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Something Rad
What happens when the one person you can stand the least is the key to everything you want the most?
Bay View, California - 1987
One month. I just have to make it through one month pretending to like the infuriatingly perfect-haired thorn in my side and the prodigal son of Bay View High. I was so close to my dream I could almost taste it. My senior year was supposed to be simple. I would quietly get what I have worked so hard for, then say goodbye to this small town and hello to a world of new opportunities. But it turns out this year isn't going to allow me to fade into the crowd with my head down anymore. Even though I would rather have nothing to do with him. ROBBIE SUMMERS may just be the answer to everything.
Bay View High is my castle and I've come to claim my throne for one final year. I've never given thought to the future, or the choices and responsibilities that come with it, because why would I when living in the now is so much more fun? It seems, however, that my easygoing and reckless nature might have caught up with me, and that the world I thought I had in the palm of my hand might not be entirely mine anymore. I'll do anything I can to change that. To remind every person who I am. Even if it means living my worst nightmare and fake dating SARA COOPER, the gray-eyed girl that haunts me in my sleep.
Bay View, California - 1987
One month. I just have to make it through one month pretending to like the infuriatingly perfect-haired thorn in my side and the prodigal son of Bay View High. I was so close to my dream I could almost taste it. My senior year was supposed to be simple. I would quietly get what I have worked so hard for, then say goodbye to this small town and hello to a world of new opportunities. But it turns out this year isn't going to allow me to fade into the crowd with my head down anymore. Even though I would rather have nothing to do with him. ROBBIE SUMMERS may just be the answer to everything.
Bay View High is my castle and I've come to claim my throne for one final year. I've never given thought to the future, or the choices and responsibilities that come with it, because why would I when living in the now is so much more fun? It seems, however, that my easygoing and reckless nature might have caught up with me, and that the world I thought I had in the palm of my hand might not be entirely mine anymore. I'll do anything I can to change that. To remind every person who I am. Even if it means living my worst nightmare and fake dating SARA COOPER, the gray-eyed girl that haunts me in my sleep.
668 pages, Kindle Edition
Published April 30, 2023
36 people are currently reading
629 people want to read
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 49 reviews
June 1, 2023
I have an obsession with Steve Harrington, and that’s how I ended up here!
I initially picked this book up because the cover looked so cute (I’m a sucker for cute covers). But as I looked into the author I realized she based her MMC off of Steve Harrington from Stranger Things! I was hooked from that moment on.
•
•
Robbie has it all. He is Bay High’s golden boy. And going into Senior year, he isn’t looking ahead at anything in his life except for living in the present moment. But when his girlfriend dumps him, he realizes no one takes him seriously. He’s just who everyone goes to for a good time. But he’s not sure how to change that.
Sara is used to no one noticing her. She’s valedictorian, she takes pictures for the yearbook, she works at the movie store, and that’s it. But when the one piece she needs to complete her scholarship application for a prestigious NYU program is to win student body president, she realizes she’s going to have to do something drastic to get noticed.
She wanted to be noticed and he wants to be taken seriously. So they make a deal to fake date to help the other get what they want, but can they do it without killing each other first? Because they get along about as well as oil and water.
•
•
I don’t think I was prepared for the ANGST this book had! It had me so far in my feels. I loved the banter and tension that Robbie and Sara had. She was the only one willing to call Robbie out when he needed to be, and he was always able to pull Sara out of her shell. Robbie has my heart. Robbie was all sunshine, despite having a difficult home life.
The way Nikki took deep dives into Robbie’s home life that played such a crucial role in developing his personality was heartwrenching!
•
•
I will warn you, this is a 700 page book. It is a SLOWBURN, but I loved so many aspects of the book.
I did feel like there were parts in the book that could have been cut to make the book shorter.
I initially picked this book up because the cover looked so cute (I’m a sucker for cute covers). But as I looked into the author I realized she based her MMC off of Steve Harrington from Stranger Things! I was hooked from that moment on.
•
•
Robbie has it all. He is Bay High’s golden boy. And going into Senior year, he isn’t looking ahead at anything in his life except for living in the present moment. But when his girlfriend dumps him, he realizes no one takes him seriously. He’s just who everyone goes to for a good time. But he’s not sure how to change that.
Sara is used to no one noticing her. She’s valedictorian, she takes pictures for the yearbook, she works at the movie store, and that’s it. But when the one piece she needs to complete her scholarship application for a prestigious NYU program is to win student body president, she realizes she’s going to have to do something drastic to get noticed.
