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I Like Me Better
This is not how soccer-star Zack Martin thought his summer would go. When the captain's prank means trouble for the whole squad, Zack’s left with no choice but to take one for the team and cover for him.
Now he’s trading parties and beach days for community service at a seaside conservation center—fair enough. But thanks to his new reputation, the cute intern, Chip, won’t even give him a shot. Still, Zack finds himself falling for Chip between dolphin encounters and shark costume disasters, which means he suddenly has way more on the line than he ever expected.
Zack may be good at winning on the field, but can he keep up the lie without losing himself?
Now he’s trading parties and beach days for community service at a seaside conservation center—fair enough. But thanks to his new reputation, the cute intern, Chip, won’t even give him a shot. Still, Zack finds himself falling for Chip between dolphin encounters and shark costume disasters, which means he suddenly has way more on the line than he ever expected.
Zack may be good at winning on the field, but can he keep up the lie without losing himself?
352 pages, Hardcover
First published May 2, 2023
134 people are currently reading
9832 people want to read
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 405 reviews
April 27, 2023
I have to admit I have some mixed feelings after finishing this one. There were some things that I just loved, but there were other bits that fell a little short for me. To start with the good. I loved the way how natural and unnoticed it was that the main character was gay and dated another boy. I loved everything about the Marine institute and everyone there. I loved Beckett and Meyers and their threesome friendship with Zack. I didn’t love Zack. I wanted to, he wasn’t a bad guy and he clearly wanted to be better, but I didn’t like him much and I didn’t think his growth trajectory through the book was as good as it could have been. I didn’t love the conflict in Zack and Chip (I also didn’t love that name)’s romance. I didn’t love Ryan and the whole prank that Zack took the blame for (and really where was the logic? It would ruin Ryan’s college career but not Zack’s?). I found I liked the second half of the book a lot more than the first half. Overall I gave this one 3.5 stars but I rounded up for excellent queer representation and a great second half.
May 6, 2023
It's the second book from Robby Weber and I couldn't wait to read it because I loved his first one and it's on of my favorites. This second book feels quite familiar and still different. It's also set in the (fictional?) town of Citrus Harbor, Florida and takes place in the summer time / during summer break. I loved this setting in the first book already and wouldn't mind reading a new book every year about the people of Citrus Harbor.
Zack is not your typical YA main character, he's not introverted, not spending all his time reading books in the library and not pining the whole book after a cute guy he doesn't know how to approach. Zack is quite the opposite of it all. He's a popular soccer player, hates the library (lol) and hits on the cute guy as soon as he's set his eyes on him. It's really a refreshing view and I think the author had as much fun writing this as I had reading it.
But Zack is also insecure, naive and does dumb things. A lot of them. The guy he's looking up to is obviously a bastard, and everyone and their mother can see it at once. Except for Zack. So he takes the blame for a prank he didn't do and now has to suffer the consequences. It looks a little bit far fetched at first, like some kind of plot stunt. But it's not. As the story unfolds we learn about Zack's insecurities, his parents and everything else. Zack is not your typical introverted YA main character, so he handles things differently and this often makes him some kind of jerk. But he's still relatable.
But no worries, this book is about Zack learning and becoming a better person. And if you miss your introverted library rat YA character, also no worries, he's the love interest Chip.
This book was a refreshing read. Also an easy read. Some may say low stakes. Maybe, but not every YA has to be about the chosen one saving the world from doom. I think it's a good book for young people to read. It's more about real life problems and also features some hidden practical life advice like "how to date when it's two guys".
This book a feel good story and I can't wait to read more from Robby Weber. And again, this would make a fantastic Netflix movie or series.
Zack is not your typical YA main character, he's not introverted, not spending all his time reading books in the library and not pining the whole book after a cute guy he doesn't know how to approach. Zack is quite the opposite of it all. He's a popular soccer player, hates the library (lol) and hits on the cute guy as soon as he's set his eyes on him. It's really a refreshing view and I think the author had as much fun writing this as I had reading it.
But Zack is also insecure, naive and does dumb things. A lot of them. The guy he's looking up to is obviously a bastard, and everyone and their mother can see it at once. Except for Zack. So he takes the blame for a prank he didn't do and now has to suffer the consequences. It looks a little bit far fetched at first, like some kind of plot stunt. But it's not. As the story unfolds we learn about Zack's insecurities, his parents and everything else. Zack is not your typical introverted YA main character, so he handles things differently and this often makes him some kind of jerk. But he's still relatable.
But no worries, this book is about Zack learning and becoming a better person. And if you miss your introverted library rat YA character, also no worries, he's the love interest Chip.
This book was a refreshing read. Also an easy read. Some may say low stakes. Maybe, but not every YA has to be about the chosen one saving the world from doom. I think it's a good book for young people to read. It's more about real life problems and also features some hidden practical life advice like "how to date when it's two guys".
This book a feel good story and I can't wait to read more from Robby Weber. And again, this would make a fantastic Netflix movie or series.
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December 26, 2022I’m in doubt. I’m in doubt. I’m in doubt. Not the best way to start a review, right?
I just don’t know what to say about I Like Me Better. Usually, I write a review while reading, but this time my mind was empty.
