I did not finish this book. I read about 70 pages of it and that was about it.
I really did like some parts of the book the premise was good; our extreme introvert home schooled main character, Bea who in order to prepare for leaving home to go to her top college decides to go to a theater camp for six weeks. This book is part coming of age and part romance. In theory it was a the start of a fun book but I don't think I was the target audience for this one.
I think my one critic is the writing style makes it hard to connect with the characters even thought its first person. Everything was described in tangents so it left nothing up to the imagination and somehow made it harder to picture the person or place being described.
Overall Bea was funny and the parts I read were cute but this one didn't do it for me but I'm sure it's someone else's cup of tea.

*I received a ARC from NetGalley. Thank you St. Martin's Publishing Group!!

Thank you to Netgalley, the publisher and the author, for an ARC of this book, in exchange for an honest review.
The synopsis of this book sounded intriguing to me so I requested a copy to read.
Unfortunately, I have tried reading this book on 2 separate occasions and during this 2nd attempt, I have
decided to stop reading this book
and state that this book just wasn't for me.
I wish the author, publisher and all those promoting the book much success and connections with the right readers.

A huge thank you to St. Martin's Press, Wednesday Books, and NetGalley for the advanced copy of this book!
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Holy cow! This book came recommended to me, and I am so glad that it did!! I was a theatre kid growing up (and am now a theatre professional), and even went to theatre camp when I was in elementary school, so I could definitely relate to a lot of these characters. Mia, Nolan, Shelby, and Nik could have all been people that I went to school with or friends from my local teen theatre troupe. Putting on a show in a few weeks time is overwhelming and all-encompassing even if the audience will ultimately be made up of your parents. These characters felt authentic and true to the various kinds of teenagers that find themselves at theatre camp, and most importantly, none of them were a caricature. Now, let's talk about Bea. I was on her side right from the start. Her anxiety was real and earned, but didn't fill the entire plot or drag down the stories. I've never considered myself particularly socially anxious, but there were moments where I completely agreed with her perspective and wanted to yell at her parents for trying to change her. Yet by the end I also understood how her friends were able to meet her where she is without shoving her out of the nest.
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I'm hoping that Kaylor has a sequel planned for Long Story Short (maybe we can follow Mia or Nolan off to college, and get a little check in on Bea?)! The writing struck me as honest, and the ending felt earned. The pacing is pretty quick and definitely keeps the pages turning, but the events themselves never feel rushed. Could it be this easy for a teen with anxiety to fit in with a new group of people in a foreign place? Maybe? I don't honestly know, but regardless the representation that you don't need to be perfect to belong is something I've always found to be true in the theatre and hopefully there is a Bea out there reading this book that will be inspired to try just one more thing, one more time. If nothing else, this is the perfect reminder that we should all be approaching others with compassion because you never know the path that someone else is traveling and what might be easy for one, could be earth-shatteringly terrifying for another. We all probably have a little bit of Bea in us, and could probably stand to be a little more kind, like Mia and Nolan, to others.

Before I get into the review, a quick thank you to both NetGalley and the publishers over at Wednesday Books for allowing me to have an ARC of this one in exchange for an honest review. Long Story Short is a summer camp story about a genius who is forced to go to camp in order to prove to her parents that she’s ready to go to college at Oxford in the Fall. Beatrice is a 16 year old genius with her acceptance letter in hand and her bags halfway packed. But her parents are unwilling to ship their only daughter overseas without proof that she’s emotionally, and socially, prepared to fly the nest. They come up with a compromise: attend a four week, theater summer camp, and Oxford is hers for the taking. Thrown into all new experiences at every turn, can Beatrice survive the summer? Long Story Short comes out on July 26th and is available for pre-order now.

