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Some Girls Do #2
Girls Like Us
Not yet published
Expected 5 May 26In this sequel to
Some Girls Do
, two girls struggle when long distance complicates their relationship.
Ruby and Morgan fell for each other during their senior year of high school, and now, almost a year later, they are fighting to keep their spark alive, even while they are Morgan is on a track scholarship at a university several hours away, studying public policy, while Ruby stayed in her hometown, exploring her love of mechanics in the automotive engineering program at the local community college.
Long distance weighs on the girls, with new friendships and flirtatious classmates adding complications, and the two are looking forward to a spring break getaway to Washington, D.C., and the bliss of a whole summer vacation together. But when Morgan discovers she's a finalist for the perfect internship, and Ruby gets the shot to appear on her favorite automotive TV show, the trip schedule—and their summer plans—are thrown into question. With both girls unwilling to stand in the way of each other’s future, they has the time come for them to go their separate ways?
Ruby and Morgan fell for each other during their senior year of high school, and now, almost a year later, they are fighting to keep their spark alive, even while they are Morgan is on a track scholarship at a university several hours away, studying public policy, while Ruby stayed in her hometown, exploring her love of mechanics in the automotive engineering program at the local community college.
Long distance weighs on the girls, with new friendships and flirtatious classmates adding complications, and the two are looking forward to a spring break getaway to Washington, D.C., and the bliss of a whole summer vacation together. But when Morgan discovers she's a finalist for the perfect internship, and Ruby gets the shot to appear on her favorite automotive TV show, the trip schedule—and their summer plans—are thrown into question. With both girls unwilling to stand in the way of each other’s future, they has the time come for them to go their separate ways?
336 pages, Paperback
Expected publication May 5, 2026
5 people are currently reading
6010 people want to read
About the author
Jennifer Dugan
24 books2,224 followersJennifer Dugan is a writer, geek, and romantic who writes the kinds of stories she wishes she had growing up. In addition to being a young adult novelist, she is also the writer/creator of two indie comics. She lives in New York with her family, dogs, and an evil cat that is no doubt planning to take over the world.
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Displaying 1 - 11 of 11 reviews
Review of advance copy received from Netgalley
Girls Like Us is the sequel to one of my favorite YA romance books, Some Girls Do. In Some Girls Do, we are introduced to Morgan and Ruby…and they are introduced to each other when Ruby hits Morgan with her car. We find that Morgan is a track star who had to leave her previous private school because of her strong support for LGBTQ+ people and beliefs. Ruby is a pageant queen who also has a gift for all things mechanical, especially cars.
Girls Like Us resumes its narrative the following year, after both girls have graduated from high school. Morgan has been accepted into a four-year university and has received a track scholarship. Ruby, on the other hand, has been granted a scholarship to attend a community college that specializes in automotive engineering located in their home town.
The two previously inseparable girls are now 4 hours and light years apart. Distance creates lapses in communication and texting and evening face times aren’t the same.
They plan a spring break together, but then opportunities arise that could advance their careers. However, they’re afraid to discuss it with each other, fearing disappointment. Everyone in their respective circles seems to have an opinion for them. They even consider taking a break from each other, (because that worked so well for “ Ross and Rachel” )
There is heart break and a lot of tears.
Being in any relationship is hard, and adding distance to the equation makes it harder. Throw in a hot girl who flirts and the feeling you have that “ultimately everyone will eventually leave you”, and you have a recipe for disaster.
As this story unfolded and the raw emotions were revealed, they all felt incredibly authentic. You could sense how the distance created misunderstandings, which in turn led to feelings of abandonment and panic. How do you feel when the person closest to you is no longer close, physically or emotionally?
I enjoyed this continuation of Morgan’s and Ruby’s story. It felt believable and had real emotion.
Thanks to Netgalley and G.P. Putnam’s Sons for the opportunity to review this printer’s proof ARC
Girls Like Us resumes its narrative the following year, after both girls have graduated from high school. Morgan has been accepted into a four-year university and has received a track scholarship. Ruby, on the other hand, has been granted a scholarship to attend a community college that specializes in automotive engineering located in their home town.
The two previously inseparable girls are now 4 hours and light years apart. Distance creates lapses in communication and texting and evening face times aren’t the same.
