Robots, Girls in STEM, and drama--Oh My!

We get to know Bel during her senior year of High School, avoiding college applications, extracurriculars, and honestly every typical thing that a High School senior might want to participate in. When she is forced into joining the school's robotics club, a typical bro club. Even the only other girl in the club seems to hate her for getting into the club purely on Mateo Luna's instinct that Bel would be an asset.

As Bel and Mateo spend more time together in the club and outside working on their combat-ready robot, they've given themselves more in the long run.

The humor and honesty about challenges girls face in STEM was excellently portrayed in My Mechanical Romance. Bel is not what you would consider to be an over achiever but she's also not a slacker like she makes it out to be either. She sees the world in a way that helps her in physics and robotics.

The complexity of Bel and her personal life give ebb and flow to the story. We get to see Bel working to make herself a fixture and make a permanent place for her in the robotics club, all while dealing with the ramifications of her parents divorce. Her journey to find her place is not perfect, it is a bumpy and tough road to battle.

I felt like the depiction of her parents divorce and wanting to hide what you're doing because you don't want to upset them was a very true and valid representation of an actual experience for a high school senior. I Loved the uplifting of other women, and how some may not see it as such and instead of discussing how to do it better they fight.

Overall this was a great lighthearted read for anyone interested in STEM or wanting to learn how not to exclude someone. Which is why I gave this a 4/5 stars.

Between romance, robots, friendship, and the dilemma of what to do with one's life after high school, this book has something for almost every reader, and Follmuth balances the joys and heartaches of senior year with skill. The plot is quick-moving but doesn't skimp on the banter, both friendly and romantic, and fans of happy endings will certainly not leave this book disappointed, though the resolution is less predictable and pat than many romance stories. Bel and Teo's personalities shine through, as do those of secondary characters, while some of the background cast tended towards one-dimensional; I was reminded little of War and Speech by Don Zolidis in the specific details of a high school extracurricular, except this had way more people of color and a more balanced tone. I will recommend this to readers who want a PG-friendly romance with a substantial non-romance base and a hearty dose of nerdiness.

⌜★★★★✰⌟

Thanks to the people of NetGalley, the Holiday House publisher, and Alexene Farol Follmuth for this ARC.

๑ Dual POV

๑ Standalone

✼ ----------- ✼

:·.☽ 𝒕𝒉𝒆 𝒔𝒕𝒐𝒓𝒚 ☾.·:

➛ So, it looks like STEM novels are over to stay and I love it, seriously, I could read thousands of them. Now, we have a pretty sweet and cuddly YA to pass the time; but I assure you it'd become one of your favorites.

➛ Senior year is always the hardest. From there I tell you that the book was very relatable... As a recent graduate from school, i also feel that anxiety and that uncertainty of not knowing what's next. So they get a point for it. In addition, the whole dynamic between the characters (students, teachers, and parents) is so conventional something like a slice of life that it's not difficult for me to see myself in that situation.

➛ As if that were not enough, the feminist characters and the message that ALL the characters give us is great, especially for the audience for which it is directed. I think that the target of this book should read it, yes or yes, there is no loss

"We all know the male ego is notoriously fragile. Even the cutes ones are a lost cause"

:·.☽ 𝒕𝒉𝒆 𝒄𝒉𝒂𝒓𝒂𝒄𝒕𝒆𝒓𝒔 ☾.·:

➛ Absolutely all the characters are great... Even the teachers (I don't even know Mac, ok?). Anyway, somehow it's very easy to feel comfortable reading them. The author does such a good job that I wish I'd read more of them if I could.

‏‏‎‎ ‏‏‎‎ ‏‏‎‏‏‎‎ ‏‏‎‎ ‏‏‎‎ ‏‏‎‎ ‏‏‎‏‏‎‎ ‏‏‎‎ ↬ Bel (♀): My dear bel canto. By far, one of the most real and authentic characters you can find in YA right now. I love her personality, and in a certain way, I accompany her in the stress and anxiety to see how everyone advances and one barely knows how to walk (I don't know if you understand me, but ok). Her dialogue and her POV are fresh and funny, she feels like talking to a friend, and I like that feeling.

‎‍‍‍‍‍‎ ‏‏‎‎ ‏‏‎‎ ‏‏‎‏‏‎‎ ‏‏‎‎‏‏‎‎ ‏‏‎‎ ‏‏‎‏‏‎‎ ‏‏‎‎ ↬ Teo (♂): Ngl, if you asked me what I thought of him in the first pages I would've said that I hated him... luckily, that changed. I also felt connected to him in some way, the desire to live up to all expectations and not let anyone down is something I have also dealt with (and do). Umh... WHat? I'm sorry, new book bf? Maybe...

