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!