My Mechanical Romance

I started reading this book with some doubts, but I ended up loving it because the romance between Bel and Teo is so mature, and there's a lot to reflect on and learn from it. I think their ages being around 17 and 18 makes their feelings shine more brightly and feel more valuable. Being older doesn't always mean more mature, speaking from my old self- sometimes I read back my old journals and I'm surprised that I seemed wiser and more mature back then than now! I think because a lot of feelings and experiences are new and fresh- they tend to accept those emotions and circumstances as pure and authentic as they are, without much bias or doubt. A romantic relationship can be either the most valuable thing or the most toxic in your life- one of the crucial keys to making it worthwhile is to be open and honest with your partner. To do that you need to accept your true self first. I especially liked the story near the end- when Bel finally figured out her true love for engineering and saw more clearly where she was in order to achieve her goal. And that came from the trust she built with not only Teo, but her family, teachers and friends. Unexpectedly Neelam -one of her teammates- played such an important role in Bel's growth; she was the one who challenged Bel's school life the most and hurt her feelings. The moment of understanding each other finally came when they did not avoid their emotions and express them, even though dealing with negative emotions is definitely an uncomfortable thing to confront. I was so proud of both of them for bravely facing the situation, and they eventually overcame and grew together. As I write the review, this book may not be for those looking for something spicy, but it's a great choice for self-growth and for anyone who enjoys a cute, feel-good romantic story.

3.75!!

first of all, the cover is just the cutest!!!! bel and teo??? the cUTEST!!!! the robots?? pERFECTION!!! their team??? I LOVE THEM SO MUCH!!
I was never a physics girl in high school but this made me wished that i was!!!! i wanna build robots and watch them fight each other!! I also just loved that Bel didnt really have a plan and it was great to see how she dealt with it because it feels like you have to have things figured out in highschool, but it doesnt have to be like that!! I really liked the epilogue because she was exactly where she wanted to be even if it hadnt gone like she had planned LOL !!!
can we just talk about the robots really quick tho because???? WOW!!!!!! those scenes were so badass !!!!!!! ii freaking loved them kicking some robots butt!!!!!!!!!

Thank you Netaglley and publisher for the earc in exchange for an honest review. !! Look out for this sweet read that comes out march 31st, 2022!!!!!

I really enjoyed this YA Contemporary. Rivals/Enemies to Lovers is one of my favorite tropes and I think this one did that so well. I don't have a STEM background but it was so fun seeing how Bel excelled at Robotics and was able to really find herself through the process.

Bel doesn't know what she wants to do after high school but is pushed in the direction of engineering when a makeshift catapult actually propels her into the robotics class. Now she's not only trying to figure out whether robotics and engineering is for her but she's also having to deal with the judgement coming from the others on her team. With the help of Teo she learns that her experience having a "hobbyist" as a father may have actually set her up for a career in engineer.

Teo is under constant pressure to excel in life after growing up with a very successful father who seems to have the intentions of bringing Teo up in the company once he finishes college. Teo doesn't feel like his father loves him more than he sees him as a potential employee. The dynamic between them is felt whenever they encounter each other.

I thought the author did a great job of portraying the tension between the characters. The romance was also well done in it's slow burn between Teo and Bel. The banter between the two was great and I enjoyed how their relationship grew. The friendships and family dynamics also developed well throughout the book.

I recommend this to anyone looking for a great book about women in STEM, friendships, family, and love. I can't wait to read more books by Alexene Farol Follmuth!

In her YA debut, Alexene Farol Follmuth,explores both the challenges girls of color face in STEM and the vulnerability of first love with unfailing wit and honesty. With an adorable, opposites-attract romance at its center and lines that beg to be read aloud, My Mechanical Romance is swoonworthy perfection. Even tho I am not a STEM kind of gal I really loved this book. Fun and quick read for sure.