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I've Got My Love to Keep Me Warm
When snow falls, sparks fly in this irresistible YA queer romance from Schneider Family Book Award and Stonewall Honor winner Mariama J. Lockington—for fans of She Gets the Girl and Jennifer Dugan.
High school senior Lyric has always found Christmas to be the hardest season. While other kids got presents and family time by the fire, she was in and out of foster care. An up-and-coming make-up influencer and aspiring cosmetology student who loves a bold lip, Lyric definitely isn’t looking for romance—not when opening up to someone feels a lot like asking to get hurt.
Christmas is Juniper’s favorite time of year. At least, it was, until her moms’ separation. They’re back together now, and Juniper hopes they’ll stay that way. Because if they’re happy, that means Juniper can leave for her gap-year trip after graduation (the one she has yet to tell her parents about, and can’t really afford without their help).
When a chance meeting brings these two opposite personalities together, they should clash . . . only they don’t. Instead Lyric strikes a deal with Juniper: pose as her fake girlfriend in a series of holiday-themed social media posts and they can split the money from her beauty sponsorships. But soon the lines between what’s real and what’s not start to blur. Could it be that sparks are flying both in front of the camera and behind it?
Told from dual perspectives, one in prose and one in verse, I've Got My Love to Keep Me Warm is a cozy and modern love story from acclaimed author Mariama J. Lockington that's perfect for the winter season or all year round.
High school senior Lyric has always found Christmas to be the hardest season. While other kids got presents and family time by the fire, she was in and out of foster care. An up-and-coming make-up influencer and aspiring cosmetology student who loves a bold lip, Lyric definitely isn’t looking for romance—not when opening up to someone feels a lot like asking to get hurt.
Christmas is Juniper’s favorite time of year. At least, it was, until her moms’ separation. They’re back together now, and Juniper hopes they’ll stay that way. Because if they’re happy, that means Juniper can leave for her gap-year trip after graduation (the one she has yet to tell her parents about, and can’t really afford without their help).
When a chance meeting brings these two opposite personalities together, they should clash . . . only they don’t. Instead Lyric strikes a deal with Juniper: pose as her fake girlfriend in a series of holiday-themed social media posts and they can split the money from her beauty sponsorships. But soon the lines between what’s real and what’s not start to blur. Could it be that sparks are flying both in front of the camera and behind it?
Told from dual perspectives, one in prose and one in verse, I've Got My Love to Keep Me Warm is a cozy and modern love story from acclaimed author Mariama J. Lockington that's perfect for the winter season or all year round.
352 pages, Hardcover
First published October 14, 2025
32 people are currently reading
1935 people want to read
About the author
Mariama J. Lockington
8 books218 followersMariama J. Lockington is an adoptee, author, and educator. She has been telling stories and making her own books since the second grade, when she wore shortalls and flower leggings every day to school. Mariama’s middle-grade debut, For Black Girls Like Me, earned five starred reviews and was a Today Show Best Kids’ Book of 2019. Her sophomore middle-grade book, In The Key of Us, is a Stonewall Honor Award book and was featured in the New York Times. Her debut young adult novel, Forever is Now, is the 2024 winner of the Schneider Family Book Award. Mariama holds a Masters in Education from Lesley University and a Masters in Fine Arts in Poetry from San Francisco State University, she calls many places home, but currently lives in Kentucky with her wife, her sausage dog, Walter, and an abundance of plants. You can find her on X: @marilock and on Instagram/TikTok @forblackgirlslikeme.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 78 reviews
December 23, 2025
You know you’re reading something special when you talk out loud to the characters in your audiobook while you’re out in public. Lyric is a senior in High School and an aspiring professional make up artist. She’s slowly building a following as a beauty content creator when a misunderstanding suddenly blows up her page. She rolls with it and talks her classmate into being her fake holiday girlfriend for clicks and sponsorships. Juniper has been crushing on Lyric anyway so it’s not a big leap for her to go on “dates” plus the money will help with her gap year plans. Both Lyric and Juniper are well defined and likable but very different type of people. I enjoyed their tug of war as they learned to make room for one another. The writing is strong and flows so easily that I finished in a day which is not like me.
My favorite aspect of the book are the characters. The author draws both main characters so well, I felt their pining and giddiness, the inexperience of first time big feelings. Their back stories add poignancy to the story-world but there is also humor to balance out the hurt. Secondary characters like Juniper’s mothers and Lyric’s best friend are great but it is Lyric’s grandmother who steals scenes. I kept waiting for her to appear, just to hear what she had to say which was usually wise and brassy.
Overall, the author captures the voices of two young people opening their minds and hearts to love and what life might offer in the future. Not so much an ending but a wealth of possibilities. As far as Christmas vibe, the story has plenty of snow filled days, holiday traditions, and a top notch playlist. Finally, Rae De Vine and Shayna Small seal the deal by giving an epic narration on the audiobook.
My favorite aspect of the book are the characters. The author draws both main characters so well, I felt their pining and giddiness, the inexperience of first time big feelings. Their back stories add poignancy to the story-world but there is also humor to balance out the hurt. Secondary characters like Juniper’s mothers and Lyric’s best friend are great but it is Lyric’s grandmother who steals scenes. I kept waiting for her to appear, just to hear what she had to say which was usually wise and brassy.
Overall, the author captures the voices of two young people opening their minds and hearts to love and what life might offer in the future. Not so much an ending but a wealth of possibilities. As far as Christmas vibe, the story has plenty of snow filled days, holiday traditions, and a top notch playlist. Finally, Rae De Vine and Shayna Small seal the deal by giving an epic narration on the audiobook.
December 9, 2025
Over the past year, I've started to gravitate towards YA less and less, but this book just cements that there will always be exceptions. This is both a sweet sapphic Christmas romance, and a story about two teenage girls dealing with difficult realities. Lyric is dealing with her past as a foster kid, being no-contact with her unreliable mother, while living with her grandma who she's a caretaker for. Juniper is more privileged, but at the same time she does have her own struggles, mainly her parents' marital problems. The way these situations were approached felt really honest, and I love that the book didn't shy away from the harder parts of the teens' lives for the sake of a Christmas story. This shows how important it is to find joy.
December 6, 2025
For a wlw book, we definitely spend a lot of time talking about an angry cis het teenage boy 🫠 I get that he and Lyric HAD a situationship, but my goodness. Also Grammy Viv was my favorite character, she has more sense than all of the main characters combined. I did like the alternating style chapters with Lyric's normal novel style and Juniper's poetry/novel in verse, I thought it was unique and made it easy to distinguish their chapters and really reflected their personalities. It also made the 348 pages fly by. Was this perfect? No, it's YA but I did eat it up in one day 🤭
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
October 25, 2025
This was such a cute Holiday YA Romance! Lyric & Juniper’s journey was very enjoyable as their unexpected relationship blossomed. What started out as an arrangement, quickly turned into something more with the undeniable chemistry between them. Despite the adorable scenes that make readers swoon, there were also some more serious topics such as complicated family dynamics and childhood trauma.
Although these were some easy to love characters, they of course did things sometimes that made me yell at them, then I reminded myself that they are teenagers, doing their best in that moment. I definitely extended them some grace, considering sometimes the adults in the story also made poor choices. My heart ached for Lyric & her Grammy as they constantly dealt with the aftermath of Lyric’s mom’s poor behavior choices. Juniper dealing with the domestic issues in her household was also very emotional.
In addition to the hardback, I listened to the audiobook and I literally squealed in delight to see that Shayna Small was one of the narrators, I always love her narration & she is one of my top favs! This was my first audiobook experience by Rae De Vine and both these ladies did a phenomenal job bringing life to these characters!
Overall, recommended for those that enjoy well written, YA Romance stories with LGBTQ+ representation. Thank you Fierce reads for a gifted copy!
Although these were some easy to love characters, they of course did things sometimes that made me yell at them, then I reminded myself that they are teenagers, doing their best in that moment. I definitely extended them some grace, considering sometimes the adults in the story also made poor choices. My heart ached for Lyric & her Grammy as they constantly dealt with the aftermath of Lyric’s mom’s poor behavior choices. Juniper dealing with the domestic issues in her household was also very emotional.
