It wasn't necessarily bad, but it feels like I've read this a ton of times before and there was ultimately nothing that distinguishes this book from the multitudes

Thank you NetGalley for a free eArc in exchange for an honest review.

I watched the show a few months ago and LOVED it, so when I saw the arc I knew I needed it. I’m so disappointed though. The amount of detail in the characters and overall world building was majorly lacking. The inner monologues were cringey and I honestly think reading made the story worse.

After watching this show on Amazon, I knew I had to read this and was thrilled there was an English translation. I ate this up just like I did the show. I genuinely think that having watched the show first in this situation helped bring the book to life for me because I was able to keep the images of the characters and setting in my head throughout, which I loved. Usually, I am just making up how I think the characters look in my head, like everyone else lol. Of course, in a private school full of rich kids, there is drama galore, and I was here for it. The tension between Ruby and James was palpable even on the page, and I could feel all of their hatred, curiosity, and lust for each other throughout. I am absolutely requesting the next one immediately, while I eagerly await season 2 of the show. Thank you so much for the e-ARC!

3.25 stars
Coming from someone who had seen the show first this was ok. The author is talented albeit at times the book felt cringy. I hope the next 2 books are better.

The story follows Ruby Bell, a scholarship student at the elite Maxton Hall, whose carefully laid plans for Oxford are thrown into chaos when she stumbles upon a secret involving the powerful Beaufort family. Thrust into the orbit of the charismatic and privileged James Beaufort, Ruby finds herself battling an undeniable attraction while trying to maintain her focus and distance.
Kasten expertly crafts the familiar enemies-to-