Morgan is a track star who had to transfer from her Catholic private school to a public high school after coming out as gay. Being queer was against her school’s code of conduct, so Morgan chose to leave the school so she could be herself. On her first day at the new school, Morgan meets Ruby, a beauty pageant competitor who likes to tinker with cars. Morgan and Ruby are instantly attracted to each other, but Ruby isn’t out of the closet, so she keeps her mysterious feelings for Morgan a secret. As Morgan becomes more comfortable with her queer identity, Ruby gets more scared to show her true self. Both girls have to decide how much they’re willing to risk for their relationship.

This was such a sweet romance. Though Morgan and Ruby had lots of differences, I was rooting for them to be together. They made up for each other’s weaknesses, so they made a really good couple.

This story dealt with some serious issues, such as homophobia, particularly in schools. Some characters mentioned hiding their queer identity until they were finished high school, so they didn’t draw attention to themselves. That’s so heartbreaking, to think that some kids don’t feel comfortable enough in their own school. This was a huge problem at Morgan’s previous school, where she was harassed for being queer to the point where she had to leave the school and jeopardize her future as a track star. Schools need to be a safe place for all students, regardless of their identities.

Some Girls Do is a beautiful queer YA romance!

Thank you Penguin Teen for providing a copy of this book in exchange for an honest review.

I really enjoyed this one! I loved Jennifer Dungan’s Hot Dog Girl and this one was a lot more emotional but still very good. I love how Dungan can write such flawed characters that you can’t help but love.

Both Morgan and Ruby has some serious communication issues, but I felt this was a real picture of many teens. Being in a relationship is new to both of them. Put queerness on top of that, especially for two people at very different stages of accepting their queer identity and it’s going to be a minefield of emotions.

Morgan is now fully out and proud, dealing with a public legal battle with her old school. She’s determined to make a difference in advocating for LGBTQ+ rights. She’s also had a bad experience with a former friend who wasn’t out that left her crushed, and feeling like she was some straight girl’s experiment. Ruby is barely surviving. She’s known at school as “trash” for sleeping around, a reputation that she hates. Her mom is super controlling forcing her to live out her old dreams by forcing Ruby into participating in beauty pageants all the time. They struggle for money and Ruby just doesn’t see a way out. On top of that, Ruby is really struggling with her understanding her sexuality. She likes Morgan so much but isn’t sure how to express that since she’s never liked anyone enough to want to be in a relationship. It’s why she’s only ever engaged in friends-with-benefits arrangements.

So their situations are completely opposite. They both try to mold the other person to fit their idea of how the relationship should be. Morgan is out and wants Ruby to be out. Identity labels freak Ruby out and she’s not sure if it’s safe for her to as she might get kicked out, and then what? They both play games with each other and don’t communicate what their expectations of the other are.

I felt the author did an excellent job of depicting the nuances of queer visibility and how everyone’s path to coming out (to one’s self or publicly) can be wildly different. Having a relationship when one person is out and the other isn’t is requires a lot of honest communication and seeing these two work out their issues was great to see.

My criticism is that two have very insta-lovey beginning. There’s immediate attraction but they aren’t hooking up or professing their love for each other right off the bad. It was a little unrealistic but not annoying. The actual relationship developed gradually.

Overall, I really enjoyed this one. I especially love the tone of the book. It keeps a lighter tone even as it talks about serious issues and can get quite emotional at times.

CW: Alcoholism (possibly with the adults), underage drinking, slut shaming (challenged), unintentional outing, non consensual kiss (challenged), homophobia

<i>*Thank you to Penguin Teen for providing me an arc to review.</i>

I was not the biggest fan of this, but I think it is because I am definitely growing out of the young adult genre. I am more of a romance reader now.

I haven't read many LGBTQ+ books. So I found this book enjoyable to read. I think the representation was great and it had everything a teen book usually has. Character development was great. I rooted for Ruby and Morgan. I loved their relationship and I think it was the cutest thing ever to see it bloom.

Some Girls Do is my first book by Jennifer Dugan but it definitely won’t be my lasts
I loved this book from start to finish!
I pretty much devoured it in one day.

Also what a beautiful cover! I’m obsessed!

