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Becca McKenzie #1
Four Doors Down
Becca McKenzie is just trying to make it through her senior year of high school.She has good friends and a gorgeous boyfriend but Ryan Jackson, the bane of her existence, keeps popping up everywhere.She doesn't care that they were best friends for years. She doesn't care that their moms are close and therefore she hears more about him that she'd ever care to know. She doesn't care that their mutual friend, Jake, keeps pushing them all to hang out together, and she especially doesn't care that the rest of the school bows down and worships him.Becca decided years ago that he wasn't worth her time and nothing, NOTHING, is going to change her mind.
303 pages, Kindle Edition
First published July 5, 2016
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July 12, 2016
When I first started this book, I was thrilled; tickled pink even. Between the premise of friends who turned away from each other, enemies to lovers, and high school angst, this is right up my alley. The first 10% or so, I was smiling like an idiot because this book reminded me of Bully by Penelope Douglas, but in a much more realistic way. These incidents could and do actually happen in high schools these days. People do at times act like this towards each other and have these feelings, where as in Bully, as entertaining as it was, it wasn't always realistic. This is part of what allows the reader to connect with the story so easily, simply because Emma writes a topic that so many have witnessed.
Ryan was a freaking saint for putting up with this heroine, it was a little painful to watch Becca's reactions to him time and time again. Other than a few small moments, he was amazing. A nice guy, friendly, dreamy, star quarterback, and he was constantly trying to get Becca's attention. Every single person in this book knew how he felt, EXCEPT Becca. Because she's clueless. If you have a guy like this chasing after you, trust me lady, you need to pay attention!
Becca. Oh Becca. She started out so strong in my eyes, such a badass little heroine with a take no prisoners kind of attitude. I felt sorry for her, but was mentally giving her a high five for holding her ground and standing up for herself, but then it started to fall apart. She became not only annoying, but for lack of a better term, an idiot. She was quite happy in her own little world, completely oblivious to EVERYTHING that was going on around her. But wait, there's more. She's a know it all, and more stubborn than a mule, so of course in her eyes she's right about everything. It doesn't matter what she sees, it doesn't matter what her friends say, she made her mind up when she was twelve, so therefore, it can't change. This was so aggravating, but I have to be honest, it was kind of entertaining. Her character was like a car accident - it's bad but you can't help but to watch, you have to see how it plays out.
I'm glad my high school wasn't like this in relation to the gossip and the cruel popular girls. Is this actually a thing in America? I'd like to think that Canadians are generally pretty nice, but even the popular girls in school were nice enough to everyone. I can't think of any big scuffs that happened, major rumours that had been spread, or any of the other drama that happens in Four Doors Down. Thank goodness for that.
I loved the premise, but the execution may have faltered a bit. Becca had the same issue over and over again and no matter what happened, she wouldn't let go of it. Her stubbornness is truly the only reason there's a book. If she would have just opened her eyes, listened to her friends or talked to the poor hero, this all could've been resolved early on. It was annoying and could be irritating. I kept thinking that this clueless girl needs to get a grip.
Four Doors Down holds a nice twist that helps to really solidify and shape the story. Is it predictable? Sure, but it's well written, and then Emma expands on a familiar twist and makes it her own. It was entertaining for sure, and this is really where the story started to pick up for me again. Ultimately, I just wish it had happened earlier on.
If you don't like books where the characters don't get together until the very last chapter or two, this may not be the book for you. I was hoping through every page, every chapter, that Becca and Ryan might get together.
'Maybe this is finally the one!' No.
'Oh I can feel it! Something's going to happen right now!' Nada.
I apparently suck at guessing. There's a few other infuriating characters in this story, so trust me when I say, you're routing for these two a lot.
The last few chapters I really liked. I think they were executed in such a way to answer any questions and wrap up all the loose ends. Plus, we find out that there will be a sequel called Four Years Later (hopefully Becca will be a little more mature here!) so I'll definitely be looking forward to that one.
It bothers me to have to point it out, but the epilogue wasn't actually an epilogue, it just gave a little info about what was happening in Ryan's head earlier on in the book. However! I enjoyed the perspective that it gives and helps to fill in any remaining blanks that you had about his character or motives.
There's something to be said about a book that's formatted well. Not only does it make everything easier to read, but it's so pleasing to my little neurotic brain. Plus, the colours are super cute, nicely done!
I spent a few days waffling about whether to rate is at 3.5 or 4 stars, and ultimately it could tip either way on any given day. I loved Ryan, enjoyed the premise and twists, but wasn't a huge fan of the heroine and her stubbornness which took up a large chunk of the book. Today I'll pick 3.5, but it could easily be a 4. I'll be on the look out for the next story about these two and maybe that'll help clear it all up for me.
Four Doors Down is not only well paced, but it reads quite fast, I did it in one evening after work. On top of reading fast, this is freaking addictive! I don't know what Emma did, but I was running through these pages faster than a kid at a carnival. It doesn't matter that I found Becca insufferable at times. It doesn't matter that she may be one of the most dense heroines I have ever read. Emma has a talent in creating real life characters that the reader can connect with. She makes you WANT to keep reading, she makes you NEED to keep reading.
*An ARC was received in exchange for an honest review.
JOIN THE SISTERHOOD! FIND US ON: FACEBOOK / INSTAGRAM / TWITTER / WEBSITE
Ryan was a freaking saint for putting up with this heroine, it was a little painful to watch Becca's reactions to him time and time again. Other than a few small moments, he was amazing. A nice guy, friendly, dreamy, star quarterback, and he was constantly trying to get Becca's attention. Every single person in this book knew how he felt, EXCEPT Becca. Because she's clueless. If you have a guy like this chasing after you, trust me lady, you need to pay attention!
“Well, remember your old neighbor when you’re an NFL superstar.”
His eyes find mine and his gaze is so intense I daren’t look away. “You really think that’s all you are to me? My neighbor?” My mouth opens, but no words come out. He turns to look back out to the ocean. “I’m not likely to ever forget you, Becca.”
