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Ridgewater High #3
It Was Always You
What’s the first rule when pretending to date your brother’s best friend? Don’t let feelings get involved.
Sixteen-year-old Lexi Stevens has never been kissed—never even been asked on a date. So when she humiliates herself in front of her crush and her brother’s best friend offers to be her fake boyfriend for the week to make her crush jealous, she doesn’t know if it’s the stupidest idea ever, or a dream come true.
When Noah Taylor’s abusive stepdad kicks him out of the house, the last thing he needs is for anyone at school to find out—not even his best friend. But when his new “girlfriend” discovers he’s homeless and lets him sleep in her closet, he starts to wonder if he’s found someone he can confide in after all.
Soon Noah and Lexi are putting on a big show in front of the whole school while sneaking around behind her overprotective father’s back. It isn’t long before feelings develop, and it becomes harder and harder to discern between what’s fake and what’s real.
IT WAS ALWAYS YOU is a standalone novel in The Ridgewater High series, a collection of simmering YA contemporary romances. If you like sweet romance with ballad-worthy chemistry, swoony kisses, and endearing characters, then you'll love Judy Corry's latest book.
Current Books in the series:
Meet Me There (Ashlyn and Luke's story)
Don't Forget Me (Eliana and Jess's story)
It Was Always You (Noah and Lexi’s story)
Sixteen-year-old Lexi Stevens has never been kissed—never even been asked on a date. So when she humiliates herself in front of her crush and her brother’s best friend offers to be her fake boyfriend for the week to make her crush jealous, she doesn’t know if it’s the stupidest idea ever, or a dream come true.
When Noah Taylor’s abusive stepdad kicks him out of the house, the last thing he needs is for anyone at school to find out—not even his best friend. But when his new “girlfriend” discovers he’s homeless and lets him sleep in her closet, he starts to wonder if he’s found someone he can confide in after all.
Soon Noah and Lexi are putting on a big show in front of the whole school while sneaking around behind her overprotective father’s back. It isn’t long before feelings develop, and it becomes harder and harder to discern between what’s fake and what’s real.
IT WAS ALWAYS YOU is a standalone novel in The Ridgewater High series, a collection of simmering YA contemporary romances. If you like sweet romance with ballad-worthy chemistry, swoony kisses, and endearing characters, then you'll love Judy Corry's latest book.
Current Books in the series:
Meet Me There (Ashlyn and Luke's story)
Don't Forget Me (Eliana and Jess's story)
It Was Always You (Noah and Lexi’s story)
314 pages, Kindle Edition
Published July 1, 2022
About the author
Judy Corry
28 books1,058 followersJudy Corry is the USA Today Bestselling Author of YA and Contemporary Romance. She writes romance because she can't get enough of the feeling of falling in love. She's known for writing heart-pounding kisses, endearing characters, and hard-won happily ever afters.
She lives in Southern Utah with the boy who took her to Prom, their four amazing kids, and two dogs. She's addicted to love stories, chai latte's and dark chocolate.
She is represented by Lane Heymont at The Tobias Agency.
Keep updated with Judy and her books here ➜ https://subscribepage.com/judycorry
Find her on Instagram and TikTok: @judycorry
She lives in Southern Utah with the boy who took her to Prom, their four amazing kids, and two dogs. She's addicted to love stories, chai latte's and dark chocolate.
She is represented by Lane Heymont at The Tobias Agency.
Keep updated with Judy and her books here ➜ https://subscribepage.com/judycorry
Find her on Instagram and TikTok: @judycorry
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 325 reviews
August 10, 2020
CW:
This is a tough one to review because there were a couple of themes in the book that I found hugely problematic. The first was the heavy handed purity pledge storyline. I don't have a problem with people choosing abstinence but is it normal for a parent to essentially blackmail their child to stay pure with the promise of college funds? Also the disdainful references made by the whole family about the other daughter who obviously didn't keep her legs closed seemed cruel. What happened to her? Did they abandon her? The second theme was that boys are obviously ruled by their base animal instincts and will try to have their way with girls all the time because, you know, they are males and have natural urges. So girls need to watch their behaviour in case they awaken the snake because then who knows what will happen! Riiiight. It felt a bit cave man to be honest. The novel actually didn't need either of those elements in the story. If they were deleted the storyline would remain the same but less offensive.
So if I imagine that stuff gone then it was a sweet romance. However, as a woman and as a mother I say "No thanks!".
