishers for my Arc copy of this book in exchange for my honest opinion.

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After bumping into each other during a breakfast sandwich mix up, Sydney and Marcus find themselves spending the rest of their day together instead of going their separate ways. When they say goodbye for the night, both are met with an accident (??) but as they wake up, they find themselves repeating September 24 over and over again.

Through dual povs we slowly learn about Sydney and Marcus as they explore the city during their time loops. It was cute seeing how easily they fit together as they rode bikes, went on various dates, and ate around despite being stuck. We also touch on topics of friendships, family, the future, and grief.

The conversations around grief were beautifully done. I loved seeing the different experiences around grief and exploring emotions of guilt, loss, and healing. There's a lot of personal growth and I appreciate that Thomas went beyond the surface level.

The last part of the book had me tearing up because the emotions were so real and visceral 😭 I didn't expect the ending either because what??? (slightly thrown off but interesting to see). Overall though, this was a beautiful read about young love, grief, and time loops.

Thanks Colored Pages Book Tour, NetGalley, and I Read YA for this arc!

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This book was amazing! Charlene Thomas did a fantastic job finding a unique way to explore the topic of grief. I was engaged throughout the entire book. Her writing was phenomenal. The words she used to describe the characters and their feelings towards grief and each other shone throughout the story. Thomas put thought and intention into creating these characters. Although the end of the story felt a bit rushed

Reading this story as an adult did a lot of healing for me. No matter how old you get, chasing your dreams can be scary, especially if you don't feel like you have people supporting you. This book demonstrated the importance of reaching out to your friends when you're struggling. They will always be there to pick you up when you're down.

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I loved Sydney and Marcus! Not the fluffy YA romance I was expecting, and in the best way possible! The story dives deep into themes of grief and fate with romance weaving in as more of a backdrop, which added so much emotional depth to the book. I ended up crying three times, and I really wasn’t expecting that! The dual POV was such a great choice, as it allowed me to connect with both characters on a deeper level and appreciate their individual growth. I also really loved seeing their personal journeys and how they navigated their emotions. But the plot twist at the end? Absolutely threw me off guard. I’m still processing it like, what do you mean? I’m not sure if I’m a fan but overall, it was such a beautiful story. Highly recommend!

Thank you Charlene Thomas and NetGalley for the early read!!!

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This book was so cute and I loved it! As much as I love time loop books sometimes they can feel like they go on forever. But this story was divided in a way that it always felt fresh and I had to keep reading to see exactly how things would turn out. The romance was sweet and it was nice to see the connection slowly develop over time. I didn’t expect it to be as heartbreaking as it was but I feel like the grief was handled well and still kept me hooked on the story. Definitely a book that I will pick up when it drops but also suggest others check out.

Thanks to NetGalley and the publisher for the arc

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This time loop YA romance takes you on an emotional ride. It tackles themes of self-discovery, grief, and courage. Each of the main characters deals with their own tragedies in different, complex ways.

I loved that the book takes a good balance between positive, lofty days and hard realizations and difficult emotions. You get both "the best day ever" and the worst parts of their lives.

Sydney and Marcus are both wonderfully written characters, each with full lives and stories. This book balanced both MCs well, with equal complexity to their individual stories as well as pretty equal POV time between them.

Disclosure: I received a gifted finished copy from the publisher.

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This book is INCREDIBLE!!!

I would have liked for the ending to have not felt so rushed but otherwise, it was such a well-written book. The descriptions of feelings, scenes, and events were all very well done!

It's the type of book/story that sticks with you forever.

You may not remember every line (thankful for annotations and bookmarks) but you remember what it made you feel, the thoughts it provoked, and the healing it provided.

Synopsis: Marcus and Sydney are teens who are actively grieving after experiencing major losses in their lives. They repeat the same day throughout the book, grieving while also falling in love.

Marcus is lovable because of how invested he is in making "today" the best day. Sydney is lovable because of how invested she is in making it to "tomorrow"

Trigger Warning: If you have ever grieved you will cry while reading this story. I cried numerous times. I'm talking bawling my eyes out/ugly crying but I'd gladly do it over and over again to revisit Marcus and Sydney's story.

I don't want to include a ton of spoilers in my review so I'll end it by saying, I'm grateful to have read this book and I would definitely recommend it to others.

Thank you Charlene Thomas, Scholastic, and netgalley.com for the ARC copy of this book in exchange for my honest review.

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Author: Charlene Thomas

Genres: Romance/YA/Non-fiction/AA Romance

Rating: ⭐️⭐️⭐️

Summary: The main character, Sydney, finds herself stuck in a time loop, reliving the same day again and again. This gives her the chance to make different choices and reflect on what really matters. At the heart of the story is grief—both Sydney and a boy named Marcus are dealing with personal losses, and their shared pain brings them closer together. As they open up to each other, the book shows how healing can happen when we connect with someone who understands what we're going through. There's also a strong feeling of fate in the story, as if some people are just meant to be in our lives. Together, these elements create a touching and hopeful story about love, loss, and second chances.

Tropes and Themes: time loop, grief and emotional healing, fate and destiny.

Character: I really love Marcus' character. He had such a warm, gentle and kind-hearted character I the book. His character took the time to develop his relationship with Sydney in which he continued

Thoughts: I absolutely loved the story and how it played with the idea of a time loop. Even though certain events changed each day, Sydney and Marcus always found their way back to each other. No matter where they were, they somehow kept crossing paths, and it felt like fate. I especially loved how they both slowly realized they were stuck in a loop and used that time to truly build a deep and lasting friendship. As the days repeated, they discovered how much they had in common—especially the grief they carried for her brother and his best friend—and the book did a beautiful job of exploring both loss and love. I would definitely recommend this book to other YA readers.

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Thank you NetGalley and Scholastic for this ARC!

This cover got me. I fully expected something with an overall fluffy feel. Even though that wasn’t the case, I experienced something much deeper and healing. This was a story about love and grief that followed two teens navigating life after loss.

Let’s start by saying I despise a time loop. I felt like I was dropped in the middle of this story, entangled in the plot, and there was no way out but through. There was no way I could leave Marcus and Syd. The author did their job there. As miserable as I was being stuck, I adored the relationships and connections this couple re/developed along the way. Whether it was with each other, strangers, their family, or even grief itself, I was invested. At times, I wondered ‘what more could there possibly be’ and was shown just that. Every day was an adventure, worldly and emotionally.

Even though these kids had me tearing up, they had me laughing just as much. The conversations, banter, and interactions flowed easily; they were kindred spirits. It was like going back to your favorite sitcom for the hundredth time—but without the corny jokes (depending on what sitcoms you're watching).

To reiterate, it isn’t the book’s fault I don’t like time loops, but I (me, personally) could’ve done without part four. I’ve read it and reread it, then did that again a couple more times, but I was left asking more questions. Maybe that was the intention, but it lowkey snatched that post-good-book feeling out of me. Despite that, this story had a lot to say, and it was worth reading.

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3.75⭐ rounded up

This book was deeper than I expected. I loved that the book provided dual POV. Marcus' POV added so much to the storyline. I was frustrated with how long the "Groundhog Day" effect was. The end....The ending was everything! It was unexpected!

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