This book would be perfect for teenagers or parents to read to show the struggles of being younger and the issues they end up facing, helping you understand how they might be feeling and how to give a better understanding. I saw this book in Instagram from the author so I was absolutely elated to have been given this as an ARC and I am so grateful for. It tackles hard issues but it is eye opening and really gives you the chance to understand yourself and relate to your younger self on the struggles you battled growing up and identfying who you are as a person. It is a beautiful book and it will stick with me for a while, Honestly, so so so recommended!

A beautiful book that tugs on the heartstrings but leaves you with hope.

When I say this book was an emotional rollercoaster, it was an emotional rollercoaster! It’s told from three POVs, Dan, Libby and Neha. Dan gets into an accident in the first chapter and ends up in a coma. On the same night, a video starts to circulate on social media showing Libby, Dan’s girlfriend, kissing another boy. As a consequence, Libby is bullied and ostracised by everyone at school, including her best friend. New girl, Neha, is the only one who realises there might be more to the story. This book follows Libby and Neha’s developing friendship (and maybe something more) while also showing a reverse timeline of Dan and Libby’s relationship, all the way to a shocking beginning. I knew there was more to their story than met the eye, but I was not expecting THAT, and yet it was so well written that the revelation was the only thing that made sense.

This book is a commentary on bullying culture, social media and understanding that there are two sides to every story. This story does have a happy ending, but it was the tension at the beginning that kept me reading until the early hours of the morning (I literally read this in two days).

If you love Heartstopper and Simon vs the Homo Sapiens Agenda, you will absolutely love this book.

Tart follows a young girl called Libby whose ‘friends’ take her out drinking where she gets sexually assaulted by a man in the club/bar. The video of this goes viral on TikTok and circulates around her school pretty quickly, where she gets accused of cheating on her boyfriend, Dan, who is in hospital after a car accident that happened before he could see the video. Neha, a new girl at the school, befriends Libby and they start to become something other than friends.

The positives! I liked what it had to say about slut-shaming, consent, bullying online and offline, and about being gay and the difficulties this still has even in 2025. Teenagers were written realistically and as messily as real life teenagers often can be, and I enjoyed watching them grow into better people.

There was a scene I really liked that involved a character being very drunk and another character stepped in so that they didn’t get harmed or taken advantage of in their vulnerable position. There was also a lot of conversations about consent and how it can be hard to step in and stand up for other people when they can turn on you, as well, and especially difficult to stand up against your friends. It takes a lot of bravery and courage to do so, and I appreciated that being mentioned to encourage readers to care more for their friends/peers.

I also liked what it had to say about what happened with Libby, and even if she did actually cheat on her boyfriend, she still wouldn’t have deserved the amount of hate and harm she was receiving. Also, about how she was discovering her sexuality and she doesn’t know what to label herself but she just knows what she feels, she doesn’t have to have it all figured out right away. Always a great message for young, LGBT+ children to hear.

(Shoutout to the Fear Street: Part Two 1978 mention, that whole trilogy is one of my favourite horror movie collections ever!)

I was wondering where the adults are, however? There were a few occasions where adults were involved but strange how nobody intervened. The TikTok of Libby getting assaulted goes viral, and many adults would have children that would have seen this video. Although accurate for British middle class people specifically to see this unfold and think “this is none of my business, I’m not going to get involved”, I thought teachers at the school should have. I would have loved a scene where we see that happen.

I would have also have loved to see helplines be involved because, although it’s great Libby had a friendship group to talk about it with, it would be great for teenagers reading this book to know what to do if this happens to them or someone they know.

Another thing I would have liked to see explored more as well is Libby’s mental health. Especially if she couldn’t get away from it at home or school, her boyfriend is in hospital in a coma and she lost her entire friendship group, it would be reasonable if she needed help with her mental health and, again, for other teenagers to know what to do if this happens to them or someone they know.

I also didn’t like that Katie and everyone else involved got next to no repercussions aside from losing Dan and a handful of other friends.

