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Voted Most Likely To
Winning was everything, until they lost their hearts…
Ella and Connor have been competing their entire lives. As Citrus Prep’s biggest rivals, it’s no surprise that they both want their school’s most prestigious academic award—a full ride to the college of their choice.
Ella has an undeniable lead going into senior year, until the rules suddenly change and Connor has a real shot at beating her.
While scrambling to check all the boxes to prove they’re more deserving of the honor, Ella and Connor find themselves bumping into each other at every turn…and not hating it as much as they expected.
With their hearts now on the line, the competition has even higher stakes, but there can only be one winner.
Voted Most Likely To is a sweet young adult contemporary romance featuring rivals-to-lovers in an academic setting.
Ella and Connor have been competing their entire lives. As Citrus Prep’s biggest rivals, it’s no surprise that they both want their school’s most prestigious academic award—a full ride to the college of their choice.
Ella has an undeniable lead going into senior year, until the rules suddenly change and Connor has a real shot at beating her.
While scrambling to check all the boxes to prove they’re more deserving of the honor, Ella and Connor find themselves bumping into each other at every turn…and not hating it as much as they expected.
With their hearts now on the line, the competition has even higher stakes, but there can only be one winner.
Voted Most Likely To is a sweet young adult contemporary romance featuring rivals-to-lovers in an academic setting.
234 pages, ebook
Published May 18, 2026
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 39 reviews
May 19, 2026
This was sooooo cute! I loved the enemies to lovers (done so well) and also how quickly I was able to read the book. A must-read YA rom-com!
May 21, 2026
Book Review: Voted Most Likely To by Kayla Tirrell
⭐Voted Most Likely to by Kayla Tirrell - Quick Overview
• Genre: YA Contemporary Romance
• Themes: Enemies to lovers, forced proximity, rivalry, senior year, academic pressure, scholarship, graduation, family drama
• Rating: ⭐⭐⭐⭐
• Recommended for fans of: Today Tonight Tomorrow, Tweet Cute, Check & Mate
“Someone is going to get hurt.”
Voted Most Likely To – Book Summary
Two high-achieving students battle for the same full-ride scholarship during their senior year at Citrus Prep. Ella has always been determined to come out on top, but as competition with her longtime rival Connor heats up, so do unexpected feelings. Filled with academic tension, witty banter, and heartfelt moments, this wholesome contemporary romance explores ambition, vulnerability, and falling for the person you least expected.
💭 My Thoughts
I must confess that I had a great time with this book. So much so, that I finished it in two days! I am a sucker for a good enemies-to-lovers read, and this one was no exception. Ella and Connor hit the mark with their constant banter as senior year begins, tensions raise, and only one of them will achieve the full scholarship to their dream school. But their story goes back to before they were even born. And I juuuust adored that fact!
________________________________________
⚔️ The Rivalry
Ella and Connor’s rivalry has always defined their relationship. And when I say always, I mean ALWAYS. You see, Connor beat Ella to being born by only three days, and since then, they’ve been competing nonstop against each other. At everything.
As two of the top students at Citrus Prep, they’ve spent years trying to outscore, outshine, and outwork each other, especially with a prestigious full-ride scholarship on the line. And, when senior year begins, their constant competition creates plenty of tension, witty banter, and frustration. However, beneath the rivalry is a deep understanding that no one else really gets. The more time they spend together, the harder it becomes to ignore the connection growing underneath all the academic pressure.
Thus, what begins as stubborn competition slowly turns into something softer and far more complicated. As Ella starts to see the thoughtful, supportive side of Connor behind his confident exterior, their rivalry shifts into trust, vulnerability, and undeniable chemistry. And maybe even love?
All in all, the book captures the emotional transition from rivals to romance in a sweet and wholesome way, showing how two people pushing each other to succeed can also become the person the other relies on most.
________________________________________
❤️ What I Loved the Most
• Witty banter (OMG!)
• Connors chapters (and I confess I’m not a big fan of dual POV books)
• The character growth and development
• The pace of the story
• The sense of humor of the main characters (especially when they interact with each other and they get to be a bit childish just to win an argument)
• Ella’s ambition making her fearless (I mean, joining a sports club in senior year is something)
• The school principal raising awareness on mental health when students are under too much academic pressure
________________________________________
💔 What Didn’t Work for Me
In general, I really liked this book. It was light, filled with humor, easy to read, and even easier to care and root for the characters. I would have loved to read more about the parents of the main characters. Throughout the story, Ella and Connor are either under a lot of pressure or looking forwards to escape their (somewhat) nightmare parents. However, this particular theme in the book felt more like tell than show to me, as there were very few instances in which the parents were actually present in the scenes or engaging with their kids.
________________________________________
✨ Favorite Quotes
“There is a certain expectation that comes from a rivalry that started before you were even born.”
“There is a certain pleasure that comes from seeing you dumbfounded.”
“Someone is going to get hurt.”
