Reviews with content warning for Mental illness - We Can't Keep Meeting Like This

Alright, first things first: I absolutely loved the mental health rep in this book. I also loved the Jewish and Muslim rep, the eczema rep, and the sex-positivity. What I will say is that it felt a little strange to have so much sexual conversation in a YA book, but I understand that it was needed for the sake of the story, so I'll let that one slide.

While the characters were lovable, they definitely did a lot that made me mad. I really hate miscommunication tropes and that was like the BIG ISSUE TO OVERCOME in this one (in the romance and also regarding the other relationships). It felt pretty played out and more than anything, I just got a little tired of it by a certain point.

About halfway through, I found myself looking at the length of the audiobook, wondering how long it would take for the story to wrap up. I don't know if that's just because I listened to way too many romcoms on audio last month or what, but this one just felt okay after some of the other ones I got a chance to read.

It was cute, but not spectacular. Though again, LOVED all the representation!

Content Warnings

bookishjenn15's review against another edition

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emotional funny hopeful 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? It's complicated

5.0

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kayladaila's review against another edition

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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

3.75

Content Warnings

alliemikennareads's review against another edition

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emotional funny 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

4.5

Rachel Lynn Solomon is one of my auto-buy authors. I pre-ordered this but it arrived when I was in a bit of a reading funk, so I saved it for later, knowing it would be worth the wait.

I really loved this YA romance. I love that there was a little bisexual rep. I love how sex positive it is. And I really love how this book handled mental health, especially the realistic portrayal of anxiety. I don't have OCD and can't speak to that rep, though I'm glad it's in these pages.

I love how this normalizes therapy and taking anxiety meds and sharing about depression and mental health struggles with your friends. I needed this type of rep in a book when I was younger. It would have helped me recognize my own struggles sooner, maybe even helped me realize that they're normal but also not the only way I have to live my life - that therapy and medicine could help. I've since figured that out as an adult (and still continue to figure out much more) but this book would've resonated with me so much in my teens.

I also love the romance and the friendships portrayed here. The realistic teen misconceptions about love and relationship struggles. And the Jewish rep - while I'm not Jewish, I appreciate having more books with Jewish characters that aren't just about human suffering.

It took me a bit to settle in and feel invested, but once it picked up at 20% ish, I had a very hard time putting it down and finished this as quickly as I could. I'd absolutely return to this again, and recommend it to fans of YA romance.

Content Warnings

alittlebitheather's review against another edition

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emotional lighthearted

Plot- or character-driven? A mix

4.5

4.5 stars. I think Rachel Lynn Solomon is one of those authors that get better and better with each book - loved this one as a contemporary YA romance. Also had some OCD rep, which I don't feel like we get to see too often. Solomon has a way of making mental illness part of the character and not just some trait that is a gimmick to make the character "interesting" or "quirky." She treats mental illness with care and I could not love her more for that.

Content Warnings