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Bad Reputation Duet #1
Whatever It Takes
I HAVE A BAD REPUTATION.
Call me what you Bad Boy Next Door. Trouble. That Kid Who Can’t Do Anything Right.
When Willow moves into my neighborhood, nothing should have happened. She’s geeky. Shy. A true wallflower.
Willow is a good girl.
Too good for me.
And how the hell was I supposed to know that she’s related to Loren Hale—yeah, that douchebag celebrity that lives on my street. The same guy I've been pranking by spray painting vulgar words on his mailbox and worse. Much worse.
Don't ask me why I do the things I do.
Don't ask me why it had to be her.
I'm cursed. Simple as that. But here's the thing about people who are cursed—they break everything they touch.
And yet. . .I still want to touch her.
Whatever It Takes is the first book in the Bad Reputation Duet and can be read and enjoyed without reading any of Krista & Becca's other novels.
Call me what you Bad Boy Next Door. Trouble. That Kid Who Can’t Do Anything Right.
When Willow moves into my neighborhood, nothing should have happened. She’s geeky. Shy. A true wallflower.
Willow is a good girl.
Too good for me.
And how the hell was I supposed to know that she’s related to Loren Hale—yeah, that douchebag celebrity that lives on my street. The same guy I've been pranking by spray painting vulgar words on his mailbox and worse. Much worse.
Don't ask me why I do the things I do.
Don't ask me why it had to be her.
I'm cursed. Simple as that. But here's the thing about people who are cursed—they break everything they touch.
And yet. . .I still want to touch her.
Whatever It Takes is the first book in the Bad Reputation Duet and can be read and enjoyed without reading any of Krista & Becca's other novels.
298 pages, Kindle Edition
First published January 21, 2020
742 people are currently reading
22589 people want to read
About the author
Krista Ritchie
57 books17.5k followersNYT & USA Today Bestselling Authors Krista & Becca Ritchie are identical twins—one a science nerd, the other a comic book geek—but with their shared passion for writing, they combined their mental powers as kids and have never stopped telling stories. They love superheroes, flawed characters, and soul mate love.
To stay up to date on new releases, bonus content, and more, sign up for Krista & Becca's Newsletter: www.kbritchie.com/newsletter
Quick note: We don't check Goodreads, so we don't respond to messages here. But if you want to connect with Becca or me, you can reach out to us on our social medias or at our website: www.kbritchie.com
Instagram | Facebook | TikTok
Fans of Krista & Becca's Books:
♥ Join Krista & Becca's Fizzle Force Facebook group.
♥ Inspiration for the Addicted series can be found on their Pinterest boards.
♥ Find playlists for all of their books on Spotify
♥ Check out all of their extras! Including: bonus scenes, character interviews, fun posts and more on their Extras page.
To stay up to date on new releases, bonus content, and more, sign up for Krista & Becca's Newsletter: www.kbritchie.com/newsletter
Quick note: We don't check Goodreads, so we don't respond to messages here. But if you want to connect with Becca or me, you can reach out to us on our social medias or at our website: www.kbritchie.com
Instagram | Facebook | TikTok
Fans of Krista & Becca's Books:
♥ Join Krista & Becca's Fizzle Force Facebook group.
♥ Inspiration for the Addicted series can be found on their Pinterest boards.
♥ Find playlists for all of their books on Spotify
♥ Check out all of their extras! Including: bonus scenes, character interviews, fun posts and more on their Extras page.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 1,765 reviews
January 21, 2020
5 stars
Willow and Garrison… gah! This is one of those stories I’ve wanted for forever. I am the biggest ‘Addicted’ fan. It’s my favorite series ever and Lily and Loren Hale are my #1 favorite book couple. So it’s a given I’d want to read Lo’s sister Willow’s story. This one gave me so many feels and kept me on the edge of my seat. I absolutely love the bad boy/good girl troupe and I can’t wait to get to part 2!
Whatever It Takes is told in alternating past and present chapters and follows the POV of both Willow and Garrison. The past chapters show Garrison when he is at his lowest. The Garrison we first met in the ‘Addicted’ series. He was a delinquent with an unsavory home life who could relate to Loren Hale in ways he never imagined. Willow has just found out she’s Loren Hale’s sister and goes to Philly to find him.
It’s clear that Loren Hale changed both of their lives for the better. For their senior year of high school, Willow and Garrison become friends. They’re going to the same school and Willow becomes Garrison’s girl. Oh the 'My Girl’ references had me swooning. I loved these past chapters so much. Watching these two go from friends to more was great, and it was the most delicious slow burn.
The present chapters take place when Willow is in college overseas and Garrison is still in Philly working with Conner Cobalt. Things aren’t easy for them being apart, but they are willing to do the long distance thing. They love each other and want to make it work no matter what. Garrison knows how much easier it is for Willow outside of Philly. She’s not hounded like she is in the states. Being Lo’s sister comes with a lot of media attention.
I never grow tired of the bad boy/damaged boy finding the girl who helps heal him. It is one of those story lines I devour. Garrison Abbey is my kind of hero. I loved him. I loved how much he loved Willow and did whatever he could to make her happy. Some of his story was hard to read about, but it’s a good thing that he got away from his family and now has the Hale’s. Plus… Loren Hale! I know he’s mentioned like 20 times in this review, but as my favorite book boyfriend, it bears repeating that we get lots of Lo in this book!
My heart is so full right now. This story hooked me from the start and never let go. It’s part 1 of a duet and there is a bit of a cliffhanger, but nothing too awful. And lets be honest, if you’ve read the ‘Addicted’ series, you know how Willow & Garrison end, you just don’t know how they get there. I can’t wait to find out. Krista & Becca Ritchie wrote another amazing book with Whatever it Takes. It’s got so much heart and I couldn’t have loved it more!
I was bookish and quiet. He was rebellious and misunderstood. Guys like him usually didn’t fall for girls like me. But here we were.
Willow and Garrison… gah! This is one of those stories I’ve wanted for forever. I am the biggest ‘Addicted’ fan. It’s my favorite series ever and Lily and Loren Hale are my #1 favorite book couple. So it’s a given I’d want to read Lo’s sister Willow’s story. This one gave me so many feels and kept me on the edge of my seat. I absolutely love the bad boy/good girl troupe and I can’t wait to get to part 2!
Whatever It Takes is told in alternating past and present chapters and follows the POV of both Willow and Garrison. The past chapters show Garrison when he is at his lowest. The Garrison we first met in the ‘Addicted’ series. He was a delinquent with an unsavory home life who could relate to Loren Hale in ways he never imagined. Willow has just found out she’s Loren Hale’s sister and goes to Philly to find him.
It’s clear that Loren Hale changed both of their lives for the better. For their senior year of high school, Willow and Garrison become friends. They’re going to the same school and Willow becomes Garrison’s girl. Oh the 'My Girl’ references had me swooning. I loved these past chapters so much. Watching these two go from friends to more was great, and it was the most delicious slow burn.
Our relationship moved slow from the start. Like the slowest I’ve ever had. And there wasn’t one day where I wanted to press fast-forward and speed up.
The present chapters take place when Willow is in college overseas and Garrison is still in Philly working with Conner Cobalt. Things aren’t easy for them being apart, but they are willing to do the long distance thing. They love each other and want to make it work no matter what. Garrison knows how much easier it is for Willow outside of Philly. She’s not hounded like she is in the states. Being Lo’s sister comes with a lot of media attention.
I never grow tired of the bad boy/damaged boy finding the girl who helps heal him. It is one of those story lines I devour. Garrison Abbey is my kind of hero. I loved him. I loved how much he loved Willow and did whatever he could to make her happy. Some of his story was hard to read about, but it’s a good thing that he got away from his family and now has the Hale’s. Plus… Loren Hale! I know he’s mentioned like 20 times in this review, but as my favorite book boyfriend, it bears repeating that we get lots of Lo in this book!
My heart is so full right now. This story hooked me from the start and never let go. It’s part 1 of a duet and there is a bit of a cliffhanger, but nothing too awful. And lets be honest, if you’ve read the ‘Addicted’ series, you know how Willow & Garrison end, you just don’t know how they get there. I can’t wait to find out. Krista & Becca Ritchie wrote another amazing book with Whatever it Takes. It’s got so much heart and I couldn’t have loved it more!
“We always have each other.”
Want to read
December 11, 2024Finally going to get to these ❤️😍 moving it up to the top of my TBR...
↪ ❥ Addicted Series Spinoff/World
↪ ❥ Angsty
↪ ❥ Good Girl ✘ Bad Boy
↪ ❥ Opposites Attract
↪ ❥ High School/College
↪ ❥ Addicted Series Spinoff/World
↪ ❥ Angsty
↪ ❥ Good Girl ✘ Bad Boy
↪ ❥ Opposites Attract
↪ ❥ High School/College
April 7, 2022
My heart hurts
March 19, 2023
4.25 ⭐️ screaming + crying!! being back in this universe feels so bittersweet. i sobbed several times. gillow gillow gillow!!!
March 17, 2025
5 stars
This book is so cute and adorable. The moment I read about Willow and Garrison, I knew they were going to be the cutest couple in the Addicted world. Their friendship has always intrigued me because Willow is a girl who enjoys silence and likes being alone, while Garrison is a boy with troubles and many friends—someone who can never see himself alone without them. This book had a found family trope because they both lost parts of their families but found each other and the Core Six. It was truly heartwarming.
The story is told in alternate timelines—the past, when they were teenagers, and the present, when they are twenty-year-olds in a long-distance relationship. It may be frustrating for some, but I loved it because I got to see how their relationship transitioned from strangers to friends to lovers. The slow burn and the tension between them were just amazing. The pacing was perfect, and the writing was impeccable.
Willow Hale is a shy, introverted girl, a comic lover, a risk-taker—someone who doesn’t make many friends, enjoys silence, and hates being in large groups. But I think she’s strong and courageous because she left her home just so she could connect with her older brother, Lo, after discovering the truth—after seventeen years of living without knowing she had a brother. Her character is so relatable on so many levels, and she is my precious girl. I loved her friendship with Daisy too. They both needed each other, and despite being polar opposites, their bond was incredibly strong.
