Marin and Teddy were both great characters and I enjoyed the dual POV. This story had more of an emotional storyline with Marin still struggling with the death of a parent to cancer and then the possibility of having to relive that again was scary. I think the miscommunication trope was caused more by their mutual friends than themselves. Sometimes I just wanted to shake Marin because Teddy was such a good guy and was vocal about how he wanted to be with her, but either way, they separation needed to happen. I loved that they ended up in another road trip of sorts like in the beginning of the book.

my favorite of the 831 stories thus far! i am definitely the target audience as a when harry met sally stan. i really enjoyed marin and teddy, i love that they’re unique characters and aren’t simply fulfilling a trope. i know some people hate the miscommunication trope but i think there’s something so endearing about two people that are so helplessly in love with each other that it scares them into acting like idiots. i loved how we got to hear both of their pov’s because it made it so obvious that they’re both obsessed with each other but are too afraid of what could go wrong.
highly recommend the audiobook, the two narrators do a great job bringing the characters to life.

thank you netgalley and 831 for the audio arc!

🎧ALC REVIEW🎧
📚Exit Lane by Erika Veurink
🎤Kellen Boyle & Hallie Ricardo

DUAL NARRATION 3.5⭐
An 831 Story

I've really enjoyed listening to & reviewing three 831 short stories. Exit Lane was a much more emotional & a bit of a heartbreaking listen but I really enjoyed it. The authors of these short stories do such an amazing job at writing out a fully flushed out story with amazing MC's & character development in a very short time. It's really one of the things that makes this group of stories so unique & special.

Exit Lane follows Marin & Teddy. who meet for a long road trip from Iowa back to NYC after they both graduate from college. It appears they really have nothing in common, but they quickly develop a crush on each other. After a shared kiss on the trip, that's stamped into both their minds, they part ways but neither of them ever forgets the other. Marin is stubborn & determined to cut off all ties with Iowa & start her new, big, fancy life in NYC and so the "something" that could have been with Teddy, never really even gets to start!

Fast forward, several years later & neither of these two have ever forgotten their shared kiss or road trip conversation. As the years go on, they run into each other off & on and it's clear that there's an attraction there STILL between the two of them.

But after Marin decides to make a decision, that honestly some might deem as unforgivable, it's a mistake that truly might just ruin them both in the end.

I won't lie, there were several moments in this story that I honestly did not like Marin & just wanted to smack the girl. Her actions seemed so unnecessary & cold. Moments that were messy & hard to watch unfold but, in the end, they truly fed into the development of the characters & their HEA. There is a real tug of war between these two & despite trying to just brush of the chemistry & draw to one another, you could tell that they were supposed to be together, against all odds,

This story covers a span of 8 years & it was surprising to me how much the author was able to cover that in that span of time. Marin is damaged & flawed in many ways & honestly Teddy might have just been too good for her but the story circles back around to where they first met & started and that part I just loved. In the end, the characters, especially Marin, are vulnerable & it makes for a very heartfelt & touching story.

🎤Let's talk audio: Both of these narrators are brand new to me. Despite having issues with Marin's character, Hallie Ricardo & Kellen Boyle did a fine job. The narration on this one wasn't my favorite which is a real bummer because the story itself was so good. Hallie did do a great job at making Marin's character unlikeable which is important for the storyline. Kellen Boyle did a nice job. I REALLY loved Teddy's character. He was such a good guy, so genuine & authentic. The narration didn't totally capture the emotional depth that this story truly has. It didn't stop me from listening to it or enjoying the story but that was lacking for me on this one.

For readers who really loved You, Again, this is a perfect recommendation. I definitely look forward to listening to more of the 831 stories. They are really wonderful novellas & have great plots. With the right narration, these really could soar even higher with readers. The audio on this one just fell a little flat for me.

Thank you Erika Veurink, AE Titles, S&S Audio, 831 stories and NetGalley for a #gifted copy of the ALC. All thoughts are my own.

Yet another novella from 831 that sucked me in and didn’t let go. I devoured this in record timing. Exit Lane follows Marin and Teddy, who meet for the first time on a long road trip from Iowa to NYC after graduating from college. Despite seemingly having nothing in common, they both develop a crush on each other and share a kiss that is branded into both of their memories. But, Marin is intent on leaving anything or anyone to do with Iowa in the past, in favor of starting fresh in NYC. She cuts things off with Teddy before they have a chance to start.

Fast forward years later, and neither of them have been able to forget the other. This novella spans over the time of over 8 years and I was genuinely floored at how much the author was able to fit into 200 pages. It felt like a fully fleshed out novel, not a novella. Teddy and Marin are clearly drawn to each other, despite all odds. As the years go by, they reunite only to separate again, and at one point, Marin makes a borderline unforgivable decision and mistake that ruins them both.

