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Some Girls Do #2
Girls Like Us
In this sequel to the Tiktok sensation Some Girls Do, two girls struggle when long distance complicates their relationship.
Ruby and Morgan fell for each other during their senior year of high school, and now, almost a year later, they are determined to keep their spark alive, even while they are apart. Morgan is studying public policy on a track scholarship at a university several hours away, while Ruby stayed in their hometown and is exploring her love of mechanics in the automotive engineering program at the local community college.
Despite their best efforts, the space between them begins to weigh on the girls, with new friendships and flirtatious classmates adding complications. Still, the two are counting down the days to a spring break getaway and the bliss of a whole summer vacation together. But when Morgan discovers she’s a finalist for the perfect internship and Ruby gets a shot to appear on her favorite automotive TV show, their plans are thrown into question. With both girls unwilling to stand in the way of each other’s future, they Can their relationship still go the distance even if they’re on separate paths?
Ruby and Morgan fell for each other during their senior year of high school, and now, almost a year later, they are determined to keep their spark alive, even while they are apart. Morgan is studying public policy on a track scholarship at a university several hours away, while Ruby stayed in their hometown and is exploring her love of mechanics in the automotive engineering program at the local community college.
Despite their best efforts, the space between them begins to weigh on the girls, with new friendships and flirtatious classmates adding complications. Still, the two are counting down the days to a spring break getaway and the bliss of a whole summer vacation together. But when Morgan discovers she’s a finalist for the perfect internship and Ruby gets a shot to appear on her favorite automotive TV show, their plans are thrown into question. With both girls unwilling to stand in the way of each other’s future, they Can their relationship still go the distance even if they’re on separate paths?
Audible Audio
Published May 5, 2026
About the author
Jennifer Dugan
26 books2,272 followersJennifer Dugan is a writer, geek, and romantic who writes the kinds of stories she wishes she had growing up. In addition to being a young adult novelist, she is also the writer/creator of two indie comics. She lives in New York with her family, dogs, and an evil cat that is no doubt planning to take over the world.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 64 reviews
May 9, 2026
This book tore me apart.
How can I simultaneously love and hate two people together?
Not even once, but TWICE now?
Book one, “Some Girls Do” is one of my all-time favorites. So when I found out that there was going to be a follow up? Elated. Nothing short of absolutely elated.
Thus, I was slightly nervous to read it. Because I was worried it wouldn’t live up to the hype I’d created it for inside of my head.
But- rejoice! Book two provided everything I needed it to, with the added signature drama and toxicity that I have come to know Jennifer Dugan by at this point.
Always be prepared to seethe during her books- but also be prepared to enjoy it? (At least I hope you do!)
Ruby and Morgan are an interesting couple.
I love them together, and individually. But their characters have some growing up to do… which luckily we see a bit of by the end of this. (At least I like to tell myself they would keep that energy moving forward)
They both make some questionable choices, but honestly, I can’t stop rooting for them.
What does that mean?
I could probably read five more books about these two, from the end of college through… the rest of their lives probably.
They are so worth the stress.
Thank you to Netgalley, Penguin Young Readers Group | G.P Putnam’s sons books for young readers and author Jennifer Dugan, for providing me with the eARC of “Girls Like Us”, in exchange for my honest review!
Publication date: May 05, 2026
How can I simultaneously love and hate two people together?
Not even once, but TWICE now?
Book one, “Some Girls Do” is one of my all-time favorites. So when I found out that there was going to be a follow up? Elated. Nothing short of absolutely elated.
Thus, I was slightly nervous to read it. Because I was worried it wouldn’t live up to the hype I’d created it for inside of my head.
But- rejoice! Book two provided everything I needed it to, with the added signature drama and toxicity that I have come to know Jennifer Dugan by at this point.
Always be prepared to seethe during her books- but also be prepared to enjoy it? (At least I hope you do!)
Ruby and Morgan are an interesting couple.
I love them together, and individually. But their characters have some growing up to do… which luckily we see a bit of by the end of this. (At least I like to tell myself they would keep that energy moving forward)
They both make some questionable choices, but honestly, I can’t stop rooting for them.
What does that mean?
I could probably read five more books about these two, from the end of college through… the rest of their lives probably.
They are so worth the stress.
Thank you to Netgalley, Penguin Young Readers Group | G.P Putnam’s sons books for young readers and author Jennifer Dugan, for providing me with the eARC of “Girls Like Us”, in exchange for my honest review!
Publication date: May 05, 2026
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May 12, 2026Thank you to PRH Audio for the free audiobook.
Ruby and Morgan are back! Some Girls Do has a special place in my heart since it was one of my first sapphic reads.
I enjoyed seeing where their relationship is now and the way both characters continued to develop, especially Ruby. My heart hurts for that poor girl. She deserves the world.
The audiobook has a great quality and two talented narrators bringing Ruby and Morgan to life.
If you enjoyed Some Girls Do, you should definitely pick this one up!
Ruby and Morgan are back! Some Girls Do has a special place in my heart since it was one of my first sapphic reads.
I enjoyed seeing where their relationship is now and the way both characters continued to develop, especially Ruby. My heart hurts for that poor girl. She deserves the world.
The audiobook has a great quality and two talented narrators bringing Ruby and Morgan to life.
If you enjoyed Some Girls Do, you should definitely pick this one up!
Review of advance copy received from Netgalley
I received an advanced reader copy of this book from Netgalley in exchange for an honest review.
I opened my email yesterday to find a message from Netgalley offering me Girls Like Us for 48 hours! Well, I took 12 of those hours and blew through this emotional sequel to Some Girls Do.
We pick up with Morgan and Ruby in their freshman year of college. They are maintaining their hard-won relationship long-distance while both of them pursue their individual dreams. This soon becomes increasingly challenging with time restraints, jealousy, and insecurity. They must each grow within themselves to support the other, but that lesson does not come easily.
In true Jennifer Dugan style, the characters are layered and real. Dugan writes about the inner turmoil and desperation of each girl clinging to what they once had, not realizing they will need to build something new to make it work. They fall into familiar self-doubt, relatable to anyone who has been in a relationship, and try to put on brave faces for each other rather than having the hard conversations. It is very real to see two young women trying so hard to be perfect for each other, without acknowledging how lonely they are apart.
The struggles they go through individually capture that unique time in most people's lives, when they are out of the house for the first time, on their own, in an unfamiliar place. Navigating that immense change, while gripping so tightly to the past. The growth of both characters is experienced throughout the book, pulling the reader along as you root for them to work through this.
This is an emotional journey with dividends paid off at the end.
I opened my email yesterday to find a message from Netgalley offering me Girls Like Us for 48 hours! Well, I took 12 of those hours and blew through this emotional sequel to Some Girls Do.
We pick up with Morgan and Ruby in their freshman year of college. They are maintaining their hard-won relationship long-distance while both of them pursue their individual dreams. This soon becomes increasingly challenging with time restraints, jealousy, and insecurity. They must each grow within themselves to support the other, but that lesson does not come easily.
In true Jennifer Dugan style, the characters are layered and real. Dugan writes about the inner turmoil and desperation of each girl clinging to what they once had, not realizing they will need to build something new to make it work. They fall into familiar self-doubt, relatable to anyone who has been in a relationship, and try to put on brave faces for each other rather than having the hard conversations. It is very real to see two young women trying so hard to be perfect for each other, without acknowledging how lonely they are apart.
The struggles they go through individually capture that unique time in most people's lives, when they are out of the house for the first time, on their own, in an unfamiliar place. Navigating that immense change, while gripping so tightly to the past. The growth of both characters is experienced throughout the book, pulling the reader along as you root for them to work through this.
This is an emotional journey with dividends paid off at the end.
May 3, 2026
ARC Review (Release Date: May 05 2026)
I received this ARC from NetGalley in exchange for an honest review.
2.5 ⭐️ This is the second book in the series, I didn’t read the first one but gained enough knowledge through this story that I didn’t feel lost.
There are a lot of good characters in this book, but I really struggled with the communication (or lack thereof) between Morgan and Ruby. I understand they’re young, have their own traumas, and that long distance is hard, but it was really frustrating to read at times.
The ending felt a bit rushed and I don’t know how much was truly solved.
I received this ARC from NetGalley in exchange for an honest review.
2.5 ⭐️ This is the second book in the series, I didn’t read the first one but gained enough knowledge through this story that I didn’t feel lost.
There are a lot of good characters in this book, but I really struggled with the communication (or lack thereof) between Morgan and Ruby. I understand they’re young, have their own traumas, and that long distance is hard, but it was really frustrating to read at times.
