#If I See You Again Tomorrow

[the-final-sentence]

And when I glance at my phone, it reads: 11:16:09 p.m.

Robbie Couch, from If I See You Again Tomorrow

[lgbtqreads]

Fave Five: Queer YA that Plays with Time

These are YA novels with time loops, time travel, or alternate timelines. For more time travel YA, click here. Me, Myself & Him by Chris Tebbetts If I See You Again Tomorrow by Robbie Couch Going Bicoastal by Dahlia Adler Another Dimension of Us by Mike Albo Against the Stars by Christopher Hartland Bonus: Coming in August, Pride and Prejudice and Pittsburgh by Rachael Lippincott, and in 2024,…

[the-sappho-of-lesbos]

If I See You Again Tomorrow was SO good. I think this might be the quickest I’ve ever binged an audiobook. I was on the edge of my seat and fully invested the whole time. I was getting chest pains and tingles from how invested I got. I really recommend it to everyone!

I would love a short story of novella about what happens after the end though because I love all these characters so much

It NEEDS to be made into a mini tv show

[aurorawest]

Reading update

Best Men by Sidney Karger - 3.5/5 stars

Man. When I started reading this, I was positive I was going to rate it 5 stars. The first third or so was hysterical, often to the point of me not being able to breathe because I was laughing so hard. Ultimately though, the romance fell extremely flat. There wasn't really enough development for it, and I don't think it boils down to a marketing issue—the romance is too big of a focus to say, "Oh, this was just general fiction they wanted to market as a romcom." It really was an issue with the romance just not being very well written. Another issue I had was that at times, the writing was very...cringey. Like, I couldn't tell if the author was trying to keep Max's voice (which was funny) or if he just can't write genuinely heartfelt scenes. The big, romantic sex scene could probably be added to that one post with the collection of horribly written sex scenes.

There were also some weird inaccuracies about Midwesterners that of course bugged me as a Midwesterner. We call soda "Coke?" No we don't. It's pop. Maybe there's some southern creep into the Midwest but I've N E V E R heard anyone say Coke when they meant pop generally. Also, Midwesterners like pools? I mean I guess, but we learn to swim in lakes (as opposed to the ocean).

In case you're wondering, I knocked an entire star off for the Midwest inaccuracies.

Mountain Ghost Stories and Curious Tales of Western North Carolina, edited by Randy Russell and Janet Barnett - 3.5/5 stars

I picked this up at one of the visitor centers in Great Smoky Mountains National Park on our trip there last fall. Most of these are more like folk stories than ghost stories.

Timberdark by Darren Charlton - 5/5 stars

What if the real dystopia isn't the zombie apocalypse, but "normal" life?

I was going to leave it at that but NO, I have more to say. Why aren't these books more popular? Why isn't everyone screaming about how gorgeous they are and how this is what YA should be? Why do they not have a US publisher? Why are they not all over freaking BookTok tables at bookstores?

I honestly don't even want to say that much about the Wranglestone duology because I want everyone to read them and experience them. Wranglestone and Timberdark are genuinely a couple of the most gorgeous books I've ever read, Timberdark in particular.

Road of Bones by Christopher Golden - 3.25/5

Immaculate vibes and incredible setting. Not much more to it than that.

Ravensong by Carla Fay - DNF

At 4 pages in. I hated everything about this book immediately and I don't have a good reason.

Maelstrom by Jordan L Hawk - 4.5/5 stars

BODY SWAP.

A Pocketful of Lies: Collected Stories by KJ Charles - 5/5 stars

5/5 stars for Masters in This Hall alone.

If I See You Again Tomorrow by Robby Couch - 4.25/5 stars

Considering this is billed and marketed as a romance, there was surprisingly little romance in it. It was good, though. Robby Couch is one of my favorite queer YA romance writers.

Eleventh Hour by Elin Gregory - 3.75/5 stars

OMG they were mission partners! Interwar period gay spies in London, hard to go wrong.

Out in the Open by AJ Truman - 3.75/5 stars

Truman has this habit of describing sex scenes in bizarre and not particularly sexy ways ("I sucked his cock a thousand times harder than a vacuum cleaner" is an actual real comparison from this book), but his books are funny with endearing characters, so I give him a pass. I also think it MIGHT be something he does when he's writing younger characters, because the other time it was really pronounced was in The Barkeep and the Bro, where one of the characters was in his mid 20s (Out in the Open is a college romance).

