‘Sometimes, love is an apocalypse.’ This novel has an unusual concept which elevates it and should appeal to readers who, like me, do not usually read YA romance. If that is your usual genre, you’re sure to love it! The book is at the uppermost end of this category due to the language and content. Perhaps it would be better described as New Adult, particularly because the protagonist is a nineteen-year-old college student. There is a list of content warnings at the beginning of the book.
Here’s what the publisher says:
If Tomorrow Doesn’t Come is a heart-breaking, romantic, and gripping queer first love story from debut author Jen St Jude. On the morning Avery Byrne plans to end her life, the world discovers there are only nine days left to live: an asteroid is headed for Earth, and no one can stop it. As time runs out and secrets slowly come to light, Avery fights her way home to save the girl she has been in love with her whole life. But can Avery also learn to save herself and find hope again in the tomorrows she has left?
For a debut novel, this was brilliantly accomplished. The writing was so confident and authentic. There are many things to admire about the book, such as the diverse representation, cast of characters, emotional pull, important messages and clever structure. It made a big impact on me and I’m not even the target audience. I didn’t completely love it, however, because it was too long for me, the sport theme was a turn-off (and it’s American football too, of which I have zero knowledge), there were some noticeably repetitive phrases like running a thumb over a cheek or collarbone, sweatpants were mentioned a little too often and the ending was less dramatic than I anticipated. Generally, I thought this book was a great read and I would encourage you to try it, even if the genre is out of your comfort zone.
Thank you to TheWriteReads and the publisher Penguin for the paperback proof copy. The book will be out on 11th May.
Part of the Ultimate Blog Tour from May 5th – 19th.
