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Fun Fact: I Love You
Betrayal, tragedy, and an unexpected romance: Can two best friends navigate secrets and lies to find true love?
Fun fact: Nellie Samsin has ten days left of high school, and she’s never been kissed—which is fine with her. She’s been more focused on editing the yearbook and being named valedictorian than worrying about a boyfriend. But when she has a chance to kiss her longtime crush, she hopes it will be a magical experience. Until she learns it was all a lie, a hurtful prank orchestrated by her so-called best friend, leaving Nellie heartbroken and angry with everyone involved.
Jensen Nichols has spent his senior year keeping three massive secrets: first, he’s been writing a best-selling romance fantasy series under the pseudonym “Jen Dimes”; second, he’s been harboring a secret crush on Nellie, to the point where he’s based his fictional romantic heroine on her; and third, Nellie’s dad has been his writing mentor and coach. Jensen has promised himself that he’ll reveal his secrets—but only when the time is right. Then he sees Nellie kissing his best friend, and his unexpected rush of jealousy means that the time for keeping secrets is running out.
When a family tragedy rocks Nellie’s world, the future she meticulously planned for is threatened. And when she learns the people she thought were her friends have lied to her, she feels lost and betrayed. At least she has Jensen, who is the one person she knows for a fact she can trust. But the more time the two of them spend together, the more Nellie suspects Jensen is hiding something from her. (Fun fact: Keeping secrets is the worst.)
It seems Nellie and Jensen are perfect for each other, but they will need to separate fact from fiction in order to see if their unplanned romance can last beyond graduation day.
Fun fact: Nellie Samsin has ten days left of high school, and she’s never been kissed—which is fine with her. She’s been more focused on editing the yearbook and being named valedictorian than worrying about a boyfriend. But when she has a chance to kiss her longtime crush, she hopes it will be a magical experience. Until she learns it was all a lie, a hurtful prank orchestrated by her so-called best friend, leaving Nellie heartbroken and angry with everyone involved.
Jensen Nichols has spent his senior year keeping three massive secrets: first, he’s been writing a best-selling romance fantasy series under the pseudonym “Jen Dimes”; second, he’s been harboring a secret crush on Nellie, to the point where he’s based his fictional romantic heroine on her; and third, Nellie’s dad has been his writing mentor and coach. Jensen has promised himself that he’ll reveal his secrets—but only when the time is right. Then he sees Nellie kissing his best friend, and his unexpected rush of jealousy means that the time for keeping secrets is running out.
When a family tragedy rocks Nellie’s world, the future she meticulously planned for is threatened. And when she learns the people she thought were her friends have lied to her, she feels lost and betrayed. At least she has Jensen, who is the one person she knows for a fact she can trust. But the more time the two of them spend together, the more Nellie suspects Jensen is hiding something from her. (Fun fact: Keeping secrets is the worst.)
It seems Nellie and Jensen are perfect for each other, but they will need to separate fact from fiction in order to see if their unplanned romance can last beyond graduation day.
272 pages, Paperback
First published July 2, 2024
14 people are currently reading
8401 people want to read
About the author
Gina Lynn Larsen
1 book45 followersGina Lynn Larsen grew up on a 100-acre family dairy farm with 200 head of registered, pure-bred Holsteins, a dozen horses, barn cats, herding dogs, her four siblings, and a bunch of extended family. She's comfortable fixing fences, running power tools, wearing a dress, applying makeup, speaking into a microphone, feeding a large crowd, and opening a beehive.
An extrovert married to a soccer boy-turned-funeral director, she and Kyle live on a beautiful eight-acre property, complete with horses, a cow or two, goats, dogs, cats, and bees—oh! and their four children, who are basically adults now.
You can find her on social media platforms as SeriouslyGina
An extrovert married to a soccer boy-turned-funeral director, she and Kyle live on a beautiful eight-acre property, complete with horses, a cow or two, goats, dogs, cats, and bees—oh! and their four children, who are basically adults now.
You can find her on social media platforms as SeriouslyGina
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 148 reviews
September 30, 2024
Fun Fact was a super cute read, but I honestly wasn't expecting the grief aspect of it. We have a parent who dies on-page, and while it didn't hit me as hard as it normally would, I think it was handled well.
I loved the idea of a teenage boy being a best-selling author, and that he had to keep it a secret from everyone, even the girl he likes, who may or may not have been the inspiration for one of his characters.
Their romance was adorable, and they were such a good fit. All the book references really made this all the more fun for me. I also like that they act their age, but there wasn't any huge miscommunication between them. Nellie didn't blow up when she found out Jensen's identity, even if it was in a less-than-ideal way...she gets extra points from me because of that.
Like, I was literally dreading her finding out, because I felt like we were being set up for a confrontation, especially with how long Jensen dragged it out, so I was pleasantly surprised.
The audiobook was lovely and kept me engaged throughout, though occasionally Nellie's narrator would pronounce certain words as if she was bored which made me dislike Nellie for a second until it went back to normal.
Overall, this is a pretty strong debut, and I'll be looking forward to more books by Gina Lynn Larsen.
I loved the idea of a teenage boy being a best-selling author, and that he had to keep it a secret from everyone, even the girl he likes, who may or may not have been the inspiration for one of his characters.
Their romance was adorable, and they were such a good fit. All the book references really made this all the more fun for me. I also like that they act their age, but there wasn't any huge miscommunication between them. Nellie didn't blow up when she found out Jensen's identity, even if it was in a less-than-ideal way...she gets extra points from me because of that.
Like, I was literally dreading her finding out, because I felt like we were being set up for a confrontation, especially with how long Jensen dragged it out, so I was pleasantly surprised.
The audiobook was lovely and kept me engaged throughout, though occasionally Nellie's narrator would pronounce certain words as if she was bored which made me dislike Nellie for a second until it went back to normal.
Overall, this is a pretty strong debut, and I'll be looking forward to more books by Gina Lynn Larsen.
June 8, 2024
Fun Fact: I Did Not Love This Book (and that makes me so sad!)
