Cute friends to lovers story, although at times predictable. This was my first time reading something from the this author and although this wasn’t that great I might still read her catalog, which I’ve seen praise for. I like the way Something Like Fate iexplored the idea of destiny versus free will, and the twist about her parents was a good example of this. I’m not quite clear whether her vision was about Teller all along or it was Caleb, but it’s obvious she made the right choice, and it was a little frustrating how long it took her to make that choice. Since she was so obviously pushing herself to be content with Caleb.

Something Like Fate offers a captivating exploration of Lo’s turbulent transition into adulthood. An outspoken extrovert, Lo thrives in disorder but feels confined by the life her father envisions for her. Desperately searching for a connection to her late mother, she longs to be accepted by her maternal family and dreams of meeting “The One.” Exhausted by meaningless flings and yearning for the companionship of her estranged best friend, Teller, Lo’s first vision convinces her that a trip to Italy holds the answers she seeks: clarity for her future, a chance to connect with her mother’s memory, renewed friendship with Teller, and perhaps, the discovery of her soulmate.

Lo’s life is a whirlwind, and her messy journey made for an engrossing read. Watching her grapple with her emotions and navigate difficult situations felt authentic and relatable. Her bond with Teller was a highlight, and seeing how their relationship evolved over the years was heartwarming. While I sometimes questioned Lo’s choices, I respected how thoughtfully she approached her decisions. I found myself wishing I could get inside Teller’s head during some of the story’s pivotal moments—it would’ve added another layer to the narrative. On the other hand, Caleb’s perspective wasn’t necessary; Lo’s view of him was enough to showcase his impulsive charm and how it impacted her worldview.

Though love triangles often bring heavy drama, this one felt refreshingly light, without the typical angst. Even as the story tackled some serious themes, it maintained an overall breezy feel. The conclusion was satisfying, wrapping up a heartfelt coming-of-age story intertwined with a tender romance.

That said, I’d advise readers that this book tackles more mature themes, better suited for a new adult audience. While there aren’t explicit sex scenes, discussions around intimacy, hookups, sharing pictures, kissing, and alcohol are prevalent throughout the story

Thanks to NetGalley for providing an ARC in exchange for my honest thoughts.

I loved Woke Up Like This so when I heard about this one I immediately added it to my list. And it did not disappoint. Lo, a sweet optimistic and outgoing college student, comes from a long line of phychics and when she has vision of meeting her soulmate on her trip to Italy, she is even more excited for it? However, her friend breaks her foot & can't go - so what happens, she invites her best friend, Teller, a handsome introverted numbers-loving, calendar planning guy, to come with her! But what happens when she starts looking at Teller through different eyes even though she's had a vision of her soulmate & it's not him? You'll have to read to find out ;) but needless to say I really enjoyed this one! Makes me want to travel to Italy ASAP & I love Lo + Teller's friendship. Pick this one up & fall in love with Italy & Teller with me!

While this was mostly closed door, I would probably categorize it as more NA than YA just based on the main characters being in college & talking about sex, drinking, etc quite a lot

While I enjoyed Something Like Fate, there were various times throughout the book that felt juvenile. I understand this book is in the YA genre, but I felt it didn't match the moment. That's why I'm giving it 3 stars.

The premise was there and held promise (it's what instantly drew me into the book) but I didn't connect with how the story unfolded. While it's a destination book, and had the hallmarks of great getaway for personal growth, it felt...stereotypical. It lacked originality. The sad part for me as a reader: it isn't memorable. I always walk away from a book with a memorable quote, moment, character growth, setting. But for some reason, this felt like a haze. It felt like several moments were cherry-picked from other published novels and put together. The potential was there but I just feel like the author didn't stick the landing.

I really wanted to love this book but it just didn't connect.

Thank you NetGalley and Skyscape for providing an ARC.

Thank you to NetGalley and Skyscape for the ARC

I've read one adult novel by Amy Lea earlier and found her YA book just as good! The setting was amazing. Italy, backpacking, the Amalfi coast, incredible. A perfect scenery for a sweet romance. I also liked and appreciated the Asian representation.

As for the plot, I found it really interesting and unique. The magical realism component was well explored and cool. The romance was sweet and charming. All in all a great YA romance.