Winter's Orbit by Everina Maxwell - 5/5 stars (reread)

This book was as good, if not better, the second time around. Kiem is so funny and lovable and Jainan's history made me even more sad. I really love how well Maxwell handles the fact that Jainan was in an abusive marriage for five years while still writing a slow burn romance that doesn't span multiple books. This book is an inspiration to me and is pretty much my perfect book—gay and sci-fi. On this reread I could really see its influence on my own writing, haha. Which is cool to know that I can still be influenced in a major way even this far into my writing life!

Anyway if you haven't read this book, I honestly don't know what you're waiting for. Read it read it reeeeead ittttt.

A Veil of Gods and Kings by Nicole Bailey - DNF

DNF at 15 pages. The main character was annoying and the author took 'show don't tell' a little too far. Everything was described in flowery, overwrought purple prose. Seriously, it's a road. You can just say it's a road. Also I never want to see 'Artemis' shortened to 'Temi' ever again. Please just no.

[thepeculiarbird]

I officially have every book Robbie Couch published and can't wait for the next one to release in may.

[queer-and-dear-books]

Title: If I See You Again Tomorrow

Author: Robbie Couch

Genre: Sci-fi | Friendship | Romance | LGBTQ+

Content Warnings: Internalized Homophobia

Overall Rating: 9.8/10

Personal Opinion: I was already convinced that Robbie Couch was my favorite author and then he goes and releases this banger? It is so riveting, unique, romantic, and refreshing. Something Couch does really well is not putting the romance dead center. He focuses on the friendships that the protagonist cultivates first and foremost and the romance naturally comes forward after. And every pairing feels so genuine to me. Clark and Beau especially. They make me believe in destiny.

Do I Own This Book? Technically yes. My friend bought it (and also Blaine for the Win) for me when he was in NY visiting but he also borrowed it so it’s not physically with me at the moment. But yes, I do own it.

Spoilers Below For My Likes & Dislikes:

Likes:

- I love the way everything is connected. I love the way everything has a reason for being. Down to the last detail. Everything from why Clark couldn’t find David Dopamine’s time loop video to why Thom freaked out on day 310 when Beau showed up. It doesn’t matter how small or big the detail was, it was important. The significance of Beau’s errands too, being the key to Clark curing his loneliness is so special to me. Because I love every person Clark came into contact with on day 310.

- Let’s talk about the people Clark met on day 310. Starting with, of course, Beau. Oh my god, the guy is nuts. But his spontaneity was truly magnetic and I can see why people so easily gravitate toward him. He can be a bit over-the-top with his shenanigans but he shines brightest when he is acting over-the-top. 

- Otto is my favorite though. I just love burly bakers. Gentle giants. He deserves a hug. In the loops where he gave Clark the recipe to his blue velvet brownies, I was breaking down in tears. And then when he finally talked about Ben, I just about lost it. My emotions were a mess but Otto is just so kind and so friendly with everyone, I just can’t. I’m getting emotional all over again just thinking about him.

- Emery was an unexpected joy. He feels like a supporting actor in this story which is, well, exactly what he is. Like he fits the role to a T. What I mean by that is that I didn’t really expect much from his interactions with Clark but as they learned about each other, became friends in some loops, I really felt a bond with him. It’s like when you get attached to minor characters in shows and you cheer when they come on screen. That’s how it felt with Emery. Like he was just some guy you want to support and see thrive away from the antics and chaotic messes of the main cast. I hope he gets his breakout role someday.

- Dee is a delight. I mean, she is a whirlwind. And I find it so hilarious that she would reject Clark so vehemently in some loops. Which is reasonable! She is a woman alone at night, she has every reason to have her guard up. But on day 311, when she invited Clark out for BLTs and milkshakes, I could feel her cry for help. Her need to not be alone. And wow, when she explained everything that happened at The Wrinkles concert, it’s no wonder why she felt like she could die from embarrassment. But I love that she found courage in Clark’s vulnerability and was able to share her secret. Not only that but I am just overjoyed that she and Emery are likely going to get their fairy-tale ending!

