4 ⭐️

I really enjoyed reading this book, It was cute and had so many swoon worthy moments.

The setting was at summer camp, which I thought was fun and made it the perfect read for summer ☀️

Both FMC’s were pretty easy to like, although there was a few moments when one or the other would frustrate me lol


Read if you like ~
✨ Enemies to lovers
⛺️ Opposites attract
✨ Slow burn
⛺️ Camp / summer vibes
✨ Young adult romance (FF)

Thank you to NetGalley & Penguin teen for sending me this ARC in exchange for my honest review!

What a cute, breezy sapphic coming-of-age summer camp story! We follow Juliette during her last summer as a camper, where she learns that not only has her hometown rival (Priya) invaded her happy place, but she is also assigned to the same cabin. Juliette feels like camp is the only place where she can be herself and be celebrated for who she is. At home, she makes herself smaller to appease other people who, her whole life, have told her she is "too intense" (relatable). Now that Priya is at camp, she has ruined Juliette's ability to keep her home life/self and camp life/self completely separate. Throughout the course of the summer, she discovers that Priya maybe isn't all that bad, and maybe she's misjudged Priya. First impressions aren't always accurate!

Juliette shows a lot of growth from beginning to end. At first, she comes off as extremely judgmental and kind of camp-elitist (you know that type of person, the one who believes camp is more theirs than anyone else's because they've been going there longer and wants to keep "outsiders" out). She's argumentative to the point of being a bit combative. But she's also fiercely protective of her friends, and you can tell she's deeply insecure about being "too much." I thought her voice was so fun and funny and totally unique. Erin Baldwin clearly has a fantastic sense of humor that shines through in Juliette's narration!

I loved everything about Priya. Her obsession with wearing only white clothes (especially at SUMMER CAMP???!) was so weirdly perfect for her character (though I can't put my finger on why, LOL). Oh, not only that, but she also MAKES all her own clothes! Which is why she's a beast/asset to the camp theater, sewing everyone's costumes and making the props. She's a perfectionist and also knows everything about Survivor. Which is apparently why she's surprisingly skilled at the camp survival course, making fire and building shelter. One aspect that I wish was developed more was her influencer lifestyle. It wasn't really explained how she amassed such a big following (though we're never told HOW big that following is, but it's obviously big enough to have freaking HOZIER write and perform a song FOR HER. I mean, nobody recognizes her at camp, which you'd think they would if you're Hozier-level famous, but I digress...) and what exactly she 'does.' Is she a fashion influencer? Makeup influencer? Skincare influencer? Not knowing this didn't spoil my enjoyment of the book, but it would have helped me better understand her character.

When it comes to Priya, Juliette is kind of an unreliable narrator. She tells us Priya is self-centered, shallow, and spoiled. But Priya demonstrates to us through her actions and words that she is down to earth, hardworking, and just so dang likeable. Their "rivalry" is definitely one-sided, though Priya does admit to feeling jealous of Juliette's ability to always be herself and speak her mind.

The romance between Juliette and Priya is definitely a subplot, not the main plot. Juliette goes through a minor sapphic awakening. This is definitely Juliette's story first and foremost, but Priya is more than just a "love interest" (though not quite a main character either). I wish we knew more about Juliette's best friends, Lucy and Gia. They appear a lot in the story but we know next to nothing about them (though I loved what I did know/see).

You could easily get through this book in one sitting. It's really fast-paced. I recommend this book to not only actual teenagers but also twenty-something-year-old teenagers (LOL) who never went to sleepaway camp and want to experience it vicariously through the main character (i.e., this book was written specifically for me).

My favorite quote (subject to change in the final edition):

"I've had this conversation with countless adults, and it's infuriating every time. Why do teenagers always need to be reaching for someone else's goal? At what age am I allowed to do things solely because they're fun and I enjoy them?"

A big thanks to Penguin Random House for the advanced copy of this book! All thoughts are my own.

This is a fun summer novel, but, story-wise, it's kinda muddled and underdeveloped?

I just felt so bad for Juilette throughout much of the story. Her home life sucks (Absentee/neglectful parents and one of seven siblings who seemingly get more attention and focus than her), she's very insecure about everything in her life, and her relationship to Priya felt less intense than what the premise described.

Her and Priya's relationship and its development is so weird. It seemed like Priya shared Juliette's not-hate (i.e., cropping her out of her birthday Insta pics), but she's suddenly super gung-ho bout hanging out with Juliette, impressing her, encouraging things she wouldn't do on her own, etc., and it really made it seem that Juliette's beef was one-sided and driven by her insecurity. I know that the romance is suppose to be a slow burn, but the story is less than 300 pages, making the romantic tension feel rushed and unnatural whenever they do show up.

Also, another strange thing that bothered me was when Priya recharacterized Gaston from Beauty and the Beast as a good, albeit misunderstood, guy? It's been a while since I've watched the movie, but even I wrinkled my nose as Priya described him as " a community organizer who needs to take some gender studies classes." I'm normally all for recontextualizing villains, but this one particularly stood out to me and set off some red flags.

