Guy’s Girl is a hard, intense read but very worth it. There are so many emotions that this book brought fourth. Eating disorders and not feeling good enough are huge topics and they were handled with the sensitivity and care they deserve. I suffer from anxiety and it’s clear that Emma Noyes understands and relates. Her ability to create these relationships that I truly cared about, made me stop and just appreciate the spectacular writing numerous times.

DNF-ed. Unfortunately, did not connect with this one. I found it hard to relate to the characters and the pace was not for me. Emma Noyes had been an author that I’ve tried before with her fantasy series and thought it was a good start - but this did not work out for me here.

This new adult romance was interesting. I like the idea of highlighting/normalizing eating disorders as there is far too much shame mixed in with those. I struggled with the book a little because I didn’t like any of the characters and usually with romance I want to like at least the two love interests. I think I could like Ginny in the future, but it is hard to like someone so caught in the quicksand of hating themselves and making all of the most self-destructive choices. Adrian also had potential but even if he had good intentions caused so much harm I just couldn’t like him. The writing was decent and the description of the mental health issues and eating disorders were amazing. But as a romance it just didn’t really work for me.

With a pink cover and a synopsis mentioning romance, I thought this would be a light romance. I couldn’t have guessed further from the truth. It’s a slightly different coming of age story. The main characters are just out of college and figuring out how to be an adult. Both Ginny and Adrian have life impairing issues that they must also learn to live with as they embark on the grown up world.

It has been forever since I was in that place in life, but the words and thoughts in this book had me connect with both Ginny and Adrian. While both of my parents are alive and I’ve not had an eating disorder, I have had those moments where I felt like a square peg trying to fit into a round hole. While the subject matter at times is tough, it was a rewarding read as it spoke to my heart. The characters were complex and their faults made them relatable.

It’s been a while since I read a romance that wasn’t a rom com and this was the perfect one to break out of that mold. It had substance and yet I still rooted for both Ginny and Adrian to come through on the other side and find a way to each other. And I’m not sure I’ve ever read about a character from Hungary and loved all the culture and exploring where Adrian came from.

This is a romance and friendship book that you can sink your teeth into.

Great story of love and personal growth.

I thought Ginny's journey was great. No recovery story is linear but I thought hers was really well done.

The cover is beautiful and it looks like a light romance. It is not. This one tackles eating disorders. It is real. It is raw. It is difficult to read at times because it is so realistic.
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You feel Ginny’s struggles. Your heart breaks for her.
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I did love the friendships. And her romance with Adrian, who was broken in his own way. I was rooting for them. Enjoyed their time with his grandparents. Watching them both work toward healing did my heart good after the emotional roller coaster ride this one took it on.
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I felt Noyes handled a difficult, pertinent topic so well and helped me understand it more. Will be looking for more from this author!
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Thanks to Netgalley and Berkley Publishing for allowing me to be a part of this blog tour and for an ARC in exchange for my honest review.

Ginny has always considered herself a "guy's girl", was closer to her brothers than her sister, and always had male best friends and roommates. This seemed to work perfectly fine until Adrian Silvas falls into her friendship circle. She falls hard and quick and gets hurt just as abruptly given Adrian isn't capable of love, or so he thinks. This book takes us through the ups and downs of struggling 20 somethings trying to find love, acceptance, friendship, and forgiveness.

It seems odd to me that in the synopsis of the book there's no mention of Ginny's biggest issue which isn't her inability to find love, but her inability to love HERSELF. Ginny has an eating disorder (well, multiple) and it should be noted that A LOT of this book focuses on that. I felt so terribly hurt for Ginny throughout most of this book and wondered how much more she could take. I identified with her in many places, as I'm sure many women who struggled with identity in their 20's will too. Everything for her was exponential due to her disease and it was heartbreaking to see. I left this book feeling like there would be no real happy ending for her but would love to be proven wrong. Overall I liked this very much, felt it was an accurate glance into the mind and heart of a woman struggling with eating disorders and negative self worth. I do wish it was a bit more evident in the back of the book description, however.

Thank you to Netgalley and Berkley for the opportunity to read in exchange for my honest review!

