3.5
this has been so high on my anticipated list, and in was both good and bad..the book is fast paced which very important conversations around culture and how Arab culture is portrayed to people, even people in the community sometimes have their prejudices..i loved that aspect of the book, loved how axel was able to slowly change jamie's perspective on her own people, culture..however the romance felt a little flat, how quickly everything moved and how one second jamie was feeling like ben was her endgame to having feeling even though she was in denial for axel...it felt too fast.
however it was a fun read and it didn't take me much time to finish it by the way i was enjoying the fun banter and antiques of the two..but yes, it could've been a little more well build.
the plot and characters as individuals definitely get full point, this is for anyone who like light romance with a good subplot and cultural weightage.
and ofc always free palestine.

Jackie's YA romances are truly exceptional. They have everything I crave in a heartwarming yet relevant young adult romance. Her writing revived my nostalgia of teenage love with all the struggles and triumphs.

The MC, Jamie, is a brilliantly crafted multi-dimensionsl character. I resonated with her on many levels, especially on her anxiety triggered from her father's absence. Khalilieh shows Jamie's vulnerability while simultaneously showcasing her strength and resilience. It’s a reminder that even in the front of challenges, one can grow and thrive.

The chemistry between Jamie and Alexander is perfect. Their relationship, even in the complexities of fake dating, felt mature. I was genuinely impressed by how well they understood each other! The emphasis on great communication in their dynamic is rare in YA romance, and it made their connection enjoyable to read.

The writing is impeccable, with representation of themes such as anxiety, mixed-race identity, and the impact of having parents who struggle to embrace their roots. Khalilieh added these elements into the narrative, enriching the reading experience.

The only reason I’m withholding half a star is because there were moments when Jamie's thoughts felt a bit repetitive regarding her feelings—about things we already know . However, this is a minor detail.

I highly recommend this book! Jackie Khalilieh is a remarkable author, and I can’t wait to read all her future works!

This book was such a cute little romcom to read after reading some more dark and twisted books recently. A painfully realistic FMC paired with a hilarious MMC, makes for the best read. I love the way the author portrayed Jamie's anxiety so realistically. I will admit, I didn't like the third-act breakup, but that's honestly just a personal preference. The amount of Arab culture in this book was amazing, and I loved the way it was written so beautifully. It was definitely giving Better Than The Movies vibes. If BTTM was a vanilla latte, this book would be an affogato. Still sweet, but a little angsty too. Nevertheless, I was hooked from the beginning and it was such a fun read.

Thank you NetGalley & Jackie Khalilieh for the ARC.

First I'd like to say that I really liked the writing and the story... The reason I'm giving this book 3 stars is only because the FMC was getting on my nerves and it made my reading a bit painful. I also know that it was the point but I just couldn't get past it.

I did adooooore Axel thought, patient, loving, fun, adorable.
I liked that Jamie and Olivia developed a friendship.

People are gonna love this YA romance when it comes out.

Thank you to Netgalley and the publisher for an e-arc of this book!!!
You started it follows two characters Jamie and Axel as they fake date to help Jamie get her ex back and pay off a debt for Jamie destroying Axels bike.
I thought this was a cute story Jamie and Axel had some really nice moments where they bond deeply with each other and talk about the culture and how that’s affected him. I loved how Axel was the catalyst for Jamie wanting to learn more about her culture and convinced her to look at things in a different light. Jamie suffers from anxiety and has a type A personality when it comes to schedules and rules but is still very chaotic. I think she went through a lot of growth and learned how to live for herself rather than just her boyfriend. That being said I understand that this is YA but so if the dialogue was hard to read and dates the book. I understand that fake dating almost guarantees a third act break up but it was so drawn out and had a lot of unnecessary back and forth. Overall this was a really great story and I loved seeing Palestinian and Arab representation especially for young teens!

This was such a cute little 'pallete cleanser' book! I don't normally read YA but needed to switch things up and this was perfect. I thought it was so cute and refreshing and will definitely be looking for more from this author.

I loved how innocent this read was! I don’t typically read books with characters in high school, but it was refreshing to read a book without cringy sex scenes and disturbing dialogue. It honestly didn’t give too many “high school” vibes other than the scenes when they’re in the lunch cafeteria or walking the halls. Since the two main characters are seemingly opposites, there was a lot of stepping outside comfort zones for the FMC…dealing with confrontation, going on cute dates in public, making friends, learning about her heritage, etc. The FMC also dealt with anxiety, panic attacks, and anxiety provoked IBS issues (relatable, girl). As seemingly light as this read was, it still touched on a lot of deep topics like divorce/divorced parents, abandonment, alcoholism, racism, etc. & I thought it was really fulfilling to see how the FMC really transformed throughout the story and became more grounded in who she was.

My only complaint about the book is that I read the ARC on my kindle and the formatting was really funky. There wasn’t any line spacing between each character talking, so sometimes it wasn’t easy to tell who said certain lines that didn’t specifically say “he said” or “she said”. It wasn’t too hard to figure out when I stopped and reread through it again but still kind of annoying. I’m not sure if this is just the kindle version or not.


