Thank you to Netgalley and Holiday House for an e-ARC of this book in exchange for an honest review.

First off, I just want to note that I am definitely part of the minority of readers who did not enjoy this book so I would still recommend reading this if you're interested in it.

I really wanted to love My Mechanical Romance, I really did. The concept of women in STEM and the diversity in this book seemed right up my alley but the execution just fell flat.

Unfortunately, I didn't enjoy the writing style and that's probably where majority of my negative feelings for the book comes from. There was a lot of internal monologue included, which I understand was probably used to provide a bit of backstory, but I felt that a lot of it was unnecessary and didn't contribute anything to the plot. Additionally, I also didn't really like any of the characters.

Nothing in this book stood out to me and my attention kept drifting every time I was reading it. I definitely thought that there was potential in this book but it was a bit of a let down for me, I was just hoping for more.

where to start :). The book is a fast paced romance book with science in it for the geeks in here ;). The way it was written is so easy to understand and fun to read!
I really loved that the book included STEM. It’s so great to see female MC try and succeed in a class that has mostly boys in it. The way Bel (MC) was first hesitant and had troubles throughout just makes it way more real. The book really tells a lot more about robot building and programming. For the people who love science and love this is the perfect book!


The story is a slow burn which is so thrilling and keeps you reading cause you just want to know what happens with Teo and Bel. And their romance was super cutely written. The way you got to see both their pov on how they fell for each other that makes the book so great. The author made you fall in love with how they both aren’t perfect but still perfect for each other.

Even though the book starts slow. I loved every second of reading it. A great book to put on your tbr list!

Absolutely incredible. My Mechanical Romance by Alexene Farol Follmuth (aka Olivie Blake, the author of the marvelous Atlas Six) is funny, nerdy, cute, and so, so important.

Our two leads, Isabel "Bel" Maier and Mateo "Teo" Luna, are such realistic portrayals of teenagers, and their love story was so adorable I am still squealing in joy. Watching them bond after their initial animosity and slowly become friends and lovers was a true delight, and their banter—THEIR BANTER—was so witty and hilarious and teenager-like. I don't know how Alexene Farol Follmuth captured pure teenage energy so impeccably well, but the chaos was immaculate and it made for an insanely addictive read. I downloaded it to Kindle the moment I got the email from Netgalley and genuinely did not put my phone down once until I finished it. If you're going to pre-order just one book this entire year, it should be this one. I promise it'll be worth it.

This book is chock-full of diverse and unique characters (the side characters are great, especially Neelam—girl, I feel your anger), but out of all of them, my favorite has to be Bel. As a fellow Asian-American girl in STEM, I also related so intensely to Bel. Her insecurity regarding being a girl in STEM and her worry about not being heard or listened to in a room full of boys—relatable as hell. This is my life! These thoughts are my thoughts! The author really took a peek into my brain and decided to call me out in her book.

In all seriousness, though, so many of these experiences are practically universal for girls of color in this field. There were so many moments that I recognized, and there were even moments that I had gone through but didn't realize contained thinly-veiled racism or sexism until I read this book. So many of us live through so many microaggressions that they're almost normalized, and this book really shed light on all the pervasive forms they can take, as well as the gradual but very apparent harm they cause. But on top of this, I also really REALLY appreciated how Bel's character is more than her insecurities. She's clever, unique, artsy, funny, smart, and more. She's such a fully fleshed out character, and the author really lets her personality shine through. Honestly, if any book deserves the labels of "eye-opening" and "life-changing," it would be this one. Because that's what it did for me. 

Something else I really appreciated is the commentary on the pressure the American school system puts on high schoolers/teenagers in the college process. Teenagers have to juggle classes, GPAs, APs, extracurriculars, and more while completing incredibly high-stakes applications and making huge decisions about their futures all while going through puberty and falling in love for the first time. We see, through multiple characters, different ways in which all this stress can take a toll on someone's mental health. And not to get into spoilers, but I really appreciated the way Bel's story played out. CollegeTM can feel so much like an end-all be-all, especially to high schoolers going through the process, but life is SO MUCH MORE than what happens when you're 18, and there are so many future possibilities that one mistake never has the power to "ruin your life forever."
Overall, My Mechanical Romance was an easy five out of five stars. I have not stopped thinking about this book since I read it, and I would recommend it to absolutely EVERYONE who has a brain and/or a heart. This books means so, so much to me, as I'm sure it will for so many other people in my (and Bel's or even Neelam's) shoes, and I can't wait for this book to get out into the world and exist for all the people who need it. 

