Book Review: I’ve Got My Love to Keep Me Warm by A.E. Wasp
When I first caught wind of I’ve Got My Love to Keep Me Warm by A.E. Wasp, I was drawn in by the promise of a sapphic romance interwoven with themes of identity, love, and the impact of social media on our lives. It felt like a fresh breath of air—an uncharted territory in Black YA literature, and I couldn’t wait to dive in. Let me tell you, this book took me on a whirlwind of emotions: joy, frustration, warmth, and that familiar ache we often feel when watching characters navigate the tumultuous journey of growing up in the public eye.
Right from the start, the premise of a fake-dating arrangement between a beauty influencer, Lyric, and a moody artist, Juniper, sets the stage for a compelling exploration of their complex relationship. It’s not your typical cute YA romance; Wasp gives us something layered, sometimes messy, but always heartwarming. Lyric, with her polished persona, keeps her life in check even as her world threatens to unravel. In contrast, Juniper’s guarded demeanor and painful quest for identity lend depth to their interactions. Their chemistry is prickly and slow to develop, but that makes it all the more rewarding to witness.
Ah, Grammy Viv! What an absolute treasure. She steals the spotlight with her fierce love and unwavering support for Lyric, showcasing the kind of Black womanhood that nurtures and sustains through grief and loss. Their bond felt ancestral, a beautiful reminder of the love that binds generations, even when life falls apart. That dynamic was, for me, the heart of the story.
Now let’s address the writing style. The dual format—prose for Lyric and verse for Juniper—had its hits and misses. Juniper’s poetic sections captured her inner turmoil exquisitely, making her pain relatable and vivid. However, at times, I yearned for more depth during conflicts; I wished to delve into her emotions beyond what was laid bare in verse. Lyric’s prose could also feel a bit long-winded and sometimes lacked the clarity needed to elevate the narrative.
The romance itself? Complicated and authentic. As I journeyed with Lyric and Juniper, I found myself rooting for their growth, even when their choices made me want to shake them awake. Their struggles—Juniper’s resistance and Lyric’s guardedness—reflected the messy reality of being a teen trying to figure it all out while putting on a brave face for the world (and their followers).
A few moments stayed with me: Lyric’s pansexuality presented as a natural aspect of her identity without the weight of trauma, and the way Grammy Viv’s enduring spirit kept Lyric grounded. The theme of being overly seen online yet overlooked in real life resonated deeply, especially for Black girls navigating these spaces.
While there were aspects of the plot—like a twist involving an ex—that felt somewhat unnecessary, I also found myself empathizing when Juniper almost jeopardized Lyric’s career with a public outburst. Talk about high stakes!
I’ve Got My Love to Keep Me Warm isn’t a perfect story, but its heart is undeniable. It offers a rich blend of emotional growth, intricate family dynamics, and strong queer representation that feels refreshing in the YA genre.
If you’re searching for a heartfelt sapphic story that dares to break away from tropes and center Black girls with all their intricacies, this book is for you. It’s not just a romance; it’s a poignant exploration of love, both romantic and familial, that will leave you feeling understood and seen. Thank you, NetGalley, for the ARC—I can’t wait to share this gem with my readers!
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