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Left on Read
In this rivals-to-lovers romcom from Marissa Eller, overachiever Murphy wants one thing: to be the top student in her school. So when a student who could beat her turns up, she tries to keep her eyes on her own paper… and off this infuriatingly perfect boy.
School is everything to Murphy—literally everything, since she’s missed out on all of the Traditional High School Things in pursuit of academic success. Her senior year is going to be perfect, and so is she... because she's pushing herself to her physical and mental limit. All she needs to do is ignore her mounting anxiety! Which is probably clinical! La la la!
But Hayes—her ultrasmart, ultra-annoying rival for valedictorian—is making her year far less perfect than she imagined.
He's after that top spot, and he doesn’t care who he has to shove outside. But when Murphy and Hayes are paired up for a group project on student mental health, Murphy discovers that he might be the only one who understands what she’s going through. The burnout. The self-doubt. The unrelenting grind. Together, they can stand up to the pressures of academia, family, and the way most traveled... if they partner up in more ways than one.
School is everything to Murphy—literally everything, since she’s missed out on all of the Traditional High School Things in pursuit of academic success. Her senior year is going to be perfect, and so is she... because she's pushing herself to her physical and mental limit. All she needs to do is ignore her mounting anxiety! Which is probably clinical! La la la!
But Hayes—her ultrasmart, ultra-annoying rival for valedictorian—is making her year far less perfect than she imagined.
He's after that top spot, and he doesn’t care who he has to shove outside. But when Murphy and Hayes are paired up for a group project on student mental health, Murphy discovers that he might be the only one who understands what she’s going through. The burnout. The self-doubt. The unrelenting grind. Together, they can stand up to the pressures of academia, family, and the way most traveled... if they partner up in more ways than one.
288 pages, Paperback
Published August 11, 2026
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 91 reviews
August 5, 2026
Thank you to the publisher and to the author for an advanced copy in exchange for a review.
Left On Read 3.5/5⭐
I so happy now❤️
Don't forget to follow me on YouTube, where I post all about my favorite clean books! https://www.youtube.com/@ItsRenity
✨Plot✨
To Nova school is everything, literally everything. She spends all her time on it and is determined to be the best in her accelerated high school program. When the class she's been looking forward to for all of high school ends up with a teacher who won't teach its up to her-and her infuriating rival Hayes to step up and save all their grades.
But what happens when rivals are forced to work together and realize they might be the only ones who really understand each other?
✨Characters✨
Overall, I loved the characters in this book! I also loved all the personalities and how the stress of being perfect in school was portrayed.
📚✨Nova✨📚
Nova, girl, I RELATE. Ever since I started high school, I've had such bad grade anxiety and so I like breakdown if I get anything less than perfect pretty much and I loved seeing a character I could see myself in so much! Because even though having this grade anxiety makes me really productive and makes me get good grades it is so tiring and stressful. I feel like the author portrayed that perfectly and it was interesting to read about!
🫠📚Hayes📚🫠
I feel like he was the average "the girl thinks he hates her guts, but he doesn't understand how to tell girls that he likes them," guy. He did have some pazazz by making him actually sweet for the second half of the book but lowkey he got on my nerves a lot.
✨Romance✨
Sweet and wholesome, but this is making me realize my hate for miscommunication. IS TALKING REALLY THAT HARD!?
✨Writing Style✨
I really liked the style, it flowed well and was easy to understand. It was a slow start but once I got into it I really enjoyed it.
✨Would I Recommend It?✨
Yes! If you love rom-coms and rivals and academic settings 100% this is for you!!
Left On Read 3.5/5⭐
I so happy now❤️
Don't forget to follow me on YouTube, where I post all about my favorite clean books! https://www.youtube.com/@ItsRenity
✨Plot✨
To Nova school is everything, literally everything. She spends all her time on it and is determined to be the best in her accelerated high school program. When the class she's been looking forward to for all of high school ends up with a teacher who won't teach its up to her-and her infuriating rival Hayes to step up and save all their grades.
But what happens when rivals are forced to work together and realize they might be the only ones who really understand each other?
✨Characters✨
Overall, I loved the characters in this book! I also loved all the personalities and how the stress of being perfect in school was portrayed.
📚✨Nova✨📚
Nova, girl, I RELATE. Ever since I started high school, I've had such bad grade anxiety and so I like breakdown if I get anything less than perfect pretty much and I loved seeing a character I could see myself in so much! Because even though having this grade anxiety makes me really productive and makes me get good grades it is so tiring and stressful. I feel like the author portrayed that perfectly and it was interesting to read about!
🫠📚Hayes📚🫠
I feel like he was the average "the girl thinks he hates her guts, but he doesn't understand how to tell girls that he likes them," guy. He did have some pazazz by making him actually sweet for the second half of the book but lowkey he got on my nerves a lot.
✨Romance✨
Sweet and wholesome, but this is making me realize my hate for miscommunication. IS TALKING REALLY THAT HARD!?
✨Writing Style✨
I really liked the style, it flowed well and was easy to understand. It was a slow start but once I got into it I really enjoyed it.
✨Would I Recommend It?✨
Yes! If you love rom-coms and rivals and academic settings 100% this is for you!!
September 1, 2026
˚₊‧꒰ა left on read by marissa eller ໒꒱ ‧₊˚
rating :
♥ ♥ ♥ ♡ ♡
୨୧ ───────── ୨୧
now playing ˎˊ˗
⤷ stressed out — twenty-one pilots ౨ৎ
01:16 ━━━━●───── 03:14
ㅤㅤ◁ㅤ ❚❚ ㅤ▷ㅤ ↻
𐙚 ⋆｡˚
pre-read˚.💬⋆
⤷ why is this title so relatable 😭😭ˎˊ˗
𓆩♡𓆪
• ꒰ overall thoughts ꒱ •
❛❛ so this book was a cute read but definitely not my favorite. this book honestly put me in a mini reading slump! the beginning of the book was extremely boring, and i was having trouble finding the motivation to keep on reading and i almost dnf'ed it. but then i reached the middle and it actually became good! there were definitely some good "kicking my feet and squealing" moments!! if the author had made the beginning of the story better, that would've definitely changed my view on the book. now onto the book itself. first, the plot. the plot was a good idea, but didn't work as well as it should've. the trope was supposed to be academic rivals to lovers but i felt like it failed a bit. the book just mentioned they had a history of being rivals in the past, but there were no scenes where they were rivals. it felt like they were lovers the whole time, and it kind of rushed the book a bit. i wish that the book featured more scenes where they were rivaling, it definitely would've made the plot much better! next, the characters! the characters weren't too bad in my opinion! they were a bit basic and needed a bit more depth but they were very cute together! lastly, the setting! the setting was at a college prep high school which was kind of cool to get a glimpse into what high school is like (since im starting in two days). and i enjoyed the idea of the bad teacher in the high school making the two main characters have to work together hehe. so overall, not my favorite book, but not horrible! ❜❜
˚₊‧꒰ა ♡ ໒꒱ ‧₊˚
• ꒰ ratings ꒱ •
plot ୨୧ ♥♥♡♡♡
characters 𐙚 ♥♥♥♡♡
romance ౨ৎ ♥♥♥♡♡
chemistry ⋆｡° ✩ ♥♥♥♡♡
spice ᵕ̈♥♡♡♡♡
pacing ☾ ♥♥♥♡♡
ending ❀ ♥♥♥♡♡
𐙚 ───────── 𐙚
• ꒰ characters ꒱ •
—▷ nova ౨ৎ
she was interesting.. one minute she hated hayes and the next moment she was obsessed with him and couldn't stop thinking about him.. like okay girl chill !! but at the same time i feel bad for her, she's going through a lot. i feel like she gets herself worked up on the smallest things leading to really bad anxiety. she did not really control her feelings well.. but its completely understandable! also just wish she would speak up a bit more! her teacher was saying such mean things to her and she just stood there agreeing.. stand up for yourself!!
—▷ hayes ౨ৎ
he was so laid back and chill.. how was he so smart then?? i feel like hes just nonchalantly smart hehe. but he was honestly such a sweet person you could tell from the start that he cared about nova a lot > and when she had the anxiety meltdown he was right by her side helping her. awwww <333
—▷ esha ౨ৎ
she was a divaaa !
