Aisha Muharrar’s novel begins on a strong emotional note, capturing the disorientation and heartbreak that follows the death of a loved one. Julia’s grief over her friend Gabe, and her choice to roam the world collecting his possessions, draws the reader in with an immediate sense of purpose. The early chapters—filled with vivid flashbacks to Gabe’s music and the early days of their friendship—are particularly engaging, and I found myself invested in understanding both characters’ bond.

However, once the initial momentum fades, the story’s progression becomes less satisfying. Julia’s ongoing struggle with unspoken feelings for Gabe is an understandable part of grieving someone who passes away suddenly, yet it can also leave readers feeling stuck in a loop of unresolved tension. This could be seen as reflective of real-life loss, where not all questions get answers, but I occasionally felt the pace lag as Julia’s internal conflicts repeated without much forward movement.

The introduction of Elizabeth, Gabe’s ex-girlfriend, adds depth to the plot, especially in highlighting the different ways people process loss. Still, I had hoped for more evolution in the dynamic between Julia and Elizabeth. Their interactions showed promise, but their relationship seemed to hover in a static, uncertain place longer than necessary.

Overall, the book offers a realistic portrayal of grief and how it can disrupt even the strongest of bonds. I appreciated the authentic exploration of how the living carry on with unresolved questions, though from a storytelling standpoint, the lack of closure did become frustrating. It’s a worthwhile read for those who enjoy reflective novels about loss and friendship, but it may not maintain its initial energy for readers who prefer a stronger narrative resolution.

rounding ro 3.5

as a woman grieves her best friend, who she’s been secretly in love with

as much as i loved the story of the main character dealing with her loss at times it lacked emotional depth for me.

my favorite parts were the flashbacks of the relationship developing between the main character and gabe, and her memories of him.

overall this was a compelling story of a woman coming to terms with her grief.

Loved One is a sweet and emotional story about the impact of a sudden and unexpected death on a long friendship. With honesty, clarity, gentleness and a touch of humour at times, it looks at the ripples that spread out from a loss. In this story we mainly follow Julia, a long-time friend of Gabe (who has died) and their relationship as potential could-have-beens and first loves. We also see how Gabe's death impacts on his friends, both temporary and longer, his girlfriend, and his mother. The book looks so honestly at how anybody who is close to someone feels like their aspect of the loss is different and special - which it always is, but as humans we're not always the best at recognizing that how others feel their loss is just as valid and doesn't negate our own feelings. This book was gentle, touching, and emotional. I'd happily read more by the author.

I enjoyed this story and it had me in tears at points over what felt like a pointless and far too early ending for lovely Gabe. I felt so sorry for both Elizabeth and Julia as they began to navigate life without him, and particularly for Julia as she tried to untangle her feelings for him amidst the last few times she’d been with him. The settings added a lovely authenticity to the story- from Barcelona to London and LA- it all added to the novel and I was sad to finish it.

I must have missed something which others saw. I did not find the book engaging and skipped through it. I am not sure what the real genre was. However, thanks to Net Galley for an ARC.

This book stared off really strong, since their summer romance in Barcelona as teens, Gabe and Julia have always orbited each other's lives. Gabe is a successful musician, and Julia is striving to achieve the same success as a bespoke jewelry designer.

In a tragic turn of events, Gabe is dies suddenly leaving Julia reeling. Gabe's mother tasks her with retrieving some of his possessions from his scattered travels but in order to do so Julia must face the only other person who loved Gabe just as much as she did, his seemingly perfect ex girlfriend Elizabeth.

Overall, whilst touching in some regards, the story meandered quite a bit and ultimately I really didn't care about Gabe quite as much as Julia and Elizabeth.

Aisha Muharrar’s Loved One is an emotional rollercoaster that had me laughing, crying, and screaming into my pillow at 2 a.m. The story follows Julia, who loses her first love-turned-best friend, Gabe (a super talented musician with a huge fanbase), way too soon. Determined to reclaim his belongings scattered across the globe, she embarks on this deeply personal journey that’s equal parts heartbreaking and healing.

But here’s where it gets juicy: Julia meets Elizabeth, Gabe’s effortlessly cool ex-girlfriend, at his funeral. At first, they’re like oil and water, but as they navigate their grief and shared connection to Gabe, their relationship evolves in the most unexpected and beautiful way. The tension between them is chef’s kiss—it’s messy, real, and so relatable if you’ve ever had to share space with someone who’s tied to your past in a complicated way.

The way Muharrar weaves together the past and present is pure magic. Through flashbacks, we get these intimate glimpses into Julia and Gabe’s relationship—how it started, how it changed, and all the unspoken feelings that lingered. It’s a love story, but not in the traditional sense. It’s about love in all its messy, imperfect forms, and how grief can bring people together in the most unexpected ways.

Also, can we talk about the writing? It’s so evocative and heartfelt, with these little moments of humor that sneak up on you when you least expect it. And the mystery element? Such a nice touch! It keeps you hooked until the very end.

If you’re into stories about love, loss, and self-discovery, this one’s for you. It’s the kind of book that stays with you long after you’ve turned the last page. I’m already counting down the days until Aisha Muharrar’s next book—she’s definitely one to watch! 10/10 would recommend to anyone who loves a good emotional read with a side of humor and mystery.

In a beautifully layered novel that spans a young adult’s formative years, Europe, the US, and the ever-shifting landscape of love, Muharrar brings a perceptive and emotionally astute eye to the nuances of relationships—both romantic and platonic - and the devastating mechanics of grief.