Becca. Oh Becca. She started out so strong in my eyes, such a badass little heroine with a take no prisoners kind of attitude. I felt sorry for her, but was mentally giving her a high five for holding her ground and standing up for herself, but then it started to fall apart. She became not only annoying, but for lack of a better term, an idiot. She was quite happy in her own little world, completely oblivious to EVERYTHING that was going on around her. But wait, there's more. She's a know it all, and more stubborn than a mule, so of course in her eyes she's right about everything. It doesn't matter what she sees, it doesn't matter what her friends say, she made her mind up when she was twelve, so therefore, it can't change. This was so aggravating, but I have to be honest, it was kind of entertaining. Her character was like a car accident - it's bad but you can't help but to watch, you have to see how it plays out.
I'm glad my high school wasn't like this in relation to the gossip and the cruel popular girls. Is this actually a thing in America? I'd like to think that Canadians are generally pretty nice, but even the popular girls in school were nice enough to everyone. I can't think of any big scuffs that happened, major rumours that had been spread, or any of the other drama that happens in Four Doors Down. Thank goodness for that.
I loved the premise, but the execution may have faltered a bit. Becca had the same issue over and over again and no matter what happened, she wouldn't let go of it. Her stubbornness is truly the only reason there's a book. If she would have just opened her eyes, listened to her friends or talked to the poor hero, this all could've been resolved early on. It was annoying and could be irritating. I kept thinking that this clueless girl needs to get a grip.
Four Doors Down holds a nice twist that helps to really solidify and shape the story. Is it predictable? Sure, but it's well written, and then Emma expands on a familiar twist and makes it her own. It was entertaining for sure, and this is really where the story started to pick up for me again. Ultimately, I just wish it had happened earlier on.
If you don't like books where the characters don't get together until the very last chapter or two, this may not be the book for you. I was hoping through every page, every chapter, that Becca and Ryan might get together.
'Maybe this is finally the one!' No.
'Oh I can feel it! Something's going to happen right now!' Nada.
I apparently suck at guessing. There's a few other infuriating characters in this story, so trust me when I say, you're routing for these two a lot.
The last few chapters I really liked. I think they were executed in such a way to answer any questions and wrap up all the loose ends. Plus, we find out that there will be a sequel called Four Years Later (hopefully Becca will be a little more mature here!) so I'll definitely be looking forward to that one.
It bothers me to have to point it out, but the epilogue wasn't actually an epilogue, it just gave a little info about what was happening in Ryan's head earlier on in the book. However! I enjoyed the perspective that it gives and helps to fill in any remaining blanks that you had about his character or motives.
There's something to be said about a book that's formatted well. Not only does it make everything easier to read, but it's so pleasing to my little neurotic brain. Plus, the colours are super cute, nicely done!
I spent a few days waffling about whether to rate is at 3.5 or 4 stars, and ultimately it could tip either way on any given day. I loved Ryan, enjoyed the premise and twists, but wasn't a huge fan of the heroine and her stubbornness which took up a large chunk of the book. Today I'll pick 3.5, but it could easily be a 4. I'll be on the look out for the next story about these two and maybe that'll help clear it all up for me.
Four Doors Down is not only well paced, but it reads quite fast, I did it in one evening after work. On top of reading fast, this is freaking addictive! I don't know what Emma did, but I was running through these pages faster than a kid at a carnival. It doesn't matter that I found Becca insufferable at times. It doesn't matter that she may be one of the most dense heroines I have ever read. Emma has a talent in creating real life characters that the reader can connect with. She makes you WANT to keep reading, she makes you NEED to keep reading.
*An ARC was received in exchange for an honest review.
JOIN THE SISTERHOOD! FIND US ON: FACEBOOK / INSTAGRAM / TWITTER / WEBSITE
August 4, 2016
So these gifs sum up my thoughts on this book pretty nicely:
Summary: Ryan and Becca have been friends since they were babies. Ryan loves Becca but {for reasons that are not mentioned until the end and are completely dumb tbh] doesn't want her to know . He realizes he likes her when they reach the end of middle school/beginning of High School but instead of acting on his feelings, he turns away from her. She is hurt by this and proceeds to hold a 4 year grudge against him. Becca ends up falling for Charlie. Charlie is an asshat. Everyone knows this. The reader knows this but we are tortured into reading about Becca going around with little hearts in her eyes for 80% of this book and Ryan watching from afar, pining after her.
All I wanted to ask throughout this book was WHY. Why was Ryan so in love with Becca? Why did Becca love Charlie? Why did no one tell Becca that Ryan had feelings for her?? It was so obvious-he certainly wasn't hiding it! And HOW did Becca not know that Ryan liked her throughout all of
this???
First off: Becca is awful. She had her head so far up her own ass, she couldn't be bothered with the outside world. It may have just been because she was a ~teenager~ or whatever but I certainly don't remember acting so self absorbed at her age! Examples:
There are more reasons I really hated BECCA but it's exhausting me right now to relive her general clueless/problematic ass. I really have no idea what Ryan saw in her. She was very unlikable.
The writing of this book was okay...however, I would have split the POV between chapters because I needed a break from BECCA and I did not like how the Epilogue was basically the entire book, summarized, in Ryan's POV. This wasn't really a very successful friends to lovers story for me, since we don't get any of how they were friends in the first place (maybe explaining what exactly Ryan sees in BECCA). It just goes straight to her hating him and thinking he hates her too.
Summary: Ryan and Becca have been friends since they were babies. Ryan loves Becca but {for reasons that are not mentioned until the end and are completely dumb tbh] doesn't want her to know . He realizes he likes her when they reach the end of middle school/beginning of High School but instead of acting on his feelings, he turns away from her. She is hurt by this and proceeds to hold a 4 year grudge against him. Becca ends up falling for Charlie. Charlie is an asshat. Everyone knows this. The reader knows this but we are tortured into reading about Becca going around with little hearts in her eyes for 80% of this book and Ryan watching from afar, pining after her.
All I wanted to ask throughout this book was WHY. Why was Ryan so in love with Becca? Why did Becca love Charlie? Why did no one tell Becca that Ryan had feelings for her?? It was so obvious-he certainly wasn't hiding it! And HOW did Becca not know that Ryan liked her throughout all of
this???
