This was such a cutesy YA romance that still managed to pack a punch emotionally. Deja and Raja’s meet-cute had me grinning from ear to ear—it was the kind of moment that makes your heart flutter in the best way. 

What really set this apart for me was how Ebony LaDelle wove in family pressures and cultural expectations without losing the joy and magic of first love. Deja’s flashbacks with her grandmother were especially tender and emotional, and Raja’s struggle with balancing his artistic dreams and his immigrant parents’ hopes added real depth. 

Interracial and intercultural relationship dynamics were explored with care, and the story never felt preachy—just honest and real. This book balances butterflies and big themes so beautifully. Definitely one I’d recommend to readers who like their romance sweet and substantial. 

Thank you Simon and Schuster Children's Publishing for the ARC. Thoughts and opinions are my own.