4.5+ stars

I love Dahlia Adler’s writing, and this book was no exception. The premise was intriguing, and although I think I expected the ending to be a bit more definitive, I kind of loved how it finished. The whole story was a super fun YA summer romance, and I especially appreciated the references to music, Poe, and other literature/cultural elements. I also enjoyed what had to be a quick allusion to the writer’s Home Field Advantage, another book I loved; I know there were other references that I missed, so one day when I have a chance read the rest of the author’s books, I’m sure I’ll be able to appreciate them as well. All in all, this was a great book featuring a bisexual Jewish protagonist who is safe and confident in her identity, and I’m looking forward to purchasing a copy for my classroom library.

“Going Bicoastal” by Dahlia Adler is an engaging queer rom-com that takes readers on a delightful journey of self-discovery and the complexities of relationships. In a unique Sliding Doors-style narrative, author Dahlia Adler presents readers with two parallel realities, allowing them to explore the different paths and possibilities that Natalya’s life could take.

The first reality keeps Natalya in New York, where she finally connects with the girl of her dreams: the enigmatic redhead she has been harboring a crush on for ages. This storyline allows the author to delve into the complexities of Natalya’s emotions and the challenges of navigating a long-held attraction. The blossoming relationship between Natalya and Elly is portrayed with authenticity and sensitivity, capturing the exhilarating highs and the nerve-wracking uncertainties of a new relationship.

In the second reality, Natalya embarks on a journey to Los Angeles, reuniting with her estranged mother and interning at her mother’s company. The vividly described setting of L.A. serves as the backdrop for Natalya’s personal and professional growth, as she navigates through the vibrant city and encounters Adam, an intriguing fellow intern and aspiring chef. The chemistry between Natalya and Adam is palpable, creating a tender and passionate romance that keeps readers eagerly turning the pages.

What makes “Going Bicoastal” shine is its depiction of the queer experience. The novel celebrates diversity, showcasing the richness and complexity of LGBTQ+ relationships while emphasizing the importance of self-acceptance and embracing one’s true desires.

While the dual narrative structure adds depth and intrigue to the story, there are moments when the transitions between the two realities could have been smoother, occasionally causing a slight disruption in the overall flow of the novel. However, this minor drawback does not detract from the book’s ability to captivate readers.

Natalya is faced with an impossible choice: spend the summer with her semi-estranged mother in LA, or spend the summer in NYC working for her dad, while her best friend is off in Puerto Rico. A part of her wants to reconnect with her mother, but a part of her is happy right where she is...

So, we see her make both of these choices. In alternating timelines, Tal stays in New York, and Nat goes to LA.
New York has the redhead Tal had been obsessing over for months; LA has Adam, the other intern at her internship. New York has her friends and routines with her father; LA has new friends and bonding moments with her mother.

It took me a little while to get into this book, just because I kept wanting more of whichever timeline I was in, but ultimately I really liked it. I loved how the two timelines were, in some ways, the exact same story, and in some ways complete opposites.

Going Bicoastal is a sweet, fun read about a bi girl doing her best and falling in love--with two different people, in two different cities, living with two different parents.
I found myself a bit nervous toward the end because I really couldn't choose which I wanted to be the "true" timeline--but the penultimate chapter ends in a way that works for both--and Dahlia Adler included an ending chapter for each of the timelines, like a choose-your-own-adventure ending, which I loved. I read both, but honestly even without that final chapter of each, the conclusion is really satisfying.

Going Bicoastal is the must-read Queer YA Contemporary Romance of the summer! It made me giddy. I loved it! That may seem like a bold proclamation, but I mean it from the depths of my soul. I absolutely adored it, from the first chapter to the last.

In this story, our main character is Natalya, a bi Jewish girl, who lives with her Dad, a mathematics Professor in NYC. Her estranged Mom works in advertising and lives in L.A. With summer approaching, Natalya needs to make a big decision. Her Mom wants her to go to L.A. to live with her for the summer.

They've barely spoken in years and going to stay with her Mom, means leaving everything she knows and loves behind; including her Dad and the red-headed girl she's been crushing on. Natalya can see the other side too though. It could be a chance to repair her relationship with her Mom. Does she want that? And the opportunity to explore new interests and opportunities; to get out of her comfort zone.

It's such an important choice. How will she ever be able to make it? She has a tough time making regular impact choices on a regular day...

She can't choose. So then, in the best use of the Sliding Doors plot device since, well, Sliding Doors, we the Reader, get to watch both choices playing out parallel to one another via alternating chapters.

We see Tal in NYC, breaking out of her shell, talking to the girl, taking on new interests and potentially healing things with her Mom through a long-distance option. We see Nat in L.A., living with her Mom for the first time in years, working at her Mom's business, meeting an interesting boy who also is working as an intern at her Mom's office, and befriending others in the L.A. Queer and Foodie communities.

