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#lovehim #4
Not Gonna Lie
Everyone has their secrets.
Last year Digi walked out on Webcon, on his fans, and on Gram.
Now he’s back determined to give what they had a real shot, but Gram is more prickly than ever, not willing to risk his heart again.
Despite trying to stay out of the spotlight, the anonymous Public Service Announcements draw Digi back in. As the secrets of the internet’s top celebrities are leaked to the world, it’s only a matter of time before Digi and Gram are next.
To get through it, they have to set their rivalry aside.
Will Digi handle the pressure of the bright lights long enough to find who is tearing their world apart? Or will the threat of full exposure be too much for him to handle?
LGBTQ Enemies to Lovers Romance.
Last year Digi walked out on Webcon, on his fans, and on Gram.
Now he’s back determined to give what they had a real shot, but Gram is more prickly than ever, not willing to risk his heart again.
Despite trying to stay out of the spotlight, the anonymous Public Service Announcements draw Digi back in. As the secrets of the internet’s top celebrities are leaked to the world, it’s only a matter of time before Digi and Gram are next.
To get through it, they have to set their rivalry aside.
Will Digi handle the pressure of the bright lights long enough to find who is tearing their world apart? Or will the threat of full exposure be too much for him to handle?
LGBTQ Enemies to Lovers Romance.
391 pages, Kindle Edition
First published May 16, 2019
13 people are currently reading
156 people want to read
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Displaying 1 - 19 of 19 reviews
May 15, 2019
Oh, I really enjoyed this. I loved Digi and Gram in their prequel novella, To Be Continued, and with the way they left things, I was honestly worried that this novel was going to be uber hatey.
Thankfully, that's not what I got. What I got instead was Gram trying to stick to his guns of attempting to get over Digi, and Digi being honest and adorable and endearing to the point where he shoots past all of Gram's defences.
Gram and Digi were two fully-fleshed out characters with real fears and desires, and their journey to their happily-ever-after isn't an easy one throughout the book: fame, an eating disorder, anxiety, and spilled secrets threaten to get between them. But at the end of the day, they're there for each other, which includes making hard decisions the other might not like. I loved how Gram made the toughest decision of all at Digi's low point; he really came through for Digi even though he knew it might cost him their relationship. I can't fault S.M. James's character development; both Gram and Digi changed and became better people through the course of the book, for themselves and for each other.
I adored Gram and Digi together; they were simply adorable in their own messed up, teenage ways and their chemistry jumped off the page. I look forward to them possibly having cameos in future books!
Thankfully, that's not what I got. What I got instead was Gram trying to stick to his guns of attempting to get over Digi, and Digi being honest and adorable and endearing to the point where he shoots past all of Gram's defences.
Gram and Digi were two fully-fleshed out characters with real fears and desires, and their journey to their happily-ever-after isn't an easy one throughout the book: fame, an eating disorder, anxiety, and spilled secrets threaten to get between them. But at the end of the day, they're there for each other, which includes making hard decisions the other might not like. I loved how Gram made the toughest decision of all at Digi's low point; he really came through for Digi even though he knew it might cost him their relationship. I can't fault S.M. James's character development; both Gram and Digi changed and became better people through the course of the book, for themselves and for each other.
I adored Gram and Digi together; they were simply adorable in their own messed up, teenage ways and their chemistry jumped off the page. I look forward to them possibly having cameos in future books!
May 18, 2019
Review in English and Polish || Recenzja po angielsku i polsku
By giving up vlogging, Digi stirred a lot of controversy and became the main topic of many conversations. After a year, he becomes the center of attention once again, when without his knowledge his mother posts on her blog a photo of him and his boyfriend sleeping together, which causes a whole lot of problems. To get away from them, even if just for a while, Digi decides to go to Webcon with his mum, and again he becomes the most popular gossiping topic.
At the same time, Gram Saito still licks his wounds after Digi quit the world of vlogging, and tires to get used to the changes in his career after getting involved in "All Hearts" project. When it turns out that his former vlog rival and crush decides to renew their friendship, Gram's world turns upside down. The feelings that he wanted to get rid of revive with even greater strength, and if the love dramas were not enough, Webcon guests become victims of hacker attacks that reveal their secrets to the world.
I think that the biggest advantage of "Not Gonna Lie" is the fact that the novel puts a lot of emphasis on the topic of honesty. I admit that on the one hand it refers to the subject of blogging/vlogging, but it's not that aspect of it that seems to be the most crucial, as in this case honesty is a rather relative term and looks more like an ethical problem. Applying the subject of honesty to each individual person is much more important, as that is how it takes the form of problems such as being oneself, being true to one's beliefs and longings. It is equally important that we can see the importance of this kind of honesty on the example of two main characters – Digi, who quit vlogging in order to be himself and slowly manages to achieve his goal, and Gram, who has too much on his plate, so he loses his way, starts to lie to himself, and has to find his way in life once again. Thus, "Not Gonna Lie" shows the readers that no matter who they are, only by being honest with themselves they can find joy and satisfaction in life, and this is undoubtedly an essential message of this book.
Not less important is the fact that this novel belongs to a group that I would call "on the other side of the mirror", because it shows us the life of bloggers and vloggers from this other side, which is often quite different than it might seem. In this way, on the one hand, "Not Gonna Lie" advises readers to be careful when trusting someone and be reasonable, because there is no doubt that in some cases what our idols show us and what they want us to believe in is far from true, and has nothing to do with their lives or convictions. On the other hand, the book points out that the blogger/vlogger's life is not always easy, because they also have to deal with their own problems, hacker attacks, competition, popularity, fans who are not always forgiving. However, we can't forget that "on the other side of the mirror" there's also room for friendship, love and joy.
I think it is also worth noting that into this really exciting story presented in "Not Gonna Lie", S.M. James weaves the theme of a dangerous side of "live for likes" culture. First of all, it's a vicious circle of a constant need to be on top, to win over fans' love, to follow popular trends, because of which one can lose oneself, their autonomy and uniqueness. Another problem associated with this culture is hate on the Internet, which undoubtedly has a lot to do with a lack of empathy, as well as with some mental limitation, because how else can you describe a lack of awareness that words hurt and destroy more often than the physically inflicted wounds? And finally, the novel also raises the problem of putting idols on a pedestal, which makes us forget that we are dealing with people who are just like us, who have their limitations, problems, who are not invincible. All this undoubtedly gives us food for thought and makes the novel all the more valuable.
