Thank you @berkleyromance @berkleypub and @prhaudio for my gifted digital and audio books. My thoughts are my own. #penguinrandomhousepartner

After I read THE DEAD ROMANTICS, Ashley Poston became an auto-buy author for me and THE SEVEN YEAR SLIP does not disappoint! If you enjoy love stories that stir the emotions, this one is for you!

When Clementine was a girl, her aunt told her that her apartment was magical! Of course the hundred-year-old building was magical to an eight-year-old girl. But her aunt promised it was true and then whispered a secret into her ear.

Years later, after losing her free-spirited aunt, Clementine inherits her New York apartment. She puts off moving in, but finally clears out the apartment and moves her things in. Exhausted that first night, she falls asleep on the couch. Imagine her surprise when a strange man wakes her up the next morning! And imagine her further surprise when she realizes it is seven years earlier! The stranger is named Iwan and he is perfect! But her aunt had certain rules and one of them was never fall in love with someone you meet in the apartment. They can never stay!

MY THOUGHTS:
I loved the dual timelines, the time travel aspect, and the chemistry between this couple! I had a difficult time putting this one down because I was so invested in Clementine and Iwan’s story! How would they ever be able to work things out? Told from Clementine’s perspective, there is an aspect of grief in this story. I thought it was handled well. This book is perfect for book clubs and the author provides discussion questions, as well as a moving author’s note.

I both read and listened to this book and I recommend either format. Brittany Pressley does an excellent job narrating.

Read this if you enjoy:
*Emotional stories
*Witty exchanges
*Dual timelines
*Time travel
*A touch of magic

I don’t even know where to begin with this review. I loved this book so much that I have no words. The only thing I do have is my gaze softening every time I see it on my shelf no matter what awful mood I’m in.

But let’s try to put my love for this book into words:

I’m no stranger to falling in love with Ashley’s books. Last year The Dead Romantics took my heart, and this book felt no difference.

Clementine’s apartment, given to her by her recently deceased aunt, has a magical ability: it can transport you back in time in that apartment 7 years. And it might just make you meet the love of your life.

The idea was gorgeous. The banter was top notch. This book was very emotional. I adored the aunt. God, I hope that my niece and nephews feel the same way about me the way that Clementine felt about her aunt. (I think I’m on the right track because out of the blue, my 10 year old niece looked at me and said “Aunt Bai, I just love you so much” so I’m sobbing.) I think a part of me just really connected to her relationship with her dead aunt. I also connected because her favorite color is yellow but only golden yellow, and her favorite flower is a sunflower. So we’re like twins.

I adored having the two timelines of the relationship. It was so interesting to see how much Iwan changed in the 7 year timespan. I love Iwan and Clementine. Their characters were so well-developed and utterly perfect. Their chemistry was off the charts. The self-growth was magnificent. I’m just—I’m very much in love with this book, and I think it was very intricate, witty, and well put together.

If you like magical realism, one bed trope, sorta forced proximity, and second chance romance, check this one out!

Fav Quote: “You are you, and that’s a lovely person to be.”

“That was love, wasn’t it? It wasn’t just a quick drop- it was falling, over and over again, for your person. “

Clementine works in publishing and travels the world with her aunt Annalea. When her aunt passes away she leaves her magical apartment to Clementine. In the mist of her grief she finds a man standing in her kitchen. A handsome stranger with gray eyes and a southern accent who aspires to be a chef. He is someone she could fall for but he lives seven years in the past.

I adored this book💛 I loved the characters and the way it dealt with love and grief. I loved the friendship and I loved the time travel. The relationship between Clementine and Iwan was so good and made me feel all the things. Longing, anticipation, sadness and love. The writing was beautiful and I’m definitely going to read The Dead Romantics:)

Thanks to @berkleyromance @letstalkbookspromo and @netgalley for the arc for review!

Ashley Poston is meant for contemporary romance (& I say this as a fan of her YA work). Between The Seven Year Slip and The Dead Romantics, aka one of my absolute favorite books of 2022, she just knows how to tell a romance that pulls at a variety of heartstrings within all of its elements, including the protagonist’s career, family, & friendships.