She wanted to be noticed and he wants to be taken seriously. So they make a deal to fake date to help the other get what they want, but can they do it without killing each other first? Because they get along about as well as oil and water.
•
•
I don’t think I was prepared for the ANGST this book had! It had me so far in my feels. I loved the banter and tension that Robbie and Sara had. She was the only one willing to call Robbie out when he needed to be, and he was always able to pull Sara out of her shell. Robbie has my heart. Robbie was all sunshine, despite having a difficult home life.
The way Nikki took deep dives into Robbie’s home life that played such a crucial role in developing his personality was heartwrenching!
•
•
I will warn you, this is a 700 page book. It is a SLOWBURN, but I loved so many aspects of the book.
I did feel like there were parts in the book that could have been cut to make the book shorter.
August 3, 2024
"Something Rad" by Nikki Witt is a love letter to the 80s that effortlessly transports readers back in time. Witt's writing exudes John Hughes-esque romance vibes, creating a story that is as delightful as it is heartwarming.
One of the things that impressed me the most about this book was its ability to capture the nostalgia of the era. As I read, I found myself jamming out to the same songs that the characters were listening to, or getting lost in the neon lights and synthesizer beats that permeated the book's setting. Witt's attention to detail in recreating the 80s was truly impressive, making the book feel like a time capsule that had been buried for years and only recently uncovered.
But more than that, "Something Rad" is a story about love and following your dreams. The characters are so well-crafted that I found myself invested in their journey from the very first page. Their playful banter and stubbornness, while occasionally frustrating (in a good way), only made me love them more. I was completely enthralled with the world Witt had created, feeling all the emotions alongside the characters as they navigated the ups and downs of their relationships.
"Something Rad" is a book that any lover of the 80s should have on their shelf. Witt's heart, soul, and love for the era are palpable on every page, creating a story that is both nostalgic and timeless. The book effortlessly infuses all the emotions one might expect from a romantic rollercoaster ride.
Nikki you made me laugh, cry, and feel all the emotions in between - THANK YOU! ❤️🔥
One of the things that impressed me the most about this book was its ability to capture the nostalgia of the era. As I read, I found myself jamming out to the same songs that the characters were listening to, or getting lost in the neon lights and synthesizer beats that permeated the book's setting. Witt's attention to detail in recreating the 80s was truly impressive, making the book feel like a time capsule that had been buried for years and only recently uncovered.
But more than that, "Something Rad" is a story about love and following your dreams. The characters are so well-crafted that I found myself invested in their journey from the very first page. Their playful banter and stubbornness, while occasionally frustrating (in a good way), only made me love them more. I was completely enthralled with the world Witt had created, feeling all the emotions alongside the characters as they navigated the ups and downs of their relationships.
"Something Rad" is a book that any lover of the 80s should have on their shelf. Witt's heart, soul, and love for the era are palpable on every page, creating a story that is both nostalgic and timeless. The book effortlessly infuses all the emotions one might expect from a romantic rollercoaster ride.
Nikki you made me laugh, cry, and feel all the emotions in between - THANK YOU! ❤️🔥
April 30, 2023
Something Rad by @nikkis.book.nook
HAPPY RELEASE DAY! ❤️
I had the pleasure of reading this book early, and I seriously loved it so much. Robbie and Sara had my heart from the very beginning. Sara Cooper is always in the shadows, quiet and focused on her future. Robbie Summers is the easygoing, popular guy at school who seems to always get what he wants. Even though Sara can’t stand Robbie, he gives her an opportunity she can’t pass up. He wants to make another girl jealous, and she needs to win student body president. When fake dating enters the picture, undeniable feelings start to stir. ❤️🔥
You guys! Read this book. Not only is the plot amazing, but the spice had me on the edge of my seat. Also, the 80s vibes were IMMACULATE! 👌🏼 It has all the tropes: fake dating, forced proximity, enemies to lovers, tension, angst… just so good.
Nikki, I am SO proud of you!! I’m so happy your baby is finally out in the world!
HAPPY RELEASE DAY! ❤️
I had the pleasure of reading this book early, and I seriously loved it so much. Robbie and Sara had my heart from the very beginning. Sara Cooper is always in the shadows, quiet and focused on her future. Robbie Summers is the easygoing, popular guy at school who seems to always get what he wants. Even though Sara can’t stand Robbie, he gives her an opportunity she can’t pass up. He wants to make another girl jealous, and she needs to win student body president. When fake dating enters the picture, undeniable feelings start to stir. ❤️🔥
You guys! Read this book. Not only is the plot amazing, but the spice had me on the edge of my seat. Also, the 80s vibes were IMMACULATE! 👌🏼 It has all the tropes: fake dating, forced proximity, enemies to lovers, tension, angst… just so good.
