Scan barcode
sarah_nmashie's review against another edition
adventurous
challenging
emotional
funny
hopeful
inspiring
lighthearted
reflective
relaxing
sad
tense
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
5.0
I'm in love with this book now. I was so hesitant to read it because I didn't think I would be into it but I so was and it's so worth the read
themermaddie's review against another edition
4.0
i love it when books catch me off guard, this was much better than i expected but definitely different than what i was expecting.
this book's shining moment is how each character is so well developed, i fully believe that these are all real people with complex and complicated emotions. this is just such a great cast of characters. it has excellent family dynamics and explores the way we are all deeply shaped by our families, and of course, shows off different kinds of non-romantic love (a favourite theme of mine!). i was a big fan of quinn's relationships with her family, her complicated love and resentment for her parents and asher are so well expressed. her relationship with asher was one of my favourites, navigating this new phase in both of their lives and staying close despite their age gap. the plot concerning quinn's misbelief that her family's love is conditional was my favourite of the book, the overall message of working through things with the ones you love because they're worth it was so lovely. this is definitely a family heavy story and it warmed my heart.
the author clearly understands her characters' psychologies so well, i'm so obsessed w the way that tarek and quinn's respective approaches to romance clash so perfectly. the romantic and the cynic trope isn't new but this is such a good take on it, rachel lynn solomon has absolutely understood the assignment. i love that their romance was built on proper friendship, their conflicts were all the result of their own specific pathologies and it was so believable and honest. definitely less of a friends to rivals to lovers story and more of a friends to lovers story, with some miscommunication due to misunderstandings.
the writing is deceptively simplistic at times, but i think that it actually did a good job with speaking between the lines, particularly because a great deal of the story had instances of miscommunication. i was briefly worried at the beginning bc i was afraid that it was going to fall into the miscommunication trope (my least favourite trope) but luckily it was handled very well! this book really emphasises the importance of communication, building misunderstandings to resolve them with difficult but necessary conversations. i'd say the story as a whole is about these characters relearning how to express love for others and themselves in healthy ways, and i loved watching tarek and quinn fight and find compromises.
to be honest the romance was the least interesting plot for me, but still really enjoyed it and i love these characters. i was more invested in the bildungsroman aspect of quinn trying to figure out who she is outside of her assigned role in the family. i love her insecurities and uncertainties about what she wants from life when everyone around her seems to have it all figured out, and i loved her relationship with maxine; two lovely lost and lonely people finding friendship with each other. i was so invested in quinn's future and her rediscovering her love for the harp; i really liked the scenes with characters explaining their love for their respective passions, like tarek with baking and asher with wedding planning. i also really liked the mental illness rep, i loved the depictions of quinn's ocd and tarek's depression, it wasn't dramatised or exploited as an excuse for shitty behaviour.
overall this is a fantastic coming of age romance with above average characterisation, this is a must read if you want a YA novel that discusses messy complicated teen feelings <3
this book's shining moment is how each character is so well developed, i fully believe that these are all real people with complex and complicated emotions. this is just such a great cast of characters. it has excellent family dynamics and explores the way we are all deeply shaped by our families, and of course, shows off different kinds of non-romantic love (a favourite theme of mine!). i was a big fan of quinn's relationships with her family, her complicated love and resentment for her parents and asher are so well expressed. her relationship with asher was one of my favourites, navigating this new phase in both of their lives and staying close despite their age gap. the plot concerning quinn's misbelief that her family's love is conditional was my favourite of the book, the overall message of working through things with the ones you love because they're worth it was so lovely. this is definitely a family heavy story and it warmed my heart.
the author clearly understands her characters' psychologies so well, i'm so obsessed w the way that tarek and quinn's respective approaches to romance clash so perfectly. the romantic and the cynic trope isn't new but this is such a good take on it, rachel lynn solomon has absolutely understood the assignment. i love that their romance was built on proper friendship, their conflicts were all the result of their own specific pathologies and it was so believable and honest. definitely less of a friends to rivals to lovers story and more of a friends to lovers story, with some miscommunication due to misunderstandings.
