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You Had Me At Thirteen
He needs a distraction.
She despises him.
Can hate turn to love?
Wren Stevenson doesn’t do relationships. After years of watching his parents’ failed marriage, the eighteen-year-old uses his fists to fight his emotions while dealing with a loved one’s devastating prognosis.
But when the emotionally unavailable teenager is forced to work with the gorgeous neighbour he has avoided for five years, he finds himself in a fight against his own heart.
Matilda Maxwell needs to prove herself to her dead father. But when the brooding boy-next-door shows up on her doorstep, her intricately planned future is destroyed.
And when it turns out he is nothing like she imagined, her life takes a deep dive into the emotions she promised years ago to keep buried.
Knowing it would be easy to give in to his growing desire, Wren is determined to show the fiery female she does not belong in his messed-up world. And though Matilda knows she is risking everything she has strived for, she is torn between her need to win and her need for love.
Can Wren and Matilda finally admit their undeniable love before tragedy threatens to rip them apart forever?
You Had Me At Thirteen is an enemies to lovers high school romance. If you love brooding bad boys, forced proximity, and undeniable sexual tension, then you’ll love Amanda Kade’s emotion-packed novel.
Buy You Had Me At Thirteen to experience all the feels today!
She despises him.
Can hate turn to love?
Wren Stevenson doesn’t do relationships. After years of watching his parents’ failed marriage, the eighteen-year-old uses his fists to fight his emotions while dealing with a loved one’s devastating prognosis.
But when the emotionally unavailable teenager is forced to work with the gorgeous neighbour he has avoided for five years, he finds himself in a fight against his own heart.
Matilda Maxwell needs to prove herself to her dead father. But when the brooding boy-next-door shows up on her doorstep, her intricately planned future is destroyed.
And when it turns out he is nothing like she imagined, her life takes a deep dive into the emotions she promised years ago to keep buried.
Knowing it would be easy to give in to his growing desire, Wren is determined to show the fiery female she does not belong in his messed-up world. And though Matilda knows she is risking everything she has strived for, she is torn between her need to win and her need for love.
Can Wren and Matilda finally admit their undeniable love before tragedy threatens to rip them apart forever?
You Had Me At Thirteen is an enemies to lovers high school romance. If you love brooding bad boys, forced proximity, and undeniable sexual tension, then you’ll love Amanda Kade’s emotion-packed novel.
Buy You Had Me At Thirteen to experience all the feels today!
392 pages, Kindle Edition
Published January 12, 2023
269 people are currently reading
1208 people want to read
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 104 reviews
April 21, 2023
This book blew me away and it’s her debut???? This just tells me there is so much more to come from this outstanding author.
Wren Stevenson is officially my newest book boyfriend 😍 MMA fighter, bad boy next door who would burn the world down for the woman he loves? Sign me right the way up.
This book had me laughing, raging and sobbing into my pillow I’m equal measure but that ending was just 🤌🏼 if this isn’t turned into a movie I’ll be very surprised. Those spicy scenes???? 🥵
The story is captivating, fast paced and put me through the emotional wringer. I couldn’t put it down (I’m writing this review at midnight after feverishly finishing it. I NEEDED ANSWERS) and the attention to detail is unparalleled. 10/10 will be singing this books praises to everyone
Wren Stevenson is officially my newest book boyfriend 😍 MMA fighter, bad boy next door who would burn the world down for the woman he loves? Sign me right the way up.
This book had me laughing, raging and sobbing into my pillow I’m equal measure but that ending was just 🤌🏼 if this isn’t turned into a movie I’ll be very surprised. Those spicy scenes???? 🥵
The story is captivating, fast paced and put me through the emotional wringer. I couldn’t put it down (I’m writing this review at midnight after feverishly finishing it. I NEEDED ANSWERS) and the attention to detail is unparalleled. 10/10 will be singing this books praises to everyone
August 9, 2023
5/5⭐️
This book is insanely good!! I was addicted to it and did not want to put it down! This is Amanda’s debut novel and omg if I didn’t know that I would have thought she’d been writing for years!
I love the main characters! I love their chemistry and the steam!! Til is just so real, caring, a bit jaded because of life and just absolutely gorgeous! Wren has made it into my fav book boyfriends list!! I’m obsessed with him! He’s brooding, hot, carrying the weight of the world on his shoulders.
The side characters are great and loveable! I honestly need more of them! I love the found family in the friend group!
I felt all the feels while reading this! It’s a roller coaster read and one I didn’t want to end!
