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Bluff Harbor #1
What About Her
It’s been six months since Willow left Kate Bergman’s college dorm room to go for an evening run…and never came back.
Everybody else who loved Willow is ready for closure, but something deep inside Kate says that her dearest childhood friend is somehow still alive. And that obstinate conviction is alienating all the people Kate loves most.
Even River McEwan is upset with her, and that’s the deepest blow of all. River was Willow’s boyfriend, but the three of them—Kate, Willow, and River—have been friends since childhood.
When a professor assigns Kate and River to be partners in a joint research project, Kate hopes it’s a chance to tear down the barrier between them, but instead faces an even bigger challenge. As she and River meet over the school project, their renewed friendship flares into something more.
Soon River is enticing Kate to do things she’s never dreamed of. But while she can’t imagine giving up River, Kate doesn’t know whether she can—or even should—stop wondering whether Willow will ever come home….
Everybody else who loved Willow is ready for closure, but something deep inside Kate says that her dearest childhood friend is somehow still alive. And that obstinate conviction is alienating all the people Kate loves most.
Even River McEwan is upset with her, and that’s the deepest blow of all. River was Willow’s boyfriend, but the three of them—Kate, Willow, and River—have been friends since childhood.
When a professor assigns Kate and River to be partners in a joint research project, Kate hopes it’s a chance to tear down the barrier between them, but instead faces an even bigger challenge. As she and River meet over the school project, their renewed friendship flares into something more.
Soon River is enticing Kate to do things she’s never dreamed of. But while she can’t imagine giving up River, Kate doesn’t know whether she can—or even should—stop wondering whether Willow will ever come home….
204 pages, Kindle Edition
Published March 3, 2017
98 people are currently reading
244 people want to read
About the author
Emma Tharp
38 books222 followersEmma Tharp is the USA Today Bestselling Author of The Bluff Harbor Series, Keeping It Casual, Drawn to Dark, and the McLoughlin Brother Series. She was raised in upstate New York. Being an only child, she spent a great deal of time alone, dreaming up characters who would keep her company on long family road trips. Putting her writing on the back burner, she went to college and became a chiropractor. After spending twelve years healing patients, Emma decided—with the help of her amazingly supportive husband—to use the creative side of her brain and let her characters come to the page.
If she’s not writing, Emma can be found at the gym, one of her kids sporting events, Starbucks, or a live music event.
A perfect day for Emma would be spent at her lake house with her husband, two ginger-haired children, and Vizsla, reading a book and drinking a large cup of coffee (or wine) with music playing in the background.
If she’s not writing, Emma can be found at the gym, one of her kids sporting events, Starbucks, or a live music event.
A perfect day for Emma would be spent at her lake house with her husband, two ginger-haired children, and Vizsla, reading a book and drinking a large cup of coffee (or wine) with music playing in the background.
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March 9, 2017
ARC provided in exchange for an honest review.
Kate's best friend has been missing for 6 months, gone after a run that leaves everyone missing her. While everyone moves on from Willow, accepting that it's time to let go, Kate has a feeling that there's more to her disappearance and that she could still be alive. While her beliefs alienate her, they also bring her closer to River McEwan, her childhood best friend and Willow's ex. Their friendship turns into more and Kate can't think of life without him, but she still can't shake the thought that Willow is still out there.
Mysterious and alluring, What About Her isn't the average friends to lover trope readers are used to. While it reads like a love-triangle, Emma Tharp's debut novel features only two main characters, the third party missing in action though she's never far from their thoughts. River and Kate are well developed characters, their friendship is one that has had a lustful connection from day one, though neither has acknowledged it. I loved both characters and, while they had minor flaws, I found myself connecting with them and rooting for their romance. Kate is the definition of a good friend, despite her moving on to River it is not as a method of forgetting or replacing Willow. I love that she tried so hard to do the right thing for others even though she knew what was really right for her. River is confusing at first, but as he opens up and reveals his true feelings I really fell for him. Willow, though missing the entire novel, seems to have been quite a character and even without meeting her it is apparent that she guides much of the novels story line. She seems to be a force and the next novel already promises to center around Willow.
With slower pacing, What About Her is the sort of novel that draws you in and grips you, not because it's fast and constantly high emotion but more so due to Emma Tharp's ability to bring the entire book to life. The small town college atmosphere is apparent, the connections between the various students are deemed just as important as those moments shared between River and Kate, and the disappearance of Willow is felt by all. I loved that the mystery isn't revealed in this novel, because the romance and development between Kate and River would've been overshadowed. With just the right amount of angst, smut, romance, and suspense readers who pick up What About Her will be desperate for the next novel.
Kate's best friend has been missing for 6 months, gone after a run that leaves everyone missing her. While everyone moves on from Willow, accepting that it's time to let go, Kate has a feeling that there's more to her disappearance and that she could still be alive. While her beliefs alienate her, they also bring her closer to River McEwan, her childhood best friend and Willow's ex. Their friendship turns into more and Kate can't think of life without him, but she still can't shake the thought that Willow is still out there.
