What do you think?
Rate this book
So F*cking Special: 1996
A 90's Friday Night Lights meets Fifty Shades... only the town is the sadomasochist and the two young lovers its pawns.
July Elizabeth Edwards is stuck in the existence her pretentious, rural East Texas town has allotted her. A shift in social status junior year provokes unlikely ride or die friendships, others' secrets she's not allowed to tell, and an unexpected crush on the ambitious Adrian Reed. The result is far more insatiable than anyone anticipated.
Before cell phones and social media, walk the halls of Pure Pines High as they are set figuratively to a Soundtrack of Pearl Jam, Nirvana, Counting Crows, R.E.M., The Cranberries and Radiohead... When the preps were challenged by the grunge phase, and polo shirts and loafers were traded in for flannel shirts and name brand combat boots. Their world was changing, and it was hard to remain CLUELESS.
She’s known and competed with him her entire life. He was conceited and arrogant. She was treading water to survive Pure Pines. When circumstances strip them of cheerleading and football, the odds throw a replacement neither of them expects, and something the halls of Pure Pines High are certain to reject. One touch, an out of ordinary lingering stare, and something ignites that won't die down, only does it count if it's a secret? How long will it stay behind closed doors? When love is denied, lust becomes unapologetic.
So F*cking 1996, Book one of the YA to New Adult 90's Series hit number one in #lusttolove on its Wattpad debut, and won first place in the Enemies to Lovers Category for 2024's Ultimate Romance Awards.
"Cruel intentions and My so Called Life, re-examined through a modern lens.”
"From best friends to boyfriends to bullying, sex and drugs, So F*cking Special is a coming-of-age story that demands to be read. It’s Pretty in Pink meets Pride and Prejudice. Raye Murphy writes an insightful, delightful tale that has readers fully invested in the futures of Adrian and July. I’m dying to read more.” — PJ Jones, author of The Cop Reporter, No Place for the Weak at Heart and The Evil I Have Seen
July Elizabeth Edwards is stuck in the existence her pretentious, rural East Texas town has allotted her. A shift in social status junior year provokes unlikely ride or die friendships, others' secrets she's not allowed to tell, and an unexpected crush on the ambitious Adrian Reed. The result is far more insatiable than anyone anticipated.
Before cell phones and social media, walk the halls of Pure Pines High as they are set figuratively to a Soundtrack of Pearl Jam, Nirvana, Counting Crows, R.E.M., The Cranberries and Radiohead... When the preps were challenged by the grunge phase, and polo shirts and loafers were traded in for flannel shirts and name brand combat boots. Their world was changing, and it was hard to remain CLUELESS.
She’s known and competed with him her entire life. He was conceited and arrogant. She was treading water to survive Pure Pines. When circumstances strip them of cheerleading and football, the odds throw a replacement neither of them expects, and something the halls of Pure Pines High are certain to reject. One touch, an out of ordinary lingering stare, and something ignites that won't die down, only does it count if it's a secret? How long will it stay behind closed doors? When love is denied, lust becomes unapologetic.
So F*cking 1996, Book one of the YA to New Adult 90's Series hit number one in #lusttolove on its Wattpad debut, and won first place in the Enemies to Lovers Category for 2024's Ultimate Romance Awards.
"Cruel intentions and My so Called Life, re-examined through a modern lens.”
"From best friends to boyfriends to bullying, sex and drugs, So F*cking Special is a coming-of-age story that demands to be read. It’s Pretty in Pink meets Pride and Prejudice. Raye Murphy writes an insightful, delightful tale that has readers fully invested in the futures of Adrian and July. I’m dying to read more.” — PJ Jones, author of The Cop Reporter, No Place for the Weak at Heart and The Evil I Have Seen
- GenresYoung Adult
491 pages, Kindle Edition
Published March 15, 2024
About the author
Raye Murphy
2 books22 followersAuthor Raye murphy writes YA-New Adult Romance, Historical Romance, Romantasy, and Dark Romance.
So F*cking Special: 1996, Book One of her Ya-New Adult 90's Series debuted on Wattpad and hit number one in #lusttolove, and won first place in the Enemies to Lovers Category for 2024's Ultimate Romance Awards.
So F*cking Special: 1996, Book One of her Ya-New Adult 90's Series debuted on Wattpad and hit number one in #lusttolove, and won first place in the Enemies to Lovers Category for 2024's Ultimate Romance Awards.
Ratings & Reviews
Friends & Following
Create a free account to discover what your friends think of this book!
Community Reviews
Displaying 1 - 30 of 52 reviews
November 23, 2024
What a great book and a Time Machine! This was such a blast to the past! If you grew up in a small town in the 90’s this one needs to be at the top of your list! Great story, great characters! Loved it from beginning to end!
May 6, 2024
I received an arc copy of this book, and i really enjoyed it and couldn't put it down! Can't wait for book 2! For a girl born in 1998 it really took me on a ride through the 90s!
August 20, 2025
Thank you to NetGalley and the publishers for rhe ARC.
So F*cking Special dived into the messy intensity of teenage life in the 90s. The grunge-era setting is perfectly captured, from the music to the atmosphere, and it really took me back.
I loved the tension between July and Adrian. Their enemies-to-something-more dynamic had me hooked, even when the pacing felt a little slow at the start. July especially stood out as a complex, flawed, and magnetic lead, and her voice carried the story beautifully.
It was a little too angsty for me, but it was authentic, and by the end, I was completely invested. A strong start to what feels like a series with so much more to give. I’ll definitely be picking up the next book.
So F*cking Special dived into the messy intensity of teenage life in the 90s. The grunge-era setting is perfectly captured, from the music to the atmosphere, and it really took me back.
I loved the tension between July and Adrian. Their enemies-to-something-more dynamic had me hooked, even when the pacing felt a little slow at the start. July especially stood out as a complex, flawed, and magnetic lead, and her voice carried the story beautifully.
It was a little too angsty for me, but it was authentic, and by the end, I was completely invested. A strong start to what feels like a series with so much more to give. I’ll definitely be picking up the next book.
July 26, 2026
2.25 stars
I was really disappointed as was looking forward to
agetting my teeth into a good YA novel however I really struggled to find a connection to the characters.
