What do you think?
Rate this book
The Museum of Modern Love
Not yet published
Expected 13 Oct 26Tonight, inside the Metropolitan Museum of Art—somewhere between the hours of 8 PM and 5 AM—Auden Peck will fall in love with Miki Kawamura.
That’s Miki’s plan, anyway. And the plan is destiny.
See, Miki’s grandparents fell in love after accidentally being locked in the Met overnight in 1965. And now, after too many almost-confessions, hopeless romantic Miki will finally tell her best friend Auden that she loves him by retracing the path through the museum that her grandparents took that fateful night.
But destiny has other plans. For it’s not Auden who joins Miki on her midnight tour, but Lou McSweeney—the world’s most jaded cynic, and Miki’s ex. How can she possibly confess her feelings for Auden when she’s stuck sparring with this arrogant jerk? And is it possible that her original plan was not destiny’s true course after all?
For fans of Lynn Painter and Jenny Han, The Museum of Modern Love is an irresistible instant classic about the thrilling, often infuriating, rush of first love, guaranteed to sweep you off your feet.
That’s Miki’s plan, anyway. And the plan is destiny.
See, Miki’s grandparents fell in love after accidentally being locked in the Met overnight in 1965. And now, after too many almost-confessions, hopeless romantic Miki will finally tell her best friend Auden that she loves him by retracing the path through the museum that her grandparents took that fateful night.
But destiny has other plans. For it’s not Auden who joins Miki on her midnight tour, but Lou McSweeney—the world’s most jaded cynic, and Miki’s ex. How can she possibly confess her feelings for Auden when she’s stuck sparring with this arrogant jerk? And is it possible that her original plan was not destiny’s true course after all?
For fans of Lynn Painter and Jenny Han, The Museum of Modern Love is an irresistible instant classic about the thrilling, often infuriating, rush of first love, guaranteed to sweep you off your feet.
304 pages, Hardcover
Expected publication October 13, 2026
About the author
Mariko Turk
5 books159 followersMariko Turk grew up in Pennsylvania and studied creative writing at the University of Pittsburgh. She went on to get her PhD in English from the University of Florida with a concentration in children’s literature. She now lives in Colorado with her husband and daughter.
Her debut novel, The Other Side of Perfect, was a YALSA Best Fiction for Young Adults 2022 pick. Her next YA novel, I'll Be Waiting for You, won the Colorado Book Award for young adult fiction. Her third book for teens, The Museum of Modern Love, is a Junior Library Guild Gold Standard selection.
For updates, follow her on Instagram @marikoturk or sign up for her newsletter here! https://www.marikoturk.com/
Her debut novel, The Other Side of Perfect, was a YALSA Best Fiction for Young Adults 2022 pick. Her next YA novel, I'll Be Waiting for You, won the Colorado Book Award for young adult fiction. Her third book for teens, The Museum of Modern Love, is a Junior Library Guild Gold Standard selection.
For updates, follow her on Instagram @marikoturk or sign up for her newsletter here! https://www.marikoturk.com/
Ratings & Reviews
Friends & Following
Create a free account to discover what your friends think of this book!
Community Reviews
Displaying 1 - 30 of 82 reviews
Review of advance copy received from Edelweiss+
What a great love letter to that classic book, art, museums, and family. I was looking up paintings and museum artworks like it was my job!
I was truly touched by her grandparents' story, start to finish.
I was truly touched by her grandparents' story, start to finish.
April 20, 2026
2.5/5 rounded down. Unfortunately, this book was too YA for me. Book the writing and the subject/context was just too juvenile for me. The overarching plot was super cute- a night in the Met between Miki and her long-distance-best-friend-secret-love recreating the love story of her grandparents.. It was hard for me to get past the very high school talk, but I think the author did a good job at creating the dialogue for the intended audience.
I don’t love a miscommunication trope and I really didn’t love the actual plot of Kiki falling in love with her ex-boyfriend, Lou, from last summer and then pretty much leaving the whole main idea of Auden to dry up.
The book was fun, just not for me personally! I think this would be well liked by the middle school/young high school audience!
Thank you NetGalley and Macmillan Children’s Publishing Group for this arc!
I don’t love a miscommunication trope and I really didn’t love the actual plot of Kiki falling in love with her ex-boyfriend, Lou, from last summer and then pretty much leaving the whole main idea of Auden to dry up.
The book was fun, just not for me personally! I think this would be well liked by the middle school/young high school audience!
Thank you NetGalley and Macmillan Children’s Publishing Group for this arc!
May 14, 2026
Art is one of my favorite things. I felt like this book had me jumping in head first into the Met. I’ll have to visit myself someday. I think the love story was sweet and a little predictable, but for the audience this book is set for… it’s perfect.
March 22, 2026
Thank you NetGalley and MacMillan Publishing for this book.
Rating: 3.5 stars (rounded up)
The Museum of Modern Love by Mariko Turk is a cute YA novel that that really encapsulates the beauty and human feelings revolving artistic expression. I really like how the author integrates her local background of growing up in PA to moving to FL as a major influence of the setting in the novel. Especially the for main setting of Miki Kawamura’s internship at The Metropolitan Museum of Art in New York.
“The Met” is this central place in these three weeks during Miki’s internship where the Falling In Love Tour plan is supposed to unfold inspired by her Grandmother Hana and Grandfather Kenshin. Miki’s friend/ex Lou takes this interesting ride with her along the way as she tries to win someone’s heart. But who will it be….?
This is a bit of a slow burn at first and this is a YA novel for content, but the convergence and descriptions of art and love and the young infatuation will take hold of your mind and make you think deep!
Rating: 3.5 stars (rounded up)
The Museum of Modern Love by Mariko Turk is a cute YA novel that that really encapsulates the beauty and human feelings revolving artistic expression. I really like how the author integrates her local background of growing up in PA to moving to FL as a major influence of the setting in the novel. Especially the for main setting of Miki Kawamura’s internship at The Metropolitan Museum of Art in New York.
“The Met” is this central place in these three weeks during Miki’s internship where the Falling In Love Tour plan is supposed to unfold inspired by her Grandmother Hana and Grandfather Kenshin. Miki’s friend/ex Lou takes this interesting ride with her along the way as she tries to win someone’s heart. But who will it be….?
This is a bit of a slow burn at first and this is a YA novel for content, but the convergence and descriptions of art and love and the young infatuation will take hold of your mind and make you think deep!
Review of advance copy received from Netgalley
2.25 stars.
This book is a love letter to all the art lovers and hopeless romantics. I have always been an art lover. An Art Museum is a place I always love to visit. And on the romance topic, I'd be lying if I told you that I've never dreamt of my own meet cute in an Art gallery. This book totally gave me everything I could've wanted from it. All the art and music and historical references, all the vivid descriptions made me feel like I myself were in the Museum with our MCs.
This whole book takes place in only one night, so the romance kind of felt a bit rushed to me - but it's a second chance, so the resurfaced feelings were nice to see. I liked the Mmc's backstory. The Fmc represents all the confused stages of teenage. It was frustrating at some point, but not HORRIBLE.
I would say, this book felt like a novella despite it's length. It felt a bit rushed out but I guess stories taken placed in only one night aren’t for me and that's fine. I still pretty much enjoyed it while reading it and appreciated how unique this was. The writing was smooth and descriptive.....and the cover is GORGEOUS.
Overall, though not my type personally, would recommend to check it out when it comes out if this matches your personal reading taste.
Content warning : Nothing remarkable that I remember but there was a one line mention of a gay couple's marriage.
—Thank you to NetGalley, the publisher and the author for providing me with an e-ARC in exchange for an honest review.
________________________________________
Pre-read : My first ever arc(YAYY!!!). And the cover looks freakin' GORGEOUS too.
This book is a love letter to all the art lovers and hopeless romantics. I have always been an art lover. An Art Museum is a place I always love to visit. And on the romance topic, I'd be lying if I told you that I've never dreamt of my own meet cute in an Art gallery. This book totally gave me everything I could've wanted from it. All the art and music and historical references, all the vivid descriptions made me feel like I myself were in the Museum with our MCs.