—▷ mrs. lowry ౨ৎ
she pmo like she was a horribleeee teacher. she didn't teach ANYTHING and was so mean to nova.
˚₊‧꒰ა ♡ ໒꒱ ‧₊˚
• ꒰ recommendations ꒱ •
age ୨୧ 13+ years old
interests ୨୧ academic rivals // anxiety // school // friend group
genre ୨୧ romance
tropes ୨୧ academic rivals to lovers // long history
𓂃 ࣪˖ ִֶָ 𐙚 ࿐
❛❛ my final thoughts / would i recommend this book? ❜❜
i honestly wouldn't recommend this book to anyone ! i feel like it just wasn't an enjoyable read.
𓆩♡𓆪
୨୧ ───────── ୨୧
thank you so much for taking the time to read my review! i hope it was helpful in your reading experience. if you enjoyed this review, please consider following me to receive more valuable reviews! xoxo, alexandra ୨୧
rating :
♥ ♥ ♥ ♡ ♡
୨୧ ───────── ୨୧
now playing ˎˊ˗
⤷ stressed out — twenty-one pilots ౨ৎ
01:16 ━━━━●───── 03:14
ㅤㅤ◁ㅤ ❚❚ ㅤ▷ㅤ ↻
𐙚 ⋆｡˚
pre-read˚.💬⋆
⤷ why is this title so relatable 😭😭ˎˊ˗
𓆩♡𓆪
• ꒰ overall thoughts ꒱ •
❛❛ so this book was a cute read but definitely not my favorite. this book honestly put me in a mini reading slump! the beginning of the book was extremely boring, and i was having trouble finding the motivation to keep on reading and i almost dnf'ed it. but then i reached the middle and it actually became good! there were definitely some good "kicking my feet and squealing" moments!! if the author had made the beginning of the story better, that would've definitely changed my view on the book. now onto the book itself. first, the plot. the plot was a good idea, but didn't work as well as it should've. the trope was supposed to be academic rivals to lovers but i felt like it failed a bit. the book just mentioned they had a history of being rivals in the past, but there were no scenes where they were rivals. it felt like they were lovers the whole time, and it kind of rushed the book a bit. i wish that the book featured more scenes where they were rivaling, it definitely would've made the plot much better! next, the characters! the characters weren't too bad in my opinion! they were a bit basic and needed a bit more depth but they were very cute together! lastly, the setting! the setting was at a college prep high school which was kind of cool to get a glimpse into what high school is like (since im starting in two days). and i enjoyed the idea of the bad teacher in the high school making the two main characters have to work together hehe. so overall, not my favorite book, but not horrible! ❜❜
˚₊‧꒰ა ♡ ໒꒱ ‧₊˚
• ꒰ ratings ꒱ •
plot ୨୧ ♥♥♡♡♡
characters 𐙚 ♥♥♥♡♡
romance ౨ৎ ♥♥♥♡♡
chemistry ⋆｡° ✩ ♥♥♥♡♡
spice ᵕ̈♥♡♡♡♡
pacing ☾ ♥♥♥♡♡
ending ❀ ♥♥♥♡♡
𐙚 ───────── 𐙚
• ꒰ characters ꒱ •
—▷ nova ౨ৎ
she was interesting.. one minute she hated hayes and the next moment she was obsessed with him and couldn't stop thinking about him.. like okay girl chill !! but at the same time i feel bad for her, she's going through a lot. i feel like she gets herself worked up on the smallest things leading to really bad anxiety. she did not really control her feelings well.. but its completely understandable! also just wish she would speak up a bit more! her teacher was saying such mean things to her and she just stood there agreeing.. stand up for yourself!!
—▷ hayes ౨ৎ
he was so laid back and chill.. how was he so smart then?? i feel like hes just nonchalantly smart hehe. but he was honestly such a sweet person you could tell from the start that he cared about nova a lot > and when she had the anxiety meltdown he was right by her side helping her. awwww <333
—▷ esha ౨ৎ
she was a divaaa !
—▷ mrs. lowry ౨ৎ
she pmo like she was a horribleeee teacher. she didn't teach ANYTHING and was so mean to nova.
˚₊‧꒰ა ♡ ໒꒱ ‧₊˚
• ꒰ recommendations ꒱ •
age ୨୧ 13+ years old
interests ୨୧ academic rivals // anxiety // school // friend group
genre ୨୧ romance
tropes ୨୧ academic rivals to lovers // long history
𓂃 ࣪˖ ִֶָ 𐙚 ࿐
❛❛ my final thoughts / would i recommend this book? ❜❜
i honestly wouldn't recommend this book to anyone ! i feel like it just wasn't an enjoyable read.
𓆩♡𓆪
୨୧ ───────── ୨୧
thank you so much for taking the time to read my review! i hope it was helpful in your reading experience. if you enjoyed this review, please consider following me to receive more valuable reviews! xoxo, alexandra ୨୧
August 31, 2026
This book was bingeable and honestly a lot of the time, I really did love all of the characters! Our FMC feels so incredibly ‘real’ to me as a former academic try-hard turned burnt out academic...
I really flew through this book, it was super easy to read and getting to see the characters grow as individuals and as a couple was so incredibly lovely to see!!
I will say it did feel like the romantic emotion was implemented far too quickly for my personal tastes but honestly... A teenager in high school liking someone then immediately thinking they love them is probably closer to the truth than not!
I actually really loved this narrator - they managed to narrate the voice of a catastrophising teenager in the midst of school stress impressively well lmao??? it really helped me connect to and enjoy the story more! I would love to check out more of their work in the future!
Thank you to netgalley and rbmedia for providing me with a copy of this audiobook for a voluntary and honest review!
I really flew through this book, it was super easy to read and getting to see the characters grow as individuals and as a couple was so incredibly lovely to see!!
I will say it did feel like the romantic emotion was implemented far too quickly for my personal tastes but honestly... A teenager in high school liking someone then immediately thinking they love them is probably closer to the truth than not!
I actually really loved this narrator - they managed to narrate the voice of a catastrophising teenager in the midst of school stress impressively well lmao??? it really helped me connect to and enjoy the story more! I would love to check out more of their work in the future!
Thank you to netgalley and rbmedia for providing me with a copy of this audiobook for a voluntary and honest review!
September 11, 2026
I received a copy of this book for free from the publisher for promotional purposes.
This was a cute academic rivals to lovers YA romance!
The story centers on Nova, a high school senior attending an accelerated high school program at a local university, as she balances school, health issues, and her newfound feelings for her rival, Hayes.
The book starts off a little slow. I wasn’t quite sure where it was headed since it takes a bit for things to develop. But by the second half, the story picked up fast and I could not put it down.
I loved the romance. The two leads were very cute together and I loved their dynamic. Hayes was so caring and understanding of Nova. I adored his nickname for her, Novella. It was so sweet.
I liked that the book explored mental health and academic burnout. I’ve definitely experienced academic burnout many times throughout my academic career so I found those parts to be very relatable.
The book also has disability representation. Nova deals with chronic migraines. She also appears to be neurodivergent (it’s never explicitly stated if she’s on the autism spectrum but it is heavily implied). The author handles both of those with care.
The writing style was easy to read and the story flowed well. The book was a breeze to read.
Overall, if you’re looking for a YA romance that is both adorable and tackles real life issues, I definitely recommend this one!
This was a cute academic rivals to lovers YA romance!
The story centers on Nova, a high school senior attending an accelerated high school program at a local university, as she balances school, health issues, and her newfound feelings for her rival, Hayes.
The book starts off a little slow. I wasn’t quite sure where it was headed since it takes a bit for things to develop. But by the second half, the story picked up fast and I could not put it down.
I loved the romance. The two leads were very cute together and I loved their dynamic. Hayes was so caring and understanding of Nova. I adored his nickname for her, Novella. It was so sweet.
I liked that the book explored mental health and academic burnout. I’ve definitely experienced academic burnout many times throughout my academic career so I found those parts to be very relatable.
The book also has disability representation. Nova deals with chronic migraines. She also appears to be neurodivergent (it’s never explicitly stated if she’s on the autism spectrum but it is heavily implied). The author handles both of those with care.
The writing style was easy to read and the story flowed well. The book was a breeze to read.