I didn’t like Zach at first and didn’t understand why he took the blame for the prank Ryan pulled and why he didn’t mind that he got community service for something he didn’t do. It just felt so stupid. This stupidity constantly lingered in my mind and affected my opinion of the book while there were so many things to love.
I adored Chip, a sweetheart and an anxious mess at times, and I loved Noah and Beckett, who stood up for their beliefs. I cherished that falling for another guy was simply normalized. I definitely liked the second half of the book more than the first half and swooned over the romance. But I’m still in doubt. That’s why I decided not to rate the book for now.
Thank you so much, Brianna from Inkyard Press, for sending me the ARC of this book!
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I just don’t know what to say about I Like Me Better. Usually, I write a review while reading, but this time my mind was empty.
I didn’t like Zach at first and didn’t understand why he took the blame for the prank Ryan pulled and why he didn’t mind that he got community service for something he didn’t do. It just felt so stupid. This stupidity constantly lingered in my mind and affected my opinion of the book while there were so many things to love.
I adored Chip, a sweetheart and an anxious mess at times, and I loved Noah and Beckett, who stood up for their beliefs. I cherished that falling for another guy was simply normalized. I definitely liked the second half of the book more than the first half and swooned over the romance. But I’m still in doubt. That’s why I decided not to rate the book for now.
Thank you so much, Brianna from Inkyard Press, for sending me the ARC of this book!
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April 11, 2023
Thank you to the publisher for an ARC in exchange for an honest review!
3.5 stars rounded up!
Robby Weber can go ahead and take his crown as the king of YA gay summer romcoms, I think. Between both this book and his previous one, If You Change Your Mind, he has found his niche, and it's a good one. He has a talent for low stakes, mellow, summery queer romantic comedies. These are light, easy reads that are perfect for packing in your bag for a day at the beach.
Knowing this is the only way to completely ensure his spot as captain of the varsity soccer team next year, Zack volunteers to take the fall for current-captain (and mentor) Ryan when a senior prank involving another team and a dead shark goes wrong. That means he now has to fit in volunteering at the local Marine Life Institute a few hours a day as community service, on top of early morning soccer practices to make sure he can lead the team to victory in the traditional Fourth of July charity match. That win, and becoming captain, is exactly what he needs to make sure he can go on to college and a career as a pro player. But then he meets Chip, Ryan's cousin and another boy working at the Institute, who definitely is not a fan of his after hearing that he supposedly pulled that stunt with the dead shark... But Chip is adorable and smart and so passionate about conservation work that Zack starts to wonder if he really wants to keep this secret under wraps? And is the future he's picked out for himself really what he wants after all?
Look, this story is cute. It's light and straightforward and low-stakes. As with Weber's previous book, it doesn't necessarily do anything remarkable or revolutionary, but there's nothing wrong with that. It's an easy summertime read. It does deal wonderfully with topics of deciding your own future versus the one that has been picked out for you, and the impacts of divorce, but it (delightfully) exists in a queer-friendly version of the world where whatever Zack and Chip might encounter for difficulties, homophobia is never one of them.
I Like Me Better is a simple summery story that I can absolutely see putting on my classroom bookshelves for a quick, low-stakes read for my students.
3.5 stars rounded up!
Robby Weber can go ahead and take his crown as the king of YA gay summer romcoms, I think. Between both this book and his previous one, If You Change Your Mind, he has found his niche, and it's a good one. He has a talent for low stakes, mellow, summery queer romantic comedies. These are light, easy reads that are perfect for packing in your bag for a day at the beach.
Knowing this is the only way to completely ensure his spot as captain of the varsity soccer team next year, Zack volunteers to take the fall for current-captain (and mentor) Ryan when a senior prank involving another team and a dead shark goes wrong. That means he now has to fit in volunteering at the local Marine Life Institute a few hours a day as community service, on top of early morning soccer practices to make sure he can lead the team to victory in the traditional Fourth of July charity match. That win, and becoming captain, is exactly what he needs to make sure he can go on to college and a career as a pro player. But then he meets Chip, Ryan's cousin and another boy working at the Institute, who definitely is not a fan of his after hearing that he supposedly pulled that stunt with the dead shark... But Chip is adorable and smart and so passionate about conservation work that Zack starts to wonder if he really wants to keep this secret under wraps? And is the future he's picked out for himself really what he wants after all?
Look, this story is cute. It's light and straightforward and low-stakes. As with Weber's previous book, it doesn't necessarily do anything remarkable or revolutionary, but there's nothing wrong with that. It's an easy summertime read. It does deal wonderfully with topics of deciding your own future versus the one that has been picked out for you, and the impacts of divorce, but it (delightfully) exists in a queer-friendly version of the world where whatever Zack and Chip might encounter for difficulties, homophobia is never one of them.
I Like Me Better is a simple summery story that I can absolutely see putting on my classroom bookshelves for a quick, low-stakes read for my students.
April 10, 2023
This YA summertime romance is a charming easy read about growing up and that there’s more than winning and popularity. I adore the summertime vibes in both of Robby’s books - the beach, summer jobs, sports practices, and volunteering at a marine life institute. 🐬 🌊
Zach is a rising senior, star of the soccer team, when his mentor Ryan (POS) asks him to cover for him after an ill advised prank. He now has to fit in summer volunteer hours, while also organizing summer team practice before the annual 4th of July match, where he’s expected to lead the team to victory and elected team captain.
