Reviews with content warning for Panic attacks/disorders - Tell Me How You Really Feel

I really enjoyed this YA ode to romcoms with a rivals to lovers f/f romance. I didn’t get all the references, but I didn’t need to to get the general romcom vibe. The story is fun and cute with a sharp edge of realness. The audiobook is narrated by the author, who does a great job of bringing the two main characters to life. Definitely recommend if you’re in the mood for a gay YA romcom!

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se6500's review against another edition

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emotional funny hopeful inspiring lighthearted sad medium-paced

Plot- or character-driven? Character
Strong character development? Yes
Loveable characters? Yes
Diverse cast of characters? Yes
Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes

4.25

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booksthatburn's review

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emotional funny reflective

Strong character development? Yes
Loveable characters? Yes
Diverse cast of characters? Yes
Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes

5.0

This was a quick and fun read, I like it a lot. The MCs are a great mix between stubborn and oblivious, getting both of their perspectives helps things from getting too stressful when miscommunications happen because we quickly hear the other person's side on the event, even if the effects take most of the book to resolve. It does touch on some stressful topics, but the characters gradually work through their issues in ways that felt good to read. The dynamics with the two families were very different and were well-placed in the book. They were very present without being distracting.

I like the way the films they watch and the one Rachel is making have just enough detail to highlight how they matter to the story, but without making the book be really about any of those films. It's focused on the romance of these very stubborn characters who should just kiss already, and then what happens when they actually do. If you love Gilmore Girls, but wanted Rory to date Paris, you will love this book. It’s definitely its own thing, but the dedication references Rory and Paris so I’m very confident that the parallels are intentional. I think the best friend was a little under-utilized but the story really isn't about him so it's not a big deal, just don't expect him to be the stand-in for Lane.

Overall this was a fun and cathartic romance, with just enough space for things to be bad before they get better.

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juph's review

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lighthearted fast-paced

Loveable characters? No
Diverse cast of characters? Yes
Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes

3.5

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