This book is a solid 3.5 stars for me. It had all the elements of a classic laugh-out-loud rom-com with the friends-to-lovers trope, but something was holding me back from rating it higher.

One thing I absolutely loved was the setting—there’s just something magical about a European romance that instantly sweeps you away. ✨ However, I wish the chemistry between the two main characters had been established earlier. The first half of the book didn’t quite give me the romantic tension I was craving.

On the plus side, the spice level was low, which I always appreciate in a romance! Overall, I enjoyed the book and devoured it in under 24 hours. I’ll definitely be checking out more from this author!

Thanks NetGalley for this ARC in exchange for my honest review.

4.5 Stars
Something Like Fate was a journey of becoming an adult. Lo is an outspoken extravert who thrives in chaos. She has felt stuck to the path her dad wants for her and is hungry for anything that might give her a piece of her mom. She wants to fit into her mother's family and find "The One". Lo is tired of hookups and missing her best friend. After finally having her first vision, Lo knows that Italy is going to bring her everything she wants: a decision on her path in life, a way to connect to her mom while gaining independence from her dad, a reconnection with her best friend Teller, and her soulmate.

Lo was kind of a mess, but I enjoyed the experience of wading through her emotions and the situations she ended up in. Her friendship with Teller was so special. I loved learning about their friendship and all of the things that made them close throughout the years. I worried about Lo when she made decisions that didn't feel right for her but respected her thought process. At times, I wish I had Teller's perspective because I would have loved to have known what was going on in that guy's head through some of the ups and downs of the trip. I didn't really want Caleb's POV like I did Teller's. I learned enough about him through Lo's eyes. I liked the spontaneity he brought to the story and how his actions influenced Lo and her life perspective. I'm not normally one for love triangles, but I could easily handle this one because I didn't feel the heavy angst I usually feel when I read them. Even though this book dealt with some tough issues, it managed to keep a light tone. I'm very happy with how everything ended up. In the end, I got an emotional journey to adulthood mixed with a sweet romance.

I do want to caution readers that the themes in this book are mature and more suited to a new adult audience than a young adult one. While this book is closed door when it comes to sex, there is a lot of talk about sex and hooking up, pictures that have been sent, kissing, drinking alcohol, etc.

I adore Amy Lea and scooped up this ARC so fast!
Every one of her books feels like a Netflix romcom that I'm dying for someone to make!
Teller is my new favourite book boyfriend. His and Lo's friendship was my favourite part of the book. Their love for one another came right off the page. Thank you for the ARC!

This book was good!! Story was nice however the writing was a little flat. Italy made this a great read

Super cute romcom! Felt like reading an early 2000's romcom movie. I really enjoyed the setting and how the relationships were shown. Friends to lovers is a favorite of mine and this really knocked it out of the park. Would recommend!

I received an advanced copy of Amy Lea’s newest from #NetGalley. Amy Lea has quickly became one of my go-to authors to follow. I loved this one so much. It’s a deep dive into Europe, traveling, and romcoms. Her books are always filled with quirky humor, good romance, and provides a dreamy escape. I absolutely cannot wait for the next one! (No pressure!)

I loved this so much! I’ve never been to Italy but this book was so detailed that it felt like I was there eating gelato with Lo and Teller ❤️

Thank you NetGalley & Skyscape for allowing me access to this ebook! Something like Fate by Amy Lea will be released Feb 11th next year.

In this delightful romantic comedy, Lo Zhao-Jensen embarks on a summer backpacking adventure through Italy, where she hopes to find The One, following a long-standing family tradition of fortune-telling women. But unlike her relatives, Lo has no psychic abilities, only rom-com fantasies and a string of bad dating choices. Things take a turn when Lo finally has the vision she’s been waiting for, prompting her aunties to declare that her true love awaits in Italy.

She will be joined by her best friend, Teller Owens, who is her complete opposite, Lo's trip takes on a magical, fateful tone when she meets Caleb, a fellow traveler who saves her in a dramatic meet-cute moment in Venice. Read this if you want some very swoony moments, humor, heart, and the scenic beauty of Italy!

This was such a strong young adult romantic comedy, it had that element that I was hoping for and thought the overall concept worked. I thought the use of fortune-teller in generations worked overall and that the characters had the realism that I was looking for. I was invested in the story and characters going through this story. Amy Lea wrote this perfectly and left me wanting to read more.