I would totally recommend this to anyone who loves a YA romance with the vibes of Jenna Evans Welch and Maureen Johnson.

In this drama-filled romance novel, the senior class's private confessions are scattered on the beach during a school overnight and explosive secrets threaten to tear everyone apart, including best friends ( . . . or maybe more?) Natalia and Ethan.

Secrets, secrets, a pact and some more secrets. Like for most teens going into your final year before university or college, having to manage all the expectations and deciding you future is hard. Add friendship, relationship and family issues is a recipe for disaster, not to forget some major miscommunication with your best friends.

I can imagine anyone who has enjoyed the likes of To All The Boys I've Loved Before and The Summer I Turned Pretty would enjoy this too!

Thank you NetGalley and Bonnier for the opportunity to read a review, I loved it.

If you are looking for a cute friends to lovers then this is for you.

I enjoyed the writing but I honestly hate the miscommunication trope and it was a strong theme in this book. It didn't stop me from finishing but I just wanted to grab both characters and just knock their heads together like PLEASE COMMUNICATE.

Thank you to NetGalley and Bonnier Books UK for the ARC in exchange of an honest review.

This was such a sweet YA romance book. I really enjoyed the characters and their dynamic. It's a friends-to-lovers story, but with focus on more than just the romance. I also liked the fact that t takes place over just 24 hours, which makes the story more intense. It's miscommunication, but in a nicely executed way. A short and sweet novel I'd definitely recommend.

I Wish You Would is a heartwarming YA book that follows Ethan and Talia over the course of 24 hours a tradition of writing private letters to themselves accumulates into secrets being exposed, hearts put on the line, and futures being determined all under the tradition of a senior sunrise.

Usually you find with such a short span of time for a story to develop there would be moments of slow pacing and a feeling of not enough depth to the characters or a sense of feeling things rushed. I didn’t find that at all with this book and while it really goes hard on the miscommunication trope please don’t let that put you off as the author writes it so well and it really makes sense in the end.

This book is so beautifully written and while it deals with some tough topics that are so relatable it is a emotional story about friendships, courage to express one’s true feelings and a really sweet romance between two best friends.

This was a fun book with an interesting story that wasn't just focused on romance. I really enjoyed the fact that the majority of the book takes place over 24 hours, it's a unique idea and helps the pace of the book but still allows the reader to become invested in the characters.
I found the level of miscommunication in this book to be difficult to read at times as it was quite frustrating but it was in line with the personalities of the main characters, so it did make sense.
I did like both main characters and was rooting for them to get together but I would have liked the side characters to be more developed, because although we get to read some of their escaped letters, we don't see much development beyond that.
Overall, this is a great debut novel and a perfect summer read!
Thanks to NetGalley and the publisher for a copy of this eArc in exchange for an honest review.

**thanks to Netgalley for providing me an arc in exchange for an honest review of this book 🫶🏽

: ̗̀➛𝙄'𝙢 𝙨𝙤 𝙞𝙣 𝙡𝙤𝙫𝙚 𝙬𝙞𝙩𝙝 𝙮𝙤𝙪. 𝙄𝙩'𝙨 𝙡𝙞𝙠𝙚... 𝙄 𝙙𝙤 𝙣𝙤𝙩𝙝𝙞𝙣𝙜 𝙗𝙪𝙩 𝙡𝙤𝙫𝙚 𝙮𝙤𝙪


: ̗̀➛𝐨𝐫𝐢𝐠𝐢𝐧𝐚𝐥 𝐭𝐡𝐨𝐮𝐠𝐡𝐭𝐬

This book was pretty cute and compulsively readable! While it annoyed me so much (lowkey thought I was gonna burst a blood vessel) I still couldn't put it down??? And just so you all know, this book has a HEAVY miscommunication plot, like it's for basically 80-85% of this book it is UNAVOIDABLE. if you hate miscommunication, I would avoid this, because while I enjoyed this book, I would never consider a re-read because it made me so mad.


