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Good Luck, Babe!
Fake dating isn't just complicated--it's competitive.
Reality TV enthusiasts Noelle and Yumi spent ten years attached at the hip—until the summer after junior year. One ill-fated night (and one awkward kiss) ended their friendship, and after a year of no contact, fate throws the girls back together when they’re offered a last-minute spot on their favorite show—an Amazing Race analog called The Adventureverse.
It’s a chance to put their superfan status to the test, a dream come true. Except for a few It’s an all-couples season, filming starts in two days, and Noelle hasn’t spoken to her “girlfriend” in a year. But Noelle already has plans to use the prize money on her ailing father’s medical expenses. She would do anything for him—including fake date her ex-bestie on national television.
Can Noelle walk a tightrope between reality and TV while juggling a pretend relationship and true feelings? Or will she get sent home empty-handed and brokenhearted?
Reality TV enthusiasts Noelle and Yumi spent ten years attached at the hip—until the summer after junior year. One ill-fated night (and one awkward kiss) ended their friendship, and after a year of no contact, fate throws the girls back together when they’re offered a last-minute spot on their favorite show—an Amazing Race analog called The Adventureverse.
It’s a chance to put their superfan status to the test, a dream come true. Except for a few It’s an all-couples season, filming starts in two days, and Noelle hasn’t spoken to her “girlfriend” in a year. But Noelle already has plans to use the prize money on her ailing father’s medical expenses. She would do anything for him—including fake date her ex-bestie on national television.
Can Noelle walk a tightrope between reality and TV while juggling a pretend relationship and true feelings? Or will she get sent home empty-handed and brokenhearted?
332 pages, Kindle Edition
First published June 23, 2026
About the author
Erin Baldwin
4 books297 followersErin Baldwin (she/her) is a Filipino-American author and free-range, ethically sourced human being on a quest to become the most interesting person on the face of the planet. In pursuit of this goal, she's travelled to 21 countries, lived in 6 states, and is attempting to learn the fiddle. It is not going well. She resides in New Jersey with her two mischievous cats, The Baby Boy and The Baby Girl.
She is represented by Lauren Spieller at Folio Literary Management.
She is represented by Lauren Spieller at Folio Literary Management.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 318 reviews
February 15, 2026
⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️ (4 very solid stars)
Truth be told, the thing that actually made me wanna read this book is the title. I guess nearly everyone knows Chappell Roan’s song “Good Luck, Babe!” (It is actually one of my favorite songs of all time), so seeing a book with the title was already an instant “I need this” moment for me. Continuing, the synopsis of this as well as the reality TV show aspect just added another point as to why I was drawn to this.
Starting with the actual story now, I adored the characters, they were both adorable in their own way and even though I was kind of disappointed that their final arcs weren’t closed (due to the ending and third part feeling kinda rushed), I genuinely liked reading about Yumi and Noelle. Their relationship started off very (imagine the very in capital and bold) rocky but with time and a little bit of pretending, they actually made a really cute couple!
Besides, I adored the angst and overall ‘feels’ this story conveyed. No matter if it was the first chapter where we got to see the ‘prologue’ to the actual application to the show and the very awkward kiss. Or all the chapters the two spent taking part in the Reality show. It was absolutely amazing to read about it and picture it all in my mind. I think this nicely connects with the fact that I think the book was written very well too! As someone who really appreciates good writing and storytelling skills, Erin Baldwin (the author) definitely did this amazingly!!
As I mentioned, though, the biggest downside was the end or the few chapters of part three to be precise. The character arcs just didn’t feel completed, and I would’ve liked to see them actual returning and what it was like figuring out who the two functioned as a couple outside of the reality tv bubble.
However, it was still a solid read, and one that I would happily recommend if one is in the mood to read a lighthearted but angry YA romance.
Thank you to Netgalley and the Publisher for providing me with a free copy of this book in exchange for a honest and voluntarily given review.
Truth be told, the thing that actually made me wanna read this book is the title. I guess nearly everyone knows Chappell Roan’s song “Good Luck, Babe!” (It is actually one of my favorite songs of all time), so seeing a book with the title was already an instant “I need this” moment for me. Continuing, the synopsis of this as well as the reality TV show aspect just added another point as to why I was drawn to this.
Starting with the actual story now, I adored the characters, they were both adorable in their own way and even though I was kind of disappointed that their final arcs weren’t closed (due to the ending and third part feeling kinda rushed), I genuinely liked reading about Yumi and Noelle. Their relationship started off very (imagine the very in capital and bold) rocky but with time and a little bit of pretending, they actually made a really cute couple!
Besides, I adored the angst and overall ‘feels’ this story conveyed. No matter if it was the first chapter where we got to see the ‘prologue’ to the actual application to the show and the very awkward kiss. Or all the chapters the two spent taking part in the Reality show. It was absolutely amazing to read about it and picture it all in my mind. I think this nicely connects with the fact that I think the book was written very well too! As someone who really appreciates good writing and storytelling skills, Erin Baldwin (the author) definitely did this amazingly!!
As I mentioned, though, the biggest downside was the end or the few chapters of part three to be precise. The character arcs just didn’t feel completed, and I would’ve liked to see them actual returning and what it was like figuring out who the two functioned as a couple outside of the reality tv bubble.
However, it was still a solid read, and one that I would happily recommend if one is in the mood to read a lighthearted but angry YA romance.
Thank you to Netgalley and the Publisher for providing me with a free copy of this book in exchange for a honest and voluntarily given review.
June 27, 2026
Until nine months ago, Noelle and Yumi were inseparable. Then they kissed, and it torpedoed their friendship. But now a reality-show application they sent in before they fell out has come back to haunt them—and because of events of the past nine months, Noelle really needs the prize money. So they're thrown together into a relationship that is strictly for the cameras...and for better or for worse.
I noted when I read Baldwin's first book that it was a delight to have YA enemies who are not awful to each other, and the same is true here. Yumi doesn't want anything to do with Noelle—but under the circumstances she'll do what it takes to work together anyway. They still know each other; if you asked either of them who their person is, they might no longer admit it, but they both know who would come to mind. And more than that, there are no real villains here: There are competitors who Noelle and Yumi don't like, and they're both vividly aware that the reality show has drama rather than their best interests at heart, but the stakes of the story don't come from evil villains.
There are some other small things that could be overdone but that the book turns on its head: Early on, for example, Noelle is given something with intensely personal value. I immediately worried that she'd lose it on the competition—but before I could worry too much about that, she brings that up as a concern, and she's reminded that it is only a thing and it will be okay if she loses it. Not that she won't lose it; that the world will not stop spinning if she does. This is a small thing, but I think it's illustrative of the way the book says "we see those standard plotlines, and we're taking a tangent, thanks".