The spice is absolutely amazing! And the steamy build up to it! ( the window scene 🥵🥵🥵) Tell me why when I started this I thought it wouldn’t be that spicy, I’m so glad I was wrong!!
Definitely check the trigger warnings before reading but I definitely recommend this book!!
This book is insanely good!! I was addicted to it and did not want to put it down! This is Amanda’s debut novel and omg if I didn’t know that I would have thought she’d been writing for years!
I love the main characters! I love their chemistry and the steam!! Til is just so real, caring, a bit jaded because of life and just absolutely gorgeous! Wren has made it into my fav book boyfriends list!! I’m obsessed with him! He’s brooding, hot, carrying the weight of the world on his shoulders.
The side characters are great and loveable! I honestly need more of them! I love the found family in the friend group!
I felt all the feels while reading this! It’s a roller coaster read and one I didn’t want to end!
The spice is absolutely amazing! And the steamy build up to it! ( the window scene 🥵🥵🥵) Tell me why when I started this I thought it wouldn’t be that spicy, I’m so glad I was wrong!!
Definitely check the trigger warnings before reading but I definitely recommend this book!!
December 29, 2023
going into this book, i didn’t really know what to expect. coming out of it, i realize it was better to go into this book blind rather than knowing what it was about.
although the tropes within this books are reused and recycled constantly, i think the author made them work and added their own mini twists to make the book a bit unique.
with all that being said, i didn’t love the book nor did i hate it. i’m kinda in the middle of how i feel about it but regardless it was cute. many different problems, character storylines and events, and loads of on and off connection which ultimately led to the end product
although the tropes within this books are reused and recycled constantly, i think the author made them work and added their own mini twists to make the book a bit unique.
with all that being said, i didn’t love the book nor did i hate it. i’m kinda in the middle of how i feel about it but regardless it was cute. many different problems, character storylines and events, and loads of on and off connection which ultimately led to the end product
January 11, 2023
*Arc review*
This is my first read by Amanda Kade and I have to say I enjoyed it. If the author continues to write like this, I will definitely read future work.
Wren and Matilda were written well- actually, everyone was. There were times that I didn’t want the book to end, but the slow burn always gets me and made me want it to end. I don’t usually care for high school romances, but I was really into this one. The characters didn’t have that whiny attitude and I was glad about it. I also like how the author let Wren show his weakness. The stigma around men not being able to feel or show how they feel during hard times is played out. This is why we deal with emotionally unavailable men because they never feel anything. Letting Wren be vulnerable made me like the book even more.
It was a good read.
This is my first read by Amanda Kade and I have to say I enjoyed it. If the author continues to write like this, I will definitely read future work.
Wren and Matilda were written well- actually, everyone was. There were times that I didn’t want the book to end, but the slow burn always gets me and made me want it to end. I don’t usually care for high school romances, but I was really into this one. The characters didn’t have that whiny attitude and I was glad about it. I also like how the author let Wren show his weakness. The stigma around men not being able to feel or show how they feel during hard times is played out. This is why we deal with emotionally unavailable men because they never feel anything. Letting Wren be vulnerable made me like the book even more.
It was a good read.
May 31, 2023
Really immature main characters, especially Wren. But whaddya gonna do, they're high schoolers, and their actions and emotional displays are probably spot on. Reminds me of how old and wise I am 😄. I'm not gonna dock this too much for their ping ponging teenage angst and dramarama. There is some depth to their story. This did have problems with the overall flow, with the narrative jumping around and all, but I did keep reading and engaged with it through to the end.
3.5
3.5
March 23, 2023
Omg this book I loved it 😍 it was just fantastic
January 12, 2024
This book… I honestly can’t begin to describe how AMAZING it was!
When I say that Wren and Matilda had me in a chokehold from the very beginning, I absolutely mean it.
The way I was hooked from the start. The angst and hatred and secret desire was so unbelievable. Every chapter had me yelling “just hurry up and kiss her already damn it!”
I was literally on edge the entire time.
Watching bad boy Wren fight against his feelings and poor Matilda trying so hard to get him to open up. I was living for every single moment.
The window scene. The lookout. The classroom. The shower. The hot AF sexy times. The frustrating AF fights. The beautiful moments. And the heartbreak that left me torn apart inside. I loved it all.
I laughed. I cried. I found myself needing some very cold showers lol 😂
Honestly, if you enjoy Enemies to lovers with a bad boy MMA fighter and a good girl athlete, who are neighbors and just can’t seem to admit their feelings, you are going to love this!
