I am new to reading Talia Hibbert's content, but I have heard nothing but amazing things! It has been an honor to have received, read, and now review an ARC copy of her debut YA novel, Highly Suspicious and Unfairly Cute.

Bradley Graeme has finally found his place. He is a popular football player with stellar grades and a happy family; he even has his future all planned out. The only person doing better than him is Celine Bangura. Her grades are better, she is TikTok famous, and she doesn’t care what people think of her. Meanwhile, Brad’s OCD won’t let him stop thinking about every little thing. Only a few people know about his disorder, including Celine, his childhood best friend turned enemy. When life pushes them together, Brad has to face some deep seeded feelings he has kept down for years.

Celine Bangura has her sights set high. Growing up, life was not easy, Celine has watched her mother work endlessly to give her and her sister a better life. Celine knew things were different, that she was somehow different. Feeling like an outcast her whole life, she has carved her path and found her niche. It turns out that a lot of people on TikTok like to hear about Celine’s thoughts and the latest conspiracy theories. She has made her name known on the platform, but it is time to make a more significant impact. When Celine signs up for a survival course hosted by her idol, life gets a bit muddy.

Former BFFs Celine and Brad are a spitfire duo with a rocky past; from being attached at the hip, to barely handling being in the same room. Brad and Celine connected and bonded over the fact that they felt different growing up. As time went on, Brad took control of his OCD and decided he didn't want to be seen as different anymore. Celine on the other hand tried to let it shine and was not afraid to show her true colors. This caused a rift and Brad left Celine in the dust, found a new crowd, and kept his past behind him. What will happen when both teens find their way back to each other, sign up for the same survival course, and now have to navigate the woods and some new feelings?

The mental health and absent parent recognition were wonderfully executed. Talia Hibbert made it clear that life goes on, no matter what happens behind the scenes or in our heads. We can be stronger than the things we see as faults, the things we believe make us different can make us stronger and better. The novel is well thought out, with not too much focus on the survival camp and not too much focused on day-to-day school life. Nothing felt repetitive or out of place, every detail had a home.

I absolutely ADORED this book with all of my heart.. Celine and Brad are such relatable characters, even if their problems arent necessarily our own. The banter in this book is top tier, and the two friends dont just automatically forgive and forget. They have an honest conversation about it and really get to the root of their problems. the COMMUNICATION in this book is something I strive for in my own life. Celine analyzing herself and realizing that her motivations are mainly because of her dad shows real character growth, especially when she talks to Brad about her feelings. AND Brad being trauma informed and using coping skills IN THE BOOK? I almost swooned myself. I only wish that I got a little bit more detail into the explorers program, but I know that that wasnt the main purpose of the book, nor did it take away from the content. Overall, I honestly think I liked this book better than the Brown Sisters trilogy, which I devoured and loved so much. Very nice job!

4 stars!

this was my first talia hibbert book and i quite enjoyed it. i really loved the representation of bisexuality and OCD (i love that both are slowly being de-stigmatized by authors writing about it!) and i loved the outdoor setting. the characters are on their own were so lovable and unique, and celine's fascination with conspiracy theories was especially relatable.

i only rated this one four stars because i didn't love all of the modern references to TikTok and such--i feel like YA contemporaries are hard to write because you want to be relatable to your audience, but you also can't sound too dated, and this one, for me, seemed like it will feel dated in five years. i also don't love second chance romance, or second chance friends to lovers romance, whatever you want to call this, so the romance wasn't super up my alley.

overall, i would definitely read another one of this author's books, but i think i'll try out her adult books from now on.

thanks to NetGalley and the publisher for providing an eARC!!

I couldn't love this book any more if I tried!

Bradley Graeme is a good student, a great guy, incredibly popular, and tries really hard to manage his OCD.

Celine Bangura is a conspiracy-theory-obsessed Social media queen but she's not so popular in real life. At school, she's doesn't fit in with the crowd. She talks too much, and says whatever she wants and doesn't even attempt to follow the cool crowd.

Which is why Bradley and Celine's best friendship crashed and burned so many years ago.

