I’ve got to say that I am truly sitting here after finishing the third installment in the <i>You</i> series with my mouth wide open. I didn’t think this would happen, readers, because I’m going to be real with your for a minute.

I enjoyed the first novel and but I really, really hated the second. I found the Netflix series made Joe and the story a bit more tolerable. (And Kepnes is totally totally right about now only seeing and hearing Penn Badgley as main character and narrator, Joe Goldberg. I can hear his voice on the pages.)

But I digress.

This third novel was a game changer. Kepnes rallied on this one and <b>made. it. happen.</b>

Fresh from prison, Joe decides he’s going to try something different. He’s going to settle down and live a quiet, murder-free life on the island of Bainbridge. He volunteers at a library and falls for Mary Kay. But no funny business this time. He’s on the straight and narrow path. Unfortunately, bad luck follows Joe. But he’s trying?

<i>You Love Me</i> was fantastic. Joe’s struggles to maintain a quiet, <u>normal</u> life, for once, felt real and not forced. Mary Kay and the surrounding players were well written and the twists at the middle and end of the novel played out very well for the series.

Kepnes singlehandedly turned a stalker. A murderer. A horrific human being who cared for no one but his prey into someone the reader was truly and wholeheartedly rooting for. You’ve turned him into someone who’s on the straight and narrow and just wants to have a normal life and relationship. You’ve turned this serial killer into someone we can try to relate to.

The evolution of Joe Goldberg in this novel has been a spectacular and mind-spinning and only a true mastermind herself could have done it. Hats off to you, Caroline. You’ve worked a miracle.

The third in the YOU series and a wonderful addition to the sorted adventures of our main character Joe. I really enjoyed this novel and the first 3/4 of the book was very fast paced--the last quarter of the book was a little slow and predictable. Overall still a good read and I look forward to watching the TV version on Netflix next year!

Pros: I love Joe Goldberg so much, which is weird to say because how can one love a serial killer? This book really makes you empathize greatly with Joe, and you WANT him to win. You want him to get Mary Kay. You want him to have the family he always wanted. The last quarter of the book was such a roller coaster. I knew something funky was going on with one of the characters, but I didn't expect what happens. (I don't want to give spoilers, so I didn't name the character or what happens.) I will definitely read the fourth book whenever it comes out, but...... (to the cons)

Cons: I hate to say it, but the first 75% of this book was so repetitive of the first two books.... Joe sees girl. Becomes obsessed. Wants her at all costs... like we get it. I hope the fourth book focuses on something else. What that is? I don't know.... but I am getting a little tired of the same story line with different characters.

Oh Joe. I loved being back in his head. From the first chapter it felt like coming home. Joe just wants to be happy, he just wants to find his true love, which wasn't Love and now we know why. I was not sure how I would feel about this one when I saw the blurb, I didn't know how she could change it up in a way that worked, but she did.
Joe moves to a small town after things go down with the Quinn's. He leaves Love and their son and is making a new life. He starts to volunteer at a library and that is where he meets YOU, I mean Mary Kay. Immediately, he is drawn to her and begins all the fantasies in his head. Things are going to be a little more difficult this time for Joe because there are people that want to stand in the way of their happiness. Those pesky people. They really don't know Joe and the lengths he will go to for what he wants.
This book was long, super long and so many things happen in this book. I felt like I was jumping all over the place here, one revelation after another. I am in awe of how Caroline Kepnes can write in second person so well and make me feel like I am INSIDE Joe's head. He is so easy to root for when you ARE HIM. I love this series and if you love Joe, you will too. Thank you to Random House, Netgalley and Caroline Kepnes for an early copy of this book.

It took me a while to get in to this book. I thought it was off to a rocky start. The initial writing seemed cheesy and a little off. But, before long, I was falling down the rabbit hole into Joe's dark and twisted mind, unable to put it down.

