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I Love That Girl
Once called the four-headed monster in high school, only to be decapitated by the disaster of coupling up, four childhood friends have healed their wounds and found their way back to each other in college—or so they thought. Now, months before they enter the "real" world, decapitation once again is imminent by way of: a rejected proposal, a birth control fail, an almost ménage a quartet, and a secret (and-thought-to-be-impossible) hook-up. Everything explodes over the course of a Christmas vacation in Florida, leaving the survival of these four friendships, once again, on the brink.
268 pages, Kindle Edition
Published January 1, 2025
1 person is currently reading
26 people want to read
About the author
Hannah R. Goodman
15 books73 followersPsychotherapist by day and writer by night, Hannah R. Goodman prefers tea over coffee, cats over dogs, and staying in over going out (especially if that means watching reality dating shows!). Her accomplishments include earning extra letters after her name—MFA, MEd, CGS, LMHC. Additionally, she’s been published by several online publications including MindBodyGreen, OC87 Recovery Diaries, Zencare.co, The Mighty, and Scary Mommy. In 2018, Black Rose Writing published her contemporary YA novel Till It Stops Beating, which was praised by reviewers for its realistic and hilarious depiction of first love, first loss, and first mental break down. Her publishing history goes back almost 20 years when she published My Sister’s Wedding, which won first place in the 2004 Writer’s Digest Self Published Books awards Children’s/Teen Division.
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Displaying 1 - 21 of 21 reviews
October 14, 2024
Hannah R. Goodman’s I Love That Girl is a reverie on the complications of young love. Friends
Nori, Ethan, Andy, and Gwen are navigating relationships and life beyond college over winter
break before graduation. Can Nori take a year long yoga retreat in India and still maintain her
relationship with Ethan? Will Andy and Gwen reconcile his bisexuality and make their
relationship public? Simultaneously joyous, sexy, and uncertain, I Love That Girl is the perfect
book for any season of life. Younger readers will see themselves in this lovable foursome while
older readers will reminisce fondly, recalling films like Singles and Reality Bites. Everyone will
cheer on these four adorable characters as they make their way to adulthood.
Nori, Ethan, Andy, and Gwen are navigating relationships and life beyond college over winter
break before graduation. Can Nori take a year long yoga retreat in India and still maintain her
relationship with Ethan? Will Andy and Gwen reconcile his bisexuality and make their
relationship public? Simultaneously joyous, sexy, and uncertain, I Love That Girl is the perfect
book for any season of life. Younger readers will see themselves in this lovable foursome while
older readers will reminisce fondly, recalling films like Singles and Reality Bites. Everyone will
cheer on these four adorable characters as they make their way to adulthood.
December 31, 2024
Thank you Xpresso Book Tours for the arc provided by NetGalley
I love that girl by Hannah R Goodman
Genre: Romance
Publication date: January 1st 2025
This book follows four childhood friends Nori, Ethan, Gwen and Andy.. navigating relationships, the consequences of secrets and the miscommunication between the couples and tropes was messy to say the least but it kept me wanting to find out what will happen at the end of each story.. Despite the characters being flawed and to an extent not likeable, however their development throughout the book made them "grow on me" a little more.. really enjoyed this read
I love that girl by Hannah R Goodman
Genre: Romance
Publication date: January 1st 2025
This book follows four childhood friends Nori, Ethan, Gwen and Andy.. navigating relationships, the consequences of secrets and the miscommunication between the couples and tropes was messy to say the least but it kept me wanting to find out what will happen at the end of each story.. Despite the characters being flawed and to an extent not likeable, however their development throughout the book made them "grow on me" a little more.. really enjoyed this read
October 14, 2024
Hannah Goodman's latest book is a great read that I didn't want to put down. Real life romance with complex situations and characters leaves me wanting to know what happens next for Andy, Gwen, Nori and Ethan. I won't give any spoilers but there are a few twists and turns and several heartwarming moments, as well as some titillating ones. I read this book cover to cover in a weekend and I can't wait to read Hannah's next book!
