Before I get into my review of “If We Were a Movie”, I’d like to thank NetGalley and HarperCollins for the early eARC!

I absolutely *loved* this book and everything it had to offer! All of the characters, even the background characters, made me laugh and smile throughout the whole book.

I loved the use of the friends to (slight) enemies (academic rivals) to lovers trope! This book is great if you’re looking for a cute, cozy YA pick-me-up book!

My final takeaway from this book; when the movie theater you work at is failing, simply fall in love with your academic rival!

I came for the sapphic romance and it did not let me down! From the moment the main character, Rochelle, realizes she has to work with her academic rival, Amira, whom she has actively avoided but also thought of constantly I knew the story was going to be good.

Watching Rochelle come to terms with her feelings and dissect the thin line between “love and hate” had me kicking my feet and giggling the whole time. I love when opposites attract so when the very studious and borderline loner falls for the charismatic and bubbly girl it is simply *chefs kiss*.

With the back drop of a historic black owned movie theater and a cast of diverse characters, this story was so cozy and nostalgic. It brought back memories of friends, school crushes and movie dates. I found myself wishing I had a story like this to read when I was younger.

I can’t wait for more from this author. I especially hope there is a spin off/ sequel for the goth and golden retriever. This was 5/5 ⭐️ for me!

Genre 📚: YA Contemporary, Queer Lit, Romance
Tropes 💁‍♀️: Workplace romance, Former friends to lovers, Opposites attract
Rep ✔️: Black and queer main characters, Korean American side characters, nonbinary and aroace side characters
CW ⚠️: Off-page death of a parent
Rating ⭐️: 3.5/5

The actual struggle to read this title and not sing the Hannah Montana song. If We Were a Movie (youuuu’d be the right guy — okay, sorry) follows FMC Rochelle, who is laser-focused on getting into her dream college. She’s got the grades, but she needs a job to really stand out, so she starts working at the local black-owned movie theater. Unfortunately for her, her childhood-friend-turned-enemy Amira works there too. As the assistant manager, no less.

Rochelle could definitely be an unlikable heroine for some people — she’s judgemental and a little insensitive — but I actually found her interesting to read about. She’s wired to think more logically than emotionally, without realizing she’s hurting those around her. The more she and Amira bond, though, she slowly learns how to recognize her emotions and act on them. Leading to a comforting, sugary sweet romance.

The book was a very slow build, but things picked up when Rochelle came out of her shell, both with Amira and with her fun group of co-workers. I’d call this more slice-of-life, since there’s not much happening plot-wise, and as such, it was an enjoyable read. I’d love to see what this author does next.

thank you for the epub from NetGalley in exchange for my honest review.

It was a cute little romance. I think it definitely leans heavier on the romance than mystery. (Not that I'm complaining.) I loved that the main character is a queer black girl. The romance is sweet. But the mystery is kind of meh and obvious. It has a third act breakup which is frustrating.

This was such a cute book. Such an easy and quick read. I loved the setting of being in a movie theater and it was a great change of pace then the last few books I’ve read.
I really liked all of the characters, they all were lovable in their own ways.
Zakiya did an awesome job on her debut novel.

Such an adorable read! I've been craving a cheesy teen romcom (let's be honest, when am I not?), and this absolutely delivered. I do find it funny how long it took Rochelle to watch a movie at the theater she literally works at. I will be recommending this to any teens looking for a lighthearted queer romance.

Thank you HarperTeen and Netgalley for providing me with an eARC in exchange for my honest review!

My first love is books, my second love is movies.
So getting to read a WLW book mostly set in a movie theater, was such a fun experience! The characters were all likeable, with their own personalities. I loved that we also got a sneak peek into their lives as well. This made the side characters less flat and like they were just put into the story for the main characters to interact with.

Rochelle, the main character, had to grow on me at first. The reason why Rochelle and Amira became rivals bothered me a bit. However, this might very well just be a personal opinion. So keep that in mind. As the story progressed I started to like Rochelle more. Like every teen (and human really), she made mistakes or judged to early. Instead of sweeping it under the rug, she acknowledged that she was wrong and learned from it. This made her so much more realistic. I really appreciated how Jamal weaved that into the story. Her interactions with Amira were so cute! I loved the little snarky comments back and forth.

