While the setup of academic rivalry and second chances had potential, the story felt a bit predictable and struggled to fully engage. Allison and Colin’s dynamic sometimes came off as more contrived than natural, and the tension between them didn’t quite spark as much as I hoped. The plot leaned heavily on familiar romance tropes, making the outcome fairly easy to guess early on. Additionally, the family emergency and road trip felt like rushed devices to force the characters together rather than authentic developments. While the book’s themes of self-acceptance and growth are important, the execution left me wanting a bit more depth and originality in the storytelling. Fans of classic, light romances might still find some enjoyment here, but those looking for something more nuanced may be left underwhelmed.

Wow, I did not like this book at all. Our heroine Allison is supposed to be so smart and focused on grad school, but ends up lying to everyone in her life about everything. She was just a mess and while I love a complicated and interesting character, she was neither of those things. She was just immature. Also I think the way her excessive drinking was portrayed was pretty dangerous. Girlie definitely has a drinking problem because she literally chugged 4 beers in the manner of minutes at the slightest inconvenience in her day. And no one seems to notice how much she’s drinking in every social situation. As someone who has dealt with alcoholism (both in my family and with myself), it’s actually really bad to see how her drinking was enabled and brushed off by her friends.

The only pro of this book is that Allison is plus sized and doesn’t hate herself. I appreciated that. Just wish literally everything else was better.

Thank you St. Martin's Griffin for the review copy.

Really smart and well written second chance romance. Broken characters, great friend group and really smart dialog. I was rooting for Allison and Colin for the entire book!

2.5 ⭐️

I really wanted to love this. I usually love second chance romances, but this just didn’t work for me.

What I liked: I enjoyed the author’s voice, along with the academic setting, the plus size rep, the complex characters and family dynamics, and, of course, the inclusion of a corgi character (Monty, you’re perfect, don’t change a thing).

What I didn’t like: I didn’t buy into Allison and Colin love story and didn’t actually want them to be together by the end—or feel like they *should* be together. Allison grew out of her immature tendencies by the end, but Colin remained frustrating until the end. The pacing was also off, with so much packed into the last 20-25% that every plot thread ended up wrapping up too quickly to feel any real satisfaction.

Haven’t a had a chance to finish this and write a thorough review but I will come back to update it when I’ve finished. So far a solid 3 star rating and will make sure to come back to add more details

This rom-com is full of witty banter, academic rivals, and a whole lot of heart.

The chemistry between the main characters is off the charts. The fake dating trope is done so well, and I was completely invested in seeing how their relationship developed. Prepare for some serious laugh-out-loud moments and all the feels!

Okay, I had this arc a really long time ago as an ARC and I finally got to it.

I thought it was really comforting and I actually had a good time reading this. It felt comfortable and cute.

The Make-Up Test is a fun and emotionally resonant read that mixes second-chance romance with academic drama. As a reader, I really connected with Allison—her struggles with self-worth and body image felt honest and refreshing, and I appreciated how the book tackled those themes head-on. While I wasn’t always sold on Colin as a love interest (his past actions were hard to overlook), their dynamic had depth and some genuinely sweet moments. If you enjoy slow-burn, character-driven romance with a strong female lead, this one’s worth picking up.

I liked the academic rivals to lovers in a college setting and the second chance elements added an enjoyable tension to the story.

The Makeup Test by Jenny L. Howe is a second-chance romance set in the competitive world of academia. The story follows Allison Avery, a curvy PhD candidate who’s determined to succeed in her program—until her ex-boyfriend, Colin, shows up as her biggest academic rival. The setup promises a mix of tension and romance as Allison navigates the pressures of academia while sorting through her complicated feelings for Colin. The premise is intriguing, and the academic setting adds a fresh backdrop to the typical second-chance trope.

While the story had its moments, the execution felt a bit uneven. Allison and Colin’s dynamic had some genuine chemistry, but their backstory and conflict resolution sometimes felt rushed or underdeveloped. The academic rivalry added an interesting layer, but the tension between them often fizzled out too quickly, making the emotional payoff less satisfying. Some of the side characters and plot points also felt underexplored, leaving the story feeling somewhat flat at times.

