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Donut Summer
“Relaxing” and “getting a tan” may be high on most teens’ summer activity list, but for chronically freckled and deeply anxious Penny Dexter? Not a chance. Socking money away for college? Of course. Babysitting her siblings? Sure. Becoming a climate scientist and saving the world? She wishes.
At least she can tackle the tuition money with the seasonal gig she landed at her local donut shop. But when she finds out that her genderqueer nemesis, Mateo della Penna-Dominguez, will also be working behind the counter, Penny’s summer of mindless labor instantly vanishes before her eyes. Mateo is ridiculous and artsy, and their favorite kind of donut is Boston Crème (gross!). But the duo’s two-and-a-half-year feud will have to take a backseat when Delicious Donuts is threatened by a corporate takeover.
As their small town faces big pressure, and anxiety threatens everything Penny’s worked for, there’s still one person who remains by her side. And though their taste in donuts is questionable, Mateo’s presence manages to keep Penny calm and focused. Could it be that Penny’s found the perfect, most infuriating person to change the world with?
At least she can tackle the tuition money with the seasonal gig she landed at her local donut shop. But when she finds out that her genderqueer nemesis, Mateo della Penna-Dominguez, will also be working behind the counter, Penny’s summer of mindless labor instantly vanishes before her eyes. Mateo is ridiculous and artsy, and their favorite kind of donut is Boston Crème (gross!). But the duo’s two-and-a-half-year feud will have to take a backseat when Delicious Donuts is threatened by a corporate takeover.
As their small town faces big pressure, and anxiety threatens everything Penny’s worked for, there’s still one person who remains by her side. And though their taste in donuts is questionable, Mateo’s presence manages to keep Penny calm and focused. Could it be that Penny’s found the perfect, most infuriating person to change the world with?
368 pages, Hardcover
First published July 29, 2025
8 people are currently reading
3989 people want to read
About the author
Anita Kelly
12 books1,447 followersHi there! I'm a lover of romance of all stripes, and a writer of queer contemporary HEAs, including a forthcoming three-book series published by Forever. I live in the Pacific Northwest with my wife, our kiddo, a cat who loves me a little too much sometimes, and a three-legged dog who's a real dummy with a heart of gold. I love tea and frequently eat too much ice cream and hate myself a little afterwards.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 130 reviews
April 19, 2025
Oh my god. This book is PERFECTION! One of the best queer YA romances I’ve read in a long while. Anita Kelly is one of my favorite romance authors and they have really struck gold with this one. It has major Heartstopper vibes–it’s super cute, heartfelt, charming, hopeful and Penny & Mateo are adorable together. I love them and kind of want to start reading it again right now.
This follows Penny & Mateo during the summer before their Junior year of high school, with an enemies-to-lovers plus a misunderstanding trope. Penny is a clever, determined, extreme over-thinker with a face full of freckles. Mateo is a cool queer artist with pink and purple hair. They end up working together at Delicious Donuts for the summer as they try to save the shop from being sold to a corporate donut chain. The local donut shop is a fun setting in a hometown in Oregon as its background, and I wanted to go in and buy some myself.
Penny wants to fix everything and solve all the world's problems, but has bad anxiety. Mateo is a talented artist whose family doesn’t fully accept them as non-binary. These things end up causing conflict but it’s written with such care that I think people with this kind of anxiety will feel seen. Penny is also figuring out her queer identity and Mateo helps her, while in return she helps Mateo gain confidence as an artist. They are a perfect fit together!
– THINGS I LOVED: –
• Creative chapter titles
• The ideas to save Delicious Donuts
• Mention of Heartstopper leaves
• Their first date shenanigans
• Mateo's different smiles
• The Speech about weirdos
Anita's writing really is magical. It grabs you and then sweeps you along and you can’t put their books down. I always find something to relate to in their stories, even if it’s not 100% exactly like me. The amount of emotion and feeling is so well done, they are a true talent. I would recommend this to anyone who has teen kids who love to read, or if you're an adult who loves YA (like me). This one reminds me a bit of Kelly’s books Love & Other Disasters or Something Wild & Wonderful and if you liked those you will love this one.
Thanks to NetGalley & Quill Tree Books for the ARC
This follows Penny & Mateo during the summer before their Junior year of high school, with an enemies-to-lovers plus a misunderstanding trope. Penny is a clever, determined, extreme over-thinker with a face full of freckles. Mateo is a cool queer artist with pink and purple hair. They end up working together at Delicious Donuts for the summer as they try to save the shop from being sold to a corporate donut chain. The local donut shop is a fun setting in a hometown in Oregon as its background, and I wanted to go in and buy some myself.
Penny wants to fix everything and solve all the world's problems, but has bad anxiety. Mateo is a talented artist whose family doesn’t fully accept them as non-binary. These things end up causing conflict but it’s written with such care that I think people with this kind of anxiety will feel seen. Penny is also figuring out her queer identity and Mateo helps her, while in return she helps Mateo gain confidence as an artist. They are a perfect fit together!
– THINGS I LOVED: –
• Creative chapter titles
• The ideas to save Delicious Donuts
• Mention of Heartstopper leaves
• Their first date shenanigans
• Mateo's different smiles
• The Speech about weirdos
Anita's writing really is magical. It grabs you and then sweeps you along and you can’t put their books down. I always find something to relate to in their stories, even if it’s not 100% exactly like me. The amount of emotion and feeling is so well done, they are a true talent. I would recommend this to anyone who has teen kids who love to read, or if you're an adult who loves YA (like me). This one reminds me a bit of Kelly’s books Love & Other Disasters or Something Wild & Wonderful and if you liked those you will love this one.
Thanks to NetGalley & Quill Tree Books for the ARC
July 2, 2025
Anita Kelly is one of my favourite romance authors - I've read and enjoyed everything they've written. So when they announced their YA debut, I was immediately hyped. And Donut Summer really delivered - I'm going to need all of you to put it on your summer TBR.
First and foremost, Penny is one of the most relatable main characters I've read in a while. Her brand of anxiety is so much like my own. I admired the way she worked so hard to achieve her goals, but as someone twice her age, I wish I could tell her to rest and enjoy herself as well.
Penny and Mateo were also just so sweet together. Their dynamic is both funny and so heartfelt, I loved how adorably awkward they were. I loved the mention of Heartstopper leaves, because this book really did give me Heartstopper vibes, and that doesn't happen to me a lot.
The other relationships in this book, especially between Penny and her mums, were done with so much care and nuance. Penny's mums were clearly flawed, especially in the way they didn't always see when Penny was not okay and they didn't always give her what she needed. But at the same time, it was so clear how much they loved her, and how hard they were trying.
If I had to give one criticism, I could have done without a third-act break-up. It felt a little forced to me and I wish they could have worked it out differently. But I still thought this was an absolutely delightful story.
