Oh Joe Goldberg...this is the one where Joe decides that instead of being a reader, he will be a writer, no matter the costs. This is the 4th book in the series, all of which have been made into Netflix series. If you've seen the series, you know the gist of this story. Joe moves to a new town, after murdering everyone in the old town. Joe meets a new girl, the obsession begins, and all barriers to true happiness are eliminated.

I've only seen the series, not read any of the books, so was curious to see how the internal dialogue of Joe translates to the page. In his narrative about them, he describes them as 'You', which you'll have to get used to, dear reader. It's entertaining, for a while...

We know Joe's backstory, as an abused child, he becomes a psychopathic murderer. What we don't get is why he picks the women he does, some of which are more likeable than others. He sees something in them that he doesn't see in himself, and thinks they need him to fix them. He's a sculptor, in a way, that just wants to mold these women into his soulmates. What could go wrong?

You could read this as a stand alone novel, as there are so many references to the prior books, characters, and victims. This makes this edition longer than it should be. There are many pieces that could be expanded upon, less emphasis on Wonder, more on Sara Beth. Give Joe a real woman to challenge him! Wait, we kind of did that in book 3 but we know how that turned out.

I do enjoy the change of scenery in each book. Living in LA, I liked all the references and nods to popular culture. This book is set in Boston, where I grew up, so I enjoyed that for a while. The true nature and character of the city comes out as Joe experiences it anew.

It just wasn't enough to keep me engaged for 400+ pages..

"I should know better than to be happy. Being happy is like daring the universe to sucker punch you..."
Ahh Joe, back again and as delusional as ever. I enjoyed this book much more than I did the third book. I felt like Joe's voice was exceptionally strong. It was even more evident to me in this book how truly misguided Joe is. The irony of his behavior is that if he stopped trying so hard to control everyone and everything to get what he wants he might actually get what he wants.

I did think this book was a bit too long. At this point they are all the same as far as overall plot. Joe meets girl, Joe becomes obsessed with girl, Joe kills people who get in the way, etc. I also thought certain elements wrapped up too easily for Joe and definitely could have been more of an issue.

Ah, Joe Goldberg is back! In this 4th installment of the Joe Goldberg series, he is now focusing on his writing and of course a love interest. I have given all of the other books in this series 3 stars and I don’t think this one will be any different.

Although I enjoy the plot, it is a bit long and redundant. Joe needs help and it seems that maybe he met his match in this book with some of the members of the Harvard writing fellowship. There were a few lines that made me laugh and want to remember them enough that I highlighted them, but it was typical Joe for the rest on the book.

Unfortunately, probably my least favorite of the 'You' series. Also, in case you were not aware, the books have completely divested from the Netflix series so do expect to be reading the same story that you watched!

Most of this book is stream-of-consciousness nonsense and was far too long. I kept waiting to care about what was going on. Sure, there were some funny lines and some tense moments, but overall, I was bored.

(Thank you to @netgalley and the publisher for an eARC in exchange for an honest review)

I was excited, as always, to read the next book in Caroline Kepnes addictive series about Joe Goldberg and “For You and Only You” was a thrilling story that further developed this singular character.

The fourth book in this series takes Joe to Harvard where he is part of a tight-knit writing fellowship program run by the enigmatic and acclaimed literary author, Glenn Shoddy. Joe becomes quickly enamored with Wonder Parish, another student in the fellowship whom he bonds with over having no college degrees, no pretensions, no stories from prep school or grad school, and a pure love for literature. Their romance and his place in the fellowship quickly unravel as Joe’s obsession, once again, gets out of control.

Though the book and Netflix series are veering more and more apart from each other, I am still thoroughly enjoying both. Satirical and suspenseful, “For You and Only You” masterfully continued Joe’s story.

A few favorite passages:

“You can make one person love you, but you can't make a group of people like you, not when they already have each other, when they are a ‘them’ in a way that makes you a ‘you.’"

“Real love is quiet. A whisper between two people.”

“What hurts the most, what cannot be forgiven… You wouldn't even show it to me.
That's what we do when we read something that moves us, alters us, astounds us. Whether it's good or bad, we show it to someone we love, because when you read something, you want someone you love to read it, too.”

“Love is a book. You don't skip ahead. You let the story surprise you. You root for the character and let the author set the pace. You don't read because you're in control, because you know what comes next and when. You read because you don't know.”

I love thrillers. And I especially love darkly funny thrillers. This arc was so entertaining that I’ll be purchasing it at release to reread and then add to the little library.

Going in to For You and Only You by Caroline Keynes I had no expectations. I didn’t know it was a series (the 4th) or that there was a Netflix show.

