As usual, Robbie Crouch is able to create a story that is filled with laughs and some tears. I love the way he write dialogue as its believable. You want the main character, Blaine, to get everything he wants and yet you know there are going to be obstacles along the way. The novel creates a beautiful story that shows how Blain is supported by family and friends. Thank you #NetGalley for the ARC so that I can continue to find quality YA fiction with LGBTQ characters.

One. Blaine for the Win is a book full of characters who just leap off the page. The sorts of characters where it feels like you’re in the room with them, they’re just standing across from you when all this is happening. You can’t help but root for them—even, by the end, the ones you might not be expecting to root for.

Two. It’s a kind book: characters are allowed to mess up and they can also be forgiven, but it’s a forgiveness they have to work towards. This is clearest with the two or three characters who are posited as antagonists. They’re not automatically excused and forgiven when it all comes out, but they’re not completely written off, either. There’s the space for growth there, that makes this book, ultimately, kind.

Three. The focus on mental health as Blaine’s chosen topic to base his candidacy on was very well done, especially in how it covers intersections of mental health. That’s something that isn’t often the focus of YA books about school and/or other politics, but it’s what made this one a breath of fresh air. And, I think, a very important read for school-aged readers, with the message about looking after your mental health.

Four. In all, it’s just a very fun read. Blaine is an entirely relatable character and you’ll find yourself laughing and crying in turn as he does. Equally, so are all of the characters around him. You will have the time of your life reading this one and it’s mostly down to the characters (but also the plot, of course).

Five. It’s about the family of it all, both Blaine’s biological one, and the one he makes with his friends. Blaine’s relationship with his parents, and his aunt as well, was so sweet and the juxtaposition of this with The Sky Blues, where Sky’s support comes from his found family, was lovely. It’s so important to show a vast range of experiences when it comes to LGBT kids and their families, and these two books definitely contribute to that.

Cute. Sweet. A little contrived at times, and definitely stole its premise from Legally Blonde (not even a little mad at that though), but this was a really quick, really fun read that’s perfect for those looking for something light. I had a lot of fun. I do wish it didn’t fall into one of my least favorite tropes for YA contemporaries (that of the Grand Scheme) but I enjoyed it more than I usually enjoy books with a similar premise.

This was a fun, cute, quick read. It features a diverse cast of characters who are easy to get attached to, and takes them on a journey that feels genuine and valuable. The characters grow as people, and not just the main protagonist--most of the side characters have satisfying character development of their own. While the plot can feel a bit generic at times, I wasn't expecting it to end how it did, and I liked that. It subverted my expectations in good ways. Overall, this is a gentle read with a good message.

Blaine is super excited for his date with Joey on their first anniversary. That is, until Joey breaks up with him on their anniversary because he wants to date more serious guys. Can Blaine be a more serious man? He attempts it by running against Joey's new boyfriend for class president. However, Blaine isn't so sure he likes himself as this new serious person. This is a fun, sweet story of Blaine finding out who he is and wants to be.

*I received a free digital copy in exchange for an honest review*

The first thing I thought when I started this book was that it seemed very familiar and I couldn’t figure out why. Then I realized that it started off almost exactly like Legally Blonde, but with a gay painter instead of a blonde sorority girl (no shade to Elle Woods intended). This had me worried that this was going to be a straight rip off of Legally Blonde, but as it kept going it started to break away and become its own thing.

I loved the Sky Blues, so I was excited to read another book by the same author. The writing and characterizations are well done, and I really enjoyed the snappy lines from all the characters. I was also a big fan of Blaine’s original message “Let’s Talk”, I would have loved that as a teen and it was a great way to introduce issues that really are at the forefront of teen worries in high school. I loved the focus on mental health, and the characters acknowledging that therapy can be helpful when needed without any of the snide commentary that usually accompanies therapy discussions.

Overall, I had a great time reading this book, and Couch is quickly cementing his role as one of my favorite queer YA authors. Definitely going on any LGBTQ display I put up!

I got this from Netgalley these opinions are my own. I loved this book! I have been excited to read this ever since reading The Sky Blues. Robbie Couch is such a great writer and really knows how to tell a story! I love Blaine and is perfectly flawed self as he goes through his journey in this book! Blaine is funny, witty, sweet, kind, and full of self-doubt! I also love the supporting characters! Aunt Star is everything! She’s one of Blaine’s biggest supporters plus she’s the fun aunt we all love! And shout out to Wicker West High School for taking student government so seriously! I don’t think my high had have the steps they did for candidates. Can’t forget Zach, who doesn’t love a character with redeeming qualities! I absolutely loved Danny! I can’t wait to hold the actual book in my hand!