This book was so devastatingly good! I loved the vulnerability between Syd and Marcus. The build up was great such a sweet love story. But I must say my only grievance is I was a bit lost with the ending. Like they made it through all of that only to forget it start it all over again? Ugggggghhhhh…. Like I had to go back and reread to make sure I had it right! That’s my only complaint for real. This story is so well written.. it would make a great movie honestly. It’s loving heartfelt vulnerable devastating romantic funny. Yeah I definitely can’t wait to get a copy for my collection.

***4.5 stars

Big thanks to Hear Our Voices Tour and for the digital arc! All opinions are my own:

The older I get, the more and more I come across Black YA romance books that I needed and wanted as a teen and young(er) adult reader. This was such a sweet, funny story with the steady heartbeat of grief throughout, that is PERFECT for Justin A. Reynolds and Danielle Parker friends. Aka me. Hopefully you too, dear reader.

I will say, THAT ENDING ALMOST HAD ME THROWING HANDS!!! But now I can just say good things to the author and not demand her to unbreak my heart lol

This is my first YA book and let me just say, this book was beautifully written. I don’t normally cry when I read but this book pulled on my heart in more ways than one.

Sydney and Marcus was “stuck” in September 24th. They repeat the day over & over again. In these MANY days of spending almost every moment together they learned things about themselves, overcame so much & fell in love in the process 😭. The endinggggg😦 I had to read it a few times to make sure I read what I read.

This overall was a great book, I highly recommend. I preordered a physical copy as soon as the book was over 😭

Time loop stories are my favorite tropes! I’m a huge sucker for the “soulmates who will always find each other” time loops. This one is one of the best I’ve ever read—and the surprise twist at the end absolutely floored me!

Both main characters are dealing with grief and trying to cope with the loss of someone close to them. And during the course of their repeated days, they help each other through in multiple little ways. But it’s not done in a heavy “this is a sad book about grief” kind of way. The biggest emotional arc that runs through the whole book is Hope.

The cute start-each-day moment of the time loop is that they both go to the same Dunkin’ and order croissant breakfast sandwiches. Hers: a sausage, egg and cheese croissant without the sausage and egg. His: a sausage, egg and croissant sandwich without the cheese. So between them, they make a complete sandwich. And they have the same order number (#2), which is how they have their little meet cute. I really love this detail and especially how it fits in to that twist at the end that I did *not* see coming!!

This was a cute love story. I don’t usually read y.a. But this author came across my timeline and she convinced me that I should read this one. It was a nice change from what I’m used to. But it kept my heart light made me think about when I was younger. I definitely want to read more from this author. Check this book out. It was a great love story. I think people of all ages will enjoy.

I didn’t necessarily know what to expect of this YA romance novel, but this was not it (and I say that in the best way).

Sydney and Marcus are both dealing with real world issues around grief and loss when they bump into each other at Dunkin’ on morning. After skipping their responsibilities for the day and hanging out together, they find themselves repeating the same day over and over and over…

I thought the characters were so relatable and I adored their relationship! My jaw was on the floor for the twist at the end and I think I’m still processing all the feelings it made me feel.

Honestly, I was so confused by the beginning. You have to see it through & keep reading. There’s a repetitive time loop.
I had my heart ready for a love story but this is about loss and grief. I felt this one in my gut . Overall it’s a really good book and will get you in your feelings

Charlene Thomas delivers a captivating and unique story in It’s You Every Time, one that stands out from typical time-loop narratives. Going in, I expected the repetition of the same day, but actually experiencing it in the opening pages felt a bit repetitive at times. However, as the layers of the day unfolded and the anticipation built, I found myself completely engrossed, eager to uncover the deeper meaning behind it all.

One of the book’s strongest elements is its exploration of grief from two different yet interconnected perspectives. It beautifully captures how grief can be isolating yet shared, and I appreciated the acceptance of confronting the fears that come with loss. Thomas handles these themes with a gentleness that makes the story both soothing and thought-provoking.

What I didn’t expect—and what genuinely shocked me—was that after finally breaking free of the loop, the characters lost all memory of what had happened. That twist hit hard, considering the profound connection they had formed in the midst of their grief. To see such a love, forged through pain and healing, simply erased was heartbreaking. But the ending ultimately redeemed itself, leaving a lasting impact.

