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Tart
When the world is telling you what you are, how do you speak your truth?
Libby's world shatters when a video of her 'cheating' on her popular boyfriend, Dan, goes viral the night he gets into a serious bike accident.
Overnight, school friends turn into bullies and the only person who will talk to her is Neha, the new girl everyone else ignores.
While Dan is in a coma, oblivious to the drama unfolding around him, Libby and Neha grow closer.
But Neha's not ready to admit she's been crushing on Libby for months. And if Libby follows her heart, she'll be making her already messy life a lot messier.
Smart, sweetly funny and heartwarming, Tart is a must-read exploration of coming out and accepting yourself. Perfect for fans of She Gets the Girl and Simon vs. the Homo Sapiens Agenda.
Libby's world shatters when a video of her 'cheating' on her popular boyfriend, Dan, goes viral the night he gets into a serious bike accident.
Overnight, school friends turn into bullies and the only person who will talk to her is Neha, the new girl everyone else ignores.
While Dan is in a coma, oblivious to the drama unfolding around him, Libby and Neha grow closer.
But Neha's not ready to admit she's been crushing on Libby for months. And if Libby follows her heart, she'll be making her already messy life a lot messier.
Smart, sweetly funny and heartwarming, Tart is a must-read exploration of coming out and accepting yourself. Perfect for fans of She Gets the Girl and Simon vs. the Homo Sapiens Agenda.
384 pages, Paperback
Published August 14, 2025
19 people are currently reading
528 people want to read
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 50 reviews
November 20, 2024
I got a sneaky preview of an earlier draft of this incredible book, and let me tell you - Crossley has a voice that is at once unique and incredibly relatable. The characters felt real, and I almost can't wait to get hold of the published version and see how what happened to these friends has changed! With important topics for all of us, young adult or older; and a beautifully handled look at queer teenage life, this honestly has the potential to be the next big coming of age novel! Pre order it now, you won't be disappointed
October 14, 2025
5 fucking stars
possibly the easiest 5 star read ever
couldnt put it down
what a wonderful debut novel !
I love how libby was protective over dan and kept his secret but also made it a shocking plot for readers aswell !
and i love nehas friend group so much !
the only thing I didnt like was how her nickname was libby when she was called olivia I was a bit confused over that.
it really reminds me of sara barnards' book, and I can't wait to read more from this author
possibly the easiest 5 star read ever
couldnt put it down
what a wonderful debut novel !
I love how libby was protective over dan and kept his secret but also made it a shocking plot for readers aswell !
and i love nehas friend group so much !
the only thing I didnt like was how her nickname was libby when she was called olivia I was a bit confused over that.
it really reminds me of sara barnards' book, and I can't wait to read more from this author
September 13, 2025
TW: homophobia, bullying, slut shaming, use of slurs.
guys I loved this, I’ve said it before that YA is seriously under appreciated as a genre because so many of them have amazing representation with discussions around so many important issues- this was one of them.
a small village where everyone knows everyone, a young girl gets peer pressured into drinking and ends up “cheating” on her boyfriend who’s the most popular boy in school on the night he gets into a bike accident and ends up in a coma. she spends weeks being bullied, slut shamed and harassed until she meets Neha, a young queer woman of colour who recently moved to the village after the death of her parents and the two strike up a friendship so sweet, but feelings start to arise.
I think this handled queer issues so beautifully as well as systematic misogyny and issues faced by people of colour. It was fast paced and fun with serious undertones and was the perfect mix of angus thongs and perfect snogging but make it queer and modern.
guys I loved this, I’ve said it before that YA is seriously under appreciated as a genre because so many of them have amazing representation with discussions around so many important issues- this was one of them.
a small village where everyone knows everyone, a young girl gets peer pressured into drinking and ends up “cheating” on her boyfriend who’s the most popular boy in school on the night he gets into a bike accident and ends up in a coma. she spends weeks being bullied, slut shamed and harassed until she meets Neha, a young queer woman of colour who recently moved to the village after the death of her parents and the two strike up a friendship so sweet, but feelings start to arise.
I think this handled queer issues so beautifully as well as systematic misogyny and issues faced by people of colour. It was fast paced and fun with serious undertones and was the perfect mix of angus thongs and perfect snogging but make it queer and modern.
July 10, 2025
Fun read, manages to (mostly) avoid stereotypes of queer romance. Accurate description of bullying.
October 18, 2025
I really really liked this book and most (😉) people 💛
June 1, 2025
⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️ (4 stars)
Genre: Young Adult / Contemporary Fiction / LGBTQ+ Romance / Coming-of-Age / Queer YA / Teen Drama
Thanks to NetGalley and Bloomsbury for the chance to read an early copy of Tart, a heartfelt story that blends messy relationships/friendships, identity struggles, and unexpectedly sweet queer romance.
What I really enjoyed about Tart is how it doesn’t shy away from the complexities of teenage emotions. Becki Jayne Crossley does a brilliant job of capturing that feeling of being stuck between who others think you are and who you might actually be. Libby’s inner conflict felt raw and real and the slow-burn connection with Neha was genuinely lovely to witness.
Synopsis: Libby’s life falls apart when a video of her ‘cheating’ on her boyfriend goes viral the same night he ends up in a coma. With her classmates turning on her and secrets starting to unravel, her only support comes from Neha, the new girl who’s been quietly crushing on her. As feelings grow and truths surface, Libby must figure out who she really is before everything slips away.
The story touches on grief, guilt, queerness, and forgiveness in a way that’s tender without being overly sentimental, how true friendships can appear in the most unexpected places, and how people you’ve only just met can end up seeing you more clearly than those you’ve known forever.
Tart reminds us that sometimes we hold onto people out of habit or fear, not truth, and that real connection often grows in the cracks left behind.