Finally, I would like to refer to the romantic theme, which in "Not Gonna Lie" is presented in a really delightful, but moving way. On the one hand, we have here a struggle with romantic feelings, an attempt to get rid of them, ignore them, and on the other, there is a fierce battle for the same feelings. S.M. James shows us that this love or affection is full of ups and downs. What's more, because of these feelings, our characters fight not only with themselves, but also with the outside world. Thus, the way in which Digi and Gram's crush is presented resembles a tango which is full of energy and has fast pace. Thanks to all this the reader fully engages in the romantic side of this novel and observes the love roller coaster with great interest.
In conclusion, "Not Gonna Lie" is a really great continuation of "To Be Continued", as well as a wonderful novel itself. We can find here a mystery, a drama, some love dilemmas, serious topics, funny situations, and many different emotions. It's one of the books you can't put away before you finish reading it, so I highly recommend it. This novel is really worth your time!
___________________________________
Rezygnując z życia vlogera, Digi wzbudził wiele kontrowersji i stał się głównym tematem rozmów. Po roku znowu wraca na języki, kiedy to jego matka zamieszcza w sieci zrobione z ukrycia zdjęcie, na którym Digi śpi ze swoim chłopakiem, co pociąga za sobą lawinę problemów. Aby choć na chwilę od nich uciec, Digi postanawia jechać z matką na Webcon, przez co kolejny raz staje się jednym z najgorętszych tematów plotek.
W tym czasie Gram Saito nadal liże rany po odejściu Digiego ze świata vlogowania, jak również stara się przyzwyczaić do zmian, jakie nastąpiły w jego karierze po zaangażowaniu się w projekt „All Hearts”. Kiedy okazuje się, że jego były vlogowy rywal i sympatia postanawia odnowić ich przyjaźń, świat Grama staje na głowie. Uczucia, których chciał się pozbyć odżywają z jeszcze większą siłą, a jakby miłosne dramaty nie wystarczały, goście Webconu stają się ofiarami ataków hakerów, którzy ujawniają światu ich tajemnice.
Za największą zaletę „Not Gonna Lie” uważam bezsprzecznie fakt, iż powieść kładzie duży nacisk na szczerość. Przyznaję, z jednej strony znajduje ona swoje odniesienie w temacie blogowania/vlogowania, jednak nie ten jej aspekt wydaje mi się najistotniejszy, albowiem w tym wypadku szczerość jest pojęciem względnym i wydaje się być problemem etycznym. O wiele ważniejsze jest odniesienie tematu szczerości do każdego człowieka indywidualnie, dzięki czemu przybiera ona postać problemów, takich jak bycie sobą, życie w zgodzie ze swoimi przekonaniami, pragnieniami. Co równie ważne, znaczenie tego rodzaju szczerości widzimy najlepiej na przykładzie dwójki głównych bohaterów, a więc Digiego, który porzucił vlogowanie aby być sobą, co powoli udaje mu się osiągnąć, oraz Grama, który biorąc na swoje barki zbyt wiele zaczyna się gubić, okłamywać i który dopiero musi na nowo odnaleźć swoją drogę. Tym samym, „Not Gonna Lie” pokazuje czytelnikom, że bez względu na to jacy są, dopiero będąc szczerymi względem samych siebie mogą odnaleźć radość i satysfakcję w życiu, a to niewątpliwie bardzo ważne przesłanie.
Równie istotne jest także to, że powieść ta należy do grupy, którą nazwałabym „po drugiej stronie lustra”, z racji tego, że ukazuje nam życie blogerów i vlogerów od tej drugiej strony, nierzadko zupełnie innej, niż mogłoby się wydawać. W ten też sposób, „Not Gonna Lie” z jednej strony zaleca czytelnikom ostrożność w obdarzaniu ludzi zaufaniem oraz rozsądek, bowiem nie ulega wątpliwości, że w niektórych przypadkach to, co pokazują nam nasi idole i w co chcą byśmy wierzyli, mija się z prawdą o nich, ich życiu, przekonaniach. Z drugiej zaś strony, książka pokazuje, że życie blogera/vlogera wcale nie musi być usłane różami, ponieważ oni również muszą zmagać się ze swoimi własnymi problemami, atakami hakerów, współzawodnictwem, dbaniem o własną popularność, troską o fanów, którzy nie zawsze należą do wyrozumiałych. Nie możemy jednak zapomnieć o tym, że „po drugiej stronie lustra” znajdzie się też miejsce na przyjaźń, miłość i radość.
Myślę, że warto również wspomnieć o tym, że w przedstawioną w „Not Gonna Lie” naprawdę emocjonującą fabułę S.M. James wplata również temat niebezpieczeństw jakie niesie za sobą kultura „życia dla polubień”. Po pierwsze, jest to błędne koło bezustannej potrzeby bycia na topie, zjednywania sobie sympatii fanów, podążania za trendami, co grozi zatraceniem siebie, swojej autonomii i wyjątkowości. Kolejnym wiążącym się z tym problemem jest hejt, który bezsprzecznie ma wiele wspólnego z brakiem empatii, jak również z pewnym ograniczeniem umysłowym, bo jak inaczej nazwać brak świadomości tego, że słowa ranią i niszczą nierzadko dotkliwiej niż fizycznie zadane rany? I w końcu, w powieści pojawia się również problem stawiania idoli na piedestale, przez co zapominamy, że mamy do czynienia z ludźmi takimi jak my, którzy mają swoje ograniczenia, problemy, którzy nie są niezniszczalni. Wszystko to niewątpliwie daje nam do myślenia i czyni powieść tym bardziej wartościową.
Na koniec chciałabym odnieść się jeszcze do wątku romantycznego, który został w „Not Gonna Lie” przedstawiony w naprawdę rozkoszny, ale i wzruszający sposób. Z jednej strony mamy tu bowiem walkę z uczuciami, próbę ich uciszenia, zignorowania, z drugiej zaś pojawia się zaciekła walka o te same uczucia. S.M. James pokazuje nam jak pełna wzlotów i upadków jest miłość, czy chociażby sympatia o zabarwieniu romantycznym. Co więcej, w odniesieniu do tych właśnie uczuć nasi bohaterowie muszą zmagać się nie tylko z samymi sobą, ale także ze światem zewnętrznym. Tym samym, sposób w jaki przedstawiona została ta młodzieńcza miłość Digiego i Grama przypomina pełne energii i szybkiego tempa tango. Czytelnik w pełni angażuje się dzięki temu w ten wątek powieści i z zainteresowaniem obserwuje cały ten miłosny rollercoaster.
Podsumowując, „Not Gonna Lie” to naprawdę świetna kontynuacja „To Be Continued”, jak również cudowna powieść sama w sobie. Znajdziemy tu sekrety, dramaty, miłosne rozterki, poważne tematy, zabawne sytuacje, jak również wiele skrajnych emocji. Od tej książki naprawdę nie sposób się oderwać, dlatego polecam Wam ją gorąco. Warto po nią sięgnąć!
