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Try Your Worst
I Kissed Shara Wheeler meets The Agathas in this cozy mystery about rivals who must find out who has been framing them for crimes they didn't commit, from Stonewall Honor-winning author Chatham Greenfield.
Sadie Katz and Cleo Chapman have been rivals since birth. Literally. They entered the world competing to be the first baby born in the new year, and ever since Cleo beat out Sadie for that title, she has been nonchalantly beating Sadie at just about everything--and making it look easy.
Now in the fall of their senior year, Sadie and Cleo are neck-and-neck for valedictorian. But then a string of increasingly serious pranks take over their high school, and all signs point to Sadie and Cleo as the perpetrators. Suddenly expulsion is on the line, and the only way to clear their names is to team up and find out who is framing them. It's not only suspects the girls are questioning, though. Sadie's ivy league dream isn't feeling as appealing as it once did, and Cleo is wondering if it's about time she start fighting for what she really wants instead of just accepting whatever comes easiest. With their futures on the line, the two grow closer, and both begin to Could it be that Sadie and Cleo weren't meant to be rivals at all, and were instead destined to be something more?
Sadie Katz and Cleo Chapman have been rivals since birth. Literally. They entered the world competing to be the first baby born in the new year, and ever since Cleo beat out Sadie for that title, she has been nonchalantly beating Sadie at just about everything--and making it look easy.
Now in the fall of their senior year, Sadie and Cleo are neck-and-neck for valedictorian. But then a string of increasingly serious pranks take over their high school, and all signs point to Sadie and Cleo as the perpetrators. Suddenly expulsion is on the line, and the only way to clear their names is to team up and find out who is framing them. It's not only suspects the girls are questioning, though. Sadie's ivy league dream isn't feeling as appealing as it once did, and Cleo is wondering if it's about time she start fighting for what she really wants instead of just accepting whatever comes easiest. With their futures on the line, the two grow closer, and both begin to Could it be that Sadie and Cleo weren't meant to be rivals at all, and were instead destined to be something more?
311 pages, Kindle Edition
Published September 23, 2025
About the author
Chatham Greenfield
3 books122 followersChatham Greenfield is an award winning author and romance enthusiast. Their debut novel, TIME AND TIME AGAIN, received a Stonewall Honor Award, was named a best queer book of the year by Autostraddle, and was a LitUp by Reese’s Book Club pick. Their second novel, TRY YOUR WORST, comes out September 2025 and their third novel, LIKE A LADY, comes out early 2027.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 59 reviews
July 13, 2025
3.75*
i looove rivals to lovers and this was amazing! i wish it was longer though because i felt like the end wrapped up too quickly but overall i really enjoyed myself
i looove rivals to lovers and this was amazing! i wish it was longer though because i felt like the end wrapped up too quickly but overall i really enjoyed myself
October 7, 2025
I knew I was gonna like this purely based on the authors debut and this fantastically fat cover and I was right. I did love it.
please world give me more books with significantly fat main characters and love interests. I want all the fat characters and all the fat romance.
anyway, this is a rivals to lovers situation where these two girls were born a day apart and have essentially been rivals since birth and constantly competing for the same thing at all stages of their lives. this book takes place their senior and when one of their prank goes too far, they end up teaming up to figure out who is truly playing the pranks on them that are jeopardizing their future.
I really loved both Cleo and Sadie and I like that they are different enough to know who is who and this book uses two narrators for a dual POV which is my personal preference, especially for same gender relationships.
another part of this book that I really enjoyed was that like mystery crime-solving element to it. there's someone who is playing these severe pranks on them and they're getting in trouble for it and are potentially going to lose their valedictorian/ salutatorian status as well as college acceptances, etc. I personally did not know who was behind all of that until it was revealed. I think that that is a really difficult thing to do in a book, especially in like a contemporary book. so kudos for that.
this book also has additional representation beyond fat representation. there is depression rep and hypermobile rep. both of these girls have a different disability and it affects them each differently. both disabilities are invisible disabilities so while outside people may not be able to see them. they are still constantly dealing with it and having to explain why things are different for them and why their brains and bodies work differently
overall, this is definitely one that I will read again and look forward to reading it and seeing if I can actually spot any hints where it gives away who the culprit is. I would have loved to see a little bit more of the actual relationship with these two, but I also really enjoyed the realistic ending to leaving some of that unknown. it is a happy for now where they are together but moving forward in their lives.
last but not least because I didn't explicitly say it enough, the fat representation with a capital f is phenomenal. it's so clear that this was written by a fat person and who understands what it's like living in a fat body. I also will never get enough of romance books where fat people are loved and appreciated and attractive to others. like fat people are hot and the world would be better if society would just recognize that.
lesbian MCs
please world give me more books with significantly fat main characters and love interests. I want all the fat characters and all the fat romance.
anyway, this is a rivals to lovers situation where these two girls were born a day apart and have essentially been rivals since birth and constantly competing for the same thing at all stages of their lives. this book takes place their senior and when one of their prank goes too far, they end up teaming up to figure out who is truly playing the pranks on them that are jeopardizing their future.
I really loved both Cleo and Sadie and I like that they are different enough to know who is who and this book uses two narrators for a dual POV which is my personal preference, especially for same gender relationships.
another part of this book that I really enjoyed was that like mystery crime-solving element to it. there's someone who is playing these severe pranks on them and they're getting in trouble for it and are potentially going to lose their valedictorian/ salutatorian status as well as college acceptances, etc. I personally did not know who was behind all of that until it was revealed. I think that that is a really difficult thing to do in a book, especially in like a contemporary book. so kudos for that.
this book also has additional representation beyond fat representation. there is depression rep and hypermobile rep. both of these girls have a different disability and it affects them each differently. both disabilities are invisible disabilities so while outside people may not be able to see them. they are still constantly dealing with it and having to explain why things are different for them and why their brains and bodies work differently
overall, this is definitely one that I will read again and look forward to reading it and seeing if I can actually spot any hints where it gives away who the culprit is. I would have loved to see a little bit more of the actual relationship with these two, but I also really enjoyed the realistic ending to leaving some of that unknown. it is a happy for now where they are together but moving forward in their lives.
last but not least because I didn't explicitly say it enough, the fat representation with a capital f is phenomenal. it's so clear that this was written by a fat person and who understands what it's like living in a fat body. I also will never get enough of romance books where fat people are loved and appreciated and attractive to others. like fat people are hot and the world would be better if society would just recognize that.
lesbian MCs
April 23, 2026
Content warnings: depression, toxic parents, accidental medication withdrawal, fatphobia, suicidal ideation.
Rep: Sadie (MC) is cis, white, lesbian, fat, and has depression. Cleo (MC) is cis, white, butch, lesbian, fat, and has hypermobile joints. Side queer and BIPOC characters.
This is the second novel from Chatham Greenfield, and she has solidified herself as one of my absolute favourite authors. I adored this one.
