4.5 star rating.

<i>Disclaimer: I received a copy of this book from the publisher via NetGalley in exchange for an honest review, and I'd like to thank them in letting me read a copy of The Calculation of You and Me by Serena Kaylor.</i>

Ever since the first sentence, I was hooked. Perhaps because I, too, have a love for stationery. I love the enthusiasm, and I love the writing that really emphasizes it. I could have done without a few of the personality descriptors of the character at the very start of the book because I think it’s better to get to know the character than to spell it out to the audience, but it wasn’t overbearing. Of course, this is an ARC, so there were a few spelling mistakes or double of the same word, but it didn’t take me away from the heart of the story.

Marlowe’s friends’ are very fun to read about. Odette’s blunt and witty nature just pulls you into the story, and Poppy’s eagerness for books can make you relate so hard. I both liked and didn’t like the ex-boyfriend initially, which I think made a greater impact as we went through the story and unpacked it a little. <spoiler>Most of the way he acted, I did not like much, but a couple of things he said, blush-worthy. For instance, when a memory of him would tuck some hair behind her ear and whispered “Let me teach you something for once, Marlowe.” Retrospectively, given the way this character is, that could have very well been very insulting; it’s all about the intent and tone.</spoiler> I think it would have been good to spend a little more time acknowledging what things were toxic, but I loved the parallels the author used incorporating school work or other books to be somewhat of a mirror for the characters.

<spoiler>I also sometimes disagreed with some things Marlowe thought. At one point, she may not have gotten why someone may change their career from something that’s more “standard” to something more liberal like baking, but I think she should have understood that that’s not for her, not that it just doesn’t make sense. People switch career paths all of the time. People change over time, and sometimes that means a change in employment. It’s not giving up your life, as she says. It’s following what your heart is telling you, moving yourself into a situation where you can be happy doing the things that you do again. Additionally, I understand that her heart was broken and it’s really awkward being around Josh, her ex, but changing from sitting in the front, where she always would sit, to the back, just seems like a lot. Then again, that is definitely what a lot of people would do in that situation because they don’t want the awkwardness that comes with it. Perhaps if it’s just for the day, that’s understandable, but even her best friends, Odette and Poppy, agree that she should be free to sit wherever she wants to.</spoiler>

As for Ash, what a guy. He asked her to go to Three Little Words, a bookstore café, and agreed to help her exploration in understanding romance, but he made it clear that he would not do the work for her. He actually wanted her to comprehend for herself. <spoiler>He says, “That’s all I’m willing to offer. You want a shortcut, but that would just be another guy telling you what love is. What you need are lesson from some of the masters and to make your own opinions.” God bless his soul.</spoiler> I loved the interactions between him and Marlowe; they’re cute, funny, and fun! <spoiler>The reality and humour that you have to be eased into romance books was captured beautifully, but succinctly, near the start of the bookstore scenes in the book.</spoiler> But don’t worry, your heart will ache with this story as well.

I loved this story because I could feel how genuine the characters were. The author made math and science feel like a very natural interest for Marlowe. I also loved the representation of different sexualities, even questioning, and gender identities, and the way people dressed. I am eager to buy a copy of this book and I want to check out more from this author.

Now THIS is how you do YA romance. Loved, loved, loved the book and appreciated the inclusion within the story.

The Calculation of You and Me is a sort of predictable slow-burn YA romance that features classic literature, letter writing and music.

Marlowe is a cute, sort of awkward girl who makes you want to learn more about her. Marlowe is neurodivergent, and doesn’t quite “get” social cues, particularly when it comes to romantic relationships. But she does know how she feels. She knows what she wants. And she’s willing to take the steps to get there. Of particular note on Marlowe’s side are her two best friends, who love her for exactly who she is.

The Calculation of You and Me isn’t spectacular, but it’s good. Author Serena Kaylor’s pacing is fairly steady and she works humor in throughout. Her writing is comfortable and easy. And the tropes are familiar. I suggest this one as a library read prior to purchase.

