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The Real You
Kathleen McHenry’s freshman year of college has just begun and she is ready to get the full college experience from parties, football games, late night study sessions, to dating college guys. Kat was brought up in an affluent town where she attended an all girls private high school. Between the lack of guys she knew, her studies taking priority, and her father’s no dating before college rule, she has never had a boyfriend.
When Kat finds herself being pursued by Dylan, who is deemed the most eligible bachelor on her dorm floor, how could she say no? Dylan is a flirt who has a smooth way about himself that causes every girl to swoon over him.
At Kat’s first lecture, she meets rugged, whole-hearted Sam and learns that he also lives on her dorm floor and is majoring in pre-med, just like her. Kat finds herself becoming closer friends with Sam and begins to question her relationship with Dylan. Sam and Dylan are different in every sense, Dylan has everything to offer while Sam has nothing to his name.
When Kat and her new friends get faced with an unthinkable trauma, we find out if she chose the right guy to fall in love with.
When Kat finds herself being pursued by Dylan, who is deemed the most eligible bachelor on her dorm floor, how could she say no? Dylan is a flirt who has a smooth way about himself that causes every girl to swoon over him.
At Kat’s first lecture, she meets rugged, whole-hearted Sam and learns that he also lives on her dorm floor and is majoring in pre-med, just like her. Kat finds herself becoming closer friends with Sam and begins to question her relationship with Dylan. Sam and Dylan are different in every sense, Dylan has everything to offer while Sam has nothing to his name.
When Kat and her new friends get faced with an unthinkable trauma, we find out if she chose the right guy to fall in love with.
242 pages, Kindle Edition
Published November 22, 2022
9 people are currently reading
1434 people want to read
About the author
Danielle Bair
1 book13 followersDanielle Bair has lived in New Jersey her entire life. She is a fur parent to her two beloved dogs and spends her free time reading on the beach or hiking in the woods.
The Real You is her debut novel and the first book of The University First Love Series. Danielle writes Young Adult Closed Door Romance Novels.
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Find The Real You on NetGalley:
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The Real You is her debut novel and the first book of The University First Love Series. Danielle writes Young Adult Closed Door Romance Novels.
Follow Danielle Bair on :
Instagram @DanielleBairAuthor
https://www.instagram.com/daniellebai...
TikTok @DanielleBairAuthor
https://www.tiktok.com/@daniellebaira...
Twitter @DanielleEBair
https://twitter.com/DanielleEBair
Facebook @DanielleBairAuthor
https://www.facebook.com/DanielleBair...
Find The Real You on NetGalley:
https://www.netgalley.com/catalog/boo...
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Displaying 1 - 28 of 28 reviews
December 16, 2022
Some spoilers below.
I had high hopes for this book, but unfortunately it did not resonate with me. It is definitely geared toward a YA audience, but the main character felt so immature and naive that it wasn’t very believable. The writing style was very formal and “obvious” which made it easy to understand and follow- but did not have a natural flow/cadence to the story. The amount of exclamation points used was distracting and could easily be edited out.
There were important messages about domestic abuse, consent, assault, toxic relationships, gaslighting, etc. but for me the delivery fell flat. There is potential in getting those messages out to the right audience but for me personally it didn’t work.
The main character and her friends all seemed very juvenile for college aged students.
The story felt like it really flew by without a lot of important story building or background, which made it hard for me to connect. All of a sudden 3/4 of the way through the book, the POV switches to another character for only one chapter. .
The prologue was gripping and I was very excited to see what lead up to the main character being hospitalized. Turns out it wasn’t the main character and was only a very minor part of the plot. After finishing the book I am still not entirely sure what the book was really about. It tried to be a love story but it felt more like a lesson.
There are certainly triggers that need to be minded - abusive relationships, reference to non consensual sexual acts, off-page rape, verbal abuse.
Thank you to netgalley and the author for the ebook in exchange for an honest review. Unfortunately this book wasn’t for me.
I had high hopes for this book, but unfortunately it did not resonate with me. It is definitely geared toward a YA audience, but the main character felt so immature and naive that it wasn’t very believable. The writing style was very formal and “obvious” which made it easy to understand and follow- but did not have a natural flow/cadence to the story. The amount of exclamation points used was distracting and could easily be edited out.
