You Started It by Jackie Khalilieh is an utterly charming and heartwarming read! The banter between the characters was delightful, and I loved how their quirks made them feel so real and relatable. The romance had the perfect balance of tension and sweetness, keeping me hooked from start to finish. Khalilieh’s writing is engaging and full of personality, making this book an easy, fun, and satisfying read. If you love cute, feel-good stories with lovable characters, this one is definitely worth picking up!

I almost quit reading this book 3 times....
WAIT! Hear me out!

I tried reading this multiple times and I couldn't find myself getting past the 2nd chapter. I was thinking "this is just like 'Never Have I Ever'" and "the guys name is even BEN!"

But BOY was I glad I finished this book!!

The books is real, heartfelt, relatable and down right hilarious! The author touches on a variety of issues you'd see every day, from anxiety, alcoholism, deculturation and not to mention that 'First Love'.

Jamie Taher-Foster has her whole life planned out, shes a planner. After a summer away from her boyfriend Ben, she's finally ready to pick up where they left off! Starting highschool together! But all those plans come to a screeching halt as Ben dumps her, claiming he wants to be free. Does free mean dating Olivia Chen not even 24 hours later?!
Axel Dahini is definitely a boy you can not judge on appearance! Jamie accidentally runs over Betty White... Wait not the real Betty White, Axel's bike 'Betty white'... and she finds her self in a fake relationship with the hottest, new kid on the block. Axel agrees to help Jamie win Ben back, but he has some conditions of his own! Axel pushes Jamie out of her comfort zone, he leads Jamie the whole way, she finds herself not even scared to let him.

This story is absolutely adorable, I love the realistic approach for deculturation, high school dating, family trials and ultimately how we all tend to jump to conclusions. I ADORE how Axel really brought out the best and worst of Jamie, really made her think about her actions and how they affect others. There was a lot of growth for not only Jamie but every character in this book!

You Started It is a young adult novel following seventeen-year-old Jamie Taher-Foster as she is unexpectedly dumped by her boyfriend of three years, Ben. It reads very much like you would expect a young adult novel to read and includes a lot of nods and mentions to modern day slang, trends, and artists. On top of this, it also covers a plethora of real-world issues such as anxiety disorders, IBS (irritable bowel syndrome), alcoholism, co-dependency, cheating, and the current situation between Palestine and Israel.

My Review Rants

This was a very cute read. I was initially put off by the book shortly after it started with the usage of cringe slang you would hear your average teenager using, but as I pushed further into the book, I found myself unable to put it down.

I relate a lot to the main character, Jamie, when it comes to having debilitating anxiety, a fear of losing control of your own life, and panic attacks. I actually related to her so much that I felt uncomfortable at times, but it's precisely because of that, that I really loved our FMC.

I loved the approach to being biracial, being unaccustomed to or uneducated on your cultural roots or traditions, and the struggles many go through by never truly feeling like you belong. Axel Dahini, our MMC, was the greenest of flags imaginable when it came to this topic. Refusing to let Jamie downplay her race or significance due to being biracial was such a nice touch that as a biracial person myself who feels detached from my culture and religion due to family keeping me from it, I felt seen and accepted.

The pacing in this book was great, there was never a dull moment or time where you question when things will pick up or get better. It was doing that the entire time, just getting better and better. I will say I did have moments where I was frustrated with characters like Jamie's mother, Ben, and Jamie herself, but it was never enough to make me uninterested in the book or want to put it down. I was hooked from start to finish despite wanting to fight some of these characters. I also truly loved the hints put throughout the book of thinking what Jamie was doing was a normal teenage thing, only to realize when you look back just how damaging her behaviour was and being able to reflect on why and how and do better from it. It was well done when brought to the reader's attention by the end of the book.

I have and always will be very anti-third act break ups. I think they are redundant and often times backtrack on all of the progress and development of the main characters, and unfortunately that's exactly how I felt about the one in this book. I felt that it dragged on for far longer than necessary and the miscommunication/unwillingness to communicate between the main cast was really annoying and I found myself sighing in annoyance often. I do think the resolution to the third act break up was a bit lackluster as well, but I overall did have a great time, and I really loved Axel.