When I say that Wren and Matilda had me in a chokehold from the very beginning, I absolutely mean it.
The way I was hooked from the start. The angst and hatred and secret desire was so unbelievable. Every chapter had me yelling “just hurry up and kiss her already damn it!”
I was literally on edge the entire time.
Watching bad boy Wren fight against his feelings and poor Matilda trying so hard to get him to open up. I was living for every single moment.
The window scene. The lookout. The classroom. The shower. The hot AF sexy times. The frustrating AF fights. The beautiful moments. And the heartbreak that left me torn apart inside. I loved it all.
I laughed. I cried. I found myself needing some very cold showers lol 😂
Honestly, if you enjoy Enemies to lovers with a bad boy MMA fighter and a good girl athlete, who are neighbors and just can’t seem to admit their feelings, you are going to love this!
October 5, 2024
Was hoping this would be a cute book about Wren and Matilda, but it fell flat real quick. I didn’t finish because I can only take so much inner dialogue, and Matilda’s was off-the-charts annoying. Loved everything about Wren, which is why I KINDLY gave it two stars ⭐️ ⭐️😉
August 30, 2023
This book had me going on a roller coaster of emotions, but I absolutely loved it.
April 14, 2023
I did enjoy this quite a bit. The only thing that kind of disappointed me (and it was pretty minor) was that we never got to hear Matilda's speech/poem for the assignment, instead we only heard Wren's. I appreciated the character's self-awareness in their destructive habits; when they admitted to themselves that they were lashing out or pushing people away because they were hurt/conflicted, it showed emotionally maturity that was necessary to make complex characters.
July 30, 2023
there was absolutely no reason for this book to be this long and so boring
October 8, 2023
4 stars ⭐
This was good. I liked it. I live in Australia so it was nice to read a book that's set here. Just something different and refreshing.
Gotta be honest, there was a point where I was unsure if I was going to like it, (the bj scene with the ow). Just thought it was a bit unnecessary? I get that Wren was funny with his growing feelings and they are only 18 but it was wrong timing for me. Had it happened before he'd kissed or truly realised his feelings for Til, then alright but to kiss her and that's the first thing he decided to do? It's a noooo for me.
However, Wren did a total flip for the second half of the book. Once he started showing Til that he cared (not that he still didn't do and say some wrong things at times) but I came to like him much more. Obviously everything with his mum was heartbreaking, but coming to see who he was when he decided to let Matilda in more and more was lovely. He ended up being a good boyfriend later on and I really believe she meant so much to him.
Now Matilda, or Til. I really liked her from the beginning, and I really liked her towards the end. But that part after losing her race? I thought she was a real brat! Again, I had some understanding for the fact that it was something she'd worked for, that she's only 18, and the disappointment from wanting something so strongly. But that disappointment should've been aimed at herself. Lashing out at others who only care for you and want to be there was such a wrong move. Wren had it right. Yes her race was important, she should've had some disappointment. But in the grand scheme of things, when his mother was literally dying on her deathbed and she's lashing out over a race. It was probably the only moment in the book I was annoyed at her. I think she was strong for the most part and I like how she stood up to Wren when he was being an idiot (mostly in the first half with all the push and pull). Not an easy place to be in. I'm glad she didn't give up on him but not in a way of being a complete doormat either.
So it's a 4 stars for me. The second half was probably a 4.5/5 stars but the first half wasn't quite as enjoyable. I also love epilogues at the end and this didn't have one I don't think? Although the last chapter with Wrens speech was <3 :)
This was good. I liked it. I live in Australia so it was nice to read a book that's set here. Just something different and refreshing.
Gotta be honest, there was a point where I was unsure if I was going to like it, (the bj scene with the ow). Just thought it was a bit unnecessary? I get that Wren was funny with his growing feelings and they are only 18 but it was wrong timing for me. Had it happened before he'd kissed or truly realised his feelings for Til, then alright but to kiss her and that's the first thing he decided to do? It's a noooo for me.
However, Wren did a total flip for the second half of the book. Once he started showing Til that he cared (not that he still didn't do and say some wrong things at times) but I came to like him much more. Obviously everything with his mum was heartbreaking, but coming to see who he was when he decided to let Matilda in more and more was lovely. He ended up being a good boyfriend later on and I really believe she meant so much to him.