There was a tremendous amount of character development in this one for Joe. Joe had empathy. And this all sounds and feels insane given that he is a serial killer, but that's what these books do, they take your mind on a wild ride. Joe ends up with three kittens which create a tremendous amount of symbolism in the way he cares for, and talks about, them. He loves them, he calls them cute, and he acknowledges that when everything is making him mad and the cats want to play, it isn't their fault. He is able to compartmentalize which is something we haven't seen much of before. We learn more of Joe's relationship with his own parents and we see him becoming self-aware and trying to be "good." Joe follows the rules, he sets a code, and he (for the most part) doesn't break said code. However, he is still left with the tragic relationship fallout.

I didn't care for Mary-Kay but just like RIP Beck and Love, I don't think we are supposed to. Every time Love was referenced, I remembered what a chore she was, even though I'd say Hidden Bodies is arguably the strongest in the series. Oddly enough, I think the relationship that became strongest in this one for Joe was the one with Oliver. Despite the fact that Oliver was blackmailing Joe to save both of them from the wrath of the Quinns, they understood each other and had a sick sort of bond.

Joe's banter was quick and fantastic and right on point. My biggest issues were with the endings. The piece about Shortus seemed out of place. <Spoiler> Coming out of nowhere, tying Joe to a tree, and covering him in blood while begging for coyotes was just really bizarre. Through the book we were led to believe that Shortus had a thing for MaryKay, but in reality it was her teenage daughter that he had been sleeping with while peddling his CrossFit. I'm not sure if it's the pieces that didn't line up, or if it was just out of place altogether. Either way, it felt clunky. <Spoiler> I also didn't care for Mary Kay's Swansong. <Spoiler> To be accidentally pushed down the stairs, while wearing socks on hardwood, by her pissed off daughter made me laugh. It seemed out of left field and I do hope we hear from Nomi again because she seems to be following in Joe's sociopathic footsteps despite not being his daughter. <Spoiler>

Overall, I enjoyed this book and it left things wide open for the next installment which I will eagerly wait for.

Thank you to NetGalley for granting my wish to get an ARC in exchange for an honest review.

Joe Goldberg is back, but this time we see a different version: his empathetic side. But don’t be fooled by his “nice guy” traits because in true Joe Goldberg fashion, he will stop at nothing to prove his love and do whatever it takes to fit in.

This book felt very reminiscent of the first book, but I wasn't as invested in his new love interest. I actually found her to be very annoying, and at one point, I started to feel sorry for Joe for getting wrapped up with this woman. I enjoyed reading Joe’s over the top delusions and his inner monologues that are always dark and twisted yet hilarious.

There are a lot of surprises, twists, and psychos mixed in with the psychopath we all love to hate. Joe truly is a character we can’t help but root for no matter how many times he does something terrible.

I won’t spoil the ending, but I didn’t see the twist at the end coming. It definitely leaves room for another installment - fingers crossed!

This book is great! Would definitely recommend. Thanks so much to NetGalley and the publisher for the ARC.

OMG Y'ALL. Like many many people that are obsessed with Caroline Kepnes' novels, I was beyond excited to have the chance to read this one. AMAZING. Per usual, this did not disappoint and kept my attention the whole way. There is always a thrilling turn in her novels and omg this one was FANTASTIC.

Oh Joe, what a tangled web you weave! This is the 3rd book in the YOU series and while it could be read as a stand-alone, it would not be recommended. You need to know about Joe before you dive into this book. This series does not deal with the light and fluffy, so if you are triggered by stalking or statutory rape this is not the book or series for you.

I admit to watching the TV series after I read the novels and think that Penn Badgley was well cast. So much so, that I heard his voice in my head when reading this novel. Joe took the money given to him by the Quinn's with the proviso that he stay away from Love and their son. He has moved to an island in Washington state and is volunteering at the local library. He has promised himself that he is reformed and that none of his previous behaviors will emerge. He has feelings for the local librarian, Mary Kaye, and is trying to take it slow, really develop a strong relationship with her and her daughter. The first inklings of trouble on the horizon are her friends. Joe doesn't like them and they don't seem to like Joe. But this is just the first of the obstacles Joe will have to overcome to forge a relationship with Mary Kaye. Kepnes keeps us guessing and keeps turning the story on it's head making for a great last third of this book. She does a masterful job of concluding this novel, but leaving the possibility open for more books about Joe Goldberg.