First and foremost, Penny is one of the most relatable main characters I've read in a while. Her brand of anxiety is so much like my own. I admired the way she worked so hard to achieve her goals, but as someone twice her age, I wish I could tell her to rest and enjoy herself as well.
Penny and Mateo were also just so sweet together. Their dynamic is both funny and so heartfelt, I loved how adorably awkward they were. I loved the mention of Heartstopper leaves, because this book really did give me Heartstopper vibes, and that doesn't happen to me a lot.
The other relationships in this book, especially between Penny and her mums, were done with so much care and nuance. Penny's mums were clearly flawed, especially in the way they didn't always see when Penny was not okay and they didn't always give her what she needed. But at the same time, it was so clear how much they loved her, and how hard they were trying.
If I had to give one criticism, I could have done without a third-act break-up. It felt a little forced to me and I wish they could have worked it out differently. But I still thought this was an absolutely delightful story.
October 24, 2025
4.5/5 This was soft and sweat and really altogether heartwarming.
Anita Kelly can write great YA as well as adult queer fiction!!
Anita Kelly can write great YA as well as adult queer fiction!!
July 26, 2025
Thank you so much @quilltreebooks for an advanced copy to review!
Anita Kelly books are *always* a treat, and this young adult debut by them is no exception. Penny and Mateo are so freaking cute and sweet, I literally cannot even.
I found myself very much identifying with Penny, as her anxiety causes her to spiral and have panic attacks. She also is often relied upon as a caretaker for her younger siblings. My situation was different, but I grew up taking care of my siblings. I even took my sister to her first day of kindergarten.
Anyway - I loved watching this cute little enemies-ish to lovers story unfold. I LOVED how Anita wrote intimacy in this book (the scene after the food truck made me LOL as I too had something similar happen..) but Penny’s anxieties were so clear and I loved Mateo’s sweetness with her.
Mateo was such a wonderful, fully fleshed out character and I loved them. Their discussions and viewpoints of gender and queerness were so beautiful and I just really loved how they said queer is what describes them best. (I feel the same, along with mostly leaning toward bi).
Their third act conflict felt very real and I was sad for Penny and Mateo. But their cute make up was the best!!!! Loved.
Anita - this book is a gift to the world and I really hope people love it and read it. You deserve all of the good things!!!
Anita Kelly books are *always* a treat, and this young adult debut by them is no exception. Penny and Mateo are so freaking cute and sweet, I literally cannot even.
I found myself very much identifying with Penny, as her anxiety causes her to spiral and have panic attacks. She also is often relied upon as a caretaker for her younger siblings. My situation was different, but I grew up taking care of my siblings. I even took my sister to her first day of kindergarten.
Anyway - I loved watching this cute little enemies-ish to lovers story unfold. I LOVED how Anita wrote intimacy in this book (the scene after the food truck made me LOL as I too had something similar happen..) but Penny’s anxieties were so clear and I loved Mateo’s sweetness with her.
Mateo was such a wonderful, fully fleshed out character and I loved them. Their discussions and viewpoints of gender and queerness were so beautiful and I just really loved how they said queer is what describes them best. (I feel the same, along with mostly leaning toward bi).
Their third act conflict felt very real and I was sad for Penny and Mateo. But their cute make up was the best!!!! Loved.
Anita - this book is a gift to the world and I really hope people love it and read it. You deserve all of the good things!!!
Read
August 31, 2025Not rating or reviewing as I beta read an early version of this manuscript. But I will say it was a delight to reread it and Penny and Mateo must be protected at all cost.
Characters: Penny is a queer white rising junior interested in environmental science. She has 6 year old triplet siblings: Bruno, Nikki, and Emma. Mom married Mama D when she was in 4th grade. Mateo is a 16 year old queer nonbinary Mexican-Italian American rising junior and artist. They both work at Delicious Donuts. This is set in Verity, OR.
Content notes: anxiety, panic attacks, emotional neglect by FMC’s moms, misgendering by NMC’s father, FMC’s sister has a heart defect (surgery as a newborn, might eventually need a transplant), medical debt, queer awakening, past fertility treatments resulting in triplets (moms), past bad first time (NMC), autistic secondary character, FMC’s father was never in the picture, alcohol, underage drinking, gender essentialism via NMC’s father (countered), ableist language
Characters: Penny is a queer white rising junior interested in environmental science. She has 6 year old triplet siblings: Bruno, Nikki, and Emma. Mom married Mama D when she was in 4th grade. Mateo is a 16 year old queer nonbinary Mexican-Italian American rising junior and artist. They both work at Delicious Donuts. This is set in Verity, OR.
Content notes: anxiety, panic attacks, emotional neglect by FMC’s moms, misgendering by NMC’s father, FMC’s sister has a heart defect (surgery as a newborn, might eventually need a transplant), medical debt, queer awakening, past fertility treatments resulting in triplets (moms), past bad first time (NMC), autistic secondary character, FMC’s father was never in the picture, alcohol, underage drinking, gender essentialism via NMC’s father (countered), ableist language
February 28, 2025
SWEET + DELICIOUS!! ate + left no (donut) crumbs!!!!!
November 2, 2025
This one is a contemporary YA story. The story itself felt a bit too YA romance-y for me, but as a first time reader of this author, I noticed there was plenty to appreciate about the writing. I will definitely be picking up more of her work for the writing alone.
What stood out the most were a few things: the natural dialogue felt genuine, the complex relationships and character development had depth, the multiple threads that were all woven together kept a nice pace, the characters were easy to root for, the descriptive strokes were vivid without being overly inflated with minutia, and the resolutions that followed the problems fit perfectly. That provided a realistic vibe that is often not present in this genre. And the best part was how the author kept the gilded unicorns reigned in when it was time for the conclusion.
The story itself was 3 stars for me, but the quality of the writing edges this one to 4 stars.
What stood out the most were a few things: the natural dialogue felt genuine, the complex relationships and character development had depth, the multiple threads that were all woven together kept a nice pace, the characters were easy to root for, the descriptive strokes were vivid without being overly inflated with minutia, and the resolutions that followed the problems fit perfectly. That provided a realistic vibe that is often not present in this genre. And the best part was how the author kept the gilded unicorns reigned in when it was time for the conclusion.
The story itself was 3 stars for me, but the quality of the writing edges this one to 4 stars.
August 16, 2025
I already loved Anita Kelly’s adult romances, and now I love their YA romance too. Over the course of one summer, we watch nerdy, anxious 16 year old Penny fall in love with her frenemy Mateo, a genderqueer theatre kid so cool that she can’t believe they would be interested in her. They can’t even stand her! After all, last year she overheard them tell their best friend that being in class with her was ‘the worst.’
