I struggled this one initially trying to get into the story here. There's also a somewhat weak premise that I've seen pointed out in other reviews too that requires you to buy into the idea that the position was unfairly awarded, and that just might not have been proven well enough for the rest of the book to hang together.

Not Here to Be Liked by Michelle Quach was an incredible young adult contemporary read that explored friendships, stereotypes, feminism as well as including a rivals to lovers romance element to the story

The authors writing was beautifully done as well as the character development of her three characters. There was so many layers and depth to these characters. I loved how real they felt as every character were flawed in their own way.

I also loved how the authors intertwined important topics into the story like misogyny and racism and the impact these both can have on an individuals growth and perception of self.

This book had it all!!!

Things I liked…
-rivals to lovers, always a favorite in YA!
-feminism explored in a way that felt genuine to the story and wasn’t just telling but showing
-rom com vibes and loveddd the friendship and side characters in this one!

Excellent YA debut ❤️


Thank you for providing me with the ARC and my apologies for the very very delayed review!

“Your parents want what's good for you, but they don't always know what's best for you.”

“Because feminism, contrary to popular belief, isn’t about hating on guys like me. It’s all about all of us working toward equality, together.”

I think that this is one of those stories where just like the title hints... the main character is not here to be liked. They are here to raise uncomfortable questions and make you ponder and question the answer. SO while this was by no means my favorite story in terms of characters, I do think that there are a lot of important messages that should be read by especially younger generations who are currently stuck in the hard period of adolescence where you cant even see your own personality past what you have molded yourself into in order to be liked.

Thank you to Netgalley and the publisher for giving me a free advanced copy of this book to read and review.

Eliza is a shoo-in to be the next editor-in-chief of her school paper when on a whim ex-jock Len DiMartile decides to run and beat her. Her qualifications mean nothing compared to inexperienced but tall, handsome, and MALE Len. Suddenly, Eliza is leading a feminist movement at her school that she never intended to start.

A cute light-hearted romance that had a diverse cast of characters and did a good job covering some basics of feminism. I would recommend this to teens who would enjoy the rivals(enemies) to lovers trope, feminism, and POC characters.

Content warnings for bullying, sexism, invasion of privacy, and slut shaming.

I love a good rivals-to-lovers trope, so this book was right up my alley! I was really looking forward to this book, I thought it would be a fun read, and it was! I know some people thought that the MC was a little rude and made questionable choices, which I definitely agree with, but I think that's part of her charm. It's realistic. Teens are messy, and they make mistakes. They are imperfect. So, having Eliza act this way was realistic. For a teen audience, I think they would really connect to that authentic teen experience where they are going to handle situations poorly, but with time, they will learn.
3.5/5

This book was not for me. I was so board with the storyline, it was terrible. I finished just because I’m not big on DNF a book. I couldn’t relate to the characters and for me they were flat.

My Rating: 3/5 Stars

My Review:

I received a digital ARC of this book from HCC Frenzy in exchange for an honest review- thanks!

I honestly debated my rating of this book for a while after finishing it before deciding on a medial three star rating because it kind of sums up how I felt about this book. I have been so excited to read this book since I first saw its cover and its synopsis. The premise spoke to me and made me extremely intrigued and got my expectations up considerably high. It has one of my favourite tropes of (academic) rivals to lovers and I love the idea of it being primarily focused around the school newspaper (its one of those American high school stereotypes I secretly adore), but unfortunately it fell short for me.

I do have to start off by commending the way Quach wrote Eliza’s character development. One of the parts of this book that I really enjoyed was the growth of her understanding of what it means to be a feminist. Her idea of feminism in the beginning is flawed, and even by the end it is not a perfect understanding, but she learns and is willing to learn more, which is a really great example for the younger readers who will one day pick this book up. Eliza is a teenager, so of course her conception of things is very single minded at times, but it isn’t something that can be nailed as a character flaw. She isn’t the feminist protagonist that comes in and acts like she knows everything, and I could really appreciate that in a book that really is about introducing oneself to the ideas of feminism.

One thing I will say is that this book could have been a really interesting introduction to ideas of intersectionality and inclusive feminisms considering the intersecting identities of the main casts of characters. It was briefly mentioned with Winona’s hesitation to participate in their walkout. As a young, Black female, there are different societal consequences for her if she was seen to be ‘stepping out of line’ and I think in that was a missed opportunity for Eliza and Serena to do some listening and learning about Winona’s experience instead of pushing ahead without any other thought.

