I'd like to thank the publisher and Netgalley for providing me with an ARC.

Unfortunately I couldn't really get into this book. I don't really have a strong sense of how I felt about this book. The setting and characterizations were well set up. Ultimately I just didn't feel that this book was for me. The target audience would certainly enjoy this book.

I didn't enjoy this book as much as I thought I would. It was hard to connect with the characters and it fell a bit flat for me.

Thank you to the publisher, author and Net Galley for an advanced copy of this book.

I knew I was going to love Jo after reading the publisher’s pitch about this book, but this book was much more about mental health/trauma and a mystery than I thought it was going to be, and that made the book even better! Although it is a tough read, it is well done and important.

This is a great example of a YA story about a former popular girl who has become an outcast teaming up with a boy towards the top of the social period to create a fake dating relationship that turns out to be not fake at all. Along the way, the two are hunting a missing friend, which adds to the interest of the story.

I think NetGalley for asking me to read this book. However, just wasn’t my cup of tea does not mean that it’s not a good book. It’s just not a book that I can give my opinion on. If you’re thinking about reading this book, please look at other reviews to make your decision

Instantly compelling voice - stuck with me even when I wasn't quite in the mood for a YA. Jo is a sharp, smart, engaging narrator who feels real, and she makes this book. The setting is also incredibly well-rendered and specific.

Not Like Other Girls by Meredith Adamo was one of the better Y.A. mysteries that I've read recently. I enjoyed the characters, the atmosphere, and the plot twists. I would definitely recommend this one for fans of the genre.

Meredith Adamo's debut novel, *Not Like Other Girls*, delves deep into the complexities of trauma, friendship, and societal judgment through a gripping narrative that challenges stereotypes and expectations.

The story revolves around Jo-Lynn Kirby, an outcast in her high school after becoming the victim of a malicious act—her nude photos leaked to the public. When Jo's former best friend, Maddie Price, approaches her for help, Jo initially dismisses it, believing Maddie wouldn't genuinely seek her assistance. However, when Maddie disappears shortly afterward, Jo becomes convinced that there's more to the situation than meets the eye.

Driven by a need to uncover the truth behind Maddie's disappearance, Jo must confront her past and re-enter the social circles that ostracized her. Enter Hudson Harper-Moore, an old flame with his own motivations for finding Maddie, who proposes a fake dating scheme to reintegrate Jo into their clique. As Jo navigates the complexities of her relationships and the secrets that tore her and Maddie apart, she's forced to confront painful truths about betrayal, judgment, and the enduring impact of trauma.

*Not Like Other Girls* is a poignant exploration of how society perceives and treats young women, particularly in the aftermath of trauma. Adamo's narrative is both heart-wrenching and empowering, drawing readers into Jo's emotional journey as she grapples with guilt, forgiveness, and the search for identity amidst adversity. The novel's exploration of friendship dynamics, betrayal, and the pressure to conform resonates deeply, highlighting the resilience and complexity of its characters.

Adamo's prose is compelling and evocative, capturing the raw emotions and intricate relationships that drive the story forward. Through Jo's perspective, the novel challenges stereotypes and sheds light on the harsh realities faced by young women navigating the complexities of adolescence and social expectations.

In conclusion, *Not Like Other Girls* is a compelling debut that tackles important themes with sensitivity and depth. Meredith Adamo's storytelling prowess shines through in this powerful narrative, offering readers a thought-provoking and unforgettable exploration of trauma, friendship, and the quest for truth and redemption.

*Not Like Other Girls* by Meredith Adamo is a must-read for fans of contemporary YA fiction seeking stories that blend emotional depth with social commentary. Adamo's debut is a testament to the resilience of the human spirit and the transformative power of self-acceptance in the face of adversity.

A fast-paced and exciting read. Love the focus on girlhood and the complications therein. Overall, a wonderful read. Looking forward to more from this author.

I fell hard for Jo—she’s a force of personality with a voice that absolutely leaps from the page. She feels real, complicated, and relatable. I loved every moment of her journey, from her initial, prickly determination not to rely on anyone to her slow discovery of the joy in connection and reconnection—both with herself and others—as she’s forced to work through past traumas. Not Like Other Girls brought tears to my eyes—emotions that only intensified with the deeply personal author’s note. A masterfully written mystery!

Thank you Bloomsbury for the free advanced copy!

Jo, Jo-Lynn, JoJo... Whatever you call her, just don't tell her she's like those 'other girls'. She's one of the guys, and proud of it. So what if it means she loses her best friend, gets called awful names on the bathroom walls, and ends up on Academic Review? This book takes you on a journey with Jo, as she figures out what it means to be female in the world today. Oh, and she also figures out why her former BFF, the perfect and nice Maddie Price, has vanished.