**spoilers below**
Part of it is definitely my fault because I wanted a sweet and breezy YA contemporary, which this most definitely is not. I knew from the synopsis that it touched on grief, but I was not expecting Nellie’s father to die on page of a brain aneurism. From there, it just got sadder for Nellie, with a toxic best frenemy, and angst with her mother that was never really addressed.
This book requires some major suspension of disbelief as well.
I thought the writing was pretty good and the story moved along at at good pace. The story was interesting and I did like both Nellie and Jensen (though at times Jensen would say things that didn’t seem like something a teenage boy would say).
Overall, this wasn’t for me personally, but I’m not the biggest fan of sad books. Those who enjoy more emotional stories would like this one.
**spoilers below**
Part of it is definitely my fault because I wanted a sweet and breezy YA contemporary, which this most definitely is not. I knew from the synopsis that it touched on grief, but I was not expecting Nellie’s father to die on page of a brain aneurism. From there, it just got sadder for Nellie, with a toxic best frenemy, and angst with her mother that was never really addressed.
This book requires some major suspension of disbelief as well.
I thought the writing was pretty good and the story moved along at at good pace. The story was interesting and I did like both Nellie and Jensen (though at times Jensen would say things that didn’t seem like something a teenage boy would say).
Overall, this wasn’t for me personally, but I’m not the biggest fan of sad books. Those who enjoy more emotional stories would like this one.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
July 3, 2024
“He looks at me like I’m his entire world, and I feel the galaxies spin around us.”
It’s been a really long time since I’ve been in high school, but YA books always seem to transport me to the rose-colored glasses times of those angsty days. Nellie is ready to graduate and gets her first kiss at school…from her crush…with the luck of winning a game. And unfortunately, it wasn’t all that. Watching the last few weeks of her public education play out in surprising ways touched every string of my heart in so many unexpected ways.
Gina Larsen has a way of writing that drew me into the story and allowed me to feel. There are some heavy and deep topics, especially things that blaze a trail through grief, trauma, secrets, and unknowns, but the hope lining the clouds is sweet. Coming-of-age and adapting to one’s circumstances is always inspiring to me.
This friends-to-lovers tale encapsulates all the emotions and is a story worth reading.
Content and Trigger Warnings (may be spoilers):
.
.
.
.
⚠️
*I received a complimentary copy. All thoughts and opinions expressed are my own and were voluntarily given*
It’s been a really long time since I’ve been in high school, but YA books always seem to transport me to the rose-colored glasses times of those angsty days. Nellie is ready to graduate and gets her first kiss at school…from her crush…with the luck of winning a game. And unfortunately, it wasn’t all that. Watching the last few weeks of her public education play out in surprising ways touched every string of my heart in so many unexpected ways.
Gina Larsen has a way of writing that drew me into the story and allowed me to feel. There are some heavy and deep topics, especially things that blaze a trail through grief, trauma, secrets, and unknowns, but the hope lining the clouds is sweet. Coming-of-age and adapting to one’s circumstances is always inspiring to me.
This friends-to-lovers tale encapsulates all the emotions and is a story worth reading.
Content and Trigger Warnings (may be spoilers):
.
.
.
.
⚠️
*I received a complimentary copy. All thoughts and opinions expressed are my own and were voluntarily given*
October 10, 2024
Fun Fact: This Book Sucks. He hides that he's a famous writer in high school and wants to publish her dead dad's manuscript....and she makes everything about her and is a terrible friend.
Read by Andre Santana and Lily Ganser (who sounded like AI lol). #booksin24
Read by Andre Santana and Lily Ganser (who sounded like AI lol). #booksin24
June 23, 2024
Don’t let the cute cover on this clean YA book fool you. This book is angst filled. Nellie Samsin is driven and will be the class valedictorian at high school graduation in two weeks. Her thoughts are filled with college plans and maybe getting her first kiss. But tragedy strikes her family. Her best friend has recently tricked her so she turns to long time friend Jensen Nichols for comfort and support. Jensen has had a crush on Nellie for years but has been firmly put in the friend zone till now. He gives her a place to escape. He has his own secret. He is actually the author of a national best selling fantasy series.
I understand wanting to love the blooming romance between the pair. They are sweet together. But so many parts of this book feel juvenile to me. She is in shock and is angry, I don’t even think she has hit the grief stage. But she is making very impulsive and reactive decisions. And I didn’t see them as something to cheer and support. She has grandparents and others she can turn to but doesn’t. And his secret doesn’t feel worth the time he spends stewing over it.
The story could take place anywhere but I did enjoy and recognize the Utah real and less real references. I don’t mind sad books but this story didn’t hit me emotionally. It really is a romance that blooms during a tragic moment. With YA books I don’t expect a long term HEA but I really wasn’t satisfied with where the books ends, especially with no resolution with the mother’s storyline. This wasn’t a good fit for me but I can see that others enjoy it more. Thank you to NetGalley and Shadow Mountain Publishing for the ARC and I am leaving an honest review.
I understand wanting to love the blooming romance between the pair. They are sweet together. But so many parts of this book feel juvenile to me. She is in shock and is angry, I don’t even think she has hit the grief stage. But she is making very impulsive and reactive decisions. And I didn’t see them as something to cheer and support. She has grandparents and others she can turn to but doesn’t. And his secret doesn’t feel worth the time he spends stewing over it.
The story could take place anywhere but I did enjoy and recognize the Utah real and less real references. I don’t mind sad books but this story didn’t hit me emotionally. It really is a romance that blooms during a tragic moment. With YA books I don’t expect a long term HEA but I really wasn’t satisfied with where the books ends, especially with no resolution with the mother’s storyline. This wasn’t a good fit for me but I can see that others enjoy it more. Thank you to NetGalley and Shadow Mountain Publishing for the ARC and I am leaving an honest review.
August 29, 2024
Fun fact: this book did not get better. I blame a lot of people for this disaster, least of all the author. I think she has the bones of a good story here, but the editing and marketing were poor. And the audiobook narrator (FMC) was wretched.
