I absolutely adored You Started It! Having also read Khalilieh's first book Something More, I was aware of the author's writing style and unique voice within the YA genre. Khalilieh writes such wonderfully multidimensional, thoughtful, reflective, and messy teen characters. All the while establishing and maintaining just the right level of tension to keep the reader engaged and enthralled. Once I started reading, I didn't want to stop!

While you could argue that there are three main characters (or even three and a half if you count Olivia Chen since she has more of a role to play in the last 25% of the book), Jamie Taher-Foster, Axel Dahini, and Ben Cameron, the most focus is given to Jamie, her budding relationship with Axel, and how he helps inform her character growth. I know a lot of readers will call her unlikeable, but is she unlikeable... or is she dealing with anxiety, a caring but controlling mother, feeling like she's not Arab (Palestinian) enough, a boyfriend of three years who cheated on her, and coming to terms with the fact that she invested all her time and energy into one relationship and has no other friends? I want to look at each of these aspects a bit more though. Jamie has had to learn how to deal with anxiety, how it manifests physically and emotionally, since the separation and divorce of her parents. She blames her mother's controlling behaviors for driving her father away. A father whose memory she holds in high positive regard while also being angry and confused about why he abandoned them. There's much more to it than that of course - hidden alcoholism, incompatibility, getting pregnant and married too young - but Jamie's mother has tried to shield her from these truths in order to protect her daughter. Jamie might perceive it all as her mother's need for control in the first half of the book, but she comes to understand the reasons and rationale more after she and her mother begin to communicate more openly. Jamie also feels very conflicted about her ethnic identity. She hasn't had much exposure or education about cultural traditions or language, because generational wounds are passed on when they are left untended (ie. the broken relationship between Jamie's mother and grandparents). When Jamie's three year relationship with Ben abruptly ends, she feels angry and betrayed and wants to prove that she's the better choice in comparison to Ben's new love interest. But again, after spending time with Axel under the guise of fake dating to get Ben back, it becomes clearer to Jamie that perhaps her old relationship wasn't all she thought it was. Jamie is such a relatable character, don't you dare call her unlikeable!

There's really meaningful intentionality in the depictions of the male Arab main characters in You Started It. Axel, with his magnetic charisma, kindness, empathy, and sweet easy going personality, and Amo Eli, with his avuncular humor, insight, generosity, and care for chosen family, are such necessary counterpoints to typical mainstream media representations of Arab men. The author's note at the end of the book does an excellent job at spelling this out. I really loved how Khalilieh incorporated weightier topics into this book. While the writing style, unique teen voice, and character tension/stakes are all present in similar ways to Something More, this book really stands apart. It would be an excellent introduction to YA romance that highlights the fake dating trope.

Highly recommend!

First of all I’d like to thank Tundra Book Group for sending me an ARC. This books follows a 17 year old through heartbreak, falling in love again, self love, and self growth journey. I’ve been in a terrible reading slump and this book completely reignited my LOVE for reading. It’s also one of the most diverse cast of characters I’ve ever read. Whenever I wasn’t reading this book I was thinking about it. I can’t wait till it’s release (may 20, 2025) I’m gonna need a physical copy asap!

*You Started It* by Jackie Khalilieh is a fresh, fun, and heartfelt YA romance that perfectly captures the chaos and emotions of teenage life. Jamie’s journey from heartbreak to self-discovery is filled with humor, messy moments, and unexpected connections—especially with Axel, the TikTok dancer she never expected to vibe with.

The story is as much about personal growth as it is about romance, with Jamie learning to let go of perfection, embrace spontaneity, and find value in relationships that don’t fit neatly into a checklist. Khalilieh does a fantastic job weaving Jamie’s Type A struggles and anxiety into a relatable and uplifting narrative. If you’re a fan of fake dating, opposites-attract romance, and characters who make you laugh, cringe, and cheer all at once, this book is a perfect pick. It’s like a warm hug wrapped in the chaos of high school drama, first loves, and second chances.

Something More was one of my favorites of last year, and this one was also a great time! I read it all in one sitting; the pacing makes you wanna keep flipping pages. Jamie and Axel were super cute, and I loved the family dynamics as well! The characters that Khalilieh creates are really relatable and diverse, which is a joy to read.