This whole book takes place in only one night, so the romance kind of felt a bit rushed to me - but it's a second chance, so the resurfaced feelings were nice to see. I liked the Mmc's backstory. The Fmc represents all the confused stages of teenage. It was frustrating at some point, but not HORRIBLE.
I would say, this book felt like a novella despite it's length. It felt a bit rushed out but I guess stories taken placed in only one night aren’t for me and that's fine. I still pretty much enjoyed it while reading it and appreciated how unique this was. The writing was smooth and descriptive.....and the cover is GORGEOUS.
Overall, though not my type personally, would recommend to check it out when it comes out if this matches your personal reading taste.
Content warning : Nothing remarkable that I remember but there was a one line mention of a gay couple's marriage.
—Thank you to NetGalley, the publisher and the author for providing me with an e-ARC in exchange for an honest review.
________________________________________
Pre-read : My first ever arc(YAYY!!!). And the cover looks freakin' GORGEOUS too.
Review of advance copy received from Netgalley
Quite simply put, The Museum of Modern Love is a YA masterpiece (art pun fully intended). It is a beautiful novel, rich with imagery, characterization, emotional intelligence, and contemplative dialogue and discussions.
Though the premise is simple, Mariko Turk weaved the plot in such a way that every point— the introduction, the climax, the resolution— was riddled with such depth that I honestly cannot fathom how she did so in just over 300 pages. The amount of intricate detail (at least to a casual art observer) that was included in the novel with respect to each work’s contextual history was quite impressive too— so much so that I am itching to go to the Met right now to view it all and fashion my own tour based on their inclusion. Miki did such a wonderful job conveying her innermost thoughts about each piece that I truly felt I was right there next to her taking it all in too. While there was only one major twist (was I just too involved to presume it?), every other element worked so seamlessly that I never felt bored (far from it, in fact).
Perhaps I, a woman of 35, am reacting with such admiration because I feel as though Miki possesses the same idealistic dreamer tendencies that I had as a teenager. However, given the change that each generation of youth has undergone in the past 50 years or so, perhaps it’s more due to Miki’s zeal and timeless personality— she truly could fit into any period. I felt every moment of joy, confusion, obstinance, and heartache in the same way she did. Lou was a bit of a puzzle at first and while his development was rather impressive too, I don’t believe it was conveyed as well as Miki’s. Alas, that simply could be a result of Turk’s choice to stick to a 1st person narrative structure— dual POVs might have tempered everything more.
I do wish we would have been given some interaction between Miki and her mother and father apart from the texts at the end of the novel, especially since she didn’t seem to have as much resolution about their relationship as she did with Grandma Hana and her story. So too would I have loved to have a more fully fleshed out and active epilogue scene, instead of a seemingly narrative-based one. That said, Madison’s characterization and role were quite robust, given the fact that she was only accessible to Miki via text and FaceTime.
Overall, Turk’s work was an incredibly delightful and engaging read— one which I could have binged in one sitting had I not been interrupted. I definitely think it merits a re-read at some point, perhaps even a tandem read with The Mixed-Up Files of Mrs. Basil E. Frankweiler.
Thank you to Henry Holt and Co. (BYR), Macmillan Children’s Publishing Group, and NetGalley for the tremendous privilege to read this ARC!
Though the premise is simple, Mariko Turk weaved the plot in such a way that every point— the introduction, the climax, the resolution— was riddled with such depth that I honestly cannot fathom how she did so in just over 300 pages. The amount of intricate detail (at least to a casual art observer) that was included in the novel with respect to each work’s contextual history was quite impressive too— so much so that I am itching to go to the Met right now to view it all and fashion my own tour based on their inclusion. Miki did such a wonderful job conveying her innermost thoughts about each piece that I truly felt I was right there next to her taking it all in too. While there was only one major twist (was I just too involved to presume it?), every other element worked so seamlessly that I never felt bored (far from it, in fact).
Perhaps I, a woman of 35, am reacting with such admiration because I feel as though Miki possesses the same idealistic dreamer tendencies that I had as a teenager. However, given the change that each generation of youth has undergone in the past 50 years or so, perhaps it’s more due to Miki’s zeal and timeless personality— she truly could fit into any period. I felt every moment of joy, confusion, obstinance, and heartache in the same way she did. Lou was a bit of a puzzle at first and while his development was rather impressive too, I don’t believe it was conveyed as well as Miki’s. Alas, that simply could be a result of Turk’s choice to stick to a 1st person narrative structure— dual POVs might have tempered everything more.
I do wish we would have been given some interaction between Miki and her mother and father apart from the texts at the end of the novel, especially since she didn’t seem to have as much resolution about their relationship as she did with Grandma Hana and her story. So too would I have loved to have a more fully fleshed out and active epilogue scene, instead of a seemingly narrative-based one. That said, Madison’s characterization and role were quite robust, given the fact that she was only accessible to Miki via text and FaceTime.
Overall, Turk’s work was an incredibly delightful and engaging read— one which I could have binged in one sitting had I not been interrupted. I definitely think it merits a re-read at some point, perhaps even a tandem read with The Mixed-Up Files of Mrs. Basil E. Frankweiler.
Thank you to Henry Holt and Co. (BYR), Macmillan Children’s Publishing Group, and NetGalley for the tremendous privilege to read this ARC!
Review of advance copy received from NetGalley
A tender, layered romance about love, legacy, and finding your own path*
This was easily one of the cutest reads I’ve picked up this year, and such a thoughtful way to introduce younger YA readers to second-chance romance—especially within the high-stakes, tension-filled backdrop of a locked-door setting.
What truly sets this book apart is how grounded it feels. As the characters stand on the brink of college and adulthood, their relationship is allowed to be imperfect—full of love, doubt, miscommunication, and growth. It doesn’t shy away from the messiness of figuring yourself out while also trying to hold onto someone else. That honesty makes the romance feel incredibly real and deeply relatable.
The setting at the Met adds a unique, almost magical layer to the story, but what really elevates it is the intergenerational narrative. The glimpses into the protagonists’ grandparents’ story—how their love endured and ultimately healed them—bring emotional weight and richness to the present-day romance. It’s a beautiful reminder that love doesn’t exist in isolation; it’s shaped by history, family, and the stories we inherit.
One of the most impactful elements of this novel is its exploration of parental expectations Both protagonists are navigating not just their feelings for each other, but also the pressure of who they’re supposed to become. The book thoughtfully captures that tension between honoring your family and being true to yourself. What I appreciated most is that it doesn’t offer easy answers—there’s no villain in these expectations, just love expressed in complicated ways. Instead, the story models a more nuanced approach: communication, self-awareness, and the courage to set boundaries. It’s a message that will resonate deeply with young readers who are also trying to reconcile their own dreams with the expectations placed on them.
My only critique is that the inclusion of the Japanese internment camp history felt so significant that I found myself wanting more. A few additional flashbacks or deeper exploration would have added even more emotional depth and historical weight. That said, its presence still adds an important layer to the story’s themes of legacy and resilience.
Overall, this is a heartfelt, multi-layered read that blends romance, history, and personal growth in a way that feels both accessible and meaningful. It’s sweet, reflective, and quietly powerful—a perfect choice for readers who love character-driven stories with emotional depth.
CW: historical references to Japanese internment camps.
This was easily one of the cutest reads I’ve picked up this year, and such a thoughtful way to introduce younger YA readers to second-chance romance—especially within the high-stakes, tension-filled backdrop of a locked-door setting.
What truly sets this book apart is how grounded it feels. As the characters stand on the brink of college and adulthood, their relationship is allowed to be imperfect—full of love, doubt, miscommunication, and growth. It doesn’t shy away from the messiness of figuring yourself out while also trying to hold onto someone else. That honesty makes the romance feel incredibly real and deeply relatable.