In addition to the hardback, I listened to the audiobook and I literally squealed in delight to see that Shayna Small was one of the narrators, I always love her narration & she is one of my top favs! This was my first audiobook experience by Rae De Vine and both these ladies did a phenomenal job bringing life to these characters!
Overall, recommended for those that enjoy well written, YA Romance stories with LGBTQ+ representation. Thank you Fierce reads for a gifted copy!
April 24, 2025
* received eARC from NetGalley in exchange for an honest review*
This was a pretty cute idea for a teen Black sapphic romance. The concept of a fake relationship being played for influencer brand deals isn't one I've seen before. I don't follow anyone under the age of 27 on TikTok, so I didn't know couples posts were a thing for the teen crowd. But, why not considering how many make up and fashion influencers are teenagers? I'm not sure Juniper's identity (if it was mentioned), but Lyric is a pansexual character.
To be honest, my favorite character in this book was Grammy Viv. She was a riot and so supportive! The entire arc of her being hopeful her daughter was going to return to their lives and that Lyric would be able to be more independent was quite moving. I think the story of how she and Lyric found their way back to each other was probably the strongest aspect of this book. Lyric's family obligations made her sympathetic character.
The decision to have Juniper's POV be in verse form was an interesting idea. It works well for Juniper's emotions when dealing with her parents. I didn't think it worked as well when Juniper was having conflict with Lyric because there was no way to convey her body language and expression when they were arguing.
I wanted more moments of Juniper and Lyric really getting to know each other. It seemed they were like 4/5 with interactions between them ending in arguments. It didn't make for the most romantic of YA romances I've read, but I think their dynamic was interesting. The part where they watch movies with Grammy Viv was the sweetest thing.
This was a pretty cute idea for a teen Black sapphic romance. The concept of a fake relationship being played for influencer brand deals isn't one I've seen before. I don't follow anyone under the age of 27 on TikTok, so I didn't know couples posts were a thing for the teen crowd. But, why not considering how many make up and fashion influencers are teenagers? I'm not sure Juniper's identity (if it was mentioned), but Lyric is a pansexual character.
To be honest, my favorite character in this book was Grammy Viv. She was a riot and so supportive! The entire arc of her being hopeful her daughter was going to return to their lives and that Lyric would be able to be more independent was quite moving. I think the story of how she and Lyric found their way back to each other was probably the strongest aspect of this book. Lyric's family obligations made her sympathetic character.
The decision to have Juniper's POV be in verse form was an interesting idea. It works well for Juniper's emotions when dealing with her parents. I didn't think it worked as well when Juniper was having conflict with Lyric because there was no way to convey her body language and expression when they were arguing.
I wanted more moments of Juniper and Lyric really getting to know each other. It seemed they were like 4/5 with interactions between them ending in arguments. It didn't make for the most romantic of YA romances I've read, but I think their dynamic was interesting. The part where they watch movies with Grammy Viv was the sweetest thing.
October 7, 2025
This was definitely more Lifetime than Hallmark. And IFYKYK! This was an interesting read. The pace was good and the story was engaging and for my first contemporary YA book I was moderately impressed. Lyric was not an easy character to like but I had to remind myself that she is a very real representation of Black girls all over this country. That her anger, her mistrust, her pain had a cause and she had a right to feel it and express it. That also meant that at times it was also a determent to her. But girls like her deserve to be seen and given grace and a chance to grow. And why Juniper is the easier character to like, she is just as flawed and deserving of the space to make mistakes and grow. This is an ARC read so the place where the story misses the mark for me is in the formatting and the verse style of Juniper’s chapters. It was a bit inconsistent for me because it didn’t always feel like it needed to be in verse and when it wasn’t the way the text sometimes changed and sometimes didn’t was not enjoyable. As a visual reader the change in narrative style changed my perspective and I didn’t always like the view from Juniper’s POV. Overall this was not the most spirited holiday read but it was enjoyable and really good. I can’t however say that it inspired me to seek out more of the authors work.
October 11, 2025
This was a super cute fake dating, grumpy x sunshine, dual POV holiday romance between Juniper and Lyric, two Black queer teens living in small town Michigan who agree to pose as girlfriends to help boost Lyric's beauty influencer posts.
I liked the contrast between Lyric and Juniper's family lives and the flashbacks we get as Lyric reflects on the past when she still lived with her mom and then when she was sent to foster care before finally getting to live with her ailing grandmother permanently. Juniper on the other hand is from a more well off family and has two moms but things aren't as perfect as they appear.
Great on audio, this had tons of cozy charm with a lot of emotional depth and I enjoyed it so much. Many thanks to NetGalley and the publisher for an early digital copy and @prhaudio for a complimentary ALC in exchange for my honest review.
I liked the contrast between Lyric and Juniper's family lives and the flashbacks we get as Lyric reflects on the past when she still lived with her mom and then when she was sent to foster care before finally getting to live with her ailing grandmother permanently. Juniper on the other hand is from a more well off family and has two moms but things aren't as perfect as they appear.
Great on audio, this had tons of cozy charm with a lot of emotional depth and I enjoyed it so much. Many thanks to NetGalley and the publisher for an early digital copy and @prhaudio for a complimentary ALC in exchange for my honest review.
October 7, 2025
I read this book because I feel it’s important for me, as a Black woman who reads like I’m running out of time, to also read YA. This book is queer as all get out, Black, a little raw, and has fake dating like I love. I’m not used to reading about teenagers embarking on that kind of swindle, but we tend to get up to some hare-brained schemes before our brains fully develop lol. This is my introduction to Lockington and I can say I’d read more of her work. I struggled a little with Juniper’s verse chapters but that’s a me problem for sure. I would have liked to see a little more from the story (the ending wrapped up pretty quickly) but it was still a good read. Cute and a little introspective just in time for the holiday season. I received a copy of this book from NetGalley and this is my honest review. 4 stars.
August 23, 2025
This was such a warm and charming holiday romance! Lyric and Juniper couldn’t be more different—one guarded and hesitant to trust, the other full of holiday spirit—but their fake-dating arrangement turned into something so sweet, real, and heartwarming. I loved how the story was told in dual perspectives, especially with the mix of prose and verse—it gave their voices such unique depth.
The themes of family, healing, and learning to trust your heart really stood out to me. Lyric’s journey of opening up after the foster system, paired with Juniper’s hope for her family and her own future, made this so much more than a romance—it’s also about belonging, resilience, and finding joy even in unexpected places.
⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
A cozy, affirming, and swoony holiday read that will make you believe in second chances, found family, and love that feels like home. Perfect for fans of fake-dating, opposites attract, and heartfelt YA romances!
Huge thanks to @netgalley, the publisher, and Mariama J. Lockington for the ARC in exchange for my honest review.
The themes of family, healing, and learning to trust your heart really stood out to me. Lyric’s journey of opening up after the foster system, paired with Juniper’s hope for her family and her own future, made this so much more than a romance—it’s also about belonging, resilience, and finding joy even in unexpected places.
⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
A cozy, affirming, and swoony holiday read that will make you believe in second chances, found family, and love that feels like home. Perfect for fans of fake-dating, opposites attract, and heartfelt YA romances!
Huge thanks to @netgalley, the publisher, and Mariama J. Lockington for the ARC in exchange for my honest review.
October 18, 2025
This sapphic, holiday YA novel is a dual perspective written in alternating prose and verse narratives that's full of heart, growth, and warmth. Lyric & Juniper are two black teens dealing with their own traumas who agree to fake date to receive more brand deals from a beauty platform to raise money for their after high school endeavors. Lyric is hard-working and dealing with lots of anger after her mother abandoned her at a young age and she went in and out of foster care. Her grandmother eventually kicks her mother out and raises her, but Lyric has been Grammy Viv's main care taker since she suffered a stroke. Lyric works at Aldi's, pays the bills, cooks, and capitalizes on her love and talent with makeup to make extra money. Juniper is a talented runner who is reeling after one of her moms' affair and a separation that has left her parents in a tense re-cohabitation. She hasn't yet revealed to them that her dream is not to go to college, but to travel in her car to hike, run, and visit national parks.