The ending felt a bit rushed and I don’t know how much was truly solved.
May 7, 2026
3.5 Stars
This one I enjoyed a little more than the first one. I really like Ruby, and I love that she is a women in the automotive industry. To be honest the miscommunication in this story was rough, I understand they are young...but heck...talk to each other! It was so frustrating! I am glad there was some learning and growth but it took a little to long to get there.
Thank you to Penguin Teen, Netgalley, and Jennifer Dugan for this eArc. This review and opinions are 100% honest and mine.
This one I enjoyed a little more than the first one. I really like Ruby, and I love that she is a women in the automotive industry. To be honest the miscommunication in this story was rough, I understand they are young...but heck...talk to each other! It was so frustrating! I am glad there was some learning and growth but it took a little to long to get there.
Thank you to Penguin Teen, Netgalley, and Jennifer Dugan for this eArc. This review and opinions are 100% honest and mine.
May 1, 2026
2.5 ⭐️
After high school Ruby and Morgan try and figure things out with how their relationship will work when it becomes long distance.
I had just finished Some Girls Do before reading this so it was like getting bonus chapters in a way. Getting to see how much the main characters have grown; together and individually. Ruby dealing with things with her mom was so nice to see after the first book, I was so happy for her to work through that trauma.
I love this author’s work, she can write some amazing sapphic books but this just felt different. The relationship in this felt underwhelming and annoying. The miscommunication trope in this book reminds me why I hate this trope. I just didn’t care for this book as much as I did the first one. It was like writing a love story where the main characters are destined to break up. It felt so immature and I know the main characters are still young and this is a big deal with their new relationship going long distance and things in general changing in their lives, but this just felt like these two lacked chemistry completely and I’m failing to understand what the point of this book even was.
(Note: I received this copy from the publisher via NetGalley in exchange for an honest review. Thank you to the publisher/author for the opportunity.)
POV: Duel, First Person
Spice Level: (mentioned lightly)
Sad Level: 💧
Would I Recommend? No
Favorite Character(s): Ruby
Emojis Based on Vibes: 🚙🌈📚
⚠️ CONTENT WARNINGS
Moderate: Toxic relationship
Minor: Domestic abuse, Emotional abuse
After high school Ruby and Morgan try and figure things out with how their relationship will work when it becomes long distance.
I had just finished Some Girls Do before reading this so it was like getting bonus chapters in a way. Getting to see how much the main characters have grown; together and individually. Ruby dealing with things with her mom was so nice to see after the first book, I was so happy for her to work through that trauma.
I love this author’s work, she can write some amazing sapphic books but this just felt different. The relationship in this felt underwhelming and annoying. The miscommunication trope in this book reminds me why I hate this trope. I just didn’t care for this book as much as I did the first one. It was like writing a love story where the main characters are destined to break up. It felt so immature and I know the main characters are still young and this is a big deal with their new relationship going long distance and things in general changing in their lives, but this just felt like these two lacked chemistry completely and I’m failing to understand what the point of this book even was.
(Note: I received this copy from the publisher via NetGalley in exchange for an honest review. Thank you to the publisher/author for the opportunity.)
POV: Duel, First Person
Spice Level: (mentioned lightly)
Sad Level: 💧
Would I Recommend? No
Favorite Character(s): Ruby
Emojis Based on Vibes: 🚙🌈📚
⚠️ CONTENT WARNINGS
Moderate: Toxic relationship
Minor: Domestic abuse, Emotional abuse
May 5, 2026
Girls Like Us is such a heartfelt continuation of Ruby and Morgan’s story.
This sequel dives into a phase of life that isn’t often romanticized in the same way.....first year of college, long distance, and the slow realization that love alone doesn’t solve everything.
Ruby and Morgan are no longer in the same place physically or emotionally. Morgan is adjusting to university life and the pressures of athletics and academics, while Ruby is navigating her own path closer to home. Watching them try to maintain what they had while growing into who they’re becoming was both emotional and incredibly authentic.
The long distance element was handled really well. The miscommunication, the jealousy, the fear of being replaced.....it all felt real without being overly dramatized. Both characters are trying their best, but they’re also struggling individually, which creates tension that feels grounded and believable.
I especially appreciated how the story explores ambition versus relationships. Both Ruby and Morgan are given opportunities that could shape their futures, and neither wants to hold the other back. That internal conflict makes their decisions feel meaningful.
The emotional pacing is strong, and the story captures that transitional time in life where everything feels uncertain and overwhelming. The growth both characters experience is subtle but important.
If you’re looking for a sapphic romance that leans into messy communication, long distance struggles, and personal growth this is a strong sequel that delivers both heart and honesty.
This sequel dives into a phase of life that isn’t often romanticized in the same way.....first year of college, long distance, and the slow realization that love alone doesn’t solve everything.
Ruby and Morgan are no longer in the same place physically or emotionally. Morgan is adjusting to university life and the pressures of athletics and academics, while Ruby is navigating her own path closer to home. Watching them try to maintain what they had while growing into who they’re becoming was both emotional and incredibly authentic.
The long distance element was handled really well. The miscommunication, the jealousy, the fear of being replaced.....it all felt real without being overly dramatized. Both characters are trying their best, but they’re also struggling individually, which creates tension that feels grounded and believable.
I especially appreciated how the story explores ambition versus relationships. Both Ruby and Morgan are given opportunities that could shape their futures, and neither wants to hold the other back. That internal conflict makes their decisions feel meaningful.
The emotional pacing is strong, and the story captures that transitional time in life where everything feels uncertain and overwhelming. The growth both characters experience is subtle but important.
If you’re looking for a sapphic romance that leans into messy communication, long distance struggles, and personal growth this is a strong sequel that delivers both heart and honesty.
March 29, 2026
Review of advance copy received from Netgalley
I have been waiting for this sequel since it's been announced!! I was so excited to get an ARC copy thanks to Netgalley!!
Overall, I really enjoyed my time reading this book and getting right back into following Ruby and Morgan while they go through a long distance relationship. The feelings between both characters felt genuine. The only problem I had while reading this book was that the break they decided to take felt like neither of the characters grew from that experience.
Thank you to Netgalley for the advanced copy of this book.
Rating: 3.75/5
I have been waiting for this sequel since it's been announced!! I was so excited to get an ARC copy thanks to Netgalley!!
Overall, I really enjoyed my time reading this book and getting right back into following Ruby and Morgan while they go through a long distance relationship. The feelings between both characters felt genuine. The only problem I had while reading this book was that the break they decided to take felt like neither of the characters grew from that experience.
Thank you to Netgalley for the advanced copy of this book.
Rating: 3.75/5
May 5, 2026
Wow I think I’ve been waiting for a good YA long distance romance, coming from someone who was in a LDR for 5 years, from 17-22 years old.
Dugan really portrayed the MCs LDR and dynamic beautifully, from the way they wanted to explore themselves in a college environment while also staying loyal and true to their partner. The MCs both learn how you can prioritize your career and ambitions while also cherishing a relationship that’s miles away, which is such a valuable lesson for readers of all ages. It’s not easy, but no relationship is, and if you’re honest, communicate, and truly commit to being together you can make it work.
Obviously I have lots of personal experience on this one, especially being in college several states away from my partner for all four years, but at the end of the day all those late night facetimes and skype movie nights make it all worth it. I truly loved Ruby and Morgan’s journey in this one, and it’s one of the best sequels I’ve read in a while.
I received an ARC of this book from Netgalley and I am voluntarily leaving this review.
Dugan really portrayed the MCs LDR and dynamic beautifully, from the way they wanted to explore themselves in a college environment while also staying loyal and true to their partner. The MCs both learn how you can prioritize your career and ambitions while also cherishing a relationship that’s miles away, which is such a valuable lesson for readers of all ages. It’s not easy, but no relationship is, and if you’re honest, communicate, and truly commit to being together you can make it work.
Obviously I have lots of personal experience on this one, especially being in college several states away from my partner for all four years, but at the end of the day all those late night facetimes and skype movie nights make it all worth it. I truly loved Ruby and Morgan’s journey in this one, and it’s one of the best sequels I’ve read in a while.
I received an ARC of this book from Netgalley and I am voluntarily leaving this review.
Review of advance copy received from NetGalley
I’m frustrated, but I’m not sure whether my frustrations will resonate with the intended audience.