But after meeting a cute boy, Chip, who works at the Marine Life Institute - he might rethink his plans on what he wants out of his senior year and life in general.
Perhaps the plot was overly simple and stakes a little too low for my taste, but I still overall enjoyed this read.
Loved just how accepted it was that Zach was gay. Zero homophobia, no discovery or coming out necessary, or other friction that’s common in queer books - although those do add character depth that I felt was lacking otherwise.
𝙄 𝙇𝙞𝙠𝙚 𝙈𝙚 𝘽𝙚𝙩𝙩𝙚𝙧 by Robby Weber (2023) ★★★.5
Comes out May 2nd
Thanks to Inkyard Press and NetGalley for a chance to early review this story in exchange for an honest review.
Zach is a rising senior, star of the soccer team, when his mentor Ryan (POS) asks him to cover for him after an ill advised prank. He now has to fit in summer volunteer hours, while also organizing summer team practice before the annual 4th of July match, where he’s expected to lead the team to victory and elected team captain.
But after meeting a cute boy, Chip, who works at the Marine Life Institute - he might rethink his plans on what he wants out of his senior year and life in general.
Perhaps the plot was overly simple and stakes a little too low for my taste, but I still overall enjoyed this read.
Loved just how accepted it was that Zach was gay. Zero homophobia, no discovery or coming out necessary, or other friction that’s common in queer books - although those do add character depth that I felt was lacking otherwise.
𝙄 𝙇𝙞𝙠𝙚 𝙈𝙚 𝘽𝙚𝙩𝙩𝙚𝙧 by Robby Weber (2023) ★★★.5
Comes out May 2nd
Thanks to Inkyard Press and NetGalley for a chance to early review this story in exchange for an honest review.
June 18, 2023
I have received an Advance Reader's Copy of this book through a giveaway hosted by the publisher. This has not affected my rating or review in any way.
I Like Me Better by Robby Weber is a sweet contemporary romance between two high-school boys- Zack, a soccer player and Chip, a seaside conservationist. It has elements of comedy and enemies-to-lovers (one of my favorite tropes of all time) as well as discussions on environmental and sealife conservation.
I liked Weber’s writing style, and the characters were well-developed, entertaining, and enjoyable. I particularly liked Zack, I found him to be a great main protagonist. I also liked Zack’s love interest Chip and his friend Meyers.
The plot of the novel was very well balanced with the romance- a problem I typically have with contemporaries. If you know me at all, you probably know that I’m not the biggest fan of contemporaries as I find them having an imbalance between the romance and the actual plot of the novel, or even lacking plot entirely. However, this was one of those contemporaries where I did not have this problem! I was also really happy about all of the Taylor Swift and marvel references. This was a great mellow, summery novel.
I Like Me Better is a short, fast-paced contemporary romance I highly recommend this to fans of the Heartstopper novels by Alice Oseman!
I Like Me Better by Robby Weber is a sweet contemporary romance between two high-school boys- Zack, a soccer player and Chip, a seaside conservationist. It has elements of comedy and enemies-to-lovers (one of my favorite tropes of all time) as well as discussions on environmental and sealife conservation.
I liked Weber’s writing style, and the characters were well-developed, entertaining, and enjoyable. I particularly liked Zack, I found him to be a great main protagonist. I also liked Zack’s love interest Chip and his friend Meyers.
The plot of the novel was very well balanced with the romance- a problem I typically have with contemporaries. If you know me at all, you probably know that I’m not the biggest fan of contemporaries as I find them having an imbalance between the romance and the actual plot of the novel, or even lacking plot entirely. However, this was one of those contemporaries where I did not have this problem! I was also really happy about all of the Taylor Swift and marvel references. This was a great mellow, summery novel.
I Like Me Better is a short, fast-paced contemporary romance I highly recommend this to fans of the Heartstopper novels by Alice Oseman!
June 12, 2023
3.5 rounded up.
A gay soccer player covers for his team captain, taking the fall for a prank and finds himself falling for the boy he has to spend community service with all summer. This was a heartfelt YA romance with good lessons about standing up for what you believe in and following through on commitments.
It was also good on audio read by Amin El Gamal (a new to me narrator). Many thanks to NetGalley and the publisher for an early digital copy in exchange for my honest review! Recommended for readers looking for a cute summer sports romance with a side of climate change activism.
A gay soccer player covers for his team captain, taking the fall for a prank and finds himself falling for the boy he has to spend community service with all summer. This was a heartfelt YA romance with good lessons about standing up for what you believe in and following through on commitments.
It was also good on audio read by Amin El Gamal (a new to me narrator). Many thanks to NetGalley and the publisher for an early digital copy in exchange for my honest review! Recommended for readers looking for a cute summer sports romance with a side of climate change activism.
January 11, 2023
got a netgalley arc of this a long time ago because CUTE COVER also description and it has a soccer ball in my obsession era, all signs pointed to me liking it but GOD that wasn't the case, honestly i didn't hate it, Chip was adorable(so adorable that I'm forgiving the name), he was a force of nature i loved everything about him he is the true hero of this book (along with beck and meyers) but zack god i get the only kid of divorced person fighting for attention but? I didn't feel for him, he just felt like a kid who needs some good therapy? he acted like a kid honestly so i can't fault him it's true to a T, but he made this book less enjoyable because ew seeking Ryan's approval (horrible human being btw), overall second half was amazing and the cover truly is so so pretty once again<3
June 2, 2023
This book was super wholesome which normally isn't my cup of tea but I still enjoyed it very much.
