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The Shorts #8
Not That Kind of Girl
“Kate won’t be back ‘til Monday.”
A roommate. Her boyfriend. An irresistible opportunity.
Terri has always been “the quiet one.” People think she’s shy, but she’s really not. She’s pretty enough, and smart enough, she just hasn’t been particularly … remarkable.
Ian on the other hand is remarkable. He’s also Terri’s roommate Kate’s boyfriend. He notices what others do not. He knows Terri’s not shy, and he’s curious about what else she might be. Kate being away for a long weekend provides the perfect chance for him to find out.
Terri might be into it. A completely unexpected kiss she and Ian shared the week before makes him hope she will be. Or maybe … she’s just not that kind of girl.
A roommate. Her boyfriend. An irresistible opportunity.
Terri has always been “the quiet one.” People think she’s shy, but she’s really not. She’s pretty enough, and smart enough, she just hasn’t been particularly … remarkable.
Ian on the other hand is remarkable. He’s also Terri’s roommate Kate’s boyfriend. He notices what others do not. He knows Terri’s not shy, and he’s curious about what else she might be. Kate being away for a long weekend provides the perfect chance for him to find out.
Terri might be into it. A completely unexpected kiss she and Ian shared the week before makes him hope she will be. Or maybe … she’s just not that kind of girl.
153 pages, Kindle Edition
First published April 7, 2020
138 people are currently reading
214 people want to read
About the author
Nia Forrester
67 books956 followersI live in Philadelphia, PA where by day I work on public policy reform, and by night I read authors who move me, and write woman-centered fiction.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 82 reviews
July 13, 2020
THIS is how you write a romance. THIS is what I want to be reading, what I’m craving, when I pick up a book of this genre (new adult/contemporary). Romance authors, take note, because Nia Forrester really knocked it out of the park with this one.
The storytelling is uncomplicated but oh-so-angsty. Over one four-day weekend, Terri—a junior at Penn State studying Applied Math—finds herself tangled up with her roommate’s smoking hot boyfriend, Ian—half-Cherokee, half-Black, an athlete with a Southern gentleman’s manners. Here are some of the things I adored about Not That Kind of Girl:
1. Forrester’s prose is superb; it flows with the story’s realism without losing any lyricism. She deftly captures a lot of the social relations I’ve felt at my own university in Toronto—coincidentally where the author is from—and I related to several characters because I’ve found myself in their shoes at one point or another. I know way too many people than I’d care to who are like that white girl at the hipster party, the one with unshaved pits and a fetish for/issue with men of colour. I’ve found myself struggling to connect with hookups like Terri does. And I’ve certainly grappled with being “not that kind of girl”—a girl who lies, deceives, cheats. A girl whose outside doesn’t match up with how she’s feeling on the inside.
2. There was such a diversity of representation in the cast of characters—especially considering that this was a bite-sized piece of writing. When you’re writing a story, whether it’s a romance or mystery or magical realism, there better be diversity (and I don’t mean the token POC you throw in for brownie points). There better be evidence that you’ve at least given thought to diverse representation, whether in race, religion, sexuality, gender, disability, or neurodivergence. I’m sick of reading whiteness as the default, sick of hearing the voices and stories of exclusively white characters. In this novella, the majority of characters are people of colour. Terri is Black, studious and spunky, the daughter of a molecular biologist; Claudette, another Black woman, runs a Black hair salon; Derek the hipster TA is Wasian; Kamal is South Asian; Corinne is Latina and on the spectrum, while her boyfriend Bodhi is an international student from Indonesia. Ian and his friends from Alabama are half-Black, half-Native.
3. The romantic interest is NOT problematic. How is this SUCH a hard requirement for het romance authors to meet? Like, seriously? Is it so much to ask that the male lead not be emotionally or physically abusive, or manipulative, or stalker-like, or gaslighting? Affair aside, Ian is none of the above. He’s genuinely interested in Terri beyond just her looks or her body, beyond just their (admittedly HOT) sex. He asks her nuanced questions. He inquires about her family and interests, and actively listens when she talks. He responds to her criticisms of him (like when she told him to stop interrupting her, and he did).