Nikki, I am SO proud of you!! I’m so happy your baby is finally out in the world!
July 18, 2023
This was such a cute book! I kept laughing out loud…even in public spaces! I just couldn’t help it. The banter is so witty and I just love the 80s vibe. Thank you Nikki for writing a book that made my year so much happier.
May 22, 2024
there are good books, even great books, and then there are books that will stick with you forever. this is one of those. this love story is something rad, indeed. ;)
June 23, 2023
Easily my favorite romance of all time, one of my favorite books of all time in general. Fake dating, enemies-to-lovers, set in the 80s, and Steve Harrington as the inspiration of the main male character. What more can you want????
I loved everything about this. The banter, the chemistry, the tension, the SPICE!!!! The characters were just impeccable and I love both Robbie and Sara so much!!!
I always say that if I chose to be reborn in a different time period, it would be the 80s and this just put me into the setting of that set as a senior in high school, and I did not want it to end. Nikki Witt, you are now on my radar !! ❤️❤️❤️❤️
I loved everything about this. The banter, the chemistry, the tension, the SPICE!!!! The characters were just impeccable and I love both Robbie and Sara so much!!!
I always say that if I chose to be reborn in a different time period, it would be the 80s and this just put me into the setting of that set as a senior in high school, and I did not want it to end. Nikki Witt, you are now on my radar !! ❤️❤️❤️❤️
May 5, 2023
I enjoyed every single second of this book . Nikki never fails to impress and i knew i was going to be absolutely obsessed with this book, the moment it was announced. Throughout the book i watched the slow n steady but very necessary character development of both Robbie and Sara . The title and the cover made so much sense at the enddd . I whole heartedly loveddddd the book ❤️❤️ and i am waiting for more ........
February 21, 2024
Super good! I’m not gonna lie I almost DNF’ed this book. I took a reading break and almost didn’t finish it. I decided to keep going, and it was definitely rewarding. It really captures the 80’s. If you love Steve Harrington from Stranger Things, you will love this book. He inspired one of the main characters in this book, Robbie Summers
This is also the first book I read by one of mg favorite book tubers, Nikki Witt! Phenomenal job 😊
This is also the first book I read by one of mg favorite book tubers, Nikki Witt! Phenomenal job 😊
May 3, 2023
A MUST read!! Absolutely obsessed with Robbie and Sara and the entire 80s vibe of this book!! I couldn’t put it down😍🤩
February 13, 2024
This book was awesome, and I loved it! It’s a high school romance set in the ‘80s with enemies-to-lovers and fake dating tropes. I loved the references to the ‘80s from the movies to the songs to the fashion. This book has a lot of fluff, but there’s also some heavy angst and other serious stuff. Also, I just wanna say that the playlist was great, and I’m so happy to see that a lot of the songs from the ‘80s that I like were included. Also, just a heads up: Even though this is a high school romance story, I wouldn’t categorize it as YA as it contains some open-door spicy content.
Sara Cooper is about to start her senior year in high school. She is an overachiever, very focused on her studies, works hard, is independent, and has an ambition in life. She wants to make her and her fellow seniors’ last year in high school memorable and to do that, she wants to become the yearbook editor for their school yearbook. Unfortunately, to become the yearbook editor, she also needs to become the student body president, but the thing is, Sara’s chances of being elected are very low. She’s not a popular student. She’s mostly the one on the sidelines during school events documenting each moment as the photographer. So how can she get herself elected when she’s often invisible to her fellow schoolmates? There’s also the fact that becoming student body president could help boost the chances of her scholarship application for the screenwriting program at NYU being accepted.
Robbie Summers is Bay View High School’s golden boy. He’s the most popular guy in school, and he has almost everyone in the school wrapped around his finger. He’s a real charmer with a bright and outgoing personality, and he oozes with confidence. He is also someone who enjoys living in the now and doesn’t have plans or worry about the future. Sadly, his star treatment at school contrasts with his life at home. His family, most especially his father, does not take him seriously and only expects the worst from him. His ex-girlfriend thinks he’s not serious enough in life, and hence, dumped him because of this. For his final year in high school, Robbie wants to be taken seriously by everyone, and he also plans to woo his ex-girlfriend back to him.
Sara and Robbie’s worlds collide during a not-so-meet-cute moment and one-month detention to the library for Robbie, where Sara volunteers after school. Together, they hatch a plan to fake date each other so that Sara can gain the popularity that she needs to be elected as the student body president, while Robbie aims to make his ex-girlfriend jealous and also change how people view him by dating a serious, and well-accomplished student like Sara.