Despite the issues I had with it, I did still enjoy it and would still recommend it. I hope this becomes available at all UK schools, to make it easily accessible for teenagers, and I hope it starts conversations that need to be had about bullying/abuse, consent and slut-shaming.

This is so beautifully written, trying to capture the emotions of a student struggling with identity in school, coping with bullying and trying to even understand yourself

I really enjoyed this YA book and I felt super nostalgic reading it! Definitely wish that there was more access to books like this when I was younger!

Overall this was a cute fast paced read filled with teen drama and covering lots of important topics such as friendship, sexuality, bullying and grief! I would have loved to see more consequences in the book, especially for Katie who was one of the major ring leaders in the bullying, I feel like it would have been alot more impactful that way! Other than that i felt like it handled the important themes through a great story!

3.5 rounded up

Messy, heartfelt, and full of teen drama.

Tart captures the highs and lows of teenage life with sincerity.
I appreciated the layered look at identity, queerness, and friendship, and the emotional weight behind Libby’s journey felt real. Neha was a standout, and the themes of grief, guilt, and forgiveness were handled with care.

That said, some plot points felt a bit rushed, and a few character arcs. especially side ones, could have used more development. I didn’t fully connect with the romance, but the story’s heart and message still came through.
A solid debut, especially for fans of contemporary queer YA.

What a fabulous book exploring bullying, peer pressure and societal expectations for young people in 2025.

Libby's plight as an outcast (she is perceived as a 'tart' after being filmed with someone who isn't her boyfriend on the night he ends up in a coma) tugged at my heartstrings and the role social media played in her story petrified me as a mother of a teen.

I absolutely adored Neha as a character - she had a quiet depth and integrity.

Although difficult topics are explored there is hope through friendship and solidarity. This will appeal to fans of Becky Albertalli and Julie Murphy.

Thanks to Netgalley and Bloomsbury for an advance copy of this title for review.

This book was chock full of story. You have romance, queer awakening, high school drama, a cheating scandal, and a heartwarming reunion.

It's a perfect encapsulation of teenagehood and how ruinous high school life can be.

You have three unique voices from three unique characters. Flashbacks from before the accident that sent Dan into a coma. His girlfriend Libby who dealing with a scandal of being caught cheating the night of Dan's accident. And the new girl Naha trying to find her place in a new school after some personal devastation.

I'm sometimes weary of debut novels, wondering how developed the voice of the author is. But Becki Jayne Crossley has such a well-rounded writing voice that feels effortless.

I flew through this. Enthralled by the suspense and tension built around the secrets kept, friendships made and hearts broken.

Overall, I really enjoyed this. It felt nostalgic and truthful to the universal experience of uncertainty of being a teenager. It was heartfelt and touching with an ending that felt like a big hug.

This is a great read for anyone looking for a brilliant new voice in queer YA.

This was such a lovely read - nostalgic and hopeful in a way that sort of made me want to cry the whole time - dealing with grief and guilt, but also the joy of discovering something about yourself that you'd pushed away for years. Every time I had a spare moment to read, I wanted to be reading this book! Becki Jayne Crossley does an incredible job of tackling the heavy issue of bullying (both online and in-person), while still managing to centre queer joy and the beauty of being unashamedly yourself.

I have so much love for so many of the characters in this book - Libby, Dan, Neha, and Neha's friends from her previous school are wonderfully written and so relatable and funny, I found myself grinning down at the page like a weirdo on several occasions. The dynamics between these characters as they grow and get to know one another (and themselves) better was such a joy to read.

I'm not going to lie, a lot of the bullying aspects of this book were a tough read, but (without spoiling too much) I promise you that the resolution to this story is absolutely worth it and made me so happy.

I wish Tart had been around in my high-school years - this could be an absolute game changer for teenagers coming to terms with their sexuality and dealing with all the swirling emotions that come along with that.

Thank you so much to NetGalley and Bloomsbury YA for this eARC in exchange for an honest review!

