If We Were a Movie is a YA sapphic romance novel that follows Rochelle, our main character, who is set on getting into her dream university, and by chance her enemy ends up being the manager at the theater she got a job at.

I really liked our main character and her love interest. I felt that their relationship was realistic for teenagers and it wasn’t cringe-worthy like how many other teens are written. Unfortunately, the side characters did not feel fleshed out beyond the cliche trope they were assigned.

This book did an amazing job at being inclusive and is a perfect read for teen readers looking for a sapphic romance!

Rochelle “the Shell” Coleman is laser focused on only three things: becoming valedictorian, getting into Wharton, and, of course, taking down her annoyingly charismatic nemesis and only academic competition, Amira Rodriguez. However, despite her stellar grades, Rochelle’s college application is missing that extra special something: a job.

When Rochelle gets an opportunity to work at Horizon Cinemas, the beloved Black-owned movie theater, she begrudgingly jumps at the chance to boost her chances at getting into her dream school. There’s only one problem: Amira works there… and is also her boss.

Rochelle feels that working with Amira is its own kind of horror movie, but as the two begin working closely together, Rochelle starts to see Amira in a new light, one that may have her beginning to actually… like her?

I loved the dynamic between Rochelle and Amira. Competition is always one of my favorite things in books, and when two people competing for the same position at the head of their class clash and there are fireworks, count me in! The characters were relatable, which is always a plus, especially for younger audiences. This was such a cute read! 4⭐

Thanks to Netgalley and the publisher for the advanced digital reader's copy (ARC) in exchange for an honest review!

BRB gonna go tell the daughter of my mother’s best friend that being friends with her would not be conducive to reaching my academic goals so she interprets this as us being mortal enemies, but what it really meant was that I am so deeply infatuated with her that I can’t even think straight when she’s near let alone do school work.

This book was so adorable and sweet. We follow Rochelle who is frantically searching for a summer job that will beef up her college application. When given the opportunity to work for the beloved black-owned movie theater Horizon Cinemas, she immediately accepts. However, it’s only after arriving for training that she learns her ultimate nemesis Amira will also be working there. And to make matters worse, as assistant manager Amira will be her boss all summer. When things start going wrong at the theater, and it seems like sabotage is afoot, Amira and Rochelle decide to put aside their differences to save Horizon. But the longer they work together, the more Rochelle begins to see Amira in a different light. And long dormant feelings begin to resurface.

I loved Rochelle as a character. She’s loyal, hyper-focused, and a bit judgmental. There are many instances where she makes harsh assumptions and is immediately humbled for it. Her flaws added a pleasant well-roundness to her character that made her relatable and also allowed for development. It was nice to see how despite being satisfied in her life and friendships, she was still able to make room for new connections. It’s nice to read about a character who feels very certain in who she is and what she wants out of life.

I really liked Amira as a love interest. I thought she pushed back against Rochelle in some really positive ways. She wasn’t afraid to call her out when she got too negative. She also challenged her perspectives and offered a more casual outlook. At times it did feel like she was a little less fleshed out than Rochelle. However, I think the conversation about her past struggles in school was a nice touch that added some roundness to her. I think Amira and Rochelle make a really great pair and are completely adorable together.

I loved the entire theater crew, as well as Taylor and Kerry. There were some very entertaining conversations that took place throughout the book that left me giggling. The entire sabotage plot was a little silly since Rochelle and you as the reader figure it out pretty quickly. But it wasn’t a main focus of the story anyways so it wasn’t that big of a deal. Glory was an interesting authority/adult figure and they also allowed Rochelle to expand her worldview in more ways.

Overall a very quick and cute romance that you will absolutely devour. Thank you for the NetGalley ARC!

A predictable yet still cute freniemies story. I really liked both Rochelle and Anna's characters, as well as the other characters in this book. . I found this to be a quick read and really fun. Definitely recommend.

Thank you for sharing this sweet sapphic romance with me! I was rooting for Rochelle and Amira and love a good enemies to lovers romance.

First off, I want to thank the publisher, HarperCollins Children’s Books, and NetGalley for sending me this e-arc in exchange for an honest review!

