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Checking You Out
Not yet published
Expected 23 Jun 26XO, Kitty meets Dash & Lily in this rom com about two teens falling in love via letters left in their favorite library books - even if in real life they think they have nothing in common.
Lizzie Wei is a huge book nerd, and proud of it. And when she realizes there is a mysterious reader who has been checking out all of her favorite books from the library, she can’t help but get a crush on someone she’s never even met. Her friends make it their mission to find Lizzie’s long lost book soulmate and convinces her to leave notes for her crush. But what if the person Lizzie is looking for, isn’t at all what she expects?
Dylan Lin loves reading, secretly anyway. Ever since a bullying incident at his last school, he’s hidden his love of fantasy novels, instead leaning into his jock persona. Now he's the tennis team captain, runs every day, and actively avoids reading. So, when he decides to start volunteering at a kitten nursery, and his super cute co-volunteer Lizzie asks if he likes reading, he says no. He never expects the look of complete and utter disappointment on Lizzie’s face.
Lizzie is certain her secret crush isn’t Dylan. It can’t be! But when he accidentally makes an obscure reference to her favorite book during their volunteer shift, she’s not so sure anymore. Can Lizzie forgive Dylan for lying? And can Dylan be brave enough to be himself?
Lizzie Wei is a huge book nerd, and proud of it. And when she realizes there is a mysterious reader who has been checking out all of her favorite books from the library, she can’t help but get a crush on someone she’s never even met. Her friends make it their mission to find Lizzie’s long lost book soulmate and convinces her to leave notes for her crush. But what if the person Lizzie is looking for, isn’t at all what she expects?
Dylan Lin loves reading, secretly anyway. Ever since a bullying incident at his last school, he’s hidden his love of fantasy novels, instead leaning into his jock persona. Now he's the tennis team captain, runs every day, and actively avoids reading. So, when he decides to start volunteering at a kitten nursery, and his super cute co-volunteer Lizzie asks if he likes reading, he says no. He never expects the look of complete and utter disappointment on Lizzie’s face.
Lizzie is certain her secret crush isn’t Dylan. It can’t be! But when he accidentally makes an obscure reference to her favorite book during their volunteer shift, she’s not so sure anymore. Can Lizzie forgive Dylan for lying? And can Dylan be brave enough to be himself?
320 pages, Paperback
Expected publication June 23, 2026
15 people are currently reading
11896 people want to read
About the author
Jennifer Chen
4 books220 followersJennifer Chen is a freelance journalist who has written for print and online, including pieces in the New York Times, O: The Oprah Magazine, Real Simple, and Bust. She earned an MFA and BFA in dramatic writing from New York University’s Tisch School of the Arts, and is a proud alumnae of Hedgebrook, a women’s writing residency. She lives in Los Angeles with her TV writer husband, twins, two pugs, and a smoky black cat named Gremlin.
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Displaying 1 - 24 of 24 reviews
Review of advance copy received from Netgalley
Thank you to NetGalley, St. Martin's Press and Jennifer Chen for sharing this ARC with me, in exchange for my honest review.
Checking You Out is the typical cheesy and cutesy story. Dylan and Lizzie's friendship is absolutely adorable, it kinda reminds me of XO. The character development and world building are great. Ms. Jennifer's writing of this story is so relatable and real. Lizzie being a book nerd is totally me. Lizzie finds out a reader stranger who has been reading all of her favorite books at the library. She can't help but to get a crush on the mysterious reader stranger. Lizzie's friends call him her book soulmate.
I wholeheartedly recommend that y'all get this book on June 23, 2026.
Checking You Out is the typical cheesy and cutesy story. Dylan and Lizzie's friendship is absolutely adorable, it kinda reminds me of XO. The character development and world building are great. Ms. Jennifer's writing of this story is so relatable and real. Lizzie being a book nerd is totally me. Lizzie finds out a reader stranger who has been reading all of her favorite books at the library. She can't help but to get a crush on the mysterious reader stranger. Lizzie's friends call him her book soulmate.
I wholeheartedly recommend that y'all get this book on June 23, 2026.
February 1, 2026
STARS: ⭐⭐⭐
This is my first introduction to Jennifer Chen's work.
Book ❤'s:
I enjoyed the concept of finding love through a secret mysterious admirer at the library.
Dylan stood out as a genuinely sweet and endearing character. He was the most mature and likable of the group, and he carried the story for me through to the end.