Mysterious and alluring, What About Her isn't the average friends to lover trope readers are used to. While it reads like a love-triangle, Emma Tharp's debut novel features only two main characters, the third party missing in action though she's never far from their thoughts. River and Kate are well developed characters, their friendship is one that has had a lustful connection from day one, though neither has acknowledged it. I loved both characters and, while they had minor flaws, I found myself connecting with them and rooting for their romance. Kate is the definition of a good friend, despite her moving on to River it is not as a method of forgetting or replacing Willow. I love that she tried so hard to do the right thing for others even though she knew what was really right for her. River is confusing at first, but as he opens up and reveals his true feelings I really fell for him. Willow, though missing the entire novel, seems to have been quite a character and even without meeting her it is apparent that she guides much of the novels story line. She seems to be a force and the next novel already promises to center around Willow.
With slower pacing, What About Her is the sort of novel that draws you in and grips you, not because it's fast and constantly high emotion but more so due to Emma Tharp's ability to bring the entire book to life. The small town college atmosphere is apparent, the connections between the various students are deemed just as important as those moments shared between River and Kate, and the disappearance of Willow is felt by all. I loved that the mystery isn't revealed in this novel, because the romance and development between Kate and River would've been overshadowed. With just the right amount of angst, smut, romance, and suspense readers who pick up What About Her will be desperate for the next novel.
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March 3, 2017
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July 23, 2017
Six months ago Kate's best friend Willow went out for a run and never came home. She just vanished and disappeared off the face of the earth. Everyone thinks that Willow is dead, but Kate knows that she can't be and that something isn't right with the whole situation. They all want her to move on including River who was their best friend and Willow's boyfriend. Why won't anyone listen to her and check into Willow's story? During What About Her, we read as River and Kate have an up and down relationship, and eventually the pair start to get on and become something more than friends. However, River's mom's not happy about this situation and threatens Kate, is this what happened to Willow? One night, Kate finds a love note in Willow's bedroom signed by "K." Was Willow secretly dating Kyle? Kate stops by Kyle's house to talk to his brother and finds out that one of Kyle's escapades ended up pregnant but not sure who? Is this why Willow disappeared? What About Her by Emma Tharp ended in a major cliffhanger as just as Kate and River's romantic relationship takes a big leap, the phone rings with information about Willow? Is she still alive or does someone want to mess with Kate and River's minds? Find out in Book #1 What About Her. After reading this book, I went and added Book #2 to my Amazon wishlist as it gets released in August 2017.
March 5, 2017
I never read anything from Emma Tharp before and this was a pretty good start to a series. Right off the bat, Katie was attending her best friend Willow’s funeral. Willow has been missing for 6 months – her family is convinced she is dead but Katie has other ideas. She thinks Willow is still alive somewhere out there. River, Katie and Willow had been childhood friends. After Willow’s disappearance, Katie and River’s relationship was strained. But as they both mourn the loss of a friend, Katie starts to spend more time with River, who was Willow’s boyfriend. They have the same classes and same circle of friends. They spend a lot of time together and eventually start to develop feelings for each other or have they had feelings for each other all along?
I like that the story and character development eases nicely from the beginning. I also like the mystery and the surprise as Katie and River find clues that Willow left behind. I am not sure about River’s mother – I don’t get why she is so hell bent on Katie leaving her son alone so he can focus on football; he is a grown man so I am a little suspicious of her. The main characters are college students but sometimes I feel that they are acting younger with all the drama that goes on and with some of the cat fights. I like Katie and River’s chemistry – sweet but also pretty explosive in the romance department.
The book ends in a cliffhanger though so I am anxious to find out what happens next. Over all, this was a short and entertaining read.
I like that the story and character development eases nicely from the beginning. I also like the mystery and the surprise as Katie and River find clues that Willow left behind. I am not sure about River’s mother – I don’t get why she is so hell bent on Katie leaving her son alone so he can focus on football; he is a grown man so I am a little suspicious of her. The main characters are college students but sometimes I feel that they are acting younger with all the drama that goes on and with some of the cat fights. I like Katie and River’s chemistry – sweet but also pretty explosive in the romance department.
The book ends in a cliffhanger though so I am anxious to find out what happens next. Over all, this was a short and entertaining read.
March 4, 2017
Great writing! I can't believe this is a debut for the author. I liked all of the characters. Each one was vastly different from the next with distinct personalities and uniquely relevant in the role they play in Kate's life. The author did a great job of weaving a web of uncertainty and lies. It was easy for me to question Willow's role in her disappearance since, like Kate, I didn't believe she was dead as others kept pushing Kate to accept. I thought it odd that everyone wanted to just give up searching for Willow after 6 months. I mean, come on, people search for loved ones for years! I was also intrigued by Peg, River's mom, and why her feelings were so strong in regard to Kate and her family.
