The Six: Kristy

The Six #1

by Samantha March

Kristy Martin is twenty-something, single and living it up in Chicago. She has a crew of close girlfriends to keep her social calendar active, and is celebrating finally securing employment in her chosen field. While always free-spirited, Kristy is getting tired of the revolving door – or more accurately, bed – of random guys and failed dates, and comes up with a plan to get her act together when it comes to the opposite sex. That idea is quickly shot down by her bestie Breely Laver and replaced with a bet she can’t refuse – a free trip to Paris with her yoga instructor BFF if she can go six months without sex.

Enter in charming, sexy, delicious Grey Grahl. Kristy tries to navigate a spicy new relationship without giving away her bet, while also dealing with an incredibly sensitive crisis at her job. Her first year as a full-time elementary school guidance counselor starts off with a devastating situation with a young student, and Kristy finds herself struggling to stay above water in both her professional and personal life. With her girlfriends as a support system, Kristy navigates troubled times at the school and agrees to come clean with Grey.

This first book in a six-part girlfriend series introduces you to Kristy, Breely, Nora, Lauren, Tinsley and Scarlett, and takes readers on six individual stories about relationships, career choices, personal conflict and the bond of friendship.

Genres: Romance, Contemporary, Chick Lit

174 pages, Paperback

First published May 15, 2018

About the author

Samantha March is a published author, blogger, and has been passionate about creating stories since a young girl. After starting her blog ChickLitPlus in 2009, she set out to make a childhood dream a reality, and published her debut novel in 2011. She now has six published novels – Destined To Fail, The Green Ticket, Up To I Do, A Questionable Friendship and Defining Her – and one holiday novella, The Christmas Surprise, and Kristy, book 1 in The Six series. In addition to her bookish pursuits, she is also a beauty blogger with a growing Youtube channel and shares her love for makeup and beauty in review and tutorial videos. When she isn’t reading, writing, or creating videos, you can find her cheering for the Green Bay Packers and Chicago Cubs. Samantha currently lives in Iowa with her husband and Vizsla Aries.

Reviews

[Kristen Adamowicz · Rating 1 out of 5]

If you look carefully at the 5 star reviews of her books you will see repeat names with no content. Obviously friends have been sent over to 5 Star it to boost ratings. That’s almost as sad as her YouTube attempts at makeup artistry. Reader beware.

[Laura · Rating 1 out of 5]

The concept of this book is good, but the writing seems like it's written by a high schooler.

[Ashley Lewis · Rating 3 out of 5]

This book was surprising to be completely honest. I don't usually enjoy "chick-lit" but this one was fairly entertaining. I think I enjoyed this book simply because it is relatable for me. I feel like there are a lot of us out there spend/spent our mid twenties with a few close friends that were our family for that time in our lives and it was nice to kind of relive some of my memories of that timeframe through this book.

My biggest complaint about this book was that the ending felt abrupt, I know this is a series, but I kept on reading the intro for the next book like it was still the same one not even realizes this one ended until I was confused as to who's perspective I was in.

[Kathleen · Rating 5 out of 5]

In The Six: Kristy, the first book in The Six, a six-part girlfriend series, author Samantha March introduces the readers to twenty-five-year-old Kristy Martin and her five best girlfriends: Breely Laver, Nora Wellington, Lauren Begay, Tinsley Thompson, and Scarlett Walsh.

The reader follows Kristy as she begins her first year as an elementary school guidance counselor and how she deals with some very serious social issues, in addition to the quirky friendship dynamic amongst the six girlfriends, and a decision made in changing her personal relationships with guys - she is tired of hookups and one-night stands, and is looking for a serious relationship with the right man, aka "the one"!

What a fun start to a new friendship series! Author Samantha March weaves an entertaining chick lit / women's fiction tale that embraces the bonds of female friendships, and the pursuit of personal life goals and choices while in the mid-late twenties. Set in Chicago and told in the first person narrative, I loved following Kristy's story from starting a fulltime career as an elementary school guidance counselor to the challenges in her personal life. You can't help but admire how she handles the serious social issues at school and snicker at the challenge that best friend Breely throws her way - no sex for six months and she'll take Kristy on an all expenses paid trip to Paris! Kristy accepts that deal, but who knew that it would turn out to be a sexually frustrating challenge when she meets twenty-six-year-old occupational therapist assistant Grey Grahl, the man who might turn out to be "the one" that she's been looking for!