A big thanks to NetGalley and Tundra Book Group for providing an advanced copy of this book in exchange for my honest review.

Throw the dice, pull the lever.

Sometimes you just gotta take a chance.

I did. So should you. On this book, that is.

The book cover alongside the description of the book is what led me to this YA gem. First, the cover art. It captures Jamie and Axel’s budding attraction and one of the pivotal scenes in their story. Second, and more importantly, this book explores significant themes of parental abandonment, Arab Canadian identity, betrayal and anxiety.

About a quarter the way in, I was puzzled as it appeared that the characters reached their HEA. Then the author took an unexpected turn ( well done ) and proved that was more than just a teen romance. The best part? The path Jamie chose. ( itching to elaborate but too much of a spoiler)

This ARC was provided by the publisher, Tundra Book Group, via Netgalley in exchange for an honest review.

Thanks to NetGalley I received an advanced electronic copy of the book to read and provide a review.

This was angsty and dramatic in all the ways you’d expect from a Senior in high school. However, it also addressed really tough topics with vulnerability and self-awareness. The dialogue could be more on the side of “show it, don’t say it” but the characters are all lovable (spoiler: except for Ben). I still have not forgiven him. But Axel and everything about him and his family more than makes up for it!

4.25⭐️
Rep: anxiety, IBS
Thank you so much to NetGalley for the ARC!
I really enjoyed this! I liked the author’s first book, Something More, but I think this was even better!
All of the characters, especially our MCs, were great. The fake dating trope is always so fun, and it was done so well in this book! I really appreciated and enjoyed the representation - this was a great Disability December read!
I’m definitely looking forward to the author’s next read, and am so glad I got to read this one!

4.5 stars

This book was so sweet. Jamie and Axel were so adorable together. I loved how they both supported each other and were there to help each other get through the obstacles in their life. Jamie’s struggles were so real and she was such a relatable character.

Thank you to NetGalley for sending me an e-ARC of this book!

I loved the premise of this book based off the cover and the description so I was expecting to love it from the beginning. I started it while watching Harry Potter and it was definitely keeping me interested. I couldn't put it down. It broke my heart when Ben and her broke up only because I felt her pain personally. The axel part worked out well and when she brought up how she still wanted her ex, it made me sad because I wanted them together! The fake dating trope is one that is new to me and Everytime it makes me happy to see them like each other in the end. The formal, her dad and literally everything in this book made me gush with happiness, this is one of my favorite books in a while!

Quote: "Every interaction with Axel comes with a multitude of emotions that leave me feeling both breathless and at a loss for words."

Rated it five stars out of five!!

A scheme to get an ex-boyfriend back, a bucket list and a bike called Betty White that needs to be fixed is what Jamie and Axel got themselves into. They swear they won’t fall in love, but fake dating schemes tend to turn into real love…
I really enjoyed this book. It’s chock full of culture, jokes, banter, and so much more. I loved reading about Jamie’s struggles with accepting her culture and how her family views culture compared to Axel’s. It was a discussion that’s so important, and it was written so well. Also, this book has Arab and Palestinian rep, which is especially important right now.
Thank you to NetGalley and Tundra for an eARC of this book.

Majority of the time, I steer clear of YA because I no longer relate due to being 30 😅 but I really wanted to read this, the cover is beautiful and I know the author is Palestinian.

This was absolutely the cutest shit I have read. I was kicking my feet, giggling and waking up my husband to be like “OMG THIS IS HAPPENING”- like it was so well written and made me really feel like I was 19 again and reading Sarah Dessen (but BETTER!)

If I ever have a daughter, I hope she finds someone like Axel- and i hope my sons will be open to reading this book once they are able to. 🫶🏻

2.5 stars rounded up.

This had a sweet premise, but something about the book fell flat for me. I think there were some topics that were worth exploring, especially as a young adult book. There were definitely themes of growth, coping with struggles, and learning from one's mistakes. I also liked the aspects of culture that were brought in. However, I just didn't find Jamie all that likeable. I wasn't really invested in her as a character. She makes quite a few mistakes, which is fine, but how she deals with them afterwards kind of turned me off. She's not a very good communication, she's quite immature, and she's a little judgmental. Axel and Ben are not that compelling of characters either, but Axel potentially has some depth to him. It just didn't deliver because we honestly don't see that much of him.

The romance was cute at times, but since I couldn't really get into the characters, I didn't find myself all that invested in the romance either. Ultimately, this was not a book that I will remember for a long time to come.

And I'm out.

This book is the cutest thing ever; it made me smile a lot. This book was adorable! I was enticed to read the book by its adorable cover. The romance was incredibly cute, too! I heartily endorse! In the midst of high school drama, first loves, and second chances, it feels like a cozy embrace.