The fake dating trope was executed so well, and I enjoyed every moment of it. I loved that Sara and Robbie took the time to get to know each other first, and I also loved how their relationship gradually grew from not-so-friendly acquaintances to friends to lovers. They learned a lot from each other and pushed each other to be better. They were both funny and a lot of their banters made me laugh. Drama also happened, which led to some heavy angst, which was deliciously heart-wrenching. They had me swooning when love finally blossomed between them. Sara and Robbie’s love for each other is all-consuming, and they’re both willing to give up something important in their lives just to help the other. They glowed as they fell in love with each other, and they also had the kind of love that made them feel like nothing else mattered as long as they were both happy. However, it’s not always rainbows and butterflies in a romantic relationship, and I think this was excellently shown through the conflicts and issues that Sara and Robbie had together.
Overall, this was a great book, and I enjoyed reading it. The writing was very good, and I think the author captured the vibes of a high school romance set in the ‘80s very well. Aside from the romance, the story was also about friendship, working hard to achieve one’s dreams, making special memories, and the different dynamics of a family. I think my only issue was that there were some typos and grammar errors here and there. However, I don’t think these take away from how good the story is.
For me, the author succeeded in her goal of making me feel something with this book. I think she did a great job in being able to evoke just the right emotions from every funny, romantic, emotional, or sad scene in the book. This book made me laugh, made me fall in love with these characters, and made my heart ache. This book is 732 pages long on Kindle, and honestly, I did find the page count to be intimidating at first, but in the end, even after I finished reading the epilogue, I actually found myself wanting more. I think the length of the story was just right for fleshing out the characters and for the development of Sara and Robbie’s relationship.
.
This book gave me a book hangover, so I don’t think I’ll be reading something new anytime soon as I’m still living in this one. I am also looking forward to reading more books from Nikki Witt in the future as Something Rad clearly made a mark on me. I would definitely put this book as one of my best reads for this year so far. With that said, I highly recommend reading this book. If you’re looking for a slow-burn romance set in the ‘80s, please give this a go.
Sara Cooper is about to start her senior year in high school. She is an overachiever, very focused on her studies, works hard, is independent, and has an ambition in life. She wants to make her and her fellow seniors’ last year in high school memorable and to do that, she wants to become the yearbook editor for their school yearbook. Unfortunately, to become the yearbook editor, she also needs to become the student body president, but the thing is, Sara’s chances of being elected are very low. She’s not a popular student. She’s mostly the one on the sidelines during school events documenting each moment as the photographer. So how can she get herself elected when she’s often invisible to her fellow schoolmates? There’s also the fact that becoming student body president could help boost the chances of her scholarship application for the screenwriting program at NYU being accepted.
Robbie Summers is Bay View High School’s golden boy. He’s the most popular guy in school, and he has almost everyone in the school wrapped around his finger. He’s a real charmer with a bright and outgoing personality, and he oozes with confidence. He is also someone who enjoys living in the now and doesn’t have plans or worry about the future. Sadly, his star treatment at school contrasts with his life at home. His family, most especially his father, does not take him seriously and only expects the worst from him. His ex-girlfriend thinks he’s not serious enough in life, and hence, dumped him because of this. For his final year in high school, Robbie wants to be taken seriously by everyone, and he also plans to woo his ex-girlfriend back to him.
Sara and Robbie’s worlds collide during a not-so-meet-cute moment and one-month detention to the library for Robbie, where Sara volunteers after school. Together, they hatch a plan to fake date each other so that Sara can gain the popularity that she needs to be elected as the student body president, while Robbie aims to make his ex-girlfriend jealous and also change how people view him by dating a serious, and well-accomplished student like Sara.
The fake dating trope was executed so well, and I enjoyed every moment of it. I loved that Sara and Robbie took the time to get to know each other first, and I also loved how their relationship gradually grew from not-so-friendly acquaintances to friends to lovers. They learned a lot from each other and pushed each other to be better. They were both funny and a lot of their banters made me laugh. Drama also happened, which led to some heavy angst, which was deliciously heart-wrenching. They had me swooning when love finally blossomed between them. Sara and Robbie’s love for each other is all-consuming, and they’re both willing to give up something important in their lives just to help the other. They glowed as they fell in love with each other, and they also had the kind of love that made them feel like nothing else mattered as long as they were both happy. However, it’s not always rainbows and butterflies in a romantic relationship, and I think this was excellently shown through the conflicts and issues that Sara and Robbie had together.