I absolutely adore this book. We follow Jamie through her senior year of high school and there’s two love interests. Jamie and Ben break up and soon after Jamie meets a new guy named Axel. I absolutely love their chemistry and banter. Also, it was so refreshing to see IBS rep in a book! As a person with tummy troubles I appreciate the visibility. Jamie is Palestinian and this book touches on themes of assimilation, trying to understand one’s own culture, and growing up. I want to keep the review as spoiler free as possible so I’m not going to divulge too many more plot details.

Jamie and Axel are just so cute. They seem to have a ton of fun together which is so important in a relationship. I was giggling and kicking my feet throughout the book whenever they interacted.

This is the second book I’ve read from Jackie Khalilieh and it’s a solid 5 stars for me. It comes out May 20, 2025, I definitely recommend reading it!

Jackie, I cannot wait to see what else you do with your books in the future. Consider me a fan for life.

Thank you to netgalley and the publisher for a free EARC of this book

I was so excited to get the digital ARC for this and let me tell you, it DID NOT DISAPOINT!!!

I've basically been waiting for this release since reading Jackie's first book early this year, Something More, which I had loved so much. This gave me the same feelings I got reading that one and I need everyone to read it.

I am honestly not even a big romance reader these days, but I will always have time for a contemporary young adult romcom!!! Something about these sort of books that just feels so nostalgic and make me so happy.

This story is about Jamie and Axel who are fake dating after Jamie's boyfriend suddenly breaks up with her. Together they embark on an adventure to cross off items from Jamie's "bucket list" of fun activities, which include things like going to the CN tower, Ripley's Aquarium, and a concert at Budweiser Stage (Yes, it's set in Toronto and as a soon to be Toronto resident, I loved that aspect).

While I loved how wholesome and cute this was, I also really appreciated the very real and relevant themes this addressed. Specifically, around Arab identify which was a really interesting conversation. I also really loved the anxiety representation in this and thought it was very well done (not to mention super relatable).

One of my favourite things about this book is the feeling of nostalgia. There is nothing that makes me happier than when a romance book feels like an early 2000s romcom that I grew up watching (think 10 things I hate about you, Clueless, etc.) And that's EXACTLY what this gives.

Thank you to the publisher, author & NetGalley for the opportunity to read and review an advanced copy of this book! I voluntarily read this book, and all thoughts and opinions are my own.
You Started It by Jackie Khalilieh
This read like a YA book but I’m not sure if it’s intended to be. 17 year old Jamie is heartbroken when her bf of 3 years breaks up with her and moves on very quickly. She enables Ben’s neighbor Axel to be her fake bf to make Ben want her back. Thai was a cute story. I like the representation in the book (Gay uncle, neurodivergent FMC.). Axel was adorable. I could not stand Ben. The 3rd act breakup lasted way too long. I think the book could have been a bit shorter. There were a lot of storylines esp towards the end.
It was good overall and I was invested seeing the 2 characters get their happily ever after.

I saw the vision that the author had for this novel, especially for the main character to connect to her family roots and background. However, the main character was unfortunately very self-centered; even when she confessed that she "loved" Axle, I did not get it at all. She did not want to take the time to listen to the adults in her life, was quick to attribute the minor thing of her boyfriend breaking up with her as "trauma," and was unfeeling in the way of using both Ben and Axle to get back at either guy. Axle demonstrated a surprising amount of maturity, but then he was using Olivia to get back at Jamie, which lowered my estimation of him. I was desperate for Jamie to find a friend by the end of the novel; I thought it was very isolating that she had no friends outside of her ex-boyfriend. That seemed to be a red flag for me against the main character; friends are what helps us develop our sympathy and caring for others, and it was glaringly evident that Jamie had no empathy or care for anyone besides herself. I do not believe there to be anything redeemable for me about Jamie, unfortunately. Also, I would have liked to see Axle be something more than a TikTok dancer; it felt a little cheesy on the page, to have that be taken so seriously (and this is definitely a critique from my own preferences, since I find that a bit cringey anyways). I want to recognize the author's work in getting this book published, but I wish my hopes and expectations were met.

Thank you so much to Netgalley and Tundra Books for providing this eARC in exchange for an honest review!

This book is one of my favourite reads of the year, a new ALL TIME FAVOURITE!!

I adored the whole cast of characters, this book had me going through every emotion, and was such a wonderful reading experience!!!

I highly recommend checking out this spectacular book when it is released, 20/5/2025!!