What I loved about this book is that these two friends can't just dismiss each other that easily. Sure, they're still competitive and trade snarky insults, but deep down inside they still worry about each other, and keep tabs on each other, and make sure other people don't talk crap about them. I also love how working toward their future isn't so easy, and that sometimes what you think you want to be when you grow up isn't at all what you want. It's about trusting yourself to follow your own path, and speaking up when you need to. It's about family and friendship and being true to yourself. It's about building up the people around you, and not being afraid to show your feelings. It's one of the most positive YA books I've read in awhile.

I requested this book because I saw it was a Talia Hibbert book, and I haven't had the chance to read her other novels yet. This was a good book. I suspect it's incredibly Talia Hibbert's style, in the sense that I could tell it was written by an adult romance author. It has a heavier style to the writing--much like you find in adult romance. A little slower storytelling, a little more flowery, and a lot more in-your-head. Nothing wrong with that though! It didn't detract from the book. It was just slightly different than I'm used to a lot of YA being. Although it did echo Emma Lord's latest YA that comes out this month... so maybe YA is just changing a little.

It's dual POV, which I found interesting. And a little hard in the beginning to read. Both voices sounded pretty similar despite them being two clearly different characters. The beginning was also a little slowly paced for my particular taste, but again, that doesn't mean it's bad. It just took me multiple times to get into the book, rather than me wanting to devour it in one sitting immediately.

If you—or anyone in your life—are even a casual fan of romance novels, you’ve probably heard of Hibbert, whose bestselling The Brown Sisters trilogy (Get a Life, Chloe Brown, Take a Hint, Dani Brown, and Act Your Age, Eve Brown) has rightly piled up both fans and critical acclaim, thanks to its charming heroines, great dialogue, and effortless sense of fun. It’s not always easy for authors with demonstrated skills in certain genres to transfer them to a different one, but Hibbert manages to bring everything that works in her adult fiction to her first YA effort, grounding the romance in contemporary coming-of-age issues involving family expectations, growing up, and realizing the aspirations you once had for your life might no longer fit the person you’re becoming.

Talia Hibbert never disappoints. Highly Suspicious and Unfairly Cute lived up to its name. This was the cutest YA contemporary romance I have read. I normally prefer YA fantasy but this was just perfect. I loved both of the main characters and seeing their growth through the book. This had me laughing throughout, even the glossary. I can’t wait to see what she writes next.

Thank you to netgalley and the publisher for the e-arc.

The first book from the new Joy Revolution imprint from Nicola and David Yoon is by an author I love. Her name is Talia Hibbert and she is a Brit who mostly writes very, very sexy and heartfelt romance novels for the growns, but this time she’s bringing us a funny, quirky, mouthy, sparkling Young Adult love story called Highly Suspicious and Unfairly Cute. (Such a good title.)

Talia Hibbert has a gift for two special things, and this is something I talked to Nicola about on Geek Girl Riot, Talia has an acute observational eye for humanity and our idiosyncrasies—but also for dialogue that sounds like poppin’ champagne. It just sparkles.

The story is about a guy named Brad or Bradley, who is a star footballer (not a football player for those of you who know). The heroine's name is Celine and the two of them used to be the best of friends. But then something happens where Bradley chooses to be pop-u-lar. Celine, however, chooses to be her weird, wonky, alien-loving, and amazing self. That caused a rift between them and from there, you guys will have to read the book to find out.

Here’s a clue, this is a friends-to-lovers trope. . .or a friends-to-enemies-to-lovers trope (to be more specific). When we meet them, they are rivals. They hate each other and yet their hate feels like it might be disguising something more real—real warm, mushy feelings. So that's the “highly suspicious” part. They don't trust each other and it’s “unfairly cute” because both Brad and Celine are too ‘qwoot’ to be denied.

This book was a great choice for Joy Revolution to launch with. It is just so warm and cozy and you often have to burst out laughing at how quirky these characters are and the ways that their minds work. Talia Hibbert also creates characters who are oftentimes “neurospicy” or they may have chronic illnesses or phobias, ​​and she writes them with such kindness and without any of the artifice of ‘inspiration-gratification.’ There's none of that, It's just the diversity of the human mind and the human body and I think that's really amazing.

