I wasn't feeling this debut. It has been getting great buzz and I understand why with its Colleen Hoover vibes but as a second chance, dual timeline, dual POV romance that deals with heavy family issues, it just somehow didn't work for me. I listened to the audiobook and didn't love the narrators so maybe that contributed to me mediocre feelings but overall this was a skippable read for me. Many thanks to NetGalley and the publisher for the opportunity to read an early digital and audio copy in exchange for my honest thoughts.

3.25
Let me preface this by saying, I listen to a lot of contemporary romances. Is Theo a semi-reformed fuckboy? Sure. Is he the most likable? No. But I totally believed his chemistry with Magdalen. I believed the ups and downs based on their complicated past and his want/need to reform. I bought her shyness and hesitancy, while also feeling safe because she grew up with him. The explanations for the bad behaviors made sense for someone their age and at that point in life.

I also really enjoyed the narrators and their accents, whether authentic or not. However, I had no idea what her name was from the audio. Even after looking it up, I still couldn't hear them saying "Madgalen."

Thank you to Net Galley and Hachette Audio for the advanced copy.

Thanks to NetGalley and Hachette Audio for the advanced audio book.

2.5 stars

The location (a small town in Italy) and the premise (the daughter and son of two families who've been close for over a decade find themselves falling in love, but that love is threatened by a long buried secret) made this book appealing, but the execution of the story left something to be desired. Theo was an inconsistent character; even as a twenty-something he vacillated in how he treated Magdalen within every conversation, which left me confused about why she had any interest in him, other than a lingering crush from when she was 13. Magdalen was also an inconsistent character in that she seems almost traumatized in the way she interacts with others and simultaneously thinks that people are noticing her too much and not noticing her at all. The ending was also kind of unsatisfying, which made it unclear exactly what genre this book is meant to be. Given the ending, it doesn't qualify as a romance, but didn't feel quite like literary fiction either. Ultimately, this book fell into a lot of the traps of a debut novel. It'll be interesting to see what this author comes up with next.

I'll Look for You Everywhere comes out January 21, 2025

Thank you Hachette audio for the review copy. I am of two minds with this audio/plot, one in that I don't think this was for me, too angsty/YA vibe without all the things I love in a good YA book, and the audio was too long for a book I didn't vibe with; two, this might be a great read for people who like the yearning angsty reads (carley fortune, lucy score, colleen hoover), there are many readers who enjoy the more emotional romance stories and I hope that this one finds that audience. I found the main characters hard to connect with and understand, a lot of leaning into themes on miscommunication/problematic thoughts with the main characters that for me set this up to be more annoying than engaging.

Thank you NetGalley and Harlequin Trade Publishing | Canary Street Press for granting me the opportunity to listen to "I'll Look for You Everywhere". I am an audiobook girly. I spend about 3 hours a day driving as well as listen to audiobooks throughout my work day, while I'm cleaning, and even while cooking. They make getting things done so much easier. I enjoyed this audiobook. I love duel narrators and even more when the narrators have accents that match the setting of the story. However, I am a harsh romance reviewer. I struggled with the negative internal monologues and inconsistent character behavior. I had a hard time connecting or rooting for Theo or Magdalen. I feel like this book is meant for a specific audience and it was not me, but it may be for you. Don't write this book off because I did not absolutely love it.

I did not like this book, I listened to the entire audiobook but kept telling myself to end it because I did not understand what was happening or what the point of the plot was. For about 75% of the book I thought the best friend who the FMC calls her sister was her actual sister that was getting married, it wasn’t. The English accent was confusing, the book is set in a small town in Italy but the narrators are speaking in an English accent and well it kind of took me out of the story. Both MCs are very hot and cold to each other, one page they are getting along the next they hate each other without any reason. The MMC Theo spends a lot of time fooling around with women and had enough time to attend a prestigious university and pass his classes. There were mysterious secrets being kept by both MCs that were mentioned throughout the story that did nothing for the plot. Kind of underwhelming when they were revealed at the very end.

First thing’s first: thank you Netgalley for the ALC of this book!
I was really looking forward to I’ll Look For You, Everywhere by Cameron Capello. Brother’s best friend, childhood neighbor boy, first time seeing each other all grown up…IN ITALY???? What’s not to love, right?? Unfortunately a lot was not to love.

Both the FMC and MMC read much younger than they were, like middle schoolers. Why are we acting like an adult man should treat the girl they’re interested in like garbage in his attempts to push her away because he can’t keep it in his pants around her??? Like he actually treated her so poorly and said some vile things and she’s just like “boohoo but I am so horny for him it’s okay”. GIRL GET UP. And she actively recognizes that she’s being an idiot and yet??? AND YET??? She’s also supposed to be super inexperienced (because why WOULDN’T she be?? What other type of girl could we POSSIBLY pair with the emotionally stunted, daddy issue having, bad boy???) This book actually pissed me off, dude. I DNF’d at 64% because I physically could not force myself to listen to any more of it.
A VERY GENEROUS 2⭐️, but I think it would have been lower if I had suffered through the back half of the book.

