Out of Step, Into You - Ciera Burch

A 7.5-8/10 book, that made my heart feel light, but maybe too much.

Following two competitive runners, Mari and Taylor, this book shows what can happen when you run from your problems, right back into them. And sometimes, a new beginning is a very good place to find a happily ever after.

This book was absolutely adorable, the perfect light-hearted sapphic rom-com to start off the summer. I loved how the book felt simple, following an obvious main storyline, and very few side plots. However, at some points it was too simple, and it felt more like a story your friend was gossiping about over the phone than a complex book. It was a quick, easy read which was quite refreshing, but it could have used quite a bit more wow factor.

UNIMPORTANT SPOILERS It wasn't made super clear what was going on, but Mari mentions having a casual relationship with her friend Sarita, and it's made to sound as though they definitely do a bit more than just the occasional make out session. I didn't love Sarita and Mari's dynamic anyway, with them both being extremely stubborn and neither being forward about their wants or needs, but this made me uncomfortable as the characters are supposedly sixteen/seventeen. Not only this, but everything about the characters makes them feel more like late teenager/early adult, not middle of high school age. I think it could have easily been made a book about two early 20-year olds, but instead it just felt confusing and worrisome. UNIMPORTANT SPOILERS

Overall, I'd give it about a 7.5, maybe 8/10. I loved the romance and humor, and the characters were cute, but it was missing something.