Author: Marisa Kanter
Publisher: Simon and Schuster BYR
Publication Date: 21 September 2021
Page Count: 400
Reading Method: Physical ARC [thank you to the publisher!]
Dates Read: September 9 – 11
Synopsis:
Lifelong rivals Natalie and Reid have never been on the same team. So when their school’s art budget faces cutbacks, of course Natalie finds herself up against her nemesis once more. She’s fighting to direct the school’s first ever student-written play, but for her small production to get funding, the school’s award-winning band will have to lose it. Reid’s band. And he’s got no intention of letting the show go on.
But when their rivalry turns into an all-out prank war that goes too far, Natalie and Reid have to face the music, resulting in the worst compromise: writing and directing a musical. Together. At least if they deliver a sold-out show, the school board will reconsider next year’s band and theater budget. Everyone could win.
Except Natalie and Reid.
Because after spending their entire lives in competition, they have absolutely no idea how to be co-anything. And they certainly don’t know how to deal with the feelings that are inexplicably, weirdly, definitely developing between them…
Review:
How freaking cute is this cover?! I was so excited to read this one – I mean, look at it! Arch-enemies Natalie and Reid are paired up to put on their school’s musical as an unfortunate consequence to their years-long prank war. The two must put aside their differences to put on the production of a lifetime to secure funding for their school’s arts programs. Their rivalry runs deep and it proves to be a more difficult task than either of them expected.
I really enjoyed the writing and the pacing of As if On Cue. It was easy to read, the story immediately pulls you in and catches the reader up with the history of Natalie and Reid, and there were parts that were laugh out loud funny. I always love a musical aspect in a story, and this was no exception.
I struggled to connect with Natalie’s character. There were many things that made sense, but one big thing towards the end that was so selfish and out of line that I lost major love for her. And while the issue resolves itself, I am not a fan of her actions in the slightest. Reid on the other hand seems to be trying his best to close the rift between the two of them. That’s not to say he’s perfect, but it seems his intentions are pure. He wants the musical to succeed just as much as Natalie.
There is so much that takes place in this book, and it can be a lot to unpack at times. Natalie’s relationship with her father is a huge point of contention and I don’t know how I felt about the resolution of this issue. I would have liked to see more of that worked out on the page because I think it’s something a lot of people may face and can relate to (or maybe just me lol).
Overall, I really did enjoy As if On Cue and would recommend picking it up if you’re a fan of banter, enemies to lovers romance, music, and the arts.