First off: Becca is awful. She had her head so far up her own ass, she couldn't be bothered with the outside world. It may have just been because she was a ~teenager~ or whatever but I certainly don't remember acting so self absorbed at her age! Examples:
-She would ignore Ryan for most of the book. He really did try and be nice to her. So yes, in the beginning I was #teambecca for what he did to her in freshman year BUT my god, child...GET OVER IT. He really seemed like he felt sorry about how he treated her and was making an effort to make nice with her and every time she would put up walls and yell at him (most of the time uncalled for).
-She was delusional! After she treated him like crap but he kept pushing his way into her everyday life, he would do something minor (mostly a misunderstanding on her part) and she would completely pull back and wine how they were getting to be 'friends' and then he would do something stupid to spoil it, yet, SHE was the one who didn't bother to ask him about anything said or done. She would assume that he had it out for her. Every. single. time. Not everything is about you BECCA. Gosh. She definitely had the 'poor little me' routine covered!
-The amount of times Becca (man)slut-shammed Ryan was ridiculous. Every other chapter she would mention the fact that he had been with a lot of girls and then roll her eyes and act like she couldn't care less. Well, BECCA if we were to poll how many times you have mentioned this, I think we would all agree that you do freaking care. So DO something about it or MOVE ON.
-She would hate having to watch her little cousin and complain about it BUT when her boyfriend Charlie didn't want to watch/hang out with her while she had to do this, she would get angry at him. So yeah, douche move on both of them. And of course Ryan was over in his corner, making friends with her little cousin and generally being adorable about it. Another clueless point for Becca.
-She was so angry with Ryan that she would not even go to her own friend's BIRTHDAY party because he would be there. Girl. I just can't with you.
-I felt REALLY bad for Ryan when she didn't go to his game and she was ~surprise!~ clueless that he obviously wanted her there
There are more reasons I really hated BECCA but it's exhausting me right now to relive her general clueless/problematic ass. I really have no idea what Ryan saw in her. She was very unlikable.
The writing of this book was okay...however, I would have split the POV between chapters because I needed a break from BECCA and I did not like how the Epilogue was basically the entire book, summarized, in Ryan's POV. This wasn't really a very successful friends to lovers story for me, since we don't get any of how they were friends in the first place (maybe explaining what exactly Ryan sees in BECCA). It just goes straight to her hating him and thinking he hates her too.
October 3, 2016
5 Best friends-turned-Enemies to Lovers' Stars
"You’re infuriating. And exasperating and moody. And shitty and stubborn. And kind. And funny. And clever and talented. And beautiful.” He pauses. “You’re so freaking beautiful, Becca.”
What's it about? Two neighbours, who grew up as best friends, become enemies throughout highschool; even though the guy is desperately in love with her.
The best bits: I'm on a bit of a YA bend at the moment. I just love the focus on the character's voice that is so inherent in YA novels. And I love that while they are relatively fast paced there is usually a fantastic build up of emotions in intimate scenes. I love that there is sex but that it's not ridiculously graphic, nor is every orgasm more mind-blowing than the last. And when all of that is wrapped up in a glorious hate-to-love romance, you get Four Doors Down . And I loved it!!!
I love enemies to lovers stories and this one was real and gritty and best of all, it had flawed characters. (I hate perfection, and it was refreshing to read about a heroine who was definitely not perfect, virginal or meek). I love that Doherty didn't mind writing a heroine who was sometimes selfish and self-absorbed just as much as she was kind and loyal.
What made Ryan so interesting was his habit of saying the worst thing at the worst possible time... it so reminded me of a guy I knew in high school, and maybe that's why it made him even more real to me.
I loved the chemistry between the characters, especially when they wanted to tear eachother's eyes out. My stomach was in knots during the dodgeball game and every cafeteria confrontation.
The worst bits: The heroine's extended cluelessness about Ryan's feelings for her was a little ridiculous in the end. Three quarters of the way through, it was so obvious that he was in love with her, and yet she still believed it was all a set up. Understandably, she had trust issues and judging by past experience there was no way she thought he could be sincere... but c'mon! There's stubborn and then there's... totally blind.
This book would also benefit from another proof read. Endless spelling errors kept pulling me out of what was an awesome story.
Recommended for: Fans of enemies-to-lovers young adult fiction who don't mind flawed characters or waiting until final chapter for the HEA.
"You’re infuriating. And exasperating and moody. And shitty and stubborn. And kind. And funny. And clever and talented. And beautiful.” He pauses. “You’re so freaking beautiful, Becca.”
What's it about? Two neighbours, who grew up as best friends, become enemies throughout highschool; even though the guy is desperately in love with her.
The best bits: I'm on a bit of a YA bend at the moment. I just love the focus on the character's voice that is so inherent in YA novels. And I love that while they are relatively fast paced there is usually a fantastic build up of emotions in intimate scenes. I love that there is sex but that it's not ridiculously graphic, nor is every orgasm more mind-blowing than the last. And when all of that is wrapped up in a glorious hate-to-love romance, you get Four Doors Down . And I loved it!!!
I love enemies to lovers stories and this one was real and gritty and best of all, it had flawed characters. (I hate perfection, and it was refreshing to read about a heroine who was definitely not perfect, virginal or meek). I love that Doherty didn't mind writing a heroine who was sometimes selfish and self-absorbed just as much as she was kind and loyal.
What made Ryan so interesting was his habit of saying the worst thing at the worst possible time... it so reminded me of a guy I knew in high school, and maybe that's why it made him even more real to me.
I loved the chemistry between the characters, especially when they wanted to tear eachother's eyes out. My stomach was in knots during the dodgeball game and every cafeteria confrontation.
The worst bits: The heroine's extended cluelessness about Ryan's feelings for her was a little ridiculous in the end. Three quarters of the way through, it was so obvious that he was in love with her, and yet she still believed it was all a set up. Understandably, she had trust issues and judging by past experience there was no way she thought he could be sincere... but c'mon! There's stubborn and then there's... totally blind.
This book would also benefit from another proof read. Endless spelling errors kept pulling me out of what was an awesome story.
Recommended for: Fans of enemies-to-lovers young adult fiction who don't mind flawed characters or waiting until final chapter for the HEA.
Read
January 27, 2023Just binge read this last night. Aw, I want more now! Talk about a build up of romantic tension :D
August 8, 2022
So, obviously I'm biased but I'm giving myself 5 stars!