This book really frustrated me because they were both such poor communicators for most of the book, despite their efforts to improve. The thing is, you could argue that that’s the point because they’re in high school, it’s Morgan‘s first relationship, and in a lot of ways, Ruby‘s first relationship as well. They’re navigating long distance for the first time, and dealing with their own individual traumas, so it’s very realistic that they’re gonna mess up and they’re gonna make mistakes. You could argue that their mess-ups and emotional immaturity are realistic for their ages and life experience. That said, they still pissed me off and made this a tough read. The character’s emotional immaturity made me want to grab both of them by the shoulders and tell them to get their act together. Which, again, could make sense within the context. This is part of why my feelings on this book are mixed.
I am not sure how my frustrations will be shared with the target demographic (YA) because I’m not in that demographic anymore, as I was when I read the first book. I’m not gonna sit here and say that I’m the most mature adult that’s ever existed, but I have grown enough to know how to communicate at least decently well in the time since I read the first book. So with that mindset, it made their conflicts, which would have been resolved much quicker had they communicated in a mature way, very frustrating to read. So, because I’m no longer in that demographic, I’m not sure how many of them will share my frustrations and the negatives of my reading experience. I am not an ambassador for 17-year-olds; however, I will say that some YA books you can read as an adult and still enjoy because, in some way, they’re still engaging. I’ve read some great YA books as an adult, and unfortunately, this is simply not one of those books. If you were someone who read the first book when you were within the target demographic and now you’re gonna be reading the second book outside of that demographic as an adult, I think that group specifically will find this very frustrating because the audience has changed, even though the characters haven’t. However, I cannot speak to the reading experience of a YA person reading both books for the first time.
There’s a jealousy aspect to their conflict for the first ~60% of the book that was really frustrating, regardless of the context and age of the characters. I was really disappointed that the author took that route in the story, given the other issues their situation presented that could’ve caused conflict instead. This was yet another thing about this story that frustrated me.
I’m still not convinced that these two will make it long-term. I still have a hard time rooting for them, because I don’t really believe them when they say they love each other. I do believe that they mean it, but I don’t ✨feel✨ it in a way that is essential to a good romance for me. A classic showing, not telling issue.
To sum up, this was a frustrating reading experience. The reason the rating is two stars instead of one is that I am not in the target demographic. It could be that teenagers will read this and be able to relate, and I don’t want to speak for them or rate on their behalf because I don’t feel like I can. I’m leaving room for hope that this resonates more with them than with me, especially since it’s a YA book, not an adult one. I can say that, as an adult who read the first book as a teen, it wasn’t the conclusion I'd hoped for.
🌶️(0.5, no on page scenes beyond kissing but a lot of innuendos and semi-explicit thoughts)
Thank you to NetGalley and Penguin Young Readers Group for the advanced copy! I received an advanced copy in exchange for an honest review. All thoughts are my own.
This book really frustrated me because they were both such poor communicators for most of the book, despite their efforts to improve. The thing is, you could argue that that’s the point because they’re in high school, it’s Morgan‘s first relationship, and in a lot of ways, Ruby‘s first relationship as well. They’re navigating long distance for the first time, and dealing with their own individual traumas, so it’s very realistic that they’re gonna mess up and they’re gonna make mistakes. You could argue that their mess-ups and emotional immaturity are realistic for their ages and life experience. That said, they still pissed me off and made this a tough read. The character’s emotional immaturity made me want to grab both of them by the shoulders and tell them to get their act together. Which, again, could make sense within the context. This is part of why my feelings on this book are mixed.
I am not sure how my frustrations will be shared with the target demographic (YA) because I’m not in that demographic anymore, as I was when I read the first book. I’m not gonna sit here and say that I’m the most mature adult that’s ever existed, but I have grown enough to know how to communicate at least decently well in the time since I read the first book. So with that mindset, it made their conflicts, which would have been resolved much quicker had they communicated in a mature way, very frustrating to read. So, because I’m no longer in that demographic, I’m not sure how many of them will share my frustrations and the negatives of my reading experience. I am not an ambassador for 17-year-olds; however, I will say that some YA books you can read as an adult and still enjoy because, in some way, they’re still engaging. I’ve read some great YA books as an adult, and unfortunately, this is simply not one of those books. If you were someone who read the first book when you were within the target demographic and now you’re gonna be reading the second book outside of that demographic as an adult, I think that group specifically will find this very frustrating because the audience has changed, even though the characters haven’t. However, I cannot speak to the reading experience of a YA person reading both books for the first time.
There’s a jealousy aspect to their conflict for the first ~60% of the book that was really frustrating, regardless of the context and age of the characters. I was really disappointed that the author took that route in the story, given the other issues their situation presented that could’ve caused conflict instead. This was yet another thing about this story that frustrated me.
I’m still not convinced that these two will make it long-term. I still have a hard time rooting for them, because I don’t really believe them when they say they love each other. I do believe that they mean it, but I don’t ✨feel✨ it in a way that is essential to a good romance for me. A classic showing, not telling issue.
To sum up, this was a frustrating reading experience. The reason the rating is two stars instead of one is that I am not in the target demographic. It could be that teenagers will read this and be able to relate, and I don’t want to speak for them or rate on their behalf because I don’t feel like I can. I’m leaving room for hope that this resonates more with them than with me, especially since it’s a YA book, not an adult one. I can say that, as an adult who read the first book as a teen, it wasn’t the conclusion I'd hoped for.
🌶️(0.5, no on page scenes beyond kissing but a lot of innuendos and semi-explicit thoughts)
Thank you to NetGalley and Penguin Young Readers Group for the advanced copy! I received an advanced copy in exchange for an honest review. All thoughts are my own.
May 12, 2026
just wanna put out there that this is purely nostalgia bias. No objectivity will be found here lol
Now I have a love hate relationship with miss Jennifer Dugan over here. Sometimes her books hit, but sometimes they really miss. And yet this time… it doesn’t matter. Frankly I don’t care how good or bad it was. Because I couldn’t help but fall back into my 2022-newly-out-baby-gay-reading-some-girls-do-for-the-first-time self the entire time. I was just so giddy and excited to be brought back to that time no matter what was happening on the page.
When you’re an already established couple there’s only so much you can do. Which meant there was a lot of bad communication and going in circles and me just being so frustrated at them at times, and it also just made the pacing feel so much slower, but I can’t say it was completely off brand for them or out of the blue. The problems were realistic and they were set up in a natural way.
HOWEVER. Because they’re already established in the beginning it made their moments are so much cuter. Especially becuase they’re recurring things from last book. It’s a list for the list!
- The internal thoughts about each other
- The pinky holding
- The way they’re so loudly in love and want everyone to know it
I was hurting with them. the fact that despite their anger and fighting they still couldn’t help but protect and comfort each other, it was such a slow death and it just made it sting even more. As much as I was getting mad at them when they were fighting or not communicating, them breaking up was breaking me too. The way they were still so sickly in love with each other but there was nothing else they can do. They were trying their best man, and i just couldn’t bear to not support them no matter how annoying they were about it lol. But the payoff was so worth it, it made me truly forget everything that happened before that
Which included Mac and Shiloh. Look I know I said that there’s not many paths you can take when you’re already together. That being said, cheating/another love interest does not always have to be one of them. It’s such a cop out conflict and I don’t like that how it was handled at all. It was so unnecessary and completely avoidable. And it did nothing for their overall growth. they already had other conflicts to build off of! It did not need to exist. And frankly I choose to pretend it didn’t.
I did like the healing process they both went through. It was completely necessary and I liked that they both persued their passions and got what they wanted. And selfishly I adored the pining that it caused. I mean it was very prevalent throughout the whole thing but when they were missing each other it just hit so much harder.
Shoutout to my 17 year old self for starting this journey. And now here I am at 21 about to end it. and continue it. To some girls do, thank you for solidifying my love for sapphic fiction. And to my past self, you have no idea about the world of queer books that you just opened yourself up to lol
3.75/5
Now I have a love hate relationship with miss Jennifer Dugan over here. Sometimes her books hit, but sometimes they really miss. And yet this time… it doesn’t matter. Frankly I don’t care how good or bad it was. Because I couldn’t help but fall back into my 2022-newly-out-baby-gay-reading-some-girls-do-for-the-first-time self the entire time. I was just so giddy and excited to be brought back to that time no matter what was happening on the page.
When you’re an already established couple there’s only so much you can do. Which meant there was a lot of bad communication and going in circles and me just being so frustrated at them at times, and it also just made the pacing feel so much slower, but I can’t say it was completely off brand for them or out of the blue. The problems were realistic and they were set up in a natural way.
HOWEVER. Because they’re already established in the beginning it made their moments are so much cuter. Especially becuase they’re recurring things from last book. It’s a list for the list!
