Perfect for fans of Becky Albertalli, this charming, chaotic romance follows two teens who agree to fake-date when stuck together one summer in a quirky, scenic lake town.
This is definitely not how Maya wanted to spend the summer—depressed at her once-beloved cabin in Spruce Lake, and unable to avoid seeing her lifelong best friend, Rashida, after confessing her woefully unrequited love to her last year. Maya can’t decide if she wants to escape, or convince Rashida they’re still meant to be.
Gabe is sent to Spruce Lake by her mom in hopes she stays out of trouble. Gabe is NOT excited to be here. She does NOT like nature. She does NOT want to spend her summer in a tiny town with outdoorsy environmentalist types.
Gabe is pretty sure she’ll be spending this entire summer bored and alone…until she meets Maya. Together, they hatch a fake-dating scheme to make Rashida jealous and convince Gabe’s mom that Gabe has turned a wholesome new leaf.
But as the plan plays out, and Gabe and Maya contend with protests, a relentlessly concerned community, and romantic twists, they start to realize that their assumptions about friendship and love might have led them completely astray. Can they find their way through this mess without hurting each other in the process?
Select Reviews
“Maya and Gabe’s complementary personalities, revealed via their alternating narration, make their unfurling love story a joy to experience as each balances the other’s vulnerability. The protest story line lends momentum and space for growth, adding gratifying layers and emotional depth to the central romance. The result is an uplifting yet grounded exploration of first love and environmental stewardship.”
–Publishers Weekly (starred review)
“This is an idyllic coming-of-age summer read that tackles real environmental issues. With Gabe, Maya learns to lean into the unknown, and Maya encourages Gabe to examine her relationship with both of her moms and the pain that she tries to hide. Both girls have notable growth, and their sweet love story doesn’t overshadow the
environmental stewardship message woven throughout. With charming characters and a beautiful setting, this will delight readers.”
–Booklist
“two interrelated subplots set this story apart from the many other teen fake-dating books out there. Boteju captures Gabe and her mother’s volatile relationship, and Gabe’s struggle between parental alienation and desire to please is truly heartrending. When Gabe’s volunteer work with a local environmental activist group comes head-to-head with her mother’s development project, the emotional reckoning is the highlight of the book.”
–School Library Journal
“The idyllic setting provides a lush backdrop for the girls’ developing connection. The residents of Spruce Lake are a close-knit, diverse community with strong Native representation. A tender, yearning Sapphic romance with an activist bent.”
–Kirkus