The Seven Year Slip will definitely grab readers’ interest for publishing setting, but know there is much more to this story! The book follows thirty year old book senior publicist Clementine, who is up for the biggest promotion of her year yet, while deep in grief for the loss* of her beloved aunt & travel companion, Analea. Clementine very much feels her aunt’s presence, as Analea left Clementine with her NYC Upper Eastside apartment that might be known for its magical abilities. *I want to just take a brief aside to note that I’ve seen a few reviewers on Instagram say that the book came with a trigger warning surrounding her aunt’s death, I’m not sure if this will be included in the final copy.* Clementine’s publishing house is competing for a cookbook deal with one of the biggest NYC chefs. Landing the deal with her best friend & co-worker will definitely seal the deal on her promotion. Except for the fact that Clementine is bit preoccupied at the moment with the strange man who keeps showing up in her apartment (remember its magical ability?) and seems to be living seven years in the past.

Like The Dead Romantics, there is a deep family story within its plot between Clementine and her Aunt Analea. There’s so much interconnectedness between Analea’s own love story in the apartment and Clementine’s encounters with Iwan, the man from seven years prior. Ashley Poston drops not-so hidden hints throughout on how Clementine and Iwan’s lives are much more interweaved than they think, but I still loved getting to see them play out. Analea inspires some of Clementine’s more care-free and creative side that we begin to see as the story unravels. I do wish we got maybe some more flashbacks to Clementine’s travels with Analea. One of the novel’s final chapters when Clementine reflects on when we lose people in life & in our personal stories that hit me so much emotionally and was the perfect way to say goodbye to Analea within the novel.

Know going into The Seven Year Slip that this is a very character driven novel. The story takes about halfway through to get to the book’s external conflict (i.e. the book deal). Maybe but it was the lead-up to the tension, but I did experience some of a disconnect between what was going on in Clementine’s present and the past with Iwan I’m totally fine with a character driven story where the internal conflicts take the stage, as this is how I would describe The Seven Year Slip, but I needed some more tension from the get-go to get my engagement. However, once I did hit the halfway mark when the romance comes into Clementine’s present, I felt myself going back to my The Dead Romantics experience, when I simply could not put her work down.

Overall, The Seven Year Slip is a solid sophomore romance from Ashley Poston. Her books take on such creative premises and are able to balance a variety of elements. I’m excited to see what else she writes in romance. I’m going to put my prediction out in the world now and could maybe see another book following Clementine’s co-worker, Juliette!?

I really enjoyed this book! The multiple timelines and magic of the apartment was really fun and there was so much depth to the story. I loved the interactions between Clementine and Iwan and their journey was so sweet. The way they inspired each other creatively was so nice to see. The author did a fabulous job with handling the topic of grief, it was relatable and validated the overwhelming impact losing someone close to you can have on your life. I love a second chance romance and this truly was a unique approach to the trope, I really enjoyed it. The friendships in this novel were also wonderful and added some nice secondary plot points to the novel. Lastly, with Iwan being a chef, the food aspects had me drooling and wishing I could have a sample of his amazing creations, they sounded absolutely delicious!

This is definitely a favorite 2023 romance for me and I highly recommend picking it up!

When Clementine inherits her late aunt's Manhattan apartment, she is so bogged down with grief that she has become a different person than who she was 6 months ago. After a long day at work she returns home to astranger in the apartment. One who is adamant that he has permission from her aunt and a note to prove it. How is that possible? Oh you know, just a time traveling apartment. Aunt Analea had always told her the stories of how the apartment would slip in time 7 years. Always seven years and it seemed, only when the occupants were at a cross roads. These slips had lead Analea to 2 rules: always take your shoes off when you come inside and never fall in love in the apartment. So why does Clementine have such a hard time keeping away from the handsome stranger that keeps appearing in her apartment when she needs someone the most? And what happens when the handsome stranger, Iwan, is no longer a stranger, but prospective client, James, a chef that her publishing firm is courting. Can Clementine find the middle ground between the 7 years and realize that just because people change, doesn't mean love has to?
Ashley Poston does it again with another will they/ won't they romance. In the same vein as "The Dead Romantics", this title is full of magical realism and fated love. As a huge fan of Poston's YA works, I'm so excited to see her branching out into adult. Both her adult titles have been beautifully written love stories that go beyond the romance genre into something a bit extra. I can't wait to see what she has in store next, whether it's a YA or adult, I'll be there with my boots on.