I really enjoyed writing this book and I appreciate everyone that has bought it and taken the time to review it, good or bad. Everyone's entitled to their opinion and I respect them all.
I've posted a couple of bonus scenes which didn't make it into the book onto my Facebook page and will update on there with any news about Four Years Later.
Here's the link: https://www.facebook.com/EmmaDohertyA...
Enjoy!
I really enjoyed writing this book and I appreciate everyone that has bought it and taken the time to review it, good or bad. Everyone's entitled to their opinion and I respect them all.
I've posted a couple of bonus scenes which didn't make it into the book onto my Facebook page and will update on there with any news about Four Years Later.
Here's the link: https://www.facebook.com/EmmaDohertyA...
Enjoy!
March 27, 2017
Two stars because Ryan was AMAZING. Like, breathtakingly amazing. Fucking Becca and Charlie get minus a million stars. I'm so angry. I'm the angriest angry person in the history of angry. This would have been amazing if fucking Becca (yes that's her official name now fight me)
Ryan was one of the best book boyfriends I've ever read and this had the potential to be perfect but
Ryan was one of the best book boyfriends I've ever read and this had the potential to be perfect but
June 26, 2018
Becca has lived her entire life next Ryan. Their moms are best friends and they used to be inseparable.
Then Ryan started haning out with the jocks and started making fun of Becca.
Heartbroken Becca decided that she's better off without him anyway and that's when she starts to hate him and he starts to be the bane of her existence.
He's there, at her locker making fun of her. He is there in class making a foul out of her and he's there when she talks to one of her best friends that is also his best friends.
So Becca is sure she will hate him forever and doesn't care what others say about Ryan.
But after his grandmother died and Becca is the one to comfort him, they start to get closer again no matter how hard she tries to avoid him.
This was such a cute and easy read.
To be honest I'm surprised this isn't more popular than some other contemporaries
I loved the love to hate relationship between them and the fact that they're used to be best friends is also a big positive.
Among the other contemporary YA that I've read this year, this was one of the better ones and one that I'm thinking the most about.
It was well written and the characters were likable even tho Becca could be really frustrating at times and Ryan had his problems too.
The plot was cute and entertaining and I kept routing for them and everytime Becca was with her a**hole boyfriend I wanted to scream at her.
May 9, 2017
Omgggggg the angst is REAL. Holy geez.
August 4, 2016
I was all set to like this book but then it crossed a line that shouldn't be crossed. The female MC Becca McKenzie has been treated like crap by her former neighbor and best friend Ryan since the start of school when they were twelve. He's embarrassed and humiliated her at every opportunity to the point that she avoids him completely.
Now they're seniors and he's still doing it. He even announces to the school that she's been screwing her boyfriend when he had a longtime girlfriend (which she didn't know). So, now that he's totally trashed her reputation, humiliated her, and made her feel like crap. He tells her he loves her and she falls all over herself with the realization that "he loves her and she loves him, too." *cue hearts and flowers and butterflies*
News flash: People who love someone don't trash talk them and smear their reputation.
The epilogue is dedicated to Ryan putting his spin on it. He loves her so that totally justifies all his trash talk. He got the girl. Then one of his pals notices that the air is filled with hearts and butterflies and promptly asks Ryan "You nailed McKenzie, didn't you?" Of course, he just smirks.
Yeah, every girl wants the school to know who she's banging. Not.
A missed opportunity to inform females of any age that they don't have to take sh!t from anyone and abuse in any form is not love and not acceptable.
Now they're seniors and he's still doing it. He even announces to the school that she's been screwing her boyfriend when he had a longtime girlfriend (which she didn't know). So, now that he's totally trashed her reputation, humiliated her, and made her feel like crap. He tells her he loves her and she falls all over herself with the realization that "he loves her and she loves him, too." *cue hearts and flowers and butterflies*
News flash: People who love someone don't trash talk them and smear their reputation.
The epilogue is dedicated to Ryan putting his spin on it. He loves her so that totally justifies all his trash talk. He got the girl. Then one of his pals notices that the air is filled with hearts and butterflies and promptly asks Ryan "You nailed McKenzie, didn't you?" Of course, he just smirks.
Yeah, every girl wants the school to know who she's banging. Not.
A missed opportunity to inform females of any age that they don't have to take sh!t from anyone and abuse in any form is not love and not acceptable.
February 10, 2018
I am so confused right now. It's funny when you finish reading the book and you are so confused you don't know how to rate it. In matter of fact, it's not funny.
Heroine was soooo clueless that she was bordering to plain stupid. At the beginning I was on her side, but later she just annoyed hell out of me. The most interesting part is, I couldn't stopped reading this book. Usually I would DNF it, but this story was well written and intriguing even there was high school drama all the time.
So I will go with 3 stars: just because heroine gets 1 star, everyhing else is somewhere above 3 star.
Heroine was soooo clueless that she was bordering to plain stupid. At the beginning I was on her side, but later she just annoyed hell out of me. The most interesting part is, I couldn't stopped reading this book. Usually I would DNF it, but this story was well written and intriguing even there was high school drama all the time.
So I will go with 3 stars: just because heroine gets 1 star, everyhing else is somewhere above 3 star.
March 13, 2017
It was written fine but the problem I had was the main h "Becca" being as thick as arse-holes!!! Seriously no-one is that stupid, her boyfriend was an arse and only interested in fucking her and she didn't realise she was just a booty call to him, please I was never that stupid at 17/18!
November 15, 2016
Ryan was an asshole don't care... (read: chapter 10)
Book I'm telling you to... F@#% U
Book I'm telling you to... F@#% U
September 16, 2022
Not liked it cheating Boyfriend she only miss an advertising in front of her home many clues to guess this and super slow plot I’m all in for slow burn but this is not
September 27, 2022
I originally gave this 2 stars but thinking about it, 1 star is even too much.
This book contains every single negative aspect, every horrible trope, every examples of how a relation should NOT be, that you can usually find in bad romance books.
I hated everything.
But let's go in order.
Becca
The main character. I hated her.
She is strong and harsh and badass at times, but Ryan just says please and looks at her and she loses her autonomy and does anything he wants. Wow, nice. Yuck.
