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The Night When No One Had Sex
It's the night of senior prom, and eighteen-year-old Julia has made a pact with her friends. (Yes, that kind of pact.) They have secured a secluded cabin in the woods, one night without parental supervision, and plenty of condoms. But as soon as they leave the dance, the pact begins to unravel. Alex's grandmother is undergoing emergency surgery, and he and his date rush to the hospital. Zoe's trying to figure out how she feels about getting off the waitlist at Yale--and how to tell her girlfriend. Madison's chronic illness flares, holding her back once again from being a normal teenager. And Julia's fantasy-themed role play gets her locked in a closet. Alternating between each character's perspective and their ridiculous group chat, The Night When No One Had Sex finds a group of friends navigating the tenuous transition into adulthood and embracing the uncertainty of life after high school.
336 pages, Hardcover
First published October 12, 2021
14 people are currently reading
4736 people want to read
About the author
Kalena Miller
4 books38 followersKalena Miller is the author of several books for children and teens. She graduated from Carleton College before receiving an MFA in creative writing from Hamline University. She currently lives with her husband and lovable, if slightly neurotic, dog in College Station, Texas, where she runs a bookstore with her mom. When she is not writing, reading, or selling books, Kalena enjoys tap dancing, crocheting, and watching an embarrassing amount of reality television.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 170 reviews
March 19, 2022
I really love how this book found the perfect balance between making me 1) choke on my laughter, 2) nod yes while reading and appreciating the important topics this tackles and 3) question what kind of ridiculous story I’m reading…and yet still loving every second of it.
r a t i n g - o v e r v i e w :
characters: 4/5
writing: 3.5/5
vibes: 4/5
plot: 3.5/5
enjoyment: 5/5
OVERALL: 4/5
representation: sapphic couple, chronically ill main character (lupus specifically), plus-sized main character, Korean main character.
trigger/content warnings: couldn’t find any.
That was…definitely something, huh? The Night When No One Had Sex had me choking on my own laughter one second and nodding yes while reading appreciating the important discussions this book takes on. Now, there’s a lot going on in this one as we basically follow, well, eight characters (four couples). Surprisingly though, it was really easy to not mix the characters and their stories up!
But because this story could be easily divided into the four different couples, I’m gonna be reviewing their stories separately! Let’s go!
Zoe & Morgan:
Let’s start of with the storyline of our cute sapphics: Zoe and Morgan are already sexually active (and actual goals, may I add). They just plan on having a good night together, but when Zoe starts struggling with some university things, Morgan finds herself worrying about her twin sister Madison again, and some miscommunications happen, their night is far from what they imagined it to be. I loved (and related a lot to) them, what else do you want me to say?
Julia & Kevin:
Julia was the one who came up with the whole sex-pact and I loved her and Kevin together. They’re just really sweet and I don’t know, they complement each other I guess! They’ve been a couple for a long time and tonight they wanna have sex, but let’s just say there are…some obstacles. At some point Julia gets stuck in a closet (I know, I know, but hear me out!!) but most importantly: the sex hurts for her. I thought this carried such important information and lessons and it was really refreshing!
Madison & Jake:
Though Madison’s “overprotective” twin Morgan doesn’t approve of Jake, she just wants to feel normal for one night. She will do anything to have her lupus not ruin the plan to have sex with her boyfriend, but…well, you’ll have to find out! This was, again, such a refreshing storyline and I loved the whole “I just want to be a normal teenager” thing. Great message and Madison was such an interesting (and very psychologically correct, may I add) character!
Alex & Leah:
I ADORED their storyline and only wanted more, to be honest! Alex and Leah had the absolute best dynamics since it all felt so natural between them. They are the only non-couple (and also not in on the sex-pact), but their friends convinced them to take each other as a date to prom. As something happens to Alex’s grandmother, they end up spending the night in the hospital. And! I! Loved! Every! Second! Of! It!
Overall:
I would’ve loved to see some more of the entire friendgroup, to be honest, since I feel like this could’ve been a perfect book for the found family trope, but still! The Night When No One Had Sex brought me such good and comfortable vibes and I miss the cast of characters already! We follow them for one night so it’s fun to imagine where they might’ve ended up, though.
This was written with so much wittiness and honesty and I don’t think I’ve ever found a book with a better portrayal of being a teenager. So yeah, Kalena Miller is definitely an author to watch! More of this, please!
b o o k - o v e r v i e w :
One-sentence pitch: Set the night after prom, The Night when no one had sex follows eight friends who made a sex-pact, but when nothing seems to happen like they expected it to, all of them will have to fight through their teenage struggles, navigate adulthood, and most importantly: accept that life takes unexpected turns, and that’s more than fine.
Definitely read it if: you’d like to read a book where sex is openly discussed, you want to read more realistic and honest stories about teenage struggles or you like to laugh while reading.
Maybe skip it if: you are really put off by the concept or would rather not read a book that’s sometimes, well, a bit ridiculous.
Thank you to the publisher for providing me with this book in exchange for an honest review! This did not affect my opinions in any way.
r a t i n g - o v e r v i e w :
characters: 4/5
writing: 3.5/5
vibes: 4/5
plot: 3.5/5
enjoyment: 5/5
OVERALL: 4/5
representation: sapphic couple, chronically ill main character (lupus specifically), plus-sized main character, Korean main character.
trigger/content warnings: couldn’t find any.
That was…definitely something, huh? The Night When No One Had Sex had me choking on my own laughter one second and nodding yes while reading appreciating the important discussions this book takes on. Now, there’s a lot going on in this one as we basically follow, well, eight characters (four couples). Surprisingly though, it was really easy to not mix the characters and their stories up!
But because this story could be easily divided into the four different couples, I’m gonna be reviewing their stories separately! Let’s go!
Zoe & Morgan:
Let’s start of with the storyline of our cute sapphics: Zoe and Morgan are already sexually active (and actual goals, may I add). They just plan on having a good night together, but when Zoe starts struggling with some university things, Morgan finds herself worrying about her twin sister Madison again, and some miscommunications happen, their night is far from what they imagined it to be. I loved (and related a lot to) them, what else do you want me to say?
Julia & Kevin:
Julia was the one who came up with the whole sex-pact and I loved her and Kevin together. They’re just really sweet and I don’t know, they complement each other I guess! They’ve been a couple for a long time and tonight they wanna have sex, but let’s just say there are…some obstacles. At some point Julia gets stuck in a closet (I know, I know, but hear me out!!) but most importantly: the sex hurts for her. I thought this carried such important information and lessons and it was really refreshing!