The plot was fantastic, the mystery exciting, the characters wonderful and so very real.
The word lesbian was actually used ON PAGE, which we love.
This is also a les4les book, which is SO rare in YA books.
Just everything about this I loved so much.
Rep: Sadie (MC) is cis, white, lesbian, fat, and has depression. Cleo (MC) is cis, white, butch, lesbian, fat, and has hypermobile joints. Side queer and BIPOC characters.
This is the second novel from Chatham Greenfield, and she has solidified herself as one of my absolute favourite authors. I adored this one.
The plot was fantastic, the mystery exciting, the characters wonderful and so very real.
The word lesbian was actually used ON PAGE, which we love.
This is also a les4les book, which is SO rare in YA books.
Just everything about this I loved so much.
October 9, 2025
I clocked who the one pulling the “pranks” was almost immediately, and the ending happened so fast it gave me whiplash, bUT IT WAS A CUTESY READ!!! Cute characters! Cute concept! As a depressed lesbian, I love seeing representation lmao!!!
June 3, 2026
4.75 stars rounded up. This is a cozy and sweet sapphic YA romance mystery about two rivals who end up working together to discover who has been framing them & threatening their college dreams.
I loved this story! While I figured out the culprit fairly early, this book still kept be hanging onto every word. Both Sadie and Cleo are so lovable in such different ways & watching them come together had be squealing and kicking my feet. The story blends the mystery and romance with the internal struggles faced by both girls as they try to discover who they’ll be after high school.
Aside from an adorable sapphic romance, this story has fat representation, Jewish representation, and mental health representation that is written with such care and intentionality. This is such a powerful book for any teen readers who struggle with balancing their own desires over the expectations of others. But it’s also just a super fun mystery and cute romance. This story has allllll the things.
I loved this story! While I figured out the culprit fairly early, this book still kept be hanging onto every word. Both Sadie and Cleo are so lovable in such different ways & watching them come together had be squealing and kicking my feet. The story blends the mystery and romance with the internal struggles faced by both girls as they try to discover who they’ll be after high school.
Aside from an adorable sapphic romance, this story has fat representation, Jewish representation, and mental health representation that is written with such care and intentionality. This is such a powerful book for any teen readers who struggle with balancing their own desires over the expectations of others. But it’s also just a super fun mystery and cute romance. This story has allllll the things.
October 30, 2025
PREDICTABLE
November 18, 2025
HELLO??????? I WILL rave about this book to anyone and everyone who happens to come across my path.... Holy fuck was that a good romcom. Predictable? Oh, 100%, but man was I kicking my feet every single time and did I feel every single emotion that was to be felt with this one. I love lesbians and this isn't an exception.
I have had two big episodes of depression in my life and I felt very VERY connected to Sadie in so many ways it's scary. I was talking with my therapist yesterday and this quote just hit me real hard after that talk: "It's not that I don't think I can do it. It's that I don't want to hurt myself in the process."
Also, that author's note....... wow. "Maybe she'll be so busy living that she'll forget, at least momentarily, that there was ever a time she wanted to stop." I really wish middle school me had had this book. She wouldn't understand it fully, but I just truly wish something stuck with her out of it. Beautiful beautiful book, so precious to me.
I have had two big episodes of depression in my life and I felt very VERY connected to Sadie in so many ways it's scary. I was talking with my therapist yesterday and this quote just hit me real hard after that talk: "It's not that I don't think I can do it. It's that I don't want to hurt myself in the process."
Also, that author's note....... wow. "Maybe she'll be so busy living that she'll forget, at least momentarily, that there was ever a time she wanted to stop." I really wish middle school me had had this book. She wouldn't understand it fully, but I just truly wish something stuck with her out of it. Beautiful beautiful book, so precious to me.
June 12, 2026
I'm not crying, you're crying 😭. This was so good and the characters felt so real. Sadie and Cleo deserve the entire world.
This story was so much more than just good representation - a lower stakes rivals to lovers narrative that was just a joy to read. The exploration of mental illness was deeply relatable. I appreciate the way school, teachers, and other relationships are handled as well. It's also a nice bonus that this book is not about coming out, and treats its characters as dynamic, multidimensional teenagers. What a treat to have a story featuring fat lesbian characters, disability, mental illness, and chronic pain, without feeling like any of it was forced. Treating these types of people as desirable rather than pitiable, is so refreshing and a great reflection of real life.
This story was so much more than just good representation - a lower stakes rivals to lovers narrative that was just a joy to read. The exploration of mental illness was deeply relatable. I appreciate the way school, teachers, and other relationships are handled as well. It's also a nice bonus that this book is not about coming out, and treats its characters as dynamic, multidimensional teenagers. What a treat to have a story featuring fat lesbian characters, disability, mental illness, and chronic pain, without feeling like any of it was forced. Treating these types of people as desirable rather than pitiable, is so refreshing and a great reflection of real life.
December 28, 2025
thanks to NetGalley for the eARC
⭐️=2 | 😘=1 | 🤬=3.5 | 14+
summary: sapphic rivals-to-lovers high school romance but they’re solving a mystery because someone is trying to sabotage their high school careers and they don’t know who
thoughts: so. I thought the final twist/resolution of the mystery plot was bleh and corny and not a good kind of corny, just a cringe kind with a half-baked villain motive. but I did like that one of the girls had a giant crush on the other one from page one! that’s always fun, huzzah for sapphic yearning, etc. anyways. not my fav. but this author’s debut was really good, so I might still check them out in the future!
⭐️=2 | 😘=1 | 🤬=3.5 | 14+
summary: sapphic rivals-to-lovers high school romance but they’re solving a mystery because someone is trying to sabotage their high school careers and they don’t know who
thoughts: so. I thought the final twist/resolution of the mystery plot was bleh and corny and not a good kind of corny, just a cringe kind with a half-baked villain motive. but I did like that one of the girls had a giant crush on the other one from page one! that’s always fun, huzzah for sapphic yearning, etc. anyways. not my fav. but this author’s debut was really good, so I might still check them out in the future!
Read
December 31, 2025I loved Greenfield's debut and was so excited for this one! Sadly it didn't quite hit the mark for me-- I enjoyed the romance but ultimately felt that the dual POVs were hard to distinguish from each other, and the "mystery" lacked a sense of urgency or a satisfying conclusion. Overall, still a fun read that I'll recommend but not my favorite.
October 17, 2025
the prank plotline was just okay but everything else in this book was cute and fun! i liked all the different types of rep and the characters were great!
December 19, 2025
Yesss! Chatham has become an auto read author for me for sure. Give me more fat queer love stories like this PLEASE!