Loving someone means accepting that different versions of them exist—some we know intimately, others we may never fully understand. The past isn’t always neat or logical; memories shift, perspectives clash, and the truth is rarely just one thing. And feelings—especially the deepest ones—don’t simply disappear. They linger, shaping us, pulling us back, reminding us that love, in all its complexity, never truly leaves.

This is an assured and rewarding debut novel that resonates long after the final page—an absorbing, funny, and touching exploration of grief, love, memory, and the emotional echoes that shape us.

I loved the tone of this and the fluency with which Muharrar depicts Julia’s anger and pain in all their stages, and the clarity at which she arrives.

A fantastic window into love and loss, played out through a quest to reunite Gabes belongings to his mum and led by the emotional upheaval Julia suffers, trying to piece together the life of the man she has always loved in some way whilst dealing with his most recent ex.
wonderfully detailed in every meeting of Julia and Gabe across the years.

Aisha Muharrar’s Loved One is a compelling exploration of love, loss, and self-discovery. With a striking cover that demands attention, this book is as visually captivating as it is emotionally resonant.

The story follows Julia, whose first-love-turned-best friend, Gabe, a musician with a devoted following, dies unexpectedly at twenty-nine.

Determined to reclaim the possessions he left with friends across the world, she embarks on a deeply personal journey. Along the way, she encounters Elizabeth - Gabe’s effortlessly cool ex-girlfriend. Initially adversaries, the two women’s connection evolves as they grapple with grief, nostalgia, and their complex ties to Gabe.

Muharrar masterfully weaves past and present, illustrating the depth of Julia and Gabe’s relationship and the impact of unresolved emotions. The narrative will resonate with readers who have navigated the complexities of friendship, love, and unspoken feelings.

Beyond its poignant themes, Loved One is beautifully written, featuring evocative prose and compelling character dynamics. The evolving tension between Julia and Elizabeth adds depth, making this an unforgettable story that lingers long after the final page.

For those drawn to character-driven narratives exploring loss and emotional growth, Loved One is a must-read. Muharrar’s storytelling is both insightful and heartfelt, leaving readers eager for her future works.

3.5 🌟

A moving, heartfelt, and surprisingly funny story about loss and grief.

The two FMCs were relatable and real in their thoughts and feelings, and I enjoyed the evolving, tentative friendship between Julia & Elizabeth.

I think the further in I read, the more I liked this. It was definitely a different way of exploring how grief affects people in different ways.
The ending was a little weak, but all in all, this was really good!

Thank you for the opportunity to read this ARC!

I was slightly apprehensive going into this one, however, I'm so glad that I read it. It's extremely well written, with characters who are so humanly flawed in little ways, as we all can be, The main plot of the story is dealt with in such an emotionally mature way and it was just overall very refreshing to read.

I HIGHLY recommend reading this book, even if you've never experienced this type of grief. Very very well done.

I liked that the characters🧍🏿‍♀️ actually address their feelings instead of just ignoring them and hoping they go away. Like how Julia explained why she likes Gabe’s singing voice🗣️? 🥹 Those little details make the story much more immersive🎮.

Will, the so-called therapist 😂. Therapy themes in books always pull me in, despite Will not being an actual therapist and in no way professional. I still liked that he helped a lil🤏🏽. The way the laughter is written📝 made me laugh. Trying to Imagine it in my head🧠 is not going so well.

Now, Julia being Black🧍🏿‍♀️ added a multicultural aspect I appreciate👍🏽, but ngl, I struggled to picture her as a Black woman 🫠. Usually, I have no problem visualizing👀 characters, but with Julia, my brain kept defaulting to white until her race or something related to it was mentioned👄.

What stood out, though, was the friendship 😸 between Julia and Elizabeth 🥰. I love stories where friendships grow through misunderstandings❤️‍🩹 and learning about each other. This book proves that I can enjoy genres outside of romance💋 when the writing is this good. I was so invested in their dynamic—rooting for them the entire time.

The ending, though… the last line confused me a bit 😵‍💫. But overall, I felt settled when I finished, which is a sign that the book did its job💷.

Thanks Netgalley and the author for the ARC🤗❤️‍🔥🕊️

Julia meets Elizabeth, Gabe’s recent ex-girlfriend, at his funeral, and from there, the story unfolds. This is a deeply moving exploration of grief, identity, and how one person can hold different meanings for different people. The portrayal of the grieving process feels raw and authentic, making it more compelling.

If you’ve ever debated taking a friendship to the next level, you’ll find this story especially relatable. Through glimpses into the past, we see how Julia and Gabe’s relationship evolved, adding depth to the narrative. The author’s writing is evocative, pulling you in emotionally and making you truly feel the characters’ experiences. It’s a story that’s both heartfelt and unexpectedly humorous at times.

Many thanks to NetGalley, 4th Estate, and William Collins for the ARC!

To be honest, I put this book down for a while about 40% of the way in. The unresolved tension at the heart of the book, which is by its nature, made me reluctant to keep reading. However, I was compelled to pick it up again and I’m so glad I did. I found it both moving and very funny, and I thought the way it handled grief was very unique and well done. Julia and Elizabeth are both people you’d want to hang out with without ever being unrealistic - sometimes they are selfish or rude or unpleasant, but you can totally see why Gabe was drawn to both of them. This book made a really lovely companion to the new Bridget Jones movie as well - I’d recommend it to anyone who enjoyed that.