My Mechanical Romance is a great start to the world of written romance. The teen characters are fresh and don't feel outdated to young readers, while most of the references feel timeless and don't feel like they're pandering to a specific audience. Both MCs are written realistically to teenage lifestyles, each having their own personality out of the relationship and their own problems they must deal with individually. Each character is fleshed out to serve a purpose in the story without weighing it down. I most appreciate the fact that the diverse storytelling is woven directly into the book instead of plopped on top as an added brownie point.
While I personally am not a huge romance fan, the story was a sweet read and kept me interested in most points, which is my most prominent problem when reading romance.
You can check out my review with Alexene Farol Follmuth at thevioletmagazine.com.

This was short, sweet and cute – a little academic rivalry and career path identity crisis all set in the familiar senior year of college pertinent to YA contemporary. I used to think that 17-year-olds in these types of books were super old and ~mature~. They seemed to have a somewhat solid framework for who they are or at least where they want to be. Now as an older reader, I find myself wanting to reassure them about the future. I could sit the main characters down and just say, ‘It’s okay guys! There are so many things that are not worth stressing about at this point in time,’ but alas, I do understand the value of learning at your own pace.

Anyways! To the actual book . . .

I may be an arts person who also went to an all-girl’s high school, but Bel’s experiences being a WOC in a male-dominated STEM club still rang true. (How could they not in this economy?) This book made me reminisce about the days when I was in a robotics club in primary school, and I laugh fondly seeing where I am now.

The story being told in dual POVs really made this a fun read. It took a little bit of time to get in the groove of their inner monologues but that was a minor thing. I loved witnessing representation through Bel being half Filipino! I’ve said time and time again that BIPOC deserve to tell these stories, even if they’re not grand or anything new. There is no one way to witness a coming of age. Our younger selves deserve that and more.

Bel’s cute and eclectic wardrobe is such a vibe, and it was fun seeing Teo try to figure out who she is through it. I could relate to Bel’s uncertainty – she’s for the ‘I did this all last minute but somehow it turned out more than ok’ girlies. There’s such a focus of finding your niche, that one thing that gives you direction in high school, and that’s a lot of pressure on top of navigating family problems. I’m glad that I got to see the complexity of that through this book. Its exploration of the misogyny and sexism that is rampant in the STEM field is also so important. From direct comments to microaggressions about diversity, the experiences here are very real and relatable. The bro culture and favouritism were very much felt. I was rooting for Bel to take charge of her ambition, and I was happy to see her affirm herself – she is good at what she does and she’s taking the chance to see where it takes her.

Our leading boy, Teo, was giving Troy Bolton, especially with the ‘she’s not just some girl, Dad’. I mean, rich boy who’s captain of the soccer team and leader of the robotics club? You can’t tell me he’s not cut from the same cloth. Reading his POV definitely helped round out his character throughout because he would’ve felt 2D otherwise. I wish we got to see his relationship with his parents develop more! I can relate to his micromanaging tendencies, especially when you have your hands in too many buckets. It’s an important lesson for us all to know that we don’t always need to be the one to fix things. It’s not one person’s responsibility to carry it all. What makes Teo great is how thoughtful and attentive he is – man literally learns Taylor Swift’s entire discography for her.

Bel and Teo brought out the best in each other, even during such a hectic time of their lives. It goes to show how having supportive people around you can help you flourish and be more kind to yourself too.

‍Being a self-proclaimed connoisseur of academic rivals to lovers, this definitely hits the spot. It’s also a plus that it’s a YA BIPOC romance (we need more of those always). It’s up there with Michelle Quach’s Not Here to Be Liked and Rachel Lynn Solomon’s Today Tonight Tomorrow. For times when you want something simple and cute to read, this is definitely one to reach for.

This novel was honestly a delight. I have not meshed well with YA romances as of late but this one was everything I could want.