Penny has lots of things on her mind at the start of the summer: her moms are struggling financially and one of her younger triplet siblings has health issues, meaning that instead of taking a prestigious environmental science internship Penny takes a summer job at Delicious Donuts. And who should walk through the door on the first day but Mateo. With their two-tone dyed hair, and their sketchbook, and their catalogue of smiles. How dare they be so perfectly hot and cool and perfect?
As always, Anita takes good care of these two as they find their way towards their HFN. They always give such a lot of space to the feelings, challenges and idiosyncrasies of their characters. There’s a lot of grace too for their families and friends, who are not always the most perfect. I appreciated the complexity of how both Penny and Mateo’s queerness is navigated.
Penny has lots of things on her mind at the start of the summer: her moms are struggling financially and one of her younger triplet siblings has health issues, meaning that instead of taking a prestigious environmental science internship Penny takes a summer job at Delicious Donuts. And who should walk through the door on the first day but Mateo. With their two-tone dyed hair, and their sketchbook, and their catalogue of smiles. How dare they be so perfectly hot and cool and perfect?
As always, Anita takes good care of these two as they find their way towards their HFN. They always give such a lot of space to the feelings, challenges and idiosyncrasies of their characters. There’s a lot of grace too for their families and friends, who are not always the most perfect. I appreciated the complexity of how both Penny and Mateo’s queerness is navigated.
August 26, 2025
I’ve worked in coffee shops for half of my life, so needless to say, I felt seen quite a bit while reading Donut Summer. Yessssss, it’s a donut shop, but a lot of things that happen in food service jobs carry over. I’ve also helped grow a handful of small companies social media accounts and worked for a corporate business doing the same, so I felt like aspects of this were written for me personally. (albeit I don’t know the author and this is my first foray into their books😝)
I love lil’ gaybies! Queer teenagers who are finding themselves and each other always make me smile from the tips of my toes to the top of my head. Seeing how queer media has grown over the past couple decades is so heartwarming and makes me happy that many more kids will get to grow up seeing themselves in the writing of books that 20+ years ago would never have been published. Now if only we could stop book banning and hate altogether, the world would be a much better place.
This was a sweet story about one girl trying to save a failing business before it’s sold, because she somehow thinks that by doing so, she’ll be able to save her two mom’s shop that closed years ago. Unfortunately that’s not exactly how it works and lessons are definitely learned in the process. All of this is going on while their made-up enemy is hired at the shop and she begins to fall for them. So there are lots of emotions, which in turn brings out her panic attacks and anxiety over it all. (Again, I feel seen in this character)
The representation for mental health and the queer characters make this a wonderful book to pick up. It makes me realize how much I need to read Anita Kelly’s backlist catalogue of romance books. I hear nothing but great things about their writing and now I know that it’s all very true.
Thank you to Quill Tree Books for the gifted finished copy of the book, as well as the publisher and NetGalley for the ALC.
I love lil’ gaybies! Queer teenagers who are finding themselves and each other always make me smile from the tips of my toes to the top of my head. Seeing how queer media has grown over the past couple decades is so heartwarming and makes me happy that many more kids will get to grow up seeing themselves in the writing of books that 20+ years ago would never have been published. Now if only we could stop book banning and hate altogether, the world would be a much better place.
This was a sweet story about one girl trying to save a failing business before it’s sold, because she somehow thinks that by doing so, she’ll be able to save her two mom’s shop that closed years ago. Unfortunately that’s not exactly how it works and lessons are definitely learned in the process. All of this is going on while their made-up enemy is hired at the shop and she begins to fall for them. So there are lots of emotions, which in turn brings out her panic attacks and anxiety over it all. (Again, I feel seen in this character)
The representation for mental health and the queer characters make this a wonderful book to pick up. It makes me realize how much I need to read Anita Kelly’s backlist catalogue of romance books. I hear nothing but great things about their writing and now I know that it’s all very true.
Thank you to Quill Tree Books for the gifted finished copy of the book, as well as the publisher and NetGalley for the ALC.
September 11, 2025
Anita Kelly for President! 🥹
Donut summer had the bi energy I needed and is another book with incredible anxiety rep! I rooted so hard for our main character and the romance in this. It’s so hard to be an older sibling on top of the whole burning garbage can that’s the world right now.
As the oldest daughter myself I could relate to Penny so much. Her thoughts and feelings made the character feel so real.
I love all of Anita Kelly’s books and I’m not surprised I loved this one too!
Donut summer had the bi energy I needed and is another book with incredible anxiety rep! I rooted so hard for our main character and the romance in this. It’s so hard to be an older sibling on top of the whole burning garbage can that’s the world right now.
As the oldest daughter myself I could relate to Penny so much. Her thoughts and feelings made the character feel so real.
I love all of Anita Kelly’s books and I’m not surprised I loved this one too!
April 3, 2025
Before I get into my review of “Donut Summer”, I’d like to thank NetGalley and HarperCollins Publishing for the eARC!
Oh my gosh, I have so many thoughts on this book. Donut Summer was nothing but a blast. This book had me giggling and crying at the same time.
The characters in this book were so relatable it was almost painful. The young teenage fear of what you’re going to do after high school, figuring out if you’re going to leave your hometown or not, what school you want to go to and more.
I related to Penny the most, her anxiety was very similar to mine when I was her age.
I’m a firm believer that anything Anita Kelly writes turns to gold, and I’m still upholding that belief after reading Donut Summer.
This book was easily a six-star read and I never wanted it to end.
Oh my gosh, I have so many thoughts on this book. Donut Summer was nothing but a blast. This book had me giggling and crying at the same time.
The characters in this book were so relatable it was almost painful. The young teenage fear of what you’re going to do after high school, figuring out if you’re going to leave your hometown or not, what school you want to go to and more.
I related to Penny the most, her anxiety was very similar to mine when I was her age.
I’m a firm believer that anything Anita Kelly writes turns to gold, and I’m still upholding that belief after reading Donut Summer.
This book was easily a six-star read and I never wanted it to end.
January 19, 2025
this book is so precious to me — i laughed, i cried, i hugged my kindle. 1000/10 for penny & mateo
July 30, 2025
This delightful book gave me Heartstopper vibes. Penny, responsible anxiety filled oldest daughter, is determined to not make her college costs a burden to her moms. So between sophomore and junior years, she takes the only summer job she can find—at Delicious Donuts, Verity, Oregon’s only donut shop that hasn’t changed in 40 years. It’s not her dream job, that would be an internship at Hatfield Marine Sciences which would help her towards her goal of solving climate change. But at least she can earn money for college even if she does go home smelling like donuts. Unfortunately she didn’t realize she’d have to work with Mateo who called her “the worst” at the beginning of last school year. But she needs this job. So she can ignore them. Right?
