A Solid Debut with Room for Growth

The Calculation of You and Me by Serena Kaylor offers an interesting premise and some enjoyable moments, but ultimately falls short of its full potential. The story follows a unique concept, blending romance with elements of self-discovery and mathematical metaphors, which I found intriguing. The characters, particularly the protagonist, have their charming moments and the author does a good job of exploring themes of love and personal growth.

However, the pacing of the story felt uneven at times, and some of the character development seemed rushed, leaving certain relationships feeling underdeveloped. While the writing is generally engaging, there were parts that felt a bit predictable and lacked the emotional depth I was hoping for.

Overall, The Calculation of You and Me is a decent read with some enjoyable aspects, but it didn’t quite resonate with me as much as I expected. It’s a solid effort for a debut, and I’m curious to see how Serena Kaylor’s writing evolves in future works.

The Calculation of You and Me by Serena Kaylor is an absolute winner for YA romance. It addresses real teen issues and includes topics like Autism, LGBTQIA issues and human connection. This novel is well written and once the reader realizes the topics at hand the story blooms in a phenomenal manner. The characters are deep, well developed and relatable.

This novel follows Meadow a teen who connects more with calculus than people. She becomes couple goals but is then broken up with and broken hearted. She aims to use her mathematics skills to show her ex that she really can connect. Sparks fly but between which characters? Read this beautiful novel to find out!

This book was SO CUTE. I couldn’t connect with it at first, but as I kept reading, I absolutely fell in love with the story and the characters. I loved both MCs, as a couple and as individual people. The representation of autism was done incredibly well, as well as the LGBTQIA2S+ representation.

I know that YA is not for everyone, but this was a very well done YA book. The characters weren’t painfully immature or cringey, and I would’ve loved to be able to read this when I was younger. It was filled with great lessons and attitudes, and yes of course, love.

Also, I need the author to write a romance about Sloane, please.

If you enjoy YA romance in any capacity, add this one to your TBR! It was a winner for me.

Thank you to Wednesday Books for my gifted copy!

* I received an e-arc via Netgalley for review from the publisher. Thank you for the opportunity! All thoughts are my own. *

I read and loved Serena’s debut, so I knew that I had to read this one! This was such a cute story! The person I buddy read this one with and I both thought it had “10 Things I Hate About You” vibes.

Marlowe and Ash really complement each other well. Love them together! I also really loved reading about a neurodivergent main character and how she navigated a romantic breakup, and then forged a new relationship. The side characters were all really funny and brought a lot to the story as well. I also really love Marlowe’s family and how supportive they are of her.

Highly recommend! Serena Kaylor has quickly become a must-read author for me.

Sadly, this one didn’t quite wow me. While I enjoyed reading it and appreciated the characters and the sweet romance, it didn’t leave me thrilled. Ash made for a fantastic love interest, but there were some really cringy moments that were hard to overlook.

Such a fun read! This reminded me so much of me in so many ways. Loved having an autistic FMC! Really enjoyed this YA novel. If you like authors like Lynne Painter you’ll enjoy this novel. The chemistry between Marlowe and Ash was fantastic.

I adored this book! I loved the main characters and the side characters. I also really enjoyed the rep in this one. It was really well done. Highly recommend, and it is on your shelf!

(Actual: 3.5⭐) This was a cute YA romance, though admittedly one that isn't without some shortcomings. While it was great to have the diversity and representation featured here, I found that the autism aspect could have been expanded upon better and less in a.... I don't know, "quirky" kind of way, I guess? It just felt too surface level for me. Then again, I know I'm more than likely well outside the target market for this book, so perhaps the oversimplification is just me being nitpicky (again, this is YA). Marlowe, while sweet, is definitely characterized as being Not Like Other Girls™.... which has always been a writing choice that irks me haha, but I will say that her flaws are something that are well-fleshed out for the length this book is, and the growth she experiences by the end is/was worth the initial annoyance I felt toward her lol. Ashton was........... less memorable tbh (sorry!), but still a solid/sweet MMC regardless. Overall, not a home run for me, but I do think it can resonate stronger/more deeply for others, so definitely still worth checking out!

I absolutely adored this book! It is a delightful and intellectually engaging YA novel that perfectly blends themes of high school first love, math, authenticity, and kindness. Marlowe Meadows, a neurodivergent calculus enthusiast plots to win back her ex-boyfriend, after a "break" turns into being dumped. She ends up finding solace in her surly classmate, Ashton Hayes. Marlowe is such a pure, wholesome, witty character, it's impossible not to love her! And I found great joy in the dialogue between Marlowe/Ashton. Highly recommend this story!

Sincere thanks to NetGalley, St Martins Press, & Wednesday Books for an advanced reader copy in exchange for an honest review.

I have complicated feelings about this book, but that's appropriate, as our main character, Marlowe, is a complicated person. One of the best things about Serena Kaylor's books is that she writes nuanced characters with various dimensions, and she doesn't shy away from depicting neurodivergent personalities.

