I tried, I swore I tried to read it and follow the pages until the end but I just got lost.
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I felt that it was not written in a way that connected with the reader, it seemed like a script written in the fourth or fifth person, if that can exist in a book. And for me if I can't connect with the characters or the plot I'm lost.
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I feel that it has potential, and I love the characteristics that it put in each character, the representation is very important and that is why I give it another star.
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Maybe later I'll read it again and see if it's me, so many good opinions disconcert me, maybe it's just me who can't make the connection with the story or the characters
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Thanks to Annabel Paulsen y Lydia Wang for give a copy of this book in exchange for my honest and voluntary opinion

Sapphic dating tv show (super reminiscent of The Bachelor) romance that delivers a bit of steam, so much mess (aka so much fun and entertainment!) and so much chemistry-filled banter. It reminded me of one of the Bachelor franchise tv shows where two of the female contestants left at the rose ceremony together, revealing they had fallen in love. I feel like this should happen more often hahaha.

Here for the Wrong Reasons delivers an intriguing twist on the typical reality dating show narrative, blending sapphic romance with the glitzy, competitive world of reality television. Krystin, a rodeo queen unaccustomed to the dating scene, and Lauren, a seasoned influencer with a strategic plan, find themselves unexpectedly drawn to each other amidst the chaos of the hetero dating show 'Hopelessly Devoted'. Their connection challenges the heteronormative expectations of reality TV and their own preconceived notions about love. I really enjoyed this setting as it added a lot of fun and drama. It was an engaging read due to this.

The novel stands out for its deep dive into character complexity, especially with Lauren's portrayal as the show's antagonist. Her character arc, from being perceived as manipulative to revealing a vulnerable and genuine side, enriches the story and subverts the typical villain trope in a refreshing way. Krystin's journey of self-discovery and coming out adds authenticity and relatability, highlighting the nuances of queer identity in a conservative setting.

I really enjoyed the writing style to this too. It was so engaging in the way it was written. I am looking forward to reading more from Annabel Paulsen and Lydia Wang in the future.

Many thanks to Netgalley and Alcove Press for a copy of this novel. ARC provided in exchange for an honest review.

This was a really fun and enjoyable read, perfect for those who love a good dating show with a bit of spice.

This is such a fun take on the dating show trope and I so loved watching Krystin and Lauren fall in love! Perfect for fans of dating shows and reality TV but also all romcom fans who like a bit of spice!

I absolutely love books based on reality tv. This was done right. I have more to say about it on my podcast @poetandreader

This book is The Batchelor but make it sapphic! A really fun read that's hard to put down. The motivations for each character were made clear, and the guy being put on the back burner for a queer romance was great. This book has all the makings for a fantastic romcom should they ever choose to make this a film!

A fun read, perfect to take up during a flight or nice vacation, that I will definitely be recommending once it's out in Germany.

I struggle with characterizing this book as a sapphic story because while we do in the end get a happy sapphic couple, most of this book does follow a The Bachelor-type reality TV show and we don't really get to see couple all that much being together.
Gonzales has a similar book where the romance is much more prominent (and engaging), so with that as my reading background, this left me a bit bereft.
Still, if you're into reality TV shows and want some fun shenanigans, I bet you'll have an awesome time reading this!

I really enjoyed this. Some of it was a bit cheesy, but it can get away with it because it’s a bachelor-style romcom.
I wish there was more emphasis on the romance and identity of Lauren and Krystin. But for a debut, this was so good!

The writing is pretty solid and although I don’t really like either MC, I do find their chemistry on-page to be pretty good.

i picked this book up because of the sapphic rep but i honestly wasn't my fav however this is probably because i have not watch any reality tv like it was based of plot wise. the romance was cute but personally the writing style wasn't for me.

i would have to say like a 2.5 stars personally just because i didn't really connect with it and the written was hard for me to immerse myself in. i do however think there are people who would enjoy this more than me

This was cute. Not the best romance I have ever read but was cute. I do not think I old suggest this.

DNF

Felt underwritten, like I was reading a reality show transcript. Wish more time was spent with the two main characters.

This book was adorable and sapphic! I love the premise of this whole book, and it was a fun time. Thoroughly enjoyed!

My Rating: 3.5 stars

It was hard for me to give this book a star rating. I enjoyed the book but felt like some things were a little off... maybe because I've never seen The Bachelor or any show like it. But it was a very fun read!

If you love tension, tasteful spice, reality shows, and rivals to lovers, this is right up your alley!

I love when romance books happen with a reality show backdrop, and I appreciate how this book acknowledges that the point of Bachelor-style shows isn't really for anyone to find love, they're just influencer farms. Personally I couldn't really buy into the chemistry between the characters, personally, and for a bunch of would-be influencers I found them unfortunately unmemorable.

This book gave me *everything* I wanted. I've been waiting for a sapphic Bachelor-esque romance and this book delivered in the best way. It has all the romantic tension and yearning, spice, and a conclusion that left me so satisfied. Truly can't wait for this book to be published so I can get a copy for my favorite romance shelf.

I particularly loved seeing representation for "late bloomer lesbian" and the discussion around what it means to be publicly out. The authors handled it really thoughtfully, and these character arcs were lovely to watch unfold.

When I tell you I ATE this book up I’m not lying. As an avid follower of the show this is loosely based on, it was a great premise that I can see unfurling. It was a book that made it feel like it could be real life and those are books that I absolutely love! You also get to know the personalities of the other contestants and also root for them as side characters while the main plot unfurls.

I loved that it was dual POV switching between chapters and gave you perspective of what they were thinking throughout the book and the hidden thoughts of each other as the story progressed.

I was super happy with the ending (no spoilers) and thought it wrapped up the book really well!

Did I read another sapphic book? Yes. Are we surprised? No.

Here for the Wrong Reasons follows Krystin, a rodeo queen, and Lauren, a wannabe social media influencer, as they navigate through the storymaking and villain arcs that one would expect from a reality dating show. Was Lauren there for fame and not love? Yes. Did she end up finding love anyway when she knows that she's a lesbian? Also yes.

All in all, I found this novel enjoyable and that’s all I can really ask for

Things I liked
Love reality dating troupes
Rival to lovers
Lauren as a villain i kinda liked at the start

Things I didn’t like
Didn’t really not like this but… I would’ve liked if the main characters made more deep friendships with the other cast members