“I’ve only been dreaming about it for years: the rivalry to end all rivalries.”

Rowan Roth establishes that she and Neil McNair have a long-standing rivalry. They have been competing since freshmen year, but now that their high school careers are about to end, Rowan is more determined than ever to beat Neil for the valedictorian slot. This quote lays out the initial driving force of the novel, which is their rivalry.

“Delilah Park is the person who makes me think my journal scribbles could be something someday.”

Romance novelist Delilah Park has had a huge impact on Rowan’s life. In particular, her work has inspired Rowan to become a romance novelist herself. While Rowan is still frozen by her fear of judgment and vulnerability, and weighed down by The Pressure to Live Up to Others’ Expectations, Delilah’s work makes her feel seen, valued, and hopeful that her dream is attainable.

“These days, I have to hide most of my reading.”

Rowan sheds light on the fact that she has long felt ashamed of her passion for romance novels. She feels the need to physically hide her books from her friends and family, which demonstrates that this shame is deep-seated and active in her day-to-day life.