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The Gossip Games
When Dean Ashcroft spots his sister’s best friend asleep in the common room of their boarding school, he figures the nice thing to do is to carry her up to bed. The next day, rumors start swirling around them, and Dean happily tells everyone he and Gracie are dating – just to see the look on Gracie’s face.
When Gracie Adams wakes to find herself “dating” Dean, she’s furious. The rumors are ruining her life! There’s only one thing for her to do, and that’s to turn the tables and take her revenge.
Gracie and Dean find themselves embroiled in a war of wits, flirting, and payback that cannot end. Not until one of them admits the truth – that they were never dating in the first place. But while the equally stubborn Gracie and Dean are fighting to outdo one another, they must also fight their rising feelings.
Things heat up between the pair, and pride and stubbornness trump detentions and dreadful family reunions. The truth might have to come out, or they risk losing something more important than the game – each other.
When Gracie Adams wakes to find herself “dating” Dean, she’s furious. The rumors are ruining her life! There’s only one thing for her to do, and that’s to turn the tables and take her revenge.
Gracie and Dean find themselves embroiled in a war of wits, flirting, and payback that cannot end. Not until one of them admits the truth – that they were never dating in the first place. But while the equally stubborn Gracie and Dean are fighting to outdo one another, they must also fight their rising feelings.
Things heat up between the pair, and pride and stubbornness trump detentions and dreadful family reunions. The truth might have to come out, or they risk losing something more important than the game – each other.
280 pages, Paperback
Published April 18, 2023
About the author
Allie Sarah
4 books47 followersYA romance author <3
The Gossip Games, out now in KU!
The Friendship Fight, out now in KU!
The Theater Threat, coming Fall 2024!
The Gossip Games, out now in KU!
The Friendship Fight, out now in KU!
The Theater Threat, coming Fall 2024!
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 78 reviews
February 17, 2023
3⭐
Thank you to NetGalley, the author and the publishers for providing me with an ARC in return for an honest review.
The Plot
At the beginning, I really enjoyed how we just dove straight into the plot, which was "fake dating". I put fake dating in quotation marks since it's like a bet between them so it isn't like the other books with the cliché fake dating and I liked that I was reading something different.
Although the plan for this trope was very smart from the author's part, It didn't build up well to me. The fake dating trope was put out there a bit randomly so I felt like there should have been some type of build up for character development or even just for it to make more sense.
I enjoyed all the events that happened in this book and how those events turned out. I also enjoyed how we get closer to the friend group and their past.
The Characters
Gracie
I liked Gracie's character.
She wasn't anything THAT special but she didn't annoy me and I admired how hard working she was for herself. I liked how at some parts the author made her randomly sassy and bold just to annoy Dean.
Dean
Again... he was a good character
The characters didn't really stand out to me ok?! But anyways... I liked how they kept pranking each other but I also felt like the author kept dragging it on and on
I enjoyed the drama going on with the friend group but I thought that the drama between 2 certain characters was very extra and not needed. I am aware that there will be a second book for another couple and I felt like this friend drama would have made much more sense in that book instead since it would have also kept the plot going.
Anyways that's it lovelies xxx
Thank you to NetGalley, the author and the publishers for providing me with an ARC in return for an honest review.
The Plot
At the beginning, I really enjoyed how we just dove straight into the plot, which was "fake dating". I put fake dating in quotation marks since it's like a bet between them so it isn't like the other books with the cliché fake dating and I liked that I was reading something different.
Although the plan for this trope was very smart from the author's part, It didn't build up well to me. The fake dating trope was put out there a bit randomly so I felt like there should have been some type of build up for character development or even just for it to make more sense.
I enjoyed all the events that happened in this book and how those events turned out. I also enjoyed how we get closer to the friend group and their past.
The Characters
Gracie
I liked Gracie's character.
She wasn't anything THAT special but she didn't annoy me and I admired how hard working she was for herself. I liked how at some parts the author made her randomly sassy and bold just to annoy Dean.
Dean
Again... he was a good character
The characters didn't really stand out to me ok?! But anyways... I liked how they kept pranking each other but I also felt like the author kept dragging it on and on
I enjoyed the drama going on with the friend group but I thought that the drama between 2 certain characters was very extra and not needed. I am aware that there will be a second book for another couple and I felt like this friend drama would have made much more sense in that book instead since it would have also kept the plot going.
Anyways that's it lovelies xxx
March 17, 2023
I think It's been a while since I've read a young adult book so it took me a little bit to get into the dynamics of this one but once I got the hang of it, I enjoyed it so much.
Dean and Gracie make such a sweet couple and I was a sucker for every scene where they had any kind of romantic interaction. Going from practicaly strangers to somehow rivals in a prank war to becoming boyfriend and girlfriend for real was such a ride and I loved every second of it.
The rest of the characters are as good as Dean and Gracie and it made it such a real experience to be able to see what they were going through too in such depth, giving us this found family that goes through teenagehood together while discovering who they are.
Overall it was pretty good, it has LGBTQIA+ representation and I think it would be good read if you're looking for something light and cute.
Thanks so much Netgalley and the author for this ARC in exchange of an honest review.
Dean and Gracie make such a sweet couple and I was a sucker for every scene where they had any kind of romantic interaction. Going from practicaly strangers to somehow rivals in a prank war to becoming boyfriend and girlfriend for real was such a ride and I loved every second of it.
The rest of the characters are as good as Dean and Gracie and it made it such a real experience to be able to see what they were going through too in such depth, giving us this found family that goes through teenagehood together while discovering who they are.
Overall it was pretty good, it has LGBTQIA+ representation and I think it would be good read if you're looking for something light and cute.
Thanks so much Netgalley and the author for this ARC in exchange of an honest review.
February 15, 2023
4⭐️
This book was amazing! This was a super cute well written debut novel! I absolutely devoured it! Gracie and Dean start from being rumored to be dating to dating and I loved it! It was such a cute spin on fake dating and a super unique book overall! I absolutely love when someone’s nickname is their last name and I love how Dean uses Adams. I really liked how this book had put a fun light on many pressing issues which made the book perfect for emerging young adults! Gracie and Dean slowly, but surely find a connection with each other! I am such a sucker for best friends brother trope and this book delivered! I loved how this book has LGBTQIA+ representation as well as the struggles of figuring out one’s sexuality. This book discuses many topics of the importance of communication in friendships, how friends can be your family, and how those you least expect, might be the kindest to you! This book was super good and I highly recommend it!
Favorite Quote:
“But if Gracie was the princess, would that make Dean her prince?”
Special thanks to NetGalley and the publisher for giving me an ARC of this book in exchange for an honest review.
This book was amazing! This was a super cute well written debut novel! I absolutely devoured it! Gracie and Dean start from being rumored to be dating to dating and I loved it! It was such a cute spin on fake dating and a super unique book overall! I absolutely love when someone’s nickname is their last name and I love how Dean uses Adams. I really liked how this book had put a fun light on many pressing issues which made the book perfect for emerging young adults! Gracie and Dean slowly, but surely find a connection with each other! I am such a sucker for best friends brother trope and this book delivered! I loved how this book has LGBTQIA+ representation as well as the struggles of figuring out one’s sexuality. This book discuses many topics of the importance of communication in friendships, how friends can be your family, and how those you least expect, might be the kindest to you! This book was super good and I highly recommend it!
Favorite Quote:
“But if Gracie was the princess, would that make Dean her prince?”
Special thanks to NetGalley and the publisher for giving me an ARC of this book in exchange for an honest review.
December 3, 2024
cute one but some things are a bit cringe 😬
February 9, 2023
Oh boy. Let's start with the premise sounded promising, read fast and it wasn't the worst book I've ever read. I think it could be decent with more editing.
The writing was juvenile, and not in a way that a YA novel should be.
There's a bunch of characters thrown in right out the gate, and their descriptions are pretty much reduced to the color of their hair. 'The brunette', 'the blonde', 'the redhead' instead of the names was used one too many times. Nicole's entrance happened without any setup, making me think she was the ultimate villain instead of an old friend.