I thoroughly enjoyed the blossoming relationship between Kristy and Grey, their quick connection and how they handled the "no-sex challenge" had me giggling and left me smiling. I would be remiss if I didn't mention how much I enjoyed getting to know a bit about each of the six friends. The author gives the reader enough of an insight into each of the girls' lives that it makes you want to get to know them more. The girls are so different, but they complement each other so well, it makes you think about your own little group of girlfriends. Finally, at the end of the story, the author gives you a tantalizing look into Scarlett's story ... hmmm ... so it leaves you wondering if she will be the focus of book number two.

Disclaimer: I received a copy of the book from the author in exchange for my honest review.

http://jerseygirlbookreviews.blogspot...

[Nova Hanson · Rating 2 out of 5]

This is the second time I have tried a novel from Samantha March, and unfortunately it will be the last.

I have followed Samantha on YouTube for probably a year now and I really enjoy her videos and personality. Because of this I thought it would be a given that I would enjoy her novels. After reading Destined to Fail I was willing to give her a break, given it was her first novel written quite a few years ago. **Although I did find the anti-abortion rhetoric disturbing.** But this novel came across just the same as the first, immature and uneducated. I suppose the biggest issue is that I just did not jive with the main character, but overall there just wasn’t enough character development. Especially where her new relationship was concerned. We literally found out three things about the romantic partner, giving little explanation as to why she liked him more than others in the past. Additionally I did find it a bit weird that the main character made self deprecating comments about her appearance multiple times, but her confidence never actually seemed to be a main or minor issue in the book? The comments almost made me feel that that was how the author felt, not the character. Overall, I’m not willing to give Samantha’s novels another chance, but will continue to enjoy her content on YouTube.

[*•̩̩͙✩•̩̩͙*˚Laura˚*•̩̩͙✩•̩̩͙* · Rating 1 out of 5]

This feels like it was written by a teenager, guessing what being a 25yo is like. All the girls are the same pretty much, so they all blur together, and the main character has the depth of a puddle.

It was quick and easy to read at least.

[Carmen · Rating 4 out of 5]

This book had a mixture of light and more serious moments; and there was a time where I thought that Kristy Martin was a little bit too intense with her reaction on how things had turned out on a bad week, and wasn't fond of how she initially handled it. I got an ARC in exchange for an honest review.

[Emily · Rating 4 out of 5]

Though I was prepared for the darker content included in the novel [TW: sexual abuse], it still took my breath away reading those chapters. I loved the friendship group dynamics and how each girlfriend had distinct personalities so you could really keep them straight as you read. Not a 5 star for me because Kristy's poor communication skills were very frustrating to me - though perhaps that is the point.
Looking forward to reading the next one, especially as the tension is already set up between the friends.

[Roeshell Rogers]

Loved ittt

Omg I loved it. I love Gray for Kristy and I can’t wait
to read the next book in the series to see if she makes it to Paris #SamSquad

[Brianna Remus · Rating 4 out of 5]

This novel came to me at just the right time. My reading list was saturated with thrillers and emotionally heavy novels that it was a refreshing break to read something light-hearted (for the most part), fun, and steamy! The Six: Kristy follows six girlfriends living in Chicago with various careers, types of love interests, and relationships with one another. It is part of a six-part series where each book takes the perspective of each woman. The first installment has Kristy as the main character and she is a lively and independent young woman who is taking on her first job as a full-time elementary school guidance counselor. Samantha made Kristy’s journey of starting a first job very relatable in how she conveyed the nerves and excitement that are associated with following one’s passion and seeing it realized. It was clear that Samantha did her research on the duties of guidance counselors, which made this aspect of the storyline more believable and realistic. I love having as much information about a character’s life as possible, especially when specific aspects will add more depth to the plot and overall feel of the book. Kristy’s relationships with her girlfriends was obviously a huge aspect of the book and Samantha did a great job at keeping all of the storylines and information straight. I am sure having six characters that are highly interactive takes a lot of brain power to manage. There was never a time when I felt confused about what was going on or when things within the story between the women did not make sense. Each of the women also added something of their own to Kristy’s story and it became clear that all of the women had their own story worthy of an installment. Samantha was able to balance the disclosure of supporting characters’ difficulties without letting readers in on every secret that will likely come out in the future books.

