Trusting You

You #3

by Elin Kind

Love was always a subplot I never wanted. He turned it into the only story that mattered.

I never planned on writing about love. But when an essay forces me to study it with Cody, I start seeing it everywhere—in his laugh, his silence, the way he looks at me like I’m worth noticing. And suddenly, love isn’t just an assignment. It’s real and impossible to ignore.

Cody’s still piecing himself back together from heartbreak.
I’ve spent my whole life making sure I never let it touch me.
But now, tangled in words and stolen glances, I don’t know what’s more terrifying—falling for him or believing he might be falling for me.

Love isn’t a paper I can rewrite when I get it wrong. And when the past creeps in—his and mine—I’m left with a choice: risk my heart on something I don’t understand or break it myself before he gets the chance. That would be safer. Easier. But maybe love was never meant to be safe. And maybe, for the first time, I’m willing to risk it.

If you love emotionally charged college romance, slow-burn tension, and stories about healing heartbreak through love, 'Trusting You' is your next read. With themes of learning to trust, facing fears, and finding what was always meant to be, it’s perfect for fans of Elle Kennedy, Sarina Bowen, Jewel E. Ann, and Laura Pavlov.

Scroll up and start reading today!

This is Book 3 in the You Series—an interconnected collection of standalones where every story promises a heartfelt journey and a guaranteed HEA!
Trigger Warnings: Drinking, estranged parents, first time.

Genres: Romance

324 pages, ebook

Published January 5, 2024

About the author

Elin Kind crafts contemporary romance novels that dive deep into the heart’s complexities. Known for her masterful slow-burn romances and authentic character voices, Elin’s stories promise a rich emotional experience.

Her books take readers on a captivating journey through love’s highs and lows, filled with heartfelt moments and unforgettable connections. Whether it’s a heart-wrenching tale or an uplifting romance, Elin’s novels offer an emotional rollercoaster that leaves readers eagerly turning pages.

Discover your next favorite love story with Elin Kind, where every novel is a testament to the power of love and the beauty of real-life emotions.

Reviews

[Amber Louk · Rating 4 out of 5]

I was an arc reader and read this as a standalone, however I think it would be better read as part of the series to gain a better understanding of the characters.

Overall this was very well written and had a cute small-town romance vibe. Definitely on the clean side of a romance book.

[Courtney]

I read this novel as a direct ARC from the author Elin Kind. I liked this novel. The character development was good! It was a very quick read, and a cute love story. I really enjoyed the main character Cody!

[Ashley Rabe · Rating 5 out of 5]

It’s a good book I like it. If you like romance books I would recommend reading this book.

[Natalie · Rating 4 out of 5]

When Lyssa and Cody are assigned as partners for a writing class, neither is pleased. But as they get to know each other, could there be more than study going on? Can they learn to trust one another?

Cody recently got his heart broken by a girl he had loved all his life. In turn he makes himself and everyone around him miserable. When he’s with Lyssa he starts to feel like his old self again, and that scares him. He doesn’t want to get his heart broken again.

Lyssa loves to write, generally keeps to herself and only really hangs out with her roommate and bestie, Jazzy. She loves her mother and brothers but has an issues trusting men due to her Dad.

This is a tender and raw book that shows that the heart wants what the heart wants, and learning to trust someone is hard. They both grapple with trust, which only makes it more richer when they get past it.

The main characters are sweet, flawed and scared, both beautifully written. There’s a little steam along the way to heat things up too.

Lyssa and Cody are perfectly imperfect but perfect for each other.

I thoroughly enjoyed this book. This is the third book in the New Adult Romance series, and can be read as a standalone. This is my first time reading this author and I will definitely circle back to read the other books in the series.

Thank you to @authorelinkind for the advanced copy of the book. Truly a pleasure to read.

4 stars

[Jacqueline Diaz · Rating 4 out of 5]

Book 3 in the You Series. We meet Lyssa and Cody. Stuck together during a school project the build a friendship and decided to be friends with benefits.