Overall, if you’re looking for a YA romance that is both adorable and tackles real life issues, I definitely recommend this one!
August 18, 2026
1.5/5 ⭐️
…NEVER compare this book to an actual masterpiece that “I Hope This Doesn’t Find You” is because this book and that book aren’t even CLOSE this book was a drag and cringe for like at least half the story, and it was okay at the end, but still ugh
…NEVER compare this book to an actual masterpiece that “I Hope This Doesn’t Find You” is because this book and that book aren’t even CLOSE this book was a drag and cringe for like at least half the story, and it was okay at the end, but still ugh
August 6, 2026
Thank you to NetGalley and RB Media for my advanced listening copy of Left on Read!
First off - I loved this book! I felt like it well represented some of the confusion and pressures of the transition between graduating high school and getting into college. How that time in your life can be really conflicting. You are focusing on your future, but also focusing on the present and being present with your friends and enjoying that moment, and I felt like this book really encapsulated that well.
I enjoyed the pacing and love how the main character felt very lived in. From the first chapter I could relate to her feelings of ownership over a routine and a feeling of comfort over having a “safe space” in a chaotic environment.
I thought the relationship between the two main chapters was well represented of their ages for the most part and their interactions felt appropriate for the age group. The rivalry was more started at the beginning so most of the book was just them realizing they have been misjudging each other and finding common ground to build a relationship which I loved! It felt similar to Davi and Ben from Never Have I Ever vibes with some All the Boys I’ve Loved Before vibes mixed in.
Overall it was a cute, wholesome, and thoroughly enjoyable YA rivals-to-lovers (heavy on the lovers 🩷) coming of age story. I would definitely recommend if you enjoy YA romance.
First off - I loved this book! I felt like it well represented some of the confusion and pressures of the transition between graduating high school and getting into college. How that time in your life can be really conflicting. You are focusing on your future, but also focusing on the present and being present with your friends and enjoying that moment, and I felt like this book really encapsulated that well.
I enjoyed the pacing and love how the main character felt very lived in. From the first chapter I could relate to her feelings of ownership over a routine and a feeling of comfort over having a “safe space” in a chaotic environment.
I thought the relationship between the two main chapters was well represented of their ages for the most part and their interactions felt appropriate for the age group. The rivalry was more started at the beginning so most of the book was just them realizing they have been misjudging each other and finding common ground to build a relationship which I loved! It felt similar to Davi and Ben from Never Have I Ever vibes with some All the Boys I’ve Loved Before vibes mixed in.
Overall it was a cute, wholesome, and thoroughly enjoyable YA rivals-to-lovers (heavy on the lovers 🩷) coming of age story. I would definitely recommend if you enjoy YA romance.
July 31, 2026
Thank you RBMedia and NetGalley for the audio ARC
⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
Left on Read was such a sweet and charming YA romance! I really enjoyed the rivals to lovers storyline, and Murphy and Hayes had great chemistry. Their journey from academic rivals to understanding and supporting each other was both adorable and heartfelt.
The audiobook narrator did a fantastic job bringing the characters and their emotions to life, making it an easy and enjoyable listen from beginning to end. I also appreciated how the story explored anxiety, burnout, and the pressure to be perfect in a thoughtful and relatable way while still keeping the romance light and fun.
This was a really cute story with lovable characters, plenty of heart, and a message about finding balance and letting people in. If you enjoy sweet YA romances with academic rivals, this one is definitely worth picking up!
⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
Left on Read was such a sweet and charming YA romance! I really enjoyed the rivals to lovers storyline, and Murphy and Hayes had great chemistry. Their journey from academic rivals to understanding and supporting each other was both adorable and heartfelt.
The audiobook narrator did a fantastic job bringing the characters and their emotions to life, making it an easy and enjoyable listen from beginning to end. I also appreciated how the story explored anxiety, burnout, and the pressure to be perfect in a thoughtful and relatable way while still keeping the romance light and fun.
This was a really cute story with lovable characters, plenty of heart, and a message about finding balance and letting people in. If you enjoy sweet YA romances with academic rivals, this one is definitely worth picking up!
August 26, 2026
Left on Read follows Nova Carter, a highly ambitious high school senior determined to become school president. Nova has built her entire identity around academic achievement. Her carefully controlled senior year become more complicated when Hayes Collins, an equally brilliant and frustratingly perfect student emerges as her biggest competition.
Nova and Hayes are forced to work together on a project, what begins as a rivalry gradually develops into unexpected friendship and romantic connection.
As they spend time together, Nova realizes that Hayes understands the pressure she has placed on herself in a way few other people do.
Nova and Hayes are forced to work together on a project, what begins as a rivalry gradually develops into unexpected friendship and romantic connection.
As they spend time together, Nova realizes that Hayes understands the pressure she has placed on herself in a way few other people do.
August 25, 2026
dnf 75% - mental issues aren't a scapegoat to be the most insufferable person in existence. the fmc was self-centered and narcissistic. she did not give a fuck about anyone but herself. i waited a million years for her to ask how her best friend was settling in the new classes, to delve into the problems the guy (i forgot his name) was having at home he hinted at now and then. nope. she was too busy thinking the professor was shit and that she can do her job better. mind you, she's 17. before my eyes could permanently get dislodged in the back, i had to dnf
August 16, 2026
This book was fine. This was a cute romance about two high school rivals falling in love when they are partnered together in the class of a terrible professor. The romance was cute, the conversation to be had about high achieving kids and burn-out were very thought provoking. I wanted a little bit more, but ultimately I did have fun listening to this on audio.
August 7, 2026
Rating - 4/5 stars ⭐⭐⭐⭐
Date Read - July 16, 2026
Publication Date - August 11, 2026
*I received a physical ARC of this book for free in exchange for an honest review* - Thank you @penguinteenca! [AD/PR]
Left on Read is a cute young adult academic rivals to lovers book. The characters are dramatic and angsty but I loved it, especially their banter! The little notes they pass back and forth in class are cute and I always looked forward to seeing them. I could relate to Nova in a few different ways and I really enjoyed the scenes where she analyzed books. I appreciate how her character shows that just because someone appears to be thriving, doesn’t mean they aren’t struggling and in need of support. Outward appearances can be deceiving and you never know what someone else is going through, so it’s important to always check-in with others and never assume anything. If you like young adult, academic rivals to lovers books with mental health rep, you might enjoy Left on Read!
Get excited to read Left on Read, available August 11! 🎉
*Please check trigger warnings*
Date Read - July 16, 2026
Publication Date - August 11, 2026
*I received a physical ARC of this book for free in exchange for an honest review* - Thank you @penguinteenca! [AD/PR]
Left on Read is a cute young adult academic rivals to lovers book. The characters are dramatic and angsty but I loved it, especially their banter! The little notes they pass back and forth in class are cute and I always looked forward to seeing them. I could relate to Nova in a few different ways and I really enjoyed the scenes where she analyzed books. I appreciate how her character shows that just because someone appears to be thriving, doesn’t mean they aren’t struggling and in need of support. Outward appearances can be deceiving and you never know what someone else is going through, so it’s important to always check-in with others and never assume anything. If you like young adult, academic rivals to lovers books with mental health rep, you might enjoy Left on Read!
Get excited to read Left on Read, available August 11! 🎉
*Please check trigger warnings*
Read
August 18, 2026Predictable and cheesy, but appreciate the point of students who deal with rotten teachers and protecting their mental health as high achieving students.
August 17, 2026
Thanks to RBmedia | Recorded Books for providing this eBook for review consideration via NetGalley. All opinions are my own.
Narrated by Laura Knight Keating
3.75 stars
Nova is a Neurodivergent over-achiever trying to get through her senior year of high school.
She wants to be an English professor, so she’s very excited to take a highly anticipated college-level English class. When the class and the professor turn out to be a flop, she feels deflated. After years of pushing herself to her limit, she is starting to burn out.
Her rival, Hayes, who is also in her class, suggests teaming up to help the entire class pass the course. Together, they learn about people’s internal struggles that may not be evident from the outside, and fixing the system, not yourself.
This read like like the “Chilton years” of the Gilmore Girls. It definitely felt YA, but it was engaging, relatable for any former gifted students, and the side characters were interesting.