➛ Of course, I can't ignore the romance. God? Yes, hello, hmm, I want something like that. Thanks. Seriously, I wouldn't have such high expectations if I didn't read these books, but you can't blame me, you and I are on the same page. They are so sweet and had me fangirling every time they blinked. I liked the communication between them, the space they give each other, and how they went from wanting to cut each other's throats to smiling every time they see each other

:·.☽ 𝑩𝒐𝒏𝒖𝒔 ☾.·:

➛ Let's talk about this cover. Is there something more beautiful? No, okay. I do judge a book by its cover and this one made me fall in love at first sight.

➛ If you're reading this and wondering "But I don't know anything about robots, how am I going to understand him?" Listen to me carefully, I was thinking the same thing; but no. Things are so easy to understand that I even felt like an expert. So there's no excuse, go buy it as soon as it comes out.

✼ ----------- ✼
first read: 4 stars (mar, 2022)

I've been LOVING this nerdy kick with all this romance books! Reading about women in STEM literally brings a tear to my eyes. REPRESENTATION MATTERS!

I loved the rivalry and banter between Bel and Teo. Loved seeing their romance grow and develop as the book went on. The way that the two of them built each other up and supported each other's goals was exactly the reason why I read romance novels.

Overall I just adored this book and I can't wait to read more from this author!

Thank you NetGalley for the ARC in exchange for an honest review!

(4.5*)
Oh Gosh, where to start'? I've loved everthing of this book since its first page.

Bel's narration style is catchy and funny, but it could be serious and most importantly reletable too, while Teo's is more composed but at the same time confused about things that are out of his control; the author did a good job in potraying their characters in the way they interacted with the reader.

The romance was good, and gradual, and this made me like the novel even more (even tho I think an even more in depth analysis of the start of their feelings might have made it perfect).
I loved how their characters were so different, almost complete opposites, so that they would initially only crush against each other, but then, in the end, help them become better versions of themselves. And so Bel, at first unsure about her future and with a non-existent approach to life, became more self conscious about it but most importantly about herself and her passions, while Teo, who forced himself to be the best at everything and the backbone of everyone, who had anything under control, learns how to be calmer and let things happen, step by step.

Despite some narration choices, by which sometime we jump from a day to another missing the in-between time, the general pace of the book was good and never left a sense of "rush", so we had the possibility to see the different changes, for the worse or for the betters, of their lives' paths, and almost nothing seemed left behind.

The representation of the condition of women in STEM was great and, especially in the last part of the novel, well portrayed. I seldom hear about the constant discriminations women suffer in this branch of study, and seeing it represented here, even if in a "lighter" way, with also explanations by female characters in different positions (teachers, students, wannabes students etc.) was great and necessary in this novel, if not the most fundamental part of it despite it being mainly a romance.

(Plus, I'd recently found out this is the same author who wrote 'The Atlas Six' and I want to praise Olivie/Alexene for her incedible duality, I almost couldn't believe the same pen that wrote that masterpiece of darkness, chaos and pure geniality could have written also this cute, soft and catchy story - even tho the geniality of the characters stays the same, so I guess it makes sense)
(Bonus point for the memes references and of course Taylor's songs. These were "my own space")

Can't wait for my physical pre-order to arrive!

This is the first YA book I have read in about 5 years. It took me a few chapters to really get into the book. I wasn't sure of the direction it was going. I was expecting an enemies to lovers book, and there was a bit of a play on that, but the story was so much more. It was about self discovery. Learning that it's ok to not have all the answers. It's ok to fail. Just get up again and again.

I loved how the author explored the characters. We see the protagonists, Bel and Teo trying to figure out their lives as high school seniors. We get a glimpse of their other friends as well. I got lost a lot of times with all the technicalities of robot building, but I loved how the author used her platform to speak about team work and the need for more females in the engineering field.

As adults, we forget how insecure it is to be a high schooler. We forget how much pressure it is for teens to have it all together by the time they're 18. Here I am at 41, still not knowing what I want to do when I grow up! My favorite line in this book is "Life is long, with plenty of chances to start over." pg 295. Isn't that something to think about.

Thank you publishers and NetGalley for this ARC.

After a teacher recognizes Bel's academic talent and pushes her to join the robotics team, she quickly butts heads with the team captain. Enemies/rivals to lovers. This had a very cute love story, but also focused on heavy girl power and that it's okay not to have a life plan. I did request the ARC strictly because of the title, but I hope this gets all the praise when it's released.