I loved watching River and Kate finally accept their feelings and move forward from friends to lovers. I'm not a huge fan of YA stories because of the immaturity that sometimes seeps into their actions and words, so I was pleased with these characters. Yes, there was some uncertainty and self doubt, but that's normal for any relationship and not over-the-top. It was also nice to have a college quarterback that wasn't a playboy. River seemed pretty levelheaded, down-to-earth, and caring. Kate on the other hand did seem a bit meek and unsure of herself in general. I was happy the times she did decide to stand up for herself and hope to see much more of that in the next book.
Now you're about to see how my mind works... These were some of the thoughts that were running through my head as I read this story. If you've read the book, I would love to hear if you imagined the same things and what you thought would happen (don't leave spoilers please). If you haven't read it and want to go into the book with a clear mind, you should probably stop now. I don't give anything away in terms of the plot, though. Again, these are just the inner workings of my analytical mind.
- Seeing River and Kate together and learning of their history had me wondering why these two never got together before. River seemed to be harboring deep feelings for Kate, so why was he with Willow instead. I also thought it odd when we learned about how River and Willow's relationship actually was. They just didn't seem like a happy couple. Usually friends-to-lovers have that unique connection. They seemed almost like strangers to me.
- Also understanding how close the girls were and the fact that Kate molded her life to always be near Willow had me wondering if Willow felt like she might need to disappear in order to escape her life. And maybe she did this for Kate as well to sort of push her to finally stand on her own and take what she wanted from life.
- I also had a lot of opinions about Kyle and his strange behavior. Anyone else think he played a role in Willow's disappearance? I'm glad Kate started to question it, too.
I voluntarily reviewed an Advance Readers Copy of this book.
I loved watching River and Kate finally accept their feelings and move forward from friends to lovers. I'm not a huge fan of YA stories because of the immaturity that sometimes seeps into their actions and words, so I was pleased with these characters. Yes, there was some uncertainty and self doubt, but that's normal for any relationship and not over-the-top. It was also nice to have a college quarterback that wasn't a playboy. River seemed pretty levelheaded, down-to-earth, and caring. Kate on the other hand did seem a bit meek and unsure of herself in general. I was happy the times she did decide to stand up for herself and hope to see much more of that in the next book.
Now you're about to see how my mind works... These were some of the thoughts that were running through my head as I read this story. If you've read the book, I would love to hear if you imagined the same things and what you thought would happen (don't leave spoilers please). If you haven't read it and want to go into the book with a clear mind, you should probably stop now. I don't give anything away in terms of the plot, though. Again, these are just the inner workings of my analytical mind.
- Seeing River and Kate together and learning of their history had me wondering why these two never got together before. River seemed to be harboring deep feelings for Kate, so why was he with Willow instead. I also thought it odd when we learned about how River and Willow's relationship actually was. They just didn't seem like a happy couple. Usually friends-to-lovers have that unique connection. They seemed almost like strangers to me.
- Also understanding how close the girls were and the fact that Kate molded her life to always be near Willow had me wondering if Willow felt like she might need to disappear in order to escape her life. And maybe she did this for Kate as well to sort of push her to finally stand on her own and take what she wanted from life.
- I also had a lot of opinions about Kyle and his strange behavior. Anyone else think he played a role in Willow's disappearance? I'm glad Kate started to question it, too.
I voluntarily reviewed an Advance Readers Copy of this book.
August 8, 2017
Story is my favorite trope -friends to lovers. In this case 3 friends - 2 girls and a boy - h in love with H but he was dating mutual friend who up and disappeared. The h /H we initially distant after the disappearance but once again became friends then lovers,fell in love, was all in secret because of the bff. When all was looking up and they decide to go public, of course the twist is that the friend is found ending book in cliffy. Overall, not a great book but not bad either, liked the premise and interest enough to want to read book 2.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
October 10, 2017
Nice read
So far I can say I enjoyed this. It's kind of too mellow for my liking. I like dirty which this was just plain simple (which is ok) I have to add, I felt like I was going nowhere real fast. Yet I needed to push through because of curiosity. I knew what was coming and now I have to get on with the next book. Somehow I have a very strong feeling how it will end from what I gathered in this book. I'll be shocked if I'm wrong.
So far I can say I enjoyed this. It's kind of too mellow for my liking. I like dirty which this was just plain simple (which is ok) I have to add, I felt like I was going nowhere real fast. Yet I needed to push through because of curiosity. I knew what was coming and now I have to get on with the next book. Somehow I have a very strong feeling how it will end from what I gathered in this book. I'll be shocked if I'm wrong.
December 28, 2019
Omg! I loved this first book In This series! It’s well written with a fab storyline and a whole rollercoaster of emotions that will have you hooked from the very first page! A romance with suspense, twists and turns, I cannot wait to read the next book!
March 2, 2017
Friends to lovers with a mysterious twist!