July 26, 2026
- [ ] Very interesting. Cleo doesn’t have any semblance of hate for Sadie at all. I thought she would at least not like her a little bit, but no, she just does all those things by accident. (Page 14)
- [ ] In my own personal opinion, Sadie is WAY overthinking this whole thing. Cleo’s face after seeing the pig 🐖 on her locker should be a very important telltale sign that she didn’t slash Sadie’s tire because she’s having bad things done to her too 🛞 (Page 41) I think Sadie’s anxiety (and maybe depression) might be making her feelings about this a lot worse than they need to be.
- [ ] I thought that the reason for the hand that Cleo has on her neck on the cover had to do with her being nervous, but it turns out that after an accident, she just has chronic whiplash. The more you know, I guess. (Page 29)
- [ ] The “hands off my hands” joke definitely made me smile; I can see why Cleo and her friends thought it was funny. (Page 48) I also think it’s very interesting that as far as I know, only Sadie and Cleo themselves know that the hands that Cleo posts really are “just hands” with no other meanings — secret or not —attached to them.
- [ ] At the moment, I’m having a bit of a tough time trying to get a complete read on Sadie’s mom and friend Mel. Actually, I think Sadie’s mom is kind of discouraging her feud with Cleo more, but Mel is the one that’s a bit harder to read. Is she secretly not liking Cleo just to go along with Sadie because Sadie hates her, or does she really not like her? I’m honestly not sure what the answer is.
- [ ] I LOVE that the story takes place in St. Augustine, Florida, since I was just there not long ago!! I do want to keep imagining that it takes place in Massachusetts or something despite this, though; I don’t know why.
- [ ] After seeing Sadie’s mom kind of discouraging the feud between her and Cleo a bit, I am really wondering now whether or not the girls’ moms hate each other too. I mean, of course they were both competing for the title of “give birth to the first baby of the New Year”, but other than that, they did meet in a Lamaze class, so did they instantly get competitive with each other when they met? Or did they talk a bit, seeing that they had stuff in common, but hate each other after the babies were born because only one of them got the title? OR, did Sadie’s mom get pressured into competing with Cleo’s mom for the title from the beginning??? (Page 45)
- [ ] I love Cleo’s description of Sadie looking like a bunny rabbit when she scrunches her nose; it’s so cute!! (Page 52)
- [ ] Great Quote: “Wonderful. Let’s all quietly enjoy watching children pretend they’re on Good Morning America, then.” I LOVE this quote especially because part of it is supposed to be said dryly, I think. Very funny. (Page 52)
- [ ] Both characters are fictional in this book, I know, but I will continue to think that they have good taste purely based on their “Sound of Music” references. I LOVE that movie so much myself!!! And of course, the book’s author has good taste too, because she mentioned that movie in her book, but I do have to wonder: how much — and who — did she have to pay in order to freely mention it? (Page 55) (Also, it makes me feel GREAT to know that Sadie loves the Nazi flag-ripping scene as much as I do. The fact that the Baron is strong enough to do that at all…damn🥵🥵🥵.)
- [ ] Ooohhh…I LOVE when Sadie describes Buzz sitting at the table with Cleo, what they were doing at the table, and how she felt seeing that. It gives me such chills. Especially the “…want that consumed…” her quote?…phew!! 😱🥵 (Page 56)
- [ ] Physically, other than their same heights and weights, Sadie and Cleo are very different. Sadie has glasses and longer, curley, brown hair, while Cleo has no glasses and shorter, straighter, brassier blonde(ish) hair. (In any case, Sadie has a much darker shade to her hair than Cleo does.) Personality-wise, they are definitely very different: Sadie is more on the Type-A, nervous side, while Cleo is the more laid-back, go-with-the-flow kind of person – although there does seem to be some semblance of anxiety in Cleo too. A good example of this is when Cleo talks about how she only makes things worse when she tries to normally talk to Sadie. Granted, this is also because of the crush she has on her, but at the same time, some nervousness or anxiety does come with that. And I think Cleo’s anxiety also comes from wanting to please people around her so badly too – I should know.
- [ ] Cleo’s whole inner monologue when she was thinking about Sadie calling her “charming” sounded a bit smug to me, like she liked when that happened (which, I’m sure she very much did). (Page 64) I’m sure she was also excited when looking back on it; I don’t think Sadie has ever really been the type to let her guard down in front of just anyone – much like Cleo (and me).
- [ ] I found Sadie’s description of the “butterflies” she gets when Cleo cleans the wall vandalism off instead of going to the principle and saying that she did it to be so adorable: “She could have taken the out, run screaming to Mr. Simmons’s office, and pinned the blame on me. She didn’t have to save me – but she did anyway. The realization makes something soft, warm roll over in my stomach.” (Page 71)
- [ ] Based on what has happened in this book so far, I think it’s safe to say that both Sadie and Cleo have at least some amount of pride in them (and not just the gay kind). Good examples of this include the scene where Cleo points out that Sadie was having a panic attack (but not in those exact words) and Sadie got defensive: “‘Thanks for taking care of it.’ ‘Yeah, no problem. I knew you couldn’t, so…’ ‘Excuse me?’ I bristle. It lands like an insult, even if it’s true. Just like that, the fuzzy feeling is gone.” (Page 71)
- [ ] Good God, I can’t believe that things like the really fat guy with the missing head are still displayed in places (if they are anymore). It’s so awful. And of course, I wouldn’t completely understand the pain of seeing something like that, but I do think that it shouldn’t exist at all ever. Like, seriously; move with the times, people! (Pages 101 & 102)
- [ ] Great Quote: “She smiles softly, and in this moment, I know I’m done for. There’s no getting rid of this crush, no shaking it. I just sit there, staring at her, in awe of how hard I’ve fallen, how incapable I am of getting back up.” (Page 111) So well-written, I swear I almost cried.
- [ ] Great Quote: “Maybe, after all this time, I’ve been mistaking jealousy for hatred. It’s hard for me to admit, even to myself, but I wish I was more like her. No Norma person can find beauty at Ripley’s of all places. She has this childlike wonder that I would love to absorb even a fraction of.” (Page 114) Again, so well-written!!
- [ ] The “Ripley’s?” “Believe it or not, yeah” joke made me start giggling out loud…I love it😂😂😁 (Page 115) I also really loved the “non-Jewish Adam Sandler” joke! (Page 118)
- [ ] Great Quote: “Half the time when Ms. Samuel asks a question, no one answers. The silence is awkward and it’s because of you. Because you’re not here.” (Page 130) It totally shows just how much Cleo loves Sadie and missed her while she was away!!