4.5 stars! I really enjoyed this book. I think it’s a super cute YA book, perfect if you are wanting an easy read with a happy ending. Marlowe is a fantastic main character and I loved the neurodiversity representation. She is so funny and I loved her friends. There were so many times I was giggling at their conversations. Ash and Marlowe are the perfect grumpy/sunshine and I loved their relationship so much, I wish we got to see more of it! This book wasn’t hard for me to get into at all, the pacing was great and I never felt bored at all while reading. I can’t wait to read more from Serena Kaylor!
Thank you Netgalley, Wednesday Books and Serena Kaylor for providing me with an arc in exchange for an honest review.

Thank you NetGalley and the publisher for letting me review this book.

I absolutely loved it: the characters and their respective journeys, the humor, the relationships. It fits as a fast-paced YA Romance. I truly have no notes.

I received a free copy of this book thanks to NetGalley and St. Martin's Press; all opinions expressed are exclusively my own.

I absolutely loved this book, so so much. I loved Marlowe and her friends and their relationships, every part of it, as well as her family and the found family she makes along the way. The romance is sweet and classic in a non-traditional way (figure out that oxymoron) that I massively enjoyed, and I adore the references to classic literature. I deeply appreciated Marlowe as a character, her thought processes and how she comes to terms with her first relationship. This is a lovely, lovely read!

For sensitive readers, there are depictions of child neglect, emotional abuse, bullying (mostly off page), alcohol consumed by minors, references to off-screen sexual relationships in vague terms, and toxic relationships.

I'm late to reading this ARC I received from St. Martin's Press and author Serena Kaylor, but I still read it and I am so happy I did! I adored Marlowe and Ash. They were extremely likable and unique characters. I am a sucker for YA, and the premise for this novel was a first for me. I hate to be repetitive, but unique is the best way to describe the whole book. Unique characters, unique story line, unique and lovable supporting characters (Odette and Poppy are the best of friends you could ask for!) . Everything about this book stood out as original and refreshing. The spotlight on a character with autism was spot on too. The representation in this book felt natural and not forced.

Thank you immensely to Netgalley, St. Martin's Press and Serena Kaylor! I apologize for the late review but thank you again for the ARC!

With a math background I had hoped to see a little more included but still this was a good quality story.

Not much to say otherwise, this was a standard YA romance without a crazy twist which is how YA romance should be.

Thank you NetGalley & St. Martin's Press for an eARC of this book. I am leaving this review voluntarily.

“𝓘 𝓽𝓱𝓸𝓾𝓰𝓱𝓽 𝔂𝓸𝓾 𝓭𝓮𝓼𝓮𝓻𝓿𝓮𝓭 𝔂𝓸𝓾𝓻 𝓸𝔀𝓷 𝓵𝓮𝓽𝓽𝓮𝓻.”

I’m still tearing up a little over how beautiful this book was.

If you love romance books, like myself, then this book is for you. If you love cute books where the the main characters eventually fall in love, this book is for you. If you love books that have you rooting for the grumpy MMC, this book is for you. If you don’t mind reading books set in a high school scene, this book is for you. If you don’t mind reading books with zero smut (super valid in this book since they’re minors), this book is for you.

In my personal opinion, this book is for 𝓮𝓿𝓮𝓻𝔂𝓸𝓷𝓮! Please, please, please read it!

The plot was my first guess that I would like this book, but the writing took it from 𝓵𝓲𝓴𝓮 to 𝓵𝓸𝓿𝓮.

I can’t say I wish I could keep Ash for myself, but that’s only because our MMC is still a senior in high school, and that would be weird lol. I can, however, say he was 𝓹𝓮𝓻𝓯𝓮𝓬𝓽.

I love that he was unapologetically himself! He did what he enjoyed and loved, but he did it without hurting anyone. I love the way he helped Marlowe grow into herself as well.