By giving up vlogging, Digi stirred a lot of controversy and became the main topic of many conversations. After a year, he becomes the center of attention once again, when without his knowledge his mother posts on her blog a photo of him and his boyfriend sleeping together, which causes a whole lot of problems. To get away from them, even if just for a while, Digi decides to go to Webcon with his mum, and again he becomes the most popular gossiping topic.
At the same time, Gram Saito still licks his wounds after Digi quit the world of vlogging, and tires to get used to the changes in his career after getting involved in "All Hearts" project. When it turns out that his former vlog rival and crush decides to renew their friendship, Gram's world turns upside down. The feelings that he wanted to get rid of revive with even greater strength, and if the love dramas were not enough, Webcon guests become victims of hacker attacks that reveal their secrets to the world.
I think that the biggest advantage of "Not Gonna Lie" is the fact that the novel puts a lot of emphasis on the topic of honesty. I admit that on the one hand it refers to the subject of blogging/vlogging, but it's not that aspect of it that seems to be the most crucial, as in this case honesty is a rather relative term and looks more like an ethical problem. Applying the subject of honesty to each individual person is much more important, as that is how it takes the form of problems such as being oneself, being true to one's beliefs and longings. It is equally important that we can see the importance of this kind of honesty on the example of two main characters – Digi, who quit vlogging in order to be himself and slowly manages to achieve his goal, and Gram, who has too much on his plate, so he loses his way, starts to lie to himself, and has to find his way in life once again. Thus, "Not Gonna Lie" shows the readers that no matter who they are, only by being honest with themselves they can find joy and satisfaction in life, and this is undoubtedly an essential message of this book.
Not less important is the fact that this novel belongs to a group that I would call "on the other side of the mirror", because it shows us the life of bloggers and vloggers from this other side, which is often quite different than it might seem. In this way, on the one hand, "Not Gonna Lie" advises readers to be careful when trusting someone and be reasonable, because there is no doubt that in some cases what our idols show us and what they want us to believe in is far from true, and has nothing to do with their lives or convictions. On the other hand, the book points out that the blogger/vlogger's life is not always easy, because they also have to deal with their own problems, hacker attacks, competition, popularity, fans who are not always forgiving. However, we can't forget that "on the other side of the mirror" there's also room for friendship, love and joy.
I think it is also worth noting that into this really exciting story presented in "Not Gonna Lie", S.M. James weaves the theme of a dangerous side of "live for likes" culture. First of all, it's a vicious circle of a constant need to be on top, to win over fans' love, to follow popular trends, because of which one can lose oneself, their autonomy and uniqueness. Another problem associated with this culture is hate on the Internet, which undoubtedly has a lot to do with a lack of empathy, as well as with some mental limitation, because how else can you describe a lack of awareness that words hurt and destroy more often than the physically inflicted wounds? And finally, the novel also raises the problem of putting idols on a pedestal, which makes us forget that we are dealing with people who are just like us, who have their limitations, problems, who are not invincible. All this undoubtedly gives us food for thought and makes the novel all the more valuable.
Finally, I would like to refer to the romantic theme, which in "Not Gonna Lie" is presented in a really delightful, but moving way. On the one hand, we have here a struggle with romantic feelings, an attempt to get rid of them, ignore them, and on the other, there is a fierce battle for the same feelings. S.M. James shows us that this love or affection is full of ups and downs. What's more, because of these feelings, our characters fight not only with themselves, but also with the outside world. Thus, the way in which Digi and Gram's crush is presented resembles a tango which is full of energy and has fast pace. Thanks to all this the reader fully engages in the romantic side of this novel and observes the love roller coaster with great interest.
In conclusion, "Not Gonna Lie" is a really great continuation of "To Be Continued", as well as a wonderful novel itself. We can find here a mystery, a drama, some love dilemmas, serious topics, funny situations, and many different emotions. It's one of the books you can't put away before you finish reading it, so I highly recommend it. This novel is really worth your time!
___________________________________
Rezygnując z życia vlogera, Digi wzbudził wiele kontrowersji i stał się głównym tematem rozmów. Po roku znowu wraca na języki, kiedy to jego matka zamieszcza w sieci zrobione z ukrycia zdjęcie, na którym Digi śpi ze swoim chłopakiem, co pociąga za sobą lawinę problemów. Aby choć na chwilę od nich uciec, Digi postanawia jechać z matką na Webcon, przez co kolejny raz staje się jednym z najgorętszych tematów plotek.
W tym czasie Gram Saito nadal liże rany po odejściu Digiego ze świata vlogowania, jak również stara się przyzwyczaić do zmian, jakie nastąpiły w jego karierze po zaangażowaniu się w projekt „All Hearts”. Kiedy okazuje się, że jego były vlogowy rywal i sympatia postanawia odnowić ich przyjaźń, świat Grama staje na głowie. Uczucia, których chciał się pozbyć odżywają z jeszcze większą siłą, a jakby miłosne dramaty nie wystarczały, goście Webconu stają się ofiarami ataków hakerów, którzy ujawniają światu ich tajemnice.
Za największą zaletę „Not Gonna Lie” uważam bezsprzecznie fakt, iż powieść kładzie duży nacisk na szczerość. Przyznaję, z jednej strony znajduje ona swoje odniesienie w temacie blogowania/vlogowania, jednak nie ten jej aspekt wydaje mi się najistotniejszy, albowiem w tym wypadku szczerość jest pojęciem względnym i wydaje się być problemem etycznym. O wiele ważniejsze jest odniesienie tematu szczerości do każdego człowieka indywidualnie, dzięki czemu przybiera ona postać problemów, takich jak bycie sobą, życie w zgodzie ze swoimi przekonaniami, pragnieniami. Co równie ważne, znaczenie tego rodzaju szczerości widzimy najlepiej na przykładzie dwójki głównych bohaterów, a więc Digiego, który porzucił vlogowanie aby być sobą, co powoli udaje mu się osiągnąć, oraz Grama, który biorąc na swoje barki zbyt wiele zaczyna się gubić, okłamywać i który dopiero musi na nowo odnaleźć swoją drogę. Tym samym, „Not Gonna Lie” pokazuje czytelnikom, że bez względu na to jacy są, dopiero będąc szczerymi względem samych siebie mogą odnaleźć radość i satysfakcję w życiu, a to niewątpliwie bardzo ważne przesłanie.
