Synopsis
A gorgeously sassy campus-set romcom, where problem pages and parties turn enemies to lovers
As Mary-Elizabeth starts her second year at university in London, she has set her sights on Felix Balfour, the charming, very sexy and outwardly feminist editor of the university magazine. This is where she writes 'Ask M-E Anything' - a column full of perky, optimistic advice for the lovelorn. As for her own love-life, she only wants a little no-strings fling with Felix, and of course she'll be able to pull that off. Fun times ahead!
Meanwhile, annoying grump Laurie from the uni newspaper (the university's more highbrow and serious publication) just seems to be a thorn in her side. After mocking her at a Quad Media mixer party, he seems to be continuing to mock her from the newspaper's own problem page - an idea they've stolen from the magazine and made much less fun. Mary-Elizabeth is sure the newspaper's brutal responses to the same problems she's tackling could only be penned by Laurie.
Mary-Elizabeth is certainly prejudiced against proud-seeming Laurie. But when Mary-Elizabeth loses her way, and the fun times with Felix start to sour, Laurie is always there to pick her up, and not asking for anything in return ... But surely Laurie isn't the answer to her problems?
Perfect for fans of Holly Bourne, Alice Oseman, and Bethany Rutter's No Big Deal.
As Mary-Elizabeth starts her second year at university in London, she has set her sights on Felix Balfour, the charming, very sexy and outwardly feminist editor of the university magazine. This is where she writes 'Ask M-E Anything' - a column full of perky, optimistic advice for the lovelorn. As for her own love-life, she only wants a little no-strings fling with Felix, and of course she'll be able to pull that off. Fun times ahead!
Meanwhile, annoying grump Laurie from the uni newspaper (the university's more highbrow and serious publication) just seems to be a thorn in her side. After mocking her at a Quad Media mixer party, he seems to be continuing to mock her from the newspaper's own problem page - an idea they've stolen from the magazine and made much less fun. Mary-Elizabeth is sure the newspaper's brutal responses to the same problems she's tackling could only be penned by Laurie.
Mary-Elizabeth is certainly prejudiced against proud-seeming Laurie. But when Mary-Elizabeth loses her way, and the fun times with Felix start to sour, Laurie is always there to pick her up, and not asking for anything in return ... But surely Laurie isn't the answer to her problems?
Perfect for fans of Holly Bourne, Alice Oseman, and Bethany Rutter's No Big Deal.
Details
06 November 2025
9781471419362Imprint: Hot Key Books
Reviews
[A] warm, witty, sprightly YA romcom.
Rutter again creates a gorgeously relatable YA heroine in this novel. . . Rutter is so good at writing about body confidence, fashion, fun and relationships you will find it impossible to not enjoy the journey she takes you on.
Rutter, who is always attentive to body positivity and representation of larger figures, resists making Mary-Elizabeth s size the main point of the story; it's simply one of several elements in a frustratingly always topical tale. . . this is a satisfying read for older teens, with a satisfyingly uplifting ending.
Full of heart, humour, and humanity - a story about understanding, connection, and being loved for who you are. [...] Bursting with warmth and energy, Mary-Elizabeth is the queen of vibes - and by the end, you'll wish she was your best mate.