That brings me to our FMC Marlowe. I loved her character so much! I loved being in her head and saying the way she processed information and the way her mind worked. She’s such a sweetheart, and I’m so happy she’s getting the happiness she deserves! Watching her grow the way she did was amazing! I was rooting for her from the beginning, and then I was rooting for her and Ash! I loved following along as they fell for each other, because it was inevitable!

I loved both of our MC’s so much! This book made me miss high school, and made me wish something like this would have happened to me.

Please do not let the fact that the book takes place in high school stop you from reading this book. I understand the hesitancy, but this book is just too beautiful to let that stop you. Everyone please read this book! I’m so glad I read this story, and I can’t wait to read more from this author!

Title: The Calculation of You and Me
Author: Serena Kaylor
Genre: YA
Rating: 4 out of 5

Marlowe Thompson understands a lot of things. She understands that calculus isn’t overwhelmingly beautiful to everyone, and that it typically kills the mood when you try to talk Python coding over beer pong. She understands people were surprised when golden boy Josh asked her out and she went from weird, math-obsessed Marlowe to half of their school’s couple goals. Unfortunately, Marlowe was surprised when Josh dumped her because he’d prefer a girlfriend who was more romantic. One with emotional depth.

But Marlowe has never failed anything in her life, and she isn’t about to start now. When she’s paired with Ashton Hayes for an English project, his black clothing and moody eyeliner cause a bit of a systems overload, and the dissonant sounds of his rock band make her brain itch. But when she discovers Ash's hidden stash of love songs, Marlowe makes a desperate deal to unleash her inner romantic heroine: if Ash will agree to help her write some love letters, she’ll calculate the perfect data analytics formula to make Ash's band go viral.

As the semester heats up with yearning love notes and late nights spent with a boy who escapes any box her brain tries to put him in, Marlowe starts to question if there’s really a set solution to love. Could a girl who has never met a problem she couldn’t solve have gotten the math so massively wrong?

This was a cute read! I really enjoyed Marlow’s POV, and Ash is a great character, too. A teenage boy who reads romances? Totally unbelievable, but awesome. I enjoyed Marlow’s two BFFs, too, but her sister kind of got on my nerves. This ended up being very sweet and fun, and would make a great weekend binge-read.

Serena Kaylor grew up in North Carolina. The Calculation of You and Me is her newest novel.

(Galley courtesy of St. Martin’s Press in exchange for an honest review.)

One of the best books I’ve read in a while. A charming YA romance featuring inclusivity, first love, figuring out who you are and what you love, etc. Highly recommend. I feel it did a beautiful job of depicting how autism can affect your life but doesn’t have to hold you back and that there isn’t only one way to do things. Just because you do something different than someone else doesn’t mean you are doing it wrong. Just go read it.

Kaylor second book hit me in all the feel, just like her first book did. Kaylor knows how to tell a powerful and emotional story, that keeps me eagerly turning each page, while feeling deeply for the characters, and healing something within myself at the same time. Love Serena Kaylor’s books and will always support her!

This YA romance novel will entice many younger readers, especially if they are neurodivergent or have autism. I liked that Marlowe is different and recognizes her differences. I felt like she was portrayed well regarding her autistic traits. I have a stepson who is on the spectrum, and I saw some of him in her. It is mentioned a few times but not built upon in the story. It could have been a more significant portion of the book. That said, it is easy to see why she was so focused on her ex-boyfriend, Josh, and wanted him back. It is the obsessive trait of those on the spectrum.

Enter Ash. Marlowe is paired with him on an English project, and she uses this situation to get help trying to win Josh back. What she doesn't realize is that Ash is interested in her. It is just like the Cyrano de Bergerac storyline. There are multiple classic tales scattered throughout the book that reference what is happening to the characters. I liked that tie-in. I also enjoyed all of the interactions between Marlowe and Ash, especially when you look at it through their eyes and not as a reader. 