The magic of the first novel is not quite captured here, however. It's very unique to be inside the head of a stalker and it's very impressive how Kepnes can make him vulnerable and likeable and yet crazy and despicable all at the same time. It didn't work as well in this book, for me. I can't decide if it's because we have all new characters, or if it's because Joe has been tamed a bit, or if it's because I didn't really like Mary Kay. Whatever the reason, I felt like the first section of the book moved slowly. Once things got going I became more engaged with the story and am interested in more Joe.

Book Review for You Love Me by Caroline Kepnes
Full review for this title can be found at: @fyebooks on Instagram!

Thank you to NETGALLEY and the publishers for allowing me to have this ARC.
I will say I’ve never read this series, but like many I’ve watched the Netflix show. So I already had knowledge of Joe and exactly the type of creepy behaviour he exudes. I was curious to see where it could go, and I wasn’t disappointed. The writing takes the reader into the mind of Joe Goldberg, we find him in Bainbridge, volunteering his time where else among the books. A local library, where immediately his fascination with Mary Kay begins. The small town librarian with a daughter he sees himself in their lives. Immediately picturing the family he craves. The Quinn’s have put rules in place, he’s no longer with Love ( definitely more to that story as the books develops) and he’s feeling alone. Carefully he plays the games he’s known for(if you’ve seen the show you’ll know. Watching, whispering, waiting. Definitely recommend if you’ve watched the show, I’m inspired to pick up the previous two books.

Ohh Joe..

I want to say so much about this book!! But I will refrain until April.

After another move, Joe is now an intern in a library in a small CEDAR-COVE-ish town, where Mary Kay is the librarian and, naturally, Joe's next interest. On the outside, we now meet a kinder, more patient Joe, but on the inside he still has his same humor and sharp-tongue that we have come to know and love. Mary Kay and her Meerkat (her teenage daughter) may be making things hard for Joe, but don't you worry, because Joe always gets what he wants and it's still turns out that's it a bad idea to get in his way, whether he is changed man or not.

I loved You and I loved Hidden Bodies, but not as much as You. Now with this third book I am back to the full level of love and excitement that I had in the beginning! Joe's inner dialogue, as usual, just makes you want to keep reading and the twists and turns in this one make for an interesting ride.. I can't wait for this book to come out and see the responses and discussions!

This was actually a wish that the publisher granted and I have never been more excited! Thank you to Random House and NetGalley for this eARC!

If You or Hidden Bodies didn't break your heart just a little for Joe Goldberg, You Love Me most certainly will.

This time around, Joe finds himself in the Pacific Northwest. But where is Love? You'll figure it out as you get sucked back into Joe's world.

When Joe finds himself falling for librarian Mary Kay DiMarco, he knows he can't afford to screw this up. Mary Kay is the real deal, but she comes with baggage. Ane once again, Joe gets more than he bargained for.

WOW, you guys. I was so excited for this book and Caroline Kepnes did not disappoint. Joe is still his creeper self but the character development Kepnes invested in him is just outstanding. There are so many unexpected twists and turns as none of the characters are at all what they seem! And the way the ending is written, there is definite potential for a fourth book. 😁

I'm honored to have gotten my hands on an advance digital copy through NetGalley. I'll make sure that all of my friends who enjoyed the first two books in the You series check this one out when it drops in April.

Joe is back! I’d be lying if I say that I didn’t miss him. There’s nothing quite as unendingly entertaining as the psycho inner monologue of Joe Goldberg. But hey, nothing is ever his fault. He is innocently hiding in bathrooms and holding people in cages in his basement and it’s always THEIR FAULT.

