This was absolutely adorable!! Strong cast of diverse characters. Young adult wonderful slow-burn with academy side-plots.

Thank you to Macmillan Children's Publishing Group, Roaring Brook Press and NetGalley for an e-ARC of this title to read and review. The book came out when I was almost finished with it, so I also bought a copy! And yet, I feel like I can absolutely not pick a star rating at all. I obviously enjoyed the beginning of the book enough that I wanted to own a hardcover (and support LGBT books & their authors with my dollars!), and I really was invested in seeing Charlie come into his own at this fascinating new school. For me, I think it's one of those books with SUCH a stellar premise, that doesn't quite match the ultimate execution. So instead of trying to quantify how much I liked the book, I'll share some impressions and thoughts from reading!

For some reason, this story reminded me of a few different manga series that I read growing up, like Girl Got Game, and Ouran High School Host Club -- even though the plots were not even close, those were just the vibes! I know there are going to be some readers out there who can yap with me about this!!

In terms of romance, this story did not feel like a romance in any capacity to me. I didn't feel any will-they-or-won't-they, or any tension, nor did I feel the leads growing closer in even their friendship, and falling for one another. Normally, I wouldn't mind waiting most of the book for characters to get together (if they did at all) if we readers got to experience the joy of their budding relationship along the way, but I didn't feel like ANY characters in this book got a romance! Any inklings toward romance feel like they got rushed in as the book was headed to the printer, for fear they'd be left out altogether. To me, the most romantic part of this book was the print edition's dedication, which TRULY MADE ME SO HAPPY.

I think readers who enjoy really immersive settings over specific plot-driven storylines will enjoy the world-building at this academy more than I did. Even when I was actively in school, I didn't love media that obsessed about school and grades, and SO much of this story was about studying and tracking grades to the literal tenth of a decimal point. I'm sure there are readers who are going to see themselves in these types of harsh academic competitions, I just felt really overwhelmed by the constant rankings and, importantly, I don't think the story made much of a point about them. Like there was some growth from the school administration which was great, but it wasn't like the students themselves ever had reflections on the ranking systems, how they're worth more than their GPAs, etc. So it wasn't used as a plot point towards change, just like a lot of stress to read about. I imagine that at a boarding school setting, it's hard not to make school your whole entire life, but I had no idea who any of these characters were beyond their class rankings - not what they'll eventually do with their smarts either.

3.5 stars rounded up. This was a very cute book overall. I liked the characters and boarding school setting. The main relationship was cute but kind of flat. I liked them together, but I never found myself really rooting for them. I didn't root against them and am glad things worked out. They just never reached that OTP level for me. That said, this was an enjoyable, easy to read book for the most part, especially during Pride month.

I read an ARC of this book from NetGalley. All comments are my own.

I wish I liked this more but just not the intended audience. It was very cute and the characters felt and acted their age. The way this school works though is odd and the grade ranking was a little ridiculous. I also got tired of reading STRIP over and over again.

Thank you so much to Page Powers and Macmillan Children's Publishing Group for a free advanced reading copy in exchange for an honest review.

I cannot recommend this book enough honestly. And I know, I know. Some of my audience may not enjoy a YA story, and that is okay. However, I know a lot of my audience is queer, and this story felt like a warm hug to any queer person who struggled in high school. While the experience may not be exactly the same, given that the main character is trans and I am not, there were many parts that made my heart soar and seemed to stitch together parts of my own high school experience.

Beyond the trans-centered storyline, which was amazing, the high school plot lines of secret clubs, petty drama, and your first love were all done so exquisitely. I really could not put down the book because every storyline was so interesting and enjoyable. I think my only issue is that at times it felt like we were super rushing through plot points. Especially in like the middle to end of the story, everything moved so quickly, I felt like I was having to read between the lines a lot.

Overall, would recommend to any and all of my audience. Especially, those who are queer and want such a nice warm hug.