There were important messages about domestic abuse, consent, assault, toxic relationships, gaslighting, etc. but for me the delivery fell flat. There is potential in getting those messages out to the right audience but for me personally it didn’t work.
The main character and her friends all seemed very juvenile for college aged students.
The story felt like it really flew by without a lot of important story building or background, which made it hard for me to connect. All of a sudden 3/4 of the way through the book, the POV switches to another character for only one chapter. .
The prologue was gripping and I was very excited to see what lead up to the main character being hospitalized. Turns out it wasn’t the main character and was only a very minor part of the plot. After finishing the book I am still not entirely sure what the book was really about. It tried to be a love story but it felt more like a lesson.
There are certainly triggers that need to be minded - abusive relationships, reference to non consensual sexual acts, off-page rape, verbal abuse.
Thank you to netgalley and the author for the ebook in exchange for an honest review. Unfortunately this book wasn’t for me.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
October 18, 2022
I read this book in one sitting and you should do the same. I truly learned a lot of new things from this book, and I am so glad I read it. The attention to detail with characters and explanations is spot on. I loved how this author, Danielle Bair tells the story, and I could feel the emotions of the characters, the laughter, fear, devastation, lust and so on. This book destroyed me in a good way, from crying, laughter, to long held smiles that hurt. Ever since I read the book, I cannot get it out of my head it just stays there, I think about it when I am driving and replay some of the major events as I fall asleep at night, with the emotions still strong! I experienced a similar situation to one of the characters and can relate to this book, but it really shed light on toxic relationships in a way I did not previously understand or appreciate. The author delicately navigated serious situations like a seasoned author. This book is worth the read for so many reasons, just read it already! Its not your typical romance book where the couple just ends up together after some normal issues, this book is real deal life in your face.
October 18, 2022
It is very unfortunate that I won't get to know "The real you". I sat down a bit ago, excited to delve into this book about a pre-med student and her romantic adventures with two different guys. I might be a queer dude but the thing that stood out to me was the summary, and it reminded me of a certain couple I adore from another series. However, the first thing I noticed ( negatively ), was the writing.
The writing doesn't flow, it's not lyrical, I honestly think it's the same as when my eight grade teachers hounded us for writing in a choppy, robot voice. "I am this, I do this, I am- I that-" It almost made me think this was ghost-written, for a middle of the deck price.
I wasn't even able to pass the third page. This main character spends two pages gloating about her long list of privileges as if they are somehow working against her? Her parents are mega rich, she's upset she had to go to an all girls- PRIVATE school, she talks about her straight A's and scholarships from five different athletics and clubs like they mean NOTHING.
Nope. I'm out. I cannot stand that narrative. The problem is with the writing, but the story itself is a whole personality "its not you its me" thing. Sure, real people live like that. But she doesn't have ANY problems, at all and even if she does, I don't plan on sticking around to see them. As a queer man from an incredibly poor background whose struggled with several things in life... If her only problems are going to be fighting over two boys??? I'm sorry, I wasn't expecting this kind of story.
This turned out to be a horror show, but I did get a good ( baffled ) laugh out of it. Not for me, but definitely for the middle-upper-class girlies.
The writing doesn't flow, it's not lyrical, I honestly think it's the same as when my eight grade teachers hounded us for writing in a choppy, robot voice. "I am this, I do this, I am- I that-" It almost made me think this was ghost-written, for a middle of the deck price.
I wasn't even able to pass the third page. This main character spends two pages gloating about her long list of privileges as if they are somehow working against her? Her parents are mega rich, she's upset she had to go to an all girls- PRIVATE school, she talks about her straight A's and scholarships from five different athletics and clubs like they mean NOTHING.
Nope. I'm out. I cannot stand that narrative. The problem is with the writing, but the story itself is a whole personality "its not you its me" thing. Sure, real people live like that. But she doesn't have ANY problems, at all and even if she does, I don't plan on sticking around to see them. As a queer man from an incredibly poor background whose struggled with several things in life... If her only problems are going to be fighting over two boys??? I'm sorry, I wasn't expecting this kind of story.
