If We Were a Movie

If We Were a Movie

Zakiya N. Jamal

Enjoyment: Quality: Characters: Plot:

Lights. Camera. Sabotage. Rochelle “The Shell” Coleman is laser focused on only three things: becoming valedictorian, getting into Wharton, and, of course, taking down her annoyingly charismatic nemesis and only academic competition, Amira Rodriguez. However, despite her stellar grades, Rochelle’s college application is missing that extra special something: a job. When Rochelle gets an opportunity to work at Horizon Cinemas, the beloved Black-owned movie theater, she begrudgingly jumps at the chance to boost her chances of getting into her dream school. There’s only one problem: Amira works there . . . and is also her boss. Rochelle feels that being around Amira is its own kind of horror movie, but as the two begin working closely together, Rochelle starts to see Amira in a new light, one that may have her beginning to actually . . . like her? But Horizon’s in trouble, and when mysterious things begin happening that make Horizon’s chances of staying open slim, it’s up to the employees to solve the mystery before it’s too late. But will love also find its way into the spotlight?


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  • spxceflwr
    Mar 11, 2025
    Enjoyment: Quality: Characters: Plot:

    First, thank you to Zakiya N. Jamal, HarperCollins, and NetGalley for an e-ARC in exchange for an honest review.

    If We Were a Movie follows Rochelle Coleman a high school student in the summer before her senior year of high school who finds a job at the local cinema in hopes to make her application to Wharton better. There's one problem with this job-- her boss? Amira Rodriguez, her mother's best friend's daughter that she never really got along with.

    This novel is a cute rom-com with tried and true tropes, including a sweet rivals-to-lovers arc. The main character is lovingly annoying and snobby in the best way, eternally-- and unchangingly-- focused on her one goal. The romance builds well and reading it was genuinely a breeze.

    I'd probably recommend this for those who enjoy contemporary, young adult, and standard rom-coms. I really did enjoy this one.

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  • cecee
    Feb 12, 2025
    Enjoyment: Quality: Characters: Plot:

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