I genuinely have no idea how to do a review of this book justice. I loved it so freaking hard. That's really what you need to know more than anything. I guess I will try to talk about why I loved it, but it's just going to be a nonsensical gush session, okay? Great.
- ►I think part of the reason why I adored it so much is that I related to it so much. Not like, accidentally catching feels for my mortal enemy, but the whole "oh crap, it's time to leave high school, now what?" mood. I was Rowan, analyzing every "last", anxious about the future, etc. And I love that the author wrote about the end of high school with an actual love of said school, because I swear we do not see that enough. Sure some people hated high school, but some of us didn't and it was hard to leave. Rowan feels me, basically.
- ►The romance was so much perfection! Oh I shipped it from the start, I sure did! I mean, enemies to lovers is such a great trope, is it not? And this one was handled to absolute perfection and I will say no more except just read the thing.
- ►I need to go to Seattle. No seriously, so many references to Seattle, and while I have always wanted to go, Rachel Lynn Solomon has made me need to go. It just seems like such a cool place!
- ►Speaking of traveling around Seattle, the senior scavenger hunt is the coolest thing ever. Talk about an incredible way to end your high school days! Going around the city with all your classmates, one last time having fun and competing and such, it's such a clever and entertaining premise!
- ►The book is very sex positive. Not to mention, romance novel positive! I like how done Rowan got with the shaming. And how she was very comfortable talking about sex and body related things, and how she credited romance novels for making her more open with her sexuality. Talk about a double dose of fabulousness!
- ►We also see a lot of friendship and family focus. Rowan isn't only getting ready to move away from high school, but from her core friend group (who happen to be in a romantic relationship, complicating things for Rowan who at times feels left out) and her family. I like that we got to see so much of how Rowan navigates these challenges.
- ►Rowan gets the chance to delve deeper into a lot of her experiences as a Jewish woman. I love that she calls out classmates on their antisemitism, and that she is able to really discuss her experiences further and more in depth with both Neil and her parents.
Bottom Line: I can honestly say I've never loved a contemporary romance book more. This book won me over with its brilliant, well-written characters, perfect romance, and a fun plot that I related to so very much. If it's not on your radar yet... put it there.