3.87 AVERAGE


I think this might be a new favorite. I adored the story and the characters. It was amazing.
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

I love this YA romance! The characters are sweet, the setting is so fun and the payoff is satisfying.
funny lighthearted reflective relaxing 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
readingwithmelodie's profile picture

readingwithmelodie's review

5.0

SPOILERS BELOW!

god, I don’t know how to rate this. maybe a 4.5, but I genuinely have no clue if it’s more 4 or 5. I feel like this book is on the plain side, at lot more things are told rather than of showed. like the golden oldies are cool because hannah repeatedly says they’re cool, ethan is great because he’s hot and they vibe together, but I’m not entirely convinced on their chemistry. however, I do love a good ol’ brother’s best friend trope and I was rooting for their side of the triangle! (but ugh love triangle)

but at the same time, this book is EMOTIONAL. like I CRIED. TWICE. like she writes loss and healing so well, I’m stunned. AND THE FRIENDSHIPS! BONANZA! I love my job but I also wish I worked somewhere like that, the community sounds amazing! and that final bronze medal to match her Bubbie’s was an amazing touch

I think this story was developed really well. like the writing is okay, it got a bit bland at times and I skim read a couple pages, the characters is okay, it probably didn’t need those flashback scenes, imo I don’t think it was necessary to show the background in that style, but the development, oh my goodness, I love Hannah’s character development so much, and the FRIENDSHIPS! this is definitely more character based than plot based, I swear half the relationship stuff was unnecessary and the premise of sending a child away for a year is a bit hmMMm in opinion as a plot line

but the bonanza olympics sound so fun, tbh that’s one of the biggest reasons I requested this book, and I’m glad that didn’t disappoint!

thank you so much netgalley and simon and schuster for this e-arc!
emotional reflective fast-paced
funny hopeful inspiring lighthearted reflective relaxing 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

Thank you Penguin Australia and Netgalley for providing me with this read.
I don't usually read YA books but this one was it. I enjoyed this from start to finish. I love that this book does not focus just on romance but it goes into each character and their lives. It focuses on what they go through and them developing into the new stages of their lives.
Also i don't really reading friends to lover but when i do its great. The romance was so fluffy and cute. This story explores titles such as grief, loss, healing an inner turmoil. Its definitely a book everyone should read. I am truly excited on the next release this author will bring!

glittermonkey's review

4.25
challenging funny hopeful medium-paced
Plot or Character Driven: A mix
Strong character development: Yes
Loveable characters: Complicated
Diverse cast of characters: Yes
Flaws of characters a main focus: Yes

Really enjoyable YA romance that also dealt with some more serious topics
emotional funny hopeful inspiring reflective 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