It's a really good young adult book if the reader is into saving the ocean and the sea life. There's a lot of information about soccer for the athletes who like reading.
My only thing was that Chip, the love interest, was not very developed in descriptions. I just couldn't connect with him very well, but did love that he wanted to do good in the world.
It's a really good young adult book if the reader is into saving the ocean and the sea life. There's a lot of information about soccer for the athletes who like reading.
My only thing was that Chip, the love interest, was not very developed in descriptions. I just couldn't connect with him very well, but did love that he wanted to do good in the world.
May 2, 2023
This book was a nice ode to growing up and dealing with life's problems, all within a summer setting. This was a subtly funny book with a great cast of characters and enough secrets to keep the plot moving along.
Our main character had a crazy go of things throughout the book. Zack's troubles are very relatable. He's balancing his parents' divorce, trying to be the best team leader possible, standing up for a friend, etc. In order to achieve these things, he's doing a lot of things he knows aren't great, but feels are necessary.
Zack was not quite who I thought he was going to be. He was a weird mix of confident jock and shy, just-wants-to-fit-in teenager. It took a minute for me to get a lock on his character and personality, which was fine, but I would have liked to been able to figure it out sooner. Chip's character was a little easier to grasp. He was nice and focused on his future goals and job. Buuuut he was a little boring, if we're being honest.
The romance was fine, but I didn't feel loads of chemistry between Zack and Chip. I think this goes back to their personalities and the problems I had with them.
Overall, great summer vibes and queer rep, but not the best or most entertaining story. This wouldn't be at the top of my list of recommendations, but I didn't hate it.
Disclaimer: I voluntarily read and reviewed a gifted and advanced copy of this book. All thoughts and opinions are my own.
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Our main character had a crazy go of things throughout the book. Zack's troubles are very relatable. He's balancing his parents' divorce, trying to be the best team leader possible, standing up for a friend, etc. In order to achieve these things, he's doing a lot of things he knows aren't great, but feels are necessary.
Zack was not quite who I thought he was going to be. He was a weird mix of confident jock and shy, just-wants-to-fit-in teenager. It took a minute for me to get a lock on his character and personality, which was fine, but I would have liked to been able to figure it out sooner. Chip's character was a little easier to grasp. He was nice and focused on his future goals and job. Buuuut he was a little boring, if we're being honest.
The romance was fine, but I didn't feel loads of chemistry between Zack and Chip. I think this goes back to their personalities and the problems I had with them.
Overall, great summer vibes and queer rep, but not the best or most entertaining story. This wouldn't be at the top of my list of recommendations, but I didn't hate it.
Disclaimer: I voluntarily read and reviewed a gifted and advanced copy of this book. All thoughts and opinions are my own.
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August 13, 2023
This book had its mix of surprises and letdowns that can’t be brushed aside. While Robby Weber’s first book didn’t fully resonate with me, “I Like Me Better,” his second work, displayed more potential and managed to capture my attention at times.
The beginning felt a bit cheesy with the repeated Taylor Swift references, but the narrative gradually found its rhythm. An aspect worth mentioning is how the book handles the main character’s sexuality, treating it without overstating the point. His identity as a guy who enjoys soccer and is attracted to other guys blends seamlessly into the storyline, offering a fresh approach.
The collective portrayal of Zack, the main character, as unlikable troubled me. The narrative seemed to push the idea that he was a self-centred jerk, forcing Zack to embark on an unnecessary journey to redemption, even sacrificing hard-earned accomplishments due to others’ misconceptions. The love interest, despite knowing Zack only superficially, hastily passed judgment based on minor missteps. While acknowledging Zack’s flaws, the treatment he had to go through felt excessive, unusual, and occasionally cringy. Unfortunately, this aspect impacted my overall enjoyment of the book.
The beginning felt a bit cheesy with the repeated Taylor Swift references, but the narrative gradually found its rhythm. An aspect worth mentioning is how the book handles the main character’s sexuality, treating it without overstating the point. His identity as a guy who enjoys soccer and is attracted to other guys blends seamlessly into the storyline, offering a fresh approach.
The collective portrayal of Zack, the main character, as unlikable troubled me. The narrative seemed to push the idea that he was a self-centred jerk, forcing Zack to embark on an unnecessary journey to redemption, even sacrificing hard-earned accomplishments due to others’ misconceptions. The love interest, despite knowing Zack only superficially, hastily passed judgment based on minor missteps. While acknowledging Zack’s flaws, the treatment he had to go through felt excessive, unusual, and occasionally cringy. Unfortunately, this aspect impacted my overall enjoyment of the book.
June 12, 2023
This should have been the perfect summer read for me in theory, but unfortunately it wasn't entirely my thing. There were definitely parts I enjoyed, and I liked the ending, but Zack was really unlikeable for most of the book, which made me enjoy the book less. I know it was very much the point of the book and it was intended that way, but I just didn't find myself rooting for him, and I didn't think he was a very interesting character.
did-not-finish
October 9, 2024Dnf at 35%
Not for me. Too juvenile to get into.