Narrated by Laura Knight Keating
3.75 stars
Nova is a Neurodivergent over-achiever trying to get through her senior year of high school.
She wants to be an English professor, so she’s very excited to take a highly anticipated college-level English class. When the class and the professor turn out to be a flop, she feels deflated. After years of pushing herself to her limit, she is starting to burn out.
Her rival, Hayes, who is also in her class, suggests teaming up to help the entire class pass the course. Together, they learn about people’s internal struggles that may not be evident from the outside, and fixing the system, not yourself.
This read like like the “Chilton years” of the Gilmore Girls. It definitely felt YA, but it was engaging, relatable for any former gifted students, and the side characters were interesting.
August 25, 2026
I absolutely adored this book and everything about it. As an English Education Major I majorly connected with Nova and everything she was going through. I loved how she persevered despite all those struggles and ended up making major difference at Endeavour High. ❤️ Amazing writing style I couldn’t put this book down!!
August 11, 2026
What I loved most was the underlying theme: the reminder that *everyone* is struggling to figure things out during their teenage years, even when it looks like they have it all together. The journey of self-discovery felt very relatable and authentic for a young adult audience.
While the central message was wonderful, the story execution was a bit uneven for me. The plot felt a little scattered and jumped around, which made it tricky to stay fully immersed in the story.
**Audio Note:** The narration by Laura Knight Keating was a definite highlight! The performance had a great overall vibe, moved at a wonderful clip, and featured excellent tone and inflection that really elevated the listening experience. Good narration can make or break an audiobook, and this one was spot on.
Overall, a nice, light read with a lot of heart! Recommended for younger YA readers or anyone looking for a quick coming-of-age story focused on finding yourself.
*Thank you to Recorded Books / RBmedia and NetGalley for the audio ARC in exchange for an honest review.*
While the central message was wonderful, the story execution was a bit uneven for me. The plot felt a little scattered and jumped around, which made it tricky to stay fully immersed in the story.
**Audio Note:** The narration by Laura Knight Keating was a definite highlight! The performance had a great overall vibe, moved at a wonderful clip, and featured excellent tone and inflection that really elevated the listening experience. Good narration can make or break an audiobook, and this one was spot on.
Overall, a nice, light read with a lot of heart! Recommended for younger YA readers or anyone looking for a quick coming-of-age story focused on finding yourself.
*Thank you to Recorded Books / RBmedia and NetGalley for the audio ARC in exchange for an honest review.*
August 15, 2026
Review of advance copy received from NetGalley
4.5 stars rounded up
This was such a sweet academic rivals to lovers romance! I loved the characters and just like with Joined at the Joints, I found Eller's writing style engaging and easy to read. As a former gifted kid who burnt out before high school, reading this was a sort of bittersweet experience for me because I saw myself a lot in Nova and her nuerodivergence, but also it was also sad to read about kids like me being so successful in high school knowing I wasn't. But I really liked the way this book depicts neurodivergent kids and how that affects them being high achievers in a fast paced, rigorous environment and I found it to be very accurate. There's a really big scene (the climax in which the conflict of the book reaches a boiling point) about 3/4 of the way through the book that was quite triggering and the resolution for that felt a little too easy and predictable (like a romcom) but also I felt vindicated and relieved seeing that situation fixed. I liked how real and lived in Nova felt as both a character and a narrator. As for Hayes, I liked him a lot, but I did feel he lacked depth. This book is from Nova's perspective, so of course we're going to get more from and about her, but I didn't really feel like we got much of anything from him, especially any weaknesses.
As for the cover, I have always thought the Joined at the Joints Cover was beautiful, and I found this one (and the new one for Joined at the Joints) to be really boring and not as pretty. The art itself is ok, and this is not a diss at the artist, but the simple design on a solid color background felt almost cheap and like not much thought was put into it.
The audiobook was great, but there is one instance in the ARC where the narrator pronounces Esha's last name Moriarty as "more-ee-or-ity." and hopefully that was caught before the final cut. Besides that, and a couple of long pauses, I loved it! Laura Knight Keating did a great job, as they did on Joined at the Joints.
All in all, I really liked this book at would read/listen to it again. I'd recommend it to anyone looking for a sweet, no-smut romance, especially teenagers and those who are neurodivergent and/or dealing with a high-pressure learning environment.
4.5 stars rounded up
This was such a sweet academic rivals to lovers romance! I loved the characters and just like with Joined at the Joints, I found Eller's writing style engaging and easy to read. As a former gifted kid who burnt out before high school, reading this was a sort of bittersweet experience for me because I saw myself a lot in Nova and her nuerodivergence, but also it was also sad to read about kids like me being so successful in high school knowing I wasn't. But I really liked the way this book depicts neurodivergent kids and how that affects them being high achievers in a fast paced, rigorous environment and I found it to be very accurate. There's a really big scene (the climax in which the conflict of the book reaches a boiling point) about 3/4 of the way through the book that was quite triggering and the resolution for that felt a little too easy and predictable (like a romcom) but also I felt vindicated and relieved seeing that situation fixed. I liked how real and lived in Nova felt as both a character and a narrator. As for Hayes, I liked him a lot, but I did feel he lacked depth. This book is from Nova's perspective, so of course we're going to get more from and about her, but I didn't really feel like we got much of anything from him, especially any weaknesses.
As for the cover, I have always thought the Joined at the Joints Cover was beautiful, and I found this one (and the new one for Joined at the Joints) to be really boring and not as pretty. The art itself is ok, and this is not a diss at the artist, but the simple design on a solid color background felt almost cheap and like not much thought was put into it.
The audiobook was great, but there is one instance in the ARC where the narrator pronounces Esha's last name Moriarty as "more-ee-or-ity." and hopefully that was caught before the final cut. Besides that, and a couple of long pauses, I loved it! Laura Knight Keating did a great job, as they did on Joined at the Joints.
All in all, I really liked this book at would read/listen to it again. I'd recommend it to anyone looking for a sweet, no-smut romance, especially teenagers and those who are neurodivergent and/or dealing with a high-pressure learning environment.
September 11, 2026
BOOK REVIEW — LEFT ON READ
Title: Left on Read by Marissa Eller
⭐⭐⭐⭐ Star Rating: 4
Vibe Check: came for the academic rivals, stayed for the burnout, anxiety, romance, and the deeply relatable realization that being the smartest person in the room does not mean you have your shit together.
Nova has one goal.
Be the top student.
Perfect grades.
Perfect senior year.
Perfect everything.
Except she's pushing herself way too hard.
Then Hayes shows up.
He's smart.
He's annoying.
And he wants the exact same thing.
Valedictorian.
Excellent.
Now we have academic enemies.
But when they get paired together for a project about student mental health, things start changing.
Because Hayes turns out to understand more than Nova expected.
Including the burnout.
The pressure.
The self-doubt.
And the fact that maybe she doesn't have to do everything alone.
I really liked that this romance puts academic pressure front and centre.
It isn't just about getting the boy.
It's about learning when to stop treating yourself like a machine.
The rivals-to-lovers setup also works because Nova and Hayes have an actual reason to clash.
They're competing for something that matters deeply to both of them.
And then they slowly realize that maybe competition isn't the only way to interact.
Tropes included: rivals-to-lovers, academic rivals, forced proximity, school romance, mental health themes, burnout, self-doubt, opposites, and learning to accept support.
Did they deliver?
Yes.
I liked the emotional focus and the romance.
There were a few moments where I wanted more depth, but overall it was a satisfying read.
Petty Complaint: These two are fighting for valedictorian while simultaneously falling for each other.
Could you please focus?
There is a GPA at stake.
Overall, Left on Read is a sweet rivals-to-lovers romance with academic pressure, emotional vulnerability, and a strong message about accepting support.
Four stars.
Would I recommend it?
Yes, especially for readers who enjoy academic rivals, YA romance, school settings, emotional growth, and characters who are slowly learning they don't have to carry everything alone.
Title: Left on Read by Marissa Eller
⭐⭐⭐⭐ Star Rating: 4
Vibe Check: came for the academic rivals, stayed for the burnout, anxiety, romance, and the deeply relatable realization that being the smartest person in the room does not mean you have your shit together.
Nova has one goal.
Be the top student.
Perfect grades.
Perfect senior year.