- The internal thoughts about each other
- The pinky holding
- The way they’re so loudly in love and want everyone to know it
I was hurting with them. the fact that despite their anger and fighting they still couldn’t help but protect and comfort each other, it was such a slow death and it just made it sting even more. As much as I was getting mad at them when they were fighting or not communicating, them breaking up was breaking me too. The way they were still so sickly in love with each other but there was nothing else they can do. They were trying their best man, and i just couldn’t bear to not support them no matter how annoying they were about it lol. But the payoff was so worth it, it made me truly forget everything that happened before that
Which included Mac and Shiloh. Look I know I said that there’s not many paths you can take when you’re already together. That being said, cheating/another love interest does not always have to be one of them. It’s such a cop out conflict and I don’t like that how it was handled at all. It was so unnecessary and completely avoidable. And it did nothing for their overall growth. they already had other conflicts to build off of! It did not need to exist. And frankly I choose to pretend it didn’t.
I did like the healing process they both went through. It was completely necessary and I liked that they both persued their passions and got what they wanted. And selfishly I adored the pining that it caused. I mean it was very prevalent throughout the whole thing but when they were missing each other it just hit so much harder.
Shoutout to my 17 year old self for starting this journey. And now here I am at 21 about to end it. and continue it. To some girls do, thank you for solidifying my love for sapphic fiction. And to my past self, you have no idea about the world of queer books that you just opened yourself up to lol
3.75/5
Review of advance copy received from Netgalley
Girls Like Us is the sequel to one of my favorite YA romance books, Some Girls Do. In Some Girls Do, we are introduced to Morgan and Ruby…and they are introduced to each other when Ruby hits Morgan with her car. We find that Morgan is a track star who had to leave her previous private school because of her strong support for LGBTQ+ people and beliefs. Ruby is a pageant queen who also has a gift for all things mechanical, especially cars.
Girls Like Us resumes its narrative the following year, after both girls have graduated from high school. Morgan has been accepted into a four-year university and has received a track scholarship. Ruby, on the other hand, has been granted a scholarship to attend a community college that specializes in automotive engineering located in their home town.
The two previously inseparable girls are now 4 hours and light years apart. Distance creates lapses in communication and texting and evening face times aren’t the same.
They plan a spring break together, but then opportunities arise that could advance their careers. However, they’re afraid to discuss it with each other, fearing disappointment. Everyone in their respective circles seems to have an opinion for them. They even consider taking a break from each other, (because that worked so well for “ Ross and Rachel” )
There is heart break and a lot of tears.
Being in any relationship is hard, and adding distance to the equation makes it harder. Throw in a hot girl who flirts and the feeling you have that “ultimately everyone will eventually leave you”, and you have a recipe for disaster.
As this story unfolded and the raw emotions were revealed, they all felt incredibly authentic. You could sense how the distance created misunderstandings, which in turn led to feelings of abandonment and panic. How do you feel when the person closest to you is no longer close, physically or emotionally?
I enjoyed this continuation of Morgan’s and Ruby’s story. It felt believable and had real emotion.
Thanks to Netgalley and G.P. Putnam’s Sons for the opportunity to review this printer’s proof ARC
Girls Like Us resumes its narrative the following year, after both girls have graduated from high school. Morgan has been accepted into a four-year university and has received a track scholarship. Ruby, on the other hand, has been granted a scholarship to attend a community college that specializes in automotive engineering located in their home town.
The two previously inseparable girls are now 4 hours and light years apart. Distance creates lapses in communication and texting and evening face times aren’t the same.
They plan a spring break together, but then opportunities arise that could advance their careers. However, they’re afraid to discuss it with each other, fearing disappointment. Everyone in their respective circles seems to have an opinion for them. They even consider taking a break from each other, (because that worked so well for “ Ross and Rachel” )
There is heart break and a lot of tears.
Being in any relationship is hard, and adding distance to the equation makes it harder. Throw in a hot girl who flirts and the feeling you have that “ultimately everyone will eventually leave you”, and you have a recipe for disaster.
As this story unfolded and the raw emotions were revealed, they all felt incredibly authentic. You could sense how the distance created misunderstandings, which in turn led to feelings of abandonment and panic. How do you feel when the person closest to you is no longer close, physically or emotionally?
I enjoyed this continuation of Morgan’s and Ruby’s story. It felt believable and had real emotion.
Thanks to Netgalley and G.P. Putnam’s Sons for the opportunity to review this printer’s proof ARC
Review of advance copy received from Netgalley
***Thank you to Netgalley and Penguin Young Readers Group for an e-arc of Girls Like Us by Jennifer Dugan! All thoughts are my own!***
Girls Like Us is the sequel novel to Some Girls. We follow the continuation of Ruby and Morgan's story as they struggle with the complications of a long distance relationship.
Ruby and Morgan fell hard for each other senior year, and now during their first year of college, they are determined to keep the spark alive while being apart. Morgan, on a track scholarship, studying political science at a university several hours away, while Ruby stayed in their hometown to continue pursing automotive engineering at a community college, exploring her passion for being a mechanic.
But when both of them meet new people in their respective programs, new friendships, and flirty classmates add complications.
They start counting down the days to spring break where they finally get to see each other again, and then a whole summer ahead of them. But when Ruby gets the opportunity of a lifetime to be on her favorite automotive TV show, which films during spring break, she doesn't want to pass up the chance. And Morgan wants to apply to a summer internship in public policy.
Neither girl wants to stand in each other's way, but can their relationship go the distance on separate paths?
It's been a while since I have read Some Girls Do, but reading Girls Like Us, it feels like no time has passed at all.
I really enjoyed this coming of age story, of their trials and tribulations during their freshman year of college. It definitely brings aspects of Some Girls Do into this story, so I recommend reading it first before going into this one. That way you get a better idea of how they got here.
Jennifer Dugan really has a way of making her stories feel so real. All the situations you encounter being in a long distance relationship, she covered. The lack of trust, the jealousy, the wanting to talk all the time in order to keep their relationship in tact. This story has it all. This was such a quick read, I was sucked into the story and didn't want to put it down, I enjoyed it so much.
I wouldn't mind if we get a story of Shiloh and Everly, especially with Shiloh being a single dad, I think it would be great older YA story.
Girls Like Us by Jennifer Dugan is out May 5, 2026! Thanks again to Netgalley and Penguin Young Readers Group for an e-arc for review!
Girls Like Us is the sequel novel to Some Girls. We follow the continuation of Ruby and Morgan's story as they struggle with the complications of a long distance relationship.
Ruby and Morgan fell hard for each other senior year, and now during their first year of college, they are determined to keep the spark alive while being apart. Morgan, on a track scholarship, studying political science at a university several hours away, while Ruby stayed in their hometown to continue pursing automotive engineering at a community college, exploring her passion for being a mechanic.
But when both of them meet new people in their respective programs, new friendships, and flirty classmates add complications.
They start counting down the days to spring break where they finally get to see each other again, and then a whole summer ahead of them. But when Ruby gets the opportunity of a lifetime to be on her favorite automotive TV show, which films during spring break, she doesn't want to pass up the chance. And Morgan wants to apply to a summer internship in public policy.
Neither girl wants to stand in each other's way, but can their relationship go the distance on separate paths?
It's been a while since I have read Some Girls Do, but reading Girls Like Us, it feels like no time has passed at all.
I really enjoyed this coming of age story, of their trials and tribulations during their freshman year of college. It definitely brings aspects of Some Girls Do into this story, so I recommend reading it first before going into this one. That way you get a better idea of how they got here.
Jennifer Dugan really has a way of making her stories feel so real. All the situations you encounter being in a long distance relationship, she covered. The lack of trust, the jealousy, the wanting to talk all the time in order to keep their relationship in tact. This story has it all. This was such a quick read, I was sucked into the story and didn't want to put it down, I enjoyed it so much.
I wouldn't mind if we get a story of Shiloh and Everly, especially with Shiloh being a single dad, I think it would be great older YA story.
Girls Like Us by Jennifer Dugan is out May 5, 2026! Thanks again to Netgalley and Penguin Young Readers Group for an e-arc for review!
May 4, 2026
"Girls like us are tougher than we think. We gotta start giving ourselves more credit.”
This book poses age-old questions for every young person in love: "How much are you willing to sacrifice for your relationship? How much distance are you willing to cross for someone you love? And how much of ourselves are we willing to lose all in the name of love?"
I can say it's a pretty straightforward and realistic portrayal of young love and queerhood. In 'Some Girls Do,' we followed Morgan and Ruby as they tried to make sense of their sexuality in an environment that forces queer people to be silent about their love. This time, in 'Girls Like Us,' we see both characters navigating long-distance relationships and trying to be both good partners and better individuals.
