4.25

Thank you NetGalley & Penguin Publishing for this ARC.

Please check TW as this book does deal with DV.

The ending of this book actually had me saying 'what' & 'no way is that the ending'!

The story focuses on Nicki a mid 30-woman who works as a care assistant but has such a horrible past from early childhood right through until now all at the hands of people who were supposed love and help her, and Amber a 17-year-old student who feels completely lost with an unsupportive home life.

Their paths cross online when Amber creates a profile on a dating app pretending to be her teacher in order to try and impress her 'friends' however once the novelty in the group ends, Amber keeps speaking with Nicki and they end up forming a friendship.

This book dealt with so many emotions and at times i wanted to either scream at these 2 or give them a big hug.

Breathtaking, thought provoking and emotionally intelligent, this is one you shouldn’t miss! The characters are well rounded and the plot gets you thinking.

Wow. I so nearly didn’t read this book as the other reviews weren’t great, but what an incredibly powerful read. Two women, different ages, different struggles communicate….such sad and real stories and so gripping to read. Such an important book.

The book titled 'Nothing Serious' is a powerful and moving story that delves into the themes of loneliness and the need for companionship. The title is ironic, as the story is anything but shallow or superficial. The plot is multifaceted, making it an ideal read for book clubs. However, readers should be aware that the book deals with sensitive subjects, such as mental health issues, abuse, and domestic violence. Therefore, it is advisable to research these topics fully before reading the book.

The book's two main characters, Nikki and Amber, are complex and multilayered, making them intriguing, realistic and relatable to many readers.

The story is told through multiple points of view, which provides a deeper understanding of the characters' thoughts, feelings, and motivations. The author does an excellent job of creating a rich, immersive world that draws the reader in and keeps them engaged throughout the book.

Overall, I found 'Nothing Serious' to be a thought-provoking and emotionally resonant read. While the content can sometimes be heavy, the author handles it with sensitivity and compassion. I highly recommend this book to anyone who enjoys character-driven stories that explore complex themes and issues.

Despite the title, the themes explored in this novel were certainly serious and made for difficult reading at times.

Whilst the premise of the story sounded intriguing, Nicki and Amber’s individual stories were so heavy and I found it wasn’t an enjoyable read like I had anticipated.

Although I can appreciate the writers approach to these difficult topics, I unfortunately didn’t enjoy this novel.

Powerful book about friendships and women, how complex and complicated we are! But most importantly is how dating has changed and do we really know anyone nowadays…definitely one to recommend.

The way you got hooked on this book, despite it being a bit of a tough read with all the heavy stuff going on in these women's lives, really says something. I wasn’t expecting to dive into such a deep pool of trauma m, but there I was, totally absorbed and left with my mind buzzing with questions about Nicki and Amber.

It makes you think about the messy, complicated stuff people go through and how the online world can twist things up even more. It's not just a page-turner; it's the kind of book that sticks with you, makes you look at things a bit differently.

This is a dark exploration of loneliness, featuring thirty-something Nicki and 17-yr-old Amber.

Nicki is in an abusive relationship, with an abusive past, seeking relief of a sort in one-night stands found on Tinder.

Amber is a lone teen who is struggling with her mum's body-shaming and her friendship groups. She sets up a profile of a man designed to catfish on Tinder - 'Kevin'. And eventually Nicki and Kevin start talking...

This is an interesting book, in part because I can't quite tell who it's marketed at. I think it will be a challenging read for a lot of people as it doesn't sit in an easy box.

When I first start reading this, I had a moment of regret over picking it up - it's just so dark and depressing. But I'm glad I stuck with it. Yes, it covers some difficult topics, but they're well-handled and you do really feel for the characters.

The ending is open-ended in a way that I think will frustrate many people. But it also shows growth from Nicki and Amanda, so it satisfied me (mostly).

Nothing Serious - Emma Medrano

⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️

Where do I start with this book? I adored this book. It dealt with some really complicated issues that were so heart wrenching but it was done in the right way.

This story had me hooked from the beginning and left me needing to know what happened next. It took me a bit longer to read as it was very emotional at times but I made it through.

I would urge anyone who can to read this as it is so interesting and definitely serious.

*Thank you to Netgalley for sending me this book in exchange for a review. All opinions are my own.*

#NothingSerious #NetGalley

A sublime and emotional read, Nothing Serious by Emma Medrano is anything but. The two main protractors Nicki and Amber are flawed humans trying to live a normal life. Unfortunately, their baggage makes it impossible. 30 something Nicki, a care worker seeks solace in random encounters. Amber a 17-year-old sixth former needs to be acknowledged by her peers and searches for a connection with them. Both are lonesome but what is the underlying reason for their loneliness or unusual behaviour?

