The Déjà Glitch

June 15, 2023
Stuck in a time loop, two people must fall in love in order to break out. When Gemma runs into Jack--literally--at a Los Angeles coffee shop, there's something strangely familiar about him. In fact, Gemma has been having moments of d�j� vu all morning. Now, Jack tries to convince her that they've been stuck repeating the same day for almost five months. Having been aware of the "temporal anomaly" the whole time, Jack is already madly in love with Gemma and believes that if she can fall in love with him, too, they'll be freed. Gemma is understandably skeptical, but with encouragement from Jack and her best friend, Lila, she tentatively indulges the theory. What follows is a daylong adventure, taking them from the radio station where Gemma works to the television set where Jack is a writer as well as Caltech, LAX, and the Hollywood Bowl. Along the way, they make major discoveries and positive changes to their lives that they wouldn't have done without each other. But Gemma has been betrayed before, and when they hit an emotional stumbling block, she flees. Will they reunite before the day is over? Consent is tricky business in this novel; while the reader has evidence that Jack is telling the truth, Gemma has none besides an uncanny sense of familiarity. James does a laudable job emphasizing Jack's desperation and adoration, the sparks that fly between him and Gemma, and the way they make each other's lives better, but whether that justifies the power of experience he has over her or his ability to manipulate is debatable. Additionally, Lila, an influencer, posts a video of Gemma and Jack to her socials that becomes a viral sensation--all without asking. While this doesn't pose a problem for the characters, it may for readers. Readable and sweet but with a flawed premise.

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June 12, 2023
With this cleverly constructed romance, James (Nothing but the Truth) puts a fresh spin on the concept of a time loop. The night after a handsome stranger kisses Gemma Peters at her best friend’s birthday party, Gemma wakes up to suspect that she’s reliving the previous day. She dismisses the feeling as déjà vu—until she collides with the same handsome stranger at a coffee shop, triggering even more flashes of memory. He introduces himself as Jack and claims the two of them have been trapped in a daylong time loop for a while. Though he remembers every iteration, this is the first time Gemma’s recalled anything about the previous go-rounds. He also has a theory about how they can break free: they must fall in love by the end of the day. Despite Gemma’s incredulity, she develops feelings for Jack as their paths keep crossing and he proves to understand her on a deep level. Meanwhile, she’s challenged to break out of her routine, let go of assumptions about her life, and even confront her estranged father. The focus is more on Gemma’s personal growth than the budding relationship, but Jack and Gemma still make a satisfying couple. This is a cute romp. Agent: Melissa Edwards, Stonesong.

June 1, 2023

Radio producer Gemma Peters lives a quiet life, but on this Thursday she's busy celebrating her best friend's birthday, avoiding her rock-star father, and taking care of her dog. Little does she know, she's stuck living the same day over and over--until she kisses Jack, a total stranger at the birthday party. But Gemma and Jack aren't complete strangers; he's spent this same random day repeatedly getting to know the mysterious Gemma, realizing that she might be the key to why the day keeps repeating. The two join forces to try and escape the time loop. Psychics and physicists are of little help, but the way the couple supports and challenges each other as they make simple changes to their routine begins to drastically alter the status quo. Forced to confront difficult truths from their past relationships and career priorities, Gemma and Jack face an uphill battle to discover if falling in love is the answer to waking up tomorrow and finally starting a new adventure. VERDICT Readers will love getting stuck in James's (Nothing But the Truth) uniquely sweet and heartfelt love story.--Jenna Harmison

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July 14, 2023
Radio producer Gemma Peters has always been more comfortable behind the scenes. At her best friend's birthday party, she meets a handsome stranger who kisses her and asks her to remember him. The next morning, she has a strange feeling of d�j� vu as she goes about her routine. While picking up her morning coffee, she collides--literally--with a man who seems familiar. Jack insists that they know each other, and reveals that they're stuck in a time loop--and the only way out is falling in love. Gemma is skeptical, but Jack's kindness (and his persistence) begin to win her over. Getting through the day will force Gemma to face both her professional and personal fears, including a career-defining opportunity for an on-air interview with a legendary rock star and a reconciliation with her music mogul father. James (Nothing But the Truth, 2022) combines humor and heart in this sparkling story of love and friendship that is sure to enchant fans of Emily Henry and Rebecca Serle. Likable characters and a charming, funny premise elevate James' latest above the crowded pack of contemporary rom-coms.

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