: ̗̀➛𝐩𝐥𝐨𝐭 & 𝐭𝐫𝐨𝐩𝐞𝐬

ˏˋ°•*⁀➷ Best friends to lovers
ˏˋ°•*⁀➷ 24 hr love story
ˏˋ°•*⁀➷ Miscommunication
ˏˋ°•*⁀➷ Dual POV

Alright so basically Natalia and Ethan share a kiss on prom night, then Natalia gets insecure and ghosts Ethan for the summer 😒. They are forced to spend time together, during senior sunrise, and basically over the next 24 hrs, we are faced with so much angst and jealousy as we watch Natalia and Ethan fall in love.

: ̗̀➛𝐭𝐡𝐞 𝐜𝐡𝐚𝐫𝐚𝐜𝐭𝐞𝐫𝐬

These characters were fine to me. Natalia got on my nerves so so so much, but also I kind of see where she is coming from. she is definitely the biggest opp in her own love story. Because with all miscommunication, if Ethan was treating me the way he treated Natalia, there would not be a single question in my mind that he was in love with me. LIKE OMG, these characters can be so dense sometimes.

Ethan was a cutie pie. I feel such strong sympathy for his situation, but im glad that he got the ending that he deserved. I definitely enjoyed being in his POV wayyyy more than Natalia's. Even if it was JUST as frustrating. Ethan is a pretty mid book boyfriend for me, you could tell that he wanted Natalia SO bad. But bc this book was mid, im prolly gonna forget all about him 😞


: ̗̀➛𝐟𝐢𝐧𝐚𝐥 𝐭𝐡𝐨𝐮𝐠𝐡𝐭𝐬

I think I've said all that I need to say... this book was entertaining and cute. but also (if you couldn't already tell) annoying as hell.

This was a really sweet YA romcom where all the drama could have been solved if the two main characters had been honest with each other (but who knows how to be honest when they're a teenager?). If you're a fan of first loves, friends to lovers, secret pacts, and a whole lot of miscommunication set on a gorgeous beach, then you'll love this book.

the most precious “happily ever after” i have had the honour of reading!!! i adored everything about this book and more importantly… the title is a Taylor Swift lyric!!

Ethan and Natalia have my entire heart, my entire heart, they are the swooniest couple. And I’m so obsessed with the friends to lovers trope. The book talks about some mature things, but the book is such a fun summer, beachy, fun filled absolutely in love kinda book I need to check out more of Eva’s books most definitely im obsessed

I Wish You Would follows best friends Ethan and Natalia as they battle with the uncomfortable emergence of romantic feelings after their junior prom. When Natalia and Ethan almost spend the night together, they’re embarrassed and confused, having been inseparable friends forever, and they find themselves drifting apart. But when Natalia makes a mistake that could end up spilling the secrets of all of their classmates at a school event a few weeks later, the two are thrown back together and forced to confront their feelings once and for all.

This is a very quick, easy, heart-warming read, although it does touch upon some serious, mature subject matter as well. I’m not usually a fan of friends-to-lovers but this book did the trope SO well that even I ended up adoring Ethan and Natalia’s will-they-won’t-they relationship. The book did, at times, have me screaming at my kindle about how quick the characters were to believe unreliable sources and how quickly everything would have been resolved if the two had spoken to each other more honestly, but it captured the high-school drama of it all perfectly.

I loved both POVs and ended up finding myself growing really attached to both Natalia and Ethan, as well as a number of the really well-developed side characters like Prashant and Sienna. I also loved the fact that the vast majority of the book took place in one day, and that the tension of the situation was evident throughout the whole story.

I would recommend this to anyone who likes friends-to-lovers romance, as well as anyone looking for a beachy, tropey summer read with a little hard-hitting content mixed in.

I Wish You Would is a fantastic debut contemporary YA novel that reminded me of just how good YA can be. It’s told over one day in alternating chapters from the point of view of teenagers Natalia and Ethan, as they start their senior year and attempt to work out what went wrong between them over the summer.

