★☆☆☆☆ 1/5 Stars

She’s With Me was a story I read a year ago, on Wattpad. I thought the basis of the story was a cliche, but from all the praises I hear from my friends, from online readers and reviews, I wanted to give it a try.

The first time I read this story, I didn’t like it as much. As I slowly begin to dissect the story, analyze the characters and their personalities, their character developments and arcs, and plot, I didn’t like it. I felt that Amelia Collins (aka: Thea Kennedy) was a caricature of cliche Wattpad girls. Though she’s shown to like makeup (to an extent) she shames other girls for “caking” up their face. She acts immaturely, bratty, and comes off irritating and annoying. She slut-shames other girls countless times, but gives herself a free pass. She hates how Kaitlyn, (the mean girl, and “antagonist” of the story) is always clinging onto Aiden, and hates how she reacts and everything about her.

I found that Amelia/Thea was obnoxious. The character tries hard to make a witty remark in time, and sometimes the scenes make it seem like it was set-up for the exact purpose. It wasn’t smooth, or something clever that came up on a whim, it was constructed and structure so every direction would lead to the end result--which was Amelia’s comeback.

She was also very childish; acting like her nutella sandwich being eaten was the most horrendous act and acting immature in certain situations (whenever there’s a fight, Amelia always always found herself inserted inside the fight and putting her and other people in harm’s way. It wasn’t brave, or courage, it was outright stupid in her reactions.)

Her character was very one-dimensional, and there seem like there was nothing to her other than witty comebacks, being Aiden’s love interest, and complaining about math or slut-shaming Kaitlyn and her friends. Her plot, the only interesting and “original” part of the story, was thin. The supposed villain didn’t appear, even though the end of the book. Though she keeps mentioning about the dangers of being discovered, there were no evidence that made us (as the readers) to feel such panic and pain.

Now, talking about this, I remember how Amelia is also selfish. She was going to change locations because she was afraid that if she gets too attached to people, she was going to put them in harm’s way. I thought that was selfless of her, and her character growth was starting to look up--only to completely downfall into the void. She changed her mind after Aiden gave her a talk, telling how he needs her here and all the other sweet-nothings. I want to add that her last best friends got injured and killed because she stayed close to them. She may be in love, but she’s selfish. Completely selfish to stay for a boy over the safety of said boy and her friends.

I want to talk about the following main characters: Aiden, Mason, Noah, Chase, Julian, Anna, Charlotte and Kaitlyn.

First off: Aiden. I found that he lacks personality, as most of the characters in this story does, and his only objective is to fall for Amelia/Thea and also has the ability to read people very well (as Amelia picks up since she reads people really well too). Aiden take care of his brothers, in substitute for his step-father arrest, and the absence of his mother. His father is alive, but I think he takes place in the second story. Anywho--Aiden has no arc of his own. Sure, he begins to open up to Amelia and was said to be cold--but he has all these friends and people who care about him, who he lets me around him and know his personal business. He races illegally on the tracks (an original name by the way) and he makes money to help fund his life and also help Anna. (The logistics of this is completely off as to how you are able to support yourself, your brothers and your friend, all within payments to rent, utilities, phone, car and all that other good stuff. I don’t want to talk about this because it doesn’t matter and I didn’t care much to this content).

At times, Aiden could be a sweetheart, kind, and generous (especially when he gave Amelia the money when he won the race for her) but also ignorant. I found him bland, and just a love interest just because he was claimed to be. Aiden and Amelia deserves each other, I guess. I don’t see them with anyone else, but I’m just putting their relationship as default because of how the story was set up.

Mason. I think he had a better prop to the story, but once again, his only purpose was to be Amelia’s second male lead. We knew he wasn’t going to end up with her, and he was merely there to serve conflict within her internal emotions. He is a playboy, (of course), but nothing else. Amelia said she would never fall for him because of such ways but, it’s whatever at this point. He had no value to the story, nor progression. Of course, he begins a little bit more confrontation and his storyline begins to latch on Amelia later in the series, but even then, Mason as a whole--just by himself--offers nothing. No resolution, no necessary need. You could’ve just cut him out, and the romance would’ve played the same. The characters would’ve been the same. Even the arc featuring his father didn’t need him because it deals with his father. Father. Before him.

I was told that Noah was Asian, but I don’t remember reading this. This shows the limitations on diversity, and though you don’t need to mention it consistently, you could’ve told me once in a while as a reminder.

