Thank you to NetGalley for this ARC! Definitely similar to The Idea of You - I think this one feels marginally better because the age difference is less pronounced.

I liked Kat as a character, along with Emily. I think Jake had growing up to do but it was appropriate as he was young and naive and in his own bubble. I kind of wanted more Ben but I get it.

I think the story was fine, the plot was cute and their moments of learning to be together were cute, but I couldn’t truly get immersed in the whole thing. I would’ve loved a prologue or flashbacks where we’re introduced to Jake and Kat when they were getting close, so we could see the budding and blossoming chemistry. I think being dropped into an existing “situationship” didn’t give me the same depth of connection.

I thought I would give the trope another chance, but I think I just need to stay away because I don’t think it’s my cup of tea. 4/5 stars objectively, personally closer to a 3/5.

When I see that this is being compared to The Idea of You, I knew I'd like it! Thanks to NetGalley for the ARC. This is an entertaining story with characters that are complex and it was a pleasure to read a book all about them! Well done, Shelby. You are great at your craft.

I loved this book! Anyone But You Was One of my favorite movies and books so I was looking for a book similar to this vibe and I was not disappointed! It was very well written and I highly enjoyed it!