January 2, 2025
ARC of this book provided by NetGalley and Xpresso Book Tours for review purposes
I Love That Girl by Hannah R. Goodman follows four friends experiencing the consequences of their actions. Throughout the book, we see many ups and downs in the relationships between one another. There's miscommunication, secrets, love, passion, and angst. These four characters all have an abundance of flaws. Traumas and problems that explode in moments of panic and derailment. Goodman has a way of detailing scenery and key actions. They're beautifully worded to portray the feelings of all four characters and to highlight intense points in the plot.
The characters are not meant to be loved. Or praised. Or even admired. I found myself struggling to finish this book because of this. Many tropes popped out throughout the book that were not to my particular taste. Lots of miscommunication and secrets are held between the characters which had me wondering why they remain friends. There's a lot of passion. A lot of lust. Too much that it felt unnatural and excessive. The exact age was not written, however, they're supposed to be around 20-25. These characters are college graduates, but they act more immature. Too many lines were crossed. Many that I felt were unredeemable but then were forgiven and forgotten with a simple apology.
I love to be connected with the books I read and that means a main character I can root for. Not all the time are they perfect, but I can accept and understand their flaws like my own. However, this book had, not only one—but four, main characters with deranged morals that were fixed with a slight slap on the hand. This is not the type of book I particularly enjoy, but if you are into impeccably imperfect characters with a whirlwind of a plot, then this is for you.
I Love That Girl by Hannah R. Goodman follows four friends experiencing the consequences of their actions. Throughout the book, we see many ups and downs in the relationships between one another. There's miscommunication, secrets, love, passion, and angst. These four characters all have an abundance of flaws. Traumas and problems that explode in moments of panic and derailment. Goodman has a way of detailing scenery and key actions. They're beautifully worded to portray the feelings of all four characters and to highlight intense points in the plot.
The characters are not meant to be loved. Or praised. Or even admired. I found myself struggling to finish this book because of this. Many tropes popped out throughout the book that were not to my particular taste. Lots of miscommunication and secrets are held between the characters which had me wondering why they remain friends. There's a lot of passion. A lot of lust. Too much that it felt unnatural and excessive. The exact age was not written, however, they're supposed to be around 20-25. These characters are college graduates, but they act more immature. Too many lines were crossed. Many that I felt were unredeemable but then were forgiven and forgotten with a simple apology.
I love to be connected with the books I read and that means a main character I can root for. Not all the time are they perfect, but I can accept and understand their flaws like my own. However, this book had, not only one—but four, main characters with deranged morals that were fixed with a slight slap on the hand. This is not the type of book I particularly enjoy, but if you are into impeccably imperfect characters with a whirlwind of a plot, then this is for you.
May 19, 2025
64 down, 236 to go.
Genre - Romance
I Love That Girl
A vacation tests the friendship of Nori Mytowsky, Ethan Ledger, Andrew Kirschner and Gwen.
---My Thoughts---
I wanted more of Ethan and Nori but got more of Andy and Gwen. Andy and Gwen had a way of making everything themselves, while Nori and Ethan had to be the patient parents in their friendship.
Gwen got on my nerves. At first, her actions were justifiable. She was scared Andy would hurt her, but she successfully did all the hurting. Testing Andy, being naked and jumping on a half naked Ethan. If a 'friend' did that to my man, I'm forgiving and forgetting about the friendship. The total lack of boundaries in their friendship was off-putting.
I gave up on Gwen when Nori was in a dire situation and called her, yet she was rushing to end the call. Gwen was either self sabotaging, or being the most horrible friend to exist, yet she felt like the odd one. Color me surprised.
Andy deserved someone better, while Ethan and Nori deserved a better set of friends.