I didn’t love this book as a romance. I didn’t think that the main characters had much chemistry as a couple. I understood their friendship, but felt that their relationship seemed rushed. I did however find this book to have amazing themes of acceptance and forgiveness. Those two things were the cornerstones of the book for me. The progression these two characters made for becoming themselves and being 100% behind those selves, by the end of this story was beautiful. Their ability to help pull the best out of each other is what makes their relationship so good. Mental health awareness was spoken well multiple times and multiple ways through these pages.

2nd chance romance
Enemies to lovers

Such a cute story. The banter between Celina and Brad had me laughing at times, but I also was annoyed with Celina. She was sometimes way too much with her falling to conclusions and her way of thinking. I wanted to love the romance but I felt like they were more friends or I kind of got that vibe instead of the romantic type. Maybe because they were best friends I don’t know. I did enjoy reading it though. Thank you to NetGalley for the e-arc.

3.85 stars.
<b> We have academic rivals, bisexual and OCD representation, and AMAZING banter, if I do say so myself. </b>

Want a quick, enjoyable and hilarious read? Pick this up!
The banter between Celine and Brad was soooo funny, I was actually looking forward to their disputes. I laughed so hard at each one. I didn’t quite mind the back and forth between Celine and Brad at first, but I eventually did get bored towards the end, because their “misunderstanding” was a little dragged out to me. I also felt like this misunderstanding between them wasn’t worth it but the characters in this story and again, their banter definitely made up for it. There are so many relatable and likable characters in this story, this was too cute. Thank you so much NetGalley for the ARC in exchange for an honest review!

This book was definitely unfairly cute but not precisely highly suspicious! I've gotta say that these characters are pretty a mix of what I imagine Talia Hibbert is like IRL, and it's definitely not a bad thing! I loved Brad a lot, and Celine was so determined to keep everyone out that it was incredibly satisfying to see her slowly open up.

With that being said, I still am just not a YA reader, but that's totally on me and my reluctance to revisit my terrible, anxiety-filled high school years.

Thank you too Netgalley and the publisher for the ARC in exchange for my thoughts.

https://www.goodreads.com/review/show/5186892609

One thing Talia Hibbert won't do? Miss.

This was the cutest little romcom. Talia has such a way of bringing characters to life and I felt like I was going through the rollercoaster with this pair! The ONLY reason I didn't give this a higher rating is because I just wasn't the target demographic, honestly. Back to new adult reads I go!

THAT being said - I would've loved this FAR more if I was a teenager or someone who likes a lighter read. If you want fluff + tension + a ton of kicking and squealing, this is for you!

I will admit that this did not work for me as well as Hibbert's adult romances. I read plenty of YA, but often they suffer from being so cute without the heft of an adult book. This one absolutely has heft, and a great deal of fun, but it just never fully clicked for me. That said, it is pretty funny. It is indeed very suspicious, and extremely cute. So if you find yourself interested in reading a fluffy and hilarious romance with a little bit of outdoor adventure and a lot of friends to enemies to lovers, this could be your jam. I also found that the treatment of OCD alone to be great- not only is it legit lived experience that informs the character, but it was perfectly expressed in a way that felt true and valid and also not an excuse.

Grumpy sunshine to the max. All the tropes. I have convinced myself into liking it more than I initially thought! 4 stars.

Absolutely adorable. A refreshing change from the cliche YA and I’m ace category with two lovable main characters. Could not ask for more from Talia Hibbert.

With references to Derry Girls and Vulfpeck, there’s no surprise that Talia Hibbert’s new YA romcom is a delightful treat. The story highlights youth who struggle with OCD, abandonment, and the constant need to strive for perfection. A best friend, to enemy, to lovers trope that will make your heart smile. Celine is a fierce bad ass, and Bradley is a sweet baby angel. When the two former best friends are forced to spend time together after several years, they quickly realize it might not be so easy to become friends again, as feelings start to get in the way. So funny, so delightful! I highly recommend :) thank you to Netgalley for an ARC copy of Highly Suspicious and Unfairly Cute!