They plan a spring break together, but then opportunities arise that could advance their careers. However, they’re afraid to discuss it with each other, fearing disappointment. Everyone in their respective circles seems to have an opinion for them. They even consider taking a break from each other, (because that worked so well for “ Ross and Rachel” )
There is heart break and a lot of tears.
Being in any relationship is hard, and adding distance to the equation makes it harder. Throw in a hot girl who flirts and the feeling you have that “ultimately everyone will eventually leave you”, and you have a recipe for disaster.
As this story unfolded and the raw emotions were revealed, they all felt incredibly authentic. You could sense how the distance created misunderstandings, which in turn led to feelings of abandonment and panic. How do you feel when the person closest to you is no longer close, physically or emotionally?
I enjoyed this continuation of Morgan’s and Ruby’s story. It felt believable and had real emotion.
Thanks to Netgalley and G.P. Putnam’s Sons for the opportunity to review this printer’s proof ARC
Review of advance copy received from Netgalley
The sequel I have been waiting for since its announcement! I was overjoyed to get my hands on a copy of this ARC thankd to NetGalley and the publisher!
This book the honest, emotional, adorable and enjoyable sequel to Dugan’s “Some Girls Do” following Ruby and Morgan’s adventures in college (the ups and the downs). If you haven’t read the first book in the pair, STOP, and go read it. Now into my review!
This book was a lot for me to unpack. Despite finishing the entire book in one sitting (as per usual with Dugan’s books) I decided I needed a few days to really debrief before writing up my review to properly capture this story in all its glory.
This book follows Morgan and Ruby as they struggle with the ever apparent struggles that come with long distance relationships and trying to reinvent yourself in college. Each girl having their own dreams and aspirations and yet… not sure how to go about balancing them within their relationship and time together.
This book was super enjoyable, well paced and I feel, really captivated the feeling of being all over the place especially in the beginning years of college, and “adult life.” I love and always will love Ruby and Morgan and seeing their story grow in a sequel was all I could ever want. Their first book meant the world to me when it first came out and I knew this one would be a heavy hitter too. Their dynamic was adorable and romantic at times but also serious and raw at others (I’ll admit it hit me in the feels). I think that often times romance books especially for YA hold an unrealistic expectation of perfect youthful love which this book directly pushes against. Relationships are messy but theyre also beautiful!
Now I’ll admit if you don’t like messy situationships, conflicts in relationships or slight miscommunication, then why are you reading romance..? No but actually, this book does contain all of those (in a manageable dose) just so you’re aware.
If you loved Ruby and Morgan’s first book, have enjoyed any other of Dugan’s novels OR are just looking for a quick enjoyable sapphic YA romance to delve into, I reccomend you check out this book and all of her other novels while youre at it.
This book the honest, emotional, adorable and enjoyable sequel to Dugan’s “Some Girls Do” following Ruby and Morgan’s adventures in college (the ups and the downs). If you haven’t read the first book in the pair, STOP, and go read it. Now into my review!
This book was a lot for me to unpack. Despite finishing the entire book in one sitting (as per usual with Dugan’s books) I decided I needed a few days to really debrief before writing up my review to properly capture this story in all its glory.
This book follows Morgan and Ruby as they struggle with the ever apparent struggles that come with long distance relationships and trying to reinvent yourself in college. Each girl having their own dreams and aspirations and yet… not sure how to go about balancing them within their relationship and time together.
This book was super enjoyable, well paced and I feel, really captivated the feeling of being all over the place especially in the beginning years of college, and “adult life.” I love and always will love Ruby and Morgan and seeing their story grow in a sequel was all I could ever want. Their first book meant the world to me when it first came out and I knew this one would be a heavy hitter too. Their dynamic was adorable and romantic at times but also serious and raw at others (I’ll admit it hit me in the feels). I think that often times romance books especially for YA hold an unrealistic expectation of perfect youthful love which this book directly pushes against. Relationships are messy but theyre also beautiful!
Now I’ll admit if you don’t like messy situationships, conflicts in relationships or slight miscommunication, then why are you reading romance..? No but actually, this book does contain all of those (in a manageable dose) just so you’re aware.
If you loved Ruby and Morgan’s first book, have enjoyed any other of Dugan’s novels OR are just looking for a quick enjoyable sapphic YA romance to delve into, I reccomend you check out this book and all of her other novels while youre at it.
Review of advance copy received from Netgalley
Thank you to Penguin Young Readers Group and NetGalley for the opportunity to read this book early.