This didn’t got the way I thought it was headed but instead went into one of the most uniquely written books I’ve ever read. This love story is like no other. Many thanks to the publisher and netgalley for this copy for review

This was an interesting and touching story with some romance and a timeslip element.

There is a lot to love about this book: romance, peek into the publishing world, a couple you can’t help rooting for, an Auntie Mame-type aunt, and a dash of magic. In addition, the author is so adept at describing and dealing with grief in her books, which I first learned from reading The Dead Romantics.

I would have enjoyed it even more if the couple could have spent more time together in the present day. I was also a little confused how the magical apartment functioned, especially in the later chapters.

Read if you enjoy magical realism, romance, and a New York City setting.

4.5 rounded up

This was my first Ashley Poston book and it won't be my last! While a heartwarming romance at its core, this felt like an ode to anyone who has ever struggled to follow their passions and rediscover themselves in their 20s. Despite the moments where the plot felt a little too coincidental, I couldn't help but fall for the magic of this apartment and these two people who you truly cannot help but root for to find their way back to themselves and to each other.

Book Review for The Seven Year Slip by Ashley Poston

First Impressions: Hidden Agenda
What’s Your Type? Missed Connections, Cute Nicknames, Overworked Introvert Isn’t Looking for Love, The Lake House
Meet Cute: I Let Myself In
The Lean: Hello, Lemon
Dirty Talk: Slow Burn Simmer
We Need to Talk:Here for a Good Time
Was it Good For You? I’ll Have What She’s Having

Content Warning: The Seven Year Slip includes mention of a family member who committed suicide and frequent mentions of grief over the death of a loved one.

First Impressions: Hidden Agenda
I’m never embarrassed for people to see the covers of books I’m reading, but if you’re not comfortable with folks knowing—this is the book for you. If you didn’t know this was a rom-com, you wouldn’t know this is a rom-com.

The lemon branches and pigeons are a sweet nod to the story, too. The lack of hyphenation of the title kind of kills me, though.

What’s Your Type?
- Missed Connections
- Cute Nicknames
- Overworked Introvert Isn’t Looking for Love
- The Lake House

Dating Profile
Six months ago, Clementine West’s aunt died, and Clementine’s life became divided into the before and after. Before, they used to go on adventures all around the world, reveling in the rush of spontaneity. After, Clementine feels like a ghost in her aunt’s old apartment, with nothing but her work as a book publicist to and well-meaning, if a little overbearing, friends trying to coax her out of her grief to fill her days. But then one morning she wakes to find a man in her aunt’s old apartment—a man from seven years in the past.

Her aunt had two rules: Take off your shoes in the apartment and never fall in love there. Clementine tries hard not to break either, but sometimes you can’t help but forget the rules.

Meet Cute: I Let Myself In
After a particularly grief-filled evening, Clementine wakes to the sounds of someone puttering in the kitchen. But it’s not her aunt—though she believes that for a split second—it’s a strange man with a story about her aunt letting him stay there for the summer while she’s traveling.

Clementine never really believed the stories her aunt told her about the apartment being magical, and connecting folks across a seven-year span, but Iwan definitely isn’t from Clementine’s time. Not that he knows that.

The Lean: Hello, Lemon
Iwan’s young and hungry, looking to make his name in the New York City food scene. He’s got a plan, which involves him working his way through the ranks, and isn’t looking for love. But then Clementine shows up in the apartment he’s staying at and neither of them is immune to each other’s charms, especially when Iwan decides to give her a nickname and cook her dinner.

Dirty Talk: Slow Burn Simmer
Clementine holds herself back from anything serious with Iwan, in part because he lives in her past and in part because—SPOILER ALERT—she meets him in her present through work, and he’s a very different person. But the chemistry is undeniable, and even their kisses are swoony.

He leaned over the table and pressed his lips to mine. Then we broke away—just for a moment, a sharp intake of breath—and crushed our mouths together again. I curled my fingers around the front of his dress short and tugged at his already loose tie. He cupped my face with his hands, and drank me in. I melted into his faster than ice cream on a hot sidewalk. He kissed like he wanted to savor me.