I do wish I read more about the community of Horizon. The regulars who order the same things, who love to have a chat. Or the movie lovers who go to their local cinema all dressed up. I think that this would've made the theater feel even more personal. Rochelle does mention that her friend is a regular there, but I would've liked to read more about the background characters, the NPCs. Like the older lady that appears in the book at some point.

Lastly, there is a side plot in the story that was a bit too predictable for me. It didn't bother me, as I knew it wasn't a mystery book. However, it would've been more fun if the resolution was a bit more of a surprise.

Besides some little notes, I thoroughly enjoyed reading this book! And I'm so happy with the Black Sapphic representation. I recommend this book to everyone who loves a lighthearted rivals-to-lovers romance novel!

I grew up at the movie theater. Every summer vacation weekend earning loyalty points and saving them up for free tickets. Having my row and my seat. And maybe sneaking into a second showing.

IF WE WERE A MOVIE captured that nostalgia through Rochelle's experience working at a historic movie theater for the summer. And it's the very important last summer vacation of high school.

Theres so much heart on every page. I felt all the small moments of Rochelle being scared or anxious of a social situation and powering through. The friend group was so wholesome even when teasing eachother. Drama was pretty low, but the journey is focused more on Rochelle opening herself to enjoying her high school life.

Overall, highly recommend IF WE WERE A MOVIE for Young Adult readers that enjoy rivals to lovers romance as well as wprkplace forced proximity tension. It's a wholesome read with a lot of heart.

Thank you Netgalley and HarperCollins Children's Books | HarperCollins for the advance digital copy to read and review

This book was decent. Turned out to have some tropes I do not love but all in all was a fun and cute romance.

I found this book very cute. I liked Rochelle as a character and what she represented as a Type A Black girl, I liked that after awhile she let loose, and started to enjoy her summer and making friends and making connection. I appreciated the ACE representation from her friend. I think Amira was so cute and she really liked Rochelle but couldn’t tell her. With me being older, I kinda found the book a bit young for me and sometimes them not communicating got me a bit upset but the age that they are at that makes sense. When Rochelle finally said she liked Amira and Amira makes her feel dumb, I got so happy for her because I love young love. It was such a cute read

"Alexa, play "If We Were a Movie" by Hannah Montana"

This was a cute, ya romcom about summer jobs, first love, and friendship. I liked how distinct the main character's voice was. I also really liked the movie theater summer job setting. Going to the local movie theater with my friends was one of my favorite pastimes in middle/high school (still is, tbh), so the nostalgia was real! However, these likes could not overcome the predictable plot and chemistry-less romance.

I can overlook the predictable plot a bit. Was I bored? Yes. But it wasn't a bad plot. The romance is what got me. The main character was very judgmental of her love interest, and that judgment went from "I hate you and I think you hate me" to "I've always loved you" in ten seconds flat with no character development along the way. I didn't feel their chemistry. They kissed more than had conversations. I wanted more character development from both to make the romance make sense!

I am interested in reading more from this author in the future--this story just wasn't 100% for me!

Thank you to the publisher and NetGalley for providing me with an e-arc in exchange for my honest review.

This was super cute and very very funny. I absolutely loved the concept of them working together in a movie theatre and the mystery prankster ( it reminded me of that movie phantom of the megaplex or something) I thought it was very entertaining. The side characters were also hilarious and I really loved watching Rochelle open up and allow herself to have fun and make new friends and find a balance. Amira was super cool I just wish I knew more about her but it is from Rochelle’s perspective so can’t really complain about that. Would definitely recommend for young readers looking for a queer romance :)
Thank you to the publisher and NetGalley for the arc!

This was such a cute teen sapphic romcom. I found all the characters to be loveable and I was rooting for them the whole time. I also really enjoyed that the majority of the book took place in a movie theater. Besides the romance aspect of the novel, the plot revolved around a mystery, which I found a bit underwhelming. Overall, this was a fun read.

Thank you to NetGalley and the publisher for the free digital Advanced Reader Copy in exchange for a review.

This book was very cute and a perfect almost summertime romance. We follow Rochelle, who mysteriously gets a job at a Black-owned movie theater when she is desperate for something to put on her college apps (she's the shoe in for salutatorian, just an overachiever). From there, we meet the cast of characters who all have personalities that shine, especially our love interest, Amira. It's an enemies-to-lovers plot line with a B-plot mystery and a lot of fun. The relationship between Rochelle and Amira could have been more in-depth and I think there were maybe one too many things going on, but I read it quickly and loved all the representation it had.