I’ve given this one 4 stars only because, although I was emotionally invested, some plot points felt a little rushed and I’d have loved a bit more depth in a few of the side characters. Still, it’s a meaningful, warm, and affirming read that I’d definitely recommend to fans of queer YA fiction.
Genre: Young Adult / Contemporary Fiction / LGBTQ+ Romance / Coming-of-Age / Queer YA / Teen Drama
Thanks to NetGalley and Bloomsbury for the chance to read an early copy of Tart, a heartfelt story that blends messy relationships/friendships, identity struggles, and unexpectedly sweet queer romance.
What I really enjoyed about Tart is how it doesn’t shy away from the complexities of teenage emotions. Becki Jayne Crossley does a brilliant job of capturing that feeling of being stuck between who others think you are and who you might actually be. Libby’s inner conflict felt raw and real and the slow-burn connection with Neha was genuinely lovely to witness.
Synopsis: Libby’s life falls apart when a video of her ‘cheating’ on her boyfriend goes viral the same night he ends up in a coma. With her classmates turning on her and secrets starting to unravel, her only support comes from Neha, the new girl who’s been quietly crushing on her. As feelings grow and truths surface, Libby must figure out who she really is before everything slips away.
The story touches on grief, guilt, queerness, and forgiveness in a way that’s tender without being overly sentimental, how true friendships can appear in the most unexpected places, and how people you’ve only just met can end up seeing you more clearly than those you’ve known forever.
Tart reminds us that sometimes we hold onto people out of habit or fear, not truth, and that real connection often grows in the cracks left behind.
I’ve given this one 4 stars only because, although I was emotionally invested, some plot points felt a little rushed and I’d have loved a bit more depth in a few of the side characters. Still, it’s a meaningful, warm, and affirming read that I’d definitely recommend to fans of queer YA fiction.
January 26, 2026
I accidentally (serendipitously!) attended the launch for this book, and got to reading it at last because I was chatting to the author at a writing group I attend. I say this because that made me very worried, going in, that it'd turn out I didn't enjoy the story and then feel so mean rating it accordingly because she is very sweet.
Either way, I had no reason to worry at all: this book is absolutely delightful! I adored the development of the relationship between Libby and Neha, and Dan is a real sweetheart. I saw many echoes of experiences from my life in some of the scenes, being from a small, close-knit community and having been bullied at school (I can't pretend the latter didn't give me minor war flashbacks - not a criticism, by any means), and Crossley does a brilliant job of evoking a whole range of emotions, wrapping everything up neatly with a nice bow at the end in a way that feels decently well-earnt.
The twist about two-thirds in shocked me and made me kick myself for not realising it because oh my god, it was so clear in retrospect!! And yet!!!
There's a lot to love about this book. It's nice to see that queer YA romance is available these days, because it wasn't particularly a thing when I was growing up and I think it'd have been good for young me, really. As much as I can't say I've read a whole lot of the genre as an adult, I do feel pretty confident in saying that this is a wonderful example of it.
Either way, I had no reason to worry at all: this book is absolutely delightful! I adored the development of the relationship between Libby and Neha, and Dan is a real sweetheart. I saw many echoes of experiences from my life in some of the scenes, being from a small, close-knit community and having been bullied at school (I can't pretend the latter didn't give me minor war flashbacks - not a criticism, by any means), and Crossley does a brilliant job of evoking a whole range of emotions, wrapping everything up neatly with a nice bow at the end in a way that feels decently well-earnt.
The twist about two-thirds in shocked me and made me kick myself for not realising it because oh my god, it was so clear in retrospect!! And yet!!!
There's a lot to love about this book. It's nice to see that queer YA romance is available these days, because it wasn't particularly a thing when I was growing up and I think it'd have been good for young me, really. As much as I can't say I've read a whole lot of the genre as an adult, I do feel pretty confident in saying that this is a wonderful example of it.
September 8, 2025
Libby’s life unravels when a compromising video goes viral the same night her boyfriend ends up in a coma. The fallout is immediate: judgement from classmates, whispers in the village, and an overwhelming sense of shame. Her only ally is Neha, the new girl quietly harbouring a crush on her. Told through diary-style entries from Libby, Neha, and Dan, this is a layered story about reputation, friendship, sexuality, and the courage it takes to follow your heart.
Crossley captures the intensity of teenage life in the social media age, where mistakes are magnified and privacy is fragile. The book addresses slut-shaming, bullying, unsafe drinking, and homophobia, yet does so with warmth and hope.I admit I felt saddened that such attitudes are still out there but the story does unfortunately mirror the bullying in schools. The multi-perspective format helps readers see how truth is never one-sided and invites empathy for each character.
Tart will resonate with readers who enjoy contemporary YA exploring identity and relationships. It sits well alongside novels by Juno Dawson, Alice Oseman, and Sara Barnard. Content warnings include sexual assault, alcohol misuse, and homophobic language.
A heartfelt debut that balances grit with compassion, and a valuable addition for sparking conversations about online culture, consent, and queer identity.
Crossley captures the intensity of teenage life in the social media age, where mistakes are magnified and privacy is fragile. The book addresses slut-shaming, bullying, unsafe drinking, and homophobia, yet does so with warmth and hope.I admit I felt saddened that such attitudes are still out there but the story does unfortunately mirror the bullying in schools. The multi-perspective format helps readers see how truth is never one-sided and invites empathy for each character.
Tart will resonate with readers who enjoy contemporary YA exploring identity and relationships. It sits well alongside novels by Juno Dawson, Alice Oseman, and Sara Barnard. Content warnings include sexual assault, alcohol misuse, and homophobic language.
A heartfelt debut that balances grit with compassion, and a valuable addition for sparking conversations about online culture, consent, and queer identity.
August 11, 2025
thank you to Netgalley and the publishers for the advanced reader copy
Instagram Review: https://www.instagram.com/p/DNOBSe0IA...