Madison & Jake:
Though Madison’s “overprotective” twin Morgan doesn’t approve of Jake, she just wants to feel normal for one night. She will do anything to have her lupus not ruin the plan to have sex with her boyfriend, but…well, you’ll have to find out! This was, again, such a refreshing storyline and I loved the whole “I just want to be a normal teenager” thing. Great message and Madison was such an interesting (and very psychologically correct, may I add) character!
Alex & Leah:
I ADORED their storyline and only wanted more, to be honest! Alex and Leah had the absolute best dynamics since it all felt so natural between them. They are the only non-couple (and also not in on the sex-pact), but their friends convinced them to take each other as a date to prom. As something happens to Alex’s grandmother, they end up spending the night in the hospital. And! I! Loved! Every! Second! Of! It!
Overall:
I would’ve loved to see some more of the entire friendgroup, to be honest, since I feel like this could’ve been a perfect book for the found family trope, but still! The Night When No One Had Sex brought me such good and comfortable vibes and I miss the cast of characters already! We follow them for one night so it’s fun to imagine where they might’ve ended up, though.
This was written with so much wittiness and honesty and I don’t think I’ve ever found a book with a better portrayal of being a teenager. So yeah, Kalena Miller is definitely an author to watch! More of this, please!
b o o k - o v e r v i e w :
One-sentence pitch: Set the night after prom, The Night when no one had sex follows eight friends who made a sex-pact, but when nothing seems to happen like they expected it to, all of them will have to fight through their teenage struggles, navigate adulthood, and most importantly: accept that life takes unexpected turns, and that’s more than fine.
Definitely read it if: you’d like to read a book where sex is openly discussed, you want to read more realistic and honest stories about teenage struggles or you like to laugh while reading.
Maybe skip it if: you are really put off by the concept or would rather not read a book that’s sometimes, well, a bit ridiculous.
Thank you to the publisher for providing me with this book in exchange for an honest review! This did not affect my opinions in any way.
May 3, 2021
Hello, best YA book of 2021!
Part romance, part contemporary friendship story, this book deserves ALL the hype when it comes out. I'm currently at the same point in my senior year as the characters in this, so it was really nice to see so much of the plot devoted to planning for college and uncertainty about the future.
Julia Harmond has a plan to lose her virginity on the night of her senior prom, and she's gotten her entire group of friends to join her, after securing access to Zoe's uncle's lake house. But she's disappointed to find her first try too painful and is desperate for everything to go as planned. There's also the problem of Zoe's uncle leaving his cat behind in the house, while Julia is severely afraid of cats. And when she and her boyfriend, Kevin, try roleplaying for the first time, she ends up locked in a closet for several hours.
Zoe Blackwell and her girlfriend, Morgan, have already been having sex for nearly a year, but she's happy to follow along with Julia's plan, as she really needs a distraction from her recent acceptance to Yale (where she is a legacy student). She doesn't know how to tell Morgan that she might move across the country, and what's going to be even harder is telling her family that she might not want to go after all. (Her uncle even has a whole bedroom in his house decorated entirely with Yale paraphernalia). Yale has always been her dream, so that can't ever change....right?
Alex Song figures that he's not going to take part, as he only met his prom date, Leah, five hours before when Julia set them up. But on the way to the lakehouse, Alex is called to the hospital when he finds out his grandmother had a heart attack, and he has no choice but to bring Leah along. His parents and younger sister instantly assume that they're dating, much to Alex's annoyance. But when a hunt for internet connection to look up the lottery numbers for his grandmother leads them across restricted areas of the hospital, Alex and Leah are forced to get to know each other after all. Leah is the daughter of wealthy parents responsible for the developments that got rid of Alex's grandmother's favorite park, and she's planning on going to Vermont for college in the fall, so he tells himself he can't fall for her, but what if he does anyway?
Madison Alvarez, Morgan's twin sister, is happy to take any opportunity to be a normal teenager and spend time with her boyfriend, Jake. Madison used to be a hardworking ballet dancer until she was diagnosed with lupus five years ago. Ever since, Morgan has been extremely protective of her, but Madison wishes she had a little more freedom sometimes. But is her relationship with Jake really what she needs?
I think my favorite thing about this book was that even though it sounds like it's going to be focused on the romantic relationships and friendships, the majority of the conflict came from other thing (like college plans, pressure from family, and chronic illness). There's no misunderstanding trope here, and no particular "everything goes wrong" moment. No point where the group has a huge fight.
Also, NO EXAGGERATED PARTY CULTURE! Since most of the story is about the group and their partners at a lake house with no adult supervision, I was hoping it wouldn't be an over-the-top party with everyone getting drunk and high on the fancy furniture. Nope, it's actually very realistic. They mostly just sit around and talk, and yet they're still more entertaining to read about than any "wild party" in any other book.
And the GROUP CHAT. There are several scenes of the characters' group chat, and you'll love the names they come up with for it.
Read this if you're at the end of high school, a student who's scared of the future, or if you just miss your teen years.
Part romance, part contemporary friendship story, this book deserves ALL the hype when it comes out. I'm currently at the same point in my senior year as the characters in this, so it was really nice to see so much of the plot devoted to planning for college and uncertainty about the future.
Julia Harmond has a plan to lose her virginity on the night of her senior prom, and she's gotten her entire group of friends to join her, after securing access to Zoe's uncle's lake house. But she's disappointed to find her first try too painful and is desperate for everything to go as planned. There's also the problem of Zoe's uncle leaving his cat behind in the house, while Julia is severely afraid of cats. And when she and her boyfriend, Kevin, try roleplaying for the first time, she ends up locked in a closet for several hours.
Zoe Blackwell and her girlfriend, Morgan, have already been having sex for nearly a year, but she's happy to follow along with Julia's plan, as she really needs a distraction from her recent acceptance to Yale (where she is a legacy student). She doesn't know how to tell Morgan that she might move across the country, and what's going to be even harder is telling her family that she might not want to go after all. (Her uncle even has a whole bedroom in his house decorated entirely with Yale paraphernalia). Yale has always been her dream, so that can't ever change....right?