Now Matilda, or Til. I really liked her from the beginning, and I really liked her towards the end. But that part after losing her race? I thought she was a real brat! Again, I had some understanding for the fact that it was something she'd worked for, that she's only 18, and the disappointment from wanting something so strongly. But that disappointment should've been aimed at herself. Lashing out at others who only care for you and want to be there was such a wrong move. Wren had it right. Yes her race was important, she should've had some disappointment. But in the grand scheme of things, when his mother was literally dying on her deathbed and she's lashing out over a race. It was probably the only moment in the book I was annoyed at her. I think she was strong for the most part and I like how she stood up to Wren when he was being an idiot (mostly in the first half with all the push and pull). Not an easy place to be in. I'm glad she didn't give up on him but not in a way of being a complete doormat either.
So it's a 4 stars for me. The second half was probably a 4.5/5 stars but the first half wasn't quite as enjoyable. I also love epilogues at the end and this didn't have one I don't think? Although the last chapter with Wrens speech was <3 :)
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
January 12, 2023
ARC REVIEW:
This was a well written book, I rate it 4.5 stars. it is an enemies to lovers, high school romance. In this book its about learning to except love, except loss, death, and betrayal.
The two main characters are Metilda and Wren. Both have had an undeniable attraction to one another but refuses to acknowledge it. At 13 years old Wren moves in next door to Matilda, and for the next five years they've avoided one another until one day they are paired together for an English assignment.
One thing that is evident throughout the book was that Matilda has a lot of resentment towards her father for having constantly cheating on her mom, and her mom for constantly taking him back. She feels that Wren is the same as her father for constantly hooking up with different girls. and she also feel she may end up like her mother.
The sexual attention these two displays for one another is intense, the more they are around each other the more they start to feel something.
One of my favorite scenes is when Clive says "If you don't get onto that boy soon, Matilda, I'm going to get on my knees and suck his d!Now the really hot scenes had to have been the bedroom window scene and both classroom and bathroom scene.
There is a bit of back and forth between the two, but eventually they're like screw it I like you; you like. so, they start hooking up eventually falling in love with each other. the story does end on a HEA.
This was a well written book, I rate it 4.5 stars. it is an enemies to lovers, high school romance. In this book its about learning to except love, except loss, death, and betrayal.
The two main characters are Metilda and Wren. Both have had an undeniable attraction to one another but refuses to acknowledge it. At 13 years old Wren moves in next door to Matilda, and for the next five years they've avoided one another until one day they are paired together for an English assignment.
One thing that is evident throughout the book was that Matilda has a lot of resentment towards her father for having constantly cheating on her mom, and her mom for constantly taking him back. She feels that Wren is the same as her father for constantly hooking up with different girls. and she also feel she may end up like her mother.
The sexual attention these two displays for one another is intense, the more they are around each other the more they start to feel something.
One of my favorite scenes is when Clive says "If you don't get onto that boy soon, Matilda, I'm going to get on my knees and suck his d!Now the really hot scenes had to have been the bedroom window scene and both classroom and bathroom scene.
There is a bit of back and forth between the two, but eventually they're like screw it I like you; you like. so, they start hooking up eventually falling in love with each other. the story does end on a HEA.
August 25, 2024
I found this book boring. It is advertised as an “enemies to lovers” book, but it is not. There is no enemies in this. In the start, they bicker and say that they do not like each other, but in actuality they do. They already had really strong feelings for each other since they were 13, hence the title. I did think it was a cute idea for it to relate back to the title, but it doesn’t work when you want to enforce the enemies to lovers trope. Also, the “ forced proximity” was barely there. They were teamed up for an English assignment, but there was hardly any scenes where they were actually doing that assignment and being forced to do it together. They already wanted to be together, so it wasn’t “forced”. 🙄
It was not poorly written, and I’ll admit that I wasn’t in the best headspace when I read it which is why I gave it 2⭐️ instead of 1⭐️. The plot was the thing that was bad for me. They got together really quickly (kind of) and I did not fall in love with the characters. I did not have a problem with Wren, but I also do not like the trope where mmc sleeps everyone. What I hate, however, is when the fmc slut shames and judges other women constantly throughout the book. I did not want to hear Matilda talking about how she was better than other girls because she did not give it up easily…? She had dignity…? That she wasn’t dressed as a whore…? Fawn over guys…? It was just very unlikable. 😐
It was not poorly written, and I’ll admit that I wasn’t in the best headspace when I read it which is why I gave it 2⭐️ instead of 1⭐️. The plot was the thing that was bad for me. They got together really quickly (kind of) and I did not fall in love with the characters. I did not have a problem with Wren, but I also do not like the trope where mmc sleeps everyone. What I hate, however, is when the fmc slut shames and judges other women constantly throughout the book. I did not want to hear Matilda talking about how she was better than other girls because she did not give it up easily…? She had dignity…? That she wasn’t dressed as a whore…? Fawn over guys…? It was just very unlikable. 😐
February 18, 2023
If you haven’t read this book you need to go get it and read it now, it is amazing. I read a lot of books, lots of books, I read over 50 last month and I can honestly say that Amanda’s book knocked me for a six. I couldn’t put it down and finished it in under 24 hours. Now like most of you I have my very favourite author and I regularly need to reread her books because I find most lacking. TL Swan owns my heart and I adore her books but I’m going to put it out there that Amanda’s book is on par with TLSwan, and I don’t say that lightly.
