Rating: 4/5

Joe Goldberg is back — and this time, he’s heading to Harvard. For You and Only You takes us out of the usual gritty urban settings and drops Joe into the world of prestigious academia, where he’s been selected to join a writing fellowship. Surrounded by brilliant (and insufferable) writers, Joe is desperate to be seen as more than just the guy from Mooney’s bookstore. He wants to be respected, maybe even admired... and of course, he wouldn’t mind a little love along the way.

Caroline Kepnes once again nails Joe’s creepy inner monologue — he’s charming, delusional, sharp, and painfully self-aware all at once. This installment leans a bit more into the literary world satire, which I found fresh and entertaining, though it does mean the pace lags slightly compared to previous books. Still, Kepnes delivers her signature blend of dark humor, psychological depth, and the kind of tension that keeps you turning pages even when you feel a little guilty for rooting for him.

While it’s not quite as twisty as You or Hidden Bodies, there’s something fascinating about watching Joe try to evolve. He’s still Joe, of course — obsessive, morally flexible, and incapable of true self-reflection — but he’s also trying. And that tension between self-improvement and self-destruction is what makes this such a compelling read.

Would I recommend?
Yes — especially for fans of the series or anyone who enjoys a dark, character-driven narrative with sharp commentary on the literary world. Joe is still the same messed-up guy we love to hate... or hate to love.

Thanks to NetGalley and the publisher for the ARC!

Brilliant. Gripping. Couldn’t put this down. Caroline Keynes does it again!

Her books are anyways a quick read because you simply cannot put them down, and they always keep you guessing until the end. They are easy to read without long drawn out chapters that perfectly matches the pace of the action.

I’ve read all of this series. The first I loved. The second I liked. The third was just okay for me. However, this was a return to form that I really enjoyed.

It takes some real talent to take a basic premise that has been done multiple times and then somehow still make it unique and make it stand out head an shoulders above the rest! I'll definitely be looking out for the authors backcatalouge and future releases!!

Joe Goldberg is a character that completely creeps me out, yet I come back for more every time. Immersing myself in his world, he keeps me overwhelmingly gripped in his disturbed ways of thinking, I never know which way he’s going to turn. He is an utterly delusional, psychopathic stalker and has me hooked. I love how Joe narrates with such an intensity and his darkness compels me to read on.

Thank you so much to NetGalley and all involved in me having an ARC copy of this book for an honest review.

Well I’m a little bit speechless. What an absolutely brilliant book from the beginning, right up to the end!

I love You series but sadly with this book I felt that there was something missing. I just couldn't connect with Joe or any other characters. The mood of the series also changed in this book (without spoiling it) and I just didn't buy it.

I mean I still loved reading about Joe but honestly it took more time and effort to get into this books in comparison to the previous in the series.

It was still good book with goo writing and storyline but for me I think its would be the last book I read in this series.

"For You And Only You" by Caroline Kepnes is a gripping exploration into the tumultuous world of aspiring writers at Harvard, with a narrative that takes unexpected turns, keeping readers on the edge of their seats. Kepnes' writing style is engaging and provides an intimate look into the mind of the protagonist, Joe Goldberg.

One of the aspects I thoroughly enjoyed about the book is the unique perspective it offers on the writing process and the challenges faced by those striving to make their mark in the literary world. The portrayal of the tight-knit writing fellowship at Harvard adds a layer of intrigue, and the characters are well-developed, making it easy to become invested in their fates. The tension and suspense are masterfully crafted, creating a page-turner that is difficult to put down.

On the flip side, one of the drawbacks for me was the predictability of Joe's character. While his willingness to sacrifice for Wonder adds depth to his persona, the narrative occasionally falls into familiar patterns that may be reminiscent of Kepnes' previous works. Additionally, the story's pacing at certain points felt a bit uneven, with some scenes dragging on while others rushed through important developments.

Despite these minor drawbacks, "For You And Only You" is a compelling read that skillfully combines elements of psychological thriller and literary drama. Caroline Kepnes once again demonstrates her ability to captivate readers with a dark and twisted tale, making this novel a worthy addition to her body of work.

I don’t know what it was about this latest instalment in the series but it just didn’t grab me like the previous ones. I did enjoy it but there was just something that fell a little flat for me compared to the others in the series. Also do not expect it to be the same storyline as the tv series as it is quite different!

Having watched and enjoyed the You TV series, reading this book was a great way to continue with the character of Joe in a refreshing format. Caroline’s writing style is captivating, and Joe’s internal monologue was a unique insight into the character, allowing me more access to his inner thoughts.

I love the YOU franchise so I was so excited to be able to read this book and it didn't disappoint. I really enjoyed it and didn't want it to end. A great read

I actually really liked this book! I've seen reviews that say this wasn't as good as the first one, but let me tell you,,, as someone who has never read any of them (and only watched the show.. cringe, I know... I'm one of THOSE), I really liked this fifth book!

Absolutely fabulous writing and Joe's internal monologue is hilarious. It did get a little messy during the last 10% when he just kept saying the same thing in a disjointed way, but other than that the story was captivating. (Do have to say though... while I loved Joe, I REALLY disliked his love interest. And I seriously don’t get why the author always gives the girls insane names like Love and Wonder.)

Thank you for the opportunity to read an advanced copy of this book. The writing style was good, as is to be expected, but it wasn't as good as the first 3 books

Good but expected better
I love the "You" book series and the Netflix adaptation but did feel slightly disappointed by this last book in the series and don't think it delivered as much as I expected. Joe evolved and not in the best way or way that you'd expect. Its still a good read but not perfect, manage your expectations. 3 1/2 stars

A fab continuation of one of the creepiest yet compulsive characters in fiction today. Joe Goldberg is one of my favourite protagonists of the last ten years!

Thank you to Netgalley and publisher for an advanced copy of this book..


I Was so excited for this book.

And what a let down. It took me a week as I just kept walking away from it. And coming back I'd forgotten most of the characters.
The entire tone of this book felt off compared to the previous books in this series. This just fell flat and kinda bitchy against goodreads. Also when did Joe become a Tesla dude. Honestly it was mentioned so often.
Wonder the FMC here was just badly written. We had a queer character thrown in there which just felt like it was there to tick a box.

Overall I found this lacked everything that has made this series special in the past.

This was another creepy book by a very talented author. I really enjoy the series, and hope there is another one on the way!

This is the first book I have read in this 4-part series so it took me a while to understand what was going on. I am glad I persevered as it was extremely compelling and I fully intend to read the other three books when time allows.

"For You and Only You" is a gripping page-turner that kept me enthralled from start to finish. The author skillfully explores the mind of the complex and deranged protagonist, providing a thrilling and enchanting experience. However, as the series progresses, the repetitive nature of the character's actions and the lack of a definitive conclusion for Mr. Goldberg can lead to some fatigue. Despite this, the author deserves praise for her ability to hook readers and surround the protagonist with a cast of intriguing and flawed characters. I highly recommend this book to fans of the series who are eager for more of Joe's captivating journey.

Absolutely loved it. I think it’s important to mention that the plot is totally different than the tv show. Well written as always, this fourth instalment doesn’t disappoint. It’s Penn I hear when I’m reading Joe’s monologue, he’s just the perfect Joe. With all the killing I’m not feeling any sympathy for Joe, but I am still enjoying reading what he is up to. Definitely recommend this! Thank you #netgalley