The conclusion evoked strong emotions, providing a sense of profound closure and healing.

Eden's resilience is truly remarkable, and my admiration for her is immense. Josh's patience and empathy were truly commendable.

This book left a powerful impact - the journey of growth and healing was truly remarkable. The communication between Eden and Josh was deeply engaging and heartfelt.

I can't help but feel an overwhelming sense of pride for Eden, wishing I could convey directly just how strong and extraordinary she truly is.

As someone who loved The Way I Used to Be, I was both incredibly excited and incredibly nervous about this sequel. Overall, I don't think it was awful. However, the pacing left me wanting more. This book tries to tackle so many topics, all that deserve time and consideration, but the fast pacing doesn't allow for the book to tackle them in depth. I loved Eden and Josh's story in the first book, and I loved getting to dive back into this universe again. I just wanted more.

Eden is in her senior year, still trying to cope with the aftermath of her assault and the potential case against Kevin. Her friends take her to a concert, where she quickly exits to avoid a panic attack and runs into Josh. This story follows Eden and Josh having a second chance now that she’s older, and follows the lead up to Eden’s time to testify. Josh is genuinely a great guy, but he may be in over his head with how to handle this, especially while trying to deal with his sober dad trying to make amends.

I was so thankful to be approved to read this story on here, especially because of how important the first book was to me. This book was no different. I cried all throughout and was just so proud of both of the characters and how far they have come / how far they’re going. Absolutely amazing and impactful writing by Amber Smith. Thank you.

Wow. I couldn’t want to read this book after reading the first. So much emotion was packed into this and I highly recommend people read both books!

This was another popular book that I just could not get into. The first book is about SA in high school, and though the FMC finds her way through it (sort-of), in this book she goes back to a previous boyfriend, who leaves his girlfriend to go back to this crazy girl. It is just distasteful and, quite frankly, disgusting to all SA survivors. The cheating element also turned my stomach in the first book, and in this one, the characters never quite vibe.

“But maybe we can only accept the love we think we deserve.”

This book took my on an emotional rollercoaster and I loved it so much.

I initially listened to the “The Way I Used To Be” audiobook when I was going through a rough time in my life. That book felt relatable on so many levels that I loved how it ended, but obviously wanted to see Eden find the closure & happiness she deserves so much.

Receiving the ARC for this book was honestly something I really needed right now. Being able to continue Eden’s story and see her progress through her trauma is something I believe that everyone needs to know is possible. This book focused on her relationship with Josh, yes, but it also made sure to highlight how SA trauma and familial issues don’t just go away when you acknowledge their presence. I appreciate how every hardship both Eden and Josh went through was seen throughout the novel rather than simply overcome through love. It’s honestly nice to see struggles and to see issues rather than just seeing one conquer the other.

Their relationship is something I honestly strive to have. It’s not perfect and they have their issues — but it’s important to realize that relationship problems are not something that you can avoid,, and overall it was these issues that made them one of my favorite fictional couples to date.

Eden and Josh will forever have my heart,, and I can’t wait to get a physical copy because I genuinely want to annotate a book for once.

This was exactly what I was afraid would happen.

The Way I Used To Be is such a special book to me. I've reread it many times over the years since 2016 and each time I never fail to cry. Normally a book like that would have gotten 5 stars from me (and it probably would have if I'd read it now as someone older). However at that time, I felt unsatisfied despite loving it so much, simply because Eden and Josh never ended up together.

So to learn that there would be a sequel where they get another chance... you have no idea what it did to me. I can't even begin to describe how it felt to read an early copy. But these 2 books have always been more than just books to me.

I dived into this almost immediately after getting the ARC and devoured in just as little time, partly because it was very fast-paced. Too fast, in fact. While this made for bingeable reading, I don't think it spent enough time sufficiently exploring everything it tried to cover (which was a lot of things).

Despite a promising start, things just kept going downhill, as did my rating. The third-act conflict was downright ridiculous with both Eden and Josh being extremely juvenile. By then, I just felt so done. None of the side characters were memorable or had any personality. The book also focused on the romance more than anything else, which was disappointing.

Maybe not every book needs a sequel 😕 This one definitely did not have the same level of heart and chemistry of the first. Eden deserved better. We deserved better.

The Way I am Now is the sequel to The Way I Used to Be. It's Eden and Josh's chance at love in a different city but the tragic affects of Eden's rape follows them there. Eden's rape case may or may not go to trial. She has to make statements to the court rehashing the horrible night that negatively affects her but she pushes though while going to college, working and building a relationship with Josh.

The building of Eden and Josh's romantic story is sweet and sad. You cheer for it to be a success and go on an emotional journey with them. The contents of this book can be difficult for some readers and triggering.

I am wrecked. This book is everything, and I am so happy Eden and Josh got another chance at their happy ending. It was everything I needed after The Way I Used to Be. Thank you to Amber Smith for writing this! <3 all the stars.

Eden and Josh were meant for each other, despite the harrowing circumstances that brought them together and the obstacles that kept them apart - we knew (hoped against hope) that things really would turn out in their favor. Time has passed, Eden is struggling through her senior year with unfulfilling relationships at home, with supposed boyfriend, and with herself as the legal proceedings for her attacker loom ever closer until chance once again brings them in proximity... what now?

This is the story of Eden growing into herself, catching a glimpse of the woman she can be, alongside the man that makes her feel safe. But Eden is not fully healed, and as the stress and strain of her new life in college and the trial take over she makes some bad decisions, and Josh tries to navigate the minefield of public perception without giving away Eden's secrets and her fragile dignity.