This turned out to be a horror show, but I did get a good ( baffled ) laugh out of it. Not for me, but definitely for the middle-upper-class girlies.
December 1, 2022
Unfortunately this was a total miss for me. The storyline jumped around so much it was hard to follow and I still have no idea how much time passed in the book. The Prologue is extremely confusing, I kept waiting for the explanation of it throughout the book and I never got it. There were a ton of typos that I flagged. Most of the dialogue was punctuated with an exclamation point, either there was lots of yelling or way too much pep, still not sure. The story itself could have been interesting if it were put together in a more cohesive manner. I kept hoping for it to get better but sadly the whole book missed the mark for me.
November 30, 2022
The story didn’t feel complete, but didn’t end in a cliff hanger.
The books really didn’t flow well. Her feelings were flip-flopping with out good details on why.
The prologue makes no sense. The whole book was Kat talking, so I was waiting for the prologue to happen in the book. Since she didn’t get hurt in the end, I assume the prologue was Emily? But nothing about the Emily story sounded like she was “crashing” like mentioned in the prologue. Idk then it just ended. Not a book I would read again or recommend.
The books really didn’t flow well. Her feelings were flip-flopping with out good details on why.
The prologue makes no sense. The whole book was Kat talking, so I was waiting for the prologue to happen in the book. Since she didn’t get hurt in the end, I assume the prologue was Emily? But nothing about the Emily story sounded like she was “crashing” like mentioned in the prologue. Idk then it just ended. Not a book I would read again or recommend.
November 28, 2022
*I have received this ARC in exchange for my honest review.*
Kathleen is just starting her freshman year of college. She is finally able to experiencing true freedom for the first time, and this is her chance to discover who she really is all on her own. Her parents were kind of strict back home and never allowed her to date anyone, so taking full advantage of being able to do whatever she wants, she immediately meets Dylan. Her newly found friends agree that he is the hottest guy on their floor and encourages Kathleen to pursue him since he seems to have taken an unexpected interest in her. (Possibly only because she is the only girl on their floor who isn't falling at his feet.) Nonetheless she decides to get closer to Dylan and eventually he asks her out on what will be her very fist date ever! Since this is all so new to Kat, she isn't exactly sure how dating is supposed to work... however, she's pretty sure that be dragged around like arm candy at some boring banquet isn't the ideal first date setting. To makes matters worse, Dylan barely even acknowledges her the entire time! Needless to say, she quickly leaves and gets super pissed at Dylan for treating her so poorly.
Now enters Sam, he's a pre med student just like Kathleen and they even share some classes. The two instantly click and become fast friends. Sam is always there for Kat and after that disastrous date, he is the one who makes sure she gets back to her dorm safe and helps cheer her up. It seems that he is the complete opposite of Dylan. Sam is caring, kind, and seems to genuinely value and enjoy Kats company.
After Kat talks herself into giving Dylan another chance, the two begin officially dating. Her friendship with Sam starts to make Dylan feel threatened and he begins to put a lot of pressure on Kat to take their relationship to the next level, something she has made very clear she is not ready for. Anytime Dylan does not get his way or Kat calls him out on his rude behavior, he instantly switches into this totally different person that quite frankly scares her. Her friends all believe that he is this super disable and great guy which causes Kat to continuously talk herself into forgiving him again and again, always hoping that he will change and things will get better. Its becomes a difficult game to play, and Kat struggles with figuring out what to do. She inevitably leans on Sam for advice which brings them closer and they form a connection that makes her feel safe, something she is desperately seeking.
Is Dylan really the person she should be with and not Sam? but what if she could change Dylan and help him? wouldn't that make him the picture perfect boyfriend like all her friends say? Kathleen finds herself questioning everything about her relationship with both boys putting everything on the line to try and figure out what is best for her. who is she really meant to be with?
I'm giving this book a 2.75/3 star rating.
There were a few issues I had with the overall writing style and with the characters. It felt like everything was written out very formally, especially it being about college aged characters. In the dialogue between them, I found it very rare to see the words "haven't, don't, can't, or won't" being used, and instead seeing a lot of formality with " I do not" or "I have not" ect. ect. This just made the overall atmosphere of the book seem unfitting for the ages they are meant to be, being in my 20s myself, I found it hard to relate to. The language and metaphors just seemed out of place for college students to use and not very causal.