Alex Song figures that he's not going to take part, as he only met his prom date, Leah, five hours before when Julia set them up. But on the way to the lakehouse, Alex is called to the hospital when he finds out his grandmother had a heart attack, and he has no choice but to bring Leah along. His parents and younger sister instantly assume that they're dating, much to Alex's annoyance. But when a hunt for internet connection to look up the lottery numbers for his grandmother leads them across restricted areas of the hospital, Alex and Leah are forced to get to know each other after all. Leah is the daughter of wealthy parents responsible for the developments that got rid of Alex's grandmother's favorite park, and she's planning on going to Vermont for college in the fall, so he tells himself he can't fall for her, but what if he does anyway?
Madison Alvarez, Morgan's twin sister, is happy to take any opportunity to be a normal teenager and spend time with her boyfriend, Jake. Madison used to be a hardworking ballet dancer until she was diagnosed with lupus five years ago. Ever since, Morgan has been extremely protective of her, but Madison wishes she had a little more freedom sometimes. But is her relationship with Jake really what she needs?
I think my favorite thing about this book was that even though it sounds like it's going to be focused on the romantic relationships and friendships, the majority of the conflict came from other thing (like college plans, pressure from family, and chronic illness). There's no misunderstanding trope here, and no particular "everything goes wrong" moment. No point where the group has a huge fight.
Also, NO EXAGGERATED PARTY CULTURE! Since most of the story is about the group and their partners at a lake house with no adult supervision, I was hoping it wouldn't be an over-the-top party with everyone getting drunk and high on the fancy furniture. Nope, it's actually very realistic. They mostly just sit around and talk, and yet they're still more entertaining to read about than any "wild party" in any other book.
And the GROUP CHAT. There are several scenes of the characters' group chat, and you'll love the names they come up with for it.
Read this if you're at the end of high school, a student who's scared of the future, or if you just miss your teen years.
September 13, 2021
The Night No One Had Sex follows a close-knit group of friends, enjoying their last glory days of high school before adulthood with a sex pact. If you’ve ever wondered what the inside of a bunch of horny high schoolers looks like then read this book for one hell of a group chat!
I adored the multiple POVs as the storyline follows 8 characters (4 couples) and readers can fully appreciate the dynamic relationships and the ability to canvas each character's thought process and emotions. The character representation was eclectic from LGBT couples, chronic illness, anxiety disorders, plus-sized characters, and a plethora of ethnicities- this novel offers something for everyone and I approve of the inclusivity.
At its core, this novel touches on the struggles of transitioning from a teenager to adulthood, planning for college to the uncertainty of what the future may hold. It imparts such an integral lesson to the younger generation which is to live in the moment and stay true to yourself. The writing style is extremely sarcastic and comical and 100% entertaining.
There’s a level of uncertainty as the author wraps up the story, that is very vague and open to interpretation which I don’t usually like but somehow it works with this story. There is almost a whisper of, "this isn't the end of their journey but merely the beginning."
This was a highly entertaining coming-of-age story about love, friendship, and family. It provides an extremely sex-positive, straightforward overview of teen sexuality and common issues of teenage life.
Thank you to the author, Albert Whitman, and Company and NetGalley for providing me with an arc in exchange for an honest review.
I adored the multiple POVs as the storyline follows 8 characters (4 couples) and readers can fully appreciate the dynamic relationships and the ability to canvas each character's thought process and emotions. The character representation was eclectic from LGBT couples, chronic illness, anxiety disorders, plus-sized characters, and a plethora of ethnicities- this novel offers something for everyone and I approve of the inclusivity.
At its core, this novel touches on the struggles of transitioning from a teenager to adulthood, planning for college to the uncertainty of what the future may hold. It imparts such an integral lesson to the younger generation which is to live in the moment and stay true to yourself. The writing style is extremely sarcastic and comical and 100% entertaining.
There’s a level of uncertainty as the author wraps up the story, that is very vague and open to interpretation which I don’t usually like but somehow it works with this story. There is almost a whisper of, "this isn't the end of their journey but merely the beginning."
This was a highly entertaining coming-of-age story about love, friendship, and family. It provides an extremely sex-positive, straightforward overview of teen sexuality and common issues of teenage life.
Thank you to the author, Albert Whitman, and Company and NetGalley for providing me with an arc in exchange for an honest review.
October 13, 2025
I loved this story because it's just so fun, balancing the seriousness of a Grandmother in hospital and chronic illness with Zoe stress baking scones with bananas and an unfortunate amount of lube. It's a multi-pov, and despite this only covering a short period of time, keeping up with who was currently speaking was never an issue.
April 20, 2021
This was the perfect read for a summer day; it was light, fluffy, and cute. I'll admit that some plotlines and characters intrigued me way more than others, but I still enjoyed this book.
My favorite plotline was definitely the one about Alex and his grandma. I was most invested in his relationship with Leah, and the lottery ticket added a fun side to it. I was always looking forward to their chapters, which was both a good and bad thing.
My least favorite plotline has to be the one about Morgan and Madison. I didn't care about Madison as a character, and her chapters bored me. I think that other people will like them though!
Although this is classified as a romance, it's definitely more of a contemporary or general fiction. It's a tale of friendship and first love, not just a romance. While I'm not sure if I'll reread this, I really enjoyed it!
Thanks to Netgalley and Kalena Miller for providing a free copy in exchange for an honest review!
My favorite plotline was definitely the one about Alex and his grandma. I was most invested in his relationship with Leah, and the lottery ticket added a fun side to it. I was always looking forward to their chapters, which was both a good and bad thing.
My least favorite plotline has to be the one about Morgan and Madison. I didn't care about Madison as a character, and her chapters bored me. I think that other people will like them though!
Although this is classified as a romance, it's definitely more of a contemporary or general fiction. It's a tale of friendship and first love, not just a romance. While I'm not sure if I'll reread this, I really enjoyed it!
Thanks to Netgalley and Kalena Miller for providing a free copy in exchange for an honest review!
November 10, 2021
3.5*
Sweet, quick, and easy to digest. A fun one-night romp through the end of high school and what the monumental choices you make can feel like.
Sweet, quick, and easy to digest. A fun one-night romp through the end of high school and what the monumental choices you make can feel like.
