Into the Blue Review

Hello, all!

Let's chat about Into the Blue by Emma Brodie.

Pub Date: 4-7-26
Adult - Contemporary

AJ Graves had big plans for the summer of her junior year, but instead, she's working at her local video store, watching reruns of a campy sci-fi show and writing fanfiction. AJ's favorite part of her job is getting a break from her chaotic family, but her peace is disrupted when her boss hires Noah Drew. AJ and Noah couldn't be more different: AJ has had to work for everything she has, while Noah comes from a long line of Hollywood actors. Despite their differences, the pair form a deep bond that changes the course of their lives forever.

AJ and Noah went from coworkers to acting partners to friends, then, just as suddenly, they were nothing at all. AJ felt abandoned when Noah left town without a word, and hadn't seen or spoken to him in seven years, until she finds herself cast in the same TV spin-off that his great aunt starred in decades prior. AJ knows this job can help her land her dream position at SNL, but every time she sees Noah, she can't help but feel that deep ache. As their characters grow closer, lines begin to blur, leaving AJ and Noah with no choice but to face the truth of what happened all those years ago.

Wow, the hype surrounding this book is real. I read and enjoyed Brodie's previous book, but this felt next-level. I was immediately enveloped in the story and couldn't read fast enough. I was desperate to find out what happened between AJ and Noah, and while I figured out some bits of the story, I thought Brodie did a beautiful job laying it all out. I liked how we followed the pair over a long period and watching them keep coming in and out of each other's orbits. The story dealt with many heavier topics, and Brodie handled them with such care. It was definitely an emotional gut punch, and AJ and Noah's relationship wasn't the easiest. It was messy, frustrating, and tender all at once, and I couldn't get enough of it. This is one that will stick with me for a while, and I know it will only get better the more I re-read it.

Rating: 5/5

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