What follows is a sweet (like donuts!) romance that blossoms between two teens as they slowly open up. Penny shares about her anxiety and Mateo opens up about their relationship with their dad. Together they work to save the donut shop from being bought out by a conglomerate. But when the summer is over, can their relationship survive beyond the donut shop?
Penny and Mateo are the cutest. I just want to hug them both. They are teen relationship goals. I can only hope my kids are as open and real in their relationships. The writing is real and honest and sweet and funny. I feel like this book should be required reading for all teens looking for romance! If you’re looking for the perfect summer romance, this is it!
Thank you to @Netgalley @harpercollinschin and @quilltreebooks for the chance to review this ARC.
What follows is a sweet (like donuts!) romance that blossoms between two teens as they slowly open up. Penny shares about her anxiety and Mateo opens up about their relationship with their dad. Together they work to save the donut shop from being bought out by a conglomerate. But when the summer is over, can their relationship survive beyond the donut shop?
Penny and Mateo are the cutest. I just want to hug them both. They are teen relationship goals. I can only hope my kids are as open and real in their relationships. The writing is real and honest and sweet and funny. I feel like this book should be required reading for all teens looking for romance! If you’re looking for the perfect summer romance, this is it!
Thank you to @Netgalley @harpercollinschin and @quilltreebooks for the chance to review this ARC.
July 21, 2025
Thank you to NetGalley and Quill Tree Books for the ARC in exchange for an honest review
I would recommend if you're looking for (SPOILERS)
-f/nb YA romance
-summertime
-close proximity
-one hates the other pines
-
I adore books that take place over summer break and I adore Anita's writing and this was the perfect treat (pun intended). Two teens, discovering love, figuring out family, and falling for each other all while trying to save the Donut shop that brought them together. There was a real sweetness and tenderness that is present in all of Anita's books, and a sense of discovery of the world. I adored this book so much and will devour anything Anita writes.
I would recommend if you're looking for (SPOILERS)
-f/nb YA romance
-summertime
-close proximity
-one hates the other pines
-
I adore books that take place over summer break and I adore Anita's writing and this was the perfect treat (pun intended). Two teens, discovering love, figuring out family, and falling for each other all while trying to save the Donut shop that brought them together. There was a real sweetness and tenderness that is present in all of Anita's books, and a sense of discovery of the world. I adored this book so much and will devour anything Anita writes.
Want to read
August 18, 2025I never see a queer book that no one I follow , does not have on their bookshelves so I'm adding this to my to be read because my local library got the ebook, audiobook and a physical book.
I'm not a fan of lesbian romances, which I believe this is. However, I do want to highlight its existence, and the mention of doughnuts might just sell me on it. I could also start it and hate it because I'm not the target audience but this is giving "its going to read like a crappy starbucks romance" which is my vibe, regardless of relationship or identity. So in the same breath, this may be one of my favourites. I'm not entirely sold on it yet though.
I'm not a fan of lesbian romances, which I believe this is. However, I do want to highlight its existence, and the mention of doughnuts might just sell me on it. I could also start it and hate it because I'm not the target audience but this is giving "its going to read like a crappy starbucks romance" which is my vibe, regardless of relationship or identity. So in the same breath, this may be one of my favourites. I'm not entirely sold on it yet though.
July 29, 2025
First of all, thank you to Quill Tree Books and NetGalley for the arc.
I am utterly in love with this book. It is perhaps the perfect YA coming of age romance. There are queer/NB characters! There are nerdy characters! And there are donuts! And most of all, Anita Kelly has made me laugh/cry again with their gorgeous insight into the human experience. I can’t recommend Donut Summer enough. 5⭐️
I am utterly in love with this book. It is perhaps the perfect YA coming of age romance. There are queer/NB characters! There are nerdy characters! And there are donuts! And most of all, Anita Kelly has made me laugh/cry again with their gorgeous insight into the human experience. I can’t recommend Donut Summer enough. 5⭐️
August 2, 2025
Absolute cuteness overload.
August 22, 2025
Perfect summer YA queer romance. No notes.
July 31, 2025
[I received the digital arc for an honest review]
Donut Summer is a Queer Young Adult contemporary by Anita Kelly. Whether it's an adult romance or a YA contemporary it's clear that Anita Kelly can succeed in either genre !
Sixteen year old Penny started the summer with the goal of raising money for her future college tuition. Day one on the job and she knows it's going to be a long summer because her coworker is Mateo. They are NOT friends but she figures if they are working together that should change. Her goal also quickly shifts to include saving the donut shop from selling out to big corporation. Mateo and Penny make an exchange of them helping with her with the donut shop and she would teach them how to drive stick. The more time they spend together the closer they get and Penny realizes maybe she needs to reevaluate her thinking.
This book is charming and sweet with a good dose of emotion spread through out. Simply a perfect balance of everything I want in a YA contemporary.
Penny struggles with extreme anxiety and is always imagining the worst and completely over thinking. This makes her come of a bit unhinged to outsiders but I feel for her. We can't always control our minds especially when they spiral. Then we have Mateo who my heart broke for . They come from a family that's not fully accepting of their identity . Their dad full on ignores it and their mother alwarsly tries ,thankfully their older sister is supportive . Penny and Mateo are two strong main characters with a solid set of supportive friends.
Overall , Donut Summer by Anita Kelly is a wonderful Queer YA contemporary. A summer filled delicious donuts , family , friendships , freckles, nature , singing in the car , young love, positive mental health rep and a satisfying ending .
Favorite Qoutes :
Fun fact about me: I am superbad at relaxing.
These are all rational reasons to be stressed, I tell myself. As opposed to the other reasons I often get stressed, like not being able to stop climate change or eliminate gun violence or fix antibiotic resistance.
I will shower Mateo della Penna with good vibes and good vibes only. And they are going to like it, damn it.
“Because you’re good at everything.” I blink a bunch of times in a row, trying to comprehend this. The statement itself is . . . extremely, patently false. I don’t think a person who’s good at everything would suffer from debilitating anxiety.
I guess I don’t know exactly how Mateo identifies, whether they’re nonbinary or genderqueer or agender or something else, but in any case, it has never been hard to know them that way, as belonging outside the binary in some shape or form. Like, it is literally not hard to see Mateo for who they are. Even just hearing Mateo say that line about real men makes me feel sick to my stomach.
“You really love this, huh? Being in the woods.” “Mateo,” I shout back. “I love it so much.” And when they only grin at me, I say: “Don’t you?” They shrug, their smile deepening. “It’s okay,”
Maybe life is just ridiculous. There’s something peaceful about that thought. That maybe I can just laugh about everything for once instead of focusing on all the awful parts.
I want to catalog this too. I have always wanted to catalog Mateo’s smiles. And The smile before they kiss me has to be the best one yet.