While some may say Lyric is hard to like, I disagree. Her anger, while palpable, is understandable and representative on anyone in her position, carrying the weight of a childhood gone and having to be the adult for most of her life. While she should definitely be in therapy and learning more ways to deal with her anger and tendencies to lash out and physically hit things, I saw her softer side with Kiana, her bestie, who truly knows her, calls her on her bs, and supports her in every way. Juniper is more easy-going likely due to her more privileged upbringing, but her crush on Lyric and her desire to see past Lyric's sometimes hard exterior makes her endearing. Did I wish she would have just texted Lyric after their big Act 3 fallout instead of blasting a live video on the beauty app?!? Of course, but where is the YA drama in that?!? I guess that feels daring to a teen and the YA version of the "big gesture" (despite it possibly causing Lyric to lose followers). Grammy Viv was the real star of this book with her sharp wit, hilarious commentary, and well-placed stories that she'd whip out when Lyric needed a reminder to live a little and have fun.
Overall, this was a refreshingly different take in the typical YA holiday novel, despite its sometimes heavy subject matter. Thank you to Macmillan Publishing & Netgalley for the e-ARC.
While some may say Lyric is hard to like, I disagree. Her anger, while palpable, is understandable and representative on anyone in her position, carrying the weight of a childhood gone and having to be the adult for most of her life. While she should definitely be in therapy and learning more ways to deal with her anger and tendencies to lash out and physically hit things, I saw her softer side with Kiana, her bestie, who truly knows her, calls her on her bs, and supports her in every way. Juniper is more easy-going likely due to her more privileged upbringing, but her crush on Lyric and her desire to see past Lyric's sometimes hard exterior makes her endearing. Did I wish she would have just texted Lyric after their big Act 3 fallout instead of blasting a live video on the beauty app?!? Of course, but where is the YA drama in that?!? I guess that feels daring to a teen and the YA version of the "big gesture" (despite it possibly causing Lyric to lose followers). Grammy Viv was the real star of this book with her sharp wit, hilarious commentary, and well-placed stories that she'd whip out when Lyric needed a reminder to live a little and have fun.
Overall, this was a refreshingly different take in the typical YA holiday novel, despite its sometimes heavy subject matter. Thank you to Macmillan Publishing & Netgalley for the e-ARC.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
December 13, 2025
"Nobody is entitled to your joy."
I'd like to thank MacMillan Children's Publishing Group for sending me a copy of this book in exchange for an honest review!
I've also posted this review on Instagram and my blog.
Instagram Post
Blog Post
Content Warnings: abandonment, grief
This was such a cute Christmas read! It had the perfect balance of light-hearted holiday vibes and serious discussions around what it means to love yourself and others. The writing flowed nicely and made it a fast and engaging read. It took me a moment to adjust to the alternating prose and verse perspectives, but once I got used to it, I felt that it matched Lyric and Juniper's personalities perfectly. The characters are the true stars of this book. Each one felt real and relatable in their own way, and I was sad to say goodbye to them! I loved getting to know Lyric and Juniper and their personal histories. I also liked the unique perspective of Lyric being a beauty influencer, something I've never read about before! It was fun getting to see her process for how she created content and her view of what being an influencer is like. Lyric and Juniper's romance was also incredibly sweet! I was rooting for them from the very first scene they interacted with each other. Not only were the main characters fun to read about, but the side characters were too! I absolutely loved Lyric's Grammy. Her humour and quick wit made me laugh while reading. What I also loved about Lyric's Grammy was her determination and overwhelming love for Lyric. I enjoyed learning more about Lyric's childhood and how strong her Grammy was through it all. I also liked how Lyric and Juniper grew individually, but also as friends and a couple throughout the book. I'm excited to read more of Mariama's work in the future! I definitely recommend this to readers looking for Christmas vibes and a heartfelt story.
I'd like to thank MacMillan Children's Publishing Group for sending me a copy of this book in exchange for an honest review!
I've also posted this review on Instagram and my blog.
Instagram Post
Blog Post
Content Warnings: abandonment, grief
This was such a cute Christmas read! It had the perfect balance of light-hearted holiday vibes and serious discussions around what it means to love yourself and others. The writing flowed nicely and made it a fast and engaging read. It took me a moment to adjust to the alternating prose and verse perspectives, but once I got used to it, I felt that it matched Lyric and Juniper's personalities perfectly. The characters are the true stars of this book. Each one felt real and relatable in their own way, and I was sad to say goodbye to them! I loved getting to know Lyric and Juniper and their personal histories. I also liked the unique perspective of Lyric being a beauty influencer, something I've never read about before! It was fun getting to see her process for how she created content and her view of what being an influencer is like. Lyric and Juniper's romance was also incredibly sweet! I was rooting for them from the very first scene they interacted with each other. Not only were the main characters fun to read about, but the side characters were too! I absolutely loved Lyric's Grammy. Her humour and quick wit made me laugh while reading. What I also loved about Lyric's Grammy was her determination and overwhelming love for Lyric. I enjoyed learning more about Lyric's childhood and how strong her Grammy was through it all. I also liked how Lyric and Juniper grew individually, but also as friends and a couple throughout the book. I'm excited to read more of Mariama's work in the future! I definitely recommend this to readers looking for Christmas vibes and a heartfelt story.
October 22, 2025
really really enjoyed this book! Ever since the cover reveal however long ago, this has been one of my most anticipated reads! Also have we appreciated the cover enough? Because it is literally gorgeous.
I started this via ebook and I am terrible at getting through non-audiobooks, so I did have to switch over. But while reading the ebook, I really appreciated that Juniper’s POV was written in-verse. That felt like it made sense for her character.
Now into the content: I’ve never read a book about a beauty influencer before, and I love that my first one was about a Black teen who is able to use her makeup and beauty platform as a creative outlet. Lyric is a very complex character who has had a lot of shit happen in her short life, and she’s doing the best she can to navigate her anger while taking care of her aging grandma. While I haven’t experienced any of what Lyric has gone through, it feels like the author did a beautiful job at handling these difficult topics — not only in Lyric’s life, but in Juniper’s as well.
Lyric and Juniper are very different, but they worked together. In this instance, I think the third act breakup was necessary to prove that they could grow as individuals and together.
I started this via ebook and I am terrible at getting through non-audiobooks, so I did have to switch over. But while reading the ebook, I really appreciated that Juniper’s POV was written in-verse. That felt like it made sense for her character.
Now into the content: I’ve never read a book about a beauty influencer before, and I love that my first one was about a Black teen who is able to use her makeup and beauty platform as a creative outlet. Lyric is a very complex character who has had a lot of shit happen in her short life, and she’s doing the best she can to navigate her anger while taking care of her aging grandma. While I haven’t experienced any of what Lyric has gone through, it feels like the author did a beautiful job at handling these difficult topics — not only in Lyric’s life, but in Juniper’s as well.
Lyric and Juniper are very different, but they worked together. In this instance, I think the third act breakup was necessary to prove that they could grow as individuals and together.
December 20, 2025
4.25 stars.
this is only the second book i’ve read by this author, but i’m convinced every book she’s written is a certified banger.
also, the audiobook is sooo good! it definitely elevates the reading experience.
this is only the second book i’ve read by this author, but i’m convinced every book she’s written is a certified banger.
also, the audiobook is sooo good! it definitely elevates the reading experience.
December 23, 2025
First person and YA? Woof
May 22, 2025
~~Thank you to NetGalley and Macmillan for the ARC!~~
2.5/5 stars rounded up.
I liked this, but not as much as I hoped I would.
I didn't know the POVs were going to alternate between prose and verse, but that in itself wasn't really a problem. Instead, I found the juxtapose between them both fascinating and frustrating. The prose chapters in Lyric's POV were so long winded. A page or two of blocky paragraphs that easily could've been broken up into two or three. This was where a lot of info-dumping regarding Lyric's backstory took place, which irritated me a lot. On the other hand, the verse chapters in Juniper's POV were much comprehensible and filled to the brim with the writing I've come to love from Lockington. It just felt like the author was much more in tune to Juniper and showing off he character through the writing than Lyric.
