It Just Had To Be You by Jacqueline Francis 🌟
⭐ Rating: 4 stars

👩‍❤️‍👨 Synopsis: Catalina, a Latina from the wrong side of town, has been tormented by high school bully Scott Carter for years. Just when things couldn't get worse, Scott's actions turn her life upside down. But now he wants to reconcile. Can this enemies-to-lovers story find a happy ending?

💖 Why You'll Love It:

Tropes: Enemies to lovers, high school drama, bully romance, redemption arc
Characters: Catalina’s journey from victim to empowered is inspiring. Scott’s transformation from arrogant bully to caring friend is compelling.
Themes: Tackles real issues like racism, bullying, and socioeconomic divides. The emotional growth of the characters adds depth.
Romance: A slow-burn, tension-filled romance with a satisfying redemption arc.
📖 Final Thoughts: "It Just Had To Be You" is an emotionally driven high school romance that explores serious issues while delivering a heartfelt enemies-to-lovers story. The characters' growth and the slow-burn romance make this a captivating read.

🌟 Conclusion: A powerful and addictive read that shows people can evolve and find redemption. Perfect for fans of high school drama and slow-burn romance.

📅 Release Date: Available now!

#ItJustHadToBeYou #JacquelineFrancis #EnemiesToLovers #BookReview #Bookstagram #HighSchoolRomance #BullyRomance #MustRead

This one was nearly a DNF for me, my heart absolutely shattered for Cat at the beginning of the book; she was a great character but Scott on the other hand really went against all of my morals, he was a cruel , immature, entitled jerk.

As the book progressed, I enjoyed the banter, the growth and the relationship but I had my doubts and I was constantly anticipating a great big letdown from Scott.

There were some sweet moments, there was heartache and there was a lot of forgiveness needed.

I’m glad I persisted, it was well written but I just wish the bullying wasn’t so relentless and intense at the start.

Thank you to Netgalley and the author for the opportunity to read It Just Had To Be You.

3.5 stars

Scott is an asshole. He has approximately zero redeeming qualities and I can't help that I wanted to hit/slap/maim him for the majority of the book.

Cat, on the other hand, I see a lot of myself in her. She's angry at the entire world (esp. her father) and is as prickly as a cactus. I can't help but empathize, because I felt similar. While my father and father figure didn't commit suicide, they jetted quickly. The hole that leaves in you can be overwhelming and at times incredibly destructive.

I did enjoy that both Scott and Cat grow from this experience. Scott becomes less of a raging fucking prick, and Cat becomes softer, allowing people in again. All in all, a great book and I can't wait to read more.

This was for me personally a very painful book ir definitly bring me a lot of emotions and I did cried in some parts and there is very hard for me to cry during book.. The theme is very hard and sadly shows the reality, I'm not from the US but even in my own country racism is a reality. Is so easy for us to judge what we don't know based on what others teach us instead of us seeing the reality itself.. Scott and Catalina her interaction the "I hate you" but I want you and the "I'm hurt" If I liked the way things were explored and written? The perspectives? Yes I did seeing both sides and the different realities? The author did a awesome job and I can't way to read more

A bit problematic, but that goes with the territory. The prose is excellent, really smooth, the character developments are so emotionally wrought and touching. The teenagers are a little more mature in activity and thinking than I think is realistic, but I can get past this - it was a bit like a written soap opera in a good way! A satisfying ride for the reader

This was a gripping read, I thought the characters were intriguing and I'm going to keep an eye out for more from this author.

I received a free copy of this ebook from #netgalley and am leaving this review on my own free will.

I loved it! I loved everything about it. The push and pull between the two main characters, the redemption of the MMC, the found family, the enemies to soulmates aspect. ALL. OF. IT. The ONLY thing I want to know is how the lunch went with Scott's dad and if he eventually accepts her.

I just reviewed It Just Had to be You by Jacqueline Francis. #ItJustHadtobeYou #NetGalley

Jacqueline Francis’ It Just Had to be You was surprisingly beautiful. A few chapters in, there was absolutely no way that I would have believed that Scott and Catalina would get their HEA.

I grew to LOVE Scott even though he was just awful to Cat at the beginning of the book. More than just a bully, Scott made Catalina’s high school life hell, even as she was grieving her father’s death by suicide. When he is forced to help her in order to stay on the football team, super wealthy jerk Scott begins to see that Catalina is far more than meets the eye.

I typically don’t like to read about high school love, but this was done so well that I would recommend it.

"It Just Had to Be You" by Jacqueline Francis is a tale of unexpected connections that left me captivated and hanging on every word!

Cat finds herself locked in a battle of wills with Scott Carter, a man whose actions have tormented her for years. But when life throws them together in unexpected ways, Cat is forced to confront her prejudices and preconceptions, leading to a journey of self-discovery and second chances.

Jacqueline Francis expertly weaves together themes of forgiveness and redemption, creating a story that is as heartwarming as it is thought-provoking. Through Cat's eyes, readers are taken on a rollercoaster ride of emotions, from frustration and anger to acceptance and, ultimately, love.

I loved it. It gave me all the feels, love, angst, drama, romance, swoon, and emotions. Beautifully written. The positives of the story are the characters. Love Scott, his friends, Catalina, and her family. I was hooked in their stories and completely understood the doubts and insecurities. Scott and Catalina have sexy chemistry and a beautiful relationship with highs and lows. The author did a great job in connecting with the readers. Recommended. Thanks to Netgalley and the publisher for the eARC..

It Just Had to be You is a rollercoaster of emotions that kept me hooked from start to finish. The dynamic between the main characters is electrifying and full of tension. Despite his flaws, Scott's character is multifaceted and intriguing, and watching him evolve throughout the story was very satisfying. The author doesn't shy away from tackling tough themes like racism and bullying, adding depth and realism to the narrative. What I enjoyed most about this book is how it explores the complexities of relationships and personal growth, reminding us that forgiveness and redemption are possible even in the face of adversity.

Hold onto your hats, romance junkies, because It Just Had to be You is about to take you on a wild ride! This book isn't your typical mushy-gushy love story—it's a fiery tale of passion, redemption, and second chances that'll have you flipping pages faster than you can say "hot tamale"! Scott Carter might be a total jerk at first glance, but trust me, there's more to him than meets the eye, and watching him fall head over heels for the feisty Latina is a ride you won't want to miss. So grab a bucket of ice-cream and buckle up, because this book will make your heart melt quicker than the ice-cream and leave you swooning for more!

A bully and his victim are forced to spend time together and it turns out both were in the wrong and the other is different than they thought.

Class conflicts, prejudices and obligations are in the foreground here.

I liked the story itself, but I probably won't read the other parts because I'm just happy with the current ending.

Have fun reading for yourself!

Edgy enemies to lovers romance set within class differences and intolerance, bullying, and racism. Some hard topics handled well, the messaging even bigger than the romance. In the end, what is really of value reigns. A great read.

The relationships in this one were different than what I usually read. The whole bully to relationship thing is new for me. It reads well, but I wish the characters had to work harder to build trust after the bullying.