ReRead: I did a reread between the audio and book for my traveling book club and my goodness this book is just perfection! Even knowing what was going to happen did not change how I was reading/listening. I still got emotional, I still was swooning. I really hope the others in my little club enjoy the book as much as I do!
--------------
Thank you so much to Berkley Romance for an advance copy of this!
Thank you so much to PRH Audio for the complimentary audio!

THis book will be published on June 27.

This book. Whenever I think I have found my top books of the year, more just keep getting added to the list.
This will definitely be in my top books of 2023.

"...because love is nothing if not a matter of timing."

Time traveling is such a hit or miss for me in media. But I really enjoyed it in this as there the clear distinguish between the timelines. I also was happy that there wasn't such a HUGE deal over the time travel and that future Iwan knew. And when the time came in the past for Clementine to reveal the truth to him about the apartment there wasn't any fall out from it. 

There were multiple times where i found myself internally screaming for what Iwan would say to Clementine.  There was one other person who I knew who read this book already and we both were just melting over Iwan and wanted more of him. I also have a thing for the male characters in books whisper to their love interest and this one had plenty of those moments for me. I just loved them so much! In their big moments and then in their quiet moments.

"I tried to fall in love again and again, and all I could think about was you."

I just love how they each how "found" each other at different times of their lives and the reminder that time does allow you to grow & dreams can change. I really need more of Clementine & Iwan in present day. Perhaps an extra Epilogue taken place in the future? I just want to know where they end up, what did she paint for him, do they tell the next owner about the magical powers of the apartment? Just so many questions!!! I am guessing that is left for the reader's interpretation as to what happens next.

"She lived because she loved, and she lived because she was loved, and what a lovely lifetime she gave us."

As I will often write in my reviews, I am an emotional person except when it comes to reading. It is rare for me to find books that will bring tears to my eyes. This is the 4th book in 3 years that has brought on that feeling. I lost my aunt unexpectedly last August and we were close. I even was texting her a mere 2 hours prior to her passing and reading the last bit of the book just made me really miss her. The relationship between Clementine and her Aunt Analea was so special & I am sure Clementine was happy to have so many wonderful moments with her. Analea is the kind of aunt I hope to be for my nephews.  So thank you Ashley for writing such beautiful words. 

Brittany Pressley is such a great audio. narrator and is quickly becoming a go to narrator for books. She just brought to life both Clementine and Iwan. Her tone, timing & inflection was just perfect. 

I know The Dead Romantics holds a special place in many people heart but this is the one that will stick with me.