(p.s. If anyone wants to make bel's bird jeans and sell them on etsy just know that there is demand. I would buy them instantly. please do this for a desperate girl with no sewing talent)

(Huge thank you to Netgalley, Holiday House, and Alexene Farol Follmuth for an eARC in exchange for an honest review!)

Thanks to Netgalley and the publisher for the e-ARC of this book.

I really enjoyed this book. I wasn't sure about this book when I first started because the attitude of the main character was very...lethargic about life in general, so the tome reflected that. This ended up being a good thing, though, because you saw how she came to find her passion and friends who care about things. She grows a lot. through the story. I also liked the ending of the story. I won't say any real spoilers, but it, like any romance, does have a happy ending, of course, but the happy ending feels very realistic and I loved it. It shows that sometimes things take a little longer to work out than we wish them to, but everything works out in the end.

Huge thank you to NetGalley, Holiday House, and Alexene Farol Follmuth for the eARC of My Mechanical Romance.

Okay okay okay, where do I start? I hope you don't mind, but I'm just going to word vomit and hope for the best. I have removed spoilers at this time since they cannot be blocked on NetGalley, but they are available on both Storygraph and GoodReads as I can hide them.

First, I want to address the idea that this book is an "enemies to lovers" romance. My standards for enemies to lovers is pretty high, however, I would be more inclined to call it "rivals to lovers", especially in this particular setting. The relationship itself is preeeeetty cute. I loved their banter and the general growth of their relationship. The chemistry was definitely there and I couldn't get enough of how they opened up to each other over time. Nothing was rushed, but always moving.

However, the ending!!! Oh my god, the ending!! Not the epilogue, but the last few chapters where Bel sees some of the hard truths that her choices have led her to. Loved loved loved that she wasn't able to just coast through on her good luck and apart intelligence. Actions have consequences and I'm happy that was represented.

My favourite characters, by far, are Dash and Neelam. I have such a soft spot for side characters that help build the main characters. Dash, as Teo's best friend, not only supported him but gave him a bit of a reality check. Whereas Neelam and Bel were rocky from start to end, they really brought out the best in each other. Actually, all the side characters were wonderful. Lora and Jamie were delightful and added some non-STEM minds to the mix. Bel's brothers were a great balance to the conflict occurring in their family. Teo's family grew, the Robotics club was adorable, and Ms. Voss gave it her all.

The only side character that I wanted to smack was Mr. Mac. But I think that was the point? Especially as a female science teacher, Mr. Mac made my blood boil, and the ending didn't feel really justified. "I see you" didn't fix his behaviour for me.

I will absolutely be recommending this to my students. It's a lighthearted and funny read that has layered characters and a setting that I wholeheartedly want to get my students involved in.

It's official- I love this book! My Mechanical Romance is about two academic rivals in the STEM robotics field. This book was an adorably wholesome enemies to lovers high school rom-com. I found this book pulling me in by the second. This book was a little slow, but the plot and characters made it very appealing. I thought Teo Luna made an excellent lead in this book- the author showcased his flaws which made him so loveable. I also ADORED Bel's personality. I thought that Ms. Voss was a great supporting character. I wish I had a Ms. Voss in my life! I also found Dash to be very charming. And finally, Neelam. Initially, I wasn't fond of Neelham, however I found that the more I read, the more I could empathize with Neelham and her struggles. Overall, this book was so much more than I expected! Thank you to NetGalley and the author/publisher for sending me an eARC in exchange for an honest review. Be sure to read this amazing YA debut when it comes out on May 31st!

OHMYGOSH!!! Ok, this book has everything I didn’t know I needed!!! I absolutely loved the whole vibe of this book. It was such a great read.

I mean, enemies to lovers in STEM, what more do you need?! I loved Bel’s character and I found that I related to her a lot more than expected.

