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maggies's review against another edition
emotional
funny
fast-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? It's complicated
- Loveable characters? It's complicated
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
2.0
While the story deals really well with lots of difficult issues, from poverty to racism and homophobia, it didn't exactly make sense to me. 99% of the time, the characters were incredibly immature, like Jay's single-minded focus on hooking up and having sex, but then for the other 1% they consistently displayed amazing emotional maturity around these issues specifically. Definitely gave off the vibe that the author had an agenda (lol) in those moments, even though the characters didn't demonstrate that maturity elsewhere. Done differently, I can imagine it would have made the characters feel fuller, more real, but it just didn't quite pull off to me. I also can't identify with the sex obsession/using people as a means for sex, and that attitude really turned me off. Though, to be fair, Jay does figure out that it's problematic by the end of the book, so good for him.
Content Warnings
Graphic: Vomit
Moderate: Homophobia, Infidelity, Racism, and Sexual content
Minor: Death of parent
vaniavela's review against another edition
emotional
medium-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
4.0
Content Warnings
Graphic: Infidelity and Homophobia
Moderate: Vomit and Homophobia
therainbowshelf's review against another edition
funny
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? Yes
4.0
A fun, sweet gay romance. It’s fun to see Jay experiencing his first foray into queer culture and dating, and to see the way he navigates complex relationships. There was a huge obsession with sex, but it worked alright. The agenda didn’t translate well to an audio format because it became tedious to listen to every time. I also thought it was odd that Max introduced in the start that he uses he/she pronouns but it never comes up again.
Content Warnings
Moderate: Bullying
Minor: Blood, Homophobia, and Vomit
readwithanne's review
funny
lighthearted
fast-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? It's complicated
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
3.5
Content Warnings
Graphic: Toxic relationship and Infidelity
Moderate: Homophobia
Minor: Adult/minor relationship
melaniereadsbooks's review
emotional
funny
lighthearted
reflective
slow-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
4.0
I enjoyed this book for the most part. I will say I read this via audiobook, and the repetition of Jay's list at the beginning of most chapters was...very annoying. I feel like if I had read this physically my eyes would have just breezed over those parts.
There was a lot to love about this. Many parts were very funny and super relatable. Others...I was super annoyed with Jay for a big portion. Seems like he intentionally does things he knows will hurt others and then kind of tries to get out of them and make excuses. I didn't love that. I did like some of the other characters though, and the ending was nice!
There was a lot to love about this. Many parts were very funny and super relatable. Others...I was super annoyed with Jay for a big portion. Seems like he intentionally does things he knows will hurt others and then kind of tries to get out of them and make excuses. I didn't love that. I did like some of the other characters though, and the ending was nice!
Content Warnings
Graphic: Infidelity and Sexual content
Minor: Homophobia and Racism
foreverinastory's review against another edition
adventurous
funny
hopeful
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? Yes
4.25
Jay is about to be a senior in high school, but as the only out gay kid in rural Washington, he feels like he's missing out on so many formative experiences that his classmates are getting. Jay spends most of his time dreaming about his firsts and with that comes his own Gay Agenda. This list is filled with romantic and sexual experiences Jay is determined to experience one day. Then his parents announce that their moving to Seattle--AKA Queer Paradise--and suddenly the things on Jay's list don't seem that far away. But as Jay tries to balance his heart, his hormones and old vs new friends, he gets a bit swept away in it all.
This book was incredibly cute. I loved the tone and how just overwhelmingly positive this whole book was. I wish I had more rom-coms like this when I was in high school. Jay was a relatable and sympathetic narrator. Every time he would call someone a VSB I couldn't help but laugh. It was just too adorable.
My favorite character is Max (she/he), genderqueer gay guide extraordinaire. Max was effervescent. I loved his instant friendship with Jay and just how well they complimented each other. Also I need more genderqueer people in books. 🥺🥺🥺 Then there's Albert, our adorable geeky love interest. I head canon him as demisexual because of how he talks about how he doesn't feel attracted to people immediately it has to grow from an emotional connection. Albert also plays a version of Pokemon Go but called something else and I just loved those scenes SO MUCH.
