'Like We Belong' follows Josh and Clover, two very different best friends who are navigating school, friendships, and family, whilst dating.

I loved the writing style of this book, I enjoyed the comparison of Josh and Clover, and how the book explored their differences whilst they were dating. However, personally, I just couldn't get into this book. I don't know if it was the mood I was in, or if it's because this is the third book in a series. But I couldn't really connect with the characters, and I didnt care where the story was going.

Rated: 2.5 stars

Thank you to netgallery for allowing me to read this book, in-exchange for an honest review.

<b>"With the look in his eyes and the exhilarating night we’ve had, I can tell he wants to say something. Three words, I see it in his eyes. We don’t say I love you often, because we said we know how we feel. It seemed excessive for us to say it all the time.”</b>

<i>Thank you so, so much to Netgalley for the arc!</i>

I enjoyed this book a lot. It’s certainly very different from other YA contemporaries I’ve read despite the synopsis probably sounding the same. I was expecting a friends-to-lovers story but was more fascinated by the concept of Jonah and Clove already being in a relationship at the start of the book and navigating it. While they figure out the next step for them, they have to acknowledge their social circles and their public images as a PK and religious kid, physical differences within their groups, inner insecurities.

I respect that this book was very sex-positive and that all the characters were able to have conversations about the nuances involving their beliefs and personal experiences. I’m usually deterred by multiple POVs in books, however, it was really interesting to see how other characters perceived and thought about events. Everyone was very layered and had something to bring to the story. Even with the characters that I didn’t particularly like, I appreciated them in some way.

Also, a few fun things: Clove is a beautiful name. I loved the informal and “franglais” language <s>(obvious French bias)</s>. I love that Clove as Jonah text in French and have their religious nuances about them (especially when it comes to them kissing). (And that they are very strong in their personal beliefs).

This is a really great look into teens lives and how different events affect them.
I liked Clove and Jonah the most. I liked how they worked through things together and supported each other.
I did like the look into a teen's life as a pastor's daughter. It affects her life in many many ways.
This is a good look into how trying to fit in but also be yourself can effect your life in high school.
These are great characters and it was nice to have multiple perspectives.

Thanks NetGalley for this ARC!