Oh, wow. This was such a miss for me and I am so sad it was. When I started this book, I thought the premise was so promising with how Katrina is a super private person, has anxiety, and hates attention, so when she goes viral, her bodyguard whisks her away to his farm house hours away. A bodyguard romance!? YES. Sadly, this book ended up being so boring and the romance was overshadowed by other storylines.

The story in this book was very slow moving and I hated how we still have a lot of unknowns about these characters' pasts. Katrina is a very complex character, but I feel like her backstory was not developed to its full potential. I still have questions about her relationship with her deceased husband and what happened to her that has scared her from having attention on her again. Then, with Jas's character, we didn't really get his full story until almost the very end and I wish that we had that in the beginning. There was drama currently happening the related to his past, but we only got conversations about it, not any confrontation with it or something more substantial.

As for the romance, it was sweet, but it didn't really go anywhere. Jas's issues with his family overshadowed his romance and I didn't really find myself caring about when Jas and Katrina were going to get together. There wasn't really a spark for me and I was more bored that anything while reading. While I really enjoyed The Right Swipe, I just wasn't a fan of this book.

Girl Gone Viral is a cute, sweet read that dealt with serious issues. It delved into invasion of privacy among others. I enjoyed it. It's very much a romance as well as a bromance and a shemance. It looks at relationships and their dynamics; the relationship between the hero and heroine, Jas and Katrina, the relationship they each have with their friends as well as their families and the relationship they have with themselves. I loved that aspect of it as well as the fact that they were both pining for each other unbeknownst to the other. I found it quite enjoyable and recommend it.

THIS IS SO CUTE.

I loved it!, this book is the perfect sweet escape and I adored the characters and the romance. 10/10 for me! :) thank you so much to Netgalley and Avon Books for approving me an advanced copy. I can’t wait to share a full review on Instagram and my blog!

Katrina King is best friends with Rhiannon and is her silent partner with their dating app, Crush. She is also a former model with a panic disorder and ptsd after surviving and escaping an abusive childhood. One day, after her therapy session she decides to hang out at the cafe where she met with her therapist and meets Ross. Unbeknownst to her, a couple sitting at the next table live-tweet the whole interaction and spin it as a romantic meet-cute. Katrina worries about being doxxed and with her bodyguard, Jasvindar Singh, they go to Yupa City where his family owns a peach farm. But Jas has his own demons and his own reasons for wanting to run away; a former soldier he served with shot him when he interrupted him attempted to kill an unarmed civilian and is up for pardon.

Jas and Katrina have been together for over a dozen years, since her marriage to Hardeep and then Jas stayed on as her security after his death. They both love the other, but neither is willing or able to speak up about their attraction and affection, due in part to the fact Kat employs Jasvinder. Being alone outside their familiar setting gives them a chance to open up to each other until they’re finally able to confess their feelings.

I really enjoyed this book and it was such a fun read. I loved and hated the oblivious mutual attraction (please just say something!!) and especially love the central theme of chosen family that comes up, especially for Katrina. I also appreciate the validation of platonic love as valid and not less than romantic love, as well as the various queer side characters. It is even implied that Kat’s husband, Hardeep, was asexual and another side character is aromantic. This helps this romance feel more welcoming to me as a queer a-spec reader.

Overall this was a really good romance and had a nice slow burn element thanks to the mutual attraction. I also loved the ways both Kat and Jas grow and navigate their boundaries and needs.

I went into this book knowing it was the second book in a series that I hadn't read the first one.

The first thing I did when I finished this book was put myself on hold for my library's ebook of the first book in the series, The Right Swipe.

I stayed up way too late reading this because I was enjoying it so much. It's just a lovely book. I really liked the diversity of the characters. We've got Indian Sikh, Thai American/white American, African American, Pakistani American, and a minor gay character. And yet, it didn't read as DIVERSITY, it just reads as a lovely romance.

Thank you Netgalley and Harpers Collins for the ARC. This book is published 4/21 — and while you can’t purchase it in person during the pandemic, you can purchase at Bookshop.org or Libro.fm.

