4.5-stars for a stellar YA debut.

Not Like the Other Girls is a gripping and emotionally resonant journey that I wasn't expecting to love so much. From the very start, I found myself deeply invested in Jo-Lynn's story, flaws and all. The fast-paced narrative kept me on the edge of my seat, delivering excitement and intrigue throughout.

What struck me most was the poignant commentary on the societal pressure to conform to certain stereotypes, particularly the pervasive notion of being "not like the other girls." Adamo skillfully navigates this theme, offering a heartfelt exploration of identity and self-acceptance that will undoubtedly strike a chord with young women grappling with similar struggles.

This book is a perfect combo of "Would've Could've Should've" by Taylor Swift and Veronica Mars. The story was entirely captivating, blending together mystery and chaos the entire time. Watching Jo-Lynn have to navigate through a maze of terrible friends, secrets, and newfound romances all while still having to go to school made for a thoroughly engrossing read.

The only thing that kept this from a 5-star rating for me was how everything was a little shoved into the epilogue to clean it up nicely. I actually think I would have prefered having more questions. It didn't take away from the story, but left things a little too "perfect".

Not Like the Other Girls is a powerful and thought-provoking read that offers both heartache and hope. I cannot wait to see what Adamo will write next. This is a must-read for anyone seeking a story of resilience, self-discovery, and the journey to finding one's place in the world.

Thank you to NetGalley and Bloomsbury YA for providing me with an ARC in exchange for an honest review.