All I knew is that the story focuses on Joe Goldberg, an aspiring writer who is welcomed into a highly coveted writing program at Harvard and with people he basically loathes. And he thinks he finally found love with Wonder, a woman he feels deeply connected to. Did I mention he’s also a killer? And doesn’t take criticism well?

The writing is fantastic and with some of the best dialogue I’ve read in a long time. I raced through the book and found myself disappointed that it ended. This was a great read and I guess I’ve gone some catching up to do with Joe! ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️

Such a disappointment compared to both the other books in the series and what I was expecting this to be.

This entire book is like being trapped in a conversation with the most insufferable people in your grad classes, the ones who can't shut up about themselves or what they're working on.

None of what I've come to expect or desire from the You series was here. There was no suspense, no tension, no thrills, no over-the-top kills, nothing... the humor is there, but it's drowned out by the constant whining.

It's definitely my least favorite of the series, and I don't even know that I want to continue when new books are released. Honestly, I think the Netflix series is much better because there are more characters, and the story overall is much better.
This book felt like we missed a whole book that should've come before this one. It almost felt like Caroline Kepnes decided in the epilogue of the last book that Joe was going to Florida and then started writing this book and changed her mind and just summed up his time there with more murders and a character we've never met. It worked for Candace because it was the first book, but it doesn't work after that. I wish this book was better because I loved the series up until now.

Thank you to Net Galley and the publishers for my free ARC copy in exchange for an honest review.

"What if Joe Goldberg wrote a book?" Turns out, I'd rather he didn't.

I should have loved this. I enjoyed the other books in the series so much. The over-the-top voice of our narrator, the hilarious improbable consequences of his actions, and the amount of chaos packed into every page kept me engaged. This book promised more of the same but in a university setting, with Joe contemplating his past.

It took me quite a while to finish this book and I kept wanting more. Big spoilers ahead.

There is exactly one on-screen murder until the very end of the book and it, along with that final second murder, feels lackluster. I kept waiting for something to happen and, a few times, I thought it was. There was a hilarious interrogation scene, which is probably the strongest passage in the book, where Joe is tied up and confesses all his crimes on tape. But otherwise?

I was left wanting more, constantly. So many past events felt almost forgotten, in the strangest way. Joe mentioned the existence of his son a handful of times (this is generous - I only remember one instance but hope there were more). Events from book 3 are addressed briefly at the beginning and then again when a true crime podcast is released about them (which was hilarious) but this also fades into oblivion as the novel unfolds. And Wonder? I'm not sure if characterizing Wonder as "Love Quinn but poor" was intentional, but that's how it read and she therefore felt largely forgettable.

I don't like giving low reviews to authors I usually enjoy, and I really did enjoy the other 3 books. But this one left me so unsatisfied that I'm nervous to compare it to the in-Netflix-universe events of season 4... but I hope they'll be better.

Recommended if you've read the others and are a completionist, enjoy reading about amateur writers writing and discussing their writing, and enjoy Joe's sassy quips. Reading vlog to come.

Thank you to NetGalley and the publisher for an ARC of this book!

Unfortunately I think Joe and The Formula of Joe have run their course in my life. This seemed to drag and drag.

Thanks to Netgalley for the free copy in exchange for an honest review.

I really enjoyed this one! Caroline Kepnes knows just how to keep you on your toes. I moment I thought I had some things figured out and then the story just took a turn and surprised me. I could not get enough of this story! I love Kepnes writing style.

2.5 rounded up

Gosh I never thought we would get here. The last book felt like a real ending. Joe getting the kick in the face of karma. But here in this unneeded disaster he’s back like he learned nothing. Wonder is such a terrible main character. This book is so long and slow and pointless.

I am sadly disappointed in this book. The plot is very slow moving and boring and it’s just no where near as entertaining as the other books in the series. None of the characters are interesting and Joe’s new obsession is not on the same level as his other obsessions. I don’t know if I will continue on with this series after this book.

You cannot go wrong with a Joe Goldberg book. Not now, not ever! I don't want this series to end. So if I have any sway with my opinions please take note of that LOL. This is another exceptional addition to the series and I'll be purchasing a hard copy once it releases!

[arc review]
Thank you to NetGalley and Random House Publishing Group for providing an arc in exchange for an honest review.
For You and Only You releases April 25, 2023

The fourth installment of this series finds Joe in Boston, post-pandemic, in a writing fellowship at Harvard. He’s currently writing a novel called “Me”.

For me, this was a bit easier to digest because it was more tame on the whole gross sexualization tied to the woman that Joe is currently hyperfixated on. But at the same time, the romance and the characters here were so bland.

I found that the storyline was trying too hard to be relatable or appease to the book community with the goodreads girls, book reviews, early galley copies, aspiring authors, and the Colleen Hoover CoHort - Sally Rooney - Donna Tartt name dropping.