Something a bit different for me!
Tart by Becki Jayne Crossley is a beautifully written YA queer coming-of-age story that explores identity, grief, loyalty, and first love with honesty and heart. After a viral video falsely accuses Libby of cheating and her boyfriend Dan falls into a coma, her world unravels. Only friend Neha who is secretly in love with Libby stands by her.

As secrets come to light, including Dan’s hidden truth and Neha’s feelings, the story unfolds into a slow-burn, friends-to-lovers romance full of emotional depth. The author captures the rawness of teen life—social pressure, judgment, and the fear of standing out—while balancing it with warmth and humour.

Huge thanks to Bloomsbury Publishing and Becki Jayne Crossley for the ARC in exchange for my honest opinion.

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Tart by Becki Jayne Crossley is an amazing addition to what is quite a small selection of amazing YA bisexual representation in literature. I absolutely appreciated Libby's self-discovery and how realistic her thoughts around liking both Dan and Neha were. I also loved Dan, Neha and Libby as well-rounded, well-written and fully-fleshed out characters--flaws and all. All three were so unique and you can tell, unlike some multi-POV stories, who was 'speaking'.

The only reason for 4 stars, instead of 5, was the pacing at the beginning. It took a bit of time for me to get into the flow of the story, particularly with the time jumps and multi-POVs.

I loved the plot, though beware, it's heavier than the cover and description will lead you to believe. But I loved the slight-angsty quality, it lent the story a more realistic feel. Even more so with the narrow-minded village attitude. I have 100% been in small English villages with similar mindsets!

Tart is a beautifully written, heartfelt story that tackles identity, loyalty, and the sometimes messy journey of discovering who you truly are. Becki Jayne Crossley has crafted a tender queer romance with emotional depth and a refreshingly honest voice.

Libby’s world is turned on its head when a video falsely painting her as unfaithful goes viral the same night her boyfriend, Dan, ends up in a coma. The fallout is immediate and brutal, with classmates turning on her and only the quiet but fiercely loyal Neha by her side. But there’s more to the story than anyone realises. Dan’s been hiding a secret, one that could change everything, and Neha has a secret of her own—she’s been in love with Libby for months.

What makes this book so moving is how gently and genuinely it handles themes of grief, identity, and first love. Libby’s confusion and heartbreak are palpable, and her growing relationship with Neha is both sweet and real. It’s a slow-burn friends-to-lovers tale that gives plenty of space for the characters to grow, both together and individually.

Crossley doesn’t shy away from the realities of teenage life—social pressure, the harshness of school gossip, and the fear of being different. Yet she balances the heavier themes with moments of warmth, humour, and hope. The friendship between Libby and Neha is the heart of the story, and watching it blossom into something more is truly lovely.

Perfect for fans of coming-of-age stories with emotional weight and queer representation, Tart is a thoughtful, uplifting read. A story about love in all its forms—messy, brave and honest—it’s one that will stick with you long after the final page.

Read more at The Secret Book Review.

⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️ (4 stars)
Genre: Young Adult / Contemporary Fiction / LGBTQ+ Romance / Coming-of-Age / Queer YA / Teen Drama

Thanks to NetGalley and Bloomsbury for the chance to read an early copy of Tart, a heartfelt story that blends messy relationships/friendships, identity struggles, and unexpectedly sweet queer romance.

What I really enjoyed about Tart is how it doesn’t shy away from the complexities of teenage emotions. Becki Jayne Crossley does a brilliant job of capturing that feeling of being stuck between who others think you are and who you might actually be. Libby’s inner conflict felt raw and real and the slow-burn connection with Neha was genuinely lovely to witness.

Synopsis: Libby’s life falls apart when a video of her ‘cheating’ on her boyfriend goes viral the same night he ends up in a coma. With her classmates turning on her and secrets starting to unravel, her only support comes from Neha, the new girl who’s been quietly crushing on her. As feelings grow and truths surface, Libby must figure out who she really is before everything slips away.