Noah is just comic relief, and is childish. He offers nothing more than that, and even his romance with Charlotte in the future is up in the air. I think it’s funny how there’s two love triangles in the friendship circle, but once again, his character--if not fueled as a romance device to progress whatever plot this story owns--is just comic relief. Nothing needed.

Julian and Anna. They’re in a relationship. Julian is supposed to be his level-headed person and Anna is the one that has to control her emotions. I can’t talk about Julian because he rarely interacts with Amelia, but I have to say about Anna--she’s just full of rage and unfilled threats. She will mention consistently about how she would beat someone up (main target being Kaitlyn) but never fulfills them. All bullshit. How do I even know she would ever fulfill them when I never see her come through on her promises?

Charlotte is another prop to progress Amelia to go to parties and have girl friends to show favors to diverse friendships. However, I don’t remember anything good about her. I know she’s in a love triangle with Chase and Noah, but at this point, I don’t know anything memorable.

Lastly: Kaitlyn. She is the mean girl. That’s it. That’s her purpose. I hate it because it’s so one-dimensional and unnecessary, filling the story with drama which it does not lack. In order to make her three-dimensional, she could’ve been filled with ambitions and hobbies outside boys and attacking Amelia. But she wasn’t. She was untapped potential, and that’s all she is. I wish she could have have a character development, but not even the main character earn such luxuries so neither does the antagonist.

I’ve been seeing from book Twitter and Instagram about how much they admire the friendships inside this story. I found it force. They were banded together because Amelia was repeatedly introduced to their group but nothing memorable was formed between them. There wasn’t a story, just BAM! and they became friends. There were no scenes dedicated to complete friendships, and showing how their group progress. They’re friends, sure, but I don’t see it. I don’t see this friendship as the ones that lasts all through your life. It’s just friends, that’s it. It’s a title with no claims and evidence attached to the word, and that’s all it’ll ever be.

Lastly, I want to address something. Someone commented on how this story reminds them of the Addicted and Calloway Sisters series, by KBR. Do not lie to them. This story is nothing like that amazing series. It does not deal with social issues, with real-life consequences and are genuine relationships. It took time for each character to warm up to one another. They battled through issues, form the Core Six, and dealt with each individual struggle beautifully. You’re comparing that masterpiece to this story? No.

I think this story could be great, but it’s so untapped. Many character backgrounds could’ve been explored, many issues (unrelated to guys and Amelia’s problems) could’ve been more realistic and have more grit to them. More substance. Not to mention, give her and each character an individual arc outside of the protagonist.

Obviously, this is my opinion. I am just sharing with you how I felt with this story. I thought if I read it the first draft on Wattpad but read the poilish version on Kindle, there would be a drastic difference. There wasn’t. It’s the same, with the same plot, the same one-dimensional characters and same everything. Save for grammar errors and unnecessary monologue. You can take this review however you please but to me--I don’t like it.

Thank you to Netgalley for providing me a free copy in exchange for an honest review.

Wow! This was such an amazing book, I felt such a feeling of anticipation and moments where I felt speechless and couldn't contain my emotions!
Can't wait for the next one!

She's With Me by Jessica Cunsolo focuses on the teenage of Amelia Collins as she moves to a new town and starts a new school. But don't be fooled - she's got a big secret and things get even more complicated for her when she meets Aiden.

This is your ordinary high school fiction, but with a twist. You'll keep reading and be absolutely excited to find out what happens next in the sequel (yes, there's going to be one!). It's fresh, funny, interesting, swoon-worthy and well-paced!

Amelia is new to school and desperately trying to find her way to class when she collides into Aiden. Aiden lets it go on Amelia, but she is not one to back down from a challenge. She goes right back at him; something that other students will not do. Angry that she talked back, Aiden throws Amelia over his shoulder and takes her to class. Only he doesn't know that she has broken ribs and is hurting her even more. Amelia ends up calling her mom to go to the hospital and Aiden feels guilty for hurting her once he finds out. Once Amelia gets back to school, she is basically taken into his group of friends. As she begins to remember what it is like to have friends, the drama keeps finding her threatening the past that she is trying to escape from/

Overall, I thoroughly enjoyed this book. I found the majority of the book to be predictable; the cliffhanger near the end was the shocker for me, but it did not deter my want to continue reading. Through the story, you learn about the hardships that Amelia has faced previously in life and how they affect her choices today. Aiden's character was my favorite. He constantly surprises me in the gestures he displays to others within the book. The main relationship in the story is interesting but predictable. I wish there was more on these two characters as I feel their stories are fascinating in how similar, but different they are. I would recommend this book to anyone looking for a quick read.

