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3.91 AVERAGE
3.91 AVERAGE
Thank you, NetGalley and the publisher for this advance reader's copy in exchange for an honest review!
Tropes:
- Enemies to lovers
- Woman in STEM
- Lovers in STEM
First of all, as a Filipino, I was so excited when I heard that the protagonist is half-Filipino. It is not common that we get representation in books so I was really looking forward to reading this book, and boy oh boy did I enjoy it.
I read this for the enemies-to-forced colleague-to-lovers but I stayed for the woman in STEM rep. This book is honestly so empowering. It talks about sexism and systemic misogyny in STEM. Bel's journey on self-discovery and "owning her own space" was simply so fun to read. As a Filipino in the STEM field, I was really able to connect with her. Apart from Bel, Teo's character was also endearing. I mean, yes, I initially thought that his character was annoying and entitled but his character development was good. He was able to recognize his flaws in the end (although I am still a little bit bummed with the whole Neelam situation thing in the Nationals). Moreover, can I just stress how much I love the friendship of Jamie, Lo, and Bel? Their bond was just amazing. It was such a healthy relationship. Additionally, I also LOVED the chapters about the robot competition. Olivie Blake/Alexene Farol Follmuth has a way with words that made me feel as if I were part of the crowd of the competition. Reading the descriptions about robot driving was exhilarating. Apart from the robot competitions, I also loved how the author showcased their senior year of high school. It made me think of my own experience. Bel feeling lost and confused about what to do with her future after high school is honestly such a relatable experience. It happens to more people than what is usually portrayed in high school movies/books. This book perfectly showcased how stressful it is to choose a university and a course when you feel like everyone around you has their life together already. The quote: "It's not fair that I'm supposed to know everything at eighteen" was able to perfectly capture the raw feeling of being lost and afraid of what comes next after high school. That part of the plot was such a great addition. As for Teo's dad, I initially thought that the ending felt lacking for not discussing or diving more into the issues he'd caused with his son. However, after much thought, I realized that what the book did was realistic. Sometimes confrontations don't get to happen, and that's okay. Thus, I conclude that I enjoyed reading this book.
Tropes:
- Enemies to lovers
- Woman in STEM
- Lovers in STEM
First of all, as a Filipino, I was so excited when I heard that the protagonist is half-Filipino. It is not common that we get representation in books so I was really looking forward to reading this book, and boy oh boy did I enjoy it.
I read this for the enemies-to-forced colleague-to-lovers but I stayed for the woman in STEM rep. This book is honestly so empowering. It talks about sexism and systemic misogyny in STEM. Bel's journey on self-discovery and "owning her own space" was simply so fun to read. As a Filipino in the STEM field, I was really able to connect with her. Apart from Bel, Teo's character was also endearing. I mean, yes, I initially thought that his character was annoying and entitled but his character development was good. He was able to recognize his flaws in the end (although I am still a little bit bummed with the whole Neelam situation thing in the Nationals). Moreover, can I just stress how much I love the friendship of Jamie, Lo, and Bel? Their bond was just amazing. It was such a healthy relationship. Additionally, I also LOVED the chapters about the robot competition. Olivie Blake/Alexene Farol Follmuth has a way with words that made me feel as if I were part of the crowd of the competition. Reading the descriptions about robot driving was exhilarating. Apart from the robot competitions, I also loved how the author showcased their senior year of high school. It made me think of my own experience. Bel feeling lost and confused about what to do with her future after high school is honestly such a relatable experience. It happens to more people than what is usually portrayed in high school movies/books. This book perfectly showcased how stressful it is to choose a university and a course when you feel like everyone around you has their life together already. The quote: "It's not fair that I'm supposed to know everything at eighteen" was able to perfectly capture the raw feeling of being lost and afraid of what comes next after high school. That part of the plot was such a great addition. As for Teo's dad, I initially thought that the ending felt lacking for not discussing or diving more into the issues he'd caused with his son. However, after much thought, I realized that what the book did was realistic. Sometimes confrontations don't get to happen, and that's okay. Thus, I conclude that I enjoyed reading this book.
The way I completely just obliterated this book bc I finished it in one night and now it’s 5am and I really need to sleep but I can’t stop thinking about this book…
First off, I didn’t realize bel was half filipina until starting it and I loved it bc I haven’t read a lot of books where the mcs are Filipino
Also I am OBSESSED like OBSESSED with the way teo pays attention to bel like all of her outfits and her makeup and the birds??? like no one understands my need for someone that knows me for the little things like whether it be romantic interests or friendships, it always feels so good when you realize someone actually knows things about you
this was probably one of my quickest reads ever it was so cute I couldn’t stop
First off, I didn’t realize bel was half filipina until starting it and I loved it bc I haven’t read a lot of books where the mcs are Filipino
Also I am OBSESSED like OBSESSED with the way teo pays attention to bel like all of her outfits and her makeup and the birds??? like no one understands my need for someone that knows me for the little things like whether it be romantic interests or friendships, it always feels so good when you realize someone actually knows things about you
this was probably one of my quickest reads ever it was so cute I couldn’t stop
Thank you netgalley and Alexene Farol Follmuth for the ARC of this book.
This was such a nice fresh breath of air compared to my usual thriller reads. It was a cute YA romance between two people Bel & Teo. This was a super quick and easy read. Told by both POVs the story progresses and we learn more about each character.
Loved the nerdy aspect of this book and feel this is a great refreshing YA romance novel.
This was such a nice fresh breath of air compared to my usual thriller reads. It was a cute YA romance between two people Bel & Teo. This was a super quick and easy read. Told by both POVs the story progresses and we learn more about each character.
Loved the nerdy aspect of this book and feel this is a great refreshing YA romance novel.
Look, this book is probably closer to than 4 than 5 but I am rounding up because it is simply cute as hell. There were just tiny things I wish had been flushed out more but honestly, I just loved Bel. Her finding herself was just as important as the romance and any girl who has had to work harder just because the guys around her have explicit and implicit biases will root for her. So cute.
I will say that I was not a fan of the audiobook but I refuse to hold that against the story.
I will say that I was not a fan of the audiobook but I refuse to hold that against the story.
lighthearted
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
3.5 ☆
I thought I would love this because, I mean, robotics and "enemies to lovers" (there was literally none of that)
however, for me this book fell flat and I didn't really care what would happen to the characters and with their relationship
I'm thinking that I may have outgrown my YA romance era :')
also, is getting into college really so stressful for good students in the US?? because I was STRESSED and I'm already on my second year here in Spain
I thought I would love this because, I mean, robotics and "enemies to lovers" (there was literally none of that)
however, for me this book fell flat and I didn't really care what would happen to the characters and with their relationship
I'm thinking that I may have outgrown my YA romance era :')
also, is getting into college really so stressful for good students in the US?? because I was STRESSED and I'm already on my second year here in Spain
