What do you think?
Rate this book
Make the Fireflies Dance
In this rom com from the author of Someone Else's Summer, a hopeless romantic juggles senior year stress, family problems, and faulty friendships around the end of senior year and prom.
Quincy Walker is a hopeless romantic, so when she's kissed by a stranger in a dark theater, her rom-com obsessed imagination begins plotting the perfect movie-version ending to her senior year (which ends, like all great high school rom-coms, with the prom). With the help of her friends, Operation Mystery Kisser is a plan to set Quin up on dates with all the guys who were at the theater that night so she can discover who kissed her. The only problem? Her friends insist on blind dates, and Quin hates letting go of control--just ask the members of her group for her final project for film class. As prom draws nearer, Quin is no closer to finding who her mystery kisser was, and she's not sure she wants to continue looking. Maybe it's her dad's failing health and her brother's absence; maybe it's the fact that she's fighting with her best friend; or maybe--just maybe--it's that she's falling for a guy who definitely isn't the one she's been looking for.
Quincy Walker is a hopeless romantic, so when she's kissed by a stranger in a dark theater, her rom-com obsessed imagination begins plotting the perfect movie-version ending to her senior year (which ends, like all great high school rom-coms, with the prom). With the help of her friends, Operation Mystery Kisser is a plan to set Quin up on dates with all the guys who were at the theater that night so she can discover who kissed her. The only problem? Her friends insist on blind dates, and Quin hates letting go of control--just ask the members of her group for her final project for film class. As prom draws nearer, Quin is no closer to finding who her mystery kisser was, and she's not sure she wants to continue looking. Maybe it's her dad's failing health and her brother's absence; maybe it's the fact that she's fighting with her best friend; or maybe--just maybe--it's that she's falling for a guy who definitely isn't the one she's been looking for.
353 pages, Kindle Edition
First published May 16, 2023
8 people are currently reading
3479 people want to read
About the author
Rachel Bateman
7 books149 followersRachel Bateman is an author and screenwriter who lives in the middle of Montana with her charmingly geeky husband, two sons, and more pets than she can keep track of. When she's not writing, you can find Rachel sewing, wrangling chickens, or planning her next road trip. Please visit her at www.rachelbateman.com or on Instagram @rachelbatemanbooks.
Ratings & Reviews
Friends & Following
Create a free account to discover what your friends think of this book!
Community Reviews
Displaying 1 - 30 of 58 reviews
December 5, 2023
✰ 3 stars ✰
“Love is the calming warmth of a firefly in your chest, the beauty of nights like this and the wonder of two people finding each other in the darkness of the world.”
“Don’t go looking for someone whose kisses will set butterflies loose in your belly,” she said. “You want someone whose kisses make the fireflies dance.”
'I think I've seen this film before, and I didn't like the ending' resonated in my head after I wrapped up Make the Fireflies Dance. It was an enjoyable sweet YA novel that very much captured what it's like being a senior girl who still wants to achieve greatness in her academics, maintain her healthy supportive friendships, while also discovering the joys of teenage romance. And Quinn's personality and actions captured that perfectly. However, the premise of the actual plot of the story made warning bells ring in my ears and the ending itself, left me disgruntled even more so than what I was expecting.
“One summer we discovered my mom’s collection of romantic comedies and spent nearly every afternoon watching them. 13 Going on 30, Notting Hill, and Never Been Kissed were our favorites. We watched those three so many times I could probably still recite them.”
This is just a personal nit-pick of mine, but it makes me feel sad that characters - even in books - can't ever mention rom-coms of the present time that stand out for them. It's just a personal notion, but to think that there is no recent romcom that could make into books as something that people love to see and relate to is somewhat depressing - or is that the authors are from that time, so really it's all that they can mention?? 🤔
“No matter my reasons, no matter how badly I wanted to find out who my mystery kisser was—or how desperately I still want Naoise to finish my perfect prom dress—I was careless with his heart.”
While I didn't very much agree with Quinn and co's underhanded tactics to get potential suitors for her to test out her kissing skills with, I appreciated that each of them brought some variety to their approach with her. 💕 Quinn's chemistry with each of them was unique and while Ms.Bateman did clearly show which candidate would be the likely end-game for Quinn's affections with the story focusing on their relationship more, I liked Quinn's dates were different with each of them. Even if she didn't dedicate her full attention to them, there was a fun light-hearted spirit to it, which made it entertaining to read.
But, what must be addressed is the ending - why, oh, why, did it end like that?? Open endings only work if there's going to be a sequel to this, which I don't think will be the case here - but seriously, after all that exertion, this is the way it's gonna wrap up! 💢💢 'But grasshopper, it's not about the journey, it's the destination' - sorry, it just didn't work for me here. I mean, what was the entire point of the whole operation, stringing along so many gullible fools - sorry boys under the guise of false pretense simply to get a kiss out of them. And to add insult into injury - NOT EVEN LETTING US KNOW WHO IT WAS! 😮💨
There were so many slight teasing hints where we get moments for us to get us closer to who it might actually be, but the fact that it was never revealed - not even the guy himself bothered to broach the issue again - after literally groping her - in the dark - without permission - without consent - that just infuriated me more. 🤨 There were too many loose ends to this - too many unanswered questions that made it difficult for me to appreciate Quinn's interactions with each of her potential choices. Yeah, I guess there was someone else besides the author who got cold feet to reveal his identity. 🤷
So in the end, while I didn't quite like the whole concept, I can't say that it was badly written - because, it wasn't. It had a cute idea, just executed in a manner that didn't sit well with me. It could've been just for Quinn to want to have her first kiss - not go on a wild goose chase trying to identify who it belonged to - and then not even find out who it was. If I'm the kinda girl who wants closure in her own life - I'm definitely gonna need it from the books I read, too. 😒
SHYLA: Ohhhh that’s very Dawson and Joey of them.
NAOISE: Yeah. I’d ship that.
HADLEY: Who are Dawson and Joey?
NAOISE: Are you serious? Don’t you ever Netflix?
And not even knowing about Dawson's Creek? Gosh, I feel so old...😩
“Love is the calming warmth of a firefly in your chest, the beauty of nights like this and the wonder of two people finding each other in the darkness of the world.”
“Don’t go looking for someone whose kisses will set butterflies loose in your belly,” she said. “You want someone whose kisses make the fireflies dance.”