Told in dual POV the book grabs me right off the opening pages. Medrano explores their baggage with sharp insight. Spinning a stellar story, she bravely addresses painful issues of Domestic violence, abuse, and loneliness experienced by two different age groups. There’s no doubt that she truly understands the issues she has woven into this absorbing tale. It was well researched and authentic. Nicki and Amber were complex characters and she realistically portrays both their struggles. The story had several unforeseen surprises and the pitch-perfect characterization tugged at my heart strings. The supporting characters contributed to the depth of this story. I was living within the story; feeling, seeing, & breathing each scene right along with her characters. They were very real and very much alive to me. I felt I was with them rather than reading words on my Kindle.

The book begins advising us to take time to care for ourselves due to the strong issues it deals with. I’m grateful for this advice. I’m sure many readers will need to follow it. I however read the book in one sitting. allowing myself to be totally immersed in Nicki and Ambers problems. I do however fully understand what Medrano means. Many of these issues can easily be a trigger. That being said I was impressed at her boldness in discussing it as a story At the end of the book, the Resources list the help available should anyone need it. It’s clear Medrano wanted to address these problems in a novel way.

This powerful tale, a searing exploration, almost a wake up call to pick up the baton and do something about it puts this novel above the ordinary. The balance between fragility and strength, good and bad, beautiful and ugly was evident throughout. Despite the harsh issues it addresses Medrano has incorporated such depth, vulnerability, raw emotions, sensuality, yeah both Nicki and Amber were deeply sensual characters making it an endearingly poignant read. No judgement here. It seemed like she was sitting back and letting the story of these beautiful people with messy lives unfold before my eyes. It’s hardly surprising that Nicki and Amber reach down to my heart tugging at it long after their story is finished. The bitter pill with its sweet coating is swallowed, digested and the point taken.

The ending is kind of a mix of surprising and could that be a happily ever after? Or is it a cliff-hanger? I couldn’t help wondering if there will be a sequel. Medrano has certainly created room for one. Nothing Seriously by Emma Medrano is more than entertaining fiction. Kudos to Medrano for her brilliant and blunt reveal.

I enjoyed the premise of this book and it was an enjoyable read but I did feel like it was maybe better suited to a young adult audience as the writing style was a little too basic for me at times. I also felt like some quite sensitive issues were a kind of skirted around without being fully dealt with or resolved.

Thanks to Netgalley and the publishers for an advance digital copy in exchange for an honest review.

Thank you NetGalley and the publishers for the ARC. The description of this really intrigued me and I was excited to read it, but it ended up falling quite flat. I was bored reading it and couldn't get into it or connect with any of the characters. It addresses some important topics but unfortunately this was not enough to hook me and it was quite uncomfortable to read at times.

This was an uncomfortable read. Very honest with its topics, but wasn’t sure where it was meant to be pitched. Adult? YA? Not sure. The other wedge preventing me enjoying this as much as possible was the lack of draw I had to the characters. I find it hard to engage if I’m not immediately connected to them, and unfortunately that’s what occurred with this read.
Main strengths here are the themes and message from the author.

This was a lot darker than I was expecting it to be. The acknowledgements mention that this is a book about loneliness and it goes deep into that throughout the course of the story. I found it quite hard to read at times. It deals with some topics that made me consider putting it down. That said, I'm glad I finished it. The conversations between Nicki and Amber is what kept me interested here. Despite the lies and differing experiences, they really lean on each other. The book deals with its subject matter well but it's taking on a lot of heartache. I did come out of it feeling every bit of what these women went through. The end is quite the interesting choice - I'll look forward to talking about that with people. One that will stick with me for a while.

Wow. This book blew me away. I’m still reeling from it. Published 18th January 2024, if you can advance order do it. If not, pop that date in your diary. It’s worth the wait. Currently on NetGalley at the time of writing this review for those who fancy grabbing the ARC of this gem.

Nicki is in her 30’s, Amber is 17, turning 18. At first it seems they have nothing in common but they really do.

Loneliness.
Pain
Self Hatred
Shame
Wounds

The desperate need to be loved, accepted, heard and special to someone. To hope.

I was looking at the 2 and 3 star reviews for this book on NetGalley and I have to say that some readers are not getting this book. It’s not a light romance, it’s not funny and it deals with very realistic and raw topics. It is brilliantly executed. I am incredibly impressed with this Author. The sheer emotion that pours out of this book is phenomenal. I read this in one go and was absolutely fixated.

So, yes there are triggering themes in this book, unpleasant things and the Author does not hold back in the portrayal of the suffering of these two incredible characters. Nicki works as a care worker and is locked into an abusive codependent relationship. Like the cycle of violence she forgives and hopes her boyfriend will change. She’s filled with shame from childhood and further abuse as an adult. Her escape is into Tinder. She feels utterly worthless and acts out to reinforce her hatred for herself. She is a brilliant character. I was desperate to see her world turn around.