You Had Me At Thirteen has the exact spicy semxy scenes we all love, the enemies to lovers story line, a traumatic illness and an unraveling plot that keeps you guessing. It basically has it all. I honestly don’t think I have ever read a book that hasn’t had a spelling mistake, an autocorrect or even wrong punctuation but I couldn’t find one thing wrong in this book. I secretly have my fingers crossed that there might be another couple of books with the other characters in them.
5 stars just doesn’t seem like enough but wow are those stars deserved.
July 25, 2023
When your hormone's and emotions of being a teenager turn your brain into a dumpster fire. This book was that, but it was like an onion, the more you peel back behind that teen angst the more you realise how hard being a teenage is. Then sprinkle on some trauma and shitty times and you have a great oven bake of a book.
Amanda does a great job of showing how we hide our feelings or have outlets that aren't always healthy. This was a wild ride but shows how past events and pressure of growing up can affect you as a person.
If you want broody boy going through a lot who is also MMA fighter who has a neighbor just as damaged and scared who hate each other..... or do they? Then this is for you.
I cried, screamed and laughed at this book. I did struggle to get into the mind of a teenager to relate to this book but clearly I'm getting old because I struggled with that. BUT I still adored the story. Its literally a rollercoaster I didn't want to get off.
If your not into highschooler romance with some spicy spice in it this book isn't for you.
As always check the trigger warnings.
4.5 STARS
- High School Romance
-Enemies to lovers
Amanda does a great job of showing how we hide our feelings or have outlets that aren't always healthy. This was a wild ride but shows how past events and pressure of growing up can affect you as a person.
If you want broody boy going through a lot who is also MMA fighter who has a neighbor just as damaged and scared who hate each other..... or do they? Then this is for you.
I cried, screamed and laughed at this book. I did struggle to get into the mind of a teenager to relate to this book but clearly I'm getting old because I struggled with that. BUT I still adored the story. Its literally a rollercoaster I didn't want to get off.
If your not into highschooler romance with some spicy spice in it this book isn't for you.
As always check the trigger warnings.
4.5 STARS
- High School Romance
-Enemies to lovers
January 14, 2023
For a debut novel from Amanda Kade, I give this 5 stars 🌟 .
Now I've read a lot of high school romances and sometimes I've struggled to connect with the characters and their emotions or reactions to situations but not with this. And not just with the main protagonists. All the characters had substance even when they weren't the main focus.
Wren and Matilda have this dislike yet burning desire for each other and if any 18-year-old or has been 18-year old says that isn't something they've wanted, they're lying. The roller-coaster takes you around and around and you find yourself staying up late reading more just to find out what's going to happen next!
Yes, it's a slow burn BUT... not once did I ever feel like I was bored or wanted to stop reading. The scenes of build-up have you hanging on for dear life, giddy, flushing and just waiting for more.
And that's me now... waiting for more from Amanda Kade because if this is just the start, I can't wait for what is coming next.
P.S. Koby is my jam!
Now I've read a lot of high school romances and sometimes I've struggled to connect with the characters and their emotions or reactions to situations but not with this. And not just with the main protagonists. All the characters had substance even when they weren't the main focus.
Wren and Matilda have this dislike yet burning desire for each other and if any 18-year-old or has been 18-year old says that isn't something they've wanted, they're lying. The roller-coaster takes you around and around and you find yourself staying up late reading more just to find out what's going to happen next!
Yes, it's a slow burn BUT... not once did I ever feel like I was bored or wanted to stop reading. The scenes of build-up have you hanging on for dear life, giddy, flushing and just waiting for more.
