I read LOVE, OFF THE RECORD back in February and have not been able to stop thinking about it since! Not only is this my favorite read of the year, it’s pretty safe to say that is my favorite YA romance (of like ever).

Rivals to lovers is my fave trope, and this book is exactly why. The banter is absolute perfection—just look at these quotes! I could not get enough of Wyn and Three’s quick wit and chemistry, and I am so glad this book finally releases next week so I can fangirl with friends (just ask @treereads how much I’ve been wanting her to read this book).

There’s so much more I could say—like about the investigative journalism or first year of college feels or Wyn finding her place with her friends or the fat rep—but I’ll just end here by saying GO PICK UP THIS BOOK. I already can’t wait until I reread it!

I really enjoyed this YA rivals to lovers romance! The secret/mistaken identity trope plus the rivals >>>>
There was also a dr*g ring storyline for an added mysterious element.
Overall, I enjoyed the characters and their way of flirting with each other in all the different ways.

This story was so beautiful written, I found myself laughing through the most the books. I thought the banter and tension between Wyn and Three was incredible. I liked how we got to see two different types of journalism in this one and the exploration of self-esteem and friendship plus I love the investigative element of it. This was definitely one of my favorite books that I read this month.

Samantha Markum starts off Love, Off The Record by dedicating it to “anyone who has ever suffered from second lead syndrome-especially if you had it for Three”, and I’m still a little wowed that she dedicated this book specifically to me and no one else who read This May End Badly and fell in love with Three. This is, obviously, a very singular experience only I have lived through and not a shared experience between many, many readers.

Anyway.

I was really excited to read a book in which Three was a love interest, but I think all my excitement and anticipation for this book gave me bigger expectations than this book could actually fulfill. While I was excited to see the rivals-to-lovers relationship between Wyn and Three, I couldn’t help but compare their relationship to his rivalry with Doe in This May End Badly and wish that I was reading about Doe again.

Wyn also just so happens to be the type of character I find myself gravitating away from the older I get. Part of her personal conflict is feeling as though she has no friends and is a loser despite the fact that, for readers, it is very obvious that she has a strong circle of friends who care about her. Throughout the past year, I’ve noticed a lot of this similar dislike for these typical young adult concepts in my reviews, and I think it can be attributed to me growing up. As a reader, my tastes are not the same as they were back when This May End Badly was released, and I need to be more mindful of these changes when picking out books, even if I enjoyed an earlier book set in the same world.

As for the writing of this book, I felt as though Love, Off The Record went by a bit too fast and slipped around a lot. I would have preferred if this book slowed down and shared a little more day-to-day activities in Wyn’s life, but instead there were convenient time skips that bounced readers from one main plot point to the next.

That all being said, there were a few moments in Love, Off The Record that I enjoyed, particularly in Wyn and Three’s relationship. Seeing Three again in any capacity made me really enjoy this book, and the silly situations he and Wyn got up to throughout this book were enjoyable (especially in scenes where one teased the other)!

But overall, I found myself a bit more disappointed by this book than I was hoping for.

I really enjoyed this one. It's got an enemies/rivals to lovers situation going on with a fat MC.

I feel like there's a little bit of a disconnect with what age group this book belongs in. This is a college-aged book which means that it is a new adult. This is NOT young adult. I see some things in the reviews that make me believe people don't quite get that. There is hinted at explicit sexual content in this book as well as a bullying / humiliation kink kind of thing going on. None of it is like explicitly stated in those terms except in a joking way but there's definitely submissive vibes from the male love interest which I was here for. I fucking love submissive men. Something about saying fuck you to patriarchal standards of masculinity. I'm here for it.

Anyway, this book is about these two college freshmen who are working at one of the college newspapers as grunts or like interns. They both are vying for a paid position at the end of the semester and spend the semester trying to one up each other on their stories and then realize maybe they need to work together. There's also an internet connection at the same time via a campus selective dating app.

I really liked every element to the story. I liked both of our main characters, I loved the newspaper article element, I loved the dating app conversations, I loved the fat representation, I loved the friend group and the discussions about what friendship means etc. This book has a lot going on and it all works.

One of the best academic rivals to lovers books I’ve literally ever read! I loved Wyn and Three so much, and this book deserves all the stars!

Thank you for an advance copy in exchange for an honest review.

Love, Off the Record was a delightful read! I was intrigued by the book's synopsis and knew I had to read it because I loved The Hating Game!

Wyn and Three, two driven journalism students, compete strongly to get the top spot on their school newspaper. As they turn to mind tricks and sabotage to outsmart one another, Three discovers something that casts doubt on their rivalry, while Wyn finds herself captivated to an unknown man on a university dating app.

