Audre and Bash are Just Friends is a spin off of sorts from Tia Williams novel Seven Days in June, which focuses on Eva and Shane. In it, Audre featured heavily and the reader was able to experience a chapter from Audre’s perspective. I was incredibly eager to be able to get a whole book that focuses on Audre. This book didn’t disappoint, it was a coming of age story that touches on teenage angst, family complexities and being an age gap sister.

I liked Audre, I thought she was witty and insightful. Whilst at times I thought her behaviour was a bit bratty, I also think it was a more than valid response to the massive upheaval that had occurred in every aspect of her life, with her most sacred rituals and routines discarded by both sets of parents. Having read from Eva’s perspective, it was also interesting to see just how sheltered and innocent Audre really was. Bash too, was a likeable character. I particularly liked his style, his outfit descriptions were always so vivid and unique and I enjoyed his attitude towards tattoos. From his very first POV his melancholy really leapt up from the page and spent much of the book hoping someone would give him the hug he needed.

The writing was excellent, it felt like each word was carefully chosen (sometimes with the aim and purpose of punching me directly in the feelings) and each character was given such a unique voice. The snippets of Eva and Shane were such a treat, I loved getting to see them exist in their happily ever after. The dialogue sounded realistic to my interactions with teens, I didn’t feel like it was adults talking and it also didn’t make me cringe to my core.

I loved the story and strongly recommend it. Thank you to Netgalley and the Publisher Quercus Books for giving me the opportunity to read this book in exchange for an honest review, these thoughts are all my own

There’s something special about a romance like this one.
I love the character depth and building between the two main characters. Their relationship with each other forces themselves to confront aspects of their lives and character they don’t want to. Also I loved seeing Eva and Shane again in this completely different light from their child who has been left out of important conversations *genius*

Thanks NetGalley for an early copy of this book to review!

“Bash and Audre were definitely, absolutely, not just friends“
I didn’t want this book to end! It was fun, it was swoon worthy, it was emotional, it was the best thing of ride. Everything you expect out of a book. The theme of 7 throughout the book, bash’s personal relationships, the things he was hiding, audre’s relationships and discovering her past and how they found each other, PERFECTION. It was all so well written, easily a 5 star read! I will be rereading in May and purchasing a copy!
what do I have to do to get an Audre and Bash sequel or novella?

This book gave me all the feels! A heartwarming YA romance set against the backdrop of a gorgeous summer, it was beautifully written, deeply engaging, and effortlessly tackled serious themes with a lighthearted touch.

I loved experiencing the story through André’s perspective—getting to see the world from her POV was a highlight. It was also wonderful to catch up with Audre, Shane, and Eva after Seven Days (my favorite couple!).

I devoured this book in under 24 hours, completely unable to put it down. Highly recommend for anyone looking for a captivating, feel-good read!

⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️ (4 stars)

This book had a great plot with intriguing characters. I’ll definitely be looking out for more from this author.

“We sometimes don’t notice growth as it happens.."

Am I the only one who smiles nervously when they hear that their auto-buy author is trying something new? That was me when I heard that Tia would be trying her hand at YA romance.

It's been a while since the Internet was thrown into the world of Eva Mercy & Shane Hall in Seven Days In June. I think I speak for the majority of us when I say that Audre (Eva’s daughter) stole the hearts of many. Hearing that Audre would be our FMC definitely piqued my interests.

Audre is a budding therapist, one of her favourite pasttimes & side hustles is to therapise. But outside of therapising her peers, Audre just doesn’t know how to have fun. New & supposed wild boy, Bash, may be the person to help Audre take a walk on the wild side. Audre “employs” Bash to become her funsultant. There just one rule, things must remain strictly platonic…

I really loved the perspectives that Tia offered in this book relating to parent/child relationships. It offered me food for thought on the way in which we interact with our children, how our pasts impact the way in which we raise them & the expectations we have of them.

I was really taken aback by the first few chapters, not because they were bad, but simply because I couldn’t believe how much the dynamics of Eva & Audre's mother-daughter rship had changed. I really felt for Audre, especially realising how co-dependent & toxic their relationship was & how this had negatively impacted Audre's childhood & adolescent years.

Now, while Eva had the best of intentions, I couldn’t help but draw parallels between both Eva & Bash’s father. Bash’s father was extreme, but the way in which both he & Eva parented their children resulted in their children feeling both alienated & neglected.

Onto the lighter part of this novel. The romance was everything that I could have asked for. It was very cute, very swoon-worthy & a very accurate depiction of friendship & young love. I found myself smiling like a giddy teenager everytime I read the interactions between them both.

If you are after a feel good and cute YA romance with a sprinkling of real-life issues, then this is definitely one to add to your TBR and take with you on your summer holidays.

Release date: 20th May

⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️

You can't help but adore Audre and Bash and the spark between them. Audre and Bash Are Just Friends was such a delightful read and you'll definitely find yourself laughing and kicking your feet as you dive into their adventure. The writing is filled with so much love and care, making it the perfect romance story. This is hands down the YA romance of the year!

I’m so glad we got an Audre book as she was my favourite character from Seven Days in June!

Bash was a good character to balance out Audres and the romance between them was so freaking cute! Love how we got to see Shane and Eva again aswell.