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4.15 AVERAGE
4.15 AVERAGE
adventurous
hopeful
inspiring
lighthearted
reflective
fast-paced
Plot or Character Driven:
Plot
Strong character development:
Yes
Loveable characters:
Yes
Diverse cast of characters:
Yes
STOP BECAUSE THAT WAS SO GOOD. I genuinely believe this is one of those books that are going to stay with me forever. I absolutely loved seeing Jamie and Axel's development and the life lessons they learned. This book contained messages I needed to hear too and I just have so much appreciation for the words said between each character. There were definitely moments where I was annoyed and I felt like Jamie was just being..annoying. (the lacking of communication-) But it ended up all being solved as we got to see Jamie learning to not run away from the joy right in front of her face because she was scared of diverting from her plan and learning to communicate her emotions. And that was the beauty of it, this book was so genuine to reality I think and I just really loved it all so much in the end. Seeing literally every single character, including Jamie's mother, learn their own lesson and get to see them all grow was so beautiful.
Thank you to NetGalley, Tundra Book Group, and the author, Jackie Khalilieh for this eARC.
Thank you to NetGalley, Tundra Book Group, and the author, Jackie Khalilieh for this eARC.
emotional
funny
lighthearted
reflective
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
Jackie did it again with another amazing novel. It’s like I slipped into my teenager self and remembering how it all felt to be in senior year, dating, and the anxiety of it all. Bonus that it took place in Toronto, which made the entire novel feel close to home. At times all of the characters got on my nerves and were frustrating, but then I remember me at that age and can say I too was annoying so it suited the characters well. Watching Jamie finally start to embrace herself and doing things on her own, conquering her fears was amazing and was written so perfectly to show her growth throughout the novel. Axel giving her the opportunity to experience her culture in a judgement free zone was everything Jamie needed to help see more than what her mother had been telling her. As far as I’m concerned, any of Jackie’s books will be a win in my book.
funny
hopeful
lighthearted
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
Content Warnings
Graphic: Mental illness, Panic attacks/disorders, Abandonment
Moderate: Emotional abuse
Minor: Alcoholism, Suicidal thoughts, Xenophobia, Car accident
adventurous
emotional
funny
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 to Tundra Books and NetGalley for the arc copy of this book. All opinions expressed are entirely my own.
Jamie Taher-Foster and Ben Cameron are going into their senior year with each other and a detailed bucket list. At least, that's what Jamie, a super Type A anxiety-ridden girl, thinks. However, when Ben returns from summer camp and breaks up with her for another girl he worked with, Jamie devises a plan to get him back. Jamie convinces the new guy Axel Dahini to be her fake boyfriend in exchange for money to fix his bike. Of course, it's hard to pretend to be in a relationship without catching feelings, so Jamie finds herself with quite the entanglement.
I think this book had a lot of potential, but did not completely follow through for me personally. Jamie was an awful FMC. She is very selfish, judgmental, lacks self awareness, and complains about everything. I did not connect with her at all, and wish there would've been duel POV with Axel. I do appreciate her character arc and the growth she did have, as she was much more likable once she chilled TF out.
With that being said, Jackie's writing is quick and easy to read and I liked it overall. Aside from the FMC, she had some great characters such as Jamie's uncle and of course Axel. The book cover is beautiful and what originally piqued my interest. This is a cute, zero spice slow burn YA romance. I look forward to reading more of Jackie's work in the future.
Jamie Taher-Foster and Ben Cameron are going into their senior year with each other and a detailed bucket list. At least, that's what Jamie, a super Type A anxiety-ridden girl, thinks. However, when Ben returns from summer camp and breaks up with her for another girl he worked with, Jamie devises a plan to get him back. Jamie convinces the new guy Axel Dahini to be her fake boyfriend in exchange for money to fix his bike. Of course, it's hard to pretend to be in a relationship without catching feelings, so Jamie finds herself with quite the entanglement.
I think this book had a lot of potential, but did not completely follow through for me personally. Jamie was an awful FMC. She is very selfish, judgmental, lacks self awareness, and complains about everything. I did not connect with her at all, and wish there would've been duel POV with Axel. I do appreciate her character arc and the growth she did have, as she was much more likable once she chilled TF out.
With that being said, Jackie's writing is quick and easy to read and I liked it overall. Aside from the FMC, she had some great characters such as Jamie's uncle and of course Axel. The book cover is beautiful and what originally piqued my interest. This is a cute, zero spice slow burn YA romance. I look forward to reading more of Jackie's work in the future.
emotional
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
This book is adorable, cute, and funny. I love the characters and the vast repreesentation this book provides. The characters feel very real and their struggles legitimate. I just adore this book!
adventurous
lighthearted
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
sobbing!!!!! Jackie Khalilieh is wonderful at writing messy ass teenage girls, and despite Jamie being an insufferable teenager I absolutely adored her. Axel was such a beautiful character, and I was rooting for him from the get go. I love how they pushed each other towards growth, and I absolutely adored the ending. I read this in one sitting over the course of a few hours, and I cannot wait for her next book!!!
funny
lighthearted
reflective
medium-paced
Plot or Character Driven:
Character
Strong character development:
Yes
Loveable characters:
Complicated
Diverse cast of characters:
Yes
Flaws of characters a main focus:
Yes
emotional
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
DNF-ing at 29%
Jaime feels far too similar to Jackie Khalilieh’s main character in “Something More” in the way that neither of them had any non-male friends, to the point whether I question if all the characters Khalilieh writes will exhibit this trait.
