Welcome to Xavier Academy’s senior class trip: tropical island edition.

Emma can’t say she wasn’t warned.

“Can you hear me? It’s me. Don’t go, Gizmo.”

But it’s senior trip and tonight is the night she’s losing her virginity. It’s all planned. And did I mention the tropical island?

"Nothing bad ever happens at the beach," he declared, which anybody who's ever seen Jaws knows is not true.

Emma is surrounded by the usual clichés.

There’s rich kid Bradd. Yeah, two d’s. He’s flexible and I wanted to hate him but he grew on me.

“I am crushing life. Absolutely crushing it. I am a winner.”

Brad’s girlfriend Alison, who used to be Emma’s best friend, is a self confessed sugar addict. Auggie, Emma’s boyfriend, isn’t a fan of Louis, her best friend. Shelby has a reputation. There’s the new girl and the exchange students.

Then there’s an octopus named Sibyl. If it wasn’t for Sibyl, then none of this would have been possible.

"It's a long story. It has to do with cocaine and a sentient, immortal octopus."

Now Emma is stuck in a time loop and she still hasn’t lost her virginity!

“It had occurred to me, all of a sudden — I don't know what took so long — that I could do whatever I wanted. Nothing mattered!
But at the same time ... nothing mattered.”

I thought this book was so much fun but apparently it’s quite divisive. It seems to be one of those love it or hate it books.

It’s like Groundhog Day but with teenagers. It’s funny and over the top and a little ridiculous if we’re being honest, but that’s half the fun. Maybe don’t think too hard about how this all works and just go with it.

It’s about life choices, extraordinary feats of flexibility (I’m trying not to look at you here, Bradd) and figuring out whether being able to do whatever you want with no consequences is a blessing or curse.

I’m keen for a reread.

“Time buddies!”

Content warnings can be found on the publisher’s website.

Thank you so much to NetGalley and Entangled Teen, an imprint of Entangled Publishing, for the opportunity to read this book.

This book was so weird. And fun. I loved it! I don’t even know how many times I laughed out loud in the middle of the night (I scared my dog). Explaining what I just read would be like trying to retell a really trippy dream. You just had to be there.

Jessica Warman is a new to me author. The blurb for Repeat After Me had me really intrigued. In retrospect, I should have paid closer attention to the words. My focus was on repeating the same day over and over again. You know like those movies Groundhog Day and 50 First Dates. Somewhere along the way, it hit me that I never saw those movies. Meaning I had no idea what to truly expect.

For starters, Repeat After Me is an upper YA Fantasy. I mean really upper. This story is unlike anything I’ve ever read before. Interpret that statement however you wish. This is a WILD story, told from the viewpoint of multiple characters who either desperately want to fit in, act holier than thou, are vain, or are more shallow than a lagoon.

Repeat After Me mainly focuses on eighteen-year-old Emma Davidson who along with several other students and a chaperone from Xavier Academy are on their senior trip to a remote island where only a supposed billionaire and his daughter reside. There is no wifi or cell service. The nearest hospital is an hour away by boat. This isn’t a trip where they all get to relax and just lay on the beach all day. Nope. There isn’t a five-star hotel in sight. The group will spend their days shucking oysters, cleaning up whatever washes up on the beach, and just being pretty much bored. Their nights will be spent in grimy bungalows with no a/c.

Despite all of that, Emma has big plans with her boyfriend. Before those plans can come to fruition, Emma meets and has a taste of an octopus that changes her life. Now, Emma finds herself repeating the same day over and over again.

Repeat After Me is going to be one of those stories that you either love or hate. I myself finished the book and wondered what I had just read. I do strangely love that Jessica has a crazy imagination and comes up with the most off-the-wall things to have her characters say and do. H2Blow? Seriously?

When I sit back and think about Repeat After Me and toss out all of the CRAZY actions and insane commentary, for me, I was left with something that makes a whole lot of sense. Being a teenager is hard. And there are times that you are so focused on the future, being an adult, finishing highschool, and trying to fit in with the "right" group of people that you lose sight of what this time in life is truly about. You think the most unimportant thing is all that matters, and yeah, it's important, because it's important to you. But is it really important to the you you're going to be in 6 months to a year? Repeat After Me tries to get Emma to see just that.

~ Favorite Quotes ~

“Some things are so special, you can’t put a price on them.”

“Nobody actually knows anybody as well as they think they do.”

“It’s scary to let yourself be vulnerable.”

“Life is full of miracles.”

I would like to thank Entangled Teen Publishing for this ARC in exchange for my honest review. All opinions expressed are my own.

