2.25 stars

This was probably my second biggest disappointment of the year.

While this book did have great things going for it, the found family aspect, these heartwarming moments that actually made me cry, it also had issues.

I've read all of Lord's work and I've enjoyed her other books. One of my favorite things is that she does this fantastic job of blending together our YA protagonists plot line along with some drama for their parents as well. This was no different.

But there's some things. Like, I really didn't like Millie our MC. She was really just one track mind and didn't give a fuck who she hurt in the process. And while I understand that the whole part of the story is for her to grow, I skim read about 75% of this book (see rating notes below) because I just couldn't stand Millie.

Also the writing! This one just missed the magic that I've loved from Lord in the past. It just didn't hit with me like it has before.

And the plot? No thanks. I DID want to know who Millie's mom was and that was the only reason I didn't DNF. Unfortunately I guessed VERY early on and was right so it wasn't like a big surprise. Speaking of lacking in surprise, I've NEVER guess a love interest so fast in my life I mean legit, they're at each other's throats on page 1 and I was like, this is it. He's who she ends up with at the end. I like enemies to lovers as much as the next girl but it's a no from me dawg.

I really love and appreciate Emma for the work that she puts in and she's an absolute joy to follow on social media but this book just wasn't for me. I WILL pick up from her again in the future.

cover 3; characters 3; plot 2; pace 3; writing 3; enjoyment 2; cry *
This one totaled out at 2.75 but I removed .5 because I skim read most of the book.

I received an ARC of this book via Netgalley and the publisher in exchange for an honest review.

Thank you so, so much to Wednesday Books and Netgalley for providing an arc copy! All thoughts and opinions are still my own.

Emma Lord just doesn't miss. I adored her previous 2 contemporaries, and this one was no exception. Her characters are real, flawed, complex, and somehow still so dang lovable. I just love how messy she lets her characters get. This book totally swept me away and I ended up listening to the entire thing in one sitting because I just didn't want to put this down.

I (of course) loved the rivals to lovers romance. I loved their banter and chemistry and the way they pushed each other. Despite them being academic rivals, there were very few instances of them being outright mean which I appreciated. And I loved watching them slowly acknowledge their feelings and learn to trust each other. The romance was so sweet and well paced and I loved it.

Emma Lord always tackles difficult family situations in her books and that was definitely the case in here. I love the exploration of different types of families and homes - single parents, divorced parents, queer couples, etc. I love that Emma Lord is taking on "normal household" standards.

Because the parents in here are WONDERFUL. As an adult reading YA, I always have to distance myself a little, because this book isn't written for me. (In fact I'm nearly the same age as the father lol). But the parents and adults in here are fantastic and supportive and present.

This also has a found family aspect, Abba references galore, a ride or die friendship that I loved, and tons of glimpses at NYC and Broadway. And overall this was just so fun, witty, and heartfelt. Emma Lord is an auto read author for me at this point and I absolutely cannot wait to pick up whatever she writes next.