This book was very cute! Such a great coming-of-age/teen romance. While Rochelle did make mistakes, I could understand her desire to be successful and wanting to make her mom’s sacrifices worth it. The conversation between her and her mother near the end of the book is one of my favorite scenes, and it’s one that I think will resonate with many readers, but especially those who are also figuring out life after high school.

It was also great seeing Rochelle grow while also not losing who she is. While she was opening up her circle more and getting out of her shell (pun intended) while getting along better with Amira, she’s still someone who is very driven. But she also learned to own up to her mistakes, such as admitting the real reason as to why she distanced herself from Amira, which is something she originally couldn’t admit to herself. She also changed her view on Horizon Cinemas and what it takes to work there. It’s definitely not as easy as she thought it would be.

Rochelle and Amira’s development was very sweet! The two have hurt each other but still hold love for each other. I also love that they rekindled their friendship first. They went from rivals to reluctantly civil coworkers to friends to lovers. I think this is what helped them handle an issue that happens later on in a better way than where I thought it was headed. There were a lot of cute scenes between the two and it was fairly obvious to everyone how they felt about each other!

I’m also realizing how much I love a good workplace story! I really liked how close the theater crew got with each other and how much they cared about Horizon Cinemas. The mystery about who was behind all the weird incidents eventually became pretty evident, but I didn’t mind it. Also, I really liked Rochelle’s friends and how they became a part of the theater friend group!

I could definitely see this being adapted. It’d be a very cute coming-of-age/rom-com that I think many would enjoy! And I think many would enjoy the title (I listened to the song while writing this review).

Overall, 4 stars!

This book was really cute and I had a good time reading it.

This was a really strong debut novel and I can't wait to read more books from this author. The characters were well written. This book was a little predictable, but it was still a fun story. This book brought me back to my first job when I was in high school and all of the teenage drama that happened there. This book was so nostalgic for me (Even if I have never worked at a movie theater). I loved all of the side characters and all of their different budding relationships (IMO this was so accurate for a workplace with a bunch of teenagers).

I also loved the way this relationship developed. It felt very real. I would call this a slight dislike to lovers more than an enemies because Rochelle and Amira were never really enemies. I really liked them as a couple and how their relationship progressed was so nice to watch unfold.

Thank you to NetGalley and Harperteen for providing me with the advanced review copy.

If We Were a Movie is a fun, cute, coming-of-age young adult sapphic romance. It was such a cute read and I had a really good time with this one, shown in how I devoured this entire read in one sitting. It was my first read by Zakiya N. Jamal, and although my rating is low, I will definitely be checking out books she releases.

This book was just so cute. The blossoming nemesis turned friendship turned relationship between Rochelle and Amira was so fun to read! They had nice banter and really made the progression of their relationship feel natural. Not to mention the cover - oh my gosh, the cover!!! It is SO perfect and I feel like the representation of Rochelle and Amira's characters were portrayed perfectly. I couldn't have envisioned better.

The side characters were my favourite part of this novel. Each one of them had their set personality trope and really aced it. They were a bunch of characters, ranging in diversity, who really made Horizon come to life for me. I could see why Rochelle got so quickly attached to the theater because I did as well. I loved reading about and getting to see the lives of side characters develop and see the mishaps or exciting events happen to them.

While I also enjoyed that each character had their quirks, from book smart but emotionally constipated, theater kid, goth kid, overachiever, dumb-jock party guy, rich blond, the-one-guy-who's-always-high, to the drama/soap opera obsessed. There were a lot of tropes, and they were SO fun to read about in such a large group of friends, however I feel like these tropes also made the characters feel very one-dimensional. They never really developed outside of those tropes and stayed true to them til the end - which isn't a bad thing, especially since this was a fun and light read, but for me personally, I would've loved a bit more for them because I was so attached!!

I also feel that the plot was a bit draggy at parts, especially when Rochelle is able to deduce the entire situation quite early on, and then you are left knowing how it'll end. A little more mystery or bigger plot twist would've really lifted the tension and excitement in the book!