I loved how close-knit the friendships between the characters were. Definitely a highlight for me.
I mean who doesn't love little kittens, books and love? The best combo!
Book 👎:
Though the characters were meant to be young adults on the verge of college, they were written with the tone and maturity of middle schoolers. Much of the storyline also revolved around their interest in books aimed at younger audiences, which I found harder to relate to at my current age. Sexual and Gender representation also felt a little forced rather than natural for me.
Unfortunately, I wasn’t a big fan of Lizzie. She seemed to develop an instant crush on nearly every new character who appeared, which made her relationship with Dylan feel less meaningful to me. She also seemed a little over sensitive at times.
I was defiantly disappointed with the Fantasy Reader Reveal. I did not expect it to go down the way that it did. It was underwhelming when we had been leading up to it that whole time. I would have enjoyed it much more if it had gone differently.
Final Thoughts ❤'s:
I have mixed feelings about this book, while it was cute, it was almost a little too youthful cute for my taste. However, I do very much recommend and think it's precious for Young Adult readers!
Many thanks to St. Martin's Press and Jennifer Chen for providing this ARC in exchange for an honest review. All opinions expressed are entirely my own. I’m glad I got the chance to read this one early—everyone should grab a copy when it releases on 23 June 2026. Looking forward to reading more from Jennifer Chen in the future. Wishing her the best in her health journey.
This is my first introduction to Jennifer Chen's work.
Book ❤'s:
I enjoyed the concept of finding love through a secret mysterious admirer at the library.
Dylan stood out as a genuinely sweet and endearing character. He was the most mature and likable of the group, and he carried the story for me through to the end.
I loved how close-knit the friendships between the characters were. Definitely a highlight for me.
I mean who doesn't love little kittens, books and love? The best combo!
Book 👎:
Though the characters were meant to be young adults on the verge of college, they were written with the tone and maturity of middle schoolers. Much of the storyline also revolved around their interest in books aimed at younger audiences, which I found harder to relate to at my current age. Sexual and Gender representation also felt a little forced rather than natural for me.
Unfortunately, I wasn’t a big fan of Lizzie. She seemed to develop an instant crush on nearly every new character who appeared, which made her relationship with Dylan feel less meaningful to me. She also seemed a little over sensitive at times.
I was defiantly disappointed with the Fantasy Reader Reveal. I did not expect it to go down the way that it did. It was underwhelming when we had been leading up to it that whole time. I would have enjoyed it much more if it had gone differently.
Final Thoughts ❤'s:
I have mixed feelings about this book, while it was cute, it was almost a little too youthful cute for my taste. However, I do very much recommend and think it's precious for Young Adult readers!
Many thanks to St. Martin's Press and Jennifer Chen for providing this ARC in exchange for an honest review. All opinions expressed are entirely my own. I’m glad I got the chance to read this one early—everyone should grab a copy when it releases on 23 June 2026. Looking forward to reading more from Jennifer Chen in the future. Wishing her the best in her health journey.
Review of advance copy received from Netgalley
𝓱𝓮𝔂 𝓼𝓲𝓻𝓲 ~ 𝓹𝓵𝓪𝔂 𝓑𝓪𝓫𝔂 𝓘'𝓶 𝓨𝓸𝓾𝓻𝓼 𝓫𝔂 𝓐𝓻𝓬𝓽𝓲𝓬 𝓜𝓸𝓷𝓴𝓮𝔂𝓼
oh em gee!!!! This book was so good!! You know it was good if you can read it in one sitting..
This book definitely reminds me of XO Kitty (one of my all-time favorite shows). I loved that a majority of this book talked about cats, so it was like romance
Dylan: I LOVED Dylan from the beginning. I enjoyed reading his pov of Lizzie and other things. I also enjoyed learning about Dylan's backstory and figuring out what he is coming from. he is super mysterious at first (well, in my pov), but more during the book. It was nice learning about him.
Lizzie: I wanna live this girl's life.. she is so determined, and I love that about her. She knows what she wants in life, or does she? But I like that she is figuring herself out throughout this book. also i LOVEDDDD Lizzie's friends and how they were always together for each other. I love friends like that.
I know for sure when this book comes out its gonna be a hit. I also love how Jennifer brings fantasy into a romance novel. To be so for real, I barely even know what a "fantasy" book is, but after reading this, it has been added to my vocabulary lol.
