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kgareis's review against another edition
3.0
I didn't expect this to address super heavy topics like divorce, death of parents, broken families - but I suppose those issues are both prevalent and pertinent especially in YA lit. What I expected was a cute high school love story about two passionate teens whose lives revolve around basketball, that goes to show what a less than accurate back cover blurb and cartoon front cover can make you believe. Despite the instalove, there was depth to our two MCs, real feelings, confusion, anger, sadness and an all too real storyline of parental expectations even when the parents are less than perfect. When kids are pushed to do things they don't love - or do things they love yet those whom they love pay not one bit of attention .... it took until the middle for me to finally see the beauty in this story. The back and forth perspectives were helpful in understanding what was really going on and how frustrating it can be when people don't speak the truth or wait for the real truth to be heard or even ask what the problem is. Empathy is a gift.
stephaniemartinez_72's review against another edition
4.0
4.5 Great ya romance taking place in houston. I loved that it took place in my hometown and I got excited to have them hangout in some of my old spots: I love rice village. I think it’s great that it touches on more important topics and dealt with communication. My only issue is that it seems a little rushed but it is a middle grade school book and maybe they didn’t want it to be too long. All and all a great story I would recommend.
jxoseguera's review against another edition
3.0
3.5 stars very young adult vibe but cute story in the end. At first I thought it was kinda cheesy but then it picked up with the drama. Some cringe teen lingo tho at times lol. I liked the alternative perspectives each chapter :)
subbacultcha's review against another edition
4.0
Some really decent ya realistic fiction with two Black main characters. Sure, they're a little dumb and dramatic abt love, but they're 16. And the author does prioritize them figuring out themselves before escaping into a couple, so big points there. Appreciated the complicatedness of their family situations. But some of it seemed a little far-fetched. Like if Rex's dad was in counseling, why wasn't Rex? And how could his dad's therapist have failed to nudge him into having a relationship with his son? And how could Carli's dad equate having a secret daughter with her mom's secret work project? And how could he ever feel entitled to sole custody? I mean, people are complicated but those things felt written to be dramatic. But still an enjoyable read. And I do appreciate realistic and diverse YA that's basically just abt normal high school life, warts and all.
nicci19's review against another edition
3.0
I give this book 3.5 stars. It was a cute YA love story that I think teenagers will be into. I'm not a teenager, so some of the storyline was not for me. For instance, how quickly they fall in love. It felt a little dramatic for how young they are. But there are other parts of the story that help move the story along and will keep you reading.
aemilyl24's review against another edition
4.0
I really like this book, the ending was just so so for me. But it was a really nice book about two young teenagers and their worlds changing and colliding and expanding.
kayde3's review against another edition
3.0
The amount of toxic behavior by both of the main characters was not my cup of tea but I enjoyed it overall.
jalialynn's review against another edition
the plot is going too fast & the characters are annoying me
tidoublegarrr's review against another edition
3.0
This was a cute coming-of-age, love at first sight story which reminded me of Love and Basketball. The way they fell in love was not very believable but maybe I'm too old lol. At one point I was concerned because Rex was truly acting toxic to her and saying gaslighting stuff. But the author cleverly turned the plot about about Rex and Carli needing to love themselves and work on their own traumas before the relationship. It was a surprisingly mature twist and unexpected for this type of story.
czarfancypants's review against another edition
emotional
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Strong character development? It's complicated
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? It's complicated
3.5