"Because I am dying to see what it looks like when a girl whose head is literally a ball of sunshine goes rogue."

The newest Dahlia Adler novel comes Come As You Are. Think of the beginning episodes of Suite Life on Deck. Bailey comes and ends up rooming with Zach in a "mistake" with her name, after she applies. However, after everyone finds out, she ends up rooming with London, right? Think of that scenario, except the FMC here stays in the boys' dorm, and has a solo room.

That plot point aside, I really enjoyed Adler's newest. There's so many different messages that is sewn within. I feel the most important? Some friends aren't meant to last forever, but the ones that do? Will sprout from the most unexpected circumstances.

Everett "Evie" Riley is desperate for a life rebrand after everything in her life gets turned upside down. She's a total powerhouse and is like every other teenage girl. After a betrayal in her life, she wants a change. She feels overlooked, invisible; all she wants is to break rules, take a chance and risks. And she gets more than she bargained for. In the best way. She's a total badass, and I love her.

Salem Grayson is the school mystery. Also a sophomore transfer, he was kicked out of his last school for smoking in the principals office. After agreeing one night to help Evie become a new person, he gets thrown into the chaos of her "Reign of Terror". The more you learn about him, the sweeter he becomes. 

Their deal, and in turn, their relationship is probably one of the sweetest I've ever said. Their nicknames for each other; the way they protect her; the way Salem is always there for her, in more ways than one. Through their deal, they become the best versions of themselves. 

And all of their friends? I love them all so much. And their book club.

Also… if there's a sequel, there's perfect setup. 

Tropes:

OUT NOW.

A huge thank you to Wednesday Books, Dahlia Adler and NetGalley for the eARC! All thoughts and opinions expressed are mine and mine alone.