The plot is lively (though I did spend some time wondering about the environmental impact on, and ethics of, this show), with entertaining side characters and main characters who are easy to root for. I could have used a bit more to the conversation about how the relationship torpedo went down, and also a bit more about how financial matters shook out in the end. But overall? A delight; well worth reading.
Thanks to the author and publisher for providing a review copy through NetGalley.
I noted when I read Baldwin's first book that it was a delight to have YA enemies who are not awful to each other, and the same is true here. Yumi doesn't want anything to do with Noelle—but under the circumstances she'll do what it takes to work together anyway. They still know each other; if you asked either of them who their person is, they might no longer admit it, but they both know who would come to mind. And more than that, there are no real villains here: There are competitors who Noelle and Yumi don't like, and they're both vividly aware that the reality show has drama rather than their best interests at heart, but the stakes of the story don't come from evil villains.
There are some other small things that could be overdone but that the book turns on its head: Early on, for example, Noelle is given something with intensely personal value. I immediately worried that she'd lose it on the competition—but before I could worry too much about that, she brings that up as a concern, and she's reminded that it is only a thing and it will be okay if she loses it. Not that she won't lose it; that the world will not stop spinning if she does. This is a small thing, but I think it's illustrative of the way the book says "we see those standard plotlines, and we're taking a tangent, thanks".
The plot is lively (though I did spend some time wondering about the environmental impact on, and ethics of, this show), with entertaining side characters and main characters who are easy to root for. I could have used a bit more to the conversation about how the relationship torpedo went down, and also a bit more about how financial matters shook out in the end. But overall? A delight; well worth reading.
Thanks to the author and publisher for providing a review copy through NetGalley.
Review of advance copy received from Netgalley
3.75/5 stars
i came for the sapphics, stayed for the sapphic angst, and somehow the adventureverse aspect was what makes this book so memorable to me. as a die-hard fan of the amazing race, this book captured that show perfectly in a way that's full of tension and shenanigans while also managing to incorporate the more personal aspects of the characters and their dynamic.
in terms of the characters, i won't go as far as saying i love noelle and yumi because while i find them adorable, one of the things this book lacks is a proper closure for the personal arcs of the story. a lot of it got brushed off at the end as a means of "character development", but instead it felt incomplete and nagged at me a little bit. i don't really like how noelle and yumi's rift started because it was a bunch of misunderstandings that's completely unnecessary and so one-sided and selfish, yet it was never addressed as such. they became a really cute couple, but the way their fight was addressed left a bad taste in my mouth, and it kinda takes this book down a notch.
i still highly recommend this book if you want an adventure-filled, fast-paced contemporary that's just non-stop fun and dramatic at times because, hey, they're in a reality show 😝
many thanks to the publisher and netgalley for a giving me an early copy
i came for the sapphics, stayed for the sapphic angst, and somehow the adventureverse aspect was what makes this book so memorable to me. as a die-hard fan of the amazing race, this book captured that show perfectly in a way that's full of tension and shenanigans while also managing to incorporate the more personal aspects of the characters and their dynamic.
in terms of the characters, i won't go as far as saying i love noelle and yumi because while i find them adorable, one of the things this book lacks is a proper closure for the personal arcs of the story. a lot of it got brushed off at the end as a means of "character development", but instead it felt incomplete and nagged at me a little bit. i don't really like how noelle and yumi's rift started because it was a bunch of misunderstandings that's completely unnecessary and so one-sided and selfish, yet it was never addressed as such. they became a really cute couple, but the way their fight was addressed left a bad taste in my mouth, and it kinda takes this book down a notch.
i still highly recommend this book if you want an adventure-filled, fast-paced contemporary that's just non-stop fun and dramatic at times because, hey, they're in a reality show 😝
many thanks to the publisher and netgalley for a giving me an early copy
April 29, 2026
book 14 of my 24hr arc readathon!
this book was the cutest ever! i loved the reality tv show aspect and going to a different country with them. it felt soo cool! full rtc!!
⤷ thank you to netgalley, the publisher and the author for providing me an ARC in exchange for an honest review.
︶︶︶⊹︶︶︶˗ˋ୨♡୧ˊ˗︶︶︶⊹︶︶︶
₊˚⊹♡ pre-read ♡⊹˚₊ ↴
i just know i'm going to absolutely eat up the ex-best friends to lovers trope every time..
this book was the cutest ever! i loved the reality tv show aspect and going to a different country with them. it felt soo cool! full rtc!!
⤷ thank you to netgalley, the publisher and the author for providing me an ARC in exchange for an honest review.
︶︶︶⊹︶︶︶˗ˋ୨♡୧ˊ˗︶︶︶⊹︶︶︶
₊˚⊹♡ pre-read ♡⊹˚₊ ↴
i just know i'm going to absolutely eat up the ex-best friends to lovers trope every time..
June 25, 2026
2.5 ⭐
Honestly, I don't have that much to say about this book, which is a little unfortunate because I really thought it had the potential to be a fantastic YA novel for me.
Maybe this one is on me, but as someone who doesn't watch a lot of reality TV, I went into this expecting something closer to a traditional dating show. Instead, the competition aspect felt much more similar to The Amazing Race, which I haven't really watched before. So yes, I definitely made some assumptions going in.
What surprised me the most, though, was just how much of the story revolves around the reality show itself. I'd say about 80% of the book focuses on the competition, while the romance and character development make up the remaining 20%. Unfortunately, those were the aspects I was most interested in, so I ended up feeling pretty disappointed. Even the reality show portion didn't completely win me over because many of the challenges felt predictable, and at times the pacing moved so quickly that it was hard to become fully invested.
I was especially disappointed by the romance. I'm generally not a huge fan of the miscommunication trope, and that's exactly what drives the relationship between Noelle and Yumi. The two spend so much time avoiding conversations about what actually caused their friendship breakup, and when they finally address it, the resolution feels incredibly abrupt. Considering how much emphasis the book places on how deeply their separation affected both of them, I expected a much more emotional and honest conversation. Instead, they barely talk about their feelings before moving on, and because of that, I never fully believed in their relationship. Their love ended up feeling a bit surface level to me because I never felt like they truly rebuilt that trust.
I also struggled with the character development. I really admired Noelle's resilience. Losing her mother while also stepping into a caretaker role for her father is a lot for any teenager to handle, and I respected how hard she tried to keep everything together. But at the same time, she was so emotionally closed off and constantly overthinking things that I found it difficult to connect with her. It felt like she kept everyone at arm's length, including the reader. I would have loved to see more of her vulnerable side because it often seemed like she had no one she could truly confide in, not even Yumi.