The characters, the story… I was absolutely obsessed from the get go! Robot fighting, science, and first love is just the best combination. My Mechanical Romance has an absolutely beautiful story about exploring the world of STEM and, finding your future!

I love, love, loved this book!! I would absolutely recommend this book to fans of enemies to loves and ya fiction.

Thanks to NetGalley, Holiday House, Peachtree and Pixel+Ink for providing me with an eARC of this book in exchange for a review!
My Mechanical Romance by Alexene Follmuth is a sweet YA romance that follows the lives of Bel and Teo as they struggle with high school, love and trying to figure out what they want to do for college and the rest of their lives! I really appreciate how authentic Bel’s storyline of the struggle for girls and women to get into and prove themselves in the male dominated world of STEM! I enjoyed having both POV from Bel and Teo, I think it really helped make both of their characters more realistic and relatable.

This book gave off major The Love Hypothesis vibes and did not disappoint. With just the right amount of science mixed in with the trials and tribulations of senior year of high school, this book allows the reader to feel engaged with both the robotics team and the friendships stemming from this. In starting over at a new school it allows Bel to truly recognise her passion. When Ms. Voss places her faith in Bel alongside her teammate and friend Teo she can discover her true calling in engineering. In meeting Bel when she joins the robotics team Teo himself begins to learn more about himself. This book portrays the message that your actions should be to impress no one but yourself and you should be proud of what you are able to achieve.

Amo estos libros, en dónde las mujeres demuestran que tienen potencial. Es la primera vez que leo a la autora y me encantó!
Una historia muy bonita y a la vez con toques de comedia.
I love these books, where women show that they have potential. This is my first time reading this author and I loved it!
A very nice story and at the same time with touches of comedy.
Thank you Netgalley and the publisher for this ARC

I am super excited about this book review of My Mechanical Romance by Alexene Farol Follmuth. The moment I read the first chapter, I knew it’ll be a great story. This book is about a senior high school, straight-A student Bel, who doesn’t want to think about her future. She hasn’t planned about what she’ll be taking for college and hasn’t actually prepared for any school application. Until she was discovered to have a knack for engineering and was forced to join the robotics club.

Teo, on the other hand, is a boy genius, rich, and captain of the robotics club. He saw Bel’s potential with designing mechanisms, but somehow they end up not agreeing with each other. But with so much school work and being together most of the time, they discovered that they can actually be friends, combat-robot building partners and so much more.

I literary found a book that I absolutely can relate to! I am an engineering graduate, and my dad would always help me with school projects, and geez, I totally feel Bel and Neelam’s struggle to get their talent “acknowledged” in class. This book is a walk down memory lane for me.

Recently I’ve been reading heavy romance drama and My Mechanical Romance is such a nice ice breaker. It’s an easy fun read, light but has a very relatable story that I know people who are 16 to 19 years of age will actually enjoy. I totally love Bel cause I adore lead characters who are strong, unique, and intelligent. She is so weird but interesting at the same time that I added her to my “Book characters that I want to be best friends with”. With all that has been going on with her life, family issues, and school deadlines, college pressure, it’s really good to know that these people know how to set their priorities. An absolute role models!

Talk about chemistry too. I love how Teo and Bel complement each other’s character. Teo, genius and entitled as he may be, his character development as the story progress was pretty realistic too. I truly liked his relationship with his mom and well, given that his dad is a famous tech personality, I get why he is strict with Teo. Although, to be someone that rich, I do wonder why Teo doesn’t have any bodyguards… lol.

Shout out to all of the supporting characters namely… Ms. Voss (EVERYBODY NEEDS A PROFESSOR LIKE HER!), Dash, Luke, Jamie, and Lora… these people are awesome! I love how Alexene gives them such a memorable personality, you’ll end up wanting to have somebody “like them” in your life.

I guess, what I really love about this book is that it focused on how females are usually neglected or undermined in a field that is dominated by males. I have been there and looking back I struggle to be heard, to be appreciated, to finally be someone whom my professor would recognize as one of his top students in the lab. I was truly thankful to my dad because he knows what it’s like… he has seen it and so, he trained me so hard that I excel in all my engineering classes. That feeling that Bel and Neelam felt during the competition… the pride and joy… I know that feeling too. Oh… I forgot to mention, I’m a Filipina so… another plus for this book. lol.