I loved this! I could not stop thinking about Libby and Neha, my favourite little sapphics <3
I was starting to experience a bit of burnout from YA before picking this up, but I'm so glad I did pick this up because this really shows what good YA is.
The friendship between Neha and Libby was so pure and really highlighted what true friends are. I really enjoyed how Libby became friends with Neha's friends, and they showed Libby that she didn't deserve the bullying she was experiencing.
I really felt for Libby throughout this book, and it truly shows how kind gestures towards someone who is experiencing bullying or having a bad time really go a long way.
Trigger warning: SA mentioned, on page bullying.
Instagram Review: https://www.instagram.com/p/DNOBSe0IA...
I loved this! I could not stop thinking about Libby and Neha, my favourite little sapphics <3
I was starting to experience a bit of burnout from YA before picking this up, but I'm so glad I did pick this up because this really shows what good YA is.
The friendship between Neha and Libby was so pure and really highlighted what true friends are. I really enjoyed how Libby became friends with Neha's friends, and they showed Libby that she didn't deserve the bullying she was experiencing.
I really felt for Libby throughout this book, and it truly shows how kind gestures towards someone who is experiencing bullying or having a bad time really go a long way.
Trigger warning: SA mentioned, on page bullying.
June 22, 2025
This is a must read!!! So beautiful, meaningful, heartwarming, funny and unpredictable! Loved every second! I already want to reread!
August 18, 2025
3.8 ⭐️ Surprised by how much I enjoyed this. An emotive and fast paced story about bullying and the stresses of school.
**Gifted. Thank you to the publisher for sending me a copy for review**
This was at times a fairly heavy read. It doesn’t shy away from angst and emotion, or from the heavier sides to being in school.
I saw a review that stated this is nothing like British schools, but as someone who went to a Christian British school, this was unfortunately the kind of thing people dealt with. I do think it’s an accurate depiction of what many young people go through.
I would highly recommend this book. As angsty as it is, it’s also incredibly comforting and cathartic.
Rep// Bi/Pan/Queer Girl MC, BIPOC Lesbian MC, Other LGB Charcters, Non Binary SC.
TWs listed below, please skip if you don’t want vague spoilers.
TW// death of parents (past), racism, homophobia, homophobic slurs, slut shaming, bullying (verbal and physical), car accident, injury, hospital scenes.
**Gifted. Thank you to the publisher for sending me a copy for review**
This was at times a fairly heavy read. It doesn’t shy away from angst and emotion, or from the heavier sides to being in school.
I saw a review that stated this is nothing like British schools, but as someone who went to a Christian British school, this was unfortunately the kind of thing people dealt with. I do think it’s an accurate depiction of what many young people go through.
I would highly recommend this book. As angsty as it is, it’s also incredibly comforting and cathartic.
Rep// Bi/Pan/Queer Girl MC, BIPOC Lesbian MC, Other LGB Charcters, Non Binary SC.
TWs listed below, please skip if you don’t want vague spoilers.
TW// death of parents (past), racism, homophobia, homophobic slurs, slut shaming, bullying (verbal and physical), car accident, injury, hospital scenes.
August 19, 2025
by the cover, you think this book is gonna be so sweet and it is! but it also has some heavy themes. despite all that, i loved the sweet journey it took me on!
it really is bursting with queer joy and pride! and i loved it so much. it’s surprisingly a little twisty with the perfect ending!
it really is bursting with queer joy and pride! and i loved it so much. it’s surprisingly a little twisty with the perfect ending!
May 23, 2025
TART 🍰🍓 4.5⭐️
“In a tiny village like ours, your business is automatically everyone else’s business” - I feel this so badly, coming from someone who also lives in a tiny village.
We’re introduced to our FMC Libby, in secondary school, really badly bullied her whole childhood at school, verbal abuse like slut, whore, slapper and even a Knick name that stuck called jammy tart because of her red hair. and there’s a secret video going around, but has a cool af boyfriend aka the spider rescuing Dan.
omg this is so hilarious! “Almighty god, our Heavenly Father, graciously comfort your child in his suffering”
Daniel king is a hero, saving Libby from a spider attack on her polly pocket rucksack and staring at her cheese sandwiches in primary school. “I decided there and then that I wanted Daniel King to be my boyfriend” yes, I agree. In fact that’s pure husband material.
Dans in hospital “suspended somewhere between life and not life” from the accident, Libby had no idea what she’s done. He’d been knocked off his bike on the road from a hit and run.
Then we’re introduced to Neha, she’s the new girl, joined the school halfway through the year. Recently moved to the strange, Christian, small village aka Chipping Hollow.
There’s a lot of jumping around with the chapters, we’re in “two weeks before it happened” which are from Daniels POV.
I feel like I’m taken back to school where we used to hate all the things like PE, UGH! but it’s written in the most funniest way. The thoughts and feelings I had but didn’t even understand them. Libby is thrown in the deep end with bullying and having to grow up so quickly with her boyfriend Dan in hospital. Libby and Neha are such likeable and relatable characters which I wasn’t expecting.
“The video that’s being used as ammo should really be her defence, but no one seems to want to see the way she’s completely out of her depth, control and the ability to consent both long gone”
Libby is having such a touch time getting attacked at school when potentially all we know so far is she could have been assaulted. I’m saying this right now, it’s not cheating if you’ve been assaulted
Wait, Nicole Kidman was in Moulin Rouge? Wow I need to now go and re watch that immediately.
This is so beautifully written, trying to capture the emotions of a student struggling with identity in school, coping with bullying and trying to even understand yourself.
Wow, I’m actually so annoyed at some of there characters judging without knowing, it’s honestly riled me up so much and I hope Libby gets her say and they start realising it’s not her fault
I do feel some bits of the book was a bit sluggish, I felt myself wanting more from the pages as I was reading - ok literally the next page till the end of the book I was SOBBING.
This is such an emotional story about finding identity, friendships and bullying in school. Becki has written this so beautifully and it NEEDS to be in everyone’s TBR.