Perfect everything.
Except she's pushing herself way too hard.
Then Hayes shows up.
He's smart.
He's annoying.
And he wants the exact same thing.
Valedictorian.
Excellent.
Now we have academic enemies.
But when they get paired together for a project about student mental health, things start changing.
Because Hayes turns out to understand more than Nova expected.
Including the burnout.
The pressure.
The self-doubt.
And the fact that maybe she doesn't have to do everything alone.
I really liked that this romance puts academic pressure front and centre.
It isn't just about getting the boy.
It's about learning when to stop treating yourself like a machine.
The rivals-to-lovers setup also works because Nova and Hayes have an actual reason to clash.
They're competing for something that matters deeply to both of them.
And then they slowly realize that maybe competition isn't the only way to interact.
Tropes included: rivals-to-lovers, academic rivals, forced proximity, school romance, mental health themes, burnout, self-doubt, opposites, and learning to accept support.
Did they deliver?
Yes.
I liked the emotional focus and the romance.
There were a few moments where I wanted more depth, but overall it was a satisfying read.
Petty Complaint: These two are fighting for valedictorian while simultaneously falling for each other.
Could you please focus?
There is a GPA at stake.
Overall, Left on Read is a sweet rivals-to-lovers romance with academic pressure, emotional vulnerability, and a strong message about accepting support.
Four stars.
Would I recommend it?
Yes, especially for readers who enjoy academic rivals, YA romance, school settings, emotional growth, and characters who are slowly learning they don't have to carry everything alone.
Review of advance copy received from Netgalley
Thank you to Netgalley and Holiday House for giving me access to read this in exchange of an honest review.
🪼⋆.ೃ࿔*:
4 rounded up to 4,75 ⭐️
This YA romance book is a breath of fresh air. I loved reading the story of Nova and Hayes so much. This story really dives into how school causes a lot of stress, anxiety and other mental health issues, especially when you're in a special program. I think this is a very important topic and I enjoyed seeing it being talked about.
The story follows Nova, a 12th grade student in the fast forward program to College, while still in high school. She's one of the best students, has a high GPA, and dreams of becoming an english professor one day. She always puts all the efforts that she can in her studying. Being in the advanced program means burnout, being tired a lot and also hating on your academic rival. Hayes is the nemesis of Nova, he's the perfect picture of a guy who has it all without needing to put that much effort. That's how Nova mostly saw him, the arrogant guy who won president of BETA club the previous year and made fun of her. However, behind this persona, hides a guy that never offered too much of himself and tried to show his interest in the wrong way. Hayes is the son of two successful docters, his older brother is also in Med School in an Ivy League, so the expectations are high. But what hides behind those expectations is someone who doesn't want to go that way but doesn't know what to do to show it. Nova and Hayes both find themselves in the same American English Lit class, the one that Nova has been waiting for since her freshman year, but what awaits them was completely different from what I imagined and even managed to go throught her cracks and destroy that image she made in her head.
˖ ᡣ𐭩 ⊹ ࣪ ౨ৎ˚ I honestly loved this story a lot, I will never stop talking about how cute they are and how the character building and background was so well done. It helped to understand the dynamic between the MC and to appreciate how they started to get closer and learn to enjoy each other's company.
If you're an adept of a slow burn, academic rivals, enemies to lovers and a cute YA romance, then this is definitely for you.
🪼⋆.ೃ࿔*:
4 rounded up to 4,75 ⭐️
This YA romance book is a breath of fresh air. I loved reading the story of Nova and Hayes so much. This story really dives into how school causes a lot of stress, anxiety and other mental health issues, especially when you're in a special program. I think this is a very important topic and I enjoyed seeing it being talked about.
The story follows Nova, a 12th grade student in the fast forward program to College, while still in high school. She's one of the best students, has a high GPA, and dreams of becoming an english professor one day. She always puts all the efforts that she can in her studying. Being in the advanced program means burnout, being tired a lot and also hating on your academic rival. Hayes is the nemesis of Nova, he's the perfect picture of a guy who has it all without needing to put that much effort. That's how Nova mostly saw him, the arrogant guy who won president of BETA club the previous year and made fun of her. However, behind this persona, hides a guy that never offered too much of himself and tried to show his interest in the wrong way. Hayes is the son of two successful docters, his older brother is also in Med School in an Ivy League, so the expectations are high. But what hides behind those expectations is someone who doesn't want to go that way but doesn't know what to do to show it. Nova and Hayes both find themselves in the same American English Lit class, the one that Nova has been waiting for since her freshman year, but what awaits them was completely different from what I imagined and even managed to go throught her cracks and destroy that image she made in her head.
˖ ᡣ𐭩 ⊹ ࣪ ౨ৎ˚ I honestly loved this story a lot, I will never stop talking about how cute they are and how the character building and background was so well done. It helped to understand the dynamic between the MC and to appreciate how they started to get closer and learn to enjoy each other's company.
If you're an adept of a slow burn, academic rivals, enemies to lovers and a cute YA romance, then this is definitely for you.
August 4, 2026
This is quick, cute, no smut/spice romance read about two teenagers in high school, initially academic rivals, then lovers. I would recommend this book to a middle school or early high school audience. As I was reading, it gave me the vibes of a much lower reading comprehension level. It definitely reminded me of something I would have read in middle school!
The audiobook narrator was good, and I had no problems paying attention or listening to her.
Why I rated it 3 (2.75*) stars:
There were too many things going on to have the plot move so quickly. The resolutions to some of the problems; i.e. a rude, disinterested tenured professor, were unreal and could have been written better.
I see this book being called an enemies-to-lovers, which is untrue, and there was also barely any documentation of them being rivals-to-lovers other than describing Hayes mess with the Murphy's car in the past. If this book would have included more of those two being actual rivals in the beginning present, it would have been much better.
I also keep seeing this book marketed with disability representation - the only thing that has been actually said was "anxiety" when it came to Murphy. It is implied that there are other things going on (which is why others have said that the main character is neurodivergent), but never is it actually stated in the book or synopsis.
This book attempts to discuss deeper topics, like how attending an academically advanced program can cause burnout, anxiety, and stress, however, it only touches the surface level of this. As someone who attended an advanced program myself (as well as did clubs, academic leadership, and sports), if I had read this in middle or high school, it would have resonated more if the book had really discussed these deeper topics, on a deeper level.
Thank you to the publisher, audiobook production company, and Netgalley for providing me with a free e-audiobook in exchange for an honest review.
The audiobook narrator was good, and I had no problems paying attention or listening to her.
Why I rated it 3 (2.75*) stars:
There were too many things going on to have the plot move so quickly. The resolutions to some of the problems; i.e. a rude, disinterested tenured professor, were unreal and could have been written better.
I see this book being called an enemies-to-lovers, which is untrue, and there was also barely any documentation of them being rivals-to-lovers other than describing Hayes mess with the Murphy's car in the past. If this book would have included more of those two being actual rivals in the beginning present, it would have been much better.
I also keep seeing this book marketed with disability representation - the only thing that has been actually said was "anxiety" when it came to Murphy. It is implied that there are other things going on (which is why others have said that the main character is neurodivergent), but never is it actually stated in the book or synopsis.
This book attempts to discuss deeper topics, like how attending an academically advanced program can cause burnout, anxiety, and stress, however, it only touches the surface level of this. As someone who attended an advanced program myself (as well as did clubs, academic leadership, and sports), if I had read this in middle or high school, it would have resonated more if the book had really discussed these deeper topics, on a deeper level.
Thank you to the publisher, audiobook production company, and Netgalley for providing me with a free e-audiobook in exchange for an honest review.
Review of advance copy received from NetGalley
Thanks to the publisher and NetGalley for the ARC in exchange for an honest review.
This is overall a cute YA romance. I am a more mature reader, so this book was a little too juvenile for me. I tend to enjoy several YA romances, however, I would pass on this book if you're no longer in high school. The rivals-to-dating trope is genuinely cute and the strongest part of the book.
Setting the book in Hickory took me right out of the story, honestly. I live about 45 minutes away, and the characters are not typical for what you'd see in Hickory, and there's no university there. But for those not familiar, it's easier to suspend disbelief. I also couldn't tell for most of the begging of book whether these characters were in high school or college — it became clearer as a read along that this is a high school with a dual enrollment program,
The pacing of the actual plot felt rushed. I listened and the audiobook had several long pauses between chapters that made me believe my player stopped working.
