CW: mentions of SA, mentions of suicide attempt, alcoholism, and verbal abuse

I laughed and almost cried, and I fell in love with the main character and the love interest. From the very first page, this book hooked me. Michie is such a fantastic character and her inner dialogue was wonderful. Her negative self-talk felt too familiar and my heart ached for Michie. I became so invested in this girl who didn’t think she deserved love in abundance, a girl who didn’t think she was capable of greatness or deserving of it.

Derek de la Rosa might just be one of my favorite love interests. He was so sweet and caring. Also, Michie’s friendship with Jojo was amazing. I love good friendship representation!

Love Times Infinity is a story of healing, family, and first love. one of my favorite things about stories focusing on family and healing is the search for a support network. The realization that you are worthy of love. I enjoyed every second of Michie's journey!

This is surprisingly heartwarming and real. I love being reminded of being young and in love with so many aspects of the world while also transitioning by realizing that the world is messy and is not always happy.

Can be a comfort read xx

Easily one of the best books I've read all year! I love the representation of mental health, non happy/lovey families, and an AMAZING best friend (The gift Jojo got for Michie's birthday had me in TEARS!).
I do wish we had taken a second to explicitly acknowledge how g-ma was gaslighting Michie about so many things, and a couple of things that are brought up throughout the book are extremely odd (is Derek a nerd for liking mainstream sci-fi and poor people don't have personalities outside of being poor).
But overall, I Loved the book and highly recommend it.

a sweet ya book! i have seen this everywhere and was really happy to receive an arc. lane clarke is definitely an author i will keep on my radar!

If you want a book that will effectively break your heart and then put it back together, look no further. This one had me in tears. Love Times Infinity is a book about healing and love and friendship. It's incredibly beautiful all the way from the characters to the story itself to the writing. All of it was phenomenal and it felt so different from a lot of YA I've read. I felt like all the relationships between the characters were interesting in some way or another or heartbreaking. There are a lot of sensitive topics in this, but it was obvious the author treated them with care in order to make this story what it was. I commend Lane Clarke for being able to do that so seamlessly. Even though these characters suffered through some tragic things, this story is so moving and hopeful as well. I love this so much

This book made me feel things, okay?! I was laughing and crying and that is SO rare for me. Love Times Infinity follows Michie and her journey of healing and truly finding herself. I enjoyed the whole story but related most to Michie and her grandmother, as I was also raised by my grandmother, it was a wonderful thing to see. It's been days since I finished Love Times Infinity and the story is still heavy on both my mind and my heart. Highly recommend.

This story follows Michie who is a junior in high school in the era of time where college applications are being completed, that require very thought-provoking essays to be written. She wants to go to Brown University, but she is still trying to figure out who she is and who she wants to become. The story covers a lot of emotional and heavy subjects around family upbringings and estrangement. But there are more heartfelt subjects such as found family, great friendships, and a very sweet relationship that blossoms between Michie and a boy named Derek. Overall great read, I definitely recommend!

Thank you Little, Brown Books for Young Readers and NetGalley for this arc in exchange for my honest review.

LOVE TIMES INFINITY is another one of those books where I feel like the cover copy just does not do it justice. I feel like it really leaves out the emotional depth and deep soul-searching and pain that Michie wrestles with. It implies that her family issues are a simple estrangement when in fact, there’s something much darker and more complex in play.

When I started reading the book, at first, I struggled with Michie’s self-pity. I felt empathy for her because obviously a LOT in her life is a struggle, but I wanted to be like, okay but isn’t there a bright side here somewhere?

As I got to know her, though, her down-on-herself attitude suddenly made so much more sense. It became clear how over and over she self-sabotaged because she couldn’t move past a deep wound. She also holds deep beliefs in some really destructive ideas about herself.

But those ideas, her believing them, all of that made sense from Michie’s point-of-view. As the circumstances of her life and the blooming relationships around her force her to confront those ideas, Michie began to experience a transformation. I LOVED that. So many scenes had me crying because they resonated so deeply: hurt, forgiveness, new self-love. The author captured those moments beautifully and perfectly.