- [ ] Oh NO, OH FUCK!! CLEO!!!! WHY DID YOU TELL SADIE THAT YOU VANDALIZED HER LOCKER; SHE WAS GOING TO KISS YOU!!! DAMN IT!!! (Page 133)
- [ ] Damn…Sadie not taking her medicine properly is coming back to bite her in the ass. Yikes 😳 I’m so glad that Cleo finally noticed it and took her out of school so she could rest! And I also love the little conversation they have where Sadie finally reveals to Cleo her “big secret” — and was crying about Cleo possibly using it against her. (Pages 157-159)
- [ ] I didn’t really think about this too deeply before, but…Bria does look and seem to be very suspicious. I’m glad that her and Cleo had their conversation too, where she either admits to Cleo that she drew the pigs, or Cleo guesses about it. Honestly, even thought they are close, Cleo did really need to hear that, either way. (Pages 165-166)
- [ ] I love the fact that part of the book (after a specific chapter) is all texts, emails, voice transcripts, and typed-out papers! I don’t know why, but I do. I always have. (Pages 265-269)
- [ ] Cleo defending Sadie when they were both called into the principle’s office for plagiarism was so awesome and sweet! But Sadie trying to take the blame so Cleo’s mom wouldn’t hate her is sweet in its own way as well. (Pages 257-259)
- [ ] I LOVE Sadie’s mom, especially on pages 276 & 277; she’s so supportive of Sadie doing anything she might want to do and possibly not necessarily going to Tufts University, even though she got in. Way better than Cleo’s mom is, by a LANDSLIDE.
- [ ] Oh, HELL to the FUCK no. Now I think that Mel was the one who said that the “security cameras are broken” — and was one of the people behind all those pranks, if not THE person!!! But why?? There’s no reason for it; Sadie and Mel are friends and have been for a long time!! Maybe it was jealousy? Something Sadie has that she doesn’t, so she had the plan of ruining her life because of it? (Pages 283 - 285)
- [ ] [Update: In reality, it was because Mel thought that Cleo was going to get the school valedictorian spot over Sadie, even though she didn’t deserve it, and all of those pranks were basically ways to get Cleo suspended so Sadie would more easily get that top spot. (Pages 288 - 292)]
- [ ] I adore the implied happy ending so much!!! It is also definitely more realistic than any Disney-fied, fairy-tale ending, which is more than enough for me. Sadie and Cleo were such relatable, awesome characters!! Them slowly realizing that they love each other was so cute to witness.
- [ ] I appreciate the reference to the Glee Cast version of Katy Perry’s “Teenage Dream” in the acknowledgments; I, too, like that cover a lot. (Page 306)
- [ ] In my own personal opinion, Sadie is WAY overthinking this whole thing. Cleo’s face after seeing the pig 🐖 on her locker should be a very important telltale sign that she didn’t slash Sadie’s tire because she’s having bad things done to her too 🛞 (Page 41) I think Sadie’s anxiety (and maybe depression) might be making her feelings about this a lot worse than they need to be.
- [ ] I thought that the reason for the hand that Cleo has on her neck on the cover had to do with her being nervous, but it turns out that after an accident, she just has chronic whiplash. The more you know, I guess. (Page 29)
- [ ] The “hands off my hands” joke definitely made me smile; I can see why Cleo and her friends thought it was funny. (Page 48) I also think it’s very interesting that as far as I know, only Sadie and Cleo themselves know that the hands that Cleo posts really are “just hands” with no other meanings — secret or not —attached to them.
- [ ] At the moment, I’m having a bit of a tough time trying to get a complete read on Sadie’s mom and friend Mel. Actually, I think Sadie’s mom is kind of discouraging her feud with Cleo more, but Mel is the one that’s a bit harder to read. Is she secretly not liking Cleo just to go along with Sadie because Sadie hates her, or does she really not like her? I’m honestly not sure what the answer is.
- [ ] I LOVE that the story takes place in St. Augustine, Florida, since I was just there not long ago!! I do want to keep imagining that it takes place in Massachusetts or something despite this, though; I don’t know why.
- [ ] After seeing Sadie’s mom kind of discouraging the feud between her and Cleo a bit, I am really wondering now whether or not the girls’ moms hate each other too. I mean, of course they were both competing for the title of “give birth to the first baby of the New Year”, but other than that, they did meet in a Lamaze class, so did they instantly get competitive with each other when they met? Or did they talk a bit, seeing that they had stuff in common, but hate each other after the babies were born because only one of them got the title? OR, did Sadie’s mom get pressured into competing with Cleo’s mom for the title from the beginning??? (Page 45)
- [ ] I love Cleo’s description of Sadie looking like a bunny rabbit when she scrunches her nose; it’s so cute!! (Page 52)
- [ ] Great Quote: “Wonderful. Let’s all quietly enjoy watching children pretend they’re on Good Morning America, then.” I LOVE this quote especially because part of it is supposed to be said dryly, I think. Very funny. (Page 52)
- [ ] Both characters are fictional in this book, I know, but I will continue to think that they have good taste purely based on their “Sound of Music” references. I LOVE that movie so much myself!!! And of course, the book’s author has good taste too, because she mentioned that movie in her book, but I do have to wonder: how much — and who — did she have to pay in order to freely mention it? (Page 55) (Also, it makes me feel GREAT to know that Sadie loves the Nazi flag-ripping scene as much as I do. The fact that the Baron is strong enough to do that at all…damn🥵🥵🥵.)
- [ ] Ooohhh…I LOVE when Sadie describes Buzz sitting at the table with Cleo, what they were doing at the table, and how she felt seeing that. It gives me such chills. Especially the “…want that consumed…” her quote?…phew!! 😱🥵 (Page 56)
- [ ] Physically, other than their same heights and weights, Sadie and Cleo are very different. Sadie has glasses and longer, curley, brown hair, while Cleo has no glasses and shorter, straighter, brassier blonde(ish) hair. (In any case, Sadie has a much darker shade to her hair than Cleo does.) Personality-wise, they are definitely very different: Sadie is more on the Type-A, nervous side, while Cleo is the more laid-back, go-with-the-flow kind of person – although there does seem to be some semblance of anxiety in Cleo too. A good example of this is when Cleo talks about how she only makes things worse when she tries to normally talk to Sadie. Granted, this is also because of the crush she has on her, but at the same time, some nervousness or anxiety does come with that. And I think Cleo’s anxiety also comes from wanting to please people around her so badly too – I should know.
- [ ] Cleo’s whole inner monologue when she was thinking about Sadie calling her “charming” sounded a bit smug to me, like she liked when that happened (which, I’m sure she very much did). (Page 64) I’m sure she was also excited when looking back on it; I don’t think Sadie has ever really been the type to let her guard down in front of just anyone – much like Cleo (and me).
