The perfectly silly enemies to lovers sapphic camp romance you never knew you needed, an absolute treat to read!
Easily one of my favorite books that I've read lately, this was an absolute delight and a romp to read. I could hardly go a few pages without smiling or laughing.
We all know what's going to happen in this book, right off the bat, but Baldwin still manages to keep it fresh and unexpected with how much heart and thought goes into the characters and the story itself. Juliette and Priya are well rounded and painfully human in their interactions with each other. As the book goes on, the longing glances and yearning looks were sprinkled so well amidst the occasional arguments or tension. Long before Juliette realizes it, you the reader will be be like, YOU WANT TO KISS HER FACE GIRL! Please just take a load at this writing, because it just captures that baby gay vibe so well.
"Every atom of my being goes motionless. Her hair brushes my cheek. Her shoulder presses into mine, but she keeps leaning, reaching for something behind me."
I loved the growth the characters go through over the book, and how the "friendship" that Priya and Juliette develop changes each of them for the better.
If you were ever sent off to summer camp as a child, (as I was, for many a year) you know that Baldwin didn't just nail the silliness and comadire of camp. She absolutely captured the essence and feeling of it. The interactions, the not wanting to leave, even the camp nicknames. It made me feel like I was back at camp. One of my favorite parts of reading this was the different counselors, such as Flagstaff, and how they all interacted with the campers. I never felt overburdened by the number of characters, they were all balanced well with the story and I never felt lost.
Not many authors can balance the right amount of world building with how much of it to share. It was clear that there was a lot that could have been delved with in regards to Juliette's family, and how it has shaped her current insecurities and competitive (slightly intense) nature.

The amount we were shown made it easy to paint the picture of her family being, well not the best. Not abusive per say, but clearly prioritizing winning and being the best. Quite frankly I would argue that they were abusive, any parents who pit their kids against each other and only gives attention and time to those who are going to be a prodigy, are textbook assholes. (Can we get some therapy in aisle three, please?) I do like that it was primarily unresolved, because it was so realistic. The story isn't about. Juliette confronting her family, it's about her growing up just a bit and realizing how wrong her perceptions of Priya were. And of course, their fantastic romance.

I am going to need someone to send the author a fruit basket or something, because we were BLESSED with an epilogue and I was so grateful. It didn't feel unnecessary either, but just made the ending all the sweeter and wrapped up any lingering questions I had. (Dare I say, a perfect ending to a perfect story?)

There were a few times Juliette gave me, well not mean girl vibes per say, but she was so insecure and the way it manifested was being judgemental of others, it was a bit of a bully vibes at times. As in, I could see her being difficult to someone or not so nice or welcoming just because she was jealous. It was obvious where it was all coming from, (read earlier spoiler) but it didn't make it any less true.

Easily one of the best and most enjoyable books I've had the pleasure of reading lately, I ABSOLUTELY RECOMMEND THIS! READ THIS! The perfect sapphic book for summer. I will eagerly await Baldwin's next book, with the same anticipation of a child counting down the days till they get to go back to summer camp.
I also adore the cover, it is always a treat when a book with excellent writing is given the cover it deserves and that matches its vibe. Excellent colors, composition, and one that will stand out on any shelf.

Thank you Penguin for this Arc, any quotes are subject to change before publishing