Author: Marisa Kanter
Genre: YA Contemporary
Release Date: 09.21.21
Publisher: Simon and Schuster Books for Young Readers
Source: ARC via Publisher
My Rating: 5/5 stars
SYNOPSIS: “Lifelong rivals Natalie and Reid have never been on the same team. So when their school’s art budget faces cutbacks, of course Natalie finds herself up against her nemesis once more. She’s fighting to direct the school’s first ever student-written play, but for her small production to get funding, the school’s award-winning band will have to lose it. Reid’s band. And he’s got no intention of letting the show go on.
But when their rivalry turns into an all-out prank war that goes too far, Natalie and Reid have to face the music, resulting in the worst compromise: writing and directing a musical. Together. At least if they deliver a sold-out show, the school board will reconsider next year’s band and theater budget. Everyone could win.
Except Natalie and Reid.
Because after spending their entire lives in competition, they have absolutely no idea how to be co-anything. And they certainly don’t know how to deal with the feelings that are inexplicably, weirdly, definitely developing between them…”
“A pair of fierce foes are forced to work together to save the arts at their school in this swoony YA enemies-to-lovers romance that fans of Jenny Han and Morgan Matson are sure to adore.“
Review
If you’re a fan of prank wars, enemies-to-lovers, the creative arts, or theater, then this is the book for you.
I loved this book. Like, truly loved and adored this story with my entire being. It has quickly stolen my heart and became one of my favorite reads of 2021. There’s so much to love in this story, and it went far beyond my expectations. I read and enjoyed Marisa Kanter’s debut novel, What I Like About You in Spring 2020 and gave it a glowing 5/5 stars. Essentially, I knew I was going to enjoy whatever this author published next…but I didn’t realize how much this story was going to sweep me off my feet.
One of my favorite aspects of this novel was Natalie’s passion for her club and for her student-written play, Melted. I admired her creative drive and felt that she was a unique protagonist with strong emotions and a clear voice. The attention to detail with this character and story truly brought it all to life. I would do anything to step into these pages and be there for the opening night of Melted the musical. I mean, hello! I would love to see a twisted retelling of Frozen created by students.
Another aspect of this story that was amazing was the relationships. This author has an incredible talent for creating complicated and interwoven relationships. The family dynamics within Natalie’s family added so much to the story. Then, of course, there’s the romance. Reid and Natalie have a fiery enemies-to-lovers romance that has an unbelievable amount of tension. The angst is *chef’s kiss*. While I won’t give much away, I will say that this book has one of my all time favorite first kiss scenes.
If you still need more convincing to read this book, then I’d love to mention how I devoured this story in two sittings. I’m not typically able to sit and read for long periods of time. However, this book was too addicting to set aside. It was swoony, quick, and a masterpiece of the YA romcom genre.
About the Author
Marisa Kanter is a young adult author, amateur baker, and reality television enthusiast. She is the author of What I Like About You and As If On Cue. Born and raised in the suburbs of Boston, her obsession with books led her to New York City, where she worked in the publishing industry to help books find their perfect readers. She currently lives in Los Angeles, writing love stories by day and searching for the perfect slice of pizza by night. Follow her at MarisaKanter.com.
Thank you so much to the publisher for including me on the book tour for such an incredible and emotional story! As if On Cue is on sale as of YESTERDAY and you can grab a copy wherever you prefer to shop for books 💕.
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