I loved that this book talked about discussed stereotypes and why even if they are true, they're also harmful. I loved that this discussion was about both queer people and the BIPOC community, specifically the model-minority myth when Albert discusses what he's faced. It was such a good discussion and I want more YA books to have ones like this.
Jay also leaves behind his best friend in Washington. While she deals with poverty, Jay does his best to be there for her, but he doesn't really know what to do. I loved their friendship even though they had a lot of conflict. I loved the way it ended and how friendship was given the worth it deserves.
Rep: white gay MC, Chinese-American demisexual gay MC, Achillean genderqueer side character, drag queen side character, Black boy side character, various other queer supporting characters.
CWs: Emotional cheating/infidelity, sexual content, discussion of racism/racial prejudice, discussion of homophobia/gay stereotypes.
This book was incredibly cute. I loved the tone and how just overwhelmingly positive this whole book was. I wish I had more rom-coms like this when I was in high school. Jay was a relatable and sympathetic narrator. Every time he would call someone a VSB I couldn't help but laugh. It was just too adorable.
My favorite character is Max (she/he), genderqueer gay guide extraordinaire. Max was effervescent. I loved his instant friendship with Jay and just how well they complimented each other. Also I need more genderqueer people in books. 🥺🥺🥺 Then there's Albert, our adorable geeky love interest. I head canon him as demisexual because of how he talks about how he doesn't feel attracted to people immediately it has to grow from an emotional connection. Albert also plays a version of Pokemon Go but called something else and I just loved those scenes SO MUCH.
I loved that this book talked about discussed stereotypes and why even if they are true, they're also harmful. I loved that this discussion was about both queer people and the BIPOC community, specifically the model-minority myth when Albert discusses what he's faced. It was such a good discussion and I want more YA books to have ones like this.
Jay also leaves behind his best friend in Washington. While she deals with poverty, Jay does his best to be there for her, but he doesn't really know what to do. I loved their friendship even though they had a lot of conflict. I loved the way it ended and how friendship was given the worth it deserves.
Rep: white gay MC, Chinese-American demisexual gay MC, Achillean genderqueer side character, drag queen side character, Black boy side character, various other queer supporting characters.
CWs: Emotional cheating/infidelity, sexual content, discussion of racism/racial prejudice, discussion of homophobia/gay stereotypes.
Content Warnings
Graphic: Infidelity and Sexual content
Moderate: Homophobia and Racism
antonique_reads's review
adventurous
emotional
funny
hopeful
lighthearted
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
3.0
Content Warnings
Graphic: Vomit
Moderate: Homophobia
literarypenguin's review
emotional
funny
inspiring
lighthearted
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? It's complicated
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
4.0
Jay Collier decides it is time to stop hiding and come out. After a supportive coming out journey, Jay soon realizes that he is the only LGBTQ kid in his small hometown. Thinking that he will never truly be himself, Jay's parents surprise him and tell him they are moving to Seattle. Jay is thrilled with this news and finds himself surrounded by people just like him. As he tries to navigate his new life, Jay might learn what it really means to be true to yourself.
First thing I have to say is I love the positive talk about sex in this book. Jason June handles talk about sex in a way people can understand but to let people know that it is nothing to be ashamed of or to hide away and never bring up again. I love the positive spotlight shown on the LGBTQ community and how all types of people are welcomed and accepted.
I liked Jay as a character, his list making skills, his love for his family and friends and his love for himself and who he is. That being said though he isn't without his faults as some situations that take place he doesn't handle too well. He does right his wrongs in the end and proves that everybody makes mistakes but the way you handle them is what shows people what kind of person you are.