4. The treatment of cheating in relationships: specifically, that the characters were held accountable by themselves and others. It didn’t make sense to me at the beginning why Ian didn’t break up with Kate as soon as he’d kissed Terri and realized their connection. I was fully prepared to give the book a solid 4 stars if the cheating aspect wasn’t explained well—BUT IT WAS!
◻️◻️◻️◻️◻️◻️◻️◻️◻️◻️◻️◻️◻️◻️◻️◻️◻️◻️◻️◻️◻️◻️
Main takeaway? “That kind of girl” DOES NOT EXIST. She is in all of us. We are ALL capable of lying to, cheating on, and hurting others. We all make terrible decisions that we will regret. We are all going to find ourselves in situations where our actions are at odds with our ideals.
And especially now, as we confront the systemic racism and anti-Blackness present in ourselves and our governments—there is no such thing as NOT racist, or NOT that kind of girl. There's only striving to be anti-racist, to fight for structural change, to recognize that this is a process and not a one-time checkbox.
It’s in these moments that Terri’s—and our—capacity for compassion, humility, and growth shine through.
◻️◻️◻️◻️◻️◻️◻️◻️◻️◻️◻️◻️◻️◻️◻️◻️◻️◻️◻️◻️◻️◻️
This novella TOTALLY took me by surprise, and I loved so much about it! Gonna take some time to sum up all the things that were great about it, because—trust me—there were a lot. UGH <3
The storytelling is uncomplicated but oh-so-angsty. Over one four-day weekend, Terri—a junior at Penn State studying Applied Math—finds herself tangled up with her roommate’s smoking hot boyfriend, Ian—half-Cherokee, half-Black, an athlete with a Southern gentleman’s manners. Here are some of the things I adored about Not That Kind of Girl:
1. Forrester’s prose is superb; it flows with the story’s realism without losing any lyricism. She deftly captures a lot of the social relations I’ve felt at my own university in Toronto—coincidentally where the author is from—and I related to several characters because I’ve found myself in their shoes at one point or another. I know way too many people than I’d care to who are like that white girl at the hipster party, the one with unshaved pits and a fetish for/issue with men of colour. I’ve found myself struggling to connect with hookups like Terri does. And I’ve certainly grappled with being “not that kind of girl”—a girl who lies, deceives, cheats. A girl whose outside doesn’t match up with how she’s feeling on the inside.
2. There was such a diversity of representation in the cast of characters—especially considering that this was a bite-sized piece of writing. When you’re writing a story, whether it’s a romance or mystery or magical realism, there better be diversity (and I don’t mean the token POC you throw in for brownie points). There better be evidence that you’ve at least given thought to diverse representation, whether in race, religion, sexuality, gender, disability, or neurodivergence. I’m sick of reading whiteness as the default, sick of hearing the voices and stories of exclusively white characters. In this novella, the majority of characters are people of colour. Terri is Black, studious and spunky, the daughter of a molecular biologist; Claudette, another Black woman, runs a Black hair salon; Derek the hipster TA is Wasian; Kamal is South Asian; Corinne is Latina and on the spectrum, while her boyfriend Bodhi is an international student from Indonesia. Ian and his friends from Alabama are half-Black, half-Native.
3. The romantic interest is NOT problematic. How is this SUCH a hard requirement for het romance authors to meet? Like, seriously? Is it so much to ask that the male lead not be emotionally or physically abusive, or manipulative, or stalker-like, or gaslighting? Affair aside, Ian is none of the above. He’s genuinely interested in Terri beyond just her looks or her body, beyond just their (admittedly HOT) sex. He asks her nuanced questions. He inquires about her family and interests, and actively listens when she talks. He responds to her criticisms of him (like when she told him to stop interrupting her, and he did).
4. The treatment of cheating in relationships: specifically, that the characters were held accountable by themselves and others. It didn’t make sense to me at the beginning why Ian didn’t break up with Kate as soon as he’d kissed Terri and realized their connection. I was fully prepared to give the book a solid 4 stars if the cheating aspect wasn’t explained well—BUT IT WAS!