The story also explores some ideas about abortion. Michie has complicated feelings about the issue because she feels like lots of people would have told her mom to abort her. She wonders if her mother wishes she had. Michie’s feelings only grow more confusing when she hears rumors that a girl at school has had an abortion, and she isn’t sure how to feel about it. Michie is pretty careful to try to separate her personal feelings from legal or broad mandate ideas. She also allows readers to explore a complex issue from an interesting perspective.

Note: I received a free copy of this book in exchange for my honest review.

Reading about Michie’s story felt like spending time with a friend.

I laughed and I cried, ok I was full on sobbing and sending my friends distressed voice notes about how this book made me cry! I would without a doubt recommend this book to all my friends, it’s a story that needs to be read.

Michie is my girl and I adore her to pieces, her journey of healing was so raw and real and it’s gonna be hard to not think about her story. It’s going to stay with me for a long time. Derek is an absolute cinnamon roll and has my entire heart! Seeing him deal with his own problems and grow was really great, it made me love his character even more! Jojo was such a good friend too, I loved the friendship between all of them!

Mitchie’s relationship with her grandmother who raised her was my favorite part, their usage of “love times infinity” really hit hard and I’ll probably never be able to think of this without thinking of them.

Lane Clarke has entered the YA scene with a fantastic debut that leaves you wanting to read more from her!

5 Stars

Love Times Infinity is an incredibly heartfelt coming-of-age contemporary story that I would encourage all to read. It’s a story that features feelings of love, heartbreak, and navigating through real-life experiences. It’s difficult to put into words how much this story touched me and brought to light a topic I’ve never seen explored in young adult fiction.

“I love you,” I say

“Times Infinity,” She responds

Michie is such a compelling main character and her story had me captivated from page one. She feels like a real person with her own thoughts, feelings, and struggles. Through this story, we see her struggle with finally accepting herself and coming to terms with her past. Her entire character arc is handled brilliantly, showing the audience that the journey isn’t always going to be perfect.

The romance between Michie and Derek was so beautiful and absolutely adorable to read. They both complemented each other so well and I loved seeing their romance blossom. While they start as friends at the beginning, over the course of the story they open up to one another allowing each other to see their weaknesses and demons. Both of them have their own struggles and pain, which made them able to relate with each other where others couldn’t.

“Sometimes when you can’t describe it, that’s how you know it’s real.”

One of my favorite aspects was the various support systems that Michie could rely on which helped her to reach the point of self-acceptance within her own journey. It’s important for stories to not only have a strong and compelling main character but side characters that add something to the story and have their own personalities. Michie’s grandmother and best friend Jojo were a constant in her life showing her that they love her unconditionally. Michie’s group therapy provides a sense of understanding for her and while their journeys are each different, she can gain a newfound state of comfort. It absolutely warmed my heart to see Michie’s interactions with her support systems and eventually learn how to love herself.

Many YA books tend to shy away from certain real-life experiences that happen to people in everyday life, but here I appreciate how Lane rather tackles them to shed light on topics like abortion, mental health, and therapy. It’s important that we portray these topics in the media so we can inform people of the struggles that people may experience. I thought it was great how this story brought to the forefront Michie’s group therapy sessions, her stress over college applications, and dealing with the problems from her past. While this story takes on heavy topics, it is able to create a balance with the light fluffier moments creating a wonderfully, breathtaking story.

“The truth is out there now. I feel empty – a good kind of weightlessness.”

Love Times Infinity is an absolutely wholesome story that will be sure to pull on your heartstrings and leave you thinking about this story long after you finish it. A touching coming-of-age story that shows the audience that unconditional love from others can help us to love ourselves.

Rating 4.5/5
Plot 4.5/5
Spice 1/5
Character Development 5/5

[I voluntarily reviewed a complimentary copy of this book]

“Love Times Infinity” by Lane Clarke tells the story of Michie and Derek. Michie is a junior in high school who aims to be the first-generation college student accepted into Brown. As she writes her scholarship essays she struggles to define who she is. Although these essay prompts are difficult for anyone to answer, Michie faces bigger difficulties as she doesn’t have a relationship with her mom thus the idea of family and identity isn’t clear to her.