'I think I've seen this film before, and I didn't like the ending' resonated in my head after I wrapped up Make the Fireflies Dance. It was an enjoyable sweet YA novel that very much captured what it's like being a senior girl who still wants to achieve greatness in her academics, maintain her healthy supportive friendships, while also discovering the joys of teenage romance. And Quinn's personality and actions captured that perfectly. However, the premise of the actual plot of the story made warning bells ring in my ears and the ending itself, left me disgruntled even more so than what I was expecting.
“One summer we discovered my mom’s collection of romantic comedies and spent nearly every afternoon watching them. 13 Going on 30, Notting Hill, and Never Been Kissed were our favorites. We watched those three so many times I could probably still recite them.”
This is just a personal nit-pick of mine, but it makes me feel sad that characters - even in books - can't ever mention rom-coms of the present time that stand out for them. It's just a personal notion, but to think that there is no recent romcom that could make into books as something that people love to see and relate to is somewhat depressing - or is that the authors are from that time, so really it's all that they can mention?? 🤔
“No matter my reasons, no matter how badly I wanted to find out who my mystery kisser was—or how desperately I still want Naoise to finish my perfect prom dress—I was careless with his heart.”
While I didn't very much agree with Quinn and co's underhanded tactics to get potential suitors for her to test out her kissing skills with, I appreciated that each of them brought some variety to their approach with her. 💕 Quinn's chemistry with each of them was unique and while Ms.Bateman did clearly show which candidate would be the likely end-game for Quinn's affections with the story focusing on their relationship more, I liked Quinn's dates were different with each of them. Even if she didn't dedicate her full attention to them, there was a fun light-hearted spirit to it, which made it entertaining to read.
But, what must be addressed is the ending - why, oh, why, did it end like that?? Open endings only work if there's going to be a sequel to this, which I don't think will be the case here - but seriously, after all that exertion, this is the way it's gonna wrap up! 💢💢 'But grasshopper, it's not about the journey, it's the destination' - sorry, it just didn't work for me here. I mean, what was the entire point of the whole operation, stringing along so many gullible fools - sorry boys under the guise of false pretense simply to get a kiss out of them. And to add insult into injury - NOT EVEN LETTING US KNOW WHO IT WAS! 😮💨
There were so many slight teasing hints where we get moments for us to get us closer to who it might actually be, but the fact that it was never revealed - not even the guy himself bothered to broach the issue again - after literally groping her - in the dark - without permission - without consent - that just infuriated me more. 🤨 There were too many loose ends to this - too many unanswered questions that made it difficult for me to appreciate Quinn's interactions with each of her potential choices. Yeah, I guess there was someone else besides the author who got cold feet to reveal his identity. 🤷
So in the end, while I didn't quite like the whole concept, I can't say that it was badly written - because, it wasn't. It had a cute idea, just executed in a manner that didn't sit well with me. It could've been just for Quinn to want to have her first kiss - not go on a wild goose chase trying to identify who it belonged to - and then not even find out who it was. If I'm the kinda girl who wants closure in her own life - I'm definitely gonna need it from the books I read, too. 😒
SHYLA: Ohhhh that’s very Dawson and Joey of them.
NAOISE: Yeah. I’d ship that.
HADLEY: Who are Dawson and Joey?
NAOISE: Are you serious? Don’t you ever Netflix?
And not even knowing about Dawson's Creek? Gosh, I feel so old...😩
June 21, 2023
I really enjoyed this at the start. I thought it was really cute and the mystery kisser aspect was a fun touch that reminded me of that Lindsay Lohan movie Just My Luck.
However, as the book progressed I liked it less and less. For a number of reasons:
1) the book tried to do too much. Is it a story about grief? Estranged family? Friend group issues? An amateur filmmaker? A romance? And what happened to her kiss mission - which was the central plotline of the book?
2) I didn’t like the love interest. I wanted the romance to go in a very different direction from the direction it went in. Also, they fell for each other very fast (in the first half of the book) so obviously everything was going to go wrong.
3) the main character wasn’t terribly likable, and YES, to answer the question she posed near the end of the book, she WAS selfish. She also read pretty young.
4) it really bothered me that you never find out WHO she had the perfect kiss with in the dark auditorium. That was literally the plot of the book and at the end she’s like, well, I’m happy now and I don’t care who kissed me or whatever. There wasn’t even a clue or a hint.
5) this is a pet peeve of mine and not really related to the book, but I can’t stand it when the back cover or dust jacket flap gives away something that happens much later in the book. According to the back cover the main character is feuding with her best friend — which doesn’t actually happen until close to the end of the book. Same with the father’s accident.
I am disappointed I didn’t like this book more because I really enjoyed it at the start.
However, as the book progressed I liked it less and less. For a number of reasons:
1) the book tried to do too much. Is it a story about grief? Estranged family? Friend group issues? An amateur filmmaker? A romance? And what happened to her kiss mission - which was the central plotline of the book?
2) I didn’t like the love interest. I wanted the romance to go in a very different direction from the direction it went in. Also, they fell for each other very fast (in the first half of the book) so obviously everything was going to go wrong.
3) the main character wasn’t terribly likable, and YES, to answer the question she posed near the end of the book, she WAS selfish. She also read pretty young.
4) it really bothered me that you never find out WHO she had the perfect kiss with in the dark auditorium. That was literally the plot of the book and at the end she’s like, well, I’m happy now and I don’t care who kissed me or whatever. There wasn’t even a clue or a hint.
5) this is a pet peeve of mine and not really related to the book, but I can’t stand it when the back cover or dust jacket flap gives away something that happens much later in the book. According to the back cover the main character is feuding with her best friend — which doesn’t actually happen until close to the end of the book. Same with the father’s accident.
I am disappointed I didn’t like this book more because I really enjoyed it at the start.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
July 13, 2024
-The announcer declares, “This is THE feel-good young adult book of 2023!”-
Ok, that was cheesy, but absolutely true. This book was everything I love in a Y.A. novel! And it contained no vulgar language, drinking or drug use, which is highly unusual for a modern Y.A. book. It was like reading a gentle, sweet breath of fresh air, with characters I loved and related to (even though I’m 54!).
I will be looking for more books by this author, most definitely!
Ok, that was cheesy, but absolutely true. This book was everything I love in a Y.A. novel! And it contained no vulgar language, drinking or drug use, which is highly unusual for a modern Y.A. book. It was like reading a gentle, sweet breath of fresh air, with characters I loved and related to (even though I’m 54!).
I will be looking for more books by this author, most definitely!
