2024 reads: 271/250

i received an advanced review copy from the author in exchange for an honest review. this did not affect my rating.

it’s every young musician’s dream to attend dukes academy. each july, gifted teens from across the country attend the academy’s four-week summer camp, at the end of which one will receive a scholarship to attend the school full-time. georgie’s excited for camp, but for her, it’s more than just music: it’s an opportunity to make friends. mina’s main concern is about the scholarship, as she feels it’s the only way to get her traditional parents to allow her to study anything besides medicine. as the two become friends, they begin to develop romantic feelings for each other.

i loved that we got both georgie’s and mina’s perspectives because they were so unique while also having some of the same goals in mind. georgie has been treated with pity in the past due to being “the blind girl,” so she’s having trouble trusting that her new friends are being genuine. mina has to hide a lot from her parents, so she’s having trouble opening up to her new friends. these two really brought out the best in each other!

one thing i didn’t love about this book was how fast-paced the relationships were. compared to a side couple, georgie and mina’s romance was a bit of a slow-burn, but still, the book takes place over four weeks. i know that some high school relationships can be this way, though, so it’s not something i’m judging too harshly.

overall, this was a lovely book. i’d recommend it to anyone wanting a summery romance read.