This is a tough one to review because there were a couple of themes in the book that I found hugely problematic. The first was the heavy handed purity pledge storyline. I don't have a problem with people choosing abstinence but is it normal for a parent to essentially blackmail their child to stay pure with the promise of college funds? Also the disdainful references made by the whole family about the other daughter who obviously didn't keep her legs closed seemed cruel. What happened to her? Did they abandon her? The second theme was that boys are obviously ruled by their base animal instincts and will try to have their way with girls all the time because, you know, they are males and have natural urges. So girls need to watch their behaviour in case they awaken the snake because then who knows what will happen! Riiiight. It felt a bit cave man to be honest. The novel actually didn't need either of those elements in the story. If they were deleted the storyline would remain the same but less offensive.
So if I imagine that stuff gone then it was a sweet romance. However, as a woman and as a mother I say "No thanks!".
January 22, 2019
Well recommended by Karen ofcourse!
"Do you think it's possible to know someone for years but never really see them?"
Noah has been Lexi’ crush for years and also his brother’s best friend who never really saw her as anything other than Easton’s nerdy little sister. Seeing that he might never notice her, she tries to get over him by developing a crush on Harrison. One day she stalks Harrison to the moves hoping to snag a date with him, but when he arrives with his girlfriend from another school, Lexi’s kinda stuck there feeling stupid and embarrassed until Noah walks in to save her. And the story grows from there.
This was so refreshing. After just finishing The Book Thief and stuck in the middle of The Bell Jar, this definitely cheered me up. The writing was so smooth and natural and I loved the characters. I got vibes related to To All the Boys I've Loved Before from it but this was somehow completely different and so much fun.
I’m going to be reading more of her books-especially from this series.
Highly Recommended!
My Thought’s as I Read:
Chapter 1:
I love it! I love it!! I love it!!!
Chapter 4:
Chapter 5:
Chapter 9:
Chapter 20:
Chapter 21:
Chapter 25:
Chapter 29:
"Do you think it's possible to know someone for years but never really see them?"
Noah has been Lexi’ crush for years and also his brother’s best friend who never really saw her as anything other than Easton’s nerdy little sister. Seeing that he might never notice her, she tries to get over him by developing a crush on Harrison. One day she stalks Harrison to the moves hoping to snag a date with him, but when he arrives with his girlfriend from another school, Lexi’s kinda stuck there feeling stupid and embarrassed until Noah walks in to save her. And the story grows from there.
This was so refreshing. After just finishing The Book Thief and stuck in the middle of The Bell Jar, this definitely cheered me up. The writing was so smooth and natural and I loved the characters. I got vibes related to To All the Boys I've Loved Before from it but this was somehow completely different and so much fun.
I’m going to be reading more of her books-especially from this series.
Highly Recommended!
My Thought’s as I Read:
Chapter 1:
I love it! I love it!! I love it!!!
Chapter 4:
Chapter 5:
Chapter 9:
Chapter 20:
Chapter 21:
Chapter 25:
Chapter 29:
December 23, 2018
Re read December 23rd 2018
What a fabulous re read for the end of the year seasons! Ah I just love Noah and how charming and flirty he is with Lexi. But what I love most is the writing and character development.
Noah, who is your typical bad boy with a rep, changes for the better for his family, and his fake girlfriend Lexi.
And Lexi, the geeky, band nerd who only wants to go on at least one date with her crush she's been dreaming of for the past year. And yet her plans doesn't go well and instead she needed to pretend she is dating her brother's best friend!
How did it become fake? Well Lexi wanted to go on a "date" with her crush and it went from a great idea to a humiliating one, since said crush had no idea about it. But in comes Noah to save her from the embassarment and yet they find themselves in a dilemma where they need to fake-date one another so that The school does not find out about Lexi's embarrassing moments.
What turns out to be all fun and games, and flirty (from Noah's part, just to see Lexi blush a lot ), ends up with both their minds confused about what is fake, and if there is a possibility that it's real.
Will they forget the fact that they both come from very opposite groups, and maybe give it a try for real? Even if Lexi's father, a veteran sergeant and very overprotective of Lexi, refuses to let her date anyone?
You will have to read it to find out!
This book is really worth it, guaranteed! Highly recommend it!
Read this book as part of our Reading Sprint, in the Buddy Reads Group :D
July 12th 2018
Ahh loved loved loved it! ❤️❤️
You can't go wrong with fake relationships slowing turning real !
What a fabulous re read for the end of the year seasons! Ah I just love Noah and how charming and flirty he is with Lexi. But what I love most is the writing and character development.
Noah, who is your typical bad boy with a rep, changes for the better for his family, and his fake girlfriend Lexi.