March 18, 2023
I loved the idea of this book. A girl gets mysteriously kissed in a dark theater and sets out on a series of blind dates to figure out who it was. Unfortunately, the execution fell flat for me. The starting idea falls apart after the first blind date. Quincy, the main character, falls for that first blind date and then spends the rest of the novel dating him, messing things up, and worrying about how to fix it. I feel like this could have been achieved without the mystery kisser situation. The thing that was most annoying to me was that she gives up on finding out who the mystery kisser was after the second blind date. We never figure out who it was, which was annoying to me. I wanted that lose end tied up so badly since it's such a big driving force at the start of the plot. That aside, it was a sweet teen romance that I think high school girls will enjoy.
Quincy was a fine protagonist. She's very much in high school and behaves appropriately. She's annoying at times and a bit self-centered, which was spot on for the age. She also talks and reacts just like a teenager. In that aspect, the writing is well done. The author understands her characters and writes them appropriately for their ages.
One other thing that bugged me was the film aspect of the story. Mom and Grandma were supposedly actors. The story is set in North Carolina. Is there a thriving film industry in NC? It just seemed like an implausible detail. Mom was supposedly semi-famous (enough that someone in Colorado would have known who she was), but she was painted as a loving and doting mother who was around enough to take her daughter out after her first kiss went poorly. Things like that just didn't feel realistic.
Overall, I think teenage girls will enjoy this one. The characters are believable and the romance is sweet.
Quincy was a fine protagonist. She's very much in high school and behaves appropriately. She's annoying at times and a bit self-centered, which was spot on for the age. She also talks and reacts just like a teenager. In that aspect, the writing is well done. The author understands her characters and writes them appropriately for their ages.
One other thing that bugged me was the film aspect of the story. Mom and Grandma were supposedly actors. The story is set in North Carolina. Is there a thriving film industry in NC? It just seemed like an implausible detail. Mom was supposedly semi-famous (enough that someone in Colorado would have known who she was), but she was painted as a loving and doting mother who was around enough to take her daughter out after her first kiss went poorly. Things like that just didn't feel realistic.
Overall, I think teenage girls will enjoy this one. The characters are believable and the romance is sweet.
May 23, 2023
Why why would they not tie up the loose end? What even was the purpose of the ‘operation’ 😒.
January 7, 2024
Didn't like that bait and switch approach. Whoever wrote the synopsis could have done a better job at giving a heads up of the real content. I spend the majority of the book rooting against the MMC, because surely they couldn't be the MMC. Alas, as he took up the majority of the page count usually dedicated to the main couple and it didn't look like there'd be a new LI introduced it soon became apparant he was indeed the MMC, but by then I already felt annoyed at being mislead. I'd have enjoyed that journey much more if I wasn't waiting for the Mystery Guy to show up for half the book.
Whoever "It's me" is, we don't get any closure. It was already a bit icky when I assumed he was going to turn out to be someone she knew and could fall in love with, maybe even already liked. Instead, she literally kissed with someone who could have been and likely was just anyone, turning the icky factor up a notch or two.
Also, it's weird they never approached her again. Did they mistake her for someone else? Why did they kiss her? Just because she was there? The more I think about it, the more it goes into violation territory. They took advantage of the situation (it being dark and her not knowing their identity) and they took advantage of her. Also, just because she was responsive doesn't mean she gave her consent.
I liked the Prologue and the fireflies vs butterflies metaphore so there was that.
Whoever "It's me" is, we don't get any closure. It was already a bit icky when I assumed he was going to turn out to be someone she knew and could fall in love with, maybe even already liked. Instead, she literally kissed with someone who could have been and likely was just anyone, turning the icky factor up a notch or two.
Also, it's weird they never approached her again. Did they mistake her for someone else? Why did they kiss her? Just because she was there? The more I think about it, the more it goes into violation territory. They took advantage of the situation (it being dark and her not knowing their identity) and they took advantage of her. Also, just because she was responsive doesn't mean she gave her consent.
I liked the Prologue and the fireflies vs butterflies metaphore so there was that.
June 1, 2023
Love the idea but it got boring fast
February 13, 2024
The Author did me dirty in the end
June 18, 2025
"But mostly, I didn’t expect the warmth that’s glowing inside me right now. I didn’t expect fireflies."
I knew it would happen, but they didn't say who HE was. 😭😭😭
cute read; the relationship was so sweet and Quincy's bond with her friends was adorable
the only thing was she goes kissing random guys after she realizes she likes another person- that annoyed me but whatever ig I shoulda expected that with this plot
I knew it would happen, but they didn't say who HE was. 😭😭😭
cute read; the relationship was so sweet and Quincy's bond with her friends was adorable
the only thing was she goes kissing random guys after she realizes she likes another person- that annoyed me but whatever ig I shoulda expected that with this plot
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
March 19, 2023
*I received this book as an ARC through NetGalley and all opinions and thoughts are my own.
This was a cute, quick read of a YA romance. Quincy is dealing with the loss of her mother, her student film needing to be recorded, a brother who has ghosted his family, and a meddlesome group friends who are as quirky and quippy as her. She harbors a crush on her coworker that borderlines infatuation and when she is kissed serendipitously at her grandmother’s birthday she feels like it HAS to be him. But when her friends set her up on blind dates to find the “mystery kisser” she is conflicted when she starts having feelings for one of her blind daters. She then has to navigate her new romance, her friends setting up more blind dates, and working with all parties involved on her movie, all while getting ready for prom and graduation.
Things get messy, arguments ensue, and life lessons are had. All in all I thought it was a great read that YA readers will love. It moves a little quick through the plot to an almost unbelievable pace, but that’s the joy of YA novels. I think younger readers will enjoy it.
This was a cute, quick read of a YA romance. Quincy is dealing with the loss of her mother, her student film needing to be recorded, a brother who has ghosted his family, and a meddlesome group friends who are as quirky and quippy as her. She harbors a crush on her coworker that borderlines infatuation and when she is kissed serendipitously at her grandmother’s birthday she feels like it HAS to be him. But when her friends set her up on blind dates to find the “mystery kisser” she is conflicted when she starts having feelings for one of her blind daters. She then has to navigate her new romance, her friends setting up more blind dates, and working with all parties involved on her movie, all while getting ready for prom and graduation.
Things get messy, arguments ensue, and life lessons are had. All in all I thought it was a great read that YA readers will love. It moves a little quick through the plot to an almost unbelievable pace, but that’s the joy of YA novels. I think younger readers will enjoy it.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
June 6, 2023
I have mixed feelings for this story.
