Okay, if you are a fan of the enemies to lovers trope like me, then you should definitely add What’s Not to Love to your tbr!

What’s Not to Love is a fun, heartfelt story full of bickering and retorts between two very competitive people that eventually realize they have feelings for each other. And it was absolutely perfect.

I loved the competitiveness between Allison and Ethan. Even though these two couldn’t stand each other and pushed their buttons till the every end, they were always aware of each other.

Allison’s goal is to become valedictorian and go to Harvard! If she wins against Ethan along the way, that’s great, too. 💁🏻‍♀️ Ethan’s goal is to go to Harvard and prove Allison that he is better than she is. 🌚 As you can see, these two have a lot in common.

Also, Allison’s parents are fans of Ethan and ship them together. Allison was not amused by this in the slightest. 😂

I’m not sure which book by Emily and Austin I love the most, but What’s Not to Love is at the very top. It’s fun and swoony, and the banter and bickering was perfect. 🌚

Also, the cameo. 😍

For me this is a trope that never gets old: a highly motivated driven girl who has to compete on every aspect with a guy who is equally as accomplished. They spar, they fight, they bicker like an old married couple. They have a tension that is brewing with underlying feelings that they mutually refuse to acknowledge. For me, characters like Alison and Ethan make reading books like this fun and entertaining. I love how petty both of them are towards each other. Always poking fun or making sure to get a jab in no matter how minuscule the action is. Everything is a competition where no one truly wins, but it sure is one entertaining show. The intensity and devotion to their rivalry, led to angsty and pretty heated scenes where their obvious chemistry burned the pages.

Alison is the A type personality who is completely driven by lists and goals. She lives by her whiteboard and would rather spend a night in, making sure she’s one step ahead of Ethan. I enjoy characters like her who are intelligent and workaholics rather than seeing teens portrayed as booze loving, unmotivated young adults. There were times where Alison got under my skin with her constant distrust and superior attitude towards others, especially her sister. At times she refused to give anyone the benefit of doubt and would assume the worst.

The writing flows naturally where you can connect with the story no matter the age of the reader because aspects of yourself are reflected in these characters. There’s a bit of nostalgia where the theme seemed to focus on what life is like after you let highschool define who you are. Like how impactful the carefree youthful nights are, or what’s next after you achieve a dream that was spent studying every weekend.

I enjoyed this book a lot and thought it had moments that shined and made it different from other books similar in theme. It was playful and had a depth to the story that made it unexpected and enjoyable. Thank you to NetGalley and Penguin Teen for this ARC

I’ve enjoyed these authors’ other books, but I was particularly excited for this release because of the rivals-to-lovers trope. Hate-to-love is always one of my favorite tropes, but rivals-to-lovers is a subset of it that we rarely truly get. What’s Not to Love is a fun rivals-to-lovers romance that also explores what the real “high school experience” entails.

For the past four years, Alison has maintained an intense rivalry with Ethan over everything: grades, the school paper, who finishes an exam faster. After they’re tasked with planning their high school’s ten-year reunion, they soon realize that spending even more time together is exhausting. That is, until the prospect of possibly attending Harvard together and they start feeling like something other than rivals…

I liked how this book touched on the generalization of what a high school experience should be. Alison has spent her entire high school career with people telling her she should have more fun because when she looks back, that’s what she’ll think of, not the tests and extracurriculars. Meanwhile, she just wants to get to college so people will start taking her more seriously.

However, over the course of the book, Alison grows to learn that, just because she doesn’t have a “typical” high school experience, she still enjoyed her past four years in her own way. People do often either hate or glorify their high school experience, but there can be a happy medium. Some people will return to it, but some people will be eager to leave it behind. Either way, high school is usually a memorable part of one’s life, and I liked that this book touched on that.

Again, I really liked the rivals-to-lovers romance in this book! I feel like Alison and Ethan’s dynamic was very realistic, if a little over-the-top some times. They take the same classes and participate in the same extracurriculars, so they’re always together. Naturally, that brings out the tension between them, one that turns romantic.

The side characters were great as well. Alison’s older sister Jamie has moved back home after being dumped by her college fiancé and now lies around the house aimlessly. The two of them fight, especially because Jamie keeps telling her to have more fun while Alison can’t understand her sudden lack of ambition. Over time, they understand each other more.