Eva Des Lauriers has an addictive way of writing, and I read this book so fast. I just couldn’t put it down! Her prose and style is exactly how I like my YA books, and I Wish You Would has a summery feel that very few books manage to leave me with. The premise is unusual, too — the senior class write all their secrets down, and they accidentally get released at the Senior Sunrise event. You can imagine how much chaos and drama ensues!

Natalia and Ethan are both brilliantly written, realistic characters, and I adored them both. They’re the very definition of an epic friends-to-lovers pairing, and anyone who likes The Summer I Turned Pretty will be happy with what they find here. I would love a sequel about them as they get older and figure their lives out, but I think that’s just me and my wishful thinking.

I loved I Wish You Would so much, and I really hope we get more YA like this. It reminded me of YA romance books of old, like My Life Next Door, The Statistical Probability of Love at First Sight, and the aforementioned The Summer I Turned Pretty. I highly recommend it, and I already can’t wait for more from Eva Des Lauriers!

4.5/5.

"I Wish You Would" by Eva Des Lauriers is a captivating young adult romance that skillfully weaves together friendship, secrets, and self-discovery against the backdrop of senior year at Liberty High. The story follows Ethan and Natalia, whose once-close bond is strained by misunderstandings and unspoken feelings. Set amidst a poignant school tradition of making secret confessions, this novel beautifully explores the complexities of relationships and personal growth during a pivotal time in the characters' lives.

The author's portrayal of the characters is a standout feature of the book. Ethan and Natalia are not only relatable but also deeply nuanced, grappling with family struggles, romantic entanglements, and their own vulnerabilities. The emotional depth of their journey—from miscommunication and hurt to reconciliation and understanding—is rendered with authenticity and sensitivity. Supporting characters like Rainn, Sienna, Claire and Prashant add layers to the narrative, each dealing with their own insecurities and desires.

The thematic exploration of courage and identity resonates throughout the novel. The "If I were braver" letters serve as a powerful vehicle for the characters to confront their fears and embrace their true selves. This motif underscores the broader message of empowerment and self-acceptance, making the story not only entertaining but also thought-provoking.

Des Lauriers excels in capturing the nuances of teenage emotions. The narrative deftly navigates complex issues such as parental expectations, peer pressure, and societal norms, offering young readers a mirror to reflect on their own experiences and choices. The portrayal of diversity and inclusion, including the representation of a gender-neutral character and exploration of gender dynamics, adds a refreshing layer of depth and relevance to the story.

The pacing is brisk and engaging, making it difficult to put down the book once started. The plot unfolds seamlessly, blending moments of tension and humour with heartfelt introspection. The tension builds organically as the characters' secrets are exposed, leading to a satisfying resolution that feels earned and uplifting.

"I Wish You Would" is not merely a romance, but a tale of resilience and growth. It celebrates the importance of honesty, compassion, and self-expression in forging meaningful connections. By the end of the novel, I found myself emotionally invested in the characters' journeys and inspired by their capacity to confront challenges and embrace change.

In conclusion, Eva Des Lauriers' "I Wish You Would" is a five-star gem of a novel that excels in both narrative craft and emotional resonance. With its richly drawn characters, poignant themes, and authentic storytelling, this book is a must-read for fans of YA romance seeking a heartfelt and rewarding journey. Highly recommended for anyone looking to rediscover the joy and poignancy of first loves, friendships, and self-discovery.

A special thanks to the author, publisher and NetGalley for allowing me to read this ARC in exchange for my honest review..

Thanks Netgalley for the eArc in return for an honest review!

It was really great taking a break from adult and getting lost into YA again ❤️

It was messy and cute and I was all here for the longing.

I would say a lot of the book is miscommunication so if thats not your thing maybe move on!

But it was written so well and was a short read that I really enjoyed!

I absolutely loved everything about this book - I only wish it had been longer so we could have spent more time with Ethan and Natalia. I confess, I almost didn't request this because the cover did absolutely nothing for me - it really doesn't fit what I've come to expect from YA romance novels at all, and manages to look both dated and as though it's an old fashioned adult romance. However I'm glad I looked past that, because this book has everything I want from a YA romance novel - compelling characters, who are both flawed and likeable, a great story and a satisfying conclusion. Cannot wait for the next book by Eva Des Lauriers.