I would say it's between ‘okay’ and ‘not really good’ so about 2.5? I want to comment more on this story but at one point along the story it feels like okay?? But it's not okay at the same time. It feels too normal. Too bland. We need grand gestures like Kenyon mentioned and that makes a story, storying. It almost feels like a documentary instead of a story. I never felt so bland reading a story before but idea wise it's really interesting. If not I wouldn't pick up the story at all. And what makes it bland for me is when I read some parts it gives an idea like “if she like this, shouldn't it be like this instead? But it can be anything not anyone experiences the same. But it’s not exciting though…”
What’s more is that the main idea of the story doesn’t resolve by the end. It was left hanging just like that. It can be left hanging if it wasn't mentioned every single time and not the main idea of the whole story. At least give the audience some hint on who he is. Doesn't it feel weird that everyone acts like nothing happened? At least give us the hint if you want to keep Quin in the dark.
Overall I felt like this story had a potential but it should twist around a bit on the storyline. And of course a bit of editing would help. Above all thank you for writing this story author! And Thank you to Netgalley for giving me read the ARC in exchange for an honest review.
I would say it's between ‘okay’ and ‘not really good’ so about 2.5? I want to comment more on this story but at one point along the story it feels like okay?? But it's not okay at the same time. It feels too normal. Too bland. We need grand gestures like Kenyon mentioned and that makes a story, storying. It almost feels like a documentary instead of a story. I never felt so bland reading a story before but idea wise it's really interesting. If not I wouldn't pick up the story at all. And what makes it bland for me is when I read some parts it gives an idea like “if she like this, shouldn't it be like this instead? But it can be anything not anyone experiences the same. But it’s not exciting though…”
What’s more is that the main idea of the story doesn’t resolve by the end. It was left hanging just like that. It can be left hanging if it wasn't mentioned every single time and not the main idea of the whole story. At least give the audience some hint on who he is. Doesn't it feel weird that everyone acts like nothing happened? At least give us the hint if you want to keep Quin in the dark.
Overall I felt like this story had a potential but it should twist around a bit on the storyline. And of course a bit of editing would help. Above all thank you for writing this story author! And Thank you to Netgalley for giving me read the ARC in exchange for an honest review.
June 30, 2023
So much potential and a great start to the characters. BUT felt disjointed, lost direction somewhere in the middle, and left us hanging at the end, the main question that so intrigued me at the beginning never answered.
February 6, 2024
are you allowed to return books to barnes and noble because that was so disappointing
i am, like the MC, a huge sucker for romance and therefore have low standards for quality when it comes to rom coms but like genuinely wtf was that
i am, like the MC, a huge sucker for romance and therefore have low standards for quality when it comes to rom coms but like genuinely wtf was that
May 17, 2023
Good Book. Could have been better. To many characters and storylines. No Climax. And left mystery at beginning of the book unanswered.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
April 24, 2023
Overall this was a mostly enjoyable, easy read.
What I liked about it was the side characters and their relationships (such as Quincy's friends and family) and I really liked Kenyon, he was a really nice, refreshing love interest. I was very interested in the film making subplot and I liked how it tied in with the main story.
However, the inciting incident made me very uncomfortable (and then we did not even get closure for it??), I feel like there could have been a better way for Quincy to go on all these blind dates rather than her going through that very uncomfortable experience (which she is not concerned by apparently?). I think I may have expected more from this book, I think there was a real possibility into a discussion about consent (since we do see Kenyon ask before he kisses her, which is direct comparison with the first 'kiss'). Then again, this is a contemporary YA romance that is likely not meant to delve into such serious topics.
I enjoyed it enough to finish it and I was never bored, however it is not my favourite YA contemporary.
Thanks to NetGalley for the ARC!
What I liked about it was the side characters and their relationships (such as Quincy's friends and family) and I really liked Kenyon, he was a really nice, refreshing love interest. I was very interested in the film making subplot and I liked how it tied in with the main story.
However, the inciting incident made me very uncomfortable (and then we did not even get closure for it??), I feel like there could have been a better way for Quincy to go on all these blind dates rather than her going through that very uncomfortable experience (which she is not concerned by apparently?). I think I may have expected more from this book, I think there was a real possibility into a discussion about consent (since we do see Kenyon ask before he kisses her, which is direct comparison with the first 'kiss'). Then again, this is a contemporary YA romance that is likely not meant to delve into such serious topics.
I enjoyed it enough to finish it and I was never bored, however it is not my favourite YA contemporary.
Thanks to NetGalley for the ARC!
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
Read
July 31, 2025This looked so cute, but the plot is overstuffed (everyone has a little trauma thrown in, little of it resolved or dealt with) and none of the characters behave like actual humans. The kiss that sparks it all is creepy rather than romantic, there's lots of set up around whether or not this is her first real kiss and how much that first kiss would matter to her gets immediately ignored once the kiss happens, and the idea of her friends setting her up with their classmates becomes more insane when you come to see the entanglements all these characters have with each other. Quincy gets essentially blackmailed into going on the dates and then blamed for doing so, which feels really nonsensical, and there's little suspense about her feelings, which is a missed opportunity to use the set up to have her actually connect on a real level with each guy.
The best bit, for me, was Quincy trying to figure out how to get the guys to kiss her on their dates. I also liked the subplot about her movie project. But overall, it was a really disappointing miss.
The best bit, for me, was Quincy trying to figure out how to get the guys to kiss her on their dates. I also liked the subplot about her movie project. But overall, it was a really disappointing miss.
March 12, 2023
Thank you to the publisher for allowing me to read this eARC.
This was a fun, cute, summertime read. I liked how different/difficult topics were handled. I loved the characters and the dynamics.
This was a fun, cute, summertime read. I liked how different/difficult topics were handled. I loved the characters and the dynamics.
February 13, 2024
What do you mean you never find out who kissed her that was the whole point
Also Kenyon was mad that she was going out on other dates but also not mad about that cause he knew before hand that her friends were making her do this????? He was mad that she expected him to wait while she went on the other dates that he knew she had to go on?? If he listened for a second I’d be great but he cut her off like four times I didn’t like him by the end of the
I wanted her to end up with Ezra
Why does she have crazy family problems like of course she’s going to be selfish she’s going through hell
Seriously who tf was in the closet cause now it’s just weird
Also Kenyon was mad that she was going out on other dates but also not mad about that cause he knew before hand that her friends were making her do this????? He was mad that she expected him to wait while she went on the other dates that he knew she had to go on?? If he listened for a second I’d be great but he cut her off like four times I didn’t like him by the end of the
I wanted her to end up with Ezra
Why does she have crazy family problems like of course she’s going to be selfish she’s going through hell
Seriously who tf was in the closet cause now it’s just weird
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
January 26, 2025
Great ideas - amazing romantic concept with the fireflies, but all of it was ruined and not really even palpable with the infuriating and unlikeable Kenyon. Seriously? Ending up alone would have been better than that.