The setting at the Met adds a unique, almost magical layer to the story, but what really elevates it is the intergenerational narrative. The glimpses into the protagonists’ grandparents’ story—how their love endured and ultimately healed them—bring emotional weight and richness to the present-day romance. It’s a beautiful reminder that love doesn’t exist in isolation; it’s shaped by history, family, and the stories we inherit.
One of the most impactful elements of this novel is its exploration of parental expectations Both protagonists are navigating not just their feelings for each other, but also the pressure of who they’re supposed to become. The book thoughtfully captures that tension between honoring your family and being true to yourself. What I appreciated most is that it doesn’t offer easy answers—there’s no villain in these expectations, just love expressed in complicated ways. Instead, the story models a more nuanced approach: communication, self-awareness, and the courage to set boundaries. It’s a message that will resonate deeply with young readers who are also trying to reconcile their own dreams with the expectations placed on them.
My only critique is that the inclusion of the Japanese internment camp history felt so significant that I found myself wanting more. A few additional flashbacks or deeper exploration would have added even more emotional depth and historical weight. That said, its presence still adds an important layer to the story’s themes of legacy and resilience.
Overall, this is a heartfelt, multi-layered read that blends romance, history, and personal growth in a way that feels both accessible and meaningful. It’s sweet, reflective, and quietly powerful—a perfect choice for readers who love character-driven stories with emotional depth.
CW: historical references to Japanese internment camps.
May 21, 2026
The Museum of Modern Love by Mariko Turk
I went into this expecting a cute museum romance and somehow ended up emotionally spiraling over love, art, timing, and wandering through The Met at night with someone who understands you a little too well.
This is definitely younger YA, so don’t go in expecting a super mature romantasy-style romance or anything like that. It fully leans into that awkward, hopeful, cinematic teenage love feeling—and honestly? That’s what made it work so well for me.
Miki is completely obsessed with the idea of creating the perfect romantic moment for her longtime crush at The Met, which already sounded incredibly cute to me because honestly… wandering around a museum at night falling in love sounds elite.
But obviously things do NOT go according to plan.
Instead, she ends up spending the night exploring the museum with Lou, and watching their relationship slowly unfold ended up being my favorite part of the whole book.
The chemistry here feels very soft and natural. It’s not super dramatic or overly intense—it’s more about conversations, vulnerability, awkward moments, and slowly realizing someone sees you differently than you expected.
And Lou??? Yeah. I get it.
He has this emotionally guarded energy where he acts like he doesn’t care too much about anything while very clearly caring A LOT underneath it all. Meanwhile Miki is so deeply romantic and idealistic about love that their dynamic just worked.
The setting also carried this book HARD in the best way possible. The museum genuinely feels magical here. The art references, the history woven throughout the story, the late-night wandering through exhibits—it all made the story feel really immersive and honestly kind of nostalgic.
It also gave me major early 2000s romcom energy in a way I can’t fully explain.
Was it predictable? Yes.
Did I care? Absolutely not.
This was just FUN. Sweet, heartfelt, easy to binge, and the kind of book that leaves you weirdly happy afterward.
If you like:
🎨 museums & art history vibes
💕 awkward but sweet romance
✨ late-night NYC energy
🖤 emotionally guarded love interests
🎬 classic romcom feeling YA
You’ll probably eat this up like I did.
Thank you NetGalley and Macmillan Children’s Publishing Group for the ARC!!
I went into this expecting a cute museum romance and somehow ended up emotionally spiraling over love, art, timing, and wandering through The Met at night with someone who understands you a little too well.
This is definitely younger YA, so don’t go in expecting a super mature romantasy-style romance or anything like that. It fully leans into that awkward, hopeful, cinematic teenage love feeling—and honestly? That’s what made it work so well for me.
Miki is completely obsessed with the idea of creating the perfect romantic moment for her longtime crush at The Met, which already sounded incredibly cute to me because honestly… wandering around a museum at night falling in love sounds elite.
But obviously things do NOT go according to plan.
Instead, she ends up spending the night exploring the museum with Lou, and watching their relationship slowly unfold ended up being my favorite part of the whole book.
The chemistry here feels very soft and natural. It’s not super dramatic or overly intense—it’s more about conversations, vulnerability, awkward moments, and slowly realizing someone sees you differently than you expected.
And Lou??? Yeah. I get it.
He has this emotionally guarded energy where he acts like he doesn’t care too much about anything while very clearly caring A LOT underneath it all. Meanwhile Miki is so deeply romantic and idealistic about love that their dynamic just worked.
The setting also carried this book HARD in the best way possible. The museum genuinely feels magical here. The art references, the history woven throughout the story, the late-night wandering through exhibits—it all made the story feel really immersive and honestly kind of nostalgic.
It also gave me major early 2000s romcom energy in a way I can’t fully explain.
Was it predictable? Yes.
Did I care? Absolutely not.
This was just FUN. Sweet, heartfelt, easy to binge, and the kind of book that leaves you weirdly happy afterward.
If you like:
🎨 museums & art history vibes
💕 awkward but sweet romance
✨ late-night NYC energy
🖤 emotionally guarded love interests
🎬 classic romcom feeling YA
You’ll probably eat this up like I did.
Thank you NetGalley and Macmillan Children’s Publishing Group for the ARC!!
March 23, 2026
*Advanced copy through NetGalley! General spoilers but nothing specific.
What a sweet book! I enjoyed reading it, and think Mariko did a really lovely job creating an adorable YA romcom.
It seemed pretty straight forward: best friends have unrequited feelings and one decides it’s time to tell the other they love them. I don’t mind the trope, and it’s the basis for a lot of great romcoms. But what I really enjoyed about this was that a wrench is thrown in the plan, and it’s soon an enemies to lovers story that I find more fun, anyway.
Miki and her (not great) fling from the previous summer end up spending the night wandering the Met while she waits for the guy she loves to finish working. I think Mariko did a great job building the relationship - lots of good banter, fun, and sweet moments sprinkled into the tension that stemmed from a less than ideal ending to their previous summer together. I was rooting for them from the beginning.
I also enjoyed the trip through the Met. I’ve never been, but I’ve always wanted to go. Now I realllllly want to go. At times, I think the conversations about the art pieces were a little heavy handed, though. I think Miki would have been more rounded if she had some more interests beyond art. I get a young adult being pretty fixated on a passion, but her personality felt a little one dimensional. What other things does she like to do? What else does she enjoy about NYC? How does she spend her time with her best friend at home? What about school life? I feel like I got to know more about Lou’s interests and overall life than hers.
Finally, I really appreciated the story of her grandmother, Hana. The way Mariko included her experiences as a little girl incarcerated in the WWII Japanese - American camps added a layer that I wasn’t expecting. I especially liked how she related it to Hana’s relationship with her work as a photographer - how the camera was power and freedom.
Overall, I think if you enjoy YA romcoms, this is a solid, entertaining choice to add to your TBR.
What a sweet book! I enjoyed reading it, and think Mariko did a really lovely job creating an adorable YA romcom.
It seemed pretty straight forward: best friends have unrequited feelings and one decides it’s time to tell the other they love them. I don’t mind the trope, and it’s the basis for a lot of great romcoms. But what I really enjoyed about this was that a wrench is thrown in the plan, and it’s soon an enemies to lovers story that I find more fun, anyway.
Miki and her (not great) fling from the previous summer end up spending the night wandering the Met while she waits for the guy she loves to finish working. I think Mariko did a great job building the relationship - lots of good banter, fun, and sweet moments sprinkled into the tension that stemmed from a less than ideal ending to their previous summer together. I was rooting for them from the beginning.
I also enjoyed the trip through the Met. I’ve never been, but I’ve always wanted to go. Now I realllllly want to go. At times, I think the conversations about the art pieces were a little heavy handed, though. I think Miki would have been more rounded if she had some more interests beyond art. I get a young adult being pretty fixated on a passion, but her personality felt a little one dimensional. What other things does she like to do? What else does she enjoy about NYC? How does she spend her time with her best friend at home? What about school life? I feel like I got to know more about Lou’s interests and overall life than hers.