There's multiple key moments that happen completely off page that could've been used to deepen the relationship and characterization. Instead there's exposition heavy dialogue, unnecessary descriptions of action and a whole lot of telling instead of showing. There's a kissing scene that I genuinely thought was mistakenly pasted in the wrong spot. The stakes were all over the place and Gracie was kind of a crappy friend.
I'm sad to say I was disappointed, it seemed like a cute, fun read.
I received an advance copy of this book, courtesy of SnowRidge Press and NetGalley. All opinions are my own.
The writing was juvenile, and not in a way that a YA novel should be.
There's a bunch of characters thrown in right out the gate, and their descriptions are pretty much reduced to the color of their hair. 'The brunette', 'the blonde', 'the redhead' instead of the names was used one too many times. Nicole's entrance happened without any setup, making me think she was the ultimate villain instead of an old friend.
There's multiple key moments that happen completely off page that could've been used to deepen the relationship and characterization. Instead there's exposition heavy dialogue, unnecessary descriptions of action and a whole lot of telling instead of showing. There's a kissing scene that I genuinely thought was mistakenly pasted in the wrong spot. The stakes were all over the place and Gracie was kind of a crappy friend.
I'm sad to say I was disappointed, it seemed like a cute, fun read.
I received an advance copy of this book, courtesy of SnowRidge Press and NetGalley. All opinions are my own.
January 9, 2023
Fantastic Debut by Allie Sarah. 👏🏼👏🏼 The Gossip Games is the perfect mix of fake dating, enemies to lovers, and best friends brother. Pair that with strong connection between Gracie and Deen and you get a wonderful YA love story.
This book is adorable and I felt like giving the characters a big hug
So excited to read the rest of the series and look forward for more from this author.
TW: Side character’s experience being outed to homophobic family members, death of a grandparent (before story), and absent mother.
This is still a romcom but I felt it prudent to mention triggers due to the younger audience demographic.
This book is adorable and I felt like giving the characters a big hug
So excited to read the rest of the series and look forward for more from this author.
TW: Side character’s experience being outed to homophobic family members, death of a grandparent (before story), and absent mother.
This is still a romcom but I felt it prudent to mention triggers due to the younger audience demographic.
December 17, 2023
they literally got together on the last page?!!!! girlllllll that was a SLOW burn
February 5, 2023
3/5
The Gossip Games is a perfect YA romance novel about Gracie Adams and Dean Ashcroft's rumored romance. Dean is Gracie's best friend's brother, and when news of their "relationship" hits, Dean decides to go along with it. However, you can't simply let the Ashcrofts win. The Gossip Games follows the lives of Gracie and Dean while they navigate their lives through high school at Trinity. This is a short, simple, and sweet romance with fake dating, enemies to lovers, and best friend's brother tropes included.
This book also highlights the other Ashcroft family members, and they can seemingly do no wrong. Their pranks always go unnoticed, especially since their ancestors founded Trinity. I enjoyed this book a lot. It reminded me of my middle and high school days. This is exactly what I wanted to happen to me in real life. This is a perfect YA novel, and for a debut, I think this is great. However, I think the timeline gets a little confusing. The book cuts from month to month, sometimes mid-chapter, and it left me confused on more than one occasion.
I loved Dean's character, especially when I remember he's just a teenager. Young people don't always have their feelings figured out, but that's okay. And I especially like the way Dean and Gracie's relationship felt so organic. It was like they were meant to be together. On another note, I do think the conflicts in this story happened with no real aftermath or fall out. I think more could've been developed with Blake's storyline. Overall, I enjoyed this quick read about a sort of realistic, sort of hyper-romanced version of a high school experience. The kids have way too much freedom for being kids. Thank you to NetGalley and SnowRidge Press for this ARC. To Allie Sarah, I'm excited for the next book in this series.
Merged review:
The Gossip Games is a perfect YA romance novel about Gracie Adams and Dean Ashcroft's rumored romance. Dean is Gracie's best friend's brother, and when news of their "relationship" hits, Dean decides to go along with it. However, you can't simply let the Ashcrofts win. The Gossip Games follows the lives of Gracie and Dean while they navigate their lives through high school at Trinity. This is a short, simple, and sweet romance with fake dating, enemies to lovers, and best friend's brother tropes included.
This book also highlights the other Ashcroft family members, and they can seemingly do no wrong. Their pranks always go unnoticed, especially since their ancestors founded Trinity. I enjoyed this book a lot. It reminded me of my middle and high school days. This is exactly what I wanted to happen to me in real life. This is a perfect YA novel, and for a debut, I think this is great. However, I think the timeline gets a little confusing. The book cuts from month to month, sometimes mid-chapter, and it left me confused on more than one occasion.
I loved Dean's character, especially when I remember he's just a teenager. Young people don't always have their feelings figured out, but that's okay. And I especially like the way Dean and Gracie's relationship felt so organic. It was like they were meant to be together. On another note, I do think the conflicts in this story happened with no real aftermath or fall out. I think more could've been developed with Blake's storyline. Overall, I enjoyed this quick read about a sort of realistic, sort of hyper-romanced version of a high school experience. The kids have way too much freedom for being kids. Thank you to NetGalley and SnowRidge Press for this ARC. To Allie Sarah, I'm excited for the next book in this series.
The Gossip Games is a perfect YA romance novel about Gracie Adams and Dean Ashcroft's rumored romance. Dean is Gracie's best friend's brother, and when news of their "relationship" hits, Dean decides to go along with it. However, you can't simply let the Ashcrofts win. The Gossip Games follows the lives of Gracie and Dean while they navigate their lives through high school at Trinity. This is a short, simple, and sweet romance with fake dating, enemies to lovers, and best friend's brother tropes included.
This book also highlights the other Ashcroft family members, and they can seemingly do no wrong. Their pranks always go unnoticed, especially since their ancestors founded Trinity. I enjoyed this book a lot. It reminded me of my middle and high school days. This is exactly what I wanted to happen to me in real life. This is a perfect YA novel, and for a debut, I think this is great. However, I think the timeline gets a little confusing. The book cuts from month to month, sometimes mid-chapter, and it left me confused on more than one occasion.
I loved Dean's character, especially when I remember he's just a teenager. Young people don't always have their feelings figured out, but that's okay. And I especially like the way Dean and Gracie's relationship felt so organic. It was like they were meant to be together. On another note, I do think the conflicts in this story happened with no real aftermath or fall out. I think more could've been developed with Blake's storyline. Overall, I enjoyed this quick read about a sort of realistic, sort of hyper-romanced version of a high school experience. The kids have way too much freedom for being kids. Thank you to NetGalley and SnowRidge Press for this ARC. To Allie Sarah, I'm excited for the next book in this series.
Merged review:
The Gossip Games is a perfect YA romance novel about Gracie Adams and Dean Ashcroft's rumored romance. Dean is Gracie's best friend's brother, and when news of their "relationship" hits, Dean decides to go along with it. However, you can't simply let the Ashcrofts win. The Gossip Games follows the lives of Gracie and Dean while they navigate their lives through high school at Trinity. This is a short, simple, and sweet romance with fake dating, enemies to lovers, and best friend's brother tropes included.
This book also highlights the other Ashcroft family members, and they can seemingly do no wrong. Their pranks always go unnoticed, especially since their ancestors founded Trinity. I enjoyed this book a lot. It reminded me of my middle and high school days. This is exactly what I wanted to happen to me in real life. This is a perfect YA novel, and for a debut, I think this is great. However, I think the timeline gets a little confusing. The book cuts from month to month, sometimes mid-chapter, and it left me confused on more than one occasion.
I loved Dean's character, especially when I remember he's just a teenager. Young people don't always have their feelings figured out, but that's okay. And I especially like the way Dean and Gracie's relationship felt so organic. It was like they were meant to be together. On another note, I do think the conflicts in this story happened with no real aftermath or fall out. I think more could've been developed with Blake's storyline. Overall, I enjoyed this quick read about a sort of realistic, sort of hyper-romanced version of a high school experience. The kids have way too much freedom for being kids. Thank you to NetGalley and SnowRidge Press for this ARC. To Allie Sarah, I'm excited for the next book in this series.