Girls Like Us is the sequel to Some Girls Do, following Morgan and Ruby a year later as they try to balance their relationship with the distance of their schools and separate new opportunities.
I really enjoyed this book and how Morgan and Ruby worked through balancing their personal futures with their love and care with each other. I also really loved the work done on Ruby’s character and how she’d grown since the first book. It was so much fun to be in her point of view and truly understand what she really wants and her determination to get it and be the best person she can be. I also really liked the introduction of Shiloh as a friend for Ruby and how he was able to give her another perspective on her life that wasn’t coming from Billy. I also enjoyed Morgan interacting with Mika and her friends from back home. The break Morgan and Ruby took was also surprisingly realistic and worked very well for how both characters needed to grow before coming back together.
All my issues in this book stem from the inclusion of Mac, Morgan’s new love interest. I didn’t mind the inclusion of the new love interests but there seemed to be enough trouble in their relationship without them. I was also completely taken out of the story in Mac’s scenes because she was so forward and aggressive despite Morgan only barely flirting with her. I also didn’t think what Mac did about 60% into the book was necessary or dealt with appropriately.
But overall, I really loved following Morgan and Ruby’s journey and seeing how they were able to grow in this sequel, both together, and on their own.
Thank you again to Penguin Young Readers Group and NetGalley for the chance to read this early.
Girls Like Us is the sequel to Some Girls Do, following Morgan and Ruby a year later as they try to balance their relationship with the distance of their schools and separate new opportunities.
I really enjoyed this book and how Morgan and Ruby worked through balancing their personal futures with their love and care with each other. I also really loved the work done on Ruby’s character and how she’d grown since the first book. It was so much fun to be in her point of view and truly understand what she really wants and her determination to get it and be the best person she can be. I also really liked the introduction of Shiloh as a friend for Ruby and how he was able to give her another perspective on her life that wasn’t coming from Billy. I also enjoyed Morgan interacting with Mika and her friends from back home. The break Morgan and Ruby took was also surprisingly realistic and worked very well for how both characters needed to grow before coming back together.
All my issues in this book stem from the inclusion of Mac, Morgan’s new love interest. I didn’t mind the inclusion of the new love interests but there seemed to be enough trouble in their relationship without them. I was also completely taken out of the story in Mac’s scenes because she was so forward and aggressive despite Morgan only barely flirting with her. I also didn’t think what Mac did about 60% into the book was necessary or dealt with appropriately.
But overall, I really loved following Morgan and Ruby’s journey and seeing how they were able to grow in this sequel, both together, and on their own.
Thank you again to Penguin Young Readers Group and NetGalley for the chance to read this early.
Review of advance copy received from Netgalley
I received an advanced reader copy of this book from Netgalley in exchange for an honest review.
I opened my email yesterday to find a message from Netgalley offering me Girls Like Us for 48 hours! Well, I took 12 of those hours and blew through this emotional sequel to Some Girls Do.
We pick up with Morgan and Ruby in their freshman year of college. They are maintaining their hard-won relationship long-distance while both of them pursue their individual dreams. This soon becomes increasingly challenging with time restraints, jealousy, and insecurity. They must each grow within themselves to support the other, but that lesson does not come easily.
In true Jennifer Dugan style, the characters are layered and real. Dugan writes about the inner turmoil and desperation of each girl clinging to what they once had, not realizing they will need to build something new to make it work. They fall into familiar self-doubt, relatable to anyone who has been in a relationship, and try to put on brave faces for each other rather than having the hard conversations. It is very real to see two young women trying so hard to be perfect for each other, without acknowledging how lonely they are apart.
The struggles they go through individually capture that unique time in most people's lives, when they are out of the house for the first time, on their own, in an unfamiliar place. Navigating that immense change, while gripping so tightly to the past. The growth of both characters is experienced throughout the book, pulling the reader along as you root for them to work through this.
This is an emotional journey with dividends paid off at the end.
I opened my email yesterday to find a message from Netgalley offering me Girls Like Us for 48 hours! Well, I took 12 of those hours and blew through this emotional sequel to Some Girls Do.
We pick up with Morgan and Ruby in their freshman year of college. They are maintaining their hard-won relationship long-distance while both of them pursue their individual dreams. This soon becomes increasingly challenging with time restraints, jealousy, and insecurity. They must each grow within themselves to support the other, but that lesson does not come easily.