I adored the characters and felt that their personal experiences of managing delicate family issues, dating, friendship, and collage were so genuine. One of the best things that kept things interesting and made for some enjoyable moments along the way was the competition and banter between Wyn and Three. I was rooting for them right from the start since I could feel their tension nearly jumping off the paper.
I adored how characters supported one another in speaking and living their truths, even when it was challenging, and to prioritize their mental health.

I am personally now of the opinion that Samantha Markum is an exceptional writer. Not only that, but she is brilliant at capturing precisely what readers need from character connection. It’s such a rare and amazing combination that I was honestly so thrown—in a good way!—when I realized that this was the second book of hers that had accomplished this for me. While I may have felt somewhat silly, slowly realizing I recognized Three from somewhere before my suspicion became so much that I finally checked to see if the author for This May End Badly was also the impressive mind behind the story I was now reading.

<i>Love, Off the Record</i> is one of the more clever books I’ve read this year. It’s very much centered around the love story, but done so in literally the perfect way. <i>This</i> is how you write characters hating each other but connecting anonymously online. <i>This</i> is how you build tension with banter and slow burning connections. <i>This</i> is how you have your characters learn the truth. Every single step of the way I found myself applauding the writing and the decisions Markum made with regard to her characters and their story.

Each beautiful chapter, wondrous page was <i>everything</i> I have been missing from stories with similar premises. Wyn and Three just have this charm together that truly pulls you in and makes you fall in love. I’m so glad I was able to sit with these two and their story. It truly is an exceptional tale of growth, perseverance, love, purpose, and even adventure.

Believe me when I say you will not regret picking up <i>Love, Off the Record</i>.

Well, that is three for three with this author (pun intended)... This is the third book I have read and absolutely loved from Samantha Markum.

This is rivals to lovers at it's finest! There is build up... There is tension... There is internal struggle... There is BANTER... This was just so much fun. I absolutely fell in love with these characters. Aside from the two main characters, we have this awesome group of fellow students that I really enjoyed.

I love the body positivity in this book. Wyn is plus sized and living most of my life in a fat body, myself, seeing her continue to love her body even when she is insecure about it was a great message. One I would have benefited from seeing when I was younger. Markum goes at it with a very real approach and gives it the right amount of focus.

If you want a cute, very funny academic rivals to lovers story, look no further!

This book was exactly what I have come to expect from Samantha Markum. It was filled with amazing banter, oodles of chemistry, and a ton of heart. I never wanted it to end. It was 400 pages and that still didn’t seem enough. Three and Wyn's story was so good. Watching them fight their attraction to each other was perfection. I liked Three in This May End Badly, but I loved him in Love, Off the Record. The one thing I wish was that we got a little more follow up from the last handful of chapters, but even with that wish I’m giving it 5 stars because it was that good to me. Make sure you pick this one up. Side note…audio was excellent.

Wyn and Three are freshmen journalism students desperate to snag the only available reporter spot on their university newspaper. Their battle is fierce, involving sabotage, stolen ideas, and mind games—no trick is too dirty in their quest to outdo one another.

Meanwhile, Wyn’s exploration for the ultimate story leads her to an anonymous dating app. She connects with a mystery man she suspects might be the charming RA from her dorm. Despite the sparks, Wyn’s past rejections due to her weight make her hesitant to reveal her true identity, even as her heart tugs her closer to what could be love.

The plot thickens when Three uncovers a story that hits too close to home, forcing him and Wyn to team up. As they chase the truth, they must confront their own budding feelings for each other, jeopardising Wyn’s dreamy app connection. Will Wyn and Three’s newspaper war end in disaster, or will it lead to unexpected love?

Anyone in need for a rivals to lovers story? Love, off the Record has got you covered.

Wyn and Three really hone in on the “kiss me or kill me” vibes that come with rivals to lovers and I loved to see that. Fighting as a love language can sometimes feel a bit kindergarten-esque but Wyn and Three just have that chemistry that makes their cutthroat exchanges feel more like foreplay. Also, secret identity plots are one of my favourites of all time (*ahem* especially if it’s combined with a two-person love triangle) and it was done nicely here with Wyn being torn between her potential online romance and her feelings for Three (which she would not admit to out of spite which I’m very sure is going to make the romance girlies kick their feet in the air and giggle because I certainly did). Now, I haven’t read the book that this is loosely connected to but from what I can tell Three was a “love to hate you” villain before and that translates beautifully on the page. There’s more to Three than meets the eye after reading the first couple of chapters and while we only get Wyn’s POV in the novel, I really liked how the slow unravelling of what she thought about Three and what he actually is like made for a separate “investigative” discovery that fit so well with the theme of the novel.