April 4, 2025
This book took me by major surprise and I am so glad that I chose to read it because boy, was it good. I fell in love with this book, the story, the characters, the romance and nearly everything else that was included in it.
The Gossip Games follows Gracie who has recently had rumours about her start-up after Dean, her best friend's brother, carried her up to bed and she’s not best pleased. This starts up a competition of sorts between the two to see who can one up the other in a game of flirting and fake dating.
This book is a contemporary young adult romance following characters who are in their later teenage years at a private boarding school.
The main characters in The Gossip Games are Gracie and Dean, as well as Zara, Dean’s twin sister and Gracie’s best friend, Jesse and Theo, who are Zara and Dean’s cousins, though there are a couple of other characters who feature regularly. I liked nearly all the cast of characters and if I didn’t originally like a character quite often I grew to like them throughout the book as their character developed more, my favourite characters were probably Gracie and Dean mainly because of their enjoyment of YA fantasy which is something I connect to. I found it very easy to relate to Gracie as a character because I have similar interests to her as well as going about things in a similar way, I too love books and fictional characters and have a strong desire to work well and succeed at school, as well as valuing all my friendships no matter who with. I could relate to many of the other characters as well but none so much as Gracie.
As I previously mentioned I really liked the fact that both Gracie and Dean read and had a strong love of YA fantasy a genre I enjoy as well. Something else I liked was the relationships in this book, they all had a level of reality to them and felt true to all the characters, this included the friendship that the Ashcroft cousins shared (Dean, Zara, Jesse and Theo), Zara and Gracie’s friendship and Dean and Gracie’s friendship and relationship as well as the way that developed over the course of the book.
There wasn’t actually anything that I truly disliked in this book but I understand that it’s not a book everyone will love as much as me, it is just a really perfect book for me.
This book made me feel seen and understood as well as resonating in me as being me and just a really perfect book for me, I don’t know how to describe it. I was also very happy to see all the mentions of YA fantasy books I love or am really excited to read I definitely have a list I want to ask Gracie and Dean if they’ve read and if they have what their thoughts are.
I would definitely recommend this book, especially to YA contemporary teenage bookworms like myself and I am so glad that I got the chance to read it early and share my love, hopefully inspiring others to pick it up upon release or pre-order. Five star rating all the way.
Thank you Netgalley and SnowRidge Press for the e-arc in exchange for a fair review
The Gossip Games follows Gracie who has recently had rumours about her start-up after Dean, her best friend's brother, carried her up to bed and she’s not best pleased. This starts up a competition of sorts between the two to see who can one up the other in a game of flirting and fake dating.
This book is a contemporary young adult romance following characters who are in their later teenage years at a private boarding school.
The main characters in The Gossip Games are Gracie and Dean, as well as Zara, Dean’s twin sister and Gracie’s best friend, Jesse and Theo, who are Zara and Dean’s cousins, though there are a couple of other characters who feature regularly. I liked nearly all the cast of characters and if I didn’t originally like a character quite often I grew to like them throughout the book as their character developed more, my favourite characters were probably Gracie and Dean mainly because of their enjoyment of YA fantasy which is something I connect to. I found it very easy to relate to Gracie as a character because I have similar interests to her as well as going about things in a similar way, I too love books and fictional characters and have a strong desire to work well and succeed at school, as well as valuing all my friendships no matter who with. I could relate to many of the other characters as well but none so much as Gracie.
As I previously mentioned I really liked the fact that both Gracie and Dean read and had a strong love of YA fantasy a genre I enjoy as well. Something else I liked was the relationships in this book, they all had a level of reality to them and felt true to all the characters, this included the friendship that the Ashcroft cousins shared (Dean, Zara, Jesse and Theo), Zara and Gracie’s friendship and Dean and Gracie’s friendship and relationship as well as the way that developed over the course of the book.
There wasn’t actually anything that I truly disliked in this book but I understand that it’s not a book everyone will love as much as me, it is just a really perfect book for me.
This book made me feel seen and understood as well as resonating in me as being me and just a really perfect book for me, I don’t know how to describe it. I was also very happy to see all the mentions of YA fantasy books I love or am really excited to read I definitely have a list I want to ask Gracie and Dean if they’ve read and if they have what their thoughts are.
I would definitely recommend this book, especially to YA contemporary teenage bookworms like myself and I am so glad that I got the chance to read it early and share my love, hopefully inspiring others to pick it up upon release or pre-order. Five star rating all the way.
Thank you Netgalley and SnowRidge Press for the e-arc in exchange for a fair review
February 6, 2023
Thanks to Netgalley and the publisher for the ARC in exchange for an honest review.
It's been a few days since I read this book, and I still don't really know how I feel about it. It read and felt like a fanfic, which to me isn't a bad thing (I do really enjoy fanfics). It was the kind of book I could have written on Wattpad a couple of years ago and never would've finished.
I enjoy this storyline a lot - the fake dating trope will always be my favourite. The story itself was pretty predictable, but that didn't take away from the fact that this book was exactly what I needed at the time.
I feel like I would've enjoyed this story a lot more if I was thirteen.
Merged review:
Thanks to Netgalley and the publisher for the ARC in exchange for an honest review.
It's been a few days since I read this book, and I still don't really know how I feel about it. It read and felt like a fanfic, which to me isn't a bad thing (I do really enjoy fanfics). It was the kind of book I could have written on Wattpad a couple of years ago and never would've finished.
I enjoy this storyline a lot - the fake dating trope will always be my favourite. The story itself was pretty predictable, but that didn't take away from the fact that this book was exactly what I needed at the time.
I feel like I would've enjoyed this story a lot more if I was thirteen.
It's been a few days since I read this book, and I still don't really know how I feel about it. It read and felt like a fanfic, which to me isn't a bad thing (I do really enjoy fanfics). It was the kind of book I could have written on Wattpad a couple of years ago and never would've finished.
I enjoy this storyline a lot - the fake dating trope will always be my favourite. The story itself was pretty predictable, but that didn't take away from the fact that this book was exactly what I needed at the time.
I feel like I would've enjoyed this story a lot more if I was thirteen.
Merged review:
Thanks to Netgalley and the publisher for the ARC in exchange for an honest review.
It's been a few days since I read this book, and I still don't really know how I feel about it. It read and felt like a fanfic, which to me isn't a bad thing (I do really enjoy fanfics). It was the kind of book I could have written on Wattpad a couple of years ago and never would've finished.
I enjoy this storyline a lot - the fake dating trope will always be my favourite. The story itself was pretty predictable, but that didn't take away from the fact that this book was exactly what I needed at the time.
I feel like I would've enjoyed this story a lot more if I was thirteen.
March 10, 2023
This book was honestly so good. Like all of our favourite tropes rolled into one awesome book. You have fake dating, forced proximity, best friends brother etc etc. It was so enjoyable and easy to read. I burned through it in less than a day.
For all of you who may not like the smuttier contemporary romances this is definitely the book for you. You get all the angst and fun of our favourite romance reads without having to skip any hot and heavy scenes.
The flow of the book only made me not want to put it down. The author so seamlessly moved back and forth between the 2 main characters without it becoming confusing for the reader and seeing both pov's gave you more reasons to love both the characters.
The characters both like to read and are fun to follow throughout the story and the subtle name drops of a few of my favourite books didn't go unnoticed. Our main Female lead, Gracie, getting excited over seeing Cruel Prince on Dean's bookshelf was so relatable and made me smile so much.
The third person writing style also gave the reader a chance to get a grasp of the additional characters and their personalities and dynamics.
I would absolutely love to read more about each of them, but mostly Theo. I needed more Theo!
I cant wait to read the next book in the series and get to see them all again.