This is my first Talia Hibbert book and I wanted to like it more than I did. I loved the concept but I really expected and wanted more camp/woodsy aspects than what we got. I also found the main character to be way too mean and aggressive for me to like it. I loved the diversity and awareness to many things such as OCD but overall this one wasn’t for me

Disclaimer: I received this e-arc from the publisher. Thanks! All opinions are my own.

Book: Highly Suspicious and Unfairly Cute

Author: Talia Hibbert

Book Series: Standalone

Rating: 4/5

Diversity: Plus Size Black MC, Black Bisexual Male MC with OCD, Black characters, Character with Dyslexia, Character with Celiac Disease, Queer Character

Recommended For...: young adult readers, romance, contemporary, UK set, rivals to lovers, wilderness exploration, LGBT, Black MCs, mental health

Publication Date: January 3, 2023

Genre: YA Romance

Age Relevance: 16+ (anxiety attacks, cursing, religion, underage alcohol consumption, abelism, sexual content, romance)

Explanation of Above: There are a couple of short scenes showing some anxiety and anxiety attacks as well as some OCD tendencies and talk, especially with germs, dirt, etc. There is some cursing in this book. There is one mention of underage alcohol consumption. There is one slightly abelist comment. There is slight sexual content mentioned and there is some romance.

Publisher: Joy Revolution

Pages: 336

Synopsis: Bradley Graeme is pretty much perfect. He's a star football player, manages his OCD well (enough), and comes out on top in all his classes . . . except the ones he shares with his ex-best friend, Celine.

Celine Bangura is conspiracy-theory-obsessed. Social media followers eat up her takes on everything from UFOs to holiday overconsumption--yet, she's still not cool enough for the popular kids' table. Which is why Brad abandoned her for the in-crowd years ago. (At least, that's how Celine sees it.)

These days, there's nothing between them other than petty insults and academic rivalry. So when Celine signs up for a survival course in the woods, she's surprised to find Brad right beside her.

Forced to work as a team for the chance to win a grand prize, these two teens must trudge through not just mud and dirt but their messy past. And as this adventure brings them closer together, they begin to remember the good bits of their history. But has too much time passed . . . or just enough to spark a whole new kind of relationship?

Review: For the most part I thought this book was fun. I loved the rivals to lovers storyline and it was a great fast paced read. The book had amazingly well written characters and it was so easy to get into the mindset of the two MCs. The duel POV felt very well written and helped drive the plot forward a lot of the times. The character voices felt distinct and the world building was well done as well. I also loved that this was a British YA romance book as I don’t think I’ve read many of those.

However, I did have some slight issues. I felt like some of the plot was a bit rushed in the beginning and that the book finally felt in pace with itself towards the end. Some of the references are a bit dated in this book and some of the writing was a bit disjointed. The writing also, at points, felt a bit forced as well. I also had a tiny concern about one of the MC’s fascination with conspiracy theories. It’s brought up a bit, supposedly what made her “famous” on TikTok, but it’s never really shown in her personality and the pun of the title never really came through. As someone who’s also a bit of a conspiracy theorist, that was one of the main draws of the book to me and I’m kinda sad that didn’t shine more in the book. There’s also a very slippery slope when it comes to conspiracy theorists and extremists, which I thought could have used maybe some commentary.

Verdict: It was good overall!

I was given an ARC of this book from NetGalley.

Celine and Bradley are the ex best friends turned enemies and were they end up competing for the same college scholarship.

I really enjoyed this book and thought the wilderness part would have been more pronounced. However, parts felt rushed, the pacing was odd and I never at any point cared for the characters.

Talia Hibbert has been on my radar for long, but I’ve been putting off reading her books just like the other books on my ever-growing TBR. With this book, I realized I need to get to them ASAP because Highly Suspicious & Unfairly Cute was the it book for me.

There’s so much goodness packed in this book I inhaled it in one day. If you are looking for a new YA Romance to start, go with this book.

Read Highly Suspicious & Unfairly Cute if you like-
• Camping
• Hate to Love
• Strong Family Bond
• Secret Relationship
• Grumpy Sunshine Romance


A huge thanks to TBR and Beyond Tours, Random House Children’s and NetGalley for the DRC!!