Lou is a girl in the lower sixth of a Liverpool comp. Her English teacher asks her to help Isobel acclimatise to school life - her family have moved from London. Initially, Lou and Isobel don’t like each other… but against the scarlet background of the city, A Levels and friendship… something blossoms.

Ok, by now you should have sussed this is a teen Scouse version of Pride And Prejudice (Lou as Elizabeth and Isobel as Darcy). And that also works in the settings - substitute boho Liverpool, beach parties, Ladies Day at Aintree and going out in your PJ’s for balls and banquets. Isobel even has a nasty old bat of an auntie, Austenites will love that.

But this is no bad thing. It’s got an enthusiasm, a warmth and wit that I’ve not encountered this year. And although this is YA book that knows its audience well (with themes of sexuality, neurodiversity, revenge porn) it’s far too good for them. Buy it for the teenager in your life and read it first.

Leanne Egan should also be congratulated for writing a book that is both definitely Scouse, a brilliant debut and one of my favourite books this year. It’s published by Harper Collins on 4th July and I thank them for preview copy. #loverbirds.

Queer, hilarious, and downright heart wrenching.

'Lover Birds' follows the story of Lou (Eloise) and Isabel, their rivalry and their romance, as well as Lou's life post-ADHD Diagnosis.
It's a beautiful page turner that is truly enjoyable.

If you're looking for a gay awakening, ADHD main character, and a happy ending - this is perfect for you.

I loved this book. I thought it was such a lovely UKYA offering. I will be awaiting the author's next book eagerly.

This was an engaging read with - given the Liverpool setting - a great title. High school enemies to lovers with an edge of class conflict, and very well written.

Our narrator is named Eloise (which is pretty), but chooses for some reason to be known as Lou (which isn't). She has unmedicated ADHD, which makes life difficult at times, but a good group of friends - Jas, Mel, Katie and Lily. New girl Isabel, just moved up from London, immediately gets off on the wrong foot - insulting people's accents probably isn't the best way to win friends. But it's with Eloise that things are particularly strained.

The characterisation is really good - not only the two main characters, who both have their issues, but Eloise's friend group, who all emerge as distinct personalities. There's a subplot about a rift between Lily and Katie, and a villainous character in Jay. (The male species don't come off too well here, though Isabel's brother Benji is OK.)

I did wonder where Eloise got her money from - we're told there's little to spare at home and she doesn't seem to have a part-time job, but seems to have no problem buying clothes, drinks, etc.

Overall this was a very good YA read with a likeable and touching central relationship. Thanks for the opportunity to read and review an advance copy.

Lou Byrne is ready to take on A-Levels, face her ADHD and smash this year. What she's less ready for is Isabel; a rich girl from London who, Lou thinks, looks down on her and all things Scouse. The truth is, as ever, more complicated than this.

A love song to Liverpool, to finding your people and finding yourself. This book had me wanting to hop on the next train back to Lime Street. I loved it - great, thoughtful representation with fab characters and a constantly moving plot.

What an absolutely lovely book! I loved reading this.

Isobel moves from London up to Liverpool and immediately clashes with Eloise. The way their relationship develops is lovely to read and both girls are such well rounded, likeable characters as are the other girls in their friendship group. I also loved Miss Price, the English teacher,

The queer rep in the book is perfectly done and it's so nice to read something where, while homophobia exists, it's not the focal point of the story here at all. I also enjoyed the inclusion of Lou's experience of ADHD which is so authentic and important.

The book is a love letter to the city of Liverpool, so whether or not you know the city I think you'll finish this book wanting to visit if you haven't before - or, if you have, wanting to explore more.

I couldn't put this book down until I finished it.
In the way that Sara Gibbs' Eight Bright Lights had an authentic autistic character without focusing too much on being autistic, this book has an authentic and incredibly lovable character with ADHD without pathologising her.
It talks about social class, sexuality, friendships, going through A-levels and the experience of having your first girlfriend, and it does so with amazing pacing and plot.
The sense of place is so strong. If you know Liverpool it will ring true, and if not, you might be inspired to go, and to visit News from Nowhere.