Równie istotne jest także to, że powieść ta należy do grupy, którą nazwałabym „po drugiej stronie lustra”, z racji tego, że ukazuje nam życie blogerów i vlogerów od tej drugiej strony, nierzadko zupełnie innej, niż mogłoby się wydawać. W ten też sposób, „Not Gonna Lie” z jednej strony zaleca czytelnikom ostrożność w obdarzaniu ludzi zaufaniem oraz rozsądek, bowiem nie ulega wątpliwości, że w niektórych przypadkach to, co pokazują nam nasi idole i w co chcą byśmy wierzyli, mija się z prawdą o nich, ich życiu, przekonaniach. Z drugiej zaś strony, książka pokazuje, że życie blogera/vlogera wcale nie musi być usłane różami, ponieważ oni również muszą zmagać się ze swoimi własnymi problemami, atakami hakerów, współzawodnictwem, dbaniem o własną popularność, troską o fanów, którzy nie zawsze należą do wyrozumiałych. Nie możemy jednak zapomnieć o tym, że „po drugiej stronie lustra” znajdzie się też miejsce na przyjaźń, miłość i radość.
Myślę, że warto również wspomnieć o tym, że w przedstawioną w „Not Gonna Lie” naprawdę emocjonującą fabułę S.M. James wplata również temat niebezpieczeństw jakie niesie za sobą kultura „życia dla polubień”. Po pierwsze, jest to błędne koło bezustannej potrzeby bycia na topie, zjednywania sobie sympatii fanów, podążania za trendami, co grozi zatraceniem siebie, swojej autonomii i wyjątkowości. Kolejnym wiążącym się z tym problemem jest hejt, który bezsprzecznie ma wiele wspólnego z brakiem empatii, jak również z pewnym ograniczeniem umysłowym, bo jak inaczej nazwać brak świadomości tego, że słowa ranią i niszczą nierzadko dotkliwiej niż fizycznie zadane rany? I w końcu, w powieści pojawia się również problem stawiania idoli na piedestale, przez co zapominamy, że mamy do czynienia z ludźmi takimi jak my, którzy mają swoje ograniczenia, problemy, którzy nie są niezniszczalni. Wszystko to niewątpliwie daje nam do myślenia i czyni powieść tym bardziej wartościową.
Na koniec chciałabym odnieść się jeszcze do wątku romantycznego, który został w „Not Gonna Lie” przedstawiony w naprawdę rozkoszny, ale i wzruszający sposób. Z jednej strony mamy tu bowiem walkę z uczuciami, próbę ich uciszenia, zignorowania, z drugiej zaś pojawia się zaciekła walka o te same uczucia. S.M. James pokazuje nam jak pełna wzlotów i upadków jest miłość, czy chociażby sympatia o zabarwieniu romantycznym. Co więcej, w odniesieniu do tych właśnie uczuć nasi bohaterowie muszą zmagać się nie tylko z samymi sobą, ale także ze światem zewnętrznym. Tym samym, sposób w jaki przedstawiona została ta młodzieńcza miłość Digiego i Grama przypomina pełne energii i szybkiego tempa tango. Czytelnik w pełni angażuje się dzięki temu w ten wątek powieści i z zainteresowaniem obserwuje cały ten miłosny rollercoaster.
Podsumowując, „Not Gonna Lie” to naprawdę świetna kontynuacja „To Be Continued”, jak również cudowna powieść sama w sobie. Znajdziemy tu sekrety, dramaty, miłosne rozterki, poważne tematy, zabawne sytuacje, jak również wiele skrajnych emocji. Od tej książki naprawdę nie sposób się oderwać, dlatego polecam Wam ją gorąco. Warto po nią sięgnąć!
June 1, 2019
I have read all this authors books so far I enjoy the characters and the story has enough detail that you never feel you don't have the full story I'm now waiting to get my hands on the next book I can't wait to see what J.M James has to write next ! I was given this book free for my honest opinion and review free from the author 💞👊👍📖🎉🙆
March 13, 2020
I enjoyed the book, but it was just... so much. I thought the concept of rival vloggers who inherited their rivalry from their moms who had rival blogs, but I felt it got real out of hand with the whole hacker/PSA storyline. I think there could have been enough tension and conflict between these characters on their own without the hacking stuff, especially once the hacker is caught and goes into a full cliche villain monologue that had me rolling my eyes. I think if the story was focused on these two guys who had been brought up to despise each other by their mothers, who have seen so much terrible shit in this industry, who had done terrible things to each other because of it, but also are the only two who truly understand each other because of the similar situations, and being able to find comfort and solace in that and grow and realize what this industry has done to them, I think that could have been a really special story. But all the complications really detracted from what could have been something nice.
I was excited for an enemies to lovers story for a change of pace in this series, but it never really felt much like they were truly enemies at the start, just former friends with some tension between them. There was so much talk about how Digi really wanted to see Gram and how Gram has always been in love with Digi that I never once believed they were truly enemies. Sure, their actions at the start and especially in the prequel short story were very rough and hard to read, but once you get into the book proper, they're easily forgotten. That said, I did find it a bit weird and... tasteless I suppose that Gram would blast Digi in such a way after the photo of him and Jack leaked. I was screaming at Digi to at least just text him he didn't consent for that photo to be posted, but that never came. And Gram never truly apologized for that, even after finding out Digi had been outed without his permission. It seemed like a real oversight to me. Also, what was up with Gram randomly being involved with lab testings, and that only being brought up at the very end? It was weird when it really wasn't brought up before.
Regarding the moms, I almost wish there was a bit more focus on them, especially since it seemed clear to me that even though Gram's relationship with his mom was a bit better, he still had his own issues from being raised by her. Another missed opportunity for Digi and Gram to bond over how their mothers messed them up. And with Digi's mom, I rolled my eyes at the reveal at the end that she was really donating to charities and truly supported her son this whole time. That sounds a bit heartless, but it felt like a copout from having a character actually be flawed and a bad parent. As if it could possibly makeup for the years of her snide comments about her son's appearance and accomplishments, and the constant invasion of his privacy. All that said, again, I almost wanted the two moms to have some kind of reconciliation between them, like this feud has been going on for years, your sons are dating, you're both two grown women, it's just the internet, like get OVER it already, you know? lol
Another little thing: I know SM James has created their own little #lovehim literary universe here, but I'm kind of over the constant cameos from past characters. Yeah it's nice to get updates on them, but with both Yarran/Archie AND Brooks/Darien appearing in this one, it's started to feel like a crutch of sort, like these characters and their story isn't strong enough to stand on their own, so they have to bring back other characters to make it look stronger. I'm just kind of tired of them getting so much focus.