“Her confidence in me is like a drug. I close my eyes and grip the edge of the counter. It hurts to be away from someone you love so much. God, it fucking hurts.”
Garrison Abbey is just a misunderstood bad boy who deserves every happiness this world has to offer. I love how he loves and cares for Willow and how he’s the cutest dork—only for her. How can I hate him for that? He even has tattoos. TATTOOS. I swooned every time he called Willow my girl. I hate his family with all my heart. It literally broke me reading about how his brothers treated him. He’s so precious, and I wish I could protect him from the cruel world. And the way he asked Willow before giving her the first hug—he always asked for her consent. It’s precious how he treats her. I’ve always been intrigued by Garrison’s character ever since he made his first appearance in Addicted After All. I knew he was a bad boy, but he was misunderstood and had troubles with his older brothers and friends. But the moment he met Loren, and Lo gave him a chance—a chance to be a better person for himself—his whole life changed. He even reminds me of a twenty-one-year-old who is messed up and doesn’t want anyone’s help. But Lo saw him, saw what Garrison was capable of.
He asks, “Can I hug you, Willow?”
I breathe deeply, pushing up my glasses. “I’m not that good at hugging.”
“You don’t have to be good at hugging. I’d still want to hug you.”
“Why?” I whisper. His aquamarine eyes skim my cheek, my neck,
“…because I think you may be the best friend I’ve ever had, and I’ve had a lot and spent a shit ton more days and months and years with them than the short time I’ve spent with you.”
Garrison and Willow are two teenagers who found each other when they were lonely and at their lowest, but somehow, they comforted each other and found solace in their friendship. Their relationship was slow, and I liked how Garrison never pressured Willow for anything. He’s such a gentleman, I swear. The giddiness I felt every time I read their sweet and heartwarming moments! It was a pleasure falling in love with them. They had me giggling, squealing, laughing—and crying by the end. The way Garrison made Willow feel courageous, like she could do anything, and the way Willow made Garrison feel like he wasn’t a bad person, that he deserved her and all the happiness in the world. They are perfect. They are everything to me.
I love seeing how Lo made such a great impact on both Garrison and Willow’s lives. And even Connor believed that Garrison had a talent for coding—he gave him a purpose. And I love Connor even more for that.
This book ends on a cliffhanger. I hope to see more romance and emotional depth in the next books. I just want them to have a happy life. It feels like Willow and Garrison are a part of the Core Six and the Addicted world now that I’ve read their story. It’s Core Eight for me.
“It’s not every day you meet someone that understands the things you love, but somehow I’ve crossed paths with someone who really does.”
This book is so cute and adorable. The moment I read about Willow and Garrison, I knew they were going to be the cutest couple in the Addicted world. Their friendship has always intrigued me because Willow is a girl who enjoys silence and likes being alone, while Garrison is a boy with troubles and many friends—someone who can never see himself alone without them. This book had a found family trope because they both lost parts of their families but found each other and the Core Six. It was truly heartwarming.
“I know her well. I know that she’s pretty shy and reserved. Our relationship moved slow from the start. Like the slowest I’ve ever had. And there wasn’t one day where I wanted to press fast-forward and speed up. She’s also the best I’ve ever had. In everything.”
The story is told in alternate timelines—the past, when they were teenagers, and the present, when they are twenty-year-olds in a long-distance relationship. It may be frustrating for some, but I loved it because I got to see how their relationship transitioned from strangers to friends to lovers. The slow burn and the tension between them were just amazing. The pacing was perfect, and the writing was impeccable.
Willow Hale is a shy, introverted girl, a comic lover, a risk-taker—someone who doesn’t make many friends, enjoys silence, and hates being in large groups. But I think she’s strong and courageous because she left her home just so she could connect with her older brother, Lo, after discovering the truth—after seventeen years of living without knowing she had a brother. Her character is so relatable on so many levels, and she is my precious girl. I loved her friendship with Daisy too. They both needed each other, and despite being polar opposites, their bond was incredibly strong.
“Her confidence in me is like a drug. I close my eyes and grip the edge of the counter. It hurts to be away from someone you love so much. God, it fucking hurts.”
Garrison Abbey is just a misunderstood bad boy who deserves every happiness this world has to offer. I love how he loves and cares for Willow and how he’s the cutest dork—only for her. How can I hate him for that? He even has tattoos. TATTOOS. I swooned every time he called Willow my girl. I hate his family with all my heart. It literally broke me reading about how his brothers treated him. He’s so precious, and I wish I could protect him from the cruel world. And the way he asked Willow before giving her the first hug—he always asked for her consent. It’s precious how he treats her. I’ve always been intrigued by Garrison’s character ever since he made his first appearance in Addicted After All. I knew he was a bad boy, but he was misunderstood and had troubles with his older brothers and friends. But the moment he met Loren, and Lo gave him a chance—a chance to be a better person for himself—his whole life changed. He even reminds me of a twenty-one-year-old who is messed up and doesn’t want anyone’s help. But Lo saw him, saw what Garrison was capable of.
He asks, “Can I hug you, Willow?”
I breathe deeply, pushing up my glasses. “I’m not that good at hugging.”
“You don’t have to be good at hugging. I’d still want to hug you.”
“Why?” I whisper. His aquamarine eyes skim my cheek, my neck,
“…because I think you may be the best friend I’ve ever had, and I’ve had a lot and spent a shit ton more days and months and years with them than the short time I’ve spent with you.”
Garrison and Willow are two teenagers who found each other when they were lonely and at their lowest, but somehow, they comforted each other and found solace in their friendship. Their relationship was slow, and I liked how Garrison never pressured Willow for anything. He’s such a gentleman, I swear. The giddiness I felt every time I read their sweet and heartwarming moments! It was a pleasure falling in love with them. They had me giggling, squealing, laughing—and crying by the end. The way Garrison made Willow feel courageous, like she could do anything, and the way Willow made Garrison feel like he wasn’t a bad person, that he deserved her and all the happiness in the world. They are perfect. They are everything to me.
“You’re not dead yet, you know that, right?”
“Do I?”
How many skeletons will I tattoo on my body before I agree with her? Don’t know.
I hold my wrist out to her, palm up. We’ve done this enough that she gets it. She places two fingers to my pulse.
Our eyes don’t break. “Garrison Abbey, you are definitely alive.”
Only around you.
I love seeing how Lo made such a great impact on both Garrison and Willow’s lives. And even Connor believed that Garrison had a talent for coding—he gave him a purpose. And I love Connor even more for that.
This book ends on a cliffhanger. I hope to see more romance and emotional depth in the next books. I just want them to have a happy life. It feels like Willow and Garrison are a part of the Core Six and the Addicted world now that I’ve read their story. It’s Core Eight for me.
January 22, 2020
I truly never thought I’d see the day where we finally get Willow and Garrison’s much-awaited full story!!! I am beyond happy and grateful Krista & Becca Ritchie have finally given it to us – at least the first part. Luckily, book two of the Bad Reputation Duet is out only a week after Whatever It Takes! This is a new adult romance that’s a spinoff of the Addicted series, though you don’t have to read the original to understand this duet. But if you are a fan of the Addicted world and all its fantastic characters, you’ll want to get your hands on WIT immediately!
Originally, Willow and Garrison’s beginning was released on Wattpad, and it was such an adorable, wholesome new adult romance. We have two complete opposites who connect over their loneliness and bond over all things nerdy like comic books. In Whatever It Takes, we do get to see those original chapters again. The book is told in past and present POVs, so the past chapters are mainly made up of what we’d read on Wattpad, which I honestly didn’t mind reading again. We get to see how Willow and Garrison first meet alongside their present-day, long-distance relationship and how they deal with living across an ocean from each other. It was an interesting contrast to read about their relationship at two different points – one being sweet, slow, romantic, and the other full of longing and little bit of heartbreak.
I loved being back in this world. I enjoyed Garrison and Willow’s story so much, but I LOVED seeing the Calloways, Hales, Cobalts, and Meadows again. Seeing the Core 6 in their element made my heart sing. But don’t worry, if you haven’t read any of the original books, I don’t think you’ll feel lost. It’s just an amazing cast of secondary characters 😉
If you enjoy NA romances, WIT is a must read. There are parts that are set in college, a first love between a bad boy and a good girl, and a little bit of angst. It was just a great first book in this duet and I’m dying to get my hands on Wherever You Are!
Ebook: https://amzn.to/37gYwZL
Paperback: https://amzn.to/2ttCuEx
Originally, Willow and Garrison’s beginning was released on Wattpad, and it was such an adorable, wholesome new adult romance. We have two complete opposites who connect over their loneliness and bond over all things nerdy like comic books. In Whatever It Takes, we do get to see those original chapters again. The book is told in past and present POVs, so the past chapters are mainly made up of what we’d read on Wattpad, which I honestly didn’t mind reading again. We get to see how Willow and Garrison first meet alongside their present-day, long-distance relationship and how they deal with living across an ocean from each other. It was an interesting contrast to read about their relationship at two different points – one being sweet, slow, romantic, and the other full of longing and little bit of heartbreak.
I loved being back in this world. I enjoyed Garrison and Willow’s story so much, but I LOVED seeing the Calloways, Hales, Cobalts, and Meadows again. Seeing the Core 6 in their element made my heart sing. But don’t worry, if you haven’t read any of the original books, I don’t think you’ll feel lost. It’s just an amazing cast of secondary characters 😉
If you enjoy NA romances, WIT is a must read. There are parts that are set in college, a first love between a bad boy and a good girl, and a little bit of angst. It was just a great first book in this duet and I’m dying to get my hands on Wherever You Are!