- Now for the people Clark has known since before day 310. I am talking about Sadie! Oh my god, that ominous, “I need you” text deviation on day 310 had me in a chokehold. I was so fucking worried about her and it turns out she was just lonely without Clark. Not to downplay her loneliness at all! She just moved to a new place before her senior year, that’s nuts. I get why she’s sad. But oh my god, when Clark Facetimed her and she started crying because she missed him, I was all up in my feels because I truly felt their friendship. It was palpable every time they Facetimed but that last one on day 364 had me in a vicegrip.

- Clark’s family! I had already guessed that his dad had an affair. Or at least, I knew he was the one who was actually at fault for the divorce. It was obvious but also still a surprise enough to gut punch me. Like, you see it coming but the impact still surprises you. But god, when Clark decided to check in on his dad for the first time on day 364, I was a mess again. I just can’t handle a family crying session. And I love that Clark was mature enough not to end things on a bad note even if time was going to loop again.

- Then we have mom and Blair. Mom was really trying her hardest to connect with her son and Clark did not make it easy on her. And I understand why. A divorce is a big deal. Combined with their fight and Sadie moving, it’s no wonder why Clark erupted on day 311. But on day 364, when he decided to finally bake with his mom and apologize for what he put her through, I was going to go ballistic. My emotions were everywhere. As if it was not enough for Blair to say, “You’re a great big brother and I love you.” Like stop. Sibling love gets me worse than parental love. 

- Ms. Hazel is such a good therapist. Oh my god, I just, I love when characters actually seek help. And I love that Clark took his therapy homework and therapy itself seriously. It can be so easy to ignore that stuff, to not take that leap of faith, but he did it. And I love how he openly appreciates her sessions. That’s a beautiful thing.

- Now, as if all of these new and old relationships weren’t enough, we have Professor Copeman. Oh the regret and shame she had for not corroborating Runyon’s story, I felt that in my soul. But the fact that they were destined to meet and change each other’s lives in such a big way is just so beautiful.

- And that’s the last thing I need to talk about. The time loop itself! The fact that it happened because Clark and Beau were meant to meet! I’m glad it wasn’t just a romantic soulmates thing like Beau thought. It’s just about two people who will have a deep impact on each other’s lives. Like that is so special to me.

Dislikes:

- Here is my one real gripe. How can Clark even consider that Mr. Thunderburnt’s theory is correct? Firstly, he doesn’t mention Loop Partners. Secondly, if getting trapped in a time loop has to do with a breakup, then why is Clark experiencing it too? Obviously Runyon’s theory is the correct one in this situation! I guess if I was in Clark’s situation, I would not be the most rational but the soulmate theory is just stupid to me. And it kind of upsets me that Beau just refused to believe any other theory. He wasted a lot of days after giving up when he could have enjoyed them with Clark.

- Also soulmate is written as two words and that bugs me.

- Thom. I don’t really like that he was framed as being wrong for wanting a subtle partner. I do think it was wrong of him to try to change Beau into something that fit his needs better, yes. But I don’t know, maybe it’s because of my culture but I just hate the narrative of a relationship being good only if it’s out. The Long Run and The Minus-One Club have shown me just how wonderful in-the-closet relationships can be. When both partners can wait until they’re ready to come out. But yes, I do see why Otto didn’t like Thom or at least, didn’t think he was a good fit for Beau. I just feel so sympathetic toward Thom! As someone who knows people that have been disowned, rejected, and spurned by loved ones after coming out, I can’t not feel some sympathy for Thom. I just hope he finds a relationship that suits his needs from the start.

[contracat25]

Alright I know I just posted the March one, but how about some April books! It seems like another good month! There are a lot of interesting things coming out, though Some Desperate Glory is probs what I am most exicited about because I have really enjoyed what I have read from Emily Tesh so far. As always there are a lot of other books that I didn't have room for, and I have a different set of lists for Sequels so they aren't on here. Is there anything you are exicted about coming out this month that I missed or haven't heard about yet?