Of course she is super hot but she doesn't realise it (really?? my eyes are rolling).
And of course she has no clue he likes her, even though everyone knows, everyone tells her and he is so obviously acting like a 4-year-old boy who pulls a girl's hair because he wasn't taught how to express his feelings right.
So, Ryan.
If he were to hit on me, I would run. As fast as I can. Forever.
He is such a piece of shit. I am sorry, I am way past high school times when you could be fascinated by this kind of people because you don't know better.
I do know better. I have been in relationships with horrible boys who treated me like garbage, so I can easily say he is one of them.
The others
The forgettable characters. The only reason for their existence is being enablers of Ryan. I was so disgusted at how they acted towards Becca, with all the pushing her to be with Ryan and trying to make things happen despite she so obviously didn't want that. THAT IS NOT WHAT FRIENDS ARE!! I expect my friends would understand I have boundaries and wishes and that I may not want to interact with someone who bullied me, and I expect they respect this. But the """friends""" in this book don't give a shit about what she wants. But I guess without them there would be way to move the plot forward (sign of bad writing!)
The writing
Just two things will suffice to show it was bad
-EVERYONE smirks. Constantly.
-"I let out a breath I didn't know I was holding"
UGHHHHHHHHHHHH
The virginity talk
"I promptly handed over my virginity to him"
"You'd think I hadn't guarded it for the first 17 years of my life the way I quickly gave it up to him"
Please someone tell this lost and brainless human that your virginity is not a hidden treasure you can guard and then gift to someone. Fucking stupid. And yeah I am angry because I am 26 and reading this I piss myself laughing, but a young girl reading such bullshit may not be able to understand this is not how it works, that your "virginity" is not an object that you can give away.
God who decided to publish this????? Who wrote it???
The relationship
This is abusive. It may not be extremely abusive, but it ain't right I am sorry.
If anyone is reading my review (which I doubt) and believes this is how relationships are, I assure you this is wrong.
And I am looking at you Ryan, you lurid piece of shit.
- He treated Becca like trash for years and for no real reason. Sorry but there is NO excuse for this. He is disgusting.
- He tries being nice to her, but sorry dude that didn't make up for the past, especially if you don't come forward and apologise for it properly.
- While being nice, he constantly belittles, humiliates and mistreats her. I was appalled. And, had I been Becca or any of the other people present during one of his abusive tantrums, I would have kicked him in the groin so hard he would choke on it.
- He DARES say he would do nothing to hurt her, and then proceeds to tell the whole school she was cheated on. What a bitch.
- He constantly moves her. And this is more subtle, but just as problematic. You DO NOT grab girls or just throw them on your shoulder and move them around as you wish because GIRLS. ARE. NOT. FUCKING. OBJECTS. We are not dolls you can position however you prefer. YUCK.
- He justifies his pathetic and disgusting behaviour by saying it's because he likes her (this is a VERY bad sign). Meaning he gets drunk, dates a random girl and uses her, humiliates Becca and picks on her like a child, gets super mad at her for trivial stuff and SCREAMS at her.
Ok let's make this clear, if a guy screams at you, you call the police.
-And of course his bad behaviour is all HER fault because of stupid shit like the fact she doesn't want to talk to him. Well guess what Ryan? She has EVERY RIGHT to not want to talk to you, get over it you bitch.
- He is so worryingly jealous of her, and so mad and angry at all times. Why be in a relationship with him, when he so clearly needs therapy???? RUN BECCA PLEASE
- Cherry on top, he punches Keith for harassing Becca not because he harassed a girl (which would be a legit reason) but because it was HIS girl. Yeah go touch other girl's boobs all you want, just don't touch MINE. But what would I expect from Ryan, who uses girls to quench his thirst for Becca? What a pathetic excuse of a human being.
And what worries me the most is that in most of the reviews I read, everyone says Becca is stupid and clueless (which is true) and Ryan was instead so sweet and deserved more. WHAT??? Are you being serious? Are you saying to me that a guy that terrorises boys so they won't date you, forcing you to be single even though you want a guy, is sweet? That Ryan screaming at Becca and scaring her with his rage is not problematic?
I dated such a guy and I still bear the scars. Please do not think this is ok.
I am sorry but I have no patience for shit books with shit messages that make young impressionable girls believe a boy like this belongs in a relationship with them and not to jail.
This book contains every single negative aspect, every horrible trope, every examples of how a relation should NOT be, that you can usually find in bad romance books.
I hated everything.
But let's go in order.
Becca
The main character. I hated her.
She is strong and harsh and badass at times, but Ryan just says please and looks at her and she loses her autonomy and does anything he wants. Wow, nice. Yuck.
Of course she is super hot but she doesn't realise it (really?? my eyes are rolling).
And of course she has no clue he likes her, even though everyone knows, everyone tells her and he is so obviously acting like a 4-year-old boy who pulls a girl's hair because he wasn't taught how to express his feelings right.
So, Ryan.
If he were to hit on me, I would run. As fast as I can. Forever.
He is such a piece of shit. I am sorry, I am way past high school times when you could be fascinated by this kind of people because you don't know better.
I do know better. I have been in relationships with horrible boys who treated me like garbage, so I can easily say he is one of them.
The others
The forgettable characters. The only reason for their existence is being enablers of Ryan. I was so disgusted at how they acted towards Becca, with all the pushing her to be with Ryan and trying to make things happen despite she so obviously didn't want that. THAT IS NOT WHAT FRIENDS ARE!! I expect my friends would understand I have boundaries and wishes and that I may not want to interact with someone who bullied me, and I expect they respect this. But the """friends""" in this book don't give a shit about what she wants. But I guess without them there would be way to move the plot forward (sign of bad writing!)
The writing
Just two things will suffice to show it was bad
-EVERYONE smirks. Constantly.
-"I let out a breath I didn't know I was holding"
UGHHHHHHHHHHHH
The virginity talk
"I promptly handed over my virginity to him"
"You'd think I hadn't guarded it for the first 17 years of my life the way I quickly gave it up to him"
Please someone tell this lost and brainless human that your virginity is not a hidden treasure you can guard and then gift to someone. Fucking stupid. And yeah I am angry because I am 26 and reading this I piss myself laughing, but a young girl reading such bullshit may not be able to understand this is not how it works, that your "virginity" is not an object that you can give away.
