2.5* Unfortunately this one want a favorite. I was really excited about the summer atmosphere and connecting sports to environmental conservation. However the plot got sort of muddled and lost sight of the goal for most of the book. And while the main characters were reasonably developed with their own motivations and flaws, every other character made no sense at all. Many characters flipped and flopped so much from one chapter to the next that it was really confusing and honestly made the reading experience less enjoyable. Relying too much on telling us what characters were like then showing us the complete opposite, made every attempt at characterization or character development impossible. The romance was cute overall and I enjoyed the payoff but even that was a little predictable.

I want to thank Netgalley for an eARC of I Like Me Better by Robby Weber

This was a really surprising read for me this year. I loved the characters and how they interacted with each other. I also liked how the book wasn't just about the romance, but also about friendship, the environment and dreams. But also about peer pressure, intimidation and fear.

I really connected with Zack and his insecurities. It's never easy to be seen how you want to be seen. Zack had a lot of goals even if they maybe weren't the best ones, but he made us believe that anyone can change.

I appreciated how in the book the characters were rooting for a change for the environment. This is something that not a lot of books talk about. It can show to a younger audience that you don't have to be popular,old or rich to try and make a change. You just have to try.

I want to first start this out by saying a big thank you for sending me this eARC!

This book was such a well-rounded read for me. I appreciated the LGBTQ+ representation. It seems that a lot of authors struggle to show the community in a real way.
Zach's "found family" that consists of his friends and teammates brought me a lot of joy. I specifically loved the way they continued to have one another's backs throughout the story! The dynamic between Chip and Zach was also spectacular and I feel like they had a good, solid bond together. I appreciated the way the author went about making the reader question if we liked Zach's character, to watching him grow as a person and becoming a great MC.

I absolutely will be recommending this read to anyone interested in this genre!

I’m in doubt. I’m in doubt. I’m in doubt. Not the best way to start a review, right?

I just don’t know what to say about I Like Me Better. Usually, I write a review while reading, but this time my mind was empty.

I didn’t like Zach at first and didn’t understand why he took the blame for the prank Ryan pulled and why he didn’t mind that he got community service for something he didn’t do. It just felt so stupid. This stupidity constantly lingered in my mind and affected my opinion of the book while there were so many things to love.

I adored Chip, a sweetheart and an anxious mess at times, and I loved Noah and Beckett, who stood up for their beliefs. I cherished that falling for another guy was simply normalized. I definitely liked the second half of the book more than the first half and swooned over the romance. But I’m still in doubt. That’s why I’m giving three stars now. I might bump it up to four stars in the future.

I enjoyed “I Like Me Better” by Robby Weber. It was a warm summer day on the beach in book form. It had a simple and easy writing style, making it the perfect quick read. It was also incredibly wholesome, and toothachingly cute. It is the perfect kind of romance to include in my classroom library. Not to mention the LGBTQ+ representation in the novel is of high caliber. It is a breath of fresh air to get a novel about two boys in love and those boys just being happy, no homophobia or social battle to fight. The only thing I would change about this book is that I would go back and read it in the summer instead of the dead of winter. The book’s setting is perfect; summer fun and warm nights. The author does a brilliant job of making this summer-setted novel atmospheric and the perfect beach read. I cannot wait to recommend this novel to those who love wholesome relationships and sitcoms, this book is perfect for them.

Thank you to NetGalley and the publisher for giving me an ARC copy of this book in exchange for an honest review!

4.5 stars! This is such a cute romcom! It was the perfect blend of drama and angst and cuteness. I knew I was going to enjoy this when I saw it was a sports romance! But it was also so much more deeper than that! If you’re looking for something light and fun, this is the book for you. A perfect summer/beach read! It could be a bit cheesy at times, but not in a cringy way, in an endearing way. The author has a really fun humor; little one liners here and there that made me laugh.

I wanted to scream at Zack sometimes in frustration for how he was acting, but it made for good character development. Zack was such a fun character to follow. He would make me laugh a lot of times. I loved that he is a terrible cook because I’m a terrible cook, and I loved that he would mistake phrases or not know what words meant. It made for funny lines and made him relatable. Things were never easy or perfect for Zack, which was really refreshing. It makes it so much more realistic, and the ups and downs were worth it. It made me feel for Zack as if I was in his position.