Yumi frustrated me as well. Since the two had been best friends for years, I expected her to make more of an effort to understand Noelle's perspective. Instead, she often seemed quick to judge her and place most of the blame for their falling out on Noelle, despite having her own share of responsibility.
The fake dating setup also didn't really work for me. It often felt like an excuse to bring them back together physically without forcing them to properly confront the issues that had separated them in the first place. Even the coming out storyline felt more like foreshadowing than a fully realized arc, which was disappointing.
At the end of the day, this book simply wasn't for me. But if you're looking for a lighthearted YA story with a major focus on reality TV and competition elements, I can definitely see this working much better for other readers than it did for me.
I appreciate NetGalley and the publisher for the eARC. This review reflects my genuine thoughts.
Honestly, I don't have that much to say about this book, which is a little unfortunate because I really thought it had the potential to be a fantastic YA novel for me.
Maybe this one is on me, but as someone who doesn't watch a lot of reality TV, I went into this expecting something closer to a traditional dating show. Instead, the competition aspect felt much more similar to The Amazing Race, which I haven't really watched before. So yes, I definitely made some assumptions going in.
What surprised me the most, though, was just how much of the story revolves around the reality show itself. I'd say about 80% of the book focuses on the competition, while the romance and character development make up the remaining 20%. Unfortunately, those were the aspects I was most interested in, so I ended up feeling pretty disappointed. Even the reality show portion didn't completely win me over because many of the challenges felt predictable, and at times the pacing moved so quickly that it was hard to become fully invested.
I was especially disappointed by the romance. I'm generally not a huge fan of the miscommunication trope, and that's exactly what drives the relationship between Noelle and Yumi. The two spend so much time avoiding conversations about what actually caused their friendship breakup, and when they finally address it, the resolution feels incredibly abrupt. Considering how much emphasis the book places on how deeply their separation affected both of them, I expected a much more emotional and honest conversation. Instead, they barely talk about their feelings before moving on, and because of that, I never fully believed in their relationship. Their love ended up feeling a bit surface level to me because I never felt like they truly rebuilt that trust.
I also struggled with the character development. I really admired Noelle's resilience. Losing her mother while also stepping into a caretaker role for her father is a lot for any teenager to handle, and I respected how hard she tried to keep everything together. But at the same time, she was so emotionally closed off and constantly overthinking things that I found it difficult to connect with her. It felt like she kept everyone at arm's length, including the reader. I would have loved to see more of her vulnerable side because it often seemed like she had no one she could truly confide in, not even Yumi.
Yumi frustrated me as well. Since the two had been best friends for years, I expected her to make more of an effort to understand Noelle's perspective. Instead, she often seemed quick to judge her and place most of the blame for their falling out on Noelle, despite having her own share of responsibility.
The fake dating setup also didn't really work for me. It often felt like an excuse to bring them back together physically without forcing them to properly confront the issues that had separated them in the first place. Even the coming out storyline felt more like foreshadowing than a fully realized arc, which was disappointing.
At the end of the day, this book simply wasn't for me. But if you're looking for a lighthearted YA story with a major focus on reality TV and competition elements, I can definitely see this working much better for other readers than it did for me.
I appreciate NetGalley and the publisher for the eARC. This review reflects my genuine thoughts.
Want to Read
August 1, 2025former bffs pretend to be a sapphic couple to compete for 2 million $ on a travelling reality TV show..... oh that sounds so chaotic. give me 10 of them!
June 23, 2026
this book was everything to me. 😕
genuinely making it to my “top 5 books of 2026” list
𝗡𝗼𝘄 𝗽𝗹𝗮𝘆𝗶𝗻𝗴:
"(The winner takes it all- ABBA)"
𝙍𝙚𝙢𝙞𝙣𝙞𝙨𝙘𝙚𝙣𝙩 𝙤𝙛: 𝙎𝙪𝙧𝙫𝙞𝙫𝙤𝙧, 𝙏𝙝𝙚 𝘼𝙢𝙖𝙯𝙞𝙣𝙜 𝙍𝙖𝙘𝙚, 𝘽𝙞𝙜 𝙗𝙧𝙤𝙩𝙝𝙚𝙧... 𝙄 𝙢𝙚𝙖𝙣 𝙝𝙚𝙘𝙠.. 𝙩𝙝𝙞𝙨 𝙬𝙖𝙨 𝙚𝙫𝙚𝙧𝙮 𝙥𝙤𝙥𝙪𝙡𝙖𝙧 𝙏𝙑 𝙨𝙝𝙤𝙬 𝙧𝙤𝙡𝙡𝙚𝙙 𝙞𝙣𝙩𝙤 𝙤𝙣𝙚.
𝖯𝗅𝗈𝗍:
Ex best friends Noelle and Yumi end up having to compete on a "race around the world" reality show! (imagine: -The amazing race and Survivor)... while dealing with the awkwardness and negative feelings of their friendship breakup.
-----------------------------
UGHHHH THIS BOOK WAS SOOOO GOOD, it tackled the feeling of sapphic yearning and (honestly....?) sapphic betrayal..
I loved this book with my whole heart, I could relate to a lot of the topics mentioned and I felt really at home whenever I would pick this book up!
-----------------------------
ANOTHER AMAZING PART OF THIS BOOK?
HOCKEY REFERENCES GALORE!!
I would just be reading and all of a sudden i see "Brad Marchand" "Stanley cup" "Pittsburgh Penguins" "Wayne Gretzky" "Sidney Crosby"
I mean like OH MY GOSH. this is a hockey fans DREAM. I had soooo much fun!
-----------------------------
all of these characters were SO LIKABLE and extremely relatable..
"𝙏𝙤 𝙗𝙚 𝙛𝙖𝙞𝙧, 𝙄 𝙙𝙞𝙙𝙣'𝙩 𝙠𝙣𝙤𝙬 𝙡𝙞𝙠𝙞𝙣𝙜 𝙜𝙞𝙧𝙡𝙨 𝙬𝙖𝙨, 𝙡𝙞𝙠𝙚, 𝙖 𝙩𝙝𝙞𝙣𝙜 𝙄 𝙘𝙤𝙪𝙡𝙙 𝙙𝙤. 𝘽𝙪𝙩 𝙖𝙥𝙥𝙖𝙧𝙚𝙣𝙩𝙡𝙮, 𝙄 𝙘𝙤𝙪𝙡𝙙. 𝙄𝙣𝙩𝙚𝙣𝙨𝙚𝙡𝙮. 𝘼𝙣𝙙 𝙄 𝙙𝙞𝙙 𝙞𝙩 𝙛𝙤𝙧 𝙨𝙚𝙫𝙚𝙧𝙖𝙡 𝙮𝙚𝙖𝙧𝙨 𝙬𝙞𝙩𝙝𝙤𝙪𝙩 𝙚𝙫𝙚𝙣 𝙩𝙧𝙮𝙞𝙣𝙜."