Eliza’s relationship with Winona would have to be another one of the things throughout that irked me throughout this book. I just hate the trope of the MC mistreating/forgetting about the best friend for the furthering of the plot like ahhh! Can we just stop that trope??? I would seriously appreciate it because it always makes me think down on the main character and sympathize more with the best friend. I loved Winona and I would definitely love to read a book about her.

Eliza’s unlikeable-ness is something that is brought up repeatedly through the novel and while it was made very clear that she isn’t the friendliest or most receptive person ever, I don’t really see how she was so unlikable, other than by her own actions at times. Most of the people who talked to her through the book, especially others on the newspaper, seem to have a respect for her. She isolates herself from these opportunities for friendship and I wish that we would have gotten to see her relationships within the newspaper develop aside from her relationship with Len.

All in all, this wasn’t a bad book. I just didn’t love it as much as I had hoped, and that does, sadly, happen from time to time. I think it had the potential to be something really great had it focused less on strange Macbeth side projects and more on the feminism at the heart of the book.

Not Here to be Liked released September 14th

I loved the high school journalist setting of this, and Eliza's growth throughout the story. This book was exactly what I wanted it to be.

I purchased this book for my high school library. My students have enjoyed it. and it has circulated well.

I think the title is perfect, because it fit the female protagonist perfectly. The plot of a viral essay going out and then stirring up some school initiatives was wonderful. I think readers will be encouraged to go out and stand up for their truths after reading this book.

NOT HERE TO BE LIKED is a delightful young adult contemporary romance about Eliza, a no nonsense high school senior who works on the school newspaper. However, when the editor position goes to a popular former jock instead of her, she pens an essay about this decision that she only ever meant for herself. But, the entire school ends up reading it and becomes aware of Eliza's opinions about being overlooked in favor of someone who never put in the work. Eliza unintentionally starts a feminist movement in the school, but things become more complicated when she's forced to work together with the boy who's now the the newspaper editor.

It's easy to grow to love Eliza as she also grows, and it's even easier to root for her by the end of the story. Eliza (and other characters) learn and challenge each other throughout the story as they navigate relationships, family expectations, pressure, and feminism through an Asian American lens. And the budding enemies-to-lovers romance was a natural progression of these themes and Eliza's journey.

Young adult readers will enjoy this, particularly high school students who are dealing with the pressure to "check" all the right boxes in order to feel like they're prepared for college. It is a fast-pace, delightful contemporary story.
Recommended Ages: 14+
Rating: 4/5 stars

4.5⭐️

“And that, friends, is how lady justice find herself straddling the patriarchy atop a well-made bed”

Eliza quang is all but set to be elected as her school newspaper’s chief editor. However, when ex-jock, Len DiMartile comes into the picture, her plans are tossed away. After a posting disaster, Len and Eliza are set at odds. Eliza takes the opportunity to speak out on her school’s misogyny and sexism. But will her words be enough when she begins to fall for the boy who started it all?

Oh my god. I loved this. Michelle Quach, you are marvellous.

With a dash of enemies to lovers, a sprinkle of forced team work, what is there not to love?

The writing, was fast paced. The plot was enrapturing, and I was all giddy inside and swooning for Len !!! With POC rep, and the relatable feelings brought along with foreign prends, I couldn’t put this book down! And of course, Miss Eliza’s girl boss moments had me SQUEALING.

Stay tuned for this book coming out on September 14th!!

Absolutely loved this book. Perfect for fans of Moxie - but with a predominantly BIPOC group of characters.
The protagonist felt very relatable, and it was a great exploration into the nuances of activism and feminism - how it isn’t necessarily simply black & white.

[Received an ARC]

Rating 5/5
Plot 5/5
Spice 1/5
Character Development 5/5

“Not Here to Be Liked” by Michelle Quach is a YA Rom-Com/ Contemporary romance. Eliza Quan applies for the editor-in-chief position offered at her school paper and she is the perfect candidate, however, when ex-jock Len DiMartile decides to run against her, her qualifications mean nothing since Len is popular, handsome, and a leader to the male student body. Eliza expresses her frustration through an essay that goes viral. This leads Eliza to inspire a feminist movement that’s divided between some people believing she is advocating for gender equality while others believing she’s crying misogyny. During this time, the school asks Eliza and Len to work together and demonstrate civility between the two. Eliza realizes that she is slowly falling for the “face of the patriarchy himself”.

The book covers many important themes including feminism, internalized misogyny, sexism, and the patriarchal society. The storyline and development between the characters were amazing and I loved seeing their progress. I also loved the representation in this book and the writing style flowed well! This was my first time reading Michelle's work and I cannot wait to read more of her books.