As the story develops, Kristy’s BFF in the group, Breely, makes a bet that Kristy must abstain from sex for six months and if she does, she will be invited on a yoga retreat to Paris with all expenses paid. It was nice to read a book where a woman is open with her sexuality and does not have to fear being judged by her friends. Kristy came to the decision on her own that maybe she should take a break from sexual escapades in order to find a more stable relationship. Books often convey women as not enjoying sex as much as men and that is exactly why I found The Six: Kristy to be so relatable…because women DO enjoy sex and that is okay  Samantha added an amusing twist in that Kristy meets an amazing guy, worthy of her time outside the bedroom, while she is on the six-month contract with her friend. The new dating pair navigates how to enjoy one another’s company without the expectation of going all the way. The scenes exploring their sexual tension are mildly steamy and fit perfectly with the overall tone of the novel.

As far as Kristy’s character in general, I found myself changing my thoughts on her quite often as I was reading. I love her quirky and spunky attitude and she is clearly independent and works hard at her job and friendships. However, there were also moments when I wanted to scream at my iPad mini to tell her to communicate and stop being a stereotypical millennial who doesn’t know how to solve interpersonal problems. I found her fitting into the annoying category when it came to her figuring out the relationship with Grey Grahl. HOWEVER, I also have a lot of respect for authors who write characters that are not perfect and have more realistic qualities because that makes for a more relatable experience and it helps readers to connect with the characters so much more. Speaking of feeling connected with characters…I felt incredibly proud of Kristy for how she handled an amazingly difficult situation she encountered at work. I feel even more proud of my friend, Samantha, for shedding light on a terrible situation that happens to children every single day. It was a powerful moment in the novel that took it up several notches.

Lastly, I think it is important, not only in this situation, but when reading any novel to understand the genre the novel belongs to. This falls into chicklit and the friendship genres, so if you are looking for an incredibly intense plot with characters that will leave you pondering humanity, this novel is not for you. But if you want to read a well-written story about young women who are navigating friendships, relationships, marriages, jobs, and independence, than I highly recommend The Six: Kristy.

[Beth Ann · Rating 4 out of 5]

The Six: Kristy is the first book in the the six part girlfriend series by author Samantha March. Kristy starts off this series and the twenty five year old school guidance counselor joints her five best girlfriends Breely Laver, Nora Wellington, Lauren Begay, Tinsley Thompson, and Scarlett Walsh. The concept for this series is a fun one and as the series evolves each girl friend will be introduced more in depth.

I found the book quick and easy to read, full of chick lit fun . I don't read a lot of chick lit these days so it might have taken me awhile to get back into the groove of reading and not expecting the twists and turns that my beloved psychological thriller genre gives me. Once I shifted gears I giggled at the scenarios that sometimes were described and found myself shaking my head at some of the antics of the characters.

Author Samantha March has created a great start with this series and I was happy to be able to read the ARC that was gifted to me. The writing is entertaining, full of references to current trends and events and well written. The story kept my attention and the easiness of the read was refreshing after some of the heavier novels I have been reading lately.

I am looking forward to the rest of the books in this series and hope that the author continues creating such fun and entertaining books.

[Arielle Joy · Rating 5 out of 5]

Kristy is the first in a new series by Samantha March called The Six. This series is sure to be a bumpy ride filled with friendship, love, and a good dose of chaos and drama. 6 best friends, made up of 3 sets of best friends means no one feels like a third wheel, but what happens when the group’s dynamics are at stake when one set starts having trouble? Kristy’s story was about turning the page to a new chapter of her life that’s filled with lots of changes; changing friendship dynamics, important family events, and a new love interest along with a new job that has it’s own set of new challenges.

