I LOVE enemies to lovers of any kind. Especially academic rivals like in Today, Tonight, Tomorrow by Rachel Lynn Solomon, one of my all-time favorite books… but that’s a review for another time. A thing I love just as much? Musical Theatre. That being said, the only reasonable thing to do once I heard about this book was to read it. Duh.

Natalie, a Jewish 17-year-old, has and always will be enemies with Reid. With a long history of prank wars between them and the resentment Natalie has for Reid’s relationship with her dad, her hatred of him is one of the only constants in life. Or so it seems. When Natalie learns that funding for art programs such as theatre is being cut, she can’t help but point out how unfair it is that the band can still perform. This anger is only heightened by Reid, who of course is the first chair clarinet. After a prank war that goes too far, their punishment is to write a musical. Together. And with the future of the school’s art program on the line, Natalie has no choice but to cooperate. So all pranks are put on hold and Natalie comes face to face with the possibility that Reid might not actually be that bad. Even worse, he’s kinda cute…

I have been kind of struggling with how I want to review this book. On one hand, I love the concept and representation in this book, but on the other, there’s the main problem: the main character. I absolutely cruised through the first ⅔ of this book, loving the characters, the chemistry; everything. However, as it goes on I found myself wanting to throw the book across the room as Natalie makes horrible choices. One of my favorite booktubers, *e m m i e*, recently brought up the fact that most YA contemporary female leads are just annoying. They’re not given much character development and mainly get on people’s nerves which I can see with Natalie. I probably could have put my feelings to rest if Natalie had more of an actual consequence to her actions but the characters tend to forgive very easily leaving me asking, “why??” 

With my little rant done, I will say that I loved the trope’s execution. From the forced proximity to the eventual willingness to be around each other,  I had butterflies most of the book. (Unless I was mad at Natalie) As a broadway nerd, Reid’s enthusiasm is adorable and the occasional jokes are priceless. So in conclusion, I think it was an enjoyable light read for anyone who loves the enemies-to-lovers trope.

Yet another book leaving me wishing I could listen to the musical they wrote…