Ebook: https://amzn.to/37gYwZL
Paperback: https://amzn.to/2ttCuEx
March 3, 2023
AAAH OMG I MISSED THEM SOOO MUCH!! I CANT BELIEVE I WAITED THIS LONG TO READ THESE BOOKSSSSS.
Okay now that’s outta the way: WHY THE HECK ARE GARRISON AND WILLOW SO SLEPT ON?!?!!! Like they are honestly the cutest couple (after lily and lo) in the kb universe. Ugh the amount of CONCERN for each other is so fricken sweet and pure and wholesome.
GARRISON MY PRECIOUS BABY. he’s such a gentleman and a little cushy banana for Willow 😭💗🦋🤭💘💕
I love that he cares sm about willow. I love that he has his mind on her before everything else. Also listening to his descriptions and perceptions of the core six makes my heart smile.
But his home life!! I just hate that he has to go though this (I despise his ENTIRE FAMILY). Ugh it made me cry for him—and I hadn’t expected to cry for a high school romance book.
Omg I love Willow! She reminds me so much of myself in the way that we both enjoy the silence and hate being called out in huge groups. Also SOCIAL MEDIA? Duh. But I love how her friendship with Garrison is so freaking precious. And her other relationships with Lo, Ryke and Daisy bring a smile to my face almost every time.
This was such a slow burn but I didn’t really feel the absence of anything because the TENSION and the MUTUAL PINING had me doing laps around my garden, getting giddy over them simply brushing arms. BRUSHING ARMS-
After reading about them from the other series I was so excited to get their pov’s. I really loved them and wanted more. But I had no idea I was supposed to tandem read with the last three books of the Calloway series. But oh well.
I’ve said this before and I’ll say it AGAIN: the writing style is so seamless, I can read KBR’s books without breaks or realising I might even need a break for food and water. These books really become my sustenance sksjkddj
I won’t even realise how long I’ve spent reading. The way it’s written is mwah *chefs kiss* these characters feel so real to me.
And I CONSUMED every single part where the core six were in the book. I missed their banter A LOT.
IT WAS LIKE COMING HOME 😭
Wow. I knew it was going to be a long ass review which is why I allowed myself enough time to assemble my jumbled thoughts into coherent sentences. But it didn’t work out very well so this is just me, word vomiting everything from my head <3
𝗦𝗶𝗱𝗲 𝗻𝗼𝘁𝗲:
THE ENDING MADE MY HEART CRY 😭
Also Willow’s nervous little ticks: taking her glasses off and wiping them, grasping for her backpack, paling instead of blushing are so cute AND THE FACT HE NOTICED AAH!!
𝗙𝗮𝘃 𝗤𝘂𝗼𝘁𝗲𝘀:
♡︎
“I spot her anxiety more than she’d probably like me to, but all I want to do is lessen it for her. I’m just not fucking sure how.”
♡︎
“Willow presses her lips together, hiding another giddy smile. Something flutters in my stomach—which is lame. But whatever. I don’t care. I’ll be lame with this girl.”
♡︎
‘WILLOW: “I clear a lump in my throat. “Do you always define words for people?”
CONNOR: “Only for people who need definitions.”
Boom. Mic drop.’
~(AHAHAAHAHAHHAAAHAHFHDAGHDHBBDTFJNJKMHJJHGNJG this is by far my fav one ☝️)
♡︎
‘“Gather ’round!” Gabriel calls out from his perch on the fountain. And then the guy starts speaking in Latin.
I can’t with this.’
~(I love him. I swear he is me just in a different font.)
♡︎
“Silence eats at us for a second before she says, “Garrison.”
“Yeah?”
“Can you go inside? I can see your fingers again and they look really purple.”
“Yeah, okay.” She cares about me.”
~(Awww be still my heart)
♡︎
“He dips his finger into the icing on my shoulder and then draws on my cheek. I can feel the shape he creates. A heart.”
♡︎
“Connor closes his lightsaber and gestures from me to the laptop. “You taught yourself code?”
“Yeah.”
“Why?” Connor asks like he’s actually interested. But he can’t be. I’m me.
“I like it.” I shrug. “Code makes sense to me. Does there need to be another reason?”
Connor smiles. “There could be, but the reason you gave me is the best one.”
~(I love Connor even more than I already do for this)
Okay now that’s outta the way: WHY THE HECK ARE GARRISON AND WILLOW SO SLEPT ON?!?!!! Like they are honestly the cutest couple (after lily and lo) in the kb universe. Ugh the amount of CONCERN for each other is so fricken sweet and pure and wholesome.
GARRISON MY PRECIOUS BABY. he’s such a gentleman and a little cushy banana for Willow 😭💗🦋🤭💘💕
I love that he cares sm about willow. I love that he has his mind on her before everything else. Also listening to his descriptions and perceptions of the core six makes my heart smile.
But his home life!! I just hate that he has to go though this (I despise his ENTIRE FAMILY). Ugh it made me cry for him—and I hadn’t expected to cry for a high school romance book.
Omg I love Willow! She reminds me so much of myself in the way that we both enjoy the silence and hate being called out in huge groups. Also SOCIAL MEDIA? Duh. But I love how her friendship with Garrison is so freaking precious. And her other relationships with Lo, Ryke and Daisy bring a smile to my face almost every time.
This was such a slow burn but I didn’t really feel the absence of anything because the TENSION and the MUTUAL PINING had me doing laps around my garden, getting giddy over them simply brushing arms. BRUSHING ARMS-
After reading about them from the other series I was so excited to get their pov’s. I really loved them and wanted more. But I had no idea I was supposed to tandem read with the last three books of the Calloway series. But oh well.
I’ve said this before and I’ll say it AGAIN: the writing style is so seamless, I can read KBR’s books without breaks or realising I might even need a break for food and water. These books really become my sustenance sksjkddj
I won’t even realise how long I’ve spent reading. The way it’s written is mwah *chefs kiss* these characters feel so real to me.
And I CONSUMED every single part where the core six were in the book. I missed their banter A LOT.
IT WAS LIKE COMING HOME 😭
Wow. I knew it was going to be a long ass review which is why I allowed myself enough time to assemble my jumbled thoughts into coherent sentences. But it didn’t work out very well so this is just me, word vomiting everything from my head <3
𝗦𝗶𝗱𝗲 𝗻𝗼𝘁𝗲:
THE ENDING MADE MY HEART CRY 😭
Also Willow’s nervous little ticks: taking her glasses off and wiping them, grasping for her backpack, paling instead of blushing are so cute AND THE FACT HE NOTICED AAH!!
𝗙𝗮𝘃 𝗤𝘂𝗼𝘁𝗲𝘀:
♡︎
“I spot her anxiety more than she’d probably like me to, but all I want to do is lessen it for her. I’m just not fucking sure how.”
♡︎
“Willow presses her lips together, hiding another giddy smile. Something flutters in my stomach—which is lame. But whatever. I don’t care. I’ll be lame with this girl.”
♡︎
‘WILLOW: “I clear a lump in my throat. “Do you always define words for people?”
CONNOR: “Only for people who need definitions.”
Boom. Mic drop.’
~(AHAHAAHAHAHHAAAHAHFHDAGHDHBBDTFJNJKMHJJHGNJG this is by far my fav one ☝️)
♡︎
‘“Gather ’round!” Gabriel calls out from his perch on the fountain. And then the guy starts speaking in Latin.
I can’t with this.’
~(I love him. I swear he is me just in a different font.)
♡︎
“Silence eats at us for a second before she says, “Garrison.”
“Yeah?”
“Can you go inside? I can see your fingers again and they look really purple.”
“Yeah, okay.” She cares about me.”
~(Awww be still my heart)
♡︎
“He dips his finger into the icing on my shoulder and then draws on my cheek. I can feel the shape he creates. A heart.”
♡︎
“Connor closes his lightsaber and gestures from me to the laptop. “You taught yourself code?”
“Yeah.”
“Why?” Connor asks like he’s actually interested. But he can’t be. I’m me.
“I like it.” I shrug. “Code makes sense to me. Does there need to be another reason?”
Connor smiles. “There could be, but the reason you gave me is the best one.”
~(I love Connor even more than I already do for this)
January 22, 2020
Reading this just made it so glaringly obvious how much I MISS the first generation....... sigh
January 29, 2020
2 😤☹️ 🔙 & ➡️ ⭐️s
The blurb caught my full attention immediately, especially with the authors’ note saying that it’s not required to read previous novels.
By 66% I was so dizzy and frustrated with all this back and forth, I came close to dnf it.
The alternate sequence of past and present time did not have a good flow and wasn’t justified. I had the feeling that the authors simply placed in order the past time chapters among the present, as to create angst and intrigue. But these alternations were not connected!!!!
While I wanted desperately to read the story of Garrison and Willow, I was constrained to read as well the stories of the secondary characters. Why????? I didn’t want to read so many details of the others and be informed of how they or their relationships developed!
If I had read the series of the secondary characters then I could have felt a connection and excitement.
All things considered, the authors’ note didn’t convince me....
The blurb caught my full attention immediately, especially with the authors’ note saying that it’s not required to read previous novels.
By 66% I was so dizzy and frustrated with all this back and forth, I came close to dnf it.
The alternate sequence of past and present time did not have a good flow and wasn’t justified. I had the feeling that the authors simply placed in order the past time chapters among the present, as to create angst and intrigue. But these alternations were not connected!!!!
While I wanted desperately to read the story of Garrison and Willow, I was constrained to read as well the stories of the secondary characters. Why????? I didn’t want to read so many details of the others and be informed of how they or their relationships developed!
If I had read the series of the secondary characters then I could have felt a connection and excitement.
All things considered, the authors’ note didn’t convince me....
April 17, 2023
— 4 stars ✰
please just let me hug garrison oh my god, i don’t even have the energy to write this review right now. my heart hurts for them 😭😭
please just let me hug garrison oh my god, i don’t even have the energy to write this review right now. my heart hurts for them 😭😭
September 30, 2020
DNF
The writing style is not for me. The back and forth of the timeline is really confusing. I lost interest.
