Conventionally Yours by Annabeth Albert
Genre: NA Realistic Fiction
Blurb (on back of book):
When two "big name fans" go head-to-head at a convention, love isn't the only thing at stake. Charming, charismatic, and effortlessly popular, Conrad Stewart seems to have it all…but in reality, he's scrambling to keep his life from tumbling out of control.
Brilliant, guarded, and endlessly driven, Alden Roth may as well be the poster boy for perfection…but even he can't help but feel a little broken inside.
When these mortal enemies are stuck together on a cross-country road trip to the biggest fan convention of their lives, their infamous rivalry takes a backseat as an unexpected connection is forged. Yet each has a reason why they have to win the upcoming Odyssey gaming tournament and neither is willing to let emotion get in the way—even if it means giving up their one chance at something truly magical.
MY OPINION: ****
This book was ADORABLE! I loved the relationship development between Conrad and Alden and I'm always a sucker for an enemies-to-lovers trope. It was so cute and I would definitely consider rereading it in the future.
The book is set around a gaming tournament in Las Vegas that both Conrad and Alden, as well as a few of their friends, are going to compete in. I liked the gaming aspect because I usually don't read books like that and it was an interesting premise. I also liked how it wasn't completely focused on the game, and instead it was integrated into the story without taking away from the characters.
Conrad and Alden don't like each other. They both find things about the other to be annoying or standoffish. Conrad is too casual and a trash-talker; Alden is a perfectionist and too controlling. When they learn they are being forced into a cross country road trip with just each other, the game is the only thing that keeps them going. However, over the course of the trip, the boys start to learn more and more about each other and who they really are below the masks and layers and slowly, very very slowly, start to fall in love.
I adore slow burn relationships. Conrad and Alden were everything I wanted and I couldn't stop reading. I ended up finishing the book in a day because it was just that compelling, something that hasn't happened in a while.
Conrad was a likable character who has hit some hard times after being kicked out of his house for coming out as gay. I liked his storyline because although it was never fully concluded, it felt very realistic and heartbreaking. He seemed very relaxed and chill but in reality he had a lot of inner layers and complicated aspects that changed my perception of him throughout the book, just like Alden.
Alden was my favorite of the two because he was so beautifully-written and had such intricate personality traits. At first he seems like a control freak, but over time, we get to know his mental health issues and his intense need for everything to be perfect and organized. I hated how he was always misunderstood and treated poorly because of the only things out of his control, and I especially hated his moms, no matter how accepting they were.
The gradual chemistry between these characters began to seem more and more evident as the book progressed. The tournament itself was well-written, and wasn't flat and boring like I expected it to be after the road trip. I was sitting on the edge of my seat the whole time and I can't express how happy I am with the ending, even if it did feel just a little bit unrealistic.
I loved the diversity in this book. There is a non-binary character, Peyton, who goes by they/them pronouns, something I don't see enough of in YA (this is NA though!). Our two main characters are gay, there are lesbian parents, and all sorts of other representation throughout the book, especially at the convention!
I would recommend this book to readers looking for a cute, enemies-to-lovers, romantic LGBTQ+ novel!
Main Character: Conrad, Alden
Sidekick(s): Peyton, professor, Jasper, etc
Villain(s): Misunderstandings, homophobia, anxiety, etc
Realistic Fiction Elements: This book was all very real to life.
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