Girls Like Girls by Hayley Kiyoko
Published: May 30, 2023
Wednesday Books
Pages: 311
Genre: LGBTQ+ Romance
KKECReads Rating: ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
I received a copy of this book for free, and I leave my review voluntarily.
Hayley Kiyoko is an American singer-songwriter, dancer, actress, and author.
Coley worries she isn’t worthy of love. Up until now, everyone she’s loved has left her. And Sonya’s never been with a girl before. What if she’s too afraid to show up for Coley? What if by opening her heart, Coley’s risking it all?
They both realize that when things are pushed down, and feelings are forced to shrivel away, Coley and Sonya will be the ones to shrink. It’s not until they accept the love they fear and deserve most, that suddenly the song makes sense.
Based on the billboard-charting smash hit song and viral music video GIRLS LIKE GIRLS, Hayley Kiyoko’s debut novel is about embracing your truth and realizing we are all worthy of being loved back.
“But I guess love is the strongest tether, isn’t it?”
Coley moved in with her estranged father after her mother passed away. She has a lot of emotional weight to unpack, so her last need is a crush. Sonya is trapped playing a part she isn’t sure she wants, but she doesn’t know if she can stop.
This was a typical teen story, filled with big feelings and angst. While Coley was dealing with how to process her grief while building a relationship with her dad, she also has to process being the new girl in town.
The characters were well-defined as teenagers. There was an element of emotions and despair that I think all teens feel as they evolve.
The storyline was decent. The romance aspect was very high school. Hang out for a couple of weeks, and bam, it’s love. I would have liked to see Coley work through some of her inner struggles as she started on the path to finding herself.
I think Sonja needed some more growth throughout the book. She comes across as flighty and a bit shallow at times. Her character had some issues I think would have been interesting to see processed.
Overall, this was a typical YA novel. Dealing with young people who feel too much and not enough.