A heartfelt, angst-ridden journey that had me reliving every bittersweet love I have ever known! With stellar narration that breathes life into an already compelling story, I’ll Look for You Everywhere is a must-listen for fans of slow-burn romance, family drama, and unresolved tension.

Magdalen Savoy, a university student with a tangled heart and even more tangled family ties, returns to her Italian hometown for her sister’s wedding. This isn’t your run-of-the-mill homecoming; it’s a gauntlet of old wounds, hidden truths, and one very off-limits love interest, her brother’s best friend, Theo.
As Magdalen and Theo navigate the familiar streets of Chivasso, they also navigate the complex web of their emotions. With long-buried secrets threatening to unravel, their simmering tension is both their greatest weakness and their most undeniable strength.

Magdalen is a beautifully flawed FMC. Her anxiety and emotional baggage are relatable , making her journey both heartbreaking and inspiring. She’s the kind of character who gets under your skin in the best way, making you root for her even when she’s her own worst enemy.

Theo is the quintessential brooding love interest, but with layers that go beyond the trope. His internal struggle between loyalty and desire is compelling, and his chemistry with Magdalen crackles with intensity.

The audio narration was great! A Dynamic Duo.
Cam Wilder: Wilder’s portrayal of Theo is a standout. His deep, gravelly voice captures Theo’s brooding nature perfectly, while his nuanced performance brings out the vulnerability and depth of the character. Wilder has a knack for pacing, drawing listeners in with every line.
Grace Blyth: Blyth’s narration of Magdalen is equally captivating. Her voice carries the weight of Magdalen’s anxiety and longing, making her journey feel intimate and real. Blyth’s ability to convey a wide range of emotions adds a layer of authenticity to the story, making the listener feel every heartbeat and hesitation.
Together, Wilder and Blyth create a harmonious duet, their voices weaving in and out of the narrative with a great flow. The dual narration adds a cinematic quality to the audiobook, making it feel like an immersive experience rather than just a story.

I’ll Look for You Everywhere is about the complexities of love and family. It delves into the scars left by past relationships, the pain of unspoken words, and the healing that comes from facing your fears head-on.
Magdalen and Theo’s relationship is a slow burn, fraught with the kind of tension that leaves you breathless. Their story is a reminder that love isn’t always easy, but it’s often worth the fight.

The small Italian village of Chivasso is as much a character as Magdalen and Theo. Its winding streets, sun-drenched piazzas, and close-knit community create a vivid backdrop that enhances the story’s emotional resonance. The setting adds a touch of nostalgia and charm, making the reader feel both the beauty and the suffocation of small-town life.

Cameron Capello’s storytelling is lyrical and evocative, painting a picture that’s as vivid as it is emotional. The dialogue is sharp and realistic, and the internal monologues are where the story truly shines. Capello captures the essence of young love, familial bonds, and personal growth with a deft hand, making this debut a standout.


I’ll Look for You Everywhere is a beautifully crafted tale of love, loss, and the courage to face the past. With its richly drawn characters, evocative setting, and top-notch narration, it’s an audiobook/ book that will stay with you long after you have finished. Whether you’re a die-hard romantic or a fan of emotionally charged storytelling, this one deserves a spot on your reading/ listening list.

Audio Production Rating: 3.5 Stars ⭐️⭐️⭐️💫

As my listening journey came to an end, I was left feeling underwhelmed by I'll Look for You, Everywhere.

I felt the voice performers chosen we well suited to their characters. They each had a young, fresh sound and delivered the story well. They read with moderate pacing, the accents were clear, and there were good chapter transitions. Unfortunately, the story itself left something to be desired.
The dialogue was stilted and and it took a while for the story to really grab and hold my interest. I felt the characters were well described but didn't show significant growth. The romance between Magdalen and Theo was lacking a fully developed believable connection. The miscommunication trope was prominent when it came to the conflict, and while I understand that due to their young age, this is realistic in part, I grew tired at its overuse.

I didn't love the open ending, I much prefer a true HEA or even HFN when reading romance, but I do feel like this was the appropriate ending for this story, these characters, and where they're at in the present.

I wouldn't listen to this book again, but I understand it is the author's debut, and I'd be willing to give their future work a chance should they write and release more novels.

TBLB Story Rating: 2⭐️
TBLB Audio Narration Rating: 3.5 ⭐️
Spice Meter: 3🌶

______
*Complimentary ALC for review provided by Hachette Audio. All opinions expressed here are honest and entirely my own.

TW/CW: Child abuse; emotional abuse

Genre-
Romantic Fiction
New Adult Fiction


Tropes-
Childhood Friends
Brothers Best Friend
Summer Love
From the same small town

Thank you to NetGalley, Hachette Audio, Forever Publishing & Cameron Capello for the chance to read this book in exchange for my honest review.

This book has me questioning: what actually defines an HEA (Happily Ever After) ending? At first, I felt like arguing that this can't be categorized as a romance with such an open ending. But maybe my first inclination is wrong.. definitely something a book club could have a great conversation about.

The miscommunication trope is prominent in this story simply because it's a coming of age- early-ish 20s story about two people unsure of themselves and even how to communicate. The angst, immaturity and misdirection of the MCs makes complete sense and is a function of the story.