I gave the benefit of the doubt as it was american so some differences are the culture difference but even so the character just felt like they lacked depth and likability and u anchored. The beginning jumped and didnt feel as though it was going in any direction so that feeling of loss meant I was getting further away from the story.
It really wasnt for me and I just didnt relate at all even through the nostalgia which had drew me in
#campnetgalley #sofckingspecial1996 #NetGalley
I was really disappointed as was looking forward to
agetting my teeth into a good YA novel however I really struggled to find a connection to the characters.
I gave the benefit of the doubt as it was american so some differences are the culture difference but even so the character just felt like they lacked depth and likability and u anchored. The beginning jumped and didnt feel as though it was going in any direction so that feeling of loss meant I was getting further away from the story.
It really wasnt for me and I just didnt relate at all even through the nostalgia which had drew me in
#campnetgalley #sofckingspecial1996 #NetGalley
August 1, 2026
So after finishing and reading that this started from wattpad, I totally get it. This had the nostalgia in the best way with the chapter graphics and songs.
Giving a 3.5 because if I read it on wattpad, I would probably call it a 4.5, but as a published novel it is probably a 3.
I did devour this one and the writing is bingeable. It did feel repetitive as much of the story is told from both sides simultaneously and it made the book much longer than necessary. The emotional depth is missing from the relationship as it really is all hinging on their physical reactions to each other. There is a lot of miscommunication that isn't my favorite, but I kinda get it.
Unfortunately comparing it to Binding 13 already set the bar way high for me. I've been chasing that high for years.
*Thank you to Netgalley for the ARC in exchange for an honest review*
Pre-read:
I'm really trusting the NetGalley blurb saying for fans of Binding 13 by Chloe Walsh
Giving a 3.5 because if I read it on wattpad, I would probably call it a 4.5, but as a published novel it is probably a 3.
I did devour this one and the writing is bingeable. It did feel repetitive as much of the story is told from both sides simultaneously and it made the book much longer than necessary. The emotional depth is missing from the relationship as it really is all hinging on their physical reactions to each other. There is a lot of miscommunication that isn't my favorite, but I kinda get it.
Unfortunately comparing it to Binding 13 already set the bar way high for me. I've been chasing that high for years.
*Thank you to Netgalley for the ARC in exchange for an honest review*
Pre-read:
I'm really trusting the NetGalley blurb saying for fans of Binding 13 by Chloe Walsh
June 15, 2024
Raye Murphy writes the YA book of generation X! This 90's world, these characters... July and Adrian are written so well. The tension, the friendships I was captivated by their story, and cannot wait for what book two in the series promises. Don't let the world building of a YA book fool you... this one is worth the slow burn. In fact, it is a slow burn done top notch. The cliff hanger to book two has me searching the internet for it's release date! Also: No spoilers, but it must be said that the book opens on a prologue from both character's POV that I believe sets up the series. LOVED that some questions won't be answered until the 2nd and third books. That's a cleverness we usually only see in fantasy books. Love that the author used that device around July and Adrian's love story. Nicely done! Can't wait for more. I am addicted to those two!
November 27, 2024
This story truly hits each mark
From the pain of not being chosen to the constant banter from teens etc.
If you need a throwback to highschool drama but with a twist this book is for you.
I can’t wait for the rest of the series
From the pain of not being chosen to the constant banter from teens etc.
If you need a throwback to highschool drama but with a twist this book is for you.
I can’t wait for the rest of the series
January 5, 2026
📚So F king Special:1996
✍🏻Raye Murphy
Blurb:
A 90's Friday Night Lights meets Fifty Shades... only the town is the sadomasochist and the two young lovers its pawns.
July Elizabeth Edwards is stuck in the existence her pretentious, rural East Texas town has allotted her. A shift in social status junior year provokes unlikely ride or die friendships, others' secrets she's not allowed to tell, and an unexpected crush on the ambitious Adrian Reed. The result is far more insatiable than anyone anticipated.
Before cell phones and social media, walk the halls of Pure Pines High as they are set figuratively to a Soundtrack of Pearl Jam, Nirvana, Counting Crows, R.E.M., The Cranberries and Radiohead... When the preps were challenged by the grunge phase, and polo shirts and loafers were traded in for flannel shirts and name brand combat boots. Their world was changing, and it was hard to remain CLUELESS.
She’s known and competed with him her entire life. He was conceited and arrogant. She was treading water to survive Pure Pines. When circumstances strip them of cheerleading and football, the odds throw a replacement neither of them expects, and something the halls of Pure Pines High are certain to reject. One touch, an out of ordinary lingering stare, and something ignites that won't die down, only does it count if it's a secret? How long will it stay behind closed doors? When love is denied, lust becomes unapologetic.
So F*cking 1996, Book one of the YA to New Adult 90's Series hit number one in #lusttolove on its Wattpad debut, and won first place in the Enemies to Lovers Category for 2024's Ultimate Romance Awards.
"Cruel intentions and My so Called Life, re-examined through a modern lens.”
"From best friends to boyfriends to bullying, sex and drugs, So F*cking Special is a coming-of-age story that demands to be read. It’s Pretty in Pink meets Pride and Prejudice. Raye Murphy writes an insightful, delightful tale that has readers fully invested in the futures of Adrian and July. I’m dying to read more.” — PJ Jones, author of The Cop Reporter, No Place for the Weak at Heart and The Evil I Have Seen
My Thoughts:
This story looks at life through the eyes of teens as they try to navigate friendships, high school social hierarchy, and their own hearts. Adrian and July are so unexpectedly relatable. Their enemies to lovers romance is driven by resistance and lust, and before you know it there is a deep connection..I loved the tension between July and Adrian. Their enemies-to-something-more dynamic had me hooked, I loved this book, Would recommend to other.
Thanks NetGalley, RupertBossier and Author Raye Murphy for the advanced copy of "So F king Special:1996". I am leaving my voluntary review in appreciation.
#NetGalley
#RuperBossier
#RayeMurphy
#So F kingSpecial:1996
⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
✍🏻Raye Murphy
Blurb:
A 90's Friday Night Lights meets Fifty Shades... only the town is the sadomasochist and the two young lovers its pawns.