I don’t normally like starting reviews with the negative, but I really want to point out that I think most of the reason for my rating is due to me not being in the target audience age range. I’m almost 33 and I feel like this book is targeted for people half my age. So, while my opinions could be valid in some ways, I do acknowledge that this might not be the perfect book for me because I’m not the perfect audience for the book. I thought Beatrice was too similar to Sheldon from the Big Bang Theory to take seriously at first. She always wore the same clothes (so she wouldn’t have to think about it and could focus on the work) and the same foods every single week. I feel like I know what the writer was trying to accomplish, but as our main character quoted from Walt Whitman, “I contain multitudes.” And in the beginning it really felt like she didn’t. She was so flat. I can understand having one bad social experience as a child and having that impact you as a teenager. I don’t understand how that translates into her having no really interests outside of academia. I think it would have been so easy to add in before she goes to a Shakespearean summer camp that she loves Shakespeare and knows his works backwards and forwards. Just anything other than academia 24/7.

I will say that as the book progressed we really saw Beatrice come out of her shell and develop into a more well-rounded person. I liked that she still struggled because no one changes over night. But I liked seeing her blossom as the story developed. I loved her friends Nolan and Mia. I wish we had gotten a little more from them. The love interest though. I love that he willingly admits to his mistakes and that he acknowledges that he can do better and then strives to actually do better. Also, the teenagers did feel very teenager-y to me so the authenticity was there in this one. An unexpected thing that I really enjoyed was the two main characters doing Shakespeare trivia against each other. Like, sometimes theater kids are just like that, you know? And it was a lot of fun to see what quotes they would challenge the other person with and try to tease apart what kind of message they were trying to send with it.

Overall, this is a fun and quick YA Rom-Com and I enjoyed it taking place at a Shakespeare summer camp. I think it’s a great read for a YA (or YA adjacent) audience or for the Shakespeare fan in your life.

As a huge math nerd and acting camp alum, I was so excited for this book. And it didn't fall short of those expectations! I loved reading about Bea's story, the obvious sexual tension with Nik, and how much she grows throughout the story. Bea is definitely coded as being on the autism spectrum, nothing is ever stated about it in the text and I absolutely loved that element. We get to focus on Bea herself, not any labels from a diagnosis that have been thrust on her. Mia and Nolan were exuberant and really helped lift Bea up throughout the story, without trying to change her. Bea's bluntness, humor, and tenacity are part of what makes her so compelling as a character. Add in a Shakespearean bet with a kiss on the line? It's solid.

*Thank you to Wednesday Books and NetGalley for an ARC in exchange for my honest review*

Long Story Short surprised me in the best way possible. I prefer to steer clear when it comes to YA romance because they tend to be a little to corny for my liking. Not Long Story Short. This is such a fun summer read. Its fun, quirky, light hearted, with a little drama ;) It showcases the special bond of friendship and how important friends are in everyone's life, all while finding one's identity in the world.

I am not a drama kid, but man after reading Long Story Short I kind of wish I took some drama classes in HS and went to a good ol' drama summer camp because it sounds epic! Oh and if you are a Shakespeare fan you might as well drop everything and get to pre-ordering the book. Its PUB date is July 26 2022.

"O happy dagger! This is thy sheath; there rust, and let me die. O, I am slain!"

Thank you NetGalley and St. Martin’s Press/Wednesday Books for giving me this ARC for my honest review.

Shakespeare theater kids shenanigans with a South Asian male love interest? This is THE fluffy, light-hearted book of the summer, so def add it to your TBRs!

The premise of this book is fairly simple really – and we’ve seen it done a thousand times. Bea is a super genius who’s been homeschooled her whole life. She’s had one singular focus this whole time: to study statistical genetics at Oxford and she got in early! The only problem – her sex therapist parents don’t think she’s socially ready to move from California to England all by herself. To prove to her parents that she is, indeed, ready, Bea has to enroll in a Shakespeare theater camp to make friends and do “regular teenage things.”

Naturally, Bea and the theater’s darling, actor prodigy Nikhil, start off on the wrong foot. You can imagine what happens then.

Except! Serena Kaylor wrote a story that is so charming and chock-full of friendship, first love, petty rivalry and anxiety. The Shakespeare quote competition between Nik and Bea was also a genius idea and it was so cute how Nik always selected quotes that gave away how smitten he was with Bea. I also mentioned earlier in this review that Nik is South Asian, but I had to mention it again because it’s so rare to have a male love interest be South Asian and I think Serena Kaylor did a terrific job of handling his identity with respect.