Finally, I really appreciated the story of her grandmother, Hana. The way Mariko included her experiences as a little girl incarcerated in the WWII Japanese - American camps added a layer that I wasn’t expecting. I especially liked how she related it to Hana’s relationship with her work as a photographer - how the camera was power and freedom.
Overall, I think if you enjoy YA romcoms, this is a solid, entertaining choice to add to your TBR.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
Review of advance copy received from NetGalley
4.75/5 ⭐
If i didn’t already believe in love…woah this book would’ve been the catalyst. I found myself squealing giddy, butterflies in my stomach, melting in a lovesick puddle reading. And I haven’t felt this way about a book in a bit. It had me wondering if I got love all wrong.
The story and setup is so intriguing and cute, and then the execution is beyond anything my expectations ever could’ve actually conjured. I felt this book deep in my soul and I think I’ll carry it with me forever. All that Miki believes about love, through her grandparents’ inspiring story going through the museum, there’s something so cinematic about the way it was written. The way she idealizes love, sees it in Auden because of the preconceived notions that that’s how love is supposed to be and then Lou comes in and teaches her that there’s more to it. And she in turn teaches him that it’s ok to love even if he’s scared of losing himself in it. This sweet but cynical boy is so scared of love that he can’t let himself love too much, pretends not to care about anything as a way to protect himself from getting hurt by it.
This was genuinely one of the sweetest, most fun book I've ever read. It’s a masterpiece of art. It’s brilliant, perfect, beautiful romantic in every sense of the word, and whirlwind of all I dream of in a fun and incredible romance. It's an honor to be able to read it and recommend with heart hands, add it to your TBR and thank me later ;D
*Thank you NetGalley and MacMillan Publishing for sending me an ARC of this book in exchange for my very honest review!!
“He finally looks up from the display case and locks eyes with me, and there it is. The massive heart flutter I was trying so hard to feel a few seconds ago. The bubbling buzz in my veins.”
If i didn’t already believe in love…woah this book would’ve been the catalyst. I found myself squealing giddy, butterflies in my stomach, melting in a lovesick puddle reading. And I haven’t felt this way about a book in a bit. It had me wondering if I got love all wrong.
The story and setup is so intriguing and cute, and then the execution is beyond anything my expectations ever could’ve actually conjured. I felt this book deep in my soul and I think I’ll carry it with me forever. All that Miki believes about love, through her grandparents’ inspiring story going through the museum, there’s something so cinematic about the way it was written. The way she idealizes love, sees it in Auden because of the preconceived notions that that’s how love is supposed to be and then Lou comes in and teaches her that there’s more to it. And she in turn teaches him that it’s ok to love even if he’s scared of losing himself in it. This sweet but cynical boy is so scared of love that he can’t let himself love too much, pretends not to care about anything as a way to protect himself from getting hurt by it.
This was genuinely one of the sweetest, most fun book I've ever read. It’s a masterpiece of art. It’s brilliant, perfect, beautiful romantic in every sense of the word, and whirlwind of all I dream of in a fun and incredible romance. It's an honor to be able to read it and recommend with heart hands, add it to your TBR and thank me later ;D
*Thank you NetGalley and MacMillan Publishing for sending me an ARC of this book in exchange for my very honest review!!
March 7, 2026
Now this is definitely a “teen” YA Romance but gotdamn was it so cute and fun!
The story follows an awkward art history nerd high school girl obsessed with the idea of orchestrating the perfect moment for a romantic confession in the Met. (And honestly girl same.) However not everything goes according to plan when her years long crush gets roped into doing some late night internship work at the Met she ends up going on her grand love tour with another teen her age who happens to be there with his Uncle-her ex from last summer! Now her grand romantic art tour becomes an annoying and confusing muddle of feelings as she waits for her crush to come meet them but slowly talks out the problems from last summers relationship. Will she succumb to forced proximity or will she hold out for her best friends to lovers arc?
The story intertwines art and historical facts with plot in such a fun but still educational way that made me want to get up and visit The Met or any museum tomorrow. Growing up living close to NYC I’ve been to the Met numerous times and I feel like she really captured the wonder of the enormous museum. Now I too wish I could wander around it in the middle of the night with a partner. I loved the art references, I loved the art historical and Japanese Internment camp inclusion, I loved the idea of a Times article about Love in the Met following a midnight grand tour where two people fell in love. It was such a heartwarming and pulling on your heart strings kind of story and even though it’s definitely a “teen/young readers” YA I liked it more than expected and would definitely recommend to my friends. It felt like a classic romcom in the best way and I absolutely need it to be made into a movie.
Thank you to the author, publisher, and NetGalley for providing me with an ARC in return for an honest review.
The story follows an awkward art history nerd high school girl obsessed with the idea of orchestrating the perfect moment for a romantic confession in the Met. (And honestly girl same.) However not everything goes according to plan when her years long crush gets roped into doing some late night internship work at the Met she ends up going on her grand love tour with another teen her age who happens to be there with his Uncle-her ex from last summer! Now her grand romantic art tour becomes an annoying and confusing muddle of feelings as she waits for her crush to come meet them but slowly talks out the problems from last summers relationship. Will she succumb to forced proximity or will she hold out for her best friends to lovers arc?
The story intertwines art and historical facts with plot in such a fun but still educational way that made me want to get up and visit The Met or any museum tomorrow. Growing up living close to NYC I’ve been to the Met numerous times and I feel like she really captured the wonder of the enormous museum. Now I too wish I could wander around it in the middle of the night with a partner. I loved the art references, I loved the art historical and Japanese Internment camp inclusion, I loved the idea of a Times article about Love in the Met following a midnight grand tour where two people fell in love. It was such a heartwarming and pulling on your heart strings kind of story and even though it’s definitely a “teen/young readers” YA I liked it more than expected and would definitely recommend to my friends. It felt like a classic romcom in the best way and I absolutely need it to be made into a movie.
Thank you to the author, publisher, and NetGalley for providing me with an ARC in return for an honest review.
Review of advance copy received from NetGalley
Museum of Modern Love is a book about a plan - - not the planned plan but something entirely different that creates a beautiful story. The book's main character, 17 year old Miko, has a plan to confess her love to her childhood crush Auden by recreating the museum adventure that led her grandparents to fall in love in The Met. However, as plans often do, Miko's plans changed when Auden got stuck on a project and, instead, Miko ends up touring the museum with her ex-boyfriend, Lou. Lou comes up with a different plan for their museum venture through the museum and so the story unfolds.
I was not sure where this story would go when I started; but it kept me intrigued and entertained, so I kept reading. This was my first book from this author, and I love her writing style. She did a great job of developing the characters as the story evolved, revealing more and more about them as time went on. You got to experience how they developed as characters rather than her telling you how they have changed. I also love the way that she wove in historical facts and information about various art exhibits. While I'm not an art aficcionado, I appreciated the art background and cultural details, along with her description of Japanese internment camp that came up when talking about the main character's grandmother. I highly recommend this book to someone who is looking for a good romance novel that is on the shorter side.
It is marketed as young adult, which is appropriate. It has nominal spice (kissing and a vague reference to third base), and would likely still be ok for an older teen.
I received an advanced reader copy of this book in exchange for my honest review. Thank you to Netgalley and the publisher for allowing me to experience this book.
I was not sure where this story would go when I started; but it kept me intrigued and entertained, so I kept reading. This was my first book from this author, and I love her writing style. She did a great job of developing the characters as the story evolved, revealing more and more about them as time went on. You got to experience how they developed as characters rather than her telling you how they have changed. I also love the way that she wove in historical facts and information about various art exhibits. While I'm not an art aficcionado, I appreciated the art background and cultural details, along with her description of Japanese internment camp that came up when talking about the main character's grandmother. I highly recommend this book to someone who is looking for a good romance novel that is on the shorter side.
It is marketed as young adult, which is appropriate. It has nominal spice (kissing and a vague reference to third base), and would likely still be ok for an older teen.
