A review by rachrreads
My Mechanical Romance by Alexene Farol Follmuth

slow-paced
  • Plot- or character-driven? A mix
  • Strong character development? It's complicated
  • Loveable characters? It's complicated
  • Diverse cast of characters? Yes
  • Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes

3.5

 I received a copy of this book from the publisher via NetGalley. All thoughts and opinions are my own. 

After her parents divorce, Bel is forced to spend her senior year at a new school. Unfortunately this also means her teachers actually care about her success. So when one teacher recommends she tries out for the Robotics team, AND take AP Physics, Bel is not amused. The thing is though, she has a talent for building things, and it’s noticed.

Mateo Luna— Teo— is captain of the robotics team and is used to getting his way. So when Bel walks in questioning the team’s design, he’s initially not very happy. The two quickly become fast friends, and maybe even more, as they work together on their team’s robot. 


I adored this story and had a blast reading it. I flew through it in a day actually, but I felt like something was missing. While I read the book fast, I felt like the plot dragged at points as well. 

I love that this book handled the topic of misogyny in STEM, but I wish they would have done more with it other than just calling it out. The academic rivals to lovers was cute as well, but again I was really hoping for more in that aspect. 

Teo’s nickname for Bel was adorable.

Read if:
• you are a woman in STEM who feels undervalued
• you like robotics
• you’re competitive 
• you like YA rom coms