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tencutepuppies's review against another edition
5.0
(4.75/5) This book is cute. So cute. But not in the annoying, sappy way that tends to drive me from most YA contemporary like this. I loved how it perfectly balanced witty dialogue with events that did turn a bit darker at times, it gave this story that homey, safe feel that I’m realizing I really haven’t gotten in the dangerous, terrible worlds of the fantasy stories I’m used to. But I’m especially glad I read this story when I wasn’t feeling well. My only regret is that I didn’t pick it up on a cold rainy autumn morning, because I feel like that would have been perfection with this story’s tone.
There will be light spoilers below.
Claudia:
I knew she was going to be so much fun to read through the mind of from the second I read about the pink brunch party on the first page. She’s so weird and funny in a way that actually made me laugh out loud a few times. I think that’s kind of rare to find now as YA books like this one tend to have more pretentious characters who think they’re funny but they actually have all the charisma of a moldy block of cheese. The other thing I really appreciated about her character was that she didn’t really fit into those cliques that are so overdone in stories involving high school. There was no weird niche she fit in. She liked video games but also was skilled in costume-creation and making people laugh. And was she a “popular girl”? No. But she did have friends and she was invited to all the big parties, she was just not enough to be the center of attention there. I found this to be a breath of fresh air and an extremely relatable take on what high school is actually like. I mean, she’s even friends with popular people like Paige and social outcasts like Iris. She’s open to anyone, and I know I’d instantly feel comfortable around her if she was a real person.
Gideon:
If all men were like Gideon, I just know my anxiety would be instantly cured. I’ll admit, when I first read the name Gideon, I cringed a little at its old man-ness. But he’s super funny, and his humor bounces so nicely off of Noah’s and Claudia’s. Thank god he managed to be flirtatious to Claudia without being weirdly invasive or disrespectful because I thought that was a long-dead art. I think his character really embodies what the “popular kids” were like in high school. He’s charismatic enough to get away with the weirdness that draws people to him. I mean, I knew people like that in real life. Everyone loves a lovable weirdo. Especially if he’s as hot as Gideon is. And the way he’s always ready to drop everything to even slightly help anyone in his life?? Don’t get me started.
Iris:
Because I have a penchant for the cold, bitchy asshole characters, I already knew I’d like her even before she was mentioned. But did I expect to connect with her as much as I did? Not at all, but I’m so glad the author wrote her not as just some mean girl caricature. Because she’s not one of those cardboard cutout mean girls, that’s just her exterior that she has to keep working to soften so that her girlfriend will take her back. The reveal that she was obsessed with a popular boy band was so at odds with what she was first supposed to be perceived as, and I thought it was so cute. Her and Claudia fangirling over the band was so adorable I actually smiled at my phone. And because I too am a cold bitchy asshole, I’m NEVER charmed enough to do that.
Final Thoughts:
This book has it all: a non-cringeworthy romance that has you wanting for more, cute AND respectful boys, actually funny sarcastic humor, a wlw ship that hurts a little but in a romantic way, and female relationships/friendships put at the forefront of the novel. Can we talk about how female friendships were actually developed so far that they were put even before the romance? Because I loved that message so much.
If you’re in the mood for a light, funny but meaningful contemporary, read this immediately. Actually no, scratch that. It doesn’t matter what mood you’re in. Read this immediately regardless.
There will be light spoilers below.
Claudia:
I knew she was going to be so much fun to read through the mind of from the second I read about the pink brunch party on the first page. She’s so weird and funny in a way that actually made me laugh out loud a few times. I think that’s kind of rare to find now as YA books like this one tend to have more pretentious characters who think they’re funny but they actually have all the charisma of a moldy block of cheese. The other thing I really appreciated about her character was that she didn’t really fit into those cliques that are so overdone in stories involving high school. There was no weird niche she fit in. She liked video games but also was skilled in costume-creation and making people laugh. And was she a “popular girl”? No. But she did have friends and she was invited to all the big parties, she was just not enough to be the center of attention there. I found this to be a breath of fresh air and an extremely relatable take on what high school is actually like. I mean, she’s even friends with popular people like Paige and social outcasts like Iris. She’s open to anyone, and I know I’d instantly feel comfortable around her if she was a real person.
