Hi, friends and Happy Monday! Cheers to iced tea and summer-y YA rom coms!! Huge thanks to @inkyardpress for an early egalley of #IfYouChangeYourMind by @robbyreads ! I was super excited for this one as it is the debut from one of my favourite bookstagrammers/BookTubers and it was so worth the wait! It had so many of the elements that I love in a YA contemporary, and some great characters, earning it a 5/5⭐️ from me. We follow Harry, an aspirating Hollywood screenwriter as summer is kicking off and he’s trying to finish a screenplay to apply for a prestigious program. With his goals for the future and after the heartbreak of last summer, Harry doesn’t want a relationship: besides, love is much better in the movies. As you can imagine, this is complicated when Grant, his first love and the reason for his broken heart, and Logan, who is new to town & super cute both show up at his regular summer hideout. I really, really enjoyed how this story was a wonderful balance of an adorable romance, the absolutely perfect summery setting & atmosphere, and the love & angst of teenage friendships. I had moments of swooning & squealing, sighing exasperatedly at a friendship fight, and pride at characters for their growth in the book. Another element I though added great value to the book was the snippets of Harry’s screenplay in between chapters, which added depth to the storyline since it responded to events happening in Harry’s life and his feelings. Also, Logan as the love interest 😍 so sweet, and his character background made me like him even more but also led to even more development for Harry. Grant was interesting as the ex who is back in the picture and I feel like a lot of readers may relate to this part of the book - the grief, heartache that he caused, but also how the author chose to have Harry get over him. Plus, the angst! Definitely would make for an awesome Netflix summer teen movie! I’m excited to see what Robby will write next 😄

If You Change Your Mind by Robby Weber is a solid debut and fun summer romance. Harry's summer gets a lot more complicated when his ex-boyfriend Grant returns from Los Angeles, while Harry is beginning to get close with the new boy in town, Logan. What makes matters worse, Harry has to finish his screen play by the end of the Summer if he wants a shot at the film school in USC. A delightful and quick read with likeable characters and easy to follow plot. The screen play woven throughout the narrative is charming and entertaining.

This feels aimed at middle school to early high school. I think some of our kids would enjoy, but it doesn’t have the universal pull that will interest a diverse audience.

Thank you to NetGalley and Inkyard for the ARC.

Let me just start by saying that I loved this book. This was a fantastic debut novel by Robby Weber.

These characters were all thought out so well. I also loved the snippets of the script that Harry was writing throughout.

I had all the feels while reading. But the love story is it’s on rom-com for the ages. Adorable characters and amazing writing. I highly recommend this book to everyone.

3.5 stars

This was a cute book. It was a quick, light read, perfect for heading into summer.

Harry is a 17yo aspiring screen writer and over his summer break before grade 12 he is trying to finish a screenplay that would help him fet into the university he’s wanted to go to forever. No time for anything except his summer job at a book store and writing his screenplay.

But then he meets Logan, who is only in town for the summer, and his ex Grant shows up (who moved across the country at the end of the previous summer without telling Harry), plus there’s his sort of friend Foster (who he had a fling with over spring break). Harry loves romcoms and Nora Ephron movies (how is this the second book I’ve read recently that has an MC who loves Nora Ephron movies???), but doesn’t think that kind of love exists IRL.

Overall, this book is fairly low drama, low angst, but with some big feels. Harry trying to figure out what he wants to do with his life, figuring out his feelings for Logan and Grant.

I loved all the movie references, and I’m sure there are a lot that I missed.

Overall, a solid debut that I enjoyed.

In case it wasn't obvious from the blurb, or you don't tend to read the blurbs, If You Change Your Mind is a RomCom with a love triangle. I know that's a big no for most people, but I'm okay with it (in fiction, not in reality). The only problem is liking one love interest more than the other, which means the more I prefer the one, the less likely I am to give the other any chance whatsoever. That wasn't as much a problem here because I liked both characters - maybe one a little more than the other, but I think I would've been okay with either choice. I found pretty much all the characters to be at least a little likable. I won't go on into details about the romance because I don't want to give the choice away, but the whole story is an entertaining read, and it turned out to be a good choice for me to kick off some summer reading. Robby Weber tells a fun little romantic comedy for his debut, and I'll be interested to see what he does next.