My expectation was a bully romance for NA. Too bad it does not work for me.
2 stars
The writing style is not for me. The back and forth of the timeline is really confusing. I lost interest.
My expectation was a bully romance for NA. Too bad it does not work for me.
2 stars
January 31, 2020
I absolutely loved this! I have been wanting a Willow and Garrison book ever since I read Addicted a few years back, and it felt like a dream when the authors announced it. I admit I was a bit scared when we started to get closer to the release since their most recent releases have left something to be desired for me, but I am so glad this one did not disappoint!
Here a few things I loved about this:
- I enjoyed the past/present chapters! I noticed it wasn't something a lot of people enjoyed, but i genuinely did. I read the web series back in 2017, and I never fully reread it, so I had forgotten a lot of it and it didn't really feel like I wasn't reading new stuff. I remembered just bits and pieces, and I do feel like that helped me enjoy the flashbacks so much! I am excited for more of those in the next book, and I hope we get a bit more of Loren and Garrison interactions, I have always loved their connection!
- Which brings me to another thing I enjoyed: Garrison. He is for sure a younger version of Lo, his struggles remind me so much of how Lo felt in the beginning of the series. We've seen how much he grows through Lo's POV but I can't wait to see that in his POV!
- Willow was also such a delight to read about. I relate so much to her when it comes to her being shy and not having many friends in the beginning, but I loved seeing how much she flourished and grew when she moved to London. She got out of her comfort zone and made friends, and I know how hard that can be. I admire her so much for it!
-Lastly, Gillow. I've always rated them as 2nd on my favorite addicted ships list. But this just solidified that for me. I just absolutely love them. They are perfect for each other, and made me so happy!
- I loved seeing one of my favorite friendships more in this: Daisy and Willow. And like I mentioned in the beginning of this review, I hope we see more of Lo and and Garrison, and even more Lo and Willow, in the next book!
-Ok, actually lastly this time, but I loved the present chapters. I'm a fan of angst and their long distance definitely delivered on that!
Here a few things I loved about this:
- I enjoyed the past/present chapters! I noticed it wasn't something a lot of people enjoyed, but i genuinely did. I read the web series back in 2017, and I never fully reread it, so I had forgotten a lot of it and it didn't really feel like I wasn't reading new stuff. I remembered just bits and pieces, and I do feel like that helped me enjoy the flashbacks so much! I am excited for more of those in the next book, and I hope we get a bit more of Loren and Garrison interactions, I have always loved their connection!
- Which brings me to another thing I enjoyed: Garrison. He is for sure a younger version of Lo, his struggles remind me so much of how Lo felt in the beginning of the series. We've seen how much he grows through Lo's POV but I can't wait to see that in his POV!
- Willow was also such a delight to read about. I relate so much to her when it comes to her being shy and not having many friends in the beginning, but I loved seeing how much she flourished and grew when she moved to London. She got out of her comfort zone and made friends, and I know how hard that can be. I admire her so much for it!
-Lastly, Gillow. I've always rated them as 2nd on my favorite addicted ships list. But this just solidified that for me. I just absolutely love them. They are perfect for each other, and made me so happy!
- I loved seeing one of my favorite friendships more in this: Daisy and Willow. And like I mentioned in the beginning of this review, I hope we see more of Lo and and Garrison, and even more Lo and Willow, in the next book!
-Ok, actually lastly this time, but I loved the present chapters. I'm a fan of angst and their long distance definitely delivered on that!
July 19, 2024
4 ★
being back in this universe was actually surreal and was making me tear up a bit🤧
˚୨୧⋆｡˚ ⋆
plot:
I feel like the plot was there for the most part but not completely, i feel like this book was just the set up or introduction to the actual story of their lives in a way. I loved the past chapters and getting to know garrison and willow as individuals and also as a couple and when they were friends at seventeen. I think in a way it was kinda slow going, but I also really love both of them so I was still entertained and I’m glad to have read this book. I think I just need to see more of their life in general and I wouldn’t have minded if the book was longer but maybe that’s just me or maybe I just need every detail possible when it comes to this couple.
characters:
willow hale: 𐙚 ྀི I love her she’s such a cutie and a bit too relatable to me so I feel like I was able to connect to her character in a certain way
garrison abbey: ｡𖦹 ngl his character can be quite relatable as well and I wish he would just realize that he deserves happiness too and that it’s okay to receive it, there was also some stuff he liked at seventeen that I currently like so I was surprised to see we have stuff in common even if he’s fictional😃 either way I love him and will fight for him and he has many green flags in my eyes.
romance:
gillow: very much slow burn with this couple right now but they are perfect and understand each other and I just love them they are so cute and it’s just the little things with them too💕
but that ending was not okay and I was feeling hurt in the moment for both of them
⋆: ˏˋ°•*⁀➷
overall I enjoyed this book and had a fun time, do I wish the authors sort of wrote it a little different then they did? yes maybe but I have a feeling the next book is really going to conclude everything and be amazing🤭plus I’m biased when it comes to this universe so I can’t help but love these characters with my entire soul.
quotes I love:💗
“In my experience, most people don’t love the company of quiet people like me. We don’t bring enough to the conversation. We take up space at your table when you could have someone louder and more outwardly fun.”
When I tell you I related to this TOO MUCH 😅 I’m actually willow atp
“I pass the backpack to Willow, our fingers brushing, and something tugs inside of me. I can’t make sense of it. All I know: we’ve been bypassing each other for weeks, two separate strands of time—and in this second, we’ve finally touched”
”I really like being in the company of Garrison Abbey.”
“because I think you may be the best friend I’ve ever had, and I’ve had a lot and spent a shit ton more days and months and years with them than the short time I’ve spent with you.” His hand wavers by my hip, but he doesn’t touch me. “I’ve never wanted to bolt out of your door. I’ve never wanted to leave you. This—it’s a first for me.” He nods to himself a couple times. “So you’re the best—and I want to hug you, if you’ll let me.”
someone just kill me because I want this and it’s just a hug that’s all but still ughh🥲
extra:
also the core six crumbs were everything to me I was missing them hardcore <3
pre review:
rtc later because apparently they wanted to hurt us with the ending just a bit😅
pre read:
I told myself I was going to hold off on reading the bad reputation duet because it hasn’t even been a month yet since I finished the addicted series finally after two years, but yk what I couldn’t help myself and I know I’m going to love gillow so much more then I already do🤭🤧 ughh!!
being back in this universe was actually surreal and was making me tear up a bit🤧
˚୨୧⋆｡˚ ⋆
plot:
I feel like the plot was there for the most part but not completely, i feel like this book was just the set up or introduction to the actual story of their lives in a way. I loved the past chapters and getting to know garrison and willow as individuals and also as a couple and when they were friends at seventeen. I think in a way it was kinda slow going, but I also really love both of them so I was still entertained and I’m glad to have read this book. I think I just need to see more of their life in general and I wouldn’t have minded if the book was longer but maybe that’s just me or maybe I just need every detail possible when it comes to this couple.
characters:
willow hale: 𐙚 ྀི I love her she’s such a cutie and a bit too relatable to me so I feel like I was able to connect to her character in a certain way
garrison abbey: ｡𖦹 ngl his character can be quite relatable as well and I wish he would just realize that he deserves happiness too and that it’s okay to receive it, there was also some stuff he liked at seventeen that I currently like so I was surprised to see we have stuff in common even if he’s fictional😃 either way I love him and will fight for him and he has many green flags in my eyes.
romance:
gillow: very much slow burn with this couple right now but they are perfect and understand each other and I just love them they are so cute and it’s just the little things with them too💕
but that ending was not okay and I was feeling hurt in the moment for both of them
⋆: ˏˋ°•*⁀➷
overall I enjoyed this book and had a fun time, do I wish the authors sort of wrote it a little different then they did? yes maybe but I have a feeling the next book is really going to conclude everything and be amazing🤭plus I’m biased when it comes to this universe so I can’t help but love these characters with my entire soul.
quotes I love:💗
“In my experience, most people don’t love the company of quiet people like me. We don’t bring enough to the conversation. We take up space at your table when you could have someone louder and more outwardly fun.”
When I tell you I related to this TOO MUCH 😅 I’m actually willow atp
“I pass the backpack to Willow, our fingers brushing, and something tugs inside of me. I can’t make sense of it. All I know: we’ve been bypassing each other for weeks, two separate strands of time—and in this second, we’ve finally touched”
”I really like being in the company of Garrison Abbey.”
“because I think you may be the best friend I’ve ever had, and I’ve had a lot and spent a shit ton more days and months and years with them than the short time I’ve spent with you.” His hand wavers by my hip, but he doesn’t touch me. “I’ve never wanted to bolt out of your door. I’ve never wanted to leave you. This—it’s a first for me.” He nods to himself a couple times. “So you’re the best—and I want to hug you, if you’ll let me.”
someone just kill me because I want this and it’s just a hug that’s all but still ughh🥲
extra:
also the core six crumbs were everything to me I was missing them hardcore <3
pre review:
rtc later because apparently they wanted to hurt us with the ending just a bit😅
pre read:
I told myself I was going to hold off on reading the bad reputation duet because it hasn’t even been a month yet since I finished the addicted series finally after two years, but yk what I couldn’t help myself and I know I’m going to love gillow so much more then I already do🤭🤧 ughh!!
December 4, 2023
4.5 stars
Willow and Garrison own my heart and soul. I've been waiting for this books for years, I kid you not. As you can imagine, my expectations were high.
I find Willow entirely too relatable. It's like the authors managed to get into my head to create Willow Hale. We see Willow's first semester of college throughout the book, and I saw my own experience at college here. She's quite and a bit awkward, but she also has this quiet bravery that I hope and strive for.
Garrison Abbey is so full of self-loathing. He's a guy who has made a lot of mistakes in his young life, and while he strives to make better choices, he feels like he'll never be worthy of anyone's forgiveness.
