Now available in paperback, Here’s to Us reunites #1 New York Times bestselling 
authors Becky Albertalli (Simon vs. the Homo Sapiens Agenda) and Adam Silvera (They Both Die at the End) to continue the story of Arthur and Ben, two very different boys readers first fell for in the blockbuster What If It’s Us.
Ben survived freshman year of college, but he’s feeling more stuck than ever. His classes are a slog, his part-time job working with his father is even worse, and his best friend Dylan’s been acting weird. Ben’s only real bright spot is his writing partner Mario, who’s been giving him a lot of Spanish lessons and even more kisses. Mario’s big Hollywood dreams make Ben start to dream bigger—and the choices he makes now could be the key to reshaping his future. So why can’t he stop thinking about a certain boy from his past?
Arthur is back in New York City for the first time in two years, ready to take the theater world by a storm as the world’s best…. intern to the assistant of an off-Broadway director. Of course, it sucks to be spending the summer apart from his sweet, reliable boyfriend, Mikey, but he knows their relationship is strong enough to weather the distance. Which is why it’s no big deal when his ex-boyfriend Ben stumbles back into the picture. And it’s definitely fine that Ben’s happy with some mystery boy. First loves are special, but it’s way too late for what- ifs. Right?
Even as the boys try to shake off the past, they keep running into each other in the present. Is this the universe trying to tell them there’s a do-over in their future?
💕 cute MC interactions
❎ nothing really new progression of the first plot
🕺🏽quirky, diverse supporting characters
I love Becky Albertalli (Simon vs. the Homo Sapiens Agenda) and Adam Silvera (They Both Die at the End). I loved the first book in this series: What If It’s Us?. I am sad to say I was a little underwhelmed by this second installment. That’s not to say it wasn’t a pleasant read… how could it not be from two such power-house authors? But I guess I expected something as hard-hitting and engaging as I’ve come to expect from Silvera in particular.
Here’s To Us is a follow-up to the novel that introduced us to two teen boys: Arthur and Ben. After the most amazing meet-cute, the hunt begins! It’s a hopeful story, diverse, adorable, and fun.
When the second novel began, I was a little confused. Granted, it’s been a while since I read the first book, but it took me a few moments to get on track with time passing. For some reason, in my mind, Ben and Arthur were together at the end of the previous book. Looking back, I see now that was wrong. And it’s realistic. Let’s face it, we meet people when we’re teens and they aren’t necessarily souls who stay in our lives permanently.
Here’s To Us is about change and moving on. Ben and Arthur have both moved on to new relationships. Their friends are changing and growing as their lives expand. Arthur and Ben are both facing situations that are forcing them to make decisions regarding their futures. Moving? Maybe, Continuing to date something? Maybe. Harboring feelings for that meet-cute guy they met at the post office? Maybe.
I enjoyed the interactions between the main characters and their friends. There were some quirky, lovely moments with Dylan in particular. I was glad to see him back! Ben and Arthur seemed very much the same characters they were in the first novel. They had grown a little but seemed to be sitting in the same places. I think there wasn’t enough forward movement for me at the beginning of this novel… then the pace switched to high speed in the last 20% of the book.
Not my favorite written by either author but it’s a decent read. I’m sure that most people will enjoy this… especially if they enjoyed the first novel
I received an ARC of Here’s To Us by Becky Albertalli and Adam Silvera via Edelweiss in exchange for an unbiased review.
Kinzie Things 