Narration was incredibly well done. I felt more immersed in the story hearing legitimate Italian pronunciations rather than what I made up in my head.

Unfortunately this book wasn’t for me. The jumping around from different pov and back and forth in time line was a little confusing. Plus I wasn’t a fan of the narrators

Cameron Capello’s I’ll Look for You Everywhere is a beautifully written love story that explores the complexity of relationships shaped by secrets and personal struggles. Following the journey of two people who grew up together and eventually fell in love, this novel delves into the intricacies of emotional barriers and the challenges of vulnerability.

Capello crafts a poignant narrative where the characters’ hidden truths play a central role in their connection and conflict. These secrets, while carving deeply into their lives, add a layer of realism and depth, making their love story both compelling and bittersweet. The emotional weight of their journey is palpable, as they navigate the difficulties of loving one another while confronting their own pain.

While the storytelling and character development shine throughout, the ending may leave readers divided. For those who prefer a more conclusive resolution, the open-ended nature of the finale might feel unfulfilling—unless, of course, this is the start of a series. As it stands, the conclusion leaves readers yearning for more, which speaks to the strength of Capello’s ability to draw readers into the lives of these characters.

Overall, I’ll Look for You Everywhere is a moving tale of love, secrets, and personal growth. Despite the unresolved ending, it’s a story that lingers in your mind, making it a worthy read for fans of emotionally charged romance with a touch of realism.

This one wasn’t for me. I really liked the characters and the multiple POV, but I couldn’t get into the story line. I found myself forgetting the audiobook was even playing because I wasn’t super interested

Thank you to NetGalley and the Publisher for this ARC, in exchange for an honest review.

"I'll Look for You Everywhere" by Cameron Capello is an impressive debut novel that tells an interesting story with a unique twist. Although it's marketed as a romance, the book delves into deeper themes, tackling issues such as family struggles, the impact of parenting, and the lasting effects of our past. The dynamic between the main characters, Theo and Magdalen, is a constant tug of war, but the real beauty lies in the genuine and relatable moments they share. The book not only explores their perception of each other but also delves into their self-doubts and their complicated relationships with their families. Theo's character, in particular, is intriguing as he grapples with profound self-loathing despite his capacity for deep love. On the other hand, Magdalen's reserved nature hides her discomfort with newfound attention. As the story progresses, I found myself rooting for Theo and Magdalen's ultimate happiness long after the final page. Cameron Capello has crafted a heartfelt and compelling novel that leaves a lasting impact."
3.95 Stars!

Contemporary romance set in Italy, the characters are life long neighbours - the story takes place over a school break and the adult children reconnect. Told from multiple POV.

The story had potential and the characters were likable and relatable - the plot was not there - it was pure character driven not sure where the story was intending to go…..

I**I'll Look for You Everywhere**
by Cameron Capello
Narrated by Cam Wilder and Grace Blyth

I must say this audiobook was different from what I normally read or listen to, but it was a positive change. The character's development and growth played a significant role in the story. Yes, it was crude and explicit at times, but it's important to remember the age of the characters and that the setting is in a different country where language acceptability varies.

Theo and Magdalen, childhood neighbours, are reunited for the first time in seven years to celebrate a family wedding in the sleepy Italian village where they grew up. As they confront the ghosts of their pasts, Theo and Magdalen must face long-buried secrets that threaten to tear their worlds apart and possibly keep them apart forever.

The story highlights family trauma, problematic parenting, and the factors that shape us as we grow. Theo had many issues and often used them as excuses to treat Magdalen poorly. Meanwhile, Magdalen’s inexperience and naivety in her reactions to Theo was hard to listen to sometimes. The ending didn’t quite feel like a resolution.

The narrators did an excellent job of bringing this story to life for the listener.

This was simply terrible, so much that around 20% I thought I would give up but got sidetracked and forgot to turn it off but throughout most of the book I drifted off and basically it played yourself. I was bored and if I’m honest didn’t warm to characters, didn’t really get who or what their story was and there was no plot. The only thing I could deduce from it was that he wanted sex with her vice versa, thoughts about sex and having sec but between which characters I couldn’t tell you, the audio narrators were fine, not too expressive and annoying bot equally were not monotonous to listen to but not my favourite narrators. The front cover looked appealing and the summary clearly was ok enough to get me to download it!

Thank you to NetGalley for the audio arc of I'll Look for You, Everywhere. The narration is great. I was drawn to this book by the title and cover - love both! The story itself was not for me. i think that I am too old for this one. I could not relate to the characters and that makes me lose interest fast. I do think that others will enjoy this one though.

Wow this is both smut and romance, but it is also about complicated family matters and growth. I love the narration! What a wonderful book!

Narrator was really pleasant to listen to!

i however was not a fan of the story, i had to dnf and while i hate leaving reviews for books i don't finish i just can't waste my time on this. it was so wattpady, the drama was not for me, the tropes of miscommunication HAUNT ME so if you like any of those things you may love this.

thank you netgalley and hachette audio for the ALC