look at my first read of 2025 being a 5-star - i hope this means that a good reading year is ahead of us :)

i adored every single second of this. i think this is it, the best ali book i’ve read yet. she has truly mastered the craft. this had everything: the silliness and quirkiness of a romcom, the relatable academic backdrop, the academic rivals-to-lovers trope done to perfection, and so so much heart. i’m not ashamed to admit that this beautiful silly book made me cry quite a few times (both sad and happy tears). also, elsie and jack are truly meant for each other and no one can convince me otherwise.

p.s. the little adam and olive cameo was fantastic <3