I received a free eARC in return for my honest review. Thank you so much to Netgalley, Holiday House, and to Alexene Farol Follmuth for giving me the chance to read this book and for reminding me how like Bel, I enjoyed my time during my engineering days in college.

"Take up your own space, Bel. Don't let other people tread over it."
My Mechanical Romance is such a great YA novel about a girl who feels like she can't do anything and a boy who feels like he has to do everything. Bel feels the pressure from everyone to decide who she should be and where to go for college. Teo feels the pressure to be a leader in every aspect of his life. Their lives collide when the robotics team needs a new member and Teo feels Bel is the best fit even if she doesn't believe in her own skills. Teo and Bel lean and learn from each other and realize that they are enough in their own unique way. The supporting characters in this story also empower both of the characters and have their own fun stories that I enjoyed reading about.
I absolutely enjoyed this YA story. This novel touches on how much pressure high schoolers feel to make huge life decisions and how that shouldn't be taken lightly. It touches on how hard it is for girls (and women) to be accepted into careers that are typically led by men. It touches on how sweet it is to fall in love for the first time. It touches on female empowerment. It touches on how some young people feel an overwhelming pressure from adults to do everything it takes to have a successful life even if their mental health takes a toll.
This, in my opinion, is a great and important read for any young person or adult who has felt like they aren't enough or even if they felt like they have to do everything.

Moving to a new school is always a struggle, but it's even worse during senior year. Bel’s life isn't going to plan - a new house, a new school, college applications, and now her new teacher wants her to join the robotics team - it's a lot.

On the other hand, Mateo Luna, captain of the robotics team, captain of the soccer team and student extraordinaire, seems to be handling life perfectly. As opposites attract, and robots grow, will Bel’s future begin to fall into place? She doesn't want to think about it.

This brilliant YA debut explores the challenges faced by women of colour in the exciting world of STEM and the uncertainties of first love and the pressure to be something you're not.

Thanks you to NetGalley and HolidayHouse for the e-ARC.
Spanish review below, post in Goodreads, and Instagram soon.

Amé completamente esta historia, disfrute como hace tiempo no hacía con un libro de romance. Los rivals to lovers con slow burn son mis favoritos por lejos. Pero vamos por partes:

1) Un acercamiento a la trama: si es tu primera vez viendo esta portada o leyendo este título, por favor déjame contarte un poco de qué va la historia. Bel es una chica alegre e inteligente que acaba de cambiarse de escuela en su último año. Una profesora descubre que pese a su poco interés en las materias, ella podría tener un talento natural para la mecánica, un muy buen instinto en esta área (pese a no manejarse bien en los conceptos); por ello la motiva a ingresar al taller de robótica de la escuela. Aquí Bel conocerá a Teo, el capitán del equipo (de fútbol y de robótica), quien tiene aparentemente una vida perfecta y que además tiene muy claro lo que quiere para su futuro.
2) A partir de esto la historia se desarrolla a lo largo de un año completo donde conocemos a los protagonistas, vemos sus conflictos personales y frustraciones, pero además, podemos descubrir página a página su crecimiento y madurez. Me encantó. De alguna forma los problemas de los chicos de este libro son muy reales, me pude ver reflejada en algunos de sus personajes más de una vez.
3) La narración: es ligera y divertida, causa a la vez ternura y ganas de saber más. Muchas veces me costó parar de leer porque siempre quería avanzar un poco más, descubrir qué pasaría después, cómo les afectaría eso a los personajes, etc. Es un libro muy adictivo, se lee en un suspiro. El humor con el que cuenta, además, lo vuelve un super buen panorama.
4) Me resultó novedoso e interesante leer un libro que hablara sobre el STEM, la robótica y física en general. Tener una protagonista interesada en la mecánica, y aun más, buena en ello resultó refrescante. Dentro de la historia Bel igual se encuentra un poco fuera de los estereotipos, ya que en el libro se plantea el prejuicio presente en la actualidad de que las mujeres no pueden "construir" cosas, no saben usar herramientas, y no tienen nada que hacer en competencias de robots, porque ese es campo para los hombres. Bel llega a esta nueva escuela y se ve rodeada por este nuevo mundo de posibilidades, pero también de prejuicios y trabas. Acompañarla en este viaje de autodescubrimiento (vocacional y personal) mientras supera los obstáculos con los que a día de hoy hay chicas en el mundo que aun deben lidiar es simplemente hermoso. Sirve para abrir los ojos al mundo de que las mujeres -y las niñas- pueden hacer y lograr lo que sea que se propongan, (también aplica a los hombres). No hay actividades más masculinas o femeninas que otras, son solo eso, actividades, hobbies, trabajos, carreras que pueden ser aprendidas y desempeñadas por cualquiera que tenga ganas de. Y a su vez, para envalentonar a quienes alguna vez hayan recibido esos comentarios como "jamás podrás lograr hacer x cosa", "esto no es trabajo de mujeres", por ejemplo, demostrando que de alguna forma tenemos el derecho de hacer lo que queramos con nuestra vida, mientras nos haga felices y no pase a llevar a los demás.
5) Esta historia está escrita para adolescentes -está catalogada como novela juvenil-, pero a mi parecer es perfecta para el público general. Niños, adultos, ancianos, todos deben tener la posibilidad de acercarse a esta historia si así lo desean.
6) Por si aun no se notó, lo recomiendo ampliamente. No creo que se arrepientan de leerlo, porque seguro que pasan una buena tarde. De todas formas quedo super atenta a sus comentarios sobre la lectura y qué les pareció.
7) Ojalá se traduzca pronto al español para que más chicos puedan tener acceso a la historia.

