Jennifer Sucevic's Never Your Girl is a captivating exploration of young adult romance, layered with themes of identity, trust, and the complexities of modern relationships. The novel deftly navigates the tumultuous waters of college life, where secrets and rumors can make or break reputations, and where the line between love and hate is often blurred.

The story centers around the protagonist, whose life takes an unexpected turn when she becomes entangled with Bridger Sanderson, a character who is as enigmatic as he is infuriating. Bridger is portrayed as the quintessential college heartthrob—cocky, gorgeous, and seemingly untouchable. However, Sucevic does an excellent job of peeling back the layers of his character, revealing vulnerabilities that make him more relatable and human.

One of the novel's most compelling aspects is its exploration of identity and anonymity in the digital age. The protagonist's secret side hustle and her anonymous confidant, ColdAsIce17, highlight the dual lives many young adults lead online and offline. This duality is a recurring theme throughout the book, as characters grapple with their public personas versus their private selves. The tension between these two worlds is palpable and adds depth to the narrative.

The relationship between the protagonist and Bridger is central to the novel's appeal. Initially, their interactions are fraught with tension and animosity, stemming from past grievances and misunderstandings. However, as they are forced to spend more time together, the walls they have built around themselves begin to crumble. Sucevic skillfully portrays their evolving relationship, capturing the nuances of attraction, resentment, and eventual understanding. The chemistry between the two characters is electric, and their banter is both witty and engaging.

What sets Never Your Girl apart from other young adult romances is its focus on personal growth and self-discovery. Both the protagonist and Bridger undergo significant character development throughout the story. The protagonist learns to confront her fears and insecurities, while Bridger comes to terms with his own vulnerabilities. Their journey is one of mutual growth, as they learn to trust and open up to each other.

The novel also touches on the theme of karma and the consequences of one's actions. Bridger's initial predicament—being the target of scandalous texts—serves as a catalyst for his transformation. It forces him to reevaluate his behavior and the impact it has on those around him. This theme is further reinforced by the protagonist's own experiences, as she navigates the fallout from her secret side hustle.

Sucevic's writing is both engaging and accessible, making it easy for readers to immerse themselves in the story. Her portrayal of college life is authentic, capturing the highs and lows of this formative period. The dialogue is sharp and realistic, and the pacing is well-balanced, keeping readers hooked from start to finish.

In comparison to other works in the genre, such as Elle Kennedy's Off-Campus series or Sara Ney's How to Date a Douchebag, Never Your Girl stands out for its nuanced character development and exploration of identity. While it shares similarities with these series in terms of setting and romantic tension, Sucevic's novel delves deeper into the psychological aspects of her characters, offering a more introspective take on the typical college romance.

Overall, Never Your Girl is a compelling read that will resonate with fans of young adult romance. Its exploration of identity, trust, and personal growth makes it more than just a love story; it's a journey of self-discovery and redemption. Sucevic has crafted a narrative that is both entertaining and thought-provoking, leaving readers with much to ponder long after the final page is turned.

For those looking to explore a story that combines romance with deeper themes of identity and personal growth, Never Your Girl is a must-read. Its engaging characters, witty dialogue, and authentic portrayal of college life make it a standout in the genre.