Tia Williams has easily become one of my favorite authors. After reading her books I feel in love with her writing style she has a way of pulling you into the story. Her description of what is happening along with what the characters are feeling draws you in completely to the story. In reading Audre & Bash are Just Friends I was catapulted back into my high school years, all of the feels while I read. I was able to relate to many of the feelings of Audre and even Bash. This book shows so many different vantage points of the characters that hit home for me. Attempting to fit into a mold of perfection while trying to be yourself can be difficult in both your teen years and your adult years. The stories of each character in this book was well written, easy to follow without over and under telling the story as well. This book overall gave such amazing feelings a young love story as well as we watch the continued love story of the parents that makes you fall in love with this book.

If Tia Williams writes it, I will read it. This story made me laugh, and reflect on the challenges that come with being 17. It was also awesome to see some progression of Audre’s story since Seven Days in June. Overall, this was a cute, comfortable read I would absolutely recommend.

Thank you Little, Brown Books for Young Readers , Tia Williams, and NetGalley for providing this ARC in exchange for an honest review.

As someone who’s been an anxious perfectionist since birth, there were parts of this book that felt deeply personal to me, especially the portrayal of anxiety and mental health. Tia Williams handles those themes with thoughtfulness and authenticity.

That said, about 20% in, I started to feel unsure about how much I’d enjoy the book. I was frustrated by a few elements, mainly the way the adult characters were written. Eva, who I loved in Seven Days in June, seemed to have a completely different personality here. It was a bit jarring. Bash’s parents also felt exaggerated to the point of being caricatures, which made some scenes feel less grounded. The plot device of Audre working with Bash on the list felt a little forced at first as well.

But I’m so glad I stuck with it. What the story grows into is heartfelt and rich. Audre and Bash are both incredibly complex and emotionally mature characters, and their relationship is written with so much care. For a YA romance, this book doesn't shy away from heavy topics, and it handles them beautifully. The emotional depth, especially around mental health, made it a memorable read.

Overall, I would recommend this book to lovers of YA romance. It has some really cute moments, and I genuinely enjoyed the two main characters.

"Audre and Bash Are Just Friends" by Tia Williams is an evocative young adult novel that resonates with readers of all ages. With its authentic portrayal of teenage struggles and triumphs, the story gently transported me back to my own high school years, making it a truly nostalgic experience.

Audre's journey of self-discovery is at the heart of this narrative. Her evolution from a confused young girl to someone who finds her own voice and identity is beautifully portrayed. This transformation is both inspiring and relatable, highlighting the universal struggle of finding oneself amidst the chaos of adolescence. As I read, I found myself wanting to hug Audre for her vulnerability and courage, while also wanting to shake her in moments of frustration. Her struggles with self-esteem and friendship were depicted so vividly that they resonated with my own teenage experiences.

Bash, on the other hand, is a standout character whose depth and development added richness to the story. His complex layers and the gradual unfolding of his true self made me root for him even more as the story progressed. Bash's interactions with Audre are filled with genuine emotion and complexity, adding a layer of realism to their "just friends" relationship that is both engaging and endearing.

Despite being targeted towards a young adult audience, "Audre and Bash Are Just Friends" tackles heavy topics that both teenagers and adults can relate to. Themes of identity, friendship, and self-discovery are explored with maturity and depth, making the novel a meaningful read for anyone who has ever struggled to find their place in the world.

Tia Williams once again delivers an amazing story that captivates and resonates on many levels. Her ability to craft relatable characters and genuine narratives is truly commendable, making "Audre and Bash Are Just Friends" a must-read for anyone who enjoys a heartfelt and impactful story. I highly recommend this book to readers looking for an emotional journey and a reminder of the challenges and triumphs of adolescence.

Okayyyy this book is SO FREAKING cute! Seven Days in June is one of my all time favorite books and Audre, is Eva’s oldest daughter. Audre is class president, and enjoys acting as a therapist for her friends. She decides she needs more experience in order to better advise her friends.
Bash is tall, handsome, and loves to have a good time. He agrees to help Audre and for there their relationship grows. I loved the NYC summertime setting and the story is told from mostly Audre’s POV and a few others as well. I loved all the characters and enjoyed seeing their growth throughout the book. Tia covers some heavy topics such a mental health, identity, changing family dynamics, and the struggles of being a teenage which she handled with care. The witting banter was great and I don’t remember the last time I laughed so much while reading a book.