◻️◻️◻️◻️◻️◻️◻️◻️◻️◻️◻️◻️◻️◻️◻️◻️◻️◻️◻️◻️◻️◻️
Main takeaway? “That kind of girl” DOES NOT EXIST. She is in all of us. We are ALL capable of lying to, cheating on, and hurting others. We all make terrible decisions that we will regret. We are all going to find ourselves in situations where our actions are at odds with our ideals.
And especially now, as we confront the systemic racism and anti-Blackness present in ourselves and our governments—there is no such thing as NOT racist, or NOT that kind of girl. There's only striving to be anti-racist, to fight for structural change, to recognize that this is a process and not a one-time checkbox.
It’s in these moments that Terri’s—and our—capacity for compassion, humility, and growth shine through.
◻️◻️◻️◻️◻️◻️◻️◻️◻️◻️◻️◻️◻️◻️◻️◻️◻️◻️◻️◻️◻️◻️
This novella TOTALLY took me by surprise, and I loved so much about it! Gonna take some time to sum up all the things that were great about it, because—trust me—there were a lot. UGH <3
October 27, 2020
This book was exactly what I needed right now.
I am completely in love with this book and so so sad that it is so short.
The perfect romance book!
I am completely in love with this book and so so sad that it is so short.
The perfect romance book!
August 12, 2023
This short left me a bit confused….roommates dealing with the same person? Not a positive thing….and realistically most people that find themselves in this type of dilemma we all know that it wouldn’t be this amicable.
April 9, 2020
I say this ALL THE TIME but if I could write like Nia? *sucks teeth* Yall wouldn't be able to tell me NATHAN. Ugh.
This book right here. This book. Right. Here.
Just sent me through a gamut of emotion and inner dialogue.
"Okay, I know she knows..."
"OOH, he did not just..."
"Okay, but eventually...'
"Sis! Bro! This is not for play-play! OH NO BABY WHAT IS YOU DOIN'???
"And now here comes the hammer.."
"Oh he's deflee a punk, but she deserved that..."
"Oh, SAY WORD? It can just.... be like that???"
And so as you can see by my detailed review.... this read was good. Stellar writing, the perfect length, all the good things that make me sigh with happiness when I get to the end. Put this book in your face.
This book right here. This book. Right. Here.
Just sent me through a gamut of emotion and inner dialogue.
"Okay, I know she knows..."
"OOH, he did not just..."
"Okay, but eventually...'
"Sis! Bro! This is not for play-play! OH NO BABY WHAT IS YOU DOIN'???
"And now here comes the hammer.."
"Oh he's deflee a punk, but she deserved that..."
"Oh, SAY WORD? It can just.... be like that???"
And so as you can see by my detailed review.... this read was good. Stellar writing, the perfect length, all the good things that make me sigh with happiness when I get to the end. Put this book in your face.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
April 9, 2020
There's something so strong and pleasurable about the vibe that both Terri and Ian let loose on a warm day in the pool that neither of them can ignore it. And after reading this latest wonderfully written offering by Ms. Forrester, it's a potent enough vibe that any reader can feel and get behind as well, even though it's a messy, messy journey to love this fascinating couple seem to be on. Fascinating is not hyperbole in this compact, tightly woven and dramatic story. Both Terri and Ian are not just well drawn and well developed characters; they are BOTH super intriguing to the reader and most definitely to each other. The story is told entirely from Terri's point of view but Ian remains a powerful counterpart in this proclaimed "short" and you'll want to know much more about him as you read. The good news is, that desire for more, only enhances this story and no one will turn off their kindle feeling even remotely dissatisfied after breezing through this gem. Find the time to enjoy this one soon. It will help put a smile on your face.
April 8, 2020
This reminds me of Snowflake, the first book I read written by Nia Forrester...the moment I fell in love with her writing. You forget that this is a novella because Nia is able to pack so much in this beautifully anxious (yes I said anxious) intimate read. I can relate to both Terri and Ian, especially Terri and her willingness to maintain the box that seeks to identify her, the box that defines her in the most safe respects. Yet Ian tears down that box by seeing Terri for who she really is and wow... that is what made this story so beautiful, Nia's gift. Nia can take what would have been predictable and reviled into a story that is revered and embraced.