Glory's character was a bit of a drag to have around, and Rochelle's thoughts of them were perceivable by me too. Even during the most difficult bits, the high schoolers had to take over and keep things from Glory because they felt Glory couldn't handle news emotionally well, or Glory was shoving extra work onto them that a manager should be handling, not their minimum wage paid employees.

Overall, a 2.75/5 rating for If We Were a Movie. Despite my rating, I do recommend it! I enjoyed it. It was light, it was fun, Rochelle and Amira were very cute, and the side characters were great. It didn't quite meet my expectations, but it was by no means a bad book because of it. I struggled to feel attached to characters, but the slice-of-life bits were very fun.

Jennie and Lisa were by far my favourites in this book, as well as Kerry!!! Kerry is so fun; I would love to have a friend like her!!

🌟 Rating: 3.5/5

This book has such a fun, high-energy premise, blending academic rivalry, a blossoming romance, and a bit of a workplace mystery all set against the backdrop of a Black-owned movie theater. It’s ambitious, with plenty of witty banter and heartfelt moments, but it didn’t completely stick the landing for me.

Rochelle “the Shell” Coleman is a compelling protagonist—driven, whip-smart, and just a little bit of a control freak in the best way. Her rivalry-turned-romance with Amira, her equally ambitious (and frustratingly charming) nemesis-turned-boss, is full of tension and sparks. The dynamic between them is one of the book’s strongest points, with the slow shift from enemies to something more feeling authentic and well-earned.

The setting of Horizon Cinemas adds a lot of charm, and the subplots involving the theater’s struggles and mysterious happenings give the story a unique flavor. It’s not just a romcom—it’s also about community, heritage, and fighting for what matters. Those themes add depth, even if the mystery element felt underdeveloped at times.

My main issue was with the pacing. The story juggles a lot—romance, rivalry, personal growth, and a mystery—and not all of it gets the attention it deserves. Some moments felt rushed, especially toward the end, and I was left wanting more closure in a few places.

That said, If We Were a Movie is still an enjoyable read, especially for fans of rivals-to-lovers romances with a dash of high school drama and heartfelt community vibes. Rochelle and Amira’s journey is messy, sweet, and full of chemistry, even if the book itself doesn’t fully reach its potential.

It was a cute little romance. I think it definitely leans heavier on the romance than mystery. (Not that I'm complaining.) I loved that the main character is a queer black girl. The romance is sweet. But the mystery is kind of meh and obvious. It has a third act breakup which is frustrating.

I admit, I haven't read a ya book in a long time, but I was open to it since the author is afro cuban, one of her mrs is afro cuban, and I happen to be as well. I definitely enjoyed it! Maybe at times the romance felt a little awkward, but since I read it with my lens that "this is ya, you're no longer the target audience" I got over that and just enjoyed it for what it was! I also liked the the fmc who wasn't a Black Latina, when she said her LI wasnt really Black like that, her mother corrected her. Not to be mean, but just to make sure she wasnt distancing her LI's Blackness just because they weren't the same culture. Overall, fun backdrop, a little mystery and a reintroduction for me in ya books!

this was such a sweet wholesome sapphic book. i loved every second of it.

thank you netgalley for the e-arc!

Rochelle is determined to graduate at the top of her class and get into her dream school. All her college application needs is a job, and she gets the perfect opportunity to work at her city’s historic Black-owned theater. But when she shows up for orientation, she’s shocked to learn that her academic rival, Amira has already been working there and will be her boss 😱

This book has the perfect flavor of nostalgia that still feels fresh and new. I know I can relate to how desperately we want to hold onto the theaters, the Blockbusters, the libraries… really anywhere that we can enjoy movies together in person. As Rochelle and her friends work together to save their theater, she gets to fall in love, grow more confident, and enjoy her last summer as a high schooler.

The romance between Rochelle and Amira was so much fun to read. It feels natural and right, and I was rooting for them the whole book. But I think If We Were a Movie really shines with its themes of friendship. This is a group of characters who care for each other, their community, and the future of Black film. I finished the book feeling more hopeful for the future of independent theaters than I have in a long time.

