Highly Suspicious and Unfairly Cute by Talia Hibbert

I received this book for free in exchange for an honest review. This does not affect my opinion of the book or the content of my review.

About Highly Suspicious and Unfairly Cute

Celine, the conspiracy theorist, and Brad, the footballer, attend the same school. They were besties but not any more. Celine has her life plan which includes dominating her classes and getting accepted into Cambridge. She wants to be a lawyer like her idol, Katherine Breakspeare. Brad’s also planning to study law like his father.

When they both get accepted into a special program with Katherine Breakspeare with a full scholarship for the highest achieving student, the game is on! Now they just have to dominate two wilderness expeditions. 

And their undeniable attraction to each other. Old misunderstandings fall away in nature.

My thoughts about Highly Suspicious and Unfairly Cute

As with all of Talia Hibbert’s novels, the dialogue sparkles with so much with and authenticity. You can feel how much love and support Celine and Brad’s families feel for them, even when they don’t exactly understand them.

She also allows her characters to have mental health challenges – Celine and her refusal to deal with 

As a former high school nerd, I found Celine and her outsider vibe all too relatable. Her revenge plan to give her estranged father who abandoned her, her sister, and mother is understandable even if it’s not exactly healthy.

Brad is relatable too by not wanting to let his family down. He feels like his secret aspiration to be a writer will disappoint his parents. I love that he gives shoutouts to a couple of SF favorites – Dune and The Murderbot Diaries.

In closing

Highly Suspicious and Unfairly Cute is a sweet, swoony, fast-paced friends-to-rivals-to-lovers YA Romance. With all of the feels, family drama and dynamics you could want. Don’t let the fact that it’s a YA novel put you off – it’s smart writing about relatable characters with brilliant banter.

Thank you Joy Revolution for the ARC.

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