Overall, It’s You Every Time is a thought-provoking and emotionally resonant novel. It challenges the reader to sit with grief, love, and the uncertainty of life while offering a story that lingers well after the final page. ❤️❤️❤️

4.75

Um, okay, so this book should definitely be made into a movie! No kidding. It was an amazing read (Syd and Marcus both have my heart!!!) It's giving Rainbow by Sia vibess.

Though, seriously, just by looking at the cover I knew this was going to be a good read (don't judge a book by it's cover), and I was impressed. The dialogue and the writing style is everything I need and want in a book. The pacing was smooth, and I couldn't get enough after reading through each day the two of them had.

Closing:

My eyebrows went passed my forehead while I was reading the ending!!! Because what do you mean they ended up forgetting everything they did with each other???! Said to each other???😭 And I feel like I needed closure: what's with the screeching and the sirens, I don't think that was made clear.

The deeper themes of grief and loss is something I never thought could feel so real to me until I read this book. I could literally feel how the characters were feeling (all thanks to Ms. Thomas).

Overall, I'm excited and grateful for being able to read this copy! Thank you Net gallery and Scholastic for the opportunity. I'm looking forward to reading more by this author. 💕

Charlene Thomas knocked it out of the park with this one!

Sydney bumps into Marcus at a Dunkin’, and the two bond over their completely opposite breakfast orders. Both embark on a day of fun, but the two get stuck in a time warp, repeating the same day over and over again. The two begin their journey of experiencing their lives without the consequences of what tomorrow brings. While they enjoy living in the moment, Syd starts to yearn for tomorrow. 

First and foremost, I absolutely loved Sydney and Marcus and their journeys. It's You Every Time has so much more depth than most YA novels. I thought I was getting into a comfy YA romance, but it's so much more than that. I love the way grief was examined throughout the novel. It had so many quotable moments that capture the unspoken elements that everyone goes through after loss. I had a lump in my throat for most of the novel. I wasn’t just rooting for their relationship but also for their individual journeys. OMG, and that ending threw me for a loop!

While there is a cute love story between Marcus and Syd, their journey through grief was the star of the show. Thomas captured a touching look into how grief surrounds us all, even though it isn’t discussed much. It took me a little longer than usual to get interested in the book, hence the four stars, but once I did, I blew through it! It’s definitely going to stick with me. I highly recommend it!

A very special thank you to Scholastic and NetGalley for the ARC in exchange for an honest review!

I loved the story, the world building and meeting the different characters. I felt completely immersed in the story and couldn't stop reading it.

This was a really good, sad ass book.

The first 60% in, I was torn between being happy for Marcus & Syd and feeling so sorry for them.

Some parts ended up dragging after a while. But it could be because I just wanted to know WHY they were stuck.

But boyyyyy, the ending was just as damn sad but still so good

Thank you to Scholastic and NetGalley for the advance reader’s copy! I absolutely adored Marcus and Syd—their meet-cute and daily adventures made this such a fun read. This was my first time-loop novel, and I thoroughly enjoyed it. I found myself rooting for them to break free, and I loved seeing them finally confront the “hard stuff” to create a better tomorrow. 🩷

It took me a moment to grasp the situation in this story. Once I did, I felt a deep empathy for the characters. It's reminiscent of Groundhog Day, but with a teenage twist. Syn and Marcus cross paths at Dunkin', not in the usual sense, but because they share the same order number. Instead of taking her high school test, they spend the day together, yet they find themselves unable to move on to the next day. This really frustrated me, as I couldn't understand why they were stuck. Both characters are navigating their grief, and it was refreshing to witness their love blossom amid such tragedy.

Absolutely loved this book. A deep and truly moving exploration of grief that doesn’t end in a trite off the cuff way (like so many time loop or meet you in every lifetime stories do!!!) but in a truly refreshing way!

🌟 5/5

Get your tissues ready. From the first chapter, this book was poetic. From the way Syd and Marcus met and spent their first day together to the end.

