I went into this book figuring I would enjoy it, I didn’t realize I would be crying so much at the end and that this would easily become one of my favorite books of the year! I didn’t give in to the hype of reading The Dead Romantics when it came out last year, but it has quickly made its way to the top of my TBR now.

Did I figure out where the story was going as soon as Clementine discovered Iwan in her apartment? Yes, but I didn’t care because I quickly fell for these two characters and needed to know what was going to happen next between them.

I was slightly hesitant to pick this book up since I don’t read fantasy or magical realism, but it was very light in this book. This book is so much more than a love story between two people with a 7 year time difference. It is about grief as Clementine is dealing with the loss of her beloved aunt, the reason she is in the apartment to meet Iwan in the first place. Her aunt meant everything to her, and as she grapples with moving on after unexpectedly losing her, she also learns so much about who she is in the process.

I don’t want to say too much about the storyline without giving away spoilers, but I loved that throughout their time spent together, Clementine and Iwan helped each other get to where they needed to be, even if sometimes they couldn’t see it.

I loved the ending even though I selfishly wanted more time with these characters. This is a beautiful story about love, loss, and finding yourself, and I’m officially an Ashley Poston fan now!

I’m gutted by this book in the way that’s the reason we read to begin with— I have to pull myself away from Ashley Poston’s Upper East Side even though I’ve read the story’s end. I read this in one day, almost one sitting, because I has to know what happened next.

You can read a synopsis from someone else— I’m here to tell you that you’ll want to read this. That Clementine and Iwan’s story is the best book I’ve read this year. TSYS is not what I expected, and you won’t, either— it’s art, and it’s stunning, and it’s completely unexpected in the most wonderful way.

I only read books I like, but I don’t always say prose is brilliant, stunning, life-changing. But this is.

Bring your tissues, settle in, and trust this storyteller to spin a tale that twines love, time, food, and friendship. I’ll be pre-ordering every edition I can get my hands on, grateful Berkley made the excellent decision to bring this book to the world.

Here I sit, almost exactly a year after finishing <i>The Dead Romantics</i>, with another delightfully magical Ashley Poston book. There were tears with this one, but thankfully no ugly crying on my balcony this time around. More dealing with grief in Ms. Poston's eloquent words. An adorable couple in Clementine and Iwan, who slip through a seven-year span in a magical apartment. A good spice level. I'm sad it's over!!!

Thank you to Netgalley and the publisher for the ARC in exchange for my thoughts.

The Seven Year Slip by Ashley Poston tells the story of Clementine, who, after a tragic event, strives to live a safe and predictable life in New York. However, when she encounters a man from seven years in the past, she faces a dilemma of falling in love with someone who exists in a different time, challenging her notions of love and timing. I absolutely loved The Dead Romantics so I was very excited to read The Seven Year Slip. From the moment I started reading The Seven Year Slip, it reminded me of two movies that involve time travel, The Lake House (featuring Sandra Bullock & Keanu Reeves) and Just Like Heaven (featuring Reese Weatherspoon and Mark Ruffalo). I adored Clementine and wanted to give her a big hug throughout the book. While the sweet connection between Clementine and Iwan developed beautifully, I craved more insight into the present day outcome. The storyline goes beyond light romance and dives into Clementine’s grieving for her late aunt along with her journey to figure out her career goals. Some may argue that the book leans more towards women’s fiction and magical realism than typical romance, but the way it’s written works for the narrative. I appreciated that the author was able to capture the struggle of figuring out one’s life path when feeling unhappy and in need of a change, the solace found in memories, and the importance of embracing new beginnings. While The Dead Romantics remains my personal favorite, I still found The Seven Year Slip to be an heartwarming read and would recommend to romance readers who are a fan of Ashley Poston’s work.

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. 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.

I've loved Ashley Poston since she went by Ash Poston and wrote YA books. Her foray into "adult contemporary fiction with a sprinkle of magic" has been LOVELY so far - THE DEAD ROMANTICS was one of my favorite books last year and I can still remember the feeling of sitting on the amazing porch at our Airbnb and reading so much of it in one sitting. While that story gets the half-star edge over THE SEVEN YEAR SLIP, I clearly loved this one too. 