I did enjoy the plot, but I felt like everything was very rushed and happened in a blink of an eye, which just wasn't realistic. Kathleen's inner monologues were very repetitive so I felt like she lacked a lot of depth as a character. Most of the others just seemed very stereotypical.
That being said, there was still a lot to like about the book. I thought the connection Kat had with Sam was very cute and sweet, I loved all of their interactions! It was so hard to watch Kat put up with Dylan in a lot of the bad situations they got into, but I appreciated how realistic that aspect of the book was. Sometimes when you are in an abusive relationship, you find yourself defending their actions and convincing yourself that you can change them, so you stay no matter how bad they treat you, I really liked how that was very evident throughout the story.
I would recommend to someone who enjoys quick reads and doesn’t mind a formal and fast pace writing style.
Thank you Danielle Bair and Netgalley for sending me this ARC!
Kathleen is just starting her freshman year of college. She is finally able to experiencing true freedom for the first time, and this is her chance to discover who she really is all on her own. Her parents were kind of strict back home and never allowed her to date anyone, so taking full advantage of being able to do whatever she wants, she immediately meets Dylan. Her newly found friends agree that he is the hottest guy on their floor and encourages Kathleen to pursue him since he seems to have taken an unexpected interest in her. (Possibly only because she is the only girl on their floor who isn't falling at his feet.) Nonetheless she decides to get closer to Dylan and eventually he asks her out on what will be her very fist date ever! Since this is all so new to Kat, she isn't exactly sure how dating is supposed to work... however, she's pretty sure that be dragged around like arm candy at some boring banquet isn't the ideal first date setting. To makes matters worse, Dylan barely even acknowledges her the entire time! Needless to say, she quickly leaves and gets super pissed at Dylan for treating her so poorly.
Now enters Sam, he's a pre med student just like Kathleen and they even share some classes. The two instantly click and become fast friends. Sam is always there for Kat and after that disastrous date, he is the one who makes sure she gets back to her dorm safe and helps cheer her up. It seems that he is the complete opposite of Dylan. Sam is caring, kind, and seems to genuinely value and enjoy Kats company.
After Kat talks herself into giving Dylan another chance, the two begin officially dating. Her friendship with Sam starts to make Dylan feel threatened and he begins to put a lot of pressure on Kat to take their relationship to the next level, something she has made very clear she is not ready for. Anytime Dylan does not get his way or Kat calls him out on his rude behavior, he instantly switches into this totally different person that quite frankly scares her. Her friends all believe that he is this super disable and great guy which causes Kat to continuously talk herself into forgiving him again and again, always hoping that he will change and things will get better. Its becomes a difficult game to play, and Kat struggles with figuring out what to do. She inevitably leans on Sam for advice which brings them closer and they form a connection that makes her feel safe, something she is desperately seeking.
Is Dylan really the person she should be with and not Sam? but what if she could change Dylan and help him? wouldn't that make him the picture perfect boyfriend like all her friends say? Kathleen finds herself questioning everything about her relationship with both boys putting everything on the line to try and figure out what is best for her. who is she really meant to be with?
I'm giving this book a 2.75/3 star rating.
There were a few issues I had with the overall writing style and with the characters. It felt like everything was written out very formally, especially it being about college aged characters. In the dialogue between them, I found it very rare to see the words "haven't, don't, can't, or won't" being used, and instead seeing a lot of formality with " I do not" or "I have not" ect. ect. This just made the overall atmosphere of the book seem unfitting for the ages they are meant to be, being in my 20s myself, I found it hard to relate to. The language and metaphors just seemed out of place for college students to use and not very causal.
I did enjoy the plot, but I felt like everything was very rushed and happened in a blink of an eye, which just wasn't realistic. Kathleen's inner monologues were very repetitive so I felt like she lacked a lot of depth as a character. Most of the others just seemed very stereotypical.