What you get: Time loops, young love, city adventures, finding life after loss

TW: Grief and loss

•CAUTION: Spoilers Ahead•

While this book may seem like a YA love story, this is more than that.

Syd and Marcus bump into each other in a seemingly normal day. They eventually realize after their first meeting that they are stuck reliving that same day, over and over again – together.

They start by living their best lives on each repeat day, knowing things will reset with no consequences. Despite going on daily adventures, Syd starts yearn for the opportunities a tomorrow brings.
Marcus is on the other spectrum, satisfied with living the best life in the repeats because tomorrow will mean a new day with a hole in his life.

Not only does this book talk about grief, the whole story symbolizes how one can feel during grieving – stuck in a hell of repetitiveness, going through the motions without meaning. Some may be like Syd, who eventually work hard to be unstuck. Some may be like Marcus, who's scared to move forward to a new day because tomorrow will not include that missing love one.

•

It's You Every Time teaches you that you're never alone when grieving or the only one in the world who has grieved. There are plenty of people out there who are trying to get through their day, while missing a loved one.

I recommend this to anyone who is grieving and needs a little light at the end of a dark tunnel. You may feel stuck at the moment, but remember – you are not alone and you'll get through it.

Charlene Thomas is one of my favorite writers, and I think It's You Every Time is her best yet. It's a unique and well-written take on Groundhog Day- I loved how the author used the idea of reliving a day over and over again to explore grief and the loss of loved ones. It's a sweet romance that has a lot of depth- Sydney and Marcus's insecurities and loss were handled deftly and were very touching. I thought the plot twists were GREAT and loved how the story unfolded. It's true, this book will make you teary-eyed, but it is so so worth it.

This book was well-written, with obvious skill in the pacing and scene development. Even with the strong writing, I didn't stay as engaged with the story as I would have liked. Also, some aspects of the NYC setting fell flat for me. If it hadn't been an ARC, I wouldn't have finished it but I'm glad I did because the ending was a good twist. I would be curious about other titles from this author.

This was such a cute YA read! It reminded me of the movie “groundhog day” where they woke up and it was the same day everyday. Not the same but similiar premise. The FMC, Sydney meet MMC, Marcus. Together they realize they are “stuck in time” and subsequently begin to experience the same day everyday. “Tomorrow” never comes. They are forced to experience September 24th. This takes them on all kinds of adventures around NY and beyond as they try to experience something new each day, despite not experiencing a new day. I found the plot interesting and intriguing but admittedly after sooo many days of the same day, It got monotonous despite different activities and experiences they were having. The first portion of the book, I stayed up until 3:30 am reading bc I was determined to discover what was going on! I had to pull myself away!
I found the ending to be a little confusing, but overall I liked the way things tied up! Grief is a huge theme throughout the book as both main characters lost someone very close to them. This book beautifully depicts grief, fate, second chances, self discovery, and facing the hard things no matter how difficult or fearful.

I stumbled upon Charlene Thomas’s debut SETON GIRLS in 2022 and so thankful I did - I’m a big fan now. And I was impatiently waiting for IT’S YOU EVERY TIME.

Short Synopsis:
Sydney is stressing about her precal test, so instead of going straight to school, so stops to get a cheese croissant (because she likes weird food…) and literally runs into Marcus. After hitting it off, she decides to skip school and spend the most magical day with him exploring NYC. But when she wakes up, it’s the same day as her test …again….and again…and again….

My Thoughts:
Sydney and Marcus were so adorable. 🥰 I loved them - both separately but especially together. Sydney’s frustration with being “stuck” felt so real and authentic. And Marcus. His story gutted me. The Sydney, Marcus, Us, Them parts were so clever and I loved having both POVs.

After reading Charlene’s other books, I knew this would be so much more than a light romance. The themes of grief, loss and acceptance are prevalent throughout the book and create such a beautiful and heart wrenching story. Might want to have those tissues handy.

I am team Marcus on food selections though. I don’t trust anyone who can’t eat an Oreo correctly. 😆

But that ending. 🤯 This isn’t my first Charlene Thomas, so I should have expected it. But also did NOT expect it. So clever.

What You’ll Find:
NYC adventures
YA romance
Time loop
Grief
Weird food combinations