TW: Depression, Anxiety, SA
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I would like to first thank Lane Clarke for providing me a ARC of her novel. My expectation for this novel was a cute romance novel, but it was more. Not only there a romance, I really enjoyed how there is a deeper meaning in LOVE TIMES INFINITY. We follow Mitchie, as she is trying to figure out her future to go to her dream college, but she's struggling to learn to love herself. There are times where she was relatable, and I just really wanted to give her a big hug. Her growth was a main thing with this novel. There were a bit of romance which was slow burn, and really happened around 80% mark. The conclusion does leave open-ended, which I really did not mind, and just left me hoping that each of the characters find their own happiness.

Like many have shared, this book was much heavier then I thought it was going to be. However, it has the authenticity of the characters experiences showing how sometimes we’re forced to grow up sooner than expected. Although it read much older and touched on topics that are often not talked about openly by adults or in families, it still spoke to me. The characters and the book as a whole made me step back and think about some life experiences I myself or friends had around that time in our lives. Overall, this is a solid read that I cant begin to recommend enough. I can see this book having the same impact as Speak, The Perks of Being a Wallflower and other coming of age books that turn into instant classics.

Love Times Infinity is a deeply moving and poignant story. It’s difficult to put into words how much I enjoyed this powerful and engrossing read, and I fear I won’t do the book justice. The characters, especially Michie, are layered and compelling, and I enjoyed each of their stories. Michie goes on such a journey, and I love how she grows and changes and learns from her experiences. Burdened by the rejection of her mother and the knowledge that she is the product of sexual assault, Michie feels so much guilt and anger and resentment. She faces a lot of complicated and difficult realities and really struggles to accept herself and feel like she’s worthy.

Michie has a great support system in her grandmother and many others she is close too, which helps Michie tremendously on her journey to self-acceptance and love. I particularly like the relationship Michie has with her grandmother. They are a team, and her grandmother is a wonderful support to Michie. She is a constant in Michie’s life, and their unwavering love and respect for each other are pivotal in Michie’s emotional success. They have some powerful and moving conversations, and their bond is beautiful and strong.

Michie’s relationship with her best friend is another bright spot in her life, as is her growing relationship with Derek. They have such a sweet romance, and their blossoming relationship is a bright spot in Michie’s life. Michie’s support group of teens is another source of comfort and understanding for Michie. This group helps each other so much, and they feel more like family than friends. Their stories are complicated and heartbreaking, and though their journeys are different, their connection, support, and encouragement remain strong. I love that the story highlights finding your people – the people who will love you unconditionally through the tough times. It also shows how beneficial therapy and support groups are, and I love that too. Mental health is so important and something that is often difficult for teens. Michie and her friends are going through such a confusing, stressful, and emotionally chaotic time of their lives, and having the proper people in place to help makes such a difference.

A deep and meaningful coming-of-age story, the book explores many relatable themes and issues. Michie’s journey is filled with life-impacting events. Choosing colleges, deciding whether she wants to see the mother who abandoned her, struggling with her identity and the guilt she feels, facing her fears and her past, starting a new relationship, and dealing with her mental health are just some of the experiences she faces. My son is the same age as Michie, and he hopes to attend the same school Michie wants to attend, so I very much relate to many of the realistic pressures, emotions, and situations she faces. Though the story tackles a lot of heavy subjects, they are balanced nicely with messages of hope, resilience, friendship, and love. It’s the kind of read that makes you laugh and cry and feel all the feelings in between.

I would definitely recommend Love Times Infinity to readers who enjoy upper YA contemporary fiction or romance, and I am so grateful to the author for providing me with a copy of the book. All thoughts are my own.

I found myself laughing and sobbing throughout this book. I felt so connected to Michie as I watched her struggle with her identity, so skewed and muddied by things outside of her control. The love between her and Derek was so sweet it took my breath away. Both characters were battling their own inner demons, yet they showed such compassion in the way they were there for each other. This book tackles some heavy subjects such as, sexual assault, abortion, anxiety, and depression. I think Clarke handled them well in this YA. This was a topic I’ve never read about, and I think it was handled beautifully.

I received this ARC via Netgalley in exchange for my honest opinion.

I received the ebook arc from NetGalley


Sometimes when you can’t describe it, that’s how you know it’s real.” -Love Times Infinity

This book was much heavier then I thought it was going to be. It read much older then ya and dealt with topics even adults are not comfortable with must of the time. This book definitely makes you think and there was a lot of lessons within it. This book is not a romance but it is a slob plot. This book is about a girl trying to figure out who she is and coming to terms with being a product of rape in learning that it’s OK not to have a relationship with her mother because she has all the family she needs.

Thank you both, the publisher and author, for providing me with this ARC.

TW: mentions sexual assault, abortion, suicide, alcoholism, and the death of a grandparent. Also includes parental abandonment, anxiety, and depression.

RATING: 4.5/5
I absolutely love this book! The writing was well thought out and the message was great. I loved that each character had different problems but they used the people around them to keep going. Derek's character was extremely wholesome and his crush on Michie was so cute. I went through such an emotional rollercoaster while reading this book. I would definitely recommend this book!

Michie and Derek are absolute sweethearts; this book has the most adorable romance. Loved the complex intersection of love and identity, loved the ambitious + full of heart bookworm, loved the basketball superstar who is a cinnamon roll, loved the nuanced themes of biracial identity and socioeconomic standings—and proves how unconditional love from those around us can push us closer to self-love. A detailed review will be published on the blog on February 20, 2022 and will be updated on here by then. Thank you so much for the opportunity to read this early!