This book has some sapphic romance but it’s not all fun.
We get our characters Queer Morgan a track star who has just started at new high school. She meets Ruby a bisexual Pageant Queen who is not out yet. I absolutely loved Ruby! She was the best! A pageant queen who is also a mechanic?! Yes! Loved her!

Morgan was not my favorite character, she was kinda selfish and irritating.

This book has some hard topics that are super important to Queer teens. It’s a must read based on that alone. I think anyone that has dealt with homophobia will relate to the story.

Overall it was an enjoyable read and will be perfect for teens.

Story follows Morgan (track star) and Ruby (a beauty pageant queen). This book is SO CUTE. That said, it also deals with a few super heavy topics. When books are mixed with these two things I tend to really enjoy them.

I really enjoyed both characters in this book. Each had issues, each had to deal with them both alone and together and each grew as a result of these issues. I feel the author really built each of them up well and I felt like I cared about each girl.

I really liked the storyline - the track athlete and the beauty queen. Two girls who are polar opposites falling for each other. One who is out (and dealing with a lawsuit at her previous school) and one who is in the closet because of a homophobic mother. I didn’t always like the way that Morgan dealt with Ruby being “in the closet” but in the end it all came together with some growth on her end.

I also like how Ruby grew through the book and began to stand up to her mom (regarding her actual hatred for being a beauty queen, which was her mothers dream and not hers)

I feel like this is a good book for young LGBTQ+ teenagers to read as I think it covered some of the battles they may possibly go through- both with other people and themselves.

Thanks to Penguin Teen and Netgally for copy of book!

After reading Hot Dog Girl I’ve been adding anything connected to Jennifer Dugan to my TBR. This one was no different. It was more serious than her first, but less serious than her sophomore book. And even with it being smack dab in the middle like that, I still loved it.

Morgan is forced to transfer high schools after it comes out that she’s queer at a Catholic school and it goes against their Code of Conduct. She meets Ruby, a bisexual pageant contestant who likes working on cars. She uses the car tinkering to make money to give to her over-bearing mother. The two fall for each other, but Morgan is out and Ruby isn’t. Neither wants to give in to what the other wants. Can they find a way to meet in the middle.

I liked the writing style and everything, but the characters in this weren’t my favorite. It took me until the very end to like Morgan because I spent most of the book worried that she was going to out Ruby. I know that’s only my thing, but still, it rubbed me the wrong way. She just felt really selfish and I didn’t like that. Especially since Ruby’s home situation was so bad. I found myself wanting to make sure she was safe.

The romance to me was kind of repetitive. I wanted to see more of them together vs the back and forth of them. I know it was plot driven and I’m probably the only one who thinks this way about this book lol But still. I liked the semi-slow burn, but I’m always for the swoons. And this one was so sad it could have used some more swoons. This might also be my PMS at work, but still lol

I DID like the overall plot tho. I liked that it was so real. I really felt like I was looking at a real life couple. it seemed more realistic than fiction if that makes sense. I don’t know exactly how to explain it, but I really enjoyed being in their little slice of life. Dugan’s story-telling gets me every time. I was sucked in to this story and when I finally finished listening to it, I felt like I was just finishing from visiting Morgan and Ruby.

This one had it’s ups and downs, and isn’t my favorite Dugan book (that still belongs to Verona Comics) but it still warrants a conversation on how awesome it is. I hope more people pick this up. Definitely a great way to start the month of Pride.