Bel is the new kid at a Private Academy just trying to get through her senior year without being asked the question she feels she won't stop hearing ask : What do you want to do with your life? Where do you want to go to college? Her physics teacher takes her under he wing and pushes her to try out for the Robotics team, and follow he clear passion of design and engineering. In comes Teo captain of the robotics team, physics wizard extraordinaire, and the perfect student. Teo has a huge amount of pressure in his life to be perfect, be the best, have everything figured out and fail at nothing. When Bel first joins the team he is excited for what she can add to the team but quickly there is some friction as she voices her opinion and doesn't fall into line like all those stuck in Teo gravitational pull. They slowly being to work together and get to know each other and push each other to be better people for themselves.

What this book did great was the depiction of women, and people of colour in STEM and how they are doubted and not taken seriously, the pressures of having your like figured of at 18, of how scary it is as high school is ending and uni/college is just on the horizon. This was fantastic and i am so happy to see books of young girls getting into and succeeding in STEM.

I ABSOLUTELY LOVED THIS BOOK!!

This is the perfect YA contemporary romance. The main character Bel was so relatable to me, I think she’s my new favorite female MC. She’s was hilarious and awkward and wants to make everyone happy. She doesn’t know what she wants to do after school and she’s always liked sticking with what she’s good at. But watching her try something new, progressing, and loving it, was so amazing!
Teo was such a great character. I loved him. And I absolutely loved them together.
This book kinda has an academic rivals to teammates to friends to lovers and it was perfect. Bel and Teo are competitive with each other but they work so great together. The entire robotics team that they are on is incredible. All of the characters have their own voice and development. Not to mention they BUILD ROBOTS.
I love books with women in STEM, they are amazing and we always need more of them!
The romance in this book was adorable and perfect and I was literally smiling the entire book because I could help it.
But even better was watching her friendships develop even with people that she didn’t think she could ever be friends with. And watching her figure out what she wanted to do. I love that she didn’t do anything for other people. She didn’t let herself follow others in what they wanted to do but she took the space to make sure that she was doing something she loved. She didn’t take to heart bad comments about her being a girl on the robotics team. She worked harder and she showed them that they were wrong.
This was such a perfectly easy read with wonderfully developed characters who I laughed along with throughout the book. If you’re looking for a cute romance with a lot of fun adventures, robots, and teamwork PLEASE GO READ THIS NOW!!


Huge thank you to NetGalley for an early ARC of this book in exchange for an honest review!

I very much enjoyed reading Bel and Teo's story. I like that the book was dual POV, and I absolutley loved the women in STEM representation. This book is about two high school seniors just trying to figure life out. The themes of the book were so relatable to anyone that will be, is, or has been a young adult.

Y'all, I loved this book. The women in STEM rep, the diverse characters, the sarcastic dialogue, multiple Taylor Swift references - everything exceeded my expectations. I've been getting away from YA recently, but the STEM girl in me needed to read this! So glad I did. I think there are a lot of women that can relate to Bel's experience, and I hope all the actual YA aged readers pick up the book even if its outside of their interests. I loved that Bel was initially reluctant about engineering, and I think this is an aspect of the book that is incredibly relatable and can hopefully have a similar impact on readers as it did Bel.
Besides Bel's STEM journey, I loved the variety of relationships in this book - the female friendships, the uncomfortable family dynamics, the rivalries - all of these had their moment in the book and felt fully formed even with the primary focus on the romance. The best relationship was obviously the romance though. While most YA romance couples lean more towards a 'happy for now' ending, Bel and Teo's relationship felt real and the ending like a legit HEA.
Overall, this was a really fun read that I think most YA readers can enjoy!

Robotics is not my thing, but quirky and fun characters are my thing and this was that type of book. This setting is perfect, a group of kids in an exclusive club, Robotics, they are all seniors, and they are all tapping into their potential, they are adorable, funny and nerdy, the Bel and Teo are the cutest!!!! I couldn’t get enough. This book was so different to me, the lingos and women in STEM, I never read something like that, and I loved how the author puts everything in terms that anyone can understand. I cant say this enough, this book was too cute!!!!!!

