This was adorable! I liked the writing and the sweet romance between the characters. The friendships were very sweet and I enjoyed this.

This book hooks you from the first chapter. The characters feel so real, dealing with love and life's curveballs in a way that's both relatable and heartwarming. The writing style flows effortlessly, keeping you glued to the story until the very end. I loved the representation of neurodiversity. The characters are well-developed and enjoyable to learn about, making this book a worthwhile read. If you're into heartfelt tales with a touch of depth, this book definitely delivers.

I just finished The Calculation of You and Me by Serena Kaylor and loved it! Marlowe, a math nerd, gets dumped by her boyfriend Josh for not being "romantic enough." To learn about love, she teams up with Ashton, a moody guy with a soft spot for love songs. Their deal: he helps her with romance, and she helps him with data analysis for his band. Marlowe's neurodivergence is portrayed authentically, and Ashton's kindness makes their evolving relationship heartwarming.

This book is a must-read for YA romance fans, exploring themes of new love, friendship, and self-love. While I wished for more of Marlowe and Ashton after the ending, their story will stay with me. The Calculation of You and Me is a sweet and meaningful read that I highly recommend. Thank you to Wednesday Books and NetGalley for the ARC.

Thank you to #NetGalley, Serena Kaylor and the publisher of the book for the eARC copy in exchange for an honest review.

Marlowe loves math! She also understands that not everyone likes talking about math all the time like she does. Simply put, Marlowe is a math nerd. That's why when the school hottie Josh asks her out, everyone is surprised. Including Marlowe. Later though, when Josh dumps Marlowe because she isn't romantic enough. Marlowe decides she needs to learn more romantic. Soon, she is paired with Ashton, a moody guy with black eyeliner who secretly loves love songs, for an English project. Marlow decides to make a deal with him, if he can help her write love letters, than she will help him calculate the perfect data analysis that will make his band go viral. Will they be able to help each other or will their feelings get in the way?

A fun YA read. I will recommend it to others.

Not enough positive things about this book. The characters were wonderful and their arcs were well developed. The extensive amount of literature included this book more than just a simple YA romance. As an Individual well-versed in neurodivergence, the characters were written with love, authenticity and honesty. Thank you for creating this wonderful story

Oh. My. Gosh. This book just made my day.

It was so cute and brought me so much joy. I found the juxtaposition to both Cyrano and Wuthering Heights to be fascinating. It really did an interesting job of discussing things like toxic love and the line between putting in work for a relationship or just moving on, but in a way that was appropriate for the age group.

I can't speak on the Autism representation but as a person who has some neurodivergence I enjoyed Marlowe and her struggles to interpret situations correctly.

Ash and Marlowe have some truly epic banter. (I am thinking of you car ride to laser tag scene)

I was surprised there was not as much math as I was expecting.

It might be the fact that I am an adult but I found myself wanting a deeper dig into some of the relationships. Particularly between Marlowe and her family and between Ash and his. I wanted more but I also understand that YA tends to stay a bit lighter. Still an awesome read that I completed over a mere 10 hours.

I found out about this book through Instagram. The author, Serena Kaylor, is friends with a lot of the authors I already love. So after I saw her advertising her upcoming YA, I knew I wanted to read it. I am happy to say the book did not disappoint. The story stars Marlowe, who was recently dumped by her boyfriend of two years. She still loves him and can't understand why he would end things. But, when she questions him, he tells her she is bad at romance. This would be insulting to anyone. But Marlowe, who is Autistic like her divorced father, fears that she is missing something essential that would make her unlovable. Throughout the story, along with a great cast of characters, she ends up with a "romance tutor". A boy who introduces her to romance novels and helps her to realize that she was never the problem. Its a very sweet romance about new love, friendship, and learning love yourself. I will be adding this to my school collection and recommending to my students. (Thank You to HarperTeen and Netgalley for the ARC)

I really wanted to like this book but it just wasn’t for me. The main character came off as really immature for her age.

Thank you net galley for this arc! This is more a 3.5 then a four but I rounded up. A sweet YA romance that’s got some great neurodivergency rep, a non toxic hero and some genuinely fun quirks (her grandmas ghost). This book is not one that rises above other examples in its genre but it’s a good, breezy read that makes you feel good, and sometimes that’s enough.

4.5 star rating.

<i>Disclaimer: I received a copy of this book from the publisher via NetGalley in exchange for an honest review, and I'd like to thank them in letting me read a copy of The Calculation of You and Me by Serena Kaylor.</i>

Ever since the first sentence, I was hooked. Perhaps because I, too, have a love for stationery. I love the enthusiasm, and I love the writing that really emphasizes it. I could have done without a few of the personality descriptors of the character at the very start of the book because I think it’s better to get to know the character than to spell it out to the audience, but it wasn’t overbearing. Of course, this is an ARC, so there were a few spelling mistakes or double of the same word, but it didn’t take me away from the heart of the story.