After reading Seven Days in June, I was so excited to learn there’d be a spin-off centered on Audre—I couldn’t wait to dive back into her world.

Audre and Bash Are Just Friends is a charming, heartfelt YA love story that follows a girl who’s always been the picture of perfection as she tries to break out of her shell and truly live during one summer in New York. It delicately explores anxiety, the complexities of friendship, and the weight of family dynamics.

Coming in with background from Seven Days in June, I was curious to see where the characters had landed. I’ll admit, Eva’s behavior frustrated me at times, but I appreciated the journey she went on and the growth she showed by the end—it felt real and necessary.

The romance between Audre and Bash perfectly captures the awkward, thrilling uncertainty of high school love—the constant overthinking, the fear of being too vulnerable, and the anxiety of hiding your feelings from your parents. It reminded me so much of what it’s like to be young and unsure, but also hopeful.

Audre’s friendship with Reshma was tough to watch unfold. At times, I felt Audre deserved more, but I also recognized Reshma’s efforts, even if they were messy and imperfect. It added a layer of realism I appreciated.

Huge thanks to NetGalley for the advanced digital copy! I definitely recommend this one to fans of Seven Days in June and Tia Williams—especially if Audre’s story stayed with you like it did with me.

Audre & Bash Are Just Friends was a well-written book! I went into this book with no expectations...I haven't read Seven Days in June yet. Readers who have read that book will have a better understanding of the motivations behind Audre's mother, Eva. I felt like my reading experience wasn't hindered not knowing Eva's history. I really enjoyed Williams' writing. As someone who works with teens, I felt like Audre and Bash were realistic characters. I liked how relatable they were. They were dealing with some heavy feelings and circumstances. Williams did a fantastic job creating characters readers will empathize with. I found myself relating with Audre and her desire to be perfect. I enjoyed Bash and Audre's journey and character development. I adored Bash. He was a misunderstood softie! His story with his dad was heartbreaking and all too real for queer kids. Bash and Audre's romance was cute! I adored their text exchanges. The side characters (Reshma and Clio) were amusing and added an extra layer of (fun) drama to the story. I wasn't the biggest fan of Reshma having her own chapters. I felt like those chapters messed up the pacing of the story. They did not seem necessary. I also felt like the whole Sparrow storyline didn't need to be dragged out. It felt anticlimactic and not needed. This was my first book by Tia Williams. I enjoyed her YA story and plan on reading one of her adult books.

This was a really cute story! I’m usually not into YA books but I felt like this would be a great book to read especially since I read Seven Days in June (I’ve been desperate for a peek into what happened with Eva and Shane). I love that Tia Williams was able to carve out this cute teenage love story and also give us a look into what Audre had going on. Really reminds me of what it’s like to be a teenager. Also, Thanks Little, Brown Books for the ARC! This was my first one of many hopefully, so I loved that for me! =) I will definitely be buying to officially published version next month for my collection!

Seriously so cute. I love Bash. And also really liked the storyline with Audre’s best friend. I think this will have a better impact if you’ve read Seven Days In June so you get Eva and Shane’s story, too.

Thanks to Little Brown Books through NetGalley for the ARC!

This was a cute story! I really liked the easy going tone and how Audre's character translated from how she was in Seven Days In June. I think the book does a great job at portraying the complicated role of being a teenager, especially one whose entire life has been seemingly upended by her family dynamic.

I thought Audre and Bash were so cute and thinking back on when I was a teen, it felt so relatable!

One thing that felt a little clunky for me was the shift in storylines (from Audre to Bash to Reshma). I personally feel as though the entire Reshma storyline was unnessary and didn't add anything.

I also had a hard time wrapping my mind about how Eva was portrayed after falling in love with her character in Seven Days in June. I do, however, feel that portrayal was necessary for this particular story.

Overall, great read! It was lighthearted but real and I loved the extension of a book I already loved so much.