I had to suspend a little too much disbelief about these highschoolers' lives to even continue reading (Editor--this is on you!)--how many high school students do you know who are best-selling (AND self-published) authors who have become independently wealthy?!? who drive a Porsche and have their own apartment (for a ridiculously low monthly rental price tag). And this book is a lot heavier than the description (Publisher's marketing team--this is on you!). This book would've been way stronger as a coming-of-age novel instead of focusing on the romance between Nellie and Jensen, which felt stilted at best, especially since it blossomed out of some serious trauma for both of them.
The friendship and family entanglements never got resolved, which would have made for a more satisfying ending. And that epilogue? No one asked to hear from the designer of the ebook's cover art... why does she, someone we've never met throughout the book, get the last word?
I had to suspend a little too much disbelief about these highschoolers' lives to even continue reading (Editor--this is on you!)--how many high school students do you know who are best-selling (AND self-published) authors who have become independently wealthy?!? who drive a Porsche and have their own apartment (for a ridiculously low monthly rental price tag). And this book is a lot heavier than the description (Publisher's marketing team--this is on you!). This book would've been way stronger as a coming-of-age novel instead of focusing on the romance between Nellie and Jensen, which felt stilted at best, especially since it blossomed out of some serious trauma for both of them.
The friendship and family entanglements never got resolved, which would have made for a more satisfying ending. And that epilogue? No one asked to hear from the designer of the ebook's cover art... why does she, someone we've never met throughout the book, get the last word?
August 5, 2024
A heartfelt, friends to lovers, dual POV, YA romance debut that features a secret best-selling fantasy author and the daughter of his mentor who are forced to work together to help fix their senior yearbook. I really enjoyed the bookish content and the emotional depth (death of a parent) in this book. It was good on audio and I would definitely read more by this talented new author! Many thanks to NetGalley and the publisher for an early digital copy in exchange for my honest review!
September 12, 2024
2.7. ⭐️⭐️✨✨
This book kinda felt off, like her dad LITERALLY DIES, and they are still progressing their relationship and pretending they both aren’t in completely vulnerable positions??
Also I was confused at the ending. Britta is the worst friend known to man and the situation with her mom and Brittas dad was too much. I don’t like that they didn’t wrap up her situation with those characters.
I also didn’t feel like Jenson had actually been in love with Nellie his whole life. They also made Sterling seem like a slightly better person in the end, which I don’t understand.
Don’t get me wrong, Nellie and Jensen were very cute together, but I feel like they broke up a couple months after the book ended. It just felt like they were really rushing into it. The whole book felt kinda rushed.
Also, I really liked Jensen, until he found out Nellie wanted to publish her dads book. I still liked him but he was acting so weird. Like shouldn’t you be happy you had the same idea why are you annoyed that your girlfriend wants to explore the only thing her dad left behind???
I think there were many times Jensen could have told Nellie he was Jen Dimes and the whole thing felt like a cop out when his identity was leaked. I think it could have been really good for their relationship if they talked about it more ESPECIALLY WHEN HE COULD HAVE TOLD HER HE BASED HIS MAIN CHARACTER OFF OF HER?? but instead they end up glossing over it.
I also appreciated how Nellie developed and learned to be spontaneous and that she doesn’t need to have a plan for everything, but she fully rushed into being her own place and then SHE CHANGES HER MAJOR FROM HER LIFELONG PASSION TO UNDECIDED?? AND WE DONT KNOW IF SHE IS GOING TO GO TO COLLEGE OR NOT??
OR WHETHER THEY WILL BREAK UP WHEN SHE GOES TO COLLEGE??
It seems like a conversation they should have for their relationship but no- Jensen just ignores it and starts kissing her WHILE SAYING THAT HE IS ACTING LIKE STERLING- THE GUY KNOWN AS A PLAY BOY AND JERK??
That’s my review there is so much more but 🤷♀️
This book kinda felt off, like her dad LITERALLY DIES, and they are still progressing their relationship and pretending they both aren’t in completely vulnerable positions??
Also I was confused at the ending. Britta is the worst friend known to man and the situation with her mom and Brittas dad was too much. I don’t like that they didn’t wrap up her situation with those characters.
I also didn’t feel like Jenson had actually been in love with Nellie his whole life. They also made Sterling seem like a slightly better person in the end, which I don’t understand.
Don’t get me wrong, Nellie and Jensen were very cute together, but I feel like they broke up a couple months after the book ended. It just felt like they were really rushing into it. The whole book felt kinda rushed.
Also, I really liked Jensen, until he found out Nellie wanted to publish her dads book. I still liked him but he was acting so weird. Like shouldn’t you be happy you had the same idea why are you annoyed that your girlfriend wants to explore the only thing her dad left behind???
I think there were many times Jensen could have told Nellie he was Jen Dimes and the whole thing felt like a cop out when his identity was leaked. I think it could have been really good for their relationship if they talked about it more ESPECIALLY WHEN HE COULD HAVE TOLD HER HE BASED HIS MAIN CHARACTER OFF OF HER?? but instead they end up glossing over it.
I also appreciated how Nellie developed and learned to be spontaneous and that she doesn’t need to have a plan for everything, but she fully rushed into being her own place and then SHE CHANGES HER MAJOR FROM HER LIFELONG PASSION TO UNDECIDED?? AND WE DONT KNOW IF SHE IS GOING TO GO TO COLLEGE OR NOT??
OR WHETHER THEY WILL BREAK UP WHEN SHE GOES TO COLLEGE??
It seems like a conversation they should have for their relationship but no- Jensen just ignores it and starts kissing her WHILE SAYING THAT HE IS ACTING LIKE STERLING- THE GUY KNOWN AS A PLAY BOY AND JERK??
That’s my review there is so much more but 🤷♀️
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
March 31, 2024
I was given an ARC version of this book and wasn’t really sure what to expect. Overall, I think it was a pretty good book—it included a lot more emotions than I thought it would and I was happily surprised by how much I enjoyed it. The main characters seemed like real teens and were super cute together and I feel like their emotions and reactions to things were also realistic.
*minor spoilers ahead*
I do think that the whole thing about Nellie being able to see people’s colors/auras was a bit odd, especially since it only ever came up like, three times. I thought that it was going to be a bigger part of the story, or at least something more prevalent in Nellie’s point of view. I also thought the whole “everyone has read Block Rock and loves it” was a little too much. In my experience, even really famous books—especially those that are new and only available online—aren’t read by the whole community. There were so many people either dying the tips of their hair pink or forever wearing them in braids just because they liked the book and it seemed unrealistic to me that the book had such a cultural impact after only being out for two years.
