Series: None
Author: Tess Sharpe
Published January 24th 2023 by Little, Brown Books for Young Readers
Goodreads Synopsis
Six moments lead us to two girls, one kiss, and three little words that were maybe always true in this gorgeous novel perfect for fans of Nina LaCour and Jenny Han.
Penny and Tate have always clashed. Unfortunately, their mothers are lifelong best friends, so the girls’ bickering has carried them through playdates, tragedy, and more than one rom-com marathon with the Moms. When Penny’s mother decides to become a living donor to Tate’s mom, ending her wait for a liver transplant, things go from clashing to cataclysmic. Because in order to help their families recover physically, emotionally, and financially, the Moms combine their households the summer before senior year.
So Penny and Tate make a pact: They’ll play nice. Be the drama-free daughters their mothers need through this scary and hopeful time. There’s only one little hitch in their plan: Penny and Tate keep almost kissing.
It’s just this confusing thing that keeps happening. You know, from time to time. For basically their entire teenaged existence.
They’ve never talked about it. They’ve always ignored it in the aftermath. But now they’re living across the hall from each other. And some things—like their kisses—can’t be almosts forever.
Goodreads
Review
I received an Advance Reader Copy from the publisher via NetGalley. This in no way impacted on my view.
Though they have known each other since they were babies, Penny and Tate have never been friends. Their mothers may be best friends, and have always wished the same for their daughters, but it was never to be. But when Penny's mother decides to donate part of her liver to Tate's mam, and the girls will need to live together while their mam's recuperate, and so a truce is formed. They'll play nice, won't let any drama get in the way, and especially won't talk about the 6 times they've nearly kissed.
I'm just in awe of this book. Tess is a new author for me, and when I saw the cover and synopsis on NetGalley, I just couldn't stop myself from requesting it. Penny and Tate were fantastic main characters, both facing a lot, and their attraction to each other has always been something they weren't sure how to deal with. Each time they've become close to kissing in the past, they've brushed it under the carpet and moved on, but the feelings still linger. The way the book is written,with flashbacks to the 6 times, and to major moments in their lives - particularly the accident - was done in such a way that you just simply don't want to put the book down. I was a bit put off at first at how harsh and abrupt Tate was, but once you see more of her, it was clear it was an act that she put on to protect herself, and Penny did the same, just differently. The movement from them ignoring their attraction, to accepting and acting on it was so naturally done, and I had a proper grin on my face. This was a truly great book, and though there are some dark and deep moments, this is a book that will stay with me for a while to come!
Dates Read:
January 1, 2023
Rating
4 Stars