While Marlowe has issues to work through, she could sometimes get a little annoying. But I felt like she learned a lot about herself and that maybe how she shows love and affection is ok and doesn't have to fit into a mold that someone else expects. I liked her two best friends, Odette and Poppy. While we learn more about Odette than Poppy, this trio of friends sticks together through thick and thin. 

This book is filled with tropes and loveable characters, and we give it 4 paws up.

Title: The Calculation of You and Me
Author: Serena Kaylor
Length: 336 pages
Format: ebook arc
Pub Date: June 18, 2024
Genre: Young Adult Romance
Rating Out of 5: ⭐️ ⭐️ ⭐️ ⭐️
Spice Level: closed door
Summary:
Marlowe Meadows understands many things, including that her love for calculus and Python coding isn't universally shared. Despite being seen as a "weird, math-obsessed" girl, she became part of her school's "couple goals" with Josh, who later dumped her for not being romantic enough. Determined not to fail, Marlowe teams up with moody musician Ashton Hayes for an English project. They strike a deal: he'll help her write love letters to win back Josh if she can create a data formula to make his band go viral. As they work together, Marlowe starts to question if love can truly be solved like a math problem.

Thoughts:
This was such a sweet YA romance! It gave me major Better Than the Movies vibes. The author did such a great job of creating real, quirky, relatable, and diverse characters that you get to know and love (or hate *cough*Josh*cough*). I really loved getting to follow Marlowe on her romance + self discovery journey. And Ash was incredibly kind and ridiculously patient and loved all the parts of her that her that Josh just dealt with or tried to change. I was fully immersed in this book and loved every second of it!

Special thanks to the @netgalley and @wednesdaybooks for the arc in exchange for my honest review!

Thank you to Netgalley and Wednesday Books for the ARC.

🌟🌟🌟🌟🌟 5/5 stars

I absolutely adored this book. The story follows Marlowe, a calculus enthusiast and one half of the school’s golden couple. That is until her popular boyfriend dumps her and takes all of their friends with him. Apparently, Marlowe isn’t “romantic enough”. Marlowe is determined to win him back and enlists the help of the mysterious Ashton Hayes to write romantic love letters. However, Marlowe soon begins to question if her relationship is even worth fighting for.

This book was so good and perfect for people who just love books. I loved the romance between Marlowe and Ashton, as well as the neurodivergent rep. Overall, just an excellent YA romance.

ARC was provided by the publisher via Netgalley in exchange for an honest review.

The Calculation of You and Me is a very cute YA romance. It took me a little bit to get into but overall i enjoyed this novel!
I think Marlowe was represented so well in the book!! The different dynamics of personalities in high school were well represented too.

A lot of funny and cute moments. Really enjoyed this!

Thank you for the ARC!

Neurodivergent/autistic Marlowe is a senior in high school whose boyfriend of two years, jock Josh, breaks up with her right as senior year begins. Josh breaks up with Marlowe because she is "not romantic enough". Simultaneously, Marlowe gets partnered with Ashton (Ash) the very tall, all-black wearing, guyliner adorned "new" kid for their senior English project. One thing leads to another and Ash makes a deal with Marlowe--if she will help with some grassroots PR for his band, Never Mind the Monsters, he will educate her in how to be more romantic.

I adored this book. The writing is snappy, funny, crisp, and clean. The characters are well developed, diverse, and friends anyone would love to have (Odette and Poppy are just delightful). The family dynamics of Marlowe's mom, stepdad, and half sister are supportive and realistic. Poor Ash's parents having to travel all the time felt plausible too. I thought this was a sweet story of helping Marlowe find out what she wants through "romance fieldwork" and reading romance novels for research. It's a little predictable and the scenes are just oh so perfect. I enjoyed the depiction of Marlowe's autism through her narrator perspective. And Ash is just...swoon. what a cinnamon roll wrapped in all black.

This was a sweet story about self-worth and love. There were some great moments between Marlowe and her family and friends, and I was cheering her on as she confronted incorrect assumptions she had about herself as the story progressed.