The side characters weren't much better. Juliette's camp friends Lucy and Gia were described with specific characterizations, but they never really fall through. For example, Lucy was described in depth as someone who always stands up for herself and other against authority, but once Juliette starts getting bullied by a camp councilor, she doesn't do anything? The narrative calls her out on it, too, but nothing really comes out of it. The camp councilor continues to have it out for Juliette for a lot of the story afterwards, and Lucy continues not to do what she is characterized to do, which I found really annoying. I just couldn't muster to care much for any character.

All in all, the camp stuff is fun but the shallow storytelling and characters really brought it down.

Wish You Weren't Here by Erin Baldwin is a sapphic rom-com following Juliette and her not so secretive dislike for the beautiful and rich Priya Pendley. At least at her favorite summer camp Juliette is free of the acting game that she's forced to play back home where everyone thinks she and Priya are...sort of friends, and in the warmth of the summer she can be her real self for the last time as a camper. Too bad no one told her that Priya was joining the camp and that they'd be sharing a cabin!

Honestly this was such a fun and cute read. Juliette was such a relatable character. Her emotions were so real, from her intensity that makes her feel like she's "too much" for everyone, to her witty sarcasm. I just loved her and was rooting for her the whole time. Priya grew on me so quickly. She was cute. She was funny. She was nerdy in ways you'd never expect. The chemistry between the two girls was INSANE! There were so many scenes that had me grinning like a fool because it was just so cute or they were so close to changing their dynamic! There were, perhaps, one too many modern day pop culture references which I would normally side eye but I felt like they fit the setting really well and it added to the whole "teenage summer" vibes. I honestly felt, in some spots, like I was right there enjoying the camp life with the characters. Hands down, I loved this and might purchase a physical copy when it comes out so I can keep it forever.

Thank you to NetGalley and the publishers for this ARC in exchange for my honest review!!

Yes I binged this book in less than 24 hours. Yes it was so sweet and fluffy it made me cry. Yes I love Erin’s writing and must now read everything she writes. This book made me want to go to summer camp and/or have something I cared about this fiercely.

Calling this enemies to lovers is a stretch. Acquaintances who kind of? didn’t like each other to lovers is more like it. Juliette was just jealous before she go to know the real Priya. I loved Priya. Juliette was very real. I felt a lot of her anxiety and self doubt. Having 6 siblings and wanting to be seen while you feel overlooked is super valid.

This is the second summer camp book where 2 girls are “enemies” and have to live together and learn to like each other and fall in love and I love them both. I didn’t expect to love this one as much as I did but it hit me HARD. Like I was sobbing at the end. Priya learning to embrace being “intense” and understanding herself and Priya was so nice to see as well. Her character development was top tier.

Special thanks to NetGalley and PENGUIN GROUP Penguin Young Readers Group for providing me with a copy of this book in exchange for an honest review.

I enjoyed this book, it is a cute YA Frenemies romance and it kept my attention. My biggest issue with the book was that a few of the characters (especially the MC) kind of annoyed me. The MC was kind of an a-hole and her actions never really had consequences. In addition, what was the point of Pat's story/talk (I don't understand why this was added if it wasn't going to change the events of the story). Despite my issues with the book, I would recommend it. The setting was amazing and overall the book was just really fun.

Erin Baldwin’s writing is so voicey and refreshing and it immediately sucked me into Juliette’s head. I loved everything about Wish You Weren’t Here.

I was miserable at every summer camp I ever attended, but still found myself wishing I could transport myself into Fogridge with Juliette, Priya, Lucy, and Gia.

I laughed, I cried, I laughed and cried some more. I might have even kicked my feet once or twice.

If you like fun, you should read this. If you like Sapphic rivals to lovers, you should read this. If you have taste, you should read this.

Thank you to NetGalley and the publisher for the opportunity to read the ARC!

YA sapphic enemies-to-lovers at summer camp????? Say less *heart eyes*

This had such fun banter, an inclusive cast, and was an all-around great time. I highly recommend as a summer beach read.

A cute sapphic story perfect for summer!
It took me a moment to get invested in this book but once the author took us to camp, I was all in. A few elements irked me: why Juliette ends up at the hospital for a sprain and the complete lack of parental concern for her, how and why Priya has risen to the influencer level she seems to be at as a high schooler, and a lack of depth to the root of the Juliette v Priya feud.
That said, the joy at the heart of this book and nostalgia around having a safe space to be yourself in your teenage years made up for it! It made me want to go back to summer camp and experience the Color Wars, different activities, and most importantly the friendships you create. I loved the core group of friends and their chaotic energy - give me more Lucy and Gia!
When it comes to Priya and Juliette, it took a bit to warm to each of them but I found them charming and relatable by the end. Juliette is the harder nut to crack as she can seem so contrary and self-centered at times, yet I still could identify with her as a formerly "intense" teenager. Seeing her growth, as well as the growth in her relationship with Priya is extra rewarding as a result! I loved seeing their blossoming friendship, and the sapphic turn at the end was just an added bonus. Also worth mentioning that having two lead sapphic characters where neither was white was refreshing - the diversity throughout the book, side characters included was excellent.
Thank you to NetGalley and Penguin Teen!

