3.71 AVERAGE


I really enjoyed reading how not everything is black-and-white, and there's a lot still to learn. Dr. Gwynn (not sure on the spelling, as I listened to the audiobook) and Serena were my favorite characters.

Looking forward to more books by Michelle Quach!

Review copy: ARC via publisher

Eliza wants to make a difference in the world and being liked by everyone around her is not anywhere in her plans. She puts in the work and expects that to be enough to work toward her goals. When she bumps up against the reality that likability, looks, or charm can outweigh any other qualification, particularly for young men in her school, her frustration boils over and readers can see her and those around her questioning a lot about their school and the broader society. What makes a good leader? Does the answer to that question vary when gender comes into play? What does it mean to be a feminist? What role does sexism have in the spaces we move through? How do the intersection of things like gender, race, and class play out in relation to justice in the legal system?

These are all important and timely questions that readers can also ponder for themselves. It seemed so true to life as she was making decisions and weighing whether her thoughts and actions were in line with what she thought a good feminist would think or do. I cannot even begin to count the many times I have entered into that type of thinking. With all of this swirling in her head and her life, romance pops up to complicate and confuse Eliza even more.

There are some fairly typical happenings within the romance, but that is part of the appeal of romances–for me anyway. I appreciate a little predictability within romcoms. The storyline still had a few surprises though.

Recommendation: Get it soon—especially if you enjoy contemporary romances. It’s a fun romantic comedy that also manages to point out the many inequities that are still in existence throughout our society.
lighthearted slow-paced

I absolutely adored this book! Not only is it an on-the-edge-of-your-seat enemies-to-lovers romcom, but it also discusses sexism, racism, and the challenges of modern-day feminism in a fantastic, never on the nose way. The characters are so well-written they almost seem real, and the story moves at such a fantastic pace that you'll barely be able to put the book down. If you are looking for a brilliant romance that is adorable and super smart at the same time, this is the book for you!
inspiring medium-paced
Plot or Character Driven: A mix
Loveable characters: Complicated
Diverse cast of characters: Yes
Flaws of characters a main focus: Yes

Not Here to be Liked by Michelle Quach is pretty good. I really liked the story and the plot but the characters weren’t as likeable or memorable as I was expecting. The romance was pretty cute but the characters really fell flat for me. 

I think I read this book before. And I think I have to just give it an average review because I don’t remember it all of a sudden. Even after going through the end of the book. Ugh. Maybe I read too much?!?!?

3.5 ⭐️
Cute, simple, enjoyable and super easy read.
Some characters can be mildly annoying but overall is just a nice book.
funny 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: Yes

Very clearly written for a younger audience, but that's on me. Nonetheless, a cute storyline that also tackles ideas of sexism, racism and feminism. Never fully got a grasp on what Len was like; sometimes bashful, sometimes super confident, sometimes shy. Quiet, but also goofy? Maybe that's just realistic though. I guess people don't always act the same. Eliza was a bit self-righteous, but as I also am that myself, I did connect with her a bit. 
challenging 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

This book has so much feminism in it! I was pretty impressed. It was definitely a young adult book however. A little more nuace could've improved it but honestly I really liked it and I liked reading it and I just liked it.

J'ai vraiment bcp aimé en plus on y ajoute un peu de romance alors là je recommande !