From just reading its summary I undoubtedly knew that I would love this book, yet I still didn’t expect to love it as much as I did!! This book seriously had me grinning from start to end, it made me feel sooo many things. I absolutely adored the romance between Bel and Teo. As in, even though the plot and the build up were a little slow, I didn’t actually mind because all of their banter and moments together kept the story so entertaining. And aside from the romance, the general storyline and themes just felt really important, I can already tell that this book will mean something special for quite a lot of people. Just in general this was one of the cutest books i’ve ever read and the Taylor Swift references only gave it bonus points. SO SO CUTEEE !!!! Definitely a new favourite and a must read !

I voluntarily read and reviewed a copy of this book, provided by Netgalley. All thoughts and opinions are my own.

I'll admit upfront I had a bit of "bog down" with this book. Or at least the first half of it. I was SO EXCITED to get to read it (mostly because the play on words with My Chemical Romance *giggle*), and I do think the characters were utterly adorable, and the way Teo thought about and spoke to Bel was so charming. When he introduced his father to Bel, my chest kinda puffed a bit when he tried to defend Bel. I had all the heart eyes.

That being said, the first half of the book I had to keep pushing. There was a lot of build-up and jargon and it could get a bit tedious at times. Maybe it's because I'm no longer a teenager? I dunno. At any rate, the second half of the book was superior enough for me to elevate to 4 stars. I loved the epilogue. I think it might be my favorite part. I also liked, and this is going to sound weird, but Teo struggling with his time management. I mean, it was a learning experience, and I loved watching him learn how to be what he wanted to be.

So grateful I could read this. As a 23 year old now, I think these contemporary YAs don't feel the same that they used to, and I can't fault them for that. These characters felt juvenile (probably because they ARE!) but that took me out of the story a bit. It doesn't feel fair to review this fully when my negative opinions and feelings predominantly derive from the fact that I don't think I was the target audience for this book, and I am okay with that! I hope other readers continue to enjoy it!

My Rating: 4.5⭐
It's a big yes from me! This was a good rivals to academic colleagues to lovers romance that had me rooting for the characters. The plot was slow-paced but their friends and Bel's brother carry the story forward for the most part of the plot. I just wish Bel and Teo got together a bit sooner. Then the third act wouldn't have felt too soon and fast. Otherwise this was one perfect Summer read.

(I'm really happy that I got to read this book early. Thanks to the publisher and NetGalley for the free eARC of the book!)

Girls in STEM and an enemies to lovers plot?! Absolutely, yes.

This was such a good read! Bel Canto is really smart but doesn’t really apply herself so when she agrees to try out for the robotics team to avoid a C on an assignment, her whole world is flipped upside down. When she makes the team it isn’t smooth sailing because Teo appears threatened by her (good) ideas and suggestions and the boys don’t truly respect the skills or opinions of the girls on the team.
Bel repeatedly proves them wrong (and so does Neelam for that matter).

Teo slowly realizes he’s been putting Bel down and learns to listen to her and work with her and their relationship blossoms and it is oh so sweet! I absolutely adored the scene at the Holi festival.

The side characters are great and added a great balance to the story : Ms. Voss, Jamie, Dash, Neelam, Lora, etc.

I’m a woman who works in STEM (logistics/SCM for me) and also owns sparkly Doc Martens, so Bel really spoke to me on an emotional level because you absolutely can be smart and also dress cool and exuberant and fun! I also understand the pushback and exhaustion that comes from having to prove your own capabilities over and over and over again.

I also loved Teo coming into his own and learning to set boundaries as his relationship with Bel blossomed. The epilogue of this book was also everything I could’ve hoped for, this book just made me so happy and I wholeheartedly agree with the authors note: NERDS ARE COOL 😎 ❤️🥰.

Five stars!
⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️

Thank you to NetGalley and Holiday House for the E-ARC in exchange for an honest review!

3.5 stars ⭐️
thank you netgalley for the arc!

