BEST I NEVER HAD by JEANNIE CHOE

Sometimes, the one who got away is closer than you think.

Natalia Marquez thought she'd left her high school memories behind—awkward lab partners, football jocks, and the lingering sting of unspoken feelings. Eight years later, she’s navigating life in New York City, mending a broken heart and trying to find purpose in a job she doesn’t love. The last thing she expects is to run into Hayden Marshall, the boy who made AP Biology unexpectedly thrilling.

Once the school’s star athlete, Hayden has traded touchdowns for chef whites, carving out a life in the culinary world. But his move to the city isn’t just about career aspirations—it’s about starting over. When fate reunites Natalia and Hayden, the connection they once shared sparks anew.

As their friendship deepens, so do the unspoken truths they left behind. Can they reconcile who they were with who they’ve become? And will revisiting the past risk their fragile present—or unlock a future that could be the best they’ve ever had?

Best I Never Had is a swoon-worthy, slow-burn romance brimming with second-chance sparks, heartfelt banter, and the unforgettable pull of “it’s always been you” vibes. Perfect for fans of People We Meet on Vacation and Love and Other Words.