Genuinely really sad that I ended up dnfing this. I don't think I took into account that this was geared more towards teens than young adult readers. There were a few instances where I cringed, but I do think that's because I'm an adult now. Looking at this from a teens' perspective, I do think it would be enjoyable as the characters could be perceived as relatable, complex, and there are many representations that I appreciate.

I do wish I enjoyed this more than I did <3

You Started It is the second novel of author Jackie Khalilieh. Just like her first novel Something More I was struck by just how complex and three dimensional her teenage characters are. You Started It is about 17 year old Palestinian Canadian Jamie Taher-Foster who at the end of the summer before entering Grade 12 has created a bucket list of items for her and her boyfriend Ben to check off through the year. The only problem is Ben who has been away all summer breaks up with Jamie as soon as he returns. In one of the best meet cutes Jamie convinces 16 year old Tik Tok sensation Axel Dahini a Lebanese Canadian to be her fake boyfriend in an effort to win Ben back. I loved Axel! I loved how Jamie grew and took herself out of her own comfort zone while she was with him.

You Started It is deep, sweet and laugh out loud funny. It touches on internalized racism, mother-daughter dynamics, IBS and anxiety disorders. I loved it's portrayal of Arab men and we could all use an uncle like Amo Eli. I also loved that the bucket list centred on all the amazing places in Toronto. This is one of the best YA books I have read this year. A definite five star read
Thank you to Netgalley and Tundra Books for an Advanced Copy. This is my honest review.

I really enjoyed this as a romance novel and how it worked in this universe. The overall storyline worked well together with the characters and in the story. I enjoyed the way Jackie Khalilieh wrote this and was glad I got to go on this journey with the characters. It had that element that I was hoping for in the young adult novel and was glad I was able to read this.

3.5 ⭐️
I flew through this book, like literally finished it within hours. it was good, I liked it and I think the ending was sweet. I think their fake dating ended way too early though, it could’ve been stretched out to make the plot feel better. I do like how the author navigated the complex mother-daughter relationship and showing how Jamie coped with her dad leaving. I really enjoyed how Jamie wasn’t discomfited by her Palestinian lineage and tried embracing it after meeting Axel, even showing her mother that it’s nothing to be ashamed of. I related a lot to Jamie as I am half Indian and I didn’t grow up learning the culture or language like she didn’t, even though my Dad understands Hindi. I wish I had that experience. Jamie feeling like a fraud or not “Arab enough” in front of Axel’s parents really hit home as I’ve been told I’m not “Indian enough” before and it sucks. Enough about me…
There was a lottt of Gen Z references and slang which, is fine, but took me out of the story just a little bit. I didn’t like the few scenes where her uncle and mom invalidated her feelings or cared about others’ feelings over hers, kind of overlooking her experiences and emotions that she was going through. I also feel like Axel should’ve had to grovel a bit more for what he did and how he acted towards Jamie instead of putting all that burden on her. overall, a cute read that explored a lot of intricate topics pretty well.

Such a cute teen romcom taking place in the heart of Downtown Toronto. Being a Toronto native, it was so interesting to read so many iconic landmarks and be able to recognize what the characters were talking about. I was squealing like a kid again reading the story and think this book would be best read for 14 to 15 year olds who want a cute fun romance with some mature topics when it comes to relationships but not going into anything explicit. All the characters are loveable and they feel grounded and real as they aren't just one dimensional and have complexity with some of their own struggles. Ben was a very frustrating character to read but written in a good way where you see it's a lost teenager who doesn't really know how to navigate relationships and life. Also the main character feels very autistic coded which I have no clue if the author was aiming for that but it was a nice to see. Overall, a very cute and fun read.

An interesting book with well defined characters and a good attempt to examine the complexity of the transition from adolescence to adulthood but also tackling the truth that even as adults, we are constantly growing. Interesting read.

I think this book is a good jumping off point for a younger teen reading to get into the fake dating trope and see what it’s all about. The contracts, the dates for show, faking intimacy and all the typical stuff that comes with this trope. The romance between Axel and Jamie is pretty typical of a fake dating trope book and decently cute.

I will say, I felt like the pacing was off for this book. I wish more time was spent developing the relationship between Axel and Jamie before the book went into third act conflict section of the book. The conflict of the book just also felt very dragged out and repetitive. I wish more time of that had at least been spent on Jamie’s character development because it felt too brief for me. Also like mentioned in the book, are there more teen girls in Toronto than Jamie and Olivia? It would have been nice to see Jamie make friends outside of our small cast of characters!