Katrina has managed panic attacks her whole life, which worsened after a kidnapping. She carefully structures her life to allow her the privacy and safety she craves, so the last thing she wants is to go viral on a Twitter thread about her meet-cute at a coffee shop.. half of the tweets didn’t even happen! She goes into hiding with her gorgeous ex-military bodyguard, Jas, the one person she wants a meet-cute with but is absolutely off-limits. ⁣


I loved Katrina as supporting character in The Right Swipe, so I was so happy when she got her own love story! It was also so nice to get updates on Rhiannon and Samson Lima from The Right Swipe.

I loved the previous book and was beyond excited to see Katrina was getting a book. Sadly, this was a let down for me.

I loved Katrina and Jas. I love their history and how in tune they were with each other. They’ve both been pining away, but unfortunately, there was no chemistry at all. Of course I loved seeing the the other ladies and Doodle was the absolute best. I could have done with about a million more scenes with the dog.

Plot wise, it was a struggle. The actual background story for each of them is given in bits and pieces in passing conversations. We don’t get the full story {but still a very vague idea} until nearly the end. The tension slash build up was non-existent and that includes the romance part of it.

Overall, there was so much potential, but for me, the story lacked a spark and direction. If there is another book in the series, I’ll be reading it.

**Huge thanks to Avon Books for providing the arc free of charge**

Alisha Rai's latest novel is a great romance with the modern twist of viral celebrity and the effect it has on people's lives. I read this in one sitting by the pool, and it is the perfect read for the summer. Fantastic characters and an intriguing plot make it impossible to put down!

Thanks to HarperCollins for the advance ebook in exchange for an honest review!

I was THRILLED when I was able to get my hands on this book in advance. I’d just finished the first book in this series, The Right Swipe, and not only did I love that book, I was already hooked on Girl Gone Viral from the two chapter preview at the end of the first book. I won’t say I was let down by this one, because I definitely enjoyed it, but I didn’t love it as much as I had expected. I think I’m chalking my reaction up to not being in quite the right head space for romance right now (full disclosure: I read The Right Swipe while on the most amazing, sun-soaked, relaxing vacation you can imagine - I read Girl Gone Viral while under self-quarantine in my NYC apartment.) I really did enjoy Girl Gone Viral, but it wasn’t the unmitigated fluff-fest that I think I was expecting. If you were a fan of The Right Swipe, I’d still give this one a shot! It deals with some very important topics and has a refreshing take on privacy in the digital age.

I read "The Right Swipe" two weeks ago and I was so excited to receive an advance copy of this book from the publisher. I love how developed the character's backstories are, and Alisha Rai does a great job of pulling you in with every page. "Girl Gone Viral" dives in to heavy topics, such as PTSD and trauma, and Alisha does a great job of that while keeping the book light and the romance fresh. It was a great escape read during this time of quarantine. I hope there is another book in the series! (Maybe with Jia as the main character...?)

I loved this cute romance tale. Forced to hide after going viral, Katrina is taken by her handsome bodyguard to his family farm. This story wins you over quickly and has you cheering for the two main characters to FINALLY get together. The way the story addresses mental health is wonderful and I would like to see more of this in other stories. The writing is good and I love a slow burn romance and this an example of a great one.

Girl Gone Viral is the first book I’ve read from Alisha Rai and I thoroughly enjoyed this story from the very beginning. This story goes to show that dating in the modern age is not always the easiest or what you expect.
Katrina is the hopeless romantic. She is shy, works hard, but loves to do things for her friends. Though she also has her struggles with anxiety and panic attacks. I loved how that part was written in the story. It wasn’t overlooked or romanticized in any way. It was real and honest. Plus Katrina had a great group of friends who were supportive of her. She is a former model, but still keeps a bodyguard with her. A bodyguard that she is also crushing on. But who can blame her? Jas, like Katrina, is also going through his own struggles he is trying to overcome from past events.
This was definitely more of a slow burn romance. Going into the book I really didn’t know what to expect, but I enjoyed this story. The chemistry between the main characters was great and the secondary characters were great and added to the overall story.

A slower burn than it's predecessor, readers will love the intimate portrait this book paints of its two main characters.

I received an ARC from the publisher via NetGalley in exchange for an honest review. All opinions are my own.

The Right Swipe was one of my favorite books of last year, so I feel Girl Gone Viral had some big shoes to fill coming after it. And while there are things I enjoyed about this one, I didn’t feel like it had the same “spark” that the first book did.

