Ask Me Anything

by Bethany Rutter

A gorgeously sassy campus-set romcom, where problem pages and parties turn enemies to lovers

As Mary-Elizabeth starts her second year at university in London, she has set her sights on Felix Balfour, the charming, very sexy and outwardly feminist editor of the university magazine. This is where she writes Ask M-E Anything - a column full of perky, optimistic advice for the lovelorn. As for her own love-life, she only wants a little no-strings fling with Felix, and of course she'll be able to pull that off. Fun times ahead!

Meanwhile, annoying grump Laurie from the uni newspaper (the university's more highbrow and serious publication) just seems to be a thorn in her side. After mocking her at a Quad Media mixer party, he seems to be continuing to mock her from the newspaper's own problem page - an idea they've stolen from the magazine and made much less fun. Mary-Elizabeth is sure the newspaper's brutal responses to the same problems she's tackling could only be penned by Laurie.

Mary-Elizabeth is certainly prejudiced against proud-seeming Laurie. But when Mary-Elizabeth loses her way, and the fun times with Felix start to sour, Laurie is always there to pick her up, and not asking for anything in return ... But surely Laurie isn't the answer to her problems?

Genres: Romance, Contemporary, Young Adult, Contemporary Romance

Unknown Binding

About the author

Hi! I’m Bethany Rutter. In my day job I am social editor at navabi, a women’s plus size fashion brand. On the side, I am a writer, editor and podcaster, and I still occasionally update my plus size fashion blog.

Reviews

[Emma Ashley · Rating 4 out of 5]

❤️ Blurb -
A gorgeously sassy campus-set romcom, where problem pages and parties turn enemies to lovers
As Mary-Elizabeth starts her second year at university in London, she has set her sights on Felix Balfour, the charming, very sexy and outwardly feminist editor of the university magazine. This is where she writes Ask M-E Anything - a column full of perky, optimistic advice for the lovelorn. As for her own love-life, she only wants a little no-strings fling with Felix, and of course she'll be able to pull that off. Fun times ahead!
Meanwhile, annoying grump Laurie from the uni newspaper (the university's more highbrow and serious publication) just seems to be a thorn in her side. After mocking her at a Quad Media mixer party, he seems to be continuing to mock her from the newspaper's own problem page - an idea they've stolen from the magazine and made much less fun. Mary-Elizabeth is sure the newspaper's brutal responses to the same problems she's tackling could only be penned by Laurie.
Mary-Elizabeth is certainly prejudiced against proud-seeming Laurie. But when Mary-Elizabeth loses her way, and the fun times with Felix start to sour, Laurie is always there to pick her up, and not asking for anything in return ... But surely Laurie isn't the answer to her problems?
💜 Review -
I have enjoyed other books by the author and Ask Me Anything certainly didn't disappoint. This was such a cute and fun read. I couldn't put it down and read it in one sitting. The story was easy to follow and cute and had a great cast of characters. Plus the pacing was just right. I highly recommend it and I look forward to reading more by the author.
💓 Thank you to Netgalley, the author, Bethany Rutter and Hot Key Books for my arc ebook copy of the book in exchange for an honest review.

[Szilvi · Rating 4 out of 5]

I liked that the characters in this book weren’t insanely witty or extraordinarily attractive - they were just normal humans, a bit chubby perhaps, a bit awkward, but still living life, trying all sorts of things, and forging connections with other flawed humans in the process.
All the usual romantic books are like “he was the most handsome guy I ever laid my eyes on” or “she was the most beautiful woman I had ever met”, which I’m just not buying. In real life sure, you’re attracted to your partner, but part of that attraction comes from knowing them and them being your person, not because they hit some sort of jackpot when it came to their objective looks.
There was no manufactured, over the top unrealistic drama either that only served to draw out the inevitable.
I also liked the setting - both London/the UK in general and university in particular.

The only thing I wish there was more of was kissing / sex at the end. I feel like the author was very clear about what bad sex is like, but didn’t provide a counter example of what it could be like with a partner you trust and who actually cares about you.
Then again, this wasn’t primarily a love story but a coming-of-age story for the heroine, and I think she had some nice character development without becoming someone entirely different altogether.
I was also a bit confused why M-E had beef with Laurie in the beginning, I didn’t think their interaction warranted her strong dislike of him.

Overall it was a “slower” read and less elegantly written than some other books, but I think the message fit the packaging really well on this one and it was a breath of fresh air in the genre. It was a cute story, and I liked the Ask M-E Anything column format.

Oh, and I loved the music references!

[Jack · Rating 3 out of 5]

Described as a romcom, this story offers its fair share of light, humorous moments, but also explores heavier themes. Initially, I was unsure about the main character Mary Elizabeth and didn’t know how to feel about her. However, as the story unfolds over the course of a college year, her character development becomes one of the book’s strongest elements. She faces a series of challenges, and through each of them, gradually gains maturity and perspective. The character growth feels both believable and satisfying as throughout the story she never loses her innate optimism and vibrant personality.

[rosaceae · Rating 3 out of 5]

I enjoyed this book, I liked the writing and got pretty invested in the characters. Initially while I loved the setting I found the start a bit slow. It definitely got better as it went on. I think my main issue with the book is that a lot is going on and there are a lot of characters so it can be a little confusing at times. Overall I had a good time reading it and would recommend for someone who wants a fun read in a cozy London university setting, that also deals with some heavy themes whilst maintaining the light hearted nature.

Also I love Fantasy and Genius of Love plus I'm an insant coffee lover so you know what I'll make it 3.5 stars.

[Reader · Rating 3 out of 5]

Like the story arc . Not sure I like the writing style . But it maybe just the voice of the sparky lead .. I liked her but found it hard to read a whole book in that tone .
Will read another to see if she writes in a diff voice

[Jennifer Jane · Rating 5 out of 5]

A must read. This is an empowering book that deals with gender identity, body image, infidelity, drink spiking and sexual assault.
In the first few chapters I found the main character and book silly and frivolous. Keep reading. This is an amazing book.

[Katy Gilroy · Rating 4 out of 5]

Absolutely lovely stuff as always! Beautifully written and explores some brilliant themes - the uni setting is perfect and the storytelling is a lot of fun :)))

[Kathryn · Rating 5 out of 5]

Light hearted but with a big heart and a bit of a bite,

What a treat this is. Reminds me a little of Holly Bourne (all the places I’ve cried), but more sparkle, and definitely more joy

[prathaaaaaaaa]

this main character would absolutely adore just dance i can feel it in my bones

[Faye · Rating 3 out of 5]

2.5

[I Baron]

Not enough tension for me. Some very modern and difficult topics presented in the muddled, confusing way that they can be irl - genuinely great writing.

[Dawn Thoma · Rating 3 out of 5]

This book is an easy and engaging read with an interesting concept, but it doesn’t fully deliver on its potential. While the story keeps your attention, some parts feel a bit underdeveloped

[Louise · Rating 1 out of 5]

Tried to read this but it is a bit too modern high school for me , did not finish

[Bruna Lino · Rating 3 out of 5]

It was a very cute book

[Meg Doyle · Rating 2.25 out of 5]

Ok. I listened to this as an audiobook, on in the background whilst I was working.

[Kirsty · Rating 3 out of 5]

I enjoyed it. Felt older than previous books