“They’re putting the pieces together in one swift, dizzying moment: the Dirty Dancing theme, the routine we’re starting up, and me, dancing like a fool in a regulation Grandma Earl cheerleading uniform.” Can you just imagine being in that moment, you aren’t even in a real relationship with the girl and yet she’s out there performing for you.

The main theme of this book starts in a rural high school, mid-September into mid-January, in a small town called Grandma Earl. The novel starts sometime in the evening with humid cold weather since it is September. As the novel goes on the theme changes to the main character's house which has Halloween decorations upfront since Halloween is just a month away. The role that this theme plays is it shows how the characters start in the novel. This particular theme helps us get to know more about the characters and how their story starts.

Along with the theme, the main characters who live in Grandma Earl start as bitter rivals since the antagonist of the story, Irene Abraham, is the main protagonist, Scottie Zajac, bully. Irene Abraham is the captain of the cheerleading team mainly the popular girl that everyone knows, but she has a secret that nobody knows about until you get further into the book. However, Scottie Zajac is the complete opposite of Irene even though Scottie is on the basketball team she only hangs out with four people and the rest of the school doesn’t talk to her. Scottie’s best friend, Danielle Zander, is also on the basketball team and helps out Scottie with all her emotions and always makes sure she’s okay.

However, the main characters also have a main conflict which impacts the beginning of the book and some parts of the book depending on the chapter. Scottie Zajac is trying to get over her ex, Tally Gibson, which isn’t going well. She can’t seem to find a way to clear her mind off of her because everywhere she goes all she can think about is the times she had with Tally and the places they went. To find a way to cope with these feelings she tries to make Tally jealous by fake dating her arch-nemesis, Irene Abraham, which starts rocky but unfolds into smooth sailing.

I recommend this novel because the book has great character development which also has problems that happen in the real world that not many people focus on today. But this novel might not be everyone’s cup of tea since it has swearing, and an enemies-to-lovers type romance genre, which might affect how you would read the book. So, if you enjoy reading books that have drama, heartbreak, enemies-to-lovers romance, and a cheesy ending, then I think you should consider reading this book.

this wasn't a big deal, but the emphasis (there really wasn't much of one, but enough to make me uncomfortable) on catholicism bothered me. i would have preferred that to be edited entirely out, but maybe it's good for queer people to see that they can have religion? meh.

otherwise this was nice. i especially liked the healthy relationship with parents and siblings (maybe too healthy? is that a thing?) and the very healthy understanding of truly getting over someone and healing from a relationship before getting into a new relationship with someone else, but also the confusing and conflicting feelings of being into someone new while still grieving the old relationship. i think that's really great to model for teens and to acknowledge.

i'd read her again but if i found more catholic talk it'd likely be the last one of hers i read. ( )

Irene is perfect and I want to date her. That's all I have to say about this book. ( )

(3.75 rounded up)

Overall, it’s an enjoyable easygoing read. I wasn’t totally enthralled by the romance, but it was nice enough. The story by itself was fun even if I wasn’t fully invested in the main romance. ( )

This Sapphic rom com retelling of the movie Can’t Buy Me Love, is so much fun. Scottie is on the basketball team but is not doing well. She cannot get over her ex Tally. It has become a complete mental block that is taking away from every aspect of her life. After the demo game against her school rival, where Tally is now going, she runs her car in to the car of the Head Cheerleader Irene. The same head cheerleader who had Scottie’s car towed last year at a party for no reason. This starts off an enemies to lovers’ adventure that keeps readers smiling throughout. Scottie offers Irene the money she needs to repair the car if she pretends to be her girlfriend for 4 months. Scottie has two main reasons for this offer, one to make Tally jealous, and two to make her basketball team play better. After all, don’t all teams play better when they have a cheering section?

While this book is quite typical for the genera, its written well and keeps the readers wanting to turn the page. This is a read in one sitting book. It’s short and quick, but does not lack in emotion or problem management. Scottie has a dream family. They are so loyal and supportive in all things. Irene’s parents are also supportive, but this book does a great job of showing how Irene does’t always feel that support. I think it also handles Scottie’s mental anguish over her breakup really well. Her family talks things over, her friends let her take the time and do the things she needs to do to find herself again. This is not an “issue” book, it is instead a book filled with events that feel true life. They fell real, and youth could see themselves and their friends as different characters living these lives.

One of the great things about this book is that the pop culture references are already dated so it keeps the book fresh. For example, Irene, actually says : is this a Can’t Buy Me Love thing (classic Patrick Dempsey movie from the 80’s). One of the main characters actually references the movie this book retells. The title come from the Fine Young Cannibals song of the same name, and Irene is called Regina George (from Mean Girls) more than once. It is all tongue in cheek, but it all works together seamlessly. Nothing feels pushed or too cheesy.

Overall this book was a joy to read. If you are looking for more Sapphic rom-coms try: You Should See me in a Crown by Leah Johnson, or Late to the Party by Kelly Quindlen. If you want more Can’t Buy me Love retellings (fake relationships) in all sexualities try: Hot Dog Girl by Jennifer Dugan or Rent a Boyfriend by Gloria Chao. ( )