My bigger issue is the style of writing. Hearing "she said" tacked onto the end of nearly every line of dialogue feels childish rather than stylistic. Combined with a teacher-student dynamic where the teacher is dishing out relationship advice to high schoolers (which is a strange choice for YA, I feel as if it perpetuates the idea that inappropriate relationships with teachers are okay), the whole book skews younger than other YA's I have read and enjoyed.
Bottom line: cute for a high school reader, or a breezy read if you're an adult who just wants something light — but know going in that it's geared toward a younger demographic.
This is overall a cute YA romance. I am a more mature reader, so this book was a little too juvenile for me. I tend to enjoy several YA romances, however, I would pass on this book if you're no longer in high school. The rivals-to-dating trope is genuinely cute and the strongest part of the book.
Setting the book in Hickory took me right out of the story, honestly. I live about 45 minutes away, and the characters are not typical for what you'd see in Hickory, and there's no university there. But for those not familiar, it's easier to suspend disbelief. I also couldn't tell for most of the begging of book whether these characters were in high school or college — it became clearer as a read along that this is a high school with a dual enrollment program,
The pacing of the actual plot felt rushed. I listened and the audiobook had several long pauses between chapters that made me believe my player stopped working.
My bigger issue is the style of writing. Hearing "she said" tacked onto the end of nearly every line of dialogue feels childish rather than stylistic. Combined with a teacher-student dynamic where the teacher is dishing out relationship advice to high schoolers (which is a strange choice for YA, I feel as if it perpetuates the idea that inappropriate relationships with teachers are okay), the whole book skews younger than other YA's I have read and enjoyed.
Bottom line: cute for a high school reader, or a breezy read if you're an adult who just wants something light — but know going in that it's geared toward a younger demographic.
Review of advance copy received from NetGalley
📚 Left on Read
✍️ Marissa Eller
🎧 Narrated by Laura Knight Keating
⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐
I don't know what's gotten into me lately, but I am SUPER obsessed with the YA books I've been reading.
This one specifically made me feel so nostalgic because Nova reminded me of who I was in high school. And Dr. Lowry (forgive the spelling... audiobook life) was my Dr. Dittmer. And Isha (again... spelling? 😂) was my Katrina.
We have our classic competing overachievers who put their differences aside and not only find a little romance, but also rally together to help their classmates survive Dr. Lowry's class, a teacher who has more or less given up.
Together, Nova, Hayes, and their friends are navigating high school, dealing with exes who once felt like the end of the world, figuring out their futures, and trying to get their parents to see them for who they really are.
But Nova was absolutely the standout for me.
She internally spirals. She shuts down. She overthinks EVERYTHING. She holds grudges. She doubts her own self-worth. Basically, I wanted to reach into the book and hug her, but I know she likes her personal space, so I won't. 😂
I just absolutely LOVED this character.
And while Left on Read is labeled YA, I think adults will enjoy it too. I mean - I'm nearing 50, and I did. Especially if you want a clean romance with a healthy dose of high school nostalgia. It definitely brought me back to a version of myself I haven't thought about in a while. ❤️
🎧 Laura Knight Keating's narration made it even easier to get wrapped up in Nova's world. She really captured the emotions, awkwardness, humor, and internal chaos that made Nova feel so real to me.
✍️ Marissa Eller
🎧 Narrated by Laura Knight Keating
⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐
I don't know what's gotten into me lately, but I am SUPER obsessed with the YA books I've been reading.
This one specifically made me feel so nostalgic because Nova reminded me of who I was in high school. And Dr. Lowry (forgive the spelling... audiobook life) was my Dr. Dittmer. And Isha (again... spelling? 😂) was my Katrina.
We have our classic competing overachievers who put their differences aside and not only find a little romance, but also rally together to help their classmates survive Dr. Lowry's class, a teacher who has more or less given up.
Together, Nova, Hayes, and their friends are navigating high school, dealing with exes who once felt like the end of the world, figuring out their futures, and trying to get their parents to see them for who they really are.
But Nova was absolutely the standout for me.
She internally spirals. She shuts down. She overthinks EVERYTHING. She holds grudges. She doubts her own self-worth. Basically, I wanted to reach into the book and hug her, but I know she likes her personal space, so I won't. 😂
I just absolutely LOVED this character.
And while Left on Read is labeled YA, I think adults will enjoy it too. I mean - I'm nearing 50, and I did. Especially if you want a clean romance with a healthy dose of high school nostalgia. It definitely brought me back to a version of myself I haven't thought about in a while. ❤️
🎧 Laura Knight Keating's narration made it even easier to get wrapped up in Nova's world. She really captured the emotions, awkwardness, humor, and internal chaos that made Nova feel so real to me.
Review of advance copy received from NetGalley
** Thank you to Holiday House Publishing for giving me an ARC of this book via NetGalley! These thoughts are my own. **
I really wish I liked this book more than I did. I enjoyed the book for the most part, but I had a few issues with it.
For one, I think the plot was a little too busy for the length of the book. Technically everything introduced in the story got wrapped up, but I wanted more depth to the storylines, and the plot overall felt unfocused and shallow.
Another huge issue I had with all of the plot lines is that they all resolve incredibly quickly or are just really unrealistic. For example, Nova and Hayes take a class with a horrible professor. I have been there, done that. However, no one reports the professor, and after Nova has a run-in with this professor later in the story, the dean gets notified (finally) and the storyline just.... ends. The dean talks a little bit about possible repercussions but nothing really gets wrapped up in a satisfying way. Then the story moves onto new storylines that also technically finish but not in a satisfying way. I got to the end of the book and actually asked myself, "is this really where the book ends?".
I also found the characters to be quite one-dimensional. I really liked Nova and Hayes, but they were barely enemies and fell in love really quickly with each other. I'm honestly not quite sure what they loved about each other, either, and that makes me sad, since they were cute together.
Overall, Left On Read had potential, but due to plot, pacing, and character issues, it fell flat for me.
I really wish I liked this book more than I did. I enjoyed the book for the most part, but I had a few issues with it.
For one, I think the plot was a little too busy for the length of the book. Technically everything introduced in the story got wrapped up, but I wanted more depth to the storylines, and the plot overall felt unfocused and shallow.
Another huge issue I had with all of the plot lines is that they all resolve incredibly quickly or are just really unrealistic. For example, Nova and Hayes take a class with a horrible professor. I have been there, done that. However, no one reports the professor, and after Nova has a run-in with this professor later in the story, the dean gets notified (finally) and the storyline just.... ends. The dean talks a little bit about possible repercussions but nothing really gets wrapped up in a satisfying way. Then the story moves onto new storylines that also technically finish but not in a satisfying way. I got to the end of the book and actually asked myself, "is this really where the book ends?".
I also found the characters to be quite one-dimensional. I really liked Nova and Hayes, but they were barely enemies and fell in love really quickly with each other. I'm honestly not quite sure what they loved about each other, either, and that makes me sad, since they were cute together.
Overall, Left On Read had potential, but due to plot, pacing, and character issues, it fell flat for me.
Review of advance copy received from NetGalley
Thank you to Holiday House for providing a complimentary eARC of this book via Netgalley. All opinions are my own.
I started reading this for a cute YA rivals-to-lovers story, but I didn't expect to be hit hard by the truth of mental health. The author does a fantastic job of weaving these elements into the story. I really identified a lot with Nova - the perfectionism, burnout, tying my worth and value to my academic success. Fantastic! I was really rooting for her throughout the book and I loved her!
Hayes felt like a good complement to her character. I admit that while I enjoyed their relationship, the movement from rivals to friends to lovers felt a little under explored. We basically got the whole “he’s rude because he likes you”, and I wish we had spent some more time unpacking how he ended up falling first. I also wished we’d spent some more time with his family expectations instead of seeing the resolution play out in a summary. Overall their relationship was cute and about what you’d expect from a YA book - though my fave part is him accepting her and learning about her triggers/migraines to take care of her. Truly adorable.