Other than that, I thought the book was pretty good.
*minor spoilers ahead*
I do think that the whole thing about Nellie being able to see people’s colors/auras was a bit odd, especially since it only ever came up like, three times. I thought that it was going to be a bigger part of the story, or at least something more prevalent in Nellie’s point of view. I also thought the whole “everyone has read Block Rock and loves it” was a little too much. In my experience, even really famous books—especially those that are new and only available online—aren’t read by the whole community. There were so many people either dying the tips of their hair pink or forever wearing them in braids just because they liked the book and it seemed unrealistic to me that the book had such a cultural impact after only being out for two years.
Other than that, I thought the book was pretty good.
dnf-2024
September 6, 2024fun fact : this book was not it
July 14, 2024
This book has all the angsty feels of a YA romance. But there was so much more to it than that. There was real feelings, heartache, change of plans, a compelling dual POV, grief, frustrating friends, and so much more. It’s been a while since I read a YA book. The author does a great job.
Nellie and Jensen were great characters. Both experiencing the same tragic event, while trying to navigate the last few days of high school. I really liked Nellie. And I loved that Jensen was a secret author. (For fear of spoilers, I say much else about the story but I really enjoyed it!)
I also listened to the audio and the narrators did a great job.
I’m excited to read more books from Larsen. Especially a continuation of Nellie’s and Jensen’s story! (Hint hint)
I received a paperback copy from the publisher and a Netgalley approval.
Nellie and Jensen were great characters. Both experiencing the same tragic event, while trying to navigate the last few days of high school. I really liked Nellie. And I loved that Jensen was a secret author. (For fear of spoilers, I say much else about the story but I really enjoyed it!)
I also listened to the audio and the narrators did a great job.
I’m excited to read more books from Larsen. Especially a continuation of Nellie’s and Jensen’s story! (Hint hint)
I received a paperback copy from the publisher and a Netgalley approval.
January 3, 2025
Cute story. I liked how the characters reminded themselves to act mature and not petty. That was very refreshing.
To note, I listened to the audiobook and followed along with the ebook at the same time. There were a lot of differences between the two with the audiobook having more detail than the ebook. I have no idea why. If anyone knows and could inform me, it’d be much appreciated.
4 Stars
To note, I listened to the audiobook and followed along with the ebook at the same time. There were a lot of differences between the two with the audiobook having more detail than the ebook. I have no idea why. If anyone knows and could inform me, it’d be much appreciated.
4 Stars
July 14, 2025
skimmed the end
September 19, 2024
This was much deeper than I expected and by no means the light, fun and cosy read the cover (and skimming the blurb) tricked my expectation into. It was surprisingly deep and I loved it even more for it.
My expectation was: the book will be about a YA romance blossoming into a relationship revolving around Jensen slowly unravelling his hidden secret to Nellie. Well, it is, partially. But it is as much a coming of age story as it is YA contemporary romance.
But the other parts, the family tragedy, the false friends behaving towards an obviously neurodiverse (ND) person who's not great at masking (Nellie) the way they usually do, and the struggles with their own family during all that takes up a big part in this book. Which, to me personally, isn't a bad thing, I love books with depth, I only think people who only look at the cover and the title will probably go into this with the wrong expectations and might end up hating the book. This is not a light hearted read all the way through. It is enjoyable, very intriguing and easy to read, but it is not an easy read.
I thoroughly enjoyed all parts of the story. It is well-written, easy to read and get into, the main characters are very relatable (and so obviously ND coded, that this should be an instant recommendation for any ND person but especially for ND teens), the story is interesting, heart-warming and very compelling.
I saw a few people complaining in reviews about Jensen not being a believable teenage boy. As someone who's ND themselves I can assure you he is a perfectly normal teenage boy who happens to be ND. He's only better at masking than Nellie is. There is a reason why the two, and her Dad, get along so well.
This was a very enjoyable book to read and I was a bit sad when I finished it, I'd loved to get to know more about Nellie, Jensen, their parents and what happens in their lives from that point on. Luckily the ending is open, so I can still hope for a sequel...
This is a very impressive debut and I am very much looking forward to reading more from the author in the future.
The one qualm I have with this book is that there are still quite a number of typos in my ARC version of it. At one instance the author wrote "hairbrained" instead of 'harebrained' and no one so far has noticed. But that is not the only typo in there. I hope the typos do not end up in the published version.
Fun fact: the blurb on here also has a typo in it, a missing word in fact, which is, ironically the 'fact' of "Fun fact" towards the end.
Thank you to the author, Shadow Mountain Publishing and NetGalley for providing me with an ARC version of this wonderful book.
--
Transparency disclaimer: Receiving a free ARC version of this book via NetGalley did not influence my review in any way, shape or form.
My expectation was: the book will be about a YA romance blossoming into a relationship revolving around Jensen slowly unravelling his hidden secret to Nellie. Well, it is, partially. But it is as much a coming of age story as it is YA contemporary romance.
But the other parts, the family tragedy, the false friends behaving towards an obviously neurodiverse (ND) person who's not great at masking (Nellie) the way they usually do, and the struggles with their own family during all that takes up a big part in this book. Which, to me personally, isn't a bad thing, I love books with depth, I only think people who only look at the cover and the title will probably go into this with the wrong expectations and might end up hating the book. This is not a light hearted read all the way through. It is enjoyable, very intriguing and easy to read, but it is not an easy read.
I thoroughly enjoyed all parts of the story. It is well-written, easy to read and get into, the main characters are very relatable (and so obviously ND coded, that this should be an instant recommendation for any ND person but especially for ND teens), the story is interesting, heart-warming and very compelling.
I saw a few people complaining in reviews about Jensen not being a believable teenage boy. As someone who's ND themselves I can assure you he is a perfectly normal teenage boy who happens to be ND. He's only better at masking than Nellie is. There is a reason why the two, and her Dad, get along so well.
