Red Flags By Sophie Jo Review

Title: Red Flags

Author: Sophie Jo

Genre: YA Rom-Com

Publisher: Scholastic UK

Pages: 320

Release Date: 13 February 2025

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Hello fellow booklovers! Today I’m sharing my review for Red Flags by Sophie Jo.  A witty, escapist (Holly Bourne meets Dolly Alderton-esque) YA Rom-Com that deftly (and entertainingly) explores the nuances of relationships, and the differences between red flags, annoyances-turned-icks, and the flaws of being human.

Synopsis

 Neither Poppy nor Cam want it to work … until it does.

Poppy is known for her high standards. Why bother with relationships when boys don’t ever seem to live up to her expectations? One red flag and she’s out.

Cam is known for quickly developing the ick. He’s never dated anyone for long – a week here, a month there, but he always spooks.

When Poppy’s friends challenge her to give someone a chance for two whole months, Poppy decides that Cam (her mysterious bus crush) could be the best of an underwhelming bunch. But Cam’s been set his own he’s banned from ending things in his next relationship … and that means he’s ready to do whatever he can to put Poppy off.

Two skeptics. Two months. And this time, neither of them can disappear the moment they spot something they don’t like…

Review

Given the misinformation and confusion that sometimes surrounds the term ‘Red Flag’, Sophie Jo brings a much needed dose of humour and clarity to a highly relevant topic. That I’m sure readers are will find just as entertaining and informative as I did.

Told from the dual POVs of two commitment shy teens, and the “How To Lose A Guy In Ten Days” style premise they inadvertently find themselves in— Rom com lovers should prepare to be utterly hooked.

Poppy and Cam, (our MCs) were both incredibly endearing and fascinating characters. Who despite their initial, opposing personalities and enemies to lovers-esque dynamics, really have more in common than they first realise. Their chemistry and banter was off the charts, and when compared with some of the other relationships we see, their rocky start doesn’t seem nearly soo bad.

I adored the The Bookshop Date scene and Gnome conversation Poppy and Cam have, both of which gave me a good chuckle. But some of the most memorable scenes were actually ones where Poppy and Cam aren’t together.

It’s these quiet, more introspective scenes that really brought a sense of poignancy and depth to their characters; allowing us to delve a little into their thoughts and feelings, and learn why they’re both so against giving relationships a chance.

If you love 90s/ 00s Rom-coms, then you’ll be pleased to know those vibes were fabulously strong. And the character interactions (particularly Poppy’s narrative voice) felt very Georgia Nicholson-adjacent, (though with less snark and more kindness and inclusivity) that I know readers will very much appreciate.

I don’t want to spoil anything plot wise, but I will say Sophie Jo captures the realities of teenage feelings and relationships really well. So if you have any teen readers in your life, I throughly recommend gifting them a copy of this as soon as possible— ‘cause it’s absolutely AMAZING!

And, a huge thank you to Tina Mories & Scholastic UK for the physical proof.

Rating: ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️💫/5

About The Author 

Sophie Jo is the author of RED FLAGS (Scholastic, 2025). After being selected for the Madeleine Milburn Literary Agency’s 2020 mentorship scheme, her debut YA novel THE NICEST GIRL was published by UCLan in 2022.

Sophie’s passionate about making sure teenagers know how to recognise the difference between healthy and unhealthy relationships -- she’s worked with domestic violence charity Women’s Aid to spread the word via the Sunday Times, Cosmopolitan and BBC Woman’s Hour.

In her spare time, Sophie likes visiting Disneyland, overanalysing cult 00s TV show The OC, and writing about relationships – of all kinds – for publications including Breathe Magazine and the Metro. She lives in the very centre of England with her partner and a shy-but-kooky calico cat.

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