Overall, this was a great book, and I enjoyed reading it. The writing was very good, and I think the author captured the vibes of a high school romance set in the ‘80s very well. Aside from the romance, the story was also about friendship, working hard to achieve one’s dreams, making special memories, and the different dynamics of a family. I think my only issue was that there were some typos and grammar errors here and there. However, I don’t think these take away from how good the story is.
For me, the author succeeded in her goal of making me feel something with this book. I think she did a great job in being able to evoke just the right emotions from every funny, romantic, emotional, or sad scene in the book. This book made me laugh, made me fall in love with these characters, and made my heart ache. This book is 732 pages long on Kindle, and honestly, I did find the page count to be intimidating at first, but in the end, even after I finished reading the epilogue, I actually found myself wanting more. I think the length of the story was just right for fleshing out the characters and for the development of Sara and Robbie’s relationship.
.
This book gave me a book hangover, so I don’t think I’ll be reading something new anytime soon as I’m still living in this one. I am also looking forward to reading more books from Nikki Witt in the future as Something Rad clearly made a mark on me. I would definitely put this book as one of my best reads for this year so far. With that said, I highly recommend reading this book. If you’re looking for a slow-burn romance set in the ‘80s, please give this a go.
May 10, 2024
*I recently reread both "When Fate Breaks" and now "Something Rad" with the new book cover and interior layout. The new cover is gorgeous and so nostalgic! I loved the nod to VHS tapes and the difference in imagery used on the different POV chapters. My opinion on this book didn't change...I still loved it just as much as I did when I read it last year so I am posting my original review below.
**************************************************
I recently read Nikki's first book "When Fate Breaks" and really enjoyed that one so I was excited to read her new book "Something Rad".
I thought that this book was really cute and it made me smile! The two main characters each brought out something hidden deep inside of them. One made the other a little more chill and the other a little more serious (sometimes that was a good thing for their characters and sometimes it wasn't). They definitely were like fire and ice like the prom theme and I think really made them open up to things that they didn't before.🔥+❄️=💕
I liked how the book spanned the entire year and you got to see the ups and downs of the main characters and not just a particular moment in their senior year.
There were a lot of really sweet moments and laugh out loud moments mixed in with some sad ones.
I was worried about the page length when I saw it, but honestly the story wasn't full of fluff and it fleshed things out nicely so it didn't feel too long or overstay its welcome. It wasn't predictable either, which was refreshing.
Can we get a sequel so we can see what happens next please?!?! I need to know what happens 😫!
Looking forward to the next one being as RAD as this one! 📚🎧💕
**************************************************
I recently read Nikki's first book "When Fate Breaks" and really enjoyed that one so I was excited to read her new book "Something Rad".
I thought that this book was really cute and it made me smile! The two main characters each brought out something hidden deep inside of them. One made the other a little more chill and the other a little more serious (sometimes that was a good thing for their characters and sometimes it wasn't). They definitely were like fire and ice like the prom theme and I think really made them open up to things that they didn't before.🔥+❄️=💕
I liked how the book spanned the entire year and you got to see the ups and downs of the main characters and not just a particular moment in their senior year.
There were a lot of really sweet moments and laugh out loud moments mixed in with some sad ones.
I was worried about the page length when I saw it, but honestly the story wasn't full of fluff and it fleshed things out nicely so it didn't feel too long or overstay its welcome. It wasn't predictable either, which was refreshing.
Can we get a sequel so we can see what happens next please?!?! I need to know what happens 😫!
Looking forward to the next one being as RAD as this one! 📚🎧💕
August 20, 2025
Everything 80s! You know I loved this book SOooo much!
I was reading the perfect story but could picture it like a movie.
The quotes and moments were close to home for me as to why I love these kinds of films so much. And finally someone who loves John Hughes movies as much as I do!
The acknowledgments was actually a surprising favourite for me, usually I glide past this but I relate to this -
To the 80s, the era I never lived through but always felt like home and To the movies that made want to be the main character and the music that made me feel the most alive.
I was reading the perfect story but could picture it like a movie.
The quotes and moments were close to home for me as to why I love these kinds of films so much. And finally someone who loves John Hughes movies as much as I do!
The acknowledgments was actually a surprising favourite for me, usually I glide past this but I relate to this -
To the 80s, the era I never lived through but always felt like home and To the movies that made want to be the main character and the music that made me feel the most alive.
April 4, 2025
Oh my GOD. This book was perfect. Literally not a flaw I can point out. I genuinely felt like I was watching an 80s movie throughout the entire thing. Being 650 pages (longest I’ve ever read) I didn’t know how a book like this could be that long, but I’m so glad it was. Holy shit!!
