Overall, I really enjoyed this book. I currently am on a romance kick and this checks all the boxes. Second chance long? Check. Witty banter? Check. Spice? Check. This is absolutely a book that I would pick up off the shelf at Barnes and Noble and would highly recommend to my friends. Once this book is available for purchase, I likely will be purchasing a book so that I can reread it and so that I can loan it out to my friends. I do also think that this book checks a lot of the same boxes that would make it a very popular BookTok book.

That all said the only “critiques” that I have is that there is a mild pacing “issue” (for lack of a better word). I know that this book took place over 2 years time but sometimes it felt longer because of the plot. I still enjoyed the plot, the characters were well flushed out, it just got slow in parts, though that did not deter me from finishing the book.

***Spoilers ahead****

The other critique I have is that the idea of going back in time an interesting idea, it felt that that was forgot and then sporadically brought up at inconsistent times. At the very beginning, there was a time when Kat was talking with Elijah and he brings up the fact that his dad is a politician. Kat seems completely surprised by this fact, even though her future self should be well aware of what Elijah’s father does. Over all, it didn’t bother me but it may bother people who are way more critical than what I am.

The Very First Night follows Kat, a professional photographer who has spent the last 5 years in a tumultuous on-again/off-again relationship with her college love, Elijah. On the evening of her best friend’s wedding, Kat sees Elijah for the first time in years with his new fiancée, leaving her feeling defeated and desperate to escape. An encounter with a shooting star has her wishing to go back in time to the moment she and Elijah first met. When that wish comes true, and she wakes up in her college dorm room as a fresh-faced twenty year old, Kat seizes the opportunity to re-fall in love with Elijah. But is Elijah truly the one she wants? Or does fate have other plans?



I really enjoyed this book! I loved the magical realism/time travel aspects, which were subtle but unique. Nicole did such a beautiful job describing the scenery throughout the book! I have never been to Ohio (or Kent State University) but it felt like I was there. I also really loved Kat’s scenes/conversations with her therapist, Janet. I could feel Kat’s vulnerability leap off the page, and I love that mental health was at the forefront of her character growth.



I will say, this book is slower paced, but for me, I actually appreciated it. And I would have loved more of Kat’s story/perspective from before the time jump. But when that twist came, I gasped! I did not see it coming at all. Overall, the book was swoony, spicy, and introspective (in a very good way).



This was my very first book from Nicole Ryan, but will definitely not be my last. Don’t forget to preorder or request from your library!



Thank you to Netgalley and NRC Publishing for the arc!

this was such a whimsical and cute book! i like how Kat changes things and processes some intense topics. it was well written

Kat gets to redo the last 5 yrs of her life. She thinks that she will redo her relationship with the one that got away but fate surprises her again.

I love the magical component of the book. It's whimsical and sweet. I also really like Kat. The main characters have terrific chemistry and the banter is wonder. I like the hidden Easter eggs for Swifties too. :)

Thanks to the publisher for the arc.

"The Very First Night" is a beautifully crafted tale that takes the reader on an emotional rollercoaster, blending the whimsical notion of time travel with the raw and relatable journey of self-discovery. Kat Marritt, the protagonist, is granted an extraordinary opportunity to rewrite her past and possibly mend her heart. As she awakens five years back in her college dorm room, the narrative unfolds with a perfect blend of nostalgia and excitement.

The charm of this book lies in its Swiftie undertones and its deep dive into themes of self-worth and acceptance. The author brilliantly navigates complex family dynamics and the impact of parental abandonment, painting a vivid picture of Kat's internal and external struggles. The story doesn't shy away from portraying real and sometimes difficult relationship dynamics, making it a compelling read for those who appreciate depth and authenticity in romantic fiction.

What sets "The Very First Night" apart is its ability to resonate with readers on a personal level. Kat's journey is not just about rekindling a lost romance but about recognizing her own value and understanding what true love means. The character development is superb, and the pacing keeps you hooked from the first page to the last.

While the book does contain explicit content and touches on potentially triggering subjects, it does so with sensitivity and care. Readers are gently reminded to prioritize their mental health and skip parts that may not be conducive to their well-being.