That being said, there was still a lot to like about the book. I thought the connection Kat had with Sam was very cute and sweet, I loved all of their interactions! It was so hard to watch Kat put up with Dylan in a lot of the bad situations they got into, but I appreciated how realistic that aspect of the book was. Sometimes when you are in an abusive relationship, you find yourself defending their actions and convincing yourself that you can change them, so you stay no matter how bad they treat you, I really liked how that was very evident throughout the story.
I would recommend to someone who enjoys quick reads and doesn’t mind a formal and fast pace writing style.
Thank you Danielle Bair and Netgalley for sending me this ARC!
Read
March 3, 2023Sadly, this was a classic example of Show vs. Tell... in that the story was told (in summary style, with time jumps) rather than allowing the reader in, making it difficult to connect with any of the characters and engage with the storyline.
I had seen a lot of hype on social media about this book, and unfortunately, it fell short of my expectations.
I could go into details on why this story didn't work for me, but I don't want to tear a new indie author down. Nor will I rate it as that would negatively affect the overall ratings.
I had seen a lot of hype on social media about this book, and unfortunately, it fell short of my expectations.
I could go into details on why this story didn't work for me, but I don't want to tear a new indie author down. Nor will I rate it as that would negatively affect the overall ratings.
December 9, 2022
This book was gripping and the characters of Dylan and Sam we captivating and relatable. I thoroughly enjoyed their chemistry and passion and the way the story showed important real life issues relationships face. This book was captivating, well written and I can't wait for book 2!
May 30, 2023
242 pages of absolute nonsense. for real, what was the plot here?
January 5, 2023
The Real You is Kat’s experience as a freshman in college. She comes from a rich family and has never had a boyfriend. Kat immediately falls in with a group of girls and settles into her classes. Everything seems to be going well for her first year in college.
Everyone is not as they seem. I admire Kat’s strength as she navigates new experiences. This is a book every young woman should read. Not all of Kat’s experiences are good ones and she has to determine what she should do. I greatly enjoyed this book!
Everyone is not as they seem. I admire Kat’s strength as she navigates new experiences. This is a book every young woman should read. Not all of Kat’s experiences are good ones and she has to determine what she should do. I greatly enjoyed this book!
December 17, 2022
Thank you @netgalley and the author for an early copy of The Real You. I received an advance review copy for free, and I am leaving this review voluntarily. 🤍
The Real You tells the story of Kathleen in her freshman year of college and experiencing all kinds of new things, parties, study sessions, football games. And being brought up an all girls private school, she has never had a boyfriend due to her father’s no dating before college rule.
I struggled reading The Real You. The main character came from a rich family and to be honest she was described as too perfect to be realistic and she seemed immature, but most probably because of her sheltered upbringing. What made me struggle the most is the writing, it seemed too formal and the conversations and dialogues felt unnatural. Most of them ended with exclamations which made me think – are all these characters just too bubbly? The story would have been better if it were coherently executed and leaned toward being realistic.
Rating The Real You ⭐⭐/5. Available on Kindle Unlimited!
The Real You tells the story of Kathleen in her freshman year of college and experiencing all kinds of new things, parties, study sessions, football games. And being brought up an all girls private school, she has never had a boyfriend due to her father’s no dating before college rule.
I struggled reading The Real You. The main character came from a rich family and to be honest she was described as too perfect to be realistic and she seemed immature, but most probably because of her sheltered upbringing. What made me struggle the most is the writing, it seemed too formal and the conversations and dialogues felt unnatural. Most of them ended with exclamations which made me think – are all these characters just too bubbly? The story would have been better if it were coherently executed and leaned toward being realistic.
Rating The Real You ⭐⭐/5. Available on Kindle Unlimited!
March 18, 2023
intrigued til the end!
A fun and entertaining romance about all the firsts Kat discovers now that she is a Freshman in college. I found myself wanting to read on and finished in 1-day. I felt the ending was abrupt so I am hoping the series continues this storyline into future stories. I want to stay invested in the group of college floor friends and am curious to see how book 2 in the series compares.
A fun and entertaining romance about all the firsts Kat discovers now that she is a Freshman in college. I found myself wanting to read on and finished in 1-day. I felt the ending was abrupt so I am hoping the series continues this storyline into future stories. I want to stay invested in the group of college floor friends and am curious to see how book 2 in the series compares.