My personal highlight though, was Wyn’s entire characterisation. I think YA moving a bit more into the whole freshman year of college market is such a good choice because your first months at college can be incredibly overwhelming but also exciting and Markum portrays it perfectly through the lens of Wyn. Being 18 and suddenly on your own (but not really) is quite a struggle for a lot of us and Wyn’s insecurities and low self-esteem, like the fear of not fitting in or not being liked or not even being able to believe that others could like you simply for who you are, were so valid and relatable. Adjusting to this new reality can be so scary and that infused the story with a sense of urgency that made me flip the pages even faster. I also loved that Wyn is a fat main character and that, while it alters her self-image at times, it never takes away from the story or makes it feel like these insecurities are anything besides prejudices society has indoctrinated her with.

Lest you think this is all about romance and personal character growth, don’t you worry: There’s also a lot of hilarious shenanigans as Wyn and Three sabotage each other, investigate together and learn to work together instead of against one another.

While I did enjoy reading Love, off the Record, I was missing some kind of original asset that set this apart from other novels with similar premises and tropes. True, you don’t have to reinvent the wheel (trust me, I can read five hundred books about the same trope and still not get sick of it) when it comes to plotlines but I would have wished for something to truly stand out from similar novels (for example the two books this got compared to, Alex Approximately and The Hating Game). That being said, though, I think that readers are going to absolutely devour this novel.

If you’re in the mood for a rivals-to-lovers romance with mind games, flirting disguised as threats and a whole load of snark, then Love, Off the Record needs to be on your TBR!

Such a classic and well-done enemies-to-lovers academic rivals love story! I was hooked from the start and couldn't put it down the more I read. I seriously had such a fun time throughout the entire story. I read most of it during an 8-hour car ride and had to literally contain my smiling, kicking, giggling, and almost crying as best I could lol. Wyn and Three’s banter was so fun and so very addictive. I highlighted almost everything they said and every interaction they had because it was just THAT good. Samantha Markum somehow created a couple that could hate each other, love each other, not stand each other, AND YET have so much sexual tension—all at once. I mean that tension was *chefs kiss*.

I love that Markum included heavy topics on top of the love story. And, while I loved them and they didn’t diminish the storyline in any way, I felt they could’ve been better elaborated on or had a bit more closure to really make everything feel more cohesive. However, Wyn’s personal experience and growth were areas where I think Markum absolutely nailed it. Almost every time I read Wyn discuss her emotions, it felt like I was reading about my 17-year-old self. At times it felt like I was Wyn and Wyn was me. Wyn’s anxiety, insecurity, and growth felt so raw and real, reflecting how I, and many other women, have felt. I could physically feel my heart breaking when Wyn felt a certain way, said words she didn’t mean, felt mistreated, or negatively interpreted someone’s face or body language. She was by no means a perfect person, but that made her feel so real. She had her flaws, managed to grow in many areas, and reached out for support through her friends, therapy, and family.

I have to admit, I was unsure I’d like Three at first, but he surprisingly grew on me. Now, I can’t stop thinking about him (literally send help!)

I loved this story, and if I could, I’d read more and more stories about Three and Wyn or erase my memory and read this book all over again. I also think a story about Madison would be really cute!

Thank you NetGalley and publisher for providing me with an e-arc! All opinions shared are mine and mine alone. Love, Off the Record publishes TODAY June 11, 2024!

Samantha Markum is one of my favourite YA romance authors so I was beyond excited to get my hands on LOVE, OFF THE RECORD. With her signature humor and buckets full of yearning, I fell hard for this book and can't recommend it enough!!!

4.5⭐️

Quick intro:
Three and Wyn are college freshmen rival journalists fighting for the same spot on the paper staff and their feelings for each other.

Quick thoughts:
Wow, this book was a fun read! I was able to switch between the audiobook and ebook and have to say I preferred reading it over listening to it. But, if you’re looking for an easy, quick, and fun YA listen this would be a good audiobook for you. There were just a lot of breaths I think could have been edited out of the narration?

Overall, I think the author captured what being a college freshman is like really well. We walk with the MCs through friendship trials, family pressures, adjusting to collegiate life, parties, and mental health issues. It all felt super realistic. And gosh, every interaction between Wyn and Three just had me rolling. Their sarcasm, witty banter, and DEEP competitiveness was just so so good.

Wyn lives in a bigger body and I appreciated witnessing her journey with internalized fat phobia and how she viewed her own body affected her relationships with other people. Markum delicately handled Wyn’s body image struggles and I think reading this character would provide those who live in thin bodies some good insight into what it’s like to live in a fat body.

