I can’t figure out how I feel about this book. On one hand I think the story was interesting and it was pretty well written. On the other hand it was relentlessly bleak and depressing it was a brutal read. I definitely wouldn’t recommend it. 

I predicted very early on

that the story wouldn’t have a happy ending so I never saw a light at the end of the tunnel while reading it. The system was set up for failure. I don’t really have strong feelings about the kidnapping.

Edit: Lowered my rating from a 3.25 to a 2.5. The more I think about this book the less I feel the plot and the school itself holds up. 

I enjoyed the second half of this book a lot more than the first. I didn’t enjoy the forbidden love aspect between Canan and Neevah very much. I found myself very frustrated with her, I think her mentality about the situation was very reckless and naive. She could’ve killed her career before it truly began, yet she had this blind optimism about it. 

That being said I do think Neevah and Canon are perfect for one another. They’re a wonderful couple and really inspire and lift one another up.

I wish Neevah’s professional future was addressed. Realistically, will she be able to be a lead in a movie again? Or is the demand of acting in film too strenuous?

Also, fuck Terry. I’m sorry but in my opinion some things can never be forgiven. I do think Kennedy Ryan handled the situation realistically though. I just fault so frustrated that people felt Neevah’s was also somehow responsibility for the rift in her family. She was driven out!

Kris and D’Vaughn were so freaking cute. As a couple they had such great chemistry I just loved their interactions with one another. I also really enjoyed them individually as characters. 

I will say the premise, purpose, and details about the show they’re competing on were a bit confusing to me.

Required reading for any white women who considers herself a feminist. This was a really great and informative analysis on how white women are able to switch to weaponize their whiteness when its beneficial to them.

I loved Riley and Asher together, I think they were such a good much. The supernatural element to this story and mystery surrounding Asher kept this story really engaging. I also felt that Riley’s (justifiable) issues with her Mom were handled really realistically.

I’m looking forward to the next book in the series!

I loved the representation of a plus sized FMC.

Overall, this book was cute, but not noteworthy. Noah was a bit too possessive for my personal taste.

The writing and the plot were very simple and basic. However; if you’re looking for a cute but predictable romance with the MMC is obsessed with the FMC, then I’d recommend this.

DNF at 15%

Great writing and interesting story but I realized I don’t like historical romance, haha.

Absolutely flipping adorable. I really loved Eve and Jacob and I think they make such a great match. Although their timeline was incredibly fast I would’ve enjoyed more time to have passed.

A heart warming must read if you have a fear of failure and hang onto old mistakes. As a 26 yo I loved reading what is somewhat a coming of age story about a fellow 26 yo.

Lots of positive representation and conversations about autism. 

A really fun concept, and with such short chapters will cliff hanger endings it was a fast and entertaining read. 

Of course, following five people, not all of the characters are going to be likable and the stories aren’t equally interesting. My least favorite to read about was Mandy.

I predicted like 90% of the “twists” but I still enjoyed the ride.

Really weird anti-abortion sentiment in the middle?????? The fuck was that about?

P.S. I would never in a million years consider this a romance and I’m annoyed that it’s categorized as one on here.

A really well researched and well written book about the different types of men who hate women, why they hate women, and how it harms everyone.

At times this book was hard to read, I mean, it’s really fucking depressing to hear all of the ways men want to harm us and hate us. It was especially upsetting to learn that the younger generation is buying into this narrative at increasing rates because of how easy this ideology can spread online. 

That being said, I’m really happy Laura didn’t shy away or play down the ugly truth of the situation, even if it’s not what we want to hear. Really important work.