"Whatever our souls are made of, mine is my own. I am not a shared existence— always half and lacking without the other. I'm an entire galaxy and I need nothing or nobody to orbit."

This book was so good!! I loved it so much. The story follows Marlowe Meadows, a calculus nerd who prides herself of understanding things. However, she's blindsided when her ex decides to dump her because she lacks the emotional and romantic depth he wants. When she's paired up with Aston Hayes, her school's resident surly rock musician, for an English project, she can't help but use it to get back with her ex. Ash agrees to help her learn about romance, in exchange for her helping out his band. As the semester proceeds, Marlowe comes to realize that there's no set algorithm for love.

"Then when I got the chance to actually spend time with you, I knew I would never recover."

This book is so cute. I read Long Story Short by this author the year it came out, and I really enjoyed it. This one was even better in my opinion. I loved the fact that Ash was already so in love and enamored by Marlowe, and she was just so unaware. That's one of my favorite tropes: enamored boy and clueless girl. I also enjoyed the self-exploration and discovering who you are outside of a relationship. I think the only reason it wasn't five stars was because I've gotten used to the arc of adult romance books and it's a little different than young adult stories. It's not a bad thing, but I'm so used to that type of story, this one was just different.

Marlowe, determined to prove herself in the realm of romance after a breakup, embarks on a heartwarming journey when she strikes a deal with Ash for a school project. Their agreement—love letters for marketing tips—sets the stage for a tale of self-discovery and worth that left me hugging my kindle at the end.

The characters are the true stars of this narrative. Marlowe's depth and Ash's brooding charm create a captivating dynamic, with Marlowe’s portrayal of autism adding a refreshing layer to her character without defining her solely by it. Serena Kaylor's writing effortlessly draws readers into Marlowe’s emotional rollercoaster, and Ash emerges as the quintessential book boyfriend, with depth that extends beyond his emo exterior.

Marlowe’s journey resonates beyond romance, serving as a reminder of the importance of self-discovery. The supporting cast, including Marlowe’s friends and family, adds richness to the narrative, while the sweet, slow-burning romance between Marlowe and Ash steals the show. Their "dates" are pure joy, leaving readers kicking their feet in delight, and their growth together is utterly swoon-worthy.

Overall, this book is a gem—a light-hearted read perfect for any YA romance enthusiast. Serena Kaylor’s skillful character development, coupled with nods to classics like Wuthering Heights, kept me hooked until the very end. With its seamless blend of STEM vibes and romance, alongside Marlowe’s neurodivergence adding a unique dimension, it's a story that not only entertains but also reminds us to embrace our true selves and recognize our own worth. I truly loved this story!

Thank you to Wednesday Books and NetGalley for this ARC. High schooler Marlowe is coping with the painful breakup with her boyfriend while also trying to get him back. Add in a semester-long English class project with Ash, resident eyeliner-wearing rocker and secret poet, her best friends Poppy and Olivia and a neurodivergent outlook on life. Loved the layers of reading a romance while the characters are reading romance novels.

Many thanks to NetGalley and the Publisher for an ARC in exchange for an honest review.

I really enjoyed this book and highly recommend it! A cute YA with lots of representation, great messages regarding toxic vs healthy relationships, and a sweet slow burn romance with all the feels.

This book was so good, I loved it. It’s a YA romance that takes place Senior year of high school, but it doesn’t feel young at all. In fact it’s tackling some big themes with Marlowe, our heroine, who is autistic and is told by Josh that she’s “bad at love” which makes her question her ability to be romantic and sets her on a journey to discover herself. She wants to win him back and enlists Ashton Hayes, or Ash, a tall, hot goth boy in all black, with piercings, eyeliner and who works in a romance book store. Since he’s a romance genre expert, he agrees to be her “romance tutor” via books and writing letters in exchange for Marlowe improving his band’s website and social media presence (the NEVER MIND THE MONSTERS website is hideously green with blurry photos prior to her help). Of course they catch feelings for each other and its delightful. It’s also quite funny!