- [ ] I found Sadie’s description of the “butterflies” she gets when Cleo cleans the wall vandalism off instead of going to the principle and saying that she did it to be so adorable: “She could have taken the out, run screaming to Mr. Simmons’s office, and pinned the blame on me. She didn’t have to save me – but she did anyway. The realization makes something soft, warm roll over in my stomach.” (Page 71)
- [ ] Based on what has happened in this book so far, I think it’s safe to say that both Sadie and Cleo have at least some amount of pride in them (and not just the gay kind). Good examples of this include the scene where Cleo points out that Sadie was having a panic attack (but not in those exact words) and Sadie got defensive: “‘Thanks for taking care of it.’ ‘Yeah, no problem. I knew you couldn’t, so…’ ‘Excuse me?’ I bristle. It lands like an insult, even if it’s true. Just like that, the fuzzy feeling is gone.” (Page 71)
- [ ] Good God, I can’t believe that things like the really fat guy with the missing head are still displayed in places (if they are anymore). It’s so awful. And of course, I wouldn’t completely understand the pain of seeing something like that, but I do think that it shouldn’t exist at all ever. Like, seriously; move with the times, people! (Pages 101 & 102)
- [ ] Great Quote: “She smiles softly, and in this moment, I know I’m done for. There’s no getting rid of this crush, no shaking it. I just sit there, staring at her, in awe of how hard I’ve fallen, how incapable I am of getting back up.” (Page 111) So well-written, I swear I almost cried.
- [ ] Great Quote: “Maybe, after all this time, I’ve been mistaking jealousy for hatred. It’s hard for me to admit, even to myself, but I wish I was more like her. No Norma person can find beauty at Ripley’s of all places. She has this childlike wonder that I would love to absorb even a fraction of.” (Page 114) Again, so well-written!!
- [ ] The “Ripley’s?” “Believe it or not, yeah” joke made me start giggling out loud…I love it😂😂😁 (Page 115) I also really loved the “non-Jewish Adam Sandler” joke! (Page 118)
- [ ] Great Quote: “Half the time when Ms. Samuel asks a question, no one answers. The silence is awkward and it’s because of you. Because you’re not here.” (Page 130) It totally shows just how much Cleo loves Sadie and missed her while she was away!!
- [ ] Oh NO, OH FUCK!! CLEO!!!! WHY DID YOU TELL SADIE THAT YOU VANDALIZED HER LOCKER; SHE WAS GOING TO KISS YOU!!! DAMN IT!!! (Page 133)
- [ ] Damn…Sadie not taking her medicine properly is coming back to bite her in the ass. Yikes 😳 I’m so glad that Cleo finally noticed it and took her out of school so she could rest! And I also love the little conversation they have where Sadie finally reveals to Cleo her “big secret” — and was crying about Cleo possibly using it against her. (Pages 157-159)
- [ ] I didn’t really think about this too deeply before, but…Bria does look and seem to be very suspicious. I’m glad that her and Cleo had their conversation too, where she either admits to Cleo that she drew the pigs, or Cleo guesses about it. Honestly, even thought they are close, Cleo did really need to hear that, either way. (Pages 165-166)
- [ ] I love the fact that part of the book (after a specific chapter) is all texts, emails, voice transcripts, and typed-out papers! I don’t know why, but I do. I always have. (Pages 265-269)
- [ ] Cleo defending Sadie when they were both called into the principle’s office for plagiarism was so awesome and sweet! But Sadie trying to take the blame so Cleo’s mom wouldn’t hate her is sweet in its own way as well. (Pages 257-259)
- [ ] I LOVE Sadie’s mom, especially on pages 276 & 277; she’s so supportive of Sadie doing anything she might want to do and possibly not necessarily going to Tufts University, even though she got in. Way better than Cleo’s mom is, by a LANDSLIDE.
- [ ] Oh, HELL to the FUCK no. Now I think that Mel was the one who said that the “security cameras are broken” — and was one of the people behind all those pranks, if not THE person!!! But why?? There’s no reason for it; Sadie and Mel are friends and have been for a long time!! Maybe it was jealousy? Something Sadie has that she doesn’t, so she had the plan of ruining her life because of it? (Pages 283 - 285)
- [ ] [Update: In reality, it was because Mel thought that Cleo was going to get the school valedictorian spot over Sadie, even though she didn’t deserve it, and all of those pranks were basically ways to get Cleo suspended so Sadie would more easily get that top spot. (Pages 288 - 292)]
- [ ] I adore the implied happy ending so much!!! It is also definitely more realistic than any Disney-fied, fairy-tale ending, which is more than enough for me. Sadie and Cleo were such relatable, awesome characters!! Them slowly realizing that they love each other was so cute to witness.
- [ ] I appreciate the reference to the Glee Cast version of Katy Perry’s “Teenage Dream” in the acknowledgments; I, too, like that cover a lot. (Page 306)
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
Want to Read
February 11, 2025""I Kissed Shara Wheeler meets The Agathas in this cozy mystery about two rivals forced to team up to figure out who is framing them for crimes they didn't commit.
September 26, 2025
To see a full reivew check it out here.
How did Greenfield manage to become a top author for me in ONLY two books?
How did Greenfield manage to become a top author for me in ONLY two books?
May 15, 2025
Actual Rating: 4.5 Stars
Thank you to NetGalley and Bloomsbury YA for providing me with an eARC in exchange for an honest review! This comes out September 23rd.
Sadie and Cleo have been rivals since birth. It’s the fall of their senior year and they are neck-and-neck for valedictorian when a string of increasingly serious pranks take over their school, the perpetrator deliberately setting up Sadie and Cleo to take the fall. With expulsion on the line, Sadie and Cleo team up to investigate who the true culprit is. The two grow closer and wonder if they are really destined to be rivals.
This was such a fun, sweet romance and mystery. I loved both Cleo and Sadie so much. The characterization is excellent - they truly do feel like people you could meet. I loved how this is a story about two lesbians confident in their identities. Cleo, specifically, is referred to and refers to herself as a butch multiple times. While stories about figuring out your sexual and romantic orientations definitely have their place it’s always refreshing to read a story where the characters’ orientations are still important but do not define them.
The other aspects of their identities are also important but not character-defining. The depiction of Sadie’s depression was excellent. I have been in Sadie’s shoes and it all felt so raw and authentic.I can’t speak personally to the Jewish and chronic pain representation but I loved their inclusion and I could tell they were also done with care.
I can see some people wishing the ending had more loose ends wrapped up but I loved that it ended with some things still up in the air - it feels true to life when you’re a teenager with a whole life ahead of you.
This book has cemented Greenfield as a must-read author for me. I can’t wait to see what they write next!
Thank you to NetGalley and Bloomsbury YA for providing me with an eARC in exchange for an honest review! This comes out September 23rd.
Sadie and Cleo have been rivals since birth. It’s the fall of their senior year and they are neck-and-neck for valedictorian when a string of increasingly serious pranks take over their school, the perpetrator deliberately setting up Sadie and Cleo to take the fall. With expulsion on the line, Sadie and Cleo team up to investigate who the true culprit is. The two grow closer and wonder if they are really destined to be rivals.
This was such a fun, sweet romance and mystery. I loved both Cleo and Sadie so much. The characterization is excellent - they truly do feel like people you could meet. I loved how this is a story about two lesbians confident in their identities. Cleo, specifically, is referred to and refers to herself as a butch multiple times. While stories about figuring out your sexual and romantic orientations definitely have their place it’s always refreshing to read a story where the characters’ orientations are still important but do not define them.