And Lexi, the geeky, band nerd who only wants to go on at least one date with her crush she's been dreaming of for the past year. And yet her plans doesn't go well and instead she needed to pretend she is dating her brother's best friend!
How did it become fake? Well Lexi wanted to go on a "date" with her crush and it went from a great idea to a humiliating one, since said crush had no idea about it. But in comes Noah to save her from the embassarment and yet they find themselves in a dilemma where they need to fake-date one another so that The school does not find out about Lexi's embarrassing moments.
What turns out to be all fun and games, and flirty (from Noah's part, just to see Lexi blush a lot ), ends up with both their minds confused about what is fake, and if there is a possibility that it's real.
Will they forget the fact that they both come from very opposite groups, and maybe give it a try for real? Even if Lexi's father, a veteran sergeant and very overprotective of Lexi, refuses to let her date anyone?
You will have to read it to find out!
This book is really worth it, guaranteed! Highly recommend it!
Read this book as part of our Reading Sprint, in the Buddy Reads Group :D
July 12th 2018
Ahh loved loved loved it! ❤️❤️
You can't go wrong with fake relationships slowing turning real !
September 2, 2022
I didn't think I'd like Noah when I wrote Meet Me There, but after getting to know his character better he totally stole my heart. Noah and Lexi's story is one of my favorites! ;)
December 26, 2018
Sometimes clichés are a nice pallet cleanser before a good book.
December 16, 2018
I was looking for a fun, frothy YA contemporary romance and I picked this with my kindle unlimited subscription. I thought it was fine but I was surprised by the heavy handed abstinence message throughout. Still I thought that was also fine until I got to a scene near the end when the male characters essentially tell Lexi that boys can’t control themselves and she needs to behave appropriately or something bad might happen to her virtue. Is this really the message we want to give to teen girls? When will it be the job or teen boys to manage their own hormones and still make the right choices? This part left me very cold. I can’t really recommend this book.
July 21, 2018
This is one of the cutest, most adorable books I’ve read in my life💞
June 22, 2018
Is Noah really a bad boy? Or is he just misunderstood? My heart broke and I got angry simultaneously as I read about the abuse Noah lived through. I loved the story. It pulled me right in from the start. I’ve enjoyed all the stories in this series and I’m excited to read the next one too.
March 4, 2019
"If you ask me on a date and make all my dreams come true, I'll definitely say yes!"
I was asking around for an easy and light read because things have been getting too hard for me to handle in my personal life, and the usual kind of books that I like to read usually contain rather heavy elements which only catalyse my issues. This book was refreshing in its own way, and definitely just what I needed for a small break. It had everything I liked to read about, and albeit a little cliché, it was light and enjoyable. I'm so glad my friend recommended this to me!
"Do you think it's possible to know someone for years but never really see them?"
Lexi Stevens has a strict dad who won't let her date. Noah Taylor, Lexi's older brother, Easton's friend is the kind that fools around with girls. After an accident, rumour gets out that Noah and Lexi are dating, and instead of ending it, they both agree to play along - to reap benefits on their own, and continue to pretend they are dating. However, once Lexi catches Noah sleeping in his car after he got kicked out by his step-dad, she offers to let him stay in her closet. And of course, this has an impact on their relationship. Yep, we all know exactly how this is going to be.
"Noah and I lived in two different worlds."
Lexi is super sweet. Her situation sort of reminds me of me - never had a date, never been kissed, yada yada. Things are different in my case, and my dad isn't all overprotective, but it was so relatable. But she is such an amiable sweetheart. I started liking her almost instantly. She has her own flaws and strengths.
"For my mother and my sister's sake, I hoped she was right."
Noah is a pretty fun character I loved reading about as well. I probably liked him more than Lexi. It's so impressive how much he cares about his mother and sister, and the parts where he slept in his car when it was freezing outside made me feel so cold. His character certainly developed so much throughout the book. His reputation at the beginning of the book was certainly different from the person he was at the end.
"It was almost like he was giving me a warm place to sleep this week."
The whole ride was enjoyable and light. I'm not a huge fan of romance, but it was pretty subtle in this one, and hence I didn't have much of a problem with it. However, I'll admit there were things I didn't really agree upon and didn't like - for instance, how Lexi's father held her college tuition as a way to prevent her from losing her virginity. And yes, it was way too cliché.
"Well, since not all of us have these magical laundry fairies at our house, I guess I can teach you."
But it's one more adventure I enjoyed, and I'm happy about that. I'd recommend it if you just want to read for the heck of it. I know I was really sceptical about it initially, but it was a lot better. I might read more of this author's books if I need a break from the usual, so thank you,next.