Beautiful romance! I really fell in love with the characters! It was so touching and heart felt! I would recommend this to everyone who loves to read heart-pulling romance!

I voluntarily read and reviewed an advanced copy of this book. All thoughts and opinions are my own

I originally read this story on Wattpad several years ago and again now that it is in book form. She's With Me is a great young adult romantic thriller with lots of twists and interesting characters. It is entertaining and fast-paced. Be warned there is a cliffhanger at the end, but it is still worth the read. 4 Stars!

This is the first book I’ve read from this author and I’m pleasantly surprised. From my understanding, it was on Wattpad before, and this is everything I’d expect from a Wattpad novel.

Young love, a crazy story plot, and lots of drama! Lots and lots of drama.

What I liked:
Aiden. He’s a sweet guy with a tough exterior. Therefore, he is my weakness.
The plot. It got pretty intense in some places and it was well written.
Amelia, or Thea. She was strong and I loved her for it. She doesn’t let her life get the best of her and is constantly standing her ground and sticking up for herself or anyone else she thinks needs it.
The group of friends. They’re what every person wants in highschool. A close knit group of friends. I LOVED each character and their role in the group. I’d like to see their stories develops more. Especially Noah and Mason.
Aiden and Amelia’s slow burn romance. ‘Nuff said.

What I didn’t like:
Too much fighting. I get that’s how Aiden is, but it was just constant fighting. Maybe show a little more of his softer side or one on one time with Amelia.
Sometimes the book was just a lot of them hanging out and laughing, which I loved because they’re hilarious, but I would have liked to see a bit more plot development.

A little side note just based on my reading preferences. I’d love to have had a little more physical description detailed throughout the book to refresh my memory. Maybe a little reminder of their hair color? I found myself forgetting who looked like what and I love being able to paint vivid pictures in my mind as I read.

Overall, it was a good story and I’d read the next one because HOLY CLIFFHANGER!

There were many, many great things that this book did well which brought it to a 5. First off, while many events or aspects of the book can be found in other books if the same genre, She’s With Me was able to pull it off in a way that was stunningly unique. Overall, I got a bit of S. E. Hinton’s The Outsiders vibes in here, in the tight knit friend groups, rivalry, and conflicts. Yet, the author was able to weave everything together so that this book was unique to itself. This isn’t just a book that traces the romance between two characters—there’s a complexity to the development of characters and plot that adds so much more.
And my gosh, the plot twists! They had me up on the edge of my seat!
5+/5, Amazing book.

I read this for the first time when I was 12 or 13 and I have such great memories of reading it and being on wattpad at this point in my life. However, I feel this is a controversial book to publish, I'm sending a review in now for this book but I will also talk about this book on my youtube channel at a later date.

In “She's With Me (She's With Me #1)” by Jessica Cunsolo we meet “Amelia” who is running from a dangerous past. She plans on plowing through senior year with her head down, being invisible. But she does not even make it one day when she literally runs into the scariest boy on campus. Aiden Parker is a lot of more then what people see on the surface and Amelia cannot help but be drawn to him and his friend group.

With new friends, school rivalries, and constantly getting herself into trouble Amelia feels like a real teenager again – that is until “he” finds her again.

A fun read with two follow up stories.

I throughly enjoyed this book. It took me a bit to get into it, but once I did, I couldn’t stop reading it. I got super invested in the story and the characters. I loved the friendship group so much. They were there for each other, through everything. Because let me tell you, they go through a hell of a lot throughout this book. Amelia (Thea), was a great main character. I liked the fact that you didn’t know why, her and her mom kept moving, until halfway through the book. I was trying to figure out why she was on the run. Also, a couple of twists happened that I didn’t see coming. I can’t wait for the next one.

I really struggled with this book as the prose is overly dramatic which makes it difficult to take the characters seriously. I think possibly I misread the blurb as romance, when it's more YA - which is not a favourite genre for me.