Eden is always so vulnerable and real in her mental and physical struggle, she is messy, inconsistent, human, funny, sad, frustrating and honest and after loving The Way I Used To Be, this is the sequel I was hoping for. Eden and Josh fans will not be disappointed.

Thank you NetGalley, Amber Smith, and Margaret K. McElderry Books for the arc.

I really enjoyed this book. Definitely need to read the first book to follow along with this one.
Every relationship deserves a second chance.

The Way I Am Now is the sequel to Amber Smith's New York Times bestseller, The Way I Used to Be. In the first book, Eden and Josh are high school students who fall in love, but their relationship is complicated by Eden's trauma from a sexual assault. In the sequel, Eden and Josh are now in college, and they're finally getting a chance to build a relationship without all the baggage from their past.

But even though Eden is trying to move on, the trauma of her assault still haunts her. She has nightmares, she's anxious and depressed, and she's struggling to trust people. Josh is patient and understanding, but he can't always help Eden when she's struggling.

The Way I Am Now is a realistic and honest portrayal of the journey to healing from trauma. It's not a pretty journey, and it's not always easy, but it's one that Eden is determined to make.

One of the things I love most about this book is Eden's character. She's strong, resilient, and brave. She's not perfect, but she's trying her best, and she's an inspiration to anyone who has ever been through trauma.

Another thing I love about this book is the relationship between Eden and Josh. It's a healthy, supportive relationship, and it's clear that they love and care for each other deeply. Josh is a great boyfriend, and he's one of the reasons why Eden is able to heal.

Overall, I think The Way I Am Now is a powerful and moving book. It's a must-read for anyone who has ever been through trauma, or who knows someone who has.

I enjoyed this book so much!
Josh and Eden are the best, not every relationship is perfect and that’s why I love them together because it feels real. I’m glad this sequel was made 🫶🏽


Thank you so much Amber Smith, NetGalley, and Simon & Schuster for the ARC of this book! I’m beyond grateful!

This book was beautiful. It touched on many realistic topics such as sexual assault, first love, betrayal and the teenage experience, but most importantly personal growth and standing up for yourself amidst the storm. And I loved how the author didn’t glossed over them. It touched me.

5 stars

Ugh! Amber Smith tore our hearts out and messed with our minds in 2016, and now she's back to stick the knife in again. And yes, fellow sadistic reader, you will like it again!

First, while this book *could* be read as a standalone, that's the absolute wrong approach. To really appreciate this one, readers must begin, well, at the beginning, with _The Way I Used to Be_. Read all of the warnings for both books. It'll be a traumatic ride for the characters and for the reader, but it will be worth it.

In this latest installment, Eden is heading off to college, which really is a remarkable feat considering what she has had to deal with over the past few years. She is understandably still struggling to process her experiences, and it is fascinating to see the ways in which she thrives and overcomes and the areas in which she does not. It's impossible NOT to root for Josh and her because they have both been through too much and also are strangely adorable together. And that is perhaps the greatest feat of this book: that Smith manages to pull off a sweet, kind of steamy romance in the midst of real terror and processing.

This isn't an easy read but like its predecessor, it's going to be of great assistance to countless readers who encounter Eden's story and better understand their own (or that of someone close to them).

Highly recommended for readers who have read the warnings and can manage the content.

This book managed to perfectly capture heartbreak, growth, adversity, and eventual perseverance. Smith managed to discuss a sensitive topic in a respectful and thoughtful manner. To see both Eden and Josh grow was everything I needed after The Way I Used to Be. I loved the realistic components - that being, that sexual assault isn't just "solved" or overcome in a night. I love each of their characters and fell in love with their own personal journeys - both as a couple and individually. This book is a MUST!

This sequel seems so much worth the wait. Amber Smith's prose is beautiful. It's evocative and emotional and everything that I want in a novel. And that ending was so bitter sweet. Loved and enjoyed it.

I was worried about this one, truly.
The first in this series broke my fucking heart over and over.
I was nervous as could be but also so so thrilled when I got accepted for this ARC.

The way I cried during this book.
The RELIEF, THE LOVE, THE GOD DAMN BEAUTIFUL JOURNEY.

Whatever Amber Smith writes, I'm buying. Immediately.

I recently finished reading The Way I Am Now, a book written by Amber Smith, and I must say it was a captivating read. Although it took me a little while to get into the story, once I did, I found myself unable to put it down. The book was packed with so much emotion and heartache, but it showed how anything can be achieved with the support of friends and family. Interestingly, I started reading this book without revisiting the synopsis that made me choose it in the first place (as I usually do). It wasn't until I finished reading it that I realized it was actually the second book in a series. Nonetheless, I still loved the characters and I am definitely going to read the first book as well.

Finally, I want to express my gratitude to NetGalley and the publisher for providing me with the ARC ebook that I read and reviewed.

Thank you to NetGalley for the ARC! I loved "The Way I Used to Be" by Amber Smith as it validated so many of my reactions to my own assaults. So I was BEYOND thrilled that we could continue evolving with Eden! When I finished this book I was again struck by the wonderful job that Amber Smith does with showing the way someone could react to an assault. It may not be everyone's reaction but Eden's road to recovery made me feel so seen! It was great to revisit old characters, reminisce about moments in the first book, and continue to grow with them. I am impressed that Amber was able to write the continuation of a story years after the original writing and keep true to the original story and characters. Often when there is a gap of time in between writings an author will make mistakes and I was relieved to find this was not the case, just like with "The Way I Used to Be" I was left wanting more. I want more Eden and more of the whole cast!