The wonderful Elise Bryant cinematic universe continues with her third book “Reggie and Delilah’s Year of Falling”— a dual point-of-view book that shows both Reggie and Delilah’s inner thoughts about the world around them. This Black, Young Adult romance is sure to make audiences squeal with joy — especially Swifties.

Where do I start with this book? This has to be my favorite ouadt of Bryant’s romance novels. One thing that I love about her work is that she keeps outdoing herself! Every book she writes feels like an improvement on her previous work, whereas with other authors, I usually cling to their earlier works.

Bryant’s best feature is how she writes her characters. Delilah is a punk rock singer whose main story revolves around being Black in this space. She’s also a Swiftie, so I was living for all of the Taylor Swift references.

Reggie is a Blerd (Black nerd) in the Dungeons and Dragons space. He’s also dyslexic, which Bryant handles with great care. 

The part of this book that spoke to me most was how Black characters are into different activities outside of the “norm,” and how the characters bond over their identity being questioned by those around them — their families in particular. More Black nerd representation, I beg! 

As usual with Bryant’s world, this book takes place in California. The setting is so fun, with the characters meeting at different places throughout their “year of falling.” 

The premise of the characters having a chance run-in at different holidays throughout the year is absolutely genius. Not only do we get the more traditional holidays, but Bryant also throws in days important to the characters, like Comic Book Day. 

Not only do the main characters stand out, but the supporting characters are also given depth and meaning to them. Everyone in this book grabbed my attention. Georgia, Delilah’s theater loving sister, in particular, stands out as one of Bryant’s best supporting characters to date.

Reggie and Delilah have to be in my top three book couples after this read. Both characters have conflicts and internal struggles that make the audience want to root for them, so they relate to each other about not feeling “Black enough”— a topic that isn’t talked about enough in mainstream media.

This book discusses many themes that I think need to be discussed more. For one, Reggie’s perspective explores how he feels disconnected from his family due to his interests, which is definitely something a lot of nerds can relate to. 

Delilah is one of my favorite protagonists. She’s shy and more reserved, but when she stands her ground, it’s so satisfying to see. She has her own sense of style.

One thing I like is that these two are not perfect characters, like many other protagonists. We get to see Delilah have to learn things and face her struggles head-on. Reggie has moments where he screws up with his friendships and has to resolve them. 

When I planned to read this book, I knew I was in for a treat. I didn’t expect to be sucked into a world that spoke to me as much as it did. It is a book I know is going to stick with me for a long time. This is a story that many people need — especially those who feel like they don’t fit the norms of how they “should” be. 

Rating: 5/5