Anyway, I was excited for some real grit and conflict in one of these stories for once, but I ended up being slightly disappointed, though I did have fun and enjoy reading the story along the way. I liked Sasha a lot, and enjoyed Digi and Gram despite the problems I had with their characters at time. One thing I've noticed with SM James' stories now is that all the characters start to feel same-y once they get together. Their personalities start to blend into this same coy, flirtatious personality that makes it hard to differentiate between them all. Ultimately, it's an enjoyable read, but I felt like it took a good idea and made it just a bit too convoluted for the sake of drama.
I was excited for an enemies to lovers story for a change of pace in this series, but it never really felt much like they were truly enemies at the start, just former friends with some tension between them. There was so much talk about how Digi really wanted to see Gram and how Gram has always been in love with Digi that I never once believed they were truly enemies. Sure, their actions at the start and especially in the prequel short story were very rough and hard to read, but once you get into the book proper, they're easily forgotten. That said, I did find it a bit weird and... tasteless I suppose that Gram would blast Digi in such a way after the photo of him and Jack leaked. I was screaming at Digi to at least just text him he didn't consent for that photo to be posted, but that never came. And Gram never truly apologized for that, even after finding out Digi had been outed without his permission. It seemed like a real oversight to me. Also, what was up with Gram randomly being involved with lab testings, and that only being brought up at the very end? It was weird when it really wasn't brought up before.
Regarding the moms, I almost wish there was a bit more focus on them, especially since it seemed clear to me that even though Gram's relationship with his mom was a bit better, he still had his own issues from being raised by her. Another missed opportunity for Digi and Gram to bond over how their mothers messed them up. And with Digi's mom, I rolled my eyes at the reveal at the end that she was really donating to charities and truly supported her son this whole time. That sounds a bit heartless, but it felt like a copout from having a character actually be flawed and a bad parent. As if it could possibly makeup for the years of her snide comments about her son's appearance and accomplishments, and the constant invasion of his privacy. All that said, again, I almost wanted the two moms to have some kind of reconciliation between them, like this feud has been going on for years, your sons are dating, you're both two grown women, it's just the internet, like get OVER it already, you know? lol
Another little thing: I know SM James has created their own little #lovehim literary universe here, but I'm kind of over the constant cameos from past characters. Yeah it's nice to get updates on them, but with both Yarran/Archie AND Brooks/Darien appearing in this one, it's started to feel like a crutch of sort, like these characters and their story isn't strong enough to stand on their own, so they have to bring back other characters to make it look stronger. I'm just kind of tired of them getting so much focus.
Anyway, I was excited for some real grit and conflict in one of these stories for once, but I ended up being slightly disappointed, though I did have fun and enjoy reading the story along the way. I liked Sasha a lot, and enjoyed Digi and Gram despite the problems I had with their characters at time. One thing I've noticed with SM James' stories now is that all the characters start to feel same-y once they get together. Their personalities start to blend into this same coy, flirtatious personality that makes it hard to differentiate between them all. Ultimately, it's an enjoyable read, but I felt like it took a good idea and made it just a bit too convoluted for the sake of drama.
June 16, 2020
4 stars
So, first off, this wasn't my favorite book in the series. Which has more to do with me not liking social media and all that it entails and less to do with the story or characters. After having read the prequel novella, I was also fully prepared to having conflicting feelings about Gram for most of the book.
Color me surprised when in just a few short chapters Gram had me totally won over. Once we got his POV, his behavior made so much more sense. His pining for Digi was so cute! And I really liked that he was so sure of his feelings. After knowing how he really felt, I could enjoy his snarky persona much more.
And Digi, oh man, he was still so sweet but his timidity and unwillingness to hurt other people, even if they were mean to him, drove me up the walls! His mum often said such casually hurtful things to him, I wanted to shake her. And the kids at his school were just dumb. They had the kind of stupid herd mentality that I hate. I wasn't surprised when I found out that it was Tylers old school (from "To Be Honest").
The main subject of the book was social media. If you're a fan, you will probably like the plot. Or maybe not. Because the author did a good job of showing both the good and the bad side of things. I think, nowadays we all know that being famous isn't all it's cracked up to be. Being emotionally dependent on the adoration of strangers while at the same time being constantly criticized will mess with your head.
Being famous is literally the last thing I'd ever want to be, so I could completely relate to Digi. He has to deal with hate mail, wrong accusations, getting outed, abandonment issues, loneliness, low self-esteem, body image issues and his conflicting feelings for Gram. The way he's coping with the constant stress is sadly no exception.
Gram, on the other hand, has a totally different personality and also a better support system. I got the impression that his mum is ambitious but a lot more nurturing and affectionate than Digi's mum. And his bodyguard is also a close friend. I loved to see Gram taking care of Digi, accepting him the way he was and even risking their relationship by doing the right thing and getting Digi the help he needed.
What I love about this author is how well the feelings and thoughts of the characters are described. The emotional part of the book was well thought-out and interesting, especially Digi's journey. I can't think of very many romantic moments, because for most of the book Gram is holding back his feelings, sure that they won't be reciprocated, and Digi is trying to figure out what his feelings for Gram actually are. What I clearly remember is the scene in the art gallery, though - that was really beautiful!
Thus said, I didn't much care for the actual plot. I suspected several people to be the culprit in the course of the story but couldn't commit to one. The solution was almost too simple but made sense. What didn't make sense was the way Digi, Gram and their group of friends were trying to catch them. But if a book is well-written I'm totally capable of overlooking some small inconsistencies or slightly stupid behavior. And it upped the stakes at the end and made for a gripping finale.
While it wasn't my favorite in the series I still enjoyed the book. More than I thought I would, to be honest. I wouldn't have wanted to miss these characters and their messy, heartbreaking but ultimately healing and beautiful journey!
So, first off, this wasn't my favorite book in the series. Which has more to do with me not liking social media and all that it entails and less to do with the story or characters. After having read the prequel novella, I was also fully prepared to having conflicting feelings about Gram for most of the book.
Color me surprised when in just a few short chapters Gram had me totally won over. Once we got his POV, his behavior made so much more sense. His pining for Digi was so cute! And I really liked that he was so sure of his feelings. After knowing how he really felt, I could enjoy his snarky persona much more.
And Digi, oh man, he was still so sweet but his timidity and unwillingness to hurt other people, even if they were mean to him, drove me up the walls! His mum often said such casually hurtful things to him, I wanted to shake her. And the kids at his school were just dumb. They had the kind of stupid herd mentality that I hate. I wasn't surprised when I found out that it was Tylers old school (from "To Be Honest").