The main characters were messy, but in a good way. Between poverty, loss, and parental issues, both girls had a lot going on their plate. I liked the book the most when the girls were with their families rather than together, because those conflicts were much more interesting than the constant misunderstanding, impulsive anger fueled ones those two got into when they were together. I really feel like these two shouldn't have gotten together by the end; they should have focused on themselves after rollercoaster the faking dating put them through, particularly Lyric.
As a girl who grew up in foster care and has a lot of abandonment issues, Lyric has a lot to work through in the story, primarily her anger and her compulsion to push people away. She's rightfully a hard person to warm up to, but her relationship with her Grammy Viv really fleshed her out. What I didn't like was the grace the narrative gave her was in regards to her cheating on her boyfriend. It's not even properly brought up until the end, so the narrative treats Jamison, the boyfriend, as the one in the wrong whenever he's upset at Lyric and tries to warn Juniper about his ex. I really hated that because he had the right to be upset, and Lyric getting mad at him for that and the narrative backing her up for it constantly just felt so wrong. The story tried to rectify this by having her best friend Kiana call her out for being toxic and playing games with Jamison, but the cheating felt so underplayed when it really shouldn't have.
Even though the cheating was the worst part for me, Juniper does something near the end that could have ended up really badly if this were not fiction. I can understand her being naïve about her dreams about travelling alone on the road, because she was obviously going to come to terms with how unrealistic, dangerous, and expensive that can be, but that move she pulled was stupidly risky, regardless of her social media illiteracy.
All in all, despite some individual elements, I really don't think Lyric and Juniper make a good couple. Maybe after they're grown a matured in a couple years time, but not where the book left off less than a month than when they started the fake-dating.
2.5/5 stars rounded up.
I liked this, but not as much as I hoped I would.
I didn't know the POVs were going to alternate between prose and verse, but that in itself wasn't really a problem. Instead, I found the juxtapose between them both fascinating and frustrating. The prose chapters in Lyric's POV were so long winded. A page or two of blocky paragraphs that easily could've been broken up into two or three. This was where a lot of info-dumping regarding Lyric's backstory took place, which irritated me a lot. On the other hand, the verse chapters in Juniper's POV were much comprehensible and filled to the brim with the writing I've come to love from Lockington. It just felt like the author was much more in tune to Juniper and showing off he character through the writing than Lyric.
The main characters were messy, but in a good way. Between poverty, loss, and parental issues, both girls had a lot going on their plate. I liked the book the most when the girls were with their families rather than together, because those conflicts were much more interesting than the constant misunderstanding, impulsive anger fueled ones those two got into when they were together. I really feel like these two shouldn't have gotten together by the end; they should have focused on themselves after rollercoaster the faking dating put them through, particularly Lyric.
As a girl who grew up in foster care and has a lot of abandonment issues, Lyric has a lot to work through in the story, primarily her anger and her compulsion to push people away. She's rightfully a hard person to warm up to, but her relationship with her Grammy Viv really fleshed her out. What I didn't like was the grace the narrative gave her was in regards to her cheating on her boyfriend. It's not even properly brought up until the end, so the narrative treats Jamison, the boyfriend, as the one in the wrong whenever he's upset at Lyric and tries to warn Juniper about his ex. I really hated that because he had the right to be upset, and Lyric getting mad at him for that and the narrative backing her up for it constantly just felt so wrong. The story tried to rectify this by having her best friend Kiana call her out for being toxic and playing games with Jamison, but the cheating felt so underplayed when it really shouldn't have.
Even though the cheating was the worst part for me, Juniper does something near the end that could have ended up really badly if this were not fiction. I can understand her being naïve about her dreams about travelling alone on the road, because she was obviously going to come to terms with how unrealistic, dangerous, and expensive that can be, but that move she pulled was stupidly risky, regardless of her social media illiteracy.
All in all, despite some individual elements, I really don't think Lyric and Juniper make a good couple. Maybe after they're grown a matured in a couple years time, but not where the book left off less than a month than when they started the fake-dating.
October 15, 2025
This book had me feeling a lot...joy, frustration, warmth, tenderness, and that deep, familiar ache that comes from watching two Black girls navigate love, identity, and the weight of being seen online and in real life.
Let’s get one thing clear up front: this wasn’t just a fun, cute YA sapphic romance (though it definitely had those moments). This was layered. Sometimes messy. Often heartfelt. Always real.
The Setup? Fresh AF.
A fake-dating setup between a beauty influencer and a moody artist for brand deals and online clout? That’s a smart and current spin I haven’t seen done quite like this in Black YA before. Lyric is that girl. She's confident on camera, polished, trying to keep her house (and heart) from falling apart. Juniper, on the other hand, is guarded, grieving, and navigating her queerness while figuring out who she is when nobody’s watching. Their relationship is complicated, prickly, and slow to warm, and that’s part of what makes it interesting.
Grammy Viv? The MVP.
Y’all. Grammy Viv walked into this book and stole the whole damn show. The way she showed up for Lyric, again and again, even while holding her own grief and loss? Whew. The love between them felt ancestral- like the kind of fierce, Black woman love that holds generations together even when everything else is falling apart. Watching them heal, re-learn each other, and build something real? That was the heart of this story for me.
The Style? A Little Hit and Miss.
So the dual format...prose for Lyric, verse for Juniper was an interesting choice. And when it worked? It worked. Juniper’s sections captured her pain and distance beautifully, especially when she was wrestling with her moms and her sense of displacement. But I’ll be honest, sometimes the verse left me wanting more. Especially when her and Lyric were in conflict, I found myself wishing I could see more of what she was feeling instead of just reading it laid bare in verse.
And those prose sections? Could’ve been tighter. Some of the paragraphs felt like they were doing too much at once...long and kind of rambling when the story needed sharper clarity.
The Romance? Complicated, but Authentic.
This wasn’t a swoony love story and that’s okay. It was two girls trying to figure out who they are, in front of each other and the whole internet. It was awkward and clumsy and full of missteps. But it felt real. And even when I wanted to shake both of them...especially Juniper, because baby, privilege was jumping OUT-I never stopped rooting for their growth.
Juniper’s resistance to her moms’ concern, her lack of a plan, her struggle to empathize with Lyric’s responsibilities? That felt true to life. And Lyric wasn’t perfect either. She was guarded, sometimes manipulative, and not always honest. But that’s what made them feel like teens. Real ones. Messy, selfish, scared, learning.
A Few Notes That Stuck With Me:
Lyric’s queerness (she’s pan) is presented without trauma- just as a natural part of who she is and I loved that.
The fact that Grammy Viv held it down through her own heartbreak and still had the capacity to love Lyric back to herself? That’s the kind of Black elder love that deserves a hundred pages on its own.
The tension between being seen too much online, and not enough in real life, was such a timely theme. Especially for Black girls.
That twist about the ex? Hm. Not sure it needed to be there, but it added nuance, I guess.
And listen… Juniper almost blowing up Lyric’s influencer bag with that public apology?? Ma’am. I know you’re in your feelings, but you could’ve texted.
This story isn’t perfect, but it has so much heart. It’s creative, current, and filled with complex, layered Black girls who are allowed to be angry, soft, unsure, and fully themselves. That alone makes it worth the read.
So yes, the romance is a slow burn (and maybe a little light on the sugar), but the emotional growth, family dynamics, and strong queer rep made this a win for me. If you're looking for a sapphic YA that dares to be different... and centers Black girls with love and nuance- this one’s for you.
Thanks to NetGalley for the ARC.
Let’s get one thing clear up front: this wasn’t just a fun, cute YA sapphic romance (though it definitely had those moments). This was layered. Sometimes messy. Often heartfelt. Always real.
The Setup? Fresh AF.
A fake-dating setup between a beauty influencer and a moody artist for brand deals and online clout? That’s a smart and current spin I haven’t seen done quite like this in Black YA before. Lyric is that girl. She's confident on camera, polished, trying to keep her house (and heart) from falling apart. Juniper, on the other hand, is guarded, grieving, and navigating her queerness while figuring out who she is when nobody’s watching. Their relationship is complicated, prickly, and slow to warm, and that’s part of what makes it interesting.