December 18, 2021
Once again this author offered readers something to think about. How many of us have wondered if we're that girl? If we're being completely honest, we've all likely flirted with our inner Bad girl. In this story, I like the thoughtful way the author told Terri's story without malicious intent. Ian the Runner, thought Terri the Brainiac, was a better fit for his heart. Who are we to judge? The story helped me remember old times, and how much I cherished those days. I enjoyed this excellent tale.
April 12, 2020
Update: I need a part two!!! Lol!
I've never been disappointed with any love story Nia has written. I personally like everything Nia has written. This story was cute and short.
I've never been disappointed with any love story Nia has written. I personally like everything Nia has written. This story was cute and short.
April 20, 2020
Really good, thought-provoking read. When two people are drawn to each other, and it seems like they’re meant to be, is it okay for them to get together, even if one is in a relationship? This is the dilemma that Terrie and Ian are facing. I normally avoid books where cheating is involved, but I knew that Nia Forrester was going to give me something to think about.
Terrie, who is motherless and feels like she is invisible, is the kind of character who immediately draws me in and makes me root for her, regardless of what she does. And Ian, with his deep southern accent, is a country boy from my home state of Alabama- how can I not love him? These two know they’re wrong, but it’s almost like they ‘have’ to give this thing a try. These two pack a whole lot in just a few days, but it was definitely time we’ll-spent.
I gasped so loud at the ending that my daughter heard me in her room and wanted to know what was wrong. I must admit that I read pretty much the whole book anxious about the explosive discovery by/confession to Kate, followed by an ending that tied everything up nicely. But that’s not Nia Forrester’s way. I’m still trying to process the actual ending and looking at Miss Kate in a whole different light. She seemed harmless, based on what we’re told about her, but I’m starting to think she’s not so harmless at all. And that she might not have been surprised by what happened while she was away.
Glad Ms. Forrester kept on writing after posting that first chapter. I really enjoyed this book. If you haven’t already done so, check it out! You won’t be disappointed.
Terrie, who is motherless and feels like she is invisible, is the kind of character who immediately draws me in and makes me root for her, regardless of what she does. And Ian, with his deep southern accent, is a country boy from my home state of Alabama- how can I not love him? These two know they’re wrong, but it’s almost like they ‘have’ to give this thing a try. These two pack a whole lot in just a few days, but it was definitely time we’ll-spent.
I gasped so loud at the ending that my daughter heard me in her room and wanted to know what was wrong. I must admit that I read pretty much the whole book anxious about the explosive discovery by/confession to Kate, followed by an ending that tied everything up nicely. But that’s not Nia Forrester’s way. I’m still trying to process the actual ending and looking at Miss Kate in a whole different light. She seemed harmless, based on what we’re told about her, but I’m starting to think she’s not so harmless at all. And that she might not have been surprised by what happened while she was away.
Glad Ms. Forrester kept on writing after posting that first chapter. I really enjoyed this book. If you haven’t already done so, check it out! You won’t be disappointed.
April 20, 2020
I usually don’t like cheaters of any kind. And not saying I liked what Terri and Ian did, but Nia has a way of sucking you into a story. I needed to know what would happen next
July 13, 2020
A Good, Engaging Short Story
I had previously read a few of the authors novels and enjoyed them very much, so when I saw this short story available as part of my Kindle Unlimited selections, I decided to check it out. Although it’s a “forbidden fruit” type scenario, Ms. Forrester fully develops her characters and you get to feel that you really know these people (or someone like them) and can relate to them. The only reason I didn’t give this selection 5 stars is because the ending was a bit too tidy.. but it’s been a long time since I was the age of the characters in the book, so maybe it’s an accurate depiction of how things go down in today’s college campus relationships. I would definitely recommend this book if you’d like a fun, fast reading.
I had previously read a few of the authors novels and enjoyed them very much, so when I saw this short story available as part of my Kindle Unlimited selections, I decided to check it out. Although it’s a “forbidden fruit” type scenario, Ms. Forrester fully develops her characters and you get to feel that you really know these people (or someone like them) and can relate to them. The only reason I didn’t give this selection 5 stars is because the ending was a bit too tidy.. but it’s been a long time since I was the age of the characters in the book, so maybe it’s an accurate depiction of how things go down in today’s college campus relationships. I would definitely recommend this book if you’d like a fun, fast reading.
