Thanks Netgalley for allowing me to read this book! The title and this beautiful cover drew me in and i was excited to read this book! I will be recommending this book to others for readers advisory.

I really enjoyed this book! It was an engaging read from start to finish, and I found it incredibly accessible. The writing was easy to follow, and I appreciated how the story kept me hooked without feeling overwhelming. Overall, it was a great experience, and I definitely recommend it!

Even When It Wasn’t You by Kayla Tirrell is a heartfelt and emotionally charged romance that explores themes of healing, forgiveness, and second chances. The story follows a woman who struggles to move on from a past love, only to find herself questioning what it means to truly let go. Tirrell’s writing is poignant and relatable, with well-crafted characters and an engaging narrative that keeps readers invested in the emotional journey. Even When It Wasn’t You is a touching read for fans of contemporary romance that delves into personal growth and love’s complexities.

Macy never expected to find the love of her life at an 1800s pioneer reenactment camp, but that’s exactly where she met Nate. As a private school kid reluctantly attending the camp with her single dad, Macy never expected to form a lasting connection with Nate, who came from a large homeschooling family that attended the camp each year. What started as an unlikely friendship quickly blossomed into a romantic relationship that had them dreaming of a future together—until Macy unexpectedly called things off in college.

Now twenty-three, Macy is a successful florist who has no plans to settle down. But when Nate returns for her best friend’s wedding, Macy is forced to confront the past and the lingering feelings she may still harbour for him. Faced with the possibility of reigniting their romance, Macy must decide whether to open her heart once again or stay on the safer path she’s chosen.

Tropes
- Second chance romance
- Forced proximity
- Friends to lovers
- Reconnecting with an ex
- Small-town romance

It is a beautiful, slow-burning romance that takes readers on a journey of second chances, personal growth, and rekindled love. Macy and Nate’s story feels deeply authentic—both characters are relatable, and their emotional journey is rich with depth and complexity. With her well-established career and desire for independence, Macy is a woman who is understandably hesitant to revisit the past. Yet, the return of Nate forces her to confront old wounds and the emotions she thought she had buried. Nate, on the other hand, is not just the charming, sweet ex-boyfriend, but a character in his own right, grappling with his feelings and the passage of time.

The setting of the story, beginning with the quirky 1800s pioneer reenactment camp, gives the romance a unique touch, adding an element of nostalgia and charm that blends perfectly with the themes of love and self-discovery. The way the past and present collide is poignant, and the emotional tension between Macy and Nate is palpable as they try to navigate their complicated history while deciding if they still have a future together.

The chemistry between the characters is undeniable, and their second-chance romance is beautifully written, filled with moments of vulnerability and tenderness. What I appreciated most about this book was its portrayal of the characters’ internal struggles. Macy’s decision to open her heart again isn’t rushed or forced; it’s a gradual process that feels true to her character. Likewise, Nate’s patience and understanding make him a swoon-worthy love interest, especially as he works to prove that their love is worth fighting for.

Even When It Wasn't You is an emotionally satisfying read. Its heartfelt moments and romantic tension make you root for the characters to find their way back to each other. Kayla Tirrell has crafted a lovely story about love, forgiveness, and the courage to open yourself up to second chances. Perfect for fans of slow-burn romance and second-chance love stories, this book will leave readers with a warm, hopeful feeling.

If you love these books, then Even When It Wasn't You will be your vibe
- The Unhoneymooners by Christina Lauren
- The Friend Zone by Abby Jimenez
- Twice in a Blue Moon by Christina Lauren
- The Rosie Project by Graeme Simsion

Cute second chance romance that was pulling at the heartstrings left and right. Sometimes heavier than I thought it would be but absolutely loved it

This is a good book. The two main characters are Macy and Nate. They have known each other since high school. They break u when they start college. Several years later Nate returns home to interview for a job as an attorney. Macy runs a florist shop. There is still an attraction. They start dating. They each have issues but together they work them out and fall in love.

I thought this was very good and I will have to add this to the shop shelves. Thank you for the chance for us to review.

This year was the year for second chance romances for me and this book does not disappoint!

Add dual timeline, a strong FMC who does not fall in the category of (omg i’m not like other girls) and actually have a strong personality and a MMC who’s a golden retriever and takes such good care of her and you got the recipe of a very good book!

Also, a problema in dual timeline is that you usually find yourself liking one more than the other but I am glad to say that’s not the case here.

I want to mention that this is FTB but the cozy, funny and romantic moments were definitely there!

Thank you NetGalley , Victory Editing NetGalley Co-op and Author Kayla Tirrell for the opportunity for this ARC.

✨ARC Review✨. Thank you NetGalley. All the opinions expressed are my own.

Such a quick and easy read. I really enjoyed reading Nate's and Macy's story. I loved how the book was written. I loved the look into the past to give context to now, dual timelines. I wish the author had included Nate's POV but overall a very good read. I highly recommend checking out this book.

4.5⭐️

I really, REALLY LOVED this story!
The author did an amazing job and I have about a million reasons why....
Second Chance Romance done RIGHT.
FMC - Macy being the independent, voice of reason, strong af!
The MMC - Nate, being a cinnamon roll, a golden retriever and the sweetest book boyfriend to ever exist!
Macy & Nate together = PERFECTION. I absolutely loved their chemistry, their dialogue and their story.
The author did an amazing job with giving this story everything and the heavy topics were written well and with such gravitas.
This book definitely gives cozy vibes and I'm planning to reread it already!
Thank you NetGalley & Victory Editing for sharing this wonderful advance digital copy with me!