Thank you to NetGalley and the publisher. for an e-ARC of this book!

3.5 stars, rounded up.

If We Were a Movie is a super sweet and cute enemies/rivals to lovers story. Rochelle and Amira have known each other forever, but became academic rivals of sorts once they got to high school. They both wind up working at the same historical Black movie theatre over the summer and shenanigans and romance ensue. I liked the movie theatre setting and the quirky friend group--the book had a very late 1990s/early 2000s nostalgic feel to it. There was a mystery element to the story but it felt like a small subplot versus a main part of the action. Overall, this was an enjoyable read and a solid debut, even if it didn't really do anything groundbreaking. I think teen readers who just want a sweet romance will love it! Bonus points for excellent and varied LGBTQ+ rep!

Rochelle is on a mission this summer: she needs a job to boost her chances of getting into her mother’s alma mater post-high school. After weeks of no prospects, she receives an unexpected call from the manager of Horizons, a historic Black-owned movie theater. Without any other options, she reluctantly accepts the job, only to discover that her arch nemesis, Amira, works there as the assistant manager. Thus begins a delightful summer filled with unexpected friendships, romance, and a little mystery as they work together to find out who's behind all the strange happenings at the theatre while trying to save it from closing.

I absolutely loved this book! It brought back all the nostalgic feels of my favorite childhood shows. There's the classic friend group, where each person has their unique personalities, gathering at their go-to hangout to share laughs and decide what they're getting into next. There’s the perfect blend of romance, mystery, and plenty of humor. The queer representation is lovely. I don’t come across too many books with AroAce characters and I really enjoyed it. The healthy relationships between the teens felt genuine and refreshing, making me smile and swoon more times than I can count! (no struggle love 🙌🏾)

Each character is well-developed, and I found myself deeply invested in their journeys. (Special shoutout to Taylor for being the realeast!😂 )This really is a YA gem—adorable, wholesome romance wrapped in a story that feels both familiar and comforting.

I can't wait to dive into more works by @zakiyanjamal! We’re locked in now🤞🏾

As a former 'Golden Child' that was convinced I had to be perfect at everything I tried and had to do the most to make my parents proud, even though they never asked that of me, I can relate so much to Rochelle's point of view on school and her future. This story felt so nostalgic while also being something fresh and new for me to read. I caught myself multiple times kicking my feet and laughing out loud at the parts and at the friends in this one! This was just such a sweet read! Throw in the incredible, historical setting and this one was a top tier read for me.

I don’t think this book is groundbreaking but the way it felt like an early 2000s summer movie (strong Judy Moody, Sleepover & Dog Days Wimpy Kid vibes) was like a warm hug of nostalgia. And it's that feeling that'll remember rather than some of the other aspects that didn't fully work for me. It's such a sweet story of figuring out who you are and forming unexpected connections with the people around you. Also loved the history behind horizon and black theater!!

Super cute and sweet romance. And such a fun read, especially for movie and movie theater lovers. Rochelle and Amira's relationship and banter are precious. Love love love Sapphic rep for YA. Definitely a nice light hearted read to just feel good.

This was a sweet summer-y romance with a sprinkle of mystery and I honestly cant complain a lot about it, I liked it a lot for what it was. I think I still expected a little more from it truthfully especially with the mystery aspect though. It was more of a background plot until the very end when all was revealed, even though I kind of knew who it would end up being the entire time. And might I mention the reveal was done in a very scooby doo like way which gave me a laugh because thats so reminiscent of my childhood. But it was still fun to see all the shenanigans and issues that arose because of the mystery prankster saboteur and hang out with the entire Horizons crew. They were a great cast of characters who all had their own quirks about them and I liked them a lot, they made the story a lot of fun. Horizon was such a cool setting too, the history behind it and what it meant to Glory and their uncles was super cool. The romance between Rochelle and Amira was super sweet, I would've liked to see a little bit more development there but its hard to stay mad at it when they were as cute as they were. Their petty bickering was super entertaining to watch beforehand too, and also the fact that everybody around them figured their entire deal out before they could get out of their own heads and do it themselves lol. Even though I had a few critiques for this, I really liked it in the end and I think a lot of people are going to love this. Its gonna be great for people who like stuff on the lighter end of YA to read for the summer vibes especially coming out right before summer.