April 29, 2020
She did it again! I was giving Ian and Terry the serious side eye 👁, but at a certain point I started seeing them for who they were together. There’s a girl code that some times you just don’t cross ,but what if you missed the opportunity to be with the right person , and then that person is available at a time and you go for it? Do you watch and wait on the sideline or do you jump of the bridge and be that kind of girl?
April 11, 2020
This was a familiar setting with people who feel like people I want to know and spend time getting to know more deeply.
For me, the major strengths of this story include CONNECTION, Penn State, not because I went there but because I know Penn State as the setting from previous books and other characters. I vaguely remember the interaction between Kal and Ian from a previous book...I think, it just feels familiar and I immediately feel connected.
The second major strength is CULTURE, from the subtle descriptions of the indigenous culture to the unforced acknowledgement of southern accents and on further to a better understanding through the character on the Autism Spectrum there is just enough multi-cultural infusion to not feel "taught" but pleasantly enlightened.
Finally, the DIALOG it reads so naturally as to make the characters come to life aided by the descriptions of their gestures and facial expressions. While these were my favorite things about the story at the end of the day it is a love story and just to keep it real I was always team Terri.
Reading any of the previous books is not necessary to enjoy this short however I recommend Young Rich & Black: An Afterwards Novella; Snowflake (An Afterwards Novel) in that order. Thank you Nia Forrester for something fun in this time of serious challenge.
For me, the major strengths of this story include CONNECTION, Penn State, not because I went there but because I know Penn State as the setting from previous books and other characters. I vaguely remember the interaction between Kal and Ian from a previous book...I think, it just feels familiar and I immediately feel connected.
The second major strength is CULTURE, from the subtle descriptions of the indigenous culture to the unforced acknowledgement of southern accents and on further to a better understanding through the character on the Autism Spectrum there is just enough multi-cultural infusion to not feel "taught" but pleasantly enlightened.
Finally, the DIALOG it reads so naturally as to make the characters come to life aided by the descriptions of their gestures and facial expressions. While these were my favorite things about the story at the end of the day it is a love story and just to keep it real I was always team Terri.
Reading any of the previous books is not necessary to enjoy this short however I recommend Young Rich & Black: An Afterwards Novella; Snowflake (An Afterwards Novel) in that order. Thank you Nia Forrester for something fun in this time of serious challenge.
April 20, 2020
Ok, so I'm bias 'cause I know her. LOL. But, this was a fun read, especially in these crazy times. I'm always intrigued by relationships that start, well, pretty messy because we all know relationships are really more about you than the other person. Terri finds her way in this story and understands that she may be capable of more than she thought. Both Terri and Ian are fully present in their decision, even if they didn't want to admit it in the beginning. I also enjoyed the glimpses of summer weather, pools and humid evenings :)
April 21, 2020
Hmmmmmmmmmm...
I enjoyed Ian and Terri’s story and really need more from them. I totally wasn’t expecting that ending. I’m glad I finally had a chance to read this shirt from Nia Forrester. No disappointment at all...
T
I enjoyed Ian and Terri’s story and really need more from them. I totally wasn’t expecting that ending. I’m glad I finally had a chance to read this shirt from Nia Forrester. No disappointment at all...
T
April 20, 2020
I'm not big on the "other woman" or infidelity but since Kate was so insufferable I was rooting for Ian and Terri. I liked Terri was practically invisible but Ian always saw her. I liked how we got to know each of them over the course of four days. I mean what they were doing wasn't right but I didn't really hate it either. I also liked Corine's point of view with the whole situation. I liked it!
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
April 18, 2020
That kind of girl
I loved this book. I read the short teaser on FB and hoped it would be a book. I love the way Forrester writes. I fall into this world with the couples and then suddenly I’m at the end! Ian and Terri seemed very compatible but were the definition of its complicated. Such a great read!
I loved this book. I read the short teaser on FB and hoped it would be a book. I love the way Forrester writes. I fall into this world with the couples and then suddenly I’m at the end! Ian and Terri seemed very compatible but were the definition of its complicated. Such a great read!
