A review by machadamia
Not Here to Be Liked by Michelle Quach

funny lighthearted

• Plot- or character-driven? Character
• Strong character development? No
• Loveable characters? Yes
• Diverse cast of characters? Yes
• Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes

4.0

I actually am stumped, a young adult romance novel that I actually liked?! It did start out a bit meh, I really was waiting around for something to happen and was frankly a bit annoyed at Eliza because of how she is a 'not like other girls' girl. But as I read on, I really quite liked how the author stayed true to Eliza's character and this is really the first sort of 'enemies to lovers' where I didn't feel like she was lusting after him at the start and then later on that's why she stopped hating him. The transition from "hate" to like to love was well done with enough scenes where they're discovering more about each other to make it feel natural. Once they interacted enough though, I was so rooting for them. 

I was also really cringing at whatever she was about to do all the time but when they finally did it, it really reminded me of Sex Education where the school showed solidarity for some of the characters. I liked the girl gang, the friendships and that there was actually something else aside from just hooking up all the time with both characters. I enjoyed the story very much and it made me feel wistful like how nice it is to be young and full of vigor and hope again.