Reviews - You Started It | The StoryGraph

213 reviews for:

You Started It

Jackie Khalilieh

4.15 AVERAGE

briannagenovieve's review against another edition

3.75

adventurous 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

tazisbooked's review against another edition

3.75

emotional funny hopeful lighthearted medium-paced

booksblabbering's review against another edition

2.5

The main character frustrated and annoyed me so much.

Is this second chance romance? Fake dating? Revenge?

When your long-term boyfriend dumps you and ruins all your lists and plans, you decide to enact a plan to get him back starting with dating the newcomer charismatic and popular Tiktok dancer Axel.

Jamie and Ben both need to have friends. Their worlds revolve around each other which is clearly shown after they break up. But even then, they still never make more friends except for then revolving their respective new partners.

Jamie…. She was so mean to her mum! She never thinks of anyone but her, and everything is the worst for her only and it is always someone else’s fault!

I wish we got more of Silvia (Ben’s new gf) because we just see her as ‘the slutty enemy’, but I think we could have added so much more nuance by developing her further and maybe seeing her side.

One thing I was excited for was the representation marketed. Jamie’s family is non-religious greek orthodox and Palestinian and her uncle is gay… we got barely ANYTHING on this. So much could have been explored and made way for conversation. Instead, Jamie’s uncle is the gay stereotype - always optimistic, amazing with advice and perceptive.

I did like the tall girl representation because (being 5’7 which isn’t extreme tall but was when I was in high school), you are so aware of it and you think everyone is at all times too.

Axel deserved better. As did Jamie’s mother.

Audiobook arc gifted by Libro.fm.

losblancosbooks's review against another edition

4.0

4.5/5

This is the cutest book ever, made my heart melt so many times. I absolutely adored Axel and Jamie. This being set in Toronto and them visiting all the places I grew up in was absolutely nostalgic. Axel and Jamie were very mature for their ages, I was a mess at that age lol.

Jackie, your second is even better than the first. Thank you for changing the narrative, for allowing spaces for Arab men to be leading men and being perceived the way they deserve. Free Palestine.

Thank you Tundra books for the e-arc

alobookcase's review against another edition

4.0

adventurous emotional funny reflective medium-paced

Jamie Taher-Foster has been through a lot at just seventeen years old, and now that she's a senior, she has big plans for her final year of high school. She and her boyfriend of three years made a bucket list of activities and places to do in Toronto, all before graduation. But Jamie's plans are shattered when Ben arrives home from summer camp and tells her he wants to break up. Heartbroken, she discovers Ben is with someone else the next day, so she hatches a plan, along with TikTok's trending dancer, Axel Dahini, to fake a relationship and get Ben back with her. All of this after running over his bike.

I loved it! I listened to the audiobook narrated by Laila Kharouba, and it was incredible. The performance immediately captivated me. The book has a lot of high school tropes, cute moments between Jamie and Axel that had me screaming, but the girl didn't want Ben. I love the way the author writes. These books have a metal heap recap. Jamie's character went straight onto my list of favorite female characters for many reasons that you'll know if you read the book.

If you like:

Fake dating

Young adult romance

Mental Health

Set in toronto

FMC with anxiety

Characters of Palestine

You should read it!

CONTENT WARNINGS for YOU STARTED IT:

Discussions of anxiety disorders.

Physical symptoms of anxiety on page, including irritable

bowel syndrome (IBS) symptoms.

Multiple panic attacks.

Character with claustrophobia.

Divorce. Absent parent.

References to a past teenage pregnancy and birth.

References to alcoholism.

kaoticfabel's review against another edition

3.75

emotional hopeful lighthearted fast-paced

bookedwithbrea's review against another edition

4.0

I loved this story. I also loved that this was based in Toronto and I enjoyed reading when a landmark came in the story. I loved Axel & Jamie together more than when she was with Ben. I do feel like Ben was Jamie’s safe place but after he broke up with her I feel like he did her a favor. Jamie branched out and was finding herself. Axel was a huge part of Jamie improving herself even if she didn’t see it. I loved how outgoing Axel was and that he was a TikTok star/dancer. I did feel bad on how Jamie treated her Mother but being a teenager and your Dad left you for unknown reasons at the time. I can see the teenage rebellion against her Mom - especially when Jamie thought it was her fault that he left. Ben & Olivia - I think they belonged together - nothing like some teenage high school drama between couples. I really loved Jamie’s Amo Eli. I loved that he was an instigator, meddled and had the best interest for Axel & Jamie. I wasn’t a fan of the third act breakup but I think it was well written into the storyline. I honestly want to say thanks for the arc. I really enjoyed this book and look forward to what this author writes next.

Tropes:
Senior year bucket list
He falls first
FMC older than MMC
Fake dating to get the ex back
FMC always breaking her book ban
Set in Toronto
MMC TikTok Star/Dancer

Thanks to Tundra Books & Netgalley for the ARC

brefaereads's review against another edition

4.0

niahraereads's review against another edition

4.5

emotional funny 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

Thank you to Tundra Books and NetGalley for my ARC! This review contains my personal thoughts and opinions.

After falling in love with Jackie Khalilieh’s Something More last year, I couldn’t wait to dive into You Started It — and it absolutely delivered. This book was everything I hoped for and more. Following Jamie, the witty and lovable main character, through the ups and downs of her teenage love life felt like stepping into a perfect romantic comedy. From swoon-worthy scenes to hilarious banter and heartfelt life lessons, this story kept me smiling from beginning to end.

I loved the representation of Arab culture that was woven into the story. It was so fun visualizing the wedding scene and heartwarming reading about the evolution of the family dynamics. If you're a fan of YA books, the fake dating trope, or second-chance romance stories, this is a must-read. Khalilieh has such a fun, genuine voice, and You Started It is another shining example of her talent. I already can’t wait to see what she writes next!

pooskl's review against another edition

5.0

emotional funny hopeful inspiring lighthearted relaxing 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: Complicated

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