Things I love
🍰RELATEABLE FMC’s
🍓EMOTIONAL
🍰HILARIOUSLY FUNNY
🍓MULTIPLE POV
🍰DISCOVERING SEXUALITY
🍓LGBTQ
Thank you so much Bloomsbury and Becki Jayne Crossley for the E-ARC via NetGalley, it’s a story I will cherish forever.
“In a tiny village like ours, your business is automatically everyone else’s business” - I feel this so badly, coming from someone who also lives in a tiny village.
We’re introduced to our FMC Libby, in secondary school, really badly bullied her whole childhood at school, verbal abuse like slut, whore, slapper and even a Knick name that stuck called jammy tart because of her red hair. and there’s a secret video going around, but has a cool af boyfriend aka the spider rescuing Dan.
omg this is so hilarious! “Almighty god, our Heavenly Father, graciously comfort your child in his suffering”
Daniel king is a hero, saving Libby from a spider attack on her polly pocket rucksack and staring at her cheese sandwiches in primary school. “I decided there and then that I wanted Daniel King to be my boyfriend” yes, I agree. In fact that’s pure husband material.
Dans in hospital “suspended somewhere between life and not life” from the accident, Libby had no idea what she’s done. He’d been knocked off his bike on the road from a hit and run.
Then we’re introduced to Neha, she’s the new girl, joined the school halfway through the year. Recently moved to the strange, Christian, small village aka Chipping Hollow.
There’s a lot of jumping around with the chapters, we’re in “two weeks before it happened” which are from Daniels POV.
I feel like I’m taken back to school where we used to hate all the things like PE, UGH! but it’s written in the most funniest way. The thoughts and feelings I had but didn’t even understand them. Libby is thrown in the deep end with bullying and having to grow up so quickly with her boyfriend Dan in hospital. Libby and Neha are such likeable and relatable characters which I wasn’t expecting.
“The video that’s being used as ammo should really be her defence, but no one seems to want to see the way she’s completely out of her depth, control and the ability to consent both long gone”
Libby is having such a touch time getting attacked at school when potentially all we know so far is she could have been assaulted. I’m saying this right now, it’s not cheating if you’ve been assaulted
Wait, Nicole Kidman was in Moulin Rouge? Wow I need to now go and re watch that immediately.
This is so beautifully written, trying to capture the emotions of a student struggling with identity in school, coping with bullying and trying to even understand yourself.
Wow, I’m actually so annoyed at some of there characters judging without knowing, it’s honestly riled me up so much and I hope Libby gets her say and they start realising it’s not her fault
I do feel some bits of the book was a bit sluggish, I felt myself wanting more from the pages as I was reading - ok literally the next page till the end of the book I was SOBBING.
This is such an emotional story about finding identity, friendships and bullying in school. Becki has written this so beautifully and it NEEDS to be in everyone’s TBR.
Things I love
🍰RELATEABLE FMC’s
🍓EMOTIONAL
🍰HILARIOUSLY FUNNY
🍓MULTIPLE POV
🍰DISCOVERING SEXUALITY
🍓LGBTQ
Thank you so much Bloomsbury and Becki Jayne Crossley for the E-ARC via NetGalley, it’s a story I will cherish forever.
May 8, 2025
Thank you to the author and publishers for allowing me an e-ARC via NetGalley! That has in no way influenced my review and all opinions are my own.
Let me start by saying that this is probably the best queer book I’ve ever read. A bold statement, yes, but it is absolutely true. And I’ll tell you why.
First of all, the characters. Every character is so different to each other, and they all invoke so many different emotions. The way that this book is written is amazing, as it feels new and refreshing without feeling ‘cringy’; it doesn’t try too hard to be a ‘modern’ book, and instead it feels very genuine. This makes it so easy to read that I finished it in 24 hours cause I didn’t want to put it down!
And the main event: the queerness of this book. As a bisexual girly, I often struggle to find books with bi characters in that aren’t just ‘token’ characters. The fact that the author themselves are bi just makes me so incredibly happy. I really felt that this book described how it feels to be a queer person, the guilt and the shame we can feel, the anxiety about ‘coming out’ to others and how they may feel about it. Everything is represented and described in a way that really hit home for me. I cried multiple times during this book, and it’s hard to keep this review spoiler free, but there were so many emotional moments in the book and I bawled like a baby - I cried on three separate occasions and now I feel like I need therapy (in the best way).
The other thing that really got me was how people treated Libby, and the awful hatred they were spewing to her. Again, it’s hard to keep the review spoiler free, but the redemption moments felt both fantastic but also completely heartbreaking. I really resonated with Libby and all of her feelings; the confusion of sexuality, the helplessness, the loneliness; I think this book also helped me think about my own experiences and feelings.
I am so incredibly happy that I was able to experience this book. It made me feel proud to be bi, and I just want to give the author so much love and praise because they really do deserve it. This book was spectacular and Becki is now on my list of ‘authors who could write a story about a dog going to the park and I’d read it’.
Rating: 5/5 stars (⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️/⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️)
Let me start by saying that this is probably the best queer book I’ve ever read. A bold statement, yes, but it is absolutely true. And I’ll tell you why.
First of all, the characters. Every character is so different to each other, and they all invoke so many different emotions. The way that this book is written is amazing, as it feels new and refreshing without feeling ‘cringy’; it doesn’t try too hard to be a ‘modern’ book, and instead it feels very genuine. This makes it so easy to read that I finished it in 24 hours cause I didn’t want to put it down!
And the main event: the queerness of this book. As a bisexual girly, I often struggle to find books with bi characters in that aren’t just ‘token’ characters. The fact that the author themselves are bi just makes me so incredibly happy. I really felt that this book described how it feels to be a queer person, the guilt and the shame we can feel, the anxiety about ‘coming out’ to others and how they may feel about it. Everything is represented and described in a way that really hit home for me. I cried multiple times during this book, and it’s hard to keep this review spoiler free, but there were so many emotional moments in the book and I bawled like a baby - I cried on three separate occasions and now I feel like I need therapy (in the best way).