I liked the premise of Kristy’s story although the ending fell a bit flat for me. Since the story will continue into 5 other stories I felt like we didn't get a true ending to Kristy's story. The epilogue is the beginning of the next story, which I’m looking forward to reading, however there was an event that I was expecting to happen in this story that looks like it won’t take place until the next story. Despite the not-quite-ending of this story, I’m very much looking forward to the next 5 in the series! I loved the bucket list idea that the girls have and can’t wait to see where that brings them in the next chapters of their lives.  

[Kayla · Rating 5 out of 5]

I received this book in exchange for an honest review. Samantha is one of the best story tellers who goes into detail, but not overly where you can still create your perfect views of the characters in your head. Her writing style will hook you and you will need to read everything she writes! When she decided to take on a series featuring a group of girlfriends, I was all in. I love series and this book is so realistic, it's unreal. Kristy is the perfect lead to start off the series; she's likeable, real, vulnerable, and you will think of her as a girl in your circle. If you want your first beach read, look no further than this 5 star book!

[Kay · Rating 4 out of 5]

The new girlfriends-genre series from Samantha March starts off with "Kristy" and a complex, emotional, upbeat, funny plot that set me thinking about a lot of things, some disturbing that I was glad to see out in the open, some unlikely that I waited to see played out (6 months!!!), some realistic, like when besties get off the same page, some sexy with the guy we all want to meet. March writes with a sparkly flair, even about dark subjects, and does men brilliantly. Can't wait for the next one!

[Rebekah Sell · Rating 5 out of 5]

This book amazed me. I was hesitant at first to read it, but after a couple of pages in I was hooked. Samantha March does a fantastic job pulling in the real world to her novel. I felt that I could relate to Kristy and understood what she was going through. Definitely recommending this to all my gal pals! Super excited for the next one!!

[Al · Rating 4 out of 5]

This novel follows twenty-something Kristy as she grows into her first job and the first major professional challenge she faces, as well as changing perspectives on relationships and friendships. Readers meet her close group of girlfriends, follow her on dating trials and through a major professional challenge. The main story arc is Kristy's romantic journey but the friendships and professional development are key elements as well. There is clearly a longer plot line that will cover multiple novels developing among the friend group.

I had mixed feelings about this novel as I was reading it but I discovered I enjoyed it by the end and was interested in the next one. Honestly, I found this novel less typical than many I read. It could be criticised for the unnecessary details and some scenes that don't move the plot forward. Readers might feel that it is slow moving and that we spend a lot of time in the heads of the characters hearing their thoughts and feelings without major plot development or significant, plot-driven character growth.

However, it is exactly those aspects that become comforting and enjoyable in the end and had me starting the next book. This book and the next in the series are like a gentle, literary version of Sex and the City. Like that series, the strongest element that kept fans returning season after season was the friendship bonds and what happens to each of the women. This book is gentle in the way it approaches the story - though this is not to say that serious and upsetting things don't happen - because they do. This book does a good job of describing real life in detail from the baking-oven-fries ritual after a night out to the mascara that Kristy uses to the way she works through her self-doubt and worry facing a major issue at work. All the details and moments are realistic and true to life for a particular group of young women as they discuss and act out their values and feelings about life and all aspects of it.

My one real issue with the book is that I felt the balance of 'tell' over 'show' could be adjusted to increase the 'show'. I felt there was a bit too much expository narration which I would have enjoyed experiencing with the characters rather than being told about it.

Readers should be warned that because of the longer story arc involving the friend group, this novel definitely foreshadows events of the next novels and may not have the satisfying *end* of a true standalone novel.

For anyone looking for a gentle, earnest, enjoyable exploration of what it is to be an American, middle class 20-something balancing friendships, family, relationships, values, careers, self-confidence and general adulting, this could be a good book/series.

[Emily · Rating 3 out of 5]

(3.5 stars) I picked up The Six: Kristy, the first book in Samantha March’s series The Six for two reasons. The first is that this past week of work was hard and I needed an easy, breezy, fun read for my train ride out of town. The second is that I love watching Samantha March’s YouTube videos, so I wanted to check out her books as well. If you pay attention to what I read, you probably know I don’t read a lot of what’s classified as “chick lit,” so this was a bit different for me, but it was a refreshing and ultimately good choice.

