Jes Smyth’s Time for Once is a beautifully written and captivating coming-of-age love story that spans over a decade of two young adults’ lives, Jolie and Jace. The novel introduces the two characters who initially seem to have an easy and carefree relationship. However, as the story unfolds, it becomes evident that their relationship is not without its own set of trials and tribulations. The author seamlessly blends the emotions of heartbreak and passion with the realities of self-discovery and personal growth.

The story is told in dual perspectives, which allows readers to experience the ups and downs of Jolie and Jace’s relationship through both of their eyes. The characters meet in college in a charming and awkward encounter that is based on the author's own life experiences. Their chemistry is palpable from the start, but they soon come to realize that they are not yet ready for the commitment that love requires.

As the story progresses, the reader is taken on a decade-long journey with Jolie and Jace as they navigate through the ups and downs of life and love. The author does a fantastic job of capturing the essence of what it means to be a young adult, from the uncertainty of the future to the mistakes we all make along the way. The characters’ experiences are written in a way that makes them relatable to readers and evoke a range of emotions.

Jes Smyth’s writing style is nothing short of beautiful, with descriptions that come to life on the page and emotions that bleed into the reader’s mind. The pacing of the story is well balanced, with time jumps that are integrated seamlessly and provide just enough background information to understand the characters’ progression without overwhelming the reader with unnecessary details.

The character development in the novel is exceptional, with not just Jolie and Jace but also the supporting characters being fleshed out to a level where they are memorable and contribute to the story’s progression. The author has an innate talent for writing witty and engaging conversations, which are a delight to read and keep the story moving forward.

One of the standout aspects of the novel is the honesty with which the author tackles the various issues faced by young adults. From mental health problems to eating disorders and sometimes just plain stubbornness, the author does not shy away from tackling these difficult topics head-on. This honesty in writing is a breath of fresh air and makes the book all the more impactful.

I can confidently give this book a solid 4.9/5 stars. Time for Once is a must-read for anyone who appreciates a well-written and relatable coming-of-age story. The author’s descriptive language brings the story to life, and the clever and emotive descriptions will leave a lasting impression on the reader. The characters are well-developed, and the themes explored in the novel are relevant and thought-provoking. Overall, this is a book that will resonate with a great many people and leave a lasting impact on those who read it.