This book is the best of what YA can be. I was expecting a cute queer YA rom-com, and I got that, and I loved it. I extra loved it for focusing on healthy communication, taking accountability, and saying sorry - all of which are too often missing from books that feature romance.
But even more importantly, this book explores all sorts of relationships - with friends, parents, identity, and yourself - and it doesn't portray any one type as more important than another. Ophelia and her friends grow and learn and fight and heal (and talk to each other!!).
Having not read the author's note on goodreads that this wasn't a romance, the story went in a bit of a different direction than I expected, but I think it's a better story as it is - it feels more authentic, more real and painful and ultimately healing as a story.
Can't wait to see what comes next from this author. Perfect debut.
Thank you to BookishFirst for the ARC.
But even more importantly, this book explores all sorts of relationships - with friends, parents, identity, and yourself - and it doesn't portray any one type as more important than another. Ophelia and her friends grow and learn and fight and heal (and talk to each other!!).
Having not read the author's note on goodreads that this wasn't a romance, the story went in a bit of a different direction than I expected, but I think it's a better story as it is - it feels more authentic, more real and painful and ultimately healing as a story.
Can't wait to see what comes next from this author. Perfect debut.
Thank you to BookishFirst for the ARC.