This book is such a cute and fluffy sapphic YA romance. While it does touch on grief, for the most part, it’s light and fun. I really loved the dynamic between the two different friend groups and appreciated the relationship between the mom and daughter. It gave the story some heart without being too heavy.

At times, it even gave me a bit of a Scooby-Doo vibe, with the teens who work at the movie theater trying to figure out who’s sabotaging the place. That little mystery subplot kept things interesting although I kind of wish it had a more surprising reveal at the end.

I don’t read a ton of YA romances, but compared to books like The Sun Is Also a Star, I’d say this one feels a little younger. The friend group definitely gives more “high school teen” energy, and the overall vibe is less serious but honestly, that’s exactly what I needed.

I found myself laughing out loud more than once and just having a great time in general. If you’re looking for something fun and easy, but still impactful this is definitely worth picking up.

This was such an adorable story and an amazing debut! The characters were charming, relatable, and SO adorable. As a someone in their mid-20s, I find that high school stories don’t always resonate with me anymore, but this book was definitely an exception. The representation and the topics discussed made it easy to see my younger self in the characters and, at times, I even found myself wishing my teenage years had been more like Rochelle and Amira’s. I also appreciated that the rivalry between the leads felt realistic rather than overly dramatic, The supporting cast also added a lot of charm, especially Shawn and Taylor’s dynamic, which brought a fun energy to the story. While a bit predictable, the plot was straightforward and enjoyable and kept me interested throughout the whole book.
The only thing I would've loved to see was an epilogue that showed a glimpse into their future, perhaps their senior year or even graduation. Epilogues are some of my favorite parts of books (especially in the romance genre) so it would've definitely been nice to have that. That being said, I truly loved this book and would recommend this to readers that enjoy YA Romance books (especially those with amazing representation/diversity)

This was such an adorable sapphic YA romance, if you’re looking for a light read you should pick this up. The fmc Rochelle needs a job for her college application and gets a call letting her know she got the job to work in a black owned movie theater. I loved Rochelles relationship with her mother and how cute her relationships. I love the theater backdrop and the cast of characters that we meet, the friendships are written so well. The love interest is Amira who is technically Rochelles boss and rival. Technically i wouldn’t call this an enemies to lovers but there is a little bit of animosity between them after something that happens in the past. I thought the romance was so cute and realistic and i loved seeing their relationship grow. I also really liked the saving the theater plot and overall this was just so cute. Thanks to Harper Collins Teen for this arc!

Read for:
- Queer romance
- Diverse cast of characters
- Black romance
- Dislike to lovers
- Childhood friends to dislike to lovers
- Quirky friend group

Zakiya N. Jamal’s If We Were a Movie is a vibrant and heartfelt ode to love, friendship, and the power of storytelling. With cinematic flair, Jamal crafts a charming narrative filled with relatable characters and laugh-out-loud moments. It’s a perfect pick for anyone who believes life—and love—is best lived to a soundtrack. A feel-good read you won’t want to miss!

It's rare to find a book set in Long Island with queer and Black main characters! If We Were a Movie was a fun read. The enemies-to-lovers trope worked and I appreciated the prominent themes covered in the novel - friendship, family, and identity. I will likely recommend this book to my teen patrons who'd like a queer romance that is both entertaining and substantive.

Amazing book love the character development and plot line. Will definitely recommend to friends and family

Thank you to HarperCollins and NetGalley for this eARC!

I was immediately swept up into this fun, heartwarming YA story. We follow Rochelle, a smart queer black girl navigating the many emotional trials of growing up and getting her first job while attempting to get into her dream Ivy League college.

There’s LGBTQIA+ representation, nonbinary they/they representation, and minority representation generously displayed throughout the book.

There’s also a huge frenemies to lovers arc, + many examples that strong friendships can form even between people with extremely different personalities.

Zakiya cleverly highlights the innate desire to connect with those around us and find strength in community to work together.

I also loved the healthy relationship Rochelle has with her mother.

It’s beautifully written and I highly recommend reading!