________________________________________
🌍 Vibes / Tropes of Voted Most Likely to
• Forced proximity
• Enemies to lovers
• Academic competition
• Ambitious overachievers
• Wholesome slow-burn
• Witty banter
• Senior year & College applications
________________________________________
🎯 Final Verdict of Voted Most Likely To
Voted Most Likely to is a sweet, comforting YA rivals-to-lovers romance that delivers exactly what the trope promises: banter, academic tension, slow-burn chemistry, and plenty of heartfelt moments.
Ella and Connor’s lifelong competition gives the story a fun emotional backbone, but what really makes the book work is how their rivalry gradually turns into trust, vulnerability, and genuine affection.
________________________________________
💬 Reader Question
Have you read Voted Most Likely to or any other books by Kayla Tirrell? What did you think? Would you recommend it?
⭐Voted Most Likely to by Kayla Tirrell - Quick Overview
• Genre: YA Contemporary Romance
• Themes: Enemies to lovers, forced proximity, rivalry, senior year, academic pressure, scholarship, graduation, family drama
• Rating: ⭐⭐⭐⭐
• Recommended for fans of: Today Tonight Tomorrow, Tweet Cute, Check & Mate
“Someone is going to get hurt.”
Voted Most Likely To – Book Summary
Two high-achieving students battle for the same full-ride scholarship during their senior year at Citrus Prep. Ella has always been determined to come out on top, but as competition with her longtime rival Connor heats up, so do unexpected feelings. Filled with academic tension, witty banter, and heartfelt moments, this wholesome contemporary romance explores ambition, vulnerability, and falling for the person you least expected.
💭 My Thoughts
I must confess that I had a great time with this book. So much so, that I finished it in two days! I am a sucker for a good enemies-to-lovers read, and this one was no exception. Ella and Connor hit the mark with their constant banter as senior year begins, tensions raise, and only one of them will achieve the full scholarship to their dream school. But their story goes back to before they were even born. And I juuuust adored that fact!
________________________________________
⚔️ The Rivalry
Ella and Connor’s rivalry has always defined their relationship. And when I say always, I mean ALWAYS. You see, Connor beat Ella to being born by only three days, and since then, they’ve been competing nonstop against each other. At everything.
As two of the top students at Citrus Prep, they’ve spent years trying to outscore, outshine, and outwork each other, especially with a prestigious full-ride scholarship on the line. And, when senior year begins, their constant competition creates plenty of tension, witty banter, and frustration. However, beneath the rivalry is a deep understanding that no one else really gets. The more time they spend together, the harder it becomes to ignore the connection growing underneath all the academic pressure.
Thus, what begins as stubborn competition slowly turns into something softer and far more complicated. As Ella starts to see the thoughtful, supportive side of Connor behind his confident exterior, their rivalry shifts into trust, vulnerability, and undeniable chemistry. And maybe even love?
All in all, the book captures the emotional transition from rivals to romance in a sweet and wholesome way, showing how two people pushing each other to succeed can also become the person the other relies on most.
________________________________________
❤️ What I Loved the Most
• Witty banter (OMG!)
• Connors chapters (and I confess I’m not a big fan of dual POV books)
• The character growth and development
• The pace of the story
• The sense of humor of the main characters (especially when they interact with each other and they get to be a bit childish just to win an argument)
• Ella’s ambition making her fearless (I mean, joining a sports club in senior year is something)
• The school principal raising awareness on mental health when students are under too much academic pressure
________________________________________
💔 What Didn’t Work for Me
In general, I really liked this book. It was light, filled with humor, easy to read, and even easier to care and root for the characters. I would have loved to read more about the parents of the main characters. Throughout the story, Ella and Connor are either under a lot of pressure or looking forwards to escape their (somewhat) nightmare parents. However, this particular theme in the book felt more like tell than show to me, as there were very few instances in which the parents were actually present in the scenes or engaging with their kids.
________________________________________
✨ Favorite Quotes
“There is a certain expectation that comes from a rivalry that started before you were even born.”
“There is a certain pleasure that comes from seeing you dumbfounded.”
“Someone is going to get hurt.”
________________________________________
🌍 Vibes / Tropes of Voted Most Likely to
• Forced proximity
• Enemies to lovers
• Academic competition
• Ambitious overachievers
• Wholesome slow-burn
• Witty banter
• Senior year & College applications
________________________________________
🎯 Final Verdict of Voted Most Likely To
Voted Most Likely to is a sweet, comforting YA rivals-to-lovers romance that delivers exactly what the trope promises: banter, academic tension, slow-burn chemistry, and plenty of heartfelt moments.
Ella and Connor’s lifelong competition gives the story a fun emotional backbone, but what really makes the book work is how their rivalry gradually turns into trust, vulnerability, and genuine affection.
________________________________________
💬 Reader Question
Have you read Voted Most Likely to or any other books by Kayla Tirrell? What did you think? Would you recommend it?