“I fear I have, indeed, gotten the wrong idea,” he murmured when we finally broke away, his words hot against my lips, voice deep and hoarse. “Despite my best efforts.”

Ms. Perky’s Prize for Purplest Prose
The Seven Year Slip isn’t super spicy (i.e., graphic) and the sexy times in the book are a bit fade-to-black. But this line, about a condom, made me chuckle (with the book, not at it):

He tore it open with his teeth—which was so much sexier than I thought it could be …

I’m sure, like Clementine, I’d get caught up in the moment and give this a pass, but as a reader, I couldn’t help but picture this in an unexpectedly comedic way.

Ed. note: I pulled quotes from an advanced review copy; the final text might be different.

We Need to Talk: Here for a Good Time
Frequently, books that involve timey-wimey elements like the one in The Seven Year Slip keep the suspense by dragging out the “present day” meet cute until the end of the book. While I dig that when it’s done well, Poston shakes up the trope by having Clementine and Iwan run into each other concurrently in the present as they’re meeting in the past. I really felt for Clementine, attempting to keep things straight (and professional) without knowing all of the details. And I applaud Poston for giving her characters a chance to get to know each other and experience their chemistry in two ways, because seven years sometimes makes someone a very different person.

Was it Good For You? I’ll Have What She’s Having
This book made me hungry in more ways than one *wink wink nudge nudge*. It’s a sweet story that isn’t just fluff—Clementine is dealing with some very real grief over the loss of her aunt and struggling with a two-thirds life crisis, neither of which having a man come into her life fixes, as great as Iwan is. Poston does a really great job of mixing uncomfortable aspects of life, like grief (see also” The Dead Romantics), with a romance that will have you cheering.

🌟𝗕𝗢𝗢𝗞 𝗥𝗘𝗩𝗜𝗘𝗪🌟
"𝘞𝘩𝘦𝘯 𝘸𝘢𝘴 𝘵𝘩𝘦 𝘭𝘢𝘴𝘵 𝘵𝘪𝘮𝘦 𝘺𝘰𝘶 𝘥𝘪𝘥 𝘴𝘰𝘮𝘦𝘵𝘩𝘪𝘯𝘨 𝘧𝘰𝘳 𝘵𝘩𝘦 𝘧𝘪𝘳𝘴𝘵 𝘵𝘪𝘮𝘦?"

I had another post scheduled for today, but after finishing 𝗧𝗛𝗘 𝗦𝗘𝗩𝗘𝗡 𝗬𝗘𝗔𝗥 𝗦𝗟𝗜𝗣 this morning, I had to share how much I loved it.

“𝘕𝘰𝘵𝘩𝘪𝘯𝘨 𝘭𝘢𝘴𝘵𝘴 𝘧𝘰𝘳𝘦𝘷𝘦𝘳. 𝘕𝘰𝘵 𝘵𝘩𝘦 𝘨𝘰𝘰𝘥 𝘵𝘩𝘪𝘯𝘨𝘴, 𝘯𝘰𝘵 𝘵𝘩𝘦 𝘣𝘢𝘥. 𝘚𝘰 𝘫𝘶𝘴𝘵 𝘧𝘪𝘯𝘥 𝘸𝘩𝘢𝘵 𝘮𝘢𝘬𝘦𝘴 𝘺𝘰𝘶 𝘩𝘢𝘱𝘱𝘺, 𝘢𝘯𝘥 𝘥𝘰 𝘪𝘵 𝘧𝘰𝘳 𝘢𝘴 𝘭𝘰𝘯𝘨 𝘢𝘴 𝘺𝘰𝘶 𝘤𝘢𝘯.”

Magical realism can be hit or miss for me, especially when the why of it all is never explained and seems to be just for convenience (I'm looking at you 𝘐𝘯 𝘢 𝘏𝘰𝘭𝘪𝘥𝘢𝘻𝘦) but what Ashley Poston has done with this story is so beautiful that I was beyond willing to suspend disbelief to savor every wonderful word. Yes, this is a romance, but it's also a story of grief and embracing life and realizing that it's never too late to figure out who you're meant to be. It truly touched my heart and surprised me in the best ways. And when you read it - because you better! - don't miss the author's note at the end.

