katiebryl 's review for:

Once and for All by Sarah Dessen

4.0

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My teenage self was so excited when Sarah Dessen released a new book this year. 🙈 Once and For All is a great, quick summer read. Usually, these summer YA books introduce a dreamy male lead and we (the main character and the readers) are supposed to fall in love with him instantly. Instead, we are presented with Ambrose who, while dreamy, is a huge pain in the ass. We learn about who he is beneath his playboy facade as Louna does and grow to like him as a character over time, in a more realistic way. Louna's relationship with Ethan is the typical YA story, met and fell in love after one perfect night. While still a little over the top as any good summer romance should be, the way Ambrose as a character grows over the summer is a much more relatable story. In addition, the reason Louna isn't interested in a relationship is so much more substantial than just a former heartbreak. This is a story about growth and coming to terms with things you can't change. While I wouldn't rank this upon my favorite Dessen books, it's nice to see Dessen addressing more adult topics as her reader base grows up as well. As with all Sarah Dessen books, it's filled with little Easter Eggs for Sarah Dessen readers to find, from Jump Java, the always present coffee shop ☕️, Auden appearing for a short cameo to a sighting of one of Wes' sculptures, it always fun to try and find all of them! While I couldn't sit at Jump Java or on the beach in Colby while reading this, I channeled Colby sitting in Flagler Beach with a (few) pina colada(s). 🌴🌊 This book also has made me pretty sure I couldn't care less about all the small wedding details whenever that day comes lol. Just give me the simple low budget thing, weddings are crazy, even though I'd kill for a Natalie Barrett wedding 💍😂