Review by Booklist Review
Autistic high-school senior Marlowe has intelligence, wit, and two best friends, as well as insecurity in certain social situations. But now that Josh, her boyfriend of two years, has dumped her, saying that she's never "done anything romantic" for him, Marlowe is adrift. Despite her friends' opinions of her ex, she's determined to win him back. She soon enlists the help of a classmate, Ash, in exchange for her expertise in updating his band's website and social media presence. All goes well until she gets to know Ash better and begins to wonder why she's chasing Josh. As the people who know her best keep asking, "What do you want, Marlowe?" the answer becomes increasingly clear. Kaylor, whose first novel, Long Story Short (2022), was also a romance featuring a neurodivergent main character, creates a wholly believable story with three well-drawn characters in Marlowe, Josh, and Ash, who works part-time in a romance bookshop/café. Immediately engaging, Kaylor's lively first-person narrative seems likely to please rom-com fans with its plausible story and satisfying ending.
From Booklist, Copyright (c) American Library Association. Used with permission.
Review by School Library Journal Review
Gr 9 Up--What began as a summer break solidifies into an official break-up on the first day of senior year. After two inseparable years, Josh dumps Marlowe, convincing her she isn't "good at love." Her mathematically inclined, neurodivergent mind reacts by attempting to formulate a foolproof solution to win him back. She convinces her AP English partner Ash that he needs to train her in romance--from writing heartfelt letters to cozy educational outings. Will reuniting with Josh still compute? The answers Marlowe seeks mean finally figuring out what she really wants. With her warm, slight southern twang, Willing immediately proves she's ideally matched as "pathological people pleasing" Marlowe. She skillfully assays Marlowe's orbit--entitled Josh, gently determined Ash, blunt BFFs Poppy and Odette, "delighted with her life" Ms. Chris, rebelling Blue, "perfect at being perfect" Momma. VERDICT Author and narrator symbiotically solve for irresistible true love.
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Review by Kirkus Book Review
A neurodivergent STEM nerd convinces her emo classmate to tutor her in romance so she can get back together with her ex-boyfriend. Marlowe Meadows' senior year starts with the unwelcome confirmation that Josh, her golden-boy boyfriend, has dumped her for being bad at love. Determined to show her ex that she can do better, Marlowe seeks help from Ashton Hayes, her A.P. English project partner, the school's pierced goth band frontman who moved to their Georgia town junior year. Since Ash has written dreamy song lyrics and works at a romance bookstore, Marlowe believes he's uniquely positioned to teach her about love. In exchange for help writing four letters, practical lessons in datelike settings, and weekly romance novel reading assignments, Marlowe will revamp Ash's band's "crappy" website and update their social media presence. As the tutoring progresses, Marlowe's supportive, super-smart best friends, Odette and Poppy, also start attending Ash's band rehearsals, reading romance books, and encouraging her to embrace her potential new love interest. Kaylor thoughtfully portrays Marlowe's nuanced character growth and weaves a moving subplot about how Marlowe believes autism has affected her relationship with her seemingly perfect mother and younger sister. Ash is irresistibly kind, charismatic, and loving. The story includes authentically described neurodiverse and LGBTQ+ characters; Marlowe and Ash are cued white. A delightful, richly characterized slow-burn romance about figuring out what you want. (Romance. 13-18) Copyright (c) Kirkus Reviews, used with permission.
Copyright (c) Kirkus Reviews, used with permission.