Lessons:
1. Love is supporting your partner's growth even when it's uncomfortable.
2. Keeping your true self a secret may be more of not accepting yourself than being rejected.
3. There are two days in every week which you have no control over, yesterday and tomorrow.
4. Do not dwell on the whys of life, but how to improve every situation.
5. Do what scares you, especially when the fear is in your head.
Genre - Romance
I Love That Girl
A vacation tests the friendship of Nori Mytowsky, Ethan Ledger, Andrew Kirschner and Gwen.
---My Thoughts---
I wanted more of Ethan and Nori but got more of Andy and Gwen. Andy and Gwen had a way of making everything themselves, while Nori and Ethan had to be the patient parents in their friendship.
Gwen got on my nerves. At first, her actions were justifiable. She was scared Andy would hurt her, but she successfully did all the hurting. Testing Andy, being naked and jumping on a half naked Ethan. If a 'friend' did that to my man, I'm forgiving and forgetting about the friendship. The total lack of boundaries in their friendship was off-putting.
I gave up on Gwen when Nori was in a dire situation and called her, yet she was rushing to end the call. Gwen was either self sabotaging, or being the most horrible friend to exist, yet she felt like the odd one. Color me surprised.
Andy deserved someone better, while Ethan and Nori deserved a better set of friends.
Lessons:
1. Love is supporting your partner's growth even when it's uncomfortable.
2. Keeping your true self a secret may be more of not accepting yourself than being rejected.
3. There are two days in every week which you have no control over, yesterday and tomorrow.
4. Do not dwell on the whys of life, but how to improve every situation.
5. Do what scares you, especially when the fear is in your head.
December 22, 2024
Hannah R. Goodman’s I Love That Girl is a charming rom-com that masterfully balances humor, heartache, and the complexities of friendship. At its core, the story revolves around a close-knit group of four friends who’ve weathered countless challenges together. However, as their relationships become increasingly tangled, they’re forced to confront not only their shared history but also the potential of their future together.
Goodman’s writing shines in its ability to capture the ups and downs of love and friendship, delivering both laugh-out-loud moments and heartfelt tears. The characters are relatable and multidimensional, each bringing something unique to the group dynamic. What sets this book apart is its fresh take on the genre—its originality is a breath of fresh air, offering readers something they haven’t encountered before.
Overall, I Love That Girl is an entertaining and memorable read, perfect for fans of witty, emotional, and character-driven stories. It’s a delightful escape that leaves readers smiling and reflecting on the bonds that shape us.
Goodman’s writing shines in its ability to capture the ups and downs of love and friendship, delivering both laugh-out-loud moments and heartfelt tears. The characters are relatable and multidimensional, each bringing something unique to the group dynamic. What sets this book apart is its fresh take on the genre—its originality is a breath of fresh air, offering readers something they haven’t encountered before.
Overall, I Love That Girl is an entertaining and memorable read, perfect for fans of witty, emotional, and character-driven stories. It’s a delightful escape that leaves readers smiling and reflecting on the bonds that shape us.
January 11, 2025
Four ride-or-die friends since early high school reunite over Christmas break their senior year of college — but their happy reunion is hijacked by a collision of expectations and angst. Ethan, just returned from a semester in South America with a ring burning a hole in his pocket, is eager to settle down with Nori and start their happily ever after, just as Nori is trying to figure how to break the news that she’s leaving for India to spend a year pursuing her yoga passion. Meanwhile Andy, the well-embraced ‘gay’ friend of the group is struggling first to admit, and then to convince, his overly-supportive friends that he’s really bi and in love with a girl — the fourth member of their group, Gwen, whose heart he broke back in high school when he first discovered his attraction to men.
The stories of these four, told in alternating first person, present tense, brilliantly captures the meandering, messiness of life, love, and sexuality, a fact that may frustrate those who want their storylines neatly packaged with all the loose ends tied up. Goodman doesn’t manipulate her characters into anything that cliché. And yet, beneath the sharp-edged humor that will have you laughing out loud and the poignancy that will have you aching to just make things right for these four flawed people, is an undercurrent that leaves us… and them …hopeful about all those things. These are characters that continue to live in your mind after you’ve closed the book. And yes, I’m still rooting for them.