This book is the perfect read heading into summer. It follows Juliette and Priya as they attend summer camp together despite being hostile acquaintances in their daily lives. I really liked Priya and the side characters, Lucy and Gia but I really struggled with Juliette. She came across as very whiney and argumentative. This was part of her established character traits but I found most of her arguments lacked reasoning so it came off as defiant and mean at times. The descriptions of the summer camp and surrounding areas paints a very clear picture of the camp and helps make a movie in your mind. There were also times where the writing jumped around either between events in the story or with characters and that gave whiplash at times. It also felt like the main disconnect between Juliette and Priya was never fully resolved but it was nice to see them move forward in their relationship. Overall I think this will be a fun summer read for teens and young adults.

It’s really slow burn but even before they get together getting to see the cute moment between them is adorable. Priya has feelings for Juliette from the beginning and we can.see that even through Juliette ignorant eyes. It’s a love story about development growth and acceptance and you should definitely read. Side note: FUCK GALAHAD SHES SUCH A BITCH!

This book was so cute!

I adored this book so much! At first, I was a bit weary of Juliette's character in the beginning, but I am so glad I saw it through. This book was such a quick and easy read allowing me to finish it in under 12 hours. I loved the setting and how the characters' personalities were fleshed out and developed. I would recommend this if you're looking for a quick. cute, summer read! 3.5 stars!

Thank you so much NetGalley and Penguin Group for a free ARC of this novel in exchange for an honest review!

✨4.5 rounded up to 5✨
this book was everything i needed right now. it made me laugh and tear up and everything in between! truly felt every emotion while reading this one and enjoyed it SO much i want to go to a summer camp now

Have you ever hated someone just because they're hotter, nicer, and more talented than you are? 🙋‍♀️ Did you also have a pathetic gay crush on this same person? 🙋‍♀️

This book reminded me a little of You Don't Have a Shot. High school summer camp (except more regular camp than soccer in this book), antagonism between the leading ladies that's rooted in insecurity and attraction, a moral about learning how to ask for help and open yourself up. And a happy, feel-good ending! I'm buying this as soon as it releases and will use it as a dose of serotonin. This made me sad that I never did any summer camps.

"But why does Juliette initially dislike Priya--" Because Priya is a rich, annoyingly hot influencer who everyone's obsessed with. Makes sense to me. Next question.

"Juliette isn't always very nice--" She's a jealous, very insecure sixteen year old. Believable. Moving on.

One thing that Juliette does is angst over how everyone says she's too intense, and that's why she's not very likable compared to someone like Priya. We never really see her act this way, though, or have other characters react negatively to her. She seemed like a popular person to me with a lot of friends. I'd have liked more instances of her feeling left out in her own family too, as one of the middle children who isn't a prodigy, but that might have made the book heavier and not as much fun.

Because it is fun! It's cute! It's funny! It made me happy! Read it!

Super fun Sapphic story about two girls who coexist getting closer at summer camp.

Juliette has a tolerance for perfect Priya at school, because Juliette has summer camp where she can be all of her true self. It's her last year of camp, and she can't wait! Except, Priya is somehow her roommate, and Juliette doesn't know how to handle this invasion of her space.

This is a sweet, lighthearted story that was filled with fun characters. I loved the various elements of the camp, and Priya's obsession with Survivor is cute. There's even a theater element, which is fun. Can't wait to see more from this author!

Thanks to NetGalley and publisher for the opportunity to read and review.

Thank you Penguin Teen for the chance to read this one early! I had fun! I am excited to revist when the audiobook is out.

This was such a pure but banter filled delight that I was definitely not expecting. I have not read nearly enough queer young adult sapphic novels and this has just been such a great reintroduction to YA that I have needed and is a great addition to queer YA stories.

4/5 stars

i LOVEEEE a summer centered book, especially a summer camp centered book!! it feels like sunshine, when done right, and I think erin baldwin did this right!!

the story centers juliette barrera-wright in her last year at fogridge sleepaway camp, a place that has been her home and safe haven for many many years. her last year doesn’t go exactly as planned because of one miss priya pendley, but is still a life-changing summer!

i thought this story was so sunshine-filled and i loved watching juliette and priya get closer and seeing juliette realize that she did not, in fact, hate priya, but was actually quite obsessed with her (and that priya was too). juliette’s journey into realizing things don’t always go as planned but can still be good was done really well. i do wish the story could’ve delved more into what was briefly mentioned about her and her life with her siblings and parents, but i can understand that it might’ve been a little much for the book.

i also LOVED that juliette and her love interest were not white!!! I am quite tired of the character of colorxwhite love interest trope.

overall, i definitely recommend this book as a small dose of summer for whenever you’re missing being a kid with a summer very full of possibilities <3

I love the relationship between Juliette and her friends<3
I really connected with Juliette.
And i loved the epilogue.
There isn't much to say. It was a quick and easy reading. Lovely and funny. I totally recommend it.

Thank you to netgalley and PENGUIN GROUP Penguin Young Readers Group | Viking Books for Young Readers for allowing me to read this book. I wanted this book to be so much more but in the end it fell flat.