Scan barcode
cristina19's review against another edition
4.0
This is the only book I’m allowing to have over the top pop culture references because all the references were for things I love <3
barnesbookshelf's review against another edition
emotional
funny
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? It's complicated
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
4.0
I really enjoyed this novel. Neil was insufferable at the start, but I liked his growth. There were moments where I thought he was going to be on the ace spectrum, demi or something, which would've been cool but didn't happen. I was a little surprised that the main characters were high schoolers instead of college kids, but that does align with Deaver's previous books. Speaking of Deaver, I adore their writing style, and it shines in this book. Overall, this book was quite enjoyable.
Content Warnings
Graphic: Transphobia
Moderate: Body shaming, Deadnaming, Fatphobia, and Dysphoria
Minor: Fatphobia, Vomit, Death of parent, and Alcohol
julia_notz's review against another edition
emotional
hopeful
reflective
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
anne_liz's review against another edition
emotional
funny
hopeful
inspiring
lighthearted
sad
medium-paced
4.0
mayasriram7's review against another edition
4.5
this one gave me a lot of secondhand embarrassment but I still appreciated the book
ebeubanks8's review against another edition
emotional
funny
lighthearted
reflective
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
the romance was way too insta-lovey for me and they are children, so who knows if it is end game or not. but the gender exploration, and serious conversations between family members were good and very important for trans rep. and the one direction references were a-one.
koffeepuddin's review against another edition
emotional
funny
hopeful
inspiring
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
and_so_she_reads_'s review against another edition
funny
hopeful
reflective
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? It's complicated
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
4.0
Neil enlists his roommate Wyatt as his date to his brother’s wedding after things unexpectedly end with his previous date and friend-with-benefits Josh.
This is a classic fake-dating romcom, and I liked it, but I didn’t love it… mostly because of the MC. Neil was flawed to the point of being unlikeable. I completed adored Wyatt and felt they deserved better.
Overall, it was a fast and breezy and fun read but a bit frustrating for me at certain points.
This is a classic fake-dating romcom, and I liked it, but I didn’t love it… mostly because of the MC. Neil was flawed to the point of being unlikeable. I completed adored Wyatt and felt they deserved better.
Overall, it was a fast and breezy and fun read but a bit frustrating for me at certain points.
lollierey's review against another edition
emotional
lighthearted
fast-paced
2.0
“Maybe part of being in love is the fear of fucking up, and doing whatever you can to make sure you don’t.”
mikeydp's review against another edition
5.0
I need a moment… wow. I never expected to love this book as much as I do but here we are. Mason Deaver, you have officially won over my heart!
As a cis person, I will never be able to fully understand the struggles that trans people go through, but Neil’s story has taught me so much. I shamefully admit that I’ve never read a book with a trans main character, but damn I am so glad I did.
And Wyatt… oh my sweet baby!! How refreshing it was to read about such an open and emotionally mature character. Their journey was so valid and again - new to me.
A great plus was the fact it’s got the fake dating trope!! I don’t care how many books I’ve read that have fake dating, you can pry this trope from my cold, dead hands.
Overall, I’m extremely happy that I read this book, and I highly recommend it.
As usual, here are some quotes. I annotated a lot in this book, but tried to find three that stuck out to me the most.
“Jesus fucking Christ, we’re teenagers. It isn’t that serious.
This isn’t my fault; it can’t be.
Unless I’m just too lovable for my own good.”
“You love me more than I can love you.”
““I’ve learned that the things worth doing are what scare us the most.”
I look up at her, at the honesty in her eyes.
“And falling in love is one of the scariest things in the world.””
As a cis person, I will never be able to fully understand the struggles that trans people go through, but Neil’s story has taught me so much. I shamefully admit that I’ve never read a book with a trans main character, but damn I am so glad I did.
And Wyatt… oh my sweet baby!! How refreshing it was to read about such an open and emotionally mature character. Their journey was so valid and again - new to me.
A great plus was the fact it’s got the fake dating trope!! I don’t care how many books I’ve read that have fake dating, you can pry this trope from my cold, dead hands.
Overall, I’m extremely happy that I read this book, and I highly recommend it.
As usual, here are some quotes. I annotated a lot in this book, but tried to find three that stuck out to me the most.
“Jesus fucking Christ, we’re teenagers. It isn’t that serious.
This isn’t my fault; it can’t be.
Unless I’m just too lovable for my own good.”
“You love me more than I can love you.”
““I’ve learned that the things worth doing are what scare us the most.”
I look up at her, at the honesty in her eyes.
“And falling in love is one of the scariest things in the world.””