3.63 AVERAGE


As soon as I picked up this book and read the first page I knew I would love it.

The writing and diction used in this book just grabbed me immediately. I had the urge to look up every word I didn't know because the words themselves were used so eloquently. The two main characters, Dash & Lily, were so fascinating for me to read. I just found both of their characters to be very true and admirable to read about. It was nothing complex and that's why I liked it. Although I will say I still have trouble picturing a "snarly" teenage boy with such an articulate use of language. In fact almost all of the characters in this novel were very eloquent and sassy - while sometimes unbelievable I loved their sass too much to care. I marked the pages that really spoke to me... but honestly, the whole novel spoke to me. Something spoke to me on every page. This book made me want to cry happy tears, which I don't get much either.

This book also made me want to write again. Just listen to 80s music, think, and write. There are so many great things to take away from this read.

A delightful breezy read. Lily's brother leaves a book with clues on a bookstore shelf. Dash discovers the book and decides to follow the cluesl. What follows is a story told in alternating voices, as Lily and Dash become more interested in the other without actually meeting or knowing names. When they finally do meet, it's not what you would predict. Thoroughly enjoyable.

In all honesty I read this book because I love the show and I was so upset that they would not be continuing that I decided I wanted to read to sequel books. I rarely think a show does a better job at giving emotional reasoning behind decision making, but I can say the show did do it better.

Lily is very very childish in this book while also fighting against people treating her like a child. Dash is pretentious af but that we knew.

I wish I would have been able to read the book before I saw the show. I probably would have been able to enjoy it more.

That being said I will absolutely be reading (and rooting for) the sequels.

2.5 stars
This could've gotten 3 stars - a solid, cozy Christmas rom-com that met my expectations. No more, no less.
But boy, I will NEVER get over that Hermione reference. Seriously, if you're going to use another fictional character as a reference, just the character's name in fact, then at least get that said name right!
(For those who haven't read the book - they call her Hermione Potter here, instead of Hermione Granger)
Fire the editor, and you're good.

*3.5*

"All it takes is one dance to know that she's the one. All it takes is the sound of her song from the tower, or a look at her sleeping face. And right away you know - this is the girl in you head, sleeping or dancing or singing in front of you. Yes, girls want their princes, but boys want their princesses just as much."


I'm pleasantly surprised that I enjoyed, and had a fun time reading this. I've been burned in the past by reading co-authored books by Rachel Cohn and David Levithan (I'm looking at youNick and Norah). However, I do have to say that I prefer the Netflix miniseries way more. I find the characters more likable, and less annoying, and their chemistry seems more palpable. Plus something about just feels so magical and full of whimsy.

I wasn't reading it looking for the next classic or anything, but it was cute, a fun read, and an enjoyable way to pass the time this weekend.
funny hopeful lighthearted 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: No

stormydawnc's review against another edition

DID NOT FINISH

Characters=obnoxious & pretentious.
adventurous funny fast-paced
Plot or Character Driven: Plot
Loveable characters: Yes

Ehhhh.

Recently, I really enjoyed the Netflix adaptation (“Dash & Lily”) of this book. The characters were really well-drawn and fun, even for an aging Gen Xer like me.


The book starts off well and it’s clear where the series got its inspiration. But, after a few chapters, the book gets less and less charming with the writing seeming rushed and confused.