Big thanks to NetGalley and 831 Stories for the advanced copy of this audiobook!

⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️

This was such a perfect novella - heartfelt, and steamy, and so full of depth. Cassidy and Leon had me invested from the very start. That first scene in the bar, my god! I loved their chemistry, their connection and the way they grew together to overcome their past.

Thank you to NetGalley and 831 stories and AE Stories/S&S Audio for this ARC! Cassidy returns home to determine what’s next after a political scandal forced her to change career directions and empower other victims of cyber bullying. Once there, her childhood nemesis Leon becomes a one night stand turned accidental coworker at her best friend’s art gallery. For a short story, this was filled with context and the evolution of the relationship felt organic and real.

4.5/5⭐
5/5🎧 (solo)

This book sang to my millennial heart.

I loved Cassidy's story; it was the perfect combination of being lost in your late 20s, experiencing burnout, and navigating your trauma while reconnecting with your high school crush, all wrapped up in 2000s rom-com vibes.

All of the above without excessive use of Gen Z slang, which often results in marginalizing many readers.

The audiobook's narrator, Mollie Stark, was the perfect fit for Cassidy.

This was an excellent sequel to Big Fan, and I highly recommend it. I liked it even more than the previous one.

Thank you 831 Stories for the gifted ARC! I am always blown away by how much heart is packed into these tiny books!

Square Waves starts off with a hookup between two former high school rivals and it is HOT. I think Alexandra Romanoff perfectly executes the alcohol-induced impulsive decision-making process with her characters and everything that unfolds after is even more fun!

Cassidy's inner (and subsequently very public) struggle is heartbreaking but her character arc is both satisfying and empowering. How does one recover from public scandal caused by their own bad decisions? How does one heal from the trauma that comes from that? I think Cass' process was very raw and realistic and although I may not be the subject of a political extramarital affair I felt like I related to her journey very closely. There were definitely points where I wanted to shake her for choosing the easy way out but that's probably because I'd have done the same.

Cass and Leon's chemistry is out-of-this world and normally I'm not a huge fan of "childhood rivals to lovers" but they made that trope seamless and sexy. Loved seeing a glimpse at Leon's immigrant parent/family narrative as well because it informs us of his trauma.

Overall I think Square Waves is a lovely ode to coming home, the California coast, and healing through interpersonal relationships.

Mollie Stark's performance is perfect and I enjoyed her voice range for each character!

Thank you so much to the author, 831 and S&S audio for the #gifted book and ALC!

I really loved Cassidy’s character. Her growth starting from her scandal and continuing to what she made of herself was impeccable. I also loved to see the side of her that volunteered to help others in similar situations as her. Her character growth was the most noteworthy. She definitely did a little self sabotaging in the beginning and I loved seeing her character start accepting love and being able to forgive.

Leon was so great! I loved that regardless of his past with Cassidy, he was able to see her for who she was now. It really helped the story progress perfectly. I felt this book was extremely authentic and Leon and Cassidy’s relationship was organic and the progression done very well.

The narrator, Mollie Stark did such a great job bringing the story to life. Her comedic timing had me laughing out loud. She did so well in making me feel like the characters were real people.

I would highly recommend to all my book besties who love novellas and great character growth! I think this is the perfect summer romance!

Square Waves was an easy listen, and I mean this in the most loving way. It was easy in the way I did not want to stop listening. The narrator did a fantastic job telling the story of Cassidy, an ambitious woman who has had some quite difficult life experiences. Mollie Stark crafted distinct and compelling portraits of Cassidy and Leon beautifully.
Massive thank you to 831 Stories and NetGalley for allowing me to listen to this ARC!

Thank you to Netgalley and 831 for providing me with an ARC and ALC in exchange for an honest review.

I primarily listened to this. I preferred it over physically reading it. I think the narrator did a good job of capturing the story and getting me invested in it. It felt easier to listen to.

Overall, I mostly enjoyed the story. I do wish it were a bit longer, though, as I feel like Leon and Cassidy could have had more time together. I will say, they did have good chemistry, I just wish they had fewer fights/arguments. I also felt like the ending was a bit rushed.

I think overall this was pretty well written and interesting. This is the first book I read with a scandal involved. I do wish we got to experience in real time what happened to Cassidy or at least dive in more to what happened.. (I didn't read book 1 so I'm not sure if it was in that or not, these are standalones to my knowledge).

I will add my Instagram link when I post tomorrow.

Square Waves was such a beautifully layered and haunting listen—it stayed with me long after it ended. Alexandra Romanoff’s writing is quiet and poetic, the kind that pulls you in slowly but completely. Every sentence felt deliberate, rich with emotion and meaning. It’s not a loud book, but it speaks deeply.