I was asking around for an easy and light read because things have been getting too hard for me to handle in my personal life, and the usual kind of books that I like to read usually contain rather heavy elements which only catalyse my issues. This book was refreshing in its own way, and definitely just what I needed for a small break. It had everything I liked to read about, and albeit a little cliché, it was light and enjoyable. I'm so glad my friend recommended this to me!
"Do you think it's possible to know someone for years but never really see them?"
Lexi Stevens has a strict dad who won't let her date. Noah Taylor, Lexi's older brother, Easton's friend is the kind that fools around with girls. After an accident, rumour gets out that Noah and Lexi are dating, and instead of ending it, they both agree to play along - to reap benefits on their own, and continue to pretend they are dating. However, once Lexi catches Noah sleeping in his car after he got kicked out by his step-dad, she offers to let him stay in her closet. And of course, this has an impact on their relationship. Yep, we all know exactly how this is going to be.
"Noah and I lived in two different worlds."
Lexi is super sweet. Her situation sort of reminds me of me - never had a date, never been kissed, yada yada. Things are different in my case, and my dad isn't all overprotective, but it was so relatable. But she is such an amiable sweetheart. I started liking her almost instantly. She has her own flaws and strengths.
"For my mother and my sister's sake, I hoped she was right."
Noah is a pretty fun character I loved reading about as well. I probably liked him more than Lexi. It's so impressive how much he cares about his mother and sister, and the parts where he slept in his car when it was freezing outside made me feel so cold. His character certainly developed so much throughout the book. His reputation at the beginning of the book was certainly different from the person he was at the end.
"It was almost like he was giving me a warm place to sleep this week."
The whole ride was enjoyable and light. I'm not a huge fan of romance, but it was pretty subtle in this one, and hence I didn't have much of a problem with it. However, I'll admit there were things I didn't really agree upon and didn't like - for instance, how Lexi's father held her college tuition as a way to prevent her from losing her virginity. And yes, it was way too cliché.
"Well, since not all of us have these magical laundry fairies at our house, I guess I can teach you."
But it's one more adventure I enjoyed, and I'm happy about that. I'd recommend it if you just want to read for the heck of it. I know I was really sceptical about it initially, but it was a lot better. I might read more of this author's books if I need a break from the usual, so thank you,
November 25, 2020
Okay so yes I read this book after laughing at the summary cuz the guy sleeps in her closet. So I went into it knowing it wasn't gonna be a 5 star book lol. And it was fun, but ridiculous. Lexi was lame and so was Noah. And both their parents were insane. You know what's gonna happen the whole time but it's still fun. I honestly could've given it 3 stars, but dun dun dun. . . "But I'm not like other girls" UGH just stop already. Lexi put up such a fuss about Pride and Prejudice, it was ridiculous. I'm not sure what "I'm not like other girls" point she was trying to prove with that, but all she proved is that she has no taste.
May 30, 2024
May 2024 Review:
I was serious when I said that the secondhand embarrassment was intense.
April 2022 Review:
I am not the greatest fan of books with a high school setting, but I couldn't put this one down.
Also, congrats to this book for giving me the worst case of secondhand embarrassment ever. I'm serious, it was bad.
Tropes: fake dating, brother's best friend
Content: abusive home life, kissing, conversations about purity (MC is waiting)
4 Stars
I was serious when I said that the secondhand embarrassment was intense.
April 2022 Review:
I am not the greatest fan of books with a high school setting, but I couldn't put this one down.
Also, congrats to this book for giving me the worst case of secondhand embarrassment ever. I'm serious, it was bad.
Tropes: fake dating, brother's best friend
Content: abusive home life, kissing, conversations about purity (MC is waiting)
4 Stars
December 15, 2021
Imagine having somone loving you for that long........can't relate lol
May 8, 2023
3.5/5 Stars
This was a cute story. I always love a fake relationship story and this one was adorable with its added-on brother's best friend trope.
I enjoyed the author's writing style though I felt like the story was wrapped up in bubblegum and fairy dust. It's not a totally bad thing but when stories are so squeaky clean they lose their sense of reality for me. Even so, the writing was easy to fall into. The plot of the story was compelling. I definitely felt myself latched on to the story.
The characters were well written, though I thought that Noah's character was a little more fleshed out. Both main characters were easy to form a connection with. I also loved the secondary characters and what they brought to the story.
The only thing that I didn't care much for was how mushy and perfect the ending was. It kind of made things feel highly unbelievable. I am not saying that I didn't want a happy ending or that they aren't possible but life isn't all sunshine and roses and that ending was.