Amber lives with a Mother (doesn’t deserve that title) who is emotionally and verbally abusive. I despised her Mother deeply. Just heartbreaking how Amber is treated. As a teenager Amber doesn’t feel pretty or skinny like the other girls. She is desperate for kind words from her messed up critical Mother. She is on the outside looking in on her peers and is full of pain and loneliness. She slides into dangerous territory that impacts her body and mind. I wanted to hug her and tell her she was special and beautiful over and over. I knew girls like Amber.

Her friends decide to create a fake profile on Tinder to catfish women, enter stage left “Kevin”. She’s desperately trying to get approval from other girls but when their interest in catfishing fades she carries on. This is where it gets exceptionally good. This is such a great plot. It shines a light on how online relationships and the desperation to be special to someone, anyone can be played out from your phone, iPad, computer. A place where lonely people seek solace especially when they can’t face being “seen”.

Just wow. I can’t even really get my impressions across here. It’s so exceptionally done. I can honestly say it’s one of the best books I’ve read this year. I really feel the other reviewers who have put low rating reviews on NetGalley didn’t get this at all. It is a sad read with themes like abuse, sexual assault, eating disorders and domestic violence BUT not all books are light and fluffy and this isn’t trying to be. I thought it may be too much but I was fine reading it despite some themes being all too familiar. I just “got” this book.

We hear from both women, each voice alternating and distinct. “Kevin” has weaved a huge web of lies but what to do when you realise you really care for the person you are lying to? This book barrels to a conclusion you’d not see coming from a mile away. I loved the ending and felt it did both characters justice.

This is a powerful novel that will bring out a world of emotions in you. Every single thing in here is realistic and every hard topic covered is raw and powerful. If you want fluffy then this isn’t for you. If you want something different that digs deep I can’t recommend it highly enough. If you cheer for the underdog in books you will love this.

The dialogue of both characters is very realistic and the Author has skilfully pulled off the difference in ages in both speech and behaviour. That’s not easy to do. When we are in Amber’s world of teenage struggles, school drama, peer pressure, sexuality and feeling she doesn’t belong it’s extremely realistic. When we switch to Nicki’s world it’s completely different. Yet also they are the same in a different way (I know that doesn’t make sense). My heart broke over and over for both women. So many complex and painful issues impact both women. This is a book about real life and real loneliness. How the desperate need for connection and acceptance can drive people to do things they’d never thought they would do.

The peripheral characters are well written also. Trust me, you will really hate some characters. There are also some characters I loved. It’s really a very unique read. I don’t think I can do it justice in this review. As I’ve said it seems other reviewers have gone into reading this expecting something light and I nearly didn’t get this book based on other reviews but I am so glad I ignored them. It’s such a powerful book.

The Author mentions in her acknowledgments at the end of the book those that got her through dark times in her life and whilst I don’t know what I am pretty sure she has experienced deep pain. To write like this, to put so much emotion in you’ve definitely had some difficult life experiences yourself (in my opinion).

Both lives meet and both lives will never be the same again. There certainly are very difficult scenes and themes and all of it is very real (sadly) in the real world outside of this book. I didn’t balk at all with any of it. I am so glad I decided to read this ARC and hope my review may help others understand why some low rated reviews have been written. Once you know it tackles with difficult, potentially triggering themes then you’ll know if it’s right for you. A books won’t ever forget reading.

5 solid stars from me. Emma Medrano is an Author to watch and I’d read anything she writes in a heartbeat. I literally could not put this book down. Just brilliant. That ending! She has been writing since a child and this is one heck of a debut novel!

Not for me too heavy, I don’t mind a book with lots of heavy topics that some people would find hard to read but with this I felt there was no let up it was very depressing and there was real feel of hopelessness. I also found the plot arks a bit tiresome and felt it was more YA book. Brave effort but not for me

I found this quite a challenging read due to the topics explored in it. I also found the build up to the ending and the ending pretty difficult to keep going with. Overall I enjoyed the book, despite the anxiety it induced, but I probably wouldn't read it again.

I read this at a spa and it’s a great read for a day off or a holiday (despite some heaviness). I didn’t love it and felt like it was stuck between YA and women’s fiction which left me frustrated with the plot. I didn’t warm to the characters that easily which didn’t help. Not my favourite, I’m afraid.

Nothing Serious, two people, both suffering from their own traumas, eating disorders, bullying, sexual abuse, PTSD, violence.

It's not the light hearted, fun reads I usually choose and it did take me a few chapters in to get in to it, but once I did I was keen to understand and find out the outcome for Nicki and Amber. Amber's story arc just broke my heart.

The last few chapters had me on the edge of my seat and only slightly annoyed with the ending.

Overall a really good book. Thank you to NetGalley for the download.

I love a dual view book, always have done! 2 sides to every story. But I wish I checked the trigger warnings for this as I wasn't expecting a heavy ish read