Highly Suspicious and Unfairly Cute
Highly suspicious and unfairly cute. Hibbert, Talia. New York, : Joy Revolution, [2023]
Highly Suspicious and Unfairly Cute by Talia Hibbert is a fun, heartfelt young adult romance that combines humor, witty banter, and a touch of vulnerability. The story follows two very different characters, Celine and Bradley, who initially have a contentious relationship but are thrown together in a high-stakes situation that forces them to confront their differences, while also exploring their underlying connection.
The premise centers around Celine, a smart, confident, and somewhat skeptical young woman who has a complicated relationship with Bradley, her former best friend-turned-rival. Bradley, on the other hand, is charming, popular, and often the center of attention, but beneath his outward persona, he struggles with personal issues and insecurities. When they both sign up for the same adventure challenge, they find themselves forced to team up, and the tension between them builds in both frustrating and romantic ways.
Talia Hibbert does an excellent job of balancing humor and heart in this novel. The dynamic between Celine and Bradley is the core of the book, and their interactions are full of sharp, hilarious dialogue and moments of real emotional depth. The way Hibbert develops their relationship from enemies (or, at least, wary acquaintances) to a romantic partnership is both entertaining and heartwarming.
One of the standout features of the book is Hibbert’s ability to create well-rounded characters with complex emotional lives. Celine is smart, fiercely independent, and unapologetically herself, but she also has her own vulnerabilities and insecurities that make her a compelling character. Bradley, though initially appearing to be the “perfect” jock, is revealed to have his own struggles and personal growth throughout the novel. This depth of character development makes their eventual romance feel earned and satisfying.
In addition to the romance, the novel touches on important themes like self-acceptance, the pressure of expectations (both from others and from oneself), and the complexity of relationships. The adventure challenge that Celine and Bradley take on provides a fun and lighthearted backdrop to the emotional growth they experience, and it allows for a mix of tender moments and hilarious situations.
The pacing of the book is well-handled, with the right balance of tension, conflict, and resolution. While the story is largely character-driven, Hibbert’s strong writing keeps the plot engaging, with plenty of twists and turns to keep readers invested. The book’s humor is another highlight, with Hibbert’s sharp wit coming through in the characters’ dialogue and internal thoughts.
Overall, Highly Suspicious and Unfairly Cute is an enjoyable, sweet, and witty romance with well-developed characters and a healthy dose of humor. Fans of Hibbert’s previous work and readers who enjoy YA romances with a good balance of humor, heart, and character growth will likely find this novel a charming and satisfying read.
Chantell H. is a Circulation Assistant at North Park Library.