This book was very sweet and heartwarming. Cody is getting over a past relationship l. Lyssa has never found anyone worth her time and she found herself attracted to the jerk from class. I enjoyed the character development between this two, both could work on their communication skills. This book gives us a enemies to lovers, virgin fmc. A great example of just be yourself and someone will come across who appreciates you.

Spicy: 2.5

[Carley Misener · Rating 5 out of 5]

ARC review:

5/5⭐️, 2/5🌶️

-Dual POV
-forced proximity
-Learning to love after heartbreak
-college setting
-enemies to lovers

This is the first book i’ve read of Elin’s and I just have to say, I absolutely adored it. The writing style is fantastic. The characters development was super eye opening. I loved Lyssa and Cody’s story. There were points where I may have had strong feelings of dislike towards one or both of them. But in the end their story turned out beautifully. I highly recommend this sweet story❤️

[*Nicole* · Rating 4 out of 5]

This was a very heartwarming and sweet college romance 😊

Cody And Lyssa were both single and both staying away from relationships, though for very different reasons. This book dealt with trust issues and the problems that arise when those issues aren't addressed.

The two of them were so naturally sweet together, with a hint of spice. The drama came from their unresolved issues bleeding into their own relationship, but thankfully they both had supportive and honest people around them to help them make things right! I loved Lyssa's protective brothers and her carefree bestie Jazzy. Cody's best friend was what a true friend should be and was always there for him too, which was nice to see with male characters. I enjoyed all of the characters, the environment and the story!

[Kayla · Rating 4 out of 5]

I received this book as an ARC from the author, and I am so grateful!

I haven’t read this series before, but they’re able to be read as standalones!

I had such a fun time reading! This book was a cute read, and I really enjoyed the characters’ chemistry.

I also enjoyed the character development! I think they had a nice depth to them, and I enjoyed getting to see their story unfold.

Looking forward to read the first two books in the series!

4⭐️❤️

[Amanda Dumont · Rating 4 out of 5]

I really liked this book so much, Cody deserves it after everything he’s been through. This book overall just makes my heart so happy and I really liked it from the characters and their personalities to just the love that they have for each other! Cannot wait to read more in this series!

[Monica · Rating 4 out of 5]

I love this quick love story! It was full of back and forth emotions. It made me love/hate each character throughout the whole thing. I couldn't put it down. I'm looking forward to reading more from Elin!

[Katie Armstrong · Rating 4 out of 5]

I read this book as an ARC and it was such a sweet romance! There are other books in the series but I read this one as a stand-alone. I enjoyed the writing style and really enjoyed the relationship between Lyssa and Cody. Both characters felt real and each had their own share of issues and obstacles to overcome. Overall I really enjoyed reading this book!

[Lisa Rubalcado · Rating 5 out of 5]

I read this book as an Arc reader from Elin Kind. Thank you for the opportunity! This was a cute love story and loved the characters. Love the front cover art also!

[Shawnna Marshall · Rating 4 out of 5]

This is the third book in the You series. It would definitely help to read Weak for You #2 in the series. It can be a stand alone but I think you need to know Cody’s back story a little more.
Overall it was a great read! Lyssa had been through a bad relationship herself. To watch Cody and Lyssa overcome all their trust issues together was so satisfying. A great love story just in time for Valentine’s Day. ❤️
I really enjoy all the side characters also and can’t wait for more!

[anna · Rating 4 out of 5]

Wow! I read this as an ARC reader and I really loved it! Such a great story and great characters! Cody and Lyssa are so cute ☺️ Such an easy read❤️

[Miriam_Reads94 · Rating 5 out of 5]

I arc read this for the author Elin Kind and it am so happy I was chosen to be picked.

I loved this story. I loved the characters. I very much enjoyed watching how each character dealt with the trauma from their pasts and how in the end everyone came together for a HEA.

[Nakia Buenaventura · Rating 4 out of 5]

Was blessed to receive an ARC of this book from Elin Kind. I really enjoyed it. Both main characters were so endearing that you just had to root for them. Great character development, and I think many stories could be spun off of this book from the side characters too. Really good story and highly recommend picking it up!

