Book Review: The Upside of Unrequited by Becky Albertalli

The Upside of Unrequited

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The Upside of Unrequited 〰️

This book was a bit of a hit-and-miss for me. I didn't love it like the first book, but I didn't dislike it. It was just okay. It did get really good near the end, but I wasn't super into the start. That's not because the writing wasn't good, it was. It just didn't vibe with me, I guess.

I hate that Albertalli was trying to convince the readers there was a love triangle between Will and Reid. Mainly because it felt like she was trying to convince us that Will was even an option, Molly barely interacted with him and only thought about him briefly when she was with Reid saying things like she should be thinking about WIll and not Reid. There was zero chemistry between Molloy and Will from their first interaction, yet most of the book tried to convince us she was super into in and that he was an option as a love interest. From her first interaction with Reid, they had chemistry and interacted more. It was clear he was the love interest, and Will was just there for lame reasons.

Aside from that, I love all of the representation in this story. We've got multiple people on the LGBTQ+ spectrum (bi, lesbian, pan, gay). We've got multicultural characters (yay, Mina! She was my favourite character and not because we share the same name). We've got different religions and friend groups. We even got some plus size rep. Love all of that.

However, I'm not sure I'd call this a companion to Love, Simon. Besides having Abby as a side character and a few Simon name drops (and one cameo), there wasn't much that made this a cameo. It was its own book, and I feel it should stand alone. This is not how you'd write a companion. But at least there was more of Abby in the world, so I can't fault the book for that.

Was this my favourite Albertalli book? No. But would I still recommend it? Absolutely. When the book does cute moments, it does them right, and they hit hard. I'm a sucker for cute moments. And I like Molly's voice. She came across well on the page and was fun to read.

Book Review: Never Ever Getting Back Together by Sophie Gonzales

Never Ever Getting Back

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Never Ever Getting Back 〰️

Actual rating 4.5 stars.

I loved this book, but I did think it had some flaws. Nothing major. I loved the writing. Gonzales never disappoints with her writing and great characters. And having the setting be a reality TV show was super cool. I felt like I was finally let in on the behind-the-scenes of one of these shows, which was cool. A lot of research went into making this seem legit. (Unless Gonzales was on a reality show and wrote from experience. I don't think so, but I don't feel like looking that up).

As always, I love an excellent sapphic romance. I'm all here for that. It's why I picked up this book. And once Maya and Skye finally got together, it was adorably magical.

However, I feel like the romance didn't build up very well. They were both so intent on their Jordy revenge, with just a few small lines here and there, that they might be attracted to each other as more than friends. (I love good enemies to lovers trope, and this one was top-notch). But, they went from friends who may think a cute thought about the other on occasion to full-out making out every chance they get and falling madly in love super fast. I love their relationship, don't get me wrong, but it happened too fast, or rather, it didn't build properly. But if you put that bit aside, there was still chemistry between the two leads, so it still worked out great in the end. (I shipped them the entire time and wanted more).

I will admit I didn't entirely like Maya at first and would have preferred having more POVs from Skye's perspective, but she grew on me. And so did the story. It became much more than a revenge plot. And I love the friendship between all the girls on the show. Each with a unique story and was fun to read, despite how short or long some of them lasted.

All in all, this was still a fantastic read, and if you love the author's previous books, you'll also love this one.

Book Review: And They Lived... by Steven Salvatore

And They Lived...

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And They Lived... 〰️

I cannot praise this book enough. This story was exactly the type of story I love to write. I see a lot of my novel, SOUTH, in this story, from the animation to self-discovery journeys, super cute moments, the real hardships of life and mental health, and excellent characters. This story has it all; it was an honour to read.

I love how healthy all the relationships are in this novel. It's nice to read. And not only are the main characters dynamic and exciting to read, but the side characters are just as flesh-out and entertaining. (And OMG, I love Benny and Rae so much. Can we get a book on them just being the best of friends?)