May 26, 2026
This was a really sweet read! I enjoyed most of it and found most of the characters relatable. I loved how we got to see many acspets of school as the character participated in theater and sports while caring about acedemics. Normally I feel like YA book only focus on one of those things per character, but at my school everyone is involved in everything so it was nice to see that represented on page. Definetly recommend if your looking for a quick, little heart read.
Rating: ⭐⭐⭐⭐
Spice: 🌶️
Language: None? There may have been one use of "pissed," though
Drug/Alcohol Content: None
Other Content: Ella's mom seems to be dating someone while her husband is in jail, so that's a little weird
*I received an advanced review copy for free from Net Gallery and the publisher, and I am leaving this review voluntarily.
Rating: ⭐⭐⭐⭐
Spice: 🌶️
Language: None? There may have been one use of "pissed," though
Drug/Alcohol Content: None
Other Content: Ella's mom seems to be dating someone while her husband is in jail, so that's a little weird
*I received an advanced review copy for free from Net Gallery and the publisher, and I am leaving this review voluntarily.
June 4, 2026
Oh my goodness!
I was so excited to read this book and it was so amazing! It was so sweet and clean and made me giggle and squeal on several occasions.
Connor and Ella are just the cutest! I love me a good enemies to lovers and this was one of the sweetest ones I've ever read!
I would 100% recommend this its absolutely adorable and heartwarming !
Im definitely gonna be rereading this!
I was so excited to read this book and it was so amazing! It was so sweet and clean and made me giggle and squeal on several occasions.
Connor and Ella are just the cutest! I love me a good enemies to lovers and this was one of the sweetest ones I've ever read!
I would 100% recommend this its absolutely adorable and heartwarming !
Im definitely gonna be rereading this!
May 13, 2026
I loved Voted Most Likely To! It definitely brought me back to my high school’s days. In the best ways. I really enjoyed Ella & Connor relationship and watching it grow and blossom. Despite their parents passed and their bottle to be class violin between each other. This book will make you feel good and happy. I loved that its YAY and clean. I will be getting this book for my nieces that are in high school. They will love it.
🎓Academic rivals
🎓High school seniors
🎓great athlete
🎓She needs more extracurriculars
🎓He's student body president
🎓a secret chess prodigy don't tell!
🎓 has major family drama
🎓Academic rivals
🎓High school seniors
🎓great athlete
🎓She needs more extracurriculars
🎓He's student body president
🎓a secret chess prodigy don't tell!
🎓 has major family drama
Read
May 8, 2026Can’t wait for you to fall in love with Ella and Connor. 💕
June 18, 2026
short and VERY sweet. this was just a fun YA romance that i would have eaten up in high school. i’m not usually a YA fan cause it’s hard to relate to characters that i’m…. 10+ years older than (cries in old lady) BUT i just really enjoyed this one!! i’m glad i took a chance on it! if you’re looking for a pallet cleanser with great banter and a happy ending then this is for you!!
low key would love a sequel to see how college goes for the characters :’)
thank you goodreads and the author for this free copy! ❤️❤️
low key would love a sequel to see how college goes for the characters :’)
thank you goodreads and the author for this free copy! ❤️❤️
May 22, 2026
Review of advance copy approved by NetGalley
First off what a fun read! I loved getting to connect to Ella and Connor in this book and their characters both felt so real.
🍊 This was a really fast and quick read for me. If I ever had just a few spare minutes throughout my day I would just pick up this book and fly through a chapter.
🍊 I always found enemies to lovers in rom-com books to never really work until I read this book. Ella and Connor were true enemies to lovers in a modern day setting which was so entertaining to read about!
🍊 Personally as a student athlete I loved finally reading a ya book where the characters were actually focusing on school and were having to deal with balancing school work, sports, and a social life. This made Ella and Connor feel more real and I could connect with them way more
All that being said with how short and fast paced the book was I do feel like there were some really big time jumps. This made me feel like there were some internal and external conflicts that were just lightly brushed over and not given a satisfying conclusion that I was looking for.
💕 Overall loved this book and would recommend to anyone who is looking for a fast paced rom-com, or wants a book with vibes like 10 Things I Hate About You. 💕
Ratting: ⭐️⭐️⭐️. 75/ 5
Spice: None
First off what a fun read! I loved getting to connect to Ella and Connor in this book and their characters both felt so real.
🍊 This was a really fast and quick read for me. If I ever had just a few spare minutes throughout my day I would just pick up this book and fly through a chapter.
🍊 I always found enemies to lovers in rom-com books to never really work until I read this book. Ella and Connor were true enemies to lovers in a modern day setting which was so entertaining to read about!
🍊 Personally as a student athlete I loved finally reading a ya book where the characters were actually focusing on school and were having to deal with balancing school work, sports, and a social life. This made Ella and Connor feel more real and I could connect with them way more
All that being said with how short and fast paced the book was I do feel like there were some really big time jumps. This made me feel like there were some internal and external conflicts that were just lightly brushed over and not given a satisfying conclusion that I was looking for.
