A cute, fun summer read that gives a nod to both Cyrano de Bergerac and Simon vs. the Homo Sapiens Agenda
Olivia and Jake become online friends while sharing their love of horror films. When he asks for a photo and then sends one of himself, Olivia panics when she sees how cute he is and sends a selfie taken by her gorgeous best friend Katie. Little does she expect is that she’ll run into him when they both end up working at an adventure camp in upstate New York over the summer. When faced with the decision to reveal her true identity or perpetuate the lie, will she come clean or hope that Jake will fall for the real-life Olivia?
Although this sweet romance skews a bit young for a YA book, it has so much to love and messages to share. It’s refreshing to have main characters who come from loving families and aren’t abusing substances or sleeping around, yet don’t come off as goody two-shoes…although Jake IS adorable inside and out! Although Olivia is insecure enough about her looks to hide behind her friend, she still believes that all bodies are beautiful. By the end, she recognizes that everyone has insecurities, even if they seem perfect on the surface. The message about self-love and seeing yourself through others’ eyes is clear, but not preachy. A few more observations worth mentioning: horror film junkies will love that they feature heavily; there is a queer character who does not appear gratuitous; and, the lesson Olivia’s friend Katie learns about acting is a good one that applies to life in general: giving up and walking away isn’t the correct response when you don’t get a part, and that a key to success is knowing that you’re not right for every role. This is a winner that will appeal to romance-loving teens.
I received a complimentary ARC of this book from Amulet Books through NetGalley in exchange for an honest review. Opinions expressed are completely my own.
Olivia and Jake become online friends while sharing their love of horror films. When he asks for a photo and then sends one of himself, Olivia panics when she sees how cute he is and sends a selfie taken by her gorgeous best friend Katie. Little does she expect is that she’ll run into him when they both end up working at an adventure camp in upstate New York over the summer. When faced with the decision to reveal her true identity or perpetuate the lie, will she come clean or hope that Jake will fall for the real-life Olivia?
Although this sweet romance skews a bit young for a YA book, it has so much to love and messages to share. It’s refreshing to have main characters who come from loving families and aren’t abusing substances or sleeping around, yet don’t come off as goody two-shoes…although Jake IS adorable inside and out! Although Olivia is insecure enough about her looks to hide behind her friend, she still believes that all bodies are beautiful. By the end, she recognizes that everyone has insecurities, even if they seem perfect on the surface. The message about self-love and seeing yourself through others’ eyes is clear, but not preachy. A few more observations worth mentioning: horror film junkies will love that they feature heavily; there is a queer character who does not appear gratuitous; and, the lesson Olivia’s friend Katie learns about acting is a good one that applies to life in general: giving up and walking away isn’t the correct response when you don’t get a part, and that a key to success is knowing that you’re not right for every role. This is a winner that will appeal to romance-loving teens.
I received a complimentary ARC of this book from Amulet Books through NetGalley in exchange for an honest review. Opinions expressed are completely my own.
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