Very minimal, slightly spoilery things ahead:


This is the first Kasie West book I've read, and it won't be the last! I really enjoyed this book. From the quirky characters to the unique courtship, the author took what could have just been a fluffy (and admittedly trope-filled) contemporary YA romance and turned it on its head. Also, I don't know if this was intentional, but I totally got a Pride and Prejudice vibe from this book (hate-to-love, letter-writing, bad boy was actually good the whole time, girl is overly judgmental...I could go on) and I'm a sucker for that.

I liked Lily, the main character. She is a fully fleshed out character. She is not perfect, by any means. She actually has a tendency to be socially awkward, and she also can be quick to pass judgment and slow to get over a grudge. But she is also creative (especially musically), part of a big family, and not scientifically-inclined, which all speak to me on a personal level. Actually, I also have a tendency to be awkward and slow to get over a grudge...so I guess that explains why I like Lily.

I also really enjoyed the side characters. I do wish we'd seen a little more of Isabel's character, because she didn't necessarily feel complete to me, but I loved Lily's quirky family, especially her parents. I liked that they were actually present in her life and she seemed to have a good relationship with them. You don't always get that in YA.

I will say that my one complaint was that it was obvious the entire book who she was writing letters to. Even before the letters started, it was set up in a very predictable way for the reader. It made sense that SHE wouldn't know who it was, but Lily's focus on him made it completely obvious, at least in my eyes. Even so, I still enjoyed their interactions immensely.

I can't wait to dive into more Kasie West books. If they're all as sweet and fun as this one, I think I'm in for a huge treat!