Grammy Viv? The MVP.
Y’all. Grammy Viv walked into this book and stole the whole damn show. The way she showed up for Lyric, again and again, even while holding her own grief and loss? Whew. The love between them felt ancestral- like the kind of fierce, Black woman love that holds generations together even when everything else is falling apart. Watching them heal, re-learn each other, and build something real? That was the heart of this story for me.
The Style? A Little Hit and Miss.
So the dual format...prose for Lyric, verse for Juniper was an interesting choice. And when it worked? It worked. Juniper’s sections captured her pain and distance beautifully, especially when she was wrestling with her moms and her sense of displacement. But I’ll be honest, sometimes the verse left me wanting more. Especially when her and Lyric were in conflict, I found myself wishing I could see more of what she was feeling instead of just reading it laid bare in verse.
And those prose sections? Could’ve been tighter. Some of the paragraphs felt like they were doing too much at once...long and kind of rambling when the story needed sharper clarity.
The Romance? Complicated, but Authentic.
This wasn’t a swoony love story and that’s okay. It was two girls trying to figure out who they are, in front of each other and the whole internet. It was awkward and clumsy and full of missteps. But it felt real. And even when I wanted to shake both of them...especially Juniper, because baby, privilege was jumping OUT-I never stopped rooting for their growth.
Juniper’s resistance to her moms’ concern, her lack of a plan, her struggle to empathize with Lyric’s responsibilities? That felt true to life. And Lyric wasn’t perfect either. She was guarded, sometimes manipulative, and not always honest. But that’s what made them feel like teens. Real ones. Messy, selfish, scared, learning.
A Few Notes That Stuck With Me:
Lyric’s queerness (she’s pan) is presented without trauma- just as a natural part of who she is and I loved that.
The fact that Grammy Viv held it down through her own heartbreak and still had the capacity to love Lyric back to herself? That’s the kind of Black elder love that deserves a hundred pages on its own.
The tension between being seen too much online, and not enough in real life, was such a timely theme. Especially for Black girls.
That twist about the ex? Hm. Not sure it needed to be there, but it added nuance, I guess.
And listen… Juniper almost blowing up Lyric’s influencer bag with that public apology?? Ma’am. I know you’re in your feelings, but you could’ve texted.
This story isn’t perfect, but it has so much heart. It’s creative, current, and filled with complex, layered Black girls who are allowed to be angry, soft, unsure, and fully themselves. That alone makes it worth the read.
So yes, the romance is a slow burn (and maybe a little light on the sugar), but the emotional growth, family dynamics, and strong queer rep made this a win for me. If you're looking for a sapphic YA that dares to be different... and centers Black girls with love and nuance- this one’s for you.
Thanks to NetGalley for the ARC.
April 22, 2025
Thank you to Net Galley and the publisher for the eARC of I’ve Got My Love to Keep Me Warm.
Lyric is a high schooler and beauty influencer who has garnered enough attention in the content creator space to have acquired brand deals. One of these brand deals mixed with Lyric’s desire to make her on-again off-again boyfriend jealous, leads her to approach Juniper to help with one of her beauty photo shoots. Their picture goes viral and everyone assumes the two young women are dating. The ever savvy Lyric decides to see if Juniper will play along with this fake-dating scenario, and they’re off and running.
The concept of this book was interesting and compelling enough for me to want to read this book; however, the execution of the plotline and the use of prose and verse to tell the story didn’t quite work here. Let’s talk about the writing style first.
The prose sections are primarily used in the sections where Lyric is the narrator although there are also prose sections in Juniper’s verse sections, which are used to provide flashbacks for Juniper’s character. What I found difficult in the prose sections were the expansive paragraphs – they were long. Like really long and unruly at times. I lost interest when reading some of the longer paragraphs and would have liked to have seen them broken up a bit to make for an easier and more compelling reading experience.
I had forgotten that this novel was going to be told in prose and verse, so when I flipped to chapter two, I was confused at first. I thought something had gone wrong in the digital process – since I had an eARC of the book – and that the formatting had gotten jumbled up and lost in translation. I quickly realized that the formatting was exactly the way it was supposed to be though. It took me a bit to get into this use of verse in a novel.
While I did find Juniper’s verse sections interesting at times, especially since her voice seemed to get more to the point through the use of verse, I wasn’t convinced that this style worked overall. I was left wanting more information from Juniper, and I just wasn’t getting that the way this book was written.
First person narration is a difficult task for authors, and I felt as though Lockington truly had a handle on Juniper’s voice in a way that she did not while writing Lyric.
Both characters have things in their past they are not sharing with each other, and I would have liked them to open up more to each other throughout the chapters. The beauty content part of Lyric’s and Juniper’s fake-dating deal also seemed to fall to the wayside, and it would have made more sense to keep their storyline focused on that while showing them getting to know each other better.
The third act break-up was pretty standard with a big misunderstanding turning into unneeded drama. I’m not a fan of that at all, and I felt as though this section was off for the characterization that was presented up to that point. Juniper’s grand gesture was also problematic because of what she reveals. I was shaking my head at that one.
Overall, I thought the concept of this book could have worked really well, but in the end, I was disappointed in how the information was presented and how the MCs relationship develops.
Lyric is a high schooler and beauty influencer who has garnered enough attention in the content creator space to have acquired brand deals. One of these brand deals mixed with Lyric’s desire to make her on-again off-again boyfriend jealous, leads her to approach Juniper to help with one of her beauty photo shoots. Their picture goes viral and everyone assumes the two young women are dating. The ever savvy Lyric decides to see if Juniper will play along with this fake-dating scenario, and they’re off and running.
The concept of this book was interesting and compelling enough for me to want to read this book; however, the execution of the plotline and the use of prose and verse to tell the story didn’t quite work here. Let’s talk about the writing style first.
The prose sections are primarily used in the sections where Lyric is the narrator although there are also prose sections in Juniper’s verse sections, which are used to provide flashbacks for Juniper’s character. What I found difficult in the prose sections were the expansive paragraphs – they were long. Like really long and unruly at times. I lost interest when reading some of the longer paragraphs and would have liked to have seen them broken up a bit to make for an easier and more compelling reading experience.
I had forgotten that this novel was going to be told in prose and verse, so when I flipped to chapter two, I was confused at first. I thought something had gone wrong in the digital process – since I had an eARC of the book – and that the formatting had gotten jumbled up and lost in translation. I quickly realized that the formatting was exactly the way it was supposed to be though. It took me a bit to get into this use of verse in a novel.
While I did find Juniper’s verse sections interesting at times, especially since her voice seemed to get more to the point through the use of verse, I wasn’t convinced that this style worked overall. I was left wanting more information from Juniper, and I just wasn’t getting that the way this book was written.
First person narration is a difficult task for authors, and I felt as though Lockington truly had a handle on Juniper’s voice in a way that she did not while writing Lyric.
Both characters have things in their past they are not sharing with each other, and I would have liked them to open up more to each other throughout the chapters. The beauty content part of Lyric’s and Juniper’s fake-dating deal also seemed to fall to the wayside, and it would have made more sense to keep their storyline focused on that while showing them getting to know each other better.
The third act break-up was pretty standard with a big misunderstanding turning into unneeded drama. I’m not a fan of that at all, and I felt as though this section was off for the characterization that was presented up to that point. Juniper’s grand gesture was also problematic because of what she reveals. I was shaking my head at that one.
Overall, I thought the concept of this book could have worked really well, but in the end, I was disappointed in how the information was presented and how the MCs relationship develops.
July 31, 2025
The novel is a cute and emotional Christmas time queer teen love story. I really, really liked this book. It’s both fun and well-written. Lyric’s chapters are in prose, and Juniper’s chapters are in free verse. If you’re not down for any of those facets, then you should skip it, but if it interests you, you’ll have a gay time.
Some real emotional force behind character decisions. Contains depth but also fluff. This is sapphic teenagers falling in love around Christmas time. I know it’s not for everybody.
I think this is a great book hangover cure. Something light and captivating, yet full of surprising depth and emotion.