I absolutely love that the character who Marlowe describes as “allergic to color” is well-read in romance and makes a great pitch for why romance novels are for everyone. I also loved how patient and kind (and funny) Ash was throughout the story!

Marlowe is neurodivergent and I thought the representation was really well done.

This is exactly the kind of positive and funny story I love to see in the YA genre. This is a great choice for a YA-loving adult (like me!)
I absolutely loved the nods to classic literature. If blending YA and classics is going to be Serena’s trademark style, sign me up.

Thank you to Wednesday Books for the eARC. All thoughts are my own.

This book just wasn't my cup of tea. I ended up DNFing due to the cringey southern accenting and confusing writing style. This was just my initial reaction and suggest you give the book a try yourself if you're drawn to it!

Marlowe Meadows, Lo to her friends and family, is looking forward to her senior year. Even though her relationship ended at the start of the summer, when popular boy Josh said he thought they should take a break for a couple of months. He had gone away for the summer, but Lo was ready for him to come back to town and tell her that he’d reassessed their relationship and he was ready to get back together. Someone who understood social cues might have thought he’d broken up with her. But Lo is autistic and hopeful, and she thinks she can convince Josh that they belong together.

But when school starts, he doesn’t call Lo over and tell her he’s ready for them to get back together again. In fact, when she confronts him, he says he wants to think of it as a breakup, not just a break. And then Lo has to put up with the humiliation of being paired with him in AP English on a team project. To dissolve the tension in the room, Ash Hayes offers to trade places and work with Lo. Lo is surprised but glad to get out of the difficult situation, and very happy not to have to work with Josh on a long-term project.

Lo doesn’t know Ash very well, but he seems smart. And he seems smart with words, not just with numbers, which Lo prefers. And they’re faced with having to do an in-depth study of a romance novel. Lo is not excited about that, until she realizes that romance novels may hold the key for her getting back together with Josh. He had told her that she wasn’t romantic enough for him, and Lo thinks that reading romances can help give her ideas for being more romantic. Ash thinks it’s a bad idea because he has a low opinion of Josh, but he does work in a romance bookstore and reads a lot, so he’s willing to help her out.

Ash will pick out novels he thinks will help Lo and offer some fieldwork training, so Lo can feel more comfortable on dates. In return, she will revamp the website for his band, Never Mind the Monsters, and help with their social media presence. She will also take photos of the band for the website and post some videos of their songs, to try to help them get attention and some gigs, and get them set up on some streaming services.

As the weeks go by, and Ash and Lo spend more time together, Lo finds that she enjoys spending time with him. He has good taste in novels, and his bandmates are all good friends who are excited about her changes to their website. Ash never makes Lo feel less than because of her autism, and he does his best to meet her where she is. Meanwhile, Lo is trying to woo Josh back with anonymous love letters.

But the more Lo learns about what love really is, the more she questions what she had with Josh. Is that really the relationship she wants, or does that just not add up anymore?

The Calculation of You and Me is a sweet YA rom com about being a neurotypical teenager in a typical high school. Lo, her struggles with relationships and her obsession with mushrooms, is honest about what she’s thinking and feeling, her logic providing a different perspective on teenage relationships. This story has tons of heart, many laughs, so many romance novels, and a lot of mug cake experiments. And of course, there is a happily ever after ending.

I was really impressed with this novel. I am someone who is not neurotypical, and I found myself nodding along with Lo as she got into challenging situations by not being able to read the room and not understanding when people would say one thing but do the opposite. High school was confusing for me, like others had gotten some kind of rule book that I missed out on. I thought author Serena Kaylor did a really good job of putting the reader in Lo’s shoes, and this novel is itself a good novel to read to learn more about what love is and what it isn’t. I wish I could have read it when I was a teenager, but since time travel isn’t a thing, I can just be glad that I got to read it now.

Egalleys for The Calculation of You and Me were provided by Wednesday Books through NetGalley, with many thanks.