And They Were Roommates

Starred review from March 1, 2025
Grades 9-12 *Starred Review* Trans teenager Charlie is trying to get through his first semester at Valentine Academy, an all-boys private boarding school. As this year's Excellence Scholar, Charlie just needs to keep his grades up and profile low so that no one outs him as transgender to the administration--just in case that would revoke his scholarship or attendance. Then he meets his roommate, the famous poet Jasper Grimes--who happens to have broken his heart when they kissed at summer camp. Fortunately for Charlie, Jasper doesn't recognize him as camp was pretransition; unfortunately, insufferable, romance-obsessed Jasper drags Charlie into a love-letter-writing scheme. Writing the love letters is the one thing that will help Charlie keep his Excellence Scholarship, so he's willing to take the risk of eventually being recognized by Jasper. The dynamic between the roommates sizzles with electricity and tension throughout, and as their connection deepens, the stakes in the story rise. This standout, tender romance deals not only with the vulnerability of young love and trusting after heartbreak but also the impact of intense academic pressure. Charlie's relationship with himself is also central as he builds self-confidence and challenges his internalized transphobia. The well-presented academy setting serves as an excellent foil to robust character development. Powars' sophomore work is a vibrant love letter to trans readers.

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April 15, 2025
A teen finds himself sharing a room with the boy who broke his heart. Charlie von Hevringprinz has achieved his dreams of transitioning and attending Valentine Academy for Boys, located in Au Sable Forks, a tiny town in "middle-of-nowhere upstate New York." When he arrives, he's appalled to find that even though he requested and paid for a single room, he was assigned a roommate: Jasper Grimes, the handsome poet who broke Charlie's heart when they were at Shakespeare camp before his transition. Charlie comes off as intellectually snobby and frustratingly lacking in self-awareness; meanwhile, Jasper's terrible boundaries do nothing to subvert the first impression of him as an entitled rich boy. Unfortunately, their character development doesn't do enough to add vulnerability or depth to these initial impressions, making it hard for readers to feel butterflies over their romantic drama. The Saint Valentine-themed private boarding school setting is a classic of the genre, however, and as a backdrop, it contributes to an enjoyably campy vibe. The writing is pleasantly readable, but the plot is reminiscent of clich�s from internet fandom, something reinforced by the title, which references an old meme. If fans of queer young adult romance make it to the second half, they'll find that the story does become more interesting, ultimately ending on a sweet, romantic note. Charlie and Jasper read white, while the supporting cast contains racial diversity. Fluffy and not particularly memorable. (map)(Romance. 14-18)

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February 24, 2025
Academic and interpersonal pressures at a new school throw a wrench in a transgender teen’s plans in this clever second-chance romance from Powars (The Borrow a Boyfriend Club). Charlie von Hevringprinz’s intention to hide the fact that he’s trans from
his classmates at prestigious, conservative Valentine Academy for Boys is jeopardized when he learns his roommate is Jasper Grimes, the boy who kissed and ghosted him before he transitioned two summers ago. Though Jasper doesn’t recognize him, Charlie’s not in the clear, as Jasper seems determined to learn everything about Charlie. Already overwhelmed by maintaining the academic standing required to retain his scholarship, Charlie reluctantly agrees to the principal’s urging to help with the school’s tutoring program, which turns out to be a cover; the group’s real purpose is to craft and secretly deliver love letters to the adjoining girls’ school. As one of the group members, Jasper offers Charlie a deal: Jasper will move out of their room if Charlie helps him write the letters. Realistic teenage drama as well as memorable characters and their genuine relationships elevate the silly hijinks of this pleasantly crafted rom-com. Main characters read as white. Ages 14–up.