Alison also has a disagreement with her friend Dylan, who’s just gotten back with her toxic girlfriend. I liked that, when they make up, they know they may not keep in touch in college but at least they were friends now. Also, Alison’s parents were hilarious and may or may not have been betting on when Alison would get together with Ethan.

Overall, What’s Not to Love was a quick fun read. I liked the characters and the character arcs, as well as the rivals-to-lovers romance. If you liked Today Tonight Tomorrow, you should definitely give What’s Not to Love a try!

The beginning of this book was a little slow for me and I struggled with the main character being a little harsh. About halfway this turned into a 5 star book for me. I loved the relationship between the two characters and the self growth the main character experienced. I wish there was more of their story. The banter was top notch and a lot of fun.

I could not put this one down! This was by far my favorite from Emily Wibberley and Austin Siegmund-Broka! I'll read anything they write, but this one was amazing. I really connected with the characters and loved how the storyline developed.

2.5 stars rounded up to 3.

What's Not to Love...
Well...unfortunately, the main characters.
Yep, I said it, both Ethan and Alison were terribly unlikeable.

The first 60+ pages crawl on. I literally had to grit my teeth to push through as there's minimal character development and hardly any depth to any of them. It's a very superficial high school drama. And for me, it wasn't appealing.

Now, don't get me wrong I love a good enemies-to-lovers trope, but this one was just not good. When you're more annoyed with the characters, you end up not caring to root for them to get together. The story as a whole felt incredibly forced because of the attitudes of Ethan and Alison. There was too much literal hate there to come back from.


Thank you to Penguin Teen via NetGalley for the e-arc to read and honestly review.

HOLY SMOKES THIS IS MY NEW FAVORITE WIBBROKA BOOK AHHHH I absolutely adored this book! Ethan and Alison were some of the best main characters I've read in YA contemporary. Alison was a great narrator and I really enjoyed being inside her head, seeing her motivations and thoughts throughout the book. Ethan is one of my new favorite love interests as well, he's sassy and smart and driven and perfect and ahhhh (ahhhh is all I'm capable of writing obviously). The dynamic between Ethan and Alison was absolutely perfect and believable, their rivals-to-lovers development was so well done and it's one of the best hate-to-love books I've ever read because it IS so believable and realistic. Honestly I could sing the praises of this book forever because I had a smile on my face the whole time. There are other elements too, like becoming your own person, the struggles of high school and what comes next, incredible friendship and family dynamics, etc., and everyone should read it when it comes out!

Wibbroka back at it again with a hit! What's Not to Love is one of the easiest 5 stars I've ever given and is one of THE BEST enemies to lovers romance I've read. The dynamic and chemistry between Ethan and Alison was unreal. I would recommend this book to EVERYONE but especially those who love Gilmore Girls and The Unhoneymooners. This is like if Rory & Tristan got together and if Ethan & Olive went to high school together. LOVE. IT.

Review posted on GoodReads (January 18, 2021)
Review linked.

4.75/5 stars!

A huge thank you to NetGalley and Penguin Teen for sending me an E-ARC of this book for an honest review!

I have been a fan of Austin and Emily's writing since they first published ALWAYS NEVER YOURS, so I was super excited about their new YA Romance coming out this year. This book did not disappoint! I absolutely fell head-over-heels in love with WHAT'S NOT TO LOVE!

This is honestly a perfect Hate-To-Love contemporary romance. My only critique, and it isn't even a large one, is that I wish the romance had happened earlier on in the book. HOWEVER, the moment that the romance starts in this book was amazing. I also would have loved a bit more about Ethan's life outside of school. I found that we didn't get much information about his family or anything outside of Alison's perspective.

I loved that Alison and Ethan were characters that I had to grow to love. I didn't love them at first, but as the story went on I found myself really connecting with their characters and ended up really loving who they grew into. For me, I connected so much with Alison's drive and need to feel mature at her age. I thought that the story did a great job of showing how Alison grew as a person, but still held on to key parts of her personality.

Emily Wibberley and Austin Siegemund-Broka, once again, created a funny, light-hearted, emotional, entertaining YA Contemporary Romance that I love. If you have yet to pick up any of their books, I really recommend reading them! They are so sweet and fun!