And who doesn't love a good self-discovery story? I know I do. I've written one! We've got self-discovery with love, a journey of trying to love your body, and a journey of self-discovery regarding gender. And it's all handled very well. (And I'm happy the author included resources for those needing help in the book. There is no shame in seeking help when you need it).

The plot was solid, the cast was perfect, and the ending was *chef's kiss*. I can't recommend this book enough.

The only thing I have negative to say (and this is based on my own experience and is highly nitpicky) is that the animation program Chase attends seems awfully advanced for a first year. I actually went to an art school, studied animation and worked as an animator for years before changing careers. I say this to say that your first year, especially your first month of an animation program, is usually learning about the basics of animation. The program Chase is in and the work he's making sounds more like second-year work rather than first years, let alone the first semester. But maybe animation programs are just different in the US as opposed to Canada, where I went to art school.

That all being said, if you're looking for an excellent queer read, this book is 100% for you.

Book Review: The 99 Boyfriends of Micah Summers by Adam Sass

The 99 Boyfriends of Micah Summers

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The 99 Boyfriends of Micah Summers 〰️

The 99 Boyfriends of Micah Summers

What a perfect book to end the year on.

This book was a complete 180 from the author's first novel, Surrender Your Sons. (A book which I've read and thoroughly enjoyed). While his debut was a much darker read, this book is a light, fluffy romance full of love and family support, and I'm here for it. Comparing the two books Sass has written, I can tell he has perfected his writing craft. The tone and characters are so different, yet Sass still has his unique voice.

As for this book, I loved it from the first page to the end. It was a wonderful romance filled with so many cute moments. I absolutely love how all the parents in this book are so supportive. (Also, how cool was it that Micah, the MC, and his sister both turned out to be gay/lesbian? And their parents still love and accept both of them. Love that).

Sure, some of the romance can be a bit cheesy, but I will admit, I'm a sucker for cheesy romance. And having it be gay romance? I'm all aboard the cheese train.

I knew from the start that Boy 100, though as great as a couple they were, weren't going to last. I could tell Elliot was the better fit. I still love that Micah and Grant were still a great couple and got along well, but I felt the vibes were better with Elliot. Plus, having Micah get a boyfriend so early meant something would happen with their relationship. It's how stories (and life) go.

If you are looking for a read that has a fun MC as a narrator and a light cute romantic read filled with lots of little happy moments, this book is perfect for you. It's also good for mental health because there isn't anything triggering in the book. A great way to relax in a world where almost all the characters are gay. Also, how can you not want to read this book based on the cover alone? It's stunning. I highly recommend this lovely read.

Book Review: If This Gets Out by Sophia Gonzales and Cale Dietrich

If This Gets Out

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If This Gets Out 〰️

Actual rating: 4.5/5

Finally, a story where the characters fall in love early and get together early, and we have a lot of the rest of the book to read with them in a relationship. I love falling in love stories, but a lot of the ones I've been reading lately have it take the whole book for the characters to get together and then maybe a chapter of them being in a relationship before it ends. Yes, those books are great reads, but I want to see the relationship more. My own book is a mix of this, where it takes. While for them to get together but when they do, we still have a lot to read of them together.

I loved the chemistry, not just between Ruben and Zach, but the whole band of Saturday as a whole. You can tell they are all genuinely great friends and love each other. It's also great to read about close platonic relationships.

If This Gets Out Cover

I think Angel is my favourite character, though. I love them all, but he had such a great personality that I would have loved to see him more in the story. It was sad to see him succumb to drugs, but it's a reality for most pop stars.

Actually, this book as a whole was spot on for young celebrities. In fact, the whole industry knowledge was so well put together that you'd swear the authors were also part of a management company for pop stars. I mean I'm sure it's not too difficult to research everything, but they made it all seem very believable.

I love Zach's coming out story. It felt a bit rushed, but at the same time, not. It was established that he did find guys attractive before, but when he finally sees Ruben as something more, my queer heart squealed. Zach and Ruben are so cute together. And the fact that Angel and Jon are so accepting makes me happy.

Overall, a very great read. Many important topics are discussed, and that alone makes this a must-read, especially if you love LGBT+ stories.