I also really appreciated that Bea had a therapist that was present during this story. Positive therapist representation (i.e., in which the MC has a therapist that they regularly see) is rare and it was a breath of fresh air to read this particular aspect.

The most burning question I had about Bea this entire story was if she was neurodivergent or not. She is very clearly coded as neurodivergent with her patterns of behavior and mannerisms but I would have appreciated more explicit confirmation of this, rather than my speculation from basically the first few pages of the book.

All in all – a thoroughly enjoyable book and I really look forward to whatever else Serena Kaylor publishes in the future!

Special thanks to St. Martin’s Press and Netgalley for sharing this digital reviewer copy with me in exchange for my honest opinions!

Long Story Short was a cute YA story that almost every teenage girl lacking self confidence will relate to.

Beatrice is a super bright home schooled teen that is accepted at her dream college, Oxford. However, her parents feel as if she'll not socialize and just stay in her room all day studying as she's never been one to put herself out there. The tell her that they will happily send her off to Oxford as long as she attends a summer camp to make friends as well as check off certain other tasks on a "social to-do list" of sorts.

Thankfully, Beatrice is roomed with Mia and they hit it off pretty quickly. Mia helps her navigate the ropes of this dramatic summer camp since she has attended several years. By dramatic, I mean not only socially since we're dealing with a bunch of teens, but it is a camp for aspiring actors, set designers, etc.

Even though Beatrice is a prolific Shakespeare student, she never wanted to be an actress and quickly convinces the director to give her a behind the scenes job. Typical teen drama begins almost immediately which in some ways brings her out of her shell. She also does not want to mess up her chances of going to Oxford and knows that her parents mean business.

It is a fun teen summer read, but it is not a long story short. My only criticism is that it might have gone on a little too long. Still one to recommend!

Thank you so much to net galley and the publisher for sending me a copy of this book. I’m not sure why but I was hesitant to start this book. I immediately fell in love and could not put this down. I love all the characters so much and the emotions in the books. Extremely swoon worthy. I can’t even describe my love for this book. I can’t wait to read more from this author! It’s definitely a new favorite author and book for me!

Long Story Short is a light-hearted coming of age story centered around a teen attending a Shakespearean summer camp. Beatrice is genius level smart, introverted, and ready to go to Oxford in the fall. Her parents don't think she's emotionally ready to move away and strike a deal to send her to camp to get to know her peers and have some "typical" teenage experiences.

The story doesn't say Bea is neurodivergent, but it came across that way to me. She struggled to pick up on social cues and norms, only eats certain foods on each day, and panics at any situation she isn't prepared for. Maybe she's just supposed to be sheltered and extremely shy, but this seemed more than that. I did feel for Bea when she got overwhelmed or anxious, but I got a bit sick of her literally running away from any situation she didn't like. Bea also constantly made it seem like she was too good for acting and I disliked her superior attitude.

Mia and Nolan stole the show for me and I'd love each of them to have their own book. Mia immediately becomes Bea's friend and knows when to encourage her to try something and when to give her space. Nolan is funny and bold and didn't get nearly enough page time. These two are adorable and I would have them for best friends in a heartbeat.

I liked the summer camp setting and Bea enjoying new things and having fun. This is a cute contemporary and a good debut for Kaylor.

I voluntarily read and reviewed this book. All opinions are my own. Thank you to Wednesday Books and NetGalley for the copy

This was one of those books that I felt was written for a movie. I mean, the entire time I read it, it developed as any coming-of-age movie plot would. But I loved it!!

I am a sucker for a good "good girl/ "bad" boy" romance. And Beatrice was definitely a good girl, but also an interesting heroine to follow along. I was heavily interested in her progress with herself during the book, including all the friendships she made and with personal growth. Her romantic relationship with Nolan was cute to see unfold.

The pacing seemed to flow with the setting and plot, and I enjoy a good summer setting (child of Sarah Dessen over here!) My one qualm with this book is the direct cut out of cliche stereotypes by each character. I actually don't mind cliche too much, but I felt that for all the secondary characters that fell into these stereotypes, their development directly matched those in popular media, especially with Beatrice's "enemy" becoming good.