💕 Overall loved this book and would recommend to anyone who is looking for a fast paced rom-com, or wants a book with vibes like 10 Things I Hate About You. 💕
Ratting: ⭐️⭐️⭐️. 75/ 5
Spice: None
May 23, 2026
I really enjoyed Voted Most Likely To by Kayla Tirrell! I think she captured teenage romance perfectly — from the awkwardness of school dances to cheesy romantic gestures like comparing someone’s eyes to Powerade colors. It felt authentic in a way that made the characters easy to connect with.
This was such a fun PG enemies-to-lovers romance! You could genuinely FEEL the hatred and rivalry between Ella and Connor in the beginning, and the competitive aspect of their relationship was brilliantly done. I also appreciated that their transition from enemies, to friends, to lovers felt natural instead of falling into the insta-love trap we see so often.
I personally resonated with Ella’s home life, so seeing that kind of family dynamic represented meant a lot to me. A lot of people don’t understand what it’s like to have a parent who’s physically there but emotionally absent, and I thought that aspect was handled really well.
My only complaint is that I would’ve liked a little more depth when it came to Connor’s home life outside of his intimidating real-estate-mogul dad and theater-kid younger brother. But overall, this was a genuinely enjoyable read!
This was such a fun PG enemies-to-lovers romance! You could genuinely FEEL the hatred and rivalry between Ella and Connor in the beginning, and the competitive aspect of their relationship was brilliantly done. I also appreciated that their transition from enemies, to friends, to lovers felt natural instead of falling into the insta-love trap we see so often.
I personally resonated with Ella’s home life, so seeing that kind of family dynamic represented meant a lot to me. A lot of people don’t understand what it’s like to have a parent who’s physically there but emotionally absent, and I thought that aspect was handled really well.
My only complaint is that I would’ve liked a little more depth when it came to Connor’s home life outside of his intimidating real-estate-mogul dad and theater-kid younger brother. But overall, this was a genuinely enjoyable read!
May 27, 2026
✨️ BOOK REVIEW ✨️
⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
Ella and Connor have spent their entire lives trying to outdo each other but when a winner-takes-all full-ride scholarship is on the line senior year, the stakes have never been higher. What starts as a cutthroat academic rivalry slowly turns into something neither of them expected.
This book is the perfect enemies-to-lovers YA read for anyone who loves slow-burn tension, witty banter, and that classic "oh no, I think I like my rival" moment. The competitive dynamic between Ella and Connor keeps the pages turning, and their chemistry is chef's kiss.
If you're looking for a fun, light, and swoony high school romance that doesn't take itself too seriously this one's for you.
Vibes: competitive banter, slow burn, scholarship pressure, unexpected feelings
Thank you @psiloveyoupr and @thats_tirrellble for this ARC
#BookReview #VotedMostLikelyTo #KaylaTirrell #YARomance #BookRecommendation
⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
Ella and Connor have spent their entire lives trying to outdo each other but when a winner-takes-all full-ride scholarship is on the line senior year, the stakes have never been higher. What starts as a cutthroat academic rivalry slowly turns into something neither of them expected.
This book is the perfect enemies-to-lovers YA read for anyone who loves slow-burn tension, witty banter, and that classic "oh no, I think I like my rival" moment. The competitive dynamic between Ella and Connor keeps the pages turning, and their chemistry is chef's kiss.
If you're looking for a fun, light, and swoony high school romance that doesn't take itself too seriously this one's for you.
Vibes: competitive banter, slow burn, scholarship pressure, unexpected feelings
Thank you @psiloveyoupr and @thats_tirrellble for this ARC
#BookReview #VotedMostLikelyTo #KaylaTirrell #YARomance #BookRecommendation
May 19, 2026
If you’re in the mood for a fun and sweet YA romance then Voted Most Likely To is definitely the book for you! It’s filled with witty banter, academic rivals to lovers, and he just so happens to fall first! What could be better than that?
Ella and Connor have always been rivals and competing against each other since they were born. The rivalry only got worse after her dad goes to prison for embezzling money from Connor’s dad. Even though she is just a child his family mostly all blame her for her father’s crimes.
It’s their senior year of high school and the criteria for their high schools full ride scholarship program has changed so they so yet again they find themselves competing against one another to win the scholarship. However, what they don’t expect is to fall for each other.
5 stars, no notes!
Ella and Connor have always been rivals and competing against each other since they were born. The rivalry only got worse after her dad goes to prison for embezzling money from Connor’s dad. Even though she is just a child his family mostly all blame her for her father’s crimes.
It’s their senior year of high school and the criteria for their high schools full ride scholarship program has changed so they so yet again they find themselves competing against one another to win the scholarship. However, what they don’t expect is to fall for each other.
5 stars, no notes!