Title: I Wish You Would by Eva Des Lauriers

Release Date: May ,21st, 2024

4.5 Stars

"I Wish You Would" by Eva Des Lauriers is an Captivating short story delving into the intricacies of friendship, love, and reconciliation.


Natalia and Ethan, best friends with complicated feelings for each other, face a dilemma during Senior Sunrise when their class's private confessions are scattered on the beach. These confessions contain explosive secrets that threaten to unravel friendships and relationships. As Natalia and Ethan race against time to retrieve the lost letters, they must confront their own feelings for each other and navigate the fallout of their past mistakes. With the clock ticking, they have one final chance to come clean and possibly find love amidst the chaos of their senior year.

The palpable love and chemistry between the Natalia and Ethan leap off the pages! The story telling was easy to follow through as well as immersive.The story was charming and briskly paced, just the right balance in its length to fully engage readers without overstaying its welcome.

Eva Des Lauriers' writing style is engaging and immersive, making it difficult to put the book down once you start reading. With its blend of romance, drama, and heartfelt emotions, "I Wish You Would" is a must-read for anyone looking for a touching and memorable story.


Tropes:

Friends to Lovers
Second Chance Romance
Secrets and Confessions
Small Town Romance
Happily Ever After
Dual POV


Thank you to Bonnier Books UK | Hot Key Books, The author Eva Des Lauriers & NetGalley for an advanced reader copy (ARC) in exchange for my honest review.

I enjoyed this book which sensitively addressed quite a range of issues through the sharing of the secrets of a group of teens about to embark on their final year of high school.

Although definitely quite ‘American’ in its setting etc. I think the story still has relevance to UK teens and I can see this being quite popular with older students in my school Library.

Some of the themes (losing your virginity) and some of the language (lots of use of the F-word) mean that I won’t be recommending it to my younger readers but at least the more intimate scenes are not as spicy as some that masquerade as YA these days!

I’ve read a number of middle grade/YA books in recent days and they all seem to have an art theme. I don’t know if that is just coincidence or if this is an especially popular theme at the moment, but it is good to see characters expressing themselves through art – and parents ultimately just wanting their kids to be happy – that’s a good message to be sending out.

Thank you to NetGalley and Bonnier Books for the ARC.

Thank you to the publisher and NetGalley for this eARC of 'I Wish You Would' by Eva Des Lauriers.

I absolutely loved this book. 'I Wish You Would' is a dual pov book following Natalia and Ethan. Jam-packed with drama and secrets, Talia and Ethan haven't talked for a summer after something occurred and now they are reunited for a beach party to celebrate their final year. At this party, the upcoming seniors write letters to themselves. However, these letters get blown away and now our two protagonists have to work together to get them all back before anyone finds out.
The way Eva Des Lauriers wrote Talia and Ethan was beautiful and real to me, I felt like I knew them personally. And I have to applaud the way she wrote my least favourite character, Claire. I hated that woman but my goodness she was written well.
This novel was just outstanding for me.

I Wish You Would, the debut from Eva Des Lauriers, is an absolute dream of a YA novel. In fact I’d go as far as saying this is YA romance perfection.

I Wish You Would is set across the course of a single day, with the exception of its first and final chapter. The day in question is Senior Sunrise, the highlight of Liberty students’ summer; it’s an epic overnighter and the start of their senior year. But for best friends Natalia and Ethan it’ll be the first time they’ve seen each other since Prom, when they almost crossed the line from best friends to something more. During the festivities the classmates write their Lion Letters, where they pour out their private hopes and dreams. But seven letters are scattered in the wind, and secrets and desires are set to be revealed.