Not for me. Too juvenile to get into.
May 12, 2025
the main character annoyed me so much
May 2, 2023
This was my first read from Robby Weber, and I enjoyed it!
I Like Me Better is a fun, low-stakes book perfect for summer and if you want a romcom with some excellent queer rep this is definitely for you. It had solid characters and a solid central romance though I did find myself struggling with my thoughts on the plot.
Our main character Zack is a soccer player and is in line to be his school's next soccer captain replacing a senior named Ryan. Ryan decided to pull a prank on a rival team that could potentially make him lose his scholarship to Duke and so he asks Zack to help him by covering for him. Zack lies and says the prank was him and gets community service and many personal problems in return.
The plot isn't bad in theory for sure but it just had a lot of oversights because yes Zack idolizes Ryan and lies for him because he convinced himself that was best for the team but if so many of his teammates and friends knew that it wasn't him in the first place why did they not ask him about it immediately?
Zack was also a bit lackluster for me. He isn't a bad guy and throughout the book you see him trying to grow and change but a lot of his struggle (especially in the first half) seemed pretty much his fault which was probably the point but I just found Zack very hard to sympathize with at all but I also saw how he could make the mistakes so I was stuck in a weird middle ground when reading.
I really liked the relationship between Zack and Chip though it was fairly fleshed out and the characters were believably interested in each other. I did however really love Noel as a side character and even though I liked the build of his and Zack's friendship I think it could have been interesting to explore Zack and Noel as a romantic option but I could just be a bit obsessed with enemies to lovers who knows?
I did enjoy my read of this though as I said it was a simple, fun, and fast read with really good Summer tones and I liked the pop culture references a lot (them being there could take me out of the scene a bit but they added to development) the characters were interesting and believable highschoolers. A highlight for me was also the Marine Institute along with the commentary on environmental friendliness though I feel like Chip did sometimes feel like an outlet instead of his own personality.
Thanks to BookishFirst and Inkyard Press for an advanced copy in exchange for an honest review!
I Like Me Better is a fun, low-stakes book perfect for summer and if you want a romcom with some excellent queer rep this is definitely for you. It had solid characters and a solid central romance though I did find myself struggling with my thoughts on the plot.
Our main character Zack is a soccer player and is in line to be his school's next soccer captain replacing a senior named Ryan. Ryan decided to pull a prank on a rival team that could potentially make him lose his scholarship to Duke and so he asks Zack to help him by covering for him. Zack lies and says the prank was him and gets community service and many personal problems in return.
The plot isn't bad in theory for sure but it just had a lot of oversights because yes Zack idolizes Ryan and lies for him because he convinced himself that was best for the team but if so many of his teammates and friends knew that it wasn't him in the first place why did they not ask him about it immediately?
Zack was also a bit lackluster for me. He isn't a bad guy and throughout the book you see him trying to grow and change but a lot of his struggle (especially in the first half) seemed pretty much his fault which was probably the point but I just found Zack very hard to sympathize with at all but I also saw how he could make the mistakes so I was stuck in a weird middle ground when reading.
I really liked the relationship between Zack and Chip though it was fairly fleshed out and the characters were believably interested in each other. I did however really love Noel as a side character and even though I liked the build of his and Zack's friendship I think it could have been interesting to explore Zack and Noel as a romantic option but I could just be a bit obsessed with enemies to lovers who knows?
I did enjoy my read of this though as I said it was a simple, fun, and fast read with really good Summer tones and I liked the pop culture references a lot (them being there could take me out of the scene a bit but they added to development) the characters were interesting and believable highschoolers. A highlight for me was also the Marine Institute along with the commentary on environmental friendliness though I feel like Chip did sometimes feel like an outlet instead of his own personality.
Thanks to BookishFirst and Inkyard Press for an advanced copy in exchange for an honest review!
May 7, 2023
I wanted to love this book. Seamless queer rep plus a soccer storyline? Count me in. I have to give the author so much credit for how natural it was to have queer characters. However, the dialogue was not realistic as far as how teenagers really talk (and this is coming from a high school teacher and swim coach who is around teenagers talking all day long) and I could not get over the absurdity of the prank and why Zack would jeopardize everything he has going for him when he had absolutely no involvement or reason to take the fall. I was unable to suspend my disbelief and I am really sad that this did not work for me. Others may feel differently so I say give it a try if you are interested. Thank you to NetGalley for the ARC!
did-not-finish
January 15, 2023dnf @50%. nothing wrong with the book but as an adult gay these sort of books are just too young for me now, which makes sense since they ARE YA. hope the rest of yall like it though <3
August 3, 2025
Okay so I’ve officially finished all of the books in the Citrus Harbor series (Everything About You comes out next month!!) and I just adore these teens.
If you don’t subscribe to @robbyreads’ newsletter, you really should. He wrote one not long ago about “unlikeable” teen characters and it was really heartfelt and super well done. This is important especially in this book because Zack is a bit of a mess. And I LOVED him. His growth was so incredibly good throughout the book and it’s Robby allowing his characters to fail, and fail spectacularly, that really sets him apart in the YA lit space.