“I’m officially Team Ash” – Ash has quickly been added to my Best Book Boyfriends list. Not only is he my tall dark edgy gothy type, but he’s sensitive, kind, patient and thoughtful and is not afraid to show his love for romance or to BE romantic. He knows about historical romance books. Come on people! The meta aspect of a romance bookstore and romance binge reading within a romance novel is so fun. Marlowe turns both her sister and her best friend on to romance and by the end of the book they are devouring everything they can get their hands on! Just like me!

The angst and suspense and pay off are very satisfying. I couldn’t put this one down and read it in two days. One of the better YA romances I’ve read lately that leaves you with a lot to think about. Oh, and I cried at the ending. It was so sweet.

Thanks so much to NetGalley & Wednesday Books for the ARC !!!

Thank you to NetGalley and the publisher (Wednesday Books) for an ARC in exchange for my honest review.

Full stop: I absolutely ADORED this book. It is firmly in the YA category, firmly about high-schoolers, and yet it was relatable and fun/hilarious/emotional to read (by this 30-something year old). You really *feel* for Marlowe and her struggles, as much as you sometimes want to shake her and go WRONG GUY WRONG GUY. I loved her constant thought/refrain of "What do you WANT, Marlowe?" as her motivations/actions change and she *realizes* what she truly wants.

I loved how this book was centered on romance, romance books, a romance bookstore, and a romance between two very relatable teens. ROMANCE, y'all!!!!! Also, as a friend put it, as an easter egg (kinda sorta), it's pretty funny/accurate how Marlowe is steered away from the monster romances ("slow down there newbie"), bc, yeah, with romance books you gotta wade in gently before you learn about all your hidden kinks (*then* you can read Ruby Dixon's excellent backlist and the like).

It was very satisfying that Kaylor flips the "evil mother, evil stepfather, and evil half sister" trope on its head and makes them all real people worth rooting for--people who DO love Marlowe and accept her as she is, even if they are very different.

I loved that their project is on Wuthering Heights and how Marlowe gradually learns that it is NOT a love story to model one's own love life after. (I also love how firm she was with a certain someone when they acted like it has ~one of the most romantic declarations ever~ and she was like "lol no you're wrong".)

I adored the neurodivergent and LGBTQ rep in this book. Kaylor does a great job of depicting Marlowe's autism *without* using it as an excuse (I love when Marlowe *knows* she's crossed boundaries and apologies for it (instead of using her autism as an excuse to not to), and when she recognizes when OTHER people cross boundaries and acts accordingly.) Also loved how the LGBTQ relationships in the book were written as normal human relationships and not weird ones or relationships put on a pedestal.

Love that Marlowe's ex gets absolutely zero redemption and Marlowe gets closure.

The ending was very satisfying and so cute, I was clutching/pounding my chest at the end.

5/5 stars, highly recommend!!!

I devoured this read! I haven’t read a romance book in so long, and honestly.. I don’t why I did that to myself. I NEED more romance books in my life. If I’m honest, this is probably more like a 4.75⭐️ but it was really good. The end had a cringe moment for me, but I think that’s just part of the romance category: to have some cringe. I loved the characters so much. Marlowe, Odette, and Poppy sound like the friend group I would have wanted to be a part of in high school. I loved how brilliant and real they all were. I loved their dynamic and connection. The STEM/math/science/comp sci vibes were amazing, and I am here for it! I liked that the male lead wasn’t your “typical” love interest. He had so many layers and was so gentle and sweet despite his appearance and what one might infer/assume from that. I loved that the main character was neurodivergent! Like yes, please! I love how it was subtle throughout the book though because she is just a regular teen, but one who might have more difficulties in social situations and navigating certain things. I liked how her disability was included as a part of her story, but it wasn’t the spotlight. It just added so much more dimension to her character and made me love her even more! I also really enjoyed the Wuthering Heights parts. I read that book earlier this year, so that was really cool for me to see if referenced in this book and to draw from my own knowledge of reading that classic. Overall, this was quick, light-hearted read. Def would recommend. I’m so thankful this book reignited me to read more romance!

