Thanks to Netgalley and the publisher for an e-ARC in exchange for an honest review.

*I'll Get Back to You* is sweet, funny, sincere rom-com that's not a rom-com. Grischow wonderfully captures that in-between feeling most college students know all too well.

We follow Murphy Konowitz, a freshly twenty-one community college student desperately trying to leave her hometown of Geneva, Illinois to rejoin her best (and only) friend at the University of Illinois. Except, she failed her accounting class last semester and her best friend, Kat, has transferred to their dream school without her.

It feels like everyone has a plan and knows who they are and then there's... Murphy, stuck in her hometown, living with her parents, and having no real idea of who she is or what she wants. It definitely doesn't help that Kat's brought home her new boyfriend for Thanksgiving, leaving Murphy to feel extra alone this holiday with her parents out of town and her best friend preoccupied with "Hot Daniel".

Then enters Ellie Meyer, tortured artist with commitment issues. Just kidding. It's not that dire. Ellie's a cute artist that Murphy somewhat remembers from high school, and the first person outside of Kat that Murphy's really talked to in a long, long time.

They talk, they flirt, they have a good time. And then, Murphy asks her out and gets shot down (ouch). Except, Ellie's mom (Murphy's accounting professor) mistakenly calls Murphy her daughter's girlfriend... and Ellie doesn't correct her.

Cue fake dating shenanigans, featuring an elaborate ruse to help Murphy pass accounting and Ellie her parents' help for grad school tuition, miscommunication hijinks, the complicated feelings only a college student can fully embody, and muddy buddies (or, puppy chow I guess).

The entire time I was reading, I could only think: man, Grischow has captured the absolute chaos vibe of a college student. The fact that this whole affair is pretty quick (literally like.. a week), and yet shakes Murphy (and Ellie) to her core, absolute peak college. I'm definitely no stranger to having an existential crisis, questioning my entire life and all my choices over the course of a weekend, just to feel on top of the world the next. Everything matters so much and also nothing matters (but in a mostly fun and quirky way).

In (also) peak college fashion, everyone kind of sucks in *I'll Get Back to You*, but in a completely understandable way. All the characters pretty well-intentioned, but they also make mistakes and hurt people in the process of choosing what's best for them. It's sometimes a little painful to read because it absolutely feels like I could've met any of these people in college.

All in all, *I'll Get Back to You* is a solid 4.25/5 for me. I had a hella great time reading it. It's light and engaging read, an ode to the not-quite-kids not-quite-adults that haven't quite figured it all out yet, and most of all, a love story of all types: self, platonic, romantic, and everything in between.

I'll Get Back to You by Becca Grischow is a delightful read that perfectly captures the essence of becoming an adult while still sometimes feeling too young for it. It was a lighthearted, cute, sapphic rom-com with relatable characters that makes me think of my college days.

I really enjoyed this book, even more than I thought I would. Plus, bonus points to this book for the cozy holiday setting. What made this book great was how character-driven it was. As I’ve gotten older, I’ve moved away from reading books with college-aged protagonists, but Grischow did an incredible job of capturing what it’s like to be 21. Murphy’s development and process of figuring herself out, growing up and out of old patterns, and figuring out what she wants was so relatable. I loved exploring the dynamic between Ellie and Murphy, but Murphy’s personal development throughout the book was what set this book apart. Also, usually, fake dating and quick-timeline romance books can be very hit-and-miss for me, but I think Grischow did a great job with this one.

Thank you to Netgalley and Penguin Books for the ARC of this book in exchange for an honest review!

thank you to netgalley and to the publisher for providing me with an arc in exchange of an honest review! i personally loved murphy and ellie together, they have lots of chemistry but i thought that personality wise, the characters werent exactly well-developed and i wish i could ve gotten more of both ellie and murphy's interests. i really loved the plotline and how it was all thought out and even if the relationship only toom course in a couple of days to me it felt true!! so if you re looking for a holiday lgbtq+ book thats heartwarming and cozy, check this out!!
#netgalley #I'llgetbacktoyou

https://www.goodreads.com/review/show/6658914117

This book was a fun, easy read that had me coming back to find out how the main characters would reconcile their personal challenges. It was very “becoming an adult/just out of college” type read that wasn’t necessarily relatable to my current life but was a cute play on navigating the world as young adults. Felt very classic queer romance. ;)