Overall, this is an adorable story with some heavy topics that are handled with kid gloves. The author explores heavy topics but not in great detail. The characters are relatable and the plot flows really smoothly. I definitely want to pick up the next book in this series to see Easton's story.
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This was a cute story. I always love a fake relationship story and this one was adorable with its added-on brother's best friend trope.
I enjoyed the author's writing style though I felt like the story was wrapped up in bubblegum and fairy dust. It's not a totally bad thing but when stories are so squeaky clean they lose their sense of reality for me. Even so, the writing was easy to fall into. The plot of the story was compelling. I definitely felt myself latched on to the story.
The characters were well written, though I thought that Noah's character was a little more fleshed out. Both main characters were easy to form a connection with. I also loved the secondary characters and what they brought to the story.
The only thing that I didn't care much for was how mushy and perfect the ending was. It kind of made things feel highly unbelievable. I am not saying that I didn't want a happy ending or that they aren't possible but life isn't all sunshine and roses and that ending was.
Overall, this is an adorable story with some heavy topics that are handled with kid gloves. The author explores heavy topics but not in great detail. The characters are relatable and the plot flows really smoothly. I definitely want to pick up the next book in this series to see Easton's story.
BLOG FACEBOOK INSTAGRAM GOODREADS TIKTOK TWITTER BOOKBUB AMAZON PINTEREST KO-FI
July 13, 2018
Cute!
This is a really cute young adult story. High school age kids. There are some harder issues of domestic abuse and its effects included which gives the characters and story some added depth. The hand holding scenes were actually my favorite.
Content: talk of sex, waiting to have sex, kissing, domestic abuse
This is a really cute young adult story. High school age kids. There are some harder issues of domestic abuse and its effects included which gives the characters and story some added depth. The hand holding scenes were actually my favorite.
Content: talk of sex, waiting to have sex, kissing, domestic abuse
August 27, 2024
I’m so happy this series has started taking a serious turn and not being AS cheesy as the first book but it is tough reading about what all these kids go through. I think Noah is so sweet and love the flirty playing hard to get trope.
December 6, 2022
the author is a mormon utah girly, so i understand why the whole series has been extremely clean. but this book took it too far. she wore a purity ring. her brother called her virginity her virtue. there were so many good opportunities for smut lost. her dad is crazy strict & at the end makes rules abt them not being allowed to kiss in cars or lying down. how would he even know??? so gross. when they're making out in the kitchen she wraps her legs around him & he stops. ok, fine. but then he goes on to say that when she does stuff like that, he may not be able to control himself and will want to go into her bedroom at night. she then basically thanks him for teaching her how guys think & says she'll never do that again. also he was so serious abt losing control she got scared. & he was glad bc he was teaching her what guys are like. she's also a pick-me not like other girls, although not glaringly obvious/annoying. also she said oh my heck & i almost closed the book for good.
basically, this book had a lot of potential but it was ruined by archaic notions of femininity and sexuality & masculinity
basically, this book had a lot of potential but it was ruined by archaic notions of femininity and sexuality & masculinity
February 27, 2019
A very high school romance which is surface level sweet but kind of empty underneath. She's an inexperienced "nerd" and he's a "player". Their interactions are mostly him liking that she is very nice to him and her liking that he is very attractive... And nice to her... As they fake date. They've known each other for a long time but they don't have any conversations that hint to matched personalities or interests or why the heck they are together besides being nice and both attracted to each other.
All the other girls are "pretty girls" who are all better with boys and most of them are bitchy. The dad is stereotypically very overprotective of her virginity but the book never ever says the word "sex". The heroine stops the hero from saying the word in a conversation twice. As if it's a curse.
There are some good heartbreaking moments where the hero deals with his family but that has no relation to the main story.
All the other girls are "pretty girls" who are all better with boys and most of them are bitchy. The dad is stereotypically very overprotective of her virginity but the book never ever says the word "sex". The heroine stops the hero from saying the word in a conversation twice. As if it's a curse.
There are some good heartbreaking moments where the hero deals with his family but that has no relation to the main story.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
January 16, 2024
Quick Summary: A good girl/bad boy, fake relationship YA read
My Review: It Was Always You by Judy Corry is book three in the Ridgewater High series.
About the Book: Is it ever a good idea to have feelings for your sibling's best friend? What would happen if a fake relationship unexpectedly turned real? Lexi Stevens and Noah Taylor were put in a position where their true hearts were put to the test.