Unfortunately Some Girls Do left me feeling kind of ehh. It started out promising…I was feeling like I finally got a winner on my hands, after a dry spell of like-able YA Contemporary lately. I had a big smile on my face. But then..nope…I found myself being let down again after the first couple of chapters.⁣⁣
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Morgan a rising High School track star finds herself in a new school when her Catholic Private School made it obvious being queer is just not OK. She is not the type to hide in the closet so she’s moving on to a new team and school.⁣⁣
Ruby, who’s personality is a bit rough around the edges, is being forced to be a Serial Beauty Pageant Contestant by her mother while her true passion is working on cars. She has to keep her bi-sexuality buried because her Mom has made it clear her girl crushes are NOT OK. ⁣⁣
When Morgan and Ruby first run into each other, literally pedestrian meets car, there is instant attraction but because Ruby can’t let anyone know her sexuality she is rude and brusque throwing Morgan attitude. And Morgan thinks the girl that gave her immediate sparks is a beast. So Morgan and Ruby are not off to a great start. But they are being consistently thrown together and their feelings start to show. The problem is Ruby can’t be “out and proud” like Morgan, Ruby doesn’t have the support system that she does. And Morgan is not understanding of Ruby’s dilemma and wants to let the world know they are becoming an item. These circumstances tear them apart and even though they really care for each other there may not be a way to fix their relationship with their difference in lifestyle choices. ⁣⁣
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Honestly the insta love rubbed me the wrong way. Ruby really knew nothing about Morgan and she was already mooning over her pretty much the first day!? Unrealistic! And it wasn’t mushy love because they constantly go at it, which was also annoyed the hell out of me. It’s hard to root for their love when they fight so much amongst themselves. And honestly I got bored with how Morgan wanted to push her being out in everyone’s faces. I applauded Morgan’s strength and courage but she wanted everyone to live just like her. She had zero sympathy for Ruby, knowing how hard it is coming out, seeing the way Ruby lived without a supportive family like Morgan was lucky enough to have. ⁣⁣
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Basically I really like the idea of the story behind Some Girls Do. The sentiment (a love story between 2 girls, from two different backgrounds fighting their circumstances and society) behind it is makes it a worthwhile read. But I feel like it needs a bit more development and better chemistry with the love interests. ⁣⁣
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𝐓𝐡𝐚𝐧𝐤 𝐘𝐨𝐮 𝐏𝐞𝐧𝐠𝐮𝐢𝐧 𝐓𝐞𝐞𝐧 𝐟𝐨𝐫 𝐭𝐡𝐞 𝐨𝐩𝐩𝐨𝐫𝐭𝐮𝐧𝐢𝐭𝐲 𝐭𝐨 𝐫𝐞𝐚𝐝 𝐚𝐧𝐝 𝐫𝐞𝐯𝐢𝐞𝐰 𝐒𝐨𝐦𝐞 𝐆𝐢𝐫𝐥𝐬 𝐃𝐨.

Ugh, this is so painful. I was so excited for this book, but the execution just fell flat for me. The representation in this book is fantastic (yes sapphic relationships!), but there are so many missed opportunities for true communication and learning, and that never really takes place. This is really frustrating because intersectionality is just not taken into consideration. Oh well.

Initially while reading I was really loving Some Girls Do. I'm a fan of the author's previous work and I was so excited to dive into this one. However, about halfway through something changed.

There was a particular scene between the two main characters that featured one of them kissing the other without consent in the middle of an argument. For a while it is discussed in the story as being a problem, but then is moved past. However, this scene alone was enough to turn my feelings sour. After this scene I struggled to connect to the characters and I didn't want to cheer for their messy relationship. On a personal level, consent is always key in literature, regardless if it's a kiss or sex. This scene was not something I enjoyed and it sadly caused me to loose the love I had for this story.

I'm so sad and disappointed about this book. I was excited for more from this author, I was loving the characters at the beginning, and then poof. Sadly I gave this novel only two stars. Thank you so much to the publisher for providing me with an e-ARC.

Morgan is the openly gay track star who has to start over at a new school. She quickly makes a lot of run ins with Ruby, a mechanic and beauty queen (2 complete different things - I know. Read to find out why!). They start spending more and more time together and start to develop feelings. This had the potential to be a favorite, but towards the end there was one thing bothering me - wanting to keep the relationship a secret. :(

Overall I adored this book so much!

*3.5

I thought this book perfectly envisioned what it is like to be bisexual and struggle with your feelings and how you want to express them but are scared too at the same time. I felt so relatable to Ruby and what she was going through.

Morgan also has such strong feelings towards helping people and youth that are struggling with their sexuality and it was nice to see her character do what she could for others.

The book deals a lot with coming out and how it is important to make sure that if someone is not ready to come out, they don’t have to. It is always up to them and what they are comfortable with and they should never be forced to share their sexuality with the world if they don’t want to.

I really liked the book and would love to read more by this author!

absolutely thrilled to have experienced this book. i cannot wait for more from this author. totally captures your attention from the very start!!

Morgan has just transferred schools and her future depends on the willingness of her old school to put aside its homophobia and mistreatment of her, so she’s not hopeful about her college acholarship.