This book is told through Past and Present scenes, which I thought worked really well. My one peeve was that all the "Past" scenes in this book were straight from the web series. So if you read the web series, you've read about half of this book already. However, the "Present" scenes more than make up for it.
The "Past" scenes show you how Willow and Garrison met, and their evolution from strangers to friends. The "Present" scenes follow Willow in college, Garrison working at Cobalt Inc., and them trying to maintain their long distance relationship.
My heart was so full after reading this. I cannot wait for the next book. This does end in a bit of a cliffhanger, so the 28th cannot get here soon enough. I'm expecting a few things for book 2, and I hope it delivers.
I recommend this to anyone who likes their angsty romances. Also, if you've read and enjoyed a K.B. book, you will love this one!
~~~
11/1/19:
I'M SO EXCITED. Every day that passes my excitement grows.
~~~
I never thought I'd see these books. Willow & Garrison have been my favorite characters to come out of the Addicted World, and when their web series was cancelled I was crushed. The fact that we are now getting TWO books on them (when I didn't even think we'd get the one) makes me so happy <3
We are about to get KBs softest couple and I can't wait.
Willow and Garrison own my heart and soul. I've been waiting for this books for years, I kid you not. As you can imagine, my expectations were high.
I find Willow entirely too relatable. It's like the authors managed to get into my head to create Willow Hale. We see Willow's first semester of college throughout the book, and I saw my own experience at college here. She's quite and a bit awkward, but she also has this quiet bravery that I hope and strive for.
Garrison Abbey is so full of self-loathing. He's a guy who has made a lot of mistakes in his young life, and while he strives to make better choices, he feels like he'll never be worthy of anyone's forgiveness.
This book is told through Past and Present scenes, which I thought worked really well. My one peeve was that all the "Past" scenes in this book were straight from the web series. So if you read the web series, you've read about half of this book already. However, the "Present" scenes more than make up for it.
The "Past" scenes show you how Willow and Garrison met, and their evolution from strangers to friends. The "Present" scenes follow Willow in college, Garrison working at Cobalt Inc., and them trying to maintain their long distance relationship.
My heart was so full after reading this. I cannot wait for the next book. This does end in a bit of a cliffhanger, so the 28th cannot get here soon enough. I'm expecting a few things for book 2, and I hope it delivers.
I recommend this to anyone who likes their angsty romances. Also, if you've read and enjoyed a K.B. book, you will love this one!
~~~
11/1/19:
I'M SO EXCITED. Every day that passes my excitement grows.
~~~
I never thought I'd see these books. Willow & Garrison have been my favorite characters to come out of the Addicted World, and when their web series was cancelled I was crushed. The fact that we are now getting TWO books on them (when I didn't even think we'd get the one) makes me so happy <3
We are about to get KBs softest couple and I can't wait.
April 3, 2022
It's not every day you meet someone that understands the things you love, but somehow I've crossed paths with someone who really does.
2.5/5
The Calloway Sister series, to date, is still the best work from the twins. They created such great character with the Core 6 + Garrison & Willow. For people who waited for Garrison and Willow's story it was a nice bonus to finally have their book (or better their duet).
For me, I wasn't particularly excited to get their books, because I read their web series already and we saw their relationship through the Core 6 books already, that I felt like it wouldn't add anything new to the story. And it didn't. It was like rereading some scenes in the Addicted/Calloway Sister series + adding some of the web series and that's what Whatever It Takes is. Therefore I was bored most of the time and started to skim through some scenes. I mainly read it for the Core 6 crumbs. Therefore, my favorite scenes are the ones with Rose, Connor, Lily, Lo, Ryke & Daisy (wow what a surprise). When they went to the Halloween Park for Lo's birthday.. that scene was just chef's kiss. It shows the dynamic of each couple so well. Coballoway with their real golden crows. They are so rich and extra and I couldn't love them more.
Garrison and Willow are such cuties and nerds. They are not the problem. The problem everything else. Starting with this long distance relationship they have going on. Garrison is in Philly, while Willow goes to college in London. Maybe I should add that this book is divided in two kind of chapters. The PRESENT(Garrison and Willow are 21 & 20 years) and the BACK THEN(Garrison and Willow are 17 years old). In the PRESENT chapters, Garrison and Willow are in a long distance relationship. So almost half of the book they spent apart and not on the same continent. That's not my thing. I like my couple breathing the same air in the same location and not an ocean between them. Because of the 'distance' between them, it put a distance between me and the characters as well. The scenes they had together were cute, because Garrison is all about consent and boundaries.
Next problem: the pacing. Literally nothing happens, plot- and character-wise. There is a 3 year difference between the PRESENT and the BACK THEN chapters and I don't see a difference. Garrison is still the same emo, lonely, self-loathing boy he was when he was 17. If the twins can write one thing, then that is character development, but here I just don't see it. Willow has at least a change of scenery and finds friends there.
My expectations for the next book are pretty low. I just want some new Core 6 content.
February 7, 2020
**ARC provided in exchange for an honest review**
The time has come for Willow and Garrison to get their own books. If you have read the Addicted series, then you already know these two and some of their background story. But if you don't you'll still get pieces of it in this book. This book alternates between present and past (3 years ago). You'll be getting to see how these two met and how they ended up in the relationship they are in present. Both Willow and Garrison have things they are dealing with. While Willow is bookish and quiet, Garrison is rebellious and misunderstood. Even though from the outside these two are the opposites, they also have a lot in common. I absolutely loved seeing them together and getting their love story finally told from their POV. I already know where they will end up but I don't know the road to their HEA. So I am super excited to finally go on the journey with them.
This is a new adult romance and even if I usually don't tend to read this genre, I will never say no to a book written by Krista and Becca Ritchie. I loved seeing all the relationships grow, especially between Willow and her newfound family. Garrison doesn't think he is good enough, and his insecurities have him make some bad decisions. It was really heartbreaking how hard he was on himself. He and Willow just make a great couple, and they really complete each other. This book has no crazy drama, no stupid miscommunications. It just about two outcasts trying to find their way in the real world. I am proud of the growth they go through as individuals. These two are awesome and I loved this first book to the Bad Reputation Duet. The ending has me very anxious to get my hands on the next book.
The time has come for Willow and Garrison to get their own books. If you have read the Addicted series, then you already know these two and some of their background story. But if you don't you'll still get pieces of it in this book. This book alternates between present and past (3 years ago). You'll be getting to see how these two met and how they ended up in the relationship they are in present. Both Willow and Garrison have things they are dealing with. While Willow is bookish and quiet, Garrison is rebellious and misunderstood. Even though from the outside these two are the opposites, they also have a lot in common. I absolutely loved seeing them together and getting their love story finally told from their POV. I already know where they will end up but I don't know the road to their HEA. So I am super excited to finally go on the journey with them.
This is a new adult romance and even if I usually don't tend to read this genre, I will never say no to a book written by Krista and Becca Ritchie. I loved seeing all the relationships grow, especially between Willow and her newfound family. Garrison doesn't think he is good enough, and his insecurities have him make some bad decisions. It was really heartbreaking how hard he was on himself. He and Willow just make a great couple, and they really complete each other. This book has no crazy drama, no stupid miscommunications. It just about two outcasts trying to find their way in the real world. I am proud of the growth they go through as individuals. These two are awesome and I loved this first book to the Bad Reputation Duet. The ending has me very anxious to get my hands on the next book.
January 26, 2020
4.5 STARS
Reading any Krista & Becca Ritchie book feels like coming home, and this book was not an exception.
Those that have read the Addicted and Calloway Sisters series know all about Garrison and Willow and have been begging for their book for the longest time now. And it is finally here!
This book was the cutest thing I have read for a while now. It is told in two parts, the past (when Willow and Garrison were 17) and the present, in which they are 20 years old. We finally get inside the very reserved and shy Willow's head and we learn that under all the clumsiness lies a girl with a heart of gold and ironclad strength. Willow is thrust into the world of fame after meeting her famous brothers. It is then when our girl meets Garrison, our tortured bad boy with the terrible reputation.
I'm cursed. It's just the way it is. And she doesn't need to share in this damn thing.
Let's get one thing straight: I love Garrison to death. This misunderstood boy with the a terrible backstory finding finally someone who understands him... Man I was swooning in this book every two seconds. Sometimes swooning in pain as we got to see the awful things Garrison suffered in the hands of his older brothers. Though I have to say, I loved how the situation wasn't all black and white. I had so many mixed feelings about these scenes; I didn't know if I wanted to kill the brothers or put them in psych ward. On the other hand, Garrison's past and his family history are layered with thousands different shades of grey and the way KB wrote the scenes and his character, all the inner turmoil and conflicts he has just made sense.
Krista and Becca - like always - honor these characters and their difficulties. They never undermine their problems and always treat each one with the very same care and love. And reading this book, I was beyond happy to see that they never made Willow or Garrison something they're not. We get what we were promised.
The romance between Willow and Garrison was a slow burn, with a brewing angst and so much warmth and cuteness. The ending of the book ripped my heart out and I am dying for more! We got to see the whole core six and I actually teared up in some scenes because of how much I love them.
All in all, this was another AMAZING book by Krista & Becca Ritchie. They never fail to amaze me with their words and stories and this one was not an exception. Can not, CAN NOT, wait for the second book!
**I received an ARC in exchange for an honest review**
Reading any Krista & Becca Ritchie book feels like coming home, and this book was not an exception.
Those that have read the Addicted and Calloway Sisters series know all about Garrison and Willow and have been begging for their book for the longest time now. And it is finally here!
This book was the cutest thing I have read for a while now. It is told in two parts, the past (when Willow and Garrison were 17) and the present, in which they are 20 years old. We finally get inside the very reserved and shy Willow's head and we learn that under all the clumsiness lies a girl with a heart of gold and ironclad strength. Willow is thrust into the world of fame after meeting her famous brothers. It is then when our girl meets Garrison, our tortured bad boy with the terrible reputation.
I'm cursed. It's just the way it is. And she doesn't need to share in this damn thing.