I received an advanced reader copy of this book in exchange for my honest review. Thank you to Netgalley and the publisher for allowing me to experience this book.
Review of advance copy received from Netgalley
Thank you to NetGalley for the advance reader copy. All thoughts and opinions expressed here are my own.
This was insanely cute and such a fun read.
The premise immediately stood out to me: two teens retracing a romantic path through the Met after hours, inspired by a legendary love story from the past. A museum setting for a love story already feels magical, and the overnight adventure aspect gives the whole book this whimsical, slightly cinematic energy that’s hard not to get swept up in.
The story is full of charming moments, banter, and that very specific emotional intensity that comes with first love. It captures the excitement, awkwardness, and sometimes chaotic decision-making of teenage feelings really well. The pacing also worked nicely—it's the kind of book you can easily fly through in a sitting because the premise is so unique and the setting is so fun to explore.
That said, I’ll fully admit that my one hesitation here is entirely my own reading oversight. I somehow missed that this is firmly a YA romance aimed at teen readers. Because of that, I occasionally had moments where it felt a little strange to find myself swooning over characters who are underage.
If I had picked this up when I was a teenager, though, I genuinely think I would have been obsessed with it. It perfectly captures that heightened, all-consuming feeling of first love and the way everything feels monumental at that age.
Overall, this is a really charming, creative YA romance with a standout premise and a lot of heart. If you're the target audience—or someone who loves nostalgic, first-love stories—it’s absolutely worth picking up.
This was insanely cute and such a fun read.
The premise immediately stood out to me: two teens retracing a romantic path through the Met after hours, inspired by a legendary love story from the past. A museum setting for a love story already feels magical, and the overnight adventure aspect gives the whole book this whimsical, slightly cinematic energy that’s hard not to get swept up in.
The story is full of charming moments, banter, and that very specific emotional intensity that comes with first love. It captures the excitement, awkwardness, and sometimes chaotic decision-making of teenage feelings really well. The pacing also worked nicely—it's the kind of book you can easily fly through in a sitting because the premise is so unique and the setting is so fun to explore.
That said, I’ll fully admit that my one hesitation here is entirely my own reading oversight. I somehow missed that this is firmly a YA romance aimed at teen readers. Because of that, I occasionally had moments where it felt a little strange to find myself swooning over characters who are underage.
If I had picked this up when I was a teenager, though, I genuinely think I would have been obsessed with it. It perfectly captures that heightened, all-consuming feeling of first love and the way everything feels monumental at that age.
Overall, this is a really charming, creative YA romance with a standout premise and a lot of heart. If you're the target audience—or someone who loves nostalgic, first-love stories—it’s absolutely worth picking up.
Review of advance copy received from Netgalley
Thank you to NetGalley for an advanced copy of this book! The Museum of Modern love follows our lead, Miki, who has desperately in love with her best friend, Auden, since middle school. Due to life circumstances, she had to move away from, and during that time they established a long-distance friendship, all based around their mutual love of art. When we meet Miki and Auden in this book, they are rising seniors in high school, but both have summer internships at the Met. On the last night of their internship, Miki has planned a special evening for them to recreate her grandparent's love story, which was the focus of a famous Life magazine story. Unfortunately, Auden gets roped in to helping set up an exhibition and Miki ends up spending time with her ex-boyfriend, who's uncle is also helping set up the exhibition. What follows then is a re-exploration of their relationship as they visit a variety of art pieces and work through their miscommunications and concerns with one another.
Overall, this was a delightful read. I think initially Miki out me off a bit because she was SO obsessed with Auden. But also this is YA romance, so I'll let her have it. I think Lou was a fabulously written male lead and it was so fun to see him and Miki bicker and make up throughout this story. Honestly, the resolution was very mature across our 3 main teen leads. I also loved Grandma Hana's character. I think some of other reviews have said this, but this would make a wonderful movie or mini series for a show. It gave me Dash & Lily feelings as I read it.
4 star read!
Overall, this was a delightful read. I think initially Miki out me off a bit because she was SO obsessed with Auden. But also this is YA romance, so I'll let her have it. I think Lou was a fabulously written male lead and it was so fun to see him and Miki bicker and make up throughout this story. Honestly, the resolution was very mature across our 3 main teen leads. I also loved Grandma Hana's character. I think some of other reviews have said this, but this would make a wonderful movie or mini series for a show. It gave me Dash & Lily feelings as I read it.
4 star read!
Review of advance copy received from NetGalley
Wow wow wow! I could not put this book down! I loved how the Mariko Turk weaved the story and characters together. Everything part of this work had a meaning and I loved its depth! My only compliant is that there were no pictures in this work to complement the story. I wish I was able to see the work of art the author was describing to bring it to life. There are so many memorable quotes in this book. One of my favorite excerpts is, "People aren't made of marble. When something breaks in us, conservators can't just put us under a microscope to figure out where the cracks are, and what fragments are missing, and what we need to become whole again. But that doesn't mean we can't become a new version of ourselves. It just takes a lot of trial and error, and time. And you're doing that, for Gray. You're a human conservator. You're figuring out how to help him be whole again."(Chapter 15). Art beautifully connects all aspects of life, reminding us of the shared human experience and our essential need for each other. "Grandma Hana says that art is like time travel, that it makes the past a living, breathing thing. And a lot of times, I like that feeling. I like coming to museums and being connected to the people who lived before and feeling small in the grand scheme of human history. But I didn't like it then. It felt terrifying and awful and...I didn't want that kind of time travel." (Chapter 16). This is one of my favorite books. It is hard to categorize this story since it spans across so many different genres. I can't wait to read more by Mariko Turk!
Review of advance copy received from Netgalley
This was such a special book! The story follows Miki, a high school senior trying to confess her feelings for her longtime best friend via recreating her grandparents’ love confession at the Met back in the 60s. Her plan takes quite the turn when her crush gets tied up working on an exhibit, and her ex!!! ends up going on the love tour with her instead. She now must pivot her plan and what ensues is a series of funny interactions, heartfelt conversations and having to confront feelings she thought she had sorted out in the past . Will she give this failed summer relationship another go, or will she wait for her friends-to-lovers arc to come to fruition?
I loved the vivid descriptions the author used whenever they were describing the art through the museum, and truly felt so immersed in the story as if I was walking right next to Lou and Miki on their Met tour. I especially adored all the art history tidbits I learned, and it was so fun to draw these works of art in my brain and then compare them to what they actually looked like on the Metropolitan Museum of Art website (give me this a shot; I swear it was such a fun part of the reading experience!!)
I really hope this gets adapted on the big screen, because I fully saw this book play out in my head! Thank you to Mariko Turk, the publisher and NetGalley for the wonderful opportunity to read this ARC and provide an honest review.
I loved the vivid descriptions the author used whenever they were describing the art through the museum, and truly felt so immersed in the story as if I was walking right next to Lou and Miki on their Met tour. I especially adored all the art history tidbits I learned, and it was so fun to draw these works of art in my brain and then compare them to what they actually looked like on the Metropolitan Museum of Art website (give me this a shot; I swear it was such a fun part of the reading experience!!)
I really hope this gets adapted on the big screen, because I fully saw this book play out in my head! Thank you to Mariko Turk, the publisher and NetGalley for the wonderful opportunity to read this ARC and provide an honest review.
April 4, 2026
Wow! Charming, chaotic, and utterly fascinating. The Museum of Modern Love delivers such a unique premise. Miki has been in love with her best friend, Auden, for years. Their shared passion for art binds them together. Then there’s Lou, the boy she turns to for casual kisses whenever Auden isn’t around. Determined to finally change her story, Miki plans a carefully orchestrated “Falling in Love” tour at the Met, where she’ll confess her feelings. But everything unravels when she’s forced to bring along the one person she least wants by her side: her situationship.
The story leaves you wondering—who will she choose? Her first love, or the boy she can barely stand?
