Sammy Espinoza risked her job as a music reviewer by writing rave reviews for her girlfriend's not-so-great music in a desperate bid not to break up. She gets dumped anyway, and the only way she can get her boss to give her another chance is a promise to get a review of the highly anticipated new records from Max Ryan, an artist that disappeared years ago. She feels like she can do it because he just so happens to be from her almost home town where she plans to go to lick her wounds with the help of her best friend. The main obstacle is that she has already met the former rock god and he promptly broke her heart. And there's also the fact that the family that rejected her pregnant, teenage mother years ago also lives there, which makes her want to get the answers she's always been denied.
This one is all about emotions, having them, facing them, accepting them, and moving on with them. Sammy's situation goes from bad to worse before anything can get resolved, but I loved how she's always making herself face the things she's most afraid of. It doesn't always work and it might not always be the best option, but it makes for compelling reading and some excellent character growth.

Happy thanks to NetGalley and Dell for the great read!

This was such a heartwarming read, i LOOOOOVE a good found family trope and this definitely delivered. Everything about this was so incredibly charming and emotional. There’s something for everyone in here, i feel as though many would be able
to relate to this book somehow and that’s something i love in books.

The only stability in Sammy Espinoza's childhood was the year she spent living with family friends in the small Washington town where both her parents grew up--her teenaged motherwho has spent most of Sammy's life chasing her next romance and her teenaged father who tragically died before Sammy was born. Recently broken up and with her career in peril, Sammy concocts a plan to review the new solo album of the town's bona fide rock star, Max Ryan, with whom she has history and holds a grudge.

One of the first people she runs into when she returns is none other than Max Ryan, but most humiliatingly, he doesn't even remember her. And Sammy doesn't remember him being so...nice.

Her planned revenge against Max is faltering and meeting her grandmother makes her realize that her mother was even more manipulative than she'd ever realized. Sammy and Max are both so adorable and flawed as they learn to navigate their own and others' vulnerabilities. Ostensibly a romance, this is also a book about growing up (at whatever age that may happen) and loving the family you choose for yourself. #SammyEspinozasLastReview #NetGalley

Masquerading as a fluffy rockstar romance, this one is hard-hitting with abandonment issues. I can't wait to read more by Mejia.

DNFing/putting it aside for now. I can't get into the story as it is tooooo much of a slow burn. Maybe I'll come back to it, but I need convincing.

Thank you to Netgalley and the publisher for a copy of this book in exchange for an honest review.

My Selling Pitch:
Do you want to read a generic small-town romance between a rockstar and the girl he ghosted that do not wind up having a healthy relationship, but the book pretends that they do? Do you like family and friend drama?

Pre-reading:
If my name is in a book, I am legally obligated to read it.

Thick of it:
If you’re calling another human being a goddess, you deserve to be broken up with. Just sayin.

The voice in this is charming, if a little cringey.

Rom-com serial killer sin

Detritus sin

Your mom owed it to you to make sure she was ready to have a kid before she had one.

What do you mean you wondered? You literally have her wallet and gave her your address.

Do you think an orange sofa is tasteful?

It’s way too instalove.

I don’t think I’m in the audience for this book because I am not obsessed with musicians. I don’t really care about music. I just don’t relate to it at all.

Did she put her number in his phone wrong?

Lol, never mind.

He invited you to be a groupie, babe. You didn’t really miss out on anything.

Is the paper bag condoms? (it’s not)

I know I’m reading too much into this, but I don’t understand how they could have half a foot difference in height, but the same shoe size.

I take it back. They don’t fit her. Good on you, book.

You’re just coming off like an asshole.

impetus

It’s bucket and hallmark, but entertaining

This old bitch is a Cunt.

Wow, I’m glad he’s a normal human being and was like I was drunk and asked a random girl to come with me. Obviously, it wasn’t serious.

I mean, you don’t have the opportunity to do it to her now. I feel like he would still do it. Once that guy, always that guy.

viscera

I don’t know why I thought this was YA. I don’t know why I thought this was going to be a clean romance.

This is not a bad sex scene, and I will leave it at that.

Babe, he’s a rockstar. He can afford a maid.

What bachelor man has powdered sugar in his kitchen? I don’t even have powdered sugar just around.

You not knowing Spanish is not her fault. They got Duolingo. You could’ve taken it in school.

She said she would take legal action? On what fucking grounds? And you believed this lady?

I’m very glad this book isn’t giving her mom a redemption arc, and it’s actually her coming to terms with the fact that her mom is awful.

She just had another entire chicken lying around?

I feel like this is a very high three stars. The family drama in it is great.

I don’t think Willa doesn’t have her back. I think Willa has her back so much that she’s trying to stop her from making any mistakes. I think you need a friend like that.

Please no karaoke. Here I am toying with the idea that maybe this book deserves four stars because the family drama is so good, and they’re gonna put karaoke in this bitch?