The story centers around Clementine and her somewhat boring life in NYC, six months after her beloved aunt and travel partner passed away. She was willed her apartment and has been living there ever since, despite how painful it can be. Her aunt always said the apartment was a bit magical and Clementine finds out firsthand how true that was. Somehow timelines overlap, and you may return to your apartment one day and find yourself seven years in the past... yes, including whoever was living there seven years prior. One summer, that turns out to be Iwan, a gorgeous Southern guy that her aunt sublet the apartment to when she was overseas (oddly enough, with Clementine) at the time. The two connect very quickly but Clementine isn't sure how to tell him exactly what's happening with their time-related disconnect. Some other ~things~ progressed in this story that were not what I expected when I read the synopsis, but I actually liked it way better than what I predicted the story would be like.

There's something so magical (kind of literally, since both of her adult fiction books feature magical realism and/or time travel in some capacity...) about her books and writing - I can never put them down once I start. My eyes were closing at the 90% mark and I let myself sleep... only to wake up 7 hours later and immediately finish the story off.

If I could nitpick about anything, I could have used a bit more of the romance to beef it up. I found it believable despite the somewhat instalove-ish connection they made. The book is around 350 pages so honestly even 20 more pages of the romance and the two of them connecting would have made this even better without pushing it on the length. Some things were very obvious to the reader but not to Clementine, which I THINK was done on purpose? So it's hard for me to say those things were "predictable" necessarily... and there were a few things that did surprise me toward the end.

Poston's premises are so unique - I can’t wait to see what she comes up with next. What other way can she make a man inaccessible to the heroine? We already had a dead guy and a guy seven years in the past. What else can she think of?!

I really loved this one. For me, it seems like Poston has some magic to her writing. You couldn’t help rooting for Iwan and Clementine. It was super easy to fall for seven years ago Iwan and all of his enthusiasm. My heart got anxious every time they were separated by the apartment not knowing if they’d meet again. I love learning about the publishing industry and how they go about obtaining new authors. I loved the friend groups that Iwan and Clementine had supporting them as well. I would’ve liked to see a little more about Clementine’s future career, but otherwise I absolutely adored this one. I listened to the audiobook and Brittany Pressley’s narration was perfect! I can’t wait for my preorder of this to come in and for more books by Poston.

<b>"I like your face," I told him in good humor, and before I could stop myself, I reached up and cupped his cheek, my thumb tracing over the laughter lines around his mouth. A blush rushed up his throat to his cheeks, but instead of leaning away, he closed his eyes and leaned into the palm of my hand.” </b>

Clementine & Iwan. She’s a senior publicist. He’s a chef. And they’re connected through her late aunts magical apartment. But he’s seven years in the past and she’s the present. A romance across time and it is just LOVELY. So good. Like the kind of good that sticks to your bones.

Iwan is on a mission to make the perfect meal but I think HE is the perfect meal. (Eyebrow wag). I’m going to just melt into the ground. 🫠 tender and soft.

<b>”You can dance, Lemon. You can take the lead.”
“And you’ll follow?”
“To the moon and back,” he replied.”</b>

🌙 THINGS AND STUFF 🌙
-friends to lovers
-a magical, time bending apartment
-Jeff Goldblum’s face
-forced proximity (temp sublet roommates)
-wine (rosé) & cheese & travel guides
-emotional support toothbrush
-🍋🥹🫠
-pommes frites 🍟
-finger guns 👉🏼👉🏼
-yo mama’s fajitas
-off limits
-#IsThisAKissingBook: open door. “The one who had kissed me over a lemon pie.” “… I think you’re brave,” I corrected and kissed his nose.”

Thank you Berkley Romance for the free book! I devoured it! Totally obsessed!

Song: The Great Unknown by Jukebox the Ghost

4.5 rounded up!!

I’m *officially* an Ashley Poston Stan 🫶 THE DEAD ROMANTICS was one of my top reads last year so this was highly anticipated and didn’t let me down one bit!! Another knock out of the park magical realism romance!!