I went into this book not knowing what to expect, and it completely hooked me. It’s unputdownable in the best way—messy, electric, and deeply engaging. The characters feel fresh and complicated, and their dynamics kept me invested the entire time. I had been in a reading slump before picking this up, and I was genuinely surprised by how much I loved it.
The novel is rich with art references, which add so much texture to the story! (I’d definitely recommend looking up the pieces mentioned to fully appreciate the layers). Beyond the romance, it explores heavier themes like WWII Japanese American incarceration, divorce, loneliness, and depression, giving it a depth that goes far beyond a typical YA love story. Easy five stars!🌟
The story leaves you wondering—who will she choose? Her first love, or the boy she can barely stand?
I went into this book not knowing what to expect, and it completely hooked me. It’s unputdownable in the best way—messy, electric, and deeply engaging. The characters feel fresh and complicated, and their dynamics kept me invested the entire time. I had been in a reading slump before picking this up, and I was genuinely surprised by how much I loved it.
The novel is rich with art references, which add so much texture to the story! (I’d definitely recommend looking up the pieces mentioned to fully appreciate the layers). Beyond the romance, it explores heavier themes like WWII Japanese American incarceration, divorce, loneliness, and depression, giving it a depth that goes far beyond a typical YA love story. Easy five stars!🌟
Review of advance copy received from Netgalley
This book truly made my soul sing!
The nerdy art lover FMC reminded me of the time when I spent my first summer in NY as a young eighteen-year-old, hiding away from the heat in the MET several days a week. I loved the majestic presence of timeless art, but also the cafe had a sculpture of a nude man and the world’s best cheesecake.
This is not just a story about young love. Reading this book was like catching up with my passion for art history. I can’t even remember the last time I read something romantic that’s so filled with culture and inspiration, especially for a YA genre.
The Museum of Modern Love speaks about timeless values and the importance of following your heart. It’s also very heartwarming and family oriented. I think I had a smile on my face the entire time reading it. And for the first time ever, after reading a Netgalley ARC I am looking forward to buying a hardcover copy for my kids to read one day.
Huge thank you to Macmillan Children's Publishing Group for the opportunity to read it in exchange for my honest review.
PS For ultimate fun, pair this with a Saturday night viewing of The Thomas Crown Affair, currently available on Netflix.
----------
Follow for more of my reviews:
Instagram
TikTok
The nerdy art lover FMC reminded me of the time when I spent my first summer in NY as a young eighteen-year-old, hiding away from the heat in the MET several days a week. I loved the majestic presence of timeless art, but also the cafe had a sculpture of a nude man and the world’s best cheesecake.
This is not just a story about young love. Reading this book was like catching up with my passion for art history. I can’t even remember the last time I read something romantic that’s so filled with culture and inspiration, especially for a YA genre.
The Museum of Modern Love speaks about timeless values and the importance of following your heart. It’s also very heartwarming and family oriented. I think I had a smile on my face the entire time reading it. And for the first time ever, after reading a Netgalley ARC I am looking forward to buying a hardcover copy for my kids to read one day.
Huge thank you to Macmillan Children's Publishing Group for the opportunity to read it in exchange for my honest review.
PS For ultimate fun, pair this with a Saturday night viewing of The Thomas Crown Affair, currently available on Netflix.
----------
Follow for more of my reviews:
TikTok
Review of advance copy received from Netgalley
As someone who is also a hopeless romantic, I loved following the “unhinged” plot our main character, Miki, has to confess her love to her long time best friend Auden. Twist, when unexpected circumstances arise, she has to do her unhinged plan with her ex boyfriend Lou instead. Tension, revelations and confessions ensue. 🖼️💛
Not only did I love the story and chemistry between our main characters, but I absolutely adored the setting. Who wouldn’t want to spend a night exploring The Met after hours?! The author, Mariko does such a great job describing each room and the details of the artworks. As an art history teacher, I was enveloped in the connections between the artwork, history, and the plot. The characters do an art activity (called exquisite corpse) together that I do in my real classroom. Even if you aren’t familiar with the Met or specific art pieces, I think you’ll still enjoy the plot and might learn a thing or two about art history along the way.
I actually planned to read this during my spring break when I will be visiting NYC, but was too excited to start it asap. I will definitely be doing a reread and looking for each stop on the love tour when I visit the Met in March.
Big thank you to NetGalley and Macmillan Children’s Publishing Group for the opportunity to read this book in exchange for an honest review.
Not only did I love the story and chemistry between our main characters, but I absolutely adored the setting. Who wouldn’t want to spend a night exploring The Met after hours?! The author, Mariko does such a great job describing each room and the details of the artworks. As an art history teacher, I was enveloped in the connections between the artwork, history, and the plot. The characters do an art activity (called exquisite corpse) together that I do in my real classroom. Even if you aren’t familiar with the Met or specific art pieces, I think you’ll still enjoy the plot and might learn a thing or two about art history along the way.
I actually planned to read this during my spring break when I will be visiting NYC, but was too excited to start it asap. I will definitely be doing a reread and looking for each stop on the love tour when I visit the Met in March.
Big thank you to NetGalley and Macmillan Children’s Publishing Group for the opportunity to read this book in exchange for an honest review.
Review of advance copy received from Netgalley
My first impression upon starting this book definitely did not predict the entire picture (or painting is maybe more accurate in this case).
I loved the summary and the setting, and thought it would be a nice cozy read. It was, but it was also SO much more.
To the author-
To quote your own writing:
“I love how art can be inspired by old art, and then it can totally change the way we see the old stuff.”
YOU DID THAT, with this! I would encourage anyone and everyone to take your time reading this book. I found myself pausing and looking up the works of art discussed in the novel- seeing them with new appreciation, while also lending more meaning to this story I was currently engrossed in reading.
The plot may seem predictable at first glance, and in places it is somewhat, though in a comforting way. However there’s certainly at least one twist I did NOT see coming, and by the time it did - I had grown to love the story, the setting, the characters so much, that it had maximum impact.
This book also inspired discussion between my spouse & I - me telling him all the facts I had learned and showing him the beautiful art pieces I’d found through the book. You’ve inspired a trip to the local art museum for us - and we’re dying to make it to The Met asap!!
I loved the summary and the setting, and thought it would be a nice cozy read. It was, but it was also SO much more.
To the author-
To quote your own writing:
“I love how art can be inspired by old art, and then it can totally change the way we see the old stuff.”
YOU DID THAT, with this! I would encourage anyone and everyone to take your time reading this book. I found myself pausing and looking up the works of art discussed in the novel- seeing them with new appreciation, while also lending more meaning to this story I was currently engrossed in reading.
The plot may seem predictable at first glance, and in places it is somewhat, though in a comforting way. However there’s certainly at least one twist I did NOT see coming, and by the time it did - I had grown to love the story, the setting, the characters so much, that it had maximum impact.
This book also inspired discussion between my spouse & I - me telling him all the facts I had learned and showing him the beautiful art pieces I’d found through the book. You’ve inspired a trip to the local art museum for us - and we’re dying to make it to The Met asap!!
Review of advance copy received from Netgalley
Two art nerds walk into a museum and three different art nerds walk out? This book is a romance, but the attention to detail with the art and the story is its own work of art.
I wasn't sure if a YA romance would hit me the way other romance stories do, but that was completely unfounded because I was hanging on every detail and marinating in the exceptional cuteness. I will, without question, have a book hangover from this story and it will be the standard by which I judge future YA Romances (and maybe romance more broadly).
I dont want to give too much away, because the story is perfect, I cannot compete. You need to experience it for yourself. What I will say that Miki's Fall in Love Tour is going to have you falling in love in ways you won't expect. I loved the careful details, the banter, the way the story is just totally relatable.
You will like this story if you: like art, love love, enjoy carefully woven details, appreciate solid banter, and if you just need a relief from the weight of life. Any of that sound like you? Okay, then read this book.
Thank you to the publisher and NetGalley for allowing me to read this book. I so very much enjoyed it.