Derek is a new student at Michie’s school. He is a kind person and a talented basketball player. Although Michie claims that she is invisible, she notices that Derek has his eye on her. When Michie’s mother reaches out to make amends, Michie has to decide if she wants to re-visit her past or move on. Also, as Michie and Derek spend time together, Michie must decide how far she wants to take this relationship with him.

This book discusses many great topics including identity, love, and family. This book is also filled with great character growth and I enjoyed reading about Michie finding herself. The storyline was interesting and relatable. This book discusses many serious themes so make sure to check out content warnings before jumping in.

LOVE TIMES INFINITY is a fantastic debut from Lane Clarke that delivers a super fun romance, while also diving in to some tough and important topics. Shy, book-loving Michie is preparing for the future, thinking about college, while also balancing school and life. Basketball superstar Derek couldn’t be more opposite from Michie, but somehow they fit. Each character is working through their own set of challenges while slowly but surely navigating this budding romance, and I loved how those challenges played a big role in their relationship development. ⁣
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This book does a fantastic job of exploring themes and issues that are heartbreaking and tough, yet relevant to today’s climate. Michie spends a good chunk of time in this book in therapy, and it was interesting to hear her discuss and try and sort through the issues that she’s been dealing with throughout her whole life. From anxiety and depression, to figuring out who she is as a person, what her identity is, and how her past and her mother have affected that. Michie starts off negatively questioning so much about herself and I love that we end in a place where she realizes she matters and she’s valid. ⁣
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Bottom line — an impressive debut that tackles themes of identity, self, family, and mental health. This story is filled with heart, humor, and characters you can’t help but love. Highly recommend.


*Many thanks to @lanewriteswords and @netgalley for the digital arc.

“Sometimes when you can’t describe it, that’s how you know it’s real.”

Love Times Infinity blew me away. A coming of age story, of finding yourself, and finding answers to what makes you YOU, and what makes your heart whole.
I found myself relating to Michie so much, that imposter syndrome is real. I am also a first generation college graduate, who stepped into the real world, where I’m constantly feeling like I’m not good enough.
We follow Michie’s journey, as a junior in high school, getting ready to make those life changing decisions involving college, family.. and love.
I didn’t want it to end. This novel will inspire you, will make you smile, laugh, and feel sad.. maybe for what was, and happy for what now is.
I absolutely recommend this novel, all the stars! I cannot wait to find out what’s next for author Lane Clarke!

I don’t read much YA contemporary fiction anymore, but Love Times Infinity is a sweet and heartfelt coming of age story that doesn’t shy away from heavy topics facing teens.

Abortion is discussed a lot in this book because the main character Michie’s mom gave birth to her after being sexually assaulted; even though she made the choice to keep the pregnancy, she struggled with the consequences that choice (the keyword here is *choice*). Michie’s knowledge of how she came to be and her relationship with her mother severely impact her self-worth and mental health, and this plot line is inspired by the author’s own experiences. I appreciate that this book addresses the issue of abortion in a nuanced way that does not push an agenda. Different characters may feel differently about it, but the book is not anti-choice or anti-abortion. If you want to know more about the author’s personal views, she published an article on the topic for Time after Roe v. Wade was overturned.

While Michie’s relationship with her mother is estranged, she has an amazing support system of people who love her: her grandmother is the best single parent she could ask for, JoJo is an incredible friend, Derek is such a patient cinnamon roll love interest, and all of her friends and therapist from group.

I loved the sweet and clean romance. I cheered for Michie as she learned to embrace her identity and show the world her potential. I laughed at Michie’s snark and savage pop culture references, although I think some of the references appeal more to readers my age than current teens. Some subplots felt a bit disconnected from the rest of the story, and the ending wrapped up so quickly (I wanted to actually read Michie’s college essay!), but I was always fully invested in this emotional story. I am very impressed with this debut and look forward to reading whatever Lane Clarke writes next.

Thank you to the publisher and Netgalley for the gifted eARC.

Thank you to Netgalley and the author for sending me an Arc in exchange for an honest review.