Thanks for reading!
Caden

This was such a cute story. I am always happy to read a YA book set in high school. Through in enemies to lovers and I’m fully in. Ethan and Alison pulled some serious crap against each other and it was hilarious. I loved their banter! The students and teachers of their school were ready for them to leave so that they could be rid of the rivalry. Ethan and Alison definitely have strong feeling for each other, but are they love or hate?

**Review will be published April 15th**

MY FAVORITE TROPE.

This was a fun ride! I enjoyed this one much more than their last (but not as much as my favorite, If I’m Being Honest).

I am always here for an enemies to lovers trope and this brought the heat in that department. The snarky banter and high-jinks that Alison and Ethan got into just to prove a point had me both laughing and eye-rolling. Oh teenagers! I liked how their relationship progressed once they finally started to admit some feelings. I wish it had happened sooner because it was adorable after that point.

There were some missed opportunities for character growth, especially for Alison. Dealing with her sister being home and trying to be the best at everything I was hoping to see some understanding and maybe relaxing a little on her grip. By the VERY end I could see that change starting. It would helped me love Alison’s character more if this had started sooner and we got to see that play out in her interactions.

The competitive nature was almost too far to come back from and I’m glad it ended when it did. It did create some clear tension and heat between Ethan and Alison. I liked that at times, it did deviate from the expected and some exploration of self was occurring. Honestly, I think it would be fun to follow these two to college to see what happens next. I enjoy that these books have clear teenage characters who are growing into themselves and make mistakes and remind me of that time in my life too.

And I always love a good run-in with old characters!

Overall audience notes;

Young adult contemporary romance
Language: some throughout
Romance: kisses, heated make out (with some clothing removed)

I ended up really liking this cute enemies to lovers contemp novel! At first, I struggled to like Allison. She is so driven and sort if heartless but thankfully she grows as the novel progresses. I loved her and Ethan’s chemistry- fighting and kissing. They had great banter. Allison’s parents were really wonderful too! This was a really fun read

*Spoiler free, 2.75 stars*

Even before reading and adoring If I'm Being Honest and Always Never Yours, I was looking forward to this book. Rivals-to-lovers with some amazing kissing. Yeah, that's pretty much all I needed to know to want to read this book desperately. Then, I found out how amazing these authors' books are, and I was even more ready to see what this book was all about.

I hate saying I didn't love this book. I really, truly do. But this book just wasn't for me. There were some parts that I did enjoy and really like, but there were also parts that I didn't love.

Alright, let's start off with the positive! The writing, wow, the writing. It made it easy to fly through this book. I could read a hundred books written by these authors simply because they write so well. It feels comforting even in a way, even when the situation is wracked with anxiety. They just have a calming way with words.

Another thing I really loved was the chemistry brought on by the hatred between Ethan and Alison. Seriously, when amazing kissing was promised, it was not promised lightly. It has some of the best tension wrought kissing scenes. Like, dropping things on the ground, getting in each other's faces in a hatred infused passion, kissing scenes. And more.

Moving on to the things I didn't love as much. I didn't love the rivalry/hate part of this book. I know, I know! But, I felt like this book leaned too far into it. It felt like there was so much focus on it that the romantic relationship didn't have time to breathe. It also made the romantic relationship a bit weird to me. It felt like it was too based in competitiveness and irritation to be fully healthy. That's completely my opinion, though!

I also didn't love Alison. There are some things I did love about her: how she embraced that while she did things differently, she did them in the best way for her and how she pushed herself to be the best thing she can be. But, there were some things I didn't love about her. I felt like she was really judgey. I also felt like her emotional journey was an arch that was mostly coasting upwards towards the realizations and then a quick peak and gentle slide down. I would have liked to see more gradual, overall growth from her instead of something that happens all towards the end.

And I'm just not sure how I feel about Ethan. I wish he was given more of a chance to blossom and grow as well. I would have liked to discover more about him and for him to discover more about himself.

As for side characters, I loved Dylan! I totally feel like this character could be non-binary haha. I also loved Jamie and Alison's parents!

Overall, this book kind of felt like it was the too-sweet of the syrup used in Italian ice. Sweet, yes, but not completely what I wanted. I don't think it's a bad book at all! It just wasn't fully for me.

