(You can also find this review on my blog!)

Becky Albertalli and Adam Silvera! Two of my favorite authors! It’s safe to say that when I heard about this book, I was over the moon. Instantly, I called it as one of my most anticipated reads of 2018! And two months after its release, I finally read it! (And it just so happens that it is the fiftieth book I read this year!)

Okay, so. Here’s the thing. I didn’t hate it, but it didn’t blow my mind either (which is really surprising because I was so hyped about this book, everyone was so hyped about this book!). My parabatai has already read this a month ago and he warned me of certain things, and I guess, I see them now.

The writing
It’s Becky Albertalli and Adam Silvera, so the classic Albertalli and Silvera writing was prominent to me, especially because I’ve already read all their past works. Becky’s character, Arthur, was awkward and fun, and his perspective was really entertaining. While Adam’s character, Ben, was a bit brooding.

The writing style was easy and light, however, I feel like I was missing something. I adored Becky’s writing and Adam’s writing on their individual works, but in a collaboration? Not so much.

The characters
The characters were likeable enough, but unfortunately, I didn’t fall in love them—they didn’t captivate me enough.

I think Dylan is actually my favorite character in this book. He was loud and a bit obnoxious, but he was very loyal, straightforward, and very entertaining.

Arthur was really fun in most parts of the story, but there were moments when he really irked the hell out of me. I’m not going to go on to detail, because I do not want to spoil you guys! Just know that there were parts where I didn’t really get his actions.

Ben had the tendency to be self-centered in this story, I noticed that much. He was bitter and insecure, and maybe scared of committing into a relationship once again.

The plot
Love at first sight is really a hit or miss for me, especially since it’s a trope I’m not exactly fond of. That’s the case for Arthur and Ben in this story, they fell in love at first sight. And their love spanned a measly two weeks, which for me, is very unrealistic.

I kept waiting for something big for the climax, something that will really test Arthur and Ben’s feelings for each other, and shock me as a reader. However, I found myself underwhelmed and unsatisfied with their supposed fallout. It just seemed a little bit childish for me, and it doesn’t seem fitting for the climax of the story.

*semi-spoiler; be warned*

I did, however, like the ending a bit. Arthur and Ben need more time getting to know each other, and if the universe really means for them to be together, they will end up with each other.

Another thing, I feel like the subplots were messy. The thing with Arthur’s friends, and the thing with his parents, also Dylan’s hospitalization? What’s up with that. I feel like the subplots were all over the place, and they didn’t come together for me. I loved the part about Ben’s friends, though. It showed the ugly aftermath of a broken relationship and how it can affect friendships. I liked that part.

And that's it! Three stars for my 50th read of the year!