May 21, 2026
This is a very cute and sweet YA romance. You get to go through senior year with the FMC and the MMC and they are adorable. They begin the story as academic rivals that are both fighting for valedictorian to obtain a coveted scholarship. They both have family history and have been rivals for years. There is great forced proximity and it's so fun to see them go from rivals to friends to more. I loved the progress of the story and time does move fairly quickly in order to go through the entire year with them. I loved their chemistry and how they were with each other.
This is a very YA story and if that is not your enjoyment, then this might not be the book for you. If you enjoy true YA that is good for ages 12+ then you will enjoy this book.
I will definitely be reading more from this author.
This is a very YA story and if that is not your enjoyment, then this might not be the book for you. If you enjoy true YA that is good for ages 12+ then you will enjoy this book.
I will definitely be reading more from this author.
May 23, 2026
Citrus Prep is one of the most prestigious private schools in Florida. Every year, the senior with the highest GPA is awarded the Citrus Scholar award, gaining them a free ride scholarship to any college of their choice. 🍊🎓
Both Ella and Conner have been rivals since they could run, but the stakes are higher as each of them have true reasons for working towards this scholarship. Except, the rules for earning this award have changed, and it’s going to take more than a high GPA. More extra circulars means more rivalry, but all this time together isn’t going how they expected it to… 🙈🩷
Author Kayla Tirrell has done a fantastic job creating relatable, age appropriate chemistry between this pair! I enjoy the dialog and the flow of her writing. This was a quick and light hearted read that will bring a smile to every reader. Follow Kayla to find out more about her clean, funny romance novels! 💜👋🏼 Thank you for the ARC copy of your book, and thank you to @psiloveyoupr for organizing and promoting this book!
Both Ella and Conner have been rivals since they could run, but the stakes are higher as each of them have true reasons for working towards this scholarship. Except, the rules for earning this award have changed, and it’s going to take more than a high GPA. More extra circulars means more rivalry, but all this time together isn’t going how they expected it to… 🙈🩷
Author Kayla Tirrell has done a fantastic job creating relatable, age appropriate chemistry between this pair! I enjoy the dialog and the flow of her writing. This was a quick and light hearted read that will bring a smile to every reader. Follow Kayla to find out more about her clean, funny romance novels! 💜👋🏼 Thank you for the ARC copy of your book, and thank you to @psiloveyoupr for organizing and promoting this book!
June 14, 2026
This was such an enjoyable ya romance novel. It starts with Connor and Ella both competing for one scholarship. They are rivals in every way. Their families hate each other, they’re academic rivals, and they have been competing in everything since they were kids. I love how truly enemies to lovers this book is. They really do hate each others guts at the beginning, but slowly start to realize they might be falling for one another. I really liked how both of them had less than ideal family situations, but they helped each other through it. David was such a fun addition as a character, and so were Lily and Aiden. The growth Ella and Connor experienced throughout the story was really well written, and I loved all of the different places they kept getting stuck with each other. Overall, this was such a good book and I would highly recommend it! Thank you Kayla Tirell for this arc!
August 17, 2026
Thank you so much to Netgalley and Victory editing for the copy!
I loved this book so much!! This was such a cute story and such a feel good book and I’m so happy to have found a new author!
The characters are really likeable and have a lot of personality. I loved seeing Ella and Connor’s interactions throughout as they had the perfect blend of cute and funny moments and the banter between them was so fun! I love how caring they became to one another, Connor is one of the most thoughtful mmc’s I’ve read! The side characters are great too and I really liked seeing them throughout the book.
The plot itself is really engaging and I loved the way it progressed. Rivals to lovers is one of my favourites and seeing how their rivalry extended so far back and then how they gradually came to not care about it anymore was really nice to see. There were deeper topics mentioned too, I won’t say what as I don’t want to spoil anything, but I felt they were handled so well and brought a lot of depth to the storyline and the characters. The character and relationship growth was amazing and I loved the pace at which it happened. I love the writing style too as it’s so easy to read and to become engaged in the characters and their story.
I absolutely loved this book and would definitely read it again! I highly recommend this if you’re looking for a fun ya romcom and I’ll definitely be checking out the authors other books!
I loved this book so much!! This was such a cute story and such a feel good book and I’m so happy to have found a new author!
The characters are really likeable and have a lot of personality. I loved seeing Ella and Connor’s interactions throughout as they had the perfect blend of cute and funny moments and the banter between them was so fun! I love how caring they became to one another, Connor is one of the most thoughtful mmc’s I’ve read! The side characters are great too and I really liked seeing them throughout the book.
The plot itself is really engaging and I loved the way it progressed. Rivals to lovers is one of my favourites and seeing how their rivalry extended so far back and then how they gradually came to not care about it anymore was really nice to see. There were deeper topics mentioned too, I won’t say what as I don’t want to spoil anything, but I felt they were handled so well and brought a lot of depth to the storyline and the characters. The character and relationship growth was amazing and I loved the pace at which it happened. I love the writing style too as it’s so easy to read and to become engaged in the characters and their story.
I absolutely loved this book and would definitely read it again! I highly recommend this if you’re looking for a fun ya romcom and I’ll definitely be checking out the authors other books!
