There's murder, obsession, literary name-dropping, and Joe’s usual delusional inner monologue that somehow makes you cringe and chuckle -- typical "You". That said, these books have begun to wear thin for me. They're no longer thrilling to me in the way they used to be, and it almost feels like Caroline Kepnes is tired of Joe, too?

If you’ve made it this far in the series, it’s worth the read, but don't expect it to pack the same punch the series once did.

This was great and just what we needed as fans of the YOU series. I wonder now what 's next? Would love to see what this author comes up with next.

This one did not keep my attention like the previous books in the series. It seems more therapeutic for the author than for Joe at this point. Hopefully the next one is less about writing than murder.

So Happy Together reminded me that this one had been sitting in my TBR pile for far too long. I loved the author's previous books so much that I'm not sure how this one managed to fall through the cracks. Joe has found himself another "you" to obsess over, this time at a Harvard writer's fellowship. Wonder has so much in common with him (at least in Joe's mind) that they're obviously meant to be together. I'd forgotten how easy it is to slip into his thoughts and the plot is as entertaining as ever, especially when complications start to threaten his budding new relationship.

I just cut two points because slow burn storytelling, semi satisfying ending and a repetitive cycle push us stay on Joe’s mind too much longer ! I enjoyed the previous book a little more and I have to admit it was so much better than season 3 of the series!

The start of You, Season 5 reminded me that after multiple starts and stops I still had not finished reading this book. Joe on the loose at Harvard University!?! Sounded too good to be true and I had very high hopes. Unfortunately, I was bored, so very bored. I felt that this was an overly wordy slow burn torture. I did absolutely love Season 5 though! 😀

A dark, twisted continuation of the You series — this time taking Joe into a writing workshop. Creepy, sharp, and pitch-black funny. Joe Goldberg is still the most fascinating monster.

I have loved Joe Goldberg since I first met him years ago in You. He was so delightfully unhingined, secure in the knowledge that the over-the-top things he did were all in the righteous and pure pursuit of love.

Unfortunately, I feel we lost a little of that earnestness in Joe in this book. He was more focused on his writing and its success rather than his love interest.

There was a bit of a twist when one of the fellows in his writing group interviews him about his past, but other than that, there weren't many scenes to get excited about.

I still love Joe and will always root for him and read any book about him. He was just a more mellow, less exciting version of himself in this one.

I mean…it’s Caroline Kepnes and it’s Joe Goldberg. I can always read these books. The first will always be the best but I love them all!

I love these books and series! Joe is back but at Harvard where he was chosen to partake in a writing fellowship where is where he is introduced to Wonder, his new obsession. She’s very different from the other people in the class. Wonder’s different from the others but very similar to Joe. Joe starts to become obsessed with Wonder, starting off Joe’s stalking routine. He is willing to do just about anything for Wonder, while she struggles with her own life. Thanks Netgalley and the publisher for the advance ecopy.

Joe Goldberg returns, and this time he's chasing literary greatness in Harvard Square. For You and Only You delves into Joe's obsession with storytelling, ambition, and, of course, people who don't always share his romantic ideals. Set against the backdrop of a prestigious writing fellowship, the novel masterfully balances satire, tension, and psychological intrigue.

Kepnes delivers a sharp and compelling narrative, filled with biting commentary on the literary world. Joe remains both fascinating and unsettling, making it hard to look away from his twisted journey. A must-read for fans of the series who crave more of Joe’s dangerously captivating inner monologue.

Thank you to NetGalley and Random House for providing an E-ARC in exchange for my honest review.

Oh Joe Goldberg, what am I going to do with you? This is a tough one for me. Much as I loved You (and it was disturbing just how much I loved You, because what did that say about me???) - I've loved each subsequent book just a bit less. This time around I wasn't quite fair to you at the start - I started it in December 2023 and just wasn't feeling it. I needed happy Christmas vibes, not angsty serial-killer vibes. So I set it aside for a bit later, which became months later. Finally got back to it, and finished it a year (to the day) after starting it. But again, I just wasn't getting the same enjoyment I did from our first time around. Maybe it was the novelty of that first time, and it set unrealistic expectations for your subsequent adventures. I still enjoy your snark and your observations of (and pokes at) pop culture. We have so much in common there. But that thrill of first love seems to be gone and I wish I could understand why. But somehow I suspect that if you come around again, I'll be right there to see if we can get the magic back.
Thanks to Netgalley and Random House for providing a digital copy for an unbiased review.

Full review to come on Goodreads and Amazon. Thank you to the publisher, author, and NetGalley for a review copy.

This book, while entertaining, it didn't quite hit the mark for me. The story felt a bit like treading familiar ground.
The narrative dragged in places, and Joe's internal monologue seemed to lose some of the sharp edge that made previous books so compelling. I found myself getting a bit bored, which isn't what I expected from a book in this series.
Don't get me wrong - it was still entertaining enough that I finished it. But compared to earlier books, this felt like it was going through the motions. Joe's obsession with Wonder didn't have the same intense, twisted energy I've come to expect.
For fans of the series, it's worth reading. But it's not the book that's going to blow your mind. Just a solid, middling 3-star read that kept me mildly interested but didn't leave me desperate for more.

I love that it’s the same narrator for the audiobook as in the TV series, Santino Fontana. I enjoy the series more than the book or audiobook. I struggled reading the book. I enjoy his voice in the audiobook and it gives it more the feel of the series and keeps me engaged.
I disengage when it’s negative self talk and then they will throw in something morbidly humorous and I’m embarrassed that I’m laughing at it.
It the same with the series for me. I watch a season and I get tired of it then I pick it back up later.
If you like the series I think you’ll enjoy the book.
I received this galley from NetGalley.

Caroline Kepnes’ For You and Only You offers the familiar thrill of diving back into Joe Goldberg’s fascinatingly twisted mind. His wit and dark charm continue to captivate, and the layers of mystery woven throughout the story keep readers intrigued. However, this installment doesn’t quite reach the gripping heights of the third book. While the plot provides moments of suspense, it leaves a lingering feeling that something deeper is missing from the narrative. Despite its flaws, fans of the series will still find enjoyment in Joe’s unique perspective and his relentless pursuit of obsession.

I was erratic for this book but it fell short and was a little add to follow. Over all it carried on the story line although a bit rocky. It did end in a point for redemption so looking forward to the next book. I would definitely recommend reading though to fill in the itch of what is Joe up to

Oh Joe… what are we doing to do with you? You are our favorite serial killer and even though we know what you do is wrong we keep asking for more Joe.. does Joe get love right for once? Does he get the love he thinks he deserves?! Oh Joe.

Joe Goldberg’s continuing story was good, but not what I expected. Joe is now at Harvard, where he becomes part of an aspiring writers group. It’s there that he meets Wonder, his newest obsession. This book did not pull me in as much as the previous books did, but I do enjoy getting to see what happens next in this series. 3/5 stars. Thank you NetGalley for the ARC!

Caroline Kepnes knows just how to thrill and disgust you at the same time with a character that’s a paradox. You can’t help but follow him along even as he spirals down a dark path. Absolutely enthralling!