The other aspects of their identities are also important but not character-defining. The depiction of Sadie’s depression was excellent. I have been in Sadie’s shoes and it all felt so raw and authentic.I can’t speak personally to the Jewish and chronic pain representation but I loved their inclusion and I could tell they were also done with care.
I can see some people wishing the ending had more loose ends wrapped up but I loved that it ended with some things still up in the air - it feels true to life when you’re a teenager with a whole life ahead of you.
This book has cemented Greenfield as a must-read author for me. I can’t wait to see what they write next!
November 29, 2025
"Even if we're fated to be just friends forever, it's an honor to be one of the few people in this world who Sadie Katz doesn't completely despise."
Y'all, it is SO hard to get me to enjoy a dual POV romance (shout out to Anna Sortino and Sabina Nordqvist, both clear exceptions), but this is one of the best novels I've read this year. I loved so much about it, but one of the things that really stood out to me was the disability rep. With Sadie, I so rarely see depression laid out so honestly on the page, and it's even rarer that I've read my experience of inpatient hospitalization as a young teenager mentioned, and with such nuance. This book has heavy themes – I always advise to check content warnings – but for me, they all felt very healing. Too, Cleo's experience with chronic pain wasn't always easy to read about, but it was the representation we deserve.
Another thing that really stood out to me was the depth of relationships throughout the book. Cleo's older sister Lily is rarely physically present, but we get so much of their bond through just a few scenes. As the older sister who left for college halfway down the east coast (but in the other direction), I'm definitely the Lily – though my sister and I both have chronic pain. Likewise, Cleo's relationship with her mom was less fun to read about, if only because Mrs. Chapman is so vivid in her impossible expectations. I thought Chatham Greenfield did a fantastic job contrasting Cleo's parents with Sadie's, the latter of whom have made mistakes, but their love for their daughter comes through in every scene. And, of course, Cleo and Sadie's relationship was a joy to read about, especially as they got to know each other better.
I was a huge fan of Chatham Greenfield already – I loved their debut! – and I'm so excited to read their next book in 2027.
Y'all, it is SO hard to get me to enjoy a dual POV romance (shout out to Anna Sortino and Sabina Nordqvist, both clear exceptions), but this is one of the best novels I've read this year. I loved so much about it, but one of the things that really stood out to me was the disability rep. With Sadie, I so rarely see depression laid out so honestly on the page, and it's even rarer that I've read my experience of inpatient hospitalization as a young teenager mentioned, and with such nuance. This book has heavy themes – I always advise to check content warnings – but for me, they all felt very healing. Too, Cleo's experience with chronic pain wasn't always easy to read about, but it was the representation we deserve.
Another thing that really stood out to me was the depth of relationships throughout the book. Cleo's older sister Lily is rarely physically present, but we get so much of their bond through just a few scenes. As the older sister who left for college halfway down the east coast (but in the other direction), I'm definitely the Lily – though my sister and I both have chronic pain. Likewise, Cleo's relationship with her mom was less fun to read about, if only because Mrs. Chapman is so vivid in her impossible expectations. I thought Chatham Greenfield did a fantastic job contrasting Cleo's parents with Sadie's, the latter of whom have made mistakes, but their love for their daughter comes through in every scene. And, of course, Cleo and Sadie's relationship was a joy to read about, especially as they got to know each other better.
I was a huge fan of Chatham Greenfield already – I loved their debut! – and I'm so excited to read their next book in 2027.
October 11, 2025
4.25*
Sweet romance story of two high school girls falling for each other amid a turbulent whodunnit. I particularly appreciated the diverse cast and the realistic portrayal of several physical and mental health conditions.
Also, while I'd read romances before with one fat main character, or male-female pairings where both were fat, I don't remember ever reading a romance before with two fat women or girls falling in love, and I LOVED that aspect of the story. Fatphobia is so common and it was refreshing to read a story that didn't hide that the world we live in can be very fatphobic, while at the same time portraying a beautiful sapphic love story between two fat girls. I felt very seen by this book in more than one way.
I did think the particular whodunnit mystery was unexpectedly heavy/intense for a high school romance -- I had expected the mental health struggles to be the main ... Struggle in the book, and didn't think the 'pranking' mentioned in the synopsis would take quite the severe levels it did. While it worked for the story/plot, it didn't necessarily feel realistic to me (but I didn't grow up in the US so maybe this stuff is realistic? I hope not...). It smacked a bit of bullying to me which I didn't like.
Sweet romance story of two high school girls falling for each other amid a turbulent whodunnit. I particularly appreciated the diverse cast and the realistic portrayal of several physical and mental health conditions.
Also, while I'd read romances before with one fat main character, or male-female pairings where both were fat, I don't remember ever reading a romance before with two fat women or girls falling in love, and I LOVED that aspect of the story. Fatphobia is so common and it was refreshing to read a story that didn't hide that the world we live in can be very fatphobic, while at the same time portraying a beautiful sapphic love story between two fat girls. I felt very seen by this book in more than one way.
I did think the particular whodunnit mystery was unexpectedly heavy/intense for a high school romance -- I had expected the mental health struggles to be the main ... Struggle in the book, and didn't think the 'pranking' mentioned in the synopsis would take quite the severe levels it did. While it worked for the story/plot, it didn't necessarily feel realistic to me (but I didn't grow up in the US so maybe this stuff is realistic? I hope not...). It smacked a bit of bullying to me which I didn't like.
September 12, 2025
Sadie and Cleo have been in competition since before they were born and their mothers were in the running for having the first baby born in the new year. That rivalry has followed them through their lives to their senior year of high school. But, when someone starts playing pranks around the school and framing them for it, Sadie and Cleo must put their differences aside and learn to work together so they can find out who's sabotaging them before it's too late.
Greenfield does a masterful job of showing us what someone deep in the throes of depression looks like, and they make you care about their characters with how well thought out they are. I was rooting for Sadie and Cleo the whole way through.
The only thing that keeps this from being a five star read for me is that I found the ending really abrupt. For me at least, it felt like the story wasn't over there, and I was left wanting a few more scenes to wrap things up. It's still worth the read though, and I definitely recommend picking this one up!
Thank you to NetGalley and the publisher for the ARC. All opinions are my own.
Greenfield does a masterful job of showing us what someone deep in the throes of depression looks like, and they make you care about their characters with how well thought out they are. I was rooting for Sadie and Cleo the whole way through.
The only thing that keeps this from being a five star read for me is that I found the ending really abrupt. For me at least, it felt like the story wasn't over there, and I was left wanting a few more scenes to wrap things up. It's still worth the read though, and I definitely recommend picking this one up!
Thank you to NetGalley and the publisher for the ARC. All opinions are my own.
May 10, 2026
Thank you to Bloomsbury Books for access to this e-ARC and for sending a physical ARC in exchange for an honest review.