I am trying very hard to not spoiling anything as I think you should give this a try for yourselves but one thing I can say is the serious topics this book explores are handled with respect and written very well. The topic of stereotypes and how harmful and hurtful they can be, how it's important to be yourself and live your truth, and how sometimes things that seem important in the moment aren't really in the grand scheme of things.
The romance was very adorable and cute with relatively low drama. Albert was a adorable love interest and super patient and understanding with Jay. I loved seeing their relationship blossom into something really beautiful.
Even different types of love and relationships are brought up and explored very well. Friendships are just as important or even more important then relationships. How you shouldn't forget them no matter what happens and you shouldn't shut them out to spare them pain. Having people to talk to in a moment of pain is better then dealing with it alone.
What this book has taught me is that you should never forget where you come from or who you have in your life. That friends can be family and family loves you no matter what you do or mistakes you make. I hope for a sequel to this, cause I would love to read more about Jay and his found family and what life has in store for them next.
First thing I have to say is I love the positive talk about sex in this book. Jason June handles talk about sex in a way people can understand but to let people know that it is nothing to be ashamed of or to hide away and never bring up again. I love the positive spotlight shown on the LGBTQ community and how all types of people are welcomed and accepted.
I liked Jay as a character, his list making skills, his love for his family and friends and his love for himself and who he is. That being said though he isn't without his faults as some situations that take place he doesn't handle too well. He does right his wrongs in the end and proves that everybody makes mistakes but the way you handle them is what shows people what kind of person you are.
I am trying very hard to not spoiling anything as I think you should give this a try for yourselves but one thing I can say is the serious topics this book explores are handled with respect and written very well. The topic of stereotypes and how harmful and hurtful they can be, how it's important to be yourself and live your truth, and how sometimes things that seem important in the moment aren't really in the grand scheme of things.
The romance was very adorable and cute with relatively low drama. Albert was a adorable love interest and super patient and understanding with Jay. I loved seeing their relationship blossom into something really beautiful.
Even different types of love and relationships are brought up and explored very well. Friendships are just as important or even more important then relationships. How you shouldn't forget them no matter what happens and you shouldn't shut them out to spare them pain. Having people to talk to in a moment of pain is better then dealing with it alone.
What this book has taught me is that you should never forget where you come from or who you have in your life. That friends can be family and family loves you no matter what you do or mistakes you make. I hope for a sequel to this, cause I would love to read more about Jay and his found family and what life has in store for them next.
Content Warnings
Graphic: Infidelity
Moderate: Vomit
Minor: Homophobia
betweentheshelves's review
funny
lighthearted
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? It's complicated
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
4.0
Thanks to HarperTeen and NetGalley for an advanced copy of this to review! I was looking for something fun to read to ring in June, and this was the perfect thing. A sex-positive gay rom-com perfect to kick off your Pride reading lists!
What I liked about this is the way that you can feel Jay’s emotions throughout this book. June does a great job writing his emotions and the way he reacts to everything. It feels real and authentic and I think it will resonate with a lot of teens. Jay fumbles his way through a lot of romantic firsts in a very teenage way.
The supporting characters also take the show in this book, especially Max. There’s a lot of diverse representation throughout, and there’s just as much emphasis on platonic relationships as there is romantic. There’s so much to love about the ways these characters interact.
The main reason this didn’t get five stars is because the book gets a bit repetitive at times, with the lists. COVID is also mentioned once, so it’s not really clear if that’s going on here? Maybe it will be taken out in the final copy.
All in all, if you’re looking for a funny, light-hearted gay summer romance, definitely check out this book!
----
This is the gay summer rom-com we all needed. Sure it's not perfect, but it was fun! More in a review to come next week.
Content Warnings
Graphic: Sexual content
Moderate: Infidelity and Vomit
Minor: Homophobia
readingtoescapepresent's review
emotional
inspiring
lighthearted
reflective
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? Yes
5.0
readingtoescapepresent.wordpress.com full review here!!!
Content Warnings
Moderate: Homophobia
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