Thank you NetGalley and Penguin Books for the ARC in exchange for an honest review.
This was a fun and light hearted holiday set sapphic romance, right up my alley! I enjoyed getting to know Murphy and Ellie and their super duper speedy relationship. Even for a standard lesbian relationship this was a whirlwind, I’m talking faster than a Uhaul pulling up on the 2nd date! It was a bit tough to feel the realisticness of a relationship like this because of the pace, the family dynamics, friendship dynamics, family meddling, and life transitions… There were so many different plots that could be explored in this one and overall they were easy enough to find interesting without burdening the storyline. The build up to the relationship was both fast and also a little chaotic which kept me engaged, it did feel a bit like we were on a rollercoaster doing loopty loops and then all of a sudden we were at the end and your head was still spinning. It would have been nice to have a shorter relationship build up and more opportunity exploring the relationship once it came to fruition.I generally enjoyed this rocket ship to sapphic romance and recommend it if you’re looking for a light hearted holiday romance with very little spice. 3.5 gooses 1.5 honkin’ peppers.

I’ll Get Back to You was a cozy story that focused on wanting to get out of your hometown, but hanging onto the connections you can’t replace there. While I enjoyed the character growth and could appreciate the atmosphere Becca Grischow created, some aspects of the story impacted how much I enjoyed it in the end. The biggest challenge I had was the pacing of the book as the majority took place over the span of just a few days which made the romance and connections between characters hard to believe. The romance itself also fell a little flat for me since their relationship didn’t really begin until the very end of the story. I would still say I enjoyed the majority of this book but I wish I could have liked it more! (2.75/5)

Give me all of the queer holiday romances. This story is a coming of age romance set during the holidays. The attraction Murphy feels for Ellie is instant, but the love isn’t. I can’t stand insta-love stories. This was such a realistic adventure of romance and growing up.

** spoiler alert ** I loved this story; the characters and plot spoke to me! Murphy experienced a lot of what young adults experience during that stage of their lives, and I liked how she figured it out as she managed her relationships and professional career. She was witty and fun, and I liked her personality. I would have liked to see a little more characterization for Ellie and Kat, especially as they deal with some of the challenges Murphy faces during the story.

Murphy and Kat's relationship to me, seemed like Murphy was always making changes to her life for Kat's benefit rather than her own. I felt that Kat made a wrong choice when she brought Daniel because she'd agreed that the night out would be for her and Murphy. But we get to know Kat more and forgive her, I did!, when she came over and apologized and talked things out with Murphy. At that moment, I felt that the challenges Murphy experienced with Kat were good because they made her prioritize what she needed rather than what Kat needed. This ties in with Murphy's decision in the end, in terms of school and her professional life. I really liked seeing Murphy build on what she'd already begun.

I felt Murphy's relationship with her parents was sad because they were "there" virtually for half of the book and then made plans to continue to be "there" virtually for the rest of her life. I agree that Murphy's parents made choices to make Murphy comfortable while she was in community college and that they earned their retirement, but they should have handled the whole situation better. Regardless of their personal feelings and wishes, I don't think it's right for her parents to say that they did everything they were supposed to for 18 years and then just leave. Parents are meant to be there for their kids, virtually and in person, and I think Murphy's mom's admittance that they only stayed for Murphy and that it was somehow Murphy's fault for their decision was wrong. Their relationship has already been altered, I think, from their conversation after they came home. And from Murphy's reflection on her prior experiences with them, it feels like she's been a third wheel in their relationship from the start. Then they decide to move, and Murphy realizes that for herself. All in all, I felt it gave her more of the boost to determine what she wanted to do with her life, but it will affect her later. I am glad she has Ellie, Kat, Daniel, and Brooke's support.