The stories of these four, told in alternating first person, present tense, brilliantly captures the meandering, messiness of life, love, and sexuality, a fact that may frustrate those who want their storylines neatly packaged with all the loose ends tied up. Goodman doesn’t manipulate her characters into anything that cliché. And yet, beneath the sharp-edged humor that will have you laughing out loud and the poignancy that will have you aching to just make things right for these four flawed people, is an undercurrent that leaves us… and them …hopeful about all those things. These are characters that continue to live in your mind after you’ve closed the book. And yes, I’m still rooting for them.
February 16, 2025
A Witty and Heartfelt Coming-of-Age Story
I Love That Girl is a beautifully written novel that perfectly captures the struggles of love, friendship, and self-discovery. The characters feel real, with Nori’s witty, anxiety-ridden thoughts and Andy’s emotional journey making them especially relatable. The story is funny, heartfelt, and deeply engaging. Hannah R. Goodman delivers a book that’s both entertaining and thought-provoking—perfect for fans of contemporary fiction!
I Love That Girl is a beautifully written novel that perfectly captures the struggles of love, friendship, and self-discovery. The characters feel real, with Nori’s witty, anxiety-ridden thoughts and Andy’s emotional journey making them especially relatable. The story is funny, heartfelt, and deeply engaging. Hannah R. Goodman delivers a book that’s both entertaining and thought-provoking—perfect for fans of contemporary fiction!
February 16, 2025
Engaging, Funny, and Emotionally Powerful
Hannah R. Goodman masterfully weaves romance, humor, and self-exploration in I Love That Girl. Nori, Ethan, Andy, and Gwen navigate love, big decisions, and their futures in a way that feels raw and real. The writing is witty, the dialogue is sharp, and the emotions hit hard. A must-read for anyone who loves stories about growing up and finding yourself!
Hannah R. Goodman masterfully weaves romance, humor, and self-exploration in I Love That Girl. Nori, Ethan, Andy, and Gwen navigate love, big decisions, and their futures in a way that feels raw and real. The writing is witty, the dialogue is sharp, and the emotions hit hard. A must-read for anyone who loves stories about growing up and finding yourself!
January 20, 2025
This was an emotional read and I didn’t want to put it down. If you're a fan of romance novels, this story is perfect for you. From the very first page you are hooked on the ride of these four intricate characters and how they are trying to navigate the next chapter of their lives. You’ll want to savor the moments that reveal the complexities and connections of their intertwined experiences. Be prepared to laugh and cry. A must read!
January 7, 2025
3.75 stars
This was a book that told the challenging, stressful, fun, sad, scary, wonderful, lots of secrets, and life changing moments of 4 people.
Nora, Ethan, Andy, and Gwen have been friends for years. They're all now in college.
Nora and Ethan are dating and have a second chance at it. Ethan just got back from 3 months in Peru, and Nori is about to leave for a year to India to study yoga. Ethan knows what he wants, and Nori is conflicted.
Gwen and Andy have a mixed history of being together. Gwen has been in love with Andy since the beginning, but he broke her heart a long time ago. They remained friends. Andy wasn't sure what he was. He likes men but also women. There was a lot of confusion for him. However, he feels something for Gwen that he doesn't want to give up on.
Winter break in Florida brings these 4 friends back together. Their time there is full of secrets, lies, pretending, sad, and troubled moments but also a lot of spicy moments.
The trip doesn't go as they'd all plan. There's so much that goes on that the reader could get whiplash from it. While the story was gripping, there was just so much all at once that I often times had to flip back a few pages to see that I hadn't missed or misread something or who it was about.