Kate Bergman is trying her hardest to move on with her life after her best friend Willow vanished while going for an evening run. Everyone around Kate is accepting that Willow is probably never coming back but Kate just can’t wrap her head around it and something inside keeps telling her that Willow is still alive. With the help from friends and family, Kate finds herself opening back up and starting to enjoy life again. But when her long time best friend River McEwan comes back into the picture, she wonders if she is doing the right thing.
What About Her was a quick, enjoyable debut novel. I loved the mystery that flowed around Willow’s disappearance and honestly I think that’s the big fact that kept me reading until the end. I’m an investigative junkie so a big part of me just needed to know what happened. Did she run away? Was she taken? Was she killed? I wanted answers, even though I had a million conclusions running around in my mind.
A big factor of this story though was Kate and River. They’ve known each other since they were in kindergaten when River would chase Kate around the playground to try to get that childish kiss. It was always the two of them, until Willow came into the picture and then it became three. Willow got the boy though, for about a year until she disappeared her and River were dating. Like many other friends I know though, Kate had always had a crush on River but never did anything about it until they reconnected after the disappearance.
Being a main character, I thought Kate was a bit stiff but the only thing that helped with it all was her sister who was totally adorable and the complete opposite. Another thing that was a bit off with this book for me was the feel of it. The characters are all in their twenty’s, but I got a high school vibe with the drama and the details of it all. It didn’t feel like a college setting to me besides the few parties and bars they attended.
Besides a few faults, I thought What About Her was enjoyable and I do have to say the ending has me hooked and will have me reading the next book! It’s a cliff hanger and gives a huge clue away about Willow that will have you aggravated but excited all at the same time. If you’re looking for a short, contemporary romance with a hint of a mystery then you should check out Emma Tharps debut novel!
**Thanks so much to the author for an ARC copy in exchange for an honest review!**
Kate Bergman is trying her hardest to move on with her life after her best friend Willow vanished while going for an evening run. Everyone around Kate is accepting that Willow is probably never coming back but Kate just can’t wrap her head around it and something inside keeps telling her that Willow is still alive. With the help from friends and family, Kate finds herself opening back up and starting to enjoy life again. But when her long time best friend River McEwan comes back into the picture, she wonders if she is doing the right thing.
What About Her was a quick, enjoyable debut novel. I loved the mystery that flowed around Willow’s disappearance and honestly I think that’s the big fact that kept me reading until the end. I’m an investigative junkie so a big part of me just needed to know what happened. Did she run away? Was she taken? Was she killed? I wanted answers, even though I had a million conclusions running around in my mind.
A big factor of this story though was Kate and River. They’ve known each other since they were in kindergaten when River would chase Kate around the playground to try to get that childish kiss. It was always the two of them, until Willow came into the picture and then it became three. Willow got the boy though, for about a year until she disappeared her and River were dating. Like many other friends I know though, Kate had always had a crush on River but never did anything about it until they reconnected after the disappearance.
Being a main character, I thought Kate was a bit stiff but the only thing that helped with it all was her sister who was totally adorable and the complete opposite. Another thing that was a bit off with this book for me was the feel of it. The characters are all in their twenty’s, but I got a high school vibe with the drama and the details of it all. It didn’t feel like a college setting to me besides the few parties and bars they attended.
Besides a few faults, I thought What About Her was enjoyable and I do have to say the ending has me hooked and will have me reading the next book! It’s a cliff hanger and gives a huge clue away about Willow that will have you aggravated but excited all at the same time. If you’re looking for a short, contemporary romance with a hint of a mystery then you should check out Emma Tharps debut novel!
**Thanks so much to the author for an ARC copy in exchange for an honest review!**
March 1, 2017
Arc provided on behalf of The Wandering Bookaholic in exchange of an honest review
I honestly can't decide what I make of this book.
The idea behind the story is great and the story itself was enjoyable to read but the characters just didn't gel for me. Kate comes across as a quiet little mouse personality who could be walked over easily. The story begins where she is convinced her best friend Willow, who went missing months before, is not dead and she won't give up looking for her. But when she is reunited with her other best friend River, Willows boyfriend and the guy Kate loves, she gives up on Willow very quickly. Kate receives several clues that Willow is alive but doesn't seem to pursue any of them despite wanting to find her.
It also seems River never loved Willow and always loved Kate so I'm unsure why they were together in the first place.
Kate lets herself be talked out of finding Willow all throughout the book and lets others walk all over her, not the best heroine in my eyes!
However, the book did end on a cliffhanger, one that was very obviously coming but a cliffhanger all the same and it has intrigued me into wanting more and wanting to know what happens in the next book. I'm hoping Kate's character becomes stronger and stands her ground.
Overall not a bad book I just think the characters needed more work.
I honestly can't decide what I make of this book.
The idea behind the story is great and the story itself was enjoyable to read but the characters just didn't gel for me. Kate comes across as a quiet little mouse personality who could be walked over easily. The story begins where she is convinced her best friend Willow, who went missing months before, is not dead and she won't give up looking for her. But when she is reunited with her other best friend River, Willows boyfriend and the guy Kate loves, she gives up on Willow very quickly. Kate receives several clues that Willow is alive but doesn't seem to pursue any of them despite wanting to find her.
