Thanks NetGalley for the ARC!

I ended up liking this a lot more than the third YOU book, which was mostly depressing. This had more fun Joe impulse murders, and an exciting setting for Joe to talk literature and fall in “love.”
This reminded me a little more of The Love Affairs of Nathaniel P - it had some really good opportunities for Joe to express how he saw things and the reader to see how far off base he was.
A couple of things felt too convenient, especially one character’s seemingly random confession TO Joe, and Joe’s confession to just the right person.
It was also fun to read this while watching the series, since the show Joe and the book Joe have diverged so dramatically; I thought a lot about what his essential characteristics are in both and where the characters differ. I wonder where Kepnes will take this version of Joe next.

Very interesting read after seeing the first season of the show on Netflix. The way the book is written we get an inside scoop right into his brain and innermost thoughts. Which can be distracting in the way he bounces from topic to topic. Overall, I enjoyed the read and can't wait to see how it compares to the series but found the way it was written distracting.

For You and Only You…. Joe just never learns his lesson does he?
I love these books but I found this one to be quite a bit harder to get thru than the others. Joe is in a writing fellowship at Harvard - yep he’s writing a book title none other than “Me”. Of course there’s the typical love interest and psychological mind games, but who would have thought he’d find someone else that was almost his equal? (Wink wink)

It wrapped up nicely and overall I am satisfied with it. I may have just not been in my “zone” while reading it.

Thanks to NetGalley and Random House Publishing for this early release copy in exchange for my honest opinion.

Publish date: 4/25/23

A massive THANK YOU to the publisher for allowing me to read this ARC. The "You" series is my all-time favorite psycho-thriller series, and I was thrilled to be able to read the fourth installment, For You and Only You.

Reading FYAOY did me actual physical harm. I read it over the span of two or three days, finishing last night with a five- or six-hour reading binge. I woke up with a headache, and realized that I had totally strained my eyes by reading so "hard!"

While the hallmark campy fatalities of a Joe Goldberg story are all here, FYAOY delves more deeply into Joe's psyche than the first three books. We spend more time in his head; his thoughts are so exquisitely captured by Kepnes that I could not help but be pulled along for the frenetic ride (hence the reading binge last night). He is now in Boston for a Harvard writing fellowship, and he falls hard and fast for his fellow Wonder -- they bond over how "real" they are, compared to the pretentious others. They are surrounded by a cast of characters who are all so well-pitched, including a crime writer who really gets under Joe's skin. Reading this felt like being trapped on a roller coaster -- slightly nauseating and a complete thrill.

I loved this book (to be expected), and will recommend it heartily. 5/5 stars.

Caroline Kepnes is one of my favorite authors. I was so excited to receive an ARC of this book. Unfortunately, it is not my favorite out of the series. It was still good and I would recommend it, it is just not as good as the first installments. Joe’s love interest in this one just did not get me as interested so it could be a little boring at times.

I love a good Joe Goldberg story, but this one wasn't my favorite. It was way too long than it needed to be. There were a lot of long literary conversations and I just could not get into it. I think if someone is a fan of literature and writing, they would love it. For me personally, it was just too much.

Pros: As always, I'm in love with Kepnes's writing, character and world building! She's in my top five favorite authors for sure!

First, I admired how while Joe has had growth, he is still his usual, "well-meaning" psychopathic self.

Second, not a huge spoiler, but there's a plotline that I thought was truly brilliant and I was CONVINCED the story was going in that direction! However, once that changed and the true motives appeared... Well, hello You. The character involved with that device is also one of my favorites overall! (I won't say their name, so as not to ruin it for you, dear reader.)

Joe's love interest, "Goodreads girl" Wonder, is intriguing in that she's not the standard, independent type he goes after, though she is still a bit "lost" as the others have been. Her take on making every book a five star was interesting, though I could never be as "bleeding heart" as she is. This trait also extends to her family and everyone she interacts with. I love how Kepnes has made each love interest of Joe's similar but different in how their family dynamics are.

As a side-note, quite a bit about the average writer's mind and journey is included. That was insightful for me, someone who loves to help out newer authors, to see what our beloved wordsmithers endure trying to please us.

Cons: When I read, I "watch the movie" in my head. There weren't any physical character descriptions, so my brain was grasping at straws finding faces for everyone except for the given, Joe. I kept picturing the actress for Beck for Wonder, but that felt off and wrong for sure. It doesn't help that Wonder isn't in the TV series, either.