Overall, this was a cute read and perfect for the summer, especially if you are looking to fall in love with some YA romance again!

What an interesting way to introduce Shakespeare to young adults! I loved the camp setting and the love story was very sweet. I can’t help but wondering when a sequel might come out?!

I loved this book. Everyone can relate to learning how to be yourself. Serena Kaylor does an excellent job of creating characters that make you want to be their best friend. Beatrice is a protagonist I immediately rooted for.
I absolutely loved the friendship between Beatrice and Mia. The world of this book was so fresh and exciting. This is such a sweet love letter to theater kids.

Long story short by Serena Kaylor

Thank you to Netgalley and Wednesday Books for the ARC!

I don’t even know what to say. This book was just SO adorable and made my heart melt.

I loved the chemistry between Bea and Nik, and how they almost confessed their feelings but someone or something always came between them

If you love a cute and light romance with lots of drama, enemies-to-lovers, and a ton of character growth, then this book is for you.

This was such an amazing book. I really enjoyed reading it. This was a great YA romance and an amazing summer read. Such a lovely story.

A girl who has been homeschooled her entire life and has spent her days dedicated to her projects and her dream of getting into Oxford... and when she does get in her parents wont let her go unless she agrees to go to theatre camp for the summer. Beatrice Quinn has always been socially awkward, in fact its to the point where she doesn’t have friends and spends most of her days alone just working on math and her passions. Her parents are concerned about what will happen to her when she moves all the way to England to go to school by herself and will only agree to let her go if she agrees to go to a theatre summer camp and prove she can socialize, so they give her a list of tasks she has to accomplish to prove to them she has and they’ll let her go. Easy enough right? Except for someone as painfully shy and socially awkward as Beatrice it might not be that simple. Beatrice finds herself in the Connecticut Shakespearean Summer Academy, and where she’ll discover friendship, heart break, and first love, as well as finding the confidence in herself to finally get out of the books and maybe just start living life. I adored Beatrice’s friendships in this book, Nolan and Mia were great friends who supported and helped Bea realize what it means to actually be a friend, they challenged her, helped her, and supported her as she took her first steps. My biggest issue came with Nik, the son of the famous actors who is the epitome of “tease the girl because you like her” except there was no chemistry between them, and the more he bumbled and messed it up the less I liked him. Bea’s first interaction with him ends with him calling her ugly and soon spirals into a competition that states if he wins she has to kiss him. Yes I get that he was “challenging her” and such but honestly, no, it just wasn’t for him. All in all it was a cute story about growing out of your shell and trying new things.

*Thanks Netgalley and St. Martin's Press, Wednesday Books for sending me an arc in exchange for an honest review*

Long Story Short is a witty and swoon-worthy Shakespeare-themed rom-com full of quirky characters and theatre magic.

As a former theatre kid who loves Shakespeare, I had a feeling I would love this book. And Serena Kaylor did not disappoint! This Shakespeare summer camp coming-of-age story is smart, swoon-worthy, compulsively readable, and I simply adored it. Shakespeare quote battles that are basically just flirting? Sign me up! All the chaos of theatre and putting together a play? Been there, done that, miss it a lot. Seriously, reading Long Story Short made me nostalgic for my not-so-long-ago theatre days. There’s a particular kind of chaos magic associated with theatre and Serena Kaylor captures it perfectly.

The highlight of this book is definitely the cast of characters we meet. As fitting for a theatre camp, everyone is a little larger than life but in a good way. Mia in particular stole my heart with her colourful confidence and is definitely my favourite character out of the eclectic friend group Bea finds herself in.
I adore how supportive Bea’s new friends are of her. They accept and love her as she is, but also support her in trying new things without pressuring her. Fundamentally, Long Story Short is a story of stepping outside of your comfort zone and opening yourself up to new experiences. The book pokes fun at the transformation tropes common in coming-of-age stories. Yes, we get a makeover montage, but there is no singular “take off your glasses and become a princess” moment. Instead, Bea grows and experiments and learns, never losing who she is at her core: smart, resourceful, and loyal. The plot doesn’t try to squeeze her into a box of who she should be. She gets to learn and grow and change just as who she has always been and I loved that!