I listened to the audiobook version, and I’m so glad I did. The narrator’s voice was soothing and steady, which perfectly matched the introspective, atmospheric tone of the story. There was something hypnotic about the way it was read—it made the emotions feel even more intimate and immersive. It felt like being confided in, like hearing someone unpack a memory they haven’t touched in years.

The story itself moves like waves, gently at first, but always with something stirring beneath the surface. I was especially drawn to how it explored memory, grief, and the things we don’t say out loud. The coastal setting, slightly eerie and nostalgic, added the perfect backdrop to that emotional undercurrent.

If you love reflective, beautifully written fiction with a moody atmosphere and a slow build that pays off in quiet but powerful ways, I highly recommend both the book and the audiobook. It’s the kind of story that lingers, in the best way.

Thank you to NetGalley and Alexandra Romanoff for the opportunity to read an ARC of Square Waves. The audio is just as good as reading the paper copy. Really enjoyed this!

This heartfelt and beautifully written romance follows Cassidy as she navigates the aftermath of a public scandal involving a politician. Haunted by the bullying and harassment that followed, she’s determined to rebuild her life on her own terms. Enter Leon—her former high school rival, now someone far more complex than she remembers. Though their past is filled with animosity, they soon discover they have more in common than they ever expected.

Alexandra Romanoff crafts a deeply emotional and compelling love story about resilience, redemption, and the unexpected ways people can heal together. Cass and Leon’s journey is both tender and hard-earned, making their romance all the more satisfying. Their chemistry crackles, their banter is sharp, and their growth—both individually and as a couple—feels authentic and rewarding.

With engaging writing, relatable characters, and a story that balances emotional depth with a slow-burn connection, Square Waves is a must-read for fans of second-chance and enemies-to-lovers romances. Highly recommended!

Cute. Hard to capture all of the character development and story building into a novella, but they did a pretty good job! I’d have loved more character growth from the other characters.

Huge thanks to 831 Stories for the ARC and audiobook copy of Square Waves by Alexandra Romanoff, a perfectly bingeable, 200-page, enemies-to-lovers delight with heart, heat, and great character depth.

This follow-up in the Big Fan series centers on Cassidy, yes, that Cassidy, the so-called “other woman,” six years after the political scandal that made her tabloid fodder. Now focused on anti-bullying work and reclaiming her narrative, she returns to Berkeley for a fresh start. Instead, she ends up in a one-night stand with her high school nemesis Leon, the laid-back slacker to her high-achieving perfectionist.

But what begins as a fling turns into something much more when they’re both roped into helping a mutual friend open a ceramics studio. Cue the opposites-attract tension, excellent banter, and emotional depth as Cassidy begins to see Leon and herself in a new light. The romance is slow-burn, heartfelt, and open-door spicy in all the right ways.

The audiobook is a great way to experience this story; narration brings Cassidy’s wit and internal growth to life, and Leon’s easy charm shines through. If you love a fun, fast-paced romance with a fresh voice, great characters, and just the right amount of heat, Square Waves is a must-add to your listen list.

Thank you to 831 Stories for the #gifted ARC and to NetGalley and AE Titles / S&S Audio for the ALC for an honest review.

I really enjoyed this novella. Cassidy returns home on a sabbatical from work. She’s had a tough past and has had to face bullying after she was involved in a very public scandal. While home she reunites with her high school enemy. Cassidy still hold resentment towards Leon, however, they try to put their differences aside to help their friend. I like to Cassidy took her horrible situation and tried to use it in a way to help others. She was trying to work on herself and figure out what she really wanted to do in her future, while feeling like a failure.

I really liked Leon. I liked the fact that he was really interested in learning different trades and odd jobs. He’s the one who Cassidy called when she needed help. While reminiscing on their past, I thought it was nice when he brought up an event that Cassidy was still holding a grudge about and apologized for it.

Overall, I really enjoyed this novella. I loved when Cassidy and Leon put their past aside and were able to be civil with one another. Leon was also a great listener and he was able to help Cassidy break down her walls. I would have liked to know more about what exactly happened in Cassidy’s past during the scandal, but I still enjoyed it. The narrator also did a great job with this book. I would recommend this book. It was a quick listen/short read, so if it sounds interesting to you, I say go for it and listen or read it.

Thank you to the publisher and NetGalley for providing this audiobook ARC!
3/5 stars. The audiobook production was excellent and the narration really brought the story to life. The setting was wonderfully atmospheric and I found myself genuinely invested in each character's journey.

While I appreciated the accessible writing style and character development, I personally was hoping for something with a bit more thematic depth. The story was pleasant and well-executed, but didn't quite resonate with my reading preferences.

I'm definitely interested in exploring more titles from both this author and publisher, looking forward to seeing what else they have to offer!

831 Stories continues to deliver binge worthy romance novellas I can’t help but devour. The latest release, SQUARE WAVES by Alexandra Romanoff, is the second installment in an interconnected series that kicked off with BIG FAN.

