2022
WISE Score
Amazon
A sharp, self-aware rom-com that flips the 'cold city girl' trope on its head—just keep it on the high shelf away from the middle schoolers.
4.4
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Emily Henry is the queen of the modern 'beach read' for a reason. This isn't some mindless fluff; it's a smart, emotionally resonant story about two people who actually like each other's brains.
That said, let's be real: it’s an adult novel. If your 13-year-old picks it up, they’re going to get an education in anatomy they might not be ready for. It’s a 10/10 for your own book club or a flight to Hawaii, but it's a 'check the top shelf' situation for the kids in the house.
This is strictly for adults and older, mature teens (17+). It’s marketed as contemporary romance, not Young Adult, and the 'steamy' factor is high. It's a great read for parents, but not for the kids' bedside table.
While the core focuses on a beautiful, complex sisterly bond and personal growth, the 'steamy' romance elements move it out of the traditional wholesome category for families.
Henry is brilliant at subverting tired rom-com tropes. It's meta-fiction that plays with the 'city girl vs. small town' narrative in a fresh, witty way.
This is an 'open door' romance. It contains explicit sexual content and mature language that is standard for adult contemporary fiction but inappropriate for children or younger teens.
High emotional intelligence. It tackles grief, the burden of family expectations, and the validity of choosing a career-driven life with nuance and empathy.
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