You know those books that just sort of reach into your chest and squeeze until you can’t breathe? That’s basically the entire vibe of Remember Us This Way by Sheridan Anne. Honestly, if you’re looking for a fluffy, feel-good romance where everyone lives happily ever after and rides off into a sunset made of cotton candy, you’ve come to the wrong place. This book is a gut punch.
It’s an intense, short-lived epic love story. And yeah, "short-lived" is the keyword there.
Sheridan Anne is usually known for her darker, twisted romances—think Broken Hill High or her Pretty Monster series—but with this one, she leans hard into the "romantic tragedy" genre. It’s a 612-page emotional marathon that follows Zoey and Noah, two souls who have been intertwined since they were literal babies. But life, as it often does in these stories, has other plans.
What Really Happens in Remember Us This Way?
The plot kicks off with a classic setup: childhood best friends to strangers. Zoey and Noah were inseparable until a tragedy (no spoilers, but it’s heavy) ripped them apart. Noah didn't just walk away; he vanished into the darkness for three years. He got kicked out of four different schools and basically became a ghost to the girl who used to be his entire world.
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Then, he shows up at Zoey's high school.
The tension is immediate. You’ve got all the tropes we love to hate and hate to love: best friends to enemies, bully romance vibes, and that excruciatingly slow burn. Noah isn't the sweet boy Zoey remembers. He’s protective, possessive, and honestly, a bit of a jerk. He’s dealing with demons that make him terrified to let her back in because he’s convinced he’ll just break her.
The Characters You’ll Love (and One You’ll Hate)
- Zoey (Zozo): She’s the heart of the book. Upbeat, sassy, and maybe a little too forgiving, but she’s the "good girl" who sees the light in everyone.
- Noah Ryan: The "lion." He’s the guy who would burn the world down for Zoey but spends half the book trying to stay away from her for her own good.
- Tarni: If you read the Goodreads reviews, you’ll see one name pop up a lot. Readers despise her. She’s the cheerleader bully who makes Zoey’s life a living hell, and she is written to be genuinely insufferable.
The relationship between Zoey and Noah feels real because it’s messy. It’s not just "I missed you, let's date." It’s "I hate that I love you because you left me when I needed you most."
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Why This Book Is Polarizing
Not everyone is going to love this. Some readers find the bullying elements a bit far-fetched or "cringy." It’s a high school setting, so you have to deal with the typical mean girl drama and over-the-top speeches about "the sands of time" and "footprints in the soul."
It's long. Like, 600+ pages long.
There are sections where the dialogue feels a bit repetitive, circling back to the same "what ifs" and "I can't be with you" arguments. But for the people who love a good "ugly cry" book? These flaws don't matter. The last 20% of the book is where Sheridan Anne really earns those five-star ratings. It’s devastating.
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The Tragedy Factor (Warning: No HEA)
Most romance readers expect a Happy Ever After (HEA). Sheridan Anne explicitly warns you: this is a tragedy. The ending isn't a surprise—the prologue and the general tone of the book hint at where things are going—but knowing it’s coming doesn’t make it hurt any less. The "tape of the heartbeat" moment at the end? It has ruined people. If you aren't prepared to sob into your pillow, maybe stick to a different Sheridan Anne series.
Quick Facts for Your TBR
- Release Date: March 21, 2024.
- Format: Available in paperback, hardcover, and Kindle Unlimited.
- Audiobook: There’s a duet-style narration that’s about 19 hours long.
- Standalone: Yes, it’s a standalone, though the author has mentioned she’d love to revisit the "world" in the future.
How to Prepare for the Emotional Damage
If you're going to dive into Remember Us This Way Sheridan Anne, you need a game plan. First, check the trigger warnings. This isn't just a sad story; it deals with grief, trauma, and some pretty intense bullying.
Second, don't read the last 100 pages in public. You will look like a mess.
Third, go in blind. Don't go hunting for spoilers about the ending. The impact of the "tragedy" comes from the journey you take with Noah and Zoey through all 600 pages. Even though it's a "short-lived" love in the timeline of the characters' lives, the way Sheridan Anne writes it makes it feel like an eternity.
Actionable Next Steps:
- Check Kindle Unlimited: This is currently available there, which is a great way to "test the waters" without committing to a $20 paperback.
- Prepare a Palate Cleanser: Have a lighthearted rom-com ready to go immediately after you finish. You’re going to need it to get out of the "book hangover" this one leaves behind.
- Follow the Author: Sheridan Anne is active on social media and often shares "bonus content" or updates about potential spin-offs in the same universe.