Gideon:
If all men were like Gideon, I just know my anxiety would be instantly cured. I’ll admit, when I first read the name Gideon, I cringed a little at its old man-ness. But he’s super funny, and his humor bounces so nicely off of Noah’s and Claudia’s. Thank god he managed to be flirtatious to Claudia without being weirdly invasive or disrespectful because I thought that was a long-dead art. I think his character really embodies what the “popular kids” were like in high school. He’s charismatic enough to get away with the weirdness that draws people to him. I mean, I knew people like that in real life. Everyone loves a lovable weirdo. Especially if he’s as hot as Gideon is. And the way he’s always ready to drop everything to even slightly help anyone in his life?? Don’t get me started.
Iris:
Because I have a penchant for the cold, bitchy asshole characters, I already knew I’d like her even before she was mentioned. But did I expect to connect with her as much as I did? Not at all, but I’m so glad the author wrote her not as just some mean girl caricature. Because she’s not one of those cardboard cutout mean girls, that’s just her exterior that she has to keep working to soften so that her girlfriend will take her back. The reveal that she was obsessed with a popular boy band was so at odds with what she was first supposed to be perceived as, and I thought it was so cute. Her and Claudia fangirling over the band was so adorable I actually smiled at my phone. And because I too am a cold bitchy asshole, I’m NEVER charmed enough to do that.
Final Thoughts:
This book has it all: a non-cringeworthy romance that has you wanting for more, cute AND respectful boys, actually funny sarcastic humor, a wlw ship that hurts a little but in a romantic way, and female relationships/friendships put at the forefront of the novel. Can we talk about how female friendships were actually developed so far that they were put even before the romance? Because I loved that message so much.
If you’re in the mood for a light, funny but meaningful contemporary, read this immediately. Actually no, scratch that. It doesn’t matter what mood you’re in. Read this immediately regardless.
yeppenny's review against another edition
3.0
Full of warm fuzzies, this book contains a lot of feel-good moments and connections between characters. Gideon embodies that classic, lovable, “golden retriever” personality type — we all want a Gideon in our lives.
Otherwise, the book could have used stronger plot points earlier on: 50% in and we were still thick in exposition, nowhere near rising action. It started getting interesting around the 75% mark.
Otherwise, the book could have used stronger plot points earlier on: 50% in and we were still thick in exposition, nowhere near rising action. It started getting interesting around the 75% mark.
grapejuicejpg's review against another edition
emotional
funny
lighthearted
reflective
fast-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? It's complicated
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
4.0
diaryofaditi's review against another edition
4.0
claudia gideon have my whole heart they are so adorable and with their little bickering, it was so wholesome
smartinez9's review against another edition
4.0
4.5
Just lovely. Nothing spectacular, but it’s rare that a light YA contemporary portrays realistic, multidimensional teens without it devolving into melodrama or absurdity. Emma Mills always keeps it poignant, heartwarming, and frank, with friendship emphasized just as much as romance.
Just lovely. Nothing spectacular, but it’s rare that a light YA contemporary portrays realistic, multidimensional teens without it devolving into melodrama or absurdity. Emma Mills always keeps it poignant, heartwarming, and frank, with friendship emphasized just as much as romance.
nicholemurphy's review against another edition
4.0
This was such an adorable book! I don't pick up contemporary often, but I'm so glad I did this time. This is one of the first times I absolutely adored a main character. Claude knew when and where to wield her sarcasm and wit. All the characters were wholly themselves, they all stayed true to their character through all obstacles. I will definitely try more of Emma Mills books.