No Wonderwall

Literally just text him where are you. That’s weird behavior.

God, this book really relies so heavily on the miscommunication trope. and it’s getting a little old. Just fucking talk to each other.

This mans better be dead in a ditch somewhere.

I don’t see how the author could possibly explain this away and have me be on board because I am done with him. He is dead to me.

I regret the cunt comment from earlier, but current grandma is not the same character as past grandma.

Oh fuck, grandma’s dying. It was not dehydration

This reminds me of the family drama and emotional growth of an Emily Henry novel, but it doesn’t have the snappy banter.

Girl, grandma is dead.

I’m sorry, no. Absolutely not. Break up. He is irredeemable. He’s an addict and he didn’t want to tell you so he just decided to do alcohol and then leave you and go on a bender and not communicate for a week? Girlypop. This will happen again. We are not doing this. Goodbye, sir.

I just don’t have time for insecure men. I don’t. They exhaust me. I want nothing to do with them. Go to therapy, sir.

Hey idiot, you could literally just have sent her a text that said talk later. That’s literally all you had to send. This is a bullshit explanation. Absolutely not. Fuck this man.

As you said to your mom, it doesn’t count just because you keep coming back. If they wind up together, I’m gonna be frustrated.

Fuck this guy. He can inflict whatever pain he wants, but she’s not allowed? I hope they don’t end up together. They are doomed. Also, I just think from a practical standpoint that they would never get along if he’s a meticulous, neat freak, and she loves to be messy.

Don’t forget we have to pile on to the misery. Grandma is 100% dead, but like you’ll probably inherit her house and some money, so like fair trade?

Is he really making her dead grandma’s funeral about him and his feelings? I’m sorry, you don’t get comfort right now, sir.

Gotta put the horny in funerals.

I know it’s supposed to be chivalrous that he keeps sharing his wet jackets with her, but I’m just like you’re getting her more wet, and not in the fun way. Wet man jackets are heavy.

I’m sorry they named their baby after a cloud?

Wow, money fixes everything.

Wow, what a trash man.

Post-reading:
This book was getting to almost be a tossup for me between three and four stars because the family drama was done so well, but the cringe bits and the fact that the love interest is absolute trash have put this firmly in the three-star category.

Like most contemporary romances, this book relies heavily on the miscommunication or non-communication trope. It gets annoying after a while. Like grow up. Talk to people. Y’all are adults. I think the family drama in this book is well done. I think the fights that the characters have are realistic and relatable. All the waxing poetic about music is cheesy. Also, the love interest’s betrayal is a giant red flag and pretty unforgivable to me. I don’t like that they wound up together. I think they’re actively bad for each other.

It’s a better book than I thought it was going to be, but that’s really not saying much because I expected to hate every second of this. Instead, it was tolerable and even good for a few beats, but it ends up being a generic small-town romance. It’s skippable, but I won’t discourage you from reading it. I will discourage you from thinking that this book ends with any sort of semblance of a healthy relationship.

Who should read this:
Small-town romance fans
Family drama fans
Musician romance fans

Do I want to reread this:
No

Similar books:
* Beach Read by Emily Henry-small town family drama romance
* Book Lovers by Emily Henry-small town, family drama romance
* Happy Place by Emily Henry-friendship drama, second chance romance.
* When in Rome by Sarah Adams-Small town instalove romance between a singer and a normie
* Our Place on the Island by Erika Montgomery-small town romance, family drama
* Welcome to Beach Town by Susan Wiggs-small town romance, family drama

Unhinged Summary:
Sammy gets fired from her job as a music critic after she uses her column to write biased reviews in favor of her girlfriend. The masses sure are fickle. Her girlfriend dumps her, and Sammy decides that the best way to hit reset on her life is obviously to go back to Smalltown, USA where she kinda grew up in. You see, Sammy’s mom is categorically the worst. Sammy’s dad died in a car accident before she was born, leaving Sammy’s teen mom to raise her on her own because no one else would help her. Probably. Sammy didn’t learn the lesson that children don’t ask to be born and it’s parents' job to take care of them and not abuse them, so she spent her whole life feeling guilty that her mom had to take care of her. Sammy needs to fire her current therapist and get a new one because clearly, she ain’t working. Anyhooters, one summer, Sam’s mom dropped her off at a foster home in Smalltown for a year. There, she met her best friend Willa. Willa has moved back to Smalltown with her wife so that they can be homesteading lesbians like any trendy side character and has said that Sammy can stay with them while she figures out what she’s gonna do with her life.

Sam decides that she’s going to try to reconnect with her estranged family from her dad’s side, and weasels out one last chance from her editor. She tells her editor that she can get an exclusive interview with a reclusive music artist, Max, who is rumored to be releasing a solo album. Conveniently, they had not even a one-night stand, but just a kiss when they were blackout drunk, and Sammy is super convinced that he’ll remember her because they had a connection, guys. As a drunk teenage boy, Max asked her to go on tour with him as a groupie, and she agreed, and she thought this was a serious offer. So like he owes her, guys.