This was my first ever Jennifer Chen book I have read, and I can guarantee you, THIS WILL NOT BE THE LASTT!!
oh em gee!!!! This book was so good!! You know it was good if you can read it in one sitting..
This book definitely reminds me of XO Kitty (one of my all-time favorite shows). I loved that a majority of this book talked about cats, so it was like romance
Dylan: I LOVED Dylan from the beginning. I enjoyed reading his pov of Lizzie and other things. I also enjoyed learning about Dylan's backstory and figuring out what he is coming from. he is super mysterious at first (well, in my pov), but more during the book. It was nice learning about him.
Lizzie: I wanna live this girl's life.. she is so determined, and I love that about her. She knows what she wants in life, or does she? But I like that she is figuring herself out throughout this book. also i LOVEDDDD Lizzie's friends and how they were always together for each other. I love friends like that.
I know for sure when this book comes out its gonna be a hit. I also love how Jennifer brings fantasy into a romance novel. To be so for real, I barely even know what a "fantasy" book is, but after reading this, it has been added to my vocabulary lol.
This was my first ever Jennifer Chen book I have read, and I can guarantee you, THIS WILL NOT BE THE LASTT!!
February 23, 2026
The plot of this book was cute and the main characters were lovable. The book has an extremely diverse cast and it covers a period in life that not many books seem to (the end of senior year and summer before college).
I loved the genuine connections the two MCs made with each other and other new people in their lives. I appreciated the adults in their lives acting realistic and not like caricatures of parents. I also found the foster kitten content made me, a cat-allergic person, want to foster kittens or at least volunteer at our local shelter. Overall, I think the author could’ve accomplished that with about half the cat content, though.
The book lost points for me in two ways:
1) The biggest loss was from unnecessary repetition. We do not need to be told over and over that the FMC trusts her friends and they are her only friends and they are ride-or-die and she trusts them and did I mention she trusts them? Same with the MMC bullying experience. These felt like thoughts that get left in during editing.
2) About 75% of the way through, the MMC’s best friend suddenly acts way outside a reasonable knowledge and maturity level for her age. It’s explained away in one off-hand comment about having parents who are therapists. At the same time, we have literally all the other characters of the same age acting like toddlers without boundaries. Neither is likely or realistic.
This book will be great for teens and adults who like a love story, but don’t like spice. And for those who don’t want a romance-only story.
I loved the genuine connections the two MCs made with each other and other new people in their lives. I appreciated the adults in their lives acting realistic and not like caricatures of parents. I also found the foster kitten content made me, a cat-allergic person, want to foster kittens or at least volunteer at our local shelter. Overall, I think the author could’ve accomplished that with about half the cat content, though.
The book lost points for me in two ways:
1) The biggest loss was from unnecessary repetition. We do not need to be told over and over that the FMC trusts her friends and they are her only friends and they are ride-or-die and she trusts them and did I mention she trusts them? Same with the MMC bullying experience. These felt like thoughts that get left in during editing.
2) About 75% of the way through, the MMC’s best friend suddenly acts way outside a reasonable knowledge and maturity level for her age. It’s explained away in one off-hand comment about having parents who are therapists. At the same time, we have literally all the other characters of the same age acting like toddlers without boundaries. Neither is likely or realistic.
This book will be great for teens and adults who like a love story, but don’t like spice. And for those who don’t want a romance-only story.
Review of advance copy received from Netgalley
Checking You Out is the perfect fluffy read for summer. Falling in love through letters left in library books? Amazingly adorable trope. I found my self kicking my feet and giggling as if I was Lizzie, anxiously awaiting a new note from her mysterious book soulmate. Each chapter was filled with sweet and cute moments (and I’m not just talking about the kittens). This is definitely firmly a y/a book, from Lizzie’s fleeting crushes (who didn’t have a one week crush in highschool?) to the witty texts between a tight-knit group of friends, it really is a perfect coming-of-age story.
The representation in this book is amazing. To me, it didn’t feel heavy handed or overwhelming. It fit in organically with the flow of the story and the character’s lives. There was a subtlety that I appreciated, especially when introducing characters with they/them pronouns, or expressing a characters sexuality without slapping you in the face with how they identify.