the writing is deceptively simplistic at times, but i think that it actually did a good job with speaking between the lines, particularly because a great deal of the story had instances of miscommunication. i was briefly worried at the beginning bc i was afraid that it was going to fall into the miscommunication trope (my least favourite trope) but luckily it was handled very well! this book really emphasises the importance of communication, building misunderstandings to resolve them with difficult but necessary conversations. i'd say the story as a whole is about these characters relearning how to express love for others and themselves in healthy ways, and i loved watching tarek and quinn fight and find compromises.
to be honest the romance was the least interesting plot for me, but still really enjoyed it and i love these characters. i was more invested in the bildungsroman aspect of quinn trying to figure out who she is outside of her assigned role in the family. i love her insecurities and uncertainties about what she wants from life when everyone around her seems to have it all figured out, and i loved her relationship with maxine; two lovely lost and lonely people finding friendship with each other. i was so invested in quinn's future and her rediscovering her love for the harp; i really liked the scenes with characters explaining their love for their respective passions, like tarek with baking and asher with wedding planning. i also really liked the mental illness rep, i loved the depictions of quinn's ocd and tarek's depression, it wasn't dramatised or exploited as an excuse for shitty behaviour.
overall this is a fantastic coming of age romance with above average characterisation, this is a must read if you want a YA novel that discusses messy complicated teen feelings <3
tzd's review against another edition
3.75
Quinn and Tarek.
Families who plan and run weddings together. Childhood friends, second chance romance. She confesses her love via email, he doesn’t respond as he’s busy with college and dealing with his own mental health issues and studies. They have a falling out. Fast forward to when they see each other again and rekindle their friendship.
This story was cute, made me swoon and very rom-com-y.
I thought the scene when T confessed his crush on Q was a bit rushed and too early in the story.
Frustrating when Q would undermine and reject T’s grand romantic gestures, hurt my heart a little. She was very wishy washy and didn’t know what she wanted, which I found annoying. All the wedding prep stuff was a little boring and got repetitive.
Liked the mental health (OCD, anx, dep) rep tho.
Quotes:
. "And sometimes the world is terrible, and love stories... They make it feel less heavy."
He's not going to ask me if I've seen his new favorite rom-com or give me the smile that makes me melt like a bar of milk chocolate left in the sun.
Families who plan and run weddings together. Childhood friends, second chance romance. She confesses her love via email, he doesn’t respond as he’s busy with college and dealing with his own mental health issues and studies. They have a falling out. Fast forward to when they see each other again and rekindle their friendship.
This story was cute, made me swoon and very rom-com-y.
I thought the scene when T confessed his crush on Q was a bit rushed and too early in the story.
Frustrating when Q would undermine and reject T’s grand romantic gestures, hurt my heart a little. She was very wishy washy and didn’t know what she wanted, which I found annoying. All the wedding prep stuff was a little boring and got repetitive.
Liked the mental health (OCD, anx, dep) rep tho.
Quotes:
. "And sometimes the world is terrible, and love stories... They make it feel less heavy."
He's not going to ask me if I've seen his new favorite rom-com or give me the smile that makes me melt like a bar of milk chocolate left in the sun.
kimmybartle's review against another edition
4.0
Strong-willed, quick-wit female character with a penchant for dresses with animal patterns and a childhood friend turned hot? Interested.
Realistic OCD and depression representation? Calling my heart.
Mentions of allergies within the first chapter and people reacting to them properly instead of saying "that's so weird"? Yes, you got me.
A girl who feels she has no say and no voice finding a way to show up for HERSELF? I'M ALL IN.
While I can't speak to the Jewish or Muslim representation* and other readers' concerns around it (completely valid), I thoroughly enjoyed the plot and the fast-paced inner monologues.