Let's get one thing straight: I love Garrison to death. This misunderstood boy with the a terrible backstory finding finally someone who understands him... Man I was swooning in this book every two seconds. Sometimes swooning in pain as we got to see the awful things Garrison suffered in the hands of his older brothers. Though I have to say, I loved how the situation wasn't all black and white. I had so many mixed feelings about these scenes; I didn't know if I wanted to kill the brothers or put them in psych ward. On the other hand, Garrison's past and his family history are layered with thousands different shades of grey and the way KB wrote the scenes and his character, all the inner turmoil and conflicts he has just made sense.
Krista and Becca - like always - honor these characters and their difficulties. They never undermine their problems and always treat each one with the very same care and love. And reading this book, I was beyond happy to see that they never made Willow or Garrison something they're not. We get what we were promised.
The romance between Willow and Garrison was a slow burn, with a brewing angst and so much warmth and cuteness. The ending of the book ripped my heart out and I am dying for more! We got to see the whole core six and I actually teared up in some scenes because of how much I love them.
All in all, this was another AMAZING book by Krista & Becca Ritchie. They never fail to amaze me with their words and stories and this one was not an exception. Can not, CAN NOT, wait for the second book!
**I received an ARC in exchange for an honest review**
January 21, 2020
You guys, I’ve been waiting for Garrison and Willow’s story for literally years and the Ritchie sisters brought it! Garrison and Willow are essentially outcasts to their friends and family. Polar opposites but misunderstood by others. Their shared love of fandoms and geekery brings them together as best friends and soulmates.
MAN OH MAN did I need this story! Garrison and Willow are dynamic, explosive, star-crossed perfection. *and by explosive I mean that my heart exploded while reading this angsty goodness.
Whatever It Takes is the absolutely perfect jumping off point for new readers of Krista and Becca Ritchie. It seems like you’ve either read all of their books or they’re new-to-you authors. This book, though a spin-off, reads as its own start of a duet without leaving you wondering about other characters. And now we only have to wait one week for the conclusion to their what is sure to be epic duet! BBL, swooning forever.
September 20, 2021
this book will be with me forever another masterpiece. My love for gillow is unexplainable these two will always hold a special place in my heart. Also love Garrison so freaking much I just wanna give him a hug, and I literally couldn’t stop crying throughout this entire book.
January 25, 2020
must protect Garrison Abbey at all cost!!
December 15, 2021
willow & garrison finally! i don’t know if i’ve ever said this but they are the reason i started the addicted series, i originally wanted to only read their books but everyone told me to read the entire series which i ended up loving! this book is told in past and present sequence and it’s a long distance relationship! no normally it would not be my cup of tea but it actually worked in this case. i really do adore willow and garrison, but this book felt like it was waiting for the second one, and i don’t really like books that depend on another. i’ve heard the second book is much better and for that i’m grateful, so i’ll give this a 4 stars just out of my love for the couple but if it wasn’t this couple i probably wouldn’t give it high of a score
January 18, 2021
4.5 stars
Pros:
* Garrison and Willow are so fucking perfect and soft together and I loved it.
* I also loved how even though Willow is anxious and awkward about sex, we see that she wants it and craves it. I feel like so much of her self-esteem, confidence issues stems from physical touch and how she has never really had any of that in any form her entire life and so in many ways it affects her relationships with the people around her. She definitely still needs to grow into herself when it comes to feeling comfortable about sex since she won’t/feels to anxious to even touch Garrison but I think that will come to her as they are more physical together and also she becomes more comfortable with herself and is able to stop overthinking everything to such a degree that she freezes the moment she touches him.
* I love that Willow had friends in London and that through that we got some great diversity! POC characters and two female gay characters(not specified in the book whether either of them are lesbian, bisexual, etc) that are in a super cute relationship together! I loved Willow's life in London I really wish we got more of it and I wish that Garrison could be a part of it (even though I know that's not how their love story went but I wish he could be a part of it because she's living an amazing life over there and it made me so happy seeing her come out of her shell).
* I love the juxtaposition between Willow and Garrison’s lives throughout the book. It was really heartbreaking seeing how sad and alone Garrison feels and how Willow feels the same but yet they are handling it in two different ways. Garrison is really struggling with life at this point and he’s so focused on not ruining Willow’s life or chances in London that it’s kinda putting a gap in their relationship. Garrison’s self-loathing for himself is heart-breaking and I can only hope we see an extensive character arc for him in the next book.
Cons:
* This book was sooo short. Like, depressingly short. I could not believe that it was over when I’d only started reading like 3 hours ago. It felt like I’d just started and didn’t even get into the meat of the story and it was over. Which ok, I know it’s a duology but this felt different. It felt like there needed to be more in book one because it ended when there could’ve been more development, more substance so that readers are getting more background and more from their present day. When I think about it, nothing really happened in this book. We barely scratched the surface on how they first met and went from strangers to friends to more. In fact from the past chapters we were just getting to them being friends. I just think about people who may go into this and not know anything about this world and I truly cannot see them enjoying this book the way I or anyone who has read their previous series would.
*I wish that there weren't "past" and "present" chapters and that it wasn't the way it was set up. Now to be fair, I don't typically like books that go back and forth to begin with but with this one I couldn't help but think it would've been better to the overall story and help it feel more cohesive if the first book focused on their high school years and leading up to London and then the second book was London plus everything after. The past chapters didn't really connect with what was going on in the present and so it just kept taking me out of what was happening in the previous chapter.
* I’m really worried that the next book won’t be long enough to give us EVERYTHING we’ve been waiting for. This book was just so short and only covers a few months when I was hoping we’d at least get 4 years of their relationship in college and if we don’t get that and everything that comes with it (the development of Garrison’s character as well as Willow becoming more confident in who she is, etc) I’m going to be seriously disappointed. There were so many scenes that I've been waiting years to read in their POV not to mention so many little questions and curiosities I've had about their relationship and I'm really worried I won't get all the scenes I wanted. This doesn't really play a part in my rating, per se but it does play into why I feel like this book could've been longer because this is like maybeeee20% of their story and we only have one book left to get the other 80% of their romance and...yeah. I'm worried.
I really am so happy that I read this and I'm so happy that we finally got Garrison and Willow's book. And I definitely can't wait to read the second part of their love story!
Pros:
* Garrison and Willow are so fucking perfect and soft together and I loved it.
* I also loved how even though Willow is anxious and awkward about sex, we see that she wants it and craves it. I feel like so much of her self-esteem, confidence issues stems from physical touch and how she has never really had any of that in any form her entire life and so in many ways it affects her relationships with the people around her. She definitely still needs to grow into herself when it comes to feeling comfortable about sex since she won’t/feels to anxious to even touch Garrison but I think that will come to her as they are more physical together and also she becomes more comfortable with herself and is able to stop overthinking everything to such a degree that she freezes the moment she touches him.
* I love that Willow had friends in London and that through that we got some great diversity! POC characters and two female gay characters(not specified in the book whether either of them are lesbian, bisexual, etc) that are in a super cute relationship together! I loved Willow's life in London I really wish we got more of it and I wish that Garrison could be a part of it (even though I know that's not how their love story went but I wish he could be a part of it because she's living an amazing life over there and it made me so happy seeing her come out of her shell).
* I love the juxtaposition between Willow and Garrison’s lives throughout the book. It was really heartbreaking seeing how sad and alone Garrison feels and how Willow feels the same but yet they are handling it in two different ways. Garrison is really struggling with life at this point and he’s so focused on not ruining Willow’s life or chances in London that it’s kinda putting a gap in their relationship. Garrison’s self-loathing for himself is heart-breaking and I can only hope we see an extensive character arc for him in the next book.
Cons:
* This book was sooo short. Like, depressingly short. I could not believe that it was over when I’d only started reading like 3 hours ago. It felt like I’d just started and didn’t even get into the meat of the story and it was over. Which ok, I know it’s a duology but this felt different. It felt like there needed to be more in book one because it ended when there could’ve been more development, more substance so that readers are getting more background and more from their present day. When I think about it, nothing really happened in this book. We barely scratched the surface on how they first met and went from strangers to friends to more. In fact from the past chapters we were just getting to them being friends. I just think about people who may go into this and not know anything about this world and I truly cannot see them enjoying this book the way I or anyone who has read their previous series would.
*I wish that there weren't "past" and "present" chapters and that it wasn't the way it was set up. Now to be fair, I don't typically like books that go back and forth to begin with but with this one I couldn't help but think it would've been better to the overall story and help it feel more cohesive if the first book focused on their high school years and leading up to London and then the second book was London plus everything after. The past chapters didn't really connect with what was going on in the present and so it just kept taking me out of what was happening in the previous chapter.
* I’m really worried that the next book won’t be long enough to give us EVERYTHING we’ve been waiting for. This book was just so short and only covers a few months when I was hoping we’d at least get 4 years of their relationship in college and if we don’t get that and everything that comes with it (the development of Garrison’s character as well as Willow becoming more confident in who she is, etc) I’m going to be seriously disappointed. There were so many scenes that I've been waiting years to read in their POV not to mention so many little questions and curiosities I've had about their relationship and I'm really worried I won't get all the scenes I wanted. This doesn't really play a part in my rating, per se but it does play into why I feel like this book could've been longer because this is like maybeeee20% of their story and we only have one book left to get the other 80% of their romance and...yeah. I'm worried.
I really am so happy that I read this and I'm so happy that we finally got Garrison and Willow's book. And I definitely can't wait to read the second part of their love story!
March 20, 2023
4.5⭐️ I am so freaking happy to be back in my favorite universe. I sobbed multiple times, Gillow has my heart and reading about my favs again put the biggest smile on my face. This universe is EVERYTHING to me.
“Three years later, it’s still surreal. Loren Hale changed everything. For me and Garrison.” 💛
“Three years later, it’s still surreal. Loren Hale changed everything. For me and Garrison.” 💛
January 13, 2020
4.5 Stars
Reunited and it feels so good!!