I believe this book will definitely be a big hit with its intended audience, and is going to be amazing representation for our Fellow Fantasy Readers, who might not be ready to come out of the nerdy reader closet. (I’m also not so secretly hoping for a sequel, I wish we saw more of Brooklyn)
Thanks to St.Martin’s Press and Jennifer Chen for this advance reader copy, I am so happy to give this review. I cannot wait to purchase a physical copy for my shelf June 23rd, 2026.
The representation in this book is amazing. To me, it didn’t feel heavy handed or overwhelming. It fit in organically with the flow of the story and the character’s lives. There was a subtlety that I appreciated, especially when introducing characters with they/them pronouns, or expressing a characters sexuality without slapping you in the face with how they identify.
I believe this book will definitely be a big hit with its intended audience, and is going to be amazing representation for our Fellow Fantasy Readers, who might not be ready to come out of the nerdy reader closet. (I’m also not so secretly hoping for a sequel, I wish we saw more of Brooklyn)
Thanks to St.Martin’s Press and Jennifer Chen for this advance reader copy, I am so happy to give this review. I cannot wait to purchase a physical copy for my shelf June 23rd, 2026.
Review of advance copy received from Netgalley
For the majority of this novel, I was having a rather fun time! I did find the writing and dialogue quite silly and juvenile, but I was charmed by it. The characters and their qualms and interactions often felt childish but realistic enough. I recall actually laughing out loud several times because even if the characters might’ve been underdeveloped or surface level, they were still dorky and cheesy and funny. It was endearing.
However, I was not a fan of how the plot unraveled near the end. Plot points that should have been pivotal and exciting were not satisfying or paid off in the slightest. They were upsetting and made previously-endearing characters utterly unlikeable. And the primary romance of the story, which at first was nice, felt undeserved and pushy by the end. The novel had fallen flat with a single decision and was not redeemed, in my opinion. And because of that drastic dip, I could no longer see past the little things I once found clunky but cute. Everything, rather suddenly, became too over the top and on the nose.
Regardless, the novel was a short and easily digestible read— it went by quick! Even if it wasn’t for me, I think that many readers who enjoy YA romance will have a fun time with the book, and those who have ever struggled with identity and confidence will also be able to see themselves in the main characters. That, at least, I thought was sweetly done.
Thank you so much to NetGalley for the ARC! (:
However, I was not a fan of how the plot unraveled near the end. Plot points that should have been pivotal and exciting were not satisfying or paid off in the slightest. They were upsetting and made previously-endearing characters utterly unlikeable. And the primary romance of the story, which at first was nice, felt undeserved and pushy by the end. The novel had fallen flat with a single decision and was not redeemed, in my opinion. And because of that drastic dip, I could no longer see past the little things I once found clunky but cute. Everything, rather suddenly, became too over the top and on the nose.
Regardless, the novel was a short and easily digestible read— it went by quick! Even if it wasn’t for me, I think that many readers who enjoy YA romance will have a fun time with the book, and those who have ever struggled with identity and confidence will also be able to see themselves in the main characters. That, at least, I thought was sweetly done.
Thank you so much to NetGalley for the ARC! (:
Review of advance copy received from Netgalley
“ Let us be bold in our choices, unafraid to be ourselves. And cherish the relationships that have made us who we are”
This book was really sweet and precious, i love how culturally inclusive and diverse the characters are. It’s make the setting very realistic.
The book is told from Dual POV Lizzie and Dylan. The story follows the characters as they both graduate high school. I really liked the believable behaviors, actions , and discussions the characters have. It felt authentic to their age. The storyline is really sweet and I found myself enjoying the cute moments and watching their story of the fantasy friend mystery resolve.
This book is about friendship, love, and growth and it told it so beautifully. Plus. Who doesn’t love reading about kittens and books. I loved the story and connection about Unbearable Loss it was really deep and sweet and offered a deeper meaning and understanding of Dylan’s character and added and additional way for the readers to connect on a deeper level with the book itself.
I hope to read more books from this author, I usually don’t read in this genre but I really enjoyed this opportunity thank you to NetGalley.
This book was really sweet and precious, i love how culturally inclusive and diverse the characters are. It’s make the setting very realistic.
The book is told from Dual POV Lizzie and Dylan. The story follows the characters as they both graduate high school. I really liked the believable behaviors, actions , and discussions the characters have. It felt authentic to their age. The storyline is really sweet and I found myself enjoying the cute moments and watching their story of the fantasy friend mystery resolve.