I tried finishing this book and could not get into it. I did not write a Goodreads review because I try not to put out negative reviews for books that are still trying to gain traction.

I had the privilege of receiving an ARC for this book and it was such a joy to read. I cannot thank HCC Frenzy enough for this opportunity and for honouring me with such a great title.
Not Here To Be Liked by Michelle Quach is the story of hardworking, determined Eliza Quan and her journey after losing the editor in chief position at the school newspaper. Eliza writes an essay calling out the school’s issues with sexism and the essay is released without her consent. This books tackles many issues, about first time crushes, sexism, what it means to be a feminist and questioning your feminism. I loved how complex the characters are and the idea of not being a perfect feminist and learning and growing with what that means. Eliza, even if she isn’t here to be liked, was actually quite likeable and you want to read on to follow her journey. I also appreciated her love for a cozy cardigan! I adored this read and will definitely keep an eye our for anything else this author releases!

Cover Story: Cartoon Cutesy

Y’alllllllll. I’m just gonna come out and say it: I’m over the cartoon covers. ALL BOOKS LOOK THE SAME. I’ve completely run out of cartoon cover commentary. This one is fine – I’m not sure why everyone is lying on the floor, but the daisies are cute!

The Deal:

Eliza Quan has spent the last few years busting ass for her school paper. She’s the managing editor, she’s good at what she does, and she works hard to be the best. Now it’s time to vote for next year’s editor-in-chief and she feels pretty confident she’s got this one in the bag. Being the first female editor in her school’s history is just icing on the cake.

But on voting day, former baseball star Len DiMartile decides to throw his hat in the ring for editor at the last minute. He’s got a pretty lax attitude about most things school related, including the paper, but he gives a charming speech and WHADDAYA know, the staff chooses Len as editor over Eliza.

In her fury, Eliza writes a feminist manifesto that was never meant for the public eye, so naturally, someone publishes it to the newspaper’s home page. There’s backlash at first, but soon the girls at school are organizing a feminist movement with Eliza at the helm.

The only problem? Eliza may be catching feelings for the guy standing in her way.

BFF Charm: Eventually

Eliza is smart, a hard-worker, and passionate about what she does. She’s also a little prickly and can be, well, bitchy. But that’s okay, because as women, we don’t HAVE to be nice all the time. This book actually had me examining my own biases every time I found Eliza slightly unlikeable. Was she a bitch or was she just not bubbly or overly friendly? Was she bossy or simply direct? Was she arrogant or simply ambitious? Either way, she freaking DESERVED to be editor of that school paper and I was furious on her behalf that some jock decided to spice up a race that she should’ve had in the bag. And when he won? FURIOUS.

And yes, if you sense bitterness in my tone, I DID, in fact, lose a student council election to a jock in high school by seven votes.

Swoonworthy Scale: 5

Len DiMartile is, in a lot of ways, just like the type of guy I would’ve had a crush on in high school. He’s chill, a little mysterious, has an interesting point of view, is a talented writer. But even when he and Eliza started to grow closer, I could never get past my resentment. Just the fact that he thought “what the hell, I’ll put my name in to be editor” when Eliza had been working for that job for years made me dislike him. Maybe that bias against him was blinding me to some swoony moments, but when the romance started to amp up a bit, I felt almost taken aback. Like I knew it was gonna happen (it’s in the blurb!), but it seemed like it happened too fast. I needed Len to work a little harder for it.

Talky Talk: Straight Up

There are a lot of themes at play in the book, and for the most part Quach doesn’t really dig deep into any of them. The messaging about feminism was pretty basic, and only really skimmed the surface of intersectionality. Part of me wants to say, “Well sure but she’s writing for teenagers who may just be learning about these things.” And part of me thinks that the generations younger than I am could probably school me on these things. However, I did love the representation of Chinese-Vietnamese immigrants and the family dynamics in the Quan household.

Bonus Factor: School Newspaper

Girl reading a newpaper on steps with backpack and laptop
My high school’s newspaper was a joke, so I’m always interested in YA books that have student journalists who actually know things and do stuff.

Bonus Factor: Feminism

This book may not deep dive into the nuances of feminism but it did have me (and Eliza) questioning some inherent biases, which is always a good thing.

Relationship Status: Fun While It Lasted

I enjoyed my time with you, Book, but ultimately there wasn’t anything hugely unique about you. It felt like you were teaching me lessons I already knew. I hope you’ll find someone new who will appreciate what you’re all about.

A fantastic romance from which to teach students about unlikeable and unreliable main characters. Beautifully written!