“Audre knew too much about human nature, was the thing. She knew why people acted the way they did, and what choices cause which outcomes. How do you let go and just…live…when you knew how every story ended?”

This may be my new favorite YA Romamce.

What I liked:

Ever since 7 Days in June, I’ve been hoping for more Audre. This book was exactly what I needed. Audre is a few years older, with some new issues, including a baby sister she didn’t ask for or really want.

Audre & Bash’s friendship blossomed so beautifully throughout the book. I love how Audre brought Bash back down to Earth a bit, and how Bash helped Audre really live.

Audre & Eva’s new relationship challenges were a layer that added so much depth. They aren’t the super tight knit team we met in 7 Days, but watching them navigate and work through these issues made the resolutions so much better. In 7 Days we see Audre & Eva’s relationship only through Eva’s eyes, and I loved getting that same relationship through Audre’s eyes.

What didn’t work for me:

Nothing

I loved this one so much! After falling head over heels for Seven Days in June, I knew I had to read Audre & Bash Are Just Friends the moment it was released — and Little, Brown Books was kind enough to bless me with an advanced copy that absolutely delivered!

It had been a while since I read Seven Days in June, and honestly, I struggle to remember what I read yesterday, so I was a bit fuzzy on some details at first. But once I settled in, little glimpses of Eva and Shane’s story came back to me, and spending some extra time with them in this book felt like such a lovely reunion.

Now, we already knew Audre Zora Maya Mercy-Moore was a force to be reckoned with when we met her in Eva’s book, but wow, she truly shines in her own story! Audre’s sharp wit, strong sense of self, and vulnerability made her such a standout character. And Bash? Oh, I adored him from the start! His sweet, go-with-the-flow nature balanced Audre’s fiery energy perfectly. Their dynamic felt so authentic, and despite this being a YA romance, their emotional depth and maturity made it feel just as impactful as any adult love story.

This book was everything — I laughed, I cried, and I felt that nostalgic pang of remembering my own first love. Tia Williams beautifully captured the joy, heartache, and all-consuming emotions of being a teenager just trying to find her place in the world. It was truly such a treat, and I can’t recommend it enough!

This was the cutest book for young adult readers! It centers around Audre and 'Bash" /Sebastian who moved to their school district in the last quarter of his senior year of high school. Audre is a senior as well who lives with her mom, baby sister and soon to be step dad. She normally spends summers with her dad on the west coast, and is disappointed when it doesn't happen this year.
In her time in NY, she gets to know Bash as she hires him to be a 'fun' consultant for her. During this journey, she finds out that everything being told about him isn't true. She also discovers some truths of her own as it pertains to her mother and grandmother.
Definitely a cute book that both young adults, as well as older readers can enjoy.
Thank you to #netgalley for this #arc

Audre & Bash Are Just Friends was such a cute and appropriately dramatic YA Romance that felt realistic for its targeted audience. The story follows Audre, a 16-year-old Brooklyner as she undergoes an "Experience Challenge" to help her relax and more fully participate in the teenage experience before beginning to apply for college admissions. With the help of our MMC & local "bad boy," Bash Henry, Audre slowly starts to complete a list of exciting dares over the course of the summer. But as Audre and Bash begin to spend more time together, their strictly platonic relationship beings to blossom into something more.

I really enjoyed this book! Tia Williams shaped Audre (who we first met as a tween in Seven Days in June) in to her own in this novel. She's feels well fleshed out, facing real life anxieties and parental/societal pressure. I enjoyed how realistic her point of view was. Through Audre, Bash, and the rest of the supporting characters, readers are reminded of what being a teenager was like. The emotions and the dramatics feel over the top at times while reading this, but that's because when you're 16, 17, 18, those emotions ARE over the top. You have very little frame of reference for what you're feeling, so everything feels big. I liked that Tia didn't shy away from embracing that.

I also found being on the opposite side of the mother/daughter relationship than what we saw in Seven Days in June interesting (& sometimes infuriating). There were so many points in this book that I wanted to smack some sense into Eva. It was a nice reminder that adults can make mistakes too, and that there are always two sides to an interaction, no matter what good intent may be behind the surface. I was satisfied with how Audre and Eva's relationship resolved.