God who decided to publish this????? Who wrote it???
The relationship
This is abusive. It may not be extremely abusive, but it ain't right I am sorry.
If anyone is reading my review (which I doubt) and believes this is how relationships are, I assure you this is wrong.
And I am looking at you Ryan, you lurid piece of shit.
- He treated Becca like trash for years and for no real reason. Sorry but there is NO excuse for this. He is disgusting.
- He tries being nice to her, but sorry dude that didn't make up for the past, especially if you don't come forward and apologise for it properly.
- While being nice, he constantly belittles, humiliates and mistreats her. I was appalled. And, had I been Becca or any of the other people present during one of his abusive tantrums, I would have kicked him in the groin so hard he would choke on it.
- He DARES say he would do nothing to hurt her, and then proceeds to tell the whole school she was cheated on. What a bitch.
- He constantly moves her. And this is more subtle, but just as problematic. You DO NOT grab girls or just throw them on your shoulder and move them around as you wish because GIRLS. ARE. NOT. FUCKING. OBJECTS. We are not dolls you can position however you prefer. YUCK.
- He justifies his pathetic and disgusting behaviour by saying it's because he likes her (this is a VERY bad sign). Meaning he gets drunk, dates a random girl and uses her, humiliates Becca and picks on her like a child, gets super mad at her for trivial stuff and SCREAMS at her.
Ok let's make this clear, if a guy screams at you, you call the police.
-And of course his bad behaviour is all HER fault because of stupid shit like the fact she doesn't want to talk to him. Well guess what Ryan? She has EVERY RIGHT to not want to talk to you, get over it you bitch.
- He is so worryingly jealous of her, and so mad and angry at all times. Why be in a relationship with him, when he so clearly needs therapy???? RUN BECCA PLEASE
- Cherry on top, he punches Keith for harassing Becca not because he harassed a girl (which would be a legit reason) but because it was HIS girl. Yeah go touch other girl's boobs all you want, just don't touch MINE. But what would I expect from Ryan, who uses girls to quench his thirst for Becca? What a pathetic excuse of a human being.
And what worries me the most is that in most of the reviews I read, everyone says Becca is stupid and clueless (which is true) and Ryan was instead so sweet and deserved more. WHAT??? Are you being serious? Are you saying to me that a guy that terrorises boys so they won't date you, forcing you to be single even though you want a guy, is sweet? That Ryan screaming at Becca and scaring her with his rage is not problematic?
I dated such a guy and I still bear the scars. Please do not think this is ok.
I am sorry but I have no patience for shit books with shit messages that make young impressionable girls believe a boy like this belongs in a relationship with them and not to jail.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
March 8, 2018
Gosh – help me – Becca McKenzie must have been the most annoying and dense heroine that I read in a novel that I ever read so far. It is actually a wonder that she made it to her senior year in high school.
Ah – now I can already see the wheels in your head start turning – how can a book with that review opening get 4 Stars from me – you wonder? Right ?
Well I guess it’s the writing talent of Emma Doherty that she managed to write “Four Doors down” in such an engaging way that even an annoying character will not keep you from reading further– I can not remember and I did not count the number of times I thought can this girl really be THAT dense ?
I even went so far to imagine what a movie with this plot might look like… and at that moment I understood something. Becca might be the most dense character I have ever encountered so far – but I actually enjoyed reading about her.
Even if only to try and wrap my brain around the fact that she really had literally NO IDEA what was going on. It was like OUT in the open – WIDE for anyone to see – even a blind person could have FELT the vibes and the tension.
But Becca was happily oblivious in her own little reality.
I am not sure if that was the authors intension because usually characters are written in a way that the reader can connect WITH them (which sorry to say was not possible in any way with her).
But somehow – once I made my piece with that fact – the whole plot became actually pretty damn funny and I felt so sorry for Ryan at times (scratch that – it was really MOST of the time – he was such a nice person and really had the patience of a saint).
I might even go so far to say that it was Becca – that was the bane of Ryan’s existence and not the other way around like the blurb suggests …
If you think the Blurb sounds interesting – you should really try the book – just be patient with Becca - #still laughing …
be really patient #yes still laughing
July 9, 2017
I hate the main character.
I HATE the main character.
I HATE THE MAIN CHARACTER.
Did I mention I hate the main character?
She's spoiled, whiny, self-centered and a complete snot to everyone around her. How can Ryan like her??? How??? It boggles my mind.
She's also completely clueless. Obviously Charlie is a scumbag who was only using her. Obviously Ryan likes her (though as mentioned above, I'm not sure why). Obviously the only one with attitude is HER, not the popular people she was so against for no reason.
The plot was repetitive. She goes somewhere, runs into Ryan and acts like a snot, then runs off and stews about their interaction. Over and over again.
And the grammatical/punctuation mistakes! I've never read a book where the author didn't know how to use a question mark correctly. Comma usage (or lack thereof) was abysmal. Sentences were awkward and stilted. Word choice was bizarre.
In a word - horrific.
I HATE the main character.
I HATE THE MAIN CHARACTER.
Did I mention I hate the main character?
She's spoiled, whiny, self-centered and a complete snot to everyone around her. How can Ryan like her??? How??? It boggles my mind.
She's also completely clueless. Obviously Charlie is a scumbag who was only using her. Obviously Ryan likes her (though as mentioned above, I'm not sure why). Obviously the only one with attitude is HER, not the popular people she was so against for no reason.
The plot was repetitive. She goes somewhere, runs into Ryan and acts like a snot, then runs off and stews about their interaction. Over and over again.
And the grammatical/punctuation mistakes! I've never read a book where the author didn't know how to use a question mark correctly. Comma usage (or lack thereof) was abysmal. Sentences were awkward and stilted. Word choice was bizarre.
In a word - horrific.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
May 23, 2017
Fucking annoying heroine. So stuck up and douchy. Did not like her at all, can you tell?
July 20, 2016
Es un romance young adult contemporáneo, así que obviamente no es la historia más original que puedan encontrarse.