It also seems River never loved Willow and always loved Kate so I'm unsure why they were together in the first place.
Kate lets herself be talked out of finding Willow all throughout the book and lets others walk all over her, not the best heroine in my eyes!
However, the book did end on a cliffhanger, one that was very obviously coming but a cliffhanger all the same and it has intrigued me into wanting more and wanting to know what happens in the next book. I'm hoping Kate's character becomes stronger and stands her ground.
Overall not a bad book I just think the characters needed more work.
September 16, 2017
Angst, mystery, friends to lovers...What About Her has all of that and more.
The story has potential to be great, but it felt lacking at some parts. The mystery with the missing best friend is a great twist to the story. I really like the friends to lovers story, but I felt like something was missing between Kate and River. River was very hot and cold in the beginning, and it seemed like all of that was just forgotten. While the story was great and has a ton of potential, the writing style didn't draw me in. I can't quite pinpoint what it was if things were too drawn out or too elaborate. I tend to be a speed reader, which I enjoy, and I wasn't able to do that with this story. I felt like I was missing too much and had to reread several passages to understand. It just took me a little longer to read this story than is normal for me. The ending is a major cliffhanger. While I wasn't surprised by it, I was definitely intrigued enough to read the second book.
The story has potential to be great, but it felt lacking at some parts. The mystery with the missing best friend is a great twist to the story. I really like the friends to lovers story, but I felt like something was missing between Kate and River. River was very hot and cold in the beginning, and it seemed like all of that was just forgotten. While the story was great and has a ton of potential, the writing style didn't draw me in. I can't quite pinpoint what it was if things were too drawn out or too elaborate. I tend to be a speed reader, which I enjoy, and I wasn't able to do that with this story. I felt like I was missing too much and had to reread several passages to understand. It just took me a little longer to read this story than is normal for me. The ending is a major cliffhanger. While I wasn't surprised by it, I was definitely intrigued enough to read the second book.
avoid
May 21, 2022Self note avoid
Read J review in book 2.
MCs break up and the h almost rapes the om 😂. Yea, she tries to rape the om.😂😂
Not for me.
Read J review in book 2.
MCs break up and the h almost rapes the om 😂. Yea, she tries to rape the om.😂😂
Not for me.
August 5, 2017
I am reviewing these books together because I read them together and because this is a duet. The story is about Kate, her missing friend, Willow and River. Willow is dating River when she disappears without a trace. The first book starts six months after Willow's disappearance, when all of her friends and family, except Kate have decided to move on. Kate is sure in her heart that Willow is alive and will return.
All the components for a great mystery and romance story is there. A missing girl, a friend holding on, two friends coming together in their grief and finding love. The problem for me is that the components just never came together. Kate, who is in her last year of college and preparing for grad school, comes across like a high school kid versus a young adult. She is so unsure of herself and her decisions. A good example is when she finds evidence in Willow's room , she has to ask if she should bring it to the police and then when told yes, she forgets all about it. Everyone in town is determined to "move on" and assume Willow is dead but, even so, Kate refuses to publicly acknowledge that she and River as together because of what everyone will think. In book two, she makes decisions that make absolutely no sense based on what she knows of the situation before Willow went missing and is constantly second guessing herself and leaving River confused.
The pacing is very slow, especially in book two (Poor Lane, Kate was always so exhausted.). Evidence and revealed truths are few and far in between with the majority of the pages spent on Kate's inner monologues and her leading Lane on. The ultimate "truth" of what happened to Willow was both anti-climactic and overdone.
Unfortunately, I just found this overtly angst ridden and repetitious. I'm not sure why a duet was needed and feel had the author pulled back some of the repeated scenes that this would have worked as a single romance/mystery book.
May 18, 2017
I absolutely loved this book! I did not know it was the first book to a series and was left with a gut-wreching feeling at the end when we find out Willow is still alive and then it ends. I was reading it on my kindle and kept turning the page to make sure I was not missing something. I even got on Google and made sure and this is how I found out it was the beginning to a series. I cannot wait for the next book! It was written with delicate and fierce language all in the same breathe and kept me coming back for more through its story about three friends that suffer from the disappearance of one of their friends (Willow) who was in a relationship with River when she disappeared. I had so many questions as I watched Kate and Rivers relationship blossom after they reconnect as friends through riding a roller coaster of emotions. They attend a memorial of their beloved Willow and have a rough go at communication and are later assigned a paper to work on together from their college professor while still in a non-communicative state. That sparks the beginning of them fixiring their friendship, helping each other move past what has happened, and finding love through it all. The guilt is enough to eat Kate alive, but she manages to push that aside to consume herself in River. She begins to live again in her fairytale life only to find out in the end that exactly what she thought was a true assumption. Willow was not dead, and she has been found. She could not seem to find the joy she should have had at this news; after all she is now fully involved with her boyfriend. There are so many mysterious along the way that produce unanswered questions, but it was dripping with a delicious turn with every page. Wonderful read and cannot wait to experience what happens next!