It’s interesting to me when people read books for teens and say that it was too YA or the kids were silly and selfish and self centered. Um, have you met teens? They are growing up, going through puberty, dealing with the world being on literal fire, and I don’t know, maybe it’s not a stretch for teens to be messy?? I love reading books about teens. I wish I’d had so many of these books when I was growing up so I could find myself sooner.
Anyways. Zack and Chip are my little cutie pie angel faces. Their romance was so sweet and I like how Chip slowly let Zack in. I loved Meyers, he seriously brought so much fun and levity to this book. He dropped in with his one liners and random bits of goofiness that just kept me giggling.
I love how the book balanced serious and sweet, competition and drive with love and affection, and how it really let teens be teens. Robby is so incredibly good at this. I also just genuinely enjoyed the writing. 💜
Thanks for another great book @robbyreads !!!
If you don’t subscribe to @robbyreads’ newsletter, you really should. He wrote one not long ago about “unlikeable” teen characters and it was really heartfelt and super well done. This is important especially in this book because Zack is a bit of a mess. And I LOVED him. His growth was so incredibly good throughout the book and it’s Robby allowing his characters to fail, and fail spectacularly, that really sets him apart in the YA lit space.
It’s interesting to me when people read books for teens and say that it was too YA or the kids were silly and selfish and self centered. Um, have you met teens? They are growing up, going through puberty, dealing with the world being on literal fire, and I don’t know, maybe it’s not a stretch for teens to be messy?? I love reading books about teens. I wish I’d had so many of these books when I was growing up so I could find myself sooner.
Anyways. Zack and Chip are my little cutie pie angel faces. Their romance was so sweet and I like how Chip slowly let Zack in. I loved Meyers, he seriously brought so much fun and levity to this book. He dropped in with his one liners and random bits of goofiness that just kept me giggling.
I love how the book balanced serious and sweet, competition and drive with love and affection, and how it really let teens be teens. Robby is so incredibly good at this. I also just genuinely enjoyed the writing. 💜
Thanks for another great book @robbyreads !!!
May 10, 2023
Won Finished Hardcover in BookishFirst.com Giveaway!
This was a sweet young adult contemporary gay novel about a teenage boy who has a lot on his plate. Becoming a senior, hopefully becoming soccer captain, falling in love, fighting with friends, it's all very nostalgic. I don't miss it! Ha. Zack seems to have it all so when the former soccer captain, and Zack's idol, Ryan, asks him to lie for him, Zack "takes one for the team" and bears the prank on his shoulders instead of his friend, Meyers's shoulders like Ryan suggested. What comes of that is community service at a marine research center, a cute new crush who happens to be Ryan's cousin and hates soccer, a fallout when he's honest with one friend over another, and more. I think Zack learns a lot over the course of the book and definitely starts growing into his adult self. He finally starts seeing people for who they really are instead of who they pretend to be and he finds some new friends along the way. A great sophomore novel. Now I have to go read Weber's debut!
This was a sweet young adult contemporary gay novel about a teenage boy who has a lot on his plate. Becoming a senior, hopefully becoming soccer captain, falling in love, fighting with friends, it's all very nostalgic. I don't miss it! Ha. Zack seems to have it all so when the former soccer captain, and Zack's idol, Ryan, asks him to lie for him, Zack "takes one for the team" and bears the prank on his shoulders instead of his friend, Meyers's shoulders like Ryan suggested. What comes of that is community service at a marine research center, a cute new crush who happens to be Ryan's cousin and hates soccer, a fallout when he's honest with one friend over another, and more. I think Zack learns a lot over the course of the book and definitely starts growing into his adult self. He finally starts seeing people for who they really are instead of who they pretend to be and he finds some new friends along the way. A great sophomore novel. Now I have to go read Weber's debut!
July 3, 2023
This book is really cute and low stakes, like there is very little... anything. The main draw of that is the fact that literally anything that is not the main couple, I couldn't have given any less of a fuck about. Like I'm being so honest, anything that didn't directly involve Chip and Zack as a couple, I didn't care about.
The characters were cute, Zack was alright. I preferred Chip, I adored him, honestly. He is just so adorable. I fucking hated Ryan, it's obvious from the get-go that he's a complete bastard but man does the story just continue to nail that home. Zack was a bit annoying with the fact that he wouldn't see that, but the whole point is he looks up to him so it gets a pass, I suppose.
I cared way more about the conservatory than the soccer aspect, but that might've been because the conservatory directly revolved around Chip, who has stated above, I cared about way more. I could tell from the very beginning that he wasn't getting the Captain position. And wow, I must be a genius, because I'm right. Not really, the story is quite predictable.
But that's what's fun about. It's cute and lighthearted, and the fact that BOTH characters were openly out as gay was such a breath of fresh air. The complete absence of homophobia (which is present in a lot of varying queer media) was so refreshing as well, especially seeing as how it revolves around a literal sports team. I didn't find the pop culture references too cringy, I think they flowed alright throughout the story. Though to be fair I just read a book that had an atrocious amount of pop culture references so maybe I'm just desensitized.
Anyways, I would recommend. It's short, it's cute, and it's gay. What more do you really need?
The characters were cute, Zack was alright. I preferred Chip, I adored him, honestly. He is just so adorable. I fucking hated Ryan, it's obvious from the get-go that he's a complete bastard but man does the story just continue to nail that home. Zack was a bit annoying with the fact that he wouldn't see that, but the whole point is he looks up to him so it gets a pass, I suppose.
