**Reviewed from a free copy received from the publisher.

Actual rating 3.5 stars

Super cute story of Alek, a 14 year old Armenian-American who's being forced into summer school by his over-bearing (and oh so loveable) parents in hopes of earning a place in his high school's honor program. Of course, most of the summer school attendees aren't of the over-achiever variety, and surfer hair Ethan is no exception. Immediately drawn to him, Alex surprisingly realizes that he wants more than friendship, and Ethan does too. Cue romantic NYC date-montage, some steamy make-outs, and of course, a parental walk-in moment. Can Alek's tradition parents accept Alek for who he really is?

Pretty fantastic handling of a boy meets boy romance. Refreshingly, Alek never had an identity crisis after discovering he likes boys. He simply rolled with it, and found a great romance. I also was pleased by the depiction of Alek's relationship with his parents. They felt like true part of the story, and acted like real parents. Their surprising (and also refreshing) handling of the entire situation was simply amazing. The exploration of Alek's Armenian heritage and the Armenian Genocide during WWI will also be enlightening to many who are unaware. Also, great descriptions of Armenian food - left me hungry.

A great book to recommend to young teen readers; I wouldn't necessarily recommend this to adult readers of YA as it did at times feel like an after-school special and was a bit twee for my jaded self.