This was a very enjoyable book to read and I was a bit sad when I finished it, I'd loved to get to know more about Nellie, Jensen, their parents and what happens in their lives from that point on. Luckily the ending is open, so I can still hope for a sequel...
This is a very impressive debut and I am very much looking forward to reading more from the author in the future.
The one qualm I have with this book is that there are still quite a number of typos in my ARC version of it. At one instance the author wrote "hairbrained" instead of 'harebrained' and no one so far has noticed. But that is not the only typo in there. I hope the typos do not end up in the published version.
Fun fact: the blurb on here also has a typo in it, a missing word in fact, which is, ironically the 'fact' of "Fun fact" towards the end.
Thank you to the author, Shadow Mountain Publishing and NetGalley for providing me with an ARC version of this wonderful book.
--
Transparency disclaimer: Receiving a free ARC version of this book via NetGalley did not influence my review in any way, shape or form.
August 26, 2024
Fun fact - this left me speechless while also saying lots of things about it. It made me cry, I was unprepared for the emotions and the very heavy topics in this YA. Which I would say is for mature teens. While the cover is cute- a lot of angst, lying and wreckless and unsafe behavior fills the pages.
While this may not be a glowing review, I kept reading to see how it would end. Wanting the best for both main characters and seeing the aftermath after tragedy struck them blind. Side characters were helpful in moving the plot but not actually good friends. Minus Jensen’s mom - she was the best character in this book!
I didn’t know where this book was going and while I appreciate that Nellie’s plans changed to undecided as a major and 💯 realistic, much of the circumstances felt unrealistic and the jagged shifting plots left a lot unfinished. Add in the shocking content that Shadow Mountain published this, it boggles my mind.
Content: death of parent, lying, cheating, manipulation, drinking is mentioned by underage teens and adults, mention of marijuana, lots of mentions of teens making out in apartment alone, spending the night at opposite gender’s home (adult present but still shocking), peer pressure, lack of consent,
While this may not be a glowing review, I kept reading to see how it would end. Wanting the best for both main characters and seeing the aftermath after tragedy struck them blind. Side characters were helpful in moving the plot but not actually good friends. Minus Jensen’s mom - she was the best character in this book!
I didn’t know where this book was going and while I appreciate that Nellie’s plans changed to undecided as a major and 💯 realistic, much of the circumstances felt unrealistic and the jagged shifting plots left a lot unfinished. Add in the shocking content that Shadow Mountain published this, it boggles my mind.
Content: death of parent, lying, cheating, manipulation, drinking is mentioned by underage teens and adults, mention of marijuana, lots of mentions of teens making out in apartment alone, spending the night at opposite gender’s home (adult present but still shocking), peer pressure, lack of consent,
November 30, 2024
Man. So much potential with this cover and…it wasn’t good. The writing wasn’t good. The story was all over the place with insane (unresolved) conflicts, unbelievable characterization, and ohmygosh I can’t explain it…but I hated the narrator. (I’m sorry. She was so, so painful to listen to.) I thought I’d be able to knock this out as an audio super quick and it took me three days at 3x speed (a *very* long time for me.) I wasn’t compelled to listen in the slightest and nothing about this was interesting to me. Still not sure what the themes would even be. *Maybe* younger teenagers, or even teenagers that struggle with reading, would find this enjoyable but honestly the plot holes were the most “interesting” things about it IMO (So, I wouldn’t recommend to reluctant readers! A lotta painful squeeze for no juice.)
May 28, 2024
This coming of age story gives you ALL.THE.FEELS! I loved that this story is in dual POV!
TW: this story deals with losing a parent
I received an ARC through Netgalley and all opinions are my own.
TW: this story deals with losing a parent
I received an ARC through Netgalley and all opinions are my own.
December 20, 2024
Very cute premise, but this book ended up being much darker than the adorable cover lets on. I enjoyed getting to see the main characters’ relationship develop, but there were several other plot points that were never resolved by the end of the book and made the ending feel incomplete. Speaking of incomplete endings, the epilogue of the book does not add to the overall conclusion. Just wasn’t for me!
July 27, 2024
Fun Fact: I Love You by Gina Lynn Larsen is not the story I was expecting. I was expecting a sweet and endearing YA novel that would fill me with all the warm, lovey-dovey feelings and hope of burgeoning first love. I was expecting two teens who’ve been friends forever figuring out that they are more. I was expecting end-of-the-year, high school senior shenanigans. This story has some of that, but mostly it is a trauma/drama filled with teen angst, meanness, and utter sadness. I don’t actually know how to adequately review this book. When I saw the cover and read the synopsis I thought, “This book looks like just the sweet and endearing young love story I have been looking for. Can’t wait to see how the author executes the secret-author trope. This book is going to be fun! I hope it’s a book I can recommend to my high school students!” But I didn’t have fun, per se. I was devastated. For a good majority of the story, I was beaten up emotionally. I want to be clear. Fun Fact: I Love You is a good story, it’s just different than what I thought. It is well written, highly engaging, and seriously fast paced. I devoured this book in less than 24 hours. The main characters, Nellie and Jensen, are excellently crafted teens. I was rooting for them the whole time, and I very much loved how their relationship grew from friendship to more. I will totally recommend this book to my high school students. BUT I will make sure to inform my students of all the trigger warnings (there are many) before I allow any of them to check this book out from my class library. And I will most definitely send them home with Kleenex after they check out this book because they are going to need it abundantly. Overall, I do heartily recommend Fun Fact: I Love You. Just go into this read knowing that it tackles some really big, sad, traumatizing subjects. It is absolutely not a warm and fuzzy, lighthearted, and sweet romance. It is so much more!
I received a copy of this novel in eBook form from the publisher, Shadow Mountain, via NetGalley, in order to review. I am under no obligation to leave a positive review. The opinions expressed in this review are my own.
I received a copy of this novel in eBook form from the publisher, Shadow Mountain, via NetGalley, in order to review. I am under no obligation to leave a positive review. The opinions expressed in this review are my own.