For all of you who may not like the smuttier contemporary romances this is definitely the book for you. You get all the angst and fun of our favourite romance reads without having to skip any hot and heavy scenes.
The flow of the book only made me not want to put it down. The author so seamlessly moved back and forth between the 2 main characters without it becoming confusing for the reader and seeing both pov's gave you more reasons to love both the characters.
The characters both like to read and are fun to follow throughout the story and the subtle name drops of a few of my favourite books didn't go unnoticed. Our main Female lead, Gracie, getting excited over seeing Cruel Prince on Dean's bookshelf was so relatable and made me smile so much.
The third person writing style also gave the reader a chance to get a grasp of the additional characters and their personalities and dynamics.
I would absolutely love to read more about each of them, but mostly Theo. I needed more Theo!
I cant wait to read the next book in the series and get to see them all again.
February 2, 2023
The premise of this book caught my eye and I was excited to read it. However, this book needs to go through another round of editing, the writing is reading very young and I think more time with the characters would be beneficial to the story.
The lack of character descriptions didn't make this an easy-read and I honestly just felt like I had no idea who half the characters were. The author never really set the scene for the book and I could not connect to the story. The dialogue was cringey, unrealistic and at times completely unnecessary to the story or scene. The author used a weird writing structure throughout her book that was confusing, and I felt there was a lot of telling rather than showing.
Overall, what I thought was going to be an easy and enjoyable read was far from it. This book could be improved exponentially with another round of editing. I gave two stars because the idea and premise is good, but was just poorly executed.
I received an advance review copy for free through NetGalley, and I am leaving this review voluntarily.
The lack of character descriptions didn't make this an easy-read and I honestly just felt like I had no idea who half the characters were. The author never really set the scene for the book and I could not connect to the story. The dialogue was cringey, unrealistic and at times completely unnecessary to the story or scene. The author used a weird writing structure throughout her book that was confusing, and I felt there was a lot of telling rather than showing.
Overall, what I thought was going to be an easy and enjoyable read was far from it. This book could be improved exponentially with another round of editing. I gave two stars because the idea and premise is good, but was just poorly executed.
I received an advance review copy for free through NetGalley, and I am leaving this review voluntarily.
November 27, 2023
I very much enjoyed this book! It’s a fairly short book and I happily read it in one sitting.
All the main characters are easily likeable, and I loved the chemistry between Gracie and Dean!! It is a very simple book but I could still see the depth in a lot of the characters. It was in third person but dual pov, so I loved seeing what Gracie and Dean think of each other in their heads.I love love love the brothers best friend trope and these characters didn’t disappoint for me.
I did feel like sometimes the story jumped around a lot, for example there would be week-long time jumps in places where we could have seen more of Gracie and Dean and their connection, or times where they would be in an intimate scenario (like a deep conversation type of intimate) and the chapter kind of ends in the middle of that interaction, which makes me want more 😭
Overall it was a great book, and a simple but enticing romance!💘
All the main characters are easily likeable, and I loved the chemistry between Gracie and Dean!! It is a very simple book but I could still see the depth in a lot of the characters. It was in third person but dual pov, so I loved seeing what Gracie and Dean think of each other in their heads.I love love love the brothers best friend trope and these characters didn’t disappoint for me.
I did feel like sometimes the story jumped around a lot, for example there would be week-long time jumps in places where we could have seen more of Gracie and Dean and their connection, or times where they would be in an intimate scenario (like a deep conversation type of intimate) and the chapter kind of ends in the middle of that interaction, which makes me want more 😭
Overall it was a great book, and a simple but enticing romance!💘
February 12, 2023
I wanted to love this book, I really did… however that was not gunna happen, the writing straight away was was too juvenile and not in a YA way, in a… was this wrote by a twelve year old or a boomer that doesn’t know how teenagers act/ speak/ interact way?
The main character Gracie, her “personality” was all over the place, one second she’s a badass and the next she’s acting like she’s ten… it made me think for a minute this book was written for a younger audience then teens… until they started mentioning sex? And I’m like 👍 okay then….
I DNF this read. I usually love YA novels but this just wasn’t it.
I was given an ERC for an honest review.
2/5 would not recommend.
The main character Gracie, her “personality” was all over the place, one second she’s a badass and the next she’s acting like she’s ten… it made me think for a minute this book was written for a younger audience then teens… until they started mentioning sex? And I’m like 👍 okay then….
I DNF this read. I usually love YA novels but this just wasn’t it.
I was given an ERC for an honest review.
2/5 would not recommend.
April 14, 2023
This definitely felt like it was on the younger side of ya. I’m not saying that’s a bad thing, I think I’m just too far removed from high school and being a teenager to really enjoy this book. And I’m still not entirely sure which Ashcroft belongs to each set of parents 😅 The miscommunication at the end also… ugh.
Overall, I think I would’ve enjoyed this book a lot more when I was younger but don’t let that deter you from giving it a shot! Just because it wasn’t for me doesn’t mean you might not enjoy it.
I received an advance copy of this book from NetGalley in exchange for my honest review.
Overall, I think I would’ve enjoyed this book a lot more when I was younger but don’t let that deter you from giving it a shot! Just because it wasn’t for me doesn’t mean you might not enjoy it.
I received an advance copy of this book from NetGalley in exchange for my honest review.
June 12, 2024
This was a cute read. I enjoyed the fake dating trope and the boarding school location. I liked the group of friends/family dynamics getting a bit of everyone's story.
The book started out a little distracting in the beginning with all the different characters but found it's footing towards the middle, I just wanted more Gracie and Dean time they are so cute together. I found myself really rooting for this fictional "fake" couple
Overall it was fun.
Thanks to snowridge press for an advanced copy this review is my honest opinion.
The book started out a little distracting in the beginning with all the different characters but found it's footing towards the middle, I just wanted more Gracie and Dean time they are so cute together. I found myself really rooting for this fictional "fake" couple
Overall it was fun.
Thanks to snowridge press for an advanced copy this review is my honest opinion.
March 10, 2023
3.85★
I quite enjoyed this one!
loved all the characters, except Grace I felt I couldn't connect with her most of the time, but I do admire that she was a hard worker for herself.
Dean and Zara were my faves.
I was amazed with the character developments of the side cast!
Sometimes I felt the drama and the romance were dragged. Other than that was a pretty enjoyable read!
Allie Sarah did awesomely for her debut novel, and I'm so invested in this series and can't wait for the sequel(s).
* received this ARC from NetGalley & publisher in exchange for an honest review.
I quite enjoyed this one!
loved all the characters, except Grace I felt I couldn't connect with her most of the time, but I do admire that she was a hard worker for herself.
Dean and Zara were my faves.
I was amazed with the character developments of the side cast!
Sometimes I felt the drama and the romance were dragged. Other than that was a pretty enjoyable read!
Allie Sarah did awesomely for her debut novel, and I'm so invested in this series and can't wait for the sequel(s).
* received this ARC from NetGalley & publisher in exchange for an honest review.
March 28, 2023
Honestly, I really liked this book. I didn’t know what to expect and it really surprised me. The fake dating, rivals to lovers, and best friend’s brother trope were all perfectly executed. Although I did find the female main character a bit annoying sometimes, she got more likeable towards the ending. I also loved the side stories of every character along with their development. This book was such a fun and cute rom-com!! It reminds me of a perfect spring day and the song New Romantics by Taylor swift. If you love what I just described, then you’ll definitely love this book!!
October 31, 2023
The premise of the book was interesting but I found the writing to be very juvenile and lacking in real content. There seemed to be too many small problems or details that weren’t necessary to the main plot. The characters were cute and likable. I did find myself rooting for them. This book might be better suited for preteen or young teen readers.
Thank you to NetGalley and the publisher for this ARC in exchange for my honest review.
Thank you to NetGalley and the publisher for this ARC in exchange for my honest review.
February 13, 2023
Read via NetGalley
I absolutely loved this book, it was so cute!