[Katie Louise · Rating 5 out of 5]

Loved this book. This whole series will send you on an emotional roller coaster. I am so glad Cody got his happy ending and made peace with his friends after everything he had gone through

[Amy · Rating 5 out of 5]

Love the story series. It's very laid back peaceful romance. The author being brand new is definitely off to good start. Read the other books 1and 2 before read this book .

[Katelyn Barros · Rating 4 out of 5]

Received an ARC from author. Very cute and quick read. The character development is good, and I thoroughly enjoyed it. If you like romances, you’ll like this book!

[Sabrina · Rating 5 out of 5]

I loved this book!! I recommend reading it!! I started it today and couldn’t put it down!! I would like to buy a physical copy of this book!! I love their relationship between the main characters!!

[Jessica · Rating 4 out of 5]

Heartfelt

🌟🌟🌟🌟
🌶️🌶️

This is Lyssa and Cody’s book. Cody has gone through some stuff in book 2 when he wasn’t chosen by Josie.

I absolutely loved watching Cody grow I liked him anyway but he just grew as a character and developed. I loved watching them grow closer. I laughed with how Lyssa was with him when she first met him I loved her sass!

Continues to be good books from the new to me author. I will continue to read books by this author such good palate cleansers and heartfelt stories from the dark stuff I read!

[Jailene · Rating 3 out of 5]

While this was a cute story and I liked that it was the guy who was more heart broken, where usually it's the girl. Overall the story was a bit watt-pad feeling and felt very shallow. Also the miscommunication for the third act conflict was not something I really cared for.

[Bookworm_acre · Rating 4 out of 5]

Trusting You is the 3rd book in this series and tells the story of Cody and Lyssa.

The book can be read as a standalone book, but I would recommend reading the books in order to understand why Cody is deeply hurt and wants to avoid a relationship with Lyssa. Both struggle with trust issues, but when they overcome their problems, it's heartwarming.

[Ellejay Lindsay · Rating 4 out of 5]

Love seems to find you when you least expect it, and if you don't want it, then it's even more likely to find you. Lyssa and Cody's story begins when they have to partner up on a project in their creative writing college course. And what's the topic? Why love isn't essential as a plot element. At first, this seems like the only thing they agree on, but as they work together, they find that maybe there's more than the project between them. Both Cody and Lyssa have experienced broken hearts, but in different ways. Though the feelings between them are growing into something deeper, trusting one another is something that doesn't come naturally and drives a wedge between them. Cody and Lyssa have a lively group of secondary characters, family and friends, who help each of them along in their emotional healing and on their path back to each other and the happily ever after they deserve.

"Trusting You" works fine as a sweet standalone story with just the right amount of spice. I recommend reading the previous books in the You series, especially book two, to better understand Cody's heartbreak and some appearances by people from his past.

Each book in the series gets better and better, and this one is definitely my favorite so far. I can't wait for the next one!

[Kim Gerstenschlager · Rating 4 out of 5]

I couldn’t put it down! Trusting You is the third book in Elin Kind’s “You” series. With Cody struggling to get over a breakup and Lyssa guarding herself from hurt in her past, they both have to learn to admit their true feelings for each other. Trusting each other is a hurdle both of them must cross. Just like the other books in this series, the characters have depth and are relatable.

I’ve read the other books in the series, Memories of You and Weak for You, and although the series can be read in any order, I recommend reading it after Weak for You. This is sweet and spicy and 100% bingeable.

[Court Wade · Rating 5 out of 5]

🌟✨️ARC Read✨️🌟

Book 3 of the amazing You Series follows Cody and fellow coed Lyssa.
As Cody is trying to put his life back together after heartbreak, his school work starts to suffer. Trying to get back on track, he is overwhelmed but refuses to un-wind. The night he finally does, he runs into his partner for their Creative Writing class. Not a fan of his, Lyssa is none too impressed when Cody is chivalrous. His charming personality does start to win her over when he is able to focus on the assignment.
The growth of their friendship builds until Cody's life at home comes to Seattle, and Lyssa comes face to face with her past.

⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️.75
🌶🌶🌶.5

[Karin · Rating 5 out of 5]

I really liked this book!