It seems like it has been ages since I've immersed myself with the Hale and Co. clan, so it is no surprise that it was hard to wipe the smile off my face while reading Willow and Garrison's story. Especially when Loren Hale himself graced the pages (he is STILL one of my top 5 BBFs after 5+ years, an impressive feat)!
This story is told both POVs of the main characters, and in two timelines.
Past
In the past, we learn the backstory of how Willow and Garrison first meet and slowly get to know one another. Both are in a crossroads in their lives, so it made sense that they were drawn together.
- Willow, as you may already know from reading books in the Addicted series (not required) has recently learned that Loren is her brother, and she leaves her mother in Maine to get to know him. Given her introverted personality it seems odd she'd want to surround herself with a group of celebrities all the ills that are part of that status. But I think she was just looking to escape a home where she was never fully appreciated or loved.
- Garrison, as the synopsis details, it the ultimate bad boy. Drugs, alcohol and pranks on Hale and Co. have gotten him into trouble more than once. But Loren seems something in Garrison, something relatable, and welcomes Garrison into their world. Given that Garrison hates his home life with his abusive brothers and has recently been shunned by his "friends", he welcomes the change of surroundings.
With time, Willow and Garrison find comfort with each other, a compatibility that begins with friendship but quickly morphs to something more. I thought they were a perfect fit.
"I've decided that I'd do whatever it takes to be the person I want to be and not what everyone else wants me to be, even if it means hurting some people i love along the way."
Present
In these chapters, which alternate with the past, the now couple is forced to adjust to their time apart in a long-distance relationship, with Willow in England for school and Garrison still in Philadelphia. There are some insecurities between them, afraid that the other doesn't miss them as much. However, with the dual POVs, we know that isn't the case and that their love hasn't faded with distance, and I never doubted that their love was real.
The biggest challenge for this couple is how to manage their personally issues when the other isn't around to help them. This was most evident with Garrison, who clearly has some personal demons he is trying to ignore. Without Willow around to support him, he seems to be spiraling.
As this is part of a duet, it is no surprise that there was a cliffhanger. I personally feel like it is something the couple can overcome, but their separation won't make things easy. I'm eager to see how things play out in book two and being re-immersed in this world again.
*An ARC was received for an honest review.
For more reviews, visit
Reunited and it feels so good!!
It seems like it has been ages since I've immersed myself with the Hale and Co. clan, so it is no surprise that it was hard to wipe the smile off my face while reading Willow and Garrison's story. Especially when Loren Hale himself graced the pages (he is STILL one of my top 5 BBFs after 5+ years, an impressive feat)!
This story is told both POVs of the main characters, and in two timelines.
Past
In the past, we learn the backstory of how Willow and Garrison first meet and slowly get to know one another. Both are in a crossroads in their lives, so it made sense that they were drawn together.
- Willow, as you may already know from reading books in the Addicted series (not required) has recently learned that Loren is her brother, and she leaves her mother in Maine to get to know him. Given her introverted personality it seems odd she'd want to surround herself with a group of celebrities all the ills that are part of that status. But I think she was just looking to escape a home where she was never fully appreciated or loved.
- Garrison, as the synopsis details, it the ultimate bad boy. Drugs, alcohol and pranks on Hale and Co. have gotten him into trouble more than once. But Loren seems something in Garrison, something relatable, and welcomes Garrison into their world. Given that Garrison hates his home life with his abusive brothers and has recently been shunned by his "friends", he welcomes the change of surroundings.
With time, Willow and Garrison find comfort with each other, a compatibility that begins with friendship but quickly morphs to something more. I thought they were a perfect fit.
"I've decided that I'd do whatever it takes to be the person I want to be and not what everyone else wants me to be, even if it means hurting some people i love along the way."
Present
In these chapters, which alternate with the past, the now couple is forced to adjust to their time apart in a long-distance relationship, with Willow in England for school and Garrison still in Philadelphia. There are some insecurities between them, afraid that the other doesn't miss them as much. However, with the dual POVs, we know that isn't the case and that their love hasn't faded with distance, and I never doubted that their love was real.
The biggest challenge for this couple is how to manage their personally issues when the other isn't around to help them. This was most evident with Garrison, who clearly has some personal demons he is trying to ignore. Without Willow around to support him, he seems to be spiraling.
As this is part of a duet, it is no surprise that there was a cliffhanger. I personally feel like it is something the couple can overcome, but their separation won't make things easy. I'm eager to see how things play out in book two and being re-immersed in this world again.
*An ARC was received for an honest review.
For more reviews, visit
January 16, 2020
➳ Rate: +5/ 5 stars
I feel so happy and giddy and just blessed.
I always wished I'd get to see these two's story from their own POVs and wow it was so much more than I'd ever imagined. We see so much of the core six, I could cry about how much that makes me happy. Yes, it's mostly moments we've lived from their eyes before but now getting to see them from the other side is just so precious. Every Lo and Willow moment had me close to freaking tears, specially when Willow officially meets him. My heart.
Willow and Garrison's story is told in then and now chapters and I loved that so so much. We get to see the first time they met, which was not the moment I thought!! We get to see how they become best friends and each other's safe haven *eyes glistening* and then we get to see them working on their futures while doing a long distance relationship... oh man, it's so emotional reading about them missing each other and how distance emotionally and physically affects them. I feel so protective over these characters and boy they don't have it easy... they never did.
Krista and Becca are truly capturing how hard a long distance relationship is... the time differences and how hard to talk they make it... the second guessing, the doubts and fears...boy did these two make my heart hurt. I feel so much for them and Willow will be in London for 4 freaking years, I doubt it will get any easier.
Garrison completely tore my heart apart. There is so much going on inside his head... so much hate and self-loathing... I truly hope he gets some professional help to work through all that emotional heartache and anger.
Willow, my sweet Willow. Gosh, she's so relatable... the social anxiety and awkwardness, the nerdiness. I am her, she is me. But despite all that, she is so brave and she slowly puts herself out there and makes some friends in a new country, all the while missing her family and boyfriend back home. I could also relate to that and it just made it hurt all the more whenever she talked about Garrison and her the core six.
I cannot wait to read Wherever You Are. I honestly could have kept on reading about these two for days on end. I love them so much. My heart was SO full while reading Whatever It Takes, even with all the angst and emotion going on. I was just so happy to finally be reading about these two.
➳ Paperback ARC kindly provided by Krista&Becca Ritchie, in exchange for an honest review. Again, thank you both so so much <3
➳ Order at: Amazon UK ⁕ Amazon US
➳ Follow me on: Blog ⁕ Instagram ⁕ Facebook ⁕ Twitter
I feel so happy and giddy and just blessed.
I always wished I'd get to see these two's story from their own POVs and wow it was so much more than I'd ever imagined. We see so much of the core six, I could cry about how much that makes me happy. Yes, it's mostly moments we've lived from their eyes before but now getting to see them from the other side is just so precious. Every Lo and Willow moment had me close to freaking tears, specially when Willow officially meets him. My heart.
Willow and Garrison's story is told in then and now chapters and I loved that so so much. We get to see the first time they met, which was not the moment I thought!! We get to see how they become best friends and each other's safe haven *eyes glistening* and then we get to see them working on their futures while doing a long distance relationship... oh man, it's so emotional reading about them missing each other and how distance emotionally and physically affects them. I feel so protective over these characters and boy they don't have it easy... they never did.
Krista and Becca are truly capturing how hard a long distance relationship is... the time differences and how hard to talk they make it... the second guessing, the doubts and fears...boy did these two make my heart hurt. I feel so much for them and Willow will be in London for 4 freaking years, I doubt it will get any easier.
Garrison completely tore my heart apart. There is so much going on inside his head... so much hate and self-loathing... I truly hope he gets some professional help to work through all that emotional heartache and anger.
Willow, my sweet Willow. Gosh, she's so relatable... the social anxiety and awkwardness, the nerdiness. I am her, she is me. But despite all that, she is so brave and she slowly puts herself out there and makes some friends in a new country, all the while missing her family and boyfriend back home. I could also relate to that and it just made it hurt all the more whenever she talked about Garrison and her the core six.
I cannot wait to read Wherever You Are. I honestly could have kept on reading about these two for days on end. I love them so much. My heart was SO full while reading Whatever It Takes, even with all the angst and emotion going on. I was just so happy to finally be reading about these two.
➳ Paperback ARC kindly provided by Krista&Becca Ritchie, in exchange for an honest review. Again, thank you both so so much <3
➳ Order at: Amazon UK ⁕ Amazon US
➳ Follow me on: Blog ⁕ Instagram ⁕ Facebook ⁕ Twitter
November 15, 2024
Cute.