Speaking of Bea, what a wonderful heroine for this story! I love smart and nerdy girls and stories with more unusual main characters. Long Story Short is proof that everyone can be the main character in their own story. Bea, like all of us, contains multitudes. Yes, she is smart and a little awkward. But she also speaks her mind, is funny and loyal. The book makes room for her to be all of those things and shows us that we don’t have to fit into any box to be worthy of love and magical experiences.

Additionally, I really appreciated the mental health representation we get. Bea struggles with anxiety and the book allows her to navigate that in her own way. Her anxiety is part of her experience and the book doesn’t try to diminish that.

To me, this was the perfect summer read. It’s quick, delightfully funny in unexpected ways and just feels fresh and sweet, like strawberry lemonade on a hot day. I loved the romance way more than I expected to! Nikhil is a perfect counterpart to Bea and their banter was one of my favourite parts of the book. I’m not going to lie, I had to put the book down a few times to scream a little out of pure joy. If someone basically confessed their love to me using Shakespeare quotes I’d probably faint on the spot.

{4 ☆} If you’re looking for a great summer read, you should definitely consider picking this book up!!

This was such a cute and cheerful book that had a very good plot and that was filled with all these amazing different characters. It would be an amazing summer read and I highly suggest you read it when it comes out on July 26th.

𝘓𝘰𝘯𝘨 𝘚𝘵𝘰𝘳𝘺 𝘚𝘩𝘰𝘳𝘵 is different from the books that I am used to reading starting off with the main character. Beatrice Quinn (the statical genius and mc of this story) just got accepted the Oxford university at the young age of 16 after being homeschooled her entire life. (I don't usually read books like this because they usually don't interest me, but this one was amazing!!) Bea's parents are concerned that she hasn’t fully experienced the ins and outs of a normal teenage life, so they decide to send her to acting camp, a place for her to socialize, make friends, as well as memories. If you’re interested in seeing what the camp experience is like, make sure to check this book out on July 26th :)

Amazing debut by Serena Kaylor!! I will DEFINITELY be buying myself a copy of this book just so that I can have it foreverr :)

Thank you so so much, NetGalley and St. Martin’s Press/Wednesday Books for giving me my very first ARC. It means so much to me.

Beatrice Quinn is a teenage genius who is armed with an acceptance to Oxford and a plan....... That her parent's are not exactly onboard for. In order to prove that she is ready to be on her own in England, her parent's set a lists of tasks that she must complete and send her to the land of extroverts. Shakespearean Theatre Camp. We have the most hilarious side characters, a quirky female lead, and an enemies to lovers rivalry that absolutely sizzles.

I loved this story. As a Theatre kid (I'm pushing 30, can I still call myself a Theatre kid? Theatre adult?), this setting was my absolute dream. The friendships Bea makes in this story are so full of joy, love, and acceptance that my heart was bursting. The chemistry between our two leads is divine. and the banter shines. Nik is the boy teenage K-Lanie dreamed of. Sassy, British, and can quote Shakespeare? Yes, yes, and yes. If you're looking for a summer fun story, this one is for you.

Pub Date: 7/26/22

~Special thanks to NetGalley and Wednesday Books for an advanced reader copy in exchange for an honest review.

This was so fluffy and gave off the best summer vibes!

I read this so quickly and can't stop thinking about it. The character development of Bea was so great to see and I loved watching the relationship between her and Nik growing as the book went by. Although Bea was my favorite character, I did like the side characters as well.

I loved how Shelby didn't turn out to be the stereotypical mean girl that you see so much in books and movies. Mia, Nolan, and Nik were also great.

Age rating wise, this book is G-rated and very appropriate. There is some kissing between Bea and Nik, but besides that, there are no cuss words or sexual references. I really liked the slow burn.

Overall, I would give this book four stars. It's the perfect book to read on the beach during the summer.