The romance is vaguely interesting, but mostly boring in that everything feels far too pre-ordained. There feels to be no compelling reason why Axel and Jaime SHOULDN’T be together, especially with Ben IMMEDIATELY built up to be a cheating scumbag. The discovery of the start date of his and Olivia’s relationship should have been revealed further on, so that there had been more of a chance for him to feel like an actually viable option for Jaime to get back together with him. Instead, his betrayal is laid bare from the start, marking him as the far too obvious bad choice in this love triangle.
In tandem, Jaime’s dialogue in regards to Axel is far too obvious and pushes towards an easily predictable ending. From “I want to second guess why Axel wants to spend time with me instead of his fans…but then I don’t” to “I feel safe with him and hugging is nice…but i shrug off the feeling”, the author establishes an immediately connection far too quickly in the story in a way that feels insta-love, but makes a sad, party attempt to build angst.
All in all, not a great formula for a romance story; I was tempted to stick around to figure out the culmination of Jaime’s mother’s internalized anti-Arab character development, but I feel there are books that feature this trait more prominently and are better written in this regard.
Jaime feels far too similar to Jackie Khalilieh’s main character in “Something More” in the way that neither of them had any non-male friends, to the point whether I question if all the characters Khalilieh writes will exhibit this trait.
The romance is vaguely interesting, but mostly boring in that everything feels far too pre-ordained. There feels to be no compelling reason why Axel and Jaime SHOULDN’T be together, especially with Ben IMMEDIATELY built up to be a cheating scumbag. The discovery of the start date of his and Olivia’s relationship should have been revealed further on, so that there had been more of a chance for him to feel like an actually viable option for Jaime to get back together with him. Instead, his betrayal is laid bare from the start, marking him as the far too obvious bad choice in this love triangle.
In tandem, Jaime’s dialogue in regards to Axel is far too obvious and pushes towards an easily predictable ending. From “I want to second guess why Axel wants to spend time with me instead of his fans…but then I don’t” to “I feel safe with him and hugging is nice…but i shrug off the feeling”, the author establishes an immediately connection far too quickly in the story in a way that feels insta-love, but makes a sad, party attempt to build angst.
All in all, not a great formula for a romance story; I was tempted to stick around to figure out the culmination of Jaime’s mother’s internalized anti-Arab character development, but I feel there are books that feature this trait more prominently and are better written in this regard.
emotional
funny
lighthearted
reflective
relaxing
slow-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
ARC was provided by the publisher via Net Galley in exchange for an honest review. Thank you for the opportunity!
AAAAAAHHHHHHHHH!!!!!! I am laying in my bed kicking my feet and giggling!! Jackie's voice is so authentic, and she truly breathes life into her characters. You can tell how much love and heart was poured into this book and it is gorgeous.
Jamie has her whole life planned out... until her boyfriend derails it all by breaking up with her and is immediately seen with another girl in their class. And then she runs into a new student, Axel, (and runs over his bike) and makes a plan to fake date Axel to get her ex back. What could go wrong? Well...
This book is full drama and love and respect it is so amazing! It took me a while to warm up to Jamie but the more that you are with her the more, I loved her. She is so authentic and awkward I couldn't help but relate to her. From anxiety and chronic illness to jealousy and family issues Jamie is such a well-rounded character for this generation. There are also very serious conversations surrounding diversity and culture, familial differences and secrets, as well as responsibility and forgiveness. This book is truly all that it set out to be and more! I left feeling: giddy, warm, loved, seen! I wish I had this book at 16. I really could not say enough praise for this book! Go read it!
AAAAAAHHHHHHHHH!!!!!! I am laying in my bed kicking my feet and giggling!! Jackie's voice is so authentic, and she truly breathes life into her characters. You can tell how much love and heart was poured into this book and it is gorgeous.
Jamie has her whole life planned out... until her boyfriend derails it all by breaking up with her and is immediately seen with another girl in their class. And then she runs into a new student, Axel, (and runs over his bike) and makes a plan to fake date Axel to get her ex back. What could go wrong? Well...
This book is full drama and love and respect it is so amazing! It took me a while to warm up to Jamie but the more that you are with her the more, I loved her. She is so authentic and awkward I couldn't help but relate to her. From anxiety and chronic illness to jealousy and family issues Jamie is such a well-rounded character for this generation. There are also very serious conversations surrounding diversity and culture, familial differences and secrets, as well as responsibility and forgiveness. This book is truly all that it set out to be and more! I left feeling: giddy, warm, loved, seen! I wish I had this book at 16. I really could not say enough praise for this book! Go read it!