🦇 I'll Get Back to You Book Review 🦇

❓ #QOTD What items from your childhood have you held onto? ❓

🦇 Murphy was supposed to be settling into her junior year at the University of Illinois with her best friend, Kat. Instead, she’s stuck in a hellish suburban holding living with her parents, failing the same class that kept her from graduating the first time around, and making minimum wage at the same coffee shop she’s worked at since she was sixteen. That is, until a miracle appears in the form of Ellie Meyers, a former classmate who is way cuter and not nearly as straight as Murphy remembers. Their heavy flirting holds the promise of something more until Murphy learns that Ellie’s mom is the very professor preparing to flunk Murphy for a second semester in a row. Together, they hatch a fake relationship for a holiday weekend at the Meyers’ house. If everything goes according to plan, Ellie will be living her dream halfway across the country, and Murphy will finally be able to graduate community college and start her life in earnest. So what if they catch feelings along the way?

💜 The book had all the promise of a cute, cuddly coming-of-age story perfect for anyone looking for a queer holiday read. On the surface, it's exactly that; cute, albeit dense. Murphy is a college student on the brink of so much character development. She's a little stuck, clinging onto her high school years while desperately trying to pass her accounting class. Ellie, on the other hand, is rushing into the future and trying to get everyone on her page. It sounds like they'd be the perfect pair: Ellie could help Murphy focus on the future while Murphy could ground Ellie in the present. For the most part, they help each other get there...by lying.

💙 Usually, the fake dating trope is well-meaning. It forces to MCs together, helping them realize their feelings for one another. There's a spark between Murphy and Ellie at the story's start, but it's snuffed out the moment Ellie starts pushing the fake dating ploy. Her idea to take advantage of Murphy's need to improve her grade to get her way about going to grad school is a little too manipulative. It instantly put a bad taste in my mouth. Honestly, Kat is frustrating from the moment she steps into the bar, too. Creating a cast of unlikeable characters (instead of making them loveable characters with real flaws) from the beginning starts the story on a bad page. The fake dating trope doesn't help us fall in love with them; if anything, it shows us all the ways these two young women don't work well together. Then there's the bombshell from Murphy's parents, who are forcing her to grow up and move out. This would have been key to Murphy's character development if it didn't seem so unnaturally placed. Really, we should have seen Murphy and Ellie own the lie they told Ellie's family. We also needed so much more to build their chemistry. The tiny moments we get aren't enough to eclipse the lying. The prose is also very lackluster; it doesn't draw you in or paint the picture of the little town Muprhy is holding onto. There's no winter wonderland or holiday cheer here.

🦇 Recommended to fans of Sarah Dessen.

✨ The Vibes ✨
⚾ Queer/Sapphic Romance
☕ Young Adult Contemporary
❄ Holiday Vibes
🎀 Single POV
❄ Fake Dating
☕ Coming-of-Age
⚾ Closed Door

🦇 Major thanks to the author and publisher for providing an ARC of this book via Netgalley. 🥰 This does not affect my opinion regarding the book. #IllGetBacktoYou

💬 Quotes
❝ She tastes like coffee, and I’d drink her all afternoon if she would let me. ❞
❝ Kissing Ellie feels like hope, like coming home, and I never want to go anywhere else. ❞

I'll Get Back to You is a charming, if insubstantial, genre treat. Though sometimes repetitive, Becca Grischow's writing is sprightly, efficient, and readable, and her characters are likable and easy to root for. Young adult and romance readers will find a lot to love in this tale of transitional periods, surprising connections, and holiday cheer -- though due to an incredibly forgettable title and fairly unoriginal plot concept, they may not remember it for long.

Ok listen who doesn't love a little queer romance around the holidays I know I do. Also can I just say a fake dating relationship formed over a letter grade in a class is really creative I haven't seen this plot line yet. I loved everything about this the characters were really sweet and I kept wanting them to get together foreal very early on in the book. This will be a reread for me around christmas time. Thank you for letting me read and review this book five stars all around.

As an avid fan of holiday romances, especially sapphic ones, I was excited to dive into "This is Not a Holiday Romance" by Camilla Isley. Unfortunately, my enthusiasm quickly waned.