In summary, "The Very First Night" is a heartfelt and thought-provoking novel that will leave you reflecting on your own choices and relationships. It's a must-read for fans of romance and personal growth stories, offering a perfect blend of heartache, hope, and the magic of second chances.

If you could go back in time, would you?

Years after her graduation from college, Kat finds herself at her best friend’s wedding wanting to go back and do it differently. The Very First Night follows Kat after she goes back five years to relive out her final two years at university and the three following graduation.

The Very First Night is written in a way that readers can relate to and connect with on a personal level. Author Nicole Ryan writes fantastic representations of therapy, support systems, friendship, character growth and development, and the value of self worth.

As a whole, The Very First Night was thought provoking and initiated some self-reflection. Please be sure to read the Author’s Note prior to reading.

Thank you to NetGalley and NRC Publishing for an advanced copy of The Very First Night in exchange for my honest review.


Review posted to Goodreads following reading on 5/19/24.

The Very First Night
Rating: 3.5/5
Release Date: 23 July 2024

Kat Marritt is granted an extraordinary opportunity when she wakes up five years in the past, allowing her to relive her college days and correct the mistakes she made with the one who got away. As she navigates this unexpected second chance, the story delves into themes of self-worth in relationships, parental abandonment, and complex family dynamics.

However, as the plot unfolds, Kat realises that this guy is far from perfect and may not be the right fit for her after all. Intriguingly, she finds herself drawn to her best friend, who might be the person she truly desires.

The book masterfully weaves together themes of friendship, heartbreak, and love, creating a compelling narrative that balances excitement and depth. It's a recommended read for anyone intrigued by the idea of rewriting past mistakes and exploring the complexities of relationships.

Readers should be cautious, as the book delves into relationship dynamics that may be triggering and could affect mental health. Be prepared for the emotional rollercoaster this story may evoke, as it can surely tug at your heartstrings!

Thank you so much to NetGalley, NRC Publishing, and the author, Nicole Ryan, for providing me with an ARC copy in exchange for an honest and fair review.

I love stories about second chances. Ryan crafted an impressive set of characters and a fun book to get lost in. I enjoyed it. Thanks to NetGalley for the ARC.

Title: The Very First Night by Nicole Ryan

Release Date: July, 23rd, 2024

⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️Stars

Kat Marritt is granted a remarkable opportunity when she wakes up five years in the past, with the chance to relive her college days and correct the mistakes she made with the one who got away. As she navigates this unexpected second chance, the story explores themes of self-worth in relationships, parental abandonment, and complex family dynamics.

"The Very First Night" offers a captivating premise where Kat gets the chance to revisit the moment she met her supposed soulmate in college.

However, as the plot progresses, Kat discovers that this guy is far from perfect and may not be the right fit for her after all. Interestingly, she finds herself drawn to her best friend, who could be the person she truly desires.

The book masterfully weaves together themes of friendship, heartbreak, and love, creating a compelling narrative that strikes a balance between excitement and depth. I'd recommend this read to anyone intrigued by the idea of rewriting past mistakes and exploring the complexities of relationships.


Readers should be cautious as the book delves into relationship dynamics that may be triggering and could affect mental health. I would also recommend that you be prepared for a rollercoaster of emotions that this story may evoke. It can surely tug at your heartstrings!


Thank you to The Publisher NRC Publishing,The Author Nicole Ryan& NetGalley for an advanced reader copy (ARC) in exchange for my honest review.

You can just tell the author is a Swifty not even because of the Playlist but just because of the vibes. I'm not mad at the vibes tho.

I was looking for a super cute NA novel that had relatable characters but also was just fluffy and nothing over the top serious happens. This was just what I was looking for! The overall plot is something we have all wished we’d be given the ability to do. We follow Kat where she is able to go back to college to the first moment she met the guy she believes is the one. As we learn throughout the story this guy is a walking red flag and is something that she realizes. What she doesn’t realize is how her best friend turns into the exact person she’s ever wanted. This book is full of fun friendships, heartbreaks, spice and love. I’d recommend this to my readers that don’t want anything to intense that has the right about of spice and gets to live out a thing we all have wished we would have the chance to do!