4.5⭐️ rounded to 5⭐️ to Goodreads and retail sites. Repeat After Me is a YA romantic comedy novel by Jessica Warman. I am reviewing the Deluxe Limited Edition, but I am not sure what this means in galley form. This book focused primarily on Emma as the main protagonist of this novel. She and some of her peers, who were Seniors in high school, were on a chaperoned Senior class trip on a tropical island. Emma ate some ceviche and started living her own version of the movie, Groundhog Day. Read above for the book blurb. This book is freaking hilarious. I was chortling out loud in a waiting room today. I’ve never read anything by this author and was unprepared for how funny it would be. It was a little hard to get into initially because the author skipped POVs among many of the teens plus their English teacher. There was a little bit of whiplash until I got the hang of the writing style and storyline for the book. The author’s writing was infectious and her character development superb. There were multiple stories within the story and so many teen issues characterized. Just imagine getting at least six teens and one adult perspective on what occurred on the island! I think that many, but not all, teens could find themselves in one of the characters. I would actually give the book a five star rating, but I am a little afraid that the message the author was trying to send could get lost. The alternative interpretation isn’t one I’d like my teen reading. The publisher does have a disclosure that the book is intended for 17 and up, which is good since Emma’s goal for the week, and the year, was of a spicy nature. I would recommend this book for anyone who loves a YA Rom Com. It is truly a gem and is available now in ebook, audiobook, as well as Hardcover.

What did I just read?
Did I love it or hate it?
I sure did speed through it and now can’t stop thinking about it!
This book is a whirlwind. I wanted to take notes and email questions to the author constantly. To me a book that captures your attention and keeps it (even if you are confused or hate it) is a great book. This book will keep your attention and make you question everything.
To be honest these kids and adults kinda suck. But we all know those type of people and we all know by reading this book these characters are more authentic then millions of other characters in books I’ve read before. Especially the teenagers. Their emotions run high. They only care about themselves and sex. This is a pure example of teenagers with no supervision and making dumb choices.
Just read it. Even if you hate it you will want a buddy reading to debate with about it. It’s worth it.

Hands down the weirdest book I've ever read...and not in a good way. I'd love to have a conversation with this author about how she imagined this time loop scenario because I'm CONFUSED.

I want to express my deepest gratitude to Entangled Publishing and NetGalley for providing me with an ARC of "Repeat After Me" by Jessica Warman.

Let me tell you, this book is truly something special. It's a captivating and unique story with a diverse cast of characters, each with their own compelling point of view. The setting of a remote island without any form of communication sets the stage for an exciting and unpredictable adventure.

Follow the journey of Emma, our sharp-witted protagonist, as she finds herself trapped in a time loop after a fateful encounter with a cursed ceviche during her senior trip. The concept is brimming with potential, and I was immediately drawn to the intriguing premise. While the execution may have left me with mixed feelings, I couldn't help but appreciate the creativity and ambition behind the narrative.

Although the book aims to infuse humour, I must admit that the reliance on crude and vulgar content at times took me by surprise. However, beneath the unconventional storytelling lies a thought-provoking exploration of teenage experiences, complete with its own peculiar blend of innocence and maturity.

While I may not be the exact target audience, I recognise the novel's ability to resonate deeply with the Euphoria generation. Its graphic nature may not be suited for everyone, but it undoubtedly captures the essence of a senior high school experience in a raw and unapologetic manner. It's a bold and unapologetic portrayal, and I believe that it will find a devoted following among those who connect with its candid and audacious style.

It's clear that this book is not meant to cater to every reader, but it possesses a distinctive charm that will undoubtedly leave a lasting impression on those who embrace its offbeat narrative. I encourage anyone intrigued by the premise to give it a chance and experience it for themselves. After all, not all books are meant to be universally loved, but the ones that find their audience are cherished fiercely.

#BookReview #UniqueStorytelling #TeenageExperience #BoldNarrative #OffbeatStyle #EuphoriaGeneration #ThoughtProvoking #CreativeNarrative #DiverseCharacters #DeepAppreciatio