In the end, Nora and Ethan have a life changing moment for them. While I'm happy to see their HEA, I'm left confused as to what happened in between the surprise and their ending. It skipped over all of it. I'm also left going what on earth. Did I not get a few pages or chapter(s) when we saw Gwen and Andy meet again at the literal end of the book.
There was way too much packed in at such a fast rate at the end, that as a reader, you're left unsure of what you just spent all that time reading because you don't have the full story. There are story plot holes and missing parts that the reader didn't get by the end of the book. Two of the characters are also left on a cliffhanger.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
This was a book that told the challenging, stressful, fun, sad, scary, wonderful, lots of secrets, and life changing moments of 4 people.
Nora, Ethan, Andy, and Gwen have been friends for years. They're all now in college.
Nora and Ethan are dating and have a second chance at it. Ethan just got back from 3 months in Peru, and Nori is about to leave for a year to India to study yoga. Ethan knows what he wants, and Nori is conflicted.
Gwen and Andy have a mixed history of being together. Gwen has been in love with Andy since the beginning, but he broke her heart a long time ago. They remained friends. Andy wasn't sure what he was. He likes men but also women. There was a lot of confusion for him. However, he feels something for Gwen that he doesn't want to give up on.
Winter break in Florida brings these 4 friends back together. Their time there is full of secrets, lies, pretending, sad, and troubled moments but also a lot of spicy moments.
The trip doesn't go as they'd all plan. There's so much that goes on that the reader could get whiplash from it. While the story was gripping, there was just so much all at once that I often times had to flip back a few pages to see that I hadn't missed or misread something or who it was about.
In the end, Nora and Ethan have a life changing moment for them. While I'm happy to see their HEA, I'm left confused as to what happened in between the surprise and their ending. It skipped over all of it. I'm also left going what on earth. Did I not get a few pages or chapter(s) when we saw Gwen and Andy meet again at the literal end of the book.
There was way too much packed in at such a fast rate at the end, that as a reader, you're left unsure of what you just spent all that time reading because you don't have the full story. There are story plot holes and missing parts that the reader didn't get by the end of the book. Two of the characters are also left on a cliffhanger.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
January 19, 2025
My first impressions of I LOVE THAT GIRL consisted of mixed reactions. First of all, it is no secret that for many years I have not been a fan of the “f-bomb”—except for certain cleverly-placed implied uses of its expression within my own creative writing concoctions. Taking notice of the reality that this literary staple of sorts surfaces multiple times within the initial paragraphs of the very first chapter caused me to feel distressed and uncomfortable. On the other hand, curiosity persisted with respect to how the story would develop and I thankfully read on. Author Hannah Goodman exhibits a very catching style of writing many scenes with present tense language within her stories. This often succeeds in getting right to the point of the matter, and additionally other Hannah Goodman stories I have read in the past led me to believe that suspense would strengthen and things would become even more explosive. Her ability to be descriptive is second to none. Hannah, I am convinced that your skills in presenting character development will always be superior to my own. Ethan, Nori, Andy, and Gwen lead us through a maze of sexual tension and emotions. There is important emphasis that sometimes very complex situations are highlighted by complications which have little or nothing to do with educational nor professional pursuits. I will not reveal the ending, nor will I comment on how predictable its conclusion might be. I will convey that I am convinced the four-headed monster succeeds in being foremost with respect to expression and feeling. I LOVE THAT GIRL ought to be read for satisfying the curiosity of “What becomes of this foursome?” Thank you Hannah for a very realistic tale.
October 21, 2024
In I Love That Girl, author Hannah R. Goodman takes you on an emotional journey through the perspectives of four childhood friends Nori, Ethan, Gwen, and Andrew whose college lives are coming to an end and adult-like decisions need to be made. Hannah uses a multiple point-of-view narrative where each chapter focuses on the thoughts and actions of one of the characters. I really enjoyed this format because it allowed me to experience the story from different angles, and it gave me the opportunity to truly know each character. The romance, the sex, and the complex feelings of trying to figure out who you are and what comes next makes this book a fantastic read that you won’t want to miss.