June 12, 2026
I absolutely loved this!! This is a YA enemies to lovers story featuring Ella and Connor who are both competing for the chance to become the Citrus Scholar. This is set in Central Florida which I love & has my alma mater in it😍 I love Kayla's writing. It feels fresh and easy yet captivating. Each of these teens has family drama affecting their high school lives which I enjoyed because it added depth to the characters. Watching these two fall in love was so cute. It has a dual POV so you get to read each person's perspective. There were lots of funny moments, witty banter, good supporting characters and just overall an amazing story that I want everyone to read asap!! This story has descriptions of kissing.
May 31, 2026
I thought Voted Most Likely To was ok. It followed Ella and Connor as they navigated their Senior year of High School. I liked both of the characters and all of their banter, but I was not a fan of Ella’s mom (I’m a mom and could not imagine treating my child that way, no matter what the situation or circumstances) One of my issues while reading this book was how so many of the conflicts in the story were just glossed over with the timeline jumps and I didn’t get as much closure as I wanted.
I was given an advanced copy of this book. All opinions expressed above are my own.
I was given an advanced copy of this book. All opinions expressed above are my own.
May 23, 2026
I absolutely loved this book!! Yall know I love me a good enemies to lovers book that’s a slow burn!! Also I loved the school vibes!! Such a sweet romance!!
June 4, 2026
Very cute teen romance. It follows the formula of the adult genre enemies to lovers BUT! It’s just enemies to friends to high school sweethearts. Very appropriate for teens.
Read
August 17, 2026This book was so wholesome and I absolutely loved it. I loved seeing them slowly fall for each other after being forced to spend time together because they both wanted to win citrus scholar.
May 23, 2026
Cute, but not long enough to get invested in the characters. I did feel for Ella with her financial woes. Connor was a little annoying in the beginning but he redeemed himself.
Didn't appreciate the casual chat gpt mention. And the whole rule change surrounding the Citrus scholarship was very farfetched.
Didn't appreciate the casual chat gpt mention. And the whole rule change surrounding the Citrus scholarship was very farfetched.
August 1, 2026
I loved all the sass the main characters gave each other as they battled it out for the scholarship. I also really loved when Connor wasn't afraid to express how he really felt about her. I felt like David should have had some sort of presence at the end, since he seemed to play a role in their relationship. Family pick at least?
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
July 15, 2026
I enjoyed this enemies to more romance, where childhood rivals fiercely compete for a scholarship at a Florida prep school. I found the type a heroine and the charismatic hero to be realistic and loveable! They have deep reasons behind their drive, adding emotional depth with encouraging themes of resilience. The romance is no spice, with just a few mild innuendos mentioned such as French kissing. The tension is super cute and swoony! Loved the jokes, especially the Lord of the Rings shout-outs.
November 3, 2026
The only thing that I always recognize that boths me in YA romance is the awkward angst. I guess it comes from being a teenager but man it's not my favorite.
So Connor and Ella are long time rivals that go to Citrus Prep. At Citrus Prep school they have a Citrus Scholarship. Every year the valedictorian gets a full ride to any school they want to attend anywhere in the United States.
Ella wants this scholarship because her dad is in jail, and her mom likes her boyfriend more than her. She wants to get far away from all of her drama.
Connor wants the scholarship because everyone in his family gets it, and he would be the first to not get it. His parents are so wacko about this that they made his brother quit all his extracurricular activities because he isnt on the path for valedictorian.
At the start of the book Ella has valedictorian in the bag. Nothing Connor does that year could get over her. ( except ya know what ends up happening makes no sense with her sense of security)
They have an assembly at the beginning of the year and the school announces that the valedictorian will not win the scholarship, but they have no idea what the rubric will be to get it. Maybe being a more well rounded student.
Ella basically does nothing but study so now she had to scramble. So she joins a sport and a club. Connor of course already had those things going for him. They end up together on the track team and they quibble and fight. Its obvious that Connor loves the quibbling.
Then they both volunteer to help feed the elderly. The fact that they both keep trying to be more well rounded keeps throwing them together. Its obvious that they have amazing chemistry.
I dont know who was more shocked that Connor had feelings for Ella. Ella or her best friend Lily. Lily is a ride or die best friend. She also recently turned her own rival into romance. Lily's Hardy loves her so much he rides in to threaten the second he thinks she is insulted.
The romance is so sweet once it started, even if their was the what is going to happen with the scholarship drama. I mean it is obvious from the beginning that both of these two could get a full ride to wherever so the stakes weren't quite as high as they could be.
Still I really liked this story and I'm going to keep an eye on this author.
So Connor and Ella are long time rivals that go to Citrus Prep. At Citrus Prep school they have a Citrus Scholarship. Every year the valedictorian gets a full ride to any school they want to attend anywhere in the United States.
Ella wants this scholarship because her dad is in jail, and her mom likes her boyfriend more than her. She wants to get far away from all of her drama.