The premise is great, especially since it does tap into both last year’s #PlaneBae controversy and Rai’s own experience the negative aspects of viral fame. And the inclusion of Katrina’s experience with panic attacks as a result of past trauma and how the experience of going viral magnified the issue was well-done.

However, the execution of the plot ends up falling flat. This is an incredibly slow burn, and it feels at times like nothing is happening. And the romance has so much potential, being somewhat friends-to-lovers, as well as the fact that he’s her bodyguard in a somewhat intense situation. However, I never really felt believed in their relationship or rooted for them.

I didn’t enjoy this one as much as I hoped, but I feel like there’s the bones of a good story here, given some of the topics it touches on. If you don’t mind a slower paced contemporary romance with a focus on the world of “modern romance” (dating apps and social media), perhaps you’ll enjoy this more than I did.

After Katrina’s much older husband dies, she develops feelings for her bodyguard. While he reciprocates, both are too conflicted to act on their desires. But, an impromptu extended trip to the country gives her the push she needs to make the first move, which could jeopardize their working relationship as well as their close friendship.

The story focuses on multiple conflicts, all of which are relatively easily resolved without the main characters expending much effort. Katrina’s coffee shop visit and encounter with a stranger who asks her out is live tweeted and goes viral, potentially compromising her deep-seated need to stay out of the public eye. Jas is estranged from a family member and dealing with an incident from his military past that traumatized and seriously injured him. Fearing Katrina could be revealed as #CuteCafeGirl, he takes her to his family farm, forcing him to interact with his family.

Both Jas and Katrina suffer from PTSD. Their struggles with the disorder are well shown, and add depth to their characters. I enjoyed seeing Katrina continue to push herself, by venturing out in the world, using tools (e.g. therapy, worry stone, breathing techniques, comfort objects, cooking) as coping mechanisms, and frankly sharing her limitations with trusted people.

I really wanted to love this book. I loved the concept and the multicultural characters, but overall the book didn’t meet my high expectations. The cast of characters is huge and largely underutilized. All the conflicts keep the romance on the back burner. Katrina seemed to simultaneously act like an old woman and an inexperienced teen. I didn’t buy her relationship with her wealthy, much older husband. Nor did I buy Katrina and Jas’s sexual inexperience. Most of the issues between them seemed to be resolvable with a simple conversation, and I never felt their happier ever after was uncertain. There are some cute moments and humorous bits, for example when the couple text messages each other and when Katrina interacts with her therapist.

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

Thanks to NetGalley and HarperCollins Publishers for providing an Advance Reader Copy.

TW: past tense parental psychological and emotional abuse, crippling panic disorder and panic attacks, PTSD, nightmares, and war flash backs.

Utterly beautiful! This story was just so touching, and emotionally raw and vulnerable and strong, with such a major focus on mental health, support systems, and therapy positivity! I’m blown away by the respectfulness that the author shows towards her MC’s, both of whom suffer from PSTD and other mental health issues. The first chapter immediately starts the therapy positivity and the rest of the book showcases the female MC’s struggles and triumphs with positively supporting and grounding herself through her panic attacks and intrusive thoughts. The male MC struggles with PTSD from his time in the army and active duty and he has such beautiful character growth as he recognizes his need for help and learning to ask for it. We see how his PTSD effects his family and the weight lifting relief that asking for help can have on everyone involved.

I could cry with happiness from this story! At its heart, it’s an uplifting romance with a hopeless romantic MC, deliciously slow burn with a side of pining for each other. And as much as I love that side of the story (and I loved it A LOT), my heart is stuck on the mental health positivity of it all. I pretty much went into this book blind, not having read the first book yet, so it was all completely unexpected and yet I can’t help but feeling a weight of mine own being lifted. I don’t suffer from the same struggles that the characters do, but I recognized the relief they felt in being validated and the love from their support systems, and this is what we need in more stories! I have nothing but complete and utter love for these characters and this story!

P.S. a small side note because this is the second book in this stand alone series — I have not read the first book (yet) but I did not feel like my enjoyment was lacking in the slightest from not having read the first book. There are overlapping characters from book 1 who play a pretty important role in this book, but enough of their backstory was touched upon that I got enough of what I needed to enjoy Girl Gone Viral. Do not feel discouraged to not read both, but if you read this one first, like myself, you’ll probably want to go back and read book 1, which I will hopefully be doing soon!

