There was A LOT going on in this book. It was a mystery for sure, but there were also entire chapters that didn't address the mystery at all, because there were all these other story threads. There are definitely some major trigger warnings for this book, so please be aware of those before deciding to pick this book up. Outside of the mystery, there are some complicated dynamics going on - in friend groups, in families, in relationships. While there is fake dating and some funny moments in this book, a lot of it is serious and heavy too. It's hard to really classify this book because of all the different layers, but overall by the end they really do tie up - some a little too well and some not satisfying enough, which I guess means it's realistic.

Thank you to Netgalley and Bloomsbury Audio for the advanced copy!

Wow, what an outstanding debut novel. I truly never wanted to put this book down, it was phenomenal. There were so many levels to this story and so many places it went that I wasn’t expecting.
We follow Jo-Lynn Kirby who is dealing with friendship loss, becoming an outcast after pictures were leaked of her, and just trying to find her way in high school.
One day her former best friend Maddie Price says she’s in trouble and needs Jo’s help. Jo goes to meet up with her and Maddie has disappeared. In order to figure out what happened to Maddie, Jo teams up with Hudson, an old fling to try and solve this mystery together. This is just the kick off to one incredible and moving story.
Jo is one of my favorite main characters I have read in a long time. She was so real and going through so much and it was all told in such a true way.
I have such a love for YA books and this made me remember why. Young people dealing with real issues with the drama and highs and lows of high school.
I adored Hudson; the main love interest. His relationship/friendship with Jo felt really honest and like typical 17/18 year olds.
There’s so much more I want to say but I don’t want to spoiler - truly go in not knowing much. The story unfolds in such an important way with so much growth and things learned along the way.
I cannot recommend this one enough!
Thanks again to Netgalley and Bloomsbury Audio for the advanced copy of the audiobook!

This was a really great YA debut with multidimensional characters that tackled tough topics including the pressure to perform and get into a good college, bullying, sexual assault/rape and more. At the core a mystery story but also a very real and relatable coming of age story about a girl navigating friendship, first love and trauma. Great on audio and perfect for fans of books like A good girl's guide to murder. Many thanks to NetGalley and the publisher for an early audio copy in exchange for my honest review! I look forward to reading more by this author in the future!

CW: rape

Jo lost all of her friends when her nude photos were stolen off her phone and sent to her classmates. She can't hang with the boys because they all want something from her that she isn't offering and the girls all gossip about her. Even her former best friend Maddie shuns her because she's a "bad influence." When Maddie seeks Jo out and tells her in trouble, Jo doesn't know if she can trust her or not. But when Maddie goes missing, Jo must spend time with her classmates to see who might know what happened to Maddie.

This missing girl mystery read more like a realistic fiction story about Jo and her development over the course of the story. Somewhat engaging, but definitely not my favorite missing girl story.

This book sounded like it would be right up my alley. Unfortunately I just did not end up loving it. The narrator was good, I just didn’t get sucked into the story at any point. I can absolutely see how this book would be a winner for so many people, and I’m bummed it didn’t hit for me. The plot felt a bit disjointed in the first portion, resulting in me being confused about the timeline of the story. It’s always possible that my not enjoying this book was a “me problem.”

The kind of story you shouldn't turn away from, even when you want to, even when you really want to. The narrator made all of the boy voices kind of skeezy.

Jo-Lynn used to be one of the popular girls who could do no wrong until an online betrayal of nude photos gone viral. When her former friend, now nemesis Maddy reaches out for help and then disappears, Jo-Lynn doesn't know what to believe, even wondering if Maddy has been murdered. She knows something is off and a great deal more is going on than what the authorities say, so she finds a way to work her way back into Maddy's group and start asking questions.