3.5 ⭐️ rounded

<b> “I realize I’m watching Bel fall in love (with robotics, obviously).” </b>

<i>Thank you, Netgalley, for the ARC!</i>

Ok, so we were already off to a great start with a cute cover and diversity in STEM. I was honestly hyped for this book, even more, when I saw that it was an academic enemies-to-lovers and the high ratings. That’s one of my favourite tropes.

First off, we’ve already mentioned the cover but our half-Filipino FMC has my heart. The cherry on top is that, like me, she hates being called by her full name. Bel was a very relatable protagonist who isn’t sure what to do with her future just as Theo who has his own expectations and pressures. Both of them were very cute and fun, although I wasn’t really getting the enemies of “enemies-to-lovers” as promised in the synopsis. That was a letdown. Bel was more antagonistic with Neelam than Teo should’ve probably been. A part of me thought the book would’ve been better in her POV.

Admittedly, the book was slow and it did take a bit to grab my attention. The pacing in developing Bel and Teo’s chemistry was odd. To me, it felt like they were strangers to now in love in the span of a few pages. Their moments together were very cute and dorky, hence the half-star. I enjoyed reading about the robotics club and its inner dynamics of Women of Colour, STEM/Nerd culture, and immigrant kid situations.

I do respect what the book aimed to do, but the execution could’ve been done better.

My Mechanical Romance is about a senior student named Bel who tries out for her school's robotics team after her teacher "suggests" it (either she tries out or gets a C on an assignment). She's a little hesitant about it, but she still shows up, not expecting to get in - but as fate would have it, the unofficial official leader of the robotics team, Teo, is impressed and, against his previous reservations about bringing in new team members, asks her to join the team. We then follow the epic highs and lows of high school robotics as they prepare for competitions.

So let's start out with what I liked:
- It was short
- Women in STEM (there's something very pleasing to me about men being proven wrong)
- The friendships

Yeah, that was kind of it.

As for the things I didn't like, I would like to preface this by saying that it's not like I hated any of these things - I just wasn't overly impressed by them.

Let's start with the romance.

This book was marketed as "academic rivals to lovers"...I read this with my glasses on and yet I still couldn't see the rivalry. They had one "major" disagreement when she first joined the team that had Teo mad at her for 0.2 seconds and then they were besties soon after. In my books, disagreeing about something and trying to prove the other person wrong in an argument does not make two people rivals - that's just what happens in teams sometimes. It's not as if they were competing for team captain or anything. If anything, the actual rivals were Teo and Neelam. Jamie even had the audacity to call them ENEMIES TO LOVERS...please.

The fact that I was bamboozled by what trope they were wasn't even that big of a deal - it's more that I didn't particularly like their dynamic. Don't get me wrong - they definitely had some cute moments - but most of the time, their banter made me cringe. Everything they were saying felt so forced. It's as if they were trying so hard to be witty, and it just didn't work for me. It did improve by the end of the book, but by then I had already decided I just didn't care.

Of course, the fact that I didn't particularly like the ship is probably because I don't like the characters. They felt very flat, and I can't even pinpoint why. I read all about how they had their issues and all their ~feelings~, but I just didn't buy it. Even though this was written in first person POV, it felt like it was "all tell and no show". I don't know if that even makes sense, but I felt very distant to the characters because it's almost as if I didn't believe them (you are sad because your dad is a billionaire and that makes people have incorrect assumptions about you that you don't make any effort to disprove and your dad doesn't even like you...sure you are). In all honestly, I don't even know how to describe them as people because of how little I grasped of their personalities. If I had to summarise them, Bel is weird (like, so weird) and used the word "heteronormative" twice, which was two times too many for my liking, and Teo is very...bland. I get that everyone in the school is meant to have a "little crush" on him because he's rich and good looking, but other than that, what exactly does he have going for him? He didn't seem particularly nice or charming to me. The way he treated Bel versus Neelam also annoyed me - he always had faith in Bel and her ability, but never in Neelam. I get that Neelam can be harsh and rude, but he owed it to her to actually listen to her. It's almost as if Teo only respected Bel because he thought she was pretty/liked her...

As for the plot, I didn't care. This is entirely on me though, because I do not care about robots. I wanted them to win their competitions of course, but I wasn't sitting on the edge of my seat. In my defence, the main challenges we faced were mainly in relation to the romance (which we know by now that I didn't care about). Ultimately, I didn't feel like there were any high stake moments vis-à-vis robotics, so why would I care anyway?

I know this seems like a pretty negative review, but it's very subjective. In all honestly, I don't think this is a bad book - it just wasn't for me.