And if you’re like okay, solid plan. I’m sure she looked up his address or wrote to him or has some way of contacting said reclusive musician, right? Wrong! But this is a rom-com and it’s a small town, so when Sammy hits rock bottom and is crying in her car, eating Cheetos, guess who knocks on her window? No, not Ted Bundy, but the hottie reclusive musician! Does Sam capitalize on this encounter to get an interview? Heck no. She goes on a feminist tirade about nice guys. Luckily, the lesbians show up to take her home and put her to bed.

Except, oh no! She left her wallet in the parking lot, and now musician man has to give it back to her in person. So she goes to see him at his house, and if you’re like oh great, she’s going to do an interview now. Wrong again. He’s like you want to go hiking with me, random stranger that I’ve never met before? And she’s like oh my god, how dare he not remember me. How am I going to have the emotional leverage to get him to agree to do an interview now? I guess I’ll just have to go hiking. So basically they’re instantly in love. And she’s like dang, I really like him. I’ll just forget about this interview and be content with being fired. I don’t need money or a job. I have a boyfriend.

You know what I do need though? Family drama. I’m gonna go confront, granny. How dare she not help my teen mom and want to connect with me, her only granddaughter. Grandma got that shmoney, so Sammy heads over to the rich side of town, but she’s too scared to talk to Grandma, so she just creepily stares at her in her front yard and then runs away. Somehow Granny doesn’t call the police, but Granny’s also not white, so that kind of tracks. Musician man Max calls Sammy up, and he’s like let’s go on a second date, babe. I’ve got something super romantic planned. Let’s go sit on a lawn and listen to this cover band comprised of old guys from a doctor’s office, and Sam is like oh my god, that sounds incredible. You’re such a panty-dropper. So they go to the concert, and oh my god, granny is there. Bitches love music. Sam obviously decides a second date is the best time to confront her grandma about her abandonment issues. She’s like why didn’t you ever try to talk to me, grandma? Don’t you love me? And grandma’s like funny story. I’ll tell it to you over dinner tomorrow. Bring your boyfriend. Because granny can recognize that a public concert is not the place to have this chat.

Max drives Sammy home, and she’s like oh my god, thanks for the great date. Let’s fuck. And Max is like lol, not tonight. And Sam’s like but you’re hard? That’s basically consent. And Max is like wow, you need to fire your therapist, and I need to hire one because I have intimacy issues. I have an avoidant attachment style. Peace, crazy! And if the audience is like wow, is he running away from her for the very valid reason of the fact that she tried to confront her grandma over her family issues on a second date? No no. He’s just a douche.

The lesbians, who are the only sane people in this novel, confront Sam and are like hey, dealing with all this family drama is hard stuff. Do you want some backup, maybe? Also, this random musician has ghosted you twice now. Maybe he’s not the man for you? Also, how’s the job search going? You sending out any resumes? And Sam’s like oh my god, you guys are literally never on my side. And the lesbians are like babe, please fire your therapist. And she’s like whatever. I’m going to dinner with my grandma.

Except, oh no! When she gets there, Grandma is passed the fuck out. So she’s like hello, 911? My-well, she’s not my grandma because we’re estranged, but I want her to be my grandma, but I don’t know if I am entitled to her love and- And the 911 operator is like I don’t have a box that big on this form. Can you condense it? And she’s like whatever. Just put it’s complicated. So she goes to the hospital to make sure granny is OK, and then granny is a Cunt with a capital C. She’s not like thanks for saving my life, babes. She’s like I hope you put dinner in the fridge. Also, you better drive me home tomorrow. And Sam’s like I do not have a car, you entitled bitch. And granny’s like too bad. Figure it out. I’ll see you here tomorrow morning, and then we can chat about why I never helped you after you help me. Then Sam listens to her voicemail, and oh my god, musician boy tried to meet her at the lesbians’ house with no prior planning to go see grandma with her. Obviously, she was already gone because they didn’t make any fucking plans to meet, and if you’re like wow, that’s a giant red flag, Sammy is in fact legally color blind. Then Max leaves her a second voicemail like oh my god, babe, I did want to fuck you, but intimacy is scawy. Can we try again? And Sam is like oh boy, can we! So she texts him, and he’s like lol, you up? Come over. And she’s like oh my god, how hot and romantic.