Overall, The Makeup Test was a decent read, but it didn’t fully deliver on its potential. Allison’s journey toward self-acceptance was a highlight, but the romance itself lacked the depth and emotional stakes to make it truly memorable. It’s an enjoyable enough read for fans of academic rivals-to-lovers stories, but not one that stands out in the genre. A solid three-star read.

The Make-Up Test by Jenny L. Howe is a contemporary NA romance that blends second chance and enemies-to-lovers tropes. Allison, working toward her PhD, is thrilled when she wins the prestigious teacher assistant position she’s worked so hard for. However, she’s blindsided when Colin, her ex-boyfriend, also secures the same spot, forcing them to compete against each other to achieve their career goals. The back-and-forth, angst-filled tension due to their lack of communication keeps things interesting, but I don't feel like they ever really connected. Overall, an okay read.

Really enjoyed the writing in this book! I thought Jenny Howe did a great job writing about heavy topics such as emotional abuse. I really enjoyed most of this story and then the second half, it kind of fell off for me. I really loved how the author incorporated medieval literature and that was what made Colin and Allison grow closer. Very unique! Overall I liked this book and I would recommend reading for the writing! Very well done

This book fell flat for me. I couldn’t engage with it very well. The beginning was slow and couldn’t keep my attention. I wasn’t a big fan of the characters either

I value the opportunity I was given to read this in advance, but it has been three years and I still haven't read this. With so many books ahead of me, I cannot return to this title.

Thank you to the publisher for the review copy! I just couldn't get in the mood for this one, but I do love this author!

This was a cute romance with great representation but overall the story fell a little flat for me. The miscommunication on Allison's part was a bit over the top and I didn't love how that extended to her friends and family as well as to her romantic relationships. Parts of the plot seemed a bit too far fetched as well and I wished there had been more development of the relationships between all of the characters.

*The Make-Up Test* by Jenny L. Howe is a lighthearted, charming romance with a unique twist. The story follows a protagonist who, after a breakup, decides to put her ex through a "make-up test" to see if he truly knows her—an idea that’s quirky and entertaining. The concept itself was fun, and I enjoyed the humor and light tension that came from the test.

The writing is accessible and easy to follow, and Howe does a good job of developing the characters. The lead is likable, and her growth throughout the novel is satisfying. The romance, however, felt a bit predictable, and I didn’t find the emotional stakes as high as I had hoped. While the concept had promise, I felt like the resolution came a little too easily.

Overall, *The Make-Up Test* is a cute, enjoyable read, but it didn’t offer the depth or excitement I expected. It’s perfect for those looking for a breezy, fun romance with a dash of humor, but it lacks the emotional punch to make it stand out.

"The Make-Up Test" by Jenny L. Howe offers an engaging, albeit familiar, romp through the trials of academic rivalry and rekindled romance. For a reader who's been slogging through their own endless to-do lists, Allison and Colin's spirited battlefield at Claymore University provides a welcome distraction. Their competitive dynamic, set against the backdrop of medieval literature, delivers a hefty dose of banter and tension. While the plot of exes reuniting through an unavoidable shared experience isn’t exactly groundbreaking, Howe’s debut charms with its witty dialogue and relatable struggles of balancing ambition with personal growth. There are moments where the academic setting feels all too real, making it a fun yet exhausting look at the world of Ph.D. stress and potential second chances. It's a cozy choice for when you're exhausted but in need of a lighthearted romantic escape.

So so cute!!!!! The characters were well fleshed out and the writing style was very easy to get through. Jenny L. Howe always writes the sweetest romances ever, I’m so happy I was able to read this

thank you netgalley and st martin's for the earc of this book!

This second chance romance with academic rivals really piqued my interest but unfortunately didn't quite hit.

The "world-building" dragged on a bit too much and the book only picks up almost halfway through the book. The character relationships fell a bit flat for me and the conflicts were a bit weak and annoying in my opinion.

It's a solid fun book but just not for me! I can see people falling in love with the characters and plot tho!