e-ALC, 06:43:17
Narrated by: Jesse Vilinsky
Release Date: February 24, 2026
Published by: Books on Tape
Read from: March 8-9, 2026
Stand-alone
Source: PRH Audio (I received this ALC free from the publisher and their app. This did nothing to influence my review!)
Content Warning:
For Readers Interested In: 2sLGBTQ+, Audio, Action, Contemporary Romance, Most Anticipated, Set Outside the USA, YA, Neurodiverse (OCD), Realistic Fiction, RomanceAfter a recent OCD diagnosis, a teen girl embarks on a trip to Greece with her best friend, when she meets a captivating local girl. As their relationship heats up under the Mediterranean sun, she learns to balance the needs of those she loves with that of her own heart.
When Natalie Campbell sets out on a class trip to Greece, she knows that checking off a summer bucket list with her best friend, Luca, sounds like the perfect way to deal (or rather, not deal) with her recent breakup—and the new OCD diagnosis she’s doing a beautiful job of ignoring. Ever since her controlling ex tried to isolate her from Luca and confirmed all the worst theories she’s ever had about romance, Natalie has promised to swear off dating.
But when she grows closer with Melanie, their Greek instructor’s daughter, Natalie isn’t so sure about her challenge anymore. As Natalie finds herself sneaking on boat rides to hidden beaches, taking secret midnight hikes to ancient ruins, and jetting off to nearby islands with Melanie as her guide, her summer Greece adventure unexpectedly begins to heat up.
Romance is the last thing Natalie planned on for her summer bucket list, and strain on her friendship with Luca wasn’t in her plan, either. Amid the ancient Greek ruins, will Natalie learn to follow her heart before her chance at romance—and her friendships—could be ruined for good?
*MY THOUGHTS*
The ratings for this almost got me not to read it. I had assumed it was just bad, but it wasn’t for me. I thought the OCD rep was well executed (as someone with OCD) and I thought the romance was ok. Goes to show you, reading really is subjective. I’m glad I tried reading it anyways.
Ok so the main thing I didn’t like was her relationship with her therapist. I don’t like books that make it seem like a bad thing to have one. And though she was “ok” with having one, she didn’t like the things she said, so she just stopped listening to her. I also have OCD and as soon as I was diagnosed I went down the rabbit hole of what it means and what it means for me and my lifestyle. I was asking every time I was there if there was something that could help me. I understand that everyone is different and it presents itself differently in everyone, but I just got frustrated that she kept saying all these things that she needed help with and she didn’t know what to do. I had to keep reminding myself she had to get there on her own. And she did eventually, which made me more ok with it.
The OCD rep did stick out in other ways tho. I thought it was done really well. I could definitely relate to the thought spirals and intrusive thoughts. It reminded me a little of me. The thought spirals will have you in a choke hold and nights are my time to shine. They lead to lost sleep and insomnia. There’s a reason why I always say I’m a night owl. If I could sleep all day and be up all night I would. The intrusive thoughts are what I struggle with mostly. I felt really seen in those moments where the intrusive thoughts said she wouldn’t be liked or that no one would love her. This is something I’ve struggled with a long time, made worse by anxiety, so I really related. And I’m in my 30’s.
The romance was cute. I did want to see the two of them together more tho. It ties in with her speaking to her therapist tho and finding out what she needed to do to get out of her own head. I appreciated that it didn’t end all wrapped up neatly, but I did ship them and want them together lol (Two things can be true lol) I was glad that they both came and spoke up about what they needed from the other as well. As a teen that’s basically unheard of lol
This book showed me reading truly is subjective and while someone might be going off vibes, I might be judging if this book will be loved by teens. I’m glad I actually read this and didn’t let the other reviews sway me. I’m glad to have the OCD representation and I’m so glad to have felt seen from it.
Overall, I give this
Rounded up on Goodreads.