Lover Birds is the perfect book to get you out of a reading slump. The slow burn is full of (gay panic) moments and moments of sapphic yearning between the two main characters. One of my favorite things is the ADHD representation and how authentic Eloise’s journey felt with navigating her friendships and relationship. There were so many funny, heartfelt moments and I’m excited to see what the author does next!

“Lover Birds” is filled with lovely friendships and honoring each other's difference. I loved the ADHD representation and felt it was much more nuanced around understanding the diagnosis and thinking about medication than any other book I’ve read before. I loved that Isabel was supportive and empathetic with lots of supportive strategies to help Lou. The enemies to lovers aspect of this book was really fun and being with Lou every step of the way made when she came out to herself and approached Isabel so joyful and lovely. I at times got lost in the many details about their friends’ lives and had trouble remembering which went with each friend but overall it didn’t end up mattering.

~ ARC Review ~

*Lover Birds* by Leanne Egan

⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️.5

Release Date: February 4, 2025

Publisher: Scholastic | PUSH

Genre: YA romance

Spice level: .5🌶️

When Lou and her friends start back up on the first day of school, they notice the new girl, Isabel, almost immediately. And once Lou is tasked with giving Isabel a tour, she begins overhearing Isabel's comments about her. Naturally, she fires back with her own, and their rivalry is the epitome of high school drama. Especially when Isabel is tasked with tutoring Lou, ensuring the tension between them rises to an all-time high. Meanwhile: the close-knit friend group that Lou so dearly loves is undergoing its own drama, she's trying her best to manage her newly diagnosed ADHD, and she's beginning to consider some new things about herself. This is a story of romance, friendship, and the confusing (yet fun) nature of being a teenager. The LGBTQ+ representation, the spotlight on friendship, the humor….I could go on!

So to say it concisely: I absolutely loved this book!! It's also set in England, which I loved, and Lou's POV was delightful. I loved learning more about Isabel's character, and watching her and Lou's relationship develop- alongside Lou's relationship with her mother, which was heartwarming and lovely. If you're a fan of hilarious and witty novels with the perfect amount of drama & resolution, then you won't want to miss this! I could not put it down- it was exactly what I needed.

ʀᴇᴀᴅ ɪғ ʏᴏᴜ ʟɪᴋᴇ:

~ humor that leaps off the page

~ the enemies-to-lovers trope

~ LGBTQ+ novels and representation

~ school settings with impeccable banter & lovely friendships

Thank you to PUSH, an imprint of Scholastic, for providing a review copy of this book through Netgalley! All opinions are my own.

ABSOLUTELY LOVED THE REPRESENTATION IN THIS BOOK!! I've never felt so seen. The chemistry and banter was cheeky and cute. The side plots were heartfelt. This is a must read if you want good neurodivergent rep!

I first want to thank Scholastic Teens and Netgalley for allowing me the chance to read Lover Birds by Leanne Egan. This opinion is solely mine. I loved this book! This story was fantastic, the character were well developed, but for me, the best part was the EXTREME understanding of what it is like to have ADHD. The story story follows Lou and Isabel. Isabel moves from London to Liverpool, and she is having a hard time fitting in. Lou is drawn to Isabel but doesn't understand why. She thinks Isabell hates everything about Liverpool, including the people. As the story progresses, so does their relationship. They become friends and eventually more. What I found great, and one of the bigger themes in the story, is Lou suffers from ADHD. As someone who went 36 years undiagnosed with severe ADHD, I related a lot with issues and feelings Lou was going through. The author either struggles with ADHD herself or did a massive amount of research on the matter. I highly recommend this story. Without much contemplation, I gave this story 5 stars.

WOW. Just needed to start the review by saying that.
5 Stars!

I’m not usually drawn to YA, but Lover Birds really caught my attention from the description and I was so excited when I received the approved ARC. I’m so glad I got to read it! This (kinda) enemies-to-lovers sapphic romance is set in Liverpool (as an American, I LOVE reading books set in the UK). The chemistry between Lou and Isabel is absolutely electric, and their witty banter is a joy to read. What starts as outright contempt gradually evolves into something so much more romantic and sweet. All of this really did make their journey to being together that much more enjoyable.

One of the highlights for me was the honest portrayal of ADHD through Lou’s character. The discussions around her struggles and her journey toward acceptance were moving and relatable. The supporting cast of characters added so much depth, making the friendships feel real and messy—just like teenage life should be! While I did find Isabel a bit judgmental at times, the overall story was a really great read and uplifting experience. If you’re looking for a charming, fast-paced read that balances humor with heartfelt moments, Lover Birds is definitely one to grab!

This was a beautifully done enemy to lovers element, I enjoyed how realistic the romance was going on and was hooked from the first page. It had that element that I was looking for from a young adult romance novel. Leanne Egan has a great writing style and I enjoyed the overall concept.

"Lover Birds" is a charming and whimsical tale that brings to life the magic of unexpected connections. The characters are endearing and relatable, with their quirks adding depth to the story. The writing is vivid and engaging, effectively capturing the essence of love and friendship. While the plot occasionally leans toward predictability, the heartfelt moments and delightful humor make it a joy to read. Overall, it’s an uplifting and sweet narrative that leaves you with a smile, perfect for a cozy afternoon.