October 25, 2021
TITLE: The Night When No One Had Sex
AUTHOR: Kalena Miller
PUB DATE: 10.12.2021
The Night When No One Had Sex is a YA book not to be missed! This is such a refreshing debut read that I enjoyed a lot for the friendships, sex positivity, the fun group chats, and certainly a book I wish I had when I was a teen. Kalena Miller captured the essence and nuances of the very real issues and themes young adults face today, such as life after high school, college acceptance, chronic illness, transitioning to adulthood, and many others.
AUTHOR: Kalena Miller
PUB DATE: 10.12.2021
The Night When No One Had Sex is a YA book not to be missed! This is such a refreshing debut read that I enjoyed a lot for the friendships, sex positivity, the fun group chats, and certainly a book I wish I had when I was a teen. Kalena Miller captured the essence and nuances of the very real issues and themes young adults face today, such as life after high school, college acceptance, chronic illness, transitioning to adulthood, and many others.
April 12, 2021
***Thanks to NetGalley for providing me a complimentary copy of THE NIGHT WHEN NO ONE HAD SEX by Kalena Miller in exchange for my honest review.***
A group of friends makes a pact to lose their virginities to their dates at a cabin on prom night, but things don’t go as planned.
Kalena Miller’s story takes place over a night, a milestone night for high school seniors in America. I didn’t go to prom, I spend the evening babysitting, talking to a friend on the phone guessing who had and hadn’t “done it”. It was the early 1980s, okay. Prom night was The Night girls who hadn’t yet had sex reportedly decided to “do it.” Sex positivity was definitely not yet a thing. I was intrigued to read THE NIGHT WHEN NO ONE HAD SEX to see how things had changed and stayed the same.
I liked how each teen was dealing with a challenge, a grandmother needing emergency surgery, a chronic illness, worries about a twin etc. The issues they had will be familiar to readers of all ages. I enjoyed the different points of view and the growth the teens experienced during the book.
THE NIGHT NO ONE HAD SEX is a good light, fun read, nothing too heavy. I’m not sure it’ll stay with readers, which is okay as long as they enjoy the story.
A group of friends makes a pact to lose their virginities to their dates at a cabin on prom night, but things don’t go as planned.
Kalena Miller’s story takes place over a night, a milestone night for high school seniors in America. I didn’t go to prom, I spend the evening babysitting, talking to a friend on the phone guessing who had and hadn’t “done it”. It was the early 1980s, okay. Prom night was The Night girls who hadn’t yet had sex reportedly decided to “do it.” Sex positivity was definitely not yet a thing. I was intrigued to read THE NIGHT WHEN NO ONE HAD SEX to see how things had changed and stayed the same.
I liked how each teen was dealing with a challenge, a grandmother needing emergency surgery, a chronic illness, worries about a twin etc. The issues they had will be familiar to readers of all ages. I enjoyed the different points of view and the growth the teens experienced during the book.
THE NIGHT NO ONE HAD SEX is a good light, fun read, nothing too heavy. I’m not sure it’ll stay with readers, which is okay as long as they enjoy the story.
April 20, 2021
It's prom night and this group of friends has decided that tonight is the night: they will all have sex with their significant others before wrapping up their senior year and continuing on to college in the fall. What's the big deal about virginity anyway? One of the girls has an uncle with a fancy cabin in the woods, so they even have a nice place to be. But then so many things go wrong and it looks like no one will be having sex after the prom: one kid's grandma is rushed into emergency surgery, one kid is suffering from an autoimmune disease, another is petrified of the cat, who just happens to be inside the cabin. Told in alternating points of view, which moves this story along quickly.
Okay this did remind me a bit of high school and our crazy priorities. The only things that were off were: One, a character's crazy obsession with her mother (what kind of awkward teen calls her mother throughout the night on prom night, even at 2:30AM? I would assume it would be the sheltered, weird kid) and two, they mentioned twice that the siamese cat had green eyes. GREEN eyes, people! Really? No. Siamese cats have blue eyes. Trust me on this. Sometimes, they have crossed eyes too (like one of my two who is watching me type this).
Okay this did remind me a bit of high school and our crazy priorities. The only things that were off were: One, a character's crazy obsession with her mother (what kind of awkward teen calls her mother throughout the night on prom night, even at 2:30AM? I would assume it would be the sheltered, weird kid) and two, they mentioned twice that the siamese cat had green eyes. GREEN eyes, people! Really? No. Siamese cats have blue eyes. Trust me on this. Sometimes, they have crossed eyes too (like one of my two who is watching me type this).
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
September 12, 2021
Thank you to Albert Whitman & Company NetGalley for allowing me access to this charming book! All thoughts and opinions are my own!
This fun, diverse & LGBTQ+, quirky story had some great & very relatable cast that really had me laughing and cringing in the best way.
Nothing ever goes like the movies, especially a friend pact to have sex the night of prom. But Julia and her friends all still hope and as each one faces a problem that hinders their goal, they remember you don't need to have sex to prove you love someone, prove a relationship is strong, or to feel ok. Just having someone romantic or platonic is a vital thing.
This book is extremely realistic, and if my friends had done this, it would have gone like this.
There are some ridiculous problems, but they are done charmingly, and even when I didn't love how the character responded or acted, I could see their side, and I enjoyed them otherwise.
This fun, diverse & LGBTQ+, quirky story had some great & very relatable cast that really had me laughing and cringing in the best way.
Nothing ever goes like the movies, especially a friend pact to have sex the night of prom. But Julia and her friends all still hope and as each one faces a problem that hinders their goal, they remember you don't need to have sex to prove you love someone, prove a relationship is strong, or to feel ok. Just having someone romantic or platonic is a vital thing.
This book is extremely realistic, and if my friends had done this, it would have gone like this.
There are some ridiculous problems, but they are done charmingly, and even when I didn't love how the character responded or acted, I could see their side, and I enjoyed them otherwise.
September 5, 2021
[An eARC of this book was provided by the publisher via NetGalley in exchange for an honest review.]
CN: sex, heart attack, chronic illness, claustrophobia
Do you like...
... classic prom night stories - but with a twist?
... sex-positive books with healthy relationships (both romantic and platonic)?
... honest and funny books that also talk about a lot of serious topics?
... chronic illness (specifically: lupus) representation?
... multiple POV books with relatable and loveable main characters?
... sapphic representation?
... funny group chats?
... stories about friendship?
... books that are easy to read and will definitely cure your reading slump?
Yes? Then "The Night When No One Had Sex" is perfect for you! Go pre-order it and experience this very special night with Zoe, Morgan, Julia, Kevin, Maddison, Jake, Alex, Leah - and Bulldog. You're going to love Bulldog.