July 3, 2025
This was a fun story! I actually loved the premise! Hidden fantasy author in a Utah High School! Bring it! The parents on the other hand…what on earth? Don’t even get me started on the deplorable friends! Doesn’t give either of the two groups a great rap, but they did bring the story along nicely. So there’s that! The main characters were lovely and understandable for the age portrayed! I enjoyed the adorable book.
July 23, 2024
Fun Fact: I get to scream “I know her!!!!” a la Buddy the Elf about the author. She really is that legit!
Fun Fact: This is not a totally unbiased review because of the above reason.
Fun Fact: This is a great book! I see a lot of complaints about how heavy it was and I feel like THAT’S THE BEST PART OF THIS BOOK. I love that it seamlessly combined both the clean young adult romance with heavier topics of dealing with grief and tricky familial relationships. I’m trying so hard to keep this spoiler free, but you need to know it brought on all the feels.
Fun Fact: This is not a totally unbiased review because of the above reason.
Fun Fact: This is a great book! I see a lot of complaints about how heavy it was and I feel like THAT’S THE BEST PART OF THIS BOOK. I love that it seamlessly combined both the clean young adult romance with heavier topics of dealing with grief and tricky familial relationships. I’m trying so hard to keep this spoiler free, but you need to know it brought on all the feels.
August 25, 2024
Thank you to the publisher for an ARC of this novel in exchange for an honest review.
I went into this thinking it would be a mostly fun, lighthearted read based on the cover and summary. However, there ended up being some heavy content.
Nellie and Jensen have been friends forever. When tragedy strikes Nellie’s family, unbeknownst to her it strikes Jensen too…but she doesn’t know why.
Even with the heavy content at times, I really enjoyed this book!
I went into this thinking it would be a mostly fun, lighthearted read based on the cover and summary. However, there ended up being some heavy content.
Nellie and Jensen have been friends forever. When tragedy strikes Nellie’s family, unbeknownst to her it strikes Jensen too…but she doesn’t know why.
Even with the heavy content at times, I really enjoyed this book!
January 23, 2025
Cute premise, but there is too much happening for me to connect with the characters.
March 7, 2025
Adorable! Loved how everything fell into place! And I loved the bonus chapter! Amazing!
June 8, 2024
This is the first book I've read by this author. I enjoyed it. I do wish she played around with some different names. There were a ton of s names and it got confusing for me. I also wish that we saw more of Nellie's dad so we felt more connected to him. Other then that it was great!
May 14, 2025
The romance between Jensen and Nellie was strongly written and entertaining. The other stuff in the book, however, seemed rushed and unnecessarily cliche.
Nellie, never-been-kissed, has always had a crush on the troublemaker of their class, a douche with a literal hookup sign-up sheet on his locker. (What girl would embarrassingly write down their name, and why would Nellie like a guy like that? He has no redeeming qualities.)
Additionally, Nellie’s best friend proves to be the worst friend ever—backhanded compliments, sabotaging her plans, and kicking her when she’s already on the ground. I don’t understand how Nellie has been friends with Britta for so long without seeing her true identity. I also don’t understand why Britta hates Nellie so much to straight-up bully her like she did. With a lack of motive and no limitations for her cruelty, Britta’s scenes were a pain to read.
All in the span of the first two chapters, Nellie realizes she no longer likes Sterling (because he viewed her as disposable, but this isn’t new—he’s a player) and wants to dump Britta (but takes the whole book to do so).
What really surprised me was an on-page death of Nellie’s father. I hadn’t been warned, and I didn’t realize the YA romance would make this grieving turn. The book did a good job of showing some of Nellie’s grief, but the romance intertwined with her father’s death was too much, too complicated. (For me, personally, at least. Someone else may have enjoyed it.)
On top of Nellie’s whole life being scrambled, Nellie discovers that her mother was having an affair. This complication in the plot was done very poorly, I believe, because you never see any of Nellie’s mom’s grief (so, what, she never loved her husband?) and the mother-daughter relationship never really sees any resolution. I hated that her mom was inviting her lover over to the house, basically shoving it in Nellie’s face. That aspect tells me that Nellie’s mom is an inconsiderate person, since she doesn’t even comfort her own daughter during one of the biggest tragedies of her life. Unfortunately, that’s all I really know about her mom, who was such a flat character.
I did enjoy the romance that developed between Jensen and Nellie, and I liked that Nellie didn’t feel super betrayed about Jensen’s secret author identity. Their fights were realistic and resolved easily (like a normal relationship), and Nellie’s struggle with reigning in her anger was well written and realistic.
What I couldn’t get over was a romance in the wake of an extremely saddening death and side (flat and static) characters who were all flaws and had no good qualities.
Nellie, never-been-kissed, has always had a crush on the troublemaker of their class, a douche with a literal hookup sign-up sheet on his locker. (What girl would embarrassingly write down their name, and why would Nellie like a guy like that? He has no redeeming qualities.)
Additionally, Nellie’s best friend proves to be the worst friend ever—backhanded compliments, sabotaging her plans, and kicking her when she’s already on the ground. I don’t understand how Nellie has been friends with Britta for so long without seeing her true identity. I also don’t understand why Britta hates Nellie so much to straight-up bully her like she did. With a lack of motive and no limitations for her cruelty, Britta’s scenes were a pain to read.
All in the span of the first two chapters, Nellie realizes she no longer likes Sterling (because he viewed her as disposable, but this isn’t new—he’s a player) and wants to dump Britta (but takes the whole book to do so).
What really surprised me was an on-page death of Nellie’s father. I hadn’t been warned, and I didn’t realize the YA romance would make this grieving turn. The book did a good job of showing some of Nellie’s grief, but the romance intertwined with her father’s death was too much, too complicated. (For me, personally, at least. Someone else may have enjoyed it.)
On top of Nellie’s whole life being scrambled, Nellie discovers that her mother was having an affair. This complication in the plot was done very poorly, I believe, because you never see any of Nellie’s mom’s grief (so, what, she never loved her husband?) and the mother-daughter relationship never really sees any resolution. I hated that her mom was inviting her lover over to the house, basically shoving it in Nellie’s face. That aspect tells me that Nellie’s mom is an inconsiderate person, since she doesn’t even comfort her own daughter during one of the biggest tragedies of her life. Unfortunately, that’s all I really know about her mom, who was such a flat character.
