A review by overzealous_reader
Highly Suspicious and Unfairly Cute by Talia Hibbert

adventurous emotional funny hopeful inspiring reflective medium-paced
  • Plot- or character-driven? A mix
  • Strong character development? Yes
  • Loveable characters? Yes
  • Diverse cast of characters? Yes
  • Flaws of characters a main focus? It's complicated

4.75

The ultimate goal for Celine Bangura is to get a scholarship and a good-paying job and to shove her success in her father’s face. Yet, the existence of Bradley Graeme proves to be a distraction for Celine in her ultimate goal. After these two former friends have a falling out, it results in an intense rivalry for Celine, but for Bradley, their falling out results in resentment. So, as these two become Breakspeare Explorers, they have to work with each other and try to succeed in gaining a full scholarship. 

*Minor Spoilers* 
I have to admit that I rarely read YA Romance, but Hibbert writes compelling protagonists. These two protagonists’ main worry is their future, especially with college expenses. Perhaps it is because I am pursuing my Master’s Degree, but I understand that gnawing anxiety regarding paying for school and navigating your life around paying back student loans…it is a struggle. Even though I am not too fond of the requirements associated with gaining the scholarship, during the Sherwood Forest expedition, our protagonists start talking about their falling out and becoming closer. Yet, Celine struggles with trust due to her father leaving the family and finds herself weary of trusting Bradley again. As Celine tries to scrutinize her reasoning for not trusting Bradley and rethinking her plan for vengeance against her father, Bradley struggles with his newfound feelings for Celine.

If you want a cute read about former friends turned enemies turned into a cute and supporting couple, this is the book for you. 

Thanks again to Netgalley and Random House Children’s for an e-arc of this book in exchange for an honest review.