His and Chip’s relationship was so cute! It was fun to see them slowly build their relationship; none of it seemed forced. They had so much chemistry. I loved seeing Chip get super excited about things he loved and even if Zack didn’t care, Zack still listened and didn’t seem disinterested. I got so giddy, they were so cute and sweet with each other.

Zack’s and Noel’s relationship was a highlight for me as well! I really liked it. It was nice to explore their ups and downs. Noel was a very interesting character to me, and while I didn’t always love him, I came to enjoy him a lot, especially toward the end. He became one of my favorite characters. Zack’s back and forth with all of his teammates was super good to read about too. All of the plot lines really came together so nicely. The journey was great to read.

I love when authors give animals personalities like they are human. Odin was such a funny addition to the story even thought he wasn’t in that often.

I would definitely read more books by Robby Weber!

I will be posting this review on my Goodreads (linked on my profile) today (12/19/22) and Amazon on the release date! (Will update the link when it is posted)

Thanks Inkyard Press and NetGalley for the eARC, these opinions are my own. I love reading Robby Weber’s books they always put me in the feel goods! Zack Martin is one of the best players on his soccer team and likely to become next year’s captain especially with the outgoing captain Ryan’s approval. When Ryan does something stupid Zack takes the blame so Ryan’s chances for the future don’t end. With everyone thinking Zack did the stupid thing he’s worried he’ll lose his chance at captain. Then he meets Chip and starts to find interest in something other than soccer. Can he maintain the respect of the team? Can he make something happen with Chip when Chip doesn’t know everything? When will Ryan tell everyone the truth? I loved the ups and downs of life and love in the book! You’ll find your self wanting to root for Zack but also wanting to talk some sense into him at the same time! Robby always writes such dynamic characters and I find myself always wanting to know more about all of them! Also this book features the return of one of my favorite characters from If You Change Your Mind! I Like Me Better is sweet, charming, and adorable! I highly recommend if you like rom coms or contemporary romance! Can’t wait to read it again!

this was phenomenal. ever since i read the description for this book, i have been hooked. i was practically checking my phone every couple of minutes to see if i got the arc yet. now imagine my excitement when i did eventually get the arc.

this book did not disappoint. i wasn’t completely on-board with zack’s character in the beginning, but i really love him now. his development and growth was one of the best one’s i’ve ever read about. he did wrong things—trust me, i know. however, he underwent so much self-learning and grew so much. [SPOILER] it was put so well, saying how the things he did was not okay, how he was able to understand that, and how he was sorry. his apology is one for the ages. [END]

zack’s absolute love for his teammates and friends made everything so much better. despite their squabbles and fights, they have each other’s backs. always. who doesn’t love a little bit of good found-family?

i loved zack and chip. they really pushed each other to become better, and they had a great dynamic. it was clear that they cared for each other to no end and it was just beautiful to see unfold. chip was a great character in general. he was passionate and caring while also being tough and direct. he was a well-rounded character, and i had the greatest time getting to know him.

will i be raving about this book until its release? you bet your ass i will be.

Thank you, Inkyard Press, for allowing me to read I Like Me Better early.

This reviewer supports the HarperCollins Union. I've read and written a review, but won't be uploading it here or on any other platforms until the HarperCollins Union has a fair contract.

First off, big thank you for letting me read this book ahead of publication! I loved getting to connect with Zach (your not so stereotypical jock, and Chip your lovable environmentalist. The development of their story was beautifully executed, and I wish I could get more! I will definitely be recommending this book to all my friends, and you can bet I'm buying a copy as soon as it is released!
(Will be posting on my insta in a series showing off up and coming LGBTQ+ books at a later date)










Spoilers ahead!!!!!





My favorite part, by far, was that Zach (the main character) got rejected. Especially in books with LGBTQ+ representation in the leads, they only ever seem to get rejected if the person the asked out is straight. I like how they didn't just jump into a relationship while they both barely knew each other, and took the time to develop a meaningful relationship before diving in.