The other thing that really got me was how people treated Libby, and the awful hatred they were spewing to her. Again, it’s hard to keep the review spoiler free, but the redemption moments felt both fantastic but also completely heartbreaking. I really resonated with Libby and all of her feelings; the confusion of sexuality, the helplessness, the loneliness; I think this book also helped me think about my own experiences and feelings.
I am so incredibly happy that I was able to experience this book. It made me feel proud to be bi, and I just want to give the author so much love and praise because they really do deserve it. This book was spectacular and Becki is now on my list of ‘authors who could write a story about a dog going to the park and I’d read it’.
Rating: 5/5 stars (⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️/⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️)
May 20, 2025
I’ll never stop reading YA books, no matter how old I get, because authors like this one keep releasing absolute bangers, and I refuse to miss out. ‘Tart’ is everything I adore about YA romance, and I’m so happy I got to read it.
This story weaves together themes of self-acceptance, friendship, bullying, and homophobia in a way that both warmed and broke my heart. I felt so deeply for all three main characters. I just wanted them to be able to be themselves, to love who they want, and to find happiness.
Libby especially, after learning the full story of her relationship with Dan, I just wanted to wrap her in a big hug. She deserves real love and to be surrounded by people who truly value her, not ones who call her disgusting names. She went through so much, and my heart ached for her.
Dan? I’ll be honest. I wasn’t a fan at first. It frustrated me how he wouldn’t stand up for Libby, especially in front of Katie while they were dating. But as the story unfolded, I began to understand him more. The complexity of his relationship with Libby, the way their love evolved into something unexpected yet deeply meaningful, it all made sense. By the end, he’d grown so much, realized who his true friends were, and I really warmed to him.
And then there’s sweet Neha, the purest, kindest soul. I was so glad she was there for Libby when she desperately needed a friend. Neha and her wonderful friend group welcomed her with open arms, and it meant the world. Despite facing grief and homophobic abuse from her peers, Neha remains unashamedly herself, and I absolutely adored her for it.
This was such a beautiful story about three people coming together in the most unexpected way, finding love, discovering what true friendship means, and learning who really deserves a place in their hearts. I’m totally obsessed with this one.
Huge thanks to Bloomsbury Publishing for sending me a proof copy!
my bookstagram!
This story weaves together themes of self-acceptance, friendship, bullying, and homophobia in a way that both warmed and broke my heart. I felt so deeply for all three main characters. I just wanted them to be able to be themselves, to love who they want, and to find happiness.
Libby especially, after learning the full story of her relationship with Dan, I just wanted to wrap her in a big hug. She deserves real love and to be surrounded by people who truly value her, not ones who call her disgusting names. She went through so much, and my heart ached for her.
Dan? I’ll be honest. I wasn’t a fan at first. It frustrated me how he wouldn’t stand up for Libby, especially in front of Katie while they were dating. But as the story unfolded, I began to understand him more. The complexity of his relationship with Libby, the way their love evolved into something unexpected yet deeply meaningful, it all made sense. By the end, he’d grown so much, realized who his true friends were, and I really warmed to him.
And then there’s sweet Neha, the purest, kindest soul. I was so glad she was there for Libby when she desperately needed a friend. Neha and her wonderful friend group welcomed her with open arms, and it meant the world. Despite facing grief and homophobic abuse from her peers, Neha remains unashamedly herself, and I absolutely adored her for it.
This was such a beautiful story about three people coming together in the most unexpected way, finding love, discovering what true friendship means, and learning who really deserves a place in their hearts. I’m totally obsessed with this one.
Huge thanks to Bloomsbury Publishing for sending me a proof copy!
my bookstagram!
June 17, 2025
This was such a lovely read - nostalgic and hopeful in a way that sort of made me want to cry the whole time - dealing with grief and guilt, but also the joy of discovering something about yourself that you'd pushed away for years. Every time I had a spare moment to read, I wanted to be reading this book! Becki Jayne Crossley does an incredible job of tackling the heavy issue of bullying (both online and in-person), while still managing to centre queer joy and the beauty of being unashamedly yourself.
I have so much love for so many of the characters in this book - Libby, Dan, Neha, and Neha's friends from her previous school are wonderfully written and so relatable and funny, I found myself grinning down at the page like a weirdo on several occasions. The dynamics between these characters as they grow and get to know one another (and themselves) better was such a joy to read.
I'm not going to lie, a lot of the bullying aspects of this book were a tough read, but (without spoiling too much) I promise you that the resolution to this story is absolutely worth it and made me so happy.
I wish Tart had been around in my high-school years - this could be an absolute game changer for teenagers coming to terms with their sexuality and dealing with all the swirling emotions that come along with that.
Thank you so much to NetGalley and Bloomsbury YA for this eARC in exchange for an honest review!
I have so much love for so many of the characters in this book - Libby, Dan, Neha, and Neha's friends from her previous school are wonderfully written and so relatable and funny, I found myself grinning down at the page like a weirdo on several occasions. The dynamics between these characters as they grow and get to know one another (and themselves) better was such a joy to read.
I'm not going to lie, a lot of the bullying aspects of this book were a tough read, but (without spoiling too much) I promise you that the resolution to this story is absolutely worth it and made me so happy.
I wish Tart had been around in my high-school years - this could be an absolute game changer for teenagers coming to terms with their sexuality and dealing with all the swirling emotions that come along with that.
Thank you so much to NetGalley and Bloomsbury YA for this eARC in exchange for an honest review!