So she gets there and Sam is like whoa, put your shirt back on, dude. Before we can bang, I have to confess our backstory to you because you don’t remember. When we were teenagers, we met at a house party, and I told you how to improve your music. Then you got the call that a record label wanted to sign you, and you asked me to come be a groupie for you. And he’s like oh my god, that’s crazy, babe. I can’t believe you thought that was a serious offer. And she’s like yeah, well, I did. I broke my apartment lease for you. And he’s like we didn’t even know each other’s last names. That’s almost like a completely insane thing to do. And she’s like I don’t see your point. And then this trash man is really like wow I was a piece of shit back then, but I promise not to do it again? And Sammy is like oh my god, I have no self-esteem. This is so romantic. Let’s fuck. You’re a rockstar who’s dated lingerie models, but I know a sex trick that they’ve probably never done. I’ll put your condom on with my mouth. And the audience is like at least they’re having safe sex? Because I’m sure he’s riddled with disease and she’s clearly not fit to reproduce.

The morning after, they have to pick up Grandma from the hospital, and luckily Max has a car that she can borrow. She’s like bye babe, don’t abandon me. Wink. And he’s like omg, I would never. Probably. And she’s like what do you mean probably? And granny’s like get in here and help me clean.

So granny spills the tea and is like we actually offered to pay for your mom to go to college and take care of you, but she said lol no, if you interact with my daughter, I’m gonna call my lawyer. And for some reason no one is like and you believed her? Like what kind of teen mom has a lawyer on speed dial? But Granny’s money is in golf not the judicial system. She’s like call your mom if you don’t believe me. So Sam calls her mom, and she’s like please tell me grandma is lying and you’re not actually the worst human being alive. And her mom is like fine, now I’m the bad guy. Also, I’m getting married, peace! And Sam is like dang, maybe Bestie Willa was right this whole time that my mom is the worst. And Granny’s like you should just move in with me and stay here because I’m definitely not living on borrowed time and like I can teach you to cook and we can clean out the house and you can borrow my car. And Sam is like sounds good. I’m homeless.

Music man gave her a flash drive with his secret album. And luckily grandma’s car has a USB port. Don’t question it. So she listens to the album, and she’s like oh my god, this is amazing, but as a completely unqualified music critic, I have some pointers to give him. So she calls him up because men love being criticized and they always handle it super well. She’s like hey rockstar, this acoustic jam sesh is a banger, but you sound like a pussy. We need to fix that. Let’s do whiskey shots and karaoke so that you regain your confidence. And if you’re like what the fuck does this have to do with regaining confidence? Don’t! So they go to karaoke, and Max is like anyway, here’s Wonderwall, and that’s not me making a joke. That’s literally what happens. That’s what he picks. When I said this girl was legally color blind-But Sam’s like what a stud, so they go home and fuck.

When she wakes up in the morning, he’s gone. No note, no text, and this bitch really gaslights herself into thinking there’s probably a logical explanation for this. And the audience is like yeah, there should be because this is a romance, right? No, this man is just categorically the worst. So while she waits for her boyfriend to remember that she exists, she decides to go hang out with Granny. She realizes that her dead dad kept a picture of her ultrasound so obviously that means that he totally would’ve wanted her and would’ve been a great dad and it’s such a tragedy that he died. That’s how it works, guys. Granny gives a speech about how men ain’t shit and that the good ones won’t hurt your feelings or make you question if they like you. And the audience is like wow, you should hire granny to be your tough love therapist. And if you’re like wait, Sam, didn’t you call her a cunt earlier? Don’t worry, her hospital stay caused a personality switch and she’s a different character now. When her boyfriend still doesn’t call her, Sam realizes that she’s been ghosted yet again by this man. That’s three times. And the audience is like she’s probably learned her lesson by now, right? Absolutely not, but she will go cry to her bestie about it and be like why does my life suck? And her Bestie is like you make bad decisions. And Sam’s like oh my god, you’re right. You’ve always just been looking out for me. You’re such a good friend. And het Bestie is like I know. I’m literally your mom friend. Speaking of moms, I’m gonna be one, so can you get your shit together so that I don’t have to manage you and a newborn? And Sam is like I’ll think about it.

Realizing that she’s been abandoned yet again by a garbage man, Sam concocts a revenge plot. Fire your therapist. She decides that she didn’t technically quit her music critic job, so she can write an article about Max’s secret solo album and submit it because if he’s going to use her, she’s going to use him. She also calls her ex-girlfriend during sad girl hours, and she’s like why did you break up with me? And her girlfriend is like I was just looking for a fun no strings attached relationship, and I told you that. When we met, you were confident and mysterious and emotionally unavailable, and I said oh my god, hot! But then once we got together, you were like I’m a stage five clinger, and I told you I wasn’t looking for anything serious. And Sam is like well I know you weren’t looking for anything serious and you told me that explicitly, but I thought you would change your mind! And her ex-girlfriend is like can you listen when people tell you what they want from you and also be honest when you tell people what you want from them? Also, fire your therapist. She’s not working. And Sam is like that sounds like really sound advice, but I’m not ready for emotional maturity, so my big takeaway from this conversation is going to be that my ex was just emotionally immature and not ready for a relationship, and I was just too good for her. And the audience is like the absolute irony. How many times do we have to tell you to fire your therapist?

