Title: Plus One
Author: Kelsey Rodkey
Genre: YA Rom-Com
Publisher: HarperTeen
Pages: 336
Release Date: 20 July 2023
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Hello fellow book lovers! I'm back with a review for Plus One by Kelsey Rodkey, a fun and thoroughly entertaining YA Rom-com that follows the chaotic life of plus-sized teen matchmaker, Lahey as she searches for a last minute date to her nemesis/cousin’s lavish birthday party.
Full of disastrous dates, stray cats and teen drama, Lahey’s whirlwind week sees her embark on a satisfying journey to self acceptance and a rather sweet, slow-burn romance that I really enjoyed.
Synopsis
Lahey Johnson is notorious for helping her friends and classmates find love. Sure, she’s never had a boyfriend herself. But she could. If she wanted to. Right? She just hasn’t had a reason to focus on her own love life—but now, with her detested cousin Summer’s sweet sixteen coming up, she’s got the ultimate reason: revenge.
Lahey will do anything to prove that she can get a date to Summer’s party—anything, including juggle six prospective suitors in seven days. She’s matched people before—all she needs to do is figure out who these guys are looking for and become that girl. Easy.
The only issue? Her older sister’s irritating friend Adler has decided to take a front-row seat to the spectacle that is Lahey’s life. He can bother her all he wants—nothing will distract Lahey from her goal of one-upping Summer.
But as the party creeps closer, the panic sets in.
Can a matchmaker ever really meet her own match?
Review
This is actually the first book by Kelsey Rodney I’ve ever read but, given how much I loved her witty and heartfelt portrayal of the peaks and pitfalls of teenage life—it’s definitely not going to be the last!
I really liked Lahey, our matchmaking protagonist, who’s as flawed and complex as she is compelling. I enjoyed seeing her navigate the typical teenage struggles of self esteem and jealousy that most experience at that age, and was impressed with the amount of growth we see not just from Lahey (as she takes responsibility for her mistakes and attempts to make amends) but also from several of the characters around her.
Particularly Summer (Lahey’s Cousin) who, despite being built up as the main antagonist was a surprisingly easy character to sympathise with as we get slowly get to know her and her own personal struggles.
I do have to admit my fave character had to be Adler, best friend to Lahey’s big sister Liberty and literal cinnamon roll boy next door. His chemistry and banter with Lahey was amazing—I honestly cannot believe how long it took her to realise he was a catch!
The only thing that disappointed me was that the romance wasn’t nearly long enough and I’d love to see more of Lahey’s blossoming relationship—maybe in a sequel of some kind, as I’d love to see more of Liberty, Sophia and Lily.
Overall, Plus One is a definite must read for YA rom-com lovers, Kelsey Rodkey fans or anyone looking for coming of age, plus-size centred stories.
Also, a huge thank you Harper360ya for the proof
Rating: ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️💫/5
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