CN: sex, heart attack, chronic illness, claustrophobia
Do you like...
... classic prom night stories - but with a twist?
... sex-positive books with healthy relationships (both romantic and platonic)?
... honest and funny books that also talk about a lot of serious topics?
... chronic illness (specifically: lupus) representation?
... multiple POV books with relatable and loveable main characters?
... sapphic representation?
... funny group chats?
... stories about friendship?
... books that are easy to read and will definitely cure your reading slump?
Yes? Then "The Night When No One Had Sex" is perfect for you! Go pre-order it and experience this very special night with Zoe, Morgan, Julia, Kevin, Maddison, Jake, Alex, Leah - and Bulldog. You're going to love Bulldog.
December 1, 2021
1.5 stars i think.
It was alot that i found boring, for example the random texts that was trying so hard to be funny or the oddly divided parts of all the people and the couples that kind of nagged on and on. I found Alex and Leah`s story somewhat interesting, but the others not so much.
I got this eARC from Netgalley.
It was alot that i found boring, for example the random texts that was trying so hard to be funny or the oddly divided parts of all the people and the couples that kind of nagged on and on. I found Alex and Leah`s story somewhat interesting, but the others not so much.
I got this eARC from Netgalley.
March 21, 2025
While I’m well past my high school years, this took me right back to those days. Friendships and relationships navigating the end of an era, with lots of quirkiness and hilarious, diverse characters. This is much more than a book about teenagers making a “sex pact” on prom night and it going wrong in so many ways. The journeys each character goes through, from chronic illness to stressing about college to falling in love with a new friend, were important and I loved watching these characters morph throughout. My favorite scene is when one of the characters is involved in princess-fantasy type role-playing with her boyfriend (which made me laugh until my stomach hurt…it’s just so hilariously awkward) and accidentally gets stuck in a closet. She survives of course, but it really amplified the night going wrong in random ways. If you’re looking for a YA novel to take you back to high school and make you laugh while reminiscing about teenage days, this is for you!
October 17, 2021
I had so much fun reading this book! It follows 8 different teenagers (all of whom I found charming and relatable in their own ways) over the course of one night, who deal with a series of interruptions to their post-prom plans. Ranging from escaped cats to family emergencies to ill-advised stress-baking, the story plays out in ways that are PEAK quirky high school shenanigans and which made me laugh out loud multiple times. Plus, while it is largely a happy book, the characters also face genuine challenges that feel real and representative for people on the cusp of adulthood. The friend group is also so sweet together—when their stories intersect in person and through their chaotic group chat, their love for each other shines through in ways that made me nostalgic for my own friend groups at age 18. I recommend this book to anyone looking for a light-hearted YA romp!
September 7, 2021
This book, which is half romance and part modern friendship narrative, is deserving of all the excitement it will receive when it is released. I’m in the same year as the protagonists in this book, so it was incredibly wonderful to have so much of the plot revolve around college plans and concern about the future.
Julia Harmond has arranged for her entire group of friends to accompany her in losing her virginity on the night of her senior prom, after gaining access to Zoe’s uncle’s lake house. However, she is frustrated because her previous attempt was too painful, and she is keen for things to go according to plan. There’s also the issue of Zoe’s uncle abandoning his cat at the house, which Julia is terrified of.
She spends many hours imprisoned in a closet with her boyfriend, Kevin, as they try roleplaying for the first time.
Zoe Blackwell and her partner, Morgan, have been having sex for nearly a year, but she’s delighted to go along with Julia’s plan since she needs a break after her recent Yale acceptance (where she is a legacy student). She doesn’t know how to tell Morgan that she might be moving across the country, and telling her family that she might not want to go after all will be much more difficult. (In fact, her uncle’s house has an entire bedroom dedicated to Yale memorabilia.) Yale has always been her ambition, so it couldn’t possibly alter now, can it?
My favorite aspect of this novel was that, despite the fact that it appears to be about love relationships and friendships, most of the drama stemmed from other sources (like college plans, pressure from family, and chronic illness). There’s no misunderstanding or “everything goes wrong” moment in this story. There isn’t a single instance where the group is engaged in a major battle.
Also, NO EXTREME PARTY CULTURE IS ALLOWED! I was hoping it wouldn’t be an over-the-top party with everyone getting drunk and high on the nice furniture because the majority of the story takes place at a lake house with no parental supervision. No, it’s not at all unrealistic.
Even though they primarily just sit around and talk, they’re more interesting to read about than any other “crazy party” in any book.
And then there’s the GROUP CHAT. There are multiple situations where the characters have a group chat, and the names they come up with are hilarious.
If you’re nearing the end of high school, a student who is worried about the future, or if you simply miss your adolescent years, read this.
Julia Harmond has arranged for her entire group of friends to accompany her in losing her virginity on the night of her senior prom, after gaining access to Zoe’s uncle’s lake house. However, she is frustrated because her previous attempt was too painful, and she is keen for things to go according to plan. There’s also the issue of Zoe’s uncle abandoning his cat at the house, which Julia is terrified of.
She spends many hours imprisoned in a closet with her boyfriend, Kevin, as they try roleplaying for the first time.
Zoe Blackwell and her partner, Morgan, have been having sex for nearly a year, but she’s delighted to go along with Julia’s plan since she needs a break after her recent Yale acceptance (where she is a legacy student). She doesn’t know how to tell Morgan that she might be moving across the country, and telling her family that she might not want to go after all will be much more difficult. (In fact, her uncle’s house has an entire bedroom dedicated to Yale memorabilia.) Yale has always been her ambition, so it couldn’t possibly alter now, can it?
My favorite aspect of this novel was that, despite the fact that it appears to be about love relationships and friendships, most of the drama stemmed from other sources (like college plans, pressure from family, and chronic illness). There’s no misunderstanding or “everything goes wrong” moment in this story. There isn’t a single instance where the group is engaged in a major battle.
Also, NO EXTREME PARTY CULTURE IS ALLOWED! I was hoping it wouldn’t be an over-the-top party with everyone getting drunk and high on the nice furniture because the majority of the story takes place at a lake house with no parental supervision. No, it’s not at all unrealistic.
Even though they primarily just sit around and talk, they’re more interesting to read about than any other “crazy party” in any book.