I did enjoy the romance that developed between Jensen and Nellie, and I liked that Nellie didn’t feel super betrayed about Jensen’s secret author identity. Their fights were realistic and resolved easily (like a normal relationship), and Nellie’s struggle with reigning in her anger was well written and realistic.
What I couldn’t get over was a romance in the wake of an extremely saddening death and side (flat and static) characters who were all flaws and had no good qualities.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
April 12, 2025
Picked this up as an audiobook on Libby for some easy light listening while on a road trip. 15 year old Maddie would’ve eaten this up and rated it as a 5 star, because that’s definitely the idea audience.
Based on my own rating criteria though, it’s a 3 star, which not gonna lie kinda makes me sad because it was an enjoyable story! Maybe I need to alter my rating scale to allow for things that even if they aren’t a literary masterpiece still warm my heart? Ehh I probably won’t, but it’s the thought that counts.
Nellie and Jensen are adorable, the storyline of Jensen secretly being an author was hilarious and endearing. This isn’t a fluffy teen novel, it deals with heavy issues such as loss of a parent and the layers of grief that ads to an already layered life of a teenager. Friendships that are toxic and then breakup and the complex emotions behind that topic.
So here’s the deal, the story borderlines a 4 for me, but because I’m stubborn and don’t believe in half ratings it remains a 3, one I’d recommend if you want a cute teenage love story and to feel like you’ve been transported back to high school, but a 3.
Based on my own rating criteria though, it’s a 3 star, which not gonna lie kinda makes me sad because it was an enjoyable story! Maybe I need to alter my rating scale to allow for things that even if they aren’t a literary masterpiece still warm my heart? Ehh I probably won’t, but it’s the thought that counts.
Nellie and Jensen are adorable, the storyline of Jensen secretly being an author was hilarious and endearing. This isn’t a fluffy teen novel, it deals with heavy issues such as loss of a parent and the layers of grief that ads to an already layered life of a teenager. Friendships that are toxic and then breakup and the complex emotions behind that topic.
So here’s the deal, the story borderlines a 4 for me, but because I’m stubborn and don’t believe in half ratings it remains a 3, one I’d recommend if you want a cute teenage love story and to feel like you’ve been transported back to high school, but a 3.
June 11, 2024
Thank you to the publisher and Netgalley for the eARC!
First, while the cover and tagline of this book boast a cute, light, and fun tale of opposites attract… what you get is a very heavy story about grief.
I’m not saying there’s anything wrong with having a ya book about grief. On the contrary, it’s always appreciated… but I wish the marketing was a bit different 😅
Anyway, the grief from the tragedy mentioned in the summary overwhelms the other plots to become the main plot. The “secret writer MMC” plot is reduced to a sub plot. While the grief plot was fine, all the other sub plots lacked significantly and the romance as well.
The first 20% of the book is one night where the MMC and FMC hang out working on the yearbook. And the FMC suddenly realizes he’s a guy. 😐 Their “relationship” is so weirdly sudden. She’s been pining for his best friend for years but when the friend kisses her on a prank and then wants to teach her more about kissing, she moves on so quickly. No feelings of regret for wasting her time on that guy. And what’s funny is that the guy, MMC’s best friend, is rarely even mentioned in the book as a whole.
So the romance was pretty quick and then they latch onto each other during the tragedy and the grief overwhelms the book until like the last… 15% where we get a resolution that barely even makes any sense to the “secret author” plot.
I can tell there were some good ideas here but overall, we get too many ideas all trying to gain attention in a 256 pg book. That’s barely enough to give us a good romance, let alone a grief tale, many mom issues, best friend issues, on top of the romance and a secret plot 😅
Also the best friend plot was my least favorite. I cannot like any book that uses the “my best friend is a witch” trope - how did you go through until the end of senior year with this devil?? It makes no sense and I hate when friends are villainized in books. I wish ya would stop doing that. Can we go back to the “my friends are my life” trope please? 🙏
Overall, this book wasn’t for me. It did have a few things I liked but mostly, I just wanted to finish it.
First, while the cover and tagline of this book boast a cute, light, and fun tale of opposites attract… what you get is a very heavy story about grief.
I’m not saying there’s anything wrong with having a ya book about grief. On the contrary, it’s always appreciated… but I wish the marketing was a bit different 😅
Anyway, the grief from the tragedy mentioned in the summary overwhelms the other plots to become the main plot. The “secret writer MMC” plot is reduced to a sub plot. While the grief plot was fine, all the other sub plots lacked significantly and the romance as well.
The first 20% of the book is one night where the MMC and FMC hang out working on the yearbook. And the FMC suddenly realizes he’s a guy. 😐 Their “relationship” is so weirdly sudden. She’s been pining for his best friend for years but when the friend kisses her on a prank and then wants to teach her more about kissing, she moves on so quickly. No feelings of regret for wasting her time on that guy. And what’s funny is that the guy, MMC’s best friend, is rarely even mentioned in the book as a whole.
So the romance was pretty quick and then they latch onto each other during the tragedy and the grief overwhelms the book until like the last… 15% where we get a resolution that barely even makes any sense to the “secret author” plot.
I can tell there were some good ideas here but overall, we get too many ideas all trying to gain attention in a 256 pg book. That’s barely enough to give us a good romance, let alone a grief tale, many mom issues, best friend issues, on top of the romance and a secret plot 😅
Also the best friend plot was my least favorite. I cannot like any book that uses the “my best friend is a witch” trope - how did you go through until the end of senior year with this devil?? It makes no sense and I hate when friends are villainized in books. I wish ya would stop doing that. Can we go back to the “my friends are my life” trope please? 🙏
Overall, this book wasn’t for me. It did have a few things I liked but mostly, I just wanted to finish it.
July 8, 2024
ARC Review
Fun Fact: I Love You by Gina Lynn Larsen
Series: no
Genre: YA Contemporary Romance
Age Recommendation: 16+
Romance Level: Closed-door 2, no implied s*x between characters
Release Date: July 2, 2024
Debut Novel
Fun Facts about the Book:
FMC is independent and not looking for love.