So many different ways it could go.
ALSO - zero resolution for the MAIN PLOT!!!
So many different ways it could go.
ALSO - zero resolution for the MAIN PLOT!!!
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
January 1, 2024
4.5/5 ⭐️
0/5 🔥
41/75 Physical Books
I purchased this book a few days ago during the annual B&N hardcover sale, and I knew little to nothing about it until I got home with it (that sale makes me crazy, and I rarely know anything about the books before getting them)! Since it was so close to the New Year, I really wanted to get one more book finished, and a light-hearted YA romance was the perfect fit. It was a little over 340 pages and it only took me a few days to finish.
This book was one of the best first kiss based books I have ever read, which says a lot considering I have read several of them. I loved the film making and old Hollywood aspect that made this novel unique in the best way. The characters were also very well developed, even though there were some that I definitely did not like (which was clearly well done and on purpose). Quincy was such an entertaining main character, and she had so many elements to her that the concept of the novel was reflected directly off of her goals, ambitions, and talents. The Mystery Kisser and blind date plots of the book were both entertaining and fun, especially since it led to the other character's and Quin's true love (it is so hard to write a book review that doesn’t have any spoilers when it is this type of storyline).
The author was one I had never read before, and I don't really think I would read one of her books again. Now, I might change my mind in the future, but one thing I adore is finding a book by an author and adding it to my "singles" section on my bookcases. In this case, I feel like those "singles" are one hit wonders and that I don't want to ruin a good thing by continuing with an author if I don't think I will like any of their other books. I was so hopeful that I would end the year with a five-star read, but unfortunately the last half of the book wasn't as good as the first. There is one major thing in particular that bothered me, and while I won't say what because it will spoil the book, I was pretty disappointed that a question of mine never got answered. I also did not really enjoy the ending as much as I had hoped because it felt too rushed and like the conflict or issues never actually got resolved, just swept under the rug or ignored. The resolution portion of the ending has always been one of my favorites, so all of the unfinished business and unanswered questions (in a standalone, not series) is something I do not enjoy and one of the current main reasons why I will not purchase anymore books by this author. That being said, I did truly enjoy the storyline and I had a great time exploring Quin's journey through love, heartbreak, prom, and the end of high school. Would reccomend to anyone looking for a fast paced, short chaptered YA book that easily keeps your attention until the very end!
And speaking of ends, with it being the end of the year I can officially say that this is my last read of 2023, and I can also say that this is my last written review for a long time. I succeeded in writing a review for every single physical book I read this year, and I am so proud of myself for completing this goal! However, I had a much harder time with reading this year because, in the back of my head, I knew I would need to write my review after finishing each book. This helped contribute to several lengthy reading slumps that would span months at a time, so I have had a very difficult time with enjoying reading again. I first tried writing reviews years ago, so I thought it was time to try again, but it just does not seem to be my thing, unfortunately. I truly loved getting to tell all my friends my thoughts on the books I read in detail, and if anyone wants to know what I really thought about a book I rate, please ask me! Have a Happy New Year, and I hope all my fellow readers have an excellent reading year in 2024!
0/5 🔥
41/75 Physical Books
I purchased this book a few days ago during the annual B&N hardcover sale, and I knew little to nothing about it until I got home with it (that sale makes me crazy, and I rarely know anything about the books before getting them)! Since it was so close to the New Year, I really wanted to get one more book finished, and a light-hearted YA romance was the perfect fit. It was a little over 340 pages and it only took me a few days to finish.
This book was one of the best first kiss based books I have ever read, which says a lot considering I have read several of them. I loved the film making and old Hollywood aspect that made this novel unique in the best way. The characters were also very well developed, even though there were some that I definitely did not like (which was clearly well done and on purpose). Quincy was such an entertaining main character, and she had so many elements to her that the concept of the novel was reflected directly off of her goals, ambitions, and talents. The Mystery Kisser and blind date plots of the book were both entertaining and fun, especially since it led to the other character's and Quin's true love (it is so hard to write a book review that doesn’t have any spoilers when it is this type of storyline).
The author was one I had never read before, and I don't really think I would read one of her books again. Now, I might change my mind in the future, but one thing I adore is finding a book by an author and adding it to my "singles" section on my bookcases. In this case, I feel like those "singles" are one hit wonders and that I don't want to ruin a good thing by continuing with an author if I don't think I will like any of their other books. I was so hopeful that I would end the year with a five-star read, but unfortunately the last half of the book wasn't as good as the first. There is one major thing in particular that bothered me, and while I won't say what because it will spoil the book, I was pretty disappointed that a question of mine never got answered. I also did not really enjoy the ending as much as I had hoped because it felt too rushed and like the conflict or issues never actually got resolved, just swept under the rug or ignored. The resolution portion of the ending has always been one of my favorites, so all of the unfinished business and unanswered questions (in a standalone, not series) is something I do not enjoy and one of the current main reasons why I will not purchase anymore books by this author. That being said, I did truly enjoy the storyline and I had a great time exploring Quin's journey through love, heartbreak, prom, and the end of high school. Would reccomend to anyone looking for a fast paced, short chaptered YA book that easily keeps your attention until the very end!
And speaking of ends, with it being the end of the year I can officially say that this is my last read of 2023, and I can also say that this is my last written review for a long time. I succeeded in writing a review for every single physical book I read this year, and I am so proud of myself for completing this goal! However, I had a much harder time with reading this year because, in the back of my head, I knew I would need to write my review after finishing each book. This helped contribute to several lengthy reading slumps that would span months at a time, so I have had a very difficult time with enjoying reading again. I first tried writing reviews years ago, so I thought it was time to try again, but it just does not seem to be my thing, unfortunately. I truly loved getting to tell all my friends my thoughts on the books I read in detail, and if anyone wants to know what I really thought about a book I rate, please ask me! Have a Happy New Year, and I hope all my fellow readers have an excellent reading year in 2024!
July 9, 2023
Make the Fireflies Dance is the perfect young adult rom-com. The book is filled with blind dates, family drama, and friend drama, as well as boy drama.
Quincy Walker is a high school senior with an interest in filmmaking. As part of her final project for film class, her group is producing a movie that she wrote. Quincy was kissed by a mystery boy in a dark movie theater and isn't sure who it is. Her friends narrow it down to a handful of potential candidates and decide the best way to find out is to set her up on blind dates.