In true Jennifer Dugan style, the characters are layered and real. Dugan writes about the inner turmoil and desperation of each girl clinging to what they once had, not realizing they will need to build something new to make it work. They fall into familiar self-doubt, relatable to anyone who has been in a relationship, and try to put on brave faces for each other rather than having the hard conversations. It is very real to see two young women trying so hard to be perfect for each other, without acknowledging how lonely they are apart.
The struggles they go through individually capture that unique time in most people's lives, when they are out of the house for the first time, on their own, in an unfamiliar place. Navigating that immense change, while gripping so tightly to the past. The growth of both characters is experienced throughout the book, pulling the reader along as you root for them to work through this.
This is an emotional journey with dividends paid off at the end.
Review of advance copy received from Netgalley
In Girls Like Us, the sequel to Some Girls Do, Jennifer Dugan returns to Ruby and Morgan with a heartfelt, emotionally honest continuation of their love story. As someone who adored these two in the first book, I was excited and nervous to see where the story would take us.
I loved how this book allowed both girls to grow into themselves. Ruby continues pursuing her dream of becoming a mechanic, leaving the beauty pageant world and her toxic relationship with her mother behind. Morgan works to balance being a talented student track athlete with her passion for political science and queer activism. They face the real struggle of prioritizing their personal ambitions while not sidelining their relationship, and vice versa. Ultimately, the story isn't just about staying together - it's about becoming who you are meant to be.
There must be angst and their breakup hurts. Dugan captures that emotional immaturity without villainizing or victimizing either of them. They're two girls learning how to love while still figure themselves out. It's painfully relatable at that age. Watching Ruby and Morgan navigate identify, expectations, and their own insecurities makes their relationship journey feel honest and meaningful.
Of course, I was relieved by the happy ending. After all the growth and heartbreak, anything less would have felt devastating.
Thank you to Net Galley for the advanced copy of this book.
I loved how this book allowed both girls to grow into themselves. Ruby continues pursuing her dream of becoming a mechanic, leaving the beauty pageant world and her toxic relationship with her mother behind. Morgan works to balance being a talented student track athlete with her passion for political science and queer activism. They face the real struggle of prioritizing their personal ambitions while not sidelining their relationship, and vice versa. Ultimately, the story isn't just about staying together - it's about becoming who you are meant to be.
There must be angst and their breakup hurts. Dugan captures that emotional immaturity without villainizing or victimizing either of them. They're two girls learning how to love while still figure themselves out. It's painfully relatable at that age. Watching Ruby and Morgan navigate identify, expectations, and their own insecurities makes their relationship journey feel honest and meaningful.
Of course, I was relieved by the happy ending. After all the growth and heartbreak, anything less would have felt devastating.
Thank you to Net Galley for the advanced copy of this book.
Review of advance copy received from Netgalley
“Girls Like Us” was an enjoyable sequel. Ruby and Morgan are trying to make a long-distance relationship work, which can be difficult in the best of situations. And this is not the best of situations, especially with Ruby having unresolved issues with her mother (which impacts how she approaches relationships) and neither girl doing a good job of communicating openly with each other. They believe that to make the relationship work they must put the other one first. Which becomes a problem when Morgan has the possibility of obtaining an internship that will be great for her academically and for her career prospects but will mean being away from Ruby for even longer, while Ruby has an opportunity that will be great for her career prospects but will mean missing out on a special spring break trip that Morgan had planned. These issues, and others, will temporarily end their relationship. They have to figure out how to balance taking advantage of opportunities for themselves and supporting each other and their relationship.
Billy plays a prominent role in the story, while some of Ruby and Morgan’s friends from the first book are involved as well. There are also some great new characters, especially Shiloh. There is plenty of drama but also plenty of humor and heartwarming moments.
Billy plays a prominent role in the story, while some of Ruby and Morgan’s friends from the first book are involved as well. There are also some great new characters, especially Shiloh. There is plenty of drama but also plenty of humor and heartwarming moments.
Review of advance copy received from Netgalley
Closer to a 4, Dugan has a penchant for writing well-rounded queer stories that feature all of the diversity and multitudes that anyone can contain. She's a go-to for girls especially who want more happy than sad in their queer romances. I'm a fan of her graphic novels and her narratives and this one is part of the "Some Girls Do" group of books I'm sure she'll publish.
Told in an alternating POV between Morgan and Ruby who are in love in high school and are making it work in college. But a crisis of relationship and life is close to breaking them apart. It's what kind of reactions they will have and what they want from themselves and each other that chart the course of the book and flows sweetly.