This book is about friendship, love, and growth and it told it so beautifully. Plus. Who doesn’t love reading about kittens and books. I loved the story and connection about Unbearable Loss it was really deep and sweet and offered a deeper meaning and understanding of Dylan’s character and added and additional way for the readers to connect on a deeper level with the book itself.
I hope to read more books from this author, I usually don’t read in this genre but I really enjoyed this opportunity thank you to NetGalley.
Review of advance copy received from Netgalley
This was a cozy read it leaned towards the younger side it read like a middle school book Lizzie’s problem seemed easy to solved if she just talked or just seemed childish the story was easy to follow, simple, and straight forward it meant to be a quick read something you just read when you’re in the mood for it it’s a short book I almost quit it, but the story convince me otherwise I liked the cats and the place the protagonist volunteered at I like animals and cats are some of my favorites, so the scenes with them were some of my favorites. The romance was cute and the mystery with the notes was fun, but I expected that it was going to be dealt with more, but it was kinda sidelined in favor with the romance there wasn’t much emphasis on it. It wasn’t much of a mystery some of the characters were cliché the dialogue was good this book is good for someone who wants something quick and cozy, and kinda cute along the way. I’ll describe this book as ball of fluff with a nice mystery, but the plot was underdeveloped it was a good read, but I was expecting more.
January 14, 2026
I absolutely adored this book!!
Checking You Out met just about every one of my expectations and surpassed it multiple times.
Lovable F!mc, absolute cutie of an M!mc, pining, queer rep, AND cute kitties? Absolute win!
I could definitely say that this book was a little corny, but by the time I was half way through it absolutely had my heart. Lizzie and Dylan’s relationship throughout the entire book feels like an absolute dream and had me squealing and kicking my feet for the entire duration of my read.
I not only enjoyed the Mc’s to this story, but the side characters as well. Their dynamic together and apart was just to die for and I can’t help but clamor for more books about the rest of them (Jonny and cute bookstore clerk PLEASEEEE)!!
All in all, the book was adorable and a great way to spend some time. I’m so, so grateful for the opportunity to read such an enjoyable book.
Checking You Out met just about every one of my expectations and surpassed it multiple times.
Lovable F!mc, absolute cutie of an M!mc, pining, queer rep, AND cute kitties? Absolute win!
I could definitely say that this book was a little corny, but by the time I was half way through it absolutely had my heart. Lizzie and Dylan’s relationship throughout the entire book feels like an absolute dream and had me squealing and kicking my feet for the entire duration of my read.
I not only enjoyed the Mc’s to this story, but the side characters as well. Their dynamic together and apart was just to die for and I can’t help but clamor for more books about the rest of them (Jonny and cute bookstore clerk PLEASEEEE)!!
All in all, the book was adorable and a great way to spend some time. I’m so, so grateful for the opportunity to read such an enjoyable book.
February 20, 2026
Thank you to NetGalley and the Publishers for giving me this arc earlier to review, and give my honest opinions on.
This book is a well written story and a big shoutout to the author.
Though i found the plot a bit boring, and a bit inconsistent in some parts. It was quite predictable but i found comfort in it.
The characters were good. But i found the main character a bit annoying and hypocritical. Especially on the thoughts of people reading/not reading books. But i did agree on some parts. Dylan was a well writen character and a bit complicated one, but i did like him more than the main character.
The relationship between them felt rushed. They had A LOT of chemistry, but there wasn’t enough yearning and they clicked in a totally random moment.
Overall the book has much potential and it was good.
This book is a well written story and a big shoutout to the author.
Though i found the plot a bit boring, and a bit inconsistent in some parts. It was quite predictable but i found comfort in it.
The characters were good. But i found the main character a bit annoying and hypocritical. Especially on the thoughts of people reading/not reading books. But i did agree on some parts. Dylan was a well writen character and a bit complicated one, but i did like him more than the main character.
The relationship between them felt rushed. They had A LOT of chemistry, but there wasn’t enough yearning and they clicked in a totally random moment.
Overall the book has much potential and it was good.
Read
February 24, 2026For lovers of a cheesy romance, this one is for you.
Unfortunately for me, this book missed the mark. I found the characters to be flat and the FMC to be annoying. The not-bookclub-bookclub was weirdly placed, and I didn't like it.
I thought the writing itself left much to be desired. The constant changing of POVs just to add a sentence or two of context was clunky, and it mitigated the mystery and romance of the story. The kitten subplot was a cute add, but I found that story to be overshadowing the main characters. I was more interested in the cats than the rest of the story.