“You have no idea,” they say when they pull back, “how long I’ve wanted to kiss you."
I want exactly what they want. It feels like my lungs are going to collapse anytime they smile at me like that. Anytime I walk into a room and see them. Anytime they touch me. Anytime I think about them at all.
“When I asked you at Grumpy Toad’s who you think is hot, your first two answers were women.” “Oh.” I flop back down on the mattress and stare up at Mateo’s ceiling. “Okay, yeah, but . . . everyone thinks women are hot. Because, like, they are.”
“Oh.” I blink some more at the ceiling. It’s like an actual light bulb, like high beams, flicking on in my brain. “Oh no, Mateo. That’s a super-gay thing to think, isn’t it?”
“I prefer queer.” Mateo lifts a shoulder. “There’s nothing wrong with bi, or pan, or . . . I mean, I know people get real specific about their labels sometimes, but queer’s always felt more fluid to me. And if there’s anything I’m most closely aligned with, it’s being . . . not exactly one thing.”
"I’m here. Now. With you. I just want to focus on that. No matter what happens later.” I
Donut Summer is a Queer Young Adult contemporary by Anita Kelly. Whether it's an adult romance or a YA contemporary it's clear that Anita Kelly can succeed in either genre !
Sixteen year old Penny started the summer with the goal of raising money for her future college tuition. Day one on the job and she knows it's going to be a long summer because her coworker is Mateo. They are NOT friends but she figures if they are working together that should change. Her goal also quickly shifts to include saving the donut shop from selling out to big corporation. Mateo and Penny make an exchange of them helping with her with the donut shop and she would teach them how to drive stick. The more time they spend together the closer they get and Penny realizes maybe she needs to reevaluate her thinking.
This book is charming and sweet with a good dose of emotion spread through out. Simply a perfect balance of everything I want in a YA contemporary.
Penny struggles with extreme anxiety and is always imagining the worst and completely over thinking. This makes her come of a bit unhinged to outsiders but I feel for her. We can't always control our minds especially when they spiral. Then we have Mateo who my heart broke for . They come from a family that's not fully accepting of their identity . Their dad full on ignores it and their mother alwarsly tries ,thankfully their older sister is supportive . Penny and Mateo are two strong main characters with a solid set of supportive friends.
Overall , Donut Summer by Anita Kelly is a wonderful Queer YA contemporary. A summer filled delicious donuts , family , friendships , freckles, nature , singing in the car , young love, positive mental health rep and a satisfying ending .
Favorite Qoutes :
Fun fact about me: I am superbad at relaxing.
These are all rational reasons to be stressed, I tell myself. As opposed to the other reasons I often get stressed, like not being able to stop climate change or eliminate gun violence or fix antibiotic resistance.
I will shower Mateo della Penna with good vibes and good vibes only. And they are going to like it, damn it.
“Because you’re good at everything.” I blink a bunch of times in a row, trying to comprehend this. The statement itself is . . . extremely, patently false. I don’t think a person who’s good at everything would suffer from debilitating anxiety.
I guess I don’t know exactly how Mateo identifies, whether they’re nonbinary or genderqueer or agender or something else, but in any case, it has never been hard to know them that way, as belonging outside the binary in some shape or form. Like, it is literally not hard to see Mateo for who they are. Even just hearing Mateo say that line about real men makes me feel sick to my stomach.
“You really love this, huh? Being in the woods.” “Mateo,” I shout back. “I love it so much.” And when they only grin at me, I say: “Don’t you?” They shrug, their smile deepening. “It’s okay,”
Maybe life is just ridiculous. There’s something peaceful about that thought. That maybe I can just laugh about everything for once instead of focusing on all the awful parts.
I want to catalog this too. I have always wanted to catalog Mateo’s smiles. And The smile before they kiss me has to be the best one yet.
“You have no idea,” they say when they pull back, “how long I’ve wanted to kiss you."
I want exactly what they want. It feels like my lungs are going to collapse anytime they smile at me like that. Anytime I walk into a room and see them. Anytime they touch me. Anytime I think about them at all.
“When I asked you at Grumpy Toad’s who you think is hot, your first two answers were women.” “Oh.” I flop back down on the mattress and stare up at Mateo’s ceiling. “Okay, yeah, but . . . everyone thinks women are hot. Because, like, they are.”
“Oh.” I blink some more at the ceiling. It’s like an actual light bulb, like high beams, flicking on in my brain. “Oh no, Mateo. That’s a super-gay thing to think, isn’t it?”
“I prefer queer.” Mateo lifts a shoulder. “There’s nothing wrong with bi, or pan, or . . . I mean, I know people get real specific about their labels sometimes, but queer’s always felt more fluid to me. And if there’s anything I’m most closely aligned with, it’s being . . . not exactly one thing.”
"I’m here. Now. With you. I just want to focus on that. No matter what happens later.” I
June 16, 2025
Donut Summer Book Review 🦇
What's your favorite type of donut?❓
Penny Dexter intends to start saving tuition money with the seasonal gig she lands at Delicious Donuts, one of the few remaining small businesses and a staple on Main Street. But when she finds out that her genderqueer nemesis, Mateo della Penna, will also be working behind the counter, Penny’s summer of mindless labor instantly vanishes before her eyes. Mateo is ridiculous and artsy, and their favorite kind of donut is Boston Crème (gross!). But the duo’s two-and-a-half-year feud will have to take a backseat when the donut shop is threatened by a corporate takeover. As their small town faces big pressure and anxiety threatens everything Penny’s worked for, there’s still one person who remains by her side. Mateo’s presence manages to keep Penny calm and focused. Could it be that Penny’s found the perfect, most infuriating person to change the world with? 🦇
Congratulations Anita Kelly on your Young Adult debut. I've been a long-time fan of their adult queer romances, but there is something ESPECIALLY sweet about Donut Summer (yes, slight pun mostly definitely intended). Let's break it down. 💜
Characters (4/5) Penny and Mateo are precious. It's obvious, very quickly, that there's a bit of miscommunication going on, which acts as an off-page catalyst for their enemies-to-lovers vibe. Kelly's characterization of Penny--of her anxiety, the way her brain works, her desire to make positive changes in the world--is SO strong. Penny doesn't just leap off the page; she's a familiar friend, a voice you already know and love and want to soothe, because if you've struggled with anxiety, you've heard that voice, too. And Mateo? Cutie baby. I just wanna squish their face and talk about their art and correct anyone who knowingly misgenders them. ✨
Plot and Pacing (4/5) The pacing is fairly consistent. I'm glad we didn't have to wait through the WHOLE book for the miscommunications to come to light. The waterfall scene and resulting conversation at the diner is everything. Everything. ✨
World-Building (4/5) I've been to Oregon once, but from the start of this book, it felt like I left the east coast and stepped right back into the forest. I think, for Kelly, this was a love letter to their hometown as much as a story's setting. ✨
Romance (5/5) All cuteness. Absolutely precious. No notes. I absolutely adored Penny navigating her queerness--starting with the term "bisexual," hearing Mateo's explanation, and recognizing that "queer" suits them even better. Because sexuality, and even our understanding (even our LABELING of it) can change, and that's beautiful. ✨
Tone/Prose (5/5) I adore when writers shift genres and find something new in their abilities as a result. However, many authors who shift from adult to YA often make their characters overly juvenile, and it shows in very adolescent prose. Kelly does NOT fall into this trap. The prose fits perfectly to the story, Penny's first-person narration realistically a teenager's voice without it ever feeling frustratingly immature. I know shifting genres can feel nerve-wracking for some writers, but the familiarity of Kelly's voice is still there, making for a flawless YA debut. ✨
Recommended for fans of Imogen, Obviously; Heartstopper; and Kween. 🦇
The Vibes ✨
Young Adult
Summer Vibes
Coming-of-Age
Mental Health Rep / Anxiety
Enemies to Friends to Lovers
First Person Single POV
Major thanks to the author and publisher for providing an ARC of this book via Netgalley. 🥰 This does not affect my opinion regarding the book. #DonutSummer 🦇
Quotes 💬
Possibly I’d been clinging to my future imaginary world so hard that I’d missed the signs. That there are people who think I’m interesting already. Here. Now.
