Dahlia Adler’s Come As You Are arrives as a refreshingly authentic addition to the young adult romance landscape, delivering a story that feels both familiar and surprisingly original. Known for her previous works including the acclaimed Cool for the Summer and Home Field Advantage, Adler demonstrates her continued mastery of crafting relatable teenage experiences while tackling themes of identity, belonging, and the messy process of becoming who you’re meant to be.
Plot Overview: When Fresh Starts Go Sideways
The premise of Come As You Are immediately hooks readers with its unique boarding school setup. Everett “Evie” Riley’s arrival at Camden Academy following a devastating betrayal by her sister and ex-boyfriend creates the perfect storm for character development. The administrative mix-up that lands her in an all-boys dormitory could have easily been a contrived plot device in less capable hands, but Adler transforms this seemingly impossible situation into a genuinely believable catalyst for growth.
Evie’s partnership with Salem Grayson—the brooding, guitar-playing dormmate who becomes her unlikely ally—forms the emotional backbone of the story. Their pact to help each other navigate their respective challenges creates a framework that allows both characters to evolve naturally throughout the narrative. Salem’s journey from troubled stoner to responsible student mirrors Evie’s transformation from people-pleaser to someone who knows her own worth.
Character Development: Authentic Voices in a Sea of Stereotypes
Evie Riley: The Relatable Protagonist We Need
Evie stands out in the crowded field of YA protagonists by being genuinely flawed and realistic. Her struggles with self-worth, her tendency to overthink every social interaction, and her desperate desire to reinvent herself will resonate deeply with teenage readers. Adler avoids the trap of making Evie’s transformation too dramatic or unrealistic; instead, her growth comes through small victories, painful setbacks, and the gradual realization that authenticity trumps manufactured coolness.
The supporting cast enriches the story considerably. Sabrina Grayson brings wit and depth as Salem’s goth twin sister, while Isabel McEvoy and her friend group provide complexity to what could have been typical “mean girl” archetypes. Even minor characters like Heather feel fully realized, contributing to the story’s exploration of different types of friendships and relationships.
Salem Grayson: More Than Just the Brooding Love Interest
Salem defies the typical “bad boy” romance archetype by revealing layers of vulnerability and genuine care beneath his grunge exterior. His relationship with his sister, his complicated family dynamics, and his hidden talents create a three-dimensional character who feels authentic rather than manufactured for romantic appeal. The slow burn of his relationship with Evie develops organically, built on friendship and mutual respect rather than instant attraction.
Writing Style: Authentic Voice Meets Engaging Narrative
Adler’s prose strikes an impressive balance between contemporary teen vernacular and literary quality. The dialogue feels genuine without becoming too dated or forced, and Evie’s internal monologue captures the anxious, overthinking nature of adolescent experience with remarkable accuracy. The author’s ability to weave humor throughout even the most emotionally challenging scenes prevents the story from becoming overly heavy while maintaining its emotional authenticity.
The pacing deserves particular praise. Adler allows relationships to develop naturally, avoiding the rushed romantic conclusions that plague many YA novels. The progression of Evie and Salem’s relationship from antagonistic roommates to friends to romantic partners unfolds with patience and realism that makes their eventual connection feel earned rather than inevitable.
Themes and Social Commentary: Beyond the Romance
Identity and Authenticity
Come As You Are excels in its exploration of teenage identity formation. Evie’s journey from trying to be who she thinks others want her to be to discovering her authentic self provides a meaningful framework for young readers navigating similar challenges. The book’s message about the importance of surrounding yourself with people who see and value your true self rather than a manufactured version resonates strongly.
Family Dynamics and Sibling Relationships
The complex relationship between Evie and her sister Sierra adds depth to the story’s exploration of family dynamics. Adler doesn’t oversimplify the pain of sibling betrayal or rush toward easy forgiveness, instead allowing Evie to process her hurt and anger in realistic ways. The contrast between the Grayson twins’ supportive (if snarky) relationship and the Riley sisters’ toxic dynamic provides interesting perspective on how different families function.
Friendship and Loyalty
The book’s treatment of friendship feels particularly nuanced. Evie’s relationships with Sabrina, Isabel, and even her former best friend Claire demonstrate different aspects of loyalty, forgiveness, and growth. The story doesn’t shy away from showing how friendships can be complicated, requiring work and compromise from all parties involved.
Strengths: What Works Beautifully
The authenticity of the boarding school setting stands out as a major strength. Adler captures the unique social dynamics, academic pressures, and day-to-day realities of residential school life without romanticizing or demonizing the experience. The details feel researched and lived-in, from the communal bathrooms to the complicated dormitory politics.
The romantic relationship between Evie and Salem develops with refreshing honesty. Their physical relationship progresses realistically, with both characters respecting boundaries and communicating about their comfort levels. This approach to teen sexuality feels both age-appropriate and authentic, avoiding both prudishness and inappropriate explicitness.
Areas for Improvement: Minor Weaknesses in an Otherwise Strong Novel
While Come As You Are succeeds admirably in most areas, some elements feel slightly underdeveloped. The resolution of Evie’s relationship with her sister, while realistic in its complexity, might leave some readers wanting more closure. Additionally, certain secondary characters, particularly some of the Rumson Hall residents, occasionally veer toward stereotype rather than full characterization.
The book’s length occasionally works against it, with some scenes feeling slightly drawn out when tighter pacing might have been more effective. However, these issues are relatively minor in the context of the story’s overall success.
Comparison to Similar Works
Come As You Are shares DNA with successful boarding school novels like Rainbow Rowell’s Attachments and contemporary YA romances such as Jenny Han’s To All the Boys I’ve Loved Before series, but it carves out its own distinct identity. Like Adler’s previous work Cool for the Summer, this novel demonstrates her ability to handle complex emotional situations with both sensitivity and humor.
Readers who enjoyed books like Eleanor & Park by Rainbow Rowell or The Seven Husbands of Evelyn Hugo will likely appreciate Adler’s nuanced approach to character development and relationship dynamics.
Final Verdict: A Worthy Addition to Contemporary YA Romance
Come As You Are succeeds as both an engaging romance and a thoughtful exploration of teenage self-discovery. Adler’s ability to balance humor with genuine emotion, create authentic dialogue, and develop relationships that feel real rather than manufactured makes this novel stand out in a crowded genre. While it may not break entirely new ground, it executes its familiar elements with enough skill and heart to create something that feels fresh and meaningful.
The book reflects solid execution and broad appeal, with readers particularly drawn to character-driven stories and authentic teenage voices finding it worthy of high praise. Come As You Are confirms Dahlia Adler’s position as a skilled voice in contemporary YA fiction, delivering a story that will resonate with readers long after they’ve turned the final page.
For young adult readers seeking a romance that prioritizes emotional authenticity over dramatic plot twists, Come As You Are offers exactly the kind of thoughtful, engaging storytelling that makes the genre so enduringly popular.