Thank you, Holiday House, and Netgalley for my E-ARC, in exchange for an honest review.
Release Date: May 31, 2022

This novel reminds me of Love Hypothesis, which I enjoy. My Mechanical Romance follows the story of Bel, who discovers her passion for robotics and engineering late, putting her under a lot of stress as she prepares for future college applications. On the other hand, Teo is the captain of the robotics club, which Bel is pushed to join. Teo has always had a plan for his future, which he is consistently and actively pursuing. As the team prepares for nationals, Teo picks her as a new member, and they are placed in various head-to-head situations.

The book was well-written. The plot is engaging, and it caught me surprised. The characters have distinct personalities and get along well. Because of the robotics and engineering topics, I was afraid I wouldn't love it. I honestly didn't expect to enjoy this book as much as I did. It brought back memories of high school and what it's like to fall in love.

The thing that pulled me in was the cover. But I'm grateful that I read this book. Teo and Bel's relationship is adorable. The continuous banter between them was hilarious. Their friendship was so lovely. I caught myself grinning at them while reading. Both characters have problems, yet they are lovable and bring the story to life.

It's a lighthearted, fluffy, sweet, and romantic story about two STEM nerds who fall in love. Perfectionism, women in STEM, and academic and family pressure are all addressed. The story is fast-paced and endearing. It's written from two points of view, and you may get a sense of each character's personality as you read.

Who knew I would be so invested in a high school robotics competition?

This young adult romance had everything- it was witty, charming, and wholesome. Bel is a free spirited recent high school transfer, Teo is a high achieving son of a tech CEO. Can you say opposites attract? I bet you can imagine what happens, however I found that this novel did a fantastic job of making this story realistic and relatable. This book didn’t get bogged down in the technical aspects of building robots (would have lost me very early on) or petty drama. These characters were precious and had me invested very early on.

Searching for a great young adult read? Look no further. Fantastic cover, women in STEM, enemies to lovers? SOLD.

Firstly, I want to thank Netgalley for providing me with an ARC in exchange for an honest review.

the book started off pretty slow to me, I first found this book while going through some new releases of 2022 and was immediately drawn in by the description, women in stem? ✅ rivals to friends to lovers? ✅ don’t get me wrong since i’m not a big brain person i was a little lost when the topic of robotics and engineering came up, but it was really cool learning about new things. the book has amazing female friendships and male friendships too which is a first because you can really never find anything positive these days. everyone either fake or fucking each other significant others so there that. won’t say any spoilers but a certain girl character in this book really grew on me. did not like her at ALL at first so i was surprised to see how much her character developed the more we got to know her. don’t get me wrong it took to like the few couple chapters but we got it. the romance between teo and bel was really fun, i got a little bored at sometimes but i’m glad i kept going because those two really do fit each other. bel was able to keep teo in check while teo showed bel a whole new world which HELLO? yes! and we also love a woman putting a man in his place constantly cause the sexism in this book was REAL. in conclusion, it really is a light easy read. i was a tad bit surprise to FIND out the author of one of my fav books wrote this like i was SHOCKED. i had to stop reading and do a tad bit research. but reading it you can totally tell, this has Olivie written all over it. In ways, Bel kinda reminds
me if libby.

a good 3.5 stars and i definitely recommend to anyone looking for a light romance with some angst + any lovers of nerds getting together cause i can’t lie nerds are indeed HOT

What You Can Expect:

- Grumpy FMC x grumpy MMC
- WoC in STEM
- Academic rivals to lovers trope
- Lots of fluff
- Subtle feminism

Throw in a little romance and a whole lot of nerds and you get My Mechanical Romance.

Think socially awkward teenagers who are also incredibly attractive but also flawed in that they deal with stress, anxiety, and societal/parental pressures like a normal teenager. Finally, we have a book that accurately portrays what it means to be an angsty teenager.

Bel is the perfect female lead. She’s different, quirky, and she’s likeable – but she’s not perfect. Bel fears failing so she never tries to begin with. She is content to skate through life and constantly go with the flow. She’s socially awkward (to put it lightly) so being forced to join the robotics team is her exact version of a nightmare.

Enter our male lead – Teo. He’s the senior captain of the soccer team. Leader of the robotics club. Future MIT graduate and all-around overachiever. Teo is a fixer – he constantly tries to “help” other people and be the picture-perfect son, student, and friend.

Obviously, neither character is operating in a way that is mentally sustainable. To keep it short – both Teo and Bel struggle to find their voice. They’re constantly dealing with the pressure of being eighteen and having to decide “what’s next” – not to mention our FMC is dealing with trying to find her footing as the new girl in a male dominated area.