Reading this book just cemented one idea I had from the first book... Morgan and Ruby are too painfully incompatible. I was able to tolerate it by the end of the first book because in my head, they were young and they still had so much to learn. We did see exactly that in this sequel, but the miscommunication is just too much for me to actually believe they can be together at this point in their lives.
While I feel the author was aware of that notion of incompatibility (by repeatedly mentioning how everyone around Morgan and Ruby thought they wouldn't last long as a couple) and was hellbent on proving the critics wrong, I didn't think she was actually able to deliver with the resolution and development of Morgan and Ruby's relationship. The reconciliation feels unbelievably too fast for me.
I like the individual character developments though, most especially Ruby's. For me, she's the well fleshed out character between the two. It was not that hard to root for her. Morgan, however, is a more complicated character. The book tells me she had some epiphany about how she was treating her and Ruby's relationship, but I honestly didn't feel much for her. I also did not like how the narrative just kind of brushed over her literally committing emotional cheating with a girl from her class.
Overall, this book shows its readers a very messy sapphic relationship between messy and complex young adults trying to navigate love, life and career. If you are okay with exploring these themes in a YA romance, you can still give this book a try and you might like it better than I did.
Thanks to Netgalley and the publisher for providing an advanced reading copy of this book.
This book poses age-old questions for every young person in love: "How much are you willing to sacrifice for your relationship? How much distance are you willing to cross for someone you love? And how much of ourselves are we willing to lose all in the name of love?"
I can say it's a pretty straightforward and realistic portrayal of young love and queerhood. In 'Some Girls Do,' we followed Morgan and Ruby as they tried to make sense of their sexuality in an environment that forces queer people to be silent about their love. This time, in 'Girls Like Us,' we see both characters navigating long-distance relationships and trying to be both good partners and better individuals.
Reading this book just cemented one idea I had from the first book... Morgan and Ruby are too painfully incompatible. I was able to tolerate it by the end of the first book because in my head, they were young and they still had so much to learn. We did see exactly that in this sequel, but the miscommunication is just too much for me to actually believe they can be together at this point in their lives.
While I feel the author was aware of that notion of incompatibility (by repeatedly mentioning how everyone around Morgan and Ruby thought they wouldn't last long as a couple) and was hellbent on proving the critics wrong, I didn't think she was actually able to deliver with the resolution and development of Morgan and Ruby's relationship. The reconciliation feels unbelievably too fast for me.
I like the individual character developments though, most especially Ruby's. For me, she's the well fleshed out character between the two. It was not that hard to root for her. Morgan, however, is a more complicated character. The book tells me she had some epiphany about how she was treating her and Ruby's relationship, but I honestly didn't feel much for her. I also did not like how the narrative just kind of brushed over her literally committing emotional cheating with a girl from her class.
Overall, this book shows its readers a very messy sapphic relationship between messy and complex young adults trying to navigate love, life and career. If you are okay with exploring these themes in a YA romance, you can still give this book a try and you might like it better than I did.
Thanks to Netgalley and the publisher for providing an advanced reading copy of this book.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
Review of advance copy received from Goodreads Giveaways
Girls Like Us
(Some Girls Do #2) by Jennifer Dugan
Thank you Penguin Teen for the ARC 💛🌈
⭐ 3.75 stars ⭐⭐⭐✨
Coming back to Ruby and Morgan felt like slipping into something familiar but a little more fragile this time.
Their relationship has already been hard-won, and now distance is testing everything they built. Morgan is away at college, running toward her future, while Ruby stays closer to home, building something completely different for herself. And that gap, physical and emotional, is where the story really lives.
This book leans heavily into the reality of long-distance relationships. The miscommunication. The insecurity. The quiet fear that maybe you’re growing in different directions and trying to pretend you’re not. It felt very real in a way that sometimes hurt to read 💔
Jennifer Dugan does such a good job capturing that early adulthood shift, where everything is changing at once. New environments, new people, new versions of yourself. And trying to hold onto a relationship in the middle of all that can feel almost impossible.
Ruby and Morgan both felt layered and human. They love each other deeply, but they also struggle in ways that feel honest. There’s a lot of internal tension, a lot of moments where they are trying to be what they think the other person needs instead of just being honest about how hard things feel.
I will say, I wanted a bit more growth payoff in certain areas, especially with how they handled some of the bigger relationship decisions. It didn’t always feel as resolved as I hoped, but the emotional journey itself was strong.
What I Loved
• A very real portrayal of long-distance relationships 💔
• Emotional honesty and messy, human characters
• Strong themes of growth, identity, and independence
• That soft, aching kind of sapphic love 🌈
What Didn’t Fully Work for Me
• Some character growth felt a little incomplete
• Certain relationship conflicts could have had stronger resolution
This one is tender, emotional, and quietly devastating in places. If you’ve ever tried to hold onto someone while your lives are pulling you in different directions, this will hit close to home 💛📖
(Some Girls Do #2) by Jennifer Dugan
Thank you Penguin Teen for the ARC 💛🌈
⭐ 3.75 stars ⭐⭐⭐✨
Coming back to Ruby and Morgan felt like slipping into something familiar but a little more fragile this time.
Their relationship has already been hard-won, and now distance is testing everything they built. Morgan is away at college, running toward her future, while Ruby stays closer to home, building something completely different for herself. And that gap, physical and emotional, is where the story really lives.
This book leans heavily into the reality of long-distance relationships. The miscommunication. The insecurity. The quiet fear that maybe you’re growing in different directions and trying to pretend you’re not. It felt very real in a way that sometimes hurt to read 💔
Jennifer Dugan does such a good job capturing that early adulthood shift, where everything is changing at once. New environments, new people, new versions of yourself. And trying to hold onto a relationship in the middle of all that can feel almost impossible.
Ruby and Morgan both felt layered and human. They love each other deeply, but they also struggle in ways that feel honest. There’s a lot of internal tension, a lot of moments where they are trying to be what they think the other person needs instead of just being honest about how hard things feel.
I will say, I wanted a bit more growth payoff in certain areas, especially with how they handled some of the bigger relationship decisions. It didn’t always feel as resolved as I hoped, but the emotional journey itself was strong.
What I Loved
• A very real portrayal of long-distance relationships 💔
• Emotional honesty and messy, human characters
• Strong themes of growth, identity, and independence
• That soft, aching kind of sapphic love 🌈
What Didn’t Fully Work for Me
• Some character growth felt a little incomplete
• Certain relationship conflicts could have had stronger resolution
This one is tender, emotional, and quietly devastating in places. If you’ve ever tried to hold onto someone while your lives are pulling you in different directions, this will hit close to home 💛📖
Review of advance copy received from Netgalley
The sequel I have been waiting for since its announcement! I was overjoyed to get my hands on a copy of this ARC thankd to NetGalley and the publisher!
This book the honest, emotional, adorable and enjoyable sequel to Dugan’s “Some Girls Do” following Ruby and Morgan’s adventures in college (the ups and the downs). If you haven’t read the first book in the pair, STOP, and go read it. Now into my review!
This book was a lot for me to unpack. Despite finishing the entire book in one sitting (as per usual with Dugan’s books) I decided I needed a few days to really debrief before writing up my review to properly capture this story in all its glory.
This book follows Morgan and Ruby as they struggle with the ever apparent struggles that come with long distance relationships and trying to reinvent yourself in college. Each girl having their own dreams and aspirations and yet… not sure how to go about balancing them within their relationship and time together.
This book was super enjoyable, well paced and I feel, really captivated the feeling of being all over the place especially in the beginning years of college, and “adult life.” I love and always will love Ruby and Morgan and seeing their story grow in a sequel was all I could ever want. Their first book meant the world to me when it first came out and I knew this one would be a heavy hitter too. Their dynamic was adorable and romantic at times but also serious and raw at others (I’ll admit it hit me in the feels). I think that often times romance books especially for YA hold an unrealistic expectation of perfect youthful love which this book directly pushes against. Relationships are messy but theyre also beautiful!
Now I’ll admit if you don’t like messy situationships, conflicts in relationships or slight miscommunication, then why are you reading romance..? No but actually, this book does contain all of those (in a manageable dose) just so you’re aware.
If you loved Ruby and Morgan’s first book, have enjoyed any other of Dugan’s novels OR are just looking for a quick enjoyable sapphic YA romance to delve into, I reccomend you check out this book and all of her other novels while youre at it.
This book the honest, emotional, adorable and enjoyable sequel to Dugan’s “Some Girls Do” following Ruby and Morgan’s adventures in college (the ups and the downs). If you haven’t read the first book in the pair, STOP, and go read it. Now into my review!