It has pranks, best friends brother trope, school romance which all made such a good lighthearted teen read! I absolutely loved all of the characters, and how they developed throughout the story, I’d love to read about jesses story !! I’d definitely recommend this book to someone who wants a fun, light, cute read.
I absolutely loved this book, it was so cute!
It has pranks, best friends brother trope, school romance which all made such a good lighthearted teen read! I absolutely loved all of the characters, and how they developed throughout the story, I’d love to read about jesses story !! I’d definitely recommend this book to someone who wants a fun, light, cute read.
February 11, 2023
HDBSBDHEJDBSHEBFJHDBSERHEHEJE IM SO EXCITED FOR THE RESR OF THE SERIES I LOVED THIS BOOK FROM THE BEGINNING AND ITS JUST SO GOOD AND EVERYTHING TIES TOGETHER PERFECTLY
October 29, 2024
Okay hi. Hello. I hate myself.
Somewhat.
Let me paint you a picture: god knows how long ago - a teenage girl (me) sitting in a lecture hall bored to tears decides to surf through her favourite website, NetGalley. And what does she happen to find? A cute-looking YA romance that is Read Now. And so she says to herself, this book sounds fun, I bet I’ll like it, I bet it’ll be an easy read.
LIES.
Reader, it has been a year and a half. A YEAR AND A HALF. It has been so long that I am no longer a teenager. I am almost 21! This book has sat in my goodreads TBR for so fucking long that 100+ books have passed it by!
So yes. I hate myself.
For various reasons, one for being enticed by that stupid read now button and two for not having the guts to force myself to sit down and read this book until the very end.
Because yes. I still have not finished it. I would like to finish it, simply so I can say I have, but just looking at this book gives me debilitating depression. I think finishing it would send me to an early grave.
According to my kindle, I’m 57% of the way in. That hurts me. That really hurts me, because reading this book felt like I was plucking out my hair strand by strand until I was fully bald, and the book STILL WASN’T OVER.
I joke, but this book was the Epitome of pain.
Okay, I’ve waffled for too much. Let’s try to, y’know, REVIEW this book.
Let’s just get the hard stuff out of the way first. This book was BAD. First-attempt-from-a-brand-new-writer bad. And I feel mean saying that. I really do. I’m not trying to be an asshole – much – but I cannot sugarcoat how bad this book is. That would be me Lying. And I try not to lie. I feel gaslit whenever I check the reviews on goodreads and see so many absolutely glowing ones because there is no way in fucking hell we read the same book, you are a FOOL.
Anyway.
I have many notes, so let’s follow them, shall we?
The first thing I noted was the dialogue. It was very stiff, very unnatural, quite literally forced and as if Sarah doesn’t actually know how people talk, never mind how teenagers talk to one another when there’s no adult nearby. It seemed as if she’d surfed through TikTok and found exaggerated examples of how teenagers are and ran with that. The banter was so exaggerated so the point where it never felt real. It never felt like something I would actually hear anyone say.
“Oh, Gracie, you don’t love us?” Jesse teased, throwing an arm around her shoulder.
Gracie ducked under his arm. “Not particularly.”
Jesse looked shocked for a moment, before bursting into laughter. “I like this one, Z!
“Yeah, yeah, I don’t think she likes you very much,” Zara said sleepily, cradling a mug of coffee.
This sounds like something I would have written when I was thirteen and I’d just written my first book. It does not sound like something that should be in a published book, because why is Jesse ‘shocked’ that Gracie just… I don’t even know, talked back? Are you an idiot? Every single action was exaggerated. The word ‘said’ was barely used as a dialogue tag. Or if it was, there was always something added onto it: ‘x said casually’, ‘x said soothingly’. It was rarely on its own. This is bad writing because the word ‘said’ should be your most used dialogue tag as it’s the most realistic. General speaking is not exaggerated other than a few lines per conversation. Your characters should not be ‘exclaiming’, ‘fuming’, ‘teasing’, ‘squealing’ every single time they speak in a conversation.
I could go on and on about the dialogue for days, but I feel I need to mention another one that’s genuinely awful.
“What will you be doing? Pre-calculus? Spanish?”
“Committing murder,” Gracie said casually, as if it were something she did every day.
Zara nearly choked on the gum she had just popped into her mouth. “Who-who’s the unlucky victim?” she asked finally.
“Oh, he’s no victim.”
I feel like the act of threatening to commit murder in a light-hearted way is something most teenagers do because they’re frustrated or whatever. It’s never serious. It’s a joke, and I feel like it’s one we’ve all heard in some way or another. It’s literally never anything to be shocked by unless you do not know one another.
Also: “Man, that was awesome. No homework and we spent half of class talking.” Tell me you have never interacted with teenagers without telling me you have never interacted with teenagers.
I could say so much more about the dialogue but I fear if I pulled up literally every bit that I hated we’d be here for days.
And the inner thoughts too were just a tad bit too dramatic for my liking. There would be moments where the characters were acting as if someone wronging them was going to lead to the end of the world. Genuinely. “How dare his cousins prank him? Dean was the king of pranks.” Just… no. Every single fucking sentence does not need to be weirdly exaggerated to an unbelievable degree. Sometimes just talking normally works fine.
This was also full of random cliches that don’t really get explained because tell me why at the end of chapter two a new character burst into the scene literally yelling ‘I’m back bitch’ like what is this 2010s Wattpad energy and why is it in a published book? Teenagers do not act like that and even though I am quite literally not a teenager anymore, I am offended on their behalf. (I was a teenager when this book released so I feel as if I am right to claim offense.) And why the fuck are the adults also shocked? I’m telling you no one gives a fuck. They’d give a fuck about her yelling and swearing to a whole dining hall. But other than that, they do not care.
I also would like to mention that I gave up on this book almost a year ago and I am just now—October 2024—writing the review.
There was also an unnecessary amount of girl hating in this. It’s 2024 (2023 when this was published). Why are our main female characters—who are supposed to be likeable—openly hating on another girl literally just because? They hated Juliet simply because her voice was high? Or she liked to ask questions? Get out of here.
This book is supposed to be a fake dating book, but I’m not going to lie this is literally the worst way to start a faking dating scheme like there’s absolutely nothing in it at all. Usually there’s something either side stand to gain from fake dating, but here it was simply a prank that got out of hand. Dean ‘admits’ for everyone that he and Gracie are dating and then once he does that, everyone refuses to take Gracie seriously when she tells them they’re not. And let me tell you, as someone who’s been the victim of some truly absurd rumours, this would piss me the fuck off.
“Are you going to ask how I’m doing?”
“No.”
“Well, you’re a feisty one.”
Genuinely, get out of here.
Dean himself was also just really weird and kind of creepy. Definitely not the kind of guy I’d like to spend time with. When Gracie is – rightfully – mad at Dean, his first thought isn’t to apologise or to explain himself. It’s to ‘shut her up’, and to do that he kisses her. And then when Gracie decides to get her own back and ‘admit’ to the fake dating to mess with him, he gets annoyed at her. Like why are you annoyed that she played your own game back at you? Also, at 57% -- where I got up to -- he takes a photo of her sleeping. Like. C'mon dude, stop being such a CREEP. Also, since there is so much more that I just haven't mentioned, I feel the need to mention that Dean is also a biphobe.
"Can I bring someone also?" Zara blurted out. Dean groaned, dropping his head into his hands. It was an open secret and a taboo topic in the family that Zara was bisexual.
[...]
Dean sighed. "Did you really have to antagonise him like that? You could've been a little nicer, Zar. I know it's not easy and they can be real assholes sometimes--"
"It's not my--"
"But," Dean continued loudly. "We're about to be stuck with them for a full weekend and I'd rather it not be arguments and fights the whole time."
Instead of sticking up for his sister which he should have done, he berates her for asking a fair question to a homophobic man. Dean is horrible and I really feel the need to acknowledge that again.
“We all know you’re in love with me. It’s only a matter of time before you admit it.”