June 16, 2023
Lately I’ve found a lot of comfort in dual-POV, slow-burn, eventually smutty romances set to an 80s soundtrack (well, comfort in all 2 of them that I’ve read), & I’m happy to have found this one as well. Whether it’s because of the fact that the setting is so reminiscent of Stranger Things (as well as all the elements of other 80s films ST has drawn from), or the soundtrack being one I grew up with & still enjoy - this book feels like a warm hug from an old friend (in the most non-cheesy way possible).
Normally the fake dating trope doesn’t work for me - but this book gets a pass for being over-all well executed, for having a legitimate reason to pretend to be dating, & for the fact I legitimately wanted the two leads to get together despite the odds.
While a few parts here & there could’ve been shortened or paced differently, my nostalgia for a decade I didn’t grow up in won out in the end, & even 650-some pages later, I wasn’t fully ready to say goodbye to Sara & Robbie. But now I’ve got an excuse to listen to Journey, watch ‘Top Gun’, & probably inevitably reread ‘Something Rad’.
Normally the fake dating trope doesn’t work for me - but this book gets a pass for being over-all well executed, for having a legitimate reason to pretend to be dating, & for the fact I legitimately wanted the two leads to get together despite the odds.
While a few parts here & there could’ve been shortened or paced differently, my nostalgia for a decade I didn’t grow up in won out in the end, & even 650-some pages later, I wasn’t fully ready to say goodbye to Sara & Robbie. But now I’ve got an excuse to listen to Journey, watch ‘Top Gun’, & probably inevitably reread ‘Something Rad’.
December 27, 2023
Heres wah i liked about the book i enjoyed the banter between robbie n sara n i enjoyed vibe of the book n i liked the 80s vibe and i liked how it was a slow burn n wasnt rushed n i liked how not everything wasnt happing all at once n was spread out through out the whole book and i enjoyed how the everything on the cover was mentioned and now the only thing i just couldnt get passed was the spice that part took mi out of the book like if it didn't have that then it would have been perfect but if i do a reread ill just skip that chapter but everything else i loved about the book
October 25, 2023
this was a fun pallet cleanser from my fantasy era!
even more so, because I love the 80’s and the song I danced to at my wedding was “waiting for a girl like you” + that was Robbie and Coopers song in this book!
this book was long, but it really brought me back to high school (the drama, the parties, the mean girls, the first boyfriend butterflies)
my only “complaint” would be I feel like the last chapter ended kinda abruptly for the epilogue to not have been long enough for me! Other than that — fun read!
even more so, because I love the 80’s and the song I danced to at my wedding was “waiting for a girl like you” + that was Robbie and Coopers song in this book!
this book was long, but it really brought me back to high school (the drama, the parties, the mean girls, the first boyfriend butterflies)
my only “complaint” would be I feel like the last chapter ended kinda abruptly for the epilogue to not have been long enough for me! Other than that — fun read!
June 28, 2023
This book is over 700 pages and I blew through it in 2 days. I could not put it down. The slow burn was so good and I gobbling up all the crumbs. As a fellow Steve Harrington girlie, Robbie Summers was everything. I laughed, I cried, I blushed like crazy. There were some parts that weren’t my favorite but the ending was a heart wrenchingly perfect. 5 ⭐️
July 2, 2023
SOMETHING RAD IS 5/5 💗💗💗💗💗 finally done!
I won't tell you why I love this book that much because you have to read it by yourself! (I won't spoil anything)
BUT what I can tell you is, if you love 80s songs and love a cool guy, an alpha male, charming, handsome guy, you need to read this book ASAP! Well especially if you are a fan of Mr. Harrington. This book suits you!
I won't tell you why I love this book that much because you have to read it by yourself! (I won't spoil anything)
BUT what I can tell you is, if you love 80s songs and love a cool guy, an alpha male, charming, handsome guy, you need to read this book ASAP! Well especially if you are a fan of Mr. Harrington. This book suits you!
August 8, 2023
This book is everything to me and if I ever stop recommending it, assume that I have died. Did I cry just because the book ended? Sure did. Robbie and Sara will stick with me for a very VERY long time 🫶🏼🤍
May 11, 2023
This book was something rad
May 17, 2023
Loved this book.❤️
June 2, 2023
the vibes 🤌🏼
June 24, 2023
⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
Read
September 8, 2023Love Nikki! It’s so good!
November 14, 2023
Cute concept and characters but so, so, so wordy. Literally pages and pages of descriptions. Some Original ideas for a high school drama some over done but really a 2 1/2 star book for me.