This book was a lot for me to unpack. Despite finishing the entire book in one sitting (as per usual with Dugan’s books) I decided I needed a few days to really debrief before writing up my review to properly capture this story in all its glory.
This book follows Morgan and Ruby as they struggle with the ever apparent struggles that come with long distance relationships and trying to reinvent yourself in college. Each girl having their own dreams and aspirations and yet… not sure how to go about balancing them within their relationship and time together.
This book was super enjoyable, well paced and I feel, really captivated the feeling of being all over the place especially in the beginning years of college, and “adult life.” I love and always will love Ruby and Morgan and seeing their story grow in a sequel was all I could ever want. Their first book meant the world to me when it first came out and I knew this one would be a heavy hitter too. Their dynamic was adorable and romantic at times but also serious and raw at others (I’ll admit it hit me in the feels). I think that often times romance books especially for YA hold an unrealistic expectation of perfect youthful love which this book directly pushes against. Relationships are messy but theyre also beautiful!
Now I’ll admit if you don’t like messy situationships, conflicts in relationships or slight miscommunication, then why are you reading romance..? No but actually, this book does contain all of those (in a manageable dose) just so you’re aware.
If you loved Ruby and Morgan’s first book, have enjoyed any other of Dugan’s novels OR are just looking for a quick enjoyable sapphic YA romance to delve into, I reccomend you check out this book and all of her other novels while youre at it.
Review of advance copy received from Netgalley
Thank you to Penguin Young Readers Group and NetGalley for the opportunity to read this book early.
Girls Like Us is the sequel to Some Girls Do, following Morgan and Ruby a year later as they try to balance their relationship with the distance of their schools and separate new opportunities.
I really enjoyed this book and how Morgan and Ruby worked through balancing their personal futures with their love and care with each other. I also really loved the work done on Ruby’s character and how she’d grown since the first book. It was so much fun to be in her point of view and truly understand what she really wants and her determination to get it and be the best person she can be. I also really liked the introduction of Shiloh as a friend for Ruby and how he was able to give her another perspective on her life that wasn’t coming from Billy. I also enjoyed Morgan interacting with Mika and her friends from back home. The break Morgan and Ruby took was also surprisingly realistic and worked very well for how both characters needed to grow before coming back together.
All my issues in this book stem from the inclusion of Mac, Morgan’s new love interest. I didn’t mind the inclusion of the new love interests but there seemed to be enough trouble in their relationship without them. I was also completely taken out of the story in Mac’s scenes because she was so forward and aggressive despite Morgan only barely flirting with her. I also didn’t think what Mac did about 60% into the book was necessary or dealt with appropriately.
But overall, I really loved following Morgan and Ruby’s journey and seeing how they were able to grow in this sequel, both together, and on their own.
Thank you again to Penguin Young Readers Group and NetGalley for the chance to read this early.
Girls Like Us is the sequel to Some Girls Do, following Morgan and Ruby a year later as they try to balance their relationship with the distance of their schools and separate new opportunities.
I really enjoyed this book and how Morgan and Ruby worked through balancing their personal futures with their love and care with each other. I also really loved the work done on Ruby’s character and how she’d grown since the first book. It was so much fun to be in her point of view and truly understand what she really wants and her determination to get it and be the best person she can be. I also really liked the introduction of Shiloh as a friend for Ruby and how he was able to give her another perspective on her life that wasn’t coming from Billy. I also enjoyed Morgan interacting with Mika and her friends from back home. The break Morgan and Ruby took was also surprisingly realistic and worked very well for how both characters needed to grow before coming back together.
All my issues in this book stem from the inclusion of Mac, Morgan’s new love interest. I didn’t mind the inclusion of the new love interests but there seemed to be enough trouble in their relationship without them. I was also completely taken out of the story in Mac’s scenes because she was so forward and aggressive despite Morgan only barely flirting with her. I also didn’t think what Mac did about 60% into the book was necessary or dealt with appropriately.
But overall, I really loved following Morgan and Ruby’s journey and seeing how they were able to grow in this sequel, both together, and on their own.
Thank you again to Penguin Young Readers Group and NetGalley for the chance to read this early.
Review of advance copy received from Netgalley
I really enjoyed Some Girls Do so I went into this with high hopes and a little bit of trepidation because I didn’t want a world that I previously really liked to let me down and Dugan did it again and I really enjoyed this one.
It’s a cute, queer, YA novel with Ruby and Morgan picking up where they left off in Some Girls Do (though you truly do not HAVE to have read Some Girls Do before Girls Like Us, but it does help a bit with the backstory, truly optional) Morgan is off to start college and is hyper focused on running and meeting her goals and Ruby is staying back and attending the local community college and focusing on automotive engineering. They’re both where they want to be except they aren’t together. They’re really feeling the distance after having been inseparable and now needing to navigate changes in tone and schedules and figuring out what they want to do with their lives.
When their perfect spring break plans are in jeopardy by some really exciting opportunities for both- they need to consider whether the distance is pushing them apart and if they need to take some space.
The feelings were really authentic and you could feel the young love and hope. My only issue is with the “break” they took and how it felt like neither of them actually did much growth to get to their next step. The book had really great queer representation and covered different family dynamics, support and acceptance, and how your life and friend circle changes when you grow up.
Overall, it really cute and I finished it in one sitting, which I think seems to be the norm with Dugans books, they feel really light and hard to put down.
Girls Like Us is due to be published May 5, 2026 and I received an advanced copy from Netgalley in exchange for my review.
It’s a cute, queer, YA novel with Ruby and Morgan picking up where they left off in Some Girls Do (though you truly do not HAVE to have read Some Girls Do before Girls Like Us, but it does help a bit with the backstory, truly optional) Morgan is off to start college and is hyper focused on running and meeting her goals and Ruby is staying back and attending the local community college and focusing on automotive engineering. They’re both where they want to be except they aren’t together. They’re really feeling the distance after having been inseparable and now needing to navigate changes in tone and schedules and figuring out what they want to do with their lives.
When their perfect spring break plans are in jeopardy by some really exciting opportunities for both- they need to consider whether the distance is pushing them apart and if they need to take some space.
The feelings were really authentic and you could feel the young love and hope. My only issue is with the “break” they took and how it felt like neither of them actually did much growth to get to their next step. The book had really great queer representation and covered different family dynamics, support and acceptance, and how your life and friend circle changes when you grow up.
Overall, it really cute and I finished it in one sitting, which I think seems to be the norm with Dugans books, they feel really light and hard to put down.
Girls Like Us is due to be published May 5, 2026 and I received an advanced copy from Netgalley in exchange for my review.
Review of advance copy received from NetGalley
4 stars
Ruby and Morgan go through *so much* in _Some Girls Do_, which is an essential pre-read for this book; I don't recommend jumping into this as a standalone because that backstory really makes readers buy in to these two as both individuals and a couple. All of that strife makes it almost physically painful to think about their relationship experiencing any kind of challenge, and that is the focal point of this book. There's a geographic separation between them, but they are also at a pivotal developmental point when it comes to their schooling, contacts, and needs. Trouble is bound to strike them, and as readers who have been rooting for them for years, it's hard to observe this.
All of that noted, the person who is most attuned to what we need and hope for from Ruby and Morgan is, of course, Jennifer Dugan, so it's not like we're tortured to the point of no return. It's clear Dugan loves them - and us - too.
As a fan of the first book, I couldn't wait to see what would happen to the characters in this next iteration, and I was pleased with the ways in which they grew, even when their struggles were hard to observe. I also kept thinking about how much young readers will benefit from this book, which covers a number of issues common to the age group. I really enjoyed this for entertainment purposes but also for its informative potential.
Folks interested in this title are likely already aware of Dugan's popularity in the world of romance (particularly queer romance), and this book is another solid example of this author's skill.
*Special thanks to NetGalley and G.P. Putnam's Sons Books for Young Readers for this arc, which I received in exchange for an honest review. The opinions expressed here are my own.
Ruby and Morgan go through *so much* in _Some Girls Do_, which is an essential pre-read for this book; I don't recommend jumping into this as a standalone because that backstory really makes readers buy in to these two as both individuals and a couple. All of that strife makes it almost physically painful to think about their relationship experiencing any kind of challenge, and that is the focal point of this book. There's a geographic separation between them, but they are also at a pivotal developmental point when it comes to their schooling, contacts, and needs. Trouble is bound to strike them, and as readers who have been rooting for them for years, it's hard to observe this.
All of that noted, the person who is most attuned to what we need and hope for from Ruby and Morgan is, of course, Jennifer Dugan, so it's not like we're tortured to the point of no return. It's clear Dugan loves them - and us - too.