Going to Ellie and her family, I liked learning about them and their behaviors and that Ellie is on the path to fixing things with her mom. Throughout the whole story, I really liked Ellie's father and her Aunt Carol, and I liked Kara, who she turned out to be. Her conversations with Murphy, I felt, showed she was an empathetic individual once you've earned it, and I liked her concern for Ellie. Mothers and daughters have dynamic relationships, and I think Ellie and Kara have a good one that could improve. It's why I think Ellie and Murphy are endgame, kinda cuz Murphy feels "wow" about Ellie, and I liked their romance and how they hit things off. Kara's concern for Ellie and her concern for Murphy seemed sincere, which I felt made up for Murphy's mother. It felt like Ellie's family was a unit since we saw them at dinner together, making plans for the future, such as the family wedding and other events. Murphy's parents don't appear to make as many concessions for Murphy. It felt like they did what they were supposed to do. The whole Florida Thanksgiving tradition was mainly their enjoyment, having drinks by the pool. I don't know what Murphy's experience was before, but I felt, in comparison, that something was lacking from Murphy's parents, which Ellie's family had. Maybe it was just because we saw a few glimpses into both the families' dynamics, but I guess I'm hopeful Murphy's parents will do better in the future. I just think that Kara and her family will begin to play a bigger part in Murphy's life, and I think it'll be nice for her.

Overall, I loved the beginning of Ellie and Murphy's love story and their plans for the future. I'd wish for another book to see where they end up, but I liked how this book ended.

Thanks to NetGalley and Penguin Books for this ARC!

This was a very cute and enjoyable holiday read! I love that this book centers on Thanksgiving instead of Christmas, it was a great glimpse into holiday traditions. I also loved that this book took place in Illinois as I have been to Geneva many times. I loved that I was able to picture everything that I was reading including "the book shop with the dog on the sign." I feel like it could've been fleshed out more and had a deeper look at Murphy and Ellie's attraction to each other. Everything felt very surface level. 3.5 stars!

nooooooo

hard no and pass and absolutely not on this book so sorry to say i just could NOT

i had zero sympathy for the mc’s icky and complain-y problems and the romance LITERALLY DID NOT ROMANCE until like the last ten pages when at that point i was so done i was just swiping for it to be over

i swear im in a rom-com mood but this was not hitting at all - ellie sounds cool and like sip was described well but besides that? absolutely not, this was not for me

⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️

Thank you for an advanced copy in exchange for a fair and honest review.

Murphy and Ellie scratched an itch in my brain that made me realize that I’ve always wanted a story like this to exist - a sweet holiday time of year fake romance where both sides of the equation are a bit messed up and still learning about themselves.

Murphy just wants to pass accounting so she can transfer to the state school where her best friend is, and Ellie wants her mom to ease up on the idea of grad school in Manhattan.

Murphy is highly relatable as her life is going far from the way she planned, and her best friend seems to have found a soulmate, possibly replacing her in that role. And Ellie took me back to when I thought I had the dream mapped out until I was informed by the reality that I might need to adjust the plans.

I love a good fake romance and this one was fast-paced - essentially 36 hours long - but the immediate chemistry and aftermath was the true star of this book. It was refreshing to watch the two work through their restraints to find a realistic path forward.

I left this book feeling warm as Murphy found a new path forward for herself and Ellie discovered how to be content in what she wanted deep down, even if not how she planned it.

This one is for those looking for a cozy, light read that isn’t afraid to hide from real-life topics. Perfect for the upcoming holiday season with a cup of warm cider or chai tea.

thank you to netgalley for the eARC.

this was such a fun read. i don’t read lighthearted books often, but it’s always a treat when i do.

the whole fake dating aspect to an odd situation was interesting. in the end, i’m not even sure if it truly benefited them both, or any of them actually. it worked, but it also didn’t work.

i feel like a majority of the book took place in a span of a week, maybe less, and the rest was just a bunch of realizing and waiting for about a month? if you took out the fake dating, murphy and ellie weren’t together longer than they were together.

the read was fun, but the storyline was weak in that aspect. not much was added outside of that, but i rate based on how interested i was and how fun it was so four stars. it likely would’ve been three stars if i rated my reads differently, but i say four stars. however, i do wish there was more than just the fake dating.

I fear I am never beating the "silly queer holiday romance lover" allegations because this is yet another one that has stolen my heart.

I'm very greatful to have gotten the arc through netgalley. I did have to dnf this 40% of the way through. It felt like I was pushing myself to just read the book to try to see if I would like it and because I got an arc of it. What I read of it was decent and good writing which is why I'm not giving it a one star. I just think it's not for me there's nothing horribly wrong with the book so one or two stars felt like the wrong rating for this.