The protagonist, though in her twenties like myself, felt notably young and inexperienced. The writing style, too, seemed to target a younger audience, focusing heavily on the early stages of adulthood, college dilemmas, and the awkwardness of finding one's footing in life. While this might resonate well with readers in their late teens or early twenties, it didn't quite hit the mark for me.

I found myself struggling to connect with the characters and their journey. The story leaned towards a more innocent and tame portrayal of romance, lacking the spicy, messy elements I often enjoy in such narratives. The fake dating trope, typically a favorite of mine, felt more juvenile and less playful than I had hoped.

This one was unfortunately a miss for me. I loved the synopsis and was really looking forward to the read, but unfortunately it fell flat from the start.

First - it’s a NA book, but it reads very YA. All of the characters, but especially Murph, behave in very juvenile ways. It’s particularly annoying since Murph is our lead and the biggest offender.

Second - the fake dating trope is so specific and really was not delivered here.

Finally - it’s not a romance! The romance doesn’t kick in until the very end, and even then it’s pretty mild.

2.5 stars rounded down. Thanks to NetGalley and the publisher for the ARC.

I found this to be a wonderful sapphic romance. The banter is god tier and the characters were so relatable. I'm in my 30's but I still found myself relating to this coming of age story. I will say that typically fake-dating is not my cup of tea but something about this hit just right. I honestly loved it!

This one was cute but not super believable in the romance dept imo. I enjoyed reading the family dynamics and interpersonal hardships. Idk that I was really rooting for Murphy or Ellie though!

Constantly watching Drag Race, fair. I love small town romances with young adults who don’t know what they’re doing with their lives. It makes me have hope for the future because I also don’t know what I want to do with my life. The relationships and friendships between Kat and Daniel and Kat and Murphy were so relatable and wholesome. Ellie you were super great at sending mixed messages. Kara, as strict as you are as a teacher you are a great parent. Ellie and Murphy your relationship started off kind of weak, but I grew to love it once you were honest about your feelings.

Cute, sweet , holiday romance that will make you smile and perhaps fondly remember the mess of being 21 and not really having anything figured out.
I enjoyed this very much!

This is adorable Rob, with a lot of heart. I’ve never read this author before, but I will be watching for more. I loved the side characters and all of this humor in her book! The cover is so cute and the book is adorable as well! This is a must read this summer!!!!

Not for me (Maybe I’m just too old for it? 27F)
🌟🌟🌟
I was super excited about this one, holiday romances are my thing. This being a sapphic holiday romance it was meant to be my kryptonite. However, I found myself drifting on the first chapter itself.

There was something about the writing that felt… too young? I think the character is 21 so technically we’re both in our 20’s but they just felt so you g. Maybe it’s the whole figuring out adulthood, college, etc.

I feel like this would be great for a younger crowd and it might seem sweeter and even ‘daring’ at points. However… I didn’t really sense any of the spicy mess, etc. I saw Ashley Blake recommended it and I love the Bright Fall series but… this one just wasn’t for me. Had a hard time finishing it since I didn’t love the characters and it just felt like a childish fake dating rather than a more playful silly plot.

Thank you to NetGalley and Penquin books for the ARC in exchange for an honest review

I would recommend if you're looking for (SPOILERS)

-f/f new adult contemporary
-fake dating
-holiday romance
-coming of age

This book gave me Sarah Dessen vibes in the best way. Of writing one of those in between moments in life. In between high school and adult life post-college and what that looks like. Growing with your friends as things change, being home at the holidays, and dealing with your parents. I just ate up the snark in this book. Murphy goes through so many growing pains. Watching her best friend end up in a relationship and figuring out their new dynamic. Trying to figure out what she wants in her own life, and just not being perfcet and jut a bit messy.

Enter in Ellie, a bit older and osmeone she never really knew but suddenly aving her from an awkward experience. Ellie is going through her own struggles, so why not fake date and solve everything. This was such a soft romance, with growing pains all around it. There is an effortlessness to the writing in this book that jut makes it impossible to put down. A hallmark movie in the best way, queer, and just that feeling of do I still belong here or where do I belong in the world.

A sapphic holiday romance and a fake dating scheme? My favorites all wrapped into one adorable book!

3.5 stars, rounded up to 4.