Kristy is an elementary school counselor settling into her first full time job. Some of the story revolves around her job and the stresses that come from it, but most of the novel is about Kristy’s personal life. She’s in her mid twenties and is starting to get tired of all the bad first dates and one night stands. She makes a bet with one of her friends that she will go without sleeping with anyone for six months. If she succeeds, she will earn herself an all-expense paid trip to Paris. This seems easy until she meets a dreamy stranger who sweeps her off her feet. Readers are also introduced to Kristy’s close-knit group of friends (“The Six”) and the various personalities and problems they have.

This book was nothing groundbreaking, revolutionary, or very exciting. But, it was exactly what I was looking for. It was a good story with likeable characters that was easy and fun to read. I read the whole book in one sitting on my three-hour train ride I also snagged a copy of the other book Samantha March has released in this series, The Six: Scarlett, centering on one of the other women in The Six and I’m excited to read that sometime soon.

[Kristin · Rating 5 out of 5]

I’ve been in a hard reading slump for sometime now and have been trying to find that one book or series to pull me out of it. I even thought a few books back did the trick however I think the short and sweet series The 6 by Samantha March is the one to do it.

I have only read one other book by Sam and The 6 series has a whole different feel to them and writing style that I really enjoyed along with the story and character development!

Kristy the first of The 6 series was definitely a good Girlfriend to start with ( I know this because I just finished Scarlett as I’m writing this review). If each book gets more juicier with drama I’m gonna need to get some popcorn and curl up on the couch!

Kristy Martin is one the six girlfriends we meet in the series. Each girlfriend has their own best friend within the group but they all are friends (college friends -the friends forever kind). I feel Samantha did a wonderful job creating Kristy’s character -along with the other girls. The friendships and each storyline for the girls I found to so relatable! I have a group of close girlfriends — since elementary — and we have been through some fun and yet challenging stages in our friendship and life in genera. It’s nice reading about a group of friends and seeing them grow even if they are fictional.

Somethings that stood out and made me love Kristy: she can read the room, listens and doesn’t drop her opinion right away, and can keep a tight lip without being asked. She is real and in the moment with each friend (except maybe Tinsley 😉).

I would say I’m excited to read Scarlett (but again I just finished it and boy was it even better —drama — but also broke my heart!

[Pia · Rating 3 out of 5]

I read two other books by Samantha before. "Defining Her", which I really liked and "Up To I Do", which I wanted to stop reading midway through the book, but I'm just too stubborn. This falls somewhere inbetween.
I typically don't read chick-lit, but I like Sam's YT videos, so I'm curious about her writing. It was a nice quick and entertaining read, but nothing that blew me away. Maybe that's just because Kristy just seems like a chick-flick stereotype to me, because I can't relate to her in any way nor do I know anyone, who's even remotely similar to her. I'm much more interested in the other girls and look forward to the the rest of the series. I just don't really care for dating struggles/etiquette and that's a big part of this book. I wasn't too keen on Kristy and Grey's relationship. She's a nice and attractive person, he's a nice and attractive person, so I get that they like eachother, but I would have liked to see, how the romantic relationship develops. The initial sexual attraction is clearly displayed, but then the story jumps forward two months (if I remember correctly) and they're in a relationship, dropping the L-word and making plans to go on a romantic family vacation. Mae's story was a good addition to the story, it's probably the part I appreciated the most.

[AllyBrianne · Rating 3 out of 5]

While I do find Samantha March's writing relatable and even enjoyable. I feel like this read doesn't level up to others due to the "chick-lit" vibe. Don't get me wrong, I know that is her vibe and the story is on point for it. The star ratings are my own personal opinion of the type of books I read. If you only read this type I'm sure the rating would be higher for you. It's just hard for me to compare it. Although, my life is nothing like the characters introduced so far I love how you fall into it feeling you're there and "one of the girls." It's easy to follow and fairly easy to stay with the story. I find a lot of the time it's hard to keep up with the characters in series like this but she makes it easy to. I love the details given and that we get to know the main character well while learning pieces here and there about the girls that will have their own book in the series soon. I wish there was more to the ending and that what was built up throughout the story played out but maybe we'll have that in the future books. While this isn't my go-to genre in books I find myself wanting to know more and wanting to continue the series. She kept me intrigued and I look forward to the rest of the series. 