My Final Say: This book was remarkable. I loved the stories within the story. It was so well done. Chastity rings, secret sleepovers, stolen kisses, unshed tears, parental unavailability, domestic abuse, societal expectations - it was all in there. At the core of it all though was love. A new, untainted, pure love occurred between friends.
Rating: 5/5
Recommend: Yes
Audience: YA
Series: Yes
Status: Clean
Level: 💛
#libraryread
My Review: It Was Always You by Judy Corry is book three in the Ridgewater High series.
About the Book: Is it ever a good idea to have feelings for your sibling's best friend? What would happen if a fake relationship unexpectedly turned real? Lexi Stevens and Noah Taylor were put in a position where their true hearts were put to the test.
My Final Say: This book was remarkable. I loved the stories within the story. It was so well done. Chastity rings, secret sleepovers, stolen kisses, unshed tears, parental unavailability, domestic abuse, societal expectations - it was all in there. At the core of it all though was love. A new, untainted, pure love occurred between friends.
Rating: 5/5
Recommend: Yes
Audience: YA
Series: Yes
Status: Clean
Level: 💛
#libraryread
June 28, 2018
I really enjoyed this book! I started reading and had a hard time putting it down. I didn't like Noah so much in Ashlyn's story but came to understand and like him in this one. I thought Noah and Lexi were a great couple. Noah- the bad boy who isn't really bad just struggling at home and Lexi- the over protected innocent girl who just wants to be noticed. I am wondering if Easton and Juliette are going to a story.
February 8, 2019
4.5 stars
I Loved the story and the chemistry between Lexi and Noah, I liked Noah from the first book and his story didn't disappoint, it was cute and really fluffy.. it does have some drama in it but I like how Miss Judy always ends her story in the cutest way possible .. most recommended for a light read
moving on to the next book
I Loved the story and the chemistry between Lexi and Noah, I liked Noah from the first book and his story didn't disappoint, it was cute and really fluffy.. it does have some drama in it but I like how Miss Judy always ends her story in the cutest way possible .. most recommended for a light read
moving on to the next book
December 11, 2023
I feel so much differently about Noah after his book 😍
April 2, 2024
Not a bad book for a bit of light romance reading, but veeeery heavy on the purity and abstinence themes. Right down to the main character Lexi wearing a purity ring??? That kind of stuff may be culturally acceptable in the US, but I think promising your parents you’ll stay a virgin (AND WEARING JEWELLERY THAT SIGNIFIES THIS TO OTHER PEOPLE) is very creepy and weird tbh.
Update: I just found something incredibly funny in the description of the sequel 😭😭 Not only is Lexi’s sister a teen mom (wich is the reason for the disgusting purity ring on Lexi’s finger 💀💀), but her brother (WHO MIND YOU, WAS ALSO FORCED TO WEAR ONE OF THOSE) knocks up a 16 year old girl in the sequel 😭😭 I take my complaints about the purity rings back, this is the funniest possible way to incorporate them into a story 😭😭😭
Update: I just found something incredibly funny in the description of the sequel 😭😭 Not only is Lexi’s sister a teen mom (wich is the reason for the disgusting purity ring on Lexi’s finger 💀💀), but her brother (WHO MIND YOU, WAS ALSO FORCED TO WEAR ONE OF THOSE) knocks up a 16 year old girl in the sequel 😭😭 I take my complaints about the purity rings back, this is the funniest possible way to incorporate them into a story 😭😭😭
April 23, 2023
It was.. ok. This story whipped across 1 and 2 stars so much it was hard to decide where I landed on that scale. In the end I had some major issues with this book so it landed solidly in the 1 star section.
What I liked:
-Noah. What a sweetie! I adored him. He was consistant in his feelings for Lexi, respectful of her boundaries, and not afraid to show emotion when he was going through a horrificly hard time. Having to balance an abusive household, being homeless, hard feelings, and normal teenage hormones? yikes. No wonder he cried it out a couple times. I love a good mmc that can acknowledge his feelings.
What was meh:
-Lexi. I didn't love her, I didn't hate her. She was sweet and I loved the growth of her feelings with Noah over the course of this book. I just couldn't stand what a pushover she was to her brother and father (the hypocrites) and the internalized misogyny of other girls being 'sluts' and 'bad' for being *gasp* intimate (or at least *rumored* to be intimate) gag. let other girls live life! I hate the 'I'm a virgin therefore I'm so much better than all those other girls' mentality. It's so toxic.