This book was written in such a laughable way that even when sad things happen i was laughing along with the pain. This author is going on my “keep an eye out for future releases” list. (which.. makes it kinda hard since this book JUST came out and this author won’t be having any new books anytime soon unfortunately)
genuinely thank you SO MUCH to NetGalley and the publishers for allowing me to have an arc of this book in exchange for an honest review!
𝗆𝗒 𝗋𝖺𝗍𝗂𝗇𝗀: 5⭐️!
~ date started: 5-5-26
~ date finished: 6-23-26 (very convenient that I finished it on the release date! veryyy.. convenient...)
genuinely making it to my “top 5 books of 2026” list
𝗡𝗼𝘄 𝗽𝗹𝗮𝘆𝗶𝗻𝗴:
"(The winner takes it all- ABBA)"
𝙍𝙚𝙢𝙞𝙣𝙞𝙨𝙘𝙚𝙣𝙩 𝙤𝙛: 𝙎𝙪𝙧𝙫𝙞𝙫𝙤𝙧, 𝙏𝙝𝙚 𝘼𝙢𝙖𝙯𝙞𝙣𝙜 𝙍𝙖𝙘𝙚, 𝘽𝙞𝙜 𝙗𝙧𝙤𝙩𝙝𝙚𝙧... 𝙄 𝙢𝙚𝙖𝙣 𝙝𝙚𝙘𝙠.. 𝙩𝙝𝙞𝙨 𝙬𝙖𝙨 𝙚𝙫𝙚𝙧𝙮 𝙥𝙤𝙥𝙪𝙡𝙖𝙧 𝙏𝙑 𝙨𝙝𝙤𝙬 𝙧𝙤𝙡𝙡𝙚𝙙 𝙞𝙣𝙩𝙤 𝙤𝙣𝙚.
𝖯𝗅𝗈𝗍:
Ex best friends Noelle and Yumi end up having to compete on a "race around the world" reality show! (imagine: -The amazing race and Survivor)... while dealing with the awkwardness and negative feelings of their friendship breakup.
-----------------------------
UGHHHH THIS BOOK WAS SOOOO GOOD, it tackled the feeling of sapphic yearning and (honestly....?) sapphic betrayal..
I loved this book with my whole heart, I could relate to a lot of the topics mentioned and I felt really at home whenever I would pick this book up!
-----------------------------
ANOTHER AMAZING PART OF THIS BOOK?
HOCKEY REFERENCES GALORE!!
I would just be reading and all of a sudden i see "Brad Marchand" "Stanley cup" "Pittsburgh Penguins" "Wayne Gretzky" "Sidney Crosby"
I mean like OH MY GOSH. this is a hockey fans DREAM. I had soooo much fun!
-----------------------------
all of these characters were SO LIKABLE and extremely relatable..
"𝙏𝙤 𝙗𝙚 𝙛𝙖𝙞𝙧, 𝙄 𝙙𝙞𝙙𝙣'𝙩 𝙠𝙣𝙤𝙬 𝙡𝙞𝙠𝙞𝙣𝙜 𝙜𝙞𝙧𝙡𝙨 𝙬𝙖𝙨, 𝙡𝙞𝙠𝙚, 𝙖 𝙩𝙝𝙞𝙣𝙜 𝙄 𝙘𝙤𝙪𝙡𝙙 𝙙𝙤. 𝘽𝙪𝙩 𝙖𝙥𝙥𝙖𝙧𝙚𝙣𝙩𝙡𝙮, 𝙄 𝙘𝙤𝙪𝙡𝙙. 𝙄𝙣𝙩𝙚𝙣𝙨𝙚𝙡𝙮. 𝘼𝙣𝙙 𝙄 𝙙𝙞𝙙 𝙞𝙩 𝙛𝙤𝙧 𝙨𝙚𝙫𝙚𝙧𝙖𝙡 𝙮𝙚𝙖𝙧𝙨 𝙬𝙞𝙩𝙝𝙤𝙪𝙩 𝙚𝙫𝙚𝙣 𝙩𝙧𝙮𝙞𝙣𝙜."
This book was written in such a laughable way that even when sad things happen i was laughing along with the pain. This author is going on my “keep an eye out for future releases” list. (which.. makes it kinda hard since this book JUST came out and this author won’t be having any new books anytime soon unfortunately)
genuinely thank you SO MUCH to NetGalley and the publishers for allowing me to have an arc of this book in exchange for an honest review!
𝗆𝗒 𝗋𝖺𝗍𝗂𝗇𝗀: 5⭐️!
~ date started: 5-5-26
~ date finished: 6-23-26 (very convenient that I finished it on the release date! veryyy.. convenient...)
July 19, 2026
3.5
Thank you to Netgalley and the publisher for an advanced readers copy in exchange for an honest review. I really enjoyed this book for what it was a sweet romance with a lot of adventure. I think the romance definitely took a backseat compared to the challenge aspect of the book. I also think that the tension between the two main characters could have definitely been stronger but it was still enjoyable to read. The challenges were really fun to read about it and definitely made the book more interesting. This definitely reads as a young ya book and some parts of it were very juvenile in my opinion. I would recommend this to anyone looking for a lighting hearted summer read.
Thank you to Netgalley and the publisher for an advanced readers copy in exchange for an honest review. I really enjoyed this book for what it was a sweet romance with a lot of adventure. I think the romance definitely took a backseat compared to the challenge aspect of the book. I also think that the tension between the two main characters could have definitely been stronger but it was still enjoyable to read. The challenges were really fun to read about it and definitely made the book more interesting. This definitely reads as a young ya book and some parts of it were very juvenile in my opinion. I would recommend this to anyone looking for a lighting hearted summer read.
June 7, 2026
The fifth YA book I’m liking but not loving. The fifth YA book I’m rating 3.5 stars in a row.
I really thought I would love Good Luck, Babe, that this would finally be the first to break the streak and earn a full four or even five stars again. But this time I’m even rounding my 3.5 down.
Good Luck, Babe is actually a funny and cute story, and it takes off fast. The writing itself is great too. The thing is, I was craving a bit more romance after three YA stories without one, and one where the romance arrived pretty late. That’s not something I can blame on this book. But I just wanted a bit more. Add that I also didn’t fully connect to Noelle and Yumi, and I found myself distracted once in a while.
