Not Tad Hamilton

I have heard great things about Amy Spalding, and she’s been delightful on podcasts I listen to (what’s up, CIPYD??) which is why I picked up this book. I thought the premise was interesting, although having read a lot of YA books, I went in pretty sure I knew how the book was going to end. And instead I was pleasantly surprised! As someone who’s best friend in high school was a different gender, with zero romantic feelings between us, it was refreshing to read about Reid and Riley’s friendship!

I loved Reid. I related to Reid. As a strange, nerdy worrier myself, I wish the whole book had been about him. I had a really difficult time liking Riley. She seemed all over the place, and I never really felt like she was that interested in any of the guys she was dating. I also felt like she wasn’t the greatest friend to Lucy. As much as I enjoyed her friendship with Reid, I love seeing solid female friendships in fiction, and while I get that Riley felt inferior to Lucy, I wish that relationship had been explored more. I did love that Riley was more sex-obsessed than Reid, since too often male characters have the monopoly on that.

All in all, while this book was not my favorite, I do want to read more of Amy Spalding’s books. I was entertained the entire time, and I loved reading a book aimed at teens that showed a realistic platonic relationship. This is probably not a book I will come back to, but if you want a quick, fun YA read, this isn’t a bad option!

(Additionally, although I’ve read this entire book, I still cannot remember it’s Ted Callahan, not Tad Hamilton)