Girls Like Us (Some Girls Do #2)
Jennifer Dugan
G. P. Putnam’s Sons Books for Young Readers
Published May 5, 2026
About Girls Like Us
In this sequel to Some Girls Do , two girls struggle when long distance complicates their relationship.
Ruby and Morgan fell for each other during their senior year of high school, and now, almost a year later, they are fighting to keep their spark alive, even while they are Morgan is on a track scholarship at a university several hours away, studying public policy, while Ruby stayed in her hometown, exploring her love of mechanics in the automotive engineering program at the local community college.
Long distance weighs on the girls, with new friendships and flirtatious classmates adding complications, and the two are looking forward to a spring break getaway to Washington, D.C., and the bliss of a whole summer vacation together. But when Morgan discovers she’s a finalist for the perfect internship, and Ruby gets the shot to appear on her favorite automotive TV show, the trip schedule—and their summer plans—are thrown into question. With both girls unwilling to stand in the way of each other’s future, has the time come for them to go their separate ways?
My Review
As I sat down to write this review, I realized the book that I thought was the first in this series is actually a completely different standalone novel by Jennifer Dugan. For some reason, despite the clear use of totally different characters’ names, I still thought this book was a sequel to Summer Girls.
I remember being confused at a few points in Girls Like Us because I hadn’t remembered anything about the character from Summer Girls being a mechanic. I just assumed I was forgetful. Ha!
At any rate. While I think I would have enjoyed the story more if I’d actually, truly read the first book in the series, I still enjoyed this book a lot simply on its own merit. I had no trouble following the arc of Morgan and Ruby’s relationship. They face so many common obstacles in a long-distance relationship.
I really appreciated that the story didn’t cheat its way through hard things, either. For example, Morgan and Ruby both have things they need to learn, and I felt the narrative gave them space to explore those questions. It didn’t feel rushed or like we were hurrying through those challenges to shove the romance back into the center of the story.
I also like that things weren’t simple. Morgan wrestles with her budding feelings for another girl. Do the feelings mean she and Ruby are ending? Is she simply lonely living far from home? What is she supposed to do with those feelings? How much should she invest in her new college life, even if it risks leaving Ruby behind for good?
I love that the story lets the characters wrestle with hard relationship questions. I genuinely couldn’t tell which way the ending was going to go until I got there, and I love that, too.
Readers looking for a romance set after high school ends and featuring characters navigating the transition to college life will enjoy this one.
Content Notes
Recommended for Ages 16 up.
Profanity/Crude Language Content
Strong profanity used somewhat frequently.
Romance/Sexual Content
Kissing and references to sex. Some brief details about sexual encounters.
Spiritual Content
None.
Violent Content
Someone kisses another person without consent, treating them like they’re playing hard to get.
Drug Content
Characters (college-aged) attend a party where alcohol is served.
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