I cared way more about the conservatory than the soccer aspect, but that might've been because the conservatory directly revolved around Chip, who has stated above, I cared about way more. I could tell from the very beginning that he wasn't getting the Captain position. And wow, I must be a genius, because I'm right. Not really, the story is quite predictable.
But that's what's fun about. It's cute and lighthearted, and the fact that BOTH characters were openly out as gay was such a breath of fresh air. The complete absence of homophobia (which is present in a lot of varying queer media) was so refreshing as well, especially seeing as how it revolves around a literal sports team. I didn't find the pop culture references too cringy, I think they flowed alright throughout the story. Though to be fair I just read a book that had an atrocious amount of pop culture references so maybe I'm just desensitized.
Anyways, I would recommend. It's short, it's cute, and it's gay. What more do you really need?
July 23, 2023
This was cute and as someone who spent a lot of time at the aquarium while in college, I really enjoyed the setting for this book! BUT, I was not expecting there to be so many Taylor Swift references. Don’t get me wrong, I am a swiftie myself, but I shy away from too many music references as they tend to date the book (unless we are talking oldies references or past icons - Dolly Parton in Dumplin') and unfortunately I think they did so here. Referencing the “eras” of Taylor Swift makes sense now, but I fear it won’t always and for me it was a little cringe regardless.
Speaking of cringe… Zack. I can sum him his characterization up in a single image:
He was a frustrating character to be stuck I the head of sometimes. His focus was flighty. One moment his priority is helping his friends, then it’s getting team captain, then it’s winning the game, then it’s helping chip, but then it’s about getting team captain again? (It all comes back to, well, the epic highs and lows of high schoolfootball soccer) At the end of this book I am still confused about what his priorities are (I fear he is as well)
At end of the day the underlying story of this book was nice but the sheer amount of pop culture references left it feeling disingenuous.
Speaking of cringe… Zack. I can sum him his characterization up in a single image:
He was a frustrating character to be stuck I the head of sometimes. His focus was flighty. One moment his priority is helping his friends, then it’s getting team captain, then it’s winning the game, then it’s helping chip, but then it’s about getting team captain again? (It all comes back to, well, the epic highs and lows of high school
At end of the day the underlying story of this book was nice but the sheer amount of pop culture references left it feeling disingenuous.
February 18, 2023
An enjoyable and environmentally conscious queer YA novel about two boys spending their summer volunteering at the Marine Institute and getting to know each other along the way.
Zack Martin is a star of his high school soccer team and ready to be voted in captain for his senior year. With pressure from an older player he looks up to Zack takes the fall for him and confesses to a prank he did not execute involving a real shark. This lands Zack with community service for the summer and when he meets a cute boy he hasn’t talked to before, Chip, he quickly relocates his hours from the library to the Marine Institute.
This is a great story for young/teen readers, especially young gay/queer boys who are looking for a story to see themselves represented that is reflective of the pressure they feel from sports/extra curricular, maintaining and apologizing in friendships and the hope and butterflies in finding someone. The struggle Zack goes through in regards to putting the soccer team before himself and beginning to recognize when he should apologize first are definitely things that teens will find relatable.
I did appreciate the author throwing in the caveat at the end about some single use plastics (such as straws) are important to individuals with disabilities.
4 stars
⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
Thank you to NetGalley and InkYard Press for the E-ARC in exchange for an honest review.
Zack Martin is a star of his high school soccer team and ready to be voted in captain for his senior year. With pressure from an older player he looks up to Zack takes the fall for him and confesses to a prank he did not execute involving a real shark. This lands Zack with community service for the summer and when he meets a cute boy he hasn’t talked to before, Chip, he quickly relocates his hours from the library to the Marine Institute.
This is a great story for young/teen readers, especially young gay/queer boys who are looking for a story to see themselves represented that is reflective of the pressure they feel from sports/extra curricular, maintaining and apologizing in friendships and the hope and butterflies in finding someone. The struggle Zack goes through in regards to putting the soccer team before himself and beginning to recognize when he should apologize first are definitely things that teens will find relatable.
I did appreciate the author throwing in the caveat at the end about some single use plastics (such as straws) are important to individuals with disabilities.
4 stars
⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
Thank you to NetGalley and InkYard Press for the E-ARC in exchange for an honest review.
July 8, 2023
4.5⭐️ a sweet, fun summer ya romance filled with great friends, Swifties, self-discovery, cute marine biologist boys, and saving the planet!
This story was definitely one of growth, self-discovery and the tragedy that is high school self worth. Mean jocks rule and no one wants to be laughed at. Zack has tied his self worth to the approval from his soccer captain and his divorced parents. Through his friendship with super sweet and slightly anxious Chip, he starts to question himself, his actions and his attitude. It’s slow and scary and soft but Zack does the work, as much as a high schooler can, takes accountability and keeps trying. I adore Chip and his space fascination and his passion for environmental conservation. He’s the steadying hand to Zack’s ever moving presence.
The soccer team family aspect was so sweet. I loved seeing Zack own his own identity and personality and stop taking his friends for granted. He was vulnerable and open and trusted his team to not laugh at him and to support him while he did the same for them.