The story touches on grief, guilt, queerness, and forgiveness in a way that’s tender without being overly sentimental, how true friendships can appear in the most unexpected places, and how people you’ve only just met can end up seeing you more clearly than those you’ve known forever.

Tart reminds us that sometimes we hold onto people out of habit or fear, not truth, and that real connection often grows in the cracks left behind.

I’ve given this one 4 stars only because, although I was emotionally invested, some plot points felt a little rushed and I’d have loved a bit more depth in a few of the side characters. Still, it’s a meaningful, warm, and affirming read that I’d definitely recommend to fans of queer YA fiction.

When a video scandal and her boyfriend Dan’s tragic accident leave Libby isolated, her only ally is Neha, the quiet new girl with a secret crush on her. As Dan lies in a coma holding a life-altering secret, Libby grapples with her feelings for Neha and the fear of betraying those she loves. This tender YA romance explores the journey of self-discovery & queer love.

I enjoyed this book but I definitely felt it skewed a bit younger in tone than I was expecting. That’s more of an issue with the YA genre than this book though. I felt it was a sweet story with important themes but it didn’t quite grab me in the way I’d hoped for. I do however feel like I would have loved this book when I was around 14-15 especially with the bi rep showing that it’s not always glaringly obviously to oneself that you are in fact bi!

This was such a delightful read, and although not the most original, it had an air of nostalgia that I love in YA books. If I'd read this 8 years ago, Tart would have been a book that I would've read and re-read over and over again.

This book had both the best people and the worst people in it. Despite the bullying being extremely difficult and frustrating to read, I really enjoyed all the character dynamics, especially that of Libby and Dan's. I also came to love the flashback POVs, surprisingly. The romance was alright, but it wasn't the main focus of the story and rather it was the friendships that made the book for me.

Thank you to Netgalley and Bloomsbury Publishing Plc for providing a copy of this book for review. All opinions are my own.

TART 🍰🍓 4.5⭐️

“In a tiny village like ours, your business is automatically everyone else’s business” - I feel this so badly, coming from someone who also lives in a tiny village.

We’re introduced to our FMC Libby, in secondary school, really badly bullied her whole childhood at school, verbal abuse like slut, whore, slapper and even a Knick name that stuck called jammy tart because of her red hair. and there’s a secret video going around, but has a cool af boyfriend aka the spider rescuing Dan.

omg this is so hilarious! “Almighty god, our Heavenly Father, graciously comfort your child in his suffering”

Daniel king is a hero, saving Libby from a spider attack on her polly pocket rucksack and staring at her cheese sandwiches in primary school. “I decided there and then that I wanted Daniel King to be my boyfriend” yes, I agree. In fact that’s pure husband material.

Dans in hospital “suspended somewhere between life and not life” from the accident, Libby had no idea what she’s done. He’d been knocked off his bike on the road from a hit and run.

Then we’re introduced to Neha, she’s the new girl, joined the school halfway through the year. Recently moved to the strange, Christian, small village aka Chipping Hollow.

There’s a lot of jumping around with the chapters, we’re in “two weeks before it happened” which are from Daniels POV.

I feel like I’m taken back to school where we used to hate all the things like PE, UGH! but it’s written in the most funniest way. The thoughts and feelings I had but didn’t even understand them. Libby is thrown in the deep end with bullying and having to grow up so quickly with her boyfriend Dan in hospital. Libby and Neha are such likeable and relatable characters which I wasn’t expecting.

“The video that’s being used as ammo should really be her defence, but no one seems to want to see the way she’s completely out of her depth, control and the ability to consent both long gone”

Libby is having such a touch time getting attacked at school when potentially all we know so far is she could have been assaulted. I’m saying this right now, it’s not cheating if you’ve been assaulted

Wait, Nicole Kidman was in Moulin Rouge? Wow I need to now go and re watch that immediately.

This is so beautifully written, trying to capture the emotions of a student struggling with identity in school, coping with bullying and trying to even understand yourself.