Connor wants the scholarship because everyone in his family gets it, and he would be the first to not get it. His parents are so wacko about this that they made his brother quit all his extracurricular activities because he isnt on the path for valedictorian.
At the start of the book Ella has valedictorian in the bag. Nothing Connor does that year could get over her. ( except ya know what ends up happening makes no sense with her sense of security)
They have an assembly at the beginning of the year and the school announces that the valedictorian will not win the scholarship, but they have no idea what the rubric will be to get it. Maybe being a more well rounded student.
Ella basically does nothing but study so now she had to scramble. So she joins a sport and a club. Connor of course already had those things going for him. They end up together on the track team and they quibble and fight. Its obvious that Connor loves the quibbling.
Then they both volunteer to help feed the elderly. The fact that they both keep trying to be more well rounded keeps throwing them together. Its obvious that they have amazing chemistry.
I dont know who was more shocked that Connor had feelings for Ella. Ella or her best friend Lily. Lily is a ride or die best friend. She also recently turned her own rival into romance. Lily's Hardy loves her so much he rides in to threaten the second he thinks she is insulted.
The romance is so sweet once it started, even if their was the what is going to happen with the scholarship drama. I mean it is obvious from the beginning that both of these two could get a full ride to wherever so the stakes weren't quite as high as they could be.
Still I really liked this story and I'm going to keep an eye on this author.
May 21, 2026
It’s the beginning of their senior year and Ella and Connor know what that means. The battle for the Citrus Scholar, a full-ride scholarship to their college of choice, is ready to turn into a full out war, but Ella and Connor are thrown a curve ball when the requirements for the scholarship are changed. Now in order to win they scholarship, the school is going to look for the most well-rounded person, not just at academics. This makes things easier for Connor, as he’s already the president of student council and involved in other sports and clubs, but Ella has spent her high school years, solely focused on academics with the scholarship as her end game. As the two rivals go head-to-head trying to one-up each other can they find some common ground and learn that they might actually like each other in the process?
This rivals-to-lovers story was a wholesome breath of fresh air, filled with witty banter and good, clean fun. The main characters were relatable and well-developed, and the plot was spot-on for a fast YA read. My only complaints were with the characters of the parents and best friends. I felt like both needed more scenes and interactions with Ella and Connor to show us more about those relationships first-hand, especially the parents. There’s really only one scene in which Ella and Connor actually interact with their parents that helps to show us their relationship, rather than Ella and Connor telling us about their relationship with their parents. Overall, however, I enjoyed the story and would feel comfortable recommending it to both a middle and high school audience.
4 stars Ages 12 - 17 Clean ❤️
This rivals-to-lovers story was a wholesome breath of fresh air, filled with witty banter and good, clean fun. The main characters were relatable and well-developed, and the plot was spot-on for a fast YA read. My only complaints were with the characters of the parents and best friends. I felt like both needed more scenes and interactions with Ella and Connor to show us more about those relationships first-hand, especially the parents. There’s really only one scene in which Ella and Connor actually interact with their parents that helps to show us their relationship, rather than Ella and Connor telling us about their relationship with their parents. Overall, however, I enjoyed the story and would feel comfortable recommending it to both a middle and high school audience.
4 stars Ages 12 - 17 Clean ❤️
Review of advance copy received from NetGalley
I was drawn to this title because it reminded me of MAATHBP (ifykyk) This is an academic rivals, high-school, dual pov YA romance! The main characters Ella and Connor, her dad stole money from his dad's company and is in prison and the reason his family hates her (blames her). Valedictorian wins a full ride scholarship to any university they want, which she needs because yk she is broke. Connor needs to win because it's part of his family's legacy. The criteria for the scholarship was changed this year, it has to be most well rounded student aka involved in everything not just your grades. He's already athletic and pretty well rounded so he thinks he has it in the bag and this causes Ella to start joining some clubs, which leads to them talking more and eventually falling for each other. I had such a good time reading this and it was so bingeable! Enemies to lovers is my favourite trope of all time and this gave me all the feels. The dual pov was also something I really liked, it's frustrating not knowing the guy's thoughts. I'd definitely be interested in reading her prior work and recommend this to teen readers who enjoy the academic rivals trope and he falls first! Overall a very cute and swoony YA romance.
Review of advance copy received from Author
📘ARC Review
Voted Most Likely To by Kayla Tirrell
⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
Available on May 18, 2026
Voted Most Likely To was such a fun and feel-good YA romance! Ella and Connor’s academic rivalry brought just the right amount of high school drama, tension, and banter, and I couldn’t stop turning the pages to see who would win both the scholarship and each other’s hearts.
Set at Citrus Prep, this rivals-to-lovers story perfectly captures the pressure of senior year while still feeling sweet, heartfelt, and fun. The dual POV made it so easy to connect with both characters, and I loved watching Ella and Connor’s relationship slowly grow beneath all the competitiveness.