Marlowe’s friends’ are very fun to read about. Odette’s blunt and witty nature just pulls you into the story, and Poppy’s eagerness for books can make you relate so hard. I both liked and didn’t like the ex-boyfriend initially, which I think made a greater impact as we went through the story and unpacked it a little. <spoiler>Most of the way he acted, I did not like much, but a couple of things he said, blush-worthy. For instance, when a memory of him would tuck some hair behind her ear and whispered “Let me teach you something for once, Marlowe.” Retrospectively, given the way this character is, that could have very well been very insulting; it’s all about the intent and tone.</spoiler> I think it would have been good to spend a little more time acknowledging what things were toxic, but I loved the parallels the author used incorporating school work or other books to be somewhat of a mirror for the characters.

<spoiler>I also sometimes disagreed with some things Marlowe thought. At one point, she may not have gotten why someone may change their career from something that’s more “standard” to something more liberal like baking, but I think she should have understood that that’s not for her, not that it just doesn’t make sense. People switch career paths all of the time. People change over time, and sometimes that means a change in employment. It’s not giving up your life, as she says. It’s following what your heart is telling you, moving yourself into a situation where you can be happy doing the things that you do again. Additionally, I understand that her heart was broken and it’s really awkward being around Josh, her ex, but changing from sitting in the front, where she always would sit, to the back, just seems like a lot. Then again, that is definitely what a lot of people would do in that situation because they don’t want the awkwardness that comes with it. Perhaps if it’s just for the day, that’s understandable, but even her best friends, Odette and Poppy, agree that she should be free to sit wherever she wants to.</spoiler>

As for Ash, what a guy. He asked her to go to Three Little Words, a bookstore café, and agreed to help her exploration in understanding romance, but he made it clear that he would not do the work for her. He actually wanted her to comprehend for herself. <spoiler>He says, “That’s all I’m willing to offer. You want a shortcut, but that would just be another guy telling you what love is. What you need are lesson from some of the masters and to make your own opinions.” God bless his soul.</spoiler> I loved the interactions between him and Marlowe; they’re cute, funny, and fun! <spoiler>The reality and humour that you have to be eased into romance books was captured beautifully, but succinctly, near the start of the bookstore scenes in the book.</spoiler> But don’t worry, your heart will ache with this story as well.

I loved this story because I could feel how genuine the characters were. The author made math and science feel like a very natural interest for Marlowe. I also loved the representation of different sexualities, even questioning, and gender identities, and the way people dressed. I am eager to buy a copy of this book and I want to check out more from this author.

Now THIS is how you do YA romance. Loved, loved, loved the book and appreciated the inclusion within the story.

The Calculation of You and Me is a sort of predictable slow-burn YA romance that features classic literature, letter writing and music.

Marlowe is a cute, sort of awkward girl who makes you want to learn more about her. Marlowe is neurodivergent, and doesn’t quite “get” social cues, particularly when it comes to romantic relationships. But she does know how she feels. She knows what she wants. And she’s willing to take the steps to get there. Of particular note on Marlowe’s side are her two best friends, who love her for exactly who she is.

The Calculation of You and Me isn’t spectacular, but it’s good. Author Serena Kaylor’s pacing is fairly steady and she works humor in throughout. Her writing is comfortable and easy. And the tropes are familiar. I suggest this one as a library read prior to purchase.

4.5 stars! I really enjoyed this book. I think it’s a super cute YA book, perfect if you are wanting an easy read with a happy ending. Marlowe is a fantastic main character and I loved the neurodiversity representation. She is so funny and I loved her friends. There were so many times I was giggling at their conversations. Ash and Marlowe are the perfect grumpy/sunshine and I loved their relationship so much, I wish we got to see more of it! This book wasn’t hard for me to get into at all, the pacing was great and I never felt bored at all while reading. I can’t wait to read more from Serena Kaylor!
Thank you Netgalley, Wednesday Books and Serena Kaylor for providing me with an arc in exchange for an honest review.

Thank you NetGalley and the publisher for letting me review this book.

I absolutely loved it: the characters and their respective journeys, the humor, the relationships. It fits as a fast-paced YA Romance. I truly have no notes.

I received a free copy of this book thanks to NetGalley and St. Martin's Press; all opinions expressed are exclusively my own.

I absolutely loved this book, so so much. I loved Marlowe and her friends and their relationships, every part of it, as well as her family and the found family she makes along the way. The romance is sweet and classic in a non-traditional way (figure out that oxymoron) that I massively enjoyed, and I adore the references to classic literature. I deeply appreciated Marlowe as a character, her thought processes and how she comes to terms with her first relationship. This is a lovely, lovely read!

For sensitive readers, there are depictions of child neglect, emotional abuse, bullying (mostly off page), alcohol consumed by minors, references to off-screen sexual relationships in vague terms, and toxic relationships.