I’d be lying if I said that I didn’t want to scream and ask Marin WTF she was thinking - but I think that’s part of what made this novella so good. There were several moments that were so messy and painful to watch (including a scene with a trope that I hate) but they all felt so vital to the plot and development of the characters and their relationship. They are borderline toxic for each other, but I couldn’t help but root for them and their love, anyways. The push and pull between these characters was so addictive. They are two characters that you just know need to be together, against all odds.

Despite this being a novella, the author still touched on a few heavy topics and handled them with care. Marin is a flawed, damaged woman who runs from her emotions because she’s so deeply terrified of losing someone she loves again. This drives her (admittedly frustrating to read) decisions, but I also understand why she made the decisions she did - even if most people would have handled things differently.

Exit Lane was messy, and raw, and real. I love the way that the story came full circle with them back at the same dive bar, the same hotel, off of the same exit that they started at.

Narration specific review:
Unfortunately, the narration on this one was not my favorite. It clearly did not impact my overall enjoyment of the story, but I think I would have loved it even more if the narration were better. I really did not care for the male narrator’s voice. I felt like his voice did not fit the character and the jumps between the male and female narrators always felt jarring, for some reason. I don’t think this is necessarily the fault of the narrator, his voice just isn’t for me.


Thank you 831 Stories, AE Titles/S&S Audio, NetGalley, and the author for the advanced listener copy of Exit Lane!

I absolutely adored Erika Veurink’s debut novel Exit Lane! I listened to the audiobook, and narrators Kellen Boyle and Hallie Ricardo brought Marin and Teddy’s story to life beautifully. The book has been compared to When Harry Met Sally, Normal People, and Lady Bird, and I couldn’t agree more—it completely lived up to my expectations!

The story follows Marin and Teddy, two recent University of Iowa graduates whose paths cross when Marin needs a ride to New York City. Teddy, a friend of her bestie, offers her a seat, and what begins as a simple road trip quickly evolves into an unexpected and heartfelt friendship. Their serendipitous encounters and the way their connection unfolds felt so organic and real.

This was such a quick, engaging listen—perfect for a road trip, long walk, or workout. I laughed, I swooned, and I found myself rooting for Marin and Teddy every step of the way. Erika Veurink’s voice is fresh, sharp, and authentic, and I cannot wait to see what she writes next!

This is my first time reading a novella from 831 Stories. It was a pleasure! For being a shorter story the author does a beautiful job developing the emotions and yearning between the characters. I even got a little teary at the end. This is my favorite type of romance- multiple years, right person, wrong time. It builds the tension so well and makes it believable. I will say that it ended a little abruptly and then you are guided to the website for the epilogue which is sadly not posted yet.

The narrators are Kellen Boyle and Hallie Ricardo. Both do a lovely job voicing their characters POVs. The pacing is well done and they equally carry the story.

Thank you AE Titles / S&S Audio, 831 Stories, and NetGalley for this audio ARC!

Thanks to NetGalley and S&S Audio for the advanced audiobook

3.5 stars

When Teddy does a friend a favor by taking Marin with him on a cross country drive, from Iowa City to New York, neither anticipates that they will immediately click. Marin is prickly and guarded and wants nothing more than to move to New York forever. Teddy is a typical midwestern boy, you sees his move to New York for law school as a short term stopover before he moves back to Iowa to start his real life. When a bet about whether men and women can just be friends ends in a smoldering kiss between the two it sets their lives on crisscrossing paths. Over the course of 8 years, they orbit around one another before realizing that they'd already found their person.

For a novella length piece, I thought the author did a good job of keeping the storyline cohesive even while jumping across long periods of time. Marin and Teddy were interesting, but more in the jobs they took and their push/pull with Iowa, rather than their actual relationship. The narrators did a good job of balancing the various character voices in the story, though the male narrator didn't do as well with female voices. I think this didn't work for me, as a reader, because I want to spend more time with characters. If you're looking for a bite-sized romance with:
-only one bed
-friends to lovers
-workplace romance
-he falls first

tropes then this is a good option.

Exit Lane is out September 16, 2025

Exit Lane by Erika Veurink is a heartbreaking joyride of a story. I was fortunate to receive an ARC of the audiobook and glad I experienced it, even if I wasn’t fully sold on the audiobook format.

Exit Lane follows Merin and Teddy across several years after college, revealing different phases of their lives as they navigate personal challenges and internal struggles that change their trajectories. I was unsure where the story was headed because I kept sensing something devastating might happen at any moment—either that or my strong urge to jump into the book to personally offer therapy contact suggestions!