𝗣𝗨𝗕 𝗪𝗘𝗘𝗞 𝗥𝗘𝗩𝗜𝗘𝗪

Thank you #partners @berkleyromance @prhaudio for my gifted copies #berkleyIG #berkleyromancepartner #penguinrandomhousepartner

Ginny is a lot of things. She's a Harvard graduate, she's a self-proclaimed "guy's girl", and she's suffering from disordered eating. So when she gets the opportunity to move to New York to be near her guy besties, she's hoping it's the fresh start she needs. The last thing on her mind is falling in love... but when the love-adverse Adrian comes into her life, the two enter into a tangled dance that puts both of their preconceived notions about love - and themselves - to the test.

This was an affecting, deeply emotional novel that's more coming-of-age than romance. Yes, there is romance, but it's more than just a love story. Ginny's disordered eating is at the forefront here, and makes this a very raw, impactful read. The author shares that she wrote this from her own experiences, and her insight adds a level of authenticity.

My main criticism here (and the reason this didn't get a higher rating) is that some of the characters felt underdeveloped. These are highly educated individuals, many of whom hold very high-powered, respectable careers, and yet they act very juvenile. I had a hard time reconciling who they were *supposed* to be, with their actions, behaviors, and the things they said. There was also a bit of a weird love triangle situation that felt wholly unnecessary. That said, readers are loving Guy's Girl, and it currently has a 4.33 on Goodreads. So definitely check it out! I look forward to reading more from Noyes in the future. ☺️

🎧 I read this by rotating between print and audio, and narrator Lori Prince does a great job with this large cast and perfect pacing! 5 star performance!👏🏻

This was a good read with some very personal and emotional story lines. Please heed any content warnings for this story, as the main character deals with some very sensitive subject matter (eating disorders). There were great friendship story lines and wonderful romantic relationships too.

Despite the serious subject matter, this story was still a beautiful love story and I do recommend if you are looking for something heart wrenching and beyond the typical romance sphere.

My heart broke several times while reading this book.
Ginny is good friends with 4 guys. All of them met at Harvard, and Ginny fell in love with Finch. However, Finch had a girlfriend back home, and would never commit to Ginny.
Now, the guys live in NYC, and Ginny visits them. She is one of the guys - a guy's girl, because none of them wants to be with her. However, Adrian is interested, but too afraid of being in love, after watching his mother's heartbreak.
Ginny develops an eating disorder, and becomes dangerously thin.
The novel explores the relationships of these friends, the complexity of being confident in yourself, eating disorders, love and what we may mistake for love.
I rooted for Ginny, railed at her misguided attempts at forcing love, and hoped for her to find happiness. I was very happy with the ending.

"Guy's Girl" by Emma Noyes is a powerful and deeply moving read that leaves a lasting impact. The story follows Ginny, a character whose struggles with eating disorders and the quest for love feel remarkably genuine. Noyes' writing is nothing short of stunning, offering a unique perspective that allows readers to step into the minds of Ginny and Adrian as they navigate their internal battles.

What sets this book apart is its ability to capture the raw and honest essence of Ginny's journey towards self-acceptance. It's not sugarcoated or romanticized; it's a heartfelt portrayal of the grueling and often lonely path to recovery. As someone who has experienced moments of isolation and despair, Ginny's story felt like a lifeline, a reminder that we are not alone in our struggles.

The love story between Ginny and Adrian is beautifully crafted, but it's equally important to recognize that the most profound love story in this book is the one Ginny has with herself. Her journey is a poignant reminder that self-love is a labor of love, and it's not always pretty, but it's worth every tear and every step forward.

While the book's content is weighty, appropriately reflecting its themes, it leaves readers with a sense of hope. It's a beautiful, impactful story, but there were moments when the pacing felt a bit slow, especially in the first half. However, this was necessary to lay the foundation for the compelling second half.

In the end, "Guy's Girl" is a book that resonates on a deeply personal level, making it a unique and valuable addition to any reader's collection. It is a testament to the author's talent and courage to share a story that, for many, will feel like their own soul living outside their body.

Thank you Berkley and Netgalley for the ARC!

This is a hard one for me to rate. It’s messy and complicated and flawed, but that’s what it’s supposed to be so the author accomplished the task. This book was heavy and hard to read at times, in that painful way of seeing someone hurt so completely. I can see the merit of the story but this one just wasn’t for me. I hope others connect with it and feel seen in all its raw and jagged edges!

After reading this book, the author's note, and her bio, I can easily see how much of herself Noyes put into this story. I cannot remember ever having read an adult book featuring a character with an eating disorder, but we all know many suffer beyond their teens. I greatly appreciate the author sharing this very personal story with us.