Ruby is a beauty queen, or was, it’s her mom’s dream but Ruby wants to work on cars and get away from her mother’s broken dreams. She doesn’t like the way new girl Morgan makes her feel, makes her want. As the two move from enemies to tentative friends to something more, they’ll both have to face some hard truths and be brave to get what they really want.

I stayed up too late finishing this last night, and I gotta say, worth it! It’s got a lot of heart and shows that people, girls especially, aren’t just one thing. Ruby is a beauty queen and an ace mechanic. Morgan is an athlete and an active member of the Pride Club, something that doesn’t usually mix at her new school. They have their share of character flaws and troubles, but their willingness to ask the hard questions and face their fears made me love them. I was rooting for them, and the book left me with a warm, fluffy feeling that I think I need in my life a little more often.

I’m still working on the backlist, so this one’s out now, and I definitely recommend it. I ended up finishing it via a hold at my library, because I’m apparently on a physical page turning kick just now.

I went into Some Girls Do thinking it was going to be a fun, Sapphic,  YA romance. It wasn't. Of course there's some cute scenes, but this book is filled with anger, sadness, and confusion. And if I'm being honest, at some points it was down right devestating.
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It centers around two girls; first there is Morgan, an athlete who transferred to a new school after being outed and pushed out of her old Christian Private school. Then there is Ruby, a beauty queen, mechanic, and someone who likes both boys and girls (even if she can't yet admit it). As the two cross paths again and again they can't help but be drawn together, even when it means that Ruby is risking everything to be with Morgan.
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I feel as if the author really wanted you to follow Morgan's journey and her growth in this book. It might not be intentional, I might just  be thinking like that because we start off with Morgan's POV  and her moving provides the premise of the book, but I honestly didn't really connect with Morgan that much. I think that Morgan was very niave because she came from a supportive and privileged home. Meanwhile Ruby is from a poor home with a homophobic mother and a pervy step dad.  I didn't like the  pressure and expectations that Morgan put on Ruby to come out. I totally understand that Morgan didn't want to be in a relationship that she had to hide from everyone, and that is a totally valid feeling, but the option isn't to pressure her girlfriend into going public when she clearly does not want to or cannot do so safely, the options are to either stick it out or separate. I really don't think Morgan ever fully realized how much danger Ruby could have been in for coming out. Honestly, I am happy for both of them and the growth that they had, but I wish they wouldn't have ended up together. I know this sounds like I hate this book, but I promise I don't. I actually loved this book! I think that it had a lot of depth and really great characters, even if I wasn't a fan of all of them. They are teenagers, it is going to be messy because they are still learning. That's all I have to say. It's great, go read it! But be warned that it is a heavy read and not just a Sapphic romance.
CW: homophobia, outing,
Rating: 4.5 (rounded up to 5)
[Disclaimer: I recieved an eARC via netgalley from Penguin Teen in exchange for an honest review. Thank you!]

This was a quick read. I didn't really like the characters unfortunately. They just fell flat for me.

The story is really interesting and it keeps you wanting to read more and more!! I started it yesterday afternoon and I finished it later the same day. It is really fast-paced, exactly what I needed because I wanted a short and quick book to kinda get me out of a reading slump. It's cute, a quick read, has some fun tropes, but also tackles some larger issues in a way that is really applicable to teenagers. Plus I really fell in love with both of the characters.
Full review to come on my YouTube channel.

a beautiful story involving two girls and their destiny, love, and some amazing writing. Also, the cover is gorgeous

This book was so cute I absolutely just read all of it in about 3 hours. I couldn’t stop reading. Such a cute contemporary romance and I just absolutely loved it. Especially from both love interests point of views, it was so cool to see how their relationship progressed.

It’s official: I will lay down my life for any and all of Jennifer Dugan’s characters, because they are messy and real and with every book you are letting rooting for them so strongly. I love queer YA that explores and navigates the imperfect process that questioning can be, and doesn’t shy away from the uglier moments.

It’s not always easy to know who you are, to be comfortable with yourself, to love every part of yourself—and it’s not always easy when you do, and you love someone who isn’t in the same place. Especially when you’re kid, and especially in environments that aren’t the most open or safe. Morgan and Ruby were a really great example of this, and I really loved their arcs as individuals—and together.