Review: Notice Me - Suzana Thompson

Review: Notice Me - Suzana Thompson - December 2015

You know that feeling when you scroll through your Kindle and realize you have titles from years ago just gathering digital dust? I’ve decided that this is the year I finally stop ignoring my "backlog" in favor of flashy new releases.

That’s how I found myself tucking into Notice Me by Suzana Thompson.

We’ve all seen the setup before: the quiet, bookish new girl arrives at school, hoping to blend into the wallpaper, only to catch the eye of the campus playboy. Our protagonist, Emma, has been through the wringer. After having her heart shattered by the double betrayal of her ex-boyfriend and her best friend, she just wants to be invisible.

But then there’s Tyler. Popular, charismatic, and used to getting what he wants, he initially views Emma as a "challenge" a conquest to be seduced. However, what started as a shallow game quickly shifts into something much deeper.

What I appreciated most about Suzana Thompson’s writing was Tyler’s evolution. It’s easy to write a "bad boy," but it’s much harder to write the transition from surface-level attraction to genuine, soul-stirring love. Seeing Tyler realize that he actually feels something for Emma beyond the physical was a really sweet journey to follow.

Even though the book touches on the pressures of teen sexuality, I would definitely classify this as a Clean Romance. It handles the chemistry between Emma and Tyler with a softness that makes it perfectly appropriate for younger readers

While it hits several familiar YA beats, Notice Me is a cozy, heart-warming read about healing and finding value in yourself when someone finally sees you for who you are. If you’re looking for a light-hearted story to get you through a rainy afternoon, this is a solid choice.

Recommended for: Teens aged 14–16+ or anyone who loves a good "redemption of the playboy" story.

Amazon: https://amzn.to/4qlX4xQ