Thanks to #netgalley I got to read a copy of this novel that is due to be published on the 18th January.

Nothing Serious is a dual point of view story focusing on the lives of Amber in her last year of school getting ready for university and of Nicki, a care worker in an abusive relationship. Both women are extremely lonely and facing a difficult phase in their lives leading to dangerous coping mechanisms.

This story deals with lots of heavy topics so looking up TW is recommended.

This was a very quick read that got me quite invested in the lives of the main characters and had me rooting for their redemption arcs. The last third or so of the book had me hanging on the edge of my seat.

3.5*

“I should be lucky that he wants me, that anyone does. God knows he wouldn’t once he got to know me.”

Nicki, who has never recovered from childhood abuse, is now in an abusive relationship with Tom.

Amber, on the ascent of womanhood, is struggling with her body image, helped not one bit by a mother who’s determined that her daughter won’t face the same overweight adulthood that she did.

Two people, each traumatised in their own way by their parental influences, come together in the most unexpected way, and show both the power and the danger of human connection via online relationships.

The book addresses serious and devastating topics with candour and sensitivity. It doesn’t sugarcoat the reality of living with mental illness, trauma or violence. It’s not a fun read, nor an easy one, but I found it impossible not to become invested in Nicki and Amber and their fates.

That said, I felt it could have been a little shorter, and the writing and tone was more suited to a New Adult audience. If I’d read it at 18, I think I’d be giving it 5*

Not for me! I should have loved this book given the thematic work but it just didn't connect with me on an emotional level. Bit of a disappointment.

This is a very well written book and I enjoyed it, finding myself eager to learn the fates of Nicki and Amber. The disordered eating and body dysmorphia storyline I found to be very accurate and emotive. Amber's mother is pure evil and her treatment of Amber is awful. Ultimately, this is a book about loneliness and finding meaningful connections, which can resonate with everyone. Nicki and Amber were very similar and it would have been nice to have greater differentiation between the characters. At times it felt like they were the same person. I thought the book read like a YA although from what I've seen it's not being marketed as such. I think it's an honest and raw exploration of issues that unfortunately affect a lot of young adults. I really, really disliked the ending. I didn't enjoy how wide open it was left. I think the reader deserved more resolution. It closed with a lot of unanswered questions. But, all in all, a good, enjoyable book.