It was the blind date storyline that hooked me and I became invested in Quincy and Kenyon, Quincy's nemesis and part of the filmmaking group. I love a good friends-to-lovers troupe. Although Quincy and Kenyon had great chemistry together, there were still other blind dates she needed to go on to find out who the mystery kisser was. Of course, by dating other guys Quincy hurts Kenyon and has to figure out her feelings and what she wants in the process.
In addition to the romance, the story also deals with Quincy's family's grief. Several years have passed since Quincy's mother passed away, and the family is still dealing with the loss. The fight between Quincy and her brother Clark had some poignant moments.
The friendship drama is where I struggled in the story. Quincy and one of her best friends have a huge fight because Quincy messed up booking the date for the prom and they need to find a new venue. The venue Quincy finds is amazing, and you would think that Quincy and Naoise would make up, but they don't. It bothered me that Quincy didn't get to experience prom with her friends the way she had dreamed. At the same time the friendship drama really felt Quincy grow and I loved her character even more at the end of the book.
I highly recommend Make the Fireflies Dance for readers who love sweet romance stories.
This review first appeared on YA Book Central and can be found here https://www.yabookscentral.com/make-t...
Quincy Walker is a high school senior with an interest in filmmaking. As part of her final project for film class, her group is producing a movie that she wrote. Quincy was kissed by a mystery boy in a dark movie theater and isn't sure who it is. Her friends narrow it down to a handful of potential candidates and decide the best way to find out is to set her up on blind dates.
It was the blind date storyline that hooked me and I became invested in Quincy and Kenyon, Quincy's nemesis and part of the filmmaking group. I love a good friends-to-lovers troupe. Although Quincy and Kenyon had great chemistry together, there were still other blind dates she needed to go on to find out who the mystery kisser was. Of course, by dating other guys Quincy hurts Kenyon and has to figure out her feelings and what she wants in the process.
In addition to the romance, the story also deals with Quincy's family's grief. Several years have passed since Quincy's mother passed away, and the family is still dealing with the loss. The fight between Quincy and her brother Clark had some poignant moments.
The friendship drama is where I struggled in the story. Quincy and one of her best friends have a huge fight because Quincy messed up booking the date for the prom and they need to find a new venue. The venue Quincy finds is amazing, and you would think that Quincy and Naoise would make up, but they don't. It bothered me that Quincy didn't get to experience prom with her friends the way she had dreamed. At the same time the friendship drama really felt Quincy grow and I loved her character even more at the end of the book.
I highly recommend Make the Fireflies Dance for readers who love sweet romance stories.
This review first appeared on YA Book Central and can be found here https://www.yabookscentral.com/make-t...
May 29, 2024
MAKE THE FIREFLIES DANCE is a cute romance in some ways, but it drove me insane in other ways. The inciting incident is unique (if a bit creepy) and could have led to a really fun story. The execution, unfortunately, just didn't work well for me. I did finish the book despite being bored with it because I did want to know what was going to happen. On the whole, though, this was just an average (maybe less than) read for me.
Here are my main beefs:
- Quincy's entire story goal is to find out who her mystery kisser is and SHE NEVER FIGURES IT OUT! In the end, she's like, who cares since I found the guy I want, anyway? I care, sister! I wanted to know and it was disappointing to me that the big mystery, which formed the ENTIRE MAIN PLOTLINE, was never resolved. So irritating.
- Speaking of irritating, Quincy is not the most likable gal in the world. She's selfish, fickle, and just...annoying in a lot of ways. She does come to some valuable conclusions about herself in the end of the book, but still, she drove me crazy. Also, her personality seemed inconsistent. She didn't have any trouble speaking out and standing up for herself, so why didn't she just ask the boys outright who kissed her? That seems more fitting with her personality than going on a bunch of silly blind dates. I also didn't like the way she flitted from boy to boy and how they all pretty much fell all over her. I couldn't understand what ANY of them saw in her. Also, Quincy acts a lot younger than she's supposed to be. I'd forgotten that she was supposed to be a senior in high school until she graduates at the end because she acts more like a middle-grade character.
- The story bored me. Although there are cute parts, for the most part I just didn't care all that much about what was going on in the book.
So, yeah. Even though I should maybe be giving this one two stars, I'm going to go with three because I liked the novel enough to finish it. It was still a pretty meh read for me, though.
Here are my main beefs:
- Quincy's entire story goal is to find out who her mystery kisser is and SHE NEVER FIGURES IT OUT! In the end, she's like, who cares since I found the guy I want, anyway? I care, sister! I wanted to know and it was disappointing to me that the big mystery, which formed the ENTIRE MAIN PLOTLINE, was never resolved. So irritating.
- Speaking of irritating, Quincy is not the most likable gal in the world. She's selfish, fickle, and just...annoying in a lot of ways. She does come to some valuable conclusions about herself in the end of the book, but still, she drove me crazy. Also, her personality seemed inconsistent. She didn't have any trouble speaking out and standing up for herself, so why didn't she just ask the boys outright who kissed her? That seems more fitting with her personality than going on a bunch of silly blind dates. I also didn't like the way she flitted from boy to boy and how they all pretty much fell all over her. I couldn't understand what ANY of them saw in her. Also, Quincy acts a lot younger than she's supposed to be. I'd forgotten that she was supposed to be a senior in high school until she graduates at the end because she acts more like a middle-grade character.
- The story bored me. Although there are cute parts, for the most part I just didn't care all that much about what was going on in the book.
So, yeah. Even though I should maybe be giving this one two stars, I'm going to go with three because I liked the novel enough to finish it. It was still a pretty meh read for me, though.
May 15, 2023
Quincy—also known to her friends and family as Quin or Q—has a clear idea of what a first kiss should be. And even though it sort-of-maybe already happened, she still wants to at least have that idea of a perfect first kiss to come true because of a sweet, firefly-esque conversation she had with her mother who has since passed away. But then she’s kissed by a random, mystery person at her Grandmother’s birthday party, and it sets off a whirlwind of movie-style plotting and shenanigans.
Quincy and her friends get to work finding out who Mystery Kisser is, and against her wishes of wanting control over the situation, they are starting with blind dates with suitable people that fit the mould from the party. But as prom creeps closer, her older brother’s continual vanishing acts weighing on her shoulders, plus health scares from her dad and final film class project on her mind, Quin is caught between what love and life should be and letting things fall into place naturally. And letting go of control over it is not her favourite thing. Especially when the one she’s falling for blindsides everything she thought she wanted—because what if that’s not what’s meant to be after all?