December 12, 2025
This is a really good YA read. It picks out the complexities, both good and bad of teenage life nicely. The main agenda is the value in being true to yourself and then to accept your sexuality in whatever form that takes. The way into the book is a serious case of bullying where the lead character undergoes a trial by social media because she was videoed kissing a stranger while going out with the local heartthrob who had an unfortunate accident and was hospitalised on the same evening. While this made for a dramatic read it uncovered what in my opinion is a major flaw. The bullying was vicious, sustained and widely broadcast. The video went viral. Someone in school or the community should have picked up on it and done something. At least 2 teachers had the opportunity, the girls strangely distant mother could have noticed. More than that, the character, libby could have blown the whistle rather than stay stoically silent and suffer panic attacks. Schools have a legal responsibility to treat bullying, and discrimination seriously and do something about it. All good schools will do so and the best way to deal with bullying is to tell someone, call it out and confront the situation with sensitivity and decisive action. However, despite this, there is great value in this book in dealing with controversial relevant topics in a readable, enjoyable way.
November 25, 2025
Thank you Bloomsbury Australia for sending me a copy of this one. All thoughts are my own.
This was such a fantastic coming of age story! I felt so deeply for so many of these characters that I was tearing up with happiness by the end.
Libby goes on such an awful, confusing, emotional journey over the course of this book and I felt for her at every turn. Being a teenager is hard enough without the entire school turning on you. I was so sad and angry on her behalf.
I was so glad Neha was there for her. There to help her start to believe it wasn't her fault, there to be her friend when everyone else abandoned her. I loved the development of their relationship and all the guilty, mixed up feelings between the two of them.
And Dan? Oh my gosh, Dan. He’s such a sweet, wholesome, lovely character. I loved how angry he was on Libby’s behalf when he found out how everyone had been treating her and I loved watching him find the courage to stand up for himself and what he believes in.
This book had a lot of great side characters, too. Neha’s entire friend group from her old school were absolutely fantastic and the parental figures were pretty great too, especially Jas.
An incredible debut. I can’t wait to see what this author does next.
This was such a fantastic coming of age story! I felt so deeply for so many of these characters that I was tearing up with happiness by the end.
Libby goes on such an awful, confusing, emotional journey over the course of this book and I felt for her at every turn. Being a teenager is hard enough without the entire school turning on you. I was so sad and angry on her behalf.
I was so glad Neha was there for her. There to help her start to believe it wasn't her fault, there to be her friend when everyone else abandoned her. I loved the development of their relationship and all the guilty, mixed up feelings between the two of them.
And Dan? Oh my gosh, Dan. He’s such a sweet, wholesome, lovely character. I loved how angry he was on Libby’s behalf when he found out how everyone had been treating her and I loved watching him find the courage to stand up for himself and what he believes in.
This book had a lot of great side characters, too. Neha’s entire friend group from her old school were absolutely fantastic and the parental figures were pretty great too, especially Jas.
An incredible debut. I can’t wait to see what this author does next.
June 19, 2025
Thanks to Netgalley and Bloomsbury for an advance copy of this title for review.
This book was chock full of story. You have romance, queer awakening, high school drama, a cheating scandal, and a heartwarming reunion.
It's a perfect encapsulation of teenagehood and how ruinous high school life can be.
You have three unique voices from three unique characters. Flashbacks from before the accident that sent Dan into a coma. His girlfriend Libby who dealing with a scandal of being caught cheating the night of Dan's accident. And the new girl Naha trying to find her place in a new school after some personal devastation.
I'm sometimes weary of debut novels, wondering how developed the voice of the author is. But Becki Jayne Crossley has such a well-rounded writing voice that feels effortless.
I flew through this. Enthralled by the suspense and tension built around the secrets kept, friendships made and hearts broken.
Overall, I really enjoyed this. It felt nostalgic and truthful to the universal experience of uncertainty of being a teenager. It was heartfelt and touching with an ending that felt like a big hug.
This is a great read for anyone looking for a brilliant new voice in queer YA.
This book was chock full of story. You have romance, queer awakening, high school drama, a cheating scandal, and a heartwarming reunion.
It's a perfect encapsulation of teenagehood and how ruinous high school life can be.
You have three unique voices from three unique characters. Flashbacks from before the accident that sent Dan into a coma. His girlfriend Libby who dealing with a scandal of being caught cheating the night of Dan's accident. And the new girl Naha trying to find her place in a new school after some personal devastation.
I'm sometimes weary of debut novels, wondering how developed the voice of the author is. But Becki Jayne Crossley has such a well-rounded writing voice that feels effortless.
I flew through this. Enthralled by the suspense and tension built around the secrets kept, friendships made and hearts broken.
Overall, I really enjoyed this. It felt nostalgic and truthful to the universal experience of uncertainty of being a teenager. It was heartfelt and touching with an ending that felt like a big hug.
This is a great read for anyone looking for a brilliant new voice in queer YA.
May 23, 2025
I struggle with enjoying this story to it’s fullest because it was pretty unrealistic. The severe lack of adult intervention in this story of harassment and abuse in school is not the reality in my opinion of the UK. I went to a notoriously bad school (actually notorious, with some very serious crimes happening during my time) and even there the teacher sand parents got involved more than in this story.
Plus, the ‘bully’ (who is actually just an abuser and criminal) faces zero consequences other than the MCs stop hanging out with her… It just feels like a really bad message and a not great handling of a pretty serious issue which in my option is worse when it’s in a YA book.
it has some good dry british humour and there are examples of positive relationships as well as being honest about the struggles of teenage queer life and things like bullying and racism, it just really falls short with what at this point is just child neglect and severe lack of consequences for abusers.
1.5⭐️✨✖️✖️✖️
Plus, the ‘bully’ (who is actually just an abuser and criminal) faces zero consequences other than the MCs stop hanging out with her… It just feels like a really bad message and a not great handling of a pretty serious issue which in my option is worse when it’s in a YA book.
it has some good dry british humour and there are examples of positive relationships as well as being honest about the struggles of teenage queer life and things like bullying and racism, it just really falls short with what at this point is just child neglect and severe lack of consequences for abusers.