ROM! COM! Set before the summer of senior year! Surfboards! Cotton candy! Carnivals!

It's functionally a 'cozy' romance! It's like Grease but with less singing! (And also only the song "Summer Lovin". Okay I have never actually seen Grease so maybe don't listen to that.)

Sometimes also we are reading Harry's superhero screenplay and it's supposed to be thematic but I skipped those parts (and was fine with reading the rest of the book) so if you don't like them, just skip them.)

It's fun! It's funny! It's a great beach read! It's a fun little romance! Pick it up!

This book was absolutely freaking adorable. It was the perfect summer read: a beach town, a collection of cute boys, and enough fluffy romantic moments to keep my swooning the whole time!

Everything about this story made me smile. I loved Harry so much, not to mention his best friend, Hailey, and his hilarious sisters. It made me nostalgic in an amazing way, and I desperately need to visit the beach now!

All the boys had me guessing the whole time. Will he choose Logan? Grant? Or even Foster? I loved how each of them were unique and lovable in their own ways, but I have to say I’m VERY happy with Harry’s choice!

If you’re looking for an adorable summertime M/M romance, I highly recommend this one!

Thank you to the publisher and NetGalley for providing an eARC in exchange for an honest review.

Marvelous, fun, and fresh spin on the summer romance! It is imminently readable and you won’t want to put it down!

A beachy rom-com set during the summer? The beach is my happy place, and rom-coms can be pretty entertaining.

The summer before senior year, piers, surfing, carnivals, cotton candy, parties, walks on the beach – all of these set the tone for this novel. Harry is finally getting over last summer’s crush who ghosted him when he moved away and is set on putting all his energy into working on the screenplay he’s hoping will get him into USC. Sounds like he’s got his priorities set, right? Not so much. Enter a new cute guy and the return of the ex-boyfriend, and the priorities become a little muddled. He’s also wavering between giving his best friend bad news that would crush her or letting her continue in her bubble of happiness. On the side he referees fights between his two younger sisters and works part time in a book store. He’s a busy guy.

Each chapter is named after a rom-com movie (so adorable), and they seemed to fit the theme of that particular chapter. Every character is flawed, and I cringed each time Harry made a bad choice (he’s obliviously self-destructive) but that’s what humans do. The supporting characters are well-drawn, but I have to give a shoutout to Foster, Harry’s friend who’s deeper than he initially appears, and his little sister Lottie, a cunning scene-stealer.

Several of the chapters are snippets of Harry’s superhero screenplay that somewhat mirror what’s going on in his life. I understand why they were added, but for me they interrupted the flow of the story.

I like the way the story wraps up and the decisions Harry makes. Sometimes self-realizations can be a shock, but they help us learn and grow. If you’re looking for a light read with beachy vibes and surfer dudes, this one checks the boxes.

I received a complimentary copy of this book from the publisher through NetGalley. Opinions expressed in this review are completely my own.

Perfect YA beach read rollercoaster romance for the lovers AND the skeptics out there!

Harry has a one-track mind: finishing his screenplay and getting into USC as a film major. This rom-com film buff is ready to leave his small coastal Florida hometown for the bright lights and movie sets of L.A. After last year's disastrous summer that left him lonely and heartbroken, he's swearing off guys and focusing on his goal of winning a screenwriting competition to help secure his acceptance to his dream college before he starts his senior year of high school. Only two problems: The new boy at the beach club, Logan, and the guy who left Harry behind and broke his heart, Grant. Harry knows not to let Grant get too close, but old habits die hard and first loves are hard to forget. But Logan is like a breath of fresh air -- Harry can't help but be drawn to him. Even when trying to stay focused, Harry finds himself in a rom-com of his own making. Except he doesn't find it funny and he might not get his happy ending...

