Romance is in the air? Honestly, I'm snuggling up with my fireplace, cup of tea, and... Okay, I'm a bit busier than that (who isn't?). But still, romance needs to slide in, too...every now and then. Today's read hits the loving direction and is for upper middle graders and tweens. I'm expecting tons of humor, high school drama, and lots and lots of silly mistakes by the characters. Let's dive right in and see what this couple (or maybe couple?) is up to.
MAYBE WE'RE MEANT TO LAST
by G.F. Miller
Aladdin
Tween Romance
320 pages
ages 10 and up
COMING NOVEMBER 17th!!!
Two friends who determined they were better as BFFs instead of something more in middle school wonder if they should give dating another try as high schoolers in this witty and heartfelt second-chance romance middle grade rom-com.
Eve and Andrew’s friendship barely survived a disastrous attempt at dating at the beginning of eighth grade. Now, one year, one ruined school event, and one grand gesture later, their friendship is solid thanks to the Rules for the Friendzone, which include:
No longing looks.
No hugs lasting longer than three seconds.
No kissing. Ever.
But when Eve impulsively breaks a rule just before the start of their freshman year, the delicate balance of being best friends who kind of dated is thrown completely off. The only thing to do as far as Eve is concerned is to rebuild the Friendzone stronger than ever. That would work perfectly if Andrew hadn’t suddenly realized that being just friends with Eve will never be enough for him…
Eve and Andrew’s friendship barely survived a disastrous attempt at dating at the beginning of eighth grade. Now, one year, one ruined school event, and one grand gesture later, their friendship is solid thanks to the Rules for the Friendzone, which include:
No longing looks.
No hugs lasting longer than three seconds.
No kissing. Ever.
But when Eve impulsively breaks a rule just before the start of their freshman year, the delicate balance of being best friends who kind of dated is thrown completely off. The only thing to do as far as Eve is concerned is to rebuild the Friendzone stronger than ever. That would work perfectly if Andrew hadn’t suddenly realized that being just friends with Eve will never be enough for him…
MY TIDBITS
Dating, romance, and love can be complete disasters, especially when the two involved were always best friends...and maybe more.
This book takes off after Not If You Break Up with Me First, which I was silly enough not to realize when I picked it up. I read the other two book, but it still took me a minute to realize these were connected (as said...silly me). But it's easy to do, since each one can be read as a standalone. I still recommend hitting them all since this pair of friends...romantic couple...or whatever they are, at the moment, is best followed from the beginning.
After the odd encounter in middle school, Eve knows the only way to keep up the BFF status between her and Andrew is to stick to the rules. She even wrote them down and placed them on her bedroom wall. So far, it's been working great, and that for months on end. Friendly hugs for special events under 3 seconds, 2 1/2 steps distance while talking, no longing glances, and many others are rattling through her brain constantly, but she's grown use to it. Then, Andrew takes off to band camp before they enter high school, and although she's busy with cheerleading camp, she misses him like crazy. When he returns, everything is super awkward. Eve is determined not to let go of their friendship...after all, Andrew made it clear he wants to keep her friendzoned when they were back in middle school. So, she hardens her rules and, soon, attracts the interest of a fellow high schooler. Little does she realize, however, that Andrew now knows he likes her. Without a doubt. And he'd love to let her know, but her extreme push to keep things at bay are giving him the vibes that she has no real interest in him. Still, there's no way he's going to give up...even if he's horrible at sharing his feelings.
This is high school romance pure and will have teens and tweens glued to the pages. Told from both characters' points of view, readers gain complete insight into what is running through both of their heads. It's obvious that their actions aren't reflecting their true thoughts well, and it's very frustrating. At the same time, Eve's desire not to hold onto a friendship she values dearly after getting burned the first time is completely understandable. But so is Andrew's confusion at how to make his feelings clear...or even understand what in the world Eve is thinking. It creates a humorous and heartfilled tug-a-war to make readers wonder what could possibly happen next. It also fits the age group very well, keeping everything silly, sweet, and frustratingly familiar.
Tween and teen romance fans are sure to enjoy the wholesome back-and-forths as the confusion of relationships, friendships, and more unfolds. And this is a clean read, meaning that even slightly younger readers can pick it up without concerns.
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