February 8, 2025
I don't hate teenage/early twenties romances. As long as the characters aren't annoying. I couldn't connect with the characters in this book. It deals with interesting issues and is very readable. But I just didn't connect with any of them. It probably didn't help that I hated the ending. I don't want to give any spoilers, but I found the way that two characters ended up unsatisfying and I really thought that they would have been better going in a different direction. Even though that was supposed to be the 'happy' ending. I think someone people will love this one, but I just couldn't connect with them.
December 11, 2024
Hannah R. Goodman’s I Love That Girl masterfully weaves the lives of four young adults, Nori, Ethan, Gwen, and Andy, as they navigate the complexities of love, friendship, and self-discovery. From the turbulence of high school relationships to the challenges of early adulthood, the story captures the evolving connections between these friends. Their intertwined journeys are marked by emotional highs and lows, showcasing both the strength and fragility of human bonds.
The narrative unfolds through the perspectives of each character, offering a deeply personal glimpse into their thoughts and emotions. Nori and Ethan’s relationship serves as a focal point as they grapple with balancing their love for one another against the pull of individual aspirations. Meanwhile, Gwen and Ethan explore the possibility of a deeper connection, though unresolved issues from the past loom large, threatening any chance of a future together.
Goodman’s ability to tackle themes of identity and self-awareness shines, particularly as Ethan confronts his sexual identity and what it means for his relationships. Through introspective narration and dialogue, the novel explores these delicate topics with care, immersing readers in the characters’ struggles and growth. However, the reliance on the miscommunication trope, while effective in driving the plot at times, occasionally feels repetitive. Readers may find themselves yearning for decisive moments instead of the recurring uncertainty and questioning that dominate many interactions. The story culminates in a reunion trip that forces each character to make pivotal decisions about their paths forward. The epilogue ties up several threads while introducing new dimensions, leaving some lingering questions unresolved, particularly around Gwen and Ethan’s past relationship, yet offering a sense of closure that many readers will appreciate.
I Love That Girl, by Hannah R. Goodman, delivers a compelling exploration of friendships tested by time, love, and identity. The rich emotional landscape and dramatic dynamics will resonate with fans of contemporary romance, while its deeper reflections on personal growth and connection lend it a thoughtful edge.
The narrative unfolds through the perspectives of each character, offering a deeply personal glimpse into their thoughts and emotions. Nori and Ethan’s relationship serves as a focal point as they grapple with balancing their love for one another against the pull of individual aspirations. Meanwhile, Gwen and Ethan explore the possibility of a deeper connection, though unresolved issues from the past loom large, threatening any chance of a future together.
Goodman’s ability to tackle themes of identity and self-awareness shines, particularly as Ethan confronts his sexual identity and what it means for his relationships. Through introspective narration and dialogue, the novel explores these delicate topics with care, immersing readers in the characters’ struggles and growth. However, the reliance on the miscommunication trope, while effective in driving the plot at times, occasionally feels repetitive. Readers may find themselves yearning for decisive moments instead of the recurring uncertainty and questioning that dominate many interactions. The story culminates in a reunion trip that forces each character to make pivotal decisions about their paths forward. The epilogue ties up several threads while introducing new dimensions, leaving some lingering questions unresolved, particularly around Gwen and Ethan’s past relationship, yet offering a sense of closure that many readers will appreciate.
I Love That Girl, by Hannah R. Goodman, delivers a compelling exploration of friendships tested by time, love, and identity. The rich emotional landscape and dramatic dynamics will resonate with fans of contemporary romance, while its deeper reflections on personal growth and connection lend it a thoughtful edge.
January 9, 2025
This story is told from the perspective of four people — longtime friends who are entering new chapters of their lives. There's romance and lots of heartbreak. There are also countless miscommunications and dilemmas that the characters have to face and hardships they have to overcome.