I walked away from this book with a deep need to go visit Seattle. But the silliest coincidence about reading this one, is that I had just left my best friend's wedding, no? I was sitting at an airport flipping through book recommendations and the title alone seemed to be calling my name. Imagine my surprise when I find out weddings take such a big role in this novel! Fate? I think so – Quinn may not agree but Tarek would find this statement romantic.
Realistic OCD and depression representation? Calling my heart.
Mentions of allergies within the first chapter and people reacting to them properly instead of saying "that's so weird"? Yes, you got me.
A girl who feels she has no say and no voice finding a way to show up for HERSELF? I'M ALL IN.
While I can't speak to the Jewish or Muslim representation* and other readers' concerns around it (completely valid), I thoroughly enjoyed the plot and the fast-paced inner monologues.
I walked away from this book with a deep need to go visit Seattle. But the silliest coincidence about reading this one, is that I had just left my best friend's wedding, no? I was sitting at an airport flipping through book recommendations and the title alone seemed to be calling my name. Imagine my surprise when I find out weddings take such a big role in this novel! Fate? I think so – Quinn may not agree but Tarek would find this statement romantic.
ameserole's review against another edition
4.0
Okay, so, We Can't Keep Meeting Like This definitely had it's cute moments. It just kind of sucks that I couldn't truly connect with both characters. I mean Quinn was okay but I honestly didn't really like the girl for most of this book. She was just whiny and it rubbed me the wrong way. As for Tarek, I actually liked the guy. He seemed like a little cinnamon roll and I thought he was completely adorable.
Other than that, I did find it quite funny that they kept running into each other throughout the summer at weddings. Their families were both working at them and it just kind of made their relationship a bit more fun and a little unique. I also really enjoyed the mental illness representation in this as well. Especially when it came to OCD because I always find that fascinating in a character or person.
In the end, it was a cute book. I enjoyed watching friendships and relationship grow throughout the book. Especially the family ones because things needed to be said and everyone needed to adapt to the change that was bound to happen. I definitely look forward to the next book that Rachel writes. I feel like I have a ton on my TBR already so now I just need to dip my toes into them.
Other than that, I did find it quite funny that they kept running into each other throughout the summer at weddings. Their families were both working at them and it just kind of made their relationship a bit more fun and a little unique. I also really enjoyed the mental illness representation in this as well. Especially when it came to OCD because I always find that fascinating in a character or person.
In the end, it was a cute book. I enjoyed watching friendships and relationship grow throughout the book. Especially the family ones because things needed to be said and everyone needed to adapt to the change that was bound to happen. I definitely look forward to the next book that Rachel writes. I feel like I have a ton on my TBR already so now I just need to dip my toes into them.
ankiaisreading's review against another edition
lighthearted
fast-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? It's complicated
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
3.5
empoostinks's review against another edition
emotional
funny
inspiring
reflective
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
5.0
UGHHH SOOSOSOSOSO GOOD
literally LOVE how Solomon writes her characters. everything abt the characters in this story were so lovable and usually idc abt wether a character is like able or not bc i leik the entertainment BUT THIS BOOK IT WAS ALL SO PERF even down to their flaws bc the character development IS SO STRONG and it’s all so beautifully intertwined with everything that happens in the story SO GOOD
literally the two are so insanely cute and leik UGH there were just so many topics touched in this story that i rly rly rly rly loved it
the OCD representation was chefs kiss
literally LOVE how Solomon writes her characters. everything abt the characters in this story were so lovable and usually idc abt wether a character is like able or not bc i leik the entertainment BUT THIS BOOK IT WAS ALL SO PERF even down to their flaws bc the character development IS SO STRONG and it’s all so beautifully intertwined with everything that happens in the story SO GOOD
literally the two are so insanely cute and leik UGH there were just so many topics touched in this story that i rly rly rly rly loved it
the OCD representation was chefs kiss
blaubunt's review against another edition
emotional
hopeful
lighthearted
slow-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
3.0
gggina13's review against another edition
4.0
Thanks to the publisher and edelweiss for this super exciting early access!!