Was it a bit dramatic? Yes. Was there angst? Yes. Pining? Absolutely. And I loved it all!
Loved the queer normativity! It was the perfect read after an emotional Brothersong finish.
This story was definitely one of growth, self-discovery and the tragedy that is high school self worth. Mean jocks rule and no one wants to be laughed at. Zack has tied his self worth to the approval from his soccer captain and his divorced parents. Through his friendship with super sweet and slightly anxious Chip, he starts to question himself, his actions and his attitude. It’s slow and scary and soft but Zack does the work, as much as a high schooler can, takes accountability and keeps trying. I adore Chip and his space fascination and his passion for environmental conservation. He’s the steadying hand to Zack’s ever moving presence.
The soccer team family aspect was so sweet. I loved seeing Zack own his own identity and personality and stop taking his friends for granted. He was vulnerable and open and trusted his team to not laugh at him and to support him while he did the same for them.
Was it a bit dramatic? Yes. Was there angst? Yes. Pining? Absolutely. And I loved it all!
Loved the queer normativity! It was the perfect read after an emotional Brothersong finish.
August 31, 2023
Ryan pulled a prank and Zack took the fall because if they know that it was Ryan who did it, his scholarship will put in end. Zack volunteered at the beach so that he can be with Chip. He feels that Chips knows about the prank. So he wants to show that his not like that, that he was really a good guy.
Since the beginning I feel something off with Ryan. Yes Zack took the fall for him but I fell like Ryan doesn’t appreciate it and his just being an ass to Zack. Beckett was also noticing it that Ryan was only using Zack.
I loved how everyone stand up for Zack. Because they knows about what Ryan did and what Zack did too, just to cover up Ryan.
Since the beginning I feel something off with Ryan. Yes Zack took the fall for him but I fell like Ryan doesn’t appreciate it and his just being an ass to Zack. Beckett was also noticing it that Ryan was only using Zack.
I loved how everyone stand up for Zack. Because they knows about what Ryan did and what Zack did too, just to cover up Ryan.
February 2, 2023
4.5/5 stars! Read this as an ARC.
What a great YA read! The characters in this book are excellent and how they grow is even better. The conflicts that push the plot are realistic to being a teenager, including how it can complicate things with those around you. Zach had to grow on me but I think that’s what makes him a great character. Chip was a great counterpart. Altogether, this was a great one! I look forward to people being able to read this for themselves when it releases in May!
What a great YA read! The characters in this book are excellent and how they grow is even better. The conflicts that push the plot are realistic to being a teenager, including how it can complicate things with those around you. Zach had to grow on me but I think that’s what makes him a great character. Chip was a great counterpart. Altogether, this was a great one! I look forward to people being able to read this for themselves when it releases in May!
December 12, 2023
This was such a cute and fun read! Can‘t believe I waited so long to finally read it.
I recently got out of my young adult era so I wasn’t too sure about this book but it was so wholesome and I enjoyed reading it.
The struggles in relationships and friendships felt so real and believable!
Thanks NetGalley for an earc
I recently got out of my young adult era so I wasn’t too sure about this book but it was so wholesome and I enjoyed reading it.
The struggles in relationships and friendships felt so real and believable!
Thanks NetGalley for an earc
August 14, 2025
Evil Blue Lock be like: "I can’t wait to see which one of my teammates scores the winning goal."
July 20, 2023
Mehh. I was excited to read this because I was hoping the title would have a big reference around my fave song by Lauv. Although it does have several T Swift references with chapter titles.
March 24, 2023
This book was super cute! I really enjoyed it.
I liked both of the main characters a lot; naturally, because it was all from Zack's point of view, I would have liked to see more of Chip's life, but I did like what we did get to see!
Zack starts out as a bit of a pretentious asshole, focused solely on becoming his school's soccer team captain, but over the course of the book (and as he gets closer to Chip), he starts to find other things to care about - namely marine science and his friends.
Chip is adorable, and his passion for animals and the environment makes him even more endearing. I really liked seeing him soften toward Zack throughout the course of the book.
I actually didn't have any issue with Zack's relationship with Ryan - I think it was well done and watching Zack start to realize what a massive asshole Ryan is and separate himself from Ryan's legacy was pivotal to his character development.
Maybe I'm biased because I also grew up in a beach resort town and I also wanted to be an astrophysicist when I was Chip's age, but I did really love this book!
Thank you to Netgalley for providing me with an eARC of this book in exchange for an honest review.
I liked both of the main characters a lot; naturally, because it was all from Zack's point of view, I would have liked to see more of Chip's life, but I did like what we did get to see!
Zack starts out as a bit of a pretentious asshole, focused solely on becoming his school's soccer team captain, but over the course of the book (and as he gets closer to Chip), he starts to find other things to care about - namely marine science and his friends.
Chip is adorable, and his passion for animals and the environment makes him even more endearing. I really liked seeing him soften toward Zack throughout the course of the book.
I actually didn't have any issue with Zack's relationship with Ryan - I think it was well done and watching Zack start to realize what a massive asshole Ryan is and separate himself from Ryan's legacy was pivotal to his character development.
Maybe I'm biased because I also grew up in a beach resort town and I also wanted to be an astrophysicist when I was Chip's age, but I did really love this book!
Thank you to Netgalley for providing me with an eARC of this book in exchange for an honest review.
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