Obviously as this series progresses, Joe ages up, but this installment particularly felt off in terms of how the characters came across age wise. He didn’t feel as sure of himself as he otherwise did in the previous three books.

This briefly incorporates some of the characters from the last book through a murder investigation podcast, which honestly I thought we moved past them, but if it means throwing a curveball Joe’s way then I guess I don't mind.

The writing was so repetitive - having characters drinking metaphorical kool-aid every other page, or always being seen with a Coolatta.

In the words of Wonder: this was a putdownable read.

Joe Goldberg goes to Harvard! My favorite murderer is invited to join an elite writing fellowship. Joe is again hoping for a new beginning. He then meets a lovely girl named Wonder, who happens to be a Dunkin Donuts manager. Before we know it, Joe's stalking tendencies have come back with a vengeance. I could tell you more, but then I would have to kill you.

As series go on- they can get stale. If you told me I would be on the fourth book of series about a serial killer obsessed with finding love and using that as justification to murder - one whom I’m secretly rooting for - I wouldn’t believe it. But here I am still so engrossed in this series. I am captivated with the way Caroline keeps coming up with new and unique ways to keep Joe’s endless search for love fresh. Being from a stalker/ murderer’s perspective - she does a brilliant job of making you feel like he genuinely doesn’t think he is the bad guy. He is just doing what is right. That’s what allows you to weirdly root for him even though he is essentially evil. Also, the way he reads people like he reads books is brilliant!

I love how she writes what Joe is thinking in his head (which is usually the opposite) and then what he actually says out loud. Also, interesting choice by the author on her naming of characters… He had “Love” before - an uncommon name. Now he has “Wonder” - also an uncommon name. I like the subtle hints at the emotions they replace for him in his life.

What I find so fascinating about Joe is he knows what he does is wrong, but he fully believes in his justifications. He thinks it stems from a place of love and loyalty. He thinks that having a partner will give him the fulfilled life he craves, but he constantly -from book to book - just replaces that significant other spot with one girl to the next. It’s not so much about the girl -it’s the obsessive nature of filling that spot and keeping them with him by all means necessary. Although the book/series is fiction - it’s a fascinating psychological case study when you truly dive past the story at hand and into the deeper psychological ramifications at play.

This book is littered with references and I was so excited by them! First of all- love the mug of piss callbacks throughout. There are pop culture references too- like the real housewives and flipping over a table or Berger from S&TC. But my favorite is all of the Boston/ New England references - having been born and raised in NH : Canobie Lake Park is a local amusement park that is mentioned- I’ve been there 9 million times and know the owners, New Englanders' Dunkin order preferences, etc- it was so exciting to pick up on all of these little details!

In summary, Joe’s infatuation with women mirrors my infatuations with these books.

Hello, YOU. Caroline Kepnes is back with another Joe Goldberg novel and I am here for it!

"For You And Only You" follows Joe all the way to a college fellowship as none other than a WRITER! As the story progresses, Joe meets his match and one giant game of cat and mouse ensues. That's about the only review you're going to get because even hinting at any of the twists in this book would be criminal. Instead, here's some highlights:

I LOVED the setting. Kepnes did an incredible job at making readers feel the various environments she created

The main characters accompanying Joe this round were extremely well fleshed out and beyond relevant to the here and now

Realistic dialogue truly brought the characters to life

Fast paced but packed with detail

A million times better than the show

If I had to pick my current ranking of YOU books from favorite to least favorite the ranking would be YOU, You Love Me, For You and Only You, and Hidden Bodies.

"I know who you really are. You run, you try so hard to kill your feelings for me that you wind up dead in real life, dead inside. I’m not built like you. I never get over you, any of you."

Hello again, You.

I won't lie and say that I wasn't giddy when I started the latest installment in the life of Joe Goldberg. Once a bookseller, now an author, our favorite murderous man lands himself a coveted spot in a fellowship at Harvard and this story begins there. Joe is always running and I never quite expected him to run to Boston. Things are a little slow moving until Joe's appetite for murder returns and my dude is ravenous.

Joe's narrative inner monologues are as perplexing as they are addictive. I'm giving this book four stars, because I love a narrative by Joe and that's what I expect from this series. The storyline was a bit weaker than the first three books, but again, I love reading through Joe's thoughts. The story does pick up after the first 2/3 of the book, but the beginning was a bit rocky. This was a book about books and as a GoodReads girl myself, I found a lot of fun in reading through it.

Thank you to Random House for an e-arc in exchange for my honest review.

It is so much fun jumping back into the world of JOE. There is never a dull moment and Kepnes never fails to draw me into the story. I am SUPER excited for the next installment. Also, the Netflix series is *chefs kiss*