I would also like to give appreciation to the author for speaking out on the stereotypes placed against Arab men, their culture, as well as for speaking up for Palestine. It is refreshing to see an author speak up for her beliefs and make it so enjoyable in a book that caters to younger adults. This is a great book for learning more about viewing others through an objective lens, not through judgmental or divisive ones. I also really appreciated the anxiety and panic attack representation in this novel. As someone who struggles with both to a debilitating level, I really appreciated how well they were handled in this novel. An author educating themselves and showing that through their writing and not glorification of these topics is few and far between, and Jackie Khalilieh did a wonderful job tackling it.

Final Thoughts

A solid 3.75/5 for this novel. I enjoyed it for what it was and would've loved for a bit more time with Axel and Jamie together as a couple or expanding on their relationship. I often felt that there wasn't enough of just them in this book, especially in the later half around the 70% mark and beyond. The tension and conflict interfered with giving their relationship more of a platform. But for what it offered, I enjoyed it!

Thank you to Netgalley and the publishers for the ARC of this book!

What a delightful, fun read. I needed something light-hearted and inspiring to break up some heavier books, and this was great. The characters were so much fun, and the fake dating trope is always such a win. Will be recommending this one for sure!

Thank you so much to Jackie Khalillieh and Tundra Book Group for allowing me to get an ARC for this book!

I rated this book 4/5 stars. 1 🌶️ spice!

This book is like Better Than the Movies and To All the Boys I've Loved Before had a baby and created this masterpiece. Tropes in this book include: fake dating (obviously), Palestinian representation, slow burn, and mental health representation.

I'm going to try to write this review without any spoilers! Jamie is an upcoming senior who lives a very structured life. She's had plans, lists, and goals written out of what she and her current/ex-boyfriend Ben would want to do during the present and the future. One day, after Ben comes home from working at a camp all summer, he breaks up with her! Not a spoiler, definitely, in the synopsis of the book. She then meets this new guy named Axel after running over his bike and let's say the story starts there. The way that Jamie is written, makes me feel as if I am 17 again and going through my first heartbreak. The feeling of MY LIFE IS OVER is so real. The way that Jackie wrote Jamie was what I can remember what every teenage girl was like. Jamie though, deals with anxiety and panic attacks and is still learning to deal with her emotions to this day. Throughout the book, you definitely can see her struggle to get ahold of her self and letting her thoughts race. You really have to put yourself in Jamie's shoes and situation to realize THAT ALL HER THOUGHTS AND FEELINGS ARE SO VALID. Axel is one caring and supportive teenager. If I met an Axel when I was 17, IT WOULD HAVE BEEN GAME OVER. He helps Jamie open up, but does it in a way that makes her feel safe and comfortable in new situations. I get it, the internal struggle of wanting to be with your first love and not realizing red flags. You have to remember, she is 17. She's growing and figuring out herself still. I also love her Amo Eli! HE WAS SUCH A GREAT CHARACTER. I need a support person like that in my life. I'm not going to get in with her family situation, because that is such a huge foundation on why she is the way she is. Overall, this book was so cliche-cute and a little bit cringy, but it was still very enjoyable and entertaining to read. Thank you so much for the ARC!

This was the cutest high school romance ever. I love the fake dating trope, I love Jamie and Axel, I LOVE revenge plots that end differently than how they started. I was immediately intrigued when it was mentioned that Axel was a TikTok star. Also, unpopular opinion, but third-act breakup is highkey not bad. It really hits you in the feels and there's character development and UGH the growth of the characters over this book, especially Jamie and her relationships with everyone else, was insane. The romance and plot were amazing, but I stayed for the characters. So cute, so fun, I loved this YA romance so much.

Such a cute book! I couldn’t put it down, it was a very easy read that had you guessing the whole time! A very good YA book, highly recommend!

This was so cute, omg! Jackie Khalilieh's writing may be incredibly corny, and her characters aren't always the most well-written, but it's all extremely lovable. I was rolling my eyes at Jamie just as much as I was cheering her on. I was grinning at my phone way more than I was complaining to the imaginary cameraman. I cannot wait to read Everything Comes Back to You because Ms. Khalilieh's writing improves with every book she publishes. She manages to tackle heavy topics without making her books feel heavy. She also supports my theory that the quality of a book is directly correlated to whether the author has something to say. Something More was fun and primarily focused on relationships for autistic people. While You Started lacked the charm of Something More, it was still much better, and Jackie Khalilieh had so much more to express with this one. She wrote about parent-child relationships, racism against Arab men, anxiety, and what it means to grow as a person. And considering the amount of homework I've neglected because of this book, she did an incredibly great job!

