By: Camille Stochitch, Alexander Berman, and Estelle Laure
Many thanks to Simon & Schuster Children’s Publishing and Simon Teen for the ARC of this book!
In a moment to save her friend from embarrassment, Love got recorded and went viral. Her plan went from college to Hollywood straight to Hollywood. She gets a music star boyfriend and 50 million followers. Until she takes the blame for something he did and has ruined her reputation. In order to rehab her reputation, she needs to get back to her roots. Enter Austin Grey. His family owns a diner in a small town, and Love was someone he never expected to hear from again. The plan was to pretend to date Austin, and then when things were better, she’d leave and go back to Hollywood. Only… neither of them expected to feel the way that they do.
This book made me smile and I didn’t want to put it down. There are so many good themes to learn from in this book as well. Going viral is not always what it’s cracked up to be. The constant pressure for content, the need to be on the go, always having to film. It really takes a toll on the person and the people in their lives. No one knows what is real and what is fake. Being in Hollywood as a musician, dancer, etc… is not easy and we see that when Love goes on a mall tour with her boyfriend. Then there’s the introduction to drugs and alcohol.
I think though, that a bigger theme here is to surround yourself with people who have good values and who will be there for you no matter what. That’s what Austin and his family were for Love. Compared to her life, Austin led a simpler life. Not easier, but simpler. The authors were very true to the ages of the characters. Love was insecure and her insecurities were written well. They also write her mistakes well. Someone that young is bound to make mistakes and she definitely made them.
The relationship between Love and Austin was very sweet. Like really, really sweet. Nothing felt rushed or too much. Austin is the type of guy that is willing to do anything for anyone, especially someone that he cares about. Love needed someone like him in her life. And his mom and sister were great side characters too.
While this is a YA book, I do think that anyone can enjoy this one!
Publish Date: January 6, 2025
Find the book here.
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