I’m obsessed with Rachel Lynn Solomon. The way I fully passed away when I saw that I’d gotten approved for this ARC!!!
This one didn’t quite make my favorites list, I don’t think - I may revisit it once the final copy is out in June, though. It had all my favorite things about an RLS book - super organic diversity, a vivid Seattle backdrop, characters that have their own lives and problems outside of their romance, etc.; I think the pacing was what held me back. Quinn and Tarek’s families have worked together on weddings for years now, and they were always casually friends but spent last summer getting closer until they had a big argument right before Tarek left for college. They haven’t spoken since.... other than the love confession email Quinn swallowed her pride to send, the email that never got a response.
We’re told and not shown about their last-summer fling, and I think that’s where it gets a little fuzzy for me. I like second chance romances, as I’ve recently learned, but there wasn’t much here in the way of explaining what their first go around was like. There was a lot of focus on the conflict from it, but not so much the good times.
I did like that they got over the crush stage pretty quickly during the summer the book takes place in - pining is nice and all, but I can appreciate that they didn’t have a need for it, really, and were able to start their, well, situationship. It made for a slightly strange rising and falling action timeline but I like that it was different than the norm.
Tarek is a super romantic person, while Quinn has sworn off romance and prefers hookups that are somewhat meaningless. The main conflict in the story is the two of them trying to meet in the middle and finding that there’s not much middle ground when one person wants a relationship and the other one doesn’t. They both make completely valid points over the course of the book and it’s nice to be able to root for (and against) both love interests instead of one clearly being in the wrong.
But as far as other problems go, Quinn has been going through the motions in the family business for years now, and struggles knowing she can either say nothing and be unhappy forever, or speak up and, in her mind, ruin her family. She doesn’t even know what she’d want to do instead, and the lack of a plan makes her feel even worse about it all. Essentially “I don’t know what I want, but it’s not this.” And I definitely get that and think it’ll be really relatable to readers. Especially at that age. It’s always easier to know what you don’t want than what you want.
Tarek doesn’t really have many problems outside of romance. He has clinical depression, but that’s more of just something about him than a problem. He does have doubts about it and its effect on his future, but it’s not part of the main plot. And another thing that’s not a problem, but a feature, is that he has eczema. I think constantly about psoriasis representation in books, because I have it, and how it could be done and why it’s small enough of an issue that no one would ever really think to put it in. Eczema and psoriasis aren’t quite the same thing but they’re similar and I was so thankful to have a skin condition represented in this story. It was one of those surprise reps because it’s not big enough to make the synopsis or anything, so I was happily shocked to know that Tarek had it. He has flare-ups, insecurities about it, but overall had grown to accept it more over the years. It wasn’t used for the plot in any way. It’s just part of who he was and what he looked like. And I’m really glad I was able to feel a little seen here and am excited about what it’ll do for readers like me :’)
That’s the same thing with Quinn’s OCD - she has it, is medicated for it, but it’s got nothing to do with the plot. It’s mentioned quite a bit, because it’s part of her identity, but it’s really not even viewed as a problem. Just the way Rachel Lynn Solomon is able to normalize all kinds of things in her books is really special and I’m so happy for all the people she provides representation for.
Overall I really enjoyed this, may have teared up at a point or two, and definitely laughed, too. Especially at the point when I realized we had a certain redhead and his girlfriend at one of the weddings - cameos are so cheesy but I just eat them up every time. But yeah, I liked the characterization and character development in this story a little more than I liked the actual plot. RLS’s books are so well-rounded, though, that I’m sure everyone who reads this one will relate to at least some aspect of it. I’ll definitely still recommend it. And I’ll already be patiently waiting for whatever’s next from Rachel Lynn Solomon!
I’m obsessed with Rachel Lynn Solomon. The way I fully passed away when I saw that I’d gotten approved for this ARC!!!