I first saw this book floating around Instagram. I could tell from the cover it was a STEM romance and those are my favourite. I was so happy to get an ARC. I dove right in without reading the blurb and was surprised to find out it was about high schoolers. I was worried I wouldn’t connect with the characters since I am old and they are babies! But honestly, it didn’t take me long to get into the story and feel really invested in the characters. This book is well written, action packed (I mean it has fighting robots in it), adorably romantic, and hilarious. Not only did I love the MCs but I loved all their friends, teachers and siblings too. This book talks about figuring out who you want to be and how to pursue it. It talks about the barriers woman face, especially in STEM. I really enjoyed it. It was a very sweet, romantic comedy with positive and encouraging messages for young woman.

This book is a coming of age story of Bel and her path to finding her career path or the college/university program she wants to study, which is very relatable. I think a lot of us have struggled with this kind of dilemma, I know I did. I understands Bel’s inner crisis with being undecided on what she wants for her future and being surrounded by people who are sure of what they want. It is an overwhelming situation, which was properly portrayed in this story. In the beginning, Bel was trying to cope up by avoiding talks about career paths and filling up college/university application forms.

Teo was also a joy to read. He is someone that I resonated with. He is goal oriented and driven, which can be distressing because there is this constant pressure to be perfect. The quote “You don’t have to make the world perfect just so people will love you” from Bel hit me hard as it is one of the constant negative thoughts that I have. I am glad that Bel was reassuring Teo that he does not have to fix everyones problem and help everyone. Their relationship grounds them both as Teo is able to nudge Bel to find her passion.

The romance aspect was lacking for me. I think that it was underdeveloped and the transitions to enemies to lovers was quick. Their relationship felt superficial and a bit too forced for me. What Bel and Teo have is more of friendship for me. But I do like how Bel calls out Teo for his bad attitude, especially in the beginning. I also like their group of friends and how they interacted with one another. It was very entertaining especially Dash’s dialogues.

Nevertheless, I love the representation in this book. There is not a lot of book where the main character is Filipina. I just wished that there were more Filipino culture integrated in the book. I do commend the author for writing about women in STEM and how they are usually discriminated in the field. It is an important discourse and it is something that should be talked about, especially for young adults.

“There’s a lot more kinds of strength than just being outwardly tough, and it’s a lot to ask of anyone to succeed when most people in the room are waiting to see you fail.”

