some unknown number between 3 and 4 stars (we round up in this household)

I finished this book some days ago, but much like the fact that I was reading it at all, I forgot to mark it as read and write a review lol.
I will preface the rest of this with the fact that I read this book over the course of many sittings and over many days, which I think is what's stopping me from being able to look at this as closely as I would like for how much I enjoyed it.
Despite the booktok popularity, I actually thoroughly enjoyed this book! sure it's got its issues (mainly in the form of Aaron Carlisle) and sometimes things happen that don't really make sense, but ultimately it is a modern romance novel and it will have that.

I appreciated the fact that the characters were very multifaceted, and the story had many high and low points, rather than the usual one issue keeping the made-for-each-other couple apart, like the financial differences, the friendship groups, the priorities, and obviously the sports they compete in.
It was nice to see un-domestic domestic bliss through Stassie and Nate's relationship, and I loved seeing how their friends became friends and all supported each other despite whatever reason Stassie and Nate were mad at each other- particularly Brinny and Henry's dedication to being the middle man for both parties (which sorry to the homies but you will not see me doing for your partner).

I will say I absolutely abhored Aaron, who is essentially the main bad guy.... and also Stassie's figure skating partner. yeah. and they constantly have to interact and he really gaslights her and its just a whole thing which I hated, this guy is fake and literally made my blood boil in a cartoonish way. he is singlehandedly why this book is a mysterious numbered review rather than a solid 4 stars outta 5.