+ (mostly) intelligent Austen & Shakespeare references
+ decently appropriate & semi-believable romance
+ fun setting
+ easy & enjoyable to read
+ representation of various cultures in literature & theatre
+ cute cover
+ quotes from other books interspersed throughout

- explicit references (which I will continually argue do not belong in YA)
- requires a LOT of suspension of disbelief (oh yes, they totally cast a seventeen-year-old in this TV show that is definitely not just a Bridgerton ripoff & are obviously looking for more inexperienced teens to fill lead roles & a summer camp is clearly the best way to do that)
- heavy-handed attempt to push an agenda at the expense of the story
- little moral dimension to characters (antagonist never forgiven or redeemed, but protagonists' flaws are all overlooked in the end despite a lack of real repentance or change)
- no parental involvement

I won't deign this with a star rating because, well, it does what it was trying to do: a fast-paced flirty teenage romcom peppered with literary references & progressive agendas. It loses some points for its adult content (sex does not belong in YA) and heavy-handedness, but for what it is, it's decent.

However, YA contemporary and I do not get along, and I doubt we ever will. I try and I try, but even Shakespeare-meets-Austen has failed me. Shallow teenage romance just isn't my thing. I should probably stop trying to enjoy it.

This was loads better than Debating Darcy, though.

(In case it wasn't clear, I would only recommend this if you LIKE YA contemporary romances or, like me, care enough to forge your way through a slough of iffy content and foolish behavior for the literary references. It only took me a day.)