It was an interesting book, and definitely something I would love to read as a teenager. That being said, I felt all the characters acted very immature for their age, and even though they've portrayed their relationships (platonic or romantic) as something profound and deep, in reality they felt very superficial. Not that it's not realistic for those ties to loosen in adult life, but every so often I questioned just how well they've actually known each other.
Then there's the writing. I think the author took a risk with the decision of how to narrate the story of four individuals, and I'm sure it was a difficult task. I have to say — sometimes it worked and sometimes it didn't.
I honestly wish the author had split the book into two parts—maybe a book for each couple—and gone more in depth into their past and built up their characters.
Overall, it was an interesting read and something I would definitely recommend to young adults.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
It was an interesting book, and definitely something I would love to read as a teenager. That being said, I felt all the characters acted very immature for their age, and even though they've portrayed their relationships (platonic or romantic) as something profound and deep, in reality they felt very superficial. Not that it's not realistic for those ties to loosen in adult life, but every so often I questioned just how well they've actually known each other.
Then there's the writing. I think the author took a risk with the decision of how to narrate the story of four individuals, and I'm sure it was a difficult task. I have to say — sometimes it worked and sometimes it didn't.
I honestly wish the author had split the book into two parts—maybe a book for each couple—and gone more in depth into their past and built up their characters.
Overall, it was an interesting read and something I would definitely recommend to young adults.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
March 3, 2025
These four friends have been through so much but with graduation approaching, can they figure out life and stay friends? Or will life’s trials split them up for good?
I Love That Girl is a new adult novel exploring the changes life brings after college. It’s a huge transition from college to the real world, yet Hannah R. Goodman delivers an emotional, realistic, well-written novel. The emotional narration draws the reader in. The emotions are raw, stark even, but impossible to ignore. The friendship between Nori, Ethan, Andy, and Gwen is at the core of this story. It’s these characters that make I Love That Girl an unforgettable read.
Let’s talk about these characters. Whether you’re young, middle-age, or old, you’ll relate to these characters. Each character is well-written with their own issues and viewpoint. I found their emotions and reactions very realistic. Yes, this is fiction, but Hannah R. Goodman writes characters you’ll identify and connect with.
It's been a very long time since I read a new adult novel that succinctly details the angst of an early 20-something’s life. It’s honest, real, and captivating. Remember Dawson’s Creek? This book reads like Dawson’s Creek: The Next Generation. I loved it and so will you.
My Rating: 5 stars
Reviewed by: Nancy
This review first appeared: https://www.nnlightsbookheaven.com/po...
I Love That Girl is a new adult novel exploring the changes life brings after college. It’s a huge transition from college to the real world, yet Hannah R. Goodman delivers an emotional, realistic, well-written novel. The emotional narration draws the reader in. The emotions are raw, stark even, but impossible to ignore. The friendship between Nori, Ethan, Andy, and Gwen is at the core of this story. It’s these characters that make I Love That Girl an unforgettable read.
Let’s talk about these characters. Whether you’re young, middle-age, or old, you’ll relate to these characters. Each character is well-written with their own issues and viewpoint. I found their emotions and reactions very realistic. Yes, this is fiction, but Hannah R. Goodman writes characters you’ll identify and connect with.
It's been a very long time since I read a new adult novel that succinctly details the angst of an early 20-something’s life. It’s honest, real, and captivating. Remember Dawson’s Creek? This book reads like Dawson’s Creek: The Next Generation. I loved it and so will you.
My Rating: 5 stars
Reviewed by: Nancy
This review first appeared: https://www.nnlightsbookheaven.com/po...
November 6, 2025
I received this book as an ARC from NetGalley.
Four best friends - two guys and two girls - were inseparable in high school. Then, one set couples up, the other, he is unsure if he is gay or not, she is in love with him regardless. Two big fails happen and the four become ones. Now, they are on the cusp of graduating college and get back together for a trip to Florida to renew the friendship. Christmas break will never be the same.
