Welcome to my review of Marisa Kanter's "Finally Fitz," a snarky and sassy teen rom-com with a modern twist. I'm thrilled to be giving away a copy of this book, courtesy of Simon & Schuster Books for Young Readers, who provided it for my honest review. Join me as I dive into the vibrant world of Fitz, her fake dating scheme, and her journey to win back her ex-girlfriend.
About the book:
Title: Finally Fitz
Author: Marisa Kanter
Publisher: Simon & Schuster Books for Young Readers (April 23, 2024)
Format: Hardcover, eBook, Audio & CD
Pages: 400
Book blurb:
A bisexual teen girl tries to make her ex jealous by faking an Instagram romance that leads to surprisingly real feelings in this hijinks-filled rom-com perfect for fans of To All the Boys I’ve Loved Before and She Gets the Girl.
Ava “Fitz” Fitzgerald has worked hard to create the picture-perfect life she’s always wanted. She spent her junior year transforming her passion for sustainable fashion and upcycling into a viral online platform, maintaining a 4.0 GPA, and spending every free second with her soon-to-graduate girlfriend, Danica. And this summer she plans to take it all to the next level by attending a prestigious summer fashion program in New York City and convincing Dani that they can survive a year of long distance.
But when Dani dumps her before classes even start, accusing Fitz of being more invested in growing her online persona than deepening their relationship, she’s left not only heartbroken, but also creatively blocked.
Fitz will do anything to win Dani back, even if that means taking a break from the platform that she’s worked so hard to build. But just as she decides to go all-in on a hiatus, a chance encounter reunites her with Levi Berkowitz, her childhood best friend that she hasn’t seen since elementary school. Levi is struggling with heartbreak of his own, and this cosmic coincidence sparks a new use for her social media savvy. Fitz offers to help Levi craft a fake relationship online to make his person jealous…if in return he can pretend to be her boyfriend in front of Dani to make her jealous. If all goes according to plan, by the end of the summer they’ll both be reunited with their perfect partners and get to rekindle their friendship in the process.
Sometimes even the most carefully designed plans can come apart at the seams, though. And when real history leads to not-so-fake feelings, Fitz will have to decide if she’s finally willing to let go of what she thought was picture-perfect and choose what might actually be right for her.
My Review
⭐⭐⭐⭐
"Finally Fitz" by Marisa Kanter is a delightful romp through the tumultuous world of teen relationships, social media, and self-discovery. If you're into lively characters and a modern twist on classic romantic tropes, this one's for you. However, while the plot's foundation—fake dating to win back an ex—is far from unique, Kanter injects a fresh perspective into this familiar storyline.
The story centers on Ava "Fitz" Fitzgerald, a bisexual teen girl with a passion for sustainable fashion and a burgeoning online presence. Fitz has her life figured out—or so she thinks. She's got a 4.0 GPA, a popular Instagram account, and a seemingly perfect relationship with her girlfriend, Danica. But her world flips upside down when Danica dumps her, citing Fitz's online persona as a roadblock to their relationship. Ouch, right?
Enter Levi Berkowitz, Fitz's long-lost childhood best friend, who’s dealing with heartbreak of his own. When Fitz and Levi cross paths, they devise a plan to use their social media savvy to make their respective exes jealous. Fitz pretends to be in a relationship with Levi to get Danica's attention, while Levi uses the same ruse to win over his ex. What could go wrong? Everything, of course.
While the premise is as old as rom-coms themselves, Kanter's execution gives it a snarky, sassy flair. The characters are fun and lively, adding energy to every scene. Fitz is a compelling protagonist, with her blend of confidence and vulnerability, and her journey toward self-acceptance is genuinely endearing. The dynamic between Fitz and Levi is equally engaging, filled with witty banter and genuine chemistry.
However, the plot's reliance on the fake dating trope may feel tired to some readers. It's been done, redone, and done again, and there's not much in "Finally Fitz" that stands out as particularly groundbreaking—except for the fact that Fitz is bisexual. This aspect adds some diversity to the mix, but even this could have been explored further. Kanter could have taken more risks with the storyline, pushing the boundaries of the genre instead of sticking to a familiar formula.
Despite these drawbacks, if you enjoy the fake dating trope, you'll likely find "Finally Fitz" an enjoyable read. The characters are engaging, the setting is vibrant, and the romantic tension is palpable. Plus, the hijinks-filled plot provides plenty of laughs and heartfelt moments. It's a breezy, entertaining rom-com that captures the spirit of contemporary teen romance with a modern twist.
In the end, "Finally Fitz" is a book that knows its audience. It doesn't try to be something it's not, and that's okay. If you're looking for a light, quick read with fun characters and a healthy dose of snark, this one's worth checking out. Just don't expect any major plot twists or surprises along the way.
About Marisa Kanter:
MARISA KANTER (she/her/hers) is a young adult author, amateur baker, and reality television enthusiast. She is the author of What I Like About You, As If on Cue, and Finally Fitz. Born and raised in the suburbs of Boston, her obsession with books led her to New York City, where she worked in the publishing industry to help books find their perfect
readers. She currently lives in Los Angeles, writing love stories by day and crocheting her wardrobe by night. Follow her at MarisaKanter.com.