The main subject of the book was social media. If you're a fan, you will probably like the plot. Or maybe not. Because the author did a good job of showing both the good and the bad side of things. I think, nowadays we all know that being famous isn't all it's cracked up to be. Being emotionally dependent on the adoration of strangers while at the same time being constantly criticized will mess with your head.
Being famous is literally the last thing I'd ever want to be, so I could completely relate to Digi. He has to deal with hate mail, wrong accusations, getting outed, abandonment issues, loneliness, low self-esteem, body image issues and his conflicting feelings for Gram. The way he's coping with the constant stress is sadly no exception.
Gram, on the other hand, has a totally different personality and also a better support system. I got the impression that his mum is ambitious but a lot more nurturing and affectionate than Digi's mum. And his bodyguard is also a close friend. I loved to see Gram taking care of Digi, accepting him the way he was and even risking their relationship by doing the right thing and getting Digi the help he needed.
What I love about this author is how well the feelings and thoughts of the characters are described. The emotional part of the book was well thought-out and interesting, especially Digi's journey. I can't think of very many romantic moments, because for most of the book Gram is holding back his feelings, sure that they won't be reciprocated, and Digi is trying to figure out what his feelings for Gram actually are. What I clearly remember is the scene in the art gallery, though - that was really beautiful!
Thus said, I didn't much care for the actual plot. I suspected several people to be the culprit in the course of the story but couldn't commit to one. The solution was almost too simple but made sense. What didn't make sense was the way Digi, Gram and their group of friends were trying to catch them. But if a book is well-written I'm totally capable of overlooking some small inconsistencies or slightly stupid behavior. And it upped the stakes at the end and made for a gripping finale.
While it wasn't my favorite in the series I still enjoyed the book. More than I thought I would, to be honest. I wouldn't have wanted to miss these characters and their messy, heartbreaking but ultimately healing and beautiful journey!
May 26, 2019
Title: Not Gonna Lie
Author: S. M. James
Publisher: May Books
ISBN: B07PSMHV8Y
Buy Link: https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B07...
Reviewer: Teresa Fallen Angel
Blurb:
#Lovehim 4
Everyone has their secrets.
Last year Digi walked out on Webcon, on his fans, and on Gram.
Now he’s back determined to give what they had a real shot, but Gram is more prickly than ever, not willing to risk his heart again.
Despite trying to stay out of the spotlight, the anonymous Public Service Announcements draw Digi back in. As the secrets of the internet’s top celebrities are leaked to the world, it’s only a matter of time before Digi and Gram are next.
To get through it, they have to set their rivalry aside.
Will Digi handle the pressure of the bright lights long enough to find who is tearing their world apart? Or will the threat of full exposure be too much for him to handle?
Total Score: 5/5
Summary:
Digi had spent his life in the Webcon world until last year when he walked away never to return. Things were not easy, but Digi built a new life for himself until a picture of him and his new boyfriend was leaked on the web destroying what peace he had. When his boyfriend turned on him, Digi was forced to take a break form home returning to his old world at Webcon. Now Digi was reunited with his old friend/rival Gram, but things are not always what they seem leaving Digi to reconsider the past in a new light. Gram loves everything about his work and his vlog, but his feelings for Digi has been a well kept secret. Their past pranks towards each other may have gone to far, but everyone knows that dislike a love are opposite sides of the same feelings. Things ramp up as the Con begins that is until someone begins leaking secrets about the guests placing everyone on edge to see what will be revealed next. Digi and Gram are determined to find the culprit and protect their feelings for each other against all odds.
This was a wonderful story about young love, the challenges many young people face, overcoming the odds with health issues, and growing up in the social spotlight. Gram and Digi prove that making mistakes and learning form them is all part of growing up.
Author: S. M. James
Publisher: May Books
ISBN: B07PSMHV8Y
Buy Link: https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B07...
Reviewer: Teresa Fallen Angel
Blurb:
#Lovehim 4
Everyone has their secrets.
Last year Digi walked out on Webcon, on his fans, and on Gram.
Now he’s back determined to give what they had a real shot, but Gram is more prickly than ever, not willing to risk his heart again.
Despite trying to stay out of the spotlight, the anonymous Public Service Announcements draw Digi back in. As the secrets of the internet’s top celebrities are leaked to the world, it’s only a matter of time before Digi and Gram are next.
To get through it, they have to set their rivalry aside.
Will Digi handle the pressure of the bright lights long enough to find who is tearing their world apart? Or will the threat of full exposure be too much for him to handle?
Total Score: 5/5
Summary:
Digi had spent his life in the Webcon world until last year when he walked away never to return. Things were not easy, but Digi built a new life for himself until a picture of him and his new boyfriend was leaked on the web destroying what peace he had. When his boyfriend turned on him, Digi was forced to take a break form home returning to his old world at Webcon. Now Digi was reunited with his old friend/rival Gram, but things are not always what they seem leaving Digi to reconsider the past in a new light. Gram loves everything about his work and his vlog, but his feelings for Digi has been a well kept secret. Their past pranks towards each other may have gone to far, but everyone knows that dislike a love are opposite sides of the same feelings. Things ramp up as the Con begins that is until someone begins leaking secrets about the guests placing everyone on edge to see what will be revealed next. Digi and Gram are determined to find the culprit and protect their feelings for each other against all odds.
This was a wonderful story about young love, the challenges many young people face, overcoming the odds with health issues, and growing up in the social spotlight. Gram and Digi prove that making mistakes and learning form them is all part of growing up.
May 23, 2019
🌟🌟🌟🌟🌟 5 stars
🔥 Heat Level: PG-13 rating
Amazing, poignant, relevant and real! A fantastic second-chance YA love story!
This story pulled at my heart-strings and is so raw and wonderful I felt like I was falling in love for the first time, all over again. Definitely generates all the feels! It is also very truthful, realistic and even confronting about real-world issues teens face today, with themselves, body image and the dangers that can be linked with social media.
S.M.’s writing is so compelling and easy to read, it draws you into the world of Digi and Gram and challenges of being a teen and their experiences in today’s digital world. It’s been a while since I was a teen 😉 and while I had my issues I didn’t have to contend with social media. Digi and Gram are living in it. They are both such wonderful characters, each with their own story we get to discover. Now I would preface a warning as Digi’s story and struggles with Bulimia Nervosa are so raw, real, terrifying and honest that it could be confronting for some readers (it was for me) but S.M. takes such great care of Digi and his journey is all the more powerful because of it. Due to similar issues, I felt very connected to Digi and his journey just about broke my heart. When a writer can create characters so real, you can feel and connect with them, you know you’re onto talent and that’s what S.M. James is. This is the first couple of the #lovehim series I’ve read but it won’t be the last. Their characters and writing are the perfect combination of feelings, authenticity, and reality that is so relatable you can’t help but feel hope and the romance of young love!
