Title: As If on Cute
Author: Marisa Kanter
Publication date: September 21, 2021
Publisher: Simon Schuster Books for Young Readers
Genres: Young Adult, Contemporary, Romance
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Synopsis:
A pair of fierce foes are forced to work together to save the arts at their school in this swoony YA enemies-to-lovers romance that fans of Jenny Han and Morgan Matson are sure to adore.
Lifelong rivals Natalie and Reid have never been on the same team. So when their school’s art budget faces cutbacks, of course Natalie finds herself up against her nemesis once more. She’s fighting to direct the school’s first ever student-written play, but for her small production to get funding, the school’s award-winning band will have to lose it. Reid’s band. And he’s got no intention of letting the show go on.
But when their rivalry turns into an all-out prank war that goes too far, Natalie and Reid have to face the music, resulting in the worst compromise: writing and directing a musical. Together. At least if they deliver a sold-out show, the school board will reconsider next year’s band and theater budget. Everyone could win.
Except Natalie and Reid.
Because after spending their entire lives in competition, they have absolutely no idea how to be co-anything. And they certainly don’t know how to deal with the feelings that are inexplicably, weirdly, definitely developing between them…
♦ ♦ ♦ ♦ ♦ Review and Favorite Quotes ♦ ♦ ♦ ♦ ♦
Once again, I have to rave about Marisa Kanter’s unforgettable writing and characters. Kanter’s As If on Cue is angsty, emotional, and the perfect contemporary romance to curl up with. As a personal fan of the enemies-to-lovers trope, this slow-burn romance did not shy away with prank wars, banter, and complicated emotions.
As the main character, Natalie is not only dealing with high school shenanigans, but her junior year encompasses her journey to understanding complex family dynamics and friendships, and her passion for writing and theater. The angst and several aspects of miscommunication go awry throughout many of Natalie’s social circles–friends, parents, and teachers–which results in her joining forces with her childhood nemesis Reid to create a show-stopping musical.
Kanter’s characters portray so much heart and vulnerability throughout the novel. I could not get enough of this coming-of-age story filled with banter, angst, swoons, and a heartwarming ending. Intertwined with Jewish representation, musical references, teenage angst, and familial issues, I highly recommend that you “treat yo shelf” to a copy of As If on Cue.
♦ ♦ ♦ ♦ ♦ about the author ♦ ♦ ♦ ♦ ♦
Marisa Kanter is a young adult author, amateur baker, and reality television enthusiast. She is the author of What I Like About You and As If On Cue. Born and raised in the suburbs of Boston, her obsession with books led her to New York City, where she worked in the publishing industry to help books find their perfect readers. She currently lives in Los Angeles, writing love stories by day and searching for the perfect slice of pizza by night. Follow her at marisakanter.com
Blogger Note: A huge thank to Simon Teen for inviting me on this blog tour and providing me a free copy of As If on Cue to read and review. All fangirling, statements, and opinions in this review are my own. Please note that my favorite quotes shown in the quote graphics are from an ARC of As If on Cue and are subject to change upon publication.
rants and raves of a bibliophile 