Overall, Make The Fireflies Dance was a glorious, charming ode to growing up and owning the magic in the messiness of love and being human. Quin was such a loveable, relateable main character and I enjoyed reading her POV. I was expecting the mystery kisser storyline to carry on a little further and the plot definitely steered in a different direction than I was expecting in the middle, but by the end, I was wholeheartedly won over by this cute, feel good novel with important messages at it’s heart. A wonderful four star book that’s perfect for readers that love classic YA romances!
Quincy and her friends get to work finding out who Mystery Kisser is, and against her wishes of wanting control over the situation, they are starting with blind dates with suitable people that fit the mould from the party. But as prom creeps closer, her older brother’s continual vanishing acts weighing on her shoulders, plus health scares from her dad and final film class project on her mind, Quin is caught between what love and life should be and letting things fall into place naturally. And letting go of control over it is not her favourite thing. Especially when the one she’s falling for blindsides everything she thought she wanted—because what if that’s not what’s meant to be after all?
Overall, Make The Fireflies Dance was a glorious, charming ode to growing up and owning the magic in the messiness of love and being human. Quin was such a loveable, relateable main character and I enjoyed reading her POV. I was expecting the mystery kisser storyline to carry on a little further and the plot definitely steered in a different direction than I was expecting in the middle, but by the end, I was wholeheartedly won over by this cute, feel good novel with important messages at it’s heart. A wonderful four star book that’s perfect for readers that love classic YA romances!
May 19, 2023
“Love is the calming warmth of a firefly in your chest.”
I'd like to thank Running Press Books for sending me a copy of this book in exchange for an honest review!
I've also posted this review on Instagram and my blog.
Instagram Post
Blog Post
Content Warnings: grief, death of a parent, car accident
This book caught my attention right away. The writing style and short chapters made it a fast read which was easy to fly through. I had a lot of fun reading about Quincy's love for movies and filmmaking and really liked the scenes where she was directing the production of her short film. I found the romance to be sweet and cute, and it reminded me of a classic rom-com. But Make the Fireflies Dance not only focuses on romance but also grief. We see Quincy's journey as she navigates the loss of her mother and how this impacts each member of her family. I thought that these scenes were well developed and showcased Quincy's growth and her great support system in her friends. Speaking of her friends, Quincy had an intriguing friend group, I enjoyed learning about each of Quincy's friends and classmates. But I do wish we had more time to get to know them better. Unfortunately, I found the ending to be a bit rushed and left some loose ends hanging that I wish could have been tied up. However, I loved Quincy's family, especially her grandmother and their relationship.
Overall a sweet read filled with romance and summery vibes.
I'd like to thank Running Press Books for sending me a copy of this book in exchange for an honest review!
I've also posted this review on Instagram and my blog.
Instagram Post
Blog Post
Content Warnings: grief, death of a parent, car accident
This book caught my attention right away. The writing style and short chapters made it a fast read which was easy to fly through. I had a lot of fun reading about Quincy's love for movies and filmmaking and really liked the scenes where she was directing the production of her short film. I found the romance to be sweet and cute, and it reminded me of a classic rom-com. But Make the Fireflies Dance not only focuses on romance but also grief. We see Quincy's journey as she navigates the loss of her mother and how this impacts each member of her family. I thought that these scenes were well developed and showcased Quincy's growth and her great support system in her friends. Speaking of her friends, Quincy had an intriguing friend group, I enjoyed learning about each of Quincy's friends and classmates. But I do wish we had more time to get to know them better. Unfortunately, I found the ending to be a bit rushed and left some loose ends hanging that I wish could have been tied up. However, I loved Quincy's family, especially her grandmother and their relationship.
Overall a sweet read filled with romance and summery vibes.
April 18, 2023
Sometimes, being a 42 years old, YA novels are hit or miss for me, but this one was definitely a hit. I wound up binging it in just one day.
Quincy Walker is looking for the love of her life...only she has no idea who it is. After being kissed by a mysterious figure in a dark movie theatre Quincy, along with her three best friends, embark on a quest to find out who the mystery kisser is and who has stolen her heart.
I have to say I loved this book. It was such an easy read. All of the side characters were amazing. I definitely felt a connection with all of them. Also Quincy is amazing. Fun, Fearless, Type-A, and knows what she's wants and isn't afraid to go after it. Thought the story you are routing for every single guy who could be Quincy's mystery kisser. I was actually surprised by the ending because my choice guy was the not the one she ended up with! I still loved the ending though.
**Side note and slight spoiler...Rachel. Girl. DM me. I need to know the answer!"
All in all an amazing story of senior year. I wish my 17 year old self would have had a chance to read this story. It would have meant the world to her.
So thankful to Netgalley, the author, and the publisher for this ARC.
Quincy Walker is looking for the love of her life...only she has no idea who it is. After being kissed by a mysterious figure in a dark movie theatre Quincy, along with her three best friends, embark on a quest to find out who the mystery kisser is and who has stolen her heart.
I have to say I loved this book. It was such an easy read. All of the side characters were amazing. I definitely felt a connection with all of them. Also Quincy is amazing. Fun, Fearless, Type-A, and knows what she's wants and isn't afraid to go after it. Thought the story you are routing for every single guy who could be Quincy's mystery kisser. I was actually surprised by the ending because my choice guy was the not the one she ended up with! I still loved the ending though.
**Side note and slight spoiler...Rachel. Girl. DM me. I need to know the answer!"
All in all an amazing story of senior year. I wish my 17 year old self would have had a chance to read this story. It would have meant the world to her.
So thankful to Netgalley, the author, and the publisher for this ARC.
September 14, 2023
‘MAKE THE FIREFLIES DANCE’: INSTEAD OF A SLIPPER IT’S A LOST KISS
STORY | Despite the hard knocks of life teenager Quincey Walker is already too familiar with, she manages to still create. Tonight is her nana’s birthday and while she loves putting a party together for someone else, what she doesn’t expect is an epic kiss with a stranger in a dark corner. What he doesn’t know is, this is Q’s first real first kiss…
Now her friends set out to find her mystery boy only what Quin discovers is maybe, just maybe, the answer doesn’t matter so much as the right boy does…
REVIEW | When it comes to summer-y reads that are sweet, I tend to sit up and take notice. This is true of Make the Fireflies Dance. A new young adult novel that is, happily, as cute on the inside as its cover image implies. The story reads like a kind of Cinderella fairytale only instead of matching a glass slipper, Quincey is trying to “match” that perfect kiss she and a stranger share. Read review in full on the website.
