I don’t think I’ve ever laughed out loud at a book as much as I did reading this one. This was a fast and enjoyable read with just enough tension and character development that it kept me interested.

I knew from the first page that I was going to enjoy this book. Patch had such a clear voice and personality from the very beginning and it stayed consistent throughout, even as he matured a little bit. You know right from the start exactly who he is, and he is oblivious and endearing in the best way. Over the course of this story I enjoyed how Patch’s more formidable character flaws were addressed but the root of his personality stayed the same. I also appreciated the supporting characters just as much as I did Patch, and found myself empathizing with them quite often. The entertaining and unique characters are what made this book stand out to me and I really liked it.

This was one of my most delightful reads of the year and thanks to NetGalley for the ARC.

Unfortunately this book just wasn’t my cup of tea. I absolutely could not stand Patch. I get he’s dramatic being a theater kid but the narration and just how he was… I’m sorry I couldn’t do it.

Thank you Wednesday Books and Netgalley for this eARC, these opinions are my own. So sweet! Patch is determined to get a boyfriend by PROM which for them is just a dance after the drama club puts on their musical at the end of term. But when the only two other out guys at his school begin dating he’ll begin to doubt his plan. Lucky two new boys show up to Drama club. Patch would be fine with either but he’s drawn to Peter and anyway Sam doesn’t really seem to like him. But do they even like boys? His best friend Jean is determined he find out before he gets to ahead of himself. Also his ex best friend and current nemesis, Tessa, rejoins drama club too. Will this be an opportunity for them to mend fences? Will Patch finally get a boyfriend? Or will the pressure be too much? I chuckled so much while reading this! Patch is a cocky, full of himself, somewhat selfish, little butt, that I just loved!! He’s also sweet, kind, and talks a lot! He has that witty awkward banter and personality that I love to see in a character! Some of my favorite parts are when he’s interacting with Ms. Beckett. I’ve had three Ms. Beckett’s in my life and I cherish each of those relationships! And the wise wisdom I got from those older ladies! Charming, romantic, and will keep you turning the pages! Highly recommend!

Story of Patch and his quest to find a prom date. Can he find someone that will like him back? This has been done before but I do enjoy a quest for love. Honestly, I need to like the main character to love the book. Unfortunately, I didn’t like Patch. I found him overbearing, silly, and a bit grandiose. And I’m aware some actors might have those qualities but to read the whole book with those qualities was a bit tedious. The love interest was not flushed out so no clue what made him special. The other supporting friends were not standouts. I wasn’t really rooting for anyone. They were some funny bits. I enjoyed his teacher that was too honest in her quest to finding her own love. Though if you love the theatre and finding a date to the prom this might be one for you. Overall, it was a bit meh for me. Thanks to the publisher and NetGalley for my ARC.

The premise for this book caught my attention, and I liked the idea of a boy looking for his first love, but I really struggled with the the main protagonist, Patch. He is simply sooooo unlikable. I didn’t root for him. Despite that, other characters were fun to read, and the setting of high school was well done.

maybe i'm just too old and world weary for this one but i could not standdddd patch. i know he's supposed to be an endearing fumbling theatre kid but guys i think i just hate theatre kids

glad he had his little redemption arc but my god what an insufferable narrator

that being said. an extra star for "it's not very bi of him to have two girlfriends" i'll admit that made me cackle

ultimately i think it's largely an issue of personal taste! would recommend this for younger readers, particular queer youth ages 12-14 (i certainly had a much higher tolerance for annoying protagonists at that age lol)

2.5