I'm late to reading this ARC I received from St. Martin's Press and author Serena Kaylor, but I still read it and I am so happy I did! I adored Marlowe and Ash. They were extremely likable and unique characters. I am a sucker for YA, and the premise for this novel was a first for me. I hate to be repetitive, but unique is the best way to describe the whole book. Unique characters, unique story line, unique and lovable supporting characters (Odette and Poppy are the best of friends you could ask for!) . Everything about this book stood out as original and refreshing. The spotlight on a character with autism was spot on too. The representation in this book felt natural and not forced.

Thank you immensely to Netgalley, St. Martin's Press and Serena Kaylor! I apologize for the late review but thank you again for the ARC!

With a math background I had hoped to see a little more included but still this was a good quality story.

Not much to say otherwise, this was a standard YA romance without a crazy twist which is how YA romance should be.

Thank you NetGalley & St. Martin's Press for an eARC of this book. I am leaving this review voluntarily.

“𝓘 𝓽𝓱𝓸𝓾𝓰𝓱𝓽 𝔂𝓸𝓾 𝓭𝓮𝓼𝓮𝓻𝓿𝓮𝓭 𝔂𝓸𝓾𝓻 𝓸𝔀𝓷 𝓵𝓮𝓽𝓽𝓮𝓻.”

I’m still tearing up a little over how beautiful this book was.

If you love romance books, like myself, then this book is for you. If you love cute books where the the main characters eventually fall in love, this book is for you. If you love books that have you rooting for the grumpy MMC, this book is for you. If you don’t mind reading books set in a high school scene, this book is for you. If you don’t mind reading books with zero smut (super valid in this book since they’re minors), this book is for you.

In my personal opinion, this book is for 𝓮𝓿𝓮𝓻𝔂𝓸𝓷𝓮! Please, please, please read it!

The plot was my first guess that I would like this book, but the writing took it from 𝓵𝓲𝓴𝓮 to 𝓵𝓸𝓿𝓮.

I can’t say I wish I could keep Ash for myself, but that’s only because our MMC is still a senior in high school, and that would be weird lol. I can, however, say he was 𝓹𝓮𝓻𝓯𝓮𝓬𝓽.

I love that he was unapologetically himself! He did what he enjoyed and loved, but he did it without hurting anyone. I love the way he helped Marlowe grow into herself as well.

That brings me to our FMC Marlowe. I loved her character so much! I loved being in her head and saying the way she processed information and the way her mind worked. She’s such a sweetheart, and I’m so happy she’s getting the happiness she deserves! Watching her grow the way she did was amazing! I was rooting for her from the beginning, and then I was rooting for her and Ash! I loved following along as they fell for each other, because it was inevitable!

I loved both of our MC’s so much! This book made me miss high school, and made me wish something like this would have happened to me.

Please do not let the fact that the book takes place in high school stop you from reading this book. I understand the hesitancy, but this book is just too beautiful to let that stop you. Everyone please read this book! I’m so glad I read this story, and I can’t wait to read more from this author!

Title: The Calculation of You and Me
Author: Serena Kaylor
Genre: YA
Rating: 4 out of 5

Marlowe Thompson understands a lot of things. She understands that calculus isn’t overwhelmingly beautiful to everyone, and that it typically kills the mood when you try to talk Python coding over beer pong. She understands people were surprised when golden boy Josh asked her out and she went from weird, math-obsessed Marlowe to half of their school’s couple goals. Unfortunately, Marlowe was surprised when Josh dumped her because he’d prefer a girlfriend who was more romantic. One with emotional depth.

But Marlowe has never failed anything in her life, and she isn’t about to start now. When she’s paired with Ashton Hayes for an English project, his black clothing and moody eyeliner cause a bit of a systems overload, and the dissonant sounds of his rock band make her brain itch. But when she discovers Ash's hidden stash of love songs, Marlowe makes a desperate deal to unleash her inner romantic heroine: if Ash will agree to help her write some love letters, she’ll calculate the perfect data analytics formula to make Ash's band go viral.

As the semester heats up with yearning love notes and late nights spent with a boy who escapes any box her brain tries to put him in, Marlowe starts to question if there’s really a set solution to love. Could a girl who has never met a problem she couldn’t solve have gotten the math so massively wrong?

This was a cute read! I really enjoyed Marlow’s POV, and Ash is a great character, too. A teenage boy who reads romances? Totally unbelievable, but awesome. I enjoyed Marlow’s two BFFs, too, but her sister kind of got on my nerves. This ended up being very sweet and fun, and would make a great weekend binge-read.

Serena Kaylor grew up in North Carolina. The Calculation of You and Me is her newest novel.

(Galley courtesy of St. Martin’s Press in exchange for an honest review.)

One of the best books I’ve read in a while. A charming YA romance featuring inclusivity, first love, figuring out who you are and what you love, etc. Highly recommend. I feel it did a beautiful job of depicting how autism can affect your life but doesn’t have to hold you back and that there isn’t only one way to do things. Just because you do something different than someone else doesn’t mean you are doing it wrong. Just go read it.