Wibbroka have knocked it out of the park again!

What's not to love about this book!!

What a delightful take on the enemies to lovers trope. We've got Alison, our driven and insanely smart lead in the vein of Paris Gellar. And we’ve got Ethan, her perfect nemesis with future finance bro of America vibes. They’ve got every class together. They’re constantly trying to one up one another. Oh, and now they’ve got to plan a class reunion for some alumni.

What could go wrong?

I loved Alison’s perspective. I love her ambition and her drive. And I loved watching two true enemies come to terms with what might be under the surface. This book has the best of what the enemies to lovers trope has to offer: a slow burning romance with electrifiying chemistry. Delightful!

Plus, it has the heart and honesty that every Wibbroka book has— about how tricky and messy it can be to find answers to what it means to find your place in the world as you’re growing up, how your relationship with your family changes as you start to grow, and what kind of person you want to grow into.

I love this book so much and if you’re a fan of great love stories with heart, I think you’ll adore it, too.

I am so relieved right now. I was really starting to think IF I'M BEING HONEST was a fluke for this duo. While I had liked everything else they had written, nothing had edged over into love category and while I enjoyed the topics and themes, I was nonetheless a little disappointed.

"<i>What, Sanger? You don't enjoy our conversations?</i>"
"<b>They're not conversations, they're hostage negotiations.</b>"

Until now.

<i>For every reason I have to despise Ethan, I'm grateful for the chance to prove my worth. To prove not that I <i>am</i> the best, but that I <b>can be</b> the best.</i>

That said, I was definitely feeling some minor trepidation with this one, too. I was loving the competitive dynamic between the two leads but, not unlike in another romance (though, that one was adult, not YA), I worried it was just a little too much to come back from. Too often toeing over that line where the bickering and banter becomes too harsh, the back and forth too toxic, the overall relationship too problematic. But not only did the characters have dialogue about those moments but how it all unfolded ended up working just right.

<i>I'm surprised this many people want to celebrate his birth. I would rather commemorate it the way one would a natural disaster or other unfortunate occurence -- somber social media posts, vows to stay strong on this dark day.</i>

This particular match-up was also so much more than I expected it to be, in regards to motivations and self-awareness. I've definitely appreciated how these two authors have explored the strangeness of post-highschool life, and what that looks like, what it has to be, both on personal and romantic levels, and I liked how they worked through it via a new angle with these two characters; and even with those within their friendships and families.

<i>Even when you think you've found your story, you might need to change it later if the one you've living doesn't work.</i>

Overall it was just.. fun. The tension, the combativeness, the mixed feelings when one would deviate from the expected, and how that looks going into their future. I would definitely recommend this one. Obviously.

Since their early high school days, Alison Sanger and Ethan Molloy have been the fiercest rivals and competed on everything from AP classes to the school paper, even popularity contests. Alison cannot wait to graduate and get rid of Ethan, if only the two of them didn’t both apply for Harvard. Being around each other 24/7 because they share everything from extracurricular activities to class, Alison cannot escape Ethan. So when their principal decides to put the two of them in charge of planning a previous classes’ ten-year reunion, both of them are pushed to the brink, sharp words and perfectly placed digs flying all around.

Yet, the more time the two rivals spend together, building a reluctant friendship, the more Alison realises that getting into Harvard isn’t the only thing she wants anymore…and that more than winning their little contests, Alison has her heart set on another prize - Ethan.

To put it plainly, this book is what would happen if Paris Geller from Gilmore Girls ever met the male version of her. Rivalry till death do us part could very well be Ethan’s and Alison’s motto.

Though I was captivated by their feud, I will say that the pacing of the book dragged in the beginning and I had a hard time staying invested. The altercations between Ethan and Alison turn repetitive pretty quickly in the first half of the book because it is almost entirely dedicated to establishing their hatred of each other without ever deviating from it or introducing new aspects of their ‘relationship’.