July Elizabeth Edwards is stuck in the existence her pretentious, rural East Texas town has allotted her. A shift in social status junior year provokes unlikely ride or die friendships, others' secrets she's not allowed to tell, and an unexpected crush on the ambitious Adrian Reed. The result is far more insatiable than anyone anticipated.
Before cell phones and social media, walk the halls of Pure Pines High as they are set figuratively to a Soundtrack of Pearl Jam, Nirvana, Counting Crows, R.E.M., The Cranberries and Radiohead... When the preps were challenged by the grunge phase, and polo shirts and loafers were traded in for flannel shirts and name brand combat boots. Their world was changing, and it was hard to remain CLUELESS.
She’s known and competed with him her entire life. He was conceited and arrogant. She was treading water to survive Pure Pines. When circumstances strip them of cheerleading and football, the odds throw a replacement neither of them expects, and something the halls of Pure Pines High are certain to reject. One touch, an out of ordinary lingering stare, and something ignites that won't die down, only does it count if it's a secret? How long will it stay behind closed doors? When love is denied, lust becomes unapologetic.
So F*cking 1996, Book one of the YA to New Adult 90's Series hit number one in #lusttolove on its Wattpad debut, and won first place in the Enemies to Lovers Category for 2024's Ultimate Romance Awards.
"Cruel intentions and My so Called Life, re-examined through a modern lens.”
"From best friends to boyfriends to bullying, sex and drugs, So F*cking Special is a coming-of-age story that demands to be read. It’s Pretty in Pink meets Pride and Prejudice. Raye Murphy writes an insightful, delightful tale that has readers fully invested in the futures of Adrian and July. I’m dying to read more.” — PJ Jones, author of The Cop Reporter, No Place for the Weak at Heart and The Evil I Have Seen
My Thoughts:
This story looks at life through the eyes of teens as they try to navigate friendships, high school social hierarchy, and their own hearts. Adrian and July are so unexpectedly relatable. Their enemies to lovers romance is driven by resistance and lust, and before you know it there is a deep connection..I loved the tension between July and Adrian. Their enemies-to-something-more dynamic had me hooked, I loved this book, Would recommend to other.
Thanks NetGalley, RupertBossier and Author Raye Murphy for the advanced copy of "So F king Special:1996". I am leaving my voluntary review in appreciation.
#NetGalley
#RuperBossier
#RayeMurphy
#So F kingSpecial:1996
⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
September 20, 2024
Review: So F*cking Special (1996)
Stars: 4 ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
If you’re a product of a 90s small-town high school, this book will transport you right back to those hallways like a time capsule. I swear, while reading this, I could practically hear the locker doors slamming and the murmur of gossip in the cafeteria. "So F*cking Special" is a beautifully nostalgic nod to a time before social media ruled our lives—when what really mattered was who you were crushing on, whether you’d make the team, and where everyone was meeting up on Friday night.
July Elizabeth Edwards’ journey felt like I was reliving my own teenage years, struggling to navigate the maze of friendships, crushes, and social hierarchies. Her East Texas town could have been any of our towns—pretentious, judgmental, and so intimately small that secrets were currency. The romance between her and Adrian Reed was fiery and unexpected, yet totally believable in its slow burn. It reminded me of how intense everything felt at that age, like the world could break or be rebuilt depending on who noticed you that day.
Set to a soundtrack that hit me right in the feels (Pearl Jam, Nirvana, The Cranberries—come on, how perfect is that?), this book nailed the grunge-era vibe. Seriously...LISTEN TO THE PLAYLIST...YOU WILL BE TRANSPORTED!!!! The transition from polo shirts and preppy cliques to flannel and Doc Martens was almost like watching history unfold again in my mind--I was a flannel girlie(fyi). It’s like "Friday Night Lights" meets "Fifty Shades," but the real sadomasochist is the town itself, manipulating its young lovers like pawns in a twisted survival game.
For those of us who were there, this book feels like a slow dance at prom—awkward, nostalgic, and bittersweet. And yes, I’ll admit, I wanted Calgon to take me back--back to a time when the biggest worries were boys, sports, and homework. If you were a 90s teen, this is one ride you don’t want to miss--so throw on your flannel, get out your Clearasil, turn on the Cranberries, and read this book with your besties and wax poetic about the past for ultimate vibes!
Stars: 4 ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
If you’re a product of a 90s small-town high school, this book will transport you right back to those hallways like a time capsule. I swear, while reading this, I could practically hear the locker doors slamming and the murmur of gossip in the cafeteria. "So F*cking Special" is a beautifully nostalgic nod to a time before social media ruled our lives—when what really mattered was who you were crushing on, whether you’d make the team, and where everyone was meeting up on Friday night.
July Elizabeth Edwards’ journey felt like I was reliving my own teenage years, struggling to navigate the maze of friendships, crushes, and social hierarchies. Her East Texas town could have been any of our towns—pretentious, judgmental, and so intimately small that secrets were currency. The romance between her and Adrian Reed was fiery and unexpected, yet totally believable in its slow burn. It reminded me of how intense everything felt at that age, like the world could break or be rebuilt depending on who noticed you that day.
Set to a soundtrack that hit me right in the feels (Pearl Jam, Nirvana, The Cranberries—come on, how perfect is that?), this book nailed the grunge-era vibe. Seriously...LISTEN TO THE PLAYLIST...YOU WILL BE TRANSPORTED!!!! The transition from polo shirts and preppy cliques to flannel and Doc Martens was almost like watching history unfold again in my mind--I was a flannel girlie(fyi). It’s like "Friday Night Lights" meets "Fifty Shades," but the real sadomasochist is the town itself, manipulating its young lovers like pawns in a twisted survival game.
For those of us who were there, this book feels like a slow dance at prom—awkward, nostalgic, and bittersweet. And yes, I’ll admit, I wanted Calgon to take me back--back to a time when the biggest worries were boys, sports, and homework. If you were a 90s teen, this is one ride you don’t want to miss--so throw on your flannel, get out your Clearasil, turn on the Cranberries, and read this book with your besties and wax poetic about the past for ultimate vibes!
May 18, 2026
Raye Murphy’s So Fcking Special: 1996* is raw, emotional, chaotic, and painfully human in all the ways that make a story stay with you long after you finish reading it. Set against the backdrop of the mid-90s, the book captures the messy collision of youth, identity, trauma, music, rebellion, and the desperate need to belong.
