A review by rivulet027
Shake Things Up by Skye Kilaen

5.0

This is such a delightful feel good story. The characters are all dealing with some heavier topics, but Kilaen balances that by making them adorably right for each other. Noelle opens the story with being laid off, then finding out her boyfriend is cheating, and the crux of her story becomes her realizing she wants a better work/life balance. She also has a lego Dazzler and Yoda (with wings!) that she likes to take pictures of. Allie and Matt have an open relationship. Allie gets duped by Noelle’s boyfriend, but as soon as she realizes Noelle isn’t cool with her hooking up with her boyfriend she steps up to tell that boyfriend off and attempt to comfort Noelle. The thing for Allie is that while it’s easy for her to realize her attraction to Noelle, she’s not used to finding she’s got feelings for anyone that isn’t Matt. I really enjoyed how Allie and Matt are clearly home to each other and how Noelle fits into their dynamic. Matt is nursing a broken heart which is causing him to question his sexuality.

Add all this together with Allie and Matt’s annual road trip to a concert, that of course they invite Noelle to, and you’ve got a book that will leave you turning to the pages to find out what happens next. I really enjoy when communication is central to a relationship and this book delivered. The characters check in with each other and take the time to communicate where they’re at emotionally. Occasionally assumptions are made and feelings are hurt, but those issues get recognized and worked on.

This is a book I look forward to rereading.

I received an advanced review copy for free, and am leaving this review voluntarily.