Thank you to NetGalley, Gayau Productions, and Baylin Wing for the opportunity to read Seen Her Year in exchange for an honest review.

This is a very VERY slow-burn teen romance following the perspectives of Kayla and Aiden. After starting the book, I was curious about any other works Wing may have produced (the reasons of which I will explain later), and found that she has a Webtoon comic that began Kayla and Aiden's story. I actually enjoyed the storytelling with the Webtoon more than how the novel is portrayed, and I think that has a lot to do with the writing style and descriptions versus seeing visual art. Unfortunately, the Webtoon is incomplete, but at least Seen Her Year the novel gives a complete story for these two characters (that some have been following for many years, while others may just be learning about this story because of the novel).

Kayla always feels second, never first. When it comes to her sister, her sports team, and her best friends, she can never be good enough for them. Her feelings are different when she overhears Aiden being broken up with by his girlfriend, Emma. Kayla isn't sure how to respond, but she later admits to hearing the private affair. Rumors go around school making Aiden look like the bad guy, but at least Kayla knows the truth. This connection brings them to hang out more often and grow closer and closer in their friendship.

The entire novel, they basically pine after each other, both afraid to make things awkward between them because of how much time they like spending together; there is fear that neither will like the other. There are quite a few misinterpretations of information that cause a lot of drama, but hopefully they will find the courage! It's senior year, after all. They should make the most of it.

Favorite aspect: Though there were MANY romance cliches, they were really part of what drove the story and offered some really intense tension and suspense that I knew would be resolved, but enjoyed the frustration in the moment as a reader. Some of the interactions were a bit awkward and off, but I also consider my own high school days and see myself as the more reserved Kayla type who would NEVER admit to liking someone. But I also consider that I would have moved to kissing a lot faster than...an entire year!!!!!!

Least Favorite Aspect: The writing. Was. Not. Good. The writing is actually what made me want to learn more about the author and how I found her Webtoon (which is great!). The dialogue was mostly fine, but the descriptions were so lacking that I was often confused at where the characters were or what exactly they were doing at times. More sensual details and descriptions would have really bumped this up. I think this is why I enjoyed the Webtoon more too. The author has a nice craft with dialogue and visual art that offers certain details or expressions, whereas the book often lacked or the descriptions of feelings didn't quite match the same meaning that the facial expressions offered in the Webtoon. It was just a bit off-putting. Also, I NEVER want to see the word "wanna" outside of dialogue EVER again.

Overall it was an enjoyable teen novel that really has the anime-esque feel to it. Readers who like light novels may enjoy this one, and those who are cool with very minimal physical romantic elements (just in case you have certain expectations) will enjoy. I would call this a great light romance for teen readers.

This book is great for young teens especially in those awkward preteen years! The main characters are easy to relate to and easy to understand. The story touches on their anxiety quite a bit as well as showcases the FMC’s desire to please her family in an effort to keep the peace. The only thing I didn’t like was the FMC inner and (sometimes) outer dialogue. It felt very, very immature, to the point of it being a bit cringey and unrealistic. However, overall this is a book that I believe many will enjoy! 😊

Cute ya romance. Funny and sweet throughout! Kayla and Aiden are both such nice people that give off sunshine vibes.

I love Aiden and Kayla. Both are sweet and fun. I love them together. They are both supportive of each other. I appreciate that at first a friendship grows between them and then it turns into something more.

However, I wish there was more focus on their individual lives so we could get to know them better on a personal level. While their characters have depth, it feels like there’s still something missing.

Overall, I enjoyed the writing—it’s fun and easy to read. The epilogue fast-forwards to many years in the future, giving us a glimpse into their lives later on.

3.5 stars ⭐

Review posted on Instagram page : @rainbooksandstories

thank you Victory Editing/NetGalley for sending me this eARC

For me, I really enjoyed the depth of the characters and them being able to own up to their mistakes and words. Some of the conversations (like where Kayla stood up to Aiden’s dad) seemed like it would take way way more courage than what a high schooler has to stand up to them. It was a great palate cleanser from what I typically read!

I recommend this book to the YA crowd!

I liked Kayla and Aiden, it was a cute story Ya, very soft romance, each one with their own struggles and problems but came to a moment that was a bit repetitive on what's out there.. I know my youngest self would had adore this one but my older felt it was a bit simple

A cute, fun slow burn YA that had humor and excellent writing throughout I couldn't put it down once I started!

Seen Her Year is told in joint narrative between our two protagonists: Kayla & Aiden. Both dealing with their our struggles we see them in their senior year finding solace in each other as they navigate the epic highs and lows of high school ( football, friendships, relationships and more). These two go on a journey of discovering each other while also finding themselves, and the version they want to be, not just the poster image of themselves that has been forced upon them by their friends, family and the school community at large.

As an aside, I really enjoyed the illustrations and artwork, and a truly gooey YA romance.

Thank you to the publishers and netgalley for an early arc in exchange for an honest review.

This is a YA kisses only romance. With it being a YA book I felt like there was too many uses of the F-word. Also the story seemed to drag a bit. It definitely a slow burn but I felt like there was soo much added stuff that wasn’t necessarily needed. and maybe it was just my schools i attended but some of the events in the book seemed unrealistic. It was still cute and I loved that they finally got brave to express themselves. I can learn from that as an adult haha. Overall I’d recommend if you want as they i think they call a palate cleanser.