And finally, let's touch on the romance! I felt like I was falling in love for the first time. Audre and Bash were so adorable! The way we got to experience their connection grow felt so natural. The pining and tension was realistic for the age demographic without being too mature. I found it tasteful, honest, and absolutely charming.

I was taken out of the story a handful of times with the Smurf relic. Was it a lunchbox? A phone? What is it?? I am also not a fan of third act breakups, so the fact that we got TWO? I wasn't a fan. I understand the reasoning behind them, but it did ruin some of the magic for me. But for those to be my only cons- I'd say that speaks volumes for this book. I thoroughly enjoyed it!

I absolutely adored this book. Getting to spend time in Audre’s head was everything I knew I needed. She’s the kind of main character I gravitate toward—smart, sharp, and gloriously unapologetic. If you’re a fan of characters like Kiki from Honey & Spice or Chiamaka from Ace of Spades, then you’ll fall head over heels for Audre too. That same baddie energy—fierce, layered, and refreshingly real—is all over these pages, and it’s something we don’t get nearly enough of in stories centering Black girls.

Audre’s snarky wit (even when aimed at Eva!) had me grinning constantly. Her voice was so distinct, and her presence commanded every page in the best way. While this isn’t a direct sequel to Seven Days in June, it’s such a rich and thoughtful companion. It gives us the other side of the Shane and Eva chaos, showing how those turbulent moments ripple into Audre’s life and emotions. The depth added to their family dynamic made me appreciate the original novel even more.

The whole vibe of the book had strong Grown-ish energy—in the best way. And let’s talk about Bash: he is absolutely the literary equivalent of Luca. If you loved Luca’s laid-back charm, his quiet intelligence, and his lowkey style, get ready to kick your feet and giggle, because Bash brings all of that.

Ultimately, this is more than just a love story (though the romance definitely delivers). It’s a beautiful exploration of self-discovery, perfectionism, shifting family dynamics, and figuring out who you are when everything around you is changing. I adored every second of it.

For the target demographic this book will hit really well, but for me, this book called me old in so many ways! For real, though, I wanted to read this because I really loved Seven Days in June and was so intrigued by Audre and the relationship she and Eva had. And I really did enjoy this book, despite how old this made me feel!

Set in New York City and taking place over the summer between Audre's junior and senior years of high school, Audre & Bash are Just Friends takes the list trope and runs with it in a way that I truly delighted in. An untrained but highly educated therapist to her friends, Audre is convinced that maybe her advice would hit better if she spoke from a little more lived experience. Her best friend, Reshma, winds up giving her a list of five tasks to complete and Audre decides Bash Henry, enigmatic and charming with dozens of tall tales surrounding him, is the perfect person to help her check off her five tasks. And they're just going to be friends. Not even friends. She's hiring him as her "funsultant." Except, obviously, they do become friends. And then, well, you can imagine. 

I loved the way Audre dealt with her panic attacks and not being perfect. I even liked how her 3-3-3 made her panic attack worse in one of the scenes because SAME. I appreciated how her relationship with her mom was handled. I should also be clear though, we do get periodic chapters from Bash and even some from Reshma. I didn't mind those, but to me, Audre was the star of this book and I didn't really understand why we randomly got Resume's perspective. As someone who came into this book having read and loved Seven Days in June, I was saddened at the start of this book by how Eva and Audre seemed to be on very different pages, but I also liked seeing how their parent/child relationship evolved throughout the book. I did think the ending was a little abrupt, but all in all, I would absolutely a million percent recommend if you have an older teen in your life or if you also enjoyed Seven Days in June and want to know more about Audre.

An amazing follow up to Williams’ “Seven Days in June” following Audrey, Eva’s daughter. I am impressed with how Williams was able to capture the overwhelming excitement and emotion of a teenage love. I appreciated the nuance and backstory of each character and really applaud Williams for bringing depth to a YA book while still giving the characters connection and joy that I hope for when I read the genre. I look forward to more Tia Williams’ books in the future!

I was in the small majority of people who were not a big fan of Seven Days in June. But I’ll have to say this book was really enjoyable for me. Tia Williams did a great job of actually consulting with people in the same age group as her main characters. The slang and mannerisms felt very authentic.