I’m with you, Joe. Let me speak right to you. People are manipulative pieces of crap when it comes right down to it, they are always taking advantage of you. You are a good man. You took us through another harrowing display of how weak other people are, how uncommitted they are. It’s pretty easy for me to cheer for you because deep down I know you love me, The reader. The one who always has your back.

It’s a good thing Caroline Kepnes knows how to keep us hooked on Joe. He’s not innocent, and yet we want him to be. He loves books! He will kill for you! I find these books fascinating. I find the voyeuristic, narcissistic and horrible stuff Joe does totally enjoyable. It’s bad in the same way donuts are bad but you wouldn’t refuse donuts, would you? I want endless Joe Goldberg binges and not have it go to my thighs. 🍩

Thank you Netgalley and Random House for this gifted copy.

This was the first book in the series that I read... and wow! Joe is written so well. He's creepy and awkward and seems to always end up doing the wrong thing, yet I somehow found myself on his side and hopeful for him! I will definitely be checking out other books by this author - very interesting character development!

It takes me a while to get into a groove with Caroline's book. But not in a bad way! Just in a Joe Goldberg kinda way. Joe has his own rhythm and it takes me a second to catch on to his beats. But once I do, damn the melody is amazing! I'm right back into the mind of Joe.

In this book we get a "Good" Joe and it's something totally different from the past Joe. He is trying his best to do the right thing in his eyes but gets tested at every turn. I give him credit. I thought he would have snapped several times. To be honest, I was hoping he would.

There were a couple twist I didn’t expect to see happen and I really enjoyed them. Some felt a little off but they worked because we are talking about Joe and his life here lol.
To me, this book was very slow paced and at times a little boring for the first half of the book. It felt like I read this twice before with not much difference. BUT....the second half steps it up some. Joe seems to be getting hit from every single angle. Good Joe is ok and I'm glad we got to see him this way but I can't lie, I got so hyped up when I read.....IT'S TIME TO GO HARD!!! YES , JOE!!!! GET THEM ALL.

The side characters annoyed me. I wanted to reach inside the book and smack a couple. I have a feeling we are going to see more of someone...maybe, maybe not.

Overall, I did enjoy this book. I just expected more. I am really looking forward to watching it l come to play in the TV series.

Come back to me "Bad Joe". I need more of you in my life!

I love the You series and this book was different than I was expecting, but I still enjoyed it. I was hoping for more psycho Joe, but there's a lot of trying to be the good man Joe lol. It wasn't as good as the first 2 books, but I still liked it and I am hoping we get another You book because I love Joe Goldberg!

One of my most anticipated reads and I was not disappointed!

In traditional Joe fashion, You Love me is fast paced, instantly captivating and a rollercoaster ride of emotional, psychological and traumatizing events that keep the reader begging for more.

We all need a little more Joe in our lives!

Though this does not come out until next April, when I received an early copy from Netgalley and Random House, I HAD to read it right away! I have been in Joe Goldberg limbo and I needed to see just what was happening in his twisted world.

Joe has moved to an island outside of Seattle and no surprise, he found the one he will love forever. Love has their son Forty and her family paid him off to leave them alone so what's a Joe to do? In walks Mary Kay, the librarian. Books! We all know his love of books. Mary Kay loves books. She also has a teenage daughter who is definitely in her teen angsty years. Joe works all the angles, as always, and he swears he is not going to kill anyone ever again.....

I love being in Joe's head. The way he twists and turns his way in and out of situations. Boy, are there some situations. You have grown to expect them. I don't know what it is about Joe that makes you root for him even though you know he is not really a good guy. He tries, in his way. This is another great chapter in Joe's life. I can't wait to see what happens next. I can wait to hear the names Murakami and Lemonhead again. (Read it. You will understand)

Thanks to Netgalley and Random House for an advance copy of this carnival ride.

Excellent!!!!
Amazingly disturbing and addictive.
We get a front row seat to the workings of the mind of a sociopath that we get to like, even care about the dire situations he’s involved in.