Where do I even begin with this crazy twisted book? Ha
Well for starters Emma is my fave character if I had to pick one and then would be Louis, Bradd was alright, I didn't hate him by any means. I just felt he was really kinda way to into himself and once you read the book you will see he is "really" into himself. Alison wasn't a bad character either, she just lacked some common sense when it came to knowing how to be friends with people. The teasing so much is not great and some people don't like that. That is why Emma thought she was just mean to her and Lucy.
The teacher was something else I tell ya.
Also this book was a quick fun read in a way. Just don't hurt your brain trying to thinking about the how and why and yuck factor of this book and you will enjoy it way more.
I kept questioning how Emma could repeat the same certain day and other characters had a different day for different reasons. And I still wonder how that worked and they knew about each other. Because it seemed not everyone was having the same repeat day and such.
We definitely see how it could get boring repeating the same day and waking up to it just as if nothing happened the day before. So of course some decide to do stupid things to pass the time. Because why? There is no consequences to their actions because it's as if it never happened anyhow.
Yes there is a lot of sex talk in this book and dark humor. The person I felt was very very annoying was Auggie. I just never cared for this character throughout the book. You will see why after a few chapters. The other characters were mentioned but they weren't main cast so to speak. Emma just wanted to get off the island shortly after a few days. She definitely started changing her thinking about a lot of things. I don't know if there will be a book two or not. But I'd read it if it explained more questions and the ending a little bit more.
I do want to thank Entangled Teen for sending me an advance copy. Thank you so much. Now on to the next one.

Repeat After Me by Jessicca Warman is a book I absolutely LOVED but I am not sure I can say why, LOL.

This is an advanced YA , definitely 18 and up due to content.

Remember the movie Groundhog Day with Bill Murray from the 90's?

Well, Emma , our protagonist is stuck in her own Groundhogs day reliving the same Friday over and over. She is 17, a senior in high school and wants to lose her virginity. She is on a private trip to a private island and after eating ceviche, ends up repeating the same day over and over, the same day she was going to lose her virginity.

I really enjoyed the multiple points of view. The teenagers are hilarious.

I swear I cackled at some of the lines. I would of loved more of the Octopus lol.

Written with satire and comedic genius, I absolutely loved this book!

I don’t know wtf I just read, but somehow I couldn’t stop reading it. This book is not for everyone and I don’t even think I can recommend it unless you like weird books. This was over-the-top crazy and bizarre and strange. As I said, I still don’t know what I read. I somehow really liked it…I think. At least I wanted to know what would happen with everyone. Also the hardcover of this book was probably the best feeling book I have ever read. Like the pages and cover felt so good to hold and turn the pages. Whatever material they used was amazing and all books should be made out of it. Anyways, I really enjoyed this one, but I don’t think everyone will. It’s one of those books that you will either love or hate. The best way I can describe this book is an immortal octopus, a time-loop, and some crazy teenagers.

Emma wakes up the day she’s supposed to leave for her senior trip with a phone call from someone who tells her not to go. Weird. Well, she goes anyways to a private island with several of her classmates, her English teacher, and the two people who own the island. Talk about a rich kid school, am I right? The reason they get to go to this island at the school’s bidding is still unclear - they spend their time there sorting oysters and cleaning up trash. Until Friday, when the father/daughter duo decide to include Emma in their “experiment” with time, and she gets stuck living the same day over and over and over again.
I’m getting a little tired of books being advertised as dark comedy books and having no humor. This book was GROSS and not even a little bit funny. Constant talk about masturbation, vomit, pee - all the bodily fluids - and a bear filled with pubes. The characters were flat and none of them were redeemable. I hated all of their guts. One character is supposed to be considered “good” by the other characters, but he never has anything nice to say about anything. Even the adults sucked and had no depth. Emma lost her mind the first DAY of being stuck in the loop - good grief!
The time loop, the whole point of this book(!), was a hot mess. There’s a lot of theories going around about why it’s happening or how to get out of it - one theory by the WORST character ever imagined (Bradd - obsessed with sex, gross beyond imagination, not a single brain cell active but also supposed to be very smart?) is that he can jump around in time by snorting cocaine and masturbating and then dying? Not really sure what was going on there. There did seem to be something important about dying when you couldn’t really die forever, and the “cocaine” was later explained to not be Coke but something called an accelerant, which the owner of the island felt was really important, but we learn absolutely NOTHING about. We learn nothing about the time loop, there’s no believable reason why the people who own the island are experimenting on people - they even say they’re trying to work out the kinks so you get to live forever, but not relive the same day, but there’s absolutely no evidence of them working on anything. They just pop in to seem mysterious and ruin people’s lives. And then, poof, gone from the plot.
Nothing about this book was believable, enjoyable, or amusing. I wish I could take back the time I spent on it, but I was really hoping there would be some answers at the end. If you’re trudging through this hoping for answers, I have some bad news: you’re not going to find any.

Rating ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
Spice - YA book

This is definitely a what did I just read book. But it is well done.

A group of kids go on their senior trip but end up stuck in a time loop. Beginning their version of Ground Hog day. It is told from multiple point of view. I think it should a perspective of teen nature and how they thought and interacted. It was different to be able to replay the day and modify what they didn’t like.

