Book Review: She Gets the Girl by Rachael Lippincott & Alyson Derrick
She Gets the Girl by Rachael Lippincott & Alyson Derrick
Published: April 5th 2022 by Simon and Schuster Books for Young Readers
Rating: ★★★★★ (5)
Genre: Young Adult // Romance, Contemporary, LGBT
Quick Thoughts: A heart-warming and sweet romance laced with self discovery and all the slow-burn magic that makes a perfect rom-com.
About The Book: She’s All That meets What If It’s Us in this swoon-worthy hate-to-love YA romantic comedy from #1 New York Times bestselling coauthor of Five Feet Apart Rachael Lippincott and debut writer Alyson Derrick.
Alex Blackwood is a little bit headstrong, with a dash of chaos and a whole lot of flirt. She knows how to get the girl. Keeping her on the other hand…not so much. Molly Parker has everything in her life totally in control, except for her complete awkwardness with just about anyone besides her mom. She knows she’s in love with the impossibly cool Cora Myers. She just…hasn’t actually talked to her yet.
Alex and Molly don’t belong on the same planet, let alone the same college campus. But when Alex, fresh off a bad (but hopefully not permanent) breakup, discovers Molly’s hidden crush as their paths cross the night before classes start, they realize they might have a common interest after all. Because maybe if Alex volunteers to help Molly learn how to get her dream girl to fall for her, she can prove to her ex that she’s not a selfish flirt. That she’s ready for an actual commitment. And while Alex is the last person Molly would ever think she could trust, she can’t deny Alex knows what she’s doing with girls, unlike her.
As the two embark on their five-step plans to get their girls to fall for them, though, they both begin to wonder if maybe they’re the ones falling…for each other.
First Thoughts
Let me tell you, when I was offered the chance to read this early, I FLIPPED. I’m a huge fan of Rachael’s writing (see my review for All This Time and as featured in Together, Apart) So this was an instant yes for me! I was so thrilled to find out that Rachael is writing with her actual wife!! (Hint, hint: their writing together was *chef’s kiss* brilliant.)
My Review
Told in two POV’s—Alex and Molly—She Gets The Girl sets us up for a whirlwind love mission. Alex is notorious for being a tad turbulent and flirtatious, but totally well-meaning. She’s fresh off a (hopefully) semi-permanent break-up, desperately thinking of ways to prove to Natalie, the girl she likes, that she actually wants her, and will be a good girlfriend. Molly, on the other hand, isn’t exactly as experienced or good at getting the girl. She’s someone that knows exactly what she wants and goes for it, but the only thing she can’t get a grasp on is making the move with Cora, the girl she likes.
So when Alex and Molly meet by chance the night before classes start at their new college campus, with Alex finding out about Molly’s crush on Cora, Alex sets out for mission love. If she can help Molly out of the goodness of her own heart, maybe she can prove to Natalie that she’s not all guns-blazing and brazenly flirty as she thinks she is. But as Alex and Molly begin a budding friendship and connection through teaching each other, going through learning curves and plans together, the outcome is quite different to the one they hoped for. Maybe—just maybe—they might be perfect for one another, and already falling.
Overall, She Gets The Girl swept me into a lovesick current that delivered wave after wave of perfect banter, growth and lessons. I adored the individual POV’s (especially Alex’s) and thought their voices were clear-cut and showed character development and a pure, effortlessly-written connection. All I can say is that this was such a heart-warming and sweet romance laced with self discovery and all the slow-burn magic that makes a perfect rom-com. Five stars entirely. A must-read this Spring!
About The Authors
Rachael Lippincott is the #1 New York Times bestselling coauthor of Five Feet Apart. She holds a BA in English writing from the University of Pittsburgh. Originally from Bucks County, Pennsylvania, she currently resides in Pittsburgh with her wife and their dog, Hank. Alyson Derrick was born and raised in Greenville, Pennsylvania, a town where burn barrels take the place of recycling bins. After making her great escape to Pittsburgh, where she earned her bachelor’s in English writing, Alyson started her own food truck, but soon realized she much prefers telling stories over slinging cheesesteaks. Alyson currently resides in Pennsylvania with her wife and their dog, Hank.
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happy reading!
This review made me want to read this book ASAP! I’ve been searching for good LGBTQ YA books, and I love that you have a whole section for them, with authentic reviews. I definitely will keep coming back to this page!
That means so, so much to me! Thank you so much for your comment 💓 I highly recommend I Kissed Shara Wheeler for your next read!