I read this courtesy of NetGalley for an honest review

I have to say, when I first started this book I was unsure about it; some things didn't make sense to me, like the last day of class before summer and there's mention of taking notes for a final? But pushing that aside I kept going and really started to enjoy it. It was a really slow burn but the interactions throughout and the growth of the characters made the journey worth it. Who didn't agonize internally over maybe they did or said something wrong as a teenager? It really brought out an authentic feel and highlighted anxiety which is fantastic. Kayla had such growth of putting herself out there and correcting mistakes, I loved that about her. She apologized when she was wrong and learned to speak her mind; her talk with Kevin was really heartwarming. The games they played at a school rally were so descriptive and seemed so fun, I loved how the author included diagrams of how they were played at the end as well, such a nice touch! It was also great how Aiden's friends kind of adopted her and thought so highly of her. Aiden himself was such a sweetie, I liked how he grew from his hurt and owned up to his faults as well. The epilogue was so sweet and exactly what I want in an epilogue, the future past their schooling.

This was a sweet YA romance. The pacing was a bit off at times to me, but if you’re in the mood for an endearing slow burn romance this is a solid option.

Seen Her Year by Baylin Wing is a heartfelt and compelling tale that delves into the intricate emotions of teenage life and the transformative power of unexpected connections. The story centers around Kayla Summers, a thoughtful yet misunderstood girl who has grown weary of always feeling like the second choice. Determined to avoid further disappointment, she keeps people at arm's length. However, an unintended eavesdropping on the dramatic breakup of an old crush changes the course of her senior year.

Aiden McLaren, the emotionally drained football star, is reeling from unmet expectations and a painful betrayal by his girlfriend. Love is the last thing on his mind until Kayla steps into his life, offering the comfort and understanding he didn't realize he needed. Their chance encounter blossoms into a relationship that challenges both to confront their insecurities and fears.

Baylin Wing masterfully captures the nuanced journey of two individuals learning to trust and open up again. The character development is profound, with Kayla and Aiden's personal growth paralleling their deepening connection. The author weaves themes of self-worth, resilience, and the courage to embrace vulnerability throughout the narrative, creating a story that is both relatable and inspiring.

The prose is eloquent and passionate, drawing readers into the tumultuous world of high school relationships and the pivotal moments that define us. Baylin's portrayal of senior year as a time of possibility and change adds an exciting backdrop to Kayla and Aiden's story.

Seen Her Year is more than a typical young adult romance; it's a touching exploration of healing and the impact one person can have on another's life. This novel is a must-read for anyone who appreciates authentic characters and a story that resonates on a deeper emotional level. Baylin Wing has penned a memorable narrative that stays with you long after you've turned the last page.

Some aspects of the writing threw me off, particularly the exaggerated reactions and frequent use of exclamation points. While I understand the author’s attempt to portray overthinking and anxiety, a more nuanced approach could have made the characters’ emotions feel more authentic.

That being said, the book excels in exploring the characters' deeper struggles. Kayla’s journey especially resonated with me. Her fear of not being a priority in her friendships felt raw and genuine. The constant questioning of whether to stay in unfulfilling relationships, even when it drains you, is something many readers will recognize. The book effectively captures that tension—how hard it can be to break free from these cycles when they’ve been part of your life for so long.

Aiden, meanwhile, faces his own set of challenges. Despite being the popular kid, he has deep seated feelings of inadequacy, which are only exacerbated by his father's toxic expectations. These insecurities mirror Kayla’s own struggles, allowing them to connect on a deeper level. Their bond is portrayed not as a magical fix but as a genuine source of mutual growth and understanding. The story skillfully balances their individual development with the gradual evolution of their romance, making their relationship feel satisfying by the time it comes together.

While the book definitely has its flaws, it also has standout moments that make it memorable. If you appreciate stories that delve into emotional struggles and interpersonal relationships, this book is definitely worth your time.

Thank you to Voracious Readers Only and NetGalley for the arc in exchange for my review.

This was a very slow romance story between two high school classmates. There were some confusing parts to the story. The fathers of the two teens were awful characters. I was very disappointed that there was no follow up on them or their relationship with their children. I also didn’t like that both teens suffered from anxiety but nothing was done about this. The good parts was that Kayla and Aidan were great characters and I liked them together. The epilogue was amazing. I was thankful that the author thought of ending the story in a cute way. Overall, it was a nice, clean, and enjoyable romance book. Thank you to the publisher and NetGalley for my ARC in exchange for my review.

“She makes it feel good to just be me. That I’m somehow enough.”

Just as heartwarming as marketed, Seen Her Year is a slow-burn romance as well as a story of blossoming friendships and healing. <3 I absolutely adored the interactions between Kayla and Aiden, also my heart glowed as they found solace in each other. :’) Regarding the portrayal of anxiety in this book, I think it is quite well done, enabling the reader to truly connect with the characters. I only wish Ms. Baylin Wing would have delved more into Aiden’s relationship with his father and how his father’s unmeetable expectations affected him. Furthermore, I gave this book three stars because I think it is a wonderful debut, but I do not feel any sort of emotional connection to it. This is not the fault of the author, but rather a reflection of my struggle to find contemporary romance books that I deem truly exceptional. Anyway, I still recommend reading Seen Her Year, which contains minimal swearing and no spice beyond tension/kisses, if the book description entices you xoxo

p.s. thank you Victory Editing/NetGalley for providing me with this arc of Seen Her Year<3

p.ss. I’m excited to read the webtoon version of this book!