Five Stars

Anddd say hello to one of my top books of the year! I absolutely adored CONVENTIONALLY YOURS by Annabeth Albert. I had to read it twice before I could even get my heart-feels under control enough to write a more coherent review than “GAH I LOVE, LOVE.” Although, fair warning, this review will still be a total gush fest.

This book follows polar opposites Conrad (tall, charming, hot) and Alden (awkward, intense, super-smart), gaming teammates, and rivals. They attempt a cross-country road trip for a massive tournament that could potentially change both of their lives. If this sounds like a trope-tastic dream, it is! We even have some classic, there-is-only-one-bed fun.

Ms. Albert takes what could have been a trope-crushed plot and turns it into a deft and profoundly endearing coming of age romance for the two college-aged heroes as they tackle difficult life challenges and fall in love. The plot is so excellently paced, I didn’t even know what was going to happen at the end (besides an HEA). I was hanging on the edge of my seat!

Alden was a grumpy nerd, and I loved watching sunshine-y Conrad peel back the layers of his preconceived notions and discover Alden’s funny and awkward heart of gold. As for Alden’s journey, his willingness to be vulnerable and face his feelings for Conrad and deep trepidation made my heart squeeze in empathy and compassion.

Overall, this book was a tour-de-force of inclusion and a beautifully light-hearted and fluffy romance, effortlessly intertwined with intense coming-of-age revelations.

**I received a free copy of this book in order to provide an honest review**

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