I liked it, didn't love it, but for the most part, enjoyed it. It was mildly amusing, mildly entertaining, and contained (for me) one uncontrolled burst of laughter during one conversation at a dinner table. The characters were, hmm, not terribly endearing, and honestly, not a whole lot happened during the story.

That being said, it was cute, and I can see a lot of folks really enjoying this.

I received a complimentary copy of the novel from the publisher and NetGalley, and my review is being given freely.

I'll Get Back to You follows Murphy, who's been stuck at community college trying to pass her Accounting class. If she can't, she can't transfer to the school her best friend, Kat, goes to - the same best friend who shows up to their Thanksgiving Eve reunion with her new boyfriend in tow.

Frustrated and lonely, Murphy has a chance encounter with an old high school classmate, Ellie. This detailed and well-paced story shows the nights around Thanksgiving, so you get to see just how Murphy and Ellie connect, how Kat and Murphy navigate the tenuous waters of friendship post-high school, and how family can be a curse and a blessing.

If I could highlight one thing about Grischow's writing style, it would be how well she handles conflict. No matter what emotions might bubble up, her characters are able to open up and mend together in the end.

Grischow's voice is at times raw, and others laugh-out-loud hilarious. I saw so much of myself in Murphy, and even now, I'm unsure if that's because I relate to her or because she was written in such an easily relatable way.

I'll leave it there. From what I can see, I'll Get Back to You is set to release on Tuesday, September 17th, and I highly recommend grabbing it! Thank you to @beegriz and her team for creating this and for letting me get my hands on an ARC copy!

"I'll Get Back to You" by Becca Orischow took me on quite a journey through the highs and lows of young adulthood with a blend of humor and relatability that kept me hooked from start to finish.

From the outset, the main character comes across as bitter and somewhat unlikable, yet surprisingly relatable. As the story unfolds, Orischow masterfully develops her, drawing me into her world and making me care. By Chapter 4, the narrative hits its stride, and I found myself completely enamored with the author's writing style. Orischow's casual yet humorous approach makes the story feel like a conversation with a close friend, effortlessly maintaining my interest throughout.

The humor in "I'll Get Back to You" is its shining beacon. It's witty, charming, and often hits close to home. I found myself nodding along with Murphy's experiences, feeling as though I was reliving my own awkward transition from high school to college. I even had to put the book down because at some points I was getting such bad second hand embarrassment! With that being said, Orischow captures this period of life with authenticity, making it a nostalgic read for anyone who has navigated those tumultuous years.

Overall, "I'll Get Back to You" is a delightful read that perfectly encapsulates the rollercoaster of emotions that comes with young adulthood. Like another reviewer said, I wish this book existed when I was in college! It effortlessly blends humor and heartfelt moments to create a memorable reading experience. This novel is a testament to Orischow’s storytelling abilities and her ability to connect with her audience on a personal level.

Disclaimer: This review was written with the assistance of AI, based on all of my chapter and book notes. However, the sentiments expressed are genuine, reflecting only my personal experience with "I'll Get Back to You" by Becca Orischow.

Thank you NetGalley for the ARC! 3.75 stars rounded up. This was a new adult holiday lesbian fake dating romance. It’s a single POV, and a lot of the plot focused on Murphy trying to figure out her life as a 21 year old, and the romance was more in the background. But I didn’t mind that at all because I was super invested in the plot! I also really enjoyed this author’s writing. There were some great quotes I highlighted. I’d love to read more from her someday!

Oh Murphy, a girl of my own heart.

Initially, I thought "I'll Get Back to you" was set at Christmas so I was mentally preparing myself for a Christmas in July read but imagine my surprise that the holiday setting was Thanksgiving. Grischow fully captures the midwest/IL Thanksgiving vibes from blackout Wednesday, cubs references, re-meeting individuals you had a class with, to accidentally falling in love with them. Truly the quintessential experience.

Murphy meets Ellie at the bar on Blackout Wednesday. Ellie was supposed to bring home her girlfriend for Thanksgiving. They broke up two to three weeks before thanksgiving. Murphy is having an awful day because her bestie brought her boyfriend to a just them celebration. Re-meeting Ellie changes Murphy's entire weekend. Both offering something that the other could benefit, a chance to schmooze Murphy's professor and Ellie the opportunity to convince her parents to help pay for Graduate School. They become fake girlfriends. Will they succeed or will it become so much more?