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
August 7, 2017
What About Her
By Emma Tharp
4 stars
Reviewed on behalf of 3 Degrees of Fiction Book Blog
What About Her was a really enjoyable college age romance story with a great twist. This is the first book in a two part series by Emma Tharp. It is also the first book that I have read by this author and I believe it is her debut novel. I really enjoyed her relaxed writing style, the story flowed really well and was a nice easy to read book. The characters, Kate and River, were likeable and well developed. I really enjoyed the Willow part of the storyline and that kept me guessing right until the very end – and this book ends on a major cliff-hanger! Along with Kate and River there are a whole host of really good secondary characters too in the story. I loved the relationship between Kate and River, with Willow missing I can imagine how hard it is for Kate to try and understand her feelings for River and the fact that he is also acting on his feelings for her, but with him being Willow’s boyfriend she is torn with what to do. Willow might never come back and life unfortunately does go on but I think because Kate is such a nice person she is worried about what everyone is going to think about her.
I thought that What about Her was a great debut novel from this author, a solid 4 star read and I am definitely eagerly awaiting the next book so I can see what happens. I highly recommend if NA is your genre!
By Emma Tharp
4 stars
Reviewed on behalf of 3 Degrees of Fiction Book Blog
What About Her was a really enjoyable college age romance story with a great twist. This is the first book in a two part series by Emma Tharp. It is also the first book that I have read by this author and I believe it is her debut novel. I really enjoyed her relaxed writing style, the story flowed really well and was a nice easy to read book. The characters, Kate and River, were likeable and well developed. I really enjoyed the Willow part of the storyline and that kept me guessing right until the very end – and this book ends on a major cliff-hanger! Along with Kate and River there are a whole host of really good secondary characters too in the story. I loved the relationship between Kate and River, with Willow missing I can imagine how hard it is for Kate to try and understand her feelings for River and the fact that he is also acting on his feelings for her, but with him being Willow’s boyfriend she is torn with what to do. Willow might never come back and life unfortunately does go on but I think because Kate is such a nice person she is worried about what everyone is going to think about her.
I thought that What about Her was a great debut novel from this author, a solid 4 star read and I am definitely eagerly awaiting the next book so I can see what happens. I highly recommend if NA is your genre!
March 5, 2017
*****4.5 stars*****
I received an ARC of this book in exchange for a honest review.
This was an easy read and a very sweet NA novel about friends-to-lovers Kate and River.
In the beginning of the book I was a bit put off by how easily everyone brushed off Kate and her feelings. I definitely understood where people were coming from with their "you need to move on" attitudes but at the same time I felt like there was an unnecessary harshness put on Kate for being unwilling to give up on her best friend.
River was initially a jerk but actually ended up being a very great guy. He was honest and didn't hide his feelings which was a relief because I was hoping it wouldn't be another man-whore-college-guy situation and it wasn't! River was definitely a breathe of fresh air and I loved the way he was with Kate.
The reason why I gave this book 4.5 stars is because I'm not a fan of cliffhangers, they drive me crazy and I'm far too impatient to wait for the next book - otherwise this was a great book and I'll definitely looking forward to book 2!
I received an ARC of this book in exchange for a honest review.
This was an easy read and a very sweet NA novel about friends-to-lovers Kate and River.
In the beginning of the book I was a bit put off by how easily everyone brushed off Kate and her feelings. I definitely understood where people were coming from with their "you need to move on" attitudes but at the same time I felt like there was an unnecessary harshness put on Kate for being unwilling to give up on her best friend.
River was initially a jerk but actually ended up being a very great guy. He was honest and didn't hide his feelings which was a relief because I was hoping it wouldn't be another man-whore-college-guy situation and it wasn't! River was definitely a breathe of fresh air and I loved the way he was with Kate.
The reason why I gave this book 4.5 stars is because I'm not a fan of cliffhangers, they drive me crazy and I'm far too impatient to wait for the next book - otherwise this was a great book and I'll definitely looking forward to book 2!
October 19, 2018
Emma Tharp is a new author for me, so I came into this book without any preconceived notions of how she wrote. The story seems to be set in a small town where everyone knows everyone's business; the good, the bad and the ugly. It centers around three young people who grew up extremely close friends. Then for no apparent reason, one comes up missing and the other two are left to deal with the hurt, fear and guilt when they realize they fell more for each other than mere friendship. What do you do when you learn a secret? How do you handle the guilt of falling in love with your best friend's boyfriend? Emma Tharp has addressed these issues in a tale that deals realistically with small towns, secrets, feelings and emotions in a way that is totally relatable. It was a little slow for me, but I think it's because I'm well past the young adult stage, but the storyline and characters far exceeded my expectations.