This book was queer, chaotic, and completely charming and I ate it up like a comfort food binge at 2 a.m.

The banter?? Immaculate. The trans rep?? So tender and beautifully done. Both main characters were messy, loveable disasters just trying to figure themselves out (and maybe fall a little in love along the way).

It balanced heavier emotional beats with laugh-out-loud moments, and the found family vibes had me clutching my chest. Bonus points for the snarky humor, chaotic roommates, and ALL the queer joy.

One star off only because I wanted a bit more closure with certain side plots but overall? A delight.

If you like:
🏳️‍🌈 Queer joy
🏠 Forced proximity
📚 Big feels + big chaos

...go ahead and add this to your TBR immediately.

Thank you NetGalley and Macmillan Children's Publishing Group for the ARC!

As soon as I saw Ben Balmaceda was going to be the Audiobook narrator of this book, I had to read this! And I was not disappointed in the slightest! If you like cheesiness, goofy, silly characters, I highly recommend this book! This definitely feels like it has a mix of like K-drama/ J-Drama in it, think 'Coffee Prince' or 'Bromance'! Charlie is so lovable in all his silly anxious and nervous wreckage of trying not to be found out he's a recent transitioned male, and also trying to fit in and adjust to his life in a chaotic school with a chaotic group of people he has to help in a heist to send love letters to the academy's sister academy! It's so fun and will take you on a roller coaster of chaos, it was hard putting the book down! It's super cozy and chaotic in the most lighthearted way that definitely also tackle the struggles of trying to fit in as a teen and adjust to newfound friends and a new identity.

I absolutely loved this one. I love second chance romance and this one did not disappoint. Charlie and Jasper's relationship was so fun. I love the idea of getting to know someone again when they don't know who you are. And I think it builds something special. And Page's story really exemplifies this. Jasper is a fascinating character who has such a unique way of connecting with people. And Charlie's story of coming into his own was lovely to read. I will be highly recommending this to everyone. Also the dedication made me kick my feet and giggle.

Thanks to NetGalley and the publisher for this arc!
Both heartwarming and funny, I really enjoyed it.

This book ended up being so cute!! I love Page Powars way of bringing the reader into the story so fully.

I loved the characters’ chemistry and all the antics of the boarding school.

My only issue was how slow the story was in the beginning and the quickness towards the end. Wish it had a steady rhythm.

Ahh, I loved this book. As someone who can rarely find queer romance books that have accurate representation this was a delight to read. I loved these characters, and I loved this book. I am so content.

Representation: Gay trans MC, gay love interest, multiple queer supporting cast

Rating: 4/5

I really enjoyed this second-chance romance with the “oh my god, they were roommates” trope. Charlie’s insecurity at the beginning was completely understandable, being a trans boy who just transferred to a new school and wanting to hide that for as long as possible. It did feel like it might have continue a little longer than it should’ve, but not detrimental in any way. I enjoyed the dynamic between Charlie’s do not perceive me, introvert tendencies, and Jasper’s high energy, get what I want attitude. The whole subplot of them working to connect the academies by sneaking letters back and forth was fun, and I enjoyed the chaos of them trying to solve all the obstacles they faced. This was a fun romp!

Thank you to NetGalley and Macmillan Children's Publishing Group for an advanced copy of And They Were Roommates for review!

I read this in one day it was that good. The pacing was great, the characters were charming and distinctive, the romance was sweet, and the love interest was SUCH a lovable jackass until the protagonist broke down his walls. Just such a fun, campy story about found family and the lengths people will go for romance.

If I had to give some critique, I'd say the plot wound down way too fast, and things kinda just worked out on their own. But the rest of this was so good I can almost overlook it. The ending was so sweet and well-earned--- and they really were roommates!

If you liked The Long Run or Red, White, and Royal Blue, you'll love this book.