This book explores themes like unresolved trauma, miscommunication, longing, and a slow-burning romance, along with moments that might make you reach for a tissue or feel a bit frustrated with some characters. The vulnerability displayed throughout truly makes it a heartfelt and captivating story.

I didn't enjoy the audiobook as much as I had hoped, and I would recommend readers opt for the physical or e-book version instead. The emotional depth of the story wasn't always effectively conveyed by the narrators as I would have hoped.

I recommend this to fans of Normal People, You, Again, or anyone who appreciates a heartfelt, emotional read.

This was a ridiculously fun book, as i’ve been learning to expect from this imprint. A modern, queer, adult iteration of When Harry Met Sally sounded amazing and was amazing! Both MCs are very idiotic when it comes to themselves, and their relationships with their friends were super realistic. Their own relationship progression had me sat except for one part which i wasn’t expecting in a romance novel, which is the ONLY reason this book didn’t get a 5 star from me. (4.5 stars rounded down).

When Harry Met Sally is one of my all-time favorite films so the comparison set a high bar for this one. Despite a slower start, this novella really hit the mark by the end. I loved how unique specific Teddy and especially Marin were. And the love/hate for their Iowa/midwest upbringing felt really authentic and familiar. Both audiobook narrators really worked their way into successfully voicing the characters and I loved the alternating voice/chapter structure. The start was slow and I would have loved to stay more in the messy middle of their rekindled friendship turning romantic, including the all-too-short section on Teddy's trip to Copenhagen. Still, this was another really lovely 831 Stories novella. I will continue to turn to them for thoughtful, sophisticated yet authentic, steamy romance.

A short but emotional romance about two people who just can’t seem to get the timing right.

Teddy and Marin meet on a road trip to NYC after college, share an unforgettable night, and then Marin decides she never wants to see him again (relatable). Over the next eight years, they keep running into each other: at bars, at work, and in different countries. Each time, the spark is clearly still there but Marin won't let him in.

Even though Marin’s choices frustrated me (probably because I saw a lot of myself in her), I couldn’t put this down. Teddy is sweet, loyal, and patient. The true definition of playing the long game.

For such a quick read, it covers a lot: grief, friendship, and some heavier emotional moments that I won't spoil.

The audiobook really brings the story to life. The dual POVs make it feel almost cinematic or like sitting at brunch listening to the couple rehash their love story. I loved how immersive it felt. By the end, I was a little heartbroken and a little hopeful. Exit Lane is definitely a perfectly packaged, fast-paced novella. But it's also heartbreaking and devastating in the best way.

**Review: *Exit Lane* by Erika Veurink – ★★★★☆**

If you’ve read *Normal People* by Sally Rooney, you’ll recognize a similar emotional cadence in *Exit Lane*. The story follows Teddy and Marin over the course of eight years, as they navigate chance reunions, heartbreak, and personal growth. Where *Normal People* lingers in melancholy, *Exit Lane* offers a rare reward—a satisfying, even hopeful, conclusion.

Marin and Teddy first meet on a road trip from Iowa to New York. Marin is escaping grief and seeking reinvention after the death of her father; Teddy is on his way to law school, firmly rooted in his intent to return home to Iowa. Life pulls them in different directions, yet fate keeps looping them back into each other’s orbits. Their connection is undeniable, but life’s timing rarely works in their favor. Eventually, a betrayal drives a painful wedge between them.

Veurink introduces queerness through Marin’s character, but it didn’t feel fully integrated into the narrative. It was present, but not central or explored in a way that added significant weight to her arc. Still, the love story—though occasionally frustrating—feels refreshingly different and emotionally honest.

The audiobook is a standout, with dual narration by Kellen Boyle and Hallie Ricardo earning a solid ★★★★★. Their performances add depth and emotional nuance, making the story even more engaging.

Thanks to NetGalley and S&S Audio for the ARC. A unique, imperfect, but ultimately rewarding listen.

This was a frustrating read. Teddy and Maren carpool from Iowa to New York, where they are starting their lives after college graduation. Teddy falls in love with Maren during the their cross-country trip. They share a mind-bending kiss, and when they arrive in New York, Maren tells Teddy that she never wants to see him or talk to him again. Teddy belongs in her “old life.” Five years later, Teddy runs into Maren at a bar where she is having a drink with her girlfriend. Maren’s girlfriend goes home and Teddy and Maren proceed to spend the night singing karaoke together. Shortly after, Teddy starts a new job at the same firm where Maren works. He is excited - he thinks he will be able to win Maren over. Instead, she relocates to Denmark. Over and over, Maren is afraid to commit to Teddy.

