I Kissed Shara Wheeler is one of those stories which washed over me like a tidal wave. I was enjoying it and then all in a moment became obsessed. It’s rivals to lovers meets a serious dose of mystery because, “Where is Shara?!” Keep reading this book review for my full thoughts.
Summary
Chloe Green is so close to winning. After her moms moved her from SoCal to Alabama for high school, she’s spent the past four years dodging gossipy classmates and a puritanical administration at Willowgrove Christian Academy. The thing that’s kept her going: winning valedictorian. Her only rival: prom queen Shara Wheeler, the principal’s perfect progeny.
But a month before graduation, Shara kisses Chloe and vanishes.
On a furious hunt for answers, Chloe discovers she’s not the only one Shara kissed. There’s also Smith, Shara’s longtime quarterback sweetheart, and Rory, Shara’s bad boy neighbor with a crush. The three have nothing in common except Shara and the annoyingly cryptic notes she left behind, but together they must untangle Shara’s trail of clues and find her. It’ll be worth it, if Chloe can drag Shara back before graduation to beat her fair-and-square.
Thrown into an unlikely alliance, chasing a ghost through parties, break-ins, puzzles, and secrets revealed on monogrammed stationery, Chloe starts to suspect there might be more to this small town than she thought. And maybe—probably not, but maybe—more to Shara, too.
Review
(Disclaimer: I received this book from the publisher. This has not impacted my review which is unbiased and honest.)
TW: homophobia, religious trauma
I Kissed Shara Wheeler is full of humor. It’s one of those books with such a unique narration style. One of the ones that feels like they’re actively talking to you. A conversation with a friend. And Chloe’s POV is full of active denial, a wry and sarcastic sense of humor, and just enough judgy-ness. All united by those who kissed Shara, I was hooked by the premise. But then when I saw how McQuiston explores their stories? I became obsessed. The ways that we can come out of our shell. Belong to an unlikely alliance and prove it’s never too late to change.
At the same time, I Kissed Shara Wheeler is about how sometimes we show the truest pieces of ourselves to strangers. When we are releases from our conceptions of who we have to be, who could we be? I feel like the first half of the book is perfect for fans of scavenger hunts, because there are some serious hunts! Whereas the second half is more focused on the emotional character work. Where the other shoe drops and we have to realize our own hard truths.
The audiobook
I am obsessed with all of Natalie Naudus’ projects. You know how you follow an author and they become an auto-buy? That’s me and Natalie Naudus! Seriously. She narrates some of my favorite and I’ve become a big fan. I love how amazing she is at not only accents, but really embodying a character. Talk about dynamic, fresh, and fascinating character work. I Kissed Shara Wheeler is no exception. I am obsessed with how she made the side characters in particular come alive!
Overall,
(Disclaimer: Some of the links below are affiliate links. For more information you can look at the Policy page. If you’re uncomfortable with that, know you can look up the book on any of the sites below to avoid the link)
In I Kissed Shara Wheeler, McQuiston showcases characters who can be self-absorbed. Who have to surround ourselves with people who will call us out. Tell us all the truths and confessions we’re too scared to confront. I Kissed Shara Wheeler examines a small town steeped in homophobia. And the ways in which it permeates us even when we try not to. It’s a fantastic rivals to lovers romance story which fully focuses on the character development of Chloe. Featuring some seriously cute side characters – I love Chloe’s moms – it’s a fabulous contemporary perfect for summer! Find I Kissed Shara Wheeler on Goodreads, Amazon, Indiebound, Bookshop.org, The Book Depository, Libro.fm & Google Play.