Some parts felt overly descriptive; others felt too quick and lacked some emotional depth especially when looking at her friendships. However, I enjoyed the overall vibe of Left on Read and would recommend for a quick read about academic rivals to lovers with incredible messaging on the importance of self-care and taking care of your mental health.
I started reading this for a cute YA rivals-to-lovers story, but I didn't expect to be hit hard by the truth of mental health. The author does a fantastic job of weaving these elements into the story. I really identified a lot with Nova - the perfectionism, burnout, tying my worth and value to my academic success. Fantastic! I was really rooting for her throughout the book and I loved her!
Hayes felt like a good complement to her character. I admit that while I enjoyed their relationship, the movement from rivals to friends to lovers felt a little under explored. We basically got the whole “he’s rude because he likes you”, and I wish we had spent some more time unpacking how he ended up falling first. I also wished we’d spent some more time with his family expectations instead of seeing the resolution play out in a summary. Overall their relationship was cute and about what you’d expect from a YA book - though my fave part is him accepting her and learning about her triggers/migraines to take care of her. Truly adorable.
Some parts felt overly descriptive; others felt too quick and lacked some emotional depth especially when looking at her friendships. However, I enjoyed the overall vibe of Left on Read and would recommend for a quick read about academic rivals to lovers with incredible messaging on the importance of self-care and taking care of your mental health.
August 26, 2026
📖 BOOK REVIEW | LEFT ON READ
✨ Marissa Eller
⭐️ Rating: 4/5
🌶️ Spice: 1/5 — Clean YA Romance
Tropes & Vibes:
🎓 Academic rivals
❤️ Rivals-to-lovers
🍎 School/teacher drama
📚 Bookish heroine
🧠 Academic pressure & perfectionism
👯 Friendship & coming-of-age
🔮 Figuring out the future
💌 Sweet, clean romance
My Review:
Left on Read was such a cute coming-of-age romance with a little bit of everything I love in a YA story! 📚❤️
At the center of the story is school, competition, and two academic rivals who definitely don’t make it easy on each other. Nova and Hayes are constantly competing, which gives the romance that fun rivals-to-lovers energy. Watching their relationship evolve from competition to something much deeper was one of my favorite parts.
And then there’s the teacher drama 👀—because apparently being academically competitive wasn’t enough!
What I really enjoyed, though, was that the story wasn’t just about the romance. There’s a lot about academic pressure, expectations, friendships, mental health, and figuring out what comes next. These characters are at that point in life where the future suddenly feels very real, and I liked seeing them work through what they actually want versus what they think they should want.
Overall, this was a sweet, wholesome YA romance with academic rivals, school drama, friendship, and just enough romantic tension to keep me turning the pages. 💕
If you’re looking for a clean, easy YA read with rivals-to-lovers energy and a coming-of-age storyline, definitely add this one to your TBR! ✨
✨ Marissa Eller
⭐️ Rating: 4/5
🌶️ Spice: 1/5 — Clean YA Romance
Tropes & Vibes:
🎓 Academic rivals
❤️ Rivals-to-lovers
🍎 School/teacher drama
📚 Bookish heroine
🧠 Academic pressure & perfectionism
👯 Friendship & coming-of-age
🔮 Figuring out the future
💌 Sweet, clean romance
My Review:
Left on Read was such a cute coming-of-age romance with a little bit of everything I love in a YA story! 📚❤️
At the center of the story is school, competition, and two academic rivals who definitely don’t make it easy on each other. Nova and Hayes are constantly competing, which gives the romance that fun rivals-to-lovers energy. Watching their relationship evolve from competition to something much deeper was one of my favorite parts.
And then there’s the teacher drama 👀—because apparently being academically competitive wasn’t enough!
What I really enjoyed, though, was that the story wasn’t just about the romance. There’s a lot about academic pressure, expectations, friendships, mental health, and figuring out what comes next. These characters are at that point in life where the future suddenly feels very real, and I liked seeing them work through what they actually want versus what they think they should want.
Overall, this was a sweet, wholesome YA romance with academic rivals, school drama, friendship, and just enough romantic tension to keep me turning the pages. 💕
If you’re looking for a clean, easy YA read with rivals-to-lovers energy and a coming-of-age storyline, definitely add this one to your TBR! ✨
Review of advance copy received from NetGalley
Title: Left on Read
Stars : ⭐️ ⭐️⭐️⭐️
Spicy: 🚫
Thanks to @netgalley I was able to read LEFT ON READ!
Left on read is a YA romance book, it touched on subjects that kids deal with in school and don’t usually like to talk about, stress, burned out, bullied, over worked, high expectations.
Nova is a 12th Grader of a very special school that incorporates high school with college courses, Nova is the older sister she has 2 younger brothers. Nova pushes her self to be the best In school, to show her brothers that it’s possible but also to make it easier for them, Nova is a very smart girl but puts a lot of pressure on herself to be the best, Nova also wants to be an English teacher,
Hayes is an only child both his parents are doctors and hold him up to a high standard, they also expect him to be a doctor like them even though he doesn’t want to be.
Nova and Hayes are in the same school for gifted kids, they are also In the same Beta club, after Hayes try’s to sabotage nova while she was giving her speech junior year so since then nova has hated him, but this is her last year at this school and she is determined to make it count and not let him bother her ! They ultimately have to work together to fix a problem, and nova realizes that Hayes isn’t a bad guy and that she’s actually really smart and will do anything for the people he cares about! This was a great book! Not my usual read but it was worth it!
Stars : ⭐️ ⭐️⭐️⭐️
Spicy: 🚫
Thanks to @netgalley I was able to read LEFT ON READ!
Left on read is a YA romance book, it touched on subjects that kids deal with in school and don’t usually like to talk about, stress, burned out, bullied, over worked, high expectations.
Nova is a 12th Grader of a very special school that incorporates high school with college courses, Nova is the older sister she has 2 younger brothers. Nova pushes her self to be the best In school, to show her brothers that it’s possible but also to make it easier for them, Nova is a very smart girl but puts a lot of pressure on herself to be the best, Nova also wants to be an English teacher,
Hayes is an only child both his parents are doctors and hold him up to a high standard, they also expect him to be a doctor like them even though he doesn’t want to be.
Nova and Hayes are in the same school for gifted kids, they are also In the same Beta club, after Hayes try’s to sabotage nova while she was giving her speech junior year so since then nova has hated him, but this is her last year at this school and she is determined to make it count and not let him bother her ! They ultimately have to work together to fix a problem, and nova realizes that Hayes isn’t a bad guy and that she’s actually really smart and will do anything for the people he cares about! This was a great book! Not my usual read but it was worth it!
August 7, 2026
This was a cute YA romance with a message about mental health that I appreciated, even if a few things kept me from fully falling in love with it.
The professor was definitely frustrating, but I was honestly more frustrated with the students. Everyone seemed to know there was a problem, yet no one did anything about it. If a professor clearly doesn’t care about teaching and an entire class is struggling, maybe it’s time to send an email, make a complaint, or talk to literally anyone who can help? Come on, now!
Nova had lots of crying time in this book, but you know what? She’s not ashamed! Feel your feelings, girl! I loved that the story never treated vulnerability as a weakness. She does recognize that she shouldn’t be crying all the time, though, and channels those feelings into creating a mental health initiative for the school. That’s a boss move.
Where I struggled was the romance. I believed they liked each other, but when they started saying they were in love, I was like… wait, when did that happen?? I needed more emotional buildup before I could fully buy into it. I also wish Nova’s past relationships had been explored more instead of being referenced so vaguely.
Also… why is this book called Left on Read? I kept waiting for the title to connect to the story, but other than Nova loving books and wanting to become an English Lit professor, it felt a little random.
Thank you, NetGalley and RBmedia for the ALC!
The professor was definitely frustrating, but I was honestly more frustrated with the students. Everyone seemed to know there was a problem, yet no one did anything about it. If a professor clearly doesn’t care about teaching and an entire class is struggling, maybe it’s time to send an email, make a complaint, or talk to literally anyone who can help? Come on, now!
Nova had lots of crying time in this book, but you know what? She’s not ashamed! Feel your feelings, girl! I loved that the story never treated vulnerability as a weakness. She does recognize that she shouldn’t be crying all the time, though, and channels those feelings into creating a mental health initiative for the school. That’s a boss move.