December 16, 2022
[ Review time ]
Title: The Real You
Author: Danielle Bair
Genre: New Adult/Romance
Release Date: November 22nd 2022
Publisher: Danielle Bair
My rating: 🌟🌟
Well unfortunately this book was not for me.
I felt that the book had potential to be really good but I fell flat for me.
It felt very rushed from time to time and sometimes it felt like whole chapters were missing.
The story itself was good though and I liked the choice of subject (abuse), which I think is something very good by Danielle to write about!
I did adore Sam and Sara as characters a lot so the book was absolutely not the worst thing I’ve read - far from!
But just thing book wasn’t for me, but I’m still very grateful for having the opportunity to read this book💖
A big thank you to NetGalley and Danielle Bair for letting me read this ARC for an honest review.
Title: The Real You
Author: Danielle Bair
Genre: New Adult/Romance
Release Date: November 22nd 2022
Publisher: Danielle Bair
My rating: 🌟🌟
Well unfortunately this book was not for me.
I felt that the book had potential to be really good but I fell flat for me.
It felt very rushed from time to time and sometimes it felt like whole chapters were missing.
The story itself was good though and I liked the choice of subject (abuse), which I think is something very good by Danielle to write about!
I did adore Sam and Sara as characters a lot so the book was absolutely not the worst thing I’ve read - far from!
But just thing book wasn’t for me, but I’m still very grateful for having the opportunity to read this book💖
A big thank you to NetGalley and Danielle Bair for letting me read this ARC for an honest review.
December 17, 2022
I had high hopes for this read. Thankfully it’s in KU.
Firstly, let’s look at the category as it contains a ‘TW’. Listed in Children's Love & Romance Literature, Contemporary Love For YA and NA & College Romance (Amazon AU). Pass. This is college aged and problematic. DV and abuse are not suitable reads for a child, personally. It’s not a YA read.
When a category is used in this way, for me it’s inappropriate. Should someone’s child pick it up being listed as suitable for under 18, damage is done.
Needs editing and a proof at a minimum. Incorrect words used and typos were evident immediately.
I adore indie publishing, when attention to detail is ignored, it’s upsetting. DNF.
Firstly, let’s look at the category as it contains a ‘TW’. Listed in Children's Love & Romance Literature, Contemporary Love For YA and NA & College Romance (Amazon AU). Pass. This is college aged and problematic. DV and abuse are not suitable reads for a child, personally. It’s not a YA read.
When a category is used in this way, for me it’s inappropriate. Should someone’s child pick it up being listed as suitable for under 18, damage is done.
Needs editing and a proof at a minimum. Incorrect words used and typos were evident immediately.
I adore indie publishing, when attention to detail is ignored, it’s upsetting. DNF.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
October 19, 2022
This is my 1st Danielle Bair
book, it was sent to me pre release from another site. I had no clue what the book was about, I just liked the cover and requested it. I'm so glad I did.. This book is filled with interesting dialog and and tackles really touchy subjects, I recommend that everyone read this book!
book, it was sent to me pre release from another site. I had no clue what the book was about, I just liked the cover and requested it. I'm so glad I did.. This book is filled with interesting dialog and and tackles really touchy subjects, I recommend that everyone read this book!
March 13, 2023
Read in three days.
I loved this book and read it in three days. I was a little sad the way the book ended with such suspense of the future, but I guess that means we will just have to get book 2 when it comes out. I loved the way the characters were portrayed. The story line was very interesting and easy to follow.
I loved this book and read it in three days. I was a little sad the way the book ended with such suspense of the future, but I guess that means we will just have to get book 2 when it comes out. I loved the way the characters were portrayed. The story line was very interesting and easy to follow.
July 6, 2023
Disappointing
I have heard the good reviews about the book. I was disappointed. It only took a couple hours to read. The story revolves around a first year college girl and what happens to her in college. I might be too old to appreciate the book.
I have heard the good reviews about the book. I was disappointed. It only took a couple hours to read. The story revolves around a first year college girl and what happens to her in college. I might be too old to appreciate the book.