Thank you Netgalley for the ARC of this wonderful book! This novel had crossed my path a few times online, but once I heard none other than Ben Balmaceda would be doing the audiobook my interest was truly peaked. An academic rivals to lovers (with a complicated past together) by an author who knows the true peak that is Haikaveh? Yeah Page Powars…I’m so in.

The story is perfectly paced and engaging, with just the right balance of slight gen z type humor that authors often fail at. I caught myself laughing at many of Charlie’s internal monologues, having said rather similar things before to myself or even my friends. Charlie himself is a wonderful character type I often find myself inexplicably drawn to; someone so desperate to prove their worth and find their place, but learns in the end the right people won’t make that so hard for you.

His love interest Jasper is just the right amount of cheesy and cliche, with the hidden secret that he’s a loser underneath it all. My absolute favorite type in a romance, I must say. The tension and mystery of the past between the two kept me absolutely hooked, especially as we learn along with Charlie that the situation is much more complicated than it seemed.

All in all this novel was here and done in a blink. I would adore reading anything else Powars has to offer, and I will be recommending this novel with glowing reviews to anyone who will listen. It's perfect for a cozy afternoon in or a beach read. Also a great one to pick up for Pride. (I also HIGHLY recommend the audiobook I’m obsessed with how the character were portrayed through it. Specifically Jasper’s speaking cadence. He’s so silly.) Happy reading!

3.5 ⭐️

This was so cute! Reading the pov of a trans male provided me with a new and interesting perspective. Especially as he navigates the chaos of a new school and an old crush reigniting (though he’s very much in denial about that fact).

Charlie is determined, shy, and anxiety personified. He’s so scared people will find out his secret, that he becomes overwhelmed trying to adapt to the heavy workload and friendly people. When he finally cracks and lets a select few in he starts to thrive! His grades improve, he’s made friends, and he’s calmed down some…

…if you ignore Jasper.

Jasper is cheery, intelligent, and completely oblivious to his new roommate’s turmoil. He’s at the top of St. Valentine’s food chain. Principal’s nephew, published poet, student #1, and love letter author. He needs help writing the letters his peers request to be sent to the sister school, and he enlists Charlie’s help.

The love letter journey forges new relationships, repairs old ones, and strengthens the bond between a friend group. The side characters are lovable and hysterical (here’s to you, Bingo!). The friendships are memorable and strong. The plot is filled with angst and fast-paced. Overall a book of found family, lost but found love, and acceptance.

Thank you to NetGalley, Macmillan Children’s Publishing Group, and Page Powars for the eARC copy of And They Were Roommates in exchange for my honest review.

I think this wasn't the book for me.
I still enjoyed my read, the concept is what drew me in, and the setting of Valentines Academy was really fun! I also really liked the friend group that ends up forming throughout the book, they felt like real connections, and I laughed a few times at their antics.
If I read it when I was a teen, I would've liked it better, but it does read very young, and a lot of the main characters' actions really frustrated me.
The way Charlie reacted to a lot of things had me rolling my eyes, the way Jasper would speak at the beginning really got on my nerves. I think I didn't connect with the characters in the way I needed for me to enjoy this story more.
I would still recommend this book if you like young adult books that read a bit younger, and a main character that gives quirky main character of an anime.

that was truly adorable. I finished the last 70% in about one day. got me out of my reading slump for now, and I loved it! A camp-ier, queer-er She’s The Man. Once you embrace the silly world the book takes place in, it’s a fun ride. Like it’s silly. Don’t get me wrong. But I think it’s just stupid enough it’s campy. It’s like an early 2000s rom-com. You can’t help but love it. Thanks to NetGalley for the advance copy!! Book is out now, go check it out

The premise is compelling: a trans boy faces the challenges of hiding his identity while attending an all-boys school. The romance between the characters is well-developed, ensuring fun throughout the story.