Aside from those issues, I do think this would be an enjoyable enough read for readers on the younger side of the young adult spectrum. I also enjoyed the diverse characters, as well as the series of dates they go on around Toronto.

A friend introduced me to Jackie’s book this summer and since then I’ve been intrigued by the Toronto author, it’s so rare to find books set in Toronto that also have lead characters of colour. So when the cover for 'You Started It’ was revealed, I knew I wanted to read it. This was a surprisingly quick read for me.

If you loved ‘To All the Boys’ by Jenny Han or a bubbly young love book, then this is right up your alley.

Jamie’s recently gone through a breakup with her ex Ben and unexpectedly turns to Axel to be her fake boyfriend to make her ex jealous and win him back. It’s the classic YA romance formula, however, the beacon and saving grace of this book is Axel. I can’t say this enough, it’s so rare for writers to make characters of colour well rounded and just exist in their universes. Jackie does amazing work for Axel. Arab men are hardly featured in YA or Romance and Jackie writes such an effortless, joyful, and positive character. (The dance at the wedding scene? So good). I’ve always said reading can bring us closer while also imparting something important. The book touches on internalized racism, anxiety, alcoholism, abandonment, generational trauma and so many more topics. It’s a great book to start meaningful conversations which can help bridge gaps.

Wrapping this up, I love that Toronto shines in this book. Tim Hortons, Canada’s Wonderland (the inspiration of the book cover), Eaton Centre, and the CN Tower! The list is endless and I can’t wait to read more. Thank you Tundra Books and NetGalley for providing the arc!

Ahhhh this was so so good!! I’m so grateful I got to read an ARC of it. Thank you to Tundra Books for the privilege because I def would not have lasted until its pub date!

This book has Palestinian rep (written by a Palestinian Canadian author), anxiety rep, IBS rep. I loved Jamie’s relationship with her mom. As a teenage girl, I also was so adamant that I didn’t want to turn into my mom, and then one day had a terrifying thought that I was more similar to her than I was admitting to myself. Jamie feels cut off from her Palestinian roots because of her mom, and she has a lot of resentment for that. She also feels like her mom is responsible for her dad having left them three years ago. I like how Jamie grows to understand her mom, and her mom starts to see how her judgment has harmed Jamie. I think their arguments are realistic.

OH MY GOSH I LOVED AXEL. That boy has my entire heart. His passion for dance, his embracing of his Arab (Lebanese) roots, his clear love and care for Jamie… He’s the real MVP in this book.

I also came to love Olivia’s character. Jamie is so aware of how her dislike of Olivia is rooted in internal misogyny, but she also can’t help but hate her for “stealing her boyfriend” (Ben). I love that Olivia and Jamie eventually hash it out.

And okay, even Ben’s character wasn’t so terrible in the end, even though he made a ton of mistakes (don’t we all, especially as teenagers).

I have a feeling some readers will complain that Jamie is too immature. Yes, she is immature. But she’s a teenager. I think some people forget what they were like as teenagers. Everything feels so dramatic and raw because you’re going through so many firsts. I probably would have acted similarly to Jamie and had the same thought processes. Even as an adult I can relate so much to her all or nothing thinking and catastrophizing. I think Jackie writes teenagers so well, and I like that their flaws seem so real. Jamie grows exponentially from the start to the end of the novel.

I could go on and on about this book. I might add to my review tomorrow after I’ve had more time to digest. But Jackie is a goddess and this book is chef’s kiss good! *mwah*

I loved this book. Jamie is me. Seeing a character who is anxious to the point of snapping when triggered really made me feel seen. I know its not the way to do things but seeing her act that way made me feel less alone in my own struggles with anxiety. I will defend Jamie to the ends of the earth honestly.

Want to said thanks first from get Arc of “You started it” by Jackie Khalilieh from NetGalley and the Publisher.

You started it it’s about Jamie Taher-Foster get dumps by her long-time boyfriend Ben Cameron then discovers he is going out Olivia Chen. So Jamie decided to make a plan to over win Ben back by faking dating his new neighbors, Axel Dahini. But things get mess when someone start to caught feelings.Jamie doesn’t know what to do and start to question what she wants in life.


This book was fun,messy and hilarious. There are moments that makes want me to cry but out of nowhere a joke will come in change my mood, I will be laughing. If Jackie Khalilieh decides to stop being Author, she should be a Comedian. I can’t wait to get copy of this book.