December 20, 2022
Thank you to NetGalley and Danielle Bair for sending me this arc in exchange for an honest review.
I’m giving this book a 3 out of 5 stars.
I liked the premise and found most of the book to be enjoyable but some parts fell flat for me.
The amount of times the MC Kat brought up her privilege and family wealth was too much. I get it.. your family is rich. I found that the pace of the book was almost too fast and the sensitive topics in the book weren’t addressed enough.
However, I really enjoyed the connection and chemistry between Kat and Sam. The lengths Sam would go to make sure Kat was comfortable and safe was really sweet.
I’m giving this book a 3 out of 5 stars.
I liked the premise and found most of the book to be enjoyable but some parts fell flat for me.
The amount of times the MC Kat brought up her privilege and family wealth was too much. I get it.. your family is rich. I found that the pace of the book was almost too fast and the sensitive topics in the book weren’t addressed enough.
However, I really enjoyed the connection and chemistry between Kat and Sam. The lengths Sam would go to make sure Kat was comfortable and safe was really sweet.
January 24, 2024
1,5 ⭐️
la trama en sí es interesante y creo que escrito de otra manera me hubiese gustado más. todo el rato estaba esperando a que explicasen el prólogo, no necesitaba dos capítulos enteros explicándolo ni haciendo referencia pero la verdad es que me dejó bastante confusa
☆ thanks to danielle bair and netgalley for the arc ☆
la trama en sí es interesante y creo que escrito de otra manera me hubiese gustado más. todo el rato estaba esperando a que explicasen el prólogo, no necesitaba dos capítulos enteros explicándolo ni haciendo referencia pero la verdad es que me dejó bastante confusa
☆ thanks to danielle bair and netgalley for the arc ☆
March 18, 2023
I bought this for my teenage niece and she said it reads like a series of Blog entries or Instagram posts pasted together. No storyline development.
August 23, 2023
A promising debut from author Danielle Bair!
This book gave me so much college-days nostalgia. The author perfectly captured the first week jitters of being far from home, the fast friendships you make with your dorm floor, and the ways freshman can easily get caught up in the party scene. Although other reviewers have called the character in this book entitled and immature, I would say that's not actually a bad thing--college freshman ARE immature and the main character, Kat, IS a privileged girl living a rather privileged experience but she's also being exposed to other life experiences and realities along the way. I found myself eagerly returning to book to see what sort of shenanigans the friend group would get up to next and what would develop in regards to the love interests.
At the same time, I will say I found some of the style choices to be odd. The main issue I had with the story was the choice of changing POV for two pivotal chapters in the book, without any clear reason (other than to mislead). As you can imagine from the prologue and marketing of this book, the story explores the topic of domestic abuse and assault and, since this was the hook in the prologue, I was expecting this to be dealt with in a deeper way. [Spoiler alert: In the end, it turns out to be something that happens to a different girl, not the protagonist, and everyone feels awful about it, but it's still basically wrapped up and forgot a chapter later.]
The intention to tackle this darker reality of "young love" when many may be too naive to read the red flags is admirable, but it was a big undertaking that could have been dealt with better. If you can overlook the fact that you don't necessarily get closure on this topic, I would still recommend the book. I enjoyed the couple that the love story ends off with and would like to know more about their story as things progress between them.
Since it is the first in the series, the author's writing is only going to get better and I look forward to discovering further love stories that take place in this universe.
This book gave me so much college-days nostalgia. The author perfectly captured the first week jitters of being far from home, the fast friendships you make with your dorm floor, and the ways freshman can easily get caught up in the party scene. Although other reviewers have called the character in this book entitled and immature, I would say that's not actually a bad thing--college freshman ARE immature and the main character, Kat, IS a privileged girl living a rather privileged experience but she's also being exposed to other life experiences and realities along the way. I found myself eagerly returning to book to see what sort of shenanigans the friend group would get up to next and what would develop in regards to the love interests.