There is a lot to unpack here, and it is done well, with the respect these stories deserve. Adamo includes important conversations about consent and trauma and reputation. She leaves room for characters to make mistakes and learn from them and even become better people. She leaves room for characters to be difficult and layered and even leaves room for them to not change, and get what they deserve.

There are some pretty intense story lines here that readers should be aware of: we do talk about sexual assault and underage drinking. There's some spice, but it's carefully worded and very important to the plot. It gives a voice to someone who feels unheard, and I think it will speak to a lot of today's readers.

NOT LIKE OTHER GIRLS is an absolutely incredible debut novel. I loved Jo and her voice, the romance between her and Hudson, and the themes this YA novel tackled so much. Meredith Adamo could definitely be one of my new favourite authors!

This would be a great book for a young girl who needs some help understanding the complications of social media and what it can do to you! I would encourage my granddaughters to read this and understand why their parents and grandparents are worried about their time spent on the internet and what they share there.
There is a lot of teenage angst happening and I'm sure many young readers would relate to it.
This book has a definite "age appropriateness".

This has to do with 2 ex best friends. One of them goes missing and the other girl has to connect with their old friends so she can find out what happened to her ex best friend. It's a YA thriller. it was really good.

I’m assuming this is a YA novel, since the protagonist and the majority of the other characters are teenagers, but thankfully it was devoid of a lot of the cheesiness and/or after school special material that a lot of YA books possess.
At it’s core, it’s about Jo, a former popular girl, who’s been basically shunned and degraded by her peers, and who feels unseen by her family. She’s an interesting, likeable personality, while also being a typical bratty teen. I always appreciate authors who can write authentic, believable teenage characters, and this author certainly accomplishes that.
The book did veer off for a little while, with a brief, mystery/thriller plot line thing, which honestly I found a bit weird and disconcerting, but it was overall quite enjoyable.
Thanks to #netgalley and #bloomsburypublishing for this #arc of #notlikeothergirls by #meredithadamo in exchange for an honest review.

Honestly, it didn’t take long for me to be invested! I love the character and her complexity, and I like that although I was pulling my hair out at times, you can’t help but root for her! For me, the mystery and tension held up in the beginning, as well as throughout, and the relationships felt complicated and real to me. Very enjoyable from start to finish, not to mention the writing style!!! Love!!

3.5 Stars overall

While I was invested in story, and in this character, there's a lot going on in this book.

When Maddie Price goes missing, Jo-Lynn feels like her ex-best friend is in trouble and wants to find her. While I really enjoyed the mystery plot of the book, the rest of it kind of got in the way. BUT what was really important throughout the many subplots is the way young girls aren't allowed to make mistakes. Girls are held to impossible standards, especially in high school...date too much, and you're a slut. Don't date at all, and you're ignored. It's about the importance of consent, that it's important to teach young girls to look for red flags when it comes to dating, it's about privilege, and that everything comes at a price.

I liked Jo's journey and would read this debut author again, hopefully with a much tighter story.

Thank you, NetGalley, for the ARC/audiobook in exchange for an honest review.

Not Like Other Girls by Meredith Adamo is an enjoyable mystery with relatable characters. I really empathized with the main character Jo-Lynn, but honestly, was also pretty annoyed by her. I wish there was a little more mystery in the book and I wasn't engaged in the whole cheating scandal that was the entire last half of the book. Overall I enjoyed reading the book and really liked Jo's burgeoning relationship with The Birds.

"Not Like Other Girls" is a novel that might resonate more with younger readers due to its focus on teenage drama and angst. While some may find enjoyment in its themes, readers who have been out of high school for some time might struggle to connect with the story. It's essential to pay close attention to the book's description before diving in to ensure it aligns with your interests and preferences. Overall, it's a reminder of the importance of understanding what kind of narrative one is diving into, especially when it comes to genres like young adult fiction.

This book was a really complete story to me. The mystery was interesting, the romance was sweet and felt true to the age group and Jo was a well written character who felt really relatable. I think my only critique is some parts could have been tightened up a little and the end could have used a little more

This book has lot more going for it though. While the disappearance of Jo’s former best friend Maddie Price kept me hooked, I think the themes of consent and sexual assault are what really make this book stand out.

We find out what happened to Jo slowly, over the course of the book and I think that was a really good way of handling it. It allowed the reader to discover what happened through Jo’s feelings and recollections, rather than be being *told* right away. This method really allowed for more emotional depth and exploration to me. By the end, the message is really powerful and I hope it resonants with people, especially those who need it the most.

Thank you to Bloomsbury and Bloomsbury Audio for the advanced copies in exchange for an honest review.