You Started It by Tessa G. – A Mixed Bag of Teen Romance
From the moment I heard about You Started It by Tessa G., I was drawn in by the promise of a relatable high school romance wrapped in a trendy “fake dating” premise. As a fellow high school student myself, I couldn’t resist the allure of a story that revolved around themes like love, identity, and the struggle for self-discovery. So, when I got my hands on an ARC, I was both excited and cautiously hopeful.
At its core, You Started It centers around Jamie Taher-Foster, a high school senior navigating the rough waters of first love and heartbreak. When her long-term boyfriend, Ben, returns from summer camp with a startling confession, Jamie finds herself on a mission to win him back, enlisting the help of Axel, an equally charming and complicated TikTok dancer. While I appreciated the initial premise of fake dating—a trope laden with potential for humor and swoon-worthy moments—the execution left me feeling underwhelmed.
As I journeyed through Jamie’s world, I found it difficult to embrace her character. Jamie often oscillates between self-pity and impulsiveness, making it tough to root for her. It’s hard to overlook how fixated she is on Ben, whose name seems to echo throughout the story like a broken record. At times, it felt like I was wading through emotional turmoil alongside Jamie instead of gliding through a playful rom-com. Checking off the boxes of teenage angst made the reading experience feel more tedious than thrilling.
The secondary characters also fell flat; many felt one-dimensional and lacked depth. For me, it was disheartening to see what could have been a diverse cast of characters become overshadowed by clichés. While the representation of Arab culture is commendable, the dynamics among the characters lacked richness. The lack of authentic interactions made it hard for me to connect with their collective stories.
On a technical level, Tessa G.’s writing is engaging, alternating between snappy dialogues and reflective moments. However, I felt the pacing could have been tighter, especially in the middle sections where Jamie’s conflict seemed to drag on. I kept waiting for a pivotal moment where her character could break free from her emotional cycle, but it took longer than I anticipated.
Despite my critiques, there were glimmers of brilliance—in the moments where Jamie and Axel developed a genuine friendship. I found myself nodding along to the thematic undertones of mental health representation nestled within the plot. Notably, the dialogue around Jamie’s anxious thoughts resonated deeply, reminding me that many teens grapple with similar struggles.
In conclusion, You Started It is a mixed bag that may appeal more to readers looking for lighthearted high school dramas than those seeking depth or growth. If you relish romantic misadventures and don’t mind a character-driven narrative with some challenges, you might find hints of magic in Jamie and Axel’s journey. However, for readers looking for a profound exploration of teenage emotions—a deeper dive beyond surface-level romance—you might want to pass this one by.
Though my experience wasn’t everything I hoped it would be, I truly enjoyed having a buddy read this with my friend, Ari. It sparked meaningful discussions, reminding me that even in dissatisfaction, sharing experiences with fellow readers is what makes the literary journey worthwhile.
Happy reading! 📚✨
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