The scene transitions weren't always smooth, though they were clear. It was a little jarring to have my brain in one scene and all of a sudden, in a new one without much heads up. I did have to reread a few times to clarify.

Conclusion: Despite my cons, I adore Kepnes's work, making this is an easy five star for me! The writing style, characters, unpredictable plots... Everything. I love it all! "You" need to read this, but be sure you've read the subsequent books. There are several, several references to previous reads and you won't get them if you haven't. Can't wait to add this to its rightful place next to the first three on my shelf!

I absolutely loved this book! It jumps right in and I didn't want to put it down....at first. About 3/4 of the way through I came to the conclusion that both the best and worst thing about this this book is that it's exactly what I expected from the next installment of the 'You' series. Joe gives himself a new start in a totally new setting after (metaphorically) torching his whole previous life. He's beyond creepy but you can't hate him. He's a perfectly crafted psychopath. I absolutely love it.... however...... I think I've read enough Joe Goldberg. I would love to see Kepnes start a new series with either a female version of Joe or maybe an uber professional version of Joe who can't just walk away from his life when he's done killing anyone who bothers him, or, ideally, a character on the fringe of Beck's life who knew what Joe was doing and has been tracking him through his various iterations and is trying to stop him.

Overall, this one kills it. Joe's voice is extremely compelling and I can't believe anyone could put the book down. Can't wait to see what's next from Kepnes!

Hello Joe, you haven’t changed. You’re still you. You’re like the guy whose yearbook pages are littered with the line “stay cool,” and you have. It’s as if you need to prove a point. It’s received. You’ll always be you.

This is the 4th book of the You (Joe Goldberg) series and I’m so glad that although the new seasons of the Netflix show have differed extensively from the books (they are 2 very different storylines now) Kepnes has continued to honor the Joe she originally created. From the very first lines of this novel, readers know what they are in for.

I love that this story gives a big shoutout to “Goodreads girls” 😆 I can assure you, this is not a “plot-rehash review.” I have THOUGHTS!

I loved how heavily this story deals with literature, reviews, and authors. The storyline touches a lot on the struggles of a writer - The fight to get your work noticed, produce original and interesting stories, and trying to secure an agent while still staying true to your craft.

Overall, Joe is a hard character to understand. Am I disgusted by him? (Yes) Are his snarky thoughts somehow endearing? (Yes) I think the most chilling thing about his character is that he appears to be so likable and normal to those around him…until he kills them. He’s like Dexter, but with a self serving agenda that he has warped to fit his internal narrative of “doing it all for the one I love” type of thing.

Joe has an obsession with trying to control everything around him and he navigates the world through killing off inconveniences…and then thinks all will be well. But it never is, of course. It’s always the same formula in these books but Kepnes infuses her work with special literary moments as well. So, if you enjoyed the first three and liked the style, I think this will be a winner for you.

I don’t think I’ll ever stop reading these books. The writing was amusing, as always. Kepnes has too much talent and such a fun way of bringing the deranged drama of Joe to life for me to ever give it up. The various pop culture references are always fun, also.

It's hard to give the fourth installment in Caroline Kepnes' You-nivere a fair writing. Joe Goldberg is one of the best antiheroes of all time and the original You novel was just a knockout! I also thoroughly enjoyed the second and third books in the series as Joe moved around the country, fleeing from his lovers and their demises. This fourth book is set in Cambridge, Massachusetts where Joe has earned himself a writing fellowship at Harvard. As is the norm, Joe finds himself superior to everyone around him who have all been blessed with so much more than him. Until he meets Wonder, who was a bit of a boring love interest compared to Beck and Love. Joe was a great narrator as always, but this book did seem to drag on a bit at times. Even though it wasn't my favorite, I'd still read the next Joe Goldberg novel as soon as it comes out!

There is only so much Joe one girl can take. While Kepnes stays true to her style, I think it is time to retire Ole Joe and give us someone new and more believable to focus on!

Everytime a new book comes out I say, this book is so much better than the show! Keines gives the ultimate creep factor in each of her novels, that is unreplicable.

I didn't like this at all! All the other books in this series I've enjoyed, but this one I couldn't wait for it to be over! So boring, not like the other books at all, in my opinion.

I literally teared up when I got this ARC- that is how much I love Caroline Kepnes.

It was SO nice to be back inside the twisted and wonderful mind of 'Shovely Joe' Goldberg.