Blood Debts by Terry J. Benton-Walker (4th)

Spell Bound by F.T. Lukens (4th)

Some Desperate Glory by Emily Tesh (11th)

If I See You Again Tomorrow by Robbie Couch (18th)

The Thick and the Lean by Chana Porter (18th)

The Fiancee Farce by Alexandria Bellefleur (18th)

The Remarkable Retirement of Edna Fisher by E.M. Anderson (21st)

The Skin and It's Girl by Sarah Cypher (25th)

Robin and Her Misfits by Kelly Ann Jacobson (25th)

[aroaessidhe]

2023 reads // twitter thread

If I See You Again Tomorrow

YA contemporary/light sci-fi

follows a boy almost a year into a time loop, who has almost given up on finding a way out

until a new boy shows up at his school - which has never happened before - and he’s motivated to step out of his monotony and maybe find a way out

exploring loneliness and social isolation

[the-dust-jacket]

[malerek]

12 Brand New YA Books [Released April 15th to 21st 2023]

✨ 12 Brand New YA Books [Released April 15th to 21st 2023] ✨ Interested in all getting to know all the new Young Adult books coming out this week? Here's a full list! #BookBlogger #Booktwt #BookTwitter #YoungAdult #BrandNewYA

Brand New YA Books is a Saturday feature showcasing all the Young Adult books released in the last week. If you are an author and want to see your book featured on this list, send me an email to pagesplots@gmail.com will all the details. PUBLISHED APRIL 15th TO 21st 2023 If I See You Again Tomorrowby Robbie CouchGenre: Contemporary | Romance | Sci-fi | LGBTPublisher: Simon & Schuster Books for…

[haunted-calathea]

This from that time loop romance. I've been noticing these patterns lately so uhhhhh yeah

[just0nemorepage]

If I See You Again Tomorrow || Robbie Couch || 336 pages Top 3 Genres: Romance / Young Adult / LGBTQIA+

Synopsis: For some reason, Clark has woken up and relived the same monotonous Monday 309 times. Until Day 310 turns out to be…different. Suddenly, his usual torturous math class is interrupted by an anomaly—a boy he’s never seen before in all his previous Mondays.

When shy, reserved Clark decides to throw caution to the wind and join effusive and effervescent Beau on a series of “errands” across the Windy City, he never imagines that anything will really change, because nothing has in such a long time. And he definitely doesn’t expect to fall this hard or this fast for someone in just one day.

There’s just one problem: how do you build a future with someone if you can never get to tomorrow?

Publication Date: April 2023. / Average Rating: 4.13. / Number of Ratings: ~3250.

[reviewsthatburn]

I love time loop stories, and this was one of the better ones that I’ve read in a while. It begins after the protagonist, Clark, has already been in the loop for more than 300 days. It skips past the usual shock, realization, and eventual acceptance of the time loop, instead introducing him to the reader when the highlight of his day is figuring out to make for his sister’s party. This is definitely a story which assumes some familiarity with this basic tropes of time loop stories, taking advantage of the reader's likely familiarity to do something more interesting, while still explaining enough to make sense for someone new to this sub-genre. 

Full review at link

[mashmouths]

i <3 lying down i <3 being horizontal i <3 having the least possible amount of pressure on my feet

[kay-claire]

If I See You Again Tomorrow by Robbie Couch If enjoyed all of Robbie Couch's books and this one is no exception - in fact this might be my favourite of his work. This is a YA time loop story in which Clark has been reliving the same day over 300 times in a row when his therapist suddenly changes the homework he usually gets at the end of their session - he should try and make a new friend. Clark is completely thrown off by this assignment, and even more so when, the next day, a new boy comes into his maths class for the very first time. I LOVED this book, and I really enjoyed Clark as a character. I do feel like I should warn people when I recommend Robbie Couch books that the romance is not the main focus of the story - the main character is the focus, and the love interest is just a puzzle piece that fits into the main character's full life. So other readers may find this book unfulfilling because they were looking for a proper romance genre story. So that said, if you enjoy YA stories about characters working on their mental health, strengthening their relationships with their friends and family, and learning about themselves and how they fit into the world, you'll probably really enjoy this book. The time loop aspect and the lore around it is really fun and interesting too, and is different from the other time loop media I've seen before.

[ozskob]

Today’s reading and album. I’m already in 160 pages to Robbie Couch’s time-loop story.