The story shows and tells that love is important, but anger is important as well. Audre Lorde is quoted, and anger is set up as a useful emotion to motivate and focus on your important values. I also like how the advice from one of Juniper’s moms is that love is a choice, a commitment, and a big showing of vulnerability.
It manages to be both deep and fluffy, my ideal contemporary romance book. It is YA and the romance is on the sweet side, emotional and friendly and romantic.
The characters are well thought out, even side characters. They are unique, with their own motivations and life outside of the main narrative.
I was able to use the read aloud function in the NetGalley app for the ebook ARC I read. It was so helpful, especially when I had headaches or couldn’t focus on a screen due to my chronic illnesses. It wasn’t perfect, especially most “g” pronunciation in words, but I’m glad it was there. There were some minor text errors in the ARC, but nothing that was annoying.
4.5 stars, subjectively great.
I did receive an ebook ARC from NetGalley for review, not sponsored. It is possible not having to pay for this book impacted my positive experience, but I did genuinely enjoy this read.
Some real emotional force behind character decisions. Contains depth but also fluff. This is sapphic teenagers falling in love around Christmas time. I know it’s not for everybody.
I think this is a great book hangover cure. Something light and captivating, yet full of surprising depth and emotion.
The story shows and tells that love is important, but anger is important as well. Audre Lorde is quoted, and anger is set up as a useful emotion to motivate and focus on your important values. I also like how the advice from one of Juniper’s moms is that love is a choice, a commitment, and a big showing of vulnerability.
It manages to be both deep and fluffy, my ideal contemporary romance book. It is YA and the romance is on the sweet side, emotional and friendly and romantic.
The characters are well thought out, even side characters. They are unique, with their own motivations and life outside of the main narrative.
I was able to use the read aloud function in the NetGalley app for the ebook ARC I read. It was so helpful, especially when I had headaches or couldn’t focus on a screen due to my chronic illnesses. It wasn’t perfect, especially most “g” pronunciation in words, but I’m glad it was there. There were some minor text errors in the ARC, but nothing that was annoying.
4.5 stars, subjectively great.
I did receive an ebook ARC from NetGalley for review, not sponsored. It is possible not having to pay for this book impacted my positive experience, but I did genuinely enjoy this read.
October 6, 2025
I am left with conflicted feelings on this book. On the one hand, I like the idea of Juniper's character arc -- going from a romantic with her hands firmly over her eyes, only seeing what she wants to see, to being forced to face reality. Watching her parents relationship through her deliberately blind POV was interesting ... though I'm not personally a fan of the chapters in verse.
Lyric, though ... hn. She's had a very shitty life, being parentified at an early age with her addict mother, then sent to foster homes, then finally back with her grandmother who has gone from being a caretaker to needing care after her stroke; and while I admire her hustle and her character ... why is it she's never wrong? She's never the one responsible for her actions or for any actions?
Lyric cheated on her ex boyfriend, but he's the one who apologizes to her. She and Juniper get into a fight, but it's Juniper who has to apologize to Lyric. Lyric doesn't really change, doesn't have a character arc so much as ... she does things, the reader is supposed to sympathize with her, and then forgive her. I do sympathize, but her lack of growth makes her a single sour note through the whole book that I didn't enjoy.
I don't see these two kids as a long term couple -- which is good. I think they're terrible for one another. But as a high school love affair for a few months (since Juniper is vanishing to take a gap year after high school), sure. I can see why other people reading this might like it, but for myself, I think this is a solid pass.
Lyric, though ... hn. She's had a very shitty life, being parentified at an early age with her addict mother, then sent to foster homes, then finally back with her grandmother who has gone from being a caretaker to needing care after her stroke; and while I admire her hustle and her character ... why is it she's never wrong? She's never the one responsible for her actions or for any actions?
Lyric cheated on her ex boyfriend, but he's the one who apologizes to her. She and Juniper get into a fight, but it's Juniper who has to apologize to Lyric. Lyric doesn't really change, doesn't have a character arc so much as ... she does things, the reader is supposed to sympathize with her, and then forgive her. I do sympathize, but her lack of growth makes her a single sour note through the whole book that I didn't enjoy.
I don't see these two kids as a long term couple -- which is good. I think they're terrible for one another. But as a high school love affair for a few months (since Juniper is vanishing to take a gap year after high school), sure. I can see why other people reading this might like it, but for myself, I think this is a solid pass.
October 23, 2025
A holiday romance story for those who don't always have a picture perfect Hallmark Christmas
Lyric is in her senior year of high school, work to take care of her grandma, and figuring out how to manage her growing online following the beauty space.
Juniper is new to town, her moms just got back together after a separation, and she is prepared to make Christmastime totally magical before she plans to travel the country in her car next summer.
They run into each other by chance and Lyric engages Juniper in taking some photos. They turned out so good that they devise a plan to fake online date to rake in brand deals and split the rewards.
Half of this book was written in verse and it made the book so special. It really portrayed Juniper's look on life and how her emotions swayed throughout the book.
These two young women have been through so much pain and it took time for them to share it with each other. The way Lockington used their anger and hurt as tools and not as something to be ashamed of was refreshing.
Something of note was that their queerness was never brought up as a point of contention or something to question anywhere in the story. It was just fact and natural and I loved that.
Now as you can tell, this book is heavier than your typical romance. This will not be Hallmark, it is more Lifetime (thanks Grandma Viv). But this had strong themes of healing and acceptance.
I finished the entire book in one day, it was addicting. I wish I had read it closer to Christmas to get the full effect.
Lyric is in her senior year of high school, work to take care of her grandma, and figuring out how to manage her growing online following the beauty space.
Juniper is new to town, her moms just got back together after a separation, and she is prepared to make Christmastime totally magical before she plans to travel the country in her car next summer.
They run into each other by chance and Lyric engages Juniper in taking some photos. They turned out so good that they devise a plan to fake online date to rake in brand deals and split the rewards.
Half of this book was written in verse and it made the book so special. It really portrayed Juniper's look on life and how her emotions swayed throughout the book.
These two young women have been through so much pain and it took time for them to share it with each other. The way Lockington used their anger and hurt as tools and not as something to be ashamed of was refreshing.
Something of note was that their queerness was never brought up as a point of contention or something to question anywhere in the story. It was just fact and natural and I loved that.
Now as you can tell, this book is heavier than your typical romance. This will not be Hallmark, it is more Lifetime (thanks Grandma Viv). But this had strong themes of healing and acceptance.
I finished the entire book in one day, it was addicting. I wish I had read it closer to Christmas to get the full effect.
October 13, 2025
This was a cute fake dating holiday romance. I liked that it was wintery without being over-the-top focused on Christmas itself. The feisty grandmother was a hoot. And I thought this did a great job tackling some tough issues (deceased and absent parents, foster care, infidelity, divorce, etc.). This had some of the most realistic parents and guardians I’ve seen in YA.
Lyric and Juniper had nice chemistry, though I didn’t really feel like they connected on a deep enough level or let their guards down around each other enough for me to fully root for their romance. I also felt like they didn’t grow enough over the course of the book to be ready for anything more serious than the fling they were pretending to be having. They seemed like a couple who’d probably date for a few months before ultimately deciding they were better off as friends.
I also struggled a little with the alternative formatting of Juniper’s chapters, though on the upside it did make it easier to distinguish whose POV each chapter was in. Granted the readability issues are likely because I use a kindle with a large font size, so I’m guessing the print version would be easier to follow. That said, I did find Juniper to be very lovable and relatable, so the writing itself of those chapters wasn’t an issue for me, just the layout.
Three and a half stars rounded up to four.
I received an advanced copy from the publisher and am voluntarily leaving this review.
Lyric and Juniper had nice chemistry, though I didn’t really feel like they connected on a deep enough level or let their guards down around each other enough for me to fully root for their romance. I also felt like they didn’t grow enough over the course of the book to be ready for anything more serious than the fling they were pretending to be having. They seemed like a couple who’d probably date for a few months before ultimately deciding they were better off as friends.