Love a good fake boyfriend turn real boyfriend trope. Be careful what you wish for when you are trying to win someone back by lying. Things will change and you will catch feelings.

This was a great book, I thought about it often when I wasn't reading it so that's always a great sign. We meet the characters in the book just as Jamie is expecting her long time boyfriend Ben to come home from camp, one thing leads to another and a breakup happens. Enter the plan to win him back by pretending to go out with Axel, who happens to be a bit younger and complete opposite of Ben. I loved reading about their interactions. Axel and Jamie just had a vibe going between them and I was there for it.

I didn't like Ben at first because duh he broke Jamie's heart but I just didn't feel for him like I did Jamie. But watching their friendship grow throughout the book was an experience I enjoyed. Even the new girlfriend was a treat by the end.

But my heart is with Axel, he seems so endearing and truthful. I enjoyed him the most and he helped Jamie experience more things about her Arab culture she didn't know about. I love them for each other.

Over all this was a great read, right up my alley. Loved it, recommend it!

OK, this was UTTERLY delightful. Charming, and sweet, laugh-out-loud funny with a tender emotional core - this book brought me into its world, and didn’t take its hooks out from me until I finished reading it. Jackie Khalilieh has a way of writing teens - with such care and respect for them - that each of her books so far has felt like a love letter to adolescence - the messiness, the yearning, the angst, and the complicated comings of age.

I loved the depiction of a young Arab heroine with mental illness, IBS, and a really rich and complex inner life. I loved the depiction of a sweet, earnest, and exuberant young Arab hero who steals your heart (respectfully).

Jackie Khalilieh is 2/2 with lovely contemporary YA romances, and I can’t wait to read more from her.

I want to thank Jackie Khalilieh and NetGalley for the ARC of You Started It. I loved this book so much! It delves into many topics that aren't typically discussed in YA fiction stories. I like how the author addresses mental health issues through the main character, Jamie. I love how all of the characters were multifaceted. None of them were entirely good or bad. They all had realistic traits and flaws, and they were unique. One aspect of this book is that it makes readers think of so many important topics, such as internal misogyny, internal racism, anxiety, self-esteem issues, insecurity, and all the issues that many teenagers (and POC youth) face daily. Nadia Taher, Jamie's mother, is incredibly racist towards her race, and she instills those hateful beliefs she has into her daughter. Due to the "fake-dating" scheme she and Alexander "Axel" Dahini have come up with, she faces challenges, such as finding her true identity, appreciating her heritage, and adjusting to the changes in her life. Axel helps Jamie learn more about her culture and heritage and he's very supportive of her once he learns about her mental health struggles. Towards the end of the book, Jamie began to frustrate me and her decisions left me angry, but I understood where she came from, considering the fact her father walked out of her life and left her with a mother she has almost nothing in common with and constantly fights with. Jamie's character development was amazing. At times, she was self-centered and immature, but her character remained one of my favorites, besides Axel and Amo Eli. Khalilieh flawlessly wrote this book. Five out of five stars!

4.25 stars
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TW: Panic attacks/disorders, Mental illness, Gaslighting, Abandonment, Alcoholism, Car accident
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This was a cute YA romcom with heavy Arab representation in our characters. Jamie is a seventeen-year-old Toronto local who plans on making her senior year the best. She's planned it all out and has made a bucket list to complete with her boyfriend of three years: Ben. They've been apart for the entire summer, and she can't wait to reconnect with him, it comes as a surprise to her when he breaks up with her once he's back in town. Better yet? He moves on quickly with a girl he spent the summer with - Olivia.

In typical YA revenge, she plans on getting him back. I can see why this book was compared to SOUR, it's so angsty and Jamie is willing to do anything to get Ben back, including fake-dating a junior named Axel. I remember feeling like Jamie growing up, and the petty revenge of trying to get back at someone who's hurt you. Instead of working through her bucket list with Ben, she's started doing them with Axel. As the two of them go on more adventures, Jamie can't help but feel confused over her feelings, is she still trying to get Ben back, or is she opening her heart to someone else?

As much as I loved the plot, I appreciate the deeper issues that Jamie faces in the novel from coping with anxiety, dealing with the fact that her father walked out on them three years earlier, and struggling with her heritage since her mother tends not to talk about her background. What starts off as a cheesy romcom about getting your ex back, will have you crying by the end. There's so much growth in Jamie, and I was rooting for her the entire time.

I will admit, some of the character choices were petty and a bit immature, but it fits perfectly with it being a YA novel. This book is set entirely in Toronto, and it was fun for our characters to go to visit them, as a lover of Toronto, it was nice to visualize places like: The CN Tower, Eaton Center, Tim Hortons, and Nathan Phillips Square.
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I would like to thank Tundra Book Group | Tundra Books, Jackie Khalilieh, and NetGalley for a copy of You Started It in exchange for an honest review, all thoughts and opinions are my own. You Started It is scheduled to be published on May 20th, 2025. Pre-order your copy today!