PS - my new mantra is "Let's go on an adventure, darling!"

Thanks to Berkley for the copy to review.

What on earth is Ashley Poston putting in these books????

"The Dead Romantics" was one of my absolute favorite books of 2022, and one of my favorite books ever, I think. I was really anxious about reading "The Seven Year Slip" for that reason -- how could anything live up to "The Dead Romantics?"

Well, she did it again. I don't think I've ever cried so much reading a book as I did at this one. I love the amount of magical realism -- or just plain magic -- that AP weaves into her adult romances. It's always just enough to enhance the novel, not distract. But what's even more magical is the way she weaves a love story. Clementine and Iwan were both so lovable, so three-dimensional, that I couldn't put this book down. If I have one complaint, it's that I wanted MORE Clementine and Iwan, but I loved everything else.

I was given the wonderful opportunity to read and review this one as part of a blog tour and I'm so glad that I said YES. After loving her previous novel, I'm just eating it up with the different magical realism that she brings to the table. The perfect man but you meet him when he is 7 years in the past. Yes, please.

This book. It consumed me! The magic of slipping back in time simply by walking through a door is intoxicating. Always wondering, never knowing…is today the day?

Haven’t you wondered what it would be like to truly know someone’s past self? See what made them who they are today? Instead of hearing the stories over a slice of lemon pie, live the moment with them?

This is such a beautiful story of love in the right place but the wrong time. Not only is this book about falling in love but also one of familial love. Love for an aunt and grief after she’s gone. I couldn’t put it down and had to know what was going to happen!

When I saw that Britney Pressley narrates, I knew I had to listen along with my physical copy. She’s one of my top five favorite narrators and knows just how to make the magic seem plausible.

Read this book! Even if you’re a lover of other genres, I promise this book with speak to you in some way! Also, make sure you have snacks close by because the mention of delicious food is a major plot point!

I received an advanced copy. All thoughts are my own.

After reading The Dead Romatics I was really excited to see the magical world Ashley Poston created for her sophomore novel. once again, While the plot of this story wasn't based in reality and had those same magical elements Poston was able to create previously, the way Clementine and Iwan develop and connect with each other is very real and heartwarming.

By the end, I was begging for more of their connection to each other and was hoping the romance would continue. A lot of this novel is dedicated to clementines bond with her aunt, trying to figure out her life goals, her career, and her friends. and so, because of that, there wasn't as much Clementine and Iwan content as I was hoping for, and definitely puts this into the women's adult fiction and less of new adult romance.

I still really love the concept and storyline and there are a lot of adorable moments along the way that left me wanting to recommend this book to others.

Thank you @berkleypub & @netgalley for the advanced copy. Officially out now

⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
𝗧𝗛𝗘 𝗦𝗘𝗩𝗘𝗡 𝗬𝗘𝗔𝗥 𝗦𝗟𝗜𝗣

Ashley Poston does it again! I was a HUGE fan of THE DEAD ROMANTICS so I was looking forward to this release. You must pick this up if you love time travel romances.

Imagine you’re present self was able to go back and forth between 7 years and kick start your future. BUT once you leave your upper East side NYC apartment you’re back in the present day? Crazy thought right? Especially when you’re current apartment wasn’t yours 7 years ago but instead sublet to a sexy southern chef (chefs kiss).

I loved everything about Clementine and Iwan’s love story. I love the magical realism that Ashley can write so beautifully. Escaping reality is a great recipe for a great story and amazing foods. Foodies will enjoy this as well!

If you’re interested in time traveling romances add all of these to your list:
• THE SEVEN YEAR SLIP
• IN FIVE YEARS
• THE TIME TRAVELERS WIFE

The Dead Romantics last year completely surprised me so when Berkley offered me a widget for Ashley Poston's new book The Seven Year Slip I knew I had to read it even if I wasn't immediately drawn into the synopsis since time warp isn't my thing and I'm so glad I read it!

Go read The Seven Year Slip. It's so beautiful, I couldn't put it down. I absolutely loved this book. It's magical in all the right ways. I loved Clementine and Iwan. I don't know how else to describe this book but to tell you to read it.

While I'm not usually a magical realism fan, I'll read anything Ashley Poston writes!