Amelia Collins moves to a new town and high school to finish her senior year to escape her dark secret past whilst keeping a low profile. On her first day she literally gets run over by the schools notorious Hotest bad boy, Aiden Parker, who is also not what he seems. Whilst publicly taking him to task she manages to become the centre of attention and aiden’s group of friends take her under their wing. With fun pranks evil queen bees old rivals and haunting past of both aiden and Ameli , Amelia tries not to fall for brilliant handsome, grumpy and annoying Aiden or his best friend Mason whilst trying to avoid the wrath of his psychotic ex Kaitlyn.

Very good read full of twists & turns. Keeps you gripped to the end. Very disappointed it is a two part story and just at the worst part of the story it end!!
I would have given it a 5/5 had it not just end!!!

This book was very well written and the story kept me interested throughout the book. I loved the drama and the suspense. Loved the development of the characters and the discoveries we made along the way. Very good mix of romance, high school drama and mystery/suspense.

Absolutely incredible book. Needs a good editor and content editor but there was so much happening in the book I was able to over look. I need book 2 asap. This book was a page turner. 4 solid stars, with editing I think it would be 5

This is my first book by Cunsolo but it will NOT be my last. This book is filled with interesting characters and a plot that made me stay up way too late reading it! I love the idea of the character in witness protection is genius and I adored Amelia! The chemistry and friendship between her and Aiden was very satisfying. I CANNOT wait for the next book to come out! Great read and worth every star.

She’s with me is a ya book about a young girl who is on the run. She never stays in one place to long or her past will catch up. Starting her senior year at a new school is difficult enough until she runs straight into the bad boys of school. Little does she know it will change her life!

This book was good and does portray a strong heroine while her leading man is dark and brooding but he’s got his soft sides too! The secondary characters seriously make this book what it is. Mason and Noah are two side kicks who just make you laugh and then there is Charlotte and Chase who are more serious but Chase is something else and someone I think we can all relate to, them there’s Julian and Anna. They are a little bit more damaged and are just perfect for each other. They are fierce protectors and do whatever they have to to protect one another! Amelia isn’t suppose to make friends, She is suppose to keep her head down and stay out of trouble. However this girl can’t and it makes for an interesting journey.

Wow! I knew from reading the description of the book that I would like it but I didn't expect to be as entertained as I was. So much so that I finished it in one sitting.

I fond the characters to be extremely entertaining and captivating. If you think something about someone, the next chapter completely changes your mind. The same goes for the story. I thought it was going in one direction and it actually took an entirely different turn.

There were a few plot holes though. The fact that there in high school but there's absolutely hardly any parental supervision whats so ever. That and a certain family situation that I find completely hard to believe would actually happen in real life. There are a few other small holes that I rose my eyebrows at but honestly, all those dont affect how much I liked this book.

It's been a while since I've read a book surrounding high school students and I really enjoyed it.

I can't wait for this to come out to the public because I know that everyone will enjoy this as much as me!

I want to thank Netgalley for providing me with this book in exchange for my honest review.

This book was honestly amazing.
I read the blurb and was instantly drawn in.
There was a lot going on in this book it was fast paced and sucked me in from the very start.
The writing flowed beautifully and I was rooting for the main characters the whole way through.
I can’t wait for the sequel I am now a massive fan of this author and look forward to reading more of their work in the future.
4 stars.

I honestly don't know what to say about this book. Are the characters compelling? YES Is there a mystery element to the plot that drives the story? YES. Is the heroine strong? YES. I read this in two sittings, following a well paced novel down a rabbit hole that became more unbelievable as I continued. As the mysteries of Amelia's past and Aiden's present are revealed, I kept thinking to myself - what is wrong with these two people? The answer - both of them think that hiding important things is the right decision. While I completely understand that the circumstances surrounding Amelia's arrival in town should be kept in the dark, I don't understand how she could choose to hide the number of times she has been physically assaulted by aggressive teen boys in this novel. She has no problems verbally flaying the Boys, yet the moment the rival gang gets their hands on her it's all - I can take care of myself and no don't tell my friends that I was targeted because it might hurt their feelings. I find the two sides of this heroine problematic - how can she be a strong female lead who also buys into the culture of silence surrounding assault.

Ultimately, She's With Me is a bag of mixed messages. It dragged me through to the end, but I was left wondering why characters made harmful decisions. Hopefully other readers will find a lesson in the importance of communication here. I also hope that if this is the reality for teens today, they will find the courage to reach out.