This has become one of my favourite book of the year. I love the uniqueness of the narrative voice. The story is told from the POVs of random people or the entourage of Clara and Seb. It brings something different that I loved. You’d think that because of that, you’d feel distant from the characters, but no. I still felt so connected to their story. At its core, it’s the exploration of growth of two people. But it’s also about love and forgiveness. Clara and Seb are not perfect, which is what makes this story interesting, especially as it’s seen throughout other people’s view. Since it takes place over 20 years, a lot of events happen which kept the book very compelling. There’s love, heartbreak, fear, regret but also joy. All of these emotions were well captured by the author. I might have shed a tear at the end. Clara’s and Seb’s story really touched me.
I think this book will resonate with a lot of people. Readers interested by the concept of sonder will definitely enjoy this. I can’t wait for everyone to read this and I’ll keep recommending this book to everyone I know !

I’m so glad that I accepted the publisher’s invitation to read this book. I haven’t been so unexpectedly blown away since reading Mayluna. This story could be considered a rom-com, but the story had substance and it didn’t take on the typical trajectory of a rom-com (more plot twists, which I appreciated!); and it was told solely from the point of few of other people in the book, some complete strangers who observed the couple. I wasn’t sure how this unique narration would play it out, but it worked very well for me! Not only did I enjoy the main relationship story, but the character development and friendships within the story were also strong. I especially enjoyed the friendship between Seb and Nimesh. What a way to start off 2026, already the one to measure up to for my book of the year spot!

Thank you very much to NetGalley and Little, Brown and Company for the advanced reader’s copy of this book in exchange for my honest review.

I loved this novel. The way it was told from outsiders points of view was so much better than being told by the main characters. All of the characters were so well developed, the settings so well described and all of them showed growth and strong personalities. I wanted to be a part of their lives and this book accomplishes that in the way a novel rarely does anymore. While reading I felt the frustrations, the joy, the sadness every emotion the author attempted to have readers experience. I cried, laughed out loud and smiled along with them. I can't recommend this book strongly enough. I plan to read it again and recommend it to all of my close friends.

4.5

This story was an admittedly slow start for me. It wasn’t until about the 50% mark that I really fell into the groove of the way it was told and really felt engaged with the characters. After that point I couldn’t put it down. Thank you NetGalley and Little Brown and Company for this eARC in exchange for an honest review

I went into Main Characters not expecting much romance-wise, mostly because I don’t usually like romance books. Wow, this one really worked for me. I’m a huge fan of character driven stories, and that’s exactly where this book shines. The focus isn’t on cheesy moments or tropes, but on how messy, intense, and human relationships actually are.

The whole story being told through everyone except Clara and Seb is such a cool choice. You still feel their connection so strongly, but through friends, exes, and strangers, each with their own bias and perspective. It made the characters feel incredibly real and layered, like you’re piecing together who they are instead of being told.

The romance is emotional, complicated, and sometimes frustrating. It’s very much a slow burn across years, full of longing and bad timing. If you usually avoid romance but love deep character studies and stories about how people impact each other, this might surprise you the way it surprised me.

4.5 🌟

The author took a huge risk with this format and it really worked out for me. We got to see this love and loss story through the eyes of many different people over the span of many years. In theory it shouldn’t work but the author somehow managed to get us involved in this love story tangentially. A lot of the POVs had the same tone which is unrealistic but it helped keep the story cohesive. I love reading about non traditional love stories that aren’t all sunshine and rainbows and this definitely fits in that category. We grow alongside our main couple.

This book made me cry TWICE. Although I couldn't finish the chapter with the dog, I thought this book was insanely good. I loved the concept of having their story told through the eyes of everyone but the two main characters. Their story frustrated me a lot but at least we got our HEA!

I was invited by the publisher to review this book. Clara is an aspiring director and Seb is an unsure actor. They meet and then fall into an intense, magnetic romance. When Clara casts Seb in her breakthrough film, their love collides with their goals and ends in a devastating betrayal..

I loved this book just for the way it was presented - this story is told from the perspectives of those in Clara and Seb's orbit. It was such an unique and intriguing way to present a love story. This story takes place over many years, so it is also like a piece on the human experience, as all gamut of emotions and experiences are within the pages.

Thank you to NetGalley and Little, Brown and Company for this ARC in exchange for an honest review.