The premise seemed great, but I couldn't get attached to the characters. I didn't feel like any of them were super unique or something I hadn't seen before. Felt like almost the hallmark movie with Kristen Stewart which I didn't really enjoy. I might try to read this again later, but for now this is sadly a dnf.

This was a quick, cute holiday read with one of my all-time favorite romance novel plots: fake dating! Murphy and Ellie had great chemistry, which I bought into immediately — but I really struggled with the actual plot. It didn't really launch for me. Murphy's accounting teacher is Ellie's mom, for the second semester in a row, but she doesn't recognize Murphy when they meet? She assumes she's Ellie's girlfriend, Mary? And Ellie can't get money for grad school for art therapy unless she's dating someone with a plan to become a CEO, but Murphy has failed accounting in her mom's class already once, and is on track to fail again? Which isn't exactly a robust CEO five-year plan? The actual scenes with Murphy and Ellie were great and it was wonderful to see Murphy finally pull herself out of her toxic situationship with her straight best friend. I also loved the Chicago Christmas vibes. I just wish the premise had been a little bit tighter!

I really enjoyed this book a lot. I always appreciate a book that touches on changing friend dynamics, so getting to see the way Kat and Murphy's relationship altered with the addition of Daniel was very interesting for me to see. I really felt for Murphy in that moment of expecting things to go one way and then the immediate realization of Daniel being along for the ride. In that same frame, I loved getting to see that relationship grow over the course of the book. Of course Murphy had that initial reaction, but as she got to know Daniel and she had her heart to heart with Kat, you could see the pieces coming together.
Now, about Ellie and Murphy. The chemistry between Ellie and Murphy was immediate. I loved that you could tell straight (ha) away that there was a connection between the two of them. When I tell you my stomach dropped when Murphy asked her out and Ellie very kindly explained why she said no... My only hang-up was, and I understand this is a matter of building their relationship over two days at this point, that I had a little whiplash with Ellie turning over on her decision to not date Murphy. I cannot blame Murphy for being so confused because they literally had the conversation that morning about why Ellie said no to dating, just for Ellie to turn on a dime and change her mind a few hours later.
My heart was broken that Ellie didn't turn up at the opening of Sip. I can't say I was as disappointed as Murphy, but it was pretty dang close. Seeing things from only Murphy's POV is so interesting because, obviously, we don't know what Ellie is up to, but finding out she also deleted Murphy's phone number was a nice touch. You cannot be mad about her not getting in touch with Murphy straight away because Murphy also deleted Ellie's number.
And I adored the evolution of the relationship between Murphy and Kara and her sneakily getting the painting and 'thankful' list to Murphy. And maybe also sneakily bumping a grade up.
Overall, I really enjoyed this book. Changing friend dynamics and welcoming in new people to the fold, classic miscommunication, queer rep. Definitely a cozy holiday recommendation.

This was sooo good! I love Murphy and Ellie! I found myself laughing out loud a few times and full of giddy while reading this. I love that we're in Murphy's head and though she has almost immediate attraction toward Ellie, it feels really natural, and the chemistry is fantastic, everything evolved at a really nice pace.

I've never heard of muddy buddies (puppy chow), but I want to try some now!

I'll Get Back To You is a coming of age romance story. It's about opening your heart to possibilities and finding yourself along the way! We follow Murphy and Ellie, two former classmates who make plans to fake date their way to freedom until things don’t go according to plan. What will they do now?!

I knew this book would be a 5⭐️ since the beginning! Murphy and Ellie was everything! If you enjoy witty banter, fake dating & books you can't put down! This one is for you!

Becca Grischow's debut romance novel is a perfect combination: a holiday scene, love letter to Chicago, and what it means to be queer in the Chicago suburbs.

I'll Get Back To You is a cute story that perfectly describes what it's like to realize your life isn't going how you had planned or hoped it would while also dealing with the realization that those around you are moving on while you stay stuck. I loved how Grischow described Murphy's emotions and struggle to understand that all her plans have fallen apart. I found myself rooting for Murph the entire time and wanting to fight for her every time the people in her life disappointed her. 21 can be just as difficult to navigate as 16 or 18, and Grischow captured that struggle beautifully.

I will definitely be purchasing a physical copy upon release and have finally found the perfect Thanksgiving-time book.