Natalya's learning so much about herself and the plethora of new experiences are helping her understand what she may want for herself in the future.

Y'all, Adler absolutely crushed the construction of this story. While it may sound confusing, it is so seamless, it makes perfect sense as it's unfolding. I never found myself scratching my head or feeling like I was missing something. It's easy in the moment to just coast along with Natalya on her journey.

It's also fun developing opinions on which situation you would prefer. I was Team NYC from the start, and pretty much stayed that way throughout, although the LA scene definitely grew on me due to the all the delicious sounding food and super friendly people.

The writing is engaging and keeps you wanting to know more. I desperately wanted to know what was going to ultimately happen. As I got closer to the end, I wondered how Adler was going to be able to wrap it up. I loved the ending. It was such a great choice in my opinion. I feel like this might not be for everyone, but I fully support the direction Adler went with it. My heart fills with joy even thinking about it.

Honestly, I appreciated so much how unapologetically sweet and hopeful this story is. Everyone deserves a happy ending, and I think everyone can find one here. I definitely recommend this to YA Romance Readers, or anyone looking for a fun and unique Queer story. Be prepared to smile.

Thank you so much to the publisher, Wednesday Books and Macmillan Audio, for providing me with a copy to read and review. 10-out-of-10 recommend!

🌟🌟🌟🌟
“Going Bicoastal” was such a cute romance! The book opens with Natalya Fox (also known as Tal) trying to decide if she’ll stay in NYC with her father over the summer, or travel to California to stay with her mother. From there, the two paths diverge into the different timelines that accompany each decision.

Along her adventures with her friends and family come two different love interests: Elly, the redhead girl in New York that Tal has been crushing on for ages; and Adam, a boy that Tal meets at the internship her mom arranged in California. I really loved how Tao’s bisexuality doesn’t act as a source of trauma or character development for her (and neither is it erased by the people in her life). It reminded me a bit of how “Schitt’s Creek” also portrayed different sexualities, and this representation is beautiful to read.

I personally am not the biggest fan of the “two timelines” trope in media, but I think this story handled it well for the most part. I didn’t love the “choose your own adventure” ending, but I can understand how it worked for the overall structure of the book. I would be interested to read more from this author if the other elements within the story are included within one timeline.

Overall this is a fun and light-hearted read! It releases in three days on the 13th—just in time for Pride month! 🏳️‍🌈

A delightfully queer romance perfect for a summer read!

And what makes it so special you ask? The dual timelines, the Jewish rep, the queer pride, and the relatable MC!

This was my first Dahlia Adler book, and I can guarantee that it will not be my last. I loved the Jewish representation, the cultural and traditional education sprinkled in the book, and the fact that our FMC gets to explore her Jewish identity throughout the book. As I am typing this I realize that I need to emphasize that the Jewish rep in this book is intertwined so beautifully into the story it just feels organic, and I love that.

It was so interesting to follow Natalya on her journey to self-discovery both in her romantic life and in her professional one. It was so nice to see her struggle to find herself in adulthood, to find her place in the world, and to find herself within her relationships (both romantic and familial). Once you get into the groove of the two timelines, its easy to follow the two directions of the story, and its cool to see how in some points the two timelines converge. It gave off a Gwyneth Paltrow in Sliding Doors vibe, but more fun and cozy.

Both timelines are written so well. The story is well paced, and the writing is very entertaining. I could not recommend this book enough!

Thank you to Netgalley and St. Martian's Press for the eARC!

I got an ARC of this book.

The dual timeless wasn't something I enjoyed. Jumping back and forth felt very odd for me. I would have rather seen this as a chose your own adventure sort of book or like the books where you flip them over and the other story is going the other direction. Something that made it feel less disjointed.

I did love there was acceptance for a queer Jew. I loved that there was no issues with her parents being bi, though I was annoyed at the mom asking if she still liked boys.

So this wasn't for me, but I can see why people would enjoy it. The format just stood in the way of me really getting into it.

Trigger Warnings: divorce, cursing, coming out, underage drinking, marijuana, past self harm, self harm scars, sex, mentions of masturbation

Representation: Bisexual, Ashkenazi Jew, Queer, Agender

Going Bicoastal is a queer sliding doors YA rom-com in which a girl must choose between summer in NYC with her dad (and the girl she's always wanted) or LA with her estranged mom (and the guy she never saw coming).

Natalya Fox has twenty-four hours to make the biggest choice of her life: stay home in NYC for the summer with her dad (and finally muster up the courage to talk to the girl she's been crushing on), or spend it with her basically estranged mom in LA (knowing this is the best chance she has to fix their relationship, if she even wants to.) (Does she want to?)

How's a girl supposed to choose?