I also struggled a little with the alternative formatting of Juniper’s chapters, though on the upside it did make it easier to distinguish whose POV each chapter was in. Granted the readability issues are likely because I use a kindle with a large font size, so I’m guessing the print version would be easier to follow. That said, I did find Juniper to be very lovable and relatable, so the writing itself of those chapters wasn’t an issue for me, just the layout.
Three and a half stars rounded up to four.
I received an advanced copy from the publisher and am voluntarily leaving this review.
September 7, 2025
I received an ARC from MacMillian Children's Publishing Group, this is my honest review.
This was such a cozy, heartfelt holiday read. Lyric and Juniper felt so real—two girls figuring out who they are and what they want, while also carrying the weight of complicated families and big dreams. The fake-dating setup under the Christmas tree was fun, but what really stayed with me were the layers: grief, belonging, hope, and the kind of love that feels both scary and safe at the same time.
I especially appreciated the multiple levels of representation here—plus-size, sapphic, Black romance—all woven in so naturally. These kinds of stories are so important, and it makes me especially happy to see them in the YA space. Having books like this available for teen readers feels incredible and impactful—it shows them love stories where they can see themselves reflected, and that matters so much.
I also loved the way the book alternated between Lyric’s and Juniper’s voices, it gave them both such distinct perspectives while showing how their stories fit together. There’s plenty of swoony holiday magic, but also honest, sometimes messy emotions that made it feel grounded and real.
If you love queer YA romance with depth, complicated families, and a holiday backdrop, this is one to add to your winter TBR.
This was such a cozy, heartfelt holiday read. Lyric and Juniper felt so real—two girls figuring out who they are and what they want, while also carrying the weight of complicated families and big dreams. The fake-dating setup under the Christmas tree was fun, but what really stayed with me were the layers: grief, belonging, hope, and the kind of love that feels both scary and safe at the same time.
I especially appreciated the multiple levels of representation here—plus-size, sapphic, Black romance—all woven in so naturally. These kinds of stories are so important, and it makes me especially happy to see them in the YA space. Having books like this available for teen readers feels incredible and impactful—it shows them love stories where they can see themselves reflected, and that matters so much.
I also loved the way the book alternated between Lyric’s and Juniper’s voices, it gave them both such distinct perspectives while showing how their stories fit together. There’s plenty of swoony holiday magic, but also honest, sometimes messy emotions that made it feel grounded and real.
If you love queer YA romance with depth, complicated families, and a holiday backdrop, this is one to add to your winter TBR.
October 10, 2025
Thank you to @netgalley and @forblackgirlslikeme for this ARC! I know it’s the middle of spooky season, but this sweet and cozy Christmas read was exactly what my soul needed.
This story follows Lyric, a passionate and bold makeup influencer, and Juniper, a grounded and genuine soul, two total opposites who team up to make some extra money and chase their dreams. But between the fake dating, hardships, Christmas magic, and unexpected chemistry, it’s not long before their deal starts turning into something real.
The side characters were absolutely top-tier (Grammy Viv owns my heart & had main character energy). As someone who also had a rough childhood and a special bond with my own grandmother, their relationship brought tears to my eyes more than once.
I loved the witty banter, the honest reflections on capitalism and mental health (major props for that Acknowledgments section!), and the beautiful symbolism of bold lipstick as a kind of armor, that hit home for me. 💄
This book was heartfelt, beautifully written, and gave me all the cozy and thought-provoking feels.
Tropes & Themes:
✨ YA Romance
🏳️🌈 LGBTQ+ Representation
💞 Dual POV
🌲 Friends to Lovers
🧠 Mental Health
⚡ Opposites Attract
🎁 Fake Dating
❄️Releases 10/14/25❄️
This story follows Lyric, a passionate and bold makeup influencer, and Juniper, a grounded and genuine soul, two total opposites who team up to make some extra money and chase their dreams. But between the fake dating, hardships, Christmas magic, and unexpected chemistry, it’s not long before their deal starts turning into something real.
The side characters were absolutely top-tier (Grammy Viv owns my heart & had main character energy). As someone who also had a rough childhood and a special bond with my own grandmother, their relationship brought tears to my eyes more than once.
I loved the witty banter, the honest reflections on capitalism and mental health (major props for that Acknowledgments section!), and the beautiful symbolism of bold lipstick as a kind of armor, that hit home for me. 💄
This book was heartfelt, beautifully written, and gave me all the cozy and thought-provoking feels.
Tropes & Themes:
✨ YA Romance
🏳️🌈 LGBTQ+ Representation
💞 Dual POV
🌲 Friends to Lovers
🧠 Mental Health
⚡ Opposites Attract
🎁 Fake Dating
❄️Releases 10/14/25❄️
December 9, 2025
Tropes and other details: Black romance, sapphic romance, high school romance, fake dating, grumpy x sunshine, opposites attract, part novel in prose and part novel in verse, first-person dual POV
Spice level: 🚫
I loved Lyric and Juniper's story! They were so charming and cute together! Their journey together was really lovely. I love the fake dating trope, so watching them fall for each other was really great. I loved both of their individual journeys as well. I loved the glimpses into both of their lives in addition to the scenes of them together. I liked the growth and development that Lyric and Juniper had by the end of the book. I don't read a ton of YA novels because the characters sometimes feel too immature, but I felt like Lyric and Juniper were both fairly mature characters, and their character growth kept me engaged in the story. I liked getting the flashbacks for Lyric's backstory. It made me understand her better. I also really liked how Juniper's parts were in verse. This was my first time reading a novel in verse, and I enjoyed it. I also thought the pace of the story was good. The story didn't feel rushed, and I liked how the conflict had time to develop. All in all, this was a great read with great representation!
Spice level: 🚫
I loved Lyric and Juniper's story! They were so charming and cute together! Their journey together was really lovely. I love the fake dating trope, so watching them fall for each other was really great. I loved both of their individual journeys as well. I loved the glimpses into both of their lives in addition to the scenes of them together. I liked the growth and development that Lyric and Juniper had by the end of the book. I don't read a ton of YA novels because the characters sometimes feel too immature, but I felt like Lyric and Juniper were both fairly mature characters, and their character growth kept me engaged in the story. I liked getting the flashbacks for Lyric's backstory. It made me understand her better. I also really liked how Juniper's parts were in verse. This was my first time reading a novel in verse, and I enjoyed it. I also thought the pace of the story was good. The story didn't feel rushed, and I liked how the conflict had time to develop. All in all, this was a great read with great representation!
May 8, 2025
Thank you netgalley for the arc, 4 stars
I wasn’t sure I’d fully enjoy a teen romance where a main character is an influencer but I really did enjoy this. There’s fake dating, lesbian, gay and pansexual rep, Christmas vibes, black love and a great female friendship.
I really loved Grammy Viv, she’s Lyrics grandmother who adopted her. I love that we get that as representation because not every reader can relate to having a mother/father household. We get small dreamlike moments where Lyric is being reminded of the foster care system and her mother not being the best. Nothing traumatic thankfully
I loved that Juniper has two moms. We get lesbian representation!!!! Loved that their relationship isn’t perfect either
Another character has two dads which is awesome
Now Lyric and Juniper fake date so that they can get money from sponsorships but I wish we got more cute dates and less arguments. The last date could’ve been a little longer but I still enjoyed how they made up. Though, Lyric could have lost her entire following which would’ve been selfish on Junipers part.
All in all, 4 stars and I hope we get a second book about Kiana (Lyrics bestie) and Holden
I wasn’t sure I’d fully enjoy a teen romance where a main character is an influencer but I really did enjoy this. There’s fake dating, lesbian, gay and pansexual rep, Christmas vibes, black love and a great female friendship.
I really loved Grammy Viv, she’s Lyrics grandmother who adopted her. I love that we get that as representation because not every reader can relate to having a mother/father household. We get small dreamlike moments where Lyric is being reminded of the foster care system and her mother not being the best. Nothing traumatic thankfully
I loved that Juniper has two moms. We get lesbian representation!!!! Loved that their relationship isn’t perfect either
Another character has two dads which is awesome
Now Lyric and Juniper fake date so that they can get money from sponsorships but I wish we got more cute dates and less arguments. The last date could’ve been a little longer but I still enjoyed how they made up. Though, Lyric could have lost her entire following which would’ve been selfish on Junipers part.
