Published by Simon & Schuster Books for Young ReadersDate Published: 4 May, 2021
Pages: 368
Genres: Middle Grade, Young Adult
Format: Print ARC
Source: Publisher
Purchase: Amazon
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In this rom-com about rom-coms, in the spirit of Kasie West and Jenn Bennett, a hopeless romantic teen attempts to secure a happily-ever-after moment with her forever crush, but finds herself reluctantly drawn to the boy next door.
Perpetual daydreamer Liz Buxbaum gave her heart to Michael a long time ago. But her cool, aloof forever crush never really saw her before he moved away. Now that he’s back in town, Liz will do whatever it takes to get on his radar—and maybe snag him as a prom date—even befriend Wes Bennet.
The annoyingly attractive next-door neighbor might seem like a prime candidate for romantic comedy fantasies, but Wes has only been a pain in Liz’s butt since they were kids. Pranks involving frogs and decapitated lawn gnomes do not a potential boyfriend make. Yet, somehow, Wes and Michael are hitting it off, which means Wes is Liz’s in.
But as Liz and Wes scheme to get Liz noticed by Michael so she can have her magical prom moment, she’s shocked to discover that she likes being around Wes. And as they continue to grow closer, she must reexamine everything she thought she knew about love—and rethink her own ideas of what Happily Ever After should look like.
I received a complimentary copy of this book from the Author/Publisher and was under no obligation to post a review, positive or negative.
My Thoughts
I’ve been in a book funk of late. Nothing really capture me. But this book…..this book changed that! I’m so excited to say that this novel did the trip and I am no longer in a funk!
One of my favorite kinds of movies is romcoms. I love the feel good feelings I get when I watch. I love making a connection with the characters. And let me tell you. This romcom debut from Painter is a fun one for sure! It was adorable and angsty and really kept me up late turning the pages.
Reading this, I felt like I was sitting in a movie theather watching Liz and Wes form a friendship they didn’t know they could have. The tropes that Painter weaves into this story are some of my favorites to read about. The witty banter between these endearing characters is unforgettable and really left me ready for more from this talented author!
I loved every moment of this adorable read, and I know it’s one I’ll be reading again and again! My Young Adult loving side is shouting bring on more, and my romcom movie loving self is wondering when this one will be made into a film, because I’ll be the first in line for tickets. Think Kissing Booth & To All The Boys I’ve Loved Before on the big screens!
If you are looking for a fun, witty 4 star read, then look no further. Page turn after page turn will leave you smiling, taking you on a trip down memory lane, thinking about first loves and new loves. This is definitely one I’ll be recommending over and over again!
About Lynn Painter
Lynn Painter lives with her husband and pack of wild children in Nebraska, where she is a weekly contributor to the Omaha World-Herald and an avid fan of napping. When working on a new book, she can often be found sound asleep on her office floor. Some might say she should grow up and stop randomly dozing off like she’s a toddler, but Lynn considers it part of her writing “process.”
Sounds like acute read!