Huge thank you to NetGalley, Holiday House, and Alexene Farol Follmuth for the eARC of My Mechanical Romance.

Okay okay okay, where do I start? I hope you don't mind, but I'm just going to word vomit and hope for the best.

First, I want to address the idea that this book is an "enemies to lovers" romance. My standards for enemies to lovers is pretty high, however, I would be more inclined to call it "rivals to lovers", especially in this particular setting. The relationship itself is preeeeetty cute. I loved their banter and the general growth of their relationship. The chemistry was definitely there and I couldn't get enough of how they opened up to each other over time. Nothing was rushed, but always moving.

Was the

third-act breakup

necessary? No. Especially since there were other conflicts and climaxes at the same time. I understand that the

third-act breakup

is basically part of the romance genre's formula, but I felt like it didn't add anything to the plot. I half-hoped that the characters could still grow individually without having to be apart, but...alas.

However, the ending!!! Oh my god, the ending!! Not the epilogue, but the last few chapters where Bel sees some of the hard truths that her choices have led her to. Loved loved loved that she wasn't able to just coast through on her good luck and apart intelligence. Actions have consequences and I'm happy that was represented.

My favourite characters, by far, are Dash and Neelam. I have such a soft spot for side characters that help build the main characters. Dash, as Teo's best friend, not only supported him but gave him a bit of a reality check. Whereas Neelam and Bel were rocky from start to finish, they really brought out the best in each other. Actually, all the side characters were wonderful. Lora and Jamie were delightful and added some non-STEM minds to the mix. Bel's brothers were a great balance to the conflict occurring in their family. Teo's family grew, the Robotics club was adorable, and Ms. Voss gave it her all.

The only side character that I wanted to smack was Mr. Mac. But I think that was the point? Especially as a female science teacher, Mr. Mac made my blood boil, and the ending didn't feel really justified. "I see you" didn't fix his behaviour for me. 

I will absolutely be recommending this to my students. It's a lighthearted and funny read that has layered characters and a setting that I wholeheartedly want to get my students involved in.