Analee, In Real Life

A spin on the fake-relationship story makes this contemporary romantic comedy an enjoyable read. The Pygmalion-like aspect should please readers of books like To All the Boys I've Loved Before. There are some predictable beats in the story -- for example, the "just for appearances" relationship between Analee and Seb obviously leads to real feelings, and there's a love triangle, although slightly skewed in one direction -- but Milanes still surprises readers in a few unexpected (and not altogether happy) ways. In fact, readers who demand happily ever afters may be disappointed with the open-to-interpretation ending. What is welcoming about those twists, however, is that they all help Analee see more clearly what she needs and wants.

Readers from blended families will appreciate the honesty with which Milanes depicts the difficulties but also joys of accepting and growing to love a stepparent and stepsibling. It's touching to witness how hard Harlow works to gain Analee's trust and how eager Avery is to spend time with her. The representation of Cuban American life in Florida is especially authentic, with frequent mentions of that culture's cuisine, faith, family expectations, and more. Analee and her former best friend Lily are estranged, so there are no aspirational girl-friendship goals in the book. But it does offer plenty to consider about how to repair friendships, overcome fears to try new things, and open yourself up to experiences and people.