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4 stars

“From the very start, you had all the power. From the very start, I was in the palm of your hand.��

I loved everything about this book and everything about those characters except their sexual chemistry, which is kinda ironic since the main plot is about their sexual chemistry and I just thought it was…awkward?

I like how Ali’s books always feel so nerdy that even when she writes a sports romance, it’s still also about science. Those two characters were so fun. All their talks and interactions (their non sexual interaction) got me giggling and blushing so hard. I was simply having a good time reading this. Definitely one of my favorite books by her.

“You’re not good at hiding anything, Scarlett. I could tell when you didn’t know I existed, and I could tell when you became aware of me.��

It always annoys me when a character is putting the other character first and just selfishly wants to be with them while the other just can’t do the same because of some other reason (like hurting her friend’s feelings in this case) it was just so frustrating. It felt like while he was thinking about her, she was thinking about Pen.

“If you decide to go for it, I think it should be me.��

Scarlett was so quirky and relatable. Her perfectionism, fears, and her sweet personality. I wanted to hug her and pat her head. Also the way she was prone to exaggeration and how he’d always call her out on it was so adorable.

Lukas was just the best. I loved how patient and direct he was. That man has no filter and I love him for that. He was down bad. The definition of a boy obsessed and I also loved him for that. And that scene when he was talking about the past and said “I chose you��!!! Those two were just so cute and fun together.

The way this was so sad and relatable⬇️

“I’m afraid of the unpredictability of existing. I’m afraid of not being able to control the direction of my life. I’m afraid that no matter how much I plan, I won’t be able to avoid hurtful and sad things. But above all . . .�� I take a deep breath and laugh softly, because what I’m about to say is ridiculous, even if it’s true. Even if it’s me. “Mostly, I’m afraid of attempting something and not being perfect at it.��

And this;

“Like any other community, I cradle an assortment of doubts on whether I have what it takes to truly belong. Labels have to be earned, and my pockets always seem too empty to pay up.��