I felt for Digi and Gram as they struggled through their feelings for each other, their families, their fans and the world of vlogging and Webcon. I laughed, cried, raged and sympathized with both characters and felt highly vindicated at the stories conclusion. I can’t articulate what this story meant to me and I am now a huge fan of S.M. James! Easily 5 stars and highly recommended read!!!!
Thanks for reading! For great stories, reviews and more please visit https://bookstattoosandtea.wordpress.com 📚
🔥 Heat Level: PG-13 rating
Amazing, poignant, relevant and real! A fantastic second-chance YA love story!
This story pulled at my heart-strings and is so raw and wonderful I felt like I was falling in love for the first time, all over again. Definitely generates all the feels! It is also very truthful, realistic and even confronting about real-world issues teens face today, with themselves, body image and the dangers that can be linked with social media.
S.M.’s writing is so compelling and easy to read, it draws you into the world of Digi and Gram and challenges of being a teen and their experiences in today’s digital world. It’s been a while since I was a teen 😉 and while I had my issues I didn’t have to contend with social media. Digi and Gram are living in it. They are both such wonderful characters, each with their own story we get to discover. Now I would preface a warning as Digi’s story and struggles with Bulimia Nervosa are so raw, real, terrifying and honest that it could be confronting for some readers (it was for me) but S.M. takes such great care of Digi and his journey is all the more powerful because of it. Due to similar issues, I felt very connected to Digi and his journey just about broke my heart. When a writer can create characters so real, you can feel and connect with them, you know you’re onto talent and that’s what S.M. James is. This is the first couple of the #lovehim series I’ve read but it won’t be the last. Their characters and writing are the perfect combination of feelings, authenticity, and reality that is so relatable you can’t help but feel hope and the romance of young love!
I felt for Digi and Gram as they struggled through their feelings for each other, their families, their fans and the world of vlogging and Webcon. I laughed, cried, raged and sympathized with both characters and felt highly vindicated at the stories conclusion. I can’t articulate what this story meant to me and I am now a huge fan of S.M. James! Easily 5 stars and highly recommended read!!!!
Thanks for reading! For great stories, reviews and more please visit https://bookstattoosandtea.wordpress.com 📚
May 17, 2019
Not Gonna Lie is the follow up / main story to "To Be Continued". It revolves about Digi and and Gram, two internet celebs who cant really stand each other, but somehow cant be without each other as well.
Digi previously cut every connection to his life in blogs instagramm and co. and is happy to just be a normal teen, until something happens and he is forced back to webcon where someone exposes the secrets of the top internet celebs. Obviously Gram is there to. How will there relationship progess, and who is behind this scandalous revelations?
I really liked this book. Also i liked Gram already in the prequel we have several parts from Grams point of view in this book as well, so even ppl wo maybe didnt like Gram so much in the first part will be able to understand his thoughts and motivations better.
I liked that this books ( like some others in the lovehim series ) deals and in my oppinions raises awareness with some serious issues like webshameing which is just to common nowadays and eating disorder. Everything is wrapped nicely in a romantic YA story with a good bit of suspence, that in the final part of the book might even have overshadowed the romance a bit. The book hase good closure, without any parts being left open.
For all who dont know yet. This book is a part of the lovehim series. It can be read as standalone, but i very strongly suggest to read the prequell first as it adds a lot and gives u much more insight.
Digi previously cut every connection to his life in blogs instagramm and co. and is happy to just be a normal teen, until something happens and he is forced back to webcon where someone exposes the secrets of the top internet celebs. Obviously Gram is there to. How will there relationship progess, and who is behind this scandalous revelations?
I really liked this book. Also i liked Gram already in the prequel we have several parts from Grams point of view in this book as well, so even ppl wo maybe didnt like Gram so much in the first part will be able to understand his thoughts and motivations better.
I liked that this books ( like some others in the lovehim series ) deals and in my oppinions raises awareness with some serious issues like webshameing which is just to common nowadays and eating disorder. Everything is wrapped nicely in a romantic YA story with a good bit of suspence, that in the final part of the book might even have overshadowed the romance a bit. The book hase good closure, without any parts being left open.
For all who dont know yet. This book is a part of the lovehim series. It can be read as standalone, but i very strongly suggest to read the prequell first as it adds a lot and gives u much more insight.
May 16, 2019
Swoon…Where to even start? This was just such an amazing story! I’m totally in love with this entire series and I’m at a loss to comprehend how it can keep getting better with every new title but it so does!
Each book tackles different issues and diverse characters in the most amazing, sensitive, moving way, always keeping the perfect balance between humor and genuine emotion, lighthearted scenes and angst-filled ones. There are a couple of surprising plot twists and I really liked how the tension built with every new secret that got leaked.
Digi and Gram’s feelings for each other are so intense, even when they’re still “frenemies” so to speak. My heart ached for them throughout the book. Digi is struggling so much with his low self-esteem and his eating disorder, and he remains completely unaware of Gram’s feelings for him for a long time. Gram is so endearing, even hiding as he as behind his snarky attitude and angry outbursts, all the while secretly pining for Digi.
I totally fell in love with Digi and Gram and I was over the moon to get little glimpses of Archie and Yarran as well as Brooks and Darien. I love how all the characters of the different books in the series are connected somehow and I’m keeping my fingers crossed that some of the secondary characters will get their own book in the hopefully near future.
Each book tackles different issues and diverse characters in the most amazing, sensitive, moving way, always keeping the perfect balance between humor and genuine emotion, lighthearted scenes and angst-filled ones. There are a couple of surprising plot twists and I really liked how the tension built with every new secret that got leaked.
Digi and Gram’s feelings for each other are so intense, even when they’re still “frenemies” so to speak. My heart ached for them throughout the book. Digi is struggling so much with his low self-esteem and his eating disorder, and he remains completely unaware of Gram’s feelings for him for a long time. Gram is so endearing, even hiding as he as behind his snarky attitude and angry outbursts, all the while secretly pining for Digi.
I totally fell in love with Digi and Gram and I was over the moon to get little glimpses of Archie and Yarran as well as Brooks and Darien. I love how all the characters of the different books in the series are connected somehow and I’m keeping my fingers crossed that some of the secondary characters will get their own book in the hopefully near future.
May 22, 2019
I feel like writing a review filled with a cacophony of words just wouldn't do this book justice.
It's... bittersweet. And I'm not even sure that that is an adequate description. As I read it through the night, I felt it's quiet strength, underlying the sweet and the sad and the brave.
