I read this book because it promised a marriage of convenience. I *loved* this book because the characters, especially Jimena and Vitaly, were so good - so funny and so achingly, tenderly real. I love that the book was set in the aughts, and the nods to teen culture back then thrilled me. The real life consequences of this country's treatment of immigrants, undocumented and otherwise, is an urgent and timely setting for the story, as much now as it was then. I can't say enough good about the book. Highly, highly recommend.

Thank you to netgalley, Henry Holt/BYR, and the author for the eARC in exchange for my review.

I can’t imagine what life would be like to suddenly discover you’re not a legal citizen. It just blows my mind, yet I’m sure it’s an every day occurrence. It makes me so grateful for my life. That said, this book was fascinating and addicting and I LOVE that it’s set in 2009. So fun, so cute. I loved it.

I received a copy of this book from the publisher through NetGalley.

Ok, what started off as a cutesy high school friendship turns quickly into a "gosh I had no idea what a walk in your shoes is really like." Even I had to take a pause at words I've uttered and how insensitive they were. The book otherwise is cute. The point is much much more. I enjoyed how the book takes you from laughter (and it does continue throughout) to serious thought provoking material... yet still keeps your interest.

Thank you to BYR for the digital ARC!

JUST SAY YES is the story of Jimena learning that she's undocumented. At 17, time is running out to secure a way to legally stay in the US. She decides to marry an American to pursue citizenship.

I really liked that despite this being a romcom, Jimena's struggles were never taken lightly. Written in an authentic teen voice, her hopes and fears really shine through, and readers will be quick to empathize with her. That's my favorite form of YA romcoms, where real issues are tackled alongside the romance and wit. The book did a nice job balancing its tone.

Despite Goldy Moldavsky's novels being on my radar since her debut, Kill the Boy Band, I've never actually read one of them until now. And now that I have that's going to change though, because if her other novels are even half as good as Just Say Yes is, I have been seriously missing out.

Just Say Yes was cute and romantic and funny, but without coming across if it was mocking or trivializing the hardships that Jimena and her mother have as undocumented immigrants. Instead, it uses it's levity to help show that Jimena is similar to the "average" and "legal" teenagers that live in America, while also showing her resilience and determination. Because Jimena is strong willed, confident and hilarious, and I loved her for it. The relationships she has with the other characters are so much fun to read about because of her personality, and it makes it impossible not to root for her success, no matter how seemingly ridiculous it may appear. Because as silly as it may seem at first glance, those choices are what shows the desperation to avoid deportation, and the fear and anxieties that go along with it.

On a less serious note, I had so much fun reading a book set in 2009, it was a fun throwback for me, but still felt like something modern teens should be able to relate to anyway. I also really loved that the characters still felt like teenagers, despite the serious situations they were in, and it was refreshing to read YA that still felt like it was meant for teens. If you're wondering if you should try reading Just Say Yes, this is your sign to pick it up. Even if you weren't planning on it, try reading it anyway, or share it with a teen in your life! (Or get a copy for your local library because I would love to get this into the hands of teens)

Right before her senior year of high school, 17-year-old Jimena discovers she is an undocumented immigrant. She sets out on a quest to find someone who will marry her, but that's not so easy when you're young- there are a lot of creeps and weirdos out there! And it's really not so easy when she discovers she has feelings for her friend Vitaly, a boy in her apartment building. It seems all hope is lost when her best friend starts applying to colleges and Jimena finds herself having to lie about filling out her applications just to hide her undocumented status from her friend. Will she find someone to cooperate with her in a green-card marriage??

This was a great story about a tough subject. Kudos to Moldavsky for pulling it off!

Also, thank you to NetGalley, Macmillan Children's Publishing Group, and Henry Holt and Co. for the ARC in exchange for my honest opinion.

This was a very cute book. I like the characters and was very engaged in the story. I can't wait for this book to come out so I can make my reader friends buy it!

I absolutely adored this story! This is a topic that is all too familiar for many students and families I know. The book does a great job of covering the challenges someone in this situation faces. In addition, it covers how society views those who are undocumented. I also enjoyed the subtle throwback references, the Delia's catalogue!