A short, entertaining listen. The book was told in the two main characters’ points of view and switching between each chapter, keeping us updated from both the male and female characters’ perspectives.

These two meet randomly when a college friends connect them for road trip from Iowa City to NYC. The ride starts stilted but soon becomes charged with all sorts of energy.

The characters arrive in NYC going their separate ways, but randomly reconnect over the years.

Maren makes me want to pull my hair out and Teddy makes me swoon.

Seems like if it’s meant to be, it is meant to be.

Thank you to NetGalley for the advance listen in exchange for my honest review. I definitely recommend. All thoughts and opinions are my own.

The 2 narrators did a great job on this book. They had a lot of emotion during the sad and the spicy parts. I listened to this on 1.25 speed as normal speed was a tad too slow for my preference.

3.5⭐️ I am really invested in this new collection of romance from 831 Stories, and have been slowly but surely making my way through them. So as soon as I saw one that sounded a whole lot like a modern-day retelling of When Harry Met Sally, I knew I needed to get my hands on a copy.

Overall, I found this bite-sized romance, set over quite a few years, charming and enjoyable, so much so, I was able to read it in a sitting. What I loved about it is how closely it follows the movie, but with such unique fresh takes on the characters and situations. I found both Teddy and Marin (pronounced the same as my name LOL) to be interesting and engaging, and while I of course could kind of predict where they would end up by the end of the story, I still had fun along the way.

I will caveat this by saying I enjoyed all but one decision Marin made that made me want to throw my book at the wall. While this packs a pretty heft punch at only 224 pages, including some heavier topics, I wish we had more time in each year we visit with them, but given the shortened nature of this story, I can see why we didn’t.

🎧 This is fantastic on audio narrated by Kellen Boyle and Hallie Ricardo who both did an outstanding job making these characters feel so real. In many ways, listening to the audio felt like watching an adaptation and I was there for every minute of it.

Read if you like:
▪️retellings
▪️friends to lovers
▪️road trips
▪️open door romance
▪️overcoming grief
▪️second chances
▪️bisexual rep
▪️When Harry Met Sally

Thank you 831 Stories and S&S Audio for the advanced copies.

I understand what the book was trying to do and the idea behind it, but the time jumps made me less convinced of the two main characters’ connection. The pacing felt a bit off and at times rushed.

Overall, it seemed like the story could have benefited from at least 100–150 more pages to fully develop what it was trying to tell.

That said, I really did enjoy the story. I devoured this book in just two days! What can I say, I’m a sucker for a good love story.

I also really enjoyed the narration!

Thank you, NetGalley & 831, for the ALC. I’m happy I finally got around to reading this story, and I’m interested in picking up more 831 love stories.

3.5 stars!

This was such a lovely little surprise.

Exit Lane is a bite-sized romance that somehow packed in a full novel’s worth of feelings. It follows Teddy and Marin, who meet on graduation day and share a road trip to New York City to start their new careers. They share a kiss while on the trip, then part ways, and what unfolds over the next eight years is a series of accidental reunions, near-misses, and unresolved tension that had me fully hooked.

The writing is so easy to fall into. It felt like reading a series of snapshots from two lives slowly orbiting closer and closer, and I was completely invested in their story. For such a short book (under 200 pages!), it gave me butterflies, made me laugh, and yes, even made me a little teary.

But I did find myself frustrated at times—mainly with Marin, who seemed to keep running away just when things were about to shift. I wanted to shake her! And because it’s a novella, the resolution came fast. I wanted just a little more space to really feel the weight of their reunion and what comes after.

Exit Lane is romantic, thoughtful, and beautifully paced for such a quick read. If you like stories about missed chances and fate, this one is a perfect afternoon read.

3.5⭐️

I did not like this 🤣

I just don’t even understand what happened. Both the MMC and FMC were not enjoyable. Just all too much for me

I really enjoy 831 stories but not this one. Ugh!

Thank you to NetGalley and S&S Audio for the ARC!

Told through dual POVs over the course of eight years, this delicious novella captures Midwestern love at its best. Teddy and Marin’s golden retriever/black cat dynamic shines through chance encounters, transatlantic visits, and plenty of longing. Sharp, tender, and propulsive, Exit Lane reminded me of When Harry Met Sally meets Normal People with Midwest charm woven throughout.

I also listened to parts of the audiobook and really enjoyed the dual narrators, their performances brought even more depth and nuance to Teddy and Marin’s voices, highlighting the tension and yearning in their relationship.

Beautifully written, heartfelt, and perfectly paced, this is one I’ll be recommending widely.