And that's me now... waiting for more from Amanda Kade because if this is just the start, I can't wait for what is coming next.
P.S. Koby is my jam!
January 13, 2023
This is Amanda Kade's first furor in to writing and what a fantastic book she wrote.
The main characters are Wren and Matilda who we follow on a rollercoaster journey as they fall in love.
Wren is are bad boy MMA fighter that you love to hate with his grizzly attitude and smouldering looks. The boy you like from a far but hate up close, the player, until you dig deeper and her to know him.
Matilda is the good girl next door, trying to reach her goals and become more. The one who is always there for others and knows what she wants.
The book has lots of spice!! Bring your fan to cool yourselves down 😉
We also get to meet lots of other great characters in the this book that I hope get there own books eventually as well.
This book will have your emotions all over the places, you will experience them all!
So please support this wonderful author and read this great book! And did I mention the spicy scenes 😂
The main characters are Wren and Matilda who we follow on a rollercoaster journey as they fall in love.
Wren is are bad boy MMA fighter that you love to hate with his grizzly attitude and smouldering looks. The boy you like from a far but hate up close, the player, until you dig deeper and her to know him.
Matilda is the good girl next door, trying to reach her goals and become more. The one who is always there for others and knows what she wants.
The book has lots of spice!! Bring your fan to cool yourselves down 😉
We also get to meet lots of other great characters in the this book that I hope get there own books eventually as well.
This book will have your emotions all over the places, you will experience them all!
So please support this wonderful author and read this great book! And did I mention the spicy scenes 😂
February 25, 2023
A new author with lots of potential
A new to me author that I discovered on tiktok. This is her debut book. I was instantly hooked on the story and characters. It is such a great example of breaking the cycle of previous generations. Please note it deals with the death of a parent due to cancer, so if that topic is triggering you may not want to read this one.
Issues I had while reading.... there are some weird sentence structure and grammar issues (although this could be a dialect difference between USA and Australia). Definitely a bit repetitive with inner dialogue/thoughts at some points. There are parts of the story that mention Emerson looking sad or angry, but we never find out why, so it would have been nice if that had been clarified.
Despite the issues it was an emotional story of discovering who you are and finding a way to move beyond past trauma to find a brighter future. This author will definitely be on my tbr list for future books.
A new to me author that I discovered on tiktok. This is her debut book. I was instantly hooked on the story and characters. It is such a great example of breaking the cycle of previous generations. Please note it deals with the death of a parent due to cancer, so if that topic is triggering you may not want to read this one.
Issues I had while reading.... there are some weird sentence structure and grammar issues (although this could be a dialect difference between USA and Australia). Definitely a bit repetitive with inner dialogue/thoughts at some points. There are parts of the story that mention Emerson looking sad or angry, but we never find out why, so it would have been nice if that had been clarified.
Despite the issues it was an emotional story of discovering who you are and finding a way to move beyond past trauma to find a brighter future. This author will definitely be on my tbr list for future books.
June 18, 2023
I have no words, but Wren Stevenson is my new book boyfriend and will live rent free in my head for the rest of eternity! Amanda Kade’s debut novel is fantastic and I could not put it down. I love a good book that can make me really feel things, and this book certainly did that in spades.
I love an angsty read, and this did not disappoint. Wren and Matilda met when they were thirteen, but they were both going through so much, that they built up this love-hate relationship (when they weren’t just avoiding each other completely - despite living next door to one another). But when they’re paired together for one of their final school assignments, they are forced to spend time together and boy do sparks fly!
Wren is the tortured bad boy that we absolutely eat up, but Matilda holds her own against him. I love her sass and her strength, but also her vulnerability. These characters are so relatable!
Do yourself a favour and make sure you read this, you wont be disappointed!
I love an angsty read, and this did not disappoint. Wren and Matilda met when they were thirteen, but they were both going through so much, that they built up this love-hate relationship (when they weren’t just avoiding each other completely - despite living next door to one another). But when they’re paired together for one of their final school assignments, they are forced to spend time together and boy do sparks fly!
Wren is the tortured bad boy that we absolutely eat up, but Matilda holds her own against him. I love her sass and her strength, but also her vulnerability. These characters are so relatable!
Do yourself a favour and make sure you read this, you wont be disappointed!