Don’t get me wrong, I enjoyed myself while reading, but just not enough.
Thank you, Viking Books for Young Readers and NetGalley, for this ARC!
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I really thought I would love Good Luck, Babe, that this would finally be the first to break the streak and earn a full four or even five stars again. But this time I’m even rounding my 3.5 down.
Good Luck, Babe is actually a funny and cute story, and it takes off fast. The writing itself is great too. The thing is, I was craving a bit more romance after three YA stories without one, and one where the romance arrived pretty late. That’s not something I can blame on this book. But I just wanted a bit more. Add that I also didn’t fully connect to Noelle and Yumi, and I found myself distracted once in a while.
Don’t get me wrong, I enjoyed myself while reading, but just not enough.
Thank you, Viking Books for Young Readers and NetGalley, for this ARC!
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July 31, 2025
I read this book as a beta reader and trust meee, Erin’s sophomore novel is a 10/5 absolute perfection. I’m still thinking about it.
August 10, 2026
good luck babe follows yumi and noelle, ex-bffs, forced back together when their favorite competition show (similar to real life amazing race) offers them a last minute spot as a team. tempted by the prize money, noelle works to convince yumi to compete with her. the only catch... it's an all couple's season. forced together to not only reconcile their lost friendship, they also have to fake date and act their way through the challenges so they're not found out as faking it!
i had SO much fun reading good luck babe. noelle and yumi applied to the competition show before their friendship was broken up and even though it is EXTREMELY awkward for them to be forced so closely together again, they really do work to try to make their relationship believable on camera. while yumi could've said no, we see how their lives had become so intertwined before the friendship break up. because once noelle explains that the reason she wants to compete is so she can help pay off her father's medical debt (and pending liver transplant), yumi doesn't actually hesitate to jump to help noelle's family.
beyond the lighter side of the book with the competitions and the whole reality show itself, good luck babe deals so greatly with disability and with grief. noelle had lost her mom very young and now is dealing with her father's concerning health. yumi is so deeply ingrained into that time of her life. through their time on the show we see them work through all of issues and bring themselves back to that relationship of trust from before, where they can be open and joke with each other. i really really loved seeing their story.
if you ever loved the amazing race and/or wanted to see some lesbians compete in physical and mental puzzles (with slight fear factor type challenges) this is the one for you!! MY travel bucket list definitely just got longer, that's for sure.
i had SO much fun reading good luck babe. noelle and yumi applied to the competition show before their friendship was broken up and even though it is EXTREMELY awkward for them to be forced so closely together again, they really do work to try to make their relationship believable on camera. while yumi could've said no, we see how their lives had become so intertwined before the friendship break up. because once noelle explains that the reason she wants to compete is so she can help pay off her father's medical debt (and pending liver transplant), yumi doesn't actually hesitate to jump to help noelle's family.
beyond the lighter side of the book with the competitions and the whole reality show itself, good luck babe deals so greatly with disability and with grief. noelle had lost her mom very young and now is dealing with her father's concerning health. yumi is so deeply ingrained into that time of her life. through their time on the show we see them work through all of issues and bring themselves back to that relationship of trust from before, where they can be open and joke with each other. i really really loved seeing their story.
if you ever loved the amazing race and/or wanted to see some lesbians compete in physical and mental puzzles (with slight fear factor type challenges) this is the one for you!! MY travel bucket list definitely just got longer, that's for sure.
Review of advance copy received from Netgalley
3,75⭐️
this book was fun and entertaining. i loved the whole reality tv show part especially that every single adventure takes place in a different city all over the world, where you could experience it as a reader with the contestants. don't get me wrong, i really liked yumi and noelles relationship, they are cute and i just love (ex-) best friends to lovers trope so much, but i wish we could've gotten a bit more from them outside the reality tv show. idk if this makes sense lmao. it kinda felt unfinished/rushed in a way, i personally needed more post-season yumi and noelle content filled with fully fleshed out character develoment/arc.
thank you netgalley and the author for providing the advanced readers copy!
this book was fun and entertaining. i loved the whole reality tv show part especially that every single adventure takes place in a different city all over the world, where you could experience it as a reader with the contestants. don't get me wrong, i really liked yumi and noelles relationship, they are cute and i just love (ex-) best friends to lovers trope so much, but i wish we could've gotten a bit more from them outside the reality tv show. idk if this makes sense lmao. it kinda felt unfinished/rushed in a way, i personally needed more post-season yumi and noelle content filled with fully fleshed out character develoment/arc.
thank you netgalley and the author for providing the advanced readers copy!
Review of advance copy received from Netgalley
this was SO. FUCKING. CUTE. everything I want from a ya romance honestly noelle and yumi were everything and the angst was deliciously devastating and the fluff was SO HEARTWARMING. ugh highkey need a sequel of them on another season
thank you to netgalley and the publisher for the advance review copy
thank you to netgalley and the publisher for the advance review copy
Review of advance copy received from NetGalley
'Wish You Weren't Here' by the same author is one of my favorite sapphic books ever so going into this, I had a certain level of excitement and just a tad less expectation of how much I'd enjoy it but I'm afraid to say I didn't like it very much.
The book still had all my favorite things of Baldwin's writing— the wittiness, the contemporary references while not being overly tiktok-y and annoying, the character development and portrayal of heavier topics which was parental illness/disability. I also really like how the relationship between Noelle and Yumi progressed.
Where I felt disconnected from the story was the challenges. I've never watched a survival show or reality TV really, so reading about it just wasn't working for me. I am aware though that it's a me thing so very much still rec this if you like that type of thing.
Thank you Netgalley and Penguin Young Readers Group for the arc in exchange for an honest review.
The book still had all my favorite things of Baldwin's writing— the wittiness, the contemporary references while not being overly tiktok-y and annoying, the character development and portrayal of heavier topics which was parental illness/disability. I also really like how the relationship between Noelle and Yumi progressed.
Where I felt disconnected from the story was the challenges. I've never watched a survival show or reality TV really, so reading about it just wasn't working for me. I am aware though that it's a me thing so very much still rec this if you like that type of thing.
Thank you Netgalley and Penguin Young Readers Group for the arc in exchange for an honest review.
June 7, 2026
Rating: 4 stars
This was a sweet read. I wish there was more tension in the romance and the plot but there’s something about Erin Baldwin’s writing that I really enjoy. It’s witty and sincere. Also it helps that I freaking love the Amazing Race so I was very clearly able to picture the details in this book in a way that someone who’s never watched the show might have trouble with.
