Here With You by @author.tori.l.james is a debut novel that follows Emilie & Rowan. They meet during a bachelorette scavenger hunt and they cannot forget about one another even after Emilie has a panic attack and spirals.

Anxiety rep books are one thing, but books that handle it with the amount of care and softness and truth is what makes it special. And HWY is SPECIAL. As some with anxiety and one who has experienced panic attacks (& represent myself in my book as well in my characters) Tori does an amazing job with Emilie’s anxiety. I felt seen, I felt heard, & I loved seeing Emilie’s journey through Rowan in him learning how to help her and figuring out ways to check in and be there for her. The way this book does not shy away from the talk of medication and the feeling of shame or trepidation that comes with it hits so hard but in the best way.

This book was a wild ride. It had a little bit of a slow start, but once Signa moves to Thorn Grove, the story really draws you in to wonder what the hell is actually going on. I didn't see the ending coming and was really surprised how everything went down and what was revealed.

I am excited to read the second one!

This book…. THIS BOOK. It’s everything & I will forever be in awe that it’s a debut!

Even though this is the slowest of slow burns, and it was torturous to watch Talia & Walker continue to be just friends, I loved it. The family dynamic and the honesty between the Hartrick family was so refreshing. I love that it immediately wasn’t even going to be a secret about who Talia was and her connection to her father. It was addressed and put out in the open rather than being buried.

The representation in this book was so well done between the anxiety, the trauma, & the therapy rep. I’m so glad it had these aspects of real life represented.

I cannot wait for the next books in the series.