This book exceeded expectations, which is not surprising, considering the first novel the author wrote did the same for me. Cleo and Sadie are both very relatable, and struggle with real things that aren't talked about enough for teens, like mental illness and chronic pain. Also their dynamic from enemies to lovers had me squealing the whole time.
As someone who has struggled with brain zaps myself, it brought tears to my eyes to read about it and feel so understood and seen. I like that the author also addresses how ridiculous it is to try to have everything figured out by the age of 18. Society puts so much pressure on teens, and it needs to be addressed and talked about more. The who dunnit factor was a good twist, and had me guessing almost the entire time.
I genuinely cannot rave enough about this book. If there is only one book I could recommend that I've read so far this year, it's definitely this one.
This book exceeded expectations, which is not surprising, considering the first novel the author wrote did the same for me. Cleo and Sadie are both very relatable, and struggle with real things that aren't talked about enough for teens, like mental illness and chronic pain. Also their dynamic from enemies to lovers had me squealing the whole time.
As someone who has struggled with brain zaps myself, it brought tears to my eyes to read about it and feel so understood and seen. I like that the author also addresses how ridiculous it is to try to have everything figured out by the age of 18. Society puts so much pressure on teens, and it needs to be addressed and talked about more. The who dunnit factor was a good twist, and had me guessing almost the entire time.
I genuinely cannot rave enough about this book. If there is only one book I could recommend that I've read so far this year, it's definitely this one.
June 7, 2026
3.5/5
Rep: Jewish FMC, anxiety & depression rep, hypermobility, chronic pain, sapphic, fat rep
I’ll start with the parts I loved about this book: the depression, anxiety, hypermobility, and chronic pain rep were phenomenal, and I truly appreciated the author’s note at the end about her own experience with depression as a young teen and promise that “things will be different.” I also loved the positive fat, sapphic rep, and enemies-to-lovers situation that Sadie and Cleo found themselves in. Okay, now let’s get to what was “eh” and just okay to me. This book was marketed as a YA mystery, but at times it really felt like an angsty, petty teen drama and feud. Idk, the slow-burn romance coupled with the mystery that didn't really feel like a mystery didn't work for me. Overall, it was a decent read, but I won't be shouting about it from the rooftops as I did with Greenfield’s debut novel, Time and Time Again.
CW: mental illness, fatphobia, panic attacks, bullying, body shaming, lesbophobia, alcohol, marijuana use (for chronic pain), vomit, toxic friendship, dysfunctional family
Rep: Jewish FMC, anxiety & depression rep, hypermobility, chronic pain, sapphic, fat rep
I’ll start with the parts I loved about this book: the depression, anxiety, hypermobility, and chronic pain rep were phenomenal, and I truly appreciated the author’s note at the end about her own experience with depression as a young teen and promise that “things will be different.” I also loved the positive fat, sapphic rep, and enemies-to-lovers situation that Sadie and Cleo found themselves in. Okay, now let’s get to what was “eh” and just okay to me. This book was marketed as a YA mystery, but at times it really felt like an angsty, petty teen drama and feud. Idk, the slow-burn romance coupled with the mystery that didn't really feel like a mystery didn't work for me. Overall, it was a decent read, but I won't be shouting about it from the rooftops as I did with Greenfield’s debut novel, Time and Time Again.
CW: mental illness, fatphobia, panic attacks, bullying, body shaming, lesbophobia, alcohol, marijuana use (for chronic pain), vomit, toxic friendship, dysfunctional family
August 22, 2026
Como antes confirmado em "Time And Time Again", Chatham Greenfield tem meu coração todinho.
Comecei adorando a ambientação da vida de Sadie, morar numa cabana (a famosa "cottage") com seus pais sendo donos de uma pousada, um pouco Lorelai Gilmore eu diria. Mesmo que não seja um cenário extremamente presente, é um fundo muito legal. Estou me desgastando sobre livros no último ano do ensino médio, mas alguns, valem a pena.
O ponto principal é como foi importante, embora estranho, tantas falas sobre tomar antidepressivos, uma representatividade que deveria ser mais comum e deixar de caminhar na estranheza. Também me peguei pensando se o livro ser calmo era algo ruim, mas na verdade, toda essa vibe aconchegante e fácil de ler enquanto intrigas e pegadinhas acontecem, foi a melhor coisa que podia acontecer nessa história.
Sei que deve ter muitos que não gostam do final, desse tipo de resolução, mas eu entendi a mensagem e eu aceito ela com todo carinho. Que hajam mais livros de Chatham pelos próximos anos e que eles sempre cheguem até mim.
Comecei adorando a ambientação da vida de Sadie, morar numa cabana (a famosa "cottage") com seus pais sendo donos de uma pousada, um pouco Lorelai Gilmore eu diria. Mesmo que não seja um cenário extremamente presente, é um fundo muito legal. Estou me desgastando sobre livros no último ano do ensino médio, mas alguns, valem a pena.
O ponto principal é como foi importante, embora estranho, tantas falas sobre tomar antidepressivos, uma representatividade que deveria ser mais comum e deixar de caminhar na estranheza. Também me peguei pensando se o livro ser calmo era algo ruim, mas na verdade, toda essa vibe aconchegante e fácil de ler enquanto intrigas e pegadinhas acontecem, foi a melhor coisa que podia acontecer nessa história.
Sei que deve ter muitos que não gostam do final, desse tipo de resolução, mas eu entendi a mensagem e eu aceito ela com todo carinho. Que hajam mais livros de Chatham pelos próximos anos e que eles sempre cheguem até mim.
August 25, 2025
Thank you so much to Bloomsbury and Netgalley for providing me with an eARC. All thoughts are my own.
This was such a great book. A REAL enemies to lovers, or at least enemies on one side anyway. It was a lot of fun having that back and forth with Sadie warring between hating Cleo and enjoying getting to know her properly.
I loved the slow burn romance, watching Sadie’s feelings slowly develop for Cleo while Cleo’s deepened. These two were so wonderful together. I loved every up and down, every push and pull.
Both the chronic pain and depression rep here was SO good and so painfully relatable at times. I’ve been where both these characters have been, still am some days, and it meant a lot to read a book with that kind of representation. I wish I’d had this book 15 years ago.
I did figure out who was framing them very early on but it felt so satisfying knowing I’d been right all along.
This was such a great book. A REAL enemies to lovers, or at least enemies on one side anyway. It was a lot of fun having that back and forth with Sadie warring between hating Cleo and enjoying getting to know her properly.
I loved the slow burn romance, watching Sadie’s feelings slowly develop for Cleo while Cleo’s deepened. These two were so wonderful together. I loved every up and down, every push and pull.
Both the chronic pain and depression rep here was SO good and so painfully relatable at times. I’ve been where both these characters have been, still am some days, and it meant a lot to read a book with that kind of representation. I wish I’d had this book 15 years ago.