Murphy writes with an unapologetic honesty that feels less like reading fiction and more like sitting across from someone finally telling the truth after years of holding it in. The dialogue feels natural, the emotions are jagged and real, and the atmosphere drips with 90s nostalgia without ever feeling forced. From the music references to the emotional volatility of the era, the book perfectly recreates the feeling of being young and lost while trying to convince the world you’re fine.
What makes So Fcking Special: 1996* stand out is its refusal to sanitize pain. The characters are flawed, self-destructive, vulnerable, and relatable. Murphy doesn’t try to make them heroes — she makes them real. That realism is what gives the story its emotional weight. Readers who have ever struggled with grief, loneliness, identity, addiction, toxic love, or simply surviving their own mind will likely find pieces of themselves somewhere in these pages.
The writing style itself is gritty yet poetic, balancing sharp emotional punches with quieter reflective moments. At times the story feels like a mixtape from the 90s — loud, emotional, angry, beautiful, and deeply personal. There’s an intimacy to Murphy’s storytelling that makes the reader feel almost intrusive, as if witnessing memories never meant to be shared publicly.
This isn’t a light or easy read, but it is an honest one. So Fcking Special: 1996* is for readers who appreciate emotionally driven stories that don’t shy away from darkness or uncomfortable truths. Fans of gritty coming-of-age narratives, alternative culture, and emotionally immersive storytelling will likely connect deeply with this book.
Murphy writes with an unapologetic honesty that feels less like reading fiction and more like sitting across from someone finally telling the truth after years of holding it in. The dialogue feels natural, the emotions are jagged and real, and the atmosphere drips with 90s nostalgia without ever feeling forced. From the music references to the emotional volatility of the era, the book perfectly recreates the feeling of being young and lost while trying to convince the world you’re fine.
What makes So Fcking Special: 1996* stand out is its refusal to sanitize pain. The characters are flawed, self-destructive, vulnerable, and relatable. Murphy doesn’t try to make them heroes — she makes them real. That realism is what gives the story its emotional weight. Readers who have ever struggled with grief, loneliness, identity, addiction, toxic love, or simply surviving their own mind will likely find pieces of themselves somewhere in these pages.
The writing style itself is gritty yet poetic, balancing sharp emotional punches with quieter reflective moments. At times the story feels like a mixtape from the 90s — loud, emotional, angry, beautiful, and deeply personal. There’s an intimacy to Murphy’s storytelling that makes the reader feel almost intrusive, as if witnessing memories never meant to be shared publicly.
This isn’t a light or easy read, but it is an honest one. So Fcking Special: 1996* is for readers who appreciate emotionally driven stories that don’t shy away from darkness or uncomfortable truths. Fans of gritty coming-of-age narratives, alternative culture, and emotionally immersive storytelling will likely connect deeply with this book.
July 24, 2026
⭐⭐ 2 Stars (ARC via NetGalley – Summer Camp)
I really wanted to enjoy So Fcking Special: 1996*. As someone who loves ’90s nostalgia, enemies-to-lovers romance, and coming-of-age stories, this sounded like it would be right up my alley.
Unfortunately, it just didn’t work for me.
The biggest hurdle was the opening. I found it difficult to get grounded in the story because it felt scattered and unfocused. Instead of drawing me into the characters and setting, I spent much of the early chapters trying to figure out where the story was going.
Another thing that pulled me out of the novel was the dialogue and references. While the book is set in 1996, it frequently uses modern-day language and concepts that felt out of place for the time period. References to things like being “woke” and social media disrupted the immersion, making it difficult to believe I was actually reading a story set in the mid-’90s.
The premise itself has potential, a small-town Texas romance filled with football, cheerleading, grunge culture, teenage angst, and enemies-to-lovers chemistry, but I never found myself emotionally invested in the characters or their relationship. Because I couldn’t connect with them, the romance lacked the spark I was hoping for.
This is one of those books that simply wasn’t a match for my reading tastes. I can see readers who enjoy nostalgic YA romance appreciating what the author was trying to accomplish, but unfortunately, I never found myself fully engaged.
Tropes & Themes:
• Enemies to lovers
• Small-town romance
• 1990s nostalgia
• High school romance
• Football & cheerleading
• Coming-of-age
• Grunge era
• Opposites attract
• Slow-burn romance
The premise had all the ingredients of a story I should have loved. Unfortunately, the execution never clicked for me, and the modern references kept pulling me out of what should have been an immersive 1996 setting. This was simply a case of the book not being the right fit for me.
I really wanted to enjoy So Fcking Special: 1996*. As someone who loves ’90s nostalgia, enemies-to-lovers romance, and coming-of-age stories, this sounded like it would be right up my alley.
Unfortunately, it just didn’t work for me.
The biggest hurdle was the opening. I found it difficult to get grounded in the story because it felt scattered and unfocused. Instead of drawing me into the characters and setting, I spent much of the early chapters trying to figure out where the story was going.
Another thing that pulled me out of the novel was the dialogue and references. While the book is set in 1996, it frequently uses modern-day language and concepts that felt out of place for the time period. References to things like being “woke” and social media disrupted the immersion, making it difficult to believe I was actually reading a story set in the mid-’90s.
The premise itself has potential, a small-town Texas romance filled with football, cheerleading, grunge culture, teenage angst, and enemies-to-lovers chemistry, but I never found myself emotionally invested in the characters or their relationship. Because I couldn’t connect with them, the romance lacked the spark I was hoping for.
This is one of those books that simply wasn’t a match for my reading tastes. I can see readers who enjoy nostalgic YA romance appreciating what the author was trying to accomplish, but unfortunately, I never found myself fully engaged.
Tropes & Themes:
• Enemies to lovers
• Small-town romance
• 1990s nostalgia
• High school romance
• Football & cheerleading
• Coming-of-age
• Grunge era
• Opposites attract
• Slow-burn romance
The premise had all the ingredients of a story I should have loved. Unfortunately, the execution never clicked for me, and the modern references kept pulling me out of what should have been an immersive 1996 setting. This was simply a case of the book not being the right fit for me.