There is so much more than this to the novel. Jo-Lynn is one of the most real characters I have met. She is smart but deeply wounded and distrustful, and has become her own worst enemy. While looking for what happened to Maddy, she begins to discover more about her own past while learning more about herself, and being able to once again trust. It is a very complex psychological and emotional story, with very authentic characters who leap off the page. Once you start, you won't be able to stop.

The audiobook narration was also excellent!

I thoroughly enjoyed this book. My favorite aspect is Jo. She is funny, and witty and overall, I just love her personality. I love her off the wall comments the most! I would love a 2nd book with Jo as a young adult, her funny antics but with adult situations. I did find some of the "puzzle pieces" didn't fit quite together and a few things confusing which is why I rated it a 4 instead of 5 stars. Highly recommend and I look forward to future books by this author.
https://www.goodreads.com/review/show/6451066627

Thank you to Meredith Adamo, NetGalley and Bloomsbury Audio for the ARC in exchange for an honest review.

"Not Like Other Girls" by Meredith Adamo is a compelling young adult mystery that explores themes of trauma, friendship, and identity. The story follows Jo-Lynn Kirby, an outcast who is haunted by her past after nude photos of her were leaked, causing her to be ostracized by her peers. As Jo delves deeper into Maddie's disappearance, she must navigate the complexities of teenage cliques and confront the painful truths that have shaped her life.

The narrative is gripping, with twists that keep the reader engaged until the final page. If you enjoyed Holly Jackson's "A Good Girl's Guide to Murder", you will like this novel as well. I personally preferred Adamo's writing style and could not put this book down. Adamo skillfully explores the impact of trauma on young women and the societal pressures they face, delivering a thought-provoking story that resonates long after the audiobook ends.

In terms of the audiobook component, the narration enhances the storytelling experience. Georgina Sadler brings greater emotional depth to Jo-Lynn and her voice was perfect, in my opinion, for this story's age-range. Her pacing and delivery keep the listener engaged, maintaining suspense and tension throughout the narrative. Whether it's the introspective moments of Jo grappling with her past or the adrenaline-fueled scenes of her unraveling the mystery, the audiobook immerses the listener in Jo's world, making for an unforgettable listening experience.

Overall, "Not Like Other Girls" is a captivating audiobook that seamlessly blends a gripping mystery with poignant themes, making it a must-listen for fans of young adult fiction. Adamo's debut novel is a powerful exploration of trauma and resilience, leaving listeners eagerly awaiting her next work. I would truthfully give this book 4.5 stars and the author's note really hit home with me.

The narrator for this book was perfect! Fit the character really well. This was a great debut!

Jo Hyphen Lynn is NOT like other girls. Usually when you hear people say that it's lame and annoying, but you know what - Jo Hyphen Lynn really isn't like other girls.

This really kept my attention the whole time. I would check out the content warnings before you dive into this one.

Just because these characters are young doesn't mean that their problems are nothing or that they can't go through difficult things in their life. The dismissiveness that Jo has to deal with is so frustrating, but so real.

This book really reminded me of I kissed Shara Wheeler & Good girls guide to murder, and I wasn't obsessed with those books either. I feel like this book really covered some important issues (for example, SA) and the impact it can have. I really liked how Jo grew throughout this book.

I found it dragged on at times and I found it a bit unrealistic (but this is concerns I had with the two books mentioned above). TBH how do high school students have all this free time??? I am on the fence with a 3 or 4 for this book, and I think it might just not be for me but totally can see it doing well with the right audience and I would recommend it to others! Thanks NetGalley & Bloomsbury for this ARC!

Audiobook Review - Not Like Other Girls is a great addition to the popular YA Thriller genre! The narrator does a fantastic job of pacing the story and keeping the listener interested. Hand this to fans of Karen McManus and Jennifer Lynne Barnes.