This was such a quick fun read! I really enjoyed this second chance romance, and the flashbacks were EVERYTHING! Definitely planning to read Tirrell's backlist now!

"Even When It Wasn't You" by Kayla Tirrell is a poignant contemporary romance novel that delves deep into themes of love, loss, and second chances. Set against the backdrop of a small town, the story follows the lives of two protagonists, each grappling with their own personal demons. ayla Tirrell's writing style is evocative and immersive, capturing the nuances of small-town life and the intricacies of relationships. She weaves together moments of humor, tenderness, and heartache, creating a story that is both uplifting and emotionally resonant.

This was a really lovely and charming read with a childhood lovers romance. I really liked Macy and Nate and rooted for them all the way, their chemistry and angst was perfection.

I absolutely enjoyed the fast paced comedy on a countdown to the wedding in the Present storyline. Unfortunately I lost interest partway through and struggled to finish it, between the repetition and wordiness. The Past storyline didn't pique my interest. With a little more polishing, it would be easier to follow.

I’M OBSESSED WITH THIS BOOK!! I loved It so so much. I couldn’t put it down. I didn’t move from the moment I started to the moment I finished two hours later .

This book was on the more romantic side of the romcom spectrum. I enjoyed the premise and overall enjoyed the read. I did find the pacing was lagging toward the middle of the book and found a few of the flash back scenes to be a bit long where I was wishing to get back to the present and for that plot to develop.

This is definitely a read for those who enjoy more of a heartfelt romance and softer / slower pacing.

I love this story so much!!! One of my favorite reads of the year even though we aren’t even half way through lol

I highlighted almost every chapter and some in its entirety 😅

I felt like I was looking into an intimates moment in someone’s life and watching Macy navigate all the up’s and downs. From secondhand embarrassment on Macy’s homeschooling comment … to confessions around a campfire 🫠To knowing you’ve met your person but losing them in an awful, gut wrenching way, then reuniting but knowing that you can only love him from a distance.

Nate, has been added to my ultimate book boyfriend’s list! His love, attention, compassion and thoughtfulness towards Macy was everything!

Gahhh…. My heart! I will be rereading this gem again! I already pre-ordered the paper back and the ebook 😅

I don’t usually like when books or shows going back and forth from the past and present but Kayla wrote this so well that I didn’t mind and I looked forward to it!

✨Make sure to read the content warnings for any potential triggers✨

🎶 Don’t forget to check out the playlist!

This is a sweet read that does show real life challenges and problems but it has a happy ending!! I can’t wait for you all to fall in love with this story too!

Thank you to NetGalley and the author for this ARC copy! These thoughts are completely my own. All thoughts in this review are my own.

Tropes & things I loved:

💘Confessions in front of a campfire
🫐 Blueberry handpies
💘He takes care of her
🫐Smuggling Coca Cola
💘Stargazing
🫐Secret tattoo
💘He falls first
🫐Second chance romance

Many thanks to Kayla and NetGalley for the opportunity to read this very sweet second chance love story.

Macy and Nate met during their high school days at a pioneer reenactment camp vacation. They were two very different people. Macy was a city girl who was privileged and an only child, while Nate came from a big family, was homeschooled, and lived in a rural area where they grew their own vegetables. They started as friends, but their relationship soon turned into a love story. As they transitioned from a high school romance to a college love story, they planned their future together, everything seemed perfect until Macy broke up with Nate and cut all ties.

Years later, Nate and Macy were reunited for the first time as members of Nate's sister's wedding party. They were forced to confront the truth behind what drove them apart and their unresolved feelings for each other. The story is told in a dual timeline that bounces between the present day and the beginning of their relationship. Macy and Nate are adorable characters, and the author does an excellent job of adapting her writing style between the timelines, making it easy to feel the young teens' emotions in the flashbacks and the young adults' feelings in the present day.

Although this is a sweet, closed-door romance, the events at the core of the story are weightier. These events and their discussion in the present both occur off-page. I wish the author had included a bit more of it, but I understand the rationale behind her choice. Overall, this was a very cute and quick read.

Thanks Victory Editing / NetGalley Coop for this ARC

I loved this wholesome romance - I especially love the trope of childhood lovers who find each other later in life.

The story was well written, I love the tension and drama between Macy and Nate... and I cannot find a thing about this book to critique , except that lovers of rom com will love this closed door romance.

A must read!

✨ARC Review - 5 ⭐️.5🌶️✨📚

This is my first book by Kayla Tirrell and let me just say it did not disappoint. I was hooked from the very beginning; the story follows Macy and Nate who met during their sophomore year of high school and Nate being homeschooled. They had a beautiful friendship which turned to a beautiful love. They go through difficult situations that caused them to break up, but years later the spark and love is still there. But can they work through the problems of the past and get their happily ever after? You will definitely need to pick this book up to find out, their story was so beautifully written.

Lastly. I’d like to thank NetGalley , Victory Editing NetGalley Co-op and Author Kayla Tirrell for the opportunity for this ARC.