I have always wanted to catalog Mateo’s smiles. And The smile before they kiss me has to be the best one yet.
I just feel loved for being me.
“I prefer queer.” Mateo lifts a shoulder. “There’s nothing wrong with bi, or pan, or . . . I mean, I know people get real specific about their labels sometimes, but queer’s always felt more fluid to me. And if there’s anything I’m most closely aligned with, it’s being . . . not exactly one thing.”
What's your favorite type of donut?❓
Penny Dexter intends to start saving tuition money with the seasonal gig she lands at Delicious Donuts, one of the few remaining small businesses and a staple on Main Street. But when she finds out that her genderqueer nemesis, Mateo della Penna, will also be working behind the counter, Penny’s summer of mindless labor instantly vanishes before her eyes. Mateo is ridiculous and artsy, and their favorite kind of donut is Boston Crème (gross!). But the duo’s two-and-a-half-year feud will have to take a backseat when the donut shop is threatened by a corporate takeover. As their small town faces big pressure and anxiety threatens everything Penny’s worked for, there’s still one person who remains by her side. Mateo’s presence manages to keep Penny calm and focused. Could it be that Penny’s found the perfect, most infuriating person to change the world with? 🦇
Congratulations Anita Kelly on your Young Adult debut. I've been a long-time fan of their adult queer romances, but there is something ESPECIALLY sweet about Donut Summer (yes, slight pun mostly definitely intended). Let's break it down. 💜
Characters (4/5) Penny and Mateo are precious. It's obvious, very quickly, that there's a bit of miscommunication going on, which acts as an off-page catalyst for their enemies-to-lovers vibe. Kelly's characterization of Penny--of her anxiety, the way her brain works, her desire to make positive changes in the world--is SO strong. Penny doesn't just leap off the page; she's a familiar friend, a voice you already know and love and want to soothe, because if you've struggled with anxiety, you've heard that voice, too. And Mateo? Cutie baby. I just wanna squish their face and talk about their art and correct anyone who knowingly misgenders them. ✨
Plot and Pacing (4/5) The pacing is fairly consistent. I'm glad we didn't have to wait through the WHOLE book for the miscommunications to come to light. The waterfall scene and resulting conversation at the diner is everything. Everything. ✨
World-Building (4/5) I've been to Oregon once, but from the start of this book, it felt like I left the east coast and stepped right back into the forest. I think, for Kelly, this was a love letter to their hometown as much as a story's setting. ✨
Romance (5/5) All cuteness. Absolutely precious. No notes. I absolutely adored Penny navigating her queerness--starting with the term "bisexual," hearing Mateo's explanation, and recognizing that "queer" suits them even better. Because sexuality, and even our understanding (even our LABELING of it) can change, and that's beautiful. ✨
Tone/Prose (5/5) I adore when writers shift genres and find something new in their abilities as a result. However, many authors who shift from adult to YA often make their characters overly juvenile, and it shows in very adolescent prose. Kelly does NOT fall into this trap. The prose fits perfectly to the story, Penny's first-person narration realistically a teenager's voice without it ever feeling frustratingly immature. I know shifting genres can feel nerve-wracking for some writers, but the familiarity of Kelly's voice is still there, making for a flawless YA debut. ✨
Recommended for fans of Imogen, Obviously; Heartstopper; and Kween. 🦇
The Vibes ✨
Young Adult
Summer Vibes
Coming-of-Age
Mental Health Rep / Anxiety
Enemies to Friends to Lovers
First Person Single POV
Major thanks to the author and publisher for providing an ARC of this book via Netgalley. 🥰 This does not affect my opinion regarding the book. #DonutSummer 🦇
Quotes 💬
Possibly I’d been clinging to my future imaginary world so hard that I’d missed the signs. That there are people who think I’m interesting already. Here. Now.
I have always wanted to catalog Mateo’s smiles. And The smile before they kiss me has to be the best one yet.
I just feel loved for being me.
“I prefer queer.” Mateo lifts a shoulder. “There’s nothing wrong with bi, or pan, or . . . I mean, I know people get real specific about their labels sometimes, but queer’s always felt more fluid to me. And if there’s anything I’m most closely aligned with, it’s being . . . not exactly one thing.”
August 5, 2025
Thank you to Harlequin Audio for providing me an early copy of this audiobook. All opinions are my own.
I absolutely ADORED this one! 🥰
Penny is working at her town’s donut shop for the summer, trying to earn money for her college savings account. Unfortunately she discovers that Mateo, whom she has been feuding with over the past 2 years, is also working there for the summer…now they’ll work together to save their donut shop from corporate takeover.
My heart was with Penny throughout the book. She suffers from anxiety, and I was really feeling it along with her in certain sections. She has a lot going on at home, with younger (triplet) siblings, with one of her siblings dealing with health issues, her moms “secret” discussions about money, and one of her moms being absent a lot due to work.
Theo, also has stuff they’re dealing with at home, especially as a non-binary teen, and a dad who is less than supportive.
I loved seeing these two interact, whether bickering, flirting, or having deep conversations.
Because this story is told in single POV, we only get a peak inside Penny’s head, and we’re there with her as she’s trying to guess as to Mateo’s true feelings.