Then Sam confronts her foster family who are like oh my god, we’re so sorry that we knew your grandma wanted to talk to you and we didn’t tell you. Also, we wanted to keep you too, so your whole schtick of I’ve been abandoned by everyone I’ve ever loved and no one loves me is a complete crock of bullshit. Your mom is just the worst. Please re-examine your worldview and fire your therapist. And Sam’s like cool, cool. I’m too preoccupied with this random man that I’ve known for a week. How could he reject me? I thought we had something special. And for some reason, no one is like babe, he’s a musician and he’s ghosted you three times. He is not worth shit.

Sam talks to her Bestie again, and she’s like I wrote an article that could save my career, but I feel guilty about submitting it because my boyfriend didn’t give me explicit permission to submit it. And no one is like it’s wild that your editor didn’t ask for any proof that this was the actual album. She just believed you. And her Bestie is like please stop feeling guilty about trash guys. Stop letting people treat you like shit. And then the audience is like oh my god, do you hear an echo? Oh my God, it’s fire your therapist.

And then, the boy shows up. Because why let a bitch move on when you can keep being toxic? Also, he still hasn’t texted or called or checked if this was a good time to talk to her or made sure that she even wanted to see him again. He literally just showed up. And if you’re like that’s fucking rude. Congratulations, you’re a healthy human being. But this is a romance, so this is a big, romantic gesture, and it turns out homeboy just didn’t call her because he’s a raging alcoholic. And if you're like is that supposed to excuse his behavior? Well, the author sure thinks so. He’s like I was totally capable of picking up a phone and texting you or writing you a note that I was struggling or you know recognizing the fact that I’m a raging addict and it already derailed my career for seven years and maybe I shouldn’t have done whiskey shots with you, but addiction absolves me of the consequences of my actions, right? And Sam is like oh my god, it totally does. I’m so sorry that you were struggling with this without my help. And the audience is like girl, what? And she’s like oh my god, before we get back together, I have to confess that I betrayed you by writing a super complementary article about you that would only get you more press for your return album. And he’s like oh my god, I gave you that flash drive in confidence even though I knew you were a music writer, and I didn’t say don’t write an article about this because I didn’t think I had to. And the audience is like that’s fair. She probably shouldn’t have written the article without asking him if it was OK, but like he’s literally the worst, and all press is good press. And he’s like what you did is so much worse than me ghosting you multiple times and not communicating, so we’re breaking up. And she’s like oh my god, you’re totally right. It’s all my fault. And the audience is like girl, fire your therapist.

So Sam feels so guilty about betraying this boy that she’s known for a week that she calls her editor and is like cancel the article. I lied about everything. And her editor just believes her. And she’s like you’ll never work in this town again, and Sam’s like that’s OK. I’ll figure something out. And then she goes home to Grandma, but Grandma is dead. So sad, but now she has a car, a house, and a trust fund, so fair trade? Money fixes everything in romcoms.

Sam tries to confront her mother, but her mother is still incapable of being an adult or a decent human being, and she’s like why are you making me the bad guy? Like it was so long ago and you turned out just fine. And Sam is like I’m literally not fine. Like I have crippling emotional issues. I’d send you the bill for my therapy, but that’s not working either. And her mom is like do you want a coupon for better help? And Sam’s like goodbye, Mom. And the audience is like thank god, please stop talking to this horrible lady. Then Sam writes a letter to Max and is like oh my god, it was all my fault. I’m gonna tell you our love story in a mix tape except it’s a fake mix tape and I’m gonna review the mix tape. I’m so quirky and clever. And she’s like oh my god, can we please have a second chance? And the audience is like fucking why? He’s bad. Also, this is multiple second chances already. Also also, he’s clearly more in the wrong than you are.

And then this fucking cock shit smegma of a man interrupts her grandma’s funeral to make it about him. He’s like oh my god, I didn’t know if I should come to the funeral because it might be awkward for me. And for some reason, no one is like sit down, sir. This is not about you. This is about grandma. And then this man really says I got your letter. I don’t think I can forgive you. But I also don’t want other people to have you, so let’s just stay in relationship purgatory. He’s like I’ll never ghost you again, babe, but if I do you have to pinky promise not to take revenge on me. And the audience is like fucking what kind of agreement is this? And Sam’s like a romantic one, that’s what! And the audience facepalms and is like please fire your therapist for one final time. And then I shit you not, this man is like oh my god, so if we’re back together, does that mean I can get my dick wet? At her grandmother’s funeral. Truly, there are no words.