The synopsis alludes to this being a romance, but I felt this was mostly Ginny's story. She had been struggling for years with anxiety and anorexia. A huge chunk of the book focused on her mental health issues and her path to recovery. As someone who had struggled with bulimia in my teens and twenties, I definitely related to Ginny's hard fought path to recovery. It always amazes me how sympathetic people can be to drug addicts or alcoholics, but people with eating disorders, they tell "just eat". One doesn't need to drink alcohol or smoke or shoot up as part of basic life sustaining needs, but one does need to eat daily and face their demons in order to survive. But, I digress.

I appreciated Noyes honesty and candor when exploring Ginny's eating disorder. I felt her conflicted emotions, her anguish, her fears. And, oh! When she lamented about feeling unwanted and such, I felt that in my soul.

Other parts of this story involved Adrian, who I would call the love interest. The problem was Adrian was dealing with his own demons and kept people at arm's length. He also had some work to do on himself before he could truly embark on a meaningful relationship with Ginny. In the meantime, there was plenty of pining and even some shared affection. Adrian became a big supporter of Ginny's who encouraged her on her road to recovery.

I also found this to be an interesting look at life after college. The story begins with Ginny visiting her college friends about one year post graduation. Each had a different experience out in the real world. Some were thriving while others were miserable. It's an interesting period in a person's life, and I was glad Noyes explored it a bit.

I must admit, a big portion of this book was on the heavier side which was appropriate for the subject matter, but overall, I was left feeling hopeful for Ginny and Adrian.

Thank you to NetGalley and Berkley Publishing Group for providing the ARC.

I was pleasantly surprised by this. I expected it to be a hard read for someone like me who also suffered through and eating disorder. Ginny felt relateable to me, and despite the tension in this book, I think Noyes effectively set up characters so they've had a chance to breathe individually before coming together.

I loved her relationship with Adrian. I love how Noyes crafts it together so it flows seamlessly. It truly is an amazing read.

rating: infinity stars

when i first read this book back in august, i finished it around midnight. i wrote down, immediately: “this book is my soul living outside my body”

after rereading, that sentence stands true. this one of my favorite books, ever.

i have a few favorite books. stories that have touched my soul, been with me through dark times. but i’m not sure i’ve ever read a book that truly *saw* me. until GUY’S GIRL. i felt understood by this story. by ginny. i felt like i am not alone in what oftentimes has felt like the most isolating experience.

ginny wants to be loved. craves it more than anything. adrian doesn’t know how to love. has vowed to never love. but the two are drawn to one another. yet, the both fear what falling in love will mean. for adrian, he fears what will happen when there’s an inevitable goodbye. for ginny, she fears bearing her deepest secret: her disordered eating.

when i tell you this writing is stunning. wow. it’s like you’re both within and outside the minds of ginny and adrian as they take on their internal struggles. and there’s something so unique about that perspective. the metaphors! my goodness were they gorgeous. there are lines in here that hit me so hard, i had to put down the book just to marinate in them.

this is a love story. yes, between ginny and adrian. but i think more importantly between ginny and herself. and that is the love story that shines here. it is raw. it is honest. it is not pretty or sugarcoated or romanticized. because eating disorder recovery is HARD. it is an uphill battle that you fear you may never win. it is not pretty. it is crying yourself to sleep then picking yourself up the next day and starting again. it is learning to love yourself after hating every inch of your body for so long. it is not romantic, but it is a labor of love. and this book did that justice.

i cannot say enough how much i needed this book. how much i loved it. how i will never, ever forget it.

Guy's Girl by Emma Noys

This is an emotional and incredibly raw story of life with an eating disorder and anxiety. It’s very different than my usual genres, but following @emmanoyes publishing journey has been so moving.

The emotions that were elicited during this read were so overwhelming and intense. Be prepared to ugly cry! I was incredibly impressed with the writing and I would love to read more from this author.

I listened to this via audiobook and loved the performance. I definitely recommend this format. Thank you @prhaudio for my advanced listening copy.

Perfect for you if you like:
Emotionally devastating story
Beautiful character development
Alternating first and third person writing
Multiple POVs

Ginny Murphy likes hanging out with the guys. I immediately liked her for that! She has a group of male friends from college that she hangs out with because she feels more comfortable with the "guys" and for some very specific reasons. She's got something to hide and feels the men aren't as observant.

She doesn't want a romance with any of these guys either. Well, maybe that time she had with Finch, but then there's the mysterious Adrian. He inspires butterflies in the stomach whenever he's around Ginny. They can't help but listen to what they are experiencing and feeling whenever they are together.