The main characters, as well as the main secondary ones, are so engaging, relatable, and in some parts, beautiful even in their hurt and scars - to the point that I kept wishing that I was there to give a hug, or a word of encouragement.
But that is what SM James does, isn't it? She nudges, pulls and tugs you in until you have no power over the level of investment you have in these characters and their journeys.
Its a beautiful story, perfectly executed and entirely too precious for this reviewer's words!
It's... bittersweet. And I'm not even sure that that is an adequate description. As I read it through the night, I felt it's quiet strength, underlying the sweet and the sad and the brave.
The main characters, as well as the main secondary ones, are so engaging, relatable, and in some parts, beautiful even in their hurt and scars - to the point that I kept wishing that I was there to give a hug, or a word of encouragement.
But that is what SM James does, isn't it? She nudges, pulls and tugs you in until you have no power over the level of investment you have in these characters and their journeys.
Its a beautiful story, perfectly executed and entirely too precious for this reviewer's words!
April 27, 2019
Not Gonna Lie is the seventh booth in S.M. James' #lovehim series and is an absolutely amazing continuation of Digi and Gram's story from To Be Continued. I definitely recommend reading that story first to get a fuller grasp of their dynamic leading up to Not Gonna Lie.
It's been a year since those events and lots has changed... but one thing that hasn't is the pull between these two characters towards each other. I absolutely love them together. And this story is entertaining,, kept my interest entirely with humor, drama, adorable moments and characters I felt drawn in by. Definitely worth the read.
I received an advanced reader's copy of the book and I am voluntarily leaving my honest review and recommendation.
It's been a year since those events and lots has changed... but one thing that hasn't is the pull between these two characters towards each other. I absolutely love them together. And this story is entertaining,, kept my interest entirely with humor, drama, adorable moments and characters I felt drawn in by. Definitely worth the read.
I received an advanced reader's copy of the book and I am voluntarily leaving my honest review and recommendation.
May 14, 2019
This is a continuation of Digi and Gram's story from To Be Continued and you can't help but love these two characters, especially when they work together with the threat of exposure looming over them. I loved Digi in the first book and although he still has insecurities, body issues, and a strained relationship with his mom, you can't help but like who he is as a character. Despite all the pressures of fame, missing Gram after he erased himself from the internet (well as much as you can), and his mom, he's a fantastic kid who just wants what's best for him and to have a chance with Gram. I loved this book, the characters, and the hijinks, but most of all, the realistic way it was written and how it pulled me in from the beginning. A great read!!
May 22, 2019
A Scattered Thoughts and Rogue Words Review
For the full review visit https://wp.me/p220KL-gMS
Rating: 5 stars out of 5
From that Review: Not Gonna Lie (#lovehim #4) by S.M. James is the tale I have been waiting for since I finished To Be Continued (#lovehim 3.5), the so aptly named novella and the first part of Digi and Gram's story. At the end of that complex bit of storytelling, Digi walked away from everything, including Gram, in order to find himself after the escalating events of that story.
Now in Not Gonna Lie, we dive into back Gram and Digi's lives a year later. It's not exactly what we expected to find for both of them.
For all our reviews check out http://scatteredthoughtsandroguewords...
For the full review visit https://wp.me/p220KL-gMS
Rating: 5 stars out of 5
From that Review: Not Gonna Lie (#lovehim #4) by S.M. James is the tale I have been waiting for since I finished To Be Continued (#lovehim 3.5), the so aptly named novella and the first part of Digi and Gram's story. At the end of that complex bit of storytelling, Digi walked away from everything, including Gram, in order to find himself after the escalating events of that story.
Now in Not Gonna Lie, we dive into back Gram and Digi's lives a year later. It's not exactly what we expected to find for both of them.
For all our reviews check out http://scatteredthoughtsandroguewords...
December 28, 2019
This is my least favorite out of the series so far for a couple of reasons.
First, there was more intimacy in the meet cute short than in this book as they decide they like each other. The meet cutes for these series really should be included in the main book since some readers may miss it since there tends to be lots of references to them.
Second, once again the story falls to the same pattern as all the other stories. By 50% things are going great, then by 70% something threatens to rip them apart etc.
Finally this book wasn’t nearly as polished as some of the others. For example Digi’s “ma” is from Texas and works at hiding her accent but Digi for some reason tends to use a lot of British/Australian words and phrases that don’t get used in the States.
First, there was more intimacy in the meet cute short than in this book as they decide they like each other. The meet cutes for these series really should be included in the main book since some readers may miss it since there tends to be lots of references to them.
Second, once again the story falls to the same pattern as all the other stories. By 50% things are going great, then by 70% something threatens to rip them apart etc.
Finally this book wasn’t nearly as polished as some of the others. For example Digi’s “ma” is from Texas and works at hiding her accent but Digi for some reason tends to use a lot of British/Australian words and phrases that don’t get used in the States.
May 18, 2019
Every time I read one of S.M. James' books I'm overwhelmed by the intensity of the emotions that come out of the pages. The writing style is so brilliant that each of these emotions became my own, and I couldn't help but be strongly involved in what Digi and Gram are going through. They're both just so irresistible with their insecurities and fears,their quirks, banter and humor.
Not Gonna Lie is beautiful and sweet, sad and hilarious, touching and entertaining. I love this book enough and I can't recommend it enough.
Not Gonna Lie is beautiful and sweet, sad and hilarious, touching and entertaining. I love this book enough and I can't recommend it enough.
June 25, 2019
Loved how this enemy to lover story touched on a subject that is so close to home. It is an important part of the story, but absolutely not the main focus, which I love. Eating disorders are part of life, but it's not who you are. And boys have eating disorders too. Important to tell their story as well.
May 3, 2021
A lot going on
I’m enjoying this series. This one had some drama flowing through for sure, personal struggles with body image. Plus crazy parents, friends and a crime mystery to solve. More familiar characters pop in the pages for their crossover appearances too. 3.5 for flipping the camera.
I’m enjoying this series. This one had some drama flowing through for sure, personal struggles with body image. Plus crazy parents, friends and a crime mystery to solve. More familiar characters pop in the pages for their crossover appearances too. 3.5 for flipping the camera.
June 24, 2021
I love SM James’ books. In Case You Missed it being mt fav so far. This was a great follow up to that book! It wasn’t as engrossing as ICYMI- i found it a little slow at first- but still solid read. Loved the characters (Digital. Ha great name) and the issue of anxiety and eating disorders. Spot on. Definitely a cozy sweet read.
September 24, 2019
Riveting plot, really well-developed characters and actually reads like YA fiction (a lot of YA does not). I'm a big fan of mystery+romance, and in this novel it's topical/relevant to today. Very nicely formatted too - I love the chapter number art.
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