Not every story is for every reader, and I am thankful the author provided me an ARC in exchange for this review.
Unfortunately for me, this book missed the mark. I found the characters to be flat and the FMC to be annoying. The not-bookclub-bookclub was weirdly placed, and I didn't like it.
I thought the writing itself left much to be desired. The constant changing of POVs just to add a sentence or two of context was clunky, and it mitigated the mystery and romance of the story. The kitten subplot was a cute add, but I found that story to be overshadowing the main characters. I was more interested in the cats than the rest of the story.
Not every story is for every reader, and I am thankful the author provided me an ARC in exchange for this review.
Review of advance copy received from Netgalley
Thank you to NetGalley, St. Martin's Press, and Jennifer Chen for this ARC
This book is something any reader can relate to in some way. Lizzie and her friends are relatable in that way and I totally love that. Seeing not only Lizzie and Dylan's relationship grow, but also their friendship was a big plus for me.
I did find the writing a little guided toward middle schoolers instead of high schoolers as one myself. However, this did make it a easy read and I loved it. Moreover, I didn't enjoy how reveal at the end and was expecting something a little more so it seemed a little flat.
All in all, this book is perfect for the YA and young readers all around. I find that we don't have enough of relatable and clean YA romance novels.
This book is something any reader can relate to in some way. Lizzie and her friends are relatable in that way and I totally love that. Seeing not only Lizzie and Dylan's relationship grow, but also their friendship was a big plus for me.
I did find the writing a little guided toward middle schoolers instead of high schoolers as one myself. However, this did make it a easy read and I loved it. Moreover, I didn't enjoy how reveal at the end and was expecting something a little more so it seemed a little flat.
All in all, this book is perfect for the YA and young readers all around. I find that we don't have enough of relatable and clean YA romance novels.
February 26, 2026
Review of advance copy received from NetGalley.
Thank you to NetGalley and the publishers for this arc. The concept of this book included two of my favorite things. Endless library/book talk, and cats. As a middle school librarian I wanted to read this with my students in mind. This is certainly a book I know they will love. It touches on a lot of things I think my students can relate to. This read very YA/middle school for me so of course it was exactly my cup of tea. Fantasy is not my genre, and I personally couldn’t relate to anything in this book. It could use a little less book referencing and repetition. Some of the storylines fell flat. Overall a good book for a very niche group of teens.
Thank you to NetGalley and the publishers for this arc. The concept of this book included two of my favorite things. Endless library/book talk, and cats. As a middle school librarian I wanted to read this with my students in mind. This is certainly a book I know they will love. It touches on a lot of things I think my students can relate to. This read very YA/middle school for me so of course it was exactly my cup of tea. Fantasy is not my genre, and I personally couldn’t relate to anything in this book. It could use a little less book referencing and repetition. Some of the storylines fell flat. Overall a good book for a very niche group of teens.
February 25, 2026
Thank you to NetGalley for the ARC — this review is entirely my own.
This was… fine. It was cute and easy enough to get through, and there were definitely some sweet moments. The romance itself had potential, and I appreciated the light, cozy tone.
For me, though, it leaned a little too heavily into the very specific cat and fantasy fandom obsessions. I know that will absolutely be someone else’s favorite part, but it felt a bit too niche for my personal taste and sometimes pulled me out of the story.
Overall, it wasn’t bad — just not quite for me. A decent, cute read, but not one I’ll be thinking about long after finishing.
This was… fine. It was cute and easy enough to get through, and there were definitely some sweet moments. The romance itself had potential, and I appreciated the light, cozy tone.
For me, though, it leaned a little too heavily into the very specific cat and fantasy fandom obsessions. I know that will absolutely be someone else’s favorite part, but it felt a bit too niche for my personal taste and sometimes pulled me out of the story.
Overall, it wasn’t bad — just not quite for me. A decent, cute read, but not one I’ll be thinking about long after finishing.
Review of advance copy received from Netgalley
⭐️1.25
This book had all the ideas to be the perfect book for me.
Unfortunately the writing was very inconsistent and repetitive. Continuity didn't exists themes that were started were dropped. Plot points were started then abandoned without resolution. At times I even questioned whether the author had done any research into the things that were mentioned.
I beg, have an editor go over this a couple more times.