Thoughts: Harry's WIP screenplay is interwoven between real-time chapters (aptly named after popular romantic comedy movies) and I didn't really get it at first. But as the story went on, I could see the parallel between Harry's made-up characters and Harry's real-life love triangle. At one point, I actually wanted MORE of Harry's sci-fi screenplay -- I don't think readers get enough of it to do it justice as part of the overall story. I also struggled with the author's writing style a bit at the beginning: grammatical errors and "sentence flow" issues in the first few chapters were distracting me. (But I was reading an eARC, so take that criticism with a grain of sea salt and a shrug.) But then... Then I really got into the story. Weber created such interesting characters, totally rom-com worthy dialogue, and realistic situations that I couldn't help but get sucked in. Plus, despite the fact that Harry was ready to leave and explore the big bad world, I would LOVE to live in his adorable little coastal piece of paradise! Weber really brings that town to life. I enjoyed the dynamics between Harry and Logan, Harry and his sisters, and even Harry and Grant at times. I thought each character was authentic and the plot so real it could happen to any young adult reading it. It's a great story about finding yourself, understanding who you are in the world, what dreams are within your reach, and taking ownership of shortcomings and how you can affect those around you. Side note: Some mature themes are discussed and take place, so I would recommend this for high school upperclassmen and college students.

**Thank you to NetGalley and Inkyard Press for an eARC in exchange for an honest review.**

This book could’ve been about 100 pages shorter.

Harry had his heart broken last summer when Grant just moved across the country without telling him. This summer, he’s single and ready to focus on his movie script to secure an acceptance to college in LA. Except he ends up in a love triangle plus one with Grant, Logan and Foster (kinda?).

The story meandered, more than halfway through it and it still felt like there was no real plot. The most interesting characters (Agnes, Foster, Logan) were poorly developed and very underutilized. The rest of the characters (the mom, the sisters, Logan’s aunt and uncle, etc.) appeared for random plot points and were summarily ignored the rest of the time. The excerpts from the movie script were random and hard to follow, and ultimately added nothing to the overall story so I don’t know why they were there.

That said, I did like how every chapter was named after a rom com. We should absolutely bring chapter names back!

Thanks to NetGalley for the eARC in exchange for an honest review.

In IF YOU CHANGE YOUR MIND we meet Harry, a bit worse for the wear emotionally but ready to move on by applying himself and win a scholarship so that he can finally meet his goal of writing screenplays in Hollywood. Just as he begins his journey in earnest his ex comes back into the picture stirring up old emotions- there is also a new boy in town that sweeps him off his feet .
This story was cute and well paced and had a classic trope twist that was enjoyable. I struggled getting into it mostly because the YA books i read always have so many *eyerolls* and *exhasperated grunts/sighs* maybe, i know its a teen drama but reading these describers over and over again, but it may be something I need to get used to if I'm going to explore this genre.
Overall, if you're into YA and classic romance tropes in a beachy-read vibe, then this is for you!

Omg I loved this book so much!! A YA beachy summer rom-com? Sign me uppppp 💛

This is a great lighthearted read, and absolutely perfect to bring with you to the beach! I really liked our MC Harry. He starts off not in the best headspace and is a bit of an adorable mess, but he learns a lot and I loved all of the growth that happened with him throughout the summer! I loved Logan. Grant obviously wasn't my favorite. Foster though?! We need more Foster content ASAP!! (Please?!) Near the end of the book I wasn't sure which way it was going to end up ~ but I was so happy with how it did!

Overall, this book was wellw rotten, heartfelt and I loved it! It is definitely one I will read again. If you're a fan of YA queer romance, definitely add it to your TBR!

Thank you InkYard Press for this e-ARC in exchange for an honest review. This book is due for publication tomorrow and j definitely recommend it. This review will be posted to my Bookstagram account tomorrow!

There's potential in this story and I had fun. Unfortunately I found the characters a bit flat and I didn't care for them. The story fell flat even if there's some quite entertaining parts.
Not my cup of tea.
Many thanks to the publisher and Netgalley for this ARC, all opinions are mine

IF YOU CHANGE YOUR MIND by Robby Weber tells the story of a teenaged aspiring screenwriter, Harry, and his summer romances. Harry is spending the summer in his hometown of Citrus Grove, FL working on his super hero screenplay and trying to get over his first love, Grant, who ghosted him last summer. Surprisingly, Grant makes an unexpected reappearance, and while Harry wants to stay mad at him, he finds a more sympathetic Grant than he expected. On top of that, he meets a cute new boy, Logan, who's staying with family for the summer and seems interested. Harry quickly finds himself entangled with two boys, dealing with a tricky friendship, and questioning his own motivations. Is true love is even real? And if it is, does he deserve it?