I read and adored the first three books in the series, but think this might be my favorite one yet. I highly reccomend this (and anything else Caroline Kepnes puts pen to paper for).

Kepnes is one of my favorite authors for good reason. Her writing style is so intriguing, immersive, and flows so well. This might sound odd to someone unfamiliar with her work, but I feel smarter after I read her books.

If you want a bingable, interesting book that sucks you in from the first page- this is for you.

Sincere thank you for allowing me to be an ARC reader for this.

I’m not ashamed of saying I love Joe Goldberg. I will read anything #carolinekepnes writes with him in it. #Foryouandonlyyou does not fail on giving me some more Joe. I will be suggested this book to follow Joe lovers. Thanks #netgalley for giving me this opportunity.

I’ve been waiting to watch the latest on Netflix until I finished this book. Kepnes is unique in her writing style, giving us Joe’s monologue which is constantly active as his brain never shuts off. Joe is amazing, intelligent, looney tunes and a romantic. He’s written a book, gone to Harvard for a fellowship to analyze writer’s works, and made new friends. Wonder, his new infatuation and fellow writer, reminds him of his other “loves.” But she’s also a bit different in how she sees the world and remains with her family, something Joe lacks. It’s very easy to get lost in Joe’s world, he seems to evolve for the better with each book. Please do not expect the same story to be shown on tv, some things have changed but the concept of Joe Goldberg remains constant. I had the privilege of reading an advanced copy through NetGalley and wrote my review voluntarily.

Caroline Kepnes continues to bring Joe Goldberg to life in brilliant ways. As a writer who grew up in Massachusetts, seeing Joe placed in a Harvard writing program was especially intriguing. This one also had some unexpected twists and turns, growth for Joe, fresh characters, and social commentary mixed in. Excellent read!

This is the fourth installment in the You series, and unfortunately it was my least favorite of the bunch.

If you are a fan of the series, you know what to expect: Joe moves somewhere new after committing several murders in his last place of residence, becomes obsessed with a woman he then refers to as You, and things eventually go downhill as he starts killing people in his way. This time, Joe is part of a group of writers doing a workshop together at Harvard.

The You in this book was a bit uninspiring, and I wasn’t sure why Joe was so deeply obsessed with her. The inner monologues went on for such a long time that I struggled to get through parts of the book and ended up having to split it up and read a few chapters at a time in between other books.

For me the biggest issue is that I have watched the series based on the books. The series diverted so far away from the books that I had trouble recalling things from the books instead of what happened on the show. I think I’ve watched several seasons of the show since last reading one of the books, and that made it tough to put myself back in the storyline of the book series instead.

Thank you to NetGalley and Random House for the ARC in exchange for my honest opinion.

For You and Only You
A Joe Goldberg Novel
by Caroline Kepnes
Pub Date: 25 Apr 2023
Random House Publishing Group - Random House, Random House
General Fiction (Adult) | Mystery & Thrillers | Women's Fiction

In Caroline Kepnes' fourth installment of her Joe Goldberg series, the mysterious Joe Goldberg returns. He is currently on a Harvard fellowship focused on writing. Joe bonds with Wonder Parish, another fellowship student with whom he shares a love of literature. When Joe's efforts fail, his mind spirals out of control, endangering their relationship and his fellowship. Despite his desire for a normal existence, can he achieve it?

In keeping with Caroline Kepnes' previous novels, which were turned into a popular Netflix series, this book depicts Joe as a twisted serial killer. For You and Only You is a dark psychological drama that is not for everyone. Even though I am a fan, the content is disturbing. Before proceeding, make sure you read the trigger warning.

Thank you NetGalley and Random House for sharing this novel with me. Your kindness is appreciated. Caroline Kepnes always delivers a thrilling plot. I look forward to reading book 5.

It’s not easy to get back to Joe when you’ve been curious about the Netflix series and it strayed so much from the original works. But I absolutely loved the previous installment and I caught up quickly on where things had been left off. This 4th book is less dark and… somehow less Joe-esque. That annoyed me for a while, until I got why: unlike with Beck, Love, and Mary Kay, there was hardly an obsession with Wonder. Digging deeper, I found her pretty dull, and in fact it was almost like I “missed” the moment he fell for her. It was so early on in the book, I think that’s what I didn’t like. I still have faith in Joe, and I want to be stunned, I want him to leave the scene with a loud bang. Caroline Kepnes, you know what to do please :)
Thanks to NetGalley for the ARC!