And then we get an epilogue, where they are somehow, living happily ever after. He goes on tour all the time, but he does breathing exercises so he doesn’t get panic attacks or relapse into addiction. Sam used her grandma’s schmoney to start a record label and people just sign with her even though she’s completely unqualified and has no bands on her résumé. But don’t worry she’s emotionally codependent and living with the lesbians while her boyfriend is off on tour. What a happy ending, right? The end.

This book really really surprised me! The chemistry between Max and Sammy, their dynamic, the incorporation of music, the heartfelt moments. This is exactly what I want in a young adult lgbt coming of age story. It’s something I wish I read when I was in high school. I appreciated all of the diverse characters and representation, and how well it was all incorporated into the story. Overall, great read and I’ll definitely be checking out this authors next works.

This book was successful in exploring family trauma and the impacts of abandonment, but wholly failed at a romance, unfortunately. This was meant to be a "second chance" romance but one of the MCs wasn't even aware it was a second chance! And both of them used the other. Not a fan. Thank you to NetGalley and the publisher for the free advance copy.

(4.5⭐️) Absolutely heart shattering, all the feels, be prepared to cry your eyes out. I sobbed through most of the story. It is achingly relatable (especially if you spent your childhood feeling lonely and isolated from moving around constantly…prepare to feel so seen and have any old trauma you still have around it dug up and laid bare). And the longing for a mother to actually be a mother, and more specifically the mother you really need was ooooof…right in the feels.

Even though I predicted the backstory with Paloma, I was still so mad about it…that Dina could do that. But I absolutely loved reading all the parts with Paloma after they reconnect, that was my favorite aspect of the whole story. So (spoilers ahead) even though I could see that’s where it was going, I was so upset about Paloma dying. While I liked Max and I did enjoy reading their arc…I honestly would have vastly preferred things be irreparable with Max but not lose Paloma…that was so much more heartbreaking than things not working out with a boy, imo.

Even so, I thought it was wrapped up beautifully and a very touching, heartwarming conclusion. Sammy’s found family is so wonderful and I also really appreciated the queer rep throughout the story. I will definitely be reading this book again and looking forward to future books by Tehlor…and probably snagging the Paolo Santiago books off my kids’ shelves to read in the meantime as well!

Sammy Espinoza’s life is a mess. An attempt to win back her singer ex-girlfriend exploded in her face. The fallout resulted in her being on probation with the threat of her editor pulling her column unless she could redeem herself. And Sammy does plan on redeeming herself. She had just discovered that Max Ryan, a former rockstar and former one-night stand who ghosted her, might be recording his first solo album. If she can get an interview and an inside scoop about his music, she will be redeemed and forgiven. But Max lives in Ridley Falls, Washington, and Sammy doesn’t want to go back. That would mean facing her estranged family and getting answers to questions that she has had for a long time.

When I read the blurb for Sammy Espinoza (I am shortening the title for this review), I knew I wanted to read it. I have a soft spot for damaged heroines, and I love to read about what caused the damage. I decided to wish on it since it wasn’t available on Random House Publishing Group – Ballantine’s NetGalley page. When I got the email that the publisher granted my wish, I was pretty pleased. This book has stuck around in my mind since I had wished for it. And guess what? I am glad that I read this book.

Sammy Espinoza is a fast-paced book set in the fictional town of Ridley Falls, Washington. The pacing for this book was perfect for it. I had no issue following the storyline, and there were zero times I had to backtrack. There was a tiny bit of lag in the middle of the book when Sammy was floating around Ridley Falls, but that didn’t disrupt my reading experience.

I will warn you; you will need Kleenex while reading this book. You will cry because the storyline will have you in emotional knots. Sammy’s issues constitute a significant part of the storyline. It was painful to read in portions (her mother had me seeing red) and, in other parts, joyful and hopeful.

I didn’t like Sammy at the beginning of the book. She was a hot mess. Her character was selfish, childish, and had a massive chip on her shoulder. After cementing that in my head, the author then went on to show the Sammy behind all of that. The real Sammy was insecure, scarred by her childhood, and desperately wanted to be loved. Then that Sammy slowly (it was painful to read at times) morphed into the Sammy I loved. She was a self-confident woman who was happy and surrounded herself with a family she chose.

I wasn’t too sure what to think about Max. He seemed like such a nice guy, but something was also tortured about him. I figured it was part of his act until he saw Sammy after he ghosted her. Then, a side of Max that I didn’t even think existed emerged. I sympathized with him and didn’t blame him for doing what he did after Sammy told him about what she wanted to do.

The secondary characters were the backbone of this book. Sammy had a fantastic friends with Willa and Brooke. Brooke made me laugh. She was blunt and didn’t deal with Sammy’s (or Willa’s) BS. Willa’s parents were characters. And Sammy’s grandmother was just fantastic.

The storyline involving Sammy, her mother, and her father’s side of the family was heartbreaking and infuriating. I got so mad for Sammy as the storyline went on, and it slowly revealed what a jerk and how self-centered her mother was. There was a scene with Willa’s mother and one with Sammy’s grandmother that broke my heart. Sammy’s issues (well, a good part of them) could have been resolved if her mother had done the right thing. I won’t get into that storyline anymore because there will be spoilers.

