Reviews with content warning for Alcohol - Here's to Us

When I finished reading what if it's us in August I knew immediately that I needed to get my hands on here's to us as soon as possible. However I did not want to have one paperback one hardcover so I had to wait until the paperback of Here's to Us came out when it did I finally got my hands on it and man oh man was I happy to be back with Ben and Arthur again! We find them in much different places than we last saw them in what if it's us; both in relationships and living good lives but both holding on to treasured Memories of the times they spent together in New York.

A dream internship Off Broadway brings Arthur back into the City and away from his loving boyfriend. An incredible chance at book publication could be taking Ben and his romantic partner to new places and new cities and expanding Ben's horizons. But when the universe speaks...

This book was so good. It was not your typical love triangle situation. I loved every character in this book. I did not want to see anybody get hurt! The characters were well written and fully flushed out. And the universe worked its wonders. I loved this book like I love Ben and Arthur and Mario and Mikey and even Dylan. The love and passion is evident in every interaction. I did not laugh as much this time as in the first book but I enjoyed it just as much. And at one point one line literally made me burst into tears of joy. I have no edits. If you know you know.

That said, I highly recommend you read what if it's us and here's to us by Becky albertalli and Adam Silvera

Content Warnings

deadgirlwalking23's review against another edition

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emotional funny hopeful lighthearted relaxing medium-paced

Strong character development? Yes
Loveable characters? Yes

5.0

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lchambers394's review against another edition

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emotional funny hopeful inspiring lighthearted tense medium-paced

Plot- or character-driven? Character
Strong character development? Yes
Loveable characters? Yes
Diverse cast of characters? Yes
Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes

4.25

I loved this book so much more than the first one that I can hardly believe the were written by the same people! It was funnier, more loveable, more raw and mature. I loved the misunderstandings and the mutual oblivious pining and the constant tension. The characters, both main and side, were the highlight of what if it’s us and the same can definitely be said for its sequel too! Ageing them up was an excellent choice and I loved the growth and journey that they all went on in this book. I loved that their actions had consequences and their decisions had weight and complexity.

The scene between Arthur and Mikey was SOOOO well done and actually addressed the harm that had been done. Ben’s acknowledgement that he had to hurt someone was equally mature and realistic, and I appreciated how honest he was with Mario.

In writing 18 instead of 16 year olds, I felt the authors tried less to sound like teenagers and this really benefitted the story. Also, it would be wrong not to mention Dylan and Samantha, who were as loveable as ever! However, it was also with the characters that I had a few issues. Jessie and Ethan showed up sporadically and I missed what their friendship with Arthur offered him as a character. The parents were conveniently missing at times and then popped up when they could further the story. Hudson and Harriet disappeared then the former was brought back with a surprise falling out which hadn’t been mentioned before. I also felt like pride was a missed opportunity that could have been more fruitful. But these issues aside, it was a thoroughly enjoyable read, providing much more substance, character development and tension than its predecessor. The epilogue, and perhaps the whole book, felt almost like reading fanfiction and I mean that as a compliment!! This book was everything a YA romcom should be!!

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anton13's review against another edition

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funny hopeful lighthearted relaxing sad medium-paced

Plot- or character-driven? Character
Strong character development? It's complicated
Loveable characters? Yes
Diverse cast of characters? Yes
Flaws of characters a main focus? No

5.0

When I started reading this book I was already scared of ending it. I loved the first one so I knew that this one could only get better. And I was right. It got so much better. To say it was an emotional roller coaster would be an understatement. I’ve cried and laughed all within seconds of each other. If you thought Dylan was odd/funny in the first book then I’m happy to inform you that he gets even better in the second one. This book has helped me through tough times and cheered me up when I felt like crap. Everyone should read it if they have the chance, it’s truly beautiful.

Content Warnings

ladygetslit's review against another edition

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emotional funny inspiring medium-paced

Plot- or character-driven? A mix
Strong character development? Yes
Loveable characters? Yes
Diverse cast of characters? Yes
Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes

5.0

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brynn_books's review against another edition

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challenging inspiring lighthearted medium-paced

Plot- or character-driven? Character
Strong character development? Yes
Loveable characters? Yes
Diverse cast of characters? Yes
Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes

4.0

I really liked this sequel! Do I think it was 100% necessary? Probably not. But I still enjoyed it.

It was a little frustrating to read at times because I feel like the main characters kept going back and forth and didn't quite know what they wanted. I think this is realistic but at the same time it was frustrating to read about.

I really do like the whole idea of the second chance trope. I also liked the coming-of-age themes in this book and the figuring out your identity aspect. I think the ending was a little rushed and out of the blue (especially on ben's side). But i enjoyed it anyway.

I think this is an unpopular opinion but I liked all of the pop culture references. It made me enjoy the book more. Overall, I think it was a really cute story.

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bookcrushin's review against another edition

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emotional funny lighthearted fast-paced

Plot- or character-driven? Character
Strong character development? Yes
Loveable characters? Yes
Diverse cast of characters? Yes
Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes

4.75

Really adored this second chance novel!

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imstephtacular's review against another edition

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adventurous emotional hopeful lighthearted reflective medium-paced

Plot- or character-driven? A mix
Strong character development? Yes
Loveable characters? Yes
Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes

5.0

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