thatswhatmegread's review
5.0
I thought this was a really vulnerable read, had great character development, absolutely loved the Jewish representation included, the fact sex was openly discussed (MCs are 18) and treated as a completely normal thing. Loved the focus on friendship, being fearless in talking about what we like/what we want to do, overcoming hardships, and giving ourselves grace when the outcome looks different than expected. Really loved this one.
Content Warnings
Graphic: Antisemitism, Violence, and Bullying
plumpaperbacks's review against another edition
lighthearted
fast-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? No
- Flaws of characters a main focus? No
4.5
I’ve said before that I think Rachel Lynn Solomon is one of the best YA contemporary authors, and I stand by that. Though there were a few elements that annoyed me, overall, I thought this was a really fun, quick read. I really liked Rowan and Neil and the progression of their relationship, as well as their individual character development. While I took an immediate liking to Rowan, I wasn’t sure if it was possible for me to like Neil, given that he grated on me initially—but he did, surprisingly, grow on me. His letter in her yearbook was adorable. In general, reading this just made me happy, and that’s how I know a book is good. I’d definitely recommend this one, and upon finishing, I’m quite eager to read more from Solomon.
Representation
Representation
- Mexican-Russian Jewish protagonist
- Jewish love interest and side characters
- lesbian side character
- bisexual side character
- sapphic side couple
Content Warnings
Moderate: Antisemitism
Minor: Sexual content, Violence, and Injury/injury detail
Antisemitism comes from side characters but is always challenged. Violence and injury details are in reference to past events, only mentioned once. As for sexual content, there’s discussion of some characters’ past experiences, but only one mild, on-page sex scene.stuckinatimeloop's review
adventurous
emotional
funny
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
Content Warnings
Graphic: Antisemitism
Moderate: Sexual content
Minor: Drug use, Car accident, and Violence
saraellenme's review against another edition
emotional
funny
hopeful
lighthearted
reflective
fast-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? It's complicated
4.0
Content Warnings
Moderate: Antisemitism
Minor: Antisemitism and Violence
elizlizabeth's review against another edition
I tried to give this one a chance but it was so annoying. Maybe if the author was less worried to virtue signal she could've actually tell an interesting story. Boring characters, boring conflict, ilogical setting and awful pacing, bye.
Content Warnings
Graphic: Racial slurs, Antisemitism, Car accident, and Violence
Several mentions to antisemitic microagressions, allusions to holocaust and bomb threats to places of worship. One of the characters' parents is in prison for badly hitting a minor. None of these are relevant to the plot.mswarning's review against another edition
emotional
lighthearted
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? It's complicated
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
3.5
Content Warnings
Moderate: Drug use, Racism, and Antisemitism
Minor: Violence and Sexual content
sydapel's review against another edition
emotional
funny
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
4.25
Really sweet YA romance about growing up and moving on that made me unapologetically nostalgic for high school (I'm still deciding how I feel about that one). Both Neil and Rowan are really well fleshed out and the tension is written so well! Also big shout-out for the romance reader representation, which nearly influenced me to make my fourth TikTok of all time.
Content Warnings
Moderate: Violence and Cursing
shivani_n's review
emotional
funny
hopeful
lighthearted
relaxing
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? No
5.0
starting of 2022 REALLY GOOD!! this book is amazing. i haven't read a YA book that i've loved so much in a really long time. this book truly warmed my heart so much. the characters all have such interesting backstories, there's diversity, and not just the kind that feels weirdly inserted because the author feels obligated to put it there. it really makes sense and the writing is thoughtful and presents such an intimate, flirty, adorable romance. also the characters even before they get together have such good chemistry and banter, it was hilarious. i honestly need more than just that sneak peak of neil's pov rachel lynn solomon gave us, i would literally read the entire book from his pov i love him so much. i also love rowan, she's so cool and they just fit together SO WELL. AHH AND THE THE LOVE LETTER CONFESSION I CANNOT. HE IS SO CUTE AND HE IS SO SMART AND FUNNY AND AHHHH HE IS PERFECT. also, obsessed with the way she adores his freckles, it's too cute. makes me want to date a cute, sarcastic redhead not gonna lie.
Spoiler
Content Warnings
Minor: Violence
jenna_justi2004's review
adventurous
challenging
dark
emotional
funny
hopeful
informative
inspiring
lighthearted
mysterious
reflective
relaxing
sad
tense
fast-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? It's complicated
5.0
My new favorite author
Content Warnings
Graphic: Antisemitism, Cursing, Domestic abuse, Panic attacks/disorders, Racism, Toxic relationship, and Violence
fremzz's review
2.5
Content Warnings
Graphic: Antisemitism, Cursing, and Drug use
Moderate: Car accident and Sexual content
Minor: Violence