Wow, I’m actually so annoyed at some of there characters judging without knowing, it’s honestly riled me up so much and I hope Libby gets her say and they start realising it’s not her fault

I do feel some bits of the book was a bit sluggish, I felt myself wanting more from the pages as I was reading - ok literally the next page till the end of the book I was SOBBING.

This is such an emotional story about finding identity, friendships and bullying in school. Becki has written this so beautifully and it NEEDS to be in everyone’s TBR.


Things I love

🍰RELATEABLE FMC’s
🍓EMOTIONAL
🍰HILARIOUSLY FUNNY
🍓MULTIPLE POV
🍰DISCOVERING SEXUALITY
🍓LGBTQ

Thank you so much Bloomsbury and Becki Jayne Crossley for the E-ARC via NetGalley, it’s a story I will cherish forever.

I struggle with enjoying this story to it’s fullest because it was pretty unrealistic. The severe lack of adult intervention in this story of harassment and abuse in school is not the reality in my opinion of the UK. I went to a notoriously bad school (actually notorious, with some very serious crimes happening during my time) and even there the teacher sand parents got involved more than in this story.

Plus, the ‘bully’ (who is actually just an abuser and criminal) faces zero consequences other than the MCs stop hanging out with her… It just feels like a really bad message and a not great handling of a pretty serious issue which in my option is worse when it’s in a YA book.

it has some good dry british humour and there are examples of positive relationships as well as being honest about the struggles of teenage queer life and things like bullying and racism, it just really falls short with what at this point is just child neglect and severe lack of consequences for abusers.

1.5⭐️✨✖️✖️✖️

Thank you to the author and publishers for allowing me an e-ARC via NetGalley! That has in no way influenced my review and all opinions are my own.

Let me start by saying that this is probably the best queer book I’ve ever read. A bold statement, yes, but it is absolutely true. And I’ll tell you why.
First of all, the characters. Every character is so different to each other, and they all invoke so many different emotions. The way that this book is written is amazing, as it feels new and refreshing without feeling ‘cringy’; it doesn’t try too hard to be a ‘modern’ book, and instead it feels very genuine. This makes it so easy to read that I finished it in 24 hours cause I didn’t want to put it down!

And the main event: the queerness of this book. As a bisexual girly, I often struggle to find books with bi characters in that aren’t just ‘token’ characters. The fact that the author themselves are bi just makes me so incredibly happy. I really felt that this book described how it feels to be a queer person, the guilt and the shame we can feel, the anxiety about ‘coming out’ to others and how they may feel about it. Everything is represented and described in a way that really hit home for me. I cried multiple times during this book, and it’s hard to keep this review spoiler free, but there were so many emotional moments in the book and I bawled like a baby - I cried on three separate occasions and now I feel like I need therapy (in the best way).
The other thing that really got me was how people treated Libby, and the awful hatred they were spewing to her. Again, it’s hard to keep the review spoiler free, but the redemption moments felt both fantastic but also completely heartbreaking. I really resonated with Libby and all of her feelings; the confusion of sexuality, the helplessness, the loneliness; I think this book also helped me think about my own experiences and feelings.

I am so incredibly happy that I was able to experience this book. It made me feel proud to be bi, and I just want to give the author so much love and praise because they really do deserve it. This book was spectacular and Becki is now on my list of ‘authors who could write a story about a dog going to the park and I’d read it’.

Rating: 5/5 stars (⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️/⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️)

This was an easy to read yet heavy-hitting novel focusing on the impact of bullying, online and in person, and how social media can be used to skew real life events to fit someone else’s narrative. But it’s also a hopeful love story, and explores the different lives of teenagers who are discovering who they are.

I really enjoyed this book. It had a big impact, and is a great coming of age story that I think many teens would appreciate (and adults, of course, but this is YA). The characters were believable and I liked the little plot twist towards the end, which I wasn’t expecting at all. Definitely worth picking up!

Thank you to NetGalley and Bloomsbury for the ARC in exchange for an honest review.