Review: Then You Saw Me by Carrie Aarons

Title: Then You Saw Me 

Author: Carrie Aarons 

Publication date: August 12th, 2021

Summary: You know what’s guaranteed to send your heart into your throat? Opening the front door of your off-campus house to find the boy you had a crush on all through high school telling you he’s the new subletter.

Of course, he barely knew I existed back then, and still doesn’t even though we attend the same university. But in a house of six college kids, it should be easy to remain invisible while carrying a torch for him. After all, I’m skilled at being overlooked and playing second fiddle.

Except Austin Van Hewitt, my hometown’s golden boy, doesn’t get the memo. After we throw our first party of the year, I’m on his radar and somehow my lips miraculously end up on his. The budding romance is one I’ve always dreamt about. As he shows more and more interest, I push aside the plaguing insecurity of never being good enough.

But then a letter shows up in our mailbox. A time capsule I wrote to myself when I was fifteen. You know, the kind where a teacher sends it to you years later? Guess who opens it by mistake and reads all about how I plan on marrying him and having his babies one day? Did I mention I signed it using his last name?

Mortifying would be an understatement. After he starts pulling away, I’m once again the girl in the background hoping that someone will understand me enough to pay me all of their attention. 

The old me, the one conditioned to settle for what she’s given, would back down. This time, though, if I want everything I almost held in my hands, I’ll have to speak up. I’ll have to admit exactly how I feel, fight for the love that was blossoming. And I’m not sure what’s scarier; voicing my inner thoughts or facing his ultimate rejection.

Review: I absolutely adore Carrie's writing so when I saw an opening on the ARC team for this book I absolutely jumped at the chance. Carrie's writing always flows so beautifully, she was one of the first authors to make me cry from her words. Bevan is not the main character of this book but I really hope she gets her own because it would be amazing. With her whip smart, no fucks given attitude, the man to win her heart would need balls of steel. I do love how awkward Taya is. I love how Taya and Austin bond over their shitty families, sometimes it's the easiest way to connect with people. I love a good HEA.