I was so happy when I was sent the arc for Love times Infinity. This book raised the bar on ya books for me. When I finished this book I felt that I could face all of my fears. This was an excellent book.

Michie is struggling to define who she is for her scholarship essays, and her big shot at making it into Brown as a first-generation college student. The prompts would be hard for anyone, but Michie's been estranged from her mother since she was seven and her concept of family has long felt murky. Enter new kid and basketball superstar Derek de la Rosa. He is very cute, very talented, and very much has his eye on Michie, no matter how invisible she believes herself to be.

Michie was a wonderful main character. She was always worried about how others viewed her which I related to. Michie went through so much but despite everything, she still persevered and we could all learn a thing or two from her. She grew so much throughout the book in the best way. Plus she loves Percy Jackson and we have the same birthday so I have no choice but to stan!

The romance was also so swoon-worthy. Derek cared for Michie in the best ways, always giving her the space she needed and also being there for her no matter what. Also reading about how much Michie liked Derek was the cutest. I love them, ultimate ya couple!

Also, this book discussed so many tough topics such as mental health, sexual assault and abortion but it still never felt too heavy. I was still able to laugh and smile throughout the book. It was inspiring and everything was discussed in such a nuanced way. It was done perfectly.

Finally, all of the side characters made this book. It is so true that a village raises a child and this is shown so much through this book. It’s not always the blood family that matters but the ones you form. Michie survived because she knew her best friends and her grandmother cared for her so much.

If you want to read about flawed characters, tough topics, a strong main character and the sweetest love couple, please read this book. I will recommend this book 100 times. 5 stars!!

𝘼𝙪𝙩𝙝𝙤𝙧: Lane Clarke
𝙋𝙪𝙗 𝘿𝙖𝙮: 6/26/22
𝙂𝙚𝙣𝙧𝙚: YA, Coming-of-age

An deeply moving and compellingl story of heartbreak, hope and happiness.

I was so excited to be invited to read this upcoming young adult book, and I am so impressed this is a debut novel!! I will certainly be reading more from this author. I thoroughly enjoyed the storyline even though it was heavy, and thought the writing was great too. Plus that cover though!

Though this is a young adult, it does deal with some really heavy life topics. I would encourage anyone who reads to check the trigger warnings first, I think this is a really important topic for young people or anyone to read. Have tissues ready as this one may make you cry.

Thank you Lane Clark and Little Brown Books for this e-ARC in exchange for an honest review. This book is due for publication 6/26 . This review will be posted to my blogs & Amazon on or around publication day

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Wow! Just wow! I cant believe this was Lane's Debut novel! The way 16 year old me felt so seen and loved while reading this book was truly remarkable. Pure Gold!

This story starts off with Michelle or "Michie" struggling with the whoas of getting ready to graduate from high school and stressing over getting into the college of her dreams while wondering how she's going to pay for it. Then life does what it does best, comes in and turns everything on it's head. During all the craziness of preparing for college, her biological mother who she doesn't have a good relationship with, tries to come back into her life while Michie is also trying to deal with this budding chemistry with the new basketball player, Derek. How will Michie handle all of this at once?

When I tell you this book read me for filth, uncovered some issues I thought I dealt with years ago, all while making me smile and swoon over new love. I thought I was walking into a cute YA romance not realizing I would be reading a book that closely resembles my life's story and how there's a light at the end of the tunnel. This is a story that many people can relate to and learn from. It might not be easy to read in some parts but you will feel complete and in awe at how far therapy, love and support from your friends and family, and believing in yourself will take you.

Love Times Infinity is a YA Contemporary by Lane Clark. An outstanding debut novel that brings heart and emotion through the eyes of a young woman as she learns to love and accept every part of herself.

High school junior Michie life isn't an easy one. Yes, she has the typical teenage struggles of feelings invisible at school and worrying about her college essay and SATs. She also deals with the fact that she's the only kid at her school from a lower income bracket and while her peers are attending school games she's working and counting every dollar. But the biggest hurdle in her life is the fact that she is the product of a sexual assault and her mother never wanted to be a mother. She feels unworthy of love, so when the new hot senior basketball player befriends her and shows interest in more she pushes him away. Michie has to come to terms with and face the mother who walked away from her to be able to start living and believe she deserves a happy future.

