What's Not to Love

January 1, 2021

Gr 9 Up-High school senior Alison knows what she wants in life. She is a straight-A student, editor of the school newspaper, and plans to go to Harvard. High school is only a means to an end, and she has no regrets leading so many school activities without taking the time to enjoy them. Motivating her every step of the way is her rivalry with Ethan. They compete on everything, including "blitzes," fast-paced competitions, such as who can finish a test first. Alison has never considered Ethan a friend, and certainly nothing more. As the end of the school year-and Harvard decisions-loom closer and the two are forced to work together planning their school's 10-year reunion, their relationship begins to change into something more. In addition to planning the reunion, Alison is also forced to confront how futures can change now that her older sister, a graduate of Columbia, has moved back home after leaving her job and ex to reevaluate her life. While Alison may be hard to identify and sympathize with for some readers, fast-paced dialogue, steamy make-out sessions, and a protagonist who grows throughout her journey will keep most thoroughly engaged. The novel is written by a husband and wife duo, but the story is told solely from Alison's point of view. VERDICT Recommended for most young adult collections, especially where Wibberley and Siegemund-Broka's other contemporary romances are popular. -Marissa Lieberman, East Orange P.L., NJ

Copyright 2021 School Library Journal, LLC Used with permission.

March 1, 2021
Alison and Ethan are cutthroat competitors for the valedictorian spot at San Mateo's Fairview High. They both want to attend Harvard. They both excel in AP classes and participate in student government and the school paper, Alison as editor-in-chief and Ethan as a reporter. The frenemies spend most of their time together despite their constant bickering. How does this fractious relationship veer into romance? Principal Williams asks the sparring duo to organize the 10-year reunion that a famous alum has botched--it's her attempt at conflict resolution, as their ongoing rivalry is proving disruptive in many of their classes. But despite this effort at social engineering, their fighting continues: Alison remarks on his stained shirt; Ethan counters by insulting her fashion sense. It takes almost 100 more pages of acerbic back and forth until they kiss. They eventually even manage a real restaurant date, but Alison is still wary of what being with Ethan in college would mean while Ethan realizes that he needs to explore his own desires. Although somewhat repetitive, this dryly witty romance with its verbal sparring, college rat race references, and satirical high school descriptions will likely appeal to high-achieving readers who can laugh at themselves. Alison and Ethan are White; there is some diversity in the supporting cast. Academic rivalry leads to love in this banter-filled romance. (Romance. 14-18)

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