She can't, and so both summers play out in alternating timelines - one in which Natalya explores the city, tries to repair things with her mom, works on figuring out her future, and goes for the girl she's always wanted. And one in which Natalya explores the city, tries to repair things with her mom, works on figuring out her future, and goes for the guy she never saw coming.

When they called this book a sliding door, they weren’t kidding! I have never read a book with this concept and while it can be a little confusing sometimes, I absolutely adored it! I loved that Nat could struggle with her future and crushes without the trope of a love triangle! And this was such a great read for June and truly illustrates the bi panic! I think this is going to be a great summer/beach read for anyone!

this is the perfect pick for the summer! i loved this so much and it was so cute and sweet. i was obsessed with the split timelines and romances.

Perfect book to read for Pride month! I love how this is coming out ;) in June! I love the duality this book plays on of having our main character, Tal, go through two different summer experiences and also play on her bisexuality.

10/10 book
Although I did mention that I loved the duality of going between both New York and LA, it definitely could be confusing at times to figure out what state I was reading about. I put this book down and picked it up a bunch, I.e. did not read in one sitting, and found it hard to remember where I was. Otherwise, I loved hearing both perspectives as I also have divorced parents and had to split some of my time.

I've been following Dahlia Adler for a quite a bit now, and this was my first time actually getting to read anything by her. Overall, this was a really cute book!

In Going Bicoastal, we go back and forth between the MC, Natalya, having two separate summers: in one, she spends time in the NYC with her dad and her new girlfriend, Elly. In the other, she heads to California to spend time with her mom and her new boyfriend, Adam.

Somehow though, I missed the memo this book had two separate plots like that, so it was a pleasant surprise for me. And I thought it was executed really well; a book with a bi MC who gets both the girl AND the guy? Yes, please!

The only part of this book I didn't really like was that after the halfway mark, there's a lot of pop culture references thrown at you in a few chapters. I know everyone feels differently about that in novels, but at times it was a little overdone for me.

The ending(s) were really well done here. And there's a nod in there to one of Dahlia's other books, which was really cool. Overall, I definitely recommend this.

What I Loved
-Fun Bi romantic rep
-Alternate timelines
-Diversity of religion in the story
What Didn't Work for me as well
-The book is more vibes and character focused than plot driven and I've been on a plot driven binge read this week.
-The custody arrangement premise hit at an unfortunate time for something going on in real life with a friend.
Who I Would recommend this title for
Readers looking or a split timeline story featuring a character driven narrative about identity and plans for the the future will enjoy going Bicoastal by Dahlia Adler.

If you liked the “Choose Your Own Adventure” book series, then make sure you check out this new YA rom-com!!

The summer before her senior year, Natalya has a big decision to make: stay in NYC with her dad or visit her estranged mom in LA. Told in alternating storylines, Going Bicoastal follows Natalya’s story based on what decision she makes.

I might have totally missed this in the marketing of this book, but I didn’t realize that each chapter would be a different storyline: one following if she chose to stay with her dad and one following if she chooses to visit her mom. So, at first I was a bit confused, but as soon as I realized what was happening, I was 110% on board!

I loved how the story was told! @missdahlelama ‘s books are total hits for me 💕, so I’m not surprised that I also loved her newest book!

This book is FUN 😎I think the way Dahlia tells the story is super unique and it felt like such a wonderful surprise. Dahlia also nails the bi-rep and Jewish rep.

Going Bicoastal is a quick read that is expertly paced. The writing is great and super engaging! Overall, I highly recommend adding this one to your summer tbr ☀️

I received a free copy of this book in exchange for an honest review!

Tw: cursing, sexual content, abandonment, brief mention of self harm

Natalya Fox has twenty-hours to choose between spending to summer in NYC with her dad (and finally go after the girl she's been crushing on forever) or spending it in LA reconnecting with her estranged mom. Why choose if she can have both? Both summers play out in alternating timelines, one in which Natalya stay in NYC and goes after the girl of her dreams and one in which she tries to repair things with her mom and goes for the guy she never saw coming.

I LOVE the concept of this book and alternating timelines! It was such a fun and cute read!

Natalya's character was well-written and definitely relatable and I simply can't choose a favorite timeline! I loved that, no matter the choice she made, she still ended up the best version of herself and it's just so inspiring to know that no matter what you choose, happiness will still find you,

Dahlia Adler's writing is smooth, fun and sooo entertaining. I'm a definitely fan of her and will support her till the end!

Thank you to NetGalley and the publisher for allowing me to read an early copy.

Natalya is heading into her last summer of high school before she heads to senior year. She has a tough decision to make. She either stays in NYC with her father, where she lives and where her crush the readhead lives, or head to LA ans spend the summer reconnecting with her mother.

Lucky for us - we get both versions!