I thought this was a fantastic YA read, and will definitely be recommending it to my 12 year old daughter. (There is one convo about s3x between the two MCs, but I didn’t think it was anything my daughter couldn’t handle. She’s read/watched all of Heartstopper, and I would compare it to that level.)
Audiobook notes: Bailey Carr was absolutely amazing! All her voices were distinct, and I thought she did a fabulous job, especially with Penny’s inner voice, emotions, and anxiety attacks.
What this book is giving:
✅ YA Queer Romance
✅ Single POV
✅ Summer Job
✅ Between Sophomore and Junior Year
✅ Donut Shop
✅ Feuding to Lovers
✅ Non-binary MC
✅ Anxiety Rep
✅ “Heartstopper Leaves” 🥰
Rating:
⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️ / 5
I absolutely ADORED this one! 🥰
Penny is working at her town’s donut shop for the summer, trying to earn money for her college savings account. Unfortunately she discovers that Mateo, whom she has been feuding with over the past 2 years, is also working there for the summer…now they’ll work together to save their donut shop from corporate takeover.
My heart was with Penny throughout the book. She suffers from anxiety, and I was really feeling it along with her in certain sections. She has a lot going on at home, with younger (triplet) siblings, with one of her siblings dealing with health issues, her moms “secret” discussions about money, and one of her moms being absent a lot due to work.
Theo, also has stuff they’re dealing with at home, especially as a non-binary teen, and a dad who is less than supportive.
I loved seeing these two interact, whether bickering, flirting, or having deep conversations.
Because this story is told in single POV, we only get a peak inside Penny’s head, and we’re there with her as she’s trying to guess as to Mateo’s true feelings.
I thought this was a fantastic YA read, and will definitely be recommending it to my 12 year old daughter. (There is one convo about s3x between the two MCs, but I didn’t think it was anything my daughter couldn’t handle. She’s read/watched all of Heartstopper, and I would compare it to that level.)
Audiobook notes: Bailey Carr was absolutely amazing! All her voices were distinct, and I thought she did a fabulous job, especially with Penny’s inner voice, emotions, and anxiety attacks.
What this book is giving:
✅ YA Queer Romance
✅ Single POV
✅ Summer Job
✅ Between Sophomore and Junior Year
✅ Donut Shop
✅ Feuding to Lovers
✅ Non-binary MC
✅ Anxiety Rep
✅ “Heartstopper Leaves” 🥰
Rating:
⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️ / 5
July 18, 2025
I genuinely cannot believe nobody is talking about this book more because Anita Kelly can WRITE.
I’ve read several of Kelly’s books this year, each one even better than the last. Donut Summer is no exception. I fell in love with Penny from page one, her anxious and witty narrative voice. The way she has to take so much on to help with her younger siblings while simultaneously being overwhelmed by her looming future and what she wants to do and if she’ll even be able to achieve it.
Her rivalry with Mateo was fantastic. I loved seeing them grow closer as the book progressed, working through their miscommunication and misconceptions. Their budding romance was everything I wanted it to be — not too fast, not too slow, perfectly paced for the story.
While this book is about donuts and love, it also tackles so many heavy topics. Homophobia, especially homophobic parents. Climate change. Anxiety attacks. The death of small town Main Streets across America. The poignant, bittersweet moments of growing up and trying to handle real-world, adult-sized problems. But Kelly handles these topics delicately and thoughtfully, and even though there were plenty of times I teared up, there were plenty of times I felt like Kelly was giving me a hug through her words.
This book is the written equivalent of eating your favorite comfort food. I can’t wait to come back to it again and again ❤️
I’ve read several of Kelly’s books this year, each one even better than the last. Donut Summer is no exception. I fell in love with Penny from page one, her anxious and witty narrative voice. The way she has to take so much on to help with her younger siblings while simultaneously being overwhelmed by her looming future and what she wants to do and if she’ll even be able to achieve it.
Her rivalry with Mateo was fantastic. I loved seeing them grow closer as the book progressed, working through their miscommunication and misconceptions. Their budding romance was everything I wanted it to be — not too fast, not too slow, perfectly paced for the story.
While this book is about donuts and love, it also tackles so many heavy topics. Homophobia, especially homophobic parents. Climate change. Anxiety attacks. The death of small town Main Streets across America. The poignant, bittersweet moments of growing up and trying to handle real-world, adult-sized problems. But Kelly handles these topics delicately and thoughtfully, and even though there were plenty of times I teared up, there were plenty of times I felt like Kelly was giving me a hug through her words.
This book is the written equivalent of eating your favorite comfort food. I can’t wait to come back to it again and again ❤️
July 29, 2025
Anita Kelly makes the best characters with anxiety, and their YA debut was no exception! Penny is on summer break before her junior year of high school, and she can't help but try to save the donut shop she's working at when she learns that it might get sold. Mateo, a schoolmate and coworker, gets roped into her schemes despite the fact that Penny thinks they hate her. She's on a whirlwind tour of trying to save everything-the shop, friendships, her future, and her family.
Honestly Penny felt so relatable to my inner teen. She has so many hopes and aspirations, but life is life, and life gets in the way of so much. This is a case of a book that I wish I had had when I was younger, in how it dealt with anxiety, therapy, queerness, dreams, and relationships (platonic and familial and romantic, and boundaries in each). I loved these characters, and I didn't really want the book to end.
In conclusion, loved! Recommend especially for type-A or high-strung teens who need a little empathy and love, and for everyone who has every wanted to save something but felt like they didn't have the ability.
Thanks to Netgalley and Quill Tree Books for the e-ARC!
Honestly Penny felt so relatable to my inner teen. She has so many hopes and aspirations, but life is life, and life gets in the way of so much. This is a case of a book that I wish I had had when I was younger, in how it dealt with anxiety, therapy, queerness, dreams, and relationships (platonic and familial and romantic, and boundaries in each). I loved these characters, and I didn't really want the book to end.
In conclusion, loved! Recommend especially for type-A or high-strung teens who need a little empathy and love, and for everyone who has every wanted to save something but felt like they didn't have the ability.
Thanks to Netgalley and Quill Tree Books for the e-ARC!
July 15, 2025
Ahhhhhh!!!! I absolutely ADORED this one!! Penny and Mateo were SO sweet (donut pun intended) and seeing them grow as people discovering themselves and who they want to be in life was so heartwarming. The communication these two had was something high school me could only dream of hahaha. The non-binary representation with Mateo was perfection, and I loved how the conversation around gender and sexuality was handled, especially from a teen’s perspective— it is a young adult novel and that convo was perfectly suited for the level.
Mini spoilers but I loved the happy for now this book provided. Because you truly never know where life is going to take you after high school and into adulthood, but it is so important to not get too caught up in chasing the future.
Thank you to the publisher and NetGalley for the eARC!