All in all, 4 stars and I hope we get a second book about Kiana (Lyrics bestie) and Holden
August 7, 2025
Mariama J. Lockington really outdid herself with this one!
I’ve never read a dual POV book where one character’s story is told in verse while the other is told in prose. It was such a unique experience that I absolutely loved it.
Lyric was heartbreakingly more perfect than she thought she was. She had flaws, but she let her abandonment issues overshadow the love she had from people who weren’t related to her—except for Grandma Viv—but who still adored her. I loved that she learned that she didn’t have to have her whole life figured out right now and could just live in the moment. Enjoy it.
Juniper was also perfection personified. She wasn’t abandoned like Lyric, but she had trust issues and didn’t want to be forced into the norm of graduating high school and going straight to college. She was a non-linear kind of girl, and I loved how she stood up for her dreams.
Lyric and Juniper together were the perfect balance of past traumas and understanding things most wouldn’t. They didn’t see it at first, but of course once they figured it out, the love and understanding outweighed the traumas they had.
This is one of the best YA novels I’ve read so far.
I’ve never read a dual POV book where one character’s story is told in verse while the other is told in prose. It was such a unique experience that I absolutely loved it.
Lyric was heartbreakingly more perfect than she thought she was. She had flaws, but she let her abandonment issues overshadow the love she had from people who weren’t related to her—except for Grandma Viv—but who still adored her. I loved that she learned that she didn’t have to have her whole life figured out right now and could just live in the moment. Enjoy it.
Juniper was also perfection personified. She wasn’t abandoned like Lyric, but she had trust issues and didn’t want to be forced into the norm of graduating high school and going straight to college. She was a non-linear kind of girl, and I loved how she stood up for her dreams.
Lyric and Juniper together were the perfect balance of past traumas and understanding things most wouldn’t. They didn’t see it at first, but of course once they figured it out, the love and understanding outweighed the traumas they had.
This is one of the best YA novels I’ve read so far.
October 15, 2025
A Joyfully Jay review.
3.5 stars
I’ve Got My Love to Keep Me Warm is written in dual POV, with Lyric’s chapters being more or less straightforward, with occasional flashbacks to her childhood, and Jupiter’s chapters written in verse. Personally, it took me a chapter or two to get into Jupiter’s side of the story because I’m not used to the style and, honestly, I’m not the biggest fan of it. The thing is, I do get it and think it suits Jupiter’s personality, I just prefer a more traditional reading format for myself.
The writing is solid, the pace is steady, and the plot — while predictable — held my interest. It’s just the characters and the romance I couldn’t quite get behind, and the writing style I wasn’t used to reading. All in all, while I didn’t enjoy this book as much as I wanted to, it was still an easy read.
Read Elizabeth’s review in its entirety here.
3.5 stars
I’ve Got My Love to Keep Me Warm is written in dual POV, with Lyric’s chapters being more or less straightforward, with occasional flashbacks to her childhood, and Jupiter’s chapters written in verse. Personally, it took me a chapter or two to get into Jupiter’s side of the story because I’m not used to the style and, honestly, I’m not the biggest fan of it. The thing is, I do get it and think it suits Jupiter’s personality, I just prefer a more traditional reading format for myself.
The writing is solid, the pace is steady, and the plot — while predictable — held my interest. It’s just the characters and the romance I couldn’t quite get behind, and the writing style I wasn’t used to reading. All in all, while I didn’t enjoy this book as much as I wanted to, it was still an easy read.
Read Elizabeth’s review in its entirety here.
November 18, 2025
A YA sapphic holiday romance.
💄
Lyric is a beauty influencer, constantly hustling to make money so she never has to be homeless again and provide for her grandmother, who is her caregiver. Juniper is still struggling with her moms’ separation and even though they’re back together, she’s still unsure about her future. Juniper wants to take a gap year, traveling the country, visiting national parks, but she needs money. When Lyric offers her influencer money to pose as her fake girlfriend so they can both make cash, Juniper jumps at the opportunity thanks in part to the big crush she has on Lyric. What’s fake and what’s real becomes more and more confusing as they take holiday social media photos and posts.
🌳
Fans of Rachael Lippincott and Jennifer Dugan will simply adore this dual POV, fake dating YA romance that also deals with bigger issues such as abandonment and divorce. It’s a great read this holiday season!
CW: parental abandonment, homelessness, classism, divorce, adultery, mental illness, alcohol, grief, child abuse, emotional abuse, parental death
Solid 4.25
💄
Lyric is a beauty influencer, constantly hustling to make money so she never has to be homeless again and provide for her grandmother, who is her caregiver. Juniper is still struggling with her moms’ separation and even though they’re back together, she’s still unsure about her future. Juniper wants to take a gap year, traveling the country, visiting national parks, but she needs money. When Lyric offers her influencer money to pose as her fake girlfriend so they can both make cash, Juniper jumps at the opportunity thanks in part to the big crush she has on Lyric. What’s fake and what’s real becomes more and more confusing as they take holiday social media photos and posts.
🌳
Fans of Rachael Lippincott and Jennifer Dugan will simply adore this dual POV, fake dating YA romance that also deals with bigger issues such as abandonment and divorce. It’s a great read this holiday season!
CW: parental abandonment, homelessness, classism, divorce, adultery, mental illness, alcohol, grief, child abuse, emotional abuse, parental death
Solid 4.25
November 18, 2025
This was an absolutely adorable Holiday Fake Dating YA Rom-Com! If you know me, you know I’m a sucker for a cute fake dating story. I know how it would end, but I loved every step of the journey getting there. Cause one thing we a guarantee in romance is an happy ever after! It was so much fun! At first, I was thinking, Lyric, girl, please get it together. But as I got to know her story, I understood her and why she built up her walls. Juniper, on the other hand, was completely open to love, but her mother’s love story colored her view of what love could be. She didn’t realize that love can be messy and imperfect; and that’s okay. Everyone around them saw through their fake dating act and knew they belonged together! It just took them a little longer to realize it. And yall know I hate a third-act breakup, but in this story, it totally made sense! Overall, it was fantastic, and the narrator did an amazing job bringing it to life. I highly recommend checking this out! Thanks so much to Farrar Straus Giroux Books for Young Readers for the ARC.
May 16, 2025
📖 Bookish Thoughts
This one was a bit of a tough read for me. I expected a cozy fake dating holiday romcom with some emotional layers, but it leaned a lot heavier than I thought. It tackles really important stuff—foster care, poverty, divorce—but I found myself feeling more anxious than anything while reading.
The writing style threw me off a bit—especially Juniper’s POV in verse. It kept pulling me out of the story, and I had a hard time staying connected. And the third-act breakup (my least favorite trope of all time) really didn’t work for me. The ending as a whole just didn’t land the way I hoped.
That said, Grammy Viv was a bright spot—funny and full of heart.
🩵 What You Can Expect
• Fake dating
• Dual POV (prose + verse)
• Beauty influencer
• Heavy emotional themes
• Tough family dynamics
📅 Pub Date: Oct 14, 2025
Thank you to Macmillan Children’s Publishing Group and NetGalley for the ARC. All thoughts are my own.
This one was a bit of a tough read for me. I expected a cozy fake dating holiday romcom with some emotional layers, but it leaned a lot heavier than I thought. It tackles really important stuff—foster care, poverty, divorce—but I found myself feeling more anxious than anything while reading.
The writing style threw me off a bit—especially Juniper’s POV in verse. It kept pulling me out of the story, and I had a hard time staying connected. And the third-act breakup (my least favorite trope of all time) really didn’t work for me. The ending as a whole just didn’t land the way I hoped.
That said, Grammy Viv was a bright spot—funny and full of heart.
🩵 What You Can Expect
• Fake dating
• Dual POV (prose + verse)
• Beauty influencer
• Heavy emotional themes
• Tough family dynamics
📅 Pub Date: Oct 14, 2025
Thank you to Macmillan Children’s Publishing Group and NetGalley for the ARC. All thoughts are my own.
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