Tenemos:
Y aún así ¡la disfrute tanto! Qué puedo decir, las historias de enemies-to-lovers son mi debilidad.
Hay diálogos divertidos repletos de sarcasmo, escenas tiernas y mucha química entre los personajes. Pero Emma Doherty hace un buen trabajo reflejando la adolescencia y lo que significa amar a esa edad; lo que significa que también hay muchas hormonas a cargo y que los personajes actúan estúpidamente la mayor parte del tiempo.
Recomendado si quieres leer una historia de odio/amor tipo ligera. Si, y solo si, tienes paciencia para malentendidos y típicos errores adolescentes.
No digan que no se los advertí.
Tenemos:
⚫Al protagonista popular, capitán del equipo de fútbol, que puede tener a cualquier chica del colegio... excepto a la protagonista ☑
⚫A la protagonista que es súper hot y todos lo saben menos ella, que tiene un novio que la engaña y todos lo saben menos ella, que odia al protagonista que todos saben que la ama... menos ella ☑
⚫Una historia acerca de vecinos que antes eran amigos y ahora son enemigos ☑☑☑
Y aún así ¡la disfrute tanto! Qué puedo decir, las historias de enemies-to-lovers son mi debilidad.
Hay diálogos divertidos repletos de sarcasmo, escenas tiernas y mucha química entre los personajes. Pero Emma Doherty hace un buen trabajo reflejando la adolescencia y lo que significa amar a esa edad; lo que significa que también hay muchas hormonas a cargo y que los personajes actúan estúpidamente la mayor parte del tiempo.
Recomendado si quieres leer una historia de odio/amor tipo ligera. Si, y solo si, tienes paciencia para malentendidos y típicos errores adolescentes.
No digan que no se los advertí.
July 25, 2016
Unfortunately and despite the fantastic reviews the novel had I didn't like it as much as I expected to. It was more for middle schoolers than for young adults and there was one thing missing in the plot that I just couldn't understand: how can it be possible in this age of social media not to know who's dating who or who is into you ; even if you don't post anything there is always a friend or a friend of a friend who posts a picture or a comment . I just couldn't believe how clueless the main character was.
www.theleisurediaries.blogspot.com
www.theleisurediaries.blogspot.com
October 27, 2022
(3.5/5) dear becca, ur bf is IRRELEVANT. ur kind of a hypocrite and lowk annoying for most of the book…anyways onto the second book!😁
June 27, 2019
Easy, quick read that was kind of addicting, but I did not like this one as much as the other book I have read by this author. The plot was different, but it felt really similar. Both books are about a completely oblivious girl who doesn't realize the hot, popular guy is SUPER into her. Becca was a really unlikable character and I wish more than just the epilogue was told through Ryan's POV. Becca was always going on about how other people were stuck up and thought they were too cool for her, but she was a complete jerk to everyone. I don't even really want to read the next book because I don't think I can handle any more of her. If you're interested in this author, I would recommend The Stand-in Boyfriend, instead.
August 26, 2023
The most clueless heroine ever!
This story has so much high school drama and I loved every word of it!
It was awesome! And I've totally fallen for Ryan Jackson.
***Re-reading in 2023 and changing my rating from 4 stars to 5. I love this book!
This story has so much high school drama and I loved every word of it!
It was awesome! And I've totally fallen for Ryan Jackson.
***Re-reading in 2023 and changing my rating from 4 stars to 5. I love this book!
July 4, 2017
2.5 Stars
I'm not sure where to start with this book. Becca was not very likable, at all. Even when I should have felt bad for her, she would let some snide comment fly or be so flippant towards one of her friends thatI couldn't understand why anyone bothers.
I'm not sure where to start with this book. Becca was not very likable, at all. Even when I should have felt bad for her, she would let some snide comment fly or be so flippant towards one of her friends thatI couldn't understand why anyone bothers.
February 12, 2017
This book was was super cute and funfast read.
August 10, 2023
my favourite part of the book was when Becca got hit by the ball in dodgeball lol
September 12, 2022
Puh…. Das war ne Story.
Childhood besties to lovers?!?
Immer her damit!
Aber bitte nicht so.
Becca, keine Persönlichkeit außer ihrem Freund.
Dramaqueen Ende nie.
Vorurteile bis zum Himmel und zurück.
Ich konnte sie echt null verstehen.
Alle waren soooo nett zu ihr und sie war zu allen ne Bitch. Immer. Und es war immer Ryans Schuld?!
Ja, der Kerl hatte seine Fehler und sein Verhalten war aus dem Kindergarten. Aber er war oft auch einfach nur nett und sie war soooo unfreundlich und arrogant.
Durch Beccas Verhalten war leider auch echt kein Platz da um Ryan und Co. Platz zu lassen und deren Persönlichkeit kennenzulernen.
Überhaupt erfährt man in den knapp 300 Seiten so gut wie nichts über die Freundesgruppe.
Ryan ist super beliebt und spielt Football.
Sam ist mega schlau und hatte mal mental health struggles aber wird auch nur so in 1-2 Seiten kurz erwähnt und dann nie wieder.
Die Storyline mit Beccas Cousin verschwindet dann auch plötzlich. Wo ist der Junge hin?!
Ich kann schon verstehen, dass wenn man nicht beliebt ist in der Schule, dass man strange findet, wenn plötzlich due beliebtesten Kids der Schule sich für einen interessieren, aber die waren (bis auf Jess) echt alle immer wieder nur super nett zu ihr - und sie konnte nicht mal Hallo sagen!
Charlie. Der Freund von Becca und ihre ganze Persönlichkeit. Warum sie den mochte? Weiß kein Schwein. Denn man weiß nicht über ihn, außer dass er shady af ist und kein guter Musiker ist. Aber Becca kann halt echt nur an ihn denken. Muss man schon verstehen, wenn beide keine Persönlichkeit haben und da scheinbar nur Luft im Kopf ist.
Achtung - SPOILER:
Charlie betrügt sie. Becca knutscht daraufhin mit Ryan. Geht ihm dann natürlich wieder aus dem Weg. Nach langen hin und her gesteht Ryan ihr seine Gefühle. Es ist Liebe. Ganz klar. Becca merkt GENAU IN DEM
MOMENT dass sie Ryan natürlich auch liebt. Schon immer. War ja auch sehr offensichtlich.