August 10, 2017
Kate's friend Willow has been missing for 6 months. No clues, no suspects, no nothing. Kate can't believe her friend would just disappear without someone or something being involved. Everyone is ready for closure and ready to move on with their lives.
Kate has always had a crush on River, but he was dating Willow and she couldn't betray her friend. Now that everyone is moving on, will Kate move on with River? Or, will she hold true to her friendship with Willow and just remain friends with RIver. Will the clue Kate finds lead her to answers about Willow's disappearance?
I am giving What About Her 4 stars. I really liked it, the only thing I was hoping for was a bigger twist. I just didn't get that with this book. It is a great story and the characters are easy to relate to. I'm hoping that in What About Us, I get the answers I am looking for!
Kate has always had a crush on River, but he was dating Willow and she couldn't betray her friend. Now that everyone is moving on, will Kate move on with River? Or, will she hold true to her friendship with Willow and just remain friends with RIver. Will the clue Kate finds lead her to answers about Willow's disappearance?
I am giving What About Her 4 stars. I really liked it, the only thing I was hoping for was a bigger twist. I just didn't get that with this book. It is a great story and the characters are easy to relate to. I'm hoping that in What About Us, I get the answers I am looking for!
July 5, 2017
This is a great book that will have you page turning until your done and then there's a cliffhanger. But the next book will be available on August 1, so you won't have to wait too long. Well written with a strong and captivating story line and interesting characters. Two best friends Kate and Willow and Willow takes missing after a jog. Kate is the only one who still has hope that Willow is still alive somewhere while everyone else is wanting closure. The chemistry kicks in when Kate and Willow's boyfriend are thrown together on a class project. She's torn between her feelings for him and her friend who she still thinks might return. No shortage of drama, mystery or suspense. An easy fun read.
December 4, 2017
This was my first book by this author so I wasn’t sure what to expect, but the blurb totally grabbed my attention and I knew that I needed to give the book a try. I’m really glad I did. The book starts off with Kate attending her missing friend, Willows memorial service. Willlow has been missing for six months and Kate is the only one who believes that she is still alive out there somewhere. In the beginning of the book her old friend and Willows boyfriend, River is treating her weird. Then all of the sudden he wanted her. That part of the story was weird for me. But I enjoyed the rest of it. River and Kate seemed like a good couple for me ad I liked the mystery aspect of the story. I immediately purchased the second book when I finished this one.
August 4, 2017
3.5 Stars
A great start to the friends to lovers story from Emma Tharp.
Six months ago Kate's best friend Willow went out for a run and never came back leaving her family and friends devastated. Kate, Willow and Willow's boyfriend River were the three musketeers, always together but after Willow's disappearance River seemed to distance himself from Kate, that is until they are forced to work together on a school paper and real feelings start to bubble to the surface.
I really enjoyed getting to know Kate and River and can't wait to get started on book 2.
**Complementary copy received for an honest review.**
A great start to the friends to lovers story from Emma Tharp.
Six months ago Kate's best friend Willow went out for a run and never came back leaving her family and friends devastated. Kate, Willow and Willow's boyfriend River were the three musketeers, always together but after Willow's disappearance River seemed to distance himself from Kate, that is until they are forced to work together on a school paper and real feelings start to bubble to the surface.
I really enjoyed getting to know Kate and River and can't wait to get started on book 2.
**Complementary copy received for an honest review.**
August 10, 2017
What About Her (Book One in the Bluff Harbor Series) by Emma Tharp
• Future
What am amazing story of getting through grief and loss. Is Willow truly gone forever? You'll have to read What About Her (Book One in the Bluff Harbor Series) to find out. This story ends on somewhat of a cliffhanger... Luckily What About Us (Book Two in the Bluff Harbor Series) is available now!! I voluntarily reviewed an ARC copy of this book via IndieSagePR for an honest blog tour review. Due to sexual situations and adult language, this book is recommended for readers 18 and older!
Favorite Passage ~
• “With hope in our hearts, with love in our eyes, we open our hearts, start living our lives.”
• Future
What am amazing story of getting through grief and loss. Is Willow truly gone forever? You'll have to read What About Her (Book One in the Bluff Harbor Series) to find out. This story ends on somewhat of a cliffhanger... Luckily What About Us (Book Two in the Bluff Harbor Series) is available now!! I voluntarily reviewed an ARC copy of this book via IndieSagePR for an honest blog tour review. Due to sexual situations and adult language, this book is recommended for readers 18 and older!
Favorite Passage ~
• “With hope in our hearts, with love in our eyes, we open our hearts, start living our lives.”
October 5, 2017
An amazing Friends to Lovers book...with a cliffhanger.
Kate is best friends with Willow, who disappears 6 months ago. Kate is also best friends with River who was dating River. They've all been friends since Kindergarten. What no one knows is, Kate is and has been in love with River for years. After Willow's disappearance, River and Kate become distant from each other. But, they are forced to work together on a paper, and then they become close again.