What I hated:
-THE HYPOCRITES. Ok. So the father is an extreme misogynist. He even makes his kids wear PURITY RINGS gag! But of course, he's not super concerned with HIS SON having sex, just his precious little girl whom he constantly compares to his eldest daughter (we know she is "bad" b/c she had sex outside of marriage and had a kid /rolls eyes). Like, you could teach your children about protection and then you wouldn't have to deal with two (YES, TWO) of your kids getting pregnant. Ladies and gentlemen: why abstinance-only teaching doesn't work. Big Bad Dad even threatened to not pay for Lexi's college if she *had sex* (not had a baby, just had sex for god's sake!). what a slimeball. You can't tell me that's not abuse.
-The brother, hypocrite #2. All we heard all story was him whinning about how his sister might be sexually interested in his friend when she's supposed to remain a virgin cause that's how we know she's "good" yet HE conveniently got to have sex and didn't get crapped on. I'm sure they'll treat the girl he had sex with and got pregnant (not a spoiler, it's in the blurb of the next book!) as the one who was wrong too. gag.
What a fucking toxic family. I feel sorry for Lexi, no wonder she struggles with a me vs them mentality when other girls are just living life and she's just so fucking repressed.
look, I'm not mad Lexi wanted to wait, or wasn't ready for sex. Lord knows I wasn't in hs. But the toxic purity cultist thinking was so over the top it was hard to enjoy the love story, cause she wasn't even allowed to fall in love! The men in her life are so concerned with her sex life that she's not allowed to even date, watch a movie in her OWN HOME with a friend, or do literally anything. She's a prisoner all because her dad and brother can't handle the fact that women have sex too.
What I liked:
-Noah. What a sweetie! I adored him. He was consistant in his feelings for Lexi, respectful of her boundaries, and not afraid to show emotion when he was going through a horrificly hard time. Having to balance an abusive household, being homeless, hard feelings, and normal teenage hormones? yikes. No wonder he cried it out a couple times. I love a good mmc that can acknowledge his feelings.
What was meh:
-Lexi. I didn't love her, I didn't hate her. She was sweet and I loved the growth of her feelings with Noah over the course of this book. I just couldn't stand what a pushover she was to her brother and father (the hypocrites) and the internalized misogyny of other girls being 'sluts' and 'bad' for being *gasp* intimate (or at least *rumored* to be intimate) gag. let other girls live life! I hate the 'I'm a virgin therefore I'm so much better than all those other girls' mentality. It's so toxic.
What I hated:
-THE HYPOCRITES. Ok. So the father is an extreme misogynist. He even makes his kids wear PURITY RINGS gag! But of course, he's not super concerned with HIS SON having sex, just his precious little girl whom he constantly compares to his eldest daughter (we know she is "bad" b/c she had sex outside of marriage and had a kid /rolls eyes). Like, you could teach your children about protection and then you wouldn't have to deal with two (YES, TWO) of your kids getting pregnant. Ladies and gentlemen: why abstinance-only teaching doesn't work. Big Bad Dad even threatened to not pay for Lexi's college if she *had sex* (not had a baby, just had sex for god's sake!). what a slimeball. You can't tell me that's not abuse.
-The brother, hypocrite #2. All we heard all story was him whinning about how his sister might be sexually interested in his friend when she's supposed to remain a virgin cause that's how we know she's "good" yet HE conveniently got to have sex and didn't get crapped on. I'm sure they'll treat the girl he had sex with and got pregnant (not a spoiler, it's in the blurb of the next book!) as the one who was wrong too. gag.
What a fucking toxic family. I feel sorry for Lexi, no wonder she struggles with a me vs them mentality when other girls are just living life and she's just so fucking repressed.
look, I'm not mad Lexi wanted to wait, or wasn't ready for sex. Lord knows I wasn't in hs. But the toxic purity cultist thinking was so over the top it was hard to enjoy the love story, cause she wasn't even allowed to fall in love! The men in her life are so concerned with her sex life that she's not allowed to even date, watch a movie in her OWN HOME with a friend, or do literally anything. She's a prisoner all because her dad and brother can't handle the fact that women have sex too.
July 12, 2018
Not bad Mrs. Corry but I don’t think anything will steal my heart as much as don’t forget me and protect my heart;) good job 👏
July 22, 2022
This is one of those books that you need to be patient with and really listen to the very end.
There were moments in this book that made me laugh, cry but also really aggravated me. The latter were mostly coming from idiotic parents that don't communicate or listen to their children but jump to assume the worst about them (is that a spoiler???).
Please get to know your own children!
I found Lexis brother an...ummm, a moron. Let me put it like that instead, I initially had another word in mind 😂.
But parents' reaction/behavior and Lexi's brother were very realistic and I cannot reduce the amount of stars for that.