I did figure out who was framing them very early on but it felt so satisfying knowing I’d been right all along.
November 19, 2025
Found in the free book room at work and was hoping I'd finish it before the release date, but too many other books intervened and took precedence.
Solid. It's a little ambitious in scope, as Sadie and Cleo have so many issues to contend with in addition to the central mystery, but Greenfield ultimately handles them very well. Once again, I appreciate when a YA novel doesn't talk down to its intended audience and this certainly doesn't.
That said, the pacing can be a tad questionable. There's a real lack of urgency in the mystery investigation that doesn't feel quite right for the characters even as they're largely focused on falling in love with each other. The solution to the mystery I think is rather smart and tough and I like the way this ends overall, with not everything resolved.
Works best as a character study, as they all feel distinct and full and our central characters especially have a lot of great growth.
Solid. It's a little ambitious in scope, as Sadie and Cleo have so many issues to contend with in addition to the central mystery, but Greenfield ultimately handles them very well. Once again, I appreciate when a YA novel doesn't talk down to its intended audience and this certainly doesn't.
That said, the pacing can be a tad questionable. There's a real lack of urgency in the mystery investigation that doesn't feel quite right for the characters even as they're largely focused on falling in love with each other. The solution to the mystery I think is rather smart and tough and I like the way this ends overall, with not everything resolved.
Works best as a character study, as they all feel distinct and full and our central characters especially have a lot of great growth.
December 2, 2025
This was one of my most anticipated reads of the year the second I finished Time and Time Again and they became one of my auto-buy authors. This book is filled with the most delicious representation I’ve seen in a while. The butch/femme dynamic was absolutely to die for and they used the those actual terms which you’d think would happen more but absolutely doesn’t . There’s nothing I love more than a little mystery being solved by lesbians while they realize their feelings for each other, I eat it up every time !
Reading about all sorts of lesbians is my favorite pastime an this book giving rich representation of Fat, Disabled lesbians makes my heart actually combust , you can tell these characters were loved and cared for when they written and I appreciate jt endlessly. New comfort read for sure , love that it exists xxxxx
Reading about all sorts of lesbians is my favorite pastime an this book giving rich representation of Fat, Disabled lesbians makes my heart actually combust , you can tell these characters were loved and cared for when they written and I appreciate jt endlessly. New comfort read for sure , love that it exists xxxxx
December 9, 2025
Rarely have I been so immediately sold on a book. I love both of them with all my heart. Impeccably done dual POV. I love how they are loudly fat and gay and butch (Cleo) and Jewish (Sadie). But there’s also things they haven’t figured out how to be loud and proud about, like their disabilities. I was so 😭😭!!
The mystery was good too! I did guess who it was, but only in the sense that I guessed like, everyone, lol. And I didn’t predict the details of the explanation!
Anyway, I loved this so much!! I cried like 10 times.
Thank you to Netgalley & Bloomsbury for the eARC! It’s out now (I’m late)
TW depression, chronic pain, suicidal ideation, institutionalization (in the past), going off depression meds without tapering (whew, I was yelling at the screen!! but the book acknowledges that’s bad/dangerous)
The mystery was good too! I did guess who it was, but only in the sense that I guessed like, everyone, lol. And I didn’t predict the details of the explanation!
Anyway, I loved this so much!! I cried like 10 times.
Thank you to Netgalley & Bloomsbury for the eARC! It’s out now (I’m late)
TW depression, chronic pain, suicidal ideation, institutionalization (in the past), going off depression meds without tapering (whew, I was yelling at the screen!! but the book acknowledges that’s bad/dangerous)
July 29, 2025
I really enjoyed Greenfield's last book, so I have been eagerly awaiting this one, and it did not disappoint! This was such a cute coming of age story set against a mystery whodunit backdrop, and I had such a fun time reading it. I thought the disability rep was really well done and enjoyed all the different intersecting identities our two main characters had and the ways they were made prominent and showcased without without any one part becoming the focal point of their stories. &as a fellow disabled lesbian, it was nice to see some of my own experiences reflected back at me as well.
Definitely recommend and can't wait to see what Greenfield writes next!
Thank you to netgalley for the e-ARC.
Definitely recommend and can't wait to see what Greenfield writes next!
Thank you to netgalley for the e-ARC.
September 21, 2025
There is so much about this that I love. Cleo and Sadie have an incredible rivals to lovers, almost even a true contemporary enemies to lovers story. This is a sweet romance wrapped in a mystery that truly does combine the best parts of Shara Wheeler and The Agathas without the annoying parts of those books.
The depression rep and chronic pain rep both made me feel so seen. I wish I had this kind of story when I was a teenager. I also loved that this book centers two fat girls who find each other alluring. The mystery kept me interested throughout, and it wasn't until just before the reveal that I even had an inkling of who it was. I like the open ending on a good note because depression never goes away.
Thank you to NetGalley and publisher for the opportunity to read and review.
The depression rep and chronic pain rep both made me feel so seen. I wish I had this kind of story when I was a teenager. I also loved that this book centers two fat girls who find each other alluring. The mystery kept me interested throughout, and it wasn't until just before the reveal that I even had an inkling of who it was. I like the open ending on a good note because depression never goes away.
Thank you to NetGalley and publisher for the opportunity to read and review.
September 29, 2025
I really enjoyed this sophomore YA Sapphic romance that involves high school rivals who are being set up and have to work together to figure out who's been framing them for crimes they didn't commit.
Greenfield does a great job with crafting characters who have depth and are dealing with big things like chronic depression (Sadie) and her love interest, Cleo has hEDS and chronic pain related to an injury she sustained as a result that never properly healed.
Overall, it was a sweet, heartfelt and heartwarming enemies to lovers, forced proximity romance with a fun extra layer of mystery and intrigue. Perfect for fans of books like I kissed Shara Wheeler. Many thanks to NetGalley and the publisher for an early digital copy in exchange for my honest review!
Greenfield does a great job with crafting characters who have depth and are dealing with big things like chronic depression (Sadie) and her love interest, Cleo has hEDS and chronic pain related to an injury she sustained as a result that never properly healed.
Overall, it was a sweet, heartfelt and heartwarming enemies to lovers, forced proximity romance with a fun extra layer of mystery and intrigue. Perfect for fans of books like I kissed Shara Wheeler. Many thanks to NetGalley and the publisher for an early digital copy in exchange for my honest review!
October 15, 2025
There was a missed opportunity to accurately depict hyper mobility. I appreciate the representation of fat, queer people with mental and physical illnesses. This is a true experience. I didn't appreciate the throw away approach to chronic pain. It was lazy to describe a character with only hypermobility and assume that all of their troubles were treated with marijuana and Advil. The comorbidity of anxiety and depression could have been explored to make the charactermore well-rounded. I understand the writer is using their personal lens of depression to discuss this, I wish they had done additional research into hypermobility conditions and what that looks like for somebody.
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