ARC provided by Simon Teen via Netgalley in exchange for an honest review.

Title: Serious Moonlight
Author: Jenn Bennett
Genre: Contemporary
Edition/Pages: Ebook, 432 pages
Goodreads page

Summary

This story follows Birdie, a mystery-loving teen who just got her first job working the graveyard shift at a hotel in downtown Seattle. She meets Daniel, the hotel’s shuttle driver, and the two have an instant connection. They team up to solve a mystery and grow closer, but Daniel has secrets and Birdie is scared to let her guard down.

Overview

This is a YA, contemporary romance told from Bridie’s point of view. It follows her romance with Daniel, her struggles with narcolepsy, and her learning to find her way in a world her Grandmother isolated her from for years.

This book has narcolepsy representation which was really interesting to read about! However I can’t comment on the accuracy as I’ve never read anything about narcolepsy.

Content warnings: Narcolepsy, depression, attempted suicide, death of a parent

What I Liked

1. Birdie and Daniel’s relationship was really sweet. I definitely found myself “aw-ing” through a lot of the second half. They both – but especially Birdie – have huge character growth throughout the book. And they way they come together is really heartwarming.
2. This book is fantastically sex-positive.
3. I really appreciated the unconventional but healthy depictions of home and family. Birdie was raised by her “aunt” and grandparents and Daniel lives in communal housing with his mom and grandparents.
4. Mona was a quirky, fun side character. She definitely danced to the beat of her own drum, but she was also a good role model and support system for Birdie.

What I Didn’t Like

1. My main issue with this was the pacing. This book was way too long in my opinion (over 400 pages) and took on a few too many things – romance, family, physical & mental health concerns, mystery, etc. There were times the story dragged or felt like it was repeating – ie. Birdie and Daniel seemed to get into the same argument a few too many times.

---

Overall this was a really sweet, diverse contemporary. I definitely recommend this for anyone who loves contemporary romance!

♥♥♥♥