It’s interesting to see personalities change where their is no consequence to their actions. Some tried to solve the problem others saw a chance to live above the law.

#entangledpublishing #entangledteen #repeatafterme #jessicawarman #readersofinstagram #romancebooks #booksta #bookworm #reader #booklover #lovetoread #teenread

This book is crazy! Like, completely off the wall characters in a bats___ situation that only barely makes sense, yet the novel is impossible to put down. Satire can be challenging to read at times because you do not necessarily have the ability to root for the characters, but I found this plot a train wreck I couldn't look away from. And I mean that in the best of ways. I just wanted to keep reading until the end to see what happens to Emma, Bradd, Max, and all the rest of the students. I was entertained the entire time. (3.5 stars)

This book is a wild ride featuring a snarky protagonist, Emma, who ends up in a bizarre time loop during a senior trip to a tropical island. Despite a promising premise, the execution leaves mixed feelings.

Emma’s mission to lose her virginity takes an unexpected turn when she consumes cursed ceviche, trapping her in a time loop where she endlessly relives a disastrous Friday. The book aims for humor but is heavily reliant on crude and vulgar content, which often left me saying WTF?! as opposed to laughing. This may appeal more towards a younger audience.

The relationship between Emma and Louis is a highlight, showing genuine growth. However, the other characters are mostly unlikable and their development is overshadowed by the book’s focus on Brad and his shock value.

Overall, the book is really original and entertaining with its many WTF moments but this will definitely not suit everyone’s tastes. If you enjoy absurd humor, then this book could be worth a read.

🐙🕛🌀

Omfg this book was unhinged. lol It was nothing like I’ve ever read before. It was truly unique.

I was laughing out loud at times. Gasping. Hand to mouth horrified even all in the best ways!

I just absolutely loved the uniqueness of it.

I may never eat ceviche…because I don’t think I could handle a Groundhog Day effect Altho I wouldn’t mind breaking one of the three rules once in a while for shots and giggles.

If you like…

🌀 Time loops
🤬 Strong language perfect timed
👨‍🏫 Whom doesn’t give AF about his students
🩶 Very comically morally gray characters to borderline black
🖤 Dark humor
🐙 Ceviche

This book is sooooo for you!

Pick it up September 3rd, 2024! You will NOT be disappointed!

Thank you so much for this incredible opportunity and my first ever PR box. It’s been a dream! 🖤

Thank you to Entangled Teen for my review copy, my opinions are my own.

I've not read a ton of time loop stories, but this one was eye-opening, because human greed is an incredibly ugly motivator. The characters are a small part of the senior class on an exclusive island with a rich billionaire and these kids are morally bankrupt. It was like a train wreck that you couldn't take your eyes off of because you weren't sure what would come next.

I still think about this book because of how unhinged it was in parts. Immortal octopus, stuck in a time loop, how ridiculous people can get with unlimited time, and how bored these rich kids could be.

Recommend, but be cautious, there's warning page at the beginning of the book - pay attention to this.

Everything about this book was just too much for me. I didn't get more than 35-40ish percent of the way through.

I didn't like any of the characters. They're self-absorbed rich kids who are quite frankly obnoxious. Where is this book going? What is the point?

It's not something I would consider YA. Like maybe a very mature 17-year-old. Maybe. It's crass and vulgar and gross. A better fit would be new adult. I'm fairly open about reading material, but it's definitely not the type of book I would hand to anyone under 18.

This is the type of book that is going to appeal to a certain audience and that audience only.

I don’t even know what to say this book was something else. You never know what’s going on. The characters are all really fun and you transport back to your high school days. It’s not a regular school trip these students go on but it is so much more. All the characters have little quirks and we get character growth from a few of them. I don’t want to give too much of the plot away but this story is so entertaining. The story does jump around a lot but don’t let that deter you from reading it.

Thank you Brittany from Entangled for the arc!! I enjoyed the story so much!!

This is a solid 3 star for me. I don't hate it, but I don’t love it either. It was a good read for an evening, and it will look nice on my shelf.

I think the author did a good job making characters we aren't supposed to like and had a good message towards the end. However, I don't like that the end is so...open ended? I don't really know what she was going for there.

Language: R (28+ swears, 5+ "f" + British swears); Mature Content: R; Violence: PG+
This book is very crass, and I stopped because it is inappropriate for my blog audience.
The mature content rating is for underage drinking; drug use; kissing; innuendo; nudity; and mentions of illegal activity, genitalia, sex toys, human trafficking, pornography, and masturbation. The violence rating is for mentions of murder.