SQUARE WAVES centers on Cassidy Weaver who was once dubbed “Gen Z’s Monica Lewinsky” by the tabloids. The story picks up years after her infamous affair as Cassidy, drained in her public, professional, and personal lives, returns to her hometown for a three-week sabbatical hoping to find clarity.

The audiobook, narrated by Mollie Stark, is exceptional. I laughed out loud several times thanks to her comedic timing, tone and inflection. Mollie’s raspy voice is reminiscent of Sophia Bush, and I couldn’t help but picture Bush’s One Tree Hill character Brooke Davis as she matches Cassidy’s outlook perfectly.

When Cassidy unexpectedly reconnects with her childhood nemesis Leon, their chemistry is full of tension, playful bickering, and reluctant vulnerability. Their journey together is full of ups, downs, and growth as Cassidy learns to trust herself again. I recommend reading BIG FAN before diving into SQUARE WAVES. Both are relatively short novellas that make it easy to read in one sitting.

Thank you 831 Stories Romance & AE Titles / S&S Audio for providing this book for review consideration via NetGalley. All opinions are my own.

I didn't really know what to expect going into this book but it surprised me in the best way. I quickly binged Square Waves in one day.

It began diving into the difficulties of other's opinions when they have only seen one aspect of your life. Word of mouth opinions tend to be passed as fact instead of the actual facts from experiences that caused trauma.

I really enjoyed the rivals to lovers aspect and the messiness of the relationship. Since it was based over such a long period of time, we also got to see the ways we mess up when we are trying to figure out life, even in our late 20s. You don't feel as young as the average person in their 20s but you also aren't 30.

Mollie Stark did a wonderful job narrating this story. I felt like I was listening to one of my girl friend's talking on the phone. I am rating it 4.5 stars rounded up to 5!

Thank you to Alexandra Romanoff and A&E Titles / S&S Audio for the early copy of Square Waves in exchange for my honest review!

I tend to dislike books where characters hook up without feelings involved, specifically when this is near the beginning of a book. It feels like, “woah, how is this where we’re at right now? I just met all of these characters. I barely know them!” And while I did feel this way when there was an explicit hook-up at like 10% into it, the author is so good and wove such a great story after it, that I’m willing to overlook it and still give this novella a good rating. My opinion/bias there shouldn’t take away from a good author. I would have preferred for that to be way later in the book, because it really didn’t seem like it added too much to the story, but oh well. Alexandra Romanoff writes a great story of introspection and self growth, which I very much appreciate. What talent to also be able to do it in so few pages. I enjoyed my time with this book immensely!

I’m so obsessed with the Big Fan series. Square Waves had no right being SO GOOD. Feeling like a failure is so relatable and it made me cry and feel for Cassidy. Also, the chemistry between Leon and Cassidy was great.

Narrator was amazing.

Another great release from 831 Stories!!!! Really loving this publisher.

Cassidy is burnt out from her very public job and very public scandal. She returns to her hometown for a break where she encounters a high school rival, and what follows is an honest and relatable journey that I was hooked on from the start. A little trope-y but it works. This is a quick read at under 200 pages, and absolutely worth picking up.

Also Mollie Stark was the *perfect* narrator for this audiobook!!

Thanks NetGalley and 831 Stories for the ARC! Square Waves releases June 24, 2025.

Square Waves picks up with Cassidy, best known as the intern at the center of the political scandal in Big Fan, now a burned-out 28-year-old sent home to Berkeley on a forced break from her job in DC. She’s not trying to reinvent herself; she’s just trying to breathe. Back in her childhood bedroom, she’s surrounded by reminders of who she used to be and has no real plan for who she’s becoming. When she reconnects with Leon, her old high school rival, the story shifts—not into a full-blown romance, but into a deeper, quieter exploration of trust, tension, and what it means to be truly seen by someone.

This isn’t a scandal redemption arc. Instead, the book leans into the discomfort of rebuilding after public failure—especially as a woman who’s been flattened into a headline. Cassidy’s growth is slow and internal, and the novella captures that in a way that feels honest. Leon doesn’t fix her, and the story doesn’t pretend love is a cure. Their dynamic, plus a strong thread of friendship and creative community, brings softness and grounding to Cassidy’s sharp edges.

Because it’s a novella, some things, like her relationship with her parents or her post-scandal life in DC, don’t get as much depth as they could. But what’s here is emotionally layered and satisfying. Square Waves is about figuring out who you are after people have already made up their minds about you. Another hit from the 831 universe.

I really enjoyed listening to Square Waves. I feel like Cassidy found herself and grew as a person in this short story. I also appreciated the friendship with Willa and how sometimes it felt like they were not even friends. They still were there for each other though. Now the romance with Leon was steamy but fast. This book had some deeper themes which I liked instead of just romance. Overall this was a enjoyable listen and I can not wait for the next one.