March 15, 2026
So Fcking Special: 1996* is a raw, heartfelt coming-of-age story that authentically captures the complexities of adolescence in a small-town high school setting. While it’s not an erotic novel—and readers looking for explicit content won’t find it here—it is a deeply emotional and realistic portrayal of teenage life, especially during the socially charged era of the 1990s.
At its core, the novel is about navigating identity, peer pressure, and the constant tension between personal desire and social expectation. July and Adrian, the central characters, are written with nuance and honesty. Their mutual attraction is tender, slow-burning, and fraught with the kind of insecurities and emotional roadblocks that make young love so relatable. The author masterfully builds their chemistry over time, allowing readers to experience not just the anticipation, but the frustrations and small triumphs along the way.
One of the book’s greatest strengths is its portrayal of peer pressure—not just as a passing theme, but as a driving force in teenage decision-making. From academic stress and athletic competition to the need for social acceptance, the novel doesn’t shy away from the realities teens face. It's an especially relevant read for parents, offering a window into the emotional and social struggles adolescents continue to confront today, regardless of the decade.
While the setting and cultural markers are steeped in the '90s, the emotions and challenges are timeless. This makes So Fcking Special: 1996* not only nostalgic for those who came of age during that era but also a meaningful, resonant story for a broader audience.
Overall, this is a compelling, character-driven novel that’s as introspective as it is emotionally satisfying. A great pick for readers who appreciate authentic YA narratives with emotional depth and social insight.
At its core, the novel is about navigating identity, peer pressure, and the constant tension between personal desire and social expectation. July and Adrian, the central characters, are written with nuance and honesty. Their mutual attraction is tender, slow-burning, and fraught with the kind of insecurities and emotional roadblocks that make young love so relatable. The author masterfully builds their chemistry over time, allowing readers to experience not just the anticipation, but the frustrations and small triumphs along the way.
One of the book’s greatest strengths is its portrayal of peer pressure—not just as a passing theme, but as a driving force in teenage decision-making. From academic stress and athletic competition to the need for social acceptance, the novel doesn’t shy away from the realities teens face. It's an especially relevant read for parents, offering a window into the emotional and social struggles adolescents continue to confront today, regardless of the decade.
While the setting and cultural markers are steeped in the '90s, the emotions and challenges are timeless. This makes So Fcking Special: 1996* not only nostalgic for those who came of age during that era but also a meaningful, resonant story for a broader audience.
Overall, this is a compelling, character-driven novel that’s as introspective as it is emotionally satisfying. A great pick for readers who appreciate authentic YA narratives with emotional depth and social insight.
July 26, 2026
Let me start off by sharing what I loved about this book: the playlists, the nostalgia it promised, and the cover. The premise sounded interesting, although I was a bit skeptical when it was described as a mix between Friday Night Lights and 50 Shades of Grey (a bit weird in a YA book). I was excited to read this for the trip back to the 90's alone, but this book was not it for me.
I believe I read that it was originally a Wattpad story and it shows. The editing was terrible, with run-on sentences and rambling thoughts that were repeated throughout the entire first half of the book. If we had not repeated so much information, this novel would have been a lot shorter so maybe that was the point, to stretch out the word count? I truly believe this needs to go through more edits so that the reader can be more invested in this story. I found myself rereading paragraphs because they just didn't make sense. One sentence that stood out to me was "the background music was patronizing"- what does that even mean?? I also did not feel a connection between the two main characters and wish the author had taken the time to show more of their dynamic instead of beating us over the head with descriptions- especially about the town being so much different than anywhere else. I really did not feel like we were in the mid-90's either, with some of the references to modern technology and "wokeism". I will not be continuing this series and that makes me sad because I love a trip down memory lane.
Thank you to NetGalley for a copy of this book!
I believe I read that it was originally a Wattpad story and it shows. The editing was terrible, with run-on sentences and rambling thoughts that were repeated throughout the entire first half of the book. If we had not repeated so much information, this novel would have been a lot shorter so maybe that was the point, to stretch out the word count? I truly believe this needs to go through more edits so that the reader can be more invested in this story. I found myself rereading paragraphs because they just didn't make sense. One sentence that stood out to me was "the background music was patronizing"- what does that even mean?? I also did not feel a connection between the two main characters and wish the author had taken the time to show more of their dynamic instead of beating us over the head with descriptions- especially about the town being so much different than anywhere else. I really did not feel like we were in the mid-90's either, with some of the references to modern technology and "wokeism". I will not be continuing this series and that makes me sad because I love a trip down memory lane.
Thank you to NetGalley for a copy of this book!
July 26, 2026
*𝒩𝑒𝓉𝒢𝒶𝓁𝓁𝑒𝓎 𝟤𝟢𝟤𝟨 𝒮𝓊𝓂𝓂𝑒𝓇 𝒞𝒶𝓂𝓅 𝑅𝑒𝒶𝒹* 🏕️ 🛶
An amazing book filled with all of the nostalgia you could ever ask for. Think of all of your favorite things of the 90s rolled into a book. Cruel intentions with a dash 10 Things I Hate About You plus Clueless sums up this book. This book is a coming of age as teens navigate their lives and realizing everything isn’t black or white.
Pure Pines, Texas an area that is nestled between two big towns. They have a way of doing things here that blurs the line between taking care of their own and looking the other way. July, born and raised into Pure Pines knows what it’s like to feel like an outsider although her friend group makes her popular until it doesn’t. Things take a turn when she is no longer a cheerleader and suddenly the popularity she once had is gone. Luckily she has her two best friends Lynn and Reagan as a strong support system.
Adrian, an all American boy by all standards decides he wants to make a change for himself despite what enemies he may have. These two have a push and pull dynamic in their relationship was a bit exhausting at times but added to the dynamic of the story.
Definitely a must read if you love coming of age, enemies to friends. Push and Pull, slow burn and the best music Spotify playlist for a book.
Thank you to NetGalley, RupertBossier, and Raye Murphy for allowing me to read this book all thoughts and opinions expressed are my own.
An amazing book filled with all of the nostalgia you could ever ask for. Think of all of your favorite things of the 90s rolled into a book. Cruel intentions with a dash 10 Things I Hate About You plus Clueless sums up this book. This book is a coming of age as teens navigate their lives and realizing everything isn’t black or white.