The storyline involving Sammy, Max, and the article made me irritated. Sammy should have been upfront with Max about why she came to Ridley Falls. But, at the same time, Max should have been upfront with Sammy about his issues and past. But it doesn’t excuse him for just jetting on her. Especially when something very significant happened, and she was left alone.

The end of Sammy Espinonza was perfect. It also gave me one of my favorite quotes, “Three Queers and a Baby.” I did get a giggle out of that. I also liked how hopeful the last chapter was. It made me happy for Sammy and her crew.

I would recommend Sammy Espinoza’s Last Review to anyone over 21. There is language, mild violence, and sexual situations.

Many thanks to Random House Publishing Group – Ballantine, Dell, NetGalley, and Tehlor Kay Mejia for allowing me to read and review Sammy Espinozia’s Last Review. All opinions stated in this review are mine.

Sammy Espinoza's Last Review takes us through the main character, Sammy feeling like she hit rock bottom. Making excuses for her mom who always abandons her, her girlfriend just broke up with her, and she needs to save her job before she gets fired. She comes up with a plan to interview Max Ryan a famous musician and also the guy that broke her heart before he made it big. Along this journey she figures out what family means to her and to ask for the things she wants.

I had trouble getting into to this book the first half but picked up in the later half. It felt more of a YA novel but I enjoyed how Sammy found her family with Willa and Paloma. Thanks Netgalley and Random House Publishing!

I received a copy from NetGalley and the publisher for review.

I really need to stop requesting Lit Fic books. they always make me so...sad. That being said, I think this one is worth the read. You get a woman on the verge of losing her job get one last chance to redeem herself by basically finding the one guy who she spent one amazing night with, then got ghosted by 10 years prior and writing an article about why he fell off the face of the planet. Along the way Sammy finds herself through meeting the grandmother she never met/was led to believe didn't want her, figures out what she wants from life, and honestly does more healing without a therapist than with.

So overall, I think this book does what it sets out to. we get the second chance romance (kind of), the main character reconnecting with her chosen family and some blood relatives too, and the chance for Sammy to really lay into her deadbeat mother. Here's my issue though, nothing really kept this on my mind enough for me to absolutely fall head over heels for the story, leaving me just feeling very "meh" about it. Like if this kind of healing journey is your thing, you'll definitely enjoy it, but for me it's very YA almost (and I know this is the author's adult debut, but she does come from YA). I do wish in the end, Sammy's chosen family was one member larger, but it's paramount that the thing happens so the ending can happen and I get why, but like I cried when that thing happened.

Sammy Espinoza is constantly being abandoned. By her flighty mother, her musician ex-girlfriend, fans of her music review column (putting her job on the line), and Max Ryan, the years-ago One Who Got Away and Became a Big Star. But she has a plan to salvage her career and her pride. It will involve going back to the hometown she's been avoiding, confronting the grandmother who abandoned her before she was born, and making peace with the reclusive musician she still pines for.

... This all adds up to a lot of drama. Some of it is kind of silly (Sammy is hung up on a guy she spent a few hours with eleven years ago) and some of it is pretty serious (the stuff about her mother and grandmother). These threads take a while to come together, but when they do, they pack a powerful punch.

Although the first half of the novel feels a bit slow, the second half is compelling, with a highly-emotional, YA-adjacent feel. I was rooting for Sammy, and even though I found some of the plot coincidences (and Sammy's entire career trajectory) implausible, this was an enjoyable and memorable read.

This novel was heartwarming, interesting and engaging. Loved Sammy Espinoza's Last Review by Tehlor Kay Mejia, with its vulnerable characters, supportive friends, and love/family stories, overcoming enormous emotional obstacles. Thank you NetGalley, the author and publisher for the early review copy. All opinions are my own.

- SAMMY ESPINOZA'S LAST REVIEW is for all the former emo girls out there.
- There is so much going on in this book - second chances, friend fights, flighty mom, long lost family and more - and it all works. It all serves to make Sammy and everyone in Ridley Falls feel like real, whole humans even with a complicated romcom plot.
- It's a thoughtful, loving exploration of how emotional traumas linger and affect your actions years later, even when you know what's happening and why. I just love a romance novel that's both swoony and rooted in reality.

Trigger Warnings: break-up, past death of a grandparent, absent parent, alcohol, past death of a parent, drunk driving death, pregnant out of wedlock/teenage pregnancy, injury, panic attack, hospital, sex, alcoholism, death of a grandmother on page, funeral

Representation: Pansexual, Lesbian, Mexican-American

Sammy Espinoza’s Last Review is a queer, contemporary romance about a music critic stuck in a spiral of epic proportions as she targets her teenage crush for a career comeback and a chance at revenge. What could possibly go wrong?