And then another cliché gets thrown into the mix that actually infuriated me so much because like if you choose to write a young adult romance, why are you so insistent on making it full of misogyny and cliches and literally the worst people ever?
Behold: “The boy shot her a smile, and suddenly she had a sudden urge to spill her deepest, darkest secrets. “Sadly, I’m kinda used to girls throwing themselves at me.”
Get. Out. Of. Here.
Also why is the teacher 1. Asking about the rumours, and 2. Asking if they’ve used protection. Like? Seriously. What the fuck?
“Since I’ve been working here, there have been several girls wanting revenge on various boys. Have you heard of the Mean Girls incident?”
I am going to kill myself. You are going to find my body in the middle of a fucking forest and the only thing I’m gonna have with me is a copy of this book so that everyone knows what fucking killed me.
Also, Sarah is very insistent on using hair colours to describe who they’re talking about. Instead of ‘he’s not sure what Gracie wanted’, it’s ‘he’s not sure what the brunette wanted’. And this happens so often. Like stop. Please. My sanity is already half gone I can’t keep doing this.
Okay. I think you get my point. This review is already too fucking long. I hated this book. I couldn’t even finish it. I don’t think I ever will. I definitely don’t think I’ll be picking up any more of Sarah’s books because if I couldn’t stomach one I definitely will not be able to stomach another.
I genuinely had nothing nice to say about this and for that I’m sorry, but I am finally letting this book go so you won’t hear anything more from me about it. (This may be a lie as I fear this has actually taken the number one spot as the worst book I have ever read so I apologise.)
Anyway. Thank you NetGalley for the e-arc, please add a function where I can dnf a book and not have it negatively impact my review rate because I can’t keep doing this.
Goodbye.
Somewhat.
Let me paint you a picture: god knows how long ago - a teenage girl (me) sitting in a lecture hall bored to tears decides to surf through her favourite website, NetGalley. And what does she happen to find? A cute-looking YA romance that is Read Now. And so she says to herself, this book sounds fun, I bet I’ll like it, I bet it’ll be an easy read.
LIES.
Reader, it has been a year and a half. A YEAR AND A HALF. It has been so long that I am no longer a teenager. I am almost 21! This book has sat in my goodreads TBR for so fucking long that 100+ books have passed it by!
So yes. I hate myself.
For various reasons, one for being enticed by that stupid read now button and two for not having the guts to force myself to sit down and read this book until the very end.
Because yes. I still have not finished it. I would like to finish it, simply so I can say I have, but just looking at this book gives me debilitating depression. I think finishing it would send me to an early grave.
According to my kindle, I’m 57% of the way in. That hurts me. That really hurts me, because reading this book felt like I was plucking out my hair strand by strand until I was fully bald, and the book STILL WASN’T OVER.
I joke, but this book was the Epitome of pain.
Okay, I’ve waffled for too much. Let’s try to, y’know, REVIEW this book.
Let’s just get the hard stuff out of the way first. This book was BAD. First-attempt-from-a-brand-new-writer bad. And I feel mean saying that. I really do. I’m not trying to be an asshole – much – but I cannot sugarcoat how bad this book is. That would be me Lying. And I try not to lie. I feel gaslit whenever I check the reviews on goodreads and see so many absolutely glowing ones because there is no way in fucking hell we read the same book, you are a FOOL.
Anyway.
I have many notes, so let’s follow them, shall we?
The first thing I noted was the dialogue. It was very stiff, very unnatural, quite literally forced and as if Sarah doesn’t actually know how people talk, never mind how teenagers talk to one another when there’s no adult nearby. It seemed as if she’d surfed through TikTok and found exaggerated examples of how teenagers are and ran with that. The banter was so exaggerated so the point where it never felt real. It never felt like something I would actually hear anyone say.
“Oh, Gracie, you don’t love us?” Jesse teased, throwing an arm around her shoulder.
Gracie ducked under his arm. “Not particularly.”
Jesse looked shocked for a moment, before bursting into laughter. “I like this one, Z!
“Yeah, yeah, I don’t think she likes you very much,” Zara said sleepily, cradling a mug of coffee.
This sounds like something I would have written when I was thirteen and I’d just written my first book. It does not sound like something that should be in a published book, because why is Jesse ‘shocked’ that Gracie just… I don’t even know, talked back? Are you an idiot? Every single action was exaggerated. The word ‘said’ was barely used as a dialogue tag. Or if it was, there was always something added onto it: ‘x said casually’, ‘x said soothingly’. It was rarely on its own. This is bad writing because the word ‘said’ should be your most used dialogue tag as it’s the most realistic. General speaking is not exaggerated other than a few lines per conversation. Your characters should not be ‘exclaiming’, ‘fuming’, ‘teasing’, ‘squealing’ every single time they speak in a conversation.
I could go on and on about the dialogue for days, but I feel I need to mention another one that’s genuinely awful.
“What will you be doing? Pre-calculus? Spanish?”
“Committing murder,” Gracie said casually, as if it were something she did every day.
Zara nearly choked on the gum she had just popped into her mouth. “Who-who’s the unlucky victim?” she asked finally.
“Oh, he’s no victim.”
I feel like the act of threatening to commit murder in a light-hearted way is something most teenagers do because they’re frustrated or whatever. It’s never serious. It’s a joke, and I feel like it’s one we’ve all heard in some way or another. It’s literally never anything to be shocked by unless you do not know one another.
Also: “Man, that was awesome. No homework and we spent half of class talking.” Tell me you have never interacted with teenagers without telling me you have never interacted with teenagers.
I could say so much more about the dialogue but I fear if I pulled up literally every bit that I hated we’d be here for days.
And the inner thoughts too were just a tad bit too dramatic for my liking. There would be moments where the characters were acting as if someone wronging them was going to lead to the end of the world. Genuinely. “How dare his cousins prank him? Dean was the king of pranks.” Just… no. Every single fucking sentence does not need to be weirdly exaggerated to an unbelievable degree. Sometimes just talking normally works fine.
This was also full of random cliches that don’t really get explained because tell me why at the end of chapter two a new character burst into the scene literally yelling ‘I’m back bitch’ like what is this 2010s Wattpad energy and why is it in a published book? Teenagers do not act like that and even though I am quite literally not a teenager anymore, I am offended on their behalf. (I was a teenager when this book released so I feel as if I am right to claim offense.) And why the fuck are the adults also shocked? I’m telling you no one gives a fuck. They’d give a fuck about her yelling and swearing to a whole dining hall. But other than that, they do not care.
I also would like to mention that I gave up on this book almost a year ago and I am just now—October 2024—writing the review.
There was also an unnecessary amount of girl hating in this. It’s 2024 (2023 when this was published). Why are our main female characters—who are supposed to be likeable—openly hating on another girl literally just because? They hated Juliet simply because her voice was high? Or she liked to ask questions? Get out of here.
This book is supposed to be a fake dating book, but I’m not going to lie this is literally the worst way to start a faking dating scheme like there’s absolutely nothing in it at all. Usually there’s something either side stand to gain from fake dating, but here it was simply a prank that got out of hand. Dean ‘admits’ for everyone that he and Gracie are dating and then once he does that, everyone refuses to take Gracie seriously when she tells them they’re not. And let me tell you, as someone who’s been the victim of some truly absurd rumours, this would piss me the fuck off.
“Are you going to ask how I’m doing?”
“No.”
“Well, you’re a feisty one.”
Genuinely, get out of here.
Dean himself was also just really weird and kind of creepy. Definitely not the kind of guy I’d like to spend time with. When Gracie is – rightfully – mad at Dean, his first thought isn’t to apologise or to explain himself. It’s to ‘shut her up’, and to do that he kisses her. And then when Gracie decides to get her own back and ‘admit’ to the fake dating to mess with him, he gets annoyed at her. Like why are you annoyed that she played your own game back at you? Also, at 57% -- where I got up to -- he takes a photo of her sleeping. Like. C'mon dude, stop being such a CREEP. Also, since there is so much more that I just haven't mentioned, I feel the need to mention that Dean is also a biphobe.