And then there’s the GROUP CHAT. There are multiple situations where the characters have a group chat, and the names they come up with are hilarious.
If you’re nearing the end of high school, a student who is worried about the future, or if you simply miss your adolescent years, read this.
July 23, 2021
Thank you Netgalley for the ARC.
Julia made a sex pact with her friends (eight in total) and went to Zoe's uncle cabin in the wood without parents supervision to have the best night of their lives but will they?
Alex and Leah: They couldn't join with the pact because Alex grandma is in hospital and they have to go there. Alex found out that Leah is a daughter of a millionaire and freaked out that her father is a mortal enemy of his grandma.
Madison and Jake: Madison and Jake tried to have a sex but Madison lupus flare comes in between and they cannot have, much to their disappointment. So they took Cheetos and went to house roof to have a romantic night. They had a hard time climbing up and down the grass-filled trellis. Jake is naked and Madison while climbing down isn't a good idea because her flare isn't cooperating at all.
Morgan and Zoe: Morgan and Madison is a twin and whole night she is worried about Madison's health. On other hand Zoe didn't like the idea of her accepting to Yale University and she wants Morgan to say she don't want her to go but seeing Morgan's supporting her isn't what she's expecting at all!
Julia and Kevin: Zoe's uncle has a cat which Julia despise cats so much. They closed their door blocking the entry and try to do elfish role play for sex when Julia ends up locking in a closet when Kevin accidentally breaks the lock.
All of them really want to have a best night of their lives in the night of their senior prom but it seems like they are going to learn a lot of things.
From each of the characters perspective narrate their own thoughts and story about their uncertainty of their life after high school and transition into adulthood.
I really loved this book and enjoyed every pages and the scenes and the hilarious dialogue of course! Every part of the book is so relatable, funny, and emotional. It really shows the life of young people and how they see things from their eyes.
This book is so gonna be the best book of 2021 for me.
Julia made a sex pact with her friends (eight in total) and went to Zoe's uncle cabin in the wood without parents supervision to have the best night of their lives but will they?
Alex and Leah: They couldn't join with the pact because Alex grandma is in hospital and they have to go there. Alex found out that Leah is a daughter of a millionaire and freaked out that her father is a mortal enemy of his grandma.
Madison and Jake: Madison and Jake tried to have a sex but Madison lupus flare comes in between and they cannot have, much to their disappointment. So they took Cheetos and went to house roof to have a romantic night. They had a hard time climbing up and down the grass-filled trellis. Jake is naked and Madison while climbing down isn't a good idea because her flare isn't cooperating at all.
Morgan and Zoe: Morgan and Madison is a twin and whole night she is worried about Madison's health. On other hand Zoe didn't like the idea of her accepting to Yale University and she wants Morgan to say she don't want her to go but seeing Morgan's supporting her isn't what she's expecting at all!
Julia and Kevin: Zoe's uncle has a cat which Julia despise cats so much. They closed their door blocking the entry and try to do elfish role play for sex when Julia ends up locking in a closet when Kevin accidentally breaks the lock.
All of them really want to have a best night of their lives in the night of their senior prom but it seems like they are going to learn a lot of things.
From each of the characters perspective narrate their own thoughts and story about their uncertainty of their life after high school and transition into adulthood.
I really loved this book and enjoyed every pages and the scenes and the hilarious dialogue of course! Every part of the book is so relatable, funny, and emotional. It really shows the life of young people and how they see things from their eyes.
This book is so gonna be the best book of 2021 for me.
August 29, 2021
Thank you so much Albert Whitman & Company and NetGalley for the chance to read and review this book in exchange of an honest review.
When Julia and her friends make a sex pact, involving a secluded cabin in the woods, no parental supervision and condoms, they expect to have a fun night, but nothing goes as planned. Alex's grandmother is undergoing emergency surgery and his date, a girl he barely knows, decides to keep him and his family company, Zoe is struggling with her college decisions, Morgan, her girlfriend, is obsessive about her twin Madison, who has a chronic illness and who only wants to live without fear and like a normal teenager with her boyfriend and Kevin and Julia are trying to have sex, but she ends up locked in a closet. So, what about having the sex pact?
I loved reading The Night When No One Had Sex! It's funny, it portrays realistic relationships, between siblings, friends and lovers, common teen fears and doubts and it's really sex-positive. The story is hilarious, told by different POVs and their funny and brilliant group chat, while they navigate this disastrous night, their relationships with one other, fears, doubts, desires and strong bonds, family's issues and pressures. The characterization is brilliant, they are complex and relatable, funny and moving, their interactions well written and realistic in their intricicacies and dramas and desires. Zoe with her doubts and her strong relationship with Morgan, who is supportive and a bit obsessive, Madison, who is struggling with her disease and desires, Julia and Kevin and their strong bond, made of laugh, understanding and love, Alex with his family's problems, his relationship with his parents and grandmother and they navigate their own problems, expectations and unexptected problems on their prom night.
The story is really good, hilarious, sometimes moving and utterly amazing. I totally recommend this book to those who wants to enjoy a funny book, well written characters and plot.
And there is also a Demon Cat in this story, so what are you waiting for?
When Julia and her friends make a sex pact, involving a secluded cabin in the woods, no parental supervision and condoms, they expect to have a fun night, but nothing goes as planned. Alex's grandmother is undergoing emergency surgery and his date, a girl he barely knows, decides to keep him and his family company, Zoe is struggling with her college decisions, Morgan, her girlfriend, is obsessive about her twin Madison, who has a chronic illness and who only wants to live without fear and like a normal teenager with her boyfriend and Kevin and Julia are trying to have sex, but she ends up locked in a closet. So, what about having the sex pact?
I loved reading The Night When No One Had Sex! It's funny, it portrays realistic relationships, between siblings, friends and lovers, common teen fears and doubts and it's really sex-positive. The story is hilarious, told by different POVs and their funny and brilliant group chat, while they navigate this disastrous night, their relationships with one other, fears, doubts, desires and strong bonds, family's issues and pressures. The characterization is brilliant, they are complex and relatable, funny and moving, their interactions well written and realistic in their intricicacies and dramas and desires. Zoe with her doubts and her strong relationship with Morgan, who is supportive and a bit obsessive, Madison, who is struggling with her disease and desires, Julia and Kevin and their strong bond, made of laugh, understanding and love, Alex with his family's problems, his relationship with his parents and grandmother and they navigate their own problems, expectations and unexptected problems on their prom night.