Pure Pines, Texas an area that is nestled between two big towns. They have a way of doing things here that blurs the line between taking care of their own and looking the other way. July, born and raised into Pure Pines knows what it’s like to feel like an outsider although her friend group makes her popular until it doesn’t. Things take a turn when she is no longer a cheerleader and suddenly the popularity she once had is gone. Luckily she has her two best friends Lynn and Reagan as a strong support system.
Adrian, an all American boy by all standards decides he wants to make a change for himself despite what enemies he may have. These two have a push and pull dynamic in their relationship was a bit exhausting at times but added to the dynamic of the story.
Definitely a must read if you love coming of age, enemies to friends. Push and Pull, slow burn and the best music Spotify playlist for a book.
Thank you to NetGalley, RupertBossier, and Raye Murphy for allowing me to read this book all thoughts and opinions expressed are my own.
July 16, 2024
What are you looking for in a book? If you're looking for erotic sex scenes, you won't get it in So F*cking Special: 1996. But if you are looking for an earthy story about teenagers navigating the politics of small-town high school, you will love this book. It's not just for those who can identify; those who went to high school in the 1990s. I recommend it for all parents because the trials of teenagers today are much the same as they were then. Peer pressure, grades, athletic achievement, extra-curricular activities-- did I mention peer pressure? Yes, it's worth mentioning twice because peer pressure drives teenage angst more than grades or athletic prowess. And they’re dealing with all these pressures while their hormones are suddenly raging. Read this book and appreciate where your kids' heads are. Better understand the pressures they are juggling. I found the story compelling. Would July and Adrian ever get their *&^ crap together? It's a slow burn, for sure. The author does an excellent job of hooking the reader into their mutual but hidden attraction. We experience their chemistry deepening, only to be thwarted by peer pressure and their inner fears of rejection. We experience their attempts at intimacy, their foibles, and, finally, their success. Me, personally? I found So F*cking Special 1996 to be a very special book.
November 1, 2025
The first 33% of this book had me fully convinced the author had lifted it straight from a TV show. I actually paused to Google if it had been adapted already — before remembering I was reading an ARC. That’s how familiar it felt.
From the cheerleader crush calling out at the first game and freezing on the name she really wanted to say, to the older, cooler girl stepping in to tell her who to call instead — it was déjà vu in print. Then the FMC catching the coach creeping the girls’ changing in tbe locker room, and the whole walking-in-on-a-rape-at-a-party scene… at that point I was sure I’d seen this before, (my mind kept circling back to Cruel Summer season one)
Maybe it was meant to pay homage to ‘90s teen tropes, but it leaned a little too hard into imitation. I wanted edgy nostalgia; I got recycled plot points.
The premise was great and the playlist was fire — I actually kept it looping on low while reading, and it definitely set the mood. But overall, this one wasnt really SO F*CKING SPECIAL.. felt more like a rerun than anything new.
Thanks to NetGalley and the publisher for the ARC — I wanted to love it, but it ended up feeling like a rerun.
From the cheerleader crush calling out at the first game and freezing on the name she really wanted to say, to the older, cooler girl stepping in to tell her who to call instead — it was déjà vu in print. Then the FMC catching the coach creeping the girls’ changing in tbe locker room, and the whole walking-in-on-a-rape-at-a-party scene… at that point I was sure I’d seen this before, (my mind kept circling back to Cruel Summer season one)
Maybe it was meant to pay homage to ‘90s teen tropes, but it leaned a little too hard into imitation. I wanted edgy nostalgia; I got recycled plot points.
The premise was great and the playlist was fire — I actually kept it looping on low while reading, and it definitely set the mood. But overall, this one wasnt really SO F*CKING SPECIAL.. felt more like a rerun than anything new.
Thanks to NetGalley and the publisher for the ARC — I wanted to love it, but it ended up feeling like a rerun.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
July 23, 2026
4 ⭐⭐⭐⭐
Thank you Netgalley for the eARC of this book.
Something about this book hit all the nostalgic feels for me.
The first 20% didn't completely sell me. It was heavy on introducing the characters and setting up the story, and at times it felt a little disconnected. I kept hoping it would all come together, and I'm so glad I stuck with it because once the plot really took off, I was hooked.
The emotions in this book got me. All the missed connections, misunderstandings, and miscommunications had my heart aching for these characters.
I did notice a handful of spelling errors throughout the book. That doesn't usually bother me much (half the time I don't even catch them), but I know it's something that stands out to other readers. My bigger issue was how often the FMC's body and weight were brought up. I understand it was part of her glow-up and character journey, but after a while it started to feel a bit repetitive.
Overall, I really enjoyed this one and will absolutely be continuing the series... if for no other reason than I need to know the story behind the damn luggage.
Thank you Netgalley for the eARC of this book.
Something about this book hit all the nostalgic feels for me.
The first 20% didn't completely sell me. It was heavy on introducing the characters and setting up the story, and at times it felt a little disconnected. I kept hoping it would all come together, and I'm so glad I stuck with it because once the plot really took off, I was hooked.
The emotions in this book got me. All the missed connections, misunderstandings, and miscommunications had my heart aching for these characters.
I did notice a handful of spelling errors throughout the book. That doesn't usually bother me much (half the time I don't even catch them), but I know it's something that stands out to other readers. My bigger issue was how often the FMC's body and weight were brought up. I understand it was part of her glow-up and character journey, but after a while it started to feel a bit repetitive.
Overall, I really enjoyed this one and will absolutely be continuing the series... if for no other reason than I need to know the story behind the damn luggage.
August 14, 2025
So Fcking Special: 1996* by Raye Murphy is everything I love in a slow-burn romance, wrapped in pure 90s nostalgia. Set in small-town East Texas, it captures that pre-social-media high school world so vividly I could practically hear locker doors slam and smell the pencil shavings in homeroom.
July Elizabeth Edwards and Adrian Reed’s relationship is a perfect mix of history, rivalry, and tension-filled attraction. Murphy doesn’t rush them—she lets the chemistry simmer, making every shift in their dynamic hit harder. The writing is both atmospheric and raw, and the 90s references (Pearl Jam, The Cranberries, grunge flannel vibes) add a heartbeat to the story.