Sammy Espinoza’s life is a raging dumpster fire. Her desperate attempt to win back her singer ex-girlfriend has landed her in hot water at work and she has one last chance before her editor cuts her column. Luckily, Sammy has a plan to redeem herself, but it won’t be easy. Rumor has it that Max Ryan, the former rock god, is secretly recording his first-ever solo album years after he dramatically quit performing. And it just so happens that right before Max got his big break, he and Sammy spent an unforgettable night together.

Exclusive access to Max’s new music would guarantee Sammy’s professional comeback and, even better, give her the opportunity to serve some long-awaited revenge for his traumatic ghosting. Unfortunately Max lives in Ridley Falls, Washington; and Sammy has a history there, with a family that never wanted her and a million unanswered questions. Going back would mean confronting it all, but what else does she have to lose?

This is a very cute story! It also gets very steamy! The book has found family and small town vibes, but also touches on some deep themes. I thought the audiobook was quite enjoyable and the narrator does a great job bringing these characters to life. The interactions between characters includes a lot of wit and banter, making the storyline very funny. The characters are also flawed and relatable humans. I love a good cast of messy queers!

Thanks to Ballantine for the free book.
I absolutely love a good found family story, and there is plenty of that here. Sammy returns to her best friends/teen parent's hometown after going through a rough patch to stay with Willa and Brook. Will was such a caring friend, even when she came on a bit strong. Brook provided the perfect balancing between Sammy and Willa when things got complicated. I liked the former rockstar aspect - I will always fall for a story that has this plot. The author did just a great job of capturing Max as a person and not just his fame. There's a good exploration here about how the fame industry and really harm people. And I haven't forgotten about Sammy. She had so many struggles and I enjoyed the situations the author created to make this story feel so authentic and real. It was messy, complicated, and some hard lessons were learned. I also enjoyed the look into learning about Sammy's father's family that she knew nothing about. This took bravery and all of the complex emotions were worked through so well - it had me tearing up at times. I highly recommend this one.

I loved this book, and everything about it. I loved that Sammy had a lot of character development: she’s reeling from a public breakup and almost losing her job. She still had a lot of unresolved issues with her mother, who was constantly leaving her when she was growing up. She returns to the small town where her mom once left her for a year, and runs into the man who also left her when she was 18. The best part of this book is the friendship between Sammy and Willa. I love the way they work through what it means to be a good friend, and how messy it can be. Sammy’s relationship with Max is also beautifully done. It’s hard not to be impatient with them because they have a lot of chemistry, but it’s easy to understand how they mistrust each other at different points. If you have music, this is a wonderful book that talks about why and how music moves us, especially live performance. If you like A Star is Born, you’ll love this book.

thank you to netgalley and penguin random house for giving me this e-arc in exchange for my honest thoughts <3

sammy espinoza’s life is mess. her musician girlfriend dumped her, she’s basically been fired from her music journalist job, and she is in another fight with her mom. her only hope is in ridley falls, a small town in the pacific northwest and the only place she ever felt at home during her childhood. sammy has a plan, one that comes in the form of max ryan, the former front man for seven shades of monday, who appears to be releasing his first solo album since the band went sideways. the only problem is he is also the man who broke sammy’s heart after one magical night several years ago.

when news that tehlor kay mejia was writing an adult romance dropped i was thrilled!! their middle grade series paola santiago is a series that i hold so near and dear to my heart and to know that tehlor was going to set about writing in my favorite genre was an amazing moment. the only thing that competed with that level of excitement was when penguin random house set the arc my way. listen, i LOVED this book. it was like a hug on a bad day and coming home wrapped all in one. tehlor kay mejia has such a talent for weaving prose into their work and making all the little moments in a book so important. it’s more than just a romance. it’s an ode to music and the impact it has on us as an audience. it’s the story of a broken, messy girl coming into herself and falling in love and finding family during the roughest moments in one’s life. it’s finally realizing that you are worthy of love and that you deserve it without having to be something for somebody. i am so glad this book exists!!

A huge thank you to Tehlor Kay Mejia, Random House Publishing, and NetGalley for an eARC in exchange for my honest opinion. Sammy Espinoza’s Last Review is out and ready to enjoy!

Sammy Espinoza’s Last Review is a heartwarming story full of second chances, forgiveness, found family and romance. This is the first book I have read by this author and from now on she will be an automatic read for me. Even though Sammy’s life is kind of a huge dumpster fire I feel like she really learns how to grow and forgive even with all of the twists that come up. I thought Max was super sweet and yes kind of flawed, but I love how he was able to forgive and grow himself. I’m not going to lie this book broke my heart ( I might have cried a little), but Tehlor was able to beautifully put it back together. I would suggest this to any of my friends and family and I hope you give it a chance.