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vasha's review against another edition
emotional
lighthearted
fast-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Strong character development? It's complicated
- Loveable characters? It's complicated
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
3.0
A high-concept book, and the premise hooked me: Molly's a shy and awkward college freshman who's been pining after Cora for years, and Alex needs to prove to her sort-of-ex-girlfriend Natalie that she's not a heartless flirt, so Alex gets the idea to use her seduction skills selflessly: coach Molly in how to get her girl. We can all see where that's going...
The romance is solid in this book. I suppose it can't hurt that the authors are a married couple -- they claim in an afterword that they put something of themselves into the story. Molly and Alex shine when it's just the two of them interacting, starting out by butting heads but finding that they've startled each other into being "real"; the moments when they "click" and the slow growth of strong feelings are quite natural. Check out the very pretty cover: it appropriately depicts one of the warmest moments in the book, Molly and Alex roller skating with Molly holding out her hands to keep the inexpert Alex on her feet.
Both women have a fraught relationship with their mothers, for different reasons, and this provides some additional emotional heft, although those strands of the story were wrapped up rather too neatly, especially the one about Alex's mother's alcoholism.
If this was a gentler sort of book I might have loved it. Unfortunately, it aims to be a comedy, and the comedy hijinks grated on me. Awkward Molly is put through WAY too many humiliations. (Gotta say, though, the thing with the bananas was the one genuinely funny bit in the book--perhaps because it ended well for Molly, with her unexpectedly making a friendly connection with someone.) The authors even had her fall flat on her face when about to talk to someone significant -- c'mon guys, be more imaginative than that. I cringed, too, at Alex flirtatiously winning over people she knew she wasn't going to follow up with.
All in all, I rate this book a solid "so-so."
Content Warnings
Graphic: Alcoholism, Emotional abuse, and Racism
Moderate: Abandonment, Alcohol, Car accident, and Toxic relationship
maddisonsimmons's review against another edition
emotional
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
4.5
i really enjoyed this book. it took a few chapters to get into and to start liking the characters, but i think the plot was fun and the story as a whole was good. love some lil college aged lesbians even if they are only freshmen. tw for an alcoholic parent and how that impacts one of the main characters
Content Warnings
Graphic: Alcohol, Alcoholism, and Addiction
kshertz's review against another edition
emotional
funny
hopeful
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? No
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
4.25
Oh this book is just so cute and sweet. Awesome romance book. Two girls who are trying to fall in love with other people and become best friends. I love their story. I love how they work through everything so realistically. It was great!
Content Warnings
Minor: Alcohol, Addiction, Abandonment, Toxic relationship, Alcoholism, and Gaslighting
jo_lzr's review against another edition
emotional
funny
hopeful
inspiring
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? Yes
5.0
Content Warnings
Graphic: Alcoholism, Alcohol, Addiction, and Toxic relationship
Moderate: Abandonment
Minor: Bullying, Drug use, Car accident, and Domestic abuse
strawberrytheauthor's review against another edition
funny
hopeful
inspiring
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? Yes
4.0
This was such a cute story! It is rather predictable but I don’t think that’s a bad thing. You honestly root for both of the possible love interests for Molly and just love Alex. I wish I had this relationship in my life.
Content Warnings
Graphic: Alcohol, Addiction, Car accident, and Alcoholism
Moderate: Emotional abuse and Abandonment
Minor: Confinement, Sexual content, and Racism
alic_is_bored's review against another edition
adventurous
challenging
dark
emotional
funny
hopeful
inspiring
lighthearted
sad
tense
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? Yes
5.0
Content Warnings
Graphic: Toxic relationship, Addiction, Car accident, Alcohol, Alcoholism, and Cursing
honeybunchesofoats06's review against another edition
funny
hopeful
lighthearted
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Plot
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
4.0
Content Warnings
Graphic: Alcohol, Toxic friendship, Addiction, Alcoholism, Cursing, and Toxic relationship
matheo's review against another edition
emotional
funny
lighthearted
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? No
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
5.0
Content Warnings
Graphic: Gaslighting, Emotional abuse, Alcoholism, Racism, Abandonment, Addiction, Alcohol, Toxic relationship, and Xenophobia
Moderate: Panic attacks/disorders, Drug abuse, Injury/Injury detail, Car accident, and Drug use
tinysierra's review against another edition
emotional
funny
lighthearted
medium-paced
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
4.5
Queer lesbian joy!! :)
There’s no coming out plot or homophobia in this story. The characters seem comfortable with their sexualities.
There’s a small side character who goes by they/them pronouns.
I just love fluffy and easy to read ya romances (especially after reading some intense fantasy) so this hit the spot for me. The characters are definitely flawed and trying to work out their insecurities.
My dad struggles with substance abuse(a non fatal car crash inspired him to go to rehab as well) and my mom is one of my best friends (we have boundaries though LOL) so… you know 😂 Just throw some of my real life in there I guess.
I do think that they kind of glazed over the mental health aspect of her mom being an alcoholic. Like, I don’t think that was given enough nuance. I totally understand Alex’s frustration over having to worry about her mom ALL the time. It is a struggle. On both parts. They only seem to talk about how Alex is struggling, but her mom is obviously having some mental health issues as well that are not explored. I believe they were trying to go for a fluffier story with some real life aspects thrown in like most contemporary books, but I think they missed the mark.
Molly is part Korean and there are discussions about connection / lack of connection to her culture and her moms internalized racism in the book.
There were a lot of references to current brands, popular food places, and social media platforms. I’m not sure how well those will age? Also not sure how I feel about the bimbo shaming? OH and I forgot about this part for a minute but Alex shamed Molly for being a virgin. I’m asexual. Virginity is a social construct. That comment doesn’t stand right with me.
If you like this book, I recommend:
-See You Yesterday by Rachel Lynn Solomon [Another really cute YA romance set in a college setting]
-Cool for the summer by Dahlia Adler [This book also has the pining-for-a-long-time-dream-crush plot.]
There’s no coming out plot or homophobia in this story. The characters seem comfortable with their sexualities.
There’s a small side character who goes by they/them pronouns.
I just love fluffy and easy to read ya romances (especially after reading some intense fantasy) so this hit the spot for me. The characters are definitely flawed and trying to work out their insecurities.
My dad struggles with substance abuse
Molly is part Korean and there are discussions about connection / lack of connection to her culture and her moms internalized racism in the book.
There were a lot of references to current brands, popular food places, and social media platforms. I’m not sure how well those will age? Also not sure how I feel about the bimbo shaming? OH and I forgot about this part for a minute but Alex shamed Molly for being a virgin. I’m asexual. Virginity is a social construct. That comment doesn’t stand right with me.
If you like this book, I recommend:
-See You Yesterday by Rachel Lynn Solomon [Another really cute YA romance set in a college setting]
-Cool for the summer by Dahlia Adler [This book also has the pining-for-a-long-time-dream-crush plot.]
Content Warnings
Moderate: Alcoholism, Toxic relationship, and Alcohol
unablelemon's review against another edition
emotional
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? It's complicated
4.0
Content Warnings
Graphic: Alcoholism
Moderate: Drug use, Car accident, Alcohol, and Drug abuse