I was slow to warm to THE CALCULATION OF YOU AND ME and even considered not finishing it, due to Marlowe's singular focus on her ex, Josh, who breaks up with her at the end of the summer, but leaves enough glimmer of hope (in Marlowe's eyes) that she pines for him all summer. When he truly ends it (in the chemistry lab, no less) on the first day back at school, she's devastated. Around Josh, Marlowe could feel "normal"--she had friends, she went out on dates and to parties, and she was part of the typical high school experience, much to her parents' relief. Without Josh, she's just weird Marlowe, autistic teen. Even worse, when Josh breaks up with her, he tells her she's not romantic enough, only solidifying her internal monologue that she's not like other girls.

Marlowe turns to fellow student Ash, a loner with whom she's been recently paired on an English project, to teach her about romance. Ash works at a romance bookstore (this town has a bookstore dedicated solely to romance books, which sounds so, so amazing) and while he's reluctant to help, citing pure hatred of Josh, Marlowe wins him over, especially when she helps publicize his band.

What follows is a very touching neurodiverse love story with an exploration of teen autism. It's an ode to romance, as Ash teaches Marlowe about the genre via various novels and then romance experiences (aka dates). One of the best things about the book is the focus on Marlowe's relationship with her friends, who are cute, quirky, and not afraid to be different. There's a diverse cast with queer characters--always appreciated.

While focusing on one thing (or person) is, in fact, a part of Marlowe's autism, her focus on Josh went on too long and the book would have been far more engaging with more Ash. It took 20% of the story to even get to her pact with Ash to learn about romance; with that early 20% focused almost solely on opining about Josh. (And I think it's fair to say that Josh is not worth opining over.) It would have been nice to see Marlowe reach her revelation about Josh's true character a bit earlier, so we could have more Marlowe/Ash time. Any part of the story that looked into Marlowe's relationship with her friends, her family, or her banter with Ash was far more interesting.

The story doesn't always feel deep or substantial, but its exploration of neurodivergence is excellent. This tale would be very appropriate and a good fit for its YA audience.

Cute story, reads fast.

Marlowe Meadows loves math and understands a great deal of things, but she doesn’t quite fit it thanks to her black and white approach to life. When her boyfriend, Josh, breaks up with her before their senior year of high school, she’s determined to win him back. Working with fellow outcast, Ashton Hayes, she works to show Josh she has the emotional depth he’s looking for.

I enjoyed reading this story. It’s a gently written YA romance with different characters and typical teenage angst.

Overall a very sweet, fun romance. I really enjoyed Serena Kaylor's debut "Long Story Short," but unfortunately this one didn't blow me away. I had a good time reading this one, I like the characters, and the romance was sweet, but I just didn't love it as much. All the stars for Ash as a love interest, less stars for some truly cringy moments that were hard to look past.

(Side note: one of my biggest complaints about "Long Story Short" was that the main character was autism-coded, but the author didn't really touch on it much and it seemed like it was treated as a symptom by the characters parents/etc. that needed to be fixed. In this book, the main character actually has on-page autism, which I really appreciate, even if it maybe wasn't the most outstanding representation of neurodivergence.)

This adorable YA romance had me in all the feels and more. My only regret is that I didn’t read it sooner. This is the first book I have read in a long time that had such amazing, authentic autism representation and I couldn’t get enough.

Marlowe is a high school senior who has recently been dumped by her boyfriend of two years. When she is paired with Ashton Hayes, whose black clothes, eyeliner, and song writing ability throw her a little off kilter, she realizes that maybe he is exactly the help she needs to win back the love of her life.

Pick this one up if you like:

-YA romance
-A great group of loveable, authentic friends
-A romance bookstore and a MMC who loves romance books
-A journey of self-discovery
-GREAT representation across the board
-A story that will keep you wanting to read more
-Swoon worthy happy endings

Cute, hopeful, lighthearted but meaningful. I wish I had read this when I was younger!

Marlow is reeling from her breakup with Josh, the stereotypical homecoming king, who tells her she doesn’t know how to love. Marlow sees this as a problem she can solve with the help of her romance book expert/classmate Ash. Through books and fake date excursions Marlow tries to learn how to “love” someone (who is wholly unworthy of it).

In this book we have autism rep, queer rep, nonbinary rep. It was refreshing to see these people treated normally and with respect. Marlow’s “differences” had to be crammed down and hidden during her relationship with Josh and she had to decide if that made her a better person with more opportunities or if that stifled her creativity and held her down.

Note this is very YA. In a world where somehow books like fourth wing and acotar are considered young adult I feel like it is important to make the distinction. Very innocent in comparison. But as someone nearing their 30s I still enjoyed it very much!