This was a sweet read. I wish there was more tension in the romance and the plot but there’s something about Erin Baldwin’s writing that I really enjoy. It’s witty and sincere. Also it helps that I freaking love the Amazing Race so I was very clearly able to picture the details in this book in a way that someone who’s never watched the show might have trouble with.
June 24, 2026
having a lie around sick day (i’m not super sick, but on the edge of it and i really DON’T want to push myself into real sickness) and so i was doing the classic activity of “checking if any of my libraries have a shorter wait for a book” when i found that TWO (2) !!! of my libraries had this book just fully available. so obviously i had to read all of it in one sitting
i loved baldwin’s debut novel and so it’s no surprise that i loved this one!!! from the very beginning we get one of my fav relationship dynamics “codependent childhood friends have a massive friendship breakup… one is in love with the other”. that was a super fun part of the book, their banter, their development, their dynamic, but! it was also one of many things i really enjoyed. like the dynamic with noelle’s father and the conversations around disability and being a caretaker. all of the characters were great. the reality tv show stuff was so much fun, i loved all of the challenges and behind the scenes stuff. just a lovely, wonderful time of a book!!!! so glad i read it today :))
also i’ve been in a somewhat sapphic drought but it’s only looking up from here!!!
i loved baldwin’s debut novel and so it’s no surprise that i loved this one!!! from the very beginning we get one of my fav relationship dynamics “codependent childhood friends have a massive friendship breakup… one is in love with the other”. that was a super fun part of the book, their banter, their development, their dynamic, but! it was also one of many things i really enjoyed. like the dynamic with noelle’s father and the conversations around disability and being a caretaker. all of the characters were great. the reality tv show stuff was so much fun, i loved all of the challenges and behind the scenes stuff. just a lovely, wonderful time of a book!!!! so glad i read it today :))
also i’ve been in a somewhat sapphic drought but it’s only looking up from here!!!
February 11, 2026
i haven’t truly enjoyed a romance novel in what feels like forever, but this reminded me that i really do love the genre when it’s done well. it was such a breath of fresh air.
funny, likeable characters with great chemistry and realistic reactions to the situations they were put in. that’s really all i can ask for. i think if i was 17 i would’ve made this novel my entire personality for a few weeks at least.
(thank you for the arc provided via netgalley)
funny, likeable characters with great chemistry and realistic reactions to the situations they were put in. that’s really all i can ask for. i think if i was 17 i would’ve made this novel my entire personality for a few weeks at least.
(thank you for the arc provided via netgalley)
July 1, 2026
Ooh this was so fun and I had a blast reading this. Please tell me there’s another one coming cause this was great!! The plot kinda resolved a bit too easily at the end which kept it from being 5 stars but honestly this was just such a fun time
Want to Read
February 21, 2026this comes out on my birthday!!! HYPED
June 4, 2026
3.5/5
Noelle and Yumi were unstoppable for the longest time, until one awkward kiss. Now, after a year of no-contact, they both have the opportunity to compete on their absolute favorite show, The Adventureverse. Noelle’s dad is sick and plans to use the prize money in aiding him. The thing is, this season is an all-couples season. Now ex-besties Noelle and Yumi must push through the awkwardness and fake date to climb to the top and win the competition.
I had so much fun with this adventure filled angst-fest book. I truly felt as if I was watching a tv-show with how much I was rooting for Yumi and Noelle to win the competition. The adventure show aspect of this book was such a cool aspect, I loved getting to see their connection reform through it. Each day I had no idea what else to expect from the competition and that kept me interested and fly through the book. I found Yumi and Noelle adorable but wish we got more closure in the end!
Thank you to netgalley, the publisher and the author for providing me an ARC in exchange for an honest review.
Noelle and Yumi were unstoppable for the longest time, until one awkward kiss. Now, after a year of no-contact, they both have the opportunity to compete on their absolute favorite show, The Adventureverse. Noelle’s dad is sick and plans to use the prize money in aiding him. The thing is, this season is an all-couples season. Now ex-besties Noelle and Yumi must push through the awkwardness and fake date to climb to the top and win the competition.
I had so much fun with this adventure filled angst-fest book. I truly felt as if I was watching a tv-show with how much I was rooting for Yumi and Noelle to win the competition. The adventure show aspect of this book was such a cool aspect, I loved getting to see their connection reform through it. Each day I had no idea what else to expect from the competition and that kept me interested and fly through the book. I found Yumi and Noelle adorable but wish we got more closure in the end!
Thank you to netgalley, the publisher and the author for providing me an ARC in exchange for an honest review.
July 4, 2026
My guilty pleasure is reality tv show plots and this take on the Amazing Race did not disappoint! It made me smile so much as a fan of the show.
I do wish I got more out of the romance though. I didn't truly feel their yearning for each other but I enjoyed them as characters.
Excited to read whatever Erin Baldwin writes next!
I do wish I got more out of the romance though. I didn't truly feel their yearning for each other but I enjoyed them as characters.
Excited to read whatever Erin Baldwin writes next!
June 23, 2026
This was adorable, and I love how more YA books are having HAPPY and CUTE and NOT TRAGIC sapphic stories. This is such a rom-com and it was very sweet to read.
Thank you NetGalley for this ARC!
Thank you NetGalley for this ARC!
June 26, 2026
Based on the cartoony cover I wasn't expecting much, but this was surprisingly well-written and engaging.
August 6, 2026
Another absolute banger. Griefy and hilarious and made me want to travel the world immediately ❤️
June 9, 2026
4.25⭐️
Audiobook for the win! I had this eARC from Viking Books for Young Readers via NetGalley sitting on my shelf for months. I actually tried reading it back in March, but I just wasn’t in the mood for it (total mood reader over here), so I set it aside. When it later became available as an ALC through the PRH Audio Influencer Program, I decided to give it another chance, and I am so chuffed that I did because I absolutely loved it.
Ironically, I’m not a reality competition show watcher at all, but I love reading about them, and this book completely captured everything that fascinates me about the genre. Adding in a fake dating trope between ex-best friends created the perfect amount of drama, both behind the scenes and in front of the cameras.
I thought the story struck a nice balance between the competition itself and the evolving relationship. The intentionally exaggerated stereotypes, combined with the diverse representation, made for an entertaining read while also adding some thoughtful subtext. I think teen readers are going to eat this one up.
As for the audiobook, it was narrated by Khaya Fraites, who did a wonderful job. She sounded age-appropriate and handled the entire cast of characters with ease. In the past, I haven’t always connected with her narration, so I was pleasantly surprised and look forward to listening to more of her work in the future.
In the end, this is a fun, sapphic YA romance that’s engaging, accessible, and appropriate for a wide range of readers. I can’t wait to start recommending it in real life.