FMC wants to be an astrophysicist.
She has had a crush on a boy for a long time, until the kiss.
He has had a crush on Nellie.
He has several secrets and is not the cocky jerk everyone thinks he is.
Disability rep
Mentions Brandon Sanderson
Thoughts:
Overall, I really enjoyed this one. If I had an older teen, I would allow him/her to read it.
There were some complicated issues the characters had to deal with, real-life problems, that moved the plot along and added depth to the characters. I didn’t find I related to the characters but only because I have not experienced the issues they face. I can imagine how hard those situations and problems these characters face in Fun Fact: I Love You to be very hard on a teen that is facing them and would relate to these characters. The plot was well thought out and the story was compelling and believable.
My only issue with it was that one of the teens was watching and reading explicit content (enough to write about it in his book) and made it appear normal and ok for a teen to be doing that.
Again, I enjoyed the book: the characters were well written, they faced difficult situations, the plot was interesting and kept me entertained, and it definitely does not read like a debut novel.
Content Warning: Deep kisses (1 with a groan), minor amount of blood from accidental hand wound, Marital affair discussed (no explicit talk), correct uses of word h*ll, mention of characters in a book (being written) taking off clothing and getting physical with no detail
Trigger Warning: Parental issues/Marital problems between Parents, mention of past physical abuse
Thank you to the author and publisher for the complimentary copy. All thoughts and opinions are my own.
Fun Fact: I Love You by Gina Lynn Larsen
Series: no
Genre: YA Contemporary Romance
Age Recommendation: 16+
Romance Level: Closed-door 2, no implied s*x between characters
Release Date: July 2, 2024
Debut Novel
Fun Facts about the Book:
FMC is independent and not looking for love.
FMC wants to be an astrophysicist.
She has had a crush on a boy for a long time, until the kiss.
He has had a crush on Nellie.
He has several secrets and is not the cocky jerk everyone thinks he is.
Disability rep
Mentions Brandon Sanderson
Thoughts:
Overall, I really enjoyed this one. If I had an older teen, I would allow him/her to read it.
There were some complicated issues the characters had to deal with, real-life problems, that moved the plot along and added depth to the characters. I didn’t find I related to the characters but only because I have not experienced the issues they face. I can imagine how hard those situations and problems these characters face in Fun Fact: I Love You to be very hard on a teen that is facing them and would relate to these characters. The plot was well thought out and the story was compelling and believable.
My only issue with it was that one of the teens was watching and reading explicit content (enough to write about it in his book) and made it appear normal and ok for a teen to be doing that.
Again, I enjoyed the book: the characters were well written, they faced difficult situations, the plot was interesting and kept me entertained, and it definitely does not read like a debut novel.
Content Warning: Deep kisses (1 with a groan), minor amount of blood from accidental hand wound, Marital affair discussed (no explicit talk), correct uses of word h*ll, mention of characters in a book (being written) taking off clothing and getting physical with no detail
Trigger Warning: Parental issues/Marital problems between Parents, mention of past physical abuse
Thank you to the author and publisher for the complimentary copy. All thoughts and opinions are my own.
October 2, 2024
Yes, I know most novels require some suspension of belief… But things that were happening felt too impossible for even a fantasy lover to wrap their mind around. The characters had some okay moments but felt very flat to me or just confusing. The plot was underdeveloped and had a hard time balancing the dark things with the make-out sessions.
For a brainless read about kissing this is the perfect book. If you have a passion for good storytelling... not so much.
Also, I would like to note that writing a book is much harder than complaining about it. This is the author's first book, and she can improve a lot.
Now for the spoilers:
Once upon a time, there was this girl named Nellie who has a father who she may or may not like. We don't know because he dies before he gets any character development. Nellie is now sad. But good news! We have a boy who is secretly rich from writing a romance fantasy book series. This boy named Jensen also knows Nellie's father and has been her sorta friend for a while. She likes him because instead of comforting her in a time of need like a jerk would do, he kisses her and takes her shopping. She picks out the most scandals dress she can wear to her father's funeral and wears 'underwear' so she can feel #girlboss. Oh no, her relatives are mad that she's treating the death of her father as a chance to show stuff off to her boyfriend? How rude of them. Everything is terrible. Life is terrible. The best friend who I haven't mentioned in this review is secretly a jerk. Kiss. Show off money. Life is terrible. Kiss kiss. Oh, break up. Btw, Nellie's mom has a boyfriend who is the father of Nellie's friend. Yes, I know that sentence is confusing. Teens being teens. Or what people who don't understand humans think teens are. Kiss. Epilogue. Favourite part of the book. I didn't want to spend a single second more with the main characters, I'm so glad we got a random backstory about a guy who likes to make fan art. That really wrapped the plot up nicely.
For a brainless read about kissing this is the perfect book. If you have a passion for good storytelling... not so much.
Also, I would like to note that writing a book is much harder than complaining about it. This is the author's first book, and she can improve a lot.
Now for the spoilers:
Once upon a time, there was this girl named Nellie who has a father who she may or may not like. We don't know because he dies before he gets any character development. Nellie is now sad. But good news! We have a boy who is secretly rich from writing a romance fantasy book series. This boy named Jensen also knows Nellie's father and has been her sorta friend for a while. She likes him because instead of comforting her in a time of need like a jerk would do, he kisses her and takes her shopping. She picks out the most scandals dress she can wear to her father's funeral and wears 'underwear' so she can feel #girlboss. Oh no, her relatives are mad that she's treating the death of her father as a chance to show stuff off to her boyfriend? How rude of them. Everything is terrible. Life is terrible. The best friend who I haven't mentioned in this review is secretly a jerk. Kiss. Show off money. Life is terrible. Kiss kiss. Oh, break up. Btw, Nellie's mom has a boyfriend who is the father of Nellie's friend. Yes, I know that sentence is confusing. Teens being teens. Or what people who don't understand humans think teens are. Kiss. Epilogue. Favourite part of the book. I didn't want to spend a single second more with the main characters, I'm so glad we got a random backstory about a guy who likes to make fan art. That really wrapped the plot up nicely.
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