So at the beginning I was not sure why the main character had to point out and explain her whole setting. It felt weird. It didn’t take long after to get to the mystery part, which was interesting given our mains character involvement. The narrator was great. I just feel bad because the characters felt underdeveloped. Except for Jo who was defiantly thinking just like most teenage girls and how it gets exploted by society especially males. I did liked how the themes of being a teen girl and how you are suddenly perceived as prey. How girls can’t win no matter what they do even if they are pushed an agenda to be sexual, that at the end it doesn’t make her feel better, especially cuz it feeds others mysogonistic agenda.this theme is what I loved about this book, because clearly girls should allow to be girls as long as they can and never be in horrible situations. The authors note was chef kisses.

Story is 5 stars
Narrator gets 4.5 stars

I enjoyed this audio copy. It kept my attention. This book is YA and has topics and issues that are very common for those in that age category. This is very appropriate for this age range. I look forward to purchasing a hard copy for my teenage daughters, especially the 17 year old.

Thank you for the copy, this is my honest opinion.

My very first Netgalley book ahhh! "Not Like Other Girls" by Meredith Adamo!

Not like Other Girls is so A Good Girl's Guide to Murder coded. If you like Holly Jackson, you'll like this!

Not Like Other girls is a coming of age drama about friendship, honesty, and humility. Adamo skillfully navigates complex issues that are important to hit on for YA viewers (esp. when done well). Adamo deliberately keeps certain details vague in the beginning - letting your imagination run, and gets more and more detailed as the book progresses. This ultimately mirrors the genuine experience of a high school girl grappling with trauma . I would have LOVED this in high school. It focuses a bit more on teenage life and relationships with little bits of mystery/thriller until the end where all of it escalates and then is quickly wrapped up.

Every girl deserves to have her story be heard.

Trigger Warning: sexual assault

I'm still sorting through my feelings about this book. This is a tough read. I think there are alot of women who can relate to Jo's refusal to acknowledge her assault.
I enjoyed the narrator.

Holy smokes this was such a thrilling page turner!!! I was on the edge of my seat from page 1 and could not put it down! Not Like Other Girls is a heart pounding (and at times heart wrenching) YA thriller full of twists and turns I never saw coming. Equal parts mystery and raw emotion - this is a powerful read that provides much needed commentary on how society treats the trauma of young women.

Not Like Other Girls is a fantastic debut novel and I’m so excited to see what Meredith Adamo has in store for us next!

Thank you so much Bloomsbury YA for sending me a copy!

*Please check TW before reading.

I received an advance copy of the audiobook from Bloomsbury Audio via NetGalley.

Not Like Other Girls by Meredith Adamo is a coming of age story where the main character, Jo-Lynn, is wadding through the social hierarchy of high school while also trying to solve the disappearance of her former best friend. I'm going to be truthful, this is categorized as Young Adult so I was fully expecting to roll my eyes through a 3 star book. That did not happen at all.

When listening to the book, it brought me back in time to the feelings that you experience during the drama of high school. The friendships you make, the boys you crush on, the friendships that seem to fall apart and the social politics of teenage angst. There are some heavy themes that run through the book but that felt appropriate for things teens are experiencing and giving a voice to their experiences.

I really enjoyed the experience of listening to Georgina Sadler's narration of the audiobook. I could imagine the scenes being played out in a tv showing brought to you by your favorite streaming provider.

You can get your copy of Not Like Other Girls on April 30th.

The synopsis had a lot of promise, but the execution seemed to have been struggling. The narrator was lovely and a great asset to the experience. However, I was about 25% of the way through, and I genuinely could not have told you a single thing that happened.

Not Like Other Girls Review
This was NOT the type of book I was expecting to read but I loved every second of if!
As a fellow Maddie, it was obviously a factor in choosing what my next read was going to be.
Jo-Lynn was a character a lot of girls can relate to in many ways and the way her emotions were explained was beautifully done. It’s the perfect depiction of what girls feel in regards to being intimate with people.
I usually skip the author’s note but this one was a MUST READ. The majority of women can relate to at least one aspect or another in this book and it’s truly worth the read!