As an engineering student, I loved understanding every physics and CAD reference. Their relationship was very adorable, and I loved how the story tackles the bad side of being a woman in STEM: men acting like they run the whole thing when they don't.

I wish Mateo had told his father to back off a little bit though, I feel like he never got to set boundaries with him. Bel's relationship with her parents didn't actually change at all either, I would have liked to see her have a talk with both of them and telling them that she wasn't going to choose any sides.

Also, I would have liked this book better if it was situated in college instead of highschool but that's just my personal preference. It was still very enjoyable!

This was a fun and enjoyable story centered on a teenage girl entering the STEM field and dealing with issues that most other women in STEM deal with daily, like guys giving them dirty looks, being sidelined, and being underestimated. And also dealt with the experience of how someone may feel overwhelmed because they are starting down a career path "late". There were many real moments in this book and I'm sure it can inspire a lot of women in the STEM field or contemplating pursuing something there or just in general.

Bel was sort of a passive main character at the start but I enjoyed seeing her progress and become so much more animated and get excited enough to put the effort in and actually plan something for her future. She clearly had the skills and natural aptitude for engineering. I was rooting for her to find her confidence and chase after her future in engineering. Bel had a unique personality and I loved that she spoke her mind a lot more as the story progressed. Now for Teo, came off as a bit of a jerk in the beginning but he just didn't know how to communicate right with Bel. But I think after Bel told him what's up, he became more conscious of his actions and words and he became the sweetest cinnamon roll. I loved them both so much together and as separate entities..They went from awkward friends to lovers and gosh, I loved it so much. Their relationship was sweet and wholesome. And all that nerd trash talk was hilariously adorable.

The cast of characters was fabulous too. I loved how diverse it was. Bel's besties Jamie and Lora, Dash, Ms. Voss, and Luke were my highlights from the secondary characters. I didn't like Mac (and other sexist boys). He was sexist but that does happen. I wished he actually apologized, but I guess he'd have to be aware and acknowledge that he was sexist. I'm petty like that. I'd hold a little grudge if I was Bel. Neelam, I understood her background and that she has a stand-offish personality. She didn't quite get along with anyone and that's okay. It happens in life. However, I felt she was unnecessarily *too* vicious to Bel. Did Bel owe her money or something? Take her first-born robot? No. Neelam's truth bombs were correct, however, didn't her bullying perpetuate the thing guys do to girls in the STEM field? I think Bel got enough of that from the misogynists. Neelam was acting just like the guys she hates toward Bel cause she had some luck and walked right in. She doesn't need to be a ray of sunshine though, but sometimes it was too far.

Onto the plot! The plot was cute. Sometimes a little slow at the beginning but it definitely picked up and got super enjoyable as Bel and Teo opened up. They learned a lot from each other. And I was here for it! I loved the ending. I thought it was sweet and perfect. I liked that the romance wasn't slathered on thick for a high school romance. It focused on the heroine finding her calling in the STEM field and navigating a whole new world to her. The romance was there, but it wasn't the forefront/main focus. It was just the right about of cute nerdy things and sweetness. I'll miss them. Their sweetness holds a special place in my heart.

This adorable YA romance is a must read for every woman in STEM or in typically male-dominated fields or want to go into any of these fields!

We meet Bel, a senior high school student, who’s new to a private school full of extracurriculars geared toward getting into the Ivy Leagues with no direction for college herself. In comes a science teacher that sees something in Bel and voluntells her to join the robotics club. Bel is hesitant to say the least…

Then comes Tao, the captain of both the soccer team and the robotics club who has the weight of the world on his shoulders as he tries to manage everything to get into MIT early admission. These two definitely clash at first but eventually come to a truce and become friends and maybe even more…

This story was so adorable and more than just a YA romance as the author addresses the struggle that comes with being a woman on STEM including topics like sexism and elitism. I highly highly recommend picking up this book when it releases at the end of this month!

Thanks to NetGalley and Holiday House for this ARC!

Thank you NetGalley and publisher for this ARC publication for an honest review.