October 22, 2024
🍂Enemies to lovers, high school, bad boy, smut
🍂Bad boy Wren falls for good girl Matilda (and vice versa). Both have 'daddy issues' so they don't want to give in to their feelings, but lust/love can’t be stopped 🍂I'm a little confused by this book...and not in a good way. It is a high school romance, but... for which target group is this book suitable? I felt old while reading. At the same time, I hope that teenagers/young adults do not see the 'romance' between Wren and Matilda as an example of a healthy relationship. The sex, the language during sex, the fact that Wren is an 18 year old 'manwh#re' and his interactions with girls feel far too adult and toxic.
🍂 Furthermore, the story was very repetitive in terms of attracting and repelling and it was not easy to read. I wonder if this is due to the writing style or the translation (Dutch edition). Towards the end there suddenly is a completely unnecessary and unbelievable storyline. In short… this book wasn't really my thing.
🍂Bad boy Wren falls for good girl Matilda (and vice versa). Both have 'daddy issues' so they don't want to give in to their feelings, but lust/love can’t be stopped 🍂I'm a little confused by this book...and not in a good way. It is a high school romance, but... for which target group is this book suitable? I felt old while reading. At the same time, I hope that teenagers/young adults do not see the 'romance' between Wren and Matilda as an example of a healthy relationship. The sex, the language during sex, the fact that Wren is an 18 year old 'manwh#re' and his interactions with girls feel far too adult and toxic.
🍂 Furthermore, the story was very repetitive in terms of attracting and repelling and it was not easy to read. I wonder if this is due to the writing style or the translation (Dutch edition). Towards the end there suddenly is a completely unnecessary and unbelievable storyline. In short… this book wasn't really my thing.
December 5, 2025
Wren & Matilda
This book is a muble jumble of different events, that should be connected to form a cohesive story, but just aren't.
⚠️Spoilers Ahead⚠️
A bunch of plots thrown together don't make for a good story!!
And on top of that, they were high school kids that would sometimes behave like high school kids , and other times like experienced adults. That just flat out annoyed me!
I can't believe how long it took me to read this book! It's not that long, but the story just dragged on and on, pushing me to have longer and longer breaks between chapters.
This book is a muble jumble of different events, that should be connected to form a cohesive story, but just aren't.
⚠️Spoilers Ahead⚠️
A bunch of plots thrown together don't make for a good story!!
And on top of that, they were high school kids that would sometimes behave like high school kids , and other times like experienced adults. That just flat out annoyed me!
I can't believe how long it took me to read this book! It's not that long, but the story just dragged on and on, pushing me to have longer and longer breaks between chapters.
January 11, 2023
I got this ARC for my honest review. With that being said, I don’t like high school settings. The teenage angst in each one I’ve read really gets me and half the time I don’t even finish the book BUT this book, this book had none of that. It really felt like the characters were older and definitely more mature! The slow burn that took place between the characters was just the perfect pace for them! The love, the pain, the heartbreak! So many emotions wrapped up in one book What I wouldn’t have gave to have a wren as my neighbor!
“My mouth, my lips are now Matilda’s. She claimed them tonight, her lips on mine; her tongue caressing sweet poison into my mouth….”
This is the first book by Amanda Kade and if any of her future books are as good as this way, I can’t wait to read it!!
“My mouth, my lips are now Matilda’s. She claimed them tonight, her lips on mine; her tongue caressing sweet poison into my mouth….”
This is the first book by Amanda Kade and if any of her future books are as good as this way, I can’t wait to read it!!
March 13, 2023
Heroine Has A Neurotic Hero Complex And Disrespects Peoples Boundaries.
Patriarchial Parable, where seeing him use another woman like vagina meat, turns you on.
Sure the sex can turn you on but he was using another woman, dehumanising her.
Such misogyny.
Shouldn't have been disgusted, disgust is a narcissistic emotion men train into you so thr purity tests work.
But she should have at least had some self respect that she other human beings exist as whipping boys.
Poor Celeste.
Imagine being manipulated into being with someone as they thought of someone else.
This is a compliment for the competitive Gentrified women who think Mr Rochester is anything but a Colonial, Racist, Misogynistic, Ableist Abuser.
Patriarchial Parable, where seeing him use another woman like vagina meat, turns you on.
Sure the sex can turn you on but he was using another woman, dehumanising her.
Such misogyny.
Shouldn't have been disgusted, disgust is a narcissistic emotion men train into you so thr purity tests work.
But she should have at least had some self respect that she other human beings exist as whipping boys.
Poor Celeste.
Imagine being manipulated into being with someone as they thought of someone else.