I listened to the audiobook and the narrators did a great job. I really recommend the audiobook.
It's an easy read that flows smoothly. It's also "clean" but some might find it a bit passionate at times. It all depends on your own preference.
😊
There were moments in this book that made me laugh, cry but also really aggravated me. The latter were mostly coming from idiotic parents that don't communicate or listen to their children but jump to assume the worst about them (is that a spoiler???).
Please get to know your own children!
I found Lexis brother an...ummm, a moron. Let me put it like that instead, I initially had another word in mind 😂.
But parents' reaction/behavior and Lexi's brother were very realistic and I cannot reduce the amount of stars for that.
I listened to the audiobook and the narrators did a great job. I really recommend the audiobook.
It's an easy read that flows smoothly. It's also "clean" but some might find it a bit passionate at times. It all depends on your own preference.
😊
February 6, 2024
2.75⭐️: This had great potential. Unfortunately it did not live up to said potential. If it wasn’t the second hand embarrassment, it was the unrealistic plot points. I’m just sad. I really wanted to love this book.
April 17, 2022
the writing was weird and it was lowkey kinda gross. i like how it has a happy ending and things end up working out for the characters. it’s an okay feel-good type romance book.
October 12, 2020
Heavier than expected, but oh, so good!
This series has surprised me. I haven't read it in order and believe each installment can stand alone, yet there is a depth to the characters that can't be understood without delving into each story. Noah was a big, fat jerk in Book 1, but realizing his situation redeemed him. Why the surprise? I feel like most high school teen romances are fluffy and superficially deal with drama and angst, but this series digs deep into sensitive modern-day issues, and because of that, an unexpected depth is delivered.
Noah and Lexi began with a mutually beneficial fake relationship, but things quickly take unforeseen twists and turns that convey all the feels. Abuse is one of the hard issues addressed and it was hard to read about that as a parent, yet was written about in a realistic and tactful way.
This opposites attract, brother's best friend, fake romance, young adult romance stuck with me for awhile. The romance is a little heavier than I prefer for a teen romance, but it's reality and in all honesty, kind of swoony. Corry does a great job of playing on the reader's emotions in this series. While each story is super cute, they're real, raw, and believable.
Content: abuse (not graphic); mild-moderate romance (talk of sex and waiting, some innuendo, steamy clean kissing, implied teen relations)
This series has surprised me. I haven't read it in order and believe each installment can stand alone, yet there is a depth to the characters that can't be understood without delving into each story. Noah was a big, fat jerk in Book 1, but realizing his situation redeemed him. Why the surprise? I feel like most high school teen romances are fluffy and superficially deal with drama and angst, but this series digs deep into sensitive modern-day issues, and because of that, an unexpected depth is delivered.
Noah and Lexi began with a mutually beneficial fake relationship, but things quickly take unforeseen twists and turns that convey all the feels. Abuse is one of the hard issues addressed and it was hard to read about that as a parent, yet was written about in a realistic and tactful way.
This opposites attract, brother's best friend, fake romance, young adult romance stuck with me for awhile. The romance is a little heavier than I prefer for a teen romance, but it's reality and in all honesty, kind of swoony. Corry does a great job of playing on the reader's emotions in this series. While each story is super cute, they're real, raw, and believable.
Content: abuse (not graphic); mild-moderate romance (talk of sex and waiting, some innuendo, steamy clean kissing, implied teen relations)
April 9, 2019
Actual Rating: 3.5
Very cheesy, but better than the other books in this series. The movie theater scene was pretty funny, and I enjoyed the school scenes. It IS a bit mean that nobody thought Lexi and Noah would actually ever date😂😂😂
I like how these books deal with other issues than just romance. The last book was a bit unrealistic, but this one was better. I have a feeling domestic abuse is more common than a person’s dad being chased after by the government. It’s sad to read stories with abuse, and I hope to someday help kids who live in environments like that by being a foster parent.
That’s all I have to say on this book. I hope you enjoy it and have a happy reading!
Very cheesy, but better than the other books in this series. The movie theater scene was pretty funny, and I enjoyed the school scenes. It IS a bit mean that nobody thought Lexi and Noah would actually ever date😂😂😂
I like how these books deal with other issues than just romance. The last book was a bit unrealistic, but this one was better. I have a feeling domestic abuse is more common than a person’s dad being chased after by the government. It’s sad to read stories with abuse, and I hope to someday help kids who live in environments like that by being a foster parent.
That’s all I have to say on this book. I hope you enjoy it and have a happy reading!
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