I wasn't expecting how heavy this book turned out to be. It discusses frequently abortion and about children born from sexual assault, since that is our main character / narrators backstory. She struggles with self-worth and guilt and keeps even those closest to her at arms length for fear of rejection. There's also discussion of her attempting self harm in the past. My heart really broke for her. So many of the characters in the book have difficult family lives and each faces their own challenges.

Amongst all the intense, there are plenty of moments that will put a smile on your face. Michie's best friend JoJo is an absolute delight. She's loving, supportive and caring. Michie's grandmother is a doll who unconditionally loves her and fills both mother and grandmother positions for her. All the unique characters in Mitchie's therapy support group. And of course, our love interest, Derek. He is such a sweetheart and it is adorable how smitten he is with Mitchie. He opens up to her about his own demons, and genuinely wants to get to know her as friends and on a deeper level. They have a slow burn relationship that begins as friendship and eventually becomes more. But Mitchie struggles with the idea that anyone could love her or that she's worth loving, that she pushes him away before acknowledging both their feelings. The romance is sweet and innocent, with a few well-placed kisses.

All in all , Love Times Infinity by Lane Clarke is a wonderfully written YA contemporary, with love, friendships, positive mental health rep, young love, , a half-time show strip tease, matchmaking, honesty and found family.

Michie is a high school junior struggling with the age-old college essay question: Who are you and what makes you unique? Anyone would struggle to define themselves for a pannel of strangers with a limited amount of words, but Michie has always had a slippery grasp on who she is. Estranged from her mother due to the circumstances of her birth, Michie questions her ability to love truly and genuinely.

Then she meets Derek. He is extraordinarily handsome and talented, and he confidently makes it clear he's interested in Michie, despite her lack of self-importance. But this isn't a romance novel. Michie's mother unexpectedly reaches out and Michie has to decide if she wants to accept her hand. As she gets to know Derek and lets herself open up, Mitchie realizes despite not knowing who she is, she has plenty of time to decide who she's going to be.

This book is somewhat intense. It mentions a past suicide attempt and a past rape, which is the primary reason Michie struggles so much with her identity. It was a tough read after the Roe v. Wade overturning, and Michie's thoughts on abortion are deeply personal but not fully fleshed out due to the nature of the coming-of-age story. Parts of this were frustrating for me, but overall I think it was a great debut.

Michie, Derek, and Jojo are wonderful characters. I love how much the girls' friendship permeated the story, and I love how this book focused less on romantic love and more on the love of a found family. Michie's group therapy sessions were some of my favorite parts to read. This book feels warm and accepting at times and heavy-hitting at other moments. It is light and quick, but it will make you think. Please check out content warnings before reading! The author was great about providing them.

My rating - ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️.25

Oh WOW. What a debut novel. A book told from a perspective that I have never read before, with relationships built up that were truly one of a kind.

The main character is the child of a rape victim, who’s dealing with both what her existence represents and the absence of her mother. This made it a great book for me, as I hadn’t read from this perspective before so it pushed me to thinking about situations I had never considered before. Every emotion felt by her was hard hitting, raw, emotional, and caused me as a reader to feel her pain - I cried whilst reading this as her emotion was described so viscerally.

The love interest, Derek, was a delight. The romance was no slow burn - it was an instant connection. This book was about the development of their relationship/ friendship through the stages of Michie’s emotional journey rather than the story of them getting together. Derek was just so so lovely, and I highlighted many scenes of them interacting. By the end I was totally enamoured with their relationship.

The friend and familial relationships too? Perfect. Her relationship with her grandma (who she lives with) and her best friend was equally as amazing. So heartwarming, and a perfect counter to her inner turmoil about her mother/ existence.

This was a 4.25 for me as the first 5-10% was just not it for me, it had a few pop culture references that I didn’t really get and just didn’t flow too well. but after the first 5-10% I was OBSESSED and squealing over this. I was flying through it and finished it feeling so full of love.

So good! A book I would certainly recommend picking up.