[Jennifer · Rating 4 out of 5]

I am a big fan of Samantha March and was excited about this new series. The Six: Kristy, introduces us to 20-something Kristy and her group of female friends. It reminds me very much of a younger Sex in the City, full of friendship, bonding, laughter, sex, gossip, and so on. I loved that March did include some real-world issues and problems that arise, especially for Kristy in her profession as a school guidance Counselor.

I absolutely loved Grey and was cheering for them to get together, but then it all seemed to happen so fast I was confused, feeling as if I missed something. Some of the other girlfriends seem quite snippy at times, which is also very realistic, but I'm sure Samantha March will fill us in on what's happening with them in the next installment. Regardless, this was a quick, fun read that promises a lot of excitement and drama in future!

[Kaitlyn W · Rating 3 out of 5]

I don’t normally read books like this, but I enjoy Samantha’s YouTube channel and wanted to check out her writing. This was an enjoyable, fast paced read and a nice break from the heavier political stuff I’ve been reading. However, I have to give some honest criticism. The ending felt rushed and incomplete for Kristy and Grey’s story, and I think it would have been nice to read more about how their relationship developed and to uh, reach the end of the bet- even if it comes up in later books, I think it would be better from Kristy’s POV. I also felt that Kristy telling absolutely everyone the details about Mae’s situation at school seemed like they would probably violate some sort of confidentiality rule? At least using names, etc. It made me uncomfortable.

[Nick Bailey · Rating 4 out of 5]

short easy read.

I love Samantha… & I love girl groups. I would love to hear more of Kristy’s story.
I wish there was more of a typical beginning, middle and end. This feels like just a mere introduction into The Six. Seems like Scarlets story may get more juicy though.

I liked the easy flow of the story, I liked the light hearted topics with a few deeper topics. It was nice balance. Easy read and not stressful.

[Taylor.Korrin · Rating 4 out of 5]

Kristy is my favorite of the series, mostly because I could related to what she was going through the most. I reminded me of my first few years out of college, trying to work through my own baggage. I also love their relationship, it was so sweet but still felt authentic to dating now.

I’ve read all of the available books from this series, and I’m anxiously awaiting the rest!

[Latifa Morrisette · Rating 5 out of 5]

Why did I wait to read this!

I feel so bad for waiting to read this book. I absolutely love the storyline and wish I had friends like Kristy does. I'm excited to see where this series goes next.

[Jessica · Rating 5 out of 5]

Great Read!

I think this was a great read! The characters are super relatable and witnessing the fiends interact with each other is fun. It’s was and easy read, I couldn’t put it down. Can’t wait to read the next one, “Scarlett”!

[Courtney Stirrat · Rating 5 out of 5]

I’m a huge fan of Samantha March. I think this is the third book of hers I’ve read. If you are looking for fun, easy chick lit, with great character development and engaging plots, these are great. The women feel like people I know.

[Candice · Rating 3 out of 5]

This book was definitely a change of pace for me as I haven’t read chick lit in years, but I did enjoy the story and the detail put in. It was fun for me to reminisce on my twenties with these characters and I look forward to reading the rest of the series to see how they evolve.

[PlainJane365 · Rating 4 out of 5]

Kristy and the rest of The Six series (book 4 was just published) are quick, easy reads that bring you through the lives of six girlfriends in a way that has you feeling like your hanging out at girls night catching up on some very relatable moments. I rather enjoyed it.

[Amanda · Rating 5 out of 5]

Honestly this book was so good! A nice quick read while still keeping me wanting more. Scarlett is next on my list!!! I adore Samantha March, and her description of her books, especially The Six series, being “chick lit” couldn’t fit more perfectly!