Murphy and Ellie have such delightful personalities and growth throughout the novel. Murphy's continual critique on how this isn't a Hallmark Movie, when every other choice makes it feel like it is a Sapphic Thanksgiving Hallmark Movie but for early 20 somethings, is contradictory but at the same point exactly what a person would say about their experience. Overall enjoyed this read even if I thought all of the U of I hype was too much, Murph could've easily gotten into EIU or ISU and still only have been an hour from her bestie!! However, I recognize that in the greater scheme of the character this was less relevant.

A big thanks to Netgalley and the publisher for the advanced digital reader's copy (ARC) in exchange for an honest review!

<i>Thank you to the Penguin Group and Netgalley for this eARC. This is my honest review.</i>

I have complicated feelings about this book. I could not put it down, and the parts I loved I truly, absolutely loved. But the parts I didn't nearly ruined the book for me, and I'm not sure if it's because this didn't really feel like a rom-com to me. Maybe if it was marketed as just a literary title and the ending was different, I'd feel less salty about it.

First the good. The beginning was fantastic, I legitimately loved it. Even though the opening really made me dislike Kat right off the bat, it did a great job of pushing Murphy towards Ellie, and I do think the two of them had fantastic chemistry <i>when they were meant to</i>. This was also evident during the pitching lesson/first kiss and the couch cuddles. Also, as others have said, I loved Ellie's dad and aunt, they were super sweet, if a little caricature-ish. Also, when Kat finally did come over so she and Murph could hash things out/commiserate, I honestly loved that scene, it was great.

However, the bits that didn't work for me were many, starting with the fake dating itself. The trope as is is a bit of a tightwire act as is to make work, very easy to topple, and I just did not buy this one. It seems funny to me that Murphy pointed out how it's not something that happens in real life (this also served to slightly date when the the book was initially written as they talk about hallmark not having holiday romances featuring gay women which they have now)...maybe it was said to offset the author's lack of confidence in the trope she actively wrote? There's a lot here that kinda gets into spoiler territory so I'll put it behind a tag: <spoiler>If Murphy had zero connection to Kara, Ellie's mother, I could potentially buy the rest, but after being in Kara's accounting class <i>twice</i> it felt like just two much of a stretch for them to say it was fine with a handwaving 'no, you heard Mary but it was always Murphy' and other issues. Ellie was also so quick to jump down Murph's throat at the slightest inclination, and seemingly also had super hearing (?) after managing to listen in to Murph and Kat on the phone no less than 3 times, the second time while sitting with her family (second ?). Anyway, she jumps down Murph's throat after an understandably crushing shock, only to the next sentence say they're good together and it'd be worth seeing if they work as an actual relationship. And then she's gone for the majority of the rest of the book, until she shows up again and they get together! Wtf?!</spoiler>

And then there's Murphy's parents, and their worst-timing-ever bombshell when they get home. It's not even them wanting to move, I get that, but seriously, no word in 4 years about what you were thinking? I also found myself wondering how old her parents were...wanting to retire really soon I couldn't tell if they had Murphy late in life, or were just really privileged to be able to retire in their, what, 40s or 50s? I got zero real sense of her parents and that bothered me.

Also, and this may be just a me thing, but in 2024 I just had trouble buying these parents, and especially their lesbian daughter, expressing so much love for Florida given the environment there for queer people lately. Maybe that's just me.

I jumped on this title when it was sent to me, helped by the Ashley Herring Blake quote of it being a cozy, sexy romance, but that feels inaccurate. It's sweet at times, but sexy? Eh...and certainly not spicy. As for the romance...we honestly spend the majority of the book with Murph on her own, and I had trouble buying her and Ellie as endgoal material. Maybe this book would have been better suited listed as a literary fiction story without trying to force the HEA/HFN? I dunno.

2.5 stars, rounded up for how much I liked the good bits.

I wanted to love this but it just wasn’t for me! The pacing was so strange and the romance wasn’t there until the end. I just couldn’t get invested. The cover gets a 10/10 though!