The only character that even felt like a whole person to me was Dylan even though he was extremely simplified.
I received this as a Netgalley e-ARC
This book had all the ideas to be the perfect book for me.
Unfortunately the writing was very inconsistent and repetitive. Continuity didn't exists themes that were started were dropped. Plot points were started then abandoned without resolution. At times I even questioned whether the author had done any research into the things that were mentioned.
I beg, have an editor go over this a couple more times.
The only character that even felt like a whole person to me was Dylan even though he was extremely simplified.
I received this as a Netgalley e-ARC
Review of advance copy received from Netgalley
Thank you netgalley for the ARC!!!
It was a cute read, very romcom but make it very genz codded, it was a very fun and light read, both mmc and fmc are cuties and were adorable to read their pov, it was just bookworm clichés that found cute yet a little cringe, all in all their shared love for books, especially fantasy books was very cute, and in the end how our mmc overcome his past and decided to be upfront with the fmc and tell her everything and their little relationship aspect was fun to read as well.
It was a cute read, very romcom but make it very genz codded, it was a very fun and light read, both mmc and fmc are cuties and were adorable to read their pov, it was just bookworm clichés that found cute yet a little cringe, all in all their shared love for books, especially fantasy books was very cute, and in the end how our mmc overcome his past and decided to be upfront with the fmc and tell her everything and their little relationship aspect was fun to read as well.
Review of advance copy received from Netgalley
Thank you the publisher, Netgalley and the author for the opportunity to read the advance copy!
This was cute story between Lizzie and Dylan!
Their interaction throughout the story was genuine and light!
The book is for a YA audience. It reads easily and hit the target! I do the see characters a bit younger than their real age but nonetheless it was entertaining to read.
This was cute story between Lizzie and Dylan!
Their interaction throughout the story was genuine and light!
The book is for a YA audience. It reads easily and hit the target! I do the see characters a bit younger than their real age but nonetheless it was entertaining to read.
Review of advance copy received from Goodreads Giveaways
This book was ok. The story overall was cute. But I feel like the ending was rushed, like there was a deadline for the book to be published…so we’re just gonna put a period at the end of this next sentence and hit submit. Lol
Want to read
February 17, 20261) the premise is giving Whisper of the Heart which is the BEST Studio Ghibli movie (argue with the wall and your mother!!)
2) This cover is stunning!! Leni Kauffman has done it once again!
Can't wait to read this! ❤️📚
2) This cover is stunning!! Leni Kauffman has done it once again!
Can't wait to read this! ❤️📚
Review of advance copy received from Goodreads Giveaways
This was super cute. I don't read a ton of YA/NA anymore, but I enjoyed this one. I loved all the book content and the friend group in here.
Review of advance copy received from Goodreads Giveaways
Fun cute read!
February 16, 2026
This was a cute, albeit cheesy, book. I rated it lower because it felt like the main characters were middle schoolers, not recent high school graduates.
February 24, 2026
3.5 stars. Best part was Dylan, Elektra and the kittens. And the sweet notes. Weakest part was Lizzie.
Review of advance copy received from Goodreads Giveaways
This book was okay, I guess.
I liked the friendships between the main characters and their friends and when the FMC and MMC became friends and bonded.
I liked Dylan, he was sweet and kind and had the most common sense out of all the characters.
I had a hard time liking Lizzie because she was difficult to listen to and she was kind of a hypocrite.
The book was relatable for the most part...there were times where the author tried to be relatable but it fell through.
There was hardly any romantic chemistry between Dylan and Lizzie so when they finally got together it didn't feel deserved.
No hate to the author but I feel like this book was written by a middle schooler and the book was mostly about another book that they bonded over more than the plot itself.
But it's perfect for a younger audience!!! Maybe it wasn't my cup of tea.
I liked the friendships between the main characters and their friends and when the FMC and MMC became friends and bonded.
I liked Dylan, he was sweet and kind and had the most common sense out of all the characters.
I had a hard time liking Lizzie because she was difficult to listen to and she was kind of a hypocrite.
The book was relatable for the most part...there were times where the author tried to be relatable but it fell through.
There was hardly any romantic chemistry between Dylan and Lizzie so when they finally got together it didn't feel deserved.
No hate to the author but I feel like this book was written by a middle schooler and the book was mostly about another book that they bonded over more than the plot itself.
But it's perfect for a younger audience!!! Maybe it wasn't my cup of tea.
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