At the same time, I will say I found some of the style choices to be odd. The main issue I had with the story was the choice of changing POV for two pivotal chapters in the book, without any clear reason (other than to mislead). As you can imagine from the prologue and marketing of this book, the story explores the topic of domestic abuse and assault and, since this was the hook in the prologue, I was expecting this to be dealt with in a deeper way. [Spoiler alert: In the end, it turns out to be something that happens to a different girl, not the protagonist, and everyone feels awful about it, but it's still basically wrapped up and forgot a chapter later.]
The intention to tackle this darker reality of "young love" when many may be too naive to read the red flags is admirable, but it was a big undertaking that could have been dealt with better. If you can overlook the fact that you don't necessarily get closure on this topic, I would still recommend the book. I enjoyed the couple that the love story ends off with and would like to know more about their story as things progress between them.
Since it is the first in the series, the author's writing is only going to get better and I look forward to discovering further love stories that take place in this universe.
February 4, 2024
I really tried to enjoy this book despite the trigger warnings, but unfortunately I couldn't stomach it. Full disclosure I am 24, so definitely mature enough. I feel like if I am in the mood for a "heavy" or "dramatic" book, I would consider picking it up again.
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My blog is https://bookreviewsbyjules.blogspot.com/
Goodreads https://www.goodreads.com/user/show/4...
Instagram/bookstagram https://www.instagram.com/bookreviews...
Thank you!
May 6, 2023
After reading the reviews I didn’t think I would like this book, but I’m glad I kept reading. This story spoke to me because I was in a relationship that was very toxic. I wish I had a “Sam” that could have talked some sense into me. There probably should be a trigger warning on domestic violence because some people won’t like that. Honestly this book helped me heal even more.
May 10, 2023
A good read
I’d give it a 4.5 if I could. I enjoyed it, but I also felt a tad disappointed. Spoiler alert, so don’t read on if you don’t want to. It was the ultimate slow burn because after all the virginity talk and waiting for the right person they never consummated. Not even behind closed doors. Other than that, it’s a good story of finding your way into adulthood and love.
I’d give it a 4.5 if I could. I enjoyed it, but I also felt a tad disappointed. Spoiler alert, so don’t read on if you don’t want to. It was the ultimate slow burn because after all the virginity talk and waiting for the right person they never consummated. Not even behind closed doors. Other than that, it’s a good story of finding your way into adulthood and love.
July 3, 2023
I loved how the mc was written and how realistic her interactions with others were. I could not put this book down. Highly recommend!
Read
December 15, 2023Dnf
March 11, 2024
Good book with a solid storyline and well done characters. I enjoyed the book as a whole and it was well written.
November 25, 2022
You are going to want to read this book!
I read this book in one sitting and you should do the same. I truly learned a lot of new things from this book, and I am so glad I read it. The attention to detail with characters and explanations is spot on. I loved how this author, Danielle Bair tells the story, and I could feel the emotions of the characters, the laughter, fear, devastation, lust and so on. This book destroyed me in a good way, from crying, laughter, to long held smiles that hurt. Ever since I read the book, I cannot get it out of my head it just stays there, I think about it when I am driving and replay some of the major events as I fall asleep at night, with the emotions still strong! I experienced a similar situation to one of the characters and can relate to this book, but it really shed light on toxic relationships in a way I did not previously understand or appreciate. The author delicately navigated serious situations like a seasoned author. This book is worth the read for so many reasons, just read it already! Its not your typical romance book where the couple just ends up together after some normal issues, this book is real deal life in your face.
I read this book in one sitting and you should do the same. I truly learned a lot of new things from this book, and I am so glad I read it. The attention to detail with characters and explanations is spot on. I loved how this author, Danielle Bair tells the story, and I could feel the emotions of the characters, the laughter, fear, devastation, lust and so on. This book destroyed me in a good way, from crying, laughter, to long held smiles that hurt. Ever since I read the book, I cannot get it out of my head it just stays there, I think about it when I am driving and replay some of the major events as I fall asleep at night, with the emotions still strong! I experienced a similar situation to one of the characters and can relate to this book, but it really shed light on toxic relationships in a way I did not previously understand or appreciate. The author delicately navigated serious situations like a seasoned author. This book is worth the read for so many reasons, just read it already! Its not your typical romance book where the couple just ends up together after some normal issues, this book is real deal life in your face.
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