My Mechanical Romance

by Alexene Farol Follmuth

Pub Date: 31 May 2022

I admit this book was so much more than I was expecting! Yes, there is a cute, sweet, enemies to love story that I adored, but it goes beyond. This is also a book on finding yourself. There is also a storyline about family relationships. The struggle Bel is going through with her parents' divorce, the betrayal of the dad, and finding a balance of still loving him, but feeling guilty she will hurt her mom because of it. It was so real! Teo also has family issues, the pressure of perfection placed on him, but also a disconnect because his parents don't truly "parent" him in a traditional sense. There are two teachers who have a strong effect on Bel: one who caters to boys and puts limitations on the female students and the other (everyone needs a teacher like her!!) who is so supportive and sees Bel's potential and nurtures it fully. Throw in some science/STEM/ and cutthroat robotic competition. This book had a little bit of everything but didn't lose any focus. I would get so frustrated for Bel when she had so many (boys, engineering teacher, Neelam the other girl on the robotics team!) all putting her on the backburner, limiting her potential and just giving her grief simply because she was a girl! The ending was perfection...
Highly recommend! 4.5 stars

Thank you NetGalley for this ARC. This was such a wholesome read. An enemies to lovers, stem and also POC representation!! I loved it. The characters were amazing. I felt that this book delved more deeper into the characters then their romance per say. Which is not a bad this, it’s great. Bel trying to find who she really is in a changing world. Overall, this book was amazing. The plot was great, the characters were great. This is a well written book.

My Mechanical Romance is a delightful YA rom-com that works for me on almost every level. It follows Bel and Teo, two high school seniors who are in the robotics club together. Teo has been involved in the club for a while, and practically runs it, while Bel is new to the club and challenges everything he thought he knew. This is barely a rivals to lovers story, but it is still so sweet. These two balance each other perfectly and make each other better all the time. Teo especially sees some major growth and gains a ton of empathy for the women he works with.

Besides the romance, this book has a super fun and nerdy friend group, interesting family dynamics, and some slight feminist undertones. Arguably the most interesting and easy to root for character is Neelam, Teo's nemesis. Neelam is smart and tough, hardened after years of being seen as lesser because she is a woman in a field mainly made up of boys. Every character learns from her, and she never compromises her ideals to do this. The rest of the side characters are fun too. Bel's best friends are sweet and smart, and Teo's is a giant dork who has a few touching moments of his own. Overall, this cast is fun to follow and all bring something different to the table.

I'm rating this 4.5 stars. I got a little bored of the physics stuff at times, but the characters always brought me back. I can't wait for YA contemporary from this author and am almost tempted to read The Atlas Six. What a delightful surprise!

Thank you NetGalley for the eARC of My Mechanical Romance.

A casual and compelling look at being a teenager and the myriad expectations that come along with that.

Bel transfers into a new school after her parents' divorce, and at the prompting of a concerned teacher, she joins the robotics club... only to face the ingrained structure under team leader Teo and his somewhat sexist sycophants, along with vitriol from the only other girl on the team. Teo is intrigued by Bel but resistant to incorporate her new ideas. Will their rivalry evolve to friendship? Who can say!

Overall, I'm enjoying this one (about 50% of the way through). It's somewhat slow to get off the ground, and the eARC formatting has some challenges that detract from the reading experience, i.e. multiple characters having dialogue in the same paragraph. I'm sure (I would hope!) this gets fixed before publication. There are some petty details about the writing style that aren't my favorite but probably wouldn't bother other readers.

I was recommended this book by a friend, and I absolutely loved it! The representation of women in STEM was perfectly done, and I cannot believe how fast I read this. Originally, I thought I would read this in about three days as that is my average time. I got so hooked that I ended up finishing it the second night, staying up until 4 AM for this magnificent read. The romance had its ups and downs, and it had the perfect amount of realism. I especially loved Jamie, as she was basically myself as an outside perspective into the romance. Thank you to NetGalley for providing me with an eARC of this book!