As someone who used to run cross country in high school, parts of this story felt especially nostalgic and took me right back to those team practices and school-day memories. It’s the kind of book that leaves you smiling by the end.
If you love YA contemporary romances with academic rivals, witty banter, and adorable enemies-to-lovers tension, definitely add this one to your TBR!
Thank you so much to Kayla Tirrell and also P.S. I Love You PR for the ARC of this book in exchange for an honest review. All thoughts and opinions are my own.
Voted Most Likely To by Kayla Tirrell
⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
Available on May 18, 2026
Voted Most Likely To was such a fun and feel-good YA romance! Ella and Connor’s academic rivalry brought just the right amount of high school drama, tension, and banter, and I couldn’t stop turning the pages to see who would win both the scholarship and each other’s hearts.
Set at Citrus Prep, this rivals-to-lovers story perfectly captures the pressure of senior year while still feeling sweet, heartfelt, and fun. The dual POV made it so easy to connect with both characters, and I loved watching Ella and Connor’s relationship slowly grow beneath all the competitiveness.
As someone who used to run cross country in high school, parts of this story felt especially nostalgic and took me right back to those team practices and school-day memories. It’s the kind of book that leaves you smiling by the end.
If you love YA contemporary romances with academic rivals, witty banter, and adorable enemies-to-lovers tension, definitely add this one to your TBR!
Thank you so much to Kayla Tirrell and also P.S. I Love You PR for the ARC of this book in exchange for an honest review. All thoughts and opinions are my own.
May 18, 2026
"I’m starting to wonder if these are things that I need to escape or if they’re parts of me that I have to accept."
This is a REAL rivals-to-lovers! Their hatred and bantering were so good and satisfying!! 🩷
The reasons behind their rivalry are valid and so hard to ignore. Which I loved! Lots of enemies-to-lovers stories miss that!! 👏🏻👏🏻 I also loved that we could see them as a couple for a bit in the book, I absolutely loved them together!
We accompany Ella & Connor as they face their fears and accept their past. A beautiful and warm healing journey! 🥹🩷
Loved all characters! I just wish the book was longer so we could see more of all of them, including Ella & Connor! 😭🩷
If you're looking for a quick & clean rivals-to-lovers with lots of bantering, this is your next read! 🥰🩷
This is a REAL rivals-to-lovers! Their hatred and bantering were so good and satisfying!! 🩷
The reasons behind their rivalry are valid and so hard to ignore. Which I loved! Lots of enemies-to-lovers stories miss that!! 👏🏻👏🏻 I also loved that we could see them as a couple for a bit in the book, I absolutely loved them together!
We accompany Ella & Connor as they face their fears and accept their past. A beautiful and warm healing journey! 🥹🩷
Loved all characters! I just wish the book was longer so we could see more of all of them, including Ella & Connor! 😭🩷
If you're looking for a quick & clean rivals-to-lovers with lots of bantering, this is your next read! 🥰🩷
Review of advance copy received from NetGalley
Thanks to netgalley and Kayla I got to read this book early!!
My review:
#Voted most likely to, was a very nice novel, in it's own unique way. I enjoyed Ella's character and her relationship with her friends plus Connor. Even though the enemies to lovers was short lived-it ate and left NO CRUMPS!!! so fun yet light-hearted, I related to Ella so very much and I'm not a senior yet. The story was short, beautifully written and hilarious. I devoured it in just 4-5 days, and I hope to see them (Ella and Connor) someday In maybe another book?? 🩵🩵
My review:
#Voted most likely to, was a very nice novel, in it's own unique way. I enjoyed Ella's character and her relationship with her friends plus Connor. Even though the enemies to lovers was short lived-it ate and left NO CRUMPS!!! so fun yet light-hearted, I related to Ella so very much and I'm not a senior yet. The story was short, beautifully written and hilarious. I devoured it in just 4-5 days, and I hope to see them (Ella and Connor) someday In maybe another book?? 🩵🩵
Review of advance copy
*ARC REVIEW*
I received this book as an early read before the book publishes on May 18th. This is my first book by Kayla Tirrell and it won’t be my last. Such a great feel good, rom-com read! Definitely took me back to senior year of high school! I definitely could feel the tension between Ella and Conner but also felt the chemistry right off the bat! Loved how Conner’s dad accepted Ella after everything that happened between her dad and Conner’s dad. Definitely would love to have a second book to this…Most Likely to Stay Together in College! Grand Slam Kayla Tirrell, wonderful book!
I received this book as an early read before the book publishes on May 18th. This is my first book by Kayla Tirrell and it won’t be my last. Such a great feel good, rom-com read! Definitely took me back to senior year of high school! I definitely could feel the tension between Ella and Conner but also felt the chemistry right off the bat! Loved how Conner’s dad accepted Ella after everything that happened between her dad and Conner’s dad. Definitely would love to have a second book to this…Most Likely to Stay Together in College! Grand Slam Kayla Tirrell, wonderful book!
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
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