-------
꒰ °⤿*ੈ pre-read𓏲 ๋࣭ ࣪ ˖ ꒱
My beautiful bestie kennie 🤍 told me in her review to read this duet in this order and ofc i listen to my love 😌:
reading guide:
addicted after all: chapters 1-55
bad rep: chapters 1-2
addicted after all: chapters 56-57
bad rep: chapter 3
addicted after all: chapters 58-59
bad rep: chapter 4
addicted after all: chapter 60
bad rep: chapter 5
addicted after all: chapters 61-66
bad rep: chapter 6
addicted after all: chapter 67
bad rep: chapters 7-12
addicted after all: 68-70
bad rep: chapter 13
addicted after all: epilogue
bad rep: chapters 14-19
fuel the fire: chapters 1-19
bad rep: chapter 20
fuel the fire: chapter 20
bad rep: chapters 21-22
fuel the fire: chapters 21-25
bad rep: chapter 23
fuel the fire: chapters 26-40
bad rep: chapter 24
fuel the fire: chapters 41-45
bad rep: chapter 25
fuel the fire: chapter 46
bad rep: chapters 26-28
fuel the fire: chapters 47-48
bad rep: chapter 29
fuel the fire: chapters 49-60
bad rep: chapter 30
fuel the fire: chapters 61-epilogue
long way down: chapters 1-7
bad rep: chapters 31-32
long way down: chapters 8-9
bad rep: chapter 33
long way down: chapter 10
bad rep: chapter 34
long way down: chapters 11-35
bad rep: chapter 35
long way down: chapters 36-57
bad rep: chapter 36
long way down: chapters 58-59
bad rep: chapter 37
long way down: chapters 60-61
bad rep: chapter 38
long way down: chapters 62-69
some kind of perfect: chapters 1-5
bad rep: chapters 39-42
some kind of perfect: chapter 6
bad rep: chapters 43-44
some kind of perfect: chapter 7
bad rep: chapters 45-53
some kind of perfect: chapters 8-9
bad rep: chapter 54
some kind of perfect: chapter 10
bad rep: chapters 55-56
some kind of perfect: chapters 11-14
bad rep: chapters 57-59
some kind of perfect: chapter 15
bad rep: chapter 60
some kind of perfect: chapter 16
bad rep: chapter 61
some kind of perfect: chapter 17
bad rep: chapters 62-63
some kind of perfect: chapter 18
bad rep: chapter 64
some kind of perfect: chapter 19
bad rep: chapters 65-66
some kind of perfect: chapter 20
bad rep: chapter 67
some kind of perfect: chapters 21-25
bad rep: chapters 68-69
some kind of perfect: chapter 26
bad rep: chapters 70-71
some kind of perfect: chapters 27-39
bad rep: chapter 72
some kind of perfect: chapters 40-60
bad rep: chapter 73
some kind of perfect: chapters 61-goodbye 2
bad rep: epilogue
-------
꒰ °⤿*ੈ pre-read𓏲 ๋࣭ ࣪ ˖ ꒱
My beautiful bestie kennie 🤍 told me in her review to read this duet in this order and ofc i listen to my love 😌:
reading guide:
addicted after all: chapters 1-55
bad rep: chapters 1-2
addicted after all: chapters 56-57
bad rep: chapter 3
addicted after all: chapters 58-59
bad rep: chapter 4
addicted after all: chapter 60
bad rep: chapter 5
addicted after all: chapters 61-66
bad rep: chapter 6
addicted after all: chapter 67
bad rep: chapters 7-12
addicted after all: 68-70
bad rep: chapter 13
addicted after all: epilogue
bad rep: chapters 14-19
fuel the fire: chapters 1-19
bad rep: chapter 20
fuel the fire: chapter 20
bad rep: chapters 21-22
fuel the fire: chapters 21-25
bad rep: chapter 23
fuel the fire: chapters 26-40
bad rep: chapter 24
fuel the fire: chapters 41-45
bad rep: chapter 25
fuel the fire: chapter 46
bad rep: chapters 26-28
fuel the fire: chapters 47-48
bad rep: chapter 29
fuel the fire: chapters 49-60
bad rep: chapter 30
fuel the fire: chapters 61-epilogue
long way down: chapters 1-7
bad rep: chapters 31-32
long way down: chapters 8-9
bad rep: chapter 33
long way down: chapter 10
bad rep: chapter 34
long way down: chapters 11-35
bad rep: chapter 35
long way down: chapters 36-57
bad rep: chapter 36
long way down: chapters 58-59
bad rep: chapter 37
long way down: chapters 60-61
bad rep: chapter 38
long way down: chapters 62-69
some kind of perfect: chapters 1-5
bad rep: chapters 39-42
some kind of perfect: chapter 6
bad rep: chapters 43-44
some kind of perfect: chapter 7
bad rep: chapters 45-53
some kind of perfect: chapters 8-9
bad rep: chapter 54
some kind of perfect: chapter 10
bad rep: chapters 55-56
some kind of perfect: chapters 11-14
bad rep: chapters 57-59
some kind of perfect: chapter 15
bad rep: chapter 60
some kind of perfect: chapter 16
bad rep: chapter 61
some kind of perfect: chapter 17
bad rep: chapters 62-63
some kind of perfect: chapter 18
bad rep: chapter 64
some kind of perfect: chapter 19
bad rep: chapters 65-66
some kind of perfect: chapter 20
bad rep: chapter 67
some kind of perfect: chapters 21-25
bad rep: chapters 68-69
some kind of perfect: chapter 26
bad rep: chapters 70-71
some kind of perfect: chapters 27-39
bad rep: chapter 72
some kind of perfect: chapters 40-60
bad rep: chapter 73
some kind of perfect: chapters 61-goodbye 2
bad rep: epilogue
June 5, 2022
5⭐️
“We’re going to make this work, Willow. Because you’re my girl, and that’s not going to change.”
i don’t even need to write a review. perfect. everything was perfect. beautiful perfection. the ending almost had me sobbing everywhere. friends to lovers will forever be the most superior trope. genuinely just love willow and garrison more than my own parents atp???
“We’re going to make this work, Willow. Because you’re my girl, and that’s not going to change.”
i don’t even need to write a review. perfect. everything was perfect. beautiful perfection. the ending almost had me sobbing everywhere. friends to lovers will forever be the most superior trope. genuinely just love willow and garrison more than my own parents atp???
December 4, 2022
willow and i are the same person.
September 23, 2024
I didn’t even know this book existed until last week.
Being back in this universe feels so surreal.
Garrison deserves everything good :(
Being back in this universe feels so surreal.
Garrison deserves everything good :(
February 18, 2020
❤️ An ARC was provided by the authors. ❤️
I can’t wrap my head around how awesome this book is and maybe I’m a bit biased because I literally waited years for this story. Willow and Garrison were first introduced in 2014 in Addicted After All (book 3 in the Addicted Series) and I’ve been hooked ever since! (Side note: we actually meet Willow in Addicted for Now, book 2 in the Addicted Series). I needed their story like I need air!!! My initial reaction below still stands – my entire life I’ve been waiting for this moment. I’m the happiest person on earth right now.
Quick note: if you’ve read the web series and loved it, you’ll be happy to know that most of Parts 1 and 2 made it into Whatever It Takes. There were some deviations and changes, but nothing major. I will add that without Parts 3 and 4, we don’t get a lot of insight on Garrison, so you won’t see all of his struggles from his POV. This paints a different picture and really gives him more of the “troubled, misunderstood, bad boy persona.” This book does end on a cliffhanger but thankfully, book 2 releases soon after this one. I can’t wait till book 2 is released so I can get all of my questions answered and to hopefully tie it all together.
Willow and Garrison are so precious. They are an unlikely pair: she’s the good girl - the shy wallflower, who’s never been kissed, and he’s the bad boy with a bad reputation; yet somehow, they work. The “us against the world” thing they’ve got going on is a little heartbreaking, but I love that they respect one another and how they care and look out for each other whenever the world takes a big dump on either one of them.
I relate to Willow so much it’s almost scary. I feel like her thoughts are my thoughts exactly, even down to her actions and reactions to situations. She is honestly the most relatable character for me and I absolutely LOVE her. Get ready for another emotional ride from the Ritchie sisters. This one will twist your heart and have you begging for more. I’m so excited for the release of this book and I’m glad that book 2, Wherever You Are, is releasing only a week after!
------- INITIAL REACTION - July 22, 2019 -------
I can't believe this is actually happening! I'm still wondering if I'll wake up and realize this was all a dream. Willow and Garrison's story started in the Addicted Series. In 2015, the authors were wonderful enough to give us more of their romance by giving us Willow and Garrison's web series. They started writing the web series and added to it when they had time. But then it stopped on Part Four in 2016 and they haven't added to it since. Little did we know that they actually finished not one, but TWO full length novels on Willow and Garrison's story!!!! I'm still in shock. Somebody pinch me.
My Review of Wherever You Are
I can’t wrap my head around how awesome this book is and maybe I’m a bit biased because I literally waited years for this story. Willow and Garrison were first introduced in 2014 in Addicted After All (book 3 in the Addicted Series) and I’ve been hooked ever since! (Side note: we actually meet Willow in Addicted for Now, book 2 in the Addicted Series). I needed their story like I need air!!! My initial reaction below still stands – my entire life I’ve been waiting for this moment. I’m the happiest person on earth right now.
Quick note: if you’ve read the web series and loved it, you’ll be happy to know that most of Parts 1 and 2 made it into Whatever It Takes. There were some deviations and changes, but nothing major. I will add that without Parts 3 and 4, we don’t get a lot of insight on Garrison, so you won’t see all of his struggles from his POV. This paints a different picture and really gives him more of the “troubled, misunderstood, bad boy persona.” This book does end on a cliffhanger but thankfully, book 2 releases soon after this one. I can’t wait till book 2 is released so I can get all of my questions answered and to hopefully tie it all together.
Willow and Garrison are so precious. They are an unlikely pair: she’s the good girl - the shy wallflower, who’s never been kissed, and he’s the bad boy with a bad reputation; yet somehow, they work. The “us against the world” thing they’ve got going on is a little heartbreaking, but I love that they respect one another and how they care and look out for each other whenever the world takes a big dump on either one of them.
I relate to Willow so much it’s almost scary. I feel like her thoughts are my thoughts exactly, even down to her actions and reactions to situations. She is honestly the most relatable character for me and I absolutely LOVE her. Get ready for another emotional ride from the Ritchie sisters. This one will twist your heart and have you begging for more. I’m so excited for the release of this book and I’m glad that book 2, Wherever You Are, is releasing only a week after!
------- INITIAL REACTION - July 22, 2019 -------
I can't believe this is actually happening! I'm still wondering if I'll wake up and realize this was all a dream. Willow and Garrison's story started in the Addicted Series. In 2015, the authors were wonderful enough to give us more of their romance by giving us Willow and Garrison's web series. They started writing the web series and added to it when they had time. But then it stopped on Part Four in 2016 and they haven't added to it since. Little did we know that they actually finished not one, but TWO full length novels on Willow and Garrison's story!!!! I'm still in shock. Somebody pinch me.
My Review of Wherever You Are
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