Book Review: What Happens When by Samantha Boyette



**Disclaimer: I received a free electronic ARC from NetGalley in exchange for an honest review.**
Genre: YA, LGBT, Romance
Release Date: March 12, 2019 
Description:
"For Molly Kennan, senior year is already an epic disaster. It feels like the whole school knows she made out with Lily at that party, and now she’s accidentally outed herself as a lesbian. Her ex-best friend is trying to ruin her life, and school generally sucks. All she wants is to drown her sorrows in sweet potato fries, but she finds herself tongue-tied by the diner’s new waitress, Zia. Zia is way out of Molly’s league. Older, beautiful, and definitely way more sophisticated. It’s probably just wishful thinking, but Molly can’t help wondering if maybe Zia is flirting with her. Despite Zia’s always-there boyfriend, Molly falls hard for her, and Zia says she feels the same way. So then why doesn’t Zia break up with her boyfriend, and why does she keep so many secrets? Then there’s Lily, who she can’t seem to stop accidentally kissing. When your head and your heart are saying two different things, which one should you listen to?"

This is was such a great read!

 When Molly accidentally outs herself as a lesbian at a party, I was gonna expect some drama, and well, it was delivered. The bullying and harassment that ensues (led by her homophobic ex-best friend Carmen) got pretty bad. I'm glad that there were people there for Molly as she was being put through hell because of her sexuality. Because of what is going on at school, Molly seeks comfort in Zia, the waitress at a diner she frequents. I can see why Molly did what she did, but I do agree with Luke (her younger brother), that she was making a bad decision in being with her, especially since Zia was persistent in being straight. There wasn't any point in striving for something that was never going to happen, but then again, Molly wouldn't have realized her mistake unless she had made it. I'm glad the whole Zia fiasco happened because it changed Molly for the better, as she was being a selfish brat to her friends and family because of it. I didn't like that side of Molly at all because it made her an unlikeable character. Luckily, it also made her finally let go of Zia and see Lily in the glorious light that she has always been in. It made me feel all giddy inside seeing everything resolve, as I was Team Lily since the beginning. 

 Aside from Molly, who was an okay character in a complex situation, Luke was a great character. Sometimes I forget that he is the younger sibling, as he has quite a few wise words himself. I loved the bond between the two siblings because you can feel how much they care for one another, especially Luke, as he supported his sister since the very beginning and is always looking out for her. Also, their banter was just a joy to read. The other friends were also great characters too, like Gavin. I think we all need a chill supporting friend like Gavin. 

 Overall, this was an amazing read, as it focuses on the struggles with coming to terms with one's own sexuality, the public acceptance and backlash of it, LGBT activism, romance, and a whole-lot-of teenage angst.

Overall rating:  4/5

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