I wasn't sure if a YA romance would hit me the way other romance stories do, but that was completely unfounded because I was hanging on every detail and marinating in the exceptional cuteness. I will, without question, have a book hangover from this story and it will be the standard by which I judge future YA Romances (and maybe romance more broadly).
I dont want to give too much away, because the story is perfect, I cannot compete. You need to experience it for yourself. What I will say that Miki's Fall in Love Tour is going to have you falling in love in ways you won't expect. I loved the careful details, the banter, the way the story is just totally relatable.
You will like this story if you: like art, love love, enjoy carefully woven details, appreciate solid banter, and if you just need a relief from the weight of life. Any of that sound like you? Okay, then read this book.
Thank you to the publisher and NetGalley for allowing me to read this book. I so very much enjoyed it.
Review of advance copy received from Netgalley
ⓐ ⓢⓟⓞⓘⓛⓔⓡ ⓕⓡⓔⓔ ⓡⓔⓥⓘⓔⓦ
𝓂𝓊𝒸𝒽 𝓉𝒽𝒶𝓃𝓀𝓈 𝓉𝑜 𝐻𝑒𝓃𝓇𝓎 𝐻𝑜𝓁𝓉 𝒶𝓃𝒹 𝒞𝑜𝓂𝓅𝒶𝓃𝓎 𝒶𝓃𝒹 𝒩𝑒𝓉𝒢𝒶𝓁𝓁𝑒𝓎 𝒻𝑜𝓇 𝓉𝒽𝑒 𝒶𝓇𝒸
Where do I even start?
I don't normally read romance; most of the time, it is too cheesy and cringeworthy for me. Oftentimes, I find the love stories in YA romance books kinda unrealistic.
I prefer my own perfectly imperfect romance.
I wish I could insert quotes into this review. Still, unfortunately, I can't until the book is out (keep your eyes open for this book, everyone, it is a masterpiece). I was crying by chapter 2, laughing by chapter 3, and all out arguing with the plot the further we got into this book. The plot was, in fact, slightly 'unhinged' and wild. all because a girl wants a boy to fall in love with her.
We do crazy things for the ones we love.
Like staying in a museum overnight or at least for a long while lol, the FMC made a master plan that follows her grandma's love story in the Met. It is adorable, cute, and funny. This book shows that even the unexpected creates the most beautiful outcomes.
filled with more art information than I have ever read about before (so this book is, in fact, educational lol), jokes, and fun, this book is everything you would want in a romance book. There are deep thoughts and beautiful quotes.
I couldn't recommend this book more. You need to read it.
I do want to leave one last comment. If you are in a romantic relationship, the quotes from this book hit so hard. The quotes, even out of context, hit so, so incredibly hard.
Read good books and consume caffeine
Katherine <3
𝓂𝓊𝒸𝒽 𝓉𝒽𝒶𝓃𝓀𝓈 𝓉𝑜 𝐻𝑒𝓃𝓇𝓎 𝐻𝑜𝓁𝓉 𝒶𝓃𝒹 𝒞𝑜𝓂𝓅𝒶𝓃𝓎 𝒶𝓃𝒹 𝒩𝑒𝓉𝒢𝒶𝓁𝓁𝑒𝓎 𝒻𝑜𝓇 𝓉𝒽𝑒 𝒶𝓇𝒸
Where do I even start?
I don't normally read romance; most of the time, it is too cheesy and cringeworthy for me. Oftentimes, I find the love stories in YA romance books kinda unrealistic.
I prefer my own perfectly imperfect romance.
I wish I could insert quotes into this review. Still, unfortunately, I can't until the book is out (keep your eyes open for this book, everyone, it is a masterpiece). I was crying by chapter 2, laughing by chapter 3, and all out arguing with the plot the further we got into this book. The plot was, in fact, slightly 'unhinged' and wild. all because a girl wants a boy to fall in love with her.
We do crazy things for the ones we love.
Like staying in a museum overnight or at least for a long while lol, the FMC made a master plan that follows her grandma's love story in the Met. It is adorable, cute, and funny. This book shows that even the unexpected creates the most beautiful outcomes.
filled with more art information than I have ever read about before (so this book is, in fact, educational lol), jokes, and fun, this book is everything you would want in a romance book. There are deep thoughts and beautiful quotes.
I couldn't recommend this book more. You need to read it.
I do want to leave one last comment. If you are in a romantic relationship, the quotes from this book hit so hard. The quotes, even out of context, hit so, so incredibly hard.
Read good books and consume caffeine
Katherine <3
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
Review of advance copy received from Netgalley
Miki's determined to write her perfect love story, and she's found the perfect boy, her long-distance best friend Auden, and the perfect place. Years ago, her grandparents fell in love at the Metropolitan Museum of Art, and she's got the magazine article giving her the script, which she plans to deploy while setting up for a museum exhibit as an intern. But things quickly get off script when her boyfriend is trapped working, and she's sent off to record social media videos with her emotionally unavailable ex, Lou.
Miki's relatable as a teenage girl obsessed with a boy but afraid to do anything about it. This book takes on first love head-on, with its intensity, idealization, and all-consuming feeling. Miki's at her best when she begins to realize that there's more to Lou than gave him credit for.
The romance itself is sweet and sincere, but the setting is just as memorable. It’s so vivid and carefully drawn that it feels like a character in its own right, setting the stage for each moment between Miki and Lou.
The author treats the collision between idealized expectations and the reality of teenage love with the tenderness these characters deserve.
Miki's relatable as a teenage girl obsessed with a boy but afraid to do anything about it. This book takes on first love head-on, with its intensity, idealization, and all-consuming feeling. Miki's at her best when she begins to realize that there's more to Lou than gave him credit for.
The romance itself is sweet and sincere, but the setting is just as memorable. It’s so vivid and carefully drawn that it feels like a character in its own right, setting the stage for each moment between Miki and Lou.
The author treats the collision between idealized expectations and the reality of teenage love with the tenderness these characters deserve.
Review of advance copy received from NetGalley
The Museum of Modern Love takes place in a single night at the Met museum, and it was so much fun! I have to admit that all the art was my favorite part of the book. The author's descriptions were great, but my imagination still wasn't doing it justice, so I ended up looking up pictures of almost every piece that was mentioned in the book. It was like getting my own private tour of the Met! The main characters were very much teenagers, so they had a lot of moments of being stubborn or completely oblivious about things, but it was also part of their journey to reflect and break down walls. I was a little concerned that I might not like the romance aspect since it seemed unlikely how so much could change in a matter of hours. But in the end, it actually felt like a natural progression, and I was rooting for the couple to work out. I was also happy with how things were resolved with both of the love interests.
Thank you to Macmillan Children's Publishing Group, Henry Holt and Co. and NetGalley for providing a free review copy of this book! All thoughts and opinions are completely my own.
Thank you to Macmillan Children's Publishing Group, Henry Holt and Co. and NetGalley for providing a free review copy of this book! All thoughts and opinions are completely my own.
Review of advance copy received from NetGalley
Swoon ... I'm such a Nerd! No, not really ... normally my genre is murder/mystery, but this book had me captivated right from the cover!
The story is YA, but you should not let this keep you from reading it. It is captivating! Its rich in art history, a story telling lesson for all to learn about stopping and listening to what "something" may be trying to tell you.
In this case it was Art in the History of the Met Museum. It is a slow burn read that will share art history and Miki's quest to tell the love of her life how she feels about him. Along the way she will discover more about her Grama Hana that she so loves. Locked away in the museum decades later like her grandparents she will try and recreate their "prefect" love. But was it so perfect? Will she create something even better? As Elvis Presley says "Can't Help Fall In Love With You"
52 BOOK CLUB - 2026 PROMT # TEN - SPANS A DECADE or MORE
Thank You NetGally, MacMillian Children's Publishing, and Mariko Turk for and advance copy of this book. All opinions remain my own.
The story is YA, but you should not let this keep you from reading it. It is captivating! Its rich in art history, a story telling lesson for all to learn about stopping and listening to what "something" may be trying to tell you.