Had a love-hate relationship with this one because the characters were a bit much for me. BUT I have to say that I mean that in a good way as it’s very much what I recall as a teenager - too many emotions and too much everything. It’s emotional, has a wonderful amount of diversity, and touches on heavy topics while also showing growth.

Even though the characters are entering their senior year of high school, I feel like, to some degree, it might be better geared to younger teens. The way that Jamie is written, she feels a bit younger than her age, but that could just be my perception of her characterization.

This book is definitely something that is good for teens, but definitely not for me at my age.

You Started It
4⭐️/5
Pub Day - May 20, 2025

Jamie is a bit sheltered young adult. She blossoms into a girl that embraces her Arab heritage, while navigating her love life.

Axel grows up in an Arab household where their culture and traditions are celebrated and taught. He has a little bit of freedom and grows up in a loving home.

Ben a family friend to Jamie, long time boyfriend and schoolmate. He has always been there for Jamie through all her challenging time at home.

❤️Fake dating trope
❤️ YA romance
❤️Opposite attracts
❤️The diversity and representation
❤️Middle Eastern MCs

It’s a fast paced, easy to read YA romance. I’m a sucker for accidental meet cute situations 🥰🥰
It is very cheesy 😊😊
Axel is such a sweet fictional boy😍🥰.

❤️I love how the book tackles anxiety and absent parents.

Why this book didn’t get a 5⭐️ from me was because I didn’t like the multiple attempts of breakup and make up. Also, the “love quad” sort of situation between all four characters.

I’ll recommend this book for any young teens boys and girls around me(Age 15- 18).
I love the beautiful cover 😍

Thanks @netgalley for the eARC

“You Started It” by Jackie Khalileh

The adorable cover immediately drew my attention to this book.

The story follows a YA love story between Jamie and Axel. The two plan to fake a relationship is an attempt to help each other out.

Jamie, having endured heartbreak after her boyfriend of 3 years abruptly ended their relationship upon his return from camp.

Axel, a newcomer to Jamie’s school, is a TikTok sensation navigating the challenges of social acceptance and showing his family there is more to his dancing than just a silly hobby.

Initially, their fake dating arrangement provides them with the support they need. However, as they spend time together, the pair begins to realize that love and relationships go beyond what they can plan out on paper.


I really enjoyed this book and look forward to reading more books from Jackie Khalileh.


⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️

Thank you NetGalley for sending me a copy of You Started It to read and review.
This is my honest review of this book.
.

4.5/5

This book is absolutely adorable and made my heart melt on so many occasions. I completely fell in love with Axel and Jamie. The fact that it’s set in Toronto, with visits to all the places I grew up, brought back so many nostalgic memories. Axel and Jamie were so mature for their ages—I definitely wasn’t that composed at their age, haha.

Jackie, your second book is even better than the first. Thank you for reshaping the narrative, for creating space for Arab men to take center stage, and for portraying them in the way they truly deserve. Free Palestine.

Big thanks to Tundra Book Group for the e-arc!

Oh. My. Gosh. The way this book had me grinning from ear to ear. For adults, this will be such a nostalgic feeling and for young adults and teens it is going to be so relatable.

I absolutely loved the layers of complexity we got to see with Jamie. The grief, the anxiety, the guilt, the joy. She was so realistic. I related to her so much as someone with anxiety and I loved how brutally honest some of the more... untalked about side effects of it were in this book. She, in general, was this beautiful character who a lot of young adults are going to be able to connect with. Axel was also very well done. Not just as a representative of the current generation, but as a light to his culture. The wedding scene is when I absolutely NEEDED him and Jamie to be end game. I feel he had his own layers and complexity between who he wanted to be amd who he was expected to be.

I read this in about 4 hours. I could not put it down. It was paced so well that by time I realized I had made it significantly past my goal page, I decided to just keep going. The writing truly sucks you into the book and makes you feel very involved in the story. I appreciated the way some very complex issues were mixed into the young love, teen romance aspect of this novel.

I will be ordering this as a shelf trophy. I've already been telling my friends it is worth ordering.

Was so happy and thrilled to have this as my first ARC. Thank you for the opportunity to read and review this.

You started it is my favorite type of Ya romance. The way the story line flowed and real life situations. The way Jamie showed and handled her anxiety matched with my own life anxiety. Seeing her grow into a new person because of Axel had me smiling the whole time.