Where I struggled was the romance. I believed they liked each other, but when they started saying they were in love, I was like… wait, when did that happen?? I needed more emotional buildup before I could fully buy into it. I also wish Nova’s past relationships had been explored more instead of being referenced so vaguely.
Also… why is this book called Left on Read? I kept waiting for the title to connect to the story, but other than Nova loving books and wanting to become an English Lit professor, it felt a little random.
Thank you, NetGalley and RBmedia for the ALC!
Review of advance copy received from NetGalley
This is a very sweet, well written, engaging & clean/wholesome, but still very fun YA/Teen Story.
The book was fast paced & kept me engaged the whole time. I loved the chemistry & tension between the 2 main characters - Hayes & Nova... they start out as rivals/enemies and I like how they transitioned to becoming close friends & being together... but it's done in such a sweet, clean way.
This is a great book for anyone who has struggled with pressures & stress of high school, especially prep school & dual credits... it shows things being handled in a positive way & acknowledges the struggles that students can truly have & deal with.
The book is told in a single 1st person POV, in Nova's perspective. The narrator did a great job!! The book was easy & fun to listen to! I normally don't love books with only one narrator, but it was really perfect for this book since it was told in 1 POV.
Clean, wholesome romance, no spice.
*Teen/YA
*prep school
*dual credits
*Valedictorian
*shows challenges, stress, pressures teens face in HS, especially when prepping for college & in advanced studies
*FMC deals with chronic migraines
*mental health rep
*acedemic rivals
*enemies to love
*small town "romance" (less a romance than a teen drama...but the 2 main characters do end up together in a clean way)
*teen academic drama
Thank you to the author (Marissa Eller), publisher (RBMedia) & Netgalley for the ALC. All opinions are my own.
The book was fast paced & kept me engaged the whole time. I loved the chemistry & tension between the 2 main characters - Hayes & Nova... they start out as rivals/enemies and I like how they transitioned to becoming close friends & being together... but it's done in such a sweet, clean way.
This is a great book for anyone who has struggled with pressures & stress of high school, especially prep school & dual credits... it shows things being handled in a positive way & acknowledges the struggles that students can truly have & deal with.
The book is told in a single 1st person POV, in Nova's perspective. The narrator did a great job!! The book was easy & fun to listen to! I normally don't love books with only one narrator, but it was really perfect for this book since it was told in 1 POV.
Clean, wholesome romance, no spice.
*Teen/YA
*prep school
*dual credits
*Valedictorian
*shows challenges, stress, pressures teens face in HS, especially when prepping for college & in advanced studies
*FMC deals with chronic migraines
*mental health rep
*acedemic rivals
*enemies to love
*small town "romance" (less a romance than a teen drama...but the 2 main characters do end up together in a clean way)
*teen academic drama
Thank you to the author (Marissa Eller), publisher (RBMedia) & Netgalley for the ALC. All opinions are my own.
August 11, 2026
Thank you to NetGalley and RBmedia for giving me the opportunity to listen this audiobook for an honest review!
I have been obsessed with rom-coms lately and this one took the cake! With rivals-to-lovers, overachiever Murphy wants one thing: to be the top student in her school! So when a student who could beat her turns up, she tries to keep her eyes on her own paper… and off this infuriatingly perfect boy.
Meet Hayes, her rival, her enemy, this attractive boy that she is always competing with and they are suddenly in the same class, assigned to sit beside each other and are PARTNERS in a group project on student mental health
What could be worse? The way her heart begins to race at the sight of him! HEHEHEEH
This book was so relatable in many ways; how students and just people in general have to deal with self doubt, burnout and the heavy weight of having the world on your shoulders, no pressure there.
Hayes and Nova combat this school year together when there is one problem after another. Also her kind heart of wanting to help everyone in her class. I am here for it!!
The chemistry these two have and they support they give to one another was perfect. I really adored this story. It was sweet, relatable, and the cover is adorable to say the least. Also the way Hayes nicknamed her Novella!! I DIED that is such a CUTE NICKNAME!!!
If you love rom-coms, rivals to lovers, academic school setting and Young Adult this book is for you!!
I have been obsessed with rom-coms lately and this one took the cake! With rivals-to-lovers, overachiever Murphy wants one thing: to be the top student in her school! So when a student who could beat her turns up, she tries to keep her eyes on her own paper… and off this infuriatingly perfect boy.
Meet Hayes, her rival, her enemy, this attractive boy that she is always competing with and they are suddenly in the same class, assigned to sit beside each other and are PARTNERS in a group project on student mental health
What could be worse? The way her heart begins to race at the sight of him! HEHEHEEH
This book was so relatable in many ways; how students and just people in general have to deal with self doubt, burnout and the heavy weight of having the world on your shoulders, no pressure there.
Hayes and Nova combat this school year together when there is one problem after another. Also her kind heart of wanting to help everyone in her class. I am here for it!!
The chemistry these two have and they support they give to one another was perfect. I really adored this story. It was sweet, relatable, and the cover is adorable to say the least. Also the way Hayes nicknamed her Novella!! I DIED that is such a CUTE NICKNAME!!!
If you love rom-coms, rivals to lovers, academic school setting and Young Adult this book is for you!!
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
Review of advance copy received from NetGalley
It’s senior year at an Early College High School program, where academics is the focus and you can graduate with both an Associates Degree and your high school diploma at the same time. It’s more pressure than many can handle, but what will happen when two bitter rivals, Nova and Hayes, have to put aside their differences and work together? Both on the path to become Valedictorian, will the academic rigor, family, and navigating peer relationships help them find some common ground, or will their rivalry only deepen as the year progresses?
In her sophomore novel, Eller, pens a refreshing coming of age rivals-to-lovers story. Nova, a neurodivergent teen, is blessedly treated as “normal” by the author, where her quirks are accepted by those around her and are just an integral part of who she is as a person. I could wholly relate to the characters in this book on many levels. As a teacher at an Early College High School program, she nailed the academic intensity and pressure such a program has on it’s students, and as the parent of a neurodivergent teen attending such a program, she accurately and empathetically described what life is like on a day-to-day basis for my child, all the while weaving in the complex challenges teens face as they traverse through love and high school.
I would highly recommend this novel for a high school audience.
In her sophomore novel, Eller, pens a refreshing coming of age rivals-to-lovers story. Nova, a neurodivergent teen, is blessedly treated as “normal” by the author, where her quirks are accepted by those around her and are just an integral part of who she is as a person. I could wholly relate to the characters in this book on many levels. As a teacher at an Early College High School program, she nailed the academic intensity and pressure such a program has on it’s students, and as the parent of a neurodivergent teen attending such a program, she accurately and empathetically described what life is like on a day-to-day basis for my child, all the while weaving in the complex challenges teens face as they traverse through love and high school.
I would highly recommend this novel for a high school audience.
Review of advance copy received from NetGalley
Nova has worked herself to the bone the past three years in her early college high school program. Not only is she going to be graduating with her high school diploma, but she’ll also have two years of college under her belt. And if that wasn’t enough, she is in the running for valedictorian and Beta Club president–as long as her nemesis, Hayes, doesn’t get in her way. So as Nova starts off her senior year, she is ecstatic to learn that she will be taking the college lit course that she has always wanted to take with the professor she has idolized. However, nothing is as it seems and when Hayes also shows up in the same class, Nova is afraid her senior year will not go as she hoped.
For the most part, I enjoyed this book. I loved the setting and the focus (at the end) on mental health–teaching at an early college high school I can say that there is a real need for more mental health resources for these students. The setting also brings a fresh take on a very over-written theme. On the other hand, Nova’s voice and character are inconsistent, with her coming off as much younger than she is at times. I also felt that some of her mannerisms were showcased as on the spectrum, however it felt like it was hit and miss. In the end, I would recommend this book to high school students, especially those in an early college program.
For the most part, I enjoyed this book. I loved the setting and the focus (at the end) on mental health–teaching at an early college high school I can say that there is a real need for more mental health resources for these students. The setting also brings a fresh take on a very over-written theme. On the other hand, Nova’s voice and character are inconsistent, with her coming off as much younger than she is at times. I also felt that some of her mannerisms were showcased as on the spectrum, however it felt like it was hit and miss. In the end, I would recommend this book to high school students, especially those in an early college program.
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