Four best friends - two guys and two girls - were inseparable in high school. Then, one set couples up, the other, he is unsure if he is gay or not, she is in love with him regardless. Two big fails happen and the four become ones. Now, they are on the cusp of graduating college and get back together for a trip to Florida to renew the friendship. Christmas break will never be the same.
January 1, 2026
An all-inclusive look at two couplehoods inside a friendship foursome rife with ghosts of problems past.
As I am a fan of meditation, Nori the yoga-lover caught my heart immediately. Although she uses the practice to stay balanced, she learns it doesn’t always work when life is busy dishing out unexpected dilemmas. Her boyfriend Ethan fully supports her quest for equilibrium, but the two secrets Nori guards drive a silent wedge between them that no Goddess pose in the world could have prepared them for. Their checkered past finally collides with the tangle of present-day problems and future uncertainty, making me flip pages at breakneck speed to figure out what they would do next to cement their loving, committed relationship.
Equally compelling is the book’s second couple, bisexual Andy and ever-insecure Gwen. While their challenges were much different – angsty yet playful Gwen learning how to loosen up and relax when it comes to Andy’s past ambiguity -- the couple has to deal with mounting parental pressure and a future looming large with uncertainty and mistrust.
If you enjoy relationships that sprout in high school and bloom into young adulthood, you’ll love watching Nori, Ethan, Andy, and Gwen fall over and over, maturing into individuals and couples with both awkwardness, grace, and definitely humor.
As I am a fan of meditation, Nori the yoga-lover caught my heart immediately. Although she uses the practice to stay balanced, she learns it doesn’t always work when life is busy dishing out unexpected dilemmas. Her boyfriend Ethan fully supports her quest for equilibrium, but the two secrets Nori guards drive a silent wedge between them that no Goddess pose in the world could have prepared them for. Their checkered past finally collides with the tangle of present-day problems and future uncertainty, making me flip pages at breakneck speed to figure out what they would do next to cement their loving, committed relationship.
Equally compelling is the book’s second couple, bisexual Andy and ever-insecure Gwen. While their challenges were much different – angsty yet playful Gwen learning how to loosen up and relax when it comes to Andy’s past ambiguity -- the couple has to deal with mounting parental pressure and a future looming large with uncertainty and mistrust.
If you enjoy relationships that sprout in high school and bloom into young adulthood, you’ll love watching Nori, Ethan, Andy, and Gwen fall over and over, maturing into individuals and couples with both awkwardness, grace, and definitely humor.
October 3, 2025
This book was amazing. I have never read a book about a male that struggles with his identity and sexuality before and I felt that the author did a great job portraying all the difficulties/confusions that are more likely to come up. I really enjoyed the characters and their personalities, they were all so genuine. I look forward to reading the next one!
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
January 3, 2025
What a fun read! The structure of the book lets us get inside the head of each of the four characters, which is a hard thing to do, especially when the characters are all so different. The author pulls it off very well, making it very clear how each character thinks and acts. I could picture them in my head easily.
I also really enjoyed reading about characters at the end-of-college stage of life, as that was a time of life that was great in my own life. It feels familiar and nostalgic in all the best ways. The racy/sexy scenes are written in a way that's enjoyably fun and relatable but not too gratuitously graphic.
Overall I definitely recommend this book for anyone looking for a book that has a little bit of everything - happy moments, sad moments, sexy moments, and make-you-think moments.
I also really enjoyed reading about characters at the end-of-college stage of life, as that was a time of life that was great in my own life. It feels familiar and nostalgic in all the best ways. The racy/sexy scenes are written in a way that's enjoyably fun and relatable but not too gratuitously graphic.
Overall I definitely recommend this book for anyone looking for a book that has a little bit of everything - happy moments, sad moments, sexy moments, and make-you-think moments.
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