i really liked the vibes of this story, the motifs were cool, and all around i would recommend it. 4 stars. tysm for the arc.

My favorite thing about this book (besides the fact that it had me in tears from laughing so hard) was the realistic portrayal of a teenage Latina that is struggling to balance the love and responsibility she feels towards her family with the desire to find a future of her own. It was so healing and refreshing to read a YA story where family (one filled with beautiful, badass women) is at the center, but more importantly, that we got to explore all the emotions and relationships that stem from it. This is the book I needed to have when I was a teenager, especially when I was about to go to college away from my Latinx family. Can’t wait for everyone to read it!

4.5 stars
I recently read "Build a Girlfriend" and I absolutely flew through it! I didn't even realize I had finished it until I turned the last page. I can see why this is such a promising debut novel. It is filled with fun characters, a witty plot, and incredible execution. It is heartwarming and cute, with a new concept that I really liked. I think everyone who loves a sweet romcom with messy characters will absolutely devour this book.

Amelia is Puerto Rican and pansexual and absolutely tired of being broken up with. Especially true when the guy who broke up with her two years prior reappears in her life. Amelia's sister hatches a plan to build Amelia into a perfect girlfriend by re-dating her exes. Meanwhile, Amelia is keeping a secret from her family.

Set against an incredibly chaotic cast of characters, Luz creates a fun and messy story about personal growth and standing your ground. This is a sweet romance with a lot of character. I love the way Amelia comes into her own, and I adore her familia. There's some weird pacing issue right in the middle, but it picks up again around in the last quarter. I had fun reading and would definitely recommend for upper YA audiences.

Thank you to NetGalley and publisher for the opportunity to read and review.

What a fun debut romcom! This was so cute and refreshing--I binged it in a day. I loved the stress on familial and self love in addition to a romantic plotline. I will definitely read more books by this author.

I really enjoyed the romantic comedy element that I was looking for and was glad it was so well written. The overall story worked with the genre and was invested in what was happening. I was hooked from the first page and enjoyed getting to know all the cast of characters in this world. Elba Luz has a great writing style and was invested in everything.

I really enjoy how the main character is strong and determined. This book offers a fun and uplifting perspective for anyone who's dealt with a rocky relationship. It's all about love, finding yourself, and escaping those destructive cycles, all served with a dose of humor. There is also some LGBTQIA+ representation.