They both have secrets. Ginny's is potentially devastating and the reader learns early in the story that she is dealing with a bulimia/anorexia disorder. She 's hiding it from everyone. Adrian's secret is a bit less devastating but could put a damper on their burgeoning romance -- he's witnessed a broken heart and doesn't want to go anywhere near that heartache.

Ginny's disorder drives a lot of this story but there's a lot more going on here. I really found the view of her eating disorder both interesting and disturbing. It was worth the time to learn about this myself as I was reading. My heart hurt for Ginny and the depths of her secret -- I could feel the weight of it all in the words on the page. I liked that about the book, and I loved that emotional connection to the story.

While Ginny's eating disorder and its emotional landscape takes a bit of page time, the romance between Adrian and Ginny captivated me as well. It's easy to want these two characters to have it all, only they will need trust and bravery to get there. I liked that about the story. The stakes are high, and so are the rewards if they can figure themselves out. This is really a story about repressing your feelings and what that can do to you.

I was sucked into this story from the start and couldn't stop until I knew what was going to happen to Adrian and Ginny. It doesn't spare any gory relationship details and that was a definite plus for me in my reading of this title.

I quite literally cried when I was asked to be an early reader for Guy's Girl, and coming from me you know that's a stretch!
I was so dang excited!

As I sat there for a moment admiring the cover, I knew this book would be a slam dunk straight to my heart.

Emma Noyes, knows how to captivate her audience. Her words flow across the page with such grace you never feel as though time has passed while reading.

Now let's talk about this crazy cast of characters who will have you falling head over heels in love with their wild antics and laugh out loud moments.

Ginny, quite frankly, is me. I easily identified with Ginny and found her to be relatable. Ginny is a guy's girl and knows how to have a good time without getting all mushy over feelings and crushes. Enter, Adrian, the guy who is going to make her second guess everything she has ever believed in.

I loved Ginny and Adrian!

I fell in love over and over again and I could not help but root for them! Guy's Girl, isn't necessarily a "RomCom" but more along the lines of a Romance with some FLAIR! This is a heartfelt story that will pull at your heart strings and maybe even cause a tear or two.

Im a huge fan of Emma Noyes and I can not wait to see what is in store for her future. I know one thing, I will keep my eyes peeled for her next release.

Thank you Berkley Publishing, Emma Noyes, and Netgalley for allowing me the opportunity to read and review Guy's Girl, in exchange for an honest review.

Check out this teaser :

The boy who couldn’t love and the girl who wouldn’t.

Ginny Murphy is a total guy’s girl. She’s always found friendships with boys easier to form and keep drama-free – as long as they don’t fall for her, and she doesn’t fall for them. She and her best guy friends have stuck to that. But then she meets Adrian Silvas, the only one who’s ever made her crave more, and Ginny begins to question her own rules.

Piece by piece, Ginny and Adrian begin to fall into something intoxicating, something dangerous. Ginny threatens to destroy the belief Adrian's held ever since witnessing his own mother’s heartbreak: that love isn’t worth the risk. For Ginny, the stakes could be even higher. Letting Adrian get close could mean exposing a secret she’s long protected: her disordered eating.

Ginny isn’t looking to be saved by someone. But maybe she and Adrian can help each other – if they don’t destroy each other first.

Heartfelt and evocative, Guy's Girl is a powerful story about true love, self-love, and growing up.

This is my first Emma noyes book and I must say I really enjoyed it. The subject is quite heavy as it deals with bulimia. I went in blind and I think that’s the way to go with this one. It’s raw; the pain feels so real and it’ll touch you.

Ginny has always been a guy’s girl and all of her best friends are men. She’s always been able to maintain a boundary of keeping her friendships with the men in her life platonic. But when she meets Adrian, she feels a different kind of pull toward him. However as they get closer, they are each holding back from fully investing. For Adrian it’s because he doesn’t believe love is worth the risk after watching his mom get her heart broken. For Ginny, it’s because of a huge secret she’s been hiding from everyone around her: her eating disorder.

This book was raw and real and at times hard to read. Ginny’s eating disorder was a central part of the story and in many ways a large part of her life. While the very vivid depictions might be triggering for some, it is truly a raw and open account of how eating disorders might look for some people. It was truly heartbreaking to read and I kept rooting for Ginny to find happiness and accept herself. While it was hard to read at times, the story behind it of friendship and support was truly beautiful.

Thank you to Berkley Publishing and NetGalley for the advance copy.