This one didn’t quite make my favorites list, I don’t think - I may revisit it once the final copy is out in June, though. It had all my favorite things about an RLS book - super organic diversity, a vivid Seattle backdrop, characters that have their own lives and problems outside of their romance, etc.; I think the pacing was what held me back. Quinn and Tarek’s families have worked together on weddings for years now, and they were always casually friends but spent last summer getting closer until they had a big argument right before Tarek left for college. They haven’t spoken since.... other than the love confession email Quinn swallowed her pride to send, the email that never got a response.
We’re told and not shown about their last-summer fling, and I think that’s where it gets a little fuzzy for me. I like second chance romances, as I’ve recently learned, but there wasn’t much here in the way of explaining what their first go around was like. There was a lot of focus on the conflict from it, but not so much the good times.
I did like that they got over the crush stage pretty quickly during the summer the book takes place in - pining is nice and all, but I can appreciate that they didn’t have a need for it, really, and were able to start their, well, situationship. It made for a slightly strange rising and falling action timeline but I like that it was different than the norm.
Tarek is a super romantic person, while Quinn has sworn off romance and prefers hookups that are somewhat meaningless. The main conflict in the story is the two of them trying to meet in the middle and finding that there’s not much middle ground when one person wants a relationship and the other one doesn’t. They both make completely valid points over the course of the book and it’s nice to be able to root for (and against) both love interests instead of one clearly being in the wrong.
But as far as other problems go, Quinn has been going through the motions in the family business for years now, and struggles knowing she can either say nothing and be unhappy forever, or speak up and, in her mind, ruin her family. She doesn’t even know what she’d want to do instead, and the lack of a plan makes her feel even worse about it all. Essentially “I don’t know what I want, but it’s not this.” And I definitely get that and think it’ll be really relatable to readers. Especially at that age. It’s always easier to know what you don’t want than what you want.
Tarek doesn’t really have many problems outside of romance. He has clinical depression, but that’s more of just something about him than a problem. He does have doubts about it and its effect on his future, but it’s not part of the main plot. And another thing that’s not a problem, but a feature, is that he has eczema. I think constantly about psoriasis representation in books, because I have it, and how it could be done and why it’s small enough of an issue that no one would ever really think to put it in. Eczema and psoriasis aren’t quite the same thing but they’re similar and I was so thankful to have a skin condition represented in this story. It was one of those surprise reps because it’s not big enough to make the synopsis or anything, so I was happily shocked to know that Tarek had it. He has flare-ups, insecurities about it, but overall had grown to accept it more over the years. It wasn’t used for the plot in any way. It’s just part of who he was and what he looked like. And I’m really glad I was able to feel a little seen here and am excited about what it’ll do for readers like me :’)
That’s the same thing with Quinn’s OCD - she has it, is medicated for it, but it’s got nothing to do with the plot. It’s mentioned quite a bit, because it’s part of her identity, but it’s really not even viewed as a problem. Just the way Rachel Lynn Solomon is able to normalize all kinds of things in her books is really special and I’m so happy for all the people she provides representation for.
Overall I really enjoyed this, may have teared up at a point or two, and definitely laughed, too. Especially at the point when I realized we had a certain redhead and his girlfriend at one of the weddings - cameos are so cheesy but I just eat them up every time. But yeah, I liked the characterization and character development in this story a little more than I liked the actual plot. RLS’s books are so well-rounded, though, that I’m sure everyone who reads this one will relate to at least some aspect of it. I’ll definitely still recommend it. And I’ll already be patiently waiting for whatever’s next from Rachel Lynn Solomon!
sheriqwq's review against another edition
5.0
this took me such a long time to finish this book because of the lack of motivation i had throughout january. overall, it’s a really great book. quinn reminds me of myself when she has her own perspective of love because of her parents separation. tarek, who believed in love because of his parents, was in love with quinn and did everything to change her mind about relationships because he knew she didn’t want a relationship because of all of that. the ending was so