Thank you to NetGalley and the publisher, St. Martin’s Press, for this irresistibly sunny and sweet ARC!

Taking the "love tutor" trope and applying it to a neurodiverse character certainly brings a welcome, extra level of complexity to a standard storyline. Marlowe and her girlfriends were a delight. They're exactly what you want to be true for everyone, but can be so hard to find--friends who truly understand all your personality traits and love you for them and support you with whatever you need. Marlowe's story arc, trying to win back the quarterback golden-boy boyfriend with help from the loner, goth rocker, is predictable, but the message here really can't be said too often--love that wants to change you isn't love at all. My favorite thing about this book (besides such a thoughtful approach to illustrating life as an autistic teen) was that it was also a love letter to the romance genre. The fact that Ash was a romance fan was AWESOME (I've always believed men should read more romance), and using romance books as an educational tool to dissect her own life through the lens of romance tropes was a fun way to move Marlowe along her growth arc.

“The Calculation of You and Me” by Serena Kaylor is a delightful novel that combines the beauty of mathematics with the unpredictable chaos of love. Kaylor weaves a story that will resonate with anyone who has ever felt like an equation waiting to be solved.

Meet Marlowe Thompson. She’s our brilliant protagonist who understands calculus better than most people understand their own emotions. She's the kind of person who can recite the quadratic formula in her sleep but stumbles over simple small talk. When golden boy Josh asks her out, Marlowe's life takes an unexpected turn. Suddenly, she's half of the school's couple goals, and her mathematical mind is put to the test in the realm of romance.

But when Josh breaks up with her, citing a lack of emotional depth, Marlowe refuses to accept defeat. She's never failed at anything, and she's not about to start now. Enter Ashton Hayes, the brooding classmate with black clothing and moody eyeliner. Marlowe strikes a deal with him: she'll help him write love letters if he helps her make Ash's rock band go viral. As they collaborate, sparks fly, and Marlowe begins to question whether love can be reduced to an algorithm.

The blend of mathematics and romance is refreshing. Kaylor's portrayal of Marlowe's struggle to balance equations and emotions is both relatable and endearing. Marlowe and Ash are beautifully flawed characters. Their growth throughout the novel is heartwarming, and their chemistry is electric. The banter between them is sharp and entertaining. Their exchanges had me grinning from ear to ear.

Kaylor seamlessly integrates mathematical concepts into the narrative. Whether it's discussing prime numbers or plotting love trajectories, the math nerd in me was thrilled. Beneath the surface, this book explores vulnerability, self-discovery, and the messy, unpredictable nature of love. It's not just about equations; it's about the human heart.

“The Calculation of You and Me” is a heartwarming journey that reminds us that love cannot be neatly calculated. Sometimes, the most beautiful moments defy logic. Kaylor's writing is witty, poignant, and utterly captivating. I highly recommend this novel to anyone who believes that love is more than just a sum of its parts.

Thank you to NetGalley, St. Martin's Press, and Wednesday Books for a temporary e-ARC in exchange for my honest review.

Thank you to St. Martin's Press and Wednesday Books for this ARC of The Calculation of You and Me by Serena Kaylor. It's official, I am a Serena Kaylor fan. This was cute and I would recommend this to new YA readers.

Thank you to netgalley and St. Martin's Press | Wednesday Books for allowing me access to this book. Due to the current boycott I will be withholding my review until SMP address the concerns of the people

Thank you Wednesday Books and St Martin's Press for inviting me to read and review The Calculation of You and Me! All thoughts and opinions are my own.

"WHAT DO YOU WANT, MARLOWE?"

The Calculation of You and Me is a delightfully funny and witty contemporary read. Marlowe Meadows, a neurodivergent math lover, is partnered with Ashton Hayes, a gothic guitarist who likes to read romance novels, for an English project. She asks for his help to teach her the ins and outs of romance in order to win her ex-boyfriend Josh Stallings back after she was dumped for not being "attentive and romantic" enough.

"We're all just clumps of stars and carbon, but my particular flavor of cosmic particles is not exactly popular."

