A huge thank you to @Netgalley and fora gifted copy of this lovely eBook to read and review - all thoughts are my own.

“The way I see it, to love me the way I love to be loved is true love”

Twenty Four Seconds from Now is a beautifully written romance novel narrated in reverse, starting with the OTP of Aria and Neon preparing to lose their virginity together, we then throughout the novel cycle back through different twenty four time periods (seconds, minutes, hours, days, weeks and months) with a focus on each time period per chapter, the main plot exploring Neon's and Arias growth, and meetings, as well as their thought processes, and Neon's various conversations with family and friends regarding 'going all the way', consent and respect.

I absolutely loved Neon as a character, and his personality really did shine through, his family were written wonderfully and came across as supportive and respectful, this was such a refreshing story to read to include the healthy relationships of young adults, but not shying away from the hardships they felt. I loved just how respectful and caring Neon came across, plus I thought the fourth wall breaks were great with Neon’s *if this was a movie* monologue. Too many stories focus on the toxicity of young love, so it was really refreshing to see both Aria and Neon focus on one another's feelings, but also feel secure enough to share their fears and worries, I also love the fact that they did not put pressure on one another, ever decision they made was discussed and spoken about respectfully, and this is a fantastic inclusion with in a book.

I love Jason Reynolds and have read several of his works, and this being his first romance novel really did broaden his genre horizons, the poetry and books format stayed true to his writing style, and the book was engrossing and fast paced. This is a fantastically written novel, that is educational and supportive to young people and first relationships, it flows well and captivates its readers, whilst taking them on a lovely journey to witness a teenage relationship develop and grow, the epitome of high school sweethearts, and I am completely here for those, this is just a wonderfully great read all round

4.5

Thank you to Faber, Natgalley and the author for being invited to read this ARC. A sweet, enduring and brilliant book which captured me from beginning to end. I wanted to stay with Neon and learn more about his family; I loved his Mum and the captivating love story with Aria. A brilliant read and an important read to show all boys and men it is ok to show your love.

Published 8 October 2024. This is the book that I wish I had had to give to my students when I was teaching. A perfect antidote to the masculine toxicity that seems to be around so much these days, a book that tells boys that it is ok to show feelings, to care, to love and respect. Neon is 17 and the book starts when he and his girlfriend of two years, Aria, are planning to have sex for the first time. Neon is in the bathroom, full of nervousness knowing twenty-four seconds from now, he will open the doo and go to Aria. Then the story goes into reverse and we are twenty-four minutes earlier, twenty-four hours, twenty-four days etc etc. Each different time period explores Neon and Aria's relationship, how it has grown and developed. This is such a refreshing read - two young people surrounded by friends and family that they love and respect. Neon's family - his sister, his parents and grandparents are such warm characters who Neon can discuss things with openly - discussions about respect and consent. The shining light is the relationship between Neon and Aria, the feeling that they have for one another, the security that they feel within the relationship and how neither put the pressure on each other. This is such a refreshing read and in a time when boys get so much bad press, this is a book that boys need to read to let them know that having feelings is ok. Rounded up to 5*

Jason Reynolds writes books about young adults like no other. He writes books that resonate with YAs, that have depth but that remain witty and sharp. This book is much needed. How does a boy/young man approach having sex for the first time, what feelings can he expect, and what are the likely emotions? Jason Reynolds is a hero. This book is full of tenderness, and wit and is very relatable. Congratulations on realising that this was a book that needed to be written.