It’s more than just a romance—it’s about identity, social pressure, and navigating that messy space between adolescence and adulthood. The pacing is deliberate, but it works, letting you live in the moment with these characters. By the time it builds to its emotional payoff, you feel it.
If you love enemies-to-lovers slow burns with real emotional depth, rich setting details, and a dose of 90s grunge, this is the perfect read.
July Elizabeth Edwards and Adrian Reed’s relationship is a perfect mix of history, rivalry, and tension-filled attraction. Murphy doesn’t rush them—she lets the chemistry simmer, making every shift in their dynamic hit harder. The writing is both atmospheric and raw, and the 90s references (Pearl Jam, The Cranberries, grunge flannel vibes) add a heartbeat to the story.
It’s more than just a romance—it’s about identity, social pressure, and navigating that messy space between adolescence and adulthood. The pacing is deliberate, but it works, letting you live in the moment with these characters. By the time it builds to its emotional payoff, you feel it.
If you love enemies-to-lovers slow burns with real emotional depth, rich setting details, and a dose of 90s grunge, this is the perfect read.
December 7, 2025
wow, after that ending, I need book 2 immediately!
Set in the 90s, this story follows a high school friend group and provides a blend of tension, drama and cultural references. The relationship between Adrian and July is captivating. Their dynamic is complex and unsolved in this volume. They begin as kind of enemies that share the same friends, yet the attraction between them is undeniable. Still, drama and certain characters continually pull them apart, leaving me full of anticipation for the moment they finally come together. I also really enjoyed the friendship dynamics woven into the story.
After having finished the book, the start of the story, which is set in the future when July and Adrian are adults, only heightened my curiosity. What events led them to that moment and what awaits them after?
Thank you NetGalley and Raye Murphy for giving me the arc. This review is solely based on my opinion.
tropes:
-angsty and complex relationships
-90s setting
-slow burn
-high school setting
Set in the 90s, this story follows a high school friend group and provides a blend of tension, drama and cultural references. The relationship between Adrian and July is captivating. Their dynamic is complex and unsolved in this volume. They begin as kind of enemies that share the same friends, yet the attraction between them is undeniable. Still, drama and certain characters continually pull them apart, leaving me full of anticipation for the moment they finally come together. I also really enjoyed the friendship dynamics woven into the story.
After having finished the book, the start of the story, which is set in the future when July and Adrian are adults, only heightened my curiosity. What events led them to that moment and what awaits them after?
Thank you NetGalley and Raye Murphy for giving me the arc. This review is solely based on my opinion.
tropes:
-angsty and complex relationships
-90s setting
-slow burn
-high school setting
July 7, 2026
This was a fun trip down memory lane. As someone who was in high school in the late 90’s, the premise of this book piqued my interest right away. The song playlist at the beginning of the book is fantastic and, based on the song titles alone, gave me an idea of where the story was headed.
The story follows July and Adrian and their struggles navigating high school classes, sports drama, and exploring the possibility of their frenemies-style relationship becoming more. I immediately felt the pull back to high school with the dynamics of these two.
It was an easy and enjoyable read and I loved the nostalgia of it all. It does end quite abruptly, and while I’m usually a fan of slow-burn romances, I was a bit disappointed that this book didn’t go deeper into the budding relationship between the main characters. I understand that there are additional books in this series, I’m just not sure this book held enough of a pull for me to get me to continue the series.
Thank you to the author, Rupert Bossier, and NetGalley for the ARC in exchange for my honest review.
The story follows July and Adrian and their struggles navigating high school classes, sports drama, and exploring the possibility of their frenemies-style relationship becoming more. I immediately felt the pull back to high school with the dynamics of these two.
It was an easy and enjoyable read and I loved the nostalgia of it all. It does end quite abruptly, and while I’m usually a fan of slow-burn romances, I was a bit disappointed that this book didn’t go deeper into the budding relationship between the main characters. I understand that there are additional books in this series, I’m just not sure this book held enough of a pull for me to get me to continue the series.
Thank you to the author, Rupert Bossier, and NetGalley for the ARC in exchange for my honest review.
July 31, 2026
I loved the premise of this story. As a 90's kid, I was excited to read a book about life before cell phones, and social media. A time before everything was recorded and uploaded for everyone to see. The 90's were a time where it was dog eat dog. If you bullied someone, you did it to their face, not over the internet. If you had a crush on someone, you gave them side eyes while giggling with your friends, you didn't DM them. The 90's just seem like such a more simple time, and I was excited to dive back into nostalgia.
Unfortunately, this book did not work for me. The story jumps around a lot and it was hard to get my bearings. I had no sense of timeline of events, and didn't know if things were happening at the same time, days apart, or months apart. I also couldn't get a good grasp on the characters themselves. I didn't feel like anyone had their own distinct voice. In the end, the book felt more like the author was telling us their vision for the book, versus painting the picture for us to see it and that disconnect kept me from really connecting with the story.
Unfortunately, this book did not work for me. The story jumps around a lot and it was hard to get my bearings. I had no sense of timeline of events, and didn't know if things were happening at the same time, days apart, or months apart. I also couldn't get a good grasp on the characters themselves. I didn't feel like anyone had their own distinct voice. In the end, the book felt more like the author was telling us their vision for the book, versus painting the picture for us to see it and that disconnect kept me from really connecting with the story.
August 1, 2026
2.5 stars. I received a copy of this book through NetGalley. It wasn't bad. It is a YA romance with a standard will they won't they plot. The issues I had, include the fact it was far too long of a book for high school romance. The story was slow and there was so much time dedicated to continuously revisiting the social dynamics of the small Texas town they all live in which could have been summarized in one sentence, small southern town where last name, skin tone, or athletic achievements define your entire social existence. This is part of a series, so maybe it will progress, but the marketing leaning into a darker romance and really this ended up being a YA high school/ potential future state second chance romance focused on the MCs innocence. Maybe the story will pick up steam going forward, but this didn't deliver the engaging story I would have expected for the length of the story.
August 2, 2026
Nostalgia
In 1996, I was a lot younger than the characters in this book, I turned 9 that year. But this book still brought forth so much nostalgia. The playlist is full of amazing songs.
The story made me feel the aganst of being a teenager all over again. It touched on importtant topics, such as reasons I didn't have a desire to go to parties and always warned my younger female relatives not to accept drinks from anyone or to let their drink out of their sight. It's a reminder of how tough being a teenager and dating is. The feelings of insecurity when you don't meet societies standards.