This reads a little like a Sarah Dessen book (which I grew up on and LOVED) but a little less melodramatic. A little romance, a little friendship, and a lot of learning who you are. Highly recommend, 4.25 stars

I LOVED THIS BOOK SO SO MUCH!

I am the pickiest when it comes to YA contemporary romances, I have a list of boxes I want and need checked off and this one ticked nearly every single one!

Serena Kaylor’s The Calculation of You and Me is an absolute gem that beautifully intertwines the intricacies of neurodivergent experiences, the growing pains of adolescence, the intricacies of first loves, and the unsteadiness of lost expectations all balanced perfectly with exploration, romance novels, and pop culture references! My romance bookworm heart was beaming the entire time!

From the very first page, Kaylor’s prose draws you into the world of complex and diverse characters, each meticulously crafted and deeply relatable. The protagonist’s neurodivergent experiences are depicted with authenticity and sensitivity, providing a much-needed voice in literature that is both respectful and enlightening! My heart soars thinking about a Young Adult reader picking this book and feeling seen by Kaylor’s words! 🥹

The queer normative representation in this book is another standout feature. It’s always so refreshing to see a world where queer identities are normalized and celebrated, woven seamlessly into the fabric of the story. This representation enriches the narrative, offering readers a glimpse into diverse experiences without making them the sole focus. Beautifully well done! 👏🏻👏🏻👏🏻

Where this novel shines though is in the character growth and development! Marlowe embarks on a journey she is so sure of at the beginning of this novel, but as it progresses and she learns more about herself, those around her, and life in general her perspectives shift and she really leans into finding out what SHE believes, she rights wings done to her, she makes mistakes and learns from them in ways that feel genuine and heartfelt. The emotional depth and the evolution of relationships are beautifully portrayed, leaving readers both satisfied and yearning for more!

Speaking of relationships- I adored the relationships portrayed in this novel! The feeling between the love interest and the FMC were tender and slow. This was the best “he fell first and harder” YA book I’ve read and I love that he went at a pace that was set by Marlowe, allowing her room to grow and come to conclusions and feelings in her own time with zero pressure!
The parent child relationship was so well done and very healing, the friendships gave me so much hope and healed a little piece of my teenage past self, and the sister dynamics were very reminiscent of the Stratford sisters in ‘10 Things I Hate About You’- at each others throats with misunderstanding but always in each others corner! Even the strained relationships between the father and his family were well done, handled with care, and ultimately involved some very healthy and healing dialogue! 🥰

All in all- The Calculation of Us is a testament to Serena Kaylor’s talent for crafting stories that are not only entertaining but also meaningful and impactful. With its authentic representation and compelling character arcs, this book is a triumph and a poignant reminder of the power of diverse narratives. Highly recommended!

3.75 stars

I struggled with this book in the beginning, going so far as to consider not finishing it. I'm ultimately very happy I stuck with it but I think the beginning needs work.

There's no single hook to grab you and pull you into the story. And I wish Marlowe's autism was mentioned earlier -- the way it was danced around was distracting for my neurodivergent brain. It wasn't clear if Marlowe was neurodivergent (yay!) or if she's just quirky and awkward in a not-like-the-other-girls way (boo!). I didn't want to invest myself until I knew the shape this representation would take.

I like Marlowe but I didn't always understand her. She feels like the embodiment of the miscommunication trope. I take words and actions very literally so some of the assumptions or interpretations Marlowe made struck me as weird or out of place. I love Odette and Poppy and Ash. They're a great group of characters and I enjoyed seeing them grow throughout the story, too.

The ending is adorable. It felt like a perfect fit for these characters. I'll definitely recommend this to YA fans and friends with teenagers!

<i>Many thanks to NetGalley, Wednesday Books, and the author for providing a copy in exchange for an honest review.</i>

I met Serena at a book conference and LOVED her book! I have been searching for YA titles featuring neurodiverse and disabled character not only thriving in life but also in healthy relationships. I enjoyed reading this book and will be requesting, purchasing, and adding more titles by this author to our library collection.

This was such a super cute read! I loved the slow burn!
I like that the FMC was able to realize that she didn't have to be less than herself, for someone to love her. I also really liked that she was using romance novels for guidance, and many different tropes were discussed!
This was a really inclusive book and was overall a fun read!

This was a quick, cute, and fun read with a disability rep in the FMC. I whipped through it in about a day, but now that I'm writing the review, I don't remember much about it. So, cute read but entirely forgettable.

I am always a fan of great neurodivergent characters and this was no different. Marlowe is funny and endearing. She is aware she is different from some other students in her school, but she does not let that stop her. She really reminded me of some students I have had in the past. I loved the fact that she tried to use mathematical equations and reason to find her way back to love. And I loved that she used romance novels for this. That really cracked me up! There are a lot of endearing characters in this book and that made it so enjoyable for 3 1/2 stars!

Thank you to Wednesday books for a Net Galley copy of this book!