Want to read
February 22, 2024is that steve harrington in the cover? straight to my tbr!
May 13, 2023
⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐
🌶️🌶️🌶️
Absolutely phenomenal. In my top best reads for the year so far! I wish I could give this more than five stars because how can that accurately sum up the experience of Sara and Robbie's story? It can't. So all the stars!
As an 80s lover I picked up this book because the cover is stunning and sounded super cute and fun. I love the fake dating trope and throw that all together with 80s nostalgia and Steve Harrington (from Stranger Things) vibes and I knew this would be a book for me. Boy, was I right.
Valedictorian and overachieving Sara Cooper is crushed when she learns that to get the scholarship she needs to go to a prestigious screenwriting program in New York, means she also needs to become Student Body President, it seems like all is lost. She's not popular. She is the one on the sidelines documenting everyone elses high school experience. Enter Robbie Summers, the hot, carefree popular jock who no one takes seriously. Not even his girlfriend, well actually now . . . ex girlfriend. When Robbie gets stuck on library duty for detention after pulling a ridiculous stunt to try and win the blonde cheerleader back, he and Sara end up spending a lot more time together than either of them would like. However, the both have something the other needs. Sara needs people to notice her so she can win the election and Robbie needs to be taken seriously. Cue the perfect arrangement. One month of fake dating to help them achieve what they want. But will saying goodbye be so easy at the end of their arrangement?
This story had so many ups and downs. It was an absolute rollercoaster ride. Both witty and funny, charming and heartwrenching with an ending that sticks with you long after you finish. I'll admit that I ugly cried for a solid half an hour. It was also much spicier than I anticipated which was a very pleasant surprise! Not only does their cheeky enemies-to-lovers banter ramp up that sexual tension to an insane level that you feel like you'll burst, but when things get steamy they get STEAMY.
The music and nods to life in the 80s was so well crafted and visceral that the book came alive like a John Hughes movie and Witt wrote an absolutely phenomenal book that I will be reading over and over again. The only thing I wish it had was . . . more (yes, even though it's over 600 pages). My thirst will never be quenched. Also, why don't they make Jolt Cola anymore? Cola with more caffeine? That is exactly what my life has been missing.
Do you know what your life is missing? This book. Read it NOW.
🌶️🌶️🌶️
Absolutely phenomenal. In my top best reads for the year so far! I wish I could give this more than five stars because how can that accurately sum up the experience of Sara and Robbie's story? It can't. So all the stars!
As an 80s lover I picked up this book because the cover is stunning and sounded super cute and fun. I love the fake dating trope and throw that all together with 80s nostalgia and Steve Harrington (from Stranger Things) vibes and I knew this would be a book for me. Boy, was I right.
Valedictorian and overachieving Sara Cooper is crushed when she learns that to get the scholarship she needs to go to a prestigious screenwriting program in New York, means she also needs to become Student Body President, it seems like all is lost. She's not popular. She is the one on the sidelines documenting everyone elses high school experience. Enter Robbie Summers, the hot, carefree popular jock who no one takes seriously. Not even his girlfriend, well actually now . . . ex girlfriend. When Robbie gets stuck on library duty for detention after pulling a ridiculous stunt to try and win the blonde cheerleader back, he and Sara end up spending a lot more time together than either of them would like. However, the both have something the other needs. Sara needs people to notice her so she can win the election and Robbie needs to be taken seriously. Cue the perfect arrangement. One month of fake dating to help them achieve what they want. But will saying goodbye be so easy at the end of their arrangement?
This story had so many ups and downs. It was an absolute rollercoaster ride. Both witty and funny, charming and heartwrenching with an ending that sticks with you long after you finish. I'll admit that I ugly cried for a solid half an hour. It was also much spicier than I anticipated which was a very pleasant surprise! Not only does their cheeky enemies-to-lovers banter ramp up that sexual tension to an insane level that you feel like you'll burst, but when things get steamy they get STEAMY.
The music and nods to life in the 80s was so well crafted and visceral that the book came alive like a John Hughes movie and Witt wrote an absolutely phenomenal book that I will be reading over and over again. The only thing I wish it had was . . . more (yes, even though it's over 600 pages). My thirst will never be quenched. Also, why don't they make Jolt Cola anymore? Cola with more caffeine? That is exactly what my life has been missing.
Do you know what your life is missing? This book. Read it NOW.