In this case it was Art in the History of the Met Museum. It is a slow burn read that will share art history and Miki's quest to tell the love of her life how she feels about him. Along the way she will discover more about her Grama Hana that she so loves. Locked away in the museum decades later like her grandparents she will try and recreate their "prefect" love. But was it so perfect? Will she create something even better? As Elvis Presley says "Can't Help Fall In Love With You"
52 BOOK CLUB - 2026 PROMT # TEN - SPANS A DECADE or MORE
Thank You NetGally, MacMillian Children's Publishing, and Mariko Turk for and advance copy of this book. All opinions remain my own.
Review of advance copy received from NetGalley
I loooove a good Asian representation, and this book delivered exactly what I was looking for.
We start with Miki and Auden’s relationship unfolding through her eyes, watching as she develops feelings for him over time. Then, as they’re heading into their early college years, Miki is finally ready to confess. But then her ex Lou shows up, and things get complicated in all the predictable ways.
What makes this story work is the museum adventure that unfolds from there. It’s sweet, it’s earnest, and it never tries to be anything more than what it is. Mariko Turk crafts a wholesome YA story that feels genuine and authentic, especially with the care she takes in representing her characters and their culture.
This is the kind of book that teen girls will absolutely love. It’s got that slow-burn romance, the tension of unrequited feelings, and ultimately, a story about connection and finding your person. No heavy drama, just genuine emotion and heart.
Thanks to NetGalley and Macmillan Children’s Publishing Group for the ARC!
We start with Miki and Auden’s relationship unfolding through her eyes, watching as she develops feelings for him over time. Then, as they’re heading into their early college years, Miki is finally ready to confess. But then her ex Lou shows up, and things get complicated in all the predictable ways.
What makes this story work is the museum adventure that unfolds from there. It’s sweet, it’s earnest, and it never tries to be anything more than what it is. Mariko Turk crafts a wholesome YA story that feels genuine and authentic, especially with the care she takes in representing her characters and their culture.
This is the kind of book that teen girls will absolutely love. It’s got that slow-burn romance, the tension of unrequited feelings, and ultimately, a story about connection and finding your person. No heavy drama, just genuine emotion and heart.
Thanks to NetGalley and Macmillan Children’s Publishing Group for the ARC!
Review of advance copy received from NetGalley
3.75/5 ⭐ Rounded up
So glad I finally got around to reading this! It was an incredibly fun read, and I really loved the character dynamics between our main character, Miki Kawamura, and the people around her. I don't enjoy YA as much as I used to, but there was something really charming about this book. Had I read this in middle school, or even the beginning of high school, I think I would have become obsessed with wanting to recreate everything that happened here, very similar to Miki in that regard.
I found the art talk the most fun to read about, I kept trying to look up what they were referencing and I felt like I learned so much. Even now I still find myself wanting to look up information about the art and other displays at the met. For a while after I finished the book, I found myself wanting it to have explored more on the dark history of America, but I can understand why maybe that didn't happen.
Overall, really enjoyed this one!
Thank you Netgalley and Macmillan Children's Publishing Group for the copy of this arc an exchange of an honest review!
So glad I finally got around to reading this! It was an incredibly fun read, and I really loved the character dynamics between our main character, Miki Kawamura, and the people around her. I don't enjoy YA as much as I used to, but there was something really charming about this book. Had I read this in middle school, or even the beginning of high school, I think I would have become obsessed with wanting to recreate everything that happened here, very similar to Miki in that regard.
I found the art talk the most fun to read about, I kept trying to look up what they were referencing and I felt like I learned so much. Even now I still find myself wanting to look up information about the art and other displays at the met. For a while after I finished the book, I found myself wanting it to have explored more on the dark history of America, but I can understand why maybe that didn't happen.
Overall, really enjoyed this one!
Thank you Netgalley and Macmillan Children's Publishing Group for the copy of this arc an exchange of an honest review!
Review of advance copy received from Goodreads Giveaways
This book was delightful. It's a truly original plot, which is refreshing to see in YA. I found Miki relatable and, despite her romantic delusions, grounded. Lou is lovable as well, but less unique. What made this book stand out to me, though, is the backdrop in which it is set. I am not an art fanatic, but the book stirred within me a desire to visit the Met and appreciate art on a deeper level. The beautiful and insightful thoughts about art and its power to change lives took the book from just a cute romance to something more...powerful. Throughout the book, Miki reckons with her grandparents' past in Japanese-American internment camps. As a white woman, this is an issue I've never had to deal with. The aspects of the internment camps and the introspection of art added a deeper layer to the novel.
All in all, I would recommend this book to anyone looking for a sweet romance or any art lovers. It has just a tiny bit of spice (14 and up) and a couple of f-bombs. Would recommend!!
All in all, I would recommend this book to anyone looking for a sweet romance or any art lovers. It has just a tiny bit of spice (14 and up) and a couple of f-bombs. Would recommend!!
Review of advance copy received from Netgalley
I wouldn't be exaggerating if I didn't say this is one of the most memorable reads I've had in a long time. I knew just from looking at the synopsis that I was already in love with this story, but reading the entire book felt so perfect, almost like the book was everything I could have wanted!
Firstly, the flow of time throughout this book, though only spanning over one night, still felt in no way dragged out or rushed. Every scene felt like it was perfectly timed, and I was just completely engaged. Miki's character arc and her perception of love was really heartwarming, and seeing her begin to understand herself and her feelings was really amazing. And LOU. Oh my goodness, the subtleness of his devotion and watching him open up and recognize his own passions and aspirations made my heart ache. Their banter together was hilarious, and their connection just felt so perfectly written. Mariko Turk wrote an absolutely splendid book, and I'll be recommending this a lot in the future!
Firstly, the flow of time throughout this book, though only spanning over one night, still felt in no way dragged out or rushed. Every scene felt like it was perfectly timed, and I was just completely engaged. Miki's character arc and her perception of love was really heartwarming, and seeing her begin to understand herself and her feelings was really amazing. And LOU. Oh my goodness, the subtleness of his devotion and watching him open up and recognize his own passions and aspirations made my heart ache. Their banter together was hilarious, and their connection just felt so perfectly written. Mariko Turk wrote an absolutely splendid book, and I'll be recommending this a lot in the future!
Review of advance copy received from Netgalley
Thank you to NetGalley for this free ARC from the publisher.
This book was impossible to put down. Miki was very interesting to read about, especially in regards to her line of thinking about Auden. Then the quick switch of her getting stuck in the museum with Lou instead. She is highly annoyed with him as a result of their fling last summer, and she is constantly looking for ways to ditch him. Despite this, Lou tries to help her by offering to do a test run of Miki’s plan to get Auden to fall in love. Throughout their time, Lou helps Miki relax and break out of her shell. The two main characters help each other become better people and confront their insecurities. The focus on art was a unique aspect to this book that provided a certain level of depth and reflection. Their flashbacks to the summer before provided so much context and insight to their understanding of each other.
An absolutely heartwarming romance story for the ages. I literally want to frame this book in my house because I love it so much.
Overall:
5 stars! I would definitely recommend this book to everyone.
This book was impossible to put down. Miki was very interesting to read about, especially in regards to her line of thinking about Auden. Then the quick switch of her getting stuck in the museum with Lou instead. She is highly annoyed with him as a result of their fling last summer, and she is constantly looking for ways to ditch him. Despite this, Lou tries to help her by offering to do a test run of Miki’s plan to get Auden to fall in love. Throughout their time, Lou helps Miki relax and break out of her shell. The two main characters help each other become better people and confront their insecurities. The focus on art was a unique aspect to this book that provided a certain level of depth and reflection. Their flashbacks to the summer before provided so much context and insight to their understanding of each other.
An absolutely heartwarming romance story for the ages. I literally want to frame this book in my house because I love it so much.
Overall:
5 stars! I would definitely recommend this book to everyone.
Displaying 1 - 30 of 82 reviews