Anyone else a sucker for a time travel story? THE SEVEN YEAR SLIP strikes the perfect balance of whimsy and depth making it the perfect book to pop in your beach bag this summer.

It’s summer in NYC and instead of taking her annual vacation, Clementine is grieving the death of her aunt. She stumbles upon an unexpected love in her late aunt’s mystical apartment. He is perfect except he exists seven years in the past.

The backdrop of the publishing world to this sweet romance was a big bonus for me. I loved the wit and encouragement to chase big dreams and this bighearted story felt fresh and unique.

READ THIS IF:
The element of time travel works for you
You can suspend a bit of disbelief for unconventional love
An unique meet-cute gives you butterflies

A book publicist and a hot roommate who lives seven years in the past…how could I resist? The Seven Year Slip by Ashley Poston is a contemporary time slip romance with touches of magical realism that pulled me in and never let go. Grab an iced coffee and see why I recommend it.

Clementine was very close to her aunt, and it reminded me of my relationship with my grandmother. The two would travel together and filled their passports. Clementine would spend time with her and paint with watercolors in the bathroom, where the light was best. When her aunt dies, it leaves a hole, but her aunt left her the New York apartment.

Clementine is still unpacking boxes when a stranger opens the apartment door. His name is Iwan, and he has a letter from his aunt saying he was welcome to use the apartment while she was away. But her aunt has been dead for over six months. Clementine remembers stories her Aunt Analea told her about the apartment. Is it possible? Is Iwan from the past?

Iwan is an aspiring chef, who traveled to New York to work in some of the best kitchens. He wants to make his grandfather proud. He cooked for Clementine who he nicknames Lemon. I loved all the food talk from experiences to desserts.

The story that unfolds was wonderful. From food shared in the kitchen to a slow burning romance that made me swoon. It seems Iwan is from seven years in her past and they keep having stolen moments until they collide in the present.

I loved the magic of the apartment and the truths we discover. We saw character growth, healing, rediscovery, and reinventions of self. The book balances between the love Clementine shared with her aunt and the budding romance between Lemon and Iwan.

Rich prose, and wonderful quotes like “If you don’t fit in, fool everyone until you do. Keep your passport renewed and Always, Always Chase the Moon!” Which were shared by her aunt transported me. It was a heartwarming tale that made me laugh, cry and believe.

The Seven Year Slip is the perfect romance novel to take with you on vacation.

Clementine enters her apartment and finds things are quite different from when she left them earlier that day. Seven years ago different. Odd. Then, after sleeping on the couch under her dead aunt’s afghan, she is awakened by a strange man standing over her. Not odd, but creepy. Wait, he has a note from her aunt that says Iwan is subletting for the summer. And he is sweet. And handsome. And he can cook.

Here begins the most unusual romance. Clementine lives in today’s time, but Iwan lived in her apartment seven summers ago. The magical apartment building she lives in occasionally sends her back in time. When she steps out of the apartment, it is normal time, where she has a job as a publicist in a small publishing company. The seven-year slip sneaks smoothly into the story while it confounds Clementine.

Clementine is working to get ahead in a job she is good at, but not in love with. She is dealing with the death of her beloved aunt. And she trying to avoid being set up on dates by her best friends. Along comes the highly successful chef who is being courted as an author by several publishing companies, including Clementine’s. Guess who the chef is. Yep, Iwan, from seven summers ago.

This magical story is a sweet confection of romance, everyday life, cooking, friends, and family. The alternating timelines stir up the romance, while bringing an odd complexity to both main characters – Clementine and Iwan. These complexities are worked out, mostly while enjoying a meal. Both will come to important, possibly life-changing realizations, while they grow closer to each other.

Readers of Poston’s previous book, The Dead Romantics, will recognize the characters that make cameo appearances in this story. Both books are set in the publishing world. And in both books, the heroine is dealing with the death of a beloved family member. It may seem repetitive, but it absolutely was not. It just works.

The Seven Year Slip is contemporary romance flavored with heartfelt emotion and sprinkled with magic. A few twists will make you smile. Somehow, Ashley Poston has snuck onto my favorite authors list. I’ll be watching this one!

Through NetGalley, the publisher provided a copy of this book. My review is my honest opinion.