Ok time for my Ali Hazelwood rant. I’ve know for a while that her books are just not for me. But, I wanted to give her YA debut a shot. 
I will say I was pleasantly surprised (for the most part)! I really liked the narrative voice; the humor was a stand out to me, and I enjoyed most of the side characters a lot. 
HOWEVER, I think I finally got what it is about Hazelwoods books that really get me: her men. Of the three books of hers I’ve read, the men are are dimensional as paper to me. Yes, Nolan had a detailed backstory. But, all he really did in this book is obsess over Mallory. Their romance just never worked for me, mainly because he was so all in about her and it never made sense why. 
Also, a big point in this book is about Mallory being emotionally stunted and pushing people away. Yes, she did that frequently. But let me tell you, I was actually on her side the entire time. Maybe the narrative voice just stuck with me too much, but I just never bought that Mallory deserved to be treated like she was by Easton and her family. Sabrina’s beef especially I never got. Maybe I’m crazy, but

I really do think Nolan was creepy for funding Mallory’s fellowship without telling her, and also hanging out with her sisters without her. Just because she would “throw a fit”? Sorry, what claim do you have over these people you don’t actually know

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Ive officially read Ali Hazelwood’s STEM rom-com, fantasy, and YA, and all have been a no for me. 

Angeline Boulley is fantastic at delivering gripping YA mysteries. Her stories move really well and she creates amazing characters! My only issue was the pacing; this one felt a bit long. The second half had a lot more action to it, and it was lot quicker than the first half. 

I think I’m just chasing the high of Nettle & Bone and What Moves the Dead. This was an interesting story; it had the wit I enjoy in Kingfishers works, and a delightful character in Hester. I think pacing was the biggest issue for me. It felt far too long of a story.