I have never read anything like this. I mean, wow. Kate Marchant did something really, really amazing with her writing. And the fact that it started has a Wattpad story/book, and now it is being published and, hopefully, more people will find this and read it, it makes my heart burst with joy.

This book addresses rape and sexual assault and misogyny in a very heartfelt and strong way. And it also shows the struggle and the fight to tell the truth in a world where men have a stronger word than women. I was so inspired by this book and these characters to also do something, anything to help.

Now, onto a more detailed review: I loved the variety of characters that was presented to us, from the generic white straight man with a heart of gold who plays football; to an amazing drag artist who definitely needed more screen time. I mean, the MC is a young woman whose family roots come from Mexico, allowing us amazing moments of Spanish dialogue between a couple characters that made my heart flutter every time (I'm not Spanish, but I do speak it and have lived around the language my whole life, so it is near and dear to me). There was also some very faint but sweet presence of LGBTQIA+ characters, which was also very comforting and important. Honestly, in terms of inclusivity, this book had a bit of everything for everyone.

The writing is so amazing and it felt so easy to read and I loved flowing through the pages. The ending was so so good as well. I craved more, but it left the story in such a good moment. It left the story in a moment of power and inspiration. What more could I want from a book like this one?

Another thing that I loved was that, even though there was a romantic plot, it was sort-of faint and, in a way, pulled aside for what really mattered in the story. The love relationship came when it was right, and it wasn't rushed like some books nowadays. It happened exactly when it was supposed to happen, giving the main plot the spotlight that it deserved. And that was so important to me as a reader because I really didn't want a love plot line to get in the way of what the book was truly about.

This was truly an amazing reading experience. Kate Marchant did such an incredible job with the message she spread with her characters and her writing and her story. I hope it inspires people to do something about the main message in this book: spreading the truth about sexual assaults, bringing down the guilty from those actions and the ones who support them regardless, and, above all, helping the victims who need the support to stand up and speak up.

I hope I got the message right. Part of me thinks I did. The other part believes something is still there for me to uncover. I don't know yet.

Signing off,
B.

This is a really solid read which pleasantly surprised me! Initially, I was afraid that the romance would overshadow the overarching themes in this book, such as the #metoo movement, student journalism, and amplifying the voices of victims of sexual assault (since Wattpad works are known to be rather romance-heavy). But my fears were unfounded—I thought that the book struck a good balance between the romance and discussion of the main issues, and weaved in very nicely the internal conflicts faced by Laurel and Bodie which are complicated by their feelings for each other. It didn’t feel like either aspect was swept under the rug for the other, which is a testament to the writer’s skilful handling of the sensitive subject matter of this book. Altogether, I really enjoyed this—thank you to NetGalley and Wattpad Books for the ARC!

Very well written, eye opening story. Slow at times, but overall I enjoyed the book
Thank you to Netgalley and the publisher for providing this ARC in exchange for an honest review. All opinions expressed are my own.

1 Sentence Summary: Laurel Cates is used to being silent and overlooked, but when she uncovers some buried secrets about the beloved football coach while writing an article for the school paper, she knows she has to speak up, even if it means risking her job, reputation, and even safety.

My Thoughts: Wow! Amazing! I stayed up until 2am to finish this (maybe not my best decision making moment seeing as I almost fell asleep during class…oops).

This was really well written and the characters were so well developed! And the relationships! There was some cute romance but it wasn’t the main focus of the story, and the friendships were so amazing. (I love when a boy and a girl can be really good friends w/out one of them being gay or one of them being in love with the other. Normalize more boy-girl friendships!)

It explored a lot of important topics including sexism, racism, and sexual assault & rape really well. And it doesn’t feel preachy at all. The story really pulls you in, and the best part is that it leaves you feeling so EMPOWERED! I literally got chills during one of the ending scenes.

Also, the journalism and the college vibes! Yes!! And the Mexico City references made me happy (I used to live there).

You can technically read this for free on Wattpad, but it’s being published early 2023 and I read an ARC of that version! I’m definitely going to get my hands on a physical copy when it comes out!!

Recommend to: People interested in feminism, college stories, journalism, & standing up for what’s right.

(Warnings: swearing; alcohol; harassment; mentions of sexual assault & rape)

Thus novel explores the term whistleblower is 'if you see certain types of wrongdoing this, will usually be something you've seen at work thought not always.... the wrongdoing you disclose must be in the public's interest. This means it must affect others' gov.uk

Laurel Cotes is a wannabe journalist you works for a student university newspaper. It's the first week of term at Garlan university and vLaurel believes she was 'unforgettable, it was something I think of as a party trick rather than a flaw', but someone does notice her this year Brodie St James a quarterback on the team at Garlan university.

Trying to write an artical about the so far hidden truth about the unreported abuse that goes on with the American footballs team coach Vaugnn.
It's the quarterback Brodi that is the sour of this whistle blowing this how everyone know knows who Laural is and she does not like the first reation to it.

I did not really enjoy this book as it seem to drag over the same storyline and there was no depth to the charters

Many thanks to NetGalley and the publishe as I recieved a complimentary copy of this book. Opinionsi are completely my own.