April 19, 2020
OMG Sweet Love Story
Nia Forrester tells a story like no other. Ian and Terri they were so cute together you couldn't help but like them together even though they were deceiving Kate (Ian's girlfriend and Terri's roommate). Super sweet love story.I completely recommend it.
Nia Forrester tells a story like no other. Ian and Terri they were so cute together you couldn't help but like them together even though they were deceiving Kate (Ian's girlfriend and Terri's roommate). Super sweet love story.I completely recommend it.
April 18, 2020
Nia never disappoints
Nia Forrester have a way with words that capture you from the beginning to end. Nia has always been able to capture the real struggle women go through and the insecurities they may have within themselves. This was a really great book as usual.
Nia Forrester have a way with words that capture you from the beginning to end. Nia has always been able to capture the real struggle women go through and the insecurities they may have within themselves. This was a really great book as usual.
April 18, 2020
Great 👍
Very enjoyable and unusual love story. Ian and Terri had to and dealt with a lot during that weekend. Would love to read more on this couple.
Very enjoyable and unusual love story. Ian and Terri had to and dealt with a lot during that weekend. Would love to read more on this couple.
April 13, 2020
Pleasant change in pace
Definitely a tale of forbidden "love". I wanted to hate them, what they were doing was so wrong but it definitely felt right. Ian seems like a very levelheaded, even honest, guy and he just knew what he didn't want. Terri, IDK, maybe I still don't like her, but I think she's a good match for him, just flawed and insecure like the rest of us. Maybe that's the problem, that I could see myself in her, I could have been her in college too.
Definitely a tale of forbidden "love". I wanted to hate them, what they were doing was so wrong but it definitely felt right. Ian seems like a very levelheaded, even honest, guy and he just knew what he didn't want. Terri, IDK, maybe I still don't like her, but I think she's a good match for him, just flawed and insecure like the rest of us. Maybe that's the problem, that I could see myself in her, I could have been her in college too.
April 12, 2020
Finished this page turner in one day (even though I tried my best to read it slow). I really enjoyed getting lost in the weekend of these two characters and the result of that weekend. I hope that we get a follow up story on these two because I think the story of “after” will be interesting as well.
April 14, 2020
Another Great Story!
I just love Nia's writing! This author brings it with every book she has written! This story was great and I loved the journey these characters took me on!
I just love Nia's writing! This author brings it with every book she has written! This story was great and I loved the journey these characters took me on!
April 11, 2020
Awesome
This author gets me, I tell ya I always look forward to her stories, I was so delighted when I searched her name and saw that she had released another story. I totally enjoyed this story and I am looking forward to her next one already.
This author gets me, I tell ya I always look forward to her stories, I was so delighted when I searched her name and saw that she had released another story. I totally enjoyed this story and I am looking forward to her next one already.
April 8, 2020
I enjoyed this read. Terri and Ian were both interesting, well-developed characters. I loved that what they had was so strong that even knowing what they were doing was not "who" they were, they couldn't stop themselves.
I didn't have any expectations, but if I did, this would not have been it. It was thought-provoking and brings to light that while we think we know who/what we are, sometimes, you just don't know until the situation presents itself.
I didn't have any expectations, but if I did, this would not have been it. It was thought-provoking and brings to light that while we think we know who/what we are, sometimes, you just don't know until the situation presents itself.
April 12, 2020
Interesting...very good story
Such a great writer. As usual, I couldn’t put this down. Great afternoon read with passion that jumps off the page.
Such a great writer. As usual, I couldn’t put this down. Great afternoon read with passion that jumps off the page.
April 9, 2020
Enjoyed them, but that ending though. My nerves were on edging leading up to the end. What happened next?...lol
April 9, 2020
Complex feelings and actions to what should have been a non starter between Ian and Terri. But...there are all of these...feelings and sense of rightness.
April 9, 2020
I’ve never hated a Nia Forrester ending but this one was so abrupt. I literally didn’t believe it at first.
As always beautifully written and thought provoking.
As always beautifully written and thought provoking.
Displaying 1 - 30 of 82 reviews