As a fan of the first book, I couldn't wait to see what would happen to the characters in this next iteration, and I was pleased with the ways in which they grew, even when their struggles were hard to observe. I also kept thinking about how much young readers will benefit from this book, which covers a number of issues common to the age group. I really enjoyed this for entertainment purposes but also for its informative potential.
Folks interested in this title are likely already aware of Dugan's popularity in the world of romance (particularly queer romance), and this book is another solid example of this author's skill.
*Special thanks to NetGalley and G.P. Putnam's Sons Books for Young Readers for this arc, which I received in exchange for an honest review. The opinions expressed here are my own.
May 10, 2026
(3.5 Stars) I recently read “Some Girls Do” (May 2021) in preparation for reading this book and I am glad I did. Girls like us is a true sequel picking up on Ruby and Morgan as they begin college. In the prior book they meet and become a couple in their senior year of high school. Ruby is staying in her hometown and studying automobile mechanics at community college. She also lives with and works in the auto garage owned by a previous stepdad. Morgan in the meantime is four hours away at her dream school on a track scholarship.
I like that good things are happening for both Ruby and Morgan but being long distance is hard. And they are both terrible communicators. While they both agree they are in love, they don’t always see how their actions appear to the other person. Morgan is frustrated that Ruby can’t visit more often. And because she is middle class and has a supportive family, she doesn’t understand that Ruby truly has to work to support herself. Ruby gets frustrated that Morgan is making plans for the summer that will limit the time they will be able to spend together.
As an older adult these things seem small but if you are the intended age range for the book these are realistic challenges for new adults. I may have enjoyed the first book more as it was the beginning of their romance and they got to spend more time together. But this is a good and realistic sequel. I am invested in the characters so I am hoping this isn’t the end of their story.
Thank you to NetGalley and Penguin Young Readers Group for the digital copy and I am leaving an honest review.
I like that good things are happening for both Ruby and Morgan but being long distance is hard. And they are both terrible communicators. While they both agree they are in love, they don’t always see how their actions appear to the other person. Morgan is frustrated that Ruby can’t visit more often. And because she is middle class and has a supportive family, she doesn’t understand that Ruby truly has to work to support herself. Ruby gets frustrated that Morgan is making plans for the summer that will limit the time they will be able to spend together.
As an older adult these things seem small but if you are the intended age range for the book these are realistic challenges for new adults. I may have enjoyed the first book more as it was the beginning of their romance and they got to spend more time together. But this is a good and realistic sequel. I am invested in the characters so I am hoping this isn’t the end of their story.
Thank you to NetGalley and Penguin Young Readers Group for the digital copy and I am leaving an honest review.
Review of advance copy received from Netgalley
In Girls Like Us, the sequel to Some Girls Do, Jennifer Dugan returns to Ruby and Morgan with a heartfelt, emotionally honest continuation of their love story. As someone who adored these two in the first book, I was excited and nervous to see where the story would take us.
I loved how this book allowed both girls to grow into themselves. Ruby continues pursuing her dream of becoming a mechanic, leaving the beauty pageant world and her toxic relationship with her mother behind. Morgan works to balance being a talented student track athlete with her passion for political science and queer activism. They face the real struggle of prioritizing their personal ambitions while not sidelining their relationship, and vice versa. Ultimately, the story isn't just about staying together - it's about becoming who you are meant to be.
There must be angst and their breakup hurts. Dugan captures that emotional immaturity without villainizing or victimizing either of them. They're two girls learning how to love while still figure themselves out. It's painfully relatable at that age. Watching Ruby and Morgan navigate identify, expectations, and their own insecurities makes their relationship journey feel honest and meaningful.
Of course, I was relieved by the happy ending. After all the growth and heartbreak, anything less would have felt devastating.
Thank you to Net Galley for the advanced copy of this book.
I loved how this book allowed both girls to grow into themselves. Ruby continues pursuing her dream of becoming a mechanic, leaving the beauty pageant world and her toxic relationship with her mother behind. Morgan works to balance being a talented student track athlete with her passion for political science and queer activism. They face the real struggle of prioritizing their personal ambitions while not sidelining their relationship, and vice versa. Ultimately, the story isn't just about staying together - it's about becoming who you are meant to be.
There must be angst and their breakup hurts. Dugan captures that emotional immaturity without villainizing or victimizing either of them. They're two girls learning how to love while still figure themselves out. It's painfully relatable at that age. Watching Ruby and Morgan navigate identify, expectations, and their own insecurities makes their relationship journey feel honest and meaningful.
Of course, I was relieved by the happy ending. After all the growth and heartbreak, anything less would have felt devastating.
Thank you to Net Galley for the advanced copy of this book.
April 26, 2026
Girls Like Us is the sequel to Some Girls Do. Ruby is now at school to become a mechanic and Morgan is at university for public policy and running track. However a long distance relationship isn’t easy.
I liked the story of the long distance relationship and the struggles with it. The author does a good job of making it realistic and showing that it can be difficult to do. You can tell the characters are young adults with how they react to things but it feels realistic to their age and not over blown. I could definitely seen myself acting like that as a teenager.
Also Aaron and Billy were definitely my favourite side characters for their advice and relationship with Ruby. Shiloh, a new character in the book, very much grew on me too!
I did find the miscommunication trope and just lack of communication a bit frustrating at times. Especially when that had been a large part of the first book as well. Morgan was also a bit frustrating at times with her defensiveness and not wanting to see the full picture.
Overall the pacing and structure of the. Ok was great! I never felt like it was dragging at all!
A good follow up to Some Girls Do, showing what happens after the happily ever after: happily for now ending! Also a unique book showing a long distance relationship!
Thank you to the NetGalley and Penguin’s Young Readers Group for providing this ARC in exchange for an honest review.
I liked the story of the long distance relationship and the struggles with it. The author does a good job of making it realistic and showing that it can be difficult to do. You can tell the characters are young adults with how they react to things but it feels realistic to their age and not over blown. I could definitely seen myself acting like that as a teenager.
Also Aaron and Billy were definitely my favourite side characters for their advice and relationship with Ruby. Shiloh, a new character in the book, very much grew on me too!
I did find the miscommunication trope and just lack of communication a bit frustrating at times. Especially when that had been a large part of the first book as well. Morgan was also a bit frustrating at times with her defensiveness and not wanting to see the full picture.
Overall the pacing and structure of the. Ok was great! I never felt like it was dragging at all!
A good follow up to Some Girls Do, showing what happens after the happily ever after: happily for now ending! Also a unique book showing a long distance relationship!
Thank you to the NetGalley and Penguin’s Young Readers Group for providing this ARC in exchange for an honest review.
Review of advance copy received from Netgalley
“Girls Like Us” was an enjoyable sequel. Ruby and Morgan are trying to make a long-distance relationship work, which can be difficult in the best of situations. And this is not the best of situations, especially with Ruby having unresolved issues with her mother (which impacts how she approaches relationships) and neither girl doing a good job of communicating openly with each other. They believe that to make the relationship work they must put the other one first. Which becomes a problem when Morgan has the possibility of obtaining an internship that will be great for her academically and for her career prospects but will mean being away from Ruby for even longer, while Ruby has an opportunity that will be great for her career prospects but will mean missing out on a special spring break trip that Morgan had planned. These issues, and others, will temporarily end their relationship. They have to figure out how to balance taking advantage of opportunities for themselves and supporting each other and their relationship.
Billy plays a prominent role in the story, while some of Ruby and Morgan’s friends from the first book are involved as well. There are also some great new characters, especially Shiloh. There is plenty of drama but also plenty of humor and heartwarming moments.
Billy plays a prominent role in the story, while some of Ruby and Morgan’s friends from the first book are involved as well. There are also some great new characters, especially Shiloh. There is plenty of drama but also plenty of humor and heartwarming moments.
Review of advance copy received from Netgalley
Girls Like us is a sequel to Some Girls Do following two graduated queer girls trying to grow as individuals while maintaining their relationship. Ruby is a mechanic student and Morgan is a track athlete in college and we pick up after their first semester apart. Morgan goes back to school and when the distance between them starts to wear their relationship thin they have to decide if it’s worth it to stay together.
I think this story is really sweet. I read it without reading the first in the series but was able to enjoy it without the context of book one. Morgan and Ruby show really well what it looks like to be young and queer and trying to make a relationship last long distance. Rubys relationship with her mom was extremely relatable. If I had a high schooler in my life who was queer I’d definitely recommend this book to them. I won’t go back and read the first because I didn’t love the characters that much, the author does a great job of making immature main characters. I’m sure if you actually were at that life stage the communication and barriers would seem more relatable. Very sweet YA romance, with a sweet HEA.