I could immediately relate to Marlowe, especially her love of school supplies. Personally, I was never a fan of going to school but I loved shopping for new notebooks, pencils, pens, etc. The first sentence was a hook, line, and sinker for me. I couldn't stop reading and I didn't want to either.

"...there's just one rule: there must be a happy ending.
Why must there be a happy ending?
Because shit out there is dark enough. Why can't there always be a happy ending?
Says the goth boy..."

Serena Kaylor's debut novel Long Story Short is a fantastic young adult book. I knew going into this one that I would adore it just as much and I was right. The story-telling and banter between Marlowe and Ashton is smart, fast paced, and so effing cute. There are definitely a few predictable moments but there are many surprising ones too. I fell in love with the supporting cast of friends like Poppy., who spouts random jellyfish facts during a party, and Odette, the 'who did this to you?' loyal friend I wish I had when I was in high school. There's a wide range of different personalities and spectrums that don't feel forced or check-marked on a list. I also like Marlowe's family dynamic and that they are more than what meets the eye.

"Whatever our souls are made of, mine is my own. I am not a shared existence - always half and lacking without the other. I'm an entire galaxy and I need nothing or nobody to orbit."

Gosh, the romance is so sugary sweet. I swear I needed to make a dentist appointment because this book truly caused some dangerous cavities. The dynamic between Marlowe and Ash makes me warm and fuzzy inside. I like how their friendship developed, and the way Marlowe realizes she may be wrong about Josh and completely right about Ash. I wish I lived next to a bookstore like the one Ash works at. It reminds me of The Ripped Bodice in Brooklyn, where it's filled to brim with a variety of romance books. Ash walks Marlowe through the different kinds of romance and teaches her how to express her feelings to her ex Josh. Their "fieldwork" dates are entertaining and help show Marlowe that maybe Josh wasn't as great a boyfriend as she had originally thought.

The Calculation of You and Me is a great coming of age story for lovers of authors like Lynn Painter, Mazey Eddings, Rachel Lynn Solomon, and KL Walther.

I flew through the pages of The Calculation of You and Me by Serena Kaylor. Marlowe and Ash and the entire cast of characters engaged me right from the beginning and did not let up for a minute.

Marlowe and Ash were the absolute best. I loved the entirety of their relationship, beginning to end. Their banter was so entertaining, and their connection was such a joy to read. I loved watching them help each other grow.

Marlowe's friendships with Poppy and Odette were perfection. I loved those girls together. Even Marlowe's relationships with her family were really lovely to read about. I enjoyed it all.

The incorporation of the bookstore/café as well as the romance novels was such a great aspect of this story, too. Love love loved it. Also, I am now exceedingly intrigued by mushrooms.

The only thing that would have made this even better for me was Ash's POV. It would have been amazing!

***I voluntarily read and reviewed an Advance Reader Copy generously provided by the publisher via NetGalley.***

While I loved Serena Kaylor's debut novel, Long Story Short, sadly, I just didn't connect with this one. I thought there were some very cute romantic moments, and I loved all the representation presented in this story, but several others areas fell short for me. The pacing felt very stilted. The start of the book was quite slow, and I wish there were more moments of the main characters falling in love instead of time spent with all the side characters. There was also some dialogue that felt quite juvenile, even for a young adult novel. Overall, I liked many elements of this story, but I had issues with the writing style. I'd still recommend it to other Young Adult readers though, as the style may work for them.
Thank you to the publisher for an eARC in exchange for an honest review!

This book helped me live out my teenage dream crush years. The initial few pages didn’t do the best job of reeling me in and I almost thought I wouldn’t like the book, but it quickly kicked into high gear and was one of my favorite reads of the year!

I absolutely loved this book. I am a huuuuge sucker for cute-fun-quirky girl meets dark-moody-rockband boy and Serena Kaylor KILLED this trope. Marlowe and Ashton were absolutely everything to me. Ashton Hayes is every romance book girl's dream. Moody, but always nice to Marlowe? Check. Super hot and mysterious? Check. WORKS IN A ROMANCE BOOK STORE AND GIVES MARLOWE ROMANCE BOOK RECS? CHECK.