Cozy, soft, sweet... Girl Gone Viral may be the perfect romance read during this chaotic, crazy coronavirus time. Katrina and Jas perfectly illustrate how, when it comes to modern love, safety and comfort are every bit as necessary as passion and chemistry. Reading their story was like finding yourself snuggled in the softest, warmest cashmere wrap; something we all need while anxiously glued to the news at home. This story had everything you need to stay at home: heat, humor, food porn, and even sourdough starter (really).

As her longtime bodyguard, Jas' job is to protect Katrina from modern day ills like unwanted viral attention, doxxing and blackmailers, but this is a really a timeless tale of two wounded souls searching for sanctuary and finding it with each other. I loved that both Jas and Katrina were such thoughtful people pleasers for each other.

Katrina and Jas' slow burn dance around each other was one of the longest slow burns ever. Clumsy and sweet, theirs was an epically slow burn of shy and sweet.

Hiding from the world on Jas' family's peach farm, Katrina and Jas are juggling multiple balls: hiding their crushes from each other, meddling family members, doxxing threats, blackmail, PTSD, panic attacks. Their cottage becomes a safe nest where they hide from the world together, much like how most of the world is right now.

I loved how Katrina and Jas dealt with their own personal crises on their own and together. There were fist pumps when Katrina faced off with her blackmailer and smiles/tears when Jas finally came clean with his family. But most of all, giggles when Katrina and Jas were alone.

Perfect eyebrows and all, Jas and Katrina create a beautiful safe world for them and their story has the most adorable rom-com sign-off. Happy book noise.

I'd really hoped that I would love this book but sadly it just fell flat for me. I didn't find the main character relatable and honestly thought she was a bit boring. It felt as if the plot kept going on and on when there just wasn't that much there to begin with. I picked up this book and had to put it down and come back to it several times just to finish it. Hopefully others will find it enjoyable, maybe it just wasn't for me. *I want to thank the publisher and Netgalley for my copy of this book in exchange for my honest review.*

I loved this book, and it saved me from a weeks long reading slump when I haven't been much interested in anything. I like this book even more than the first in this series. The characters felt real and like friends I'd want to have in my own life. They had their problems, they had things that made them different, they had things they struggled with, and they were supportive friends (and then lovers). I am a sucker for the friends to lovers and staying in the same house together with romantic tension troupes, which this book did perfectly. It was light and happy, while also depicting serious issues including PTSD, privacy on the internet, and how to open up vulnerably and communicate with those who care about you. The story and characters were so real and modern in what they had to deal with, how they talked, and how they interacted with the world. This book was just what I needed right now and I can't wait to read more by this author.

This book is a total slow burn between Katrina and Jas. She is his employer, and they have known each other for a long time. These feelings are unexpected for her and have been building for him. I like that she’s in her mid-thirties and he’s 39. A big theme of the novel is that he knows pretty much everything about her (except her feelings for him!) and he has to open up so she can get to know him, which is difficult for him. Food as an expression of love plays into this, as Katrina tries to learn his favourites.
Katrina strikes up an innocent conversation with a man looking for an empty seat at a cafe, only to have it go viral when the couple next to them live tweet it and embellish. Her picture, fortunately, does not show her face. She used to be a model until she stepped out of the spotlight. She was later kidnapped and physically assaulted so her husband would pay a large ransom. Obviously, she does not want to be recognized publicly and has had years of panic and struggle to even leave the house, so she wants to flee when it goes viral.
Jas joined her late husband’s security team after his medical discharge from Iraq. He was shot by a fellow soldier, who was charged but got out early. He is in touch but apart from his family, which is a main point of the novel, as they go to his farm (he was given his family’s original home farm on their estate; they are fruit farmers, primarily peaches). He struggles because his grandfather wanted him to take over but he was not interested; his stepbrother is running the farm and loves it.
Katrina and Jas go to the farm for privacy, which is not for long with his family, especially his adorable and hard headed grandfather, and they get closer and finally start to acknowledge their feelings for each other as they work on some of their personal challenges.
Alisha Rai is such a master at characterization. I like that the character’s challenges and their romance are not things to fix them. Instead, they are to grow and adapt as they need to. She continues to be one of my favourite contemporary romance novelists with this fantastic book.