✨time travel romance
✨”lemon” nickname 🥹
✨a hot chef with a southern accent AND a heart of gold 🔥 I SWOON
✨themes of finding AND keeping joy in all aspects of life
✨a book for foodies 🤤
✨another heartfelt depiction of grief

It was original, witty, and heartwarming - loved it!

Oh, be still my heart....

Ashley Poston has written another masterpiece. The Dead Romantics was one of my top 5 books of 2022 so I was honestly nervous to read this one because my expectations were high. I should have known that Poston would knock it out of the park.

This book is truly whimsical and beautifully written. This is a lot coming from me as I have never read a time travel book that I enjoyed. I have yet to really get behind the whole idea as a plot point but this book nailed it for me.

The time traveling apartment that puts Clementine and Iwan in each others lives (at different points of theirs) is magical and just so captivating. Once I really got into this book it was hard to put it down.

I swooned over Iwan every time he was on the page and loved his friends and his story. Clementine also has such a great story of self discovery and her journey through her grief is palpable.

I alternated between the audio book and the E-book of this one and Brittany Pressley is the perfect narrator for this audio book. Her tone and inflection are spot on for Clementine but she also does the perfect (not overbearing) drawl for Iwan. I would highly recommend this audio book.

Do not miss the chance to get lost in this magical apartment with this magical love story. This one is definitely worth picking up.

Thank you to Berkley for the EARC and to PRHA for the advanced listening copy of the audio book. All opinions are my own.

Clementine finds a handsome man with an adorable Southern accent standing in her new apartment. Initially frightened and completely confused, Clementine realizes the apartment she inherited from her aunt is truly haunted. She develops a crush on this hot chef named Iwan (pronounced EE-WAN) and they spend a magical weekend together. When she leaves Monday morning to go to work, he is gone. Her extraordinary aunt always told her the apartment had special powers but since she was a little girl Clementine truly believed these were just stories! Her aunt with whom she traveled the world and traded secrets was the love of her life and for the last year Clementine has deeply mourned her passing. Her dream job at the publishing house has lost its luster and her love life - nonexistent. As the summer in NYC approaches she is entranced by the idea that Iwan could reappear at any moment. There are two problems; she doesn’t know when and has realized Iwan exists seven years in the past. In this delicious romcom the saying couldn’t be more true, timing really is everything. This quirky, delightful romance is simply perfect for the beach this summer!

I received a gifted galley of THE SEVEN YEAR SLIP by Ashley Poston for an honest review. Thank you to Berkley Publishing Group, PRHAudio and Netgalley for the opportunity to read and review! I really loved the author’s THE DEAD ROMANTICS last year, so was excited to check this one out!

THE SEVEN YEAR SLIP follows Clementine in an unusual situation. Clementine’s beloved aunt has passed away, the woman who always inspired fun and adventure. In that grief Clementine has lost her way a bit, but she still has her aunt’s (now her) apartment to ground her… until she walks in to find her things gone and a stranger in residence.

Clementine’s aunt always told her a story, one she didn’t fully believe at the time. It seems that this apartment is magical and sometimes walking through the front door, particularly at a crossroads in life, will lead you seven years into the past. The man she meets and begins to fall for is subletting her aunt’s apartment seven years prior to her present day.

I really enjoy the way that this author puts a twist on the typical romance. Communication issues in a romance tend to drive me crazy, but when you’re dealing with people living seven years apart, it makes sense! I thought this took a really interesting look at how different people are at different points in their life and the difference seven years can make.

I didn’t know much about this book going in apart from my excitement over the author’s previous book and I think that going in blind is probably for the best so I don’t want to say too much. I will say that I thought this did a good job of wrapping up a challenging situation and I really enjoyed myself.

This does hit on some serious issues, trigger warnings for suicide and grief in particular. I really appreciated the author’s note at the end talking about her own experiences.

I am floored. I am in awe at the brilliance that is Ashley Poston and her otherworldly writing. I feel like I have been transported to a dreamy and swoony world like no other and I do not want to come back to reality. If you only read one book this year, make sure it’s The Seven Year Slip. All-encompassing, ethereal, and emotionally-rich, this beautifully book bewitched me. I am so besotted!