While the book does get into some of the big questions that teenagers ask themselves during that period in their lives, this book is just as sweet and fluffy as the cover implies. It's filled with time spent at the beach and the pool and frolicking around a seaside town in Florida. Harry has ABBA dance parties with his little sisters and eats lots of pizza and ice cream and pastries with his two suitors. It contains a strong element of nostalgia, which is so familiar for teenagers. Even in the moment, teens are often aware of how quickly the end of their childhood is approaching and how much their lives are about to change as they prepare for college and ponder their potential careers. This is heightened by the way Harry and Grant reconnect with the help of a rose-tinted version of the prior summer. Meanwhile, the anticipation and fear of the future is captured in the way Harry and Logan know that their time together is fleeting.

Ultimately, the story isn't too deep and isn't exactly fresh, although another queer take on a classic romcom formula is always welcome. The chapter titles taken from classic romcom films are a cute touch, but the super hero screenplay woven throughout the book is a distraction that always manages to bring the story to a screeching halt. The author also has a tendency to write emotional moments in broad, hyperbolic statements that feel generic rather than dive into the specifics that make a story feel real and alive. Still, if you want a simple romcom full of whimsy and wistfulness, you've come to the right place.

I gotta be honest. I wish Foster were on the cover, too. I love him. I love his part in all of this. I dig the whole vibe of him. But, on to other things.

I really didn’t expect to get such a deep story from this one. But it was way more than I thought I’d get from a gay rom-com. It was delightfully sweet and unbearably heart-wrenching and I just didn’t anticipate tears. Alas, there were tears. Grant, ya big idiot. And Foster, ya big goofy Yoda!!! I just loved it all. A lot. 💜💜💜📚

Harry would like nothing more than to write screenplays for Hollywood’s greatest blockbusters. The first step is to win the screenwriting competition of his dreams, which will also grant him admission to the college of his dreams. All he has to do is make sure that his summer is free of distractions aka boys, which should be easy now that Harry believes love only exists in movies.

This was such a cute summer read! Harry’s family, including his younger sisters are sure to steal the show, and the realness of his duties as the elder sibling was very refreshing. I loved each and everyone of the characters, especially Hailey. If I could, I think I would live in this book.

While the storyline was a bit predictable, and there was a dreaded love triangle, I felt that Weber used the very cliche tropes and turned them into some of my favourite scenes. Plus the screenplay at the end of each chapter was really interesting and definitely added to the storyline. I will definitely be picking up a finished copy when this comes out.

Thank you so much to NetGalley, Inkyard Press and the author for granting me an advanced copy of the book in exchange for an honest review. All opinions are my own.

Thank you very much to Netgalley for sending me an early ebook copy of my dear friend Robby Weber’s debut novel! IF YOU CHANGE YOUR MIND is the summery queer YA rom-com that dreams are made of.

I recommend this book if you enjoy any or all of the following:
☀️ Nods to classic rom-coms
☀️ Queer characters + gay romance(s)
☀️ Love triangles
☀️ Sweet family dynamics
☀️ Summertime nostalgia
☀️ Exploration of pre-college panic

I look forward to reading Robby’s future novels!

This was a pretty painful read for me, I want to start off by saying that I feel like this book is targeting a pretty niche audience and I really just wasn’t for me.

I didn’t really get most of the pop culture references. Even though I don’t usually reach for a lot of romcoms I can usually get through them and appreciate the genre when it’s done well, sadly this one missed the mark for me. I also found the screenplay parts at the end of each chapter to be really obnoxious and it took me out of the story at the end of EVERY chapter.

Love triangles can be either really great or really bad and I think that generally is determined by how good the characters are. Harry is a really boring main character and we really don’t get much of his personality through the entirety of the story, what you get from the synopsis is pretty much all you’re going to get in terms of development. He isn’t likeable and his decisions are questionable at best. The love interests in this story also have very little development, who they are when you meet them is pretty much who they are at the end of the book.

Story wise it’s very generic and we don’t even get prominent side characters or any real progression to a story because there isn’t much more than the romance and forced comedy.