Read this book if you like rivals to lovers, top notch banter, plus size MCs, mental health rep, epistolary elements. If you’re a fan of YA books from Lynn Painter, Amy Lea, and Rainbow Rowell you might want to check it out.

Thank you so much to NetGalley, Simon and Schuster, and Spotify Audiobooks for advanced copies of this book in exchange for my honest thoughts.

Quick details:
PUB Date: June 11, 2024
YA/New Adultish - mature language surrounding intimacy and drug use
🔥 Closed door
245 pages
🎧 8 hours 58 minutes

Firstly, I want to thank Simon and Schuster Children's Publishing for the opportunity to read this book.

This book was such a fun, cute YA romance! The banter between Wyn and Three definitely added to the tension and chemistry between them. One thing I enjoyed about their dynamic was that they knew how to challenge each other, in a caring way.

The characters in this book were likable because of how real they were. Three and Wyn both struggled with issues apart from the enemies=to=lovers romance. I feel like this really gave the characters depth. Dara and Madison were also such fun and supportive characters.

The main reason I enjoyed this book was the fact that it wasn't just about the romance. This book showed the struggles of college and new friendships, while also explaining the experiences of someone who is on a journey of self growth.

My only issue was the way some of the events were resolved or, I guess, unresolved. However, this did not end up taking away from the main plot of the book.

I am thankful for the chance I got to read it!

My. GOSH. The BANTER! The TENSION! I loved every single thing about this book - I wasn’t even halfway through when I paused my reading to preorder a signed copy. Samantha Markum gets every. single. star.

Love, Off the Record is going on my list of favorite YA books of all time. Markum’s writing and storytelling was SO sharp, witty, captivating, and heartwarming, and I had the absolute best time getting lost in this story. Three and Wyn were such likable and lovable characters with incredible depth and conviction and their personal journeys navigating and juggling academic pursuits, complicated family dynamics, friendship, and dating were deeply relatable. I loved how positively the characters spoke of therapy and encouraged each other to prioritize their mental health and speak and live their truths, even when it was difficult. I’m not kidding when I say you will be rooting for and cheering theses characters on from page one.

The newsroom setting was so perfect - I kept imagining Paris and Doyle bantering at the Yale Daily News - and I loved following Three and Wyn as they competed for a permanent spot with the university newspaper AND despite their loathing, join forces to investigate dark and dangerous school secrets. I know I keep saying it was perfect and I loved it all, but truly, it was perfect and I loved it all.

This YA rivals to lovers with a You’ve Got Mail twist was absolute GOLD and I need everyone to read this book ASAP. If you love a stories overflowing with heart and charm, relatable, endearing, and nerdy characters, a found family, and a perfectly executed rivals to lovers trope, Love, Off the Record is a must read.

I LOVED IT (I ALSO WROTE IT BUT I CAN'T LET MY NETGALLEY RATIO SUFFER FOR THAT ALONE)
I usually wait until it's already out to do this, but I reeeeeally want to get approved for some recent requests so a baby's gotta do what a baby's gotta do.

4.5 rounded up!! To think I almost abandoned this right before it got good!! I AM CASUALLY VAGUELY OBSESSED. This was such an enjoyable read and certain scenes are now burned into my brain. (The glasses?? Halloween?? THE CASUAL CHOKING??? If this is ever made into a movie/tv show I will be screeching the whole time). I loved Wyn and Three’s dynamic so much - I am a playful tease/joke sort of person when I like someone so their full on crazy fights were not too far off and very up my street. I just!! THEY WERE PERFECT forever may they reign. I will have to read more from this author for sure.

Love, Off the Record was a fun read! As a fan of The Hating Game, I was intrigued by the blurb of this book. Love, Off the Record did not disappoint! It can be easy for authors to overdo the rivalry in enemies to lovers' books. Markum executed Wyn and Three's rivalry perfectly. I liked watching Wyn and Three's relationship progress slowly. Although the Hayes storyline was obvious, it added an extra layer to Wyn's relationship. I enjoyed the newspaper storyline, especially the fraternity piece. I do wish there was more closure with Three at the end of the book. I wanted to know what happened with his family. Thank you to Simon and Schuster Children's Publishing for the ARC.

A sweet, hopeful enemies to lovers that will make any reader swoon! I really loved Markum's previous works, and was excited that her third novel would follow a character from her debut. Three is such an interesting character, and we only got a taste of him in This May End Badly. I adored our protagonist, Wyn, and her perspective on life and dating as a plus sized girl. It's not one commonly written in YA, and I'm glad it was.
The investigative journalism aspect of this book gave it the perfect amount of heightened tension to balance with the flirty bickering. Overall it was a wonderful read, and I'm excited to see what this author has in store in the future!