Always keepers these Dugan books! I like that this one spins up to post-high school and that it features a woman in automotive and woman in sports.
Told in an alternating POV between Morgan and Ruby who are in love in high school and are making it work in college. But a crisis of relationship and life is close to breaking them apart. It's what kind of reactions they will have and what they want from themselves and each other that chart the course of the book and flows sweetly.
Always keepers these Dugan books! I like that this one spins up to post-high school and that it features a woman in automotive and woman in sports.
Review of advance copy received from Netgalley
Thank you to NetGalley and Penguin Teen for the arc!
Girls Like Us is a believable sequel to Some Girls Do - struggling with growing pains, recognizing and healing from trauma, and navigating a new life after graduation, Ruby and Morgan had me both wanting to hug them tight and wanting to shake them!
I love the humor and wisdom that Jennifer Dugan infuses her characters with, and the web of beautiful found family that she weaves. A cozy read, this book is a great reminder of the kind of work that navigating a relationship takes as life changes and challenges you.
It was lovely catching up with Ruby and Morgan - I read Some Girls Do during a pride sprint a few years ago and they have a special place in my heart. I highly recommend this duology!
Girls Like Us is a believable sequel to Some Girls Do - struggling with growing pains, recognizing and healing from trauma, and navigating a new life after graduation, Ruby and Morgan had me both wanting to hug them tight and wanting to shake them!
I love the humor and wisdom that Jennifer Dugan infuses her characters with, and the web of beautiful found family that she weaves. A cozy read, this book is a great reminder of the kind of work that navigating a relationship takes as life changes and challenges you.
It was lovely catching up with Ruby and Morgan - I read Some Girls Do during a pride sprint a few years ago and they have a special place in my heart. I highly recommend this duology!
Review of advance copy received from Netgalley
Thank you to NetGalley for the ARC.
The relationship between Ruby and Morgan, first developed in Some Girls Do, continues into their first year of college- though our MCs are having trouble adjusting to a long distance relationship, finding that they prioritize time on the phone with each other over creating meaningful relationships in their respective new spaces.
At times, this story was a bit hard to read- Ruby and Morgan feel real, they are complex, and their hurt is almost tangible. Their relationship concerns are realistic, especially for people so young and so very different. Would recommend to anyone who likes teen rom coms with a heavy dose of angst.
The relationship between Ruby and Morgan, first developed in Some Girls Do, continues into their first year of college- though our MCs are having trouble adjusting to a long distance relationship, finding that they prioritize time on the phone with each other over creating meaningful relationships in their respective new spaces.
At times, this story was a bit hard to read- Ruby and Morgan feel real, they are complex, and their hurt is almost tangible. Their relationship concerns are realistic, especially for people so young and so very different. Would recommend to anyone who likes teen rom coms with a heavy dose of angst.
March 14, 2026
This book is the sequel to Dugan’s ‘Some Girls Do,’ and picks up Morgan and Ruby’s story after graduation. The once inseparable couple is facing new struggles with their now long distance relationships, on top of the added stress navigating their first year college. Growing up is inevitable. Can Ruby and Morgan thrive with these changes or will they grow apart?
Dugan realistically captured the transition from high school to college. The story is well written and will tug at your heartstrings.
Thank you NetGalley and the publisher for the ARC in exchange for the honest review
Dugan realistically captured the transition from high school to college. The story is well written and will tug at your heartstrings.
Thank you NetGalley and the publisher for the ARC in exchange for the honest review
Review of advance copy received from Netgalley
4 out of 5 stars
LGBT Young Adult
This is the sequel to Some Girls Do. I think it's important with this book to have read the first book in the series to understand it all better. How do Ruby and Morgan keep the spark alive when Morgan has a track scholarship at a university hours away and Ruby stays in their hometown attending their local community college. You have new classes, new classmates, and new passions. Is it possible to stay together or as they grow up, will they grow apart.
LGBT Young Adult
This is the sequel to Some Girls Do. I think it's important with this book to have read the first book in the series to understand it all better. How do Ruby and Morgan keep the spark alive when Morgan has a track scholarship at a university hours away and Ruby stays in their hometown attending their local community college. You have new classes, new classmates, and new passions. Is it possible to stay together or as they grow up, will they grow apart.
Displaying 1 - 11 of 11 reviews