STORY | Despite the hard knocks of life teenager Quincey Walker is already too familiar with, she manages to still create. Tonight is her nana’s birthday and while she loves putting a party together for someone else, what she doesn’t expect is an epic kiss with a stranger in a dark corner. What he doesn’t know is, this is Q’s first real first kiss…
Now her friends set out to find her mystery boy only what Quin discovers is maybe, just maybe, the answer doesn’t matter so much as the right boy does…
REVIEW | When it comes to summer-y reads that are sweet, I tend to sit up and take notice. This is true of Make the Fireflies Dance. A new young adult novel that is, happily, as cute on the inside as its cover image implies. The story reads like a kind of Cinderella fairytale only instead of matching a glass slipper, Quincey is trying to “match” that perfect kiss she and a stranger share. Read review in full on the website.
December 27, 2023
3.5/5
it was a very cute story, though quin had me mad at times with how selfish she was. but it is understandable for that age, and we do get to see her develop more throughout the story.
i think there was a lot going on with the plot from quin dealing with the death of her mom, her crush on tyler, her distancing from ezra, her dad's accident, her friends, her brother not being around, and there was so much more. there was just a lot going on. a lot happened in 350 pages.
it did feel like quin's rivalry between kenyon switched to romantic feelings really quickly, especially since she was crushing on tyler basically the whole book.
i kind of wish we got to see more of kenyon, because i wasn't really that attached to him at the end. also, would've loved to know who the guy in the theater was. but the "operation mystery kisser" seemed to fall through the cracks, and focused on all the other plot elements.
i really liked that the characters were all together to work on the film, and the details of that. it was really interesting to explore.
and her grandma was simply iconic.
overall, a super cute and easy read!
it was a very cute story, though quin had me mad at times with how selfish she was. but it is understandable for that age, and we do get to see her develop more throughout the story.
i think there was a lot going on with the plot from quin dealing with the death of her mom, her crush on tyler, her distancing from ezra, her dad's accident, her friends, her brother not being around, and there was so much more. there was just a lot going on. a lot happened in 350 pages.
it did feel like quin's rivalry between kenyon switched to romantic feelings really quickly, especially since she was crushing on tyler basically the whole book.
i kind of wish we got to see more of kenyon, because i wasn't really that attached to him at the end. also, would've loved to know who the guy in the theater was. but the "operation mystery kisser" seemed to fall through the cracks, and focused on all the other plot elements.
i really liked that the characters were all together to work on the film, and the details of that. it was really interesting to explore.
and her grandma was simply iconic.
overall, a super cute and easy read!
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
May 6, 2025
this book was beautiful in so many aspects. the romance was sweet and so very rom-commy in the best way possible—in the beginning i couldn't even tell who i was rooting for because i loved both mmc's so so much. it kept me hooked and wanting to know what would happen next between the characters. when they would fight i would get angry and upset as if i was the one living the book, and that's how you know a book is well written. i not only got *fireflies* while reading this book but i experienced frustration and sadness along with the characters too. kenyon is the sweetest EVER (and totally reminds me of keefe sencen🤭😏) and i was swooning over him twenty. four. seven. but the romance wasn't the only part of this book i loved—the deeper subjects, like with her mother's death and her conflict with her brother and her friends, the lasting trauma she carried—it was described so beautifully i felt every emotion that quincy was feeling along with her. not to mention the rekindling of her friendship with ezra and the bond that they inevitably share, or the chats she had with her nana about the hard things. this book was so, so good, and i could not recommend it enough
February 22, 2024
Closer to a 3.5 but eh I'll round up. At first I was super in love with the book. I loved the lgbt rep. I loved the diversity. I loved the romance. But the second half of the book just fell a little flat for me.
1. Idk why but I totally thought Ezra would have some sort of romance thing with her.
2. We never find out who she kissed and she's just.. okay with that. Like bro. Just... ask the dudes at this point? Idk it was such an annoyance for me.
3. I get Kenyon not wanting to wait on her, but idk something felt too meh about it? I can't fully explain it.
4. A tiny pet peeve, but I don't really like that Naoise, the ace character, is also sort of incorrectly classified as ace when really she seems to be more aromantic? Because ace people can want romance but Quin constantly talks about how Naoise doesn't seem to want that. Someone can be ace and aro, I'm just a little confused and off put there as an ace person who has wanted romance.
I dont know if I'd read it again. The first half of the book was just so good and cute but then I really felt let down in the end.
1. Idk why but I totally thought Ezra would have some sort of romance thing with her.
2. We never find out who she kissed and she's just.. okay with that. Like bro. Just... ask the dudes at this point? Idk it was such an annoyance for me.
3. I get Kenyon not wanting to wait on her, but idk something felt too meh about it? I can't fully explain it.
4. A tiny pet peeve, but I don't really like that Naoise, the ace character, is also sort of incorrectly classified as ace when really she seems to be more aromantic? Because ace people can want romance but Quin constantly talks about how Naoise doesn't seem to want that. Someone can be ace and aro, I'm just a little confused and off put there as an ace person who has wanted romance.
I dont know if I'd read it again. The first half of the book was just so good and cute but then I really felt let down in the end.
July 19, 2023
"Make the Fireflies Dance" is a young adult romance novel following aspiring filmmaker Quincy as she tries to figure out who gave her the perfect kiss in a dark theater. To do this, she'll have to go on blind dates with all five of the guys who were with her... however, she finds herself falling hard for someone unexpected!
This one was just ok for me. Quincy was supposed to be a senior in high school, but she read a lot younger. Additionally, I don't think the synopsis that was on the book jacket was an accurate representation of what the novel actually was about.
It wasn't bad by any means, but everything felt very rushed. Between the family storyline, the storyline with her friends, and the whole romance storyline, nothing was able to get developed as well as it could have been.
I would recommend for fans of rom-com movies or high schoolers looking for a fun escape from reality!
I received an advanced reading copy of this novel- all opinions are honest, and my own.
This one was just ok for me. Quincy was supposed to be a senior in high school, but she read a lot younger. Additionally, I don't think the synopsis that was on the book jacket was an accurate representation of what the novel actually was about.
It wasn't bad by any means, but everything felt very rushed. Between the family storyline, the storyline with her friends, and the whole romance storyline, nothing was able to get developed as well as it could have been.
I would recommend for fans of rom-com movies or high schoolers looking for a fun escape from reality!
I received an advanced reading copy of this novel- all opinions are honest, and my own.
Displaying 1 - 30 of 58 reviews