The story is really good, hilarious, sometimes moving and utterly amazing. I totally recommend this book to those who wants to enjoy a funny book, well written characters and plot.
And there is also a Demon Cat in this story, so what are you waiting for?
April 29, 2021
Thanks to the publisher for providing an eARC of The Night When No One Had Sex in exchange for an honest review.
This was cute! I think one of the downsides to splintering off the main group into 4 pairs with different story arcs is that inevitably some stories are going to be more impactful for readers than others, but I don't even think it's chalking them up to personal bias when I say Alex and Leah's story was by far my favourite considering my rep starved brain devours anything sapphic and I still found myself rushing through the Zoe/Morgan scenes to get back to them. I think a lot of these characters were really flawed, but in ways that I can see making sense for actual teenagers (including Morgan's weird parasocial relationship with her mum that I already know people are going to read as 'no teenager ever has acted like this' but I promise I knew multiple teenagers in high school who would do exactly that) which I really like in YA. I also like how they were able to portray some relationship plotlines that didn't end in the stereotypical happy way without needing to use some big 11th hour twist where someone suddenly becomes a villain.
My one wish was probably more bonding with the whole friend group. Everyone pairs off really quick which would be fine if this wanted to be a series of interlocking stories instead of one about friendship, but the ending had big friendship theme vibes that I don't think really carried through the book. Once the split-up happens the only big interactions we get are through a text thread and I personally am not a big fan of texting in books so maybe it actually was strong on the friendship front and my distain for reading group text threads just ruined it for myself.
This was cute! I think one of the downsides to splintering off the main group into 4 pairs with different story arcs is that inevitably some stories are going to be more impactful for readers than others, but I don't even think it's chalking them up to personal bias when I say Alex and Leah's story was by far my favourite considering my rep starved brain devours anything sapphic and I still found myself rushing through the Zoe/Morgan scenes to get back to them. I think a lot of these characters were really flawed, but in ways that I can see making sense for actual teenagers (including Morgan's weird parasocial relationship with her mum that I already know people are going to read as 'no teenager ever has acted like this' but I promise I knew multiple teenagers in high school who would do exactly that) which I really like in YA. I also like how they were able to portray some relationship plotlines that didn't end in the stereotypical happy way without needing to use some big 11th hour twist where someone suddenly becomes a villain.
My one wish was probably more bonding with the whole friend group. Everyone pairs off really quick which would be fine if this wanted to be a series of interlocking stories instead of one about friendship, but the ending had big friendship theme vibes that I don't think really carried through the book. Once the split-up happens the only big interactions we get are through a text thread and I personally am not a big fan of texting in books so maybe it actually was strong on the friendship front and my distain for reading group text threads just ruined it for myself.
April 25, 2021
I'll admit right off that this is NOT an unbiased review. 😊As a critique partner, I've read parts and all of this novel during its creation. I will say, though, that I think it's an absolutely wonderful book. It features four couples after prom, each facing particular challenges for both the night and the future in general. Things I love about this book: 1) It's funny! Several characters, in particular, have laugh-out-loud moments (I'm looking at you, Julia and Jake), 2) the point-of-view characters (four of them) have distinct voices, 3) It's an all-in-one-night book, so the challenges the characters face are immediate and compelling, 4) The book deals with some serious issues without being at all heavy-handed, 5) The group text sections are great as a connective tissue for the book, and ... 6) There's a cat named Bulldog. ❤️
April 26, 2021
This was a cute, easy YA read with a brief hint of something more. I liked that it was a mostly fun, light-hearted look at prom night, but also had the characters deal with more adult issues (a sick family member, a serious medical crisis, conflict about the future, etc.). I liked some characters and plotlines more than others, but I didn't dislike any characters which certainly made for an easier read.
Thank you to NetGalley for the ARC.
Thank you to NetGalley for the ARC.
January 30, 2023
I chose this for a light hearted book club pick. It's YA but at 30,I've read and enjoyed some YA before. However, this was too YA for me and I wanted it to be over. It's a book I would have read at the ages of 13-15. Some characters and dialogue just annoyed me but again, not sure if its just my age.
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March 12, 2022The Night When No One Had Sex is about a group of friends on the night of their senior prom who have made a sex pact. They scored a secluded cabin in the woods but before even getting there, things end up going wrong. Alex's grandmother had a heart attack so him and his date (that he actually just met) go to the hospital. Madison's chronic illness flares, Zoe is trying to figure out how to feel after getting off the waitlist at Yale, and Julia's roleplaying fantasy ends up with her locked in a closet.
This was pretty quirky but honestly half these character were so annoying. One of the characters has a phobia of cats and just screeches way too much about how she wants to murder the cat in the cabin, how cats have no souls, are awful etc etc. It was so obnoxious and I wanted this character to choke.
It was a lot of shenanigans in one night!!! It's so funny though because the title lies, someone does have sex. It was a really quick read at least. I've never really been a fan of books that take place in one night / short time frame despite that I keep picking them up.
This was pretty quirky but honestly half these character were so annoying. One of the characters has a phobia of cats and just screeches way too much about how she wants to murder the cat in the cabin, how cats have no souls, are awful etc etc. It was so obnoxious and I wanted this character to choke.
It was a lot of shenanigans in one night!!! It's so funny though because the title lies, someone does have sex. It was a really quick read at least. I've never really been a fan of books that take place in one night / short time frame despite that I keep picking them up.
April 13, 2022
3.5
It was a good book, but it was slightly repetitive and the "whole prom night sex" thing felt very cliched. It was funny as well but the title was quite misleading (and incorrect).
It was a good book, but it was slightly repetitive and the "whole prom night sex" thing felt very cliched. It was funny as well but the title was quite misleading (and incorrect).
October 9, 2021
Really 4.5. Like the best teen movies, this book starts with a plan then everything goes hilariously awry. Miller got it all right. The characters were endearing without feeling phony. The humor was funny without being over the top. This book has a lot of heart & I’m so happy I read it. I’m looking forward to seeing what Miller comes up with next.
I received a free ARC of this book from NetGalley.
I received a free ARC of this book from NetGalley.
October 16, 2021
⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️/5
Thank you NetGalley and the publisher for allowing me a chance to read and review an early copy.
This is definitely a book geared towards the lower end of YA, especially since it takes place in high school, senior year, when our main characters make a pact to lose their virginity on prom night.