"Can I bring someone also?" Zara blurted out. Dean groaned, dropping his head into his hands. It was an open secret and a taboo topic in the family that Zara was bisexual.
[...]
Dean sighed. "Did you really have to antagonise him like that? You could've been a little nicer, Zar. I know it's not easy and they can be real assholes sometimes--"
"It's not my--"
"But," Dean continued loudly. "We're about to be stuck with them for a full weekend and I'd rather it not be arguments and fights the whole time."
Instead of sticking up for his sister which he should have done, he berates her for asking a fair question to a homophobic man. Dean is horrible and I really feel the need to acknowledge that again.
“We all know you’re in love with me. It’s only a matter of time before you admit it.”
And then another cliché gets thrown into the mix that actually infuriated me so much because like if you choose to write a young adult romance, why are you so insistent on making it full of misogyny and cliches and literally the worst people ever?
Behold: “The boy shot her a smile, and suddenly she had a sudden urge to spill her deepest, darkest secrets. “Sadly, I’m kinda used to girls throwing themselves at me.”
Get. Out. Of. Here.
Also why is the teacher 1. Asking about the rumours, and 2. Asking if they’ve used protection. Like? Seriously. What the fuck?
“Since I’ve been working here, there have been several girls wanting revenge on various boys. Have you heard of the Mean Girls incident?”
I am going to kill myself. You are going to find my body in the middle of a fucking forest and the only thing I’m gonna have with me is a copy of this book so that everyone knows what fucking killed me.
Also, Sarah is very insistent on using hair colours to describe who they’re talking about. Instead of ‘he’s not sure what Gracie wanted’, it’s ‘he’s not sure what the brunette wanted’. And this happens so often. Like stop. Please. My sanity is already half gone I can’t keep doing this.
Okay. I think you get my point. This review is already too fucking long. I hated this book. I couldn’t even finish it. I don’t think I ever will. I definitely don’t think I’ll be picking up any more of Sarah’s books because if I couldn’t stomach one I definitely will not be able to stomach another.
I genuinely had nothing nice to say about this and for that I’m sorry, but I am finally letting this book go so you won’t hear anything more from me about it. (This may be a lie as I fear this has actually taken the number one spot as the worst book I have ever read so I apologise.)
Anyway. Thank you NetGalley for the e-arc, please add a function where I can dnf a book and not have it negatively impact my review rate because I can’t keep doing this.
Goodbye.
February 26, 2023
The Gossip Games is a Young Adult romance which combines both the fake dating trope and the best friend’s sibling trope. Dean is Gracie’s best friend’s brother and when a rumour about them dating starts up around their boarding school, they dare each other to go along with it to see who would give in and reveal the truth first. This really takes a different spin on the usual fake dating stories and sets The Gossip Games apart from other YA novels featuring that trope.
Allie Sarah has done a fantastic job of creating some characters which are far more complex than we often see in YA fiction, which is no mean feat in a debut work. There were other characters which were under-developed but I think this was down to the battle between a lack of page space and the very large number of characters introduced throughout the story, many of whom weren’t really relevant to the overall narrative but were included to world-build ahead of the rest of the series.
We have strong bisexual and gay representation in the supporting characters and the book explores teenage experiences of coming out in a brilliant way. There is a storyline surrounding a character being outed by a member of their family, which is worth noting if that content is likely to be triggering for you as a reader. There is also some good mental health representation through Gracie experiencing panic attacks and my heart melted for the incredible way Dean supported her through them.
I liked Trinity High as the setting for the book and I also thought the Ashcroft family dynamic was a really interesting one and it added a unique element to the story. I would have loved further exploration of the inner-family workings and relationships as all interactions between the Ashcroft adults and teenagers seems rushed but hopefully this is something that can be further explored in later books in the series.
The romance between Gracie and Dean was very sweet and a good exploration of first love. Outside of the fake dating plot, their love story is a good example of a slow burn romance and I was really rooting for them. It did feel at times like their romance would have been more fitting in 14/15 year old characters rather than 17/18 year olds as it was quite juvenile at times.
The Gossip Games is a short novel and in trying to keep it short and sweet I think we do miss out on getting an in-depth exploration of some aspects of the story. The fake dating plot is introduced to the story really quickly and it probably would have worked better to have at least a few chapters worth of character development and build up first. Time could also jump forwards suddenly in the middle of the chapter – moving the story on by days or weeks at a time – and this on top of the frequent paragraph breaks mid-conversation to change character perspective really effected the overall flow of the story and made it hard to follow at times. The writing style and plot points could also be quite juveniles at times and some aspects of the plots were very predictable. I also did find some interactions between Dean and Gracie frustrating and repetitive at times, although some of this could be put up to teenagers experiencing love for the first time and not knowing what it all means.
Overall, The Gossip Games is a good debut YA romance which I know teen readers will love. More mature fans of the YA genre may struggle with some aspects of the storytelling as I did, but if you’re just after a fake dating story which is an easy read and features a cutesy romance than this is the book for you.
I have posted an extended review on my blog www.yourschloe.co.uk and the post is linked.
⭐️⭐️⭐️/5
*I received a copy of this book in eBook format via NetGalley in return for this review. All reviews published are completely honest and my own, and are in now way influenced by the gifting opportunity.
Allie Sarah has done a fantastic job of creating some characters which are far more complex than we often see in YA fiction, which is no mean feat in a debut work. There were other characters which were under-developed but I think this was down to the battle between a lack of page space and the very large number of characters introduced throughout the story, many of whom weren’t really relevant to the overall narrative but were included to world-build ahead of the rest of the series.
We have strong bisexual and gay representation in the supporting characters and the book explores teenage experiences of coming out in a brilliant way. There is a storyline surrounding a character being outed by a member of their family, which is worth noting if that content is likely to be triggering for you as a reader. There is also some good mental health representation through Gracie experiencing panic attacks and my heart melted for the incredible way Dean supported her through them.
I liked Trinity High as the setting for the book and I also thought the Ashcroft family dynamic was a really interesting one and it added a unique element to the story. I would have loved further exploration of the inner-family workings and relationships as all interactions between the Ashcroft adults and teenagers seems rushed but hopefully this is something that can be further explored in later books in the series.
The romance between Gracie and Dean was very sweet and a good exploration of first love. Outside of the fake dating plot, their love story is a good example of a slow burn romance and I was really rooting for them. It did feel at times like their romance would have been more fitting in 14/15 year old characters rather than 17/18 year olds as it was quite juvenile at times.
The Gossip Games is a short novel and in trying to keep it short and sweet I think we do miss out on getting an in-depth exploration of some aspects of the story. The fake dating plot is introduced to the story really quickly and it probably would have worked better to have at least a few chapters worth of character development and build up first. Time could also jump forwards suddenly in the middle of the chapter – moving the story on by days or weeks at a time – and this on top of the frequent paragraph breaks mid-conversation to change character perspective really effected the overall flow of the story and made it hard to follow at times. The writing style and plot points could also be quite juveniles at times and some aspects of the plots were very predictable. I also did find some interactions between Dean and Gracie frustrating and repetitive at times, although some of this could be put up to teenagers experiencing love for the first time and not knowing what it all means.
Overall, The Gossip Games is a good debut YA romance which I know teen readers will love. More mature fans of the YA genre may struggle with some aspects of the storytelling as I did, but if you’re just after a fake dating story which is an easy read and features a cutesy romance than this is the book for you.
I have posted an extended review on my blog www.yourschloe.co.uk and the post is linked.
⭐️⭐️⭐️/5
*I received a copy of this book in eBook format via NetGalley in return for this review. All reviews published are completely honest and my own, and are in now way influenced by the gifting opportunity.
March 2, 2023
3.5/5 rounded to 4/5 (due to Goodreads lack of .5) The Gossip Games
Thank you to Netgalley and the publisher for providing me with an ARC of this book in exchange for an honest review.
A new YA romance from debut author Allie Sarah, there's a lot to like about this book.