1.5⭐️✨✖️✖️✖️
October 3, 2025
I enjoyed this book a lot! It was a really interesting look at bullying and being LGBTQ+ in a small town. It surprised me in some moments and was more predictable in others, but was really just a great read all around.
I was really interested in the way both Neha and Libby were pressured to drink by the popular kids. Libby especially, feeling shame over what she “did” when she was blackout drunk and not in control. That combined with the slut shaming after, was really poignant and had a lot to say about slut shaming culture in general.
The romance was adorable. I really loved Neha and Libby together, they were so cute. It really worked even though in the first half of the book, there’s still the question of whether Dan will wake up and what will happen if he does.
This is a great book and a good examination of teen culture in a small town.
I received this book from the publisher in exchange for an honest review. Cross-posted to thewhisperingofthepages.co.uk
I was really interested in the way both Neha and Libby were pressured to drink by the popular kids. Libby especially, feeling shame over what she “did” when she was blackout drunk and not in control. That combined with the slut shaming after, was really poignant and had a lot to say about slut shaming culture in general.
The romance was adorable. I really loved Neha and Libby together, they were so cute. It really worked even though in the first half of the book, there’s still the question of whether Dan will wake up and what will happen if he does.
This is a great book and a good examination of teen culture in a small town.
I received this book from the publisher in exchange for an honest review. Cross-posted to thewhisperingofthepages.co.uk
Read
May 26, 2025When a video scandal and her boyfriend Dan’s tragic accident leave Libby isolated, her only ally is Neha, the quiet new girl with a secret crush on her. As Dan lies in a coma holding a life-altering secret, Libby grapples with her feelings for Neha and the fear of betraying those she loves. This tender YA romance explores the journey of self-discovery & queer love.
I enjoyed this book but I definitely felt it skewed a bit younger in tone than I was expecting. That’s more of an issue with the YA genre than this book though. I felt it was a sweet story with important themes but it didn’t quite grab me in the way I’d hoped for. I do however feel like I would have loved this book when I was around 14-15 especially with the bi rep showing that it’s not always glaringly obviously to oneself that you are in fact bi!
I enjoyed this book but I definitely felt it skewed a bit younger in tone than I was expecting. That’s more of an issue with the YA genre than this book though. I felt it was a sweet story with important themes but it didn’t quite grab me in the way I’d hoped for. I do however feel like I would have loved this book when I was around 14-15 especially with the bi rep showing that it’s not always glaringly obviously to oneself that you are in fact bi!
June 11, 2025
Something a bit different for me!
Tart by Becki Jayne Crossley is a beautifully written YA queer coming-of-age story that explores identity, grief, loyalty, and first love with honesty and heart. After a viral video falsely accuses Libby of cheating and her boyfriend Dan falls into a coma, her world unravels. Only friend Neha who is secretly in love with Libby stands by her.
As secrets come to light, including Dan’s hidden truth and Neha’s feelings, the story unfolds into a slow-burn, friends-to-lovers romance full of emotional depth. The author captures the rawness of teen life—social pressure, judgment, and the fear of standing out—while balancing it with warmth and humour.
Huge thanks to Bloomsbury Publishing and Becki Jayne Crossley for the ARC in exchange for my honest opinion.
Follow me on TikTok 💗 @LacedinLit
Tart by Becki Jayne Crossley is a beautifully written YA queer coming-of-age story that explores identity, grief, loyalty, and first love with honesty and heart. After a viral video falsely accuses Libby of cheating and her boyfriend Dan falls into a coma, her world unravels. Only friend Neha who is secretly in love with Libby stands by her.
As secrets come to light, including Dan’s hidden truth and Neha’s feelings, the story unfolds into a slow-burn, friends-to-lovers romance full of emotional depth. The author captures the rawness of teen life—social pressure, judgment, and the fear of standing out—while balancing it with warmth and humour.
Huge thanks to Bloomsbury Publishing and Becki Jayne Crossley for the ARC in exchange for my honest opinion.
Follow me on TikTok 💗 @LacedinLit
August 12, 2025
I actually really enjoyed reading this YA friend’s to lovers queer romance novel, as you open the book, it’s straight to the point! Leaving you with a cliffhanger. This book was such an easy read and chapters definitely weren’t too long so I enjoyed reading the POVs of Libby, Neha and Dan’s.
In this book, Libby was captured cheating on her boyfriend, Dan, and also got into a car accident the same night. Due to this mishap, the people who she thought were her friends decided to make her life a living hell in school. Until she meets Neha, her life finally became normal again and Libby started to have feelings for her.
I am in love with all the characters except from the horrible ones that bullied Libby along the way. This book really revolved heavily around the topic of bullying therefore might be a trigger warning for some people. I adored Neha for making Libby feel like a human again and they are so damn cute together. Also thank goodness for Dan to be there to stick up for Libby, definitely needed a character like that in the book and in real life! We all need a Dan!
In this book, Libby was captured cheating on her boyfriend, Dan, and also got into a car accident the same night. Due to this mishap, the people who she thought were her friends decided to make her life a living hell in school. Until she meets Neha, her life finally became normal again and Libby started to have feelings for her.
I am in love with all the characters except from the horrible ones that bullied Libby along the way. This book really revolved heavily around the topic of bullying therefore might be a trigger warning for some people. I adored Neha for making Libby feel like a human again and they are so damn cute together. Also thank goodness for Dan to be there to stick up for Libby, definitely needed a character like that in the book and in real life! We all need a Dan!
September 2, 2025
I absolutely adored this book! 💖🍓
I hadn't read a queer YA book before; I really wish I could read this book for the first time again. I dog-eared so many pages full of wonderful writing.
It’s a beautiful story, but one that also has some jaw-dropping moments I didn’t see coming—I was hooked!