I couldn’t put the book down and would 100% recommend this to all my friends!

The way I love a good YA romance 👌🏽 I feel so giddy after reading this wonderful story 🤭. There is just something about that nostalgic feeling of being young and in love, making mistakes and learning from them. 💕

I truly enjoyed this with a wide smile on my face through majority of my reading time. Did I mention this has my favorite trope (Fake dating) absolutely loved!! That feeling when the characters start realizing the feelings are becoming very real 😏

Trigger warning ⚠️ topics such as: anxiety, phobia, alcoholism, self hate etc are talked about heavily focused around anxiety as the FMC deals with that.

Overall I enjoyed this and would highly recommend and potentially reread. Thank you Tundra Book Group and NetGalley for this E-Arc.

You Started It was an enjoyable young adult relationship with Toronto as a place of interest.
I liked the family friendly atmosphere and the relationship between the teenagers.

Thank you so much to the publishers and author of this book for approving me for an ARC! I enjoyed this book so much! I love the characters and the story line so much! I am also so thankful that it gave an accurate representation of what anxiety can be like and showed awareness of what people having it can experience. I really loved this book and I'm so happy i read it!

dnf at 28% — this just isn't my thing. It felt really forced, and I wasn't enjoying it at all. Also, the arc I got was pretty messed up and hard to read, the formating was all over the place. I know that's not the author's fault, but I thought it was worth mentioning.

This story follows Jamie, a high-anxiety, hyper-organized teen girl who loves a good list. When Jamie’s first love leaves her for someone else she is absolutely convinced he has made a terrible mistake and that they are made for each other. In a desperate bid to win him back, she starts a mutually beneficial relationship with the new kid: the confident, charismatic and outgoing Axel. As Axel and Jamie continue their mission, it becomes clear that this is not exactly the detached business arrangement Jamie had intended. But who needs all those checklists when the person you are with understands and prioritizes your needs and comfort so you don’t have to worry anymore?

Suddenly, she doesn’t have to alter herself to be someone’s perfect match. But who is Jamie at her core? She is not sure she even knows.

Oh first heartbreak…. It comes for us all. This book had me reliving all the memories and feelings around that formative experience. We have all been so sure that we alone can see the truth in these situations. Our ex is clearly our soulmate, they just have to wake up and see it, right? I loved that this book really took me back to those moments. It was like looking in a not always flattering mirror and seeing my younger self. I also have to add that the representation of having two leads who are POC was a huge plus because there just isn’t enough of that in books or movies. The glimpse into struggles other characters have with their own cultural heritage or how they identify themselves in and out of Arabic culture was very interesting and handled well and with an honesty and directness I appreciated.

All that said, Let’s talk about the people. I struggled a little bit with Jamie’s earlier behavior, particularly towards her mother. But Jamie is young, has trauma to work through and it appears work is needed on both sides of that particular relationship. Besides, who doesn’t have their bratty moments as a teenager? Now for my favorite people in the story. Axel is a total sweetheart who is the embodiment of the cliché “If he wanted to, he would.” Jamie’s uncle Eli is an absolute gem. We all need an Uncle Eli in our lives.

This is a story about how we can be grateful for and appreciative of even the most painful experiences because they lead us down a path to better things and a better understanding of ourselves. The best stories can evoke all kinds of emotions in their readers and this one absolutely hit the mark with that. I think while I was enjoying the story, I was feeling like it was a bit more “surface level” than I prefer but I kept reading and I can now say I am impressed. Khalilieh’s ability to nurture and develop characters and a story left me wanting to keep turning pages. This book evolved into a great story about picking yourself up, dusting yourself off, being true to yourself and simply put, making healthy choices for yourself and those around you. Overall, a very quick and fun comfort read. If you are looking for something that will give you that burst of dopamine and serotonin to make your brain happy, look no further. I will absolutely check out more books by this author in the future.

Thank you Tundra Book Group for providing this ARC for review via Netgalley. All opinions are my own.

A cute highschool romance with fake dating, shawarma, and “you bring out the best in me”. So many times I found myself relating to the characters, with their personalities and struggles which the author handled very well. And by the end you were rooting for everyone as they each faced their problems and worked towards healing. The topics of anxiety and generational trauma were written with care and attention.
I loved all the cultural references, they were awesome to see. From the Arab/Palestinian details to the Canadian phrases and locations that made appearances and made this book feel like home.
Also, in this house we stan Amo Eli.