Full of the 'brothers best friend' and 'fake dating' tropes, this book is an enjoyable, relatively short read. Set in the modern day, I particularly enjoyed the references to popular books, such as 'The Cruel Prince,' as well as a reference to a 'Hamilton' (the musical) song.
Characters were established well and I was not confused as to which character was who, despite the fact that many were described to be similar in appearance. The story progresses and ends well, although there are quite a lot of convenient sudden plot changes which allows romance to happen, which could have been more justified.
Another problem with this book for me was the writing style. Although this is more expected in romance, I did find that the writing style of the book was rather akin to fanfiction, with a lot of 'She blushed' and 'He smirked,' which personally I struggle to read once those words are used one (or in this case, 10) too many times. I did also find that some of the supposedly 17 year old characters, specifically the character of Zara, behaved a lot younger than she was which I thought was strange.
Despite this, an enjoyable read!
Thank you to Netgalley and the publisher for providing me with an ARC of this book in exchange for an honest review.
A new YA romance from debut author Allie Sarah, there's a lot to like about this book.
Full of the 'brothers best friend' and 'fake dating' tropes, this book is an enjoyable, relatively short read. Set in the modern day, I particularly enjoyed the references to popular books, such as 'The Cruel Prince,' as well as a reference to a 'Hamilton' (the musical) song.
Characters were established well and I was not confused as to which character was who, despite the fact that many were described to be similar in appearance. The story progresses and ends well, although there are quite a lot of convenient sudden plot changes which allows romance to happen, which could have been more justified.
Another problem with this book for me was the writing style. Although this is more expected in romance, I did find that the writing style of the book was rather akin to fanfiction, with a lot of 'She blushed' and 'He smirked,' which personally I struggle to read once those words are used one (or in this case, 10) too many times. I did also find that some of the supposedly 17 year old characters, specifically the character of Zara, behaved a lot younger than she was which I thought was strange.
Despite this, an enjoyable read!
April 7, 2023
This book was cute and I am keeping in mind that it's a debut. but some of it just fell flat for me. I loved the fake dating vibe and the prank war plot was so much fun. I also loved the friendships and the fancy boarding school setting. In terms of what I didn't like, I felt like the tone was very very juvenile. Some of the word choices made me cringe and I almost felt like I was taken out of the story at times. I also felt like parts of the book were a little underdeveloped. One moment one thing was happening and then it was immediately switched. There was just a lot of flip flopping and nothing really was super concrete for long. I loved the introduction of Raina, the Jewish friend in the group and I'm excited for what I think will be her story next. Overall, this was cute, but not a wow moment for me. Thank you Allie Sarah for providing me with a copy to read and review.
March 2, 2023
Thank you to NetGalley and the publisher for giving me an ARC of this book in exchange for an honest review.
The Gossip Games is a YA book that follows the story of Gracie Adams and the Ashcroft cousins. Gracie is best friends with Zara Ashcroft who has a twin brother named Dean. The book also stars Jesse and Theo who are Zara and Dean’s cousins. The Ashcrofts love playing pranks on each other and Gracie winds up being the center of one of those games when it’s assumed that her and Dean are dating and Dean encourages the rumors spreading around.
I enjoyed reading this book. I think the story idea was solid and I’m a sucker for the fake dating trope and best friend’s brother trope which were both included in this story. I thought Dean and Gracie had good chemistry. I also liked the anxiety representation in the book, although I wish it had been touched on a little more.
The reason I only gave this book 3 stars was because of the writing. The book jumped around a lot which made it very confusing. There were multiple times when I had to go back and reread because I couldn’t figure out how the characters got to the place they currently were. There was also very little description of the characters and places so it was really hard to imagine the story in my head while I was reading. The characters were all introduced quickly and sometimes very randomly with little explanation of who they were.
Overall, I liked the plot of the story, but I think the writing could have been a little more developed.
The Gossip Games is a YA book that follows the story of Gracie Adams and the Ashcroft cousins. Gracie is best friends with Zara Ashcroft who has a twin brother named Dean. The book also stars Jesse and Theo who are Zara and Dean’s cousins. The Ashcrofts love playing pranks on each other and Gracie winds up being the center of one of those games when it’s assumed that her and Dean are dating and Dean encourages the rumors spreading around.
I enjoyed reading this book. I think the story idea was solid and I’m a sucker for the fake dating trope and best friend’s brother trope which were both included in this story. I thought Dean and Gracie had good chemistry. I also liked the anxiety representation in the book, although I wish it had been touched on a little more.
The reason I only gave this book 3 stars was because of the writing. The book jumped around a lot which made it very confusing. There were multiple times when I had to go back and reread because I couldn’t figure out how the characters got to the place they currently were. There was also very little description of the characters and places so it was really hard to imagine the story in my head while I was reading. The characters were all introduced quickly and sometimes very randomly with little explanation of who they were.
Overall, I liked the plot of the story, but I think the writing could have been a little more developed.
March 19, 2023
This is a fun YA romance set in a private boarding school. Dean and Gracie get caught up in a ruse of dating-rumours and pranks, which gets complicated by their growing feelings for each other.
It is fast-paced with likeable, although somewhat clichéd, characters. I felt that Gracie’s insecurities were understandable; Allie Sarah captures the frenzied, conflicting emotions of adolescence. Some of her interactions with Dean were cute, in particular the Christmas present he gives to her. My favourite part of the book was the epilogue, which made me smile.
The writing could have been stronger, particularly in terms of dialogue, however this was a decent debut for a young author. Overall ‘The Gossip Games’ wasn’t for me, however I would recommend it to young teenage readers.
It is fast-paced with likeable, although somewhat clichéd, characters. I felt that Gracie’s insecurities were understandable; Allie Sarah captures the frenzied, conflicting emotions of adolescence. Some of her interactions with Dean were cute, in particular the Christmas present he gives to her. My favourite part of the book was the epilogue, which made me smile.
The writing could have been stronger, particularly in terms of dialogue, however this was a decent debut for a young author. Overall ‘The Gossip Games’ wasn’t for me, however I would recommend it to young teenage readers.
July 8, 2024
When Dean decides to play a prank on his sister's best friend, telling everyone at school they are dating, he doesn't expect it to explode the way it does. Gracie doesn't just take the joke, she throws it back into Dean's face by playing along with the fake dating ploy. We all know what happens then right?
I love fake dating. This book was cute too as it was a YA setting so not so over the top. It did annoy me that both characters took so long to realize how they felt however I am sure the author attributed this to the age of the characters and not having felt that way before. I would be interested to read more of this series.
I love fake dating. This book was cute too as it was a YA setting so not so over the top. It did annoy me that both characters took so long to realize how they felt however I am sure the author attributed this to the age of the characters and not having felt that way before. I would be interested to read more of this series.
May 23, 2025
This close-proximity, enemies to more story unfolds as a perfect slow-burn romance. While there is language which some may find objectionable, I chose to ignore it and found myself engrossed in the compelling story with lovable, diverse characters. The characters reflect a depth of hurt, caring, and coping understandable for kids all but forgotten by their wealthy parents.
The author’s use of imagery and reflection keeps the reader immersed in the story. The pacing is very good and the intensity of emotion had me vacillating between laughter and tears.
I highly recommend this book and I will be reading the rest of the Trinity High series in the near future.
The author’s use of imagery and reflection keeps the reader immersed in the story. The pacing is very good and the intensity of emotion had me vacillating between laughter and tears.
I highly recommend this book and I will be reading the rest of the Trinity High series in the near future.
February 11, 2023
1.75/5 stars! The premise of this book had potential. But it does not fit its proclaimed genre at all. It read like a middle-grade story with romance thrown in. This book needs to go through major revisions and I think the author needs to decide what story they are trying to tell and do so with more structure. The characterizations of everything but two main characters were vague and it made it impossible to engage with the story.
I received an advance review copy for free through NetGalley, and I am leaving this review voluntarily
I received an advance review copy for free through NetGalley, and I am leaving this review voluntarily
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