It's a story of young love, of life feeling like you have the weight of the world on your shoulders, and of finding that one person that makes you feel seen. I started this book for the nostalgia and plan to jump right into the next book because this one just made me feel so much.
In 1996, I was a lot younger than the characters in this book, I turned 9 that year. But this book still brought forth so much nostalgia. The playlist is full of amazing songs.
The story made me feel the aganst of being a teenager all over again. It touched on importtant topics, such as reasons I didn't have a desire to go to parties and always warned my younger female relatives not to accept drinks from anyone or to let their drink out of their sight. It's a reminder of how tough being a teenager and dating is. The feelings of insecurity when you don't meet societies standards.
It's a story of young love, of life feeling like you have the weight of the world on your shoulders, and of finding that one person that makes you feel seen. I started this book for the nostalgia and plan to jump right into the next book because this one just made me feel so much.
July 16, 2026
So F’cking Special 1996 was my first time reading Raye Murphy, and I’m so glad I picked this one for my Camp NetGalley read. I was instantly drawn in by the Keeping 13 comparison, and while this is very much its own story, it had that same feeling of getting completely invested in the characters and their lives.
I absolutely loved the 90s nostalgia woven through the book it really captured the feeling of the era and brought back that small town, coming of age feel. July was such a relatable and likeable FMC, and I loved the chemistry and banter between her and Adrian. Their journey through first love, complicated emotions, and figuring life out made this such an enjoyable read. I’ll definitely be looking out for more from Raye Murphy after this one📚✨
December 21, 2025
I have to start by saying that I hate the miscommunication trope with a passion. Can't stand it, don't want it, chuck it in the bin.
HOWEVER. (!!!!)
It just fit here?
I was a bit confused sometimes as to the why of it all, but honestly I feel like our MCs were too. They were messy, all over the place, teenagers so OFC they will jump to conclusions, overreact and basically.. act their age? I mean, everything in this book was so completely justified by their age and I loved it because I usually feel teenagers in books don't actually act like teenagers. So hooray for them not having to be grown-ups at 16/17.
I also loved the nostalgia of it all. The 90s just hit different man.
HOWEVER. (!!!!)
It just fit here?
I was a bit confused sometimes as to the why of it all, but honestly I feel like our MCs were too. They were messy, all over the place, teenagers so OFC they will jump to conclusions, overreact and basically.. act their age? I mean, everything in this book was so completely justified by their age and I loved it because I usually feel teenagers in books don't actually act like teenagers. So hooray for them not having to be grown-ups at 16/17.
I also loved the nostalgia of it all. The 90s just hit different man.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
June 14, 2026
The nostalgia this book brought was absolutely top-tier! ✨ From the very first chapter, I was completely hooked and could not put it down. July and Adrian’s story is so captivating, and the way their journey unfolds pulls you right into the past while keeping you desperate to know what happens next.
The writing? Pure chef’s kiss. 👌 Every page had me invested, swooning, and turning “just one more chapter” into several more. Fair warning though—you’re definitely going to want the second book ready because that ending leaves you craving more!
This is a book I’ll recommend over and over again, and I cannot wait to see where July and Adrian’s story goes next! ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐
The writing? Pure chef’s kiss. 👌 Every page had me invested, swooning, and turning “just one more chapter” into several more. Fair warning though—you’re definitely going to want the second book ready because that ending leaves you craving more!
This is a book I’ll recommend over and over again, and I cannot wait to see where July and Adrian’s story goes next! ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐
August 9, 2025
Talk about a blast from the past! This was pure 90s nostalgia and I 👏🏼 ATE 👏🏼 IT 👏🏼 UP 👏🏼!!!
This book was like a time machine transporting me right back to my adolescence, argumentatively one of the greatest times to be alive. If you are millennial, especially one from a small town, you are most definitely going to want to read this book! Get your old high school playlists out and allow yourself to be fully immersed into this slow burn love story. I could not get enough of July and Adrian. Bring on book 2!
This book was like a time machine transporting me right back to my adolescence, argumentatively one of the greatest times to be alive. If you are millennial, especially one from a small town, you are most definitely going to want to read this book! Get your old high school playlists out and allow yourself to be fully immersed into this slow burn love story. I could not get enough of July and Adrian. Bring on book 2!
September 24, 2025
Lets start with the fact that I graduated HS in 1996. This book made me cringe and laugh all in one. It was like a flashback to my HS years!
Told in dueling POVs between July and Adrian, we explore the relationships, friendships, frenemies and everything in-between of a small rural town in Texas. This is a great YA angst type drama perfect to remind us exactly why we either loved or hated HS.
I gotta say, I don't think I needed a cliffhanger but am excited to see what the year 1998 brings!
Thank you to Raye Murphy and NetGalley for an ARC in exchange for an honest review.
Told in dueling POVs between July and Adrian, we explore the relationships, friendships, frenemies and everything in-between of a small rural town in Texas. This is a great YA angst type drama perfect to remind us exactly why we either loved or hated HS.
I gotta say, I don't think I needed a cliffhanger but am excited to see what the year 1998 brings!
Thank you to Raye Murphy and NetGalley for an ARC in exchange for an honest review.
October 14, 2025
This is my first Raye Murphy book, and it did not disappoint. Loved that it takes place in the 90's. July and Adrian are well written. It has so much tension and the friendships seem so real I was hooked by their story and cannot wait for book two. This is a YA book that has one of the best slow burns. This does end with a cliff hanger. This is told in both July and Adrians POV which I loved so much. So that means some questions won't be answered until the 2nd and third books. Thank you NetGalley.
November 23, 2025
First off, you give me a high school love story set in the 90’s?! Instant yes from me to read. I loved how we were introduced to July and Adrian with the leg grab and waist hold *swoon* this was a typically miscommunication/no communication trope and I have a love/ hate with it. It makes it feel so much more tragic but it makes more sense because these are teenagers. Scared to be vulnerable and show their cards and that’s something I think everyone can relate to. I’m curious about all the secrets in the town and if more will come out in the next book. Well I’m hooked and can’t wait for more!
Displaying 1 - 30 of 52 reviews