This is a compliment for the competitive Gentrified women who think Mr Rochester is anything but a Colonial, Racist, Misogynistic, Ableist Abuser.
September 2, 2023
This book is fantastic it’s a high school slow burn romance between Wren and Matilda. Wren is struggling at home and keeps people at bay. I love the tension between wren and Matilda and how they both have a great group of friends that look out for them.
I love the window scene very spicy. Also there is a one liner in this book with wrens mum, it’s was so powerful, definitely tugged at my heart.
This books makes you realise not all kids/teenagers have a good life especially at home, they put on a good front. Please be nice to everyone as you don’t know what people are going through.
Slow burn
High School romance
Strong FMC
Girl next door
Definitely check out this book, so looking forward to reading more books from this author ❤️❤️❤️❤️
I love the window scene very spicy. Also there is a one liner in this book with wrens mum, it’s was so powerful, definitely tugged at my heart.
This books makes you realise not all kids/teenagers have a good life especially at home, they put on a good front. Please be nice to everyone as you don’t know what people are going through.
Slow burn
High School romance
Strong FMC
Girl next door
Definitely check out this book, so looking forward to reading more books from this author ❤️❤️❤️❤️
April 21, 2023
Just no SPOILERS
I'm not understanding all these 5 star reviews. Do these people get payed to do this or are they really that delusional that this book is romance? The H is an arse!!! And the h is just a stupid push over. He's extremely hurtful to the h but she runs back every time. There was no connection just sex. I would not recommend this book unless you are into people treating each other like shit. Also the H kisses the h then gets pissed cause he likes her so calls another gir! Over to suck him off where she can see. And the h likes it. Its ridiculous. These are teenagers. This book is just a rip off of twilight and 50 shades combined with no depth.
I'm not understanding all these 5 star reviews. Do these people get payed to do this or are they really that delusional that this book is romance? The H is an arse!!! And the h is just a stupid push over. He's extremely hurtful to the h but she runs back every time. There was no connection just sex. I would not recommend this book unless you are into people treating each other like shit. Also the H kisses the h then gets pissed cause he likes her so calls another gir! Over to suck him off where she can see. And the h likes it. Its ridiculous. These are teenagers. This book is just a rip off of twilight and 50 shades combined with no depth.
June 11, 2023
Overall I liked this book! One negative to me was the Eli storyline. It came out of nowhere and was over so quickly it felt random. If he’d been introduced sooner and threaded throughout the story more I think there would’ve been more buildup and it would’ve fit into the story better. There was a lot of hooking up too to the point where i was like ‘k this again?’ I also didn’t understand why they avoided each other right from the beginning? I think it would’ve been more “enemies to lovers” if he’d been a jerk or bully to her instead of like ‘she could see into my soul so I avoided her’. I think this author has a lot of potential though! I was hooked on the story and excited to finish it
June 25, 2023
I wanted to like this book so much, which I did...eventually. However, I couldn't feel the connection between the characters or feel like I connected with them until I hit probably the 75-80% mark in the book. It just seemed to jump so quick into a relationship between the two main characters that it felt rushed to me. I think that made it hard for me to see the connection between them and for me to feel a connection to them. The writing seemed to get better as the book went on as well, unless that was just part of the connection coming in to play as well. Overall, it was a decent read. I probably wouldn't recommend it to a friend, but I also don't regret reading it.
January 12, 2023
Amazing work.. I loved this book so much. I really enjoyed it. It also really amused me, but really annoyed me that the MFC was fighting her feelings for the MMC. They had known each other for a while since they were 13 when wren, MMC, moved in next door and Metilda, MFC met him for the first time. What they went through them years until senior year of high school, was so much for both, which led to Metilda, "hating" Wren, but yet still had feelings for him. But i really enjoyed it. And it came out to be a happy ending.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
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May 21, 2023But beauty exists everywhere if you only look hard enough. Here, look at this.’ He grabs a blade of grass and holds it up to my face. ‘It’s just a piece of grass, right? But look around you, all these tiny little pieces sprouting and growing into this lush landscape, each piece knowing exactly what it needs to do. Nature is the smartest living thing there is.’
No, nope, niet. I am waaay too old for this shit. Feels like I've already read this plot/ cliche characters/ mechanics a thousand times before.
DNF 30%
No, nope, niet. I am waaay too old for this shit. Feels like I've already read this plot/ cliche characters/ mechanics a thousand times before.
DNF 30%
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