I enjoyed getting both versions of "what if". A definitely "path not taken" reminder. Natalya is bi so one version has a female romantic interest and the other a male, and I felt this was well done. I liked that it showed no matter which path you choose, it can be a happy outcome.

This will be a fun summer read!

Many thanks to NetGalley, St. Martin's Press and Orange Sky Audio for both an ARC and ALC in exchange for my honest review!

I loved this book. The characters were all so nuanced and felt like real people. I really enjoyed the alternate timelines and honestly couldn’t pick a favorite because both relationships felt so real. I loved the ending and felt like everything was resolved so well. I definitely recommend this book.

I received a digital ARC from St. Martin’s Press, Wednesday Books through NetGalley in exchange for an honest review. All opinions expressed are my own.

I enjoyed this novel. The characters are relatable. This novel is classified as Young Adult, but I think readers of any age will enjoy it. Adler’s writing is smart. The novel does not read like it was written for a younger audience.

Okay, how adorable is this book? Told in alternating storylines, we watch Natalya in both of her options for the summer. Stay home in NY or spend the summer in CA with her mother. Both options have a love interest, and both options have her reconnecting with her mother in differing ways. It's a fun 'what if' told in a unique style that makes this such a fun book.

While I adored Elly and loved the entire sapphic element of staying in New York, my heart was firmly settled in California with Adam. Something about a person going from prickly and distant to having so many layers underneath (as it usually goes) warmed my heart and drew me in. And if you don't spend most of your time in the California timeline hungry, you must have read a different book than I did.

"... she'll probably leave early because she hates clubs and music and loud noise and being around other people. Which, fair."

I loved the rep, the varying options, watching Natalya open up, and her love of life. She's a character to get behind who is so supportive of others that you want her on your team. And she's so funny. "Oh, it will. It's actually right there in the Torah that if you're a lousy cook, you go straight to hell."

This one was a ton of fun, and I always enjoy Adler's books. Definitely recommend this one.

Thank you, St. Martin's, for the advanced copy.

Going Bicoastal is going to be THE romance novel of summer☀️

It was very very sparkly. It gave me the sparkles? Idk sometimes I just get a certain sparkly, instant classic vibe from YA romances and this is one of those times. I want to be this book.

It’s hard to talk about the book experience without spoilers, so I’m putting my full review under the warning! I don’t think the things I reveal would negatively impact your experience though. They might even alleviate some stress 👀

**SPOILERS BELOW**

For those curious, this absolutely IS a delightfully queer romance, but what it isn’t is a love triangle!! It’s almost a choose your own adventure novel, as there are two HEA tracks at the end. I read it all as I loved both the New York and LA romances, but there’s technically the option to only read a singular HEA between either Natalya/Ellie or Natalya/Adam.

Both relationships were simply delightful. Before I knew we were getting both HEAs, I was in PAIN. Genuinely, I don’t think it’s possible for me to choose a favorite. NYC and LA almost felt like main characters, as the relationships seemed to really embody the cities. They were both so different; it really felt like two whole romance novels in one.

New York: I adored the pining between Natalya and Ellie; they were both obsessed for ages before making a move. It was such a great demonstration of having a totally brutal crush that may possibly be mutual…aka the most confusing, butterfly-inducing state of being. The summer camp and cute kid content was also a plus. Nat’s relationship with her dad was lovely, and her virtual book club with her mom really melted my heart. (I was so happy to get the mom content in NYC as well, since it was one of my favorite things about LA.)

Los Angeles: I loved how Nat put herself out there and made friends in LA. It was entirely wholesome. I guess I didn’t really clock the taco truck on the cover when I started reading because I was definitely not prepared for the glorious LA food scene 🤤 I especially loved watching Natalya vocalize her religious dietary restrictions (pork, shellfish). It was so HOT when Adam prepared Shabbat dinner for her and her mom!!! And don’t even get me started on the TOWEL SHOPPING. There’s something so deeply sexy about running errands with someone. *I swoon.*

⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️/5


Thanks so much to the publisher for an eARC via NetGalley. All opinions are honest and my own

natalya is currently being faced with a choice for her summer break: stay with her dad in NYC, with the familiar, or go to LA to be with her estranged mother and take some risks. the story unfolds in two separate timelines: following nat, who chose LA, and tal, who chose NYC.

honestly, i requested this a while ago and forgot the blurb before starting this, so i was pleasantly surprised when i realized this book had two timelines. i think this aspect was so well done, though, so i applaud dahlia adler for that. honestly, i got a bit nervous that the ending would not satisfy me since i was sure there’d be no resolution on what “actually” happened, and i was worried that some of the things nat realized tal wouldn’t, and vice versa. without going into spoilers, i’ll just say that i appreciated how the rest of the book played out :)

i highly recommend this book to YA romance fans, especially if you’ve read and enjoyed the author’s other works!