May 7, 2023
Sara is ready to be done with high school, as the big exciting world is waiting for her. However, there is one last hurdle she has to overcome before getting there - the most popular and infuriating guy in school, Robbie Summers. Robbie, on the other hand, wants to have fun and enjoy his last year in school before starting the rest of his life. Despite their differences, circumstances draw them together and change their lives forever, teaching them about love, trust, friendship, family, aspirations, and goals.
This coming-of-age young adult story made me wish for simpler times in the 80s. Both characters were adorable, and their banter was hilarious. The detailed descriptions of the setting made me feel like I was there with them. The mention of various movies and soundtracks from that time was the cherry on top.
My only criticism is about the length of the book, which was a bit too long. While I loved both characters, by the last 70 pages, I started to get tired as not much happened. I understand that the author was slowly revealing changes in the characters, but for me, it was a bit too slow. I knew there had to be some kind of final conflict, and by the time it actually happened, I was already over it.
Besides that, the story was wonderful, and the ending managed to break my heart even though I anticipated it. Nikki, you made me fell A LOT! (Thanks for the final chapter!)
This coming-of-age young adult story made me wish for simpler times in the 80s. Both characters were adorable, and their banter was hilarious. The detailed descriptions of the setting made me feel like I was there with them. The mention of various movies and soundtracks from that time was the cherry on top.
My only criticism is about the length of the book, which was a bit too long. While I loved both characters, by the last 70 pages, I started to get tired as not much happened. I understand that the author was slowly revealing changes in the characters, but for me, it was a bit too slow. I knew there had to be some kind of final conflict, and by the time it actually happened, I was already over it.
Besides that, the story was wonderful, and the ending managed to break my heart even though I anticipated it. Nikki, you made me fell A LOT! (Thanks for the final chapter!)
January 1, 2026
Whomp whomp ☹️. The cheese stands alone 🤷♀️?
Given the rating, it's clearly a me problem. I feel so bad because I am a Steve Harrington fan girl (in fact, Stancy for life, baby🙌). I just felt like this read like a teenage Netflix rom com. The references kinda fell flat/felt shoe horned. And the constant bickering was ok the first time 'round (as was Cooper's penchant for spilling on her sweater/getting her sweater caught as she walks), but after a while, I was like "Huh. Did my Kindle glitch out or is this scene just copy/paste in a new place?". Also, did it need to be nearly 600 pages? I caught one other review say something similar so, glad I'm not alone. Overall, the writing really bogged it down and it was kinda of a boring experience. Not gonna go into detail. People clearly love. Not yucking anyone's yum.
With books like this with few ratings but they're all really high, I always worry about being too negative. But a review is an opinion. And this is mine.
See you guys next year 🎆🎉!
Given the rating, it's clearly a me problem. I feel so bad because I am a Steve Harrington fan girl (in fact, Stancy for life, baby🙌). I just felt like this read like a teenage Netflix rom com. The references kinda fell flat/felt shoe horned. And the constant bickering was ok the first time 'round (as was Cooper's penchant for spilling on her sweater/getting her sweater caught as she walks), but after a while, I was like "Huh. Did my Kindle glitch out or is this scene just copy/paste in a new place?". Also, did it need to be nearly 600 pages? I caught one other review say something similar so, glad I'm not alone. Overall, the writing really bogged it down and it was kinda of a boring experience. Not gonna go into detail. People clearly love. Not yucking anyone's yum.
With books like this with few ratings but they're all really high, I always worry about being too negative. But a review is an opinion. And this is mine.
See you guys next year 🎆🎉!
May 28, 2025
Overall this was great! Fun and full of emotion and the usual tropes.
Two things let it down a little: firstly, it’s absolutely littered with errors. So many missing words, grammatical errors, mixed metaphors… things that should have been picked up and corrected by a half-decent proofreader. Secondly, around 550 pages in, it started to feel a bit repetitive in narrative and dialogue/inner monologue. I found myself wondering if it really needed to be so long? A tighter edit to cut down on some inconsequential content would have made this a better read. I was able to forgive a lot of the errors because it is really nicely written, so I corrected in my head as I read along and tried not to be too bothered by it. The ending was probably my favourite part.
Two things let it down a little: firstly, it’s absolutely littered with errors. So many missing words, grammatical errors, mixed metaphors… things that should have been picked up and corrected by a half-decent proofreader. Secondly, around 550 pages in, it started to feel a bit repetitive in narrative and dialogue/inner monologue. I found myself wondering if it really needed to be so long? A tighter edit to cut down on some inconsequential content would have made this a better read. I was able to forgive a lot of the errors because it is really nicely written, so I corrected in my head as I read along and tried not to be too bothered by it. The ending was probably my favourite part.
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