After inheriting and then moving into her late aunt’s apartment, Clementine meets Iwan. A man that steals her heart with his kind eyes and lemon pies. One small problem though…he lives in that very same apartment, seven years in the past.

I am going to keep this as vague as possible. It’s best to just immerse yourself in it and go with the flow. The story of Clementine and Iwan is immensely unique and so deeply emotional. Ashley Poston made me live an experience, and I felt so overwhelmed with so many emotions. This book is a unique romance…intoxicating, so intense, angsty and emotional, UNPUTDOWNABLE, with a poetic prose that takes your breath away. From the first pages I was totally enraptured, I devoured it.

This book was nothing less than spectacular perfection. I love stories with a magical twist and this one was wonderfully crafted. It drew me in and didn’t let me go. Much like The Dead Romantics, The Seven Year Slip has immediately landed itself onto to my top 2023 reads. Another favourite from this author who never stops impressing me!

I could not put this one down and it's definitely a 2023 favorite! I was very intrigued by the premise (I love multiple timeline stories) and Ashley Poston delivered. She balanced the humor and heartbreak so well (just like in her previous book The Dead Romantics) and I am so in love with her writing. While there is a romantic storyline that plays a significant role in the book, it's actually the love story between family, friends, and self that makes up the heart of The Seven Year Slip. The focus on Clementine's grief and chasing joy put this more into women's fiction for me than romance.

Things I enjoyed:
- Tropes like: forbidden romance/star crossed lovers elements, second chance-ish romance, amazing friend groups, multiple timelines, it's always been you
- The writing! I highlighted so many passages and related so much to what the characters were experiencing and feeling. Ashley Poston 100% nailed it.
- A thoughtful and heartfelt exploration of grief. I appreciated the message that it's OK to not be OK and that there's no wrong way to grieve.
- The discussion of themes like: chasing joy, how people grow and become new versions of themselves, letting go, and change versus routine/constancy. The things we might do intentionally/unintentionally to keep ourselves “safe” and the fear of nothing living up to the first experience again.
- I love books about books and I enjoyed seeing those behind the scenes/details and how publishing is ever changing.
- Clever nods to time and the distinction between a matter of time versus a matter of timing. The apartment being B4 was just perfect.
- The amazing friend group/found family. I especially loved the scene when Fiona went into labor and the team "mobilized" LOL
- Cameos from our Dead Romantics favorites *heart eyes*

My romantic heart did wish that we would have gotten more time with Iwan and Clementine in the present so things wouldn't have felt so instalove, but if I can believe that there's a time traveling apartment, I can believe in this too ;)

I both read the ebook and listened to the audiobook and Brittany Pressley was amazing! I loved her narration and she voiced all the characters so uniquely and wonderfully regardless of age or gender. I had no issues determining which character was speaking and I was impressed by her comedic timing and her emotional delivery. Truly a wonderful audiobook experience!

Audiobook Review
Overall 5 stars
Performance 5 stars
Story 4.5 stars

CW: death of loved ones (past, but mentioned and discussed heavily), grief, references to death by suicide, depression

*I voluntarily read and listened to an advance review copy of this book*

Really enjoyed this romance/women’s fiction!

- Unique concept (which I tried not to think too much about)… just accept it!
- I liked that the focus wasn’t entirely on the romance; there was depth and other challenges for the mc.
- Enjoyed reading about the publishing world!
- Fun/likeable supportive characters

Definitely prefer this one to THE DEAD ROMANTICS!

The Seven Year Slip by Ashley Poston
Rating: 4 stars
Steam: 1 chili
Pub Date: 6/27

The Dead Romantics was one of my top books of 2022, so it’s safe to say that I had high expectations for The Seven Year Slip. And while I didn’t love it as much as I hoped, it was still an enchanting blend of magic, time travel, and romance that I enjoyed.

After her aunt’s death, Clementine embarks on a journey to rebuild her life. She formulates a plan to guard her heart because she doesn’t think she can take another heartbreak. But her resolve is tested when she encounters a mysterious man in her new apartment, which used to belong to her aunt. Iwan has kind eyes, and he’s exactly the kind of man that Clementine would have fallen for under different circumstances. But Iwan exists seven years in the past, while Clementine resides in the present.

