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robinks's review against another edition
emotional
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? Yes
4.25
WOW there were so many cringey and ridiculous scenes in this sequel, but the ending left me way more satisfied than the first book. My queer little heart loved the twists and turns in the last third of the story.
Content Warnings
Moderate: Grief, Alcohol, Cursing, Sexual content, and Sexual harassment
Minor: Panic attacks/disorders, Homophobia, Pregnancy, Infidelity, and Vomit
jelkebooks's review
funny
lighthearted
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Strong character development? No
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
3.0
I really enjoyed What If It's Us when I read it back in the day, and I'm actually one of the few people who really liked the non-traditional ending that book. Truly, to this day it's the main reason why this book has always stood out in my brain, despite me not absolutely loving it. So, when I heard there was going to be a sequel I actually was kind of excited, however subconsiously I apparently was also quite dissapointed because it took me this long to actually get around to reading it.
Truth is I just think this sequel was completely unnececary, and reading it completely confirmed that to me. It's very obvious while reading this book, that this wasn't the original plan from Becky Albertalli and Adam Silvera, and was instead written because so many people loved this book but didn't love the end. I wouldn't neccecarily say this book was bad, because it wasn't, it just was completely pulled out of thin air and you can tell.
This is basically a second chance romance, which is a trope I absolutely ADORE when it's done well. It absolutely isn't done well in this book. For the entirety of my time reading this book I just couldn't help find Ben and Arthur quite pathetic. The way they are both just so hung up over a relationship that happened TWO YEARS AGO at this point, just wasn't it. Especially considering both of their lives had moved in such a different direction from where we left them in the last book. It's also not like throughout this book they formed any kind of new connection either. It was all just based on these feelings they had TWO YEARS AGO. That's truly what convinced that this book was never the original plan, because this is the lamest second chance romance I've ever read. There was just no effort put into it. Ben and Arthur also have new love interests within this book, and they were awesome. Honestly, they were really good characters, and great love interests. The two pairings also had more chemistry together than Ben and Arthur did within this book. If I have one actual complaint of this book it's that they just put more effort into developing these two side romances that lead to nothing than into our main romance.
All of that being said, I did still enjoy my time reading this book. The story was engaging enough, and the side characters absolutely stole the show for me. Especially Dylan, he stole absolutely every scene that he was in, and actually made me laugh a couple of time while reading this book. I can definitely understand why die hard fans of the first book would really enjoy this one (especially if you were dissatified with the ending) but even a casual fan will notice that this sequel was nothing more than a cash grab.
Truth is I just think this sequel was completely unnececary, and reading it completely confirmed that to me. It's very obvious while reading this book, that this wasn't the original plan from Becky Albertalli and Adam Silvera, and was instead written because so many people loved this book but didn't love the end. I wouldn't neccecarily say this book was bad, because it wasn't, it just was completely pulled out of thin air and you can tell.
This is basically a second chance romance, which is a trope I absolutely ADORE when it's done well. It absolutely isn't done well in this book. For the entirety of my time reading this book I just couldn't help find Ben and Arthur quite pathetic. The way they are both just so hung up over a relationship that happened TWO YEARS AGO at this point, just wasn't it. Especially considering both of their lives had moved in such a different direction from where we left them in the last book. It's also not like throughout this book they formed any kind of new connection either. It was all just based on these feelings they had TWO YEARS AGO. That's truly what convinced that this book was never the original plan, because this is the lamest second chance romance I've ever read. There was just no effort put into it. Ben and Arthur also have new love interests within this book, and they were awesome. Honestly, they were really good characters, and great love interests. The two pairings also had more chemistry together than Ben and Arthur did within this book. If I have one actual complaint of this book it's that they just put more effort into developing these two side romances that lead to nothing than into our main romance.
All of that being said, I did still enjoy my time reading this book. The story was engaging enough, and the side characters absolutely stole the show for me. Especially Dylan, he stole absolutely every scene that he was in, and actually made me laugh a couple of time while reading this book. I can definitely understand why die hard fans of the first book would really enjoy this one (especially if you were dissatified with the ending) but even a casual fan will notice that this sequel was nothing more than a cash grab.
Content Warnings
Moderate: Alcohol
zombiezami's review against another edition
emotional
hopeful
reflective
medium-paced
4.0
Content Warnings
Moderate: Sexual content, Toxic relationship, and Cursing
Minor: Homophobia, Alcohol, Pregnancy, Infidelity, Medical content, and Vomit
justinekorson's review against another edition
emotional
funny
lighthearted
sad
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
3.75
This was a MUCH BETTER book than the last one. Where the last one felt overdramatic and had WAY TOO MANY references to things from that year, this story had none of that. The characters no longer relied heavily on jokes about musicals and movies which felt way more realistic. Although there was still drama, I was glad that the characters had matured enough that they weren't yelling at each other and instead talking everything out together. I'm glad I decided to keep reading the series and not stop after the first book.
Content Warnings
Moderate: Alcohol and Pregnancy
thebookpaiges's review
emotional
funny
hopeful
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
Content Warnings
Graphic: Sexual content, Cursing, and Pregnancy
Minor: Homophobia, Alcohol, Infidelity, and Vomit
hales_1243's review
emotional
funny
hopeful
lighthearted
slow-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? It's complicated
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? It's complicated
5.0
Content Warnings
Graphic: Homophobia and Alcohol
Moderate: Sexual content
Minor: Drug use
amethystandherbooks's review against another edition
emotional
funny
hopeful
lighthearted
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
5.0
Content Warnings
Moderate: Cursing and Pregnancy
Minor: Infidelity, Alcohol, and Homophobia
journey2's review
emotional
funny
hopeful
sad
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
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
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
Minor: Pregnancy and Alcohol
deadgirlwalking23's review against another edition
emotional
funny
hopeful
lighthearted
relaxing
medium-paced
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
5.0
Content Warnings
Moderate: Sexual content, Toxic relationship, Cursing, and Pregnancy
Minor: Alcohol
lchambers394's review
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!!
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!!
Content Warnings
Minor: Alcohol, Vomit, and Pregnancy