Audiobook for the win! I had this eARC from Viking Books for Young Readers via NetGalley sitting on my shelf for months. I actually tried reading it back in March, but I just wasn’t in the mood for it (total mood reader over here), so I set it aside. When it later became available as an ALC through the PRH Audio Influencer Program, I decided to give it another chance, and I am so chuffed that I did because I absolutely loved it.
Ironically, I’m not a reality competition show watcher at all, but I love reading about them, and this book completely captured everything that fascinates me about the genre. Adding in a fake dating trope between ex-best friends created the perfect amount of drama, both behind the scenes and in front of the cameras.
I thought the story struck a nice balance between the competition itself and the evolving relationship. The intentionally exaggerated stereotypes, combined with the diverse representation, made for an entertaining read while also adding some thoughtful subtext. I think teen readers are going to eat this one up.
As for the audiobook, it was narrated by Khaya Fraites, who did a wonderful job. She sounded age-appropriate and handled the entire cast of characters with ease. In the past, I haven’t always connected with her narration, so I was pleasantly surprised and look forward to listening to more of her work in the future.
In the end, this is a fun, sapphic YA romance that’s engaging, accessible, and appropriate for a wide range of readers. I can’t wait to start recommending it in real life.
Review of advance copy received from Netgalley
4.25 stars. ARC obtained through NetGalley.
A wonderful sapphic romance about two estranged best friends putting aside their conflict to enter a reality TV competition. Perfect for teen readers, anyone who's watched competitions like The Amazing Race, or people looking for a queer book to pull them out of a reading slump. It's hopeful and diverse for the YA genre, intertwining representation into the narrative and while not pulling the reader out of the moment to spread its message. Noelle's narrative voice is fun and witty while also possessing an emotional depth that completed the story.
A wonderful sapphic romance about two estranged best friends putting aside their conflict to enter a reality TV competition. Perfect for teen readers, anyone who's watched competitions like The Amazing Race, or people looking for a queer book to pull them out of a reading slump. It's hopeful and diverse for the YA genre, intertwining representation into the narrative and while not pulling the reader out of the moment to spread its message. Noelle's narrative voice is fun and witty while also possessing an emotional depth that completed the story.
March 10, 2026
ARC review from netgalley:
it was really good!! i enjoyed the entire premise of the adventureverse and the dynamic between yumi + noelle. i do wish they had dove into their argument a bit more and i feel like the last 25% of the book was crazy rushed. i definitely could’ve done with another 50 pages or so. other than that, it’s a solid 4 ⭐️
it was really good!! i enjoyed the entire premise of the adventureverse and the dynamic between yumi + noelle. i do wish they had dove into their argument a bit more and i feel like the last 25% of the book was crazy rushed. i definitely could’ve done with another 50 pages or so. other than that, it’s a solid 4 ⭐️
Want to Read
August 18, 2025oh so my new favourite book?
March 3, 2026
Thank you Netgalley and the publisher for allowing me to read this advanced reader copy.
I’m not a big fan of contemporary romances, because I always feel like it lacks plot or stakes. But when I stumbled on the author posting about how two former best friends needing to fake date in order to participate in a reality TV show, I knew I had to have my hands on this. What won’t I do for sapphic angst?
The actual plot was very entertaining. Noelle and Yumi are taken from country to country in this fictional Amazing Race adventure , where they have to participate in challenges, defying their patience and their worst fears. The fast (REALLY fast) pacing allowed for a book that is very difficult to put down. Now, everything else is coming from a french person who has only ever seen Pékin Express in this genre of reality shows, but did they HAVE to fly across the world everytime they changed countries ? In the beginning, they go from the US, to Paris, to Buenos Aires, and back to Lisbon—am I the only one absolutely bothered by the fictional ecological nonsense that is this itinerary ? I was absolutely taken out of this book because of it. I also expected more discovery of each individual country, but despite completing a challenge vaguely referencing the culture, they could have easily done all of that from the US.
The romance was also quite fun to follow along, though the very first chapters lead us to believe it would be way angstier than it turned out to be. Maybe it’s because I’m an angst lover above all else, but when you sell me ex-BFFs turned lovers, I expect all of the conflict and sadness that come from it, especially because of the fight that broke their friendship. This may be a me problem, but the reason for their “breakup” was very vague and I genuinely could not understand the miscommunication. It would have hit harder if the author actually had given reasons for it, not just two girls being idiots (and one being an EXTRA idiot).
After that, their romance just didn’t impact as much as I wanted. Yes, they were cute, but they kept behaving like best friends throughout the book. I feel like Yumi narrating the book with all of her yearning added to it might have helped in actually investing myself into their love story.
I do like Noelle’s history, with of all her problems coming from the passing of her mother and her father’s sickness. It helped the reader in empathising in her, and it’s easy to genuinely root for her in her Adventure, and in her love story. Her ADHD also explained a lot of her actions, and it was an easy way to understand more of this pathology. Yumi’s personality complemented her well, though I wish Yumi’s own struggles were explored a little bit more.
I think this story was fun, and I don’t regret reading it at all, but I wish everything was a bit more developed. It was a fun concept, but I think it kind of got lost along the way. A bit more thought given to the plot, a bit more complexity for the girls and a tad more chemistry would have done wonders.
I’m not a big fan of contemporary romances, because I always feel like it lacks plot or stakes. But when I stumbled on the author posting about how two former best friends needing to fake date in order to participate in a reality TV show, I knew I had to have my hands on this. What won’t I do for sapphic angst?
“Yumi reminded me that she’s always been my person,” I say truthfully.
We haven’t figured out everything between us and I don’t quite trust that this friendship is going to transcend the bounds of reality TV, but one thing I do know is that I don’t want to be alone and unknown in the dark anymore.
The actual plot was very entertaining. Noelle and Yumi are taken from country to country in this fictional Amazing Race adventure , where they have to participate in challenges, defying their patience and their worst fears. The fast (REALLY fast) pacing allowed for a book that is very difficult to put down. Now, everything else is coming from a french person who has only ever seen Pékin Express in this genre of reality shows, but did they HAVE to fly across the world everytime they changed countries ? In the beginning, they go from the US, to Paris, to Buenos Aires, and back to Lisbon—am I the only one absolutely bothered by the fictional ecological nonsense that is this itinerary ? I was absolutely taken out of this book because of it. I also expected more discovery of each individual country, but despite completing a challenge vaguely referencing the culture, they could have easily done all of that from the US.