Throughout the book you can truly see both characters evolve and grow into themselves and their stories. Bel and Teo are the epitome of what supportive partners means – Bel lets Teo relax and Teo encourages/pushes Bel to her full potential.

Overall, it was a good wholesome romantic story that tackled important themes of diversity, inclusion, and sexism in STEM without making it seem shoved down your throat. Super enjoyable read for all ages to enjoy!

I came for the MCR pun and stayed for the wholesome story.

ARC kindly provided by NetGalley & Holiday House Publishing in exchange for a honest review.

Enemies to lovers -one of my favorite tropes. And then rivals to lovers romance explores both the challenges girls of color face in STEM! Sign me up.
This does remind me of The love hypothesis, everyone's favorite romance book(i have a different opinion though).
This makes me want to go to this kind of school, just to enjoy the school environment and live a life along with it.

Such a cute book! Just the right amount of romance whilst maintaining the ‘teenage struggles’ plot. I like how the book actually explores the confusion seniors feel when forced to dictate their own future at the age of eighteen. Also, Bel is so funny and relatable (my swiftie representation).

THIS BOOK. THIS. BOOK. OMG. It's everything. It's funny, it's sweet and it's really wonderful. I practically devoured it. I loved Bel so much because she reminded me of me. Teo is so sweet, omg. But Dash? Dash is the MVP and I must protect him at all cost. Lora, Jamie and Neelam were great too. I liked how it wasn't girl-on-girl-hate over a boy, but the way they earned things along the road. I don't understand anything about hydraulics, trust me, and it seem more easy said than done, so haha. But I loved it. I found a new comfort and favorite book!

oh my god. I literally cannot wait until this comes out and I force everyone to read it. even if it’s YA. I haven’t read any YA books in so long, so I was a bit scared that I may not like it, but holy damn. It was weitten so so so well. I laughed out loud, I cried, I sobbed. literally amazing. and the message it sent, i was just so frickin proud.
Bel, loved the way she was undoubtedly herself and absolutely loved the way she found herself at the end of the book. It was so beautiful to witness the thought process and the character development throughout the book.
Teo, the same thing. just witnessing the journey of him having to carry the weight of the world on his shoulders to accepting he won’t and cannot always be the best was heartwarming.
I was so PROUD of Bel and Neelam and literally every single character was so GOOD.
can’t stress it enough.
read this book when it comes out or else…

Thank you to NetGalley and the publisher for providing me a free eARC in an exchange for an honest review.

I absolutely adored this novel and I wish I had something like this to read when I was growing up. As an LA native growing up in a similar environment, I related to all the characters in some way and it really made me wish I was back in high school. Bel is a strong independent teenager and Teo complemented her so well. They each had to deal with their individual issues, but they ultimately became stronger together and as a team. I’m obsessed over the fact that the jocks in this story were the nerds too. I loved how the friendships were truly wholesome and not toxic or dramatic. Everyone was multi-dimensional and awkward which how high school is IRL. The kids were actually being kids focused on extra curricular activities, sports, and 6+ AP Classes instead of partying, alcohol and drugs. It was a quick read and I really wished there was more! I can’t wait to read more from Follmuth and thank you for the ARC!

I received this book as an eARC from Netgalley in exchange of an honest review so an honest review is what you get. I was a bit bored tbh, I’m not sure if the pacing was slow or if the book should’ve been shorter? Other than that, it’s a wholesome, cute story. Definitely would’ve enjoyed this more of I was younger as it’s more middle grade/teen, but I loved seeing nerdy protagonists in STEM! I didn’t mind the lack of communication skills Bel had because she’s a teenager and even adults are still learning how to communicate! I loved the diversity in the main characters and their banter was really refreshing and made me laugh a couple of times.

3.5 stars

This is such a sweet and lovely book.

It is told from the perspectives of the main characters (Theo and Bel), and we see them getting to know each other as well as the struggles that teenagers face and live through. We have a nice variety of side characters, including people who make the entire high school experience seem real, rather than just friends as cheerleaders.

I usually have trouble reading books from the perspective of a teen, but this one felt like a nice kind of reminiscing. The way the story was written made me care about and relate to the characters. The complexities of their individual struggles and situations, and how they influenced their decision-making, the difficulties of being a woman in science, and how other women in the field feel they are working against you. It's a fantastic book that covers a wide range of important topics that merit in-depth discussion, that I feel should be happening more often.

This book is also very inspiring because I ended up wanting to build a robot and have no idea how to do so. I would recommend this book to many people, but if you have a passion for science (particularly physics) and reading and your school doesn't have a great science program, this book might leave you wishing to become a mechanical engineer.