Mini spoilers but I loved the happy for now this book provided. Because you truly never know where life is going to take you after high school and into adulthood, but it is so important to not get too caught up in chasing the future.
Thank you to the publisher and NetGalley for the eARC!
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
July 29, 2025
This book is a YA queer masterpiece full of real teenage issues, anxiety, angst, identity (nonbinary rep) and so much more.
Following the POV of Penny, a very anxious teen (with a great therapist), she gets a job for the summer to save for college after overhearing her moms talk about their financial troubles and medical issues with one of her younger siblings (triplets!). She gets a summer job at a donut store where her school nemesis, Mateo, is also working for the summer. They are artsy, cool, and Penny may be a little bit oblivious to the feelings she’s developing for them.
I loved watching both of these characters grow, have teenage struggles and setbacks and find support in so many different ways. This book filled me with a lot of joy and I definitely recommend picking it up if you are a fan of YA romances ❤️
Following the POV of Penny, a very anxious teen (with a great therapist), she gets a job for the summer to save for college after overhearing her moms talk about their financial troubles and medical issues with one of her younger siblings (triplets!). She gets a summer job at a donut store where her school nemesis, Mateo, is also working for the summer. They are artsy, cool, and Penny may be a little bit oblivious to the feelings she’s developing for them.
I loved watching both of these characters grow, have teenage struggles and setbacks and find support in so many different ways. This book filled me with a lot of joy and I definitely recommend picking it up if you are a fan of YA romances ❤️
April 8, 2025
I am calling it now - this will be the YA book of the summer!
Penny Dexter just landed a part-time summer job at Delicious Donuts to help save for college. The only problem? Their rival Mateo della Penna, who is most certainly not Penny’s friend, also started working at Delicious Donuts. Penny plans to keep her head down and save for her college fund, but life (and her job) forces her to interact with Mateo. Except, Mateo isn’t as bad as she thought and is willing to help Penny on her quest to save Delicious Donuts. As the summer progresses, Penny and Mateo forge a new relationship that slowly leads to something more.
Thank you to Anita Kelly for writing this book! I really enjoyed the story, the characters, the writing, really just everything! It was so refreshing to read a young adult novel where the characters felt like teenagers. It was very much coming of age, but also very raw, emotional, and full of heart.
I appreciated the vulnerability in Penny’s character, especially as she grappled with her anxieties about her family, college, high school, and the future. I loved how open her family was about mental health and encouraging they were to her as she learned to navigate her panic attacks. Additionally, I think a lot of young (and older) folks will find resonate with Mateo’s character and struggles with helping their family understand their identity.
I am so glad I get to experience a world where books like this exist! Catch this one out in July!
Many thanks to NetGalley and Quill Tree Books/HarperCollins for the ARC!
Penny Dexter just landed a part-time summer job at Delicious Donuts to help save for college. The only problem? Their rival Mateo della Penna, who is most certainly not Penny’s friend, also started working at Delicious Donuts. Penny plans to keep her head down and save for her college fund, but life (and her job) forces her to interact with Mateo. Except, Mateo isn’t as bad as she thought and is willing to help Penny on her quest to save Delicious Donuts. As the summer progresses, Penny and Mateo forge a new relationship that slowly leads to something more.
Thank you to Anita Kelly for writing this book! I really enjoyed the story, the characters, the writing, really just everything! It was so refreshing to read a young adult novel where the characters felt like teenagers. It was very much coming of age, but also very raw, emotional, and full of heart.
I appreciated the vulnerability in Penny’s character, especially as she grappled with her anxieties about her family, college, high school, and the future. I loved how open her family was about mental health and encouraging they were to her as she learned to navigate her panic attacks. Additionally, I think a lot of young (and older) folks will find resonate with Mateo’s character and struggles with helping their family understand their identity.
I am so glad I get to experience a world where books like this exist! Catch this one out in July!
Many thanks to NetGalley and Quill Tree Books/HarperCollins for the ARC!
September 4, 2025
Omg this book is SO sweet!!! Anita Kelly wrote a HUG! Rivals to lovers, Mateo and Penny are forced to spend the summer together at a donut shop. Overachiever that she is, Penny decides to try and SAVE the shop! Hopefully with a little help from Mateo…
Mateo was the sweetest artist and cute love interest. My heart went out to them with their issues with their family. Anita Kelly maneuvered their feelings about trying to escape and be themselves so gracefully.
Also, Penny! This type-A anxious girlie really was a wonderful perspective to be in for the novel. She had a heart of gold and tried so hard. Her anxiety was also so lived in and real. It was completely understandable that she’d been feeling all of her feelings. Overall, it was a quick read and made even better by how easy it was to love and invest in the characters. 🩷💜
Mateo was the sweetest artist and cute love interest. My heart went out to them with their issues with their family. Anita Kelly maneuvered their feelings about trying to escape and be themselves so gracefully.
Also, Penny! This type-A anxious girlie really was a wonderful perspective to be in for the novel. She had a heart of gold and tried so hard. Her anxiety was also so lived in and real. It was completely understandable that she’d been feeling all of her feelings. Overall, it was a quick read and made even better by how easy it was to love and invest in the characters. 🩷💜
June 30, 2025
Anita Kelly's YA debut novel: a queer romance about two teens who fall for each other while trying to save the local donut shop where they’re working for the Summer.
"Pretty, and cute and funny." ❤️
Small town feelings meets a modern twist on a 4.0 queer student who has to do it all, but does not have it all together. Plus I NEED to hug every character 😭 they deserve the world. It's a fun, refreshing Summer read; definitely a hit! Would recommend to other Anita Kelly fans.
"Pretty, and cute and funny." ❤️
Small town feelings meets a modern twist on a 4.0 queer student who has to do it all, but does not have it all together. Plus I NEED to hug every character 😭 they deserve the world. It's a fun, refreshing Summer read; definitely a hit! Would recommend to other Anita Kelly fans.
October 25, 2025
Content warnings: panic attacks, transphobia, gaslighting
This was extremely charming and I really liked the characters and the dynamic between them. This made me want to eat at least a dozen doughnuts every single time I picked it up. I did find the story a little on the slow side compared to Kelly's adult works, but I still had a lovely time with this story.
This was extremely charming and I really liked the characters and the dynamic between them. This made me want to eat at least a dozen doughnuts every single time I picked it up. I did find the story a little on the slow side compared to Kelly's adult works, but I still had a lovely time with this story.
abandoned
August 3, 2025DNF @ 20%
This book just felt a bit too frenetic and a bit too young for me to really enjoy. The tropes are well work enough that nothing was really making me curious, and the writing didn't click for me.
This book just felt a bit too frenetic and a bit too young for me to really enjoy. The tropes are well work enough that nothing was really making me curious, and the writing didn't click for me.
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