Charlie and Jasper story was sweet and cute. After transitioning Charlie got accepted to all boys school Valentine Academy. Found out that he’s roommates with his ex from summer camp. The story is a journey finding love for yourself and opening up to others. Between these two there’s a lot of tension that everyone notices. There miscommunication as well. Did take them a long time to talk about everything. So that why is a slow burn and second chance. What I like about Charlie is he still learning to love himself, and be comfortable. You see him work throughout a lot. He amazing worker that likes to help and do things he loves. What I like about Jasper is how he stay there to learn and teach Charlie everything he knows. Like how both communicated with each other to work pass there problems. Both want to be in each other life. What I like most about them how open up and say what they need to say. They learn from their mistakes. The STIRP group of friends are funny and caring. Charlie little side comments in his head are the best. The ending was wholesome and sweet. Makes you want to see there future together.

Charlie Von Hevringprinz is a 16-year-old attending the prestigious and cloistered Valentine Academy for Boys in upstate New York. Charlie tutored for a whole year to earn the funds to request a single room to augment his Excellence Scholarship, but his plan to fly under the radar is derailed immediately when he’s paired with the nephew of the school principal as his unwanted roommate. Charlie is devastated not only because having a roommate is dangerous to revealing his transgender identity, but also because Jasper Grimes is THE ONE boy at Valentine who knew Charlie before his transition–and who broke Charlie’s heart.

Two years ago, Charlie and Jasper attended a writer’s summer camp. Pre-transition, Charlie thought Jasper and he were developing a mutual attraction, encouraged by Jasper’s love poetry. Jasper was Charlie’s first kiss, but Charlie had a rude awakening when three other girls confronted him with their own letters from Jasper.

Charlie wants out of the room with Jasper, but there are no open singles. And, Jasper really wants to befriend him. Charlie is appalled, and terrified, and failing at the academics, as well as the athletics. As an Excellence Scholar, he must rank in the top five of the students for his year to maintain his scholarship, and the first grade ranks shows he’s flagging. He agrees to tutor other students, but Jasper and a few others recruit him to assist in their illegal letter-delivery scheme to the girls at the sister campus. Many of the boys at Valentine want to ask a girl to the end of term mixer, and the school’s ban on technology and cell phones limits their ability to contact girls. Love letters that Jasper writes on the behalf of others get delivered via the underground STRIP network. Charlie says he’ll help, but only if Jasper finds a way to move out of their shared room.

I will honestly say I didn’t really get into this story until about the halfway point. The setting and the major conflict felt contrived and over-the-top, and the characters are pretty out-there in terms of relatability. The whole letter writing scheme felt odd; I get that it’s a nod to the original St. Valentine, but the whole “writing letters for others” thing felt so lazy and gross to me that I was put off from the start. I think if they had a letter-writing workshop or something, I could have gotten on board. But, having Jasper and Charlie write beautiful, witty letters to convince some random girl to dance with another random boy at the Mixer was just weird to me as a premise. In the end, it all becomes a caper as the letters get intercepted and there needs to be a big saving moment or else all the other boys will hate the STRIP letter people for ever and ever, and try to get them kicked out for breaking the no fraternization rules, or something. I don’t know. It was a lot of drama over a weird tradition that didn’t make a lot of sense to me.

At the crux of the story, and the only part I really enjoyed, was Charlie becoming who he is and making authentic friendships with the boys at Valentine. He worked hard and established a rapport with several students and teachers. He rose in the ranks to approach the top five. And, he learned about the disconnect Jasper suffered after Charlie disappeared from the summer camp, which led him back into Jasper’s orbit again at school. It became kind of sweet, and allowed Charlie to re-examine his memories to ensure he was being honest with himself. In the end, Charlie and Jasper reach a new understanding of each other, and they develop the kind of relationship that Charlie had dreamed about that fateful summer.

I usually really like queer YA and transgender books, but this one was a bit of a miss for me. I think the second half is far stronger than the first half. I might not have kept reading if I wasn’t planning to review, but I’m glad I stuck with it because I did like the book by the end.