Seven Days in June by Tia WilliamsBook Review by Mariah V

A lot can happen in seven days.

Set in a vibrant literary world of Black excellence, Seven Days in June by Tia Williams brings together two bestselling authors whose past is anything but over. Eva Mercy, a single mother known for her sensual and emotionally charged romance novels, and Shane Hall, a reclusive, award-winning literary writer, unexpectedly cross paths at a book event in Brooklyn. What seems like a chance encounter quickly reveals deeper layers: a shared history filled with trauma, teenage love, and years of unresolved emotions.

Though they act like strangers in public, what readers don’t know is that Eva and Shane have secretly been writing about each other for years. Beneath their composed exteriors lies a teenage romance marked by intensity, heartbreak, and healing. Over the course of seven days, as the Brooklyn heat rises, so does the tension between them bringing old feelings to the surface and forcing them to confront their past.

But rekindling a love like theirs isn’t simple. After being abandoned by Shane during one of the hardest times in her life, Eva struggles to trust him again. Can she allow the man who knows her better than anyone back into her heart? Or will history repeat itself?

My Thoughts:

Shoutout to Libby for finally getting me off the waitlist (I was #21, whew!). I was so excited to read Seven Days in June, and while it started off a little slow for me, once the story found its rhythm, I was all in.

Eva and Shane’s dynamic is complex and layered I really appreciated how their history unfolded piece by piece. I especially loved the concept of them writing about each other in their books; that felt so intimate and poetic. But the real star for me? Eva’s daughter, Audre.

Audre stole every scene she was in. Wise beyond her years, emotionally intelligent, and confidently herself, she brought a fresh, grounded energy to the story. I could totally see her growing up to be a therapist and a nail salon owner dual career goals! She was more self-aware and socially conscious than most adults in the book, including her own parents.

While I sympathized with both Eva and Shane, Eva’s chronic migraines and difficult childhood, Shane’s trauma, addiction, and loss I found myself wishing they could stop circling their pain and finally communicate openly. Their wounds made them who they are, but at times it felt like they were stuck in them.

One thing I really wished the book expanded on was their writing as teens. It’s mentioned that they wrote to and about each other, but I would’ve loved to actually read some of those early pieces or see what inspired their teenage voices. That kind of detail could’ve added even more emotional depth.

I also appreciated the inclusion of mantras and mindfulness, especially as tools for managing anger. That felt real and relevant. However, I was a little let down by the ending. I wanted Eva to share more of her truth maybe even reveal her real name to those closest to her. And an epilogue featuring her new book would’ve been the perfect full-circle moment.

This story took me on a bit of an emotional rollercoaster, some feel-good highs, some heartbreaking lows, and a few “wait, what?” moments in between. While I liked the book overall, I also found myself craving a little more resolution and depth in certain places.

Final Rating: 3.5 to 4 stars out of 5.

Would I recommend it? Yes, especially if you love character-driven romance with emotional grit and a touch of literary magic. But be ready to sit with some heavy emotions and some characters who take a while to get it together.

What did you think?