I loved it, for me it is a 4.5/5,

I really enjoyed this book very much, for me it was very easy to get into the story and it helps a lot that the characters are so charismatic (even those who are not so likeable at first, you can't help but enjoy them). I am Language Teaching major, so I know absolutely nothing about engineering or physics but even so I was able to understand everything they talked about in terms of the robots and their classes, the explanations are very good in that sense.

I was nice reading about women in STEM, representation is always welcome, you never know who’ll need this kind of story to feel seen, and to see this being talked about in YA’s literature is amazing to me.

"I feel like I'm so aware of what I have to live up to, but also, what happens if I disappoint everyone?"

BEL, I FEEL YOU, I was extremely easy to relate with her because I've been in her shoes. The whole issue of deciding your future is very overwhelming and seeing how everyone around you is sure of what they want to do but you still don't know which way to go it’s tough. GOD, and all that on top of the panic of disappointing the people who trust you, let me cry for a second.

I really liked the whole development of the story, I think it flows in a very good way. AND TEO AND BEL, GOD I LOVE YOU, I was dying with every interaction they had.

I have the book full of notes and highlights, I can't wait for it to finally come out because I want to share everything I wrote down.

PS: This book made me discover my new favorite trope: Guys who become Swifties because the girl they like is a Swiftie.

My Mechanical Romance begins with Bel -who recently transferred to a new High School (senior year), making a catapult, a bizarre but very good, so much for her teacher to recommend her for AP classes and the Robotics Team. This is a love story, yes. But its also so much more: is about being vulnerable, about making yourself seen and heard. And what I liked the most: it was realistic. I fell in love with most characters but I felt like some needed more development than their quircks.
But I totally reccomend it.

My Mechanical Romance follows Bel and Teo, rivals on a school robotics team. New to the school. Bel is encouraged to try out for the team, and the team is impressed with her creativity and innovativeness. However, Teo is used to being in charge, and Bel can’t find a way to make friends with her academic rival. Teo doesn’t think Bel is serious enough about the team, but as the pair works together to build an unbeatable battle bot for an upcoming competition, Teo and Bel’s rivalry turns into something more.

This was a fun YA romance with great representation of women in STEM. Bel and Teo have a cute rivals-to-lovers romance that develops slowly over the course of the novel. Their banter and chemistry are great, and I like how they begin to learn more about each other and grow closer. They seem so different, but they complement each other well. At first, I wasn’t the biggest fan of Teo and saw many of the same things Bel saw – arrogance and loftiness. However, as the story progressed and I learned more about Teo, my opinions of him changed. I loved that about this book! The way people’s actions and words changed my initial perceptions were great and made me think about the validity of first impressions.

I also really liked many of the secondary characters, especially Dash and Jamie. They are so supportive and encouraging! I do wish some of the secondary characters were a bit more developed, as I didn’t really understand some of their actions, words, and motivations, especially the robotics teacher, a couple of the parents, and one member of the robotics team who is particularly rude and harsh.

The story definitely has some powerful messages about the difficulties women face in STEM-related fields. It’s also a good commentary on the inequities of the American education system. There are so many disparities depending on where people live and socioeconomic status, and this story sheds light on that. The story also focuses on pressures many teens face – college worries and ambitions, applications, relationships, school stress, and more. I think readers will find many aspects of the story really relatable.

I think this is a really good read for people who like YA contemporary romance, coming-of-age romances, and YA books with strong STEM elements. Plus, there are some really cool battle bot and robotics elements in the story! I enjoyed seeing the characters prepare for and compete in the battle bot arena. Special thanks to NetGalley and Holiday House for providing me with a copy of the book. All thoughts are my own.

An adorable YA romcom that involves robot building. Bel is at a new school for her senior year. She feels a bit aimless, just going through the motions to get by. In stark contrast is Teo. He is not only captain of the soccer team, but also captain of the Robotics club. When Bel is encouraged to join the team, she discovers a love she never knew she had before. And then there is Teo. As they work on the robots together, they get closer and closer. However, Bel also has to deal with difficulties of being a girl in what is traditionally seen as a boy/man's field.

This book was so cute! If you've ever seen Battlebots, the robotics competitions they fight in are basically the same exact format. I loved that this was not just about their romance but also about them finding themselves as well.

I received my copy from Netgalley in exchange for an honest review.