The romance was also quite fun to follow along, though the very first chapters lead us to believe it would be way angstier than it turned out to be. Maybe it’s because I’m an angst lover above all else, but when you sell me ex-BFFs turned lovers, I expect all of the conflict and sadness that come from it, especially because of the fight that broke their friendship. This may be a me problem, but the reason for their “breakup” was very vague and I genuinely could not understand the miscommunication. It would have hit harder if the author actually had given reasons for it, not just two girls being idiots (and one being an EXTRA idiot).
My mouth settles against hers like a declaration: I don’t care. I don’t care if this ends tonight. I don’t care if—that—we lose The Adventureverse. I care about Yumi. I’m here for Yumi. I love Yumi. So I tell her. But first, I reach back and swiftly turn off her mic pack, then mine.
After that, their romance just didn’t impact as much as I wanted. Yes, they were cute, but they kept behaving like best friends throughout the book. I feel like Yumi narrating the book with all of her yearning added to it might have helped in actually investing myself into their love story.
I do like Noelle’s history, with of all her problems coming from the passing of her mother and her father’s sickness. It helped the reader in empathising in her, and it’s easy to genuinely root for her in her Adventure, and in her love story. Her ADHD also explained a lot of her actions, and it was an easy way to understand more of this pathology. Yumi’s personality complemented her well, though I wish Yumi’s own struggles were explored a little bit more.
Her voice is softer, more tentative, when she asks, “Do you regret it? Was it the right choice?"
There’s no hesitation in any part of me. “I’d do it again in a heartbeat.”
I think this story was fun, and I don’t regret reading it at all, but I wish everything was a bit more developed. It was a fun concept, but I think it kind of got lost along the way. A bit more thought given to the plot, a bit more complexity for the girls and a tad more chemistry would have done wonders.
June 22, 2026
3.5 stars! Thank you to Viking Books for Young Readers and Penguin Young Readers Group for this advanced copy! You can pick up Good Luck, Babe! on June 23, 2026.
This was a really cute story about a young high schooler fulfilling her dream of starring on her favorite reality TV competition alongside her (former) best friend. The only catch? Production thinks they're dating and has no idea that Noelle and Yumi had a huge falling out over a year ago. But they're willing to do anything for two million dollars, especially when it could help Noelle's sick father with his hospital bills.
The beginning of the story really sets the stage for Noelle's struggles with her father's condition, her loneliness without Yumi, and how her (seemingly) unrequited crush on Yumi led to their friendship falling apart. Yumi's attitude toward Noelle, both before and after they decide to fake date for the show, is cold and callous, setting up for a big reveal about what happened that fateful night that ruined everything.
I really wish the pacing of this story had been a bit better, because it seems like a lot of emotional moments are shoved into a very small (and also long) window. Firstly, Yumi's coldness towards Noelle seems very extreme early on, but she gets over it SUPER early in the competition after seemingly one minuscule conversation. I would've expected more groveling from Noelle or more moments that bonded them/repaired their friendship if the fight was that big of a deal that it ruined their friendship for over a year??? Like okay? How could they spend so long ignoring/being mad at each other, but get over it so fast?
Then, in the middle of the book, they're focused on the competition, which was honestly my favorite part of the entire thing. It felt like I was watching The Amazing Race, and I have to give the author credit for how she nailed the comparisons to the challenges, the behind-the-scenes filming, the contestants' interactions, etc. I was just vibing here, but I do think I was more focused on some of the other contestants' romantic plotlines than I was on Noelle and Yumi's romance. Nothing really built up for them until the very end of the book, and those emotional moments did create a satisfying conclusion.
But my god, when we find out the reason their friendship blew up over a year ago, and it was... nothing? Literally nothing? Like I can't even articulate in this review what it was beyond "Yumi kissed Noelle. Noelle kissed her back. She got scared and ran away, even though she liked her back. Yumi blocked her and never spoke to her again." I guess that basically sums it up, but the way it was narrated was confusing and almost nonsensical. I guess that's teenagers for you, but if that's the case, I may have reached my tolerance level with YA miscommunication tropes.
I also have to admire how Erin Baldwin depicted Noelle's struggles with ADHD. It felt like a realistic and relatable experience for teens and adults who have ADHD, and seeing how it affected Noelle both in her interpersonal relationships and in the competition helped us understand her better as a character.
All in all, I enjoyed the book, and if you enjoy any type of reality TV competition (especially The Amazing Race), you will eat this up!
This was a really cute story about a young high schooler fulfilling her dream of starring on her favorite reality TV competition alongside her (former) best friend. The only catch? Production thinks they're dating and has no idea that Noelle and Yumi had a huge falling out over a year ago. But they're willing to do anything for two million dollars, especially when it could help Noelle's sick father with his hospital bills.
The beginning of the story really sets the stage for Noelle's struggles with her father's condition, her loneliness without Yumi, and how her (seemingly) unrequited crush on Yumi led to their friendship falling apart. Yumi's attitude toward Noelle, both before and after they decide to fake date for the show, is cold and callous, setting up for a big reveal about what happened that fateful night that ruined everything.
I really wish the pacing of this story had been a bit better, because it seems like a lot of emotional moments are shoved into a very small (and also long) window. Firstly, Yumi's coldness towards Noelle seems very extreme early on, but she gets over it SUPER early in the competition after seemingly one minuscule conversation. I would've expected more groveling from Noelle or more moments that bonded them/repaired their friendship if the fight was that big of a deal that it ruined their friendship for over a year??? Like okay? How could they spend so long ignoring/being mad at each other, but get over it so fast?
Then, in the middle of the book, they're focused on the competition, which was honestly my favorite part of the entire thing. It felt like I was watching The Amazing Race, and I have to give the author credit for how she nailed the comparisons to the challenges, the behind-the-scenes filming, the contestants' interactions, etc. I was just vibing here, but I do think I was more focused on some of the other contestants' romantic plotlines than I was on Noelle and Yumi's romance. Nothing really built up for them until the very end of the book, and those emotional moments did create a satisfying conclusion.
But my god, when we find out the reason their friendship blew up over a year ago, and it was... nothing? Literally nothing? Like I can't even articulate in this review what it was beyond "Yumi kissed Noelle. Noelle kissed her back. She got scared and ran away, even though she liked her back. Yumi blocked her and never spoke to her again." I guess that basically sums it up, but the way it was narrated was confusing and almost nonsensical. I guess that's teenagers for you, but if that's the case, I may have reached my tolerance level with YA miscommunication tropes.
I also have to admire how Erin Baldwin depicted Noelle's struggles with ADHD. It felt like a realistic and relatable experience for teens and adults who have ADHD, and seeing how it affected Noelle both in her interpersonal relationships and in the competition helped us understand her better as a character.
All in all, I enjoyed the book, and if you enjoy any type of reality TV competition (especially The Amazing Race), you will eat this up!
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