There is something so beautiful about Poston’s writing style. After just a few pages, I was sucked into this heartwarming story, and I needed to know how it was going to end. She effortlessly wove together the two timelines, intertwining past and present and giving us a glimpse into Clementine’s headspace when she first met Iwan seven years in the past.

The relationship between Clementine and Iwan was a whirlwind of fate, passionate cooking, and heart-melting smiles. The yearning and tension between them were palpable, making Clementine’s journey back to the present all the more heartbreaking every time. And even though it’s not a steamy read, this book is full of tension! Iwan’s sexy chef persona and the sensual way he spoke about food raised the temperature enough to make me sweat.

This book not only delivered an engaging love story but also explored the aftermath of loss. It beautifully captured the vulnerability of the characters as they navigated their feelings.

While I adored the relationship between Clementine and Iwan in the past, there seemed to be something missing for me in their present-day moments. I could have used a little more time with them in the present day to build up that connection again and make their love story more believable.

Overall, this was a delightful time-travel romance that tugged at my heartstrings. If you're a fan of magical love stories with a dash of nostalgia and plenty of yearning, this book is a must-read. Thank you so much to Berkley Publishing and NetGalley for my advanced reader copy.

Read if you like:
*magical apartments
*The Lakehouse movie
*books about books
*tattoos
*delicious food
*second chances
*a quirky heroine

It’s been a while since I’ve read a book about time travel so I was excited to read The Seven Year Slip.

Briefly…an overworked book publicist with a perfectly planned future hits a snag when she falls in love with her temporary roommate…only to discover he lives seven years in the past.

Overall I liked this one but time travel is tricky. I got confused at some parts because of how choppy scenes were. The romance was cute and just a bit spicy. BTW if you haven’t read The Dead Romantics pick it up ASAP!

How do you feel about time travel IRL or in books? 🤣

The Seven Year Slip by Ashley Poston

It's not like Clementine's aunt hadn't warned her. Her Aunt Annalea even gave her rules to live by. But Clementine is struck down by the grief of losing her beloved aunt and now she is torn between wanting nothing to do with her aunt's things and apartment and all the memories the apartment represents.

Finally what Annalea had talked about happening in this apartment happens to Clementine. All the rules firmly in her head, Clementine does a great job of breaking them. She could fall in love with this guy standing in the apartment of her aunt, the apartment of seven years ago, when he stayed a the apartment while Clementine and Annalea traveled. Just remember the rules, Clementine, and everything will be fine.

But no, Clementine falls hard and this can't work, two people from two different times. Or, can it? Even though it didn't work for Annalea, so many decades ago, I'm an optimist and I could see it happening. Forget trying to figure out how any of this happens, just slip into the time slip and accept things for what they are, a food infused story of chances and second chances. This is my first Ashley Poston and it made me hungry. I've never been one to want to wax poetic about food but I sure would like to eat the food that is discussed here.

Thank you to Berkley and NetGalley for this ARC.

My new favorite magical romance. My new favorite Ashley Poston book. Also my favorite book so far this year. You bet cha.
It took a little bit but I fell in love with this book and I feel hard. I loved the story between Clementine and James; the back and forth, the nicknames, the meet cutes, the butterflies. They were all there and I couldn't stop feeling all warm inside at there story. I think both Lemon and Iwan might both be book crushes for me I want them both to love me.
For a minute I thought I wouldn't work out between them, Ashley really tricked me there. There were also some hard times, her aunt passing and her missing the old Iwan but not seeing how great the Iwan Infront of her was.
I just didn't want to put it down in the end.

I absolutely love time travel - especially when it’s incorporated into romance!! This book gave me all of the time travel elements I look for while also delivering an amazing story with characters you can’t help but root for and a book boyfriend that will have you DROOLING.

I found this book so incredibly readable, I binged it in two sittings. This is the best book to bring to the beach/pool and let yourself get entirely sucked into - perfect for summer!

This book was paradise for a time-travel-loving, foodie reader like myself!