Thank you to the publisher for providing me with an ARC of Girls Like Us, and to the author for writing such a sweet realistic romance about why it’s like to be queer and navigate life when you’re becoming an adult.
I think this story is really sweet. I read it without reading the first in the series but was able to enjoy it without the context of book one. Morgan and Ruby show really well what it looks like to be young and queer and trying to make a relationship last long distance. Rubys relationship with her mom was extremely relatable. If I had a high schooler in my life who was queer I’d definitely recommend this book to them. I won’t go back and read the first because I didn’t love the characters that much, the author does a great job of making immature main characters. I’m sure if you actually were at that life stage the communication and barriers would seem more relatable. Very sweet YA romance, with a sweet HEA.
Thank you to the publisher for providing me with an ARC of Girls Like Us, and to the author for writing such a sweet realistic romance about why it’s like to be queer and navigate life when you’re becoming an adult.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
March 22, 2026
I read the first book about Ruby and Morgan, Some Girls Do, five years ago, so I jumped on the chance to read this sequel about them. While reading, I realized I don’t really remember much of the details from the first book, but I also felt like you don't actually need to read the first book at all to enjoy this, since Girls Like Us stands on its own feet. But if you have read Some Girls Do, then I definitely recommend also reading Girls Like Us. After reading Some Girls Do, I felt I’ve only seen the very beginning of Ruby and Morgan’s story, but having read Girls Like Us, I can easily imagine how their life might unfold in the future.
Girls Like Us is about how to make a long distance relationship work, when you’ve gotten accustomed to spending all your time together in high school. Told in alternating points of view, I think the story worked really well and I could understand both characters. I especially liked Ruby, who had to come to terms with how to deal with her mother, who couldn’t accept Ruby coming out as bisexual.
If you’re a fan of sapphic YA, definitely check out this book!
Thank you NetGalley and the publisher for the ARC.
Girls Like Us is about how to make a long distance relationship work, when you’ve gotten accustomed to spending all your time together in high school. Told in alternating points of view, I think the story worked really well and I could understand both characters. I especially liked Ruby, who had to come to terms with how to deal with her mother, who couldn’t accept Ruby coming out as bisexual.
If you’re a fan of sapphic YA, definitely check out this book!
Thank you NetGalley and the publisher for the ARC.
April 21, 2026
I have read Some Girls Do approximately a million times so when I found out there was going to be a sequel I got so excited. I am happy to say this book does not disappoint. This book takes place a year later with the girls being freshmen in college and the author does a great job of making the characters feel like college students. So many YA books make college feel so easy & carefree that when the inevitable conflict happens it feels so blown out of proportion. But the conflict here feels so real & I did not know how it was going to resolve itself.
I want to applaud Dugan for the character growth as well. There was one moment when I got so upset by a character’s hypocrisy & just a little bit later she had the realization that she was in the wrong. I love when characters are able work things like that out on their own & not have to have someone point it out to them.
Thank you, thank you, thank you to NetGalley & the publisher for an advanced copy of this book. Everyone needs to pick up a copy of this book when it releases on May 5!
I want to applaud Dugan for the character growth as well. There was one moment when I got so upset by a character’s hypocrisy & just a little bit later she had the realization that she was in the wrong. I love when characters are able work things like that out on their own & not have to have someone point it out to them.
Thank you, thank you, thank you to NetGalley & the publisher for an advanced copy of this book. Everyone needs to pick up a copy of this book when it releases on May 5!
Review of advance copy received from Netgalley
I've been wanting a book about what happens after the big falling in love scene, but now that I have it, I'm not sure what to do with it.
Morgan has gone away to college and Ruby is studying auto mechanics and working. They've been long distance for a semester and it is wearing them down. Small misunderstandings and doubts worm into their thoughts. This is NOT one of those books where if they would just talk, there wouldn't be a plot (I hate those), because they do talk and work through things. But it is just too hard.
They need to grow some, separately, in order to be there for each other.
So it is satisfying, but dang there is a lot of angst. If you are looking for fluffy and fun, this is not your book, but if you want to watch two women work on hard things, maybe you should read this.
G.P. Putnam's Sons Books for Young Readers was kind enough to provide me with an advanced reading copy via NetGalley for an honest review.
Morgan has gone away to college and Ruby is studying auto mechanics and working. They've been long distance for a semester and it is wearing them down. Small misunderstandings and doubts worm into their thoughts. This is NOT one of those books where if they would just talk, there wouldn't be a plot (I hate those), because they do talk and work through things. But it is just too hard.
They need to grow some, separately, in order to be there for each other.
So it is satisfying, but dang there is a lot of angst. If you are looking for fluffy and fun, this is not your book, but if you want to watch two women work on hard things, maybe you should read this.
G.P. Putnam's Sons Books for Young Readers was kind enough to provide me with an advanced reading copy via NetGalley for an honest review.
May 5, 2026
Sequel to Some Girls Do, Girls Like Us explores Ruby and Morgan’s first year of college and navigating a long distance relationship. Morgan being 4 hours away and both given career opportunities, their relationship experiences obstacles that pushes them apart. The question is… will their relationship survive?
I thought this was a great take on a long distance relationship. They are so young and have so much life to live. They’re given opportunities that requires having to sacrifice their relationship for personal growth. It’s a hard thing to pick when all you want to do is spend all your time with your person. I totally get it. I thought Jennifer Dugan did a great job with both character’s narrative and bringing out realistic scenarios that would test a long distance relationship.
Totally enjoyed this one from Ms. Dugan.
Thank you Penguin Young Readers Group and NetGalley for providing this ARC for my honest review.
I thought this was a great take on a long distance relationship. They are so young and have so much life to live. They’re given opportunities that requires having to sacrifice their relationship for personal growth. It’s a hard thing to pick when all you want to do is spend all your time with your person. I totally get it. I thought Jennifer Dugan did a great job with both character’s narrative and bringing out realistic scenarios that would test a long distance relationship.
Totally enjoyed this one from Ms. Dugan.
Thank you Penguin Young Readers Group and NetGalley for providing this ARC for my honest review.
Review of advance copy received from Netgalley
Closer to a 4, Dugan has a penchant for writing well-rounded queer stories that feature all of the diversity and multitudes that anyone can contain. She's a go-to for girls especially who want more happy than sad in their queer romances. I'm a fan of her graphic novels and her narratives and this one is part of the "Some Girls Do" group of books I'm sure she'll publish.
Told in an alternating POV between Morgan and Ruby who are in love in high school and are making it work in college. But a crisis of relationship and life is close to breaking them apart. It's what kind of reactions they will have and what they want from themselves and each other that chart the course of the book and flows sweetly.
Always keepers these Dugan books! I like that this one spins up to post-high school and that it features a woman in automotive and woman in sports.
Told in an alternating POV between Morgan and Ruby who are in love in high school and are making it work in college. But a crisis of relationship and life is close to breaking them apart. It's what kind of reactions they will have and what they want from themselves and each other that chart the course of the book and flows sweetly.
Always keepers these Dugan books! I like that this one spins up to post-high school and that it features a woman in automotive and woman in sports.
Review of advance copy received from Goodreads Giveaways
✨ Masterpiece ✨
I've said it before and I'll say it again- these characters are golden. I love each one so so much, especially Ruby. She's come so far from the first time we met her and I feel like a proud mom rn 🥹
This book in particular was just as good as the first, honestly a little bit better if I'm being honest. They both learned a lot with their miscommunication problems, which was my main problem with Some Girls Do.
I loved the long distance drama, and all the shit going on with Mac. (I did really like Mac up until she forgot what consent meant. She did handle that nice at the end, taking full responsibility for her actions)
I really think this series would make great movies, just throwing that out there. 🙃
I didn't have many problems with this book. I noticed one typo, if that counts 😂 but other than that, it was a cute, very teen-friendly lgbtq+ romance ❤️
I've said it before and I'll say it again- these characters are golden. I love each one so so much, especially Ruby. She's come so far from the first time we met her and I feel like a proud mom rn 🥹
This book in particular was just as good as the first, honestly a little bit better if I'm being honest. They both learned a lot with their miscommunication problems, which was my main problem with Some Girls Do.
I loved the long distance drama, and all the shit going on with Mac. (I did really like Mac up until she forgot what consent meant. She did handle that nice at the end, taking full responsibility for her actions)
I really think this series would make great movies, just throwing that out there. 🙃
I didn't have many problems with this book. I noticed one typo, if that counts 😂 but other than that, it was a cute, very teen-friendly lgbtq+ romance ❤️
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