The story was fun, and relatable in the regard of the pre-conceived notions about what prom night is to look like. It was a little confusing at first trying to decipher who was who, and their relationships but the different POVs made for a nice touch. It also dealt with a lot of other topics, like the anxiety of which college to choose and being away from friends.
Overall; not a bad book. I wasn’t the intended audience but I still enjoyed it and thought it was fun and humorous.
October 24, 2021
There are certain milestone events that hold so much promise, and yet often never turn out quite the way they are “supposed” to. Senior prom is one such event—anticipated as a magical evening that represents the culmination of one’s high school experience. But while fancy dresses, tuxedos, and disco lights can provide a predictable backdrop, it’s hard for such a highly anticipated event to live up to the hype.
In this book, a group of 8 high school seniors adopt a pact (well, one ring leader comes up with the idea and the rest go along with varying degrees of enthusiasm) that is summed up by the title of the book. As one might expect, the evening does not go according to plan. One pair ends up in the hospital (but not because they are sick or hurt), others have their plans foiled for reasons having to do with the house, unexpected pets, and their own bodies. While this may sound serious, the entire book is light-hearted and fun with a solid dose of humor. Some weighty topics are dealt with, but the characters end up managing the twists and turns of the evening, and even confronting their fears and growing as a result. Overall the book is an enjoyable and believable account of what it’s like to be a high school senior on the cusp of the next major stage of their lives.
In this book, a group of 8 high school seniors adopt a pact (well, one ring leader comes up with the idea and the rest go along with varying degrees of enthusiasm) that is summed up by the title of the book. As one might expect, the evening does not go according to plan. One pair ends up in the hospital (but not because they are sick or hurt), others have their plans foiled for reasons having to do with the house, unexpected pets, and their own bodies. While this may sound serious, the entire book is light-hearted and fun with a solid dose of humor. Some weighty topics are dealt with, but the characters end up managing the twists and turns of the evening, and even confronting their fears and growing as a result. Overall the book is an enjoyable and believable account of what it’s like to be a high school senior on the cusp of the next major stage of their lives.
January 24, 2022
5 ⭐ all the way!
I received this book in a Secret Santa Book Event! I had not heard of it before, and I picked it up on a whim because I wanted a light read at night. I am so glad that I did because I ended up absolutely loving this book! This book centers around a group of friends (8 friends – 4 couples) in Eugene, Oregon, who make a pact to have sex with their respective partners after prom in a secluded cabin in the woods. It is a multiple POV, where we see the perspective of 4 of the characters in the first person, and a hilarious group chat which I am sure everyone can relate to. This book discusses the group's transition to adulthood and the complexities of sex in a very direct manner which I really enjoyed. The diverse character representation included LGBT couples, chronic illness, anxiety disorders, plus-sized characters making this a book a lot of people can relate to.
This book made me realize why I loved to read YA. It was fun, comedic, and I cared for each of the characters. It was a super quick read that I finished in one day, and if you are looking to pick up a quick read that literally makes you laugh out loud, go pick it up!
I received this book in a Secret Santa Book Event! I had not heard of it before, and I picked it up on a whim because I wanted a light read at night. I am so glad that I did because I ended up absolutely loving this book! This book centers around a group of friends (8 friends – 4 couples) in Eugene, Oregon, who make a pact to have sex with their respective partners after prom in a secluded cabin in the woods. It is a multiple POV, where we see the perspective of 4 of the characters in the first person, and a hilarious group chat which I am sure everyone can relate to. This book discusses the group's transition to adulthood and the complexities of sex in a very direct manner which I really enjoyed. The diverse character representation included LGBT couples, chronic illness, anxiety disorders, plus-sized characters making this a book a lot of people can relate to.
This book made me realize why I loved to read YA. It was fun, comedic, and I cared for each of the characters. It was a super quick read that I finished in one day, and if you are looking to pick up a quick read that literally makes you laugh out loud, go pick it up!
August 12, 2022
I loved this book so much. It was an enjoyable and a fun read. From start to last I was hooked. This book written from Multiple POV. 8 people (3 couple and two newly met people who became each others date for the night) are graduating from their school and will be on their way to college. It was their senior prom night and they (actually Julia) made a sex pact. But unfortunately they couldn't do what they wanted to do on that night. Every couple had their reasons for not getting to do that. Everything turns upside down on that night.
You gotta read this book okay? It's so much fun and fill with humour. It talks about practical things too. I loved every person in this book. You know life always doesn't go according to plan? Not whom you thought would be right one for you, is actually not? The books shows so many things. You won't regret this one, I'm telling you.
You gotta read this book okay? It's so much fun and fill with humour. It talks about practical things too. I loved every person in this book. You know life always doesn't go according to plan? Not whom you thought would be right one for you, is actually not? The books shows so many things. You won't regret this one, I'm telling you.
October 13, 2021
I received an ARC copy from Netgalley in exchange for an honest review.
I LOVED THIS. This takes place in the hours after senior prom and follows four couples; Julia & Kevin, Madison & Jake, Zoe & Morgan and Alex & Leah. Two are in serious relationships, one in a relationship less serious and one that were set up as prom dates.
The friendship group have a sex pact and head to a cabin in the woods after prom. When the group branch off into their four couples, the story gets really fun. I had my favourite out them, that being Alex and Leah. The story is tied really well together, with a group chat being an excellent transition from one couple to the next.
Overall, a really fun read and I look forward to reading more from Kalena Miller.
I LOVED THIS. This takes place in the hours after senior prom and follows four couples; Julia & Kevin, Madison & Jake, Zoe & Morgan and Alex & Leah. Two are in serious relationships, one in a relationship less serious and one that were set up as prom dates.
The friendship group have a sex pact and head to a cabin in the woods after prom. When the group branch off into their four couples, the story gets really fun. I had my favourite out them, that being Alex and Leah. The story is tied really well together, with a group chat being an excellent transition from one couple to the next.
Overall, a really fun read and I look forward to reading more from Kalena Miller.
August 30, 2023
I snickered a few times while reading the group chat, but overall this story didn't really grab my attention. It followed four couples (Alex & Leah, Julia & Kevin, Zoe & Morgan, Madison & Jake) and my favorite pair had to be Alex & Leah because I looked forward to their chapters the most, but I wasn't truly invested in any of the couples.
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