Georgia Nicholson meets Lola Steppe in this hilarious, YA Rom-com debut with a strong message about friendship, identity, self discovery and love —that thoroughly stole my heart. 

We follow teen Drama King, Patrick ‘Patch’ Simmons and his misadventures navigating teenage life and the “full proof”plan he’s devised to snag a boyfriend. With overly supportive bestie, Jean, in tow and his mum’s old self help books for guidance. I genuinely couldn’t put this down (or stop laughing!)

I loved Patch, he was a marvellously endearing MC who, despite his impulsive flair for the dramatic, really captures the feelings of chaos (and uncertainty) we all feeling during adolescence. There were also a few moments that really reminded me of Lola Steppe from Confessions of A Teenage Drama Queen which I found absolutely marvellous (despite being a bit of a movie flop it’s always been one of my faves.) 

But it was the friendships and journey Patch takes to being a little less self absorbed and a lot more compassionate (and communicative), to the people who care about him most that really won me over.

Harry Trevaldwyn is a natural when it comes to writing comedic prose, (the pithy one liners would make even Georgia Nicholson green with envy) and was dripping with humour, warmth and relatable teen struggles that I know soo many readers—both the young, and not so young (I refuse to say old) are gonna adore. 

Especially as Patch’s larger than life personality and cringeworthy mishaps brought a lighthearted sense of whimsy (and a good dose of self awareness) to the plot. That, much like Alice Oseman, perfectly encapsulates the modern coming of age journey for Gen-Z teens.
 
The romance was equally as compelling, though I don’t want to delve too much into it. As Patch has two contenders for the role of Boyfriend, and I don’t want to spoil that wonderfully sweet conclusion. Though, I will say I was rooting for his “end game” love interest almost from the start.
 
I also have to give a shout out to Phoebe (little sister to Patch’s new, and rather shy friend Sam) as her energetic (and hilariously unhinged high jinks) definitely rivalled Patch for most chaotic antics performed in a single day. I really hope she makes an appearance in future books (even if just in a background scene) as she was soo entertaining. 

Overall, a heartwarmingly humorous read that Louise Rennison, Becky Albertelli or Teen Rom-Com fans definitely need to consider adding to their TBRs. 

Also, a huge thank you to First Ink for the physical proof.