The book took a bit of time to pick up for me, but once we were in it, I was excited to finish it. The characters and their backstories and struggles they were facing made me connect to them even more.

If you liked Seven Days in June, I think you will also enjoy this one.

I’m literally crying my eyes out as I write this. Omfg! This was everything I didn’t even know I needed 😭💕

Tia Williams does it again, no surprises there! Reading about Audre and Bash just being friends and falling headfirst for each other was one of the sweetest and most healing stories I’ve ever read in my life. Like my adult self and my inner child are both so freaking happy right now 😮‍💨💕💕💕

Knowing how much I loved Seven Days in June, I knew this book was going to be something else. But I had no idea how much it would actually mean to me. Growing up the way I did, I felt so much like Audre. I felt ruled by this unobtainable idea of perfection and I felt so isolated by it. I had no way to express it back then and no real books or stories that helped me understand what was going on. And like Audre, I also felt like no one understood me and like my mom was my main opp. ( I swear I talk about this all the time but there really should be more studies about why/how all teenage girls go through this weird period of hating tf out of your mom/parent 😅🤦🏽‍♀️) That was one of the wildest points about this book tbh, watching the beef between Eva and Audre grow. Like wow I literally love both characters so much in their own ways. But seeing them not get along was really emotional for me bc I truly understood both sides as a former child and now adult.

And then there’s Bash. Sweet sweet Bash 😭💕. His character truly broke my heart. I’ve also felt hurt like he did and not accepted by the people who you thought was supposed to love you unconditionally. And seeing him say F all of it and do whatever tf made him happy was everything. I felt such kinship with that spirit fr.

But seeing Audre and Bash connect and form this bond was so heartwarming and healing. Like ngl, I would’ve done anything to have something when I was in high school 😭💕 Audre and Bash were literally soulmates just like Eva and Shane were! And their connection was so deep and next level 😮‍💨 seriously summer time love at its finest! I almost bout lost it every time they linked up to tackle a challenge off Audre’s list or simply enjoyed the others company. I literally felt all the feels with this just like Seven Says in June … but soooo much healthier fr 😅🙃

And I can’t end this review without mentioning how good it was revisiting Tia’s NYC world and seeing Eva and Shane (+ Baby Alice 🫶🏽) again 🥲 It was so heartwarming to see how much their family had grown, but I also loved that Tia kept it real and showed that even with their happy ending, there’s still work to be done to ensure everyone in their new family unit is okay. I appreciated that so much.

All in all, my heart feels so full rn it’s crazy 😅 I know I spazzed with this review, but what can I say? I love anything Tia writes atp 🙂‍↕️🫶🏽 this book was beyond good. Probably one of the best ya books I’ve ever read.

Hey, hey, my favorites 😁

Tia Williams’ Audre & Bash Are Just Friends is a heartfelt young adult novel that explores the complexities of teenage relationships, mental health, and self-discovery. Set in Brooklyn, the story follows Audre Mercy-Moore, a high-achieving junior with big ambitions, and Bash Henry, a laid-back recent graduate with a troubled past. What starts as a simple summer challenge—Audre’s “Experience Challenge” for her writing—quickly turns into a transformative journey for both characters.

Williams excels at crafting realistic and multidimensional characters. Audre’s anxiety and struggles with parental expectations feel authentic, while Bash’s charm and emotional depth make him a compelling counterpart. Their friendship is filled with witty banter, undeniable chemistry, and an emotional depth that makes their journey both engaging and relatable.

The novel handles serious topics—such as mental health, parental pressure, and substance use—without feeling heavy-handed. Williams balances humor, romance, and introspection in a way that keeps the story engaging while tackling important themes. Some aspects, like the frequent teenage substance use, may be unsettling to some readers, but they add to the novel’s raw and unfiltered portrayal of adolescence.

Overall, Audre & Bash Are Just Friends is a beautifully written, thought-provoking novel that captures the highs and lows of teenage life. Fans of Williams’ previous work will appreciate her signature blend of sharp dialogue and emotional depth.

Rating: 4/5

Thank you, NetGalley, for providing an ARC in exchange for an honest review.