You Started It is the latest release by Canadian author Jackie Khalilieh. This YA novel is set just outside of Toronto and was released on May 20, 2025. Jamie is excited that summer is over, her boyfriend is back home, and they are about to start their senior year of high school. The problem? He has different plans, and breaks up with her when he gets home. What’s a girl to do when her plans include him?
I want to thank Tundra Books and NetGalley for the opportunity to read an advanced copy of You Started It. However, all opinions expressed here are solely mine.
Synopsis from Goodreads
Seventeen-year-old Jamie Taher-Foster has big plans for Senior Year. She’s made a list of things and places in Toronto she and her boyfriend of three years, Ben Cameron, need to check off before graduating. And the biggest plan of all: a very special night for the two of them at the upcoming Winter Formal. But then Ben arrives back home after a summer away with an unthinkable announcement: he wants to break up.
And when Jamie discovers him with Olivia Chen the next day, she is determined to get him back. Even if that means fake dating the younger, curly-haired, TikTok dancer, Axel Dahini, whose bicycle she accidentally ran over.
Though she and Axel have nothing in common aside from their shared Arab heritage—she’s a messy, type A with anxiety, he’s carefree but meticulous—their forced time together brings them to better understand one another. And for Jamie, it just might mean learning that not all experiences or people need to be crossed off a list.
Positives
- It’s a quick and easy read.
- It is under 350 pages.
- The way Jamie’s anxiety is handled feels very real.
- It’s fun seeing places mentioned in a book that I am familiar with.
Negatives
- Jamie’s family is so messy! Is it too messy?
My Opinions
Honestly, the main reason I wanted to read this book was its Canadian connections—the author was born and raised in Canada, and the book is set in Canada. I also like the diversity in the cast of characters. And guess what? I loved this book! Sure, at first, reading a YA romance as an adult felt a bit strange. But as I got to know the characters, I enjoyed the story. It’s more than just a romance; it’s about Jamie figuring out who she is and what she wants in life.
In many ways, Jamie reminds me of what I was at 17. I didn’t have a group of friends, nor did I have a boyfriend. I was always on the outside looking in, feeling like everyone was looking at me and judging me. Oh, how I would have loved to see characters like Jamie when I was younger! She’s messy and quick to judge. But she’s also fierce! She’s the type of person you want on your side. The caveat is that she doesn’t know that.
The story is told solely through Jamie’s POV. She’s at a stage where she has issues opening up to people because she’s afraid they’ll leave her. Jamie struggles to control her anxiety, and with some help from Axel, she starts to feel like she has that control back in her life.
Living less than two hours outside of Toronto, I found it fun to see some tourist hot spots mentioned. As the book opens, it’s the end of August, so not all of the hot spots are there. But trust me, there are enough that you would almost think you’re reading parts of a visitor’s guide. And I mean that in the best way possible!
Music is also mentioned throughout the book, as Axel enjoys dancing and sharing videos on social media. At the end, there’s even a curated playlist.
Overall, You Started It has plenty of fun and drama! There’s character growth, messy families, and lots of fun. If you enjoy reading Lynn Painter’s YA books, I honestly feel like you would enjoy reading You Started It.
Are you looking for some more books to read? Check out my bookish lists, book reviews, and monthly reading wrap-ups.
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