The characters and their lives, the village, the school, the story, even the background characters—Becki wrote in a way that made everything so vivid in my mind as I read it. So much so that if I wasn’t reading it, I was thinking about reading it. I wanted to be back in the world of these characters and this story to see what happened to them. I couldn’t get enough.
Also, the school setting was written perfectly (it took me back😬!). Becki really captured the identity struggles you feel at that age.
This really is a must-read, and I cannot wait to read more of Becki’s work!
I hadn't read a queer YA book before; I really wish I could read this book for the first time again. I dog-eared so many pages full of wonderful writing.
It’s a beautiful story, but one that also has some jaw-dropping moments I didn’t see coming—I was hooked!
The characters and their lives, the village, the school, the story, even the background characters—Becki wrote in a way that made everything so vivid in my mind as I read it. So much so that if I wasn’t reading it, I was thinking about reading it. I wanted to be back in the world of these characters and this story to see what happened to them. I couldn’t get enough.
Also, the school setting was written perfectly (it took me back😬!). Becki really captured the identity struggles you feel at that age.
This really is a must-read, and I cannot wait to read more of Becki’s work!
April 30, 2025
This was an easy to read yet heavy-hitting novel focusing on the impact of bullying, online and in person, and how social media can be used to skew real life events to fit someone else’s narrative. But it’s also a hopeful love story, and explores the different lives of teenagers who are discovering who they are.
I really enjoyed this book. It had a big impact, and is a great coming of age story that I think many teens would appreciate (and adults, of course, but this is YA). The characters were believable and I liked the little plot twist towards the end, which I wasn’t expecting at all. Definitely worth picking up!
Thank you to NetGalley and Bloomsbury for the ARC in exchange for an honest review.
I really enjoyed this book. It had a big impact, and is a great coming of age story that I think many teens would appreciate (and adults, of course, but this is YA). The characters were believable and I liked the little plot twist towards the end, which I wasn’t expecting at all. Definitely worth picking up!
Thank you to NetGalley and Bloomsbury for the ARC in exchange for an honest review.
May 25, 2025
This was such a delightful read, and although not the most original, it had an air of nostalgia that I love in YA books. If I'd read this 8 years ago, Tart would have been a book that I would've read and re-read over and over again.
This book had both the best people and the worst people in it. Despite the bullying being extremely difficult and frustrating to read, I really enjoyed all the character dynamics, especially that of Libby and Dan's. I also came to love the flashback POVs, surprisingly. The romance was alright, but it wasn't the main focus of the story and rather it was the friendships that made the book for me.
Thank you to Netgalley and Bloomsbury Publishing Plc for providing a copy of this book for review. All opinions are my own.
This book had both the best people and the worst people in it. Despite the bullying being extremely difficult and frustrating to read, I really enjoyed all the character dynamics, especially that of Libby and Dan's. I also came to love the flashback POVs, surprisingly. The romance was alright, but it wasn't the main focus of the story and rather it was the friendships that made the book for me.
Thank you to Netgalley and Bloomsbury Publishing Plc for providing a copy of this book for review. All opinions are my own.
June 26, 2025
What a fabulous book exploring bullying, peer pressure and societal expectations for young people in 2025.
Libby's plight as an outcast (she is perceived as a 'tart' after being filmed with someone who isn't her boyfriend on the night he ends up in a coma) tugged at my heartstrings and the role social media played in her story petrified me as a mother of a teen.
I absolutely adored Neha as a character - she had a quiet depth and integrity.
Although difficult topics are explored there is hope through friendship and solidarity. This will appeal to fans of Becky Albertalli and Julie Murphy.
Libby's plight as an outcast (she is perceived as a 'tart' after being filmed with someone who isn't her boyfriend on the night he ends up in a coma) tugged at my heartstrings and the role social media played in her story petrified me as a mother of a teen.
I absolutely adored Neha as a character - she had a quiet depth and integrity.
Although difficult topics are explored there is hope through friendship and solidarity. This will appeal to fans of Becky Albertalli and Julie Murphy.
July 21, 2025
Even reading this as an adult, rather than the intended YA audience, I didn't spot the major twist.
It took quite a long time to 'get into it's - about 100-150 pages so nearly half way before I was hooked but then I couldn't put it down and it became all consuming.
The book deals with issues of consent, toxic masculinity 'coming out' as LGBTQIA+, Christian attitudes towards the LGBTQIA+ community (which I felt were handled well and with respect to both sides) as well as homophobic language - including the word D***. There are also a few instances of the word 'fuck' in the book but not many and there are no sex scenes - a few snogs and ruffled hair is also saucy as it gets.
It took quite a long time to 'get into it's - about 100-150 pages so nearly half way before I was hooked but then I couldn't put it down and it became all consuming.
The book deals with issues of consent, toxic masculinity 'coming out' as LGBTQIA+, Christian attitudes towards the LGBTQIA+ community (which I felt were handled well and with respect to both sides) as well as homophobic language - including the word D***. There are also a few instances of the word 'fuck' in the book but not many and there are no sex scenes - a few snogs and ruffled hair is also saucy as it gets.
May 14, 2025
★★★★.5/5 rounded up ✨
Honestly could not put this book down! It gave me super queer joy and healed my inner teenager from when she came out 🤍 I know it’s YA but I think adults and teens alike will love this story. It’s hard hitting but so soft and sweet at the same time!
You MUST buy this when it comes out or even preorder 👀
Thank you to Bloombury Publishing and Becki for choosing to send me a proof copy 💝
Honestly could not put this book down! It gave me super queer joy and healed my inner teenager from when she came out 🤍 I know it’s YA but I think adults and teens alike will love this story. It’s hard hitting but so soft and sweet at the same time!
You MUST buy this when it comes out or even preorder 👀
Thank you to Bloombury Publishing and Becki for choosing to send me a proof copy 💝
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