When it comes to Marlowe's ex-boyfriend Josh, I truly could not have cared less about him. From the very beginning, I was never rooting for Josh. Josh was the worst, and even if Ash hadn't been there, he still did not deserve Marlowe. However, I did really love that Marlowe realizes she deserved so much better and that Marlowe's whole friend group and family were all there to tell her that she deserved better even when she didn't think that she did.

My only real complaint about this book is that I really wanted a little more depth to Marlowe's autism. At the end of the day, it just felt a little bit surface level. I am absolutely not an expert by any means, but I think there could have been more detail on how it really affected her life outside of it being why Josh didn't think she could be romantic.

Overall, I really really enjoyed The Calculation of You and Me by Serena Kaylor. It was, fun, fast paced, and gives you all of those sweet little butterflies in your stomach. (THE LASER TAG SCENE? I'M STILL SCREAMING!) I can't wait for this book to come out this summer and to recommend it to everyone I know.

Thank you to NetGalley and St. Martin's Press for the early ARC of this book.
I don't read a ton of YA, but I loved this book. It gave me the same feels as 'Better than the Movies.' If you loved that book, you will love this one.
Marlowe is an autistic senior who recently got dumped abruptly by her boyfriend. His reasoning that she wasn't "romantic" enough. Marlowe has difficulty with the change and needs things to go back to normal. When she is paired with the outcast goth boy, Ash, for a school project she enlists his help in winning back her ex.
Both characters are well thought out with surprising depth. Both characters fit into the stereotypical nerd and goth categories, but they are so much more. Marlowe is sensitive, kind, and so funny with her quick witted responses.
Ash is a romantic hiding in the dark, broody corner. He is thoughtful and patient with Marlowe. He is constantly checking in with her to make sure she is comfortable.
Marlowe starts to realize her own strength, her own desires, and finds her voice. The journey to get there makes the payoff that much sweeter.

I don't know if there are enough ways to say how much I liked this book. The story line was so well developed and the characters were so real that you were pulled along in their wonderful emotional journeys.
I loved the way the author used the theme of romance in so many different ways. From the assignment, to the bookstore, to the characters relationships, this theme was so thoughtful and seamless. It really pulled the story together.
The main character's struggles with autism brought me to googling all the different aspects and behaviors of autism that I never knew or realized. And the way it was used throughout the story was just perfectly balanced and gave the story so many of the very sad and very humorous moments.
I hope to read many many more books from this author.
Enjoy!

The Calculation of You and Me

The cover is truly awful (I said it, I’m sorry 😅) but the story within is delightful.

I loved the diverse cast and how many of them weren’t very lovable but felt very accurate to high school and just trying to get through it.

The premise for the love story was fun and I enjoyed the changing dynamics. I love a good slow burn and the chemistry was there.

The Calculation of You and Me uses the basic premise of Cyrano de Bergerac to tell the tale of Marlowe Meadows, a whiz at math whose interpersonal skills are not as sharp. When popular Josh sets his eye on her, she suddenly has a golden ticket to a social life. Two years later he unexpectedly breaks up with he, because she isn't romantic enough. Despite her friends' disdain for Josh, she is determined to win him back. Enter Ashton Hayes, a goth rock god with whom she is paired for an English project. When she reads his love lyrics for his band's songs, she makes a bargain with him. If he helps her get Josh back by writing romantic love notes for her, she will revamp the band's social media to help them go viral. Although he hates Josh, Ash agrees, and he and Marlowe begin meeting at the romance bookshop/cafe where he works. He gives her an assigned reading list of romance novels, and she works on a data analytics formula for the band to follow. As she gets to know Ash better, she begins to wonder why she is chasing Josh. She is used to math problems which are easily solved, but love has a funny way of complicating everything. The story is retold for children in The Story of Cyrano de Bergerac (Save the Story) by Stefano Benni, illustrated by Miguel Tanco, which can facilitate easy access to the story for comparison purposes.