Beide sind glücklich. Ende.
Sorry but what the fuck????
Das Ryan Gefühle für sie hatte war zum einen ersichtlich und zum anderen einfach logisch bei der Geschichte.
Lassen wir dem Kerl die Liebe halt durchgehen.
Aber nach allem der letzten 5? Jahre, merkt sie jetzt das sie ihn LIEBT?!? Ein Witz oder?! Und kein guter.
An dem Punkt wollte ich das Buch echt nur noch an die Wand klatschen und Tango drauf tanzen.
Sowas von an den Haaren herbeigezogen.
Buch 2 soll ja der emotionale Knaller sein und nur deshalb hab ich Band 1 überhaupt gekauft. Aber Lust hab ich darauf absolut keine.
Es liest sich wirklich sehr jung. War ein Debut, kann eine Erklärung sein. Aber das war alles so flach?! Becca war wirklich so ne hohle Nuss, die nicht checkt wie heiß sie ist und das sie alle deshalb mögen und mehr nicht.
Ryan hatte meiner Meinung nach Potenzial. Auch Jake und Sam. Sogar Katie und Erica. Aber da war absolut kein Platz damit die sich echt anfühlen, weil da nur Beccas Drama war.
Childhood besties to lovers?!?
Immer her damit!
Aber bitte nicht so.
Becca, keine Persönlichkeit außer ihrem Freund.
Dramaqueen Ende nie.
Vorurteile bis zum Himmel und zurück.
Ich konnte sie echt null verstehen.
Alle waren soooo nett zu ihr und sie war zu allen ne Bitch. Immer. Und es war immer Ryans Schuld?!
Ja, der Kerl hatte seine Fehler und sein Verhalten war aus dem Kindergarten. Aber er war oft auch einfach nur nett und sie war soooo unfreundlich und arrogant.
Durch Beccas Verhalten war leider auch echt kein Platz da um Ryan und Co. Platz zu lassen und deren Persönlichkeit kennenzulernen.
Überhaupt erfährt man in den knapp 300 Seiten so gut wie nichts über die Freundesgruppe.
Ryan ist super beliebt und spielt Football.
Sam ist mega schlau und hatte mal mental health struggles aber wird auch nur so in 1-2 Seiten kurz erwähnt und dann nie wieder.
Die Storyline mit Beccas Cousin verschwindet dann auch plötzlich. Wo ist der Junge hin?!
Ich kann schon verstehen, dass wenn man nicht beliebt ist in der Schule, dass man strange findet, wenn plötzlich due beliebtesten Kids der Schule sich für einen interessieren, aber die waren (bis auf Jess) echt alle immer wieder nur super nett zu ihr - und sie konnte nicht mal Hallo sagen!
Charlie. Der Freund von Becca und ihre ganze Persönlichkeit. Warum sie den mochte? Weiß kein Schwein. Denn man weiß nicht über ihn, außer dass er shady af ist und kein guter Musiker ist. Aber Becca kann halt echt nur an ihn denken. Muss man schon verstehen, wenn beide keine Persönlichkeit haben und da scheinbar nur Luft im Kopf ist.
Achtung - SPOILER:
Charlie betrügt sie. Becca knutscht daraufhin mit Ryan. Geht ihm dann natürlich wieder aus dem Weg. Nach langen hin und her gesteht Ryan ihr seine Gefühle. Es ist Liebe. Ganz klar. Becca merkt GENAU IN DEM
MOMENT dass sie Ryan natürlich auch liebt. Schon immer. War ja auch sehr offensichtlich.
Beide sind glücklich. Ende.
Sorry but what the fuck????
Das Ryan Gefühle für sie hatte war zum einen ersichtlich und zum anderen einfach logisch bei der Geschichte.
Lassen wir dem Kerl die Liebe halt durchgehen.
Aber nach allem der letzten 5? Jahre, merkt sie jetzt das sie ihn LIEBT?!? Ein Witz oder?! Und kein guter.
An dem Punkt wollte ich das Buch echt nur noch an die Wand klatschen und Tango drauf tanzen.
Sowas von an den Haaren herbeigezogen.
Buch 2 soll ja der emotionale Knaller sein und nur deshalb hab ich Band 1 überhaupt gekauft. Aber Lust hab ich darauf absolut keine.
Es liest sich wirklich sehr jung. War ein Debut, kann eine Erklärung sein. Aber das war alles so flach?! Becca war wirklich so ne hohle Nuss, die nicht checkt wie heiß sie ist und das sie alle deshalb mögen und mehr nicht.
Ryan hatte meiner Meinung nach Potenzial. Auch Jake und Sam. Sogar Katie und Erica. Aber da war absolut kein Platz damit die sich echt anfühlen, weil da nur Beccas Drama war.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
March 18, 2019
Thank you Sharon J for recommending this book to me. This was an incredible read. I love stories that involve an friends-to-enemies-to-lovers. The story is mostly told in Becca’s POV, but we get Ryan’s POV for the epilogue and see his side of the misunderstanding. Ryan and Becca were best friends when they were growing up. However, in middle school or high school, Ryan got more popular and started making fun of her, or so she thinks. Ryan is a football star and he is intelligent. He is in love with Becca. However, a misunderstanding has made it hard for him to tell her that. He really cares for her, but he is sometimes a jerk as well. Becca is more of an artist. She is a bit naive, yet a bit sassy. I really like how she stands up for herself in front of Ryan, but I still she was naive when it came to her boyfriend, Charlie. I really loved Jake and his character. I want to see what happens to his character. I hope we get to see more to these characters’ stories. The ending was sweet. Overall, an amazing read.
March 17, 2025
I literally told myself to keep going, that wasn't actually awful but it wasn't for me
It felt like reading a wattpad story, and not the freaking good ones
It felt like reading a wattpad story, and not the freaking good ones
February 21, 2025
“And you’re infuriating and exasperating and moody. And shitty and stubborn. And kind. And funny. And clever and talented. And beautiful.” He pauses. “You’re so freaking beautiful, Becca.” I’m about to start hyperventilating now. “And I love you.”
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