This is my first book by Emma Tharp, and I loved it. Her writing style is simply amazing. Her writes these characters with such love, it amazes me.
Kate is best friends with Willow, who disappears 6 months ago. Kate is also best friends with River who was dating River. They've all been friends since Kindergarten. What no one knows is, Kate is and has been in love with River for years. After Willow's disappearance, River and Kate become distant from each other. But, they are forced to work together on a paper, and then they become close again.
This is my first book by Emma Tharp, and I loved it. Her writing style is simply amazing. Her writes these characters with such love, it amazes me.
Read
December 15, 2017This was my first book by this author and I'm glad I read it. Right from the beginning the story pulled me in. I was intrigued by the description and enjoyed the "friends to lovers" story line. I wish the author would have explained a little more about why Kate and River weren't speaking after her friends disappearance, but otherwise it was a good story. I liked the mystery part of the book and that Kate was trying to figure out why Willow went missing. I'll definitely be purchasing the next book to see what happens next.
September 16, 2018
This is the first book in this series by this author. What a fantastic start to the series. Amazing characters that you will just fall in love with as you read. This is a complexed story with lies and uncertainty woven into the plot. This book will keep you reading long into the night. I can't wait to read more from this author in the future.
Highly recommended start to the series
I voluntarily reviewed an advance reader copy of this book
www.obsessedbookreviews.blogspot.co.uk
Highly recommended start to the series
I voluntarily reviewed an advance reader copy of this book
www.obsessedbookreviews.blogspot.co.uk
July 25, 2017
When I first read the blurb of What About Her I was immediately drawn in. It sounded amazing. There was lots of potential for angst and mystery in the storyline. Unfortunately, this was a bit of a miss for me. I did like the storyline and there was plenty of heat as well. It’s an enjoyable read and I was entertained. I just never got completely engrossed into the story like I usually do. I wasn’t invested in the characters.
Kate’s convinced her roommate and best friend Willow is still alive even though she disappeared months ago. She’s a bit of a doormat character, often stiff and mousy. It takes other characters to draw her out of her shell. River, to be honest, comes off as a bit of a jerk. He is a sexy player and there are times when he’s tender and sweet but overall I had a hard time connecting with him. There’s some push-pull between the two as they reconcile their feelings for each other. And the chemistry between them is pretty hot. Ms. Tharp certainly knows how to bring the heat. I found myself liking some of the secondary characters a little bit more than the mains. Stella was adorable and certainly brightened the pages. And Grace was amazing as well.
Overall, I just found that some plotlines that I thought were going to be central to the book were just kind of brushed off. I expected a lot more angst and guilt then I got. But that’s on me. All that being said, this is a really sweet, friends to lovers story. It’s an easy, light read with little drama and a touch of mystery. It does end on a cliffhanger so I’m looking forward to the next book because I do want to see how everything comes together.
I voluntarily reviewed an Advanced Reader Copy of this book.
For more reviews, visit
Kate’s convinced her roommate and best friend Willow is still alive even though she disappeared months ago. She’s a bit of a doormat character, often stiff and mousy. It takes other characters to draw her out of her shell. River, to be honest, comes off as a bit of a jerk. He is a sexy player and there are times when he’s tender and sweet but overall I had a hard time connecting with him. There’s some push-pull between the two as they reconcile their feelings for each other. And the chemistry between them is pretty hot. Ms. Tharp certainly knows how to bring the heat. I found myself liking some of the secondary characters a little bit more than the mains. Stella was adorable and certainly brightened the pages. And Grace was amazing as well.
Overall, I just found that some plotlines that I thought were going to be central to the book were just kind of brushed off. I expected a lot more angst and guilt then I got. But that’s on me. All that being said, this is a really sweet, friends to lovers story. It’s an easy, light read with little drama and a touch of mystery. It does end on a cliffhanger so I’m looking forward to the next book because I do want to see how everything comes together.
I voluntarily reviewed an Advanced Reader Copy of this book.
For more reviews, visit
September 9, 2017
I had very little time to read lately so it unfortunately took me longer to read than it normally would. The story is engaging but a simple read. The sex scenes are not over the top dramatic but are by no means glossed over. Add in the "Where is Willow" factor and there is some nice mystery to the story. I REALLY ENJOYED IT.
Also I have a love/hate with the ending (Major cliffhanger)
Also I have a love/hate with the ending (Major cliffhanger)
June 16, 2018
Although this book ends in a cliffhanger, don't be worried, the second book is already out and it is definitely worth reading. The angst and intrigue are enough to keep you on the edge of your seat. I had purchased this book last year when it first came out and put it aside although after I read it, I could have kicked myself. Definitely on the to be read again list. I loved this book.
June 18, 2018
Her best friend just left and she was worried about what was happening to her. She was put together with her boyfriend and she finds herself falling for him but she cant. She needs to find her friend. Will he help her? Will they go further? Will she find her friend? See if she will find her friend
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
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