In fact, Ethan is characterised as devil incarnate so much that to me, he didn’t have any redeemable qualities for the most part of What’s Not to Love. A lot of the stunts he pulled were unforgivable to me, which I guess does cement how great the enemies aspect of this book is, but ultimately, it was why I wasn’t immediately sold on the romance when Alison and Ethan got together. Long after Alison has feelings for Ethan that are reciprocated, I still felt iffy towards Ethan, especially since the both of them do continue to fight about their past behaviour but real apologies for things that could have hurt each other’s future are sparse and I’d be lying if I didn’t say it left me speechless while reading. It’s a gamble on the authors’ part to make the enemies part so overbearing but it does work if you stick with the book till the end.

Because even though it took me ages to come around on Ethan’s intentions, I still was rooting for Alison and him to get together because they make an excellent couple. Their interactions were so riveting, I had to reread scenes just because they were so engaging. Watching them push each other to the brink time and time again was so entertaining, it left me feeling out of breath sometimes. And when the two of them finally combine their forces for the reunion they have to plan, you could really see how their dynamic worked well in achieving goals outside of outshining each other.

I also loved the storyline involving Alison’s sister who, after ostensibly having lived the perfect life with a great degree, a lovely fiancé and a dream job, returns to live at home while she figures out her next steps. The juxtaposition of Alison who’s so sure that getting into Harvard will have been worth all the sleepless nights and missing out on traditional school experiences with her sister who now realises how empty that life of achievements without a support system can be, was one of my favourite parts. It just goes to show that one path does not fit all and their dynamic, beside Alison’s relationship with her best friend who also struggles in her own ways in this book, were an absolute highlight for me.

The discussions surrounding academic goals, the pressure you put on yourself to get into a top school and the friendships that you want to hold on to even beyond high school were so relatable. Wibberley and Siegemund-Broka excel at putting the anxiety students feel just before they graduate into writing. This was already apparent in The Time of Our Lives but it really comes to fruition in this riveting novel.

Perfect for fans of Kasie West and Morgan Matson, What’s Not to Love is the perfect romcom that everyone who ever had a crush on Paris Geller needs in their lives. With sharp tongues and academic determination, Alison and Ethan are the ultimate enemies-to-lovers ship.

There is everything to love about this latest installment from the supreme writing duo, Emily Wibberley and Austin Siegemund-Broka. Seriously, this couple can do no wrong when it comes to writing engaging, meaningful and humorous stories. Right from page one, I was pulled into Alison's head. And let me tell you, it's a fascinating place to reside. It's like a game of wack-a-mole with this intelligent, driven creature. When she resolves one conflict, another way-more-intense one pops up. She manages to move through her journey and lessons learned with grace, elegance and humility. The prose flows and sparkles as it moves the reader along for the glorious ride. The ensemble characters won't let you down either! They each have their own complicated layers and flavors. This cast is truly unforgettable. I really hope Netflix picks this one up because it needs to be a movie. Like right now.

The driving component of What's Not to Love is the contentious relationship between Alison and Ethan. The tension is visceral, y'all. The dialogue punches, jumps and dances right off the page into your heart. This book is complete with several LOL moments.

It's truly a remarkable story with a positive message of redemption. Who doesn't love a redemption story? And though all of the loose ends are tied up at the end, this book leaves you wanting more. I have a book hangover today.

What's Not to Love is the most exceptional contemporary YA I've read in a very long time. If you're a fan of John Green, you might want to move him over to make room for Emily and Austin. You'll thank me later.

In What's Not To Love we meet Alison and Ethan, academic rivals who've spent all four years of high school tirelessly competing while actively loathing one another. As they near the end of senior year, their explosive relationship takes a surprising turn when they realize they might actually be as good a match in love as they are in school.

The transition from rivals to lovers in this book is incredibly satisfying. The chemistry between Alison and Ethan burns bright against a memorable supporting cast full of wonderfully complex characters. This book is sweet, swoony, and so thoughtful. It captures the highs and lows of the end of high school with such a tender and loving gaze. A fantastic entry into the superb Wibberley/Siegemund-Broka canon. My favorite yet!

Alison Sanger and Ethan Molloy's lives revolve around their rivalry. Almost every thought that crosses their minds consists of schemes and plans to outshine the other. They compete over grades, colleges, and tests and somewhere along the way things...change. Now romance is introduced into their relationship and they don't know what to do.

I really enjoyed this book, as it was well written and had a great plot. The chemistry and humour throughout the book made it a very entertaining read!