There is absolutely so much to love about this one. To start with its characters all feel perfectly authentic and like real world teens. Our MCs Natalia and Ethan are written with depth and heart, they’re young, their lives are messy and complicated and my goodness you can’t help but root for them. Additionally, I really enjoyed reading about the wider cast of characters and the incredible representation they brought. Especially wonderful also was the pair’s incredible friendship group.

This is a best friends to lovers where the main hurdle is miscommunication but you know what it works so well. The hurdles that Natalia and Ethan face to be together are so befitting of their age and stage; it really is a brilliant YA story in that these are teenagers just trying to figure things out but making typical teenage errors along the way.

The duel POV worked incredibly well taking us through the 24 hours, whilst also revealing the feelings and thoughts of both Natalia and Ethan. The short punchy chapters allowed us to really gain an understanding of where each character was coming from and made it next to impossible to put down.

Overall this was a truly wonderful read and one I’d highly recommend.

*Special thanks to NetGalley, the author, and the publishers for providing a complimentary e-copy in exchange for an unbiased review.*

Wow. As someone with an undeniable weakness for best-friends-to-lovers narratives, this book flawlessly captured the essence of mutual yearning and the accompanying heartache.

The story unfolds during a brief school trip, a tradition where everyone pens a private letter answering the question "What would you do if you were braver?" Natalia and Ethan, longtime best friends whose relationship is strained after a near hookup two months ago in the name of a backup pact, confine their true feelings to these letters. With broken families, secret dreams, and the looming possibility of relocation adding complexity, a sudden gust of wind scatters several letters, potentially revealing Natalia and Ethan's hidden emotions. The two are compelled to collaborate in preventing the exposure of these secrets, navigating their own emotional turmoil in the process.

Initial concerns about the short timeframe of the story quickly dissipated, as the narrative immediately captivated me from the opening pages. The book adeptly set up the backstory of Ethan and Natalia, delving into their individual personalities and lives, illustrating the evolution of their relationship dynamics. The school trip became a riveting roller coaster ride of emotions, featuring heart-to-heart conversations, dramatic conflicts, and tense class activities. Not a single dull moment transpired, and the plot progression unfolded organically, mirroring the seamless development of the characters.

This book serves as an exemplary instance of how multiple perspectives can enhance a story. The inclusion of both Natalia and Ethan's viewpoints allowed for genuine empathy, providing insight into their individual struggles and clarifying the motivations behind misunderstandings. Witnessing both characters yearning for each other in their unique ways was everything I hoped for and more.

The characterizations of both leads are truly impressive. The reader gains comprehensive knowledge of their dreams, habits, and fears without feeling overwhelmed or subjected to information dumping. Even the side characters are intricately personalized, adding depth to the overall narrative.

Moreover, the novel exhibits a remarkable maturity. While it encompasses the expected high school drama moments (which I unapologetically enjoy), it also delves into the characters' concerns about family and the future. The acknowledgment that life encompasses more than just romance contributes significant depth to their relationship. This transcends the typical teen romance narrative.

In conclusion, I cannot laud this novel enough. It's been a while since a book has evoked such a visceral response in me. "I Wish You Would" stands as a testament to why I love reading about love.

I am so giddy with delight ahhhh! Des Lauriers debut novel was so wonderful, it had me smiling so big and swooning with every breath. I just adore YA stories like I Wish You Would— full of tenderness and self-reflection, making mistakes and trying to fix them. Des Lauriers perfectly captured the tentative, awkward and frustrating experiences of being, not just a teenager navigating their tumultuous formative year, but also two bumbling best friends in love.

The miscommunication aspect was truly perfect because Natalia and Ethan really felt like teens who don’t understand how they feel and don’t know how to convey how they feel either. Which just results in huge messy clashes full of angst and heartbreak. But the ending was so satisfyingly sweet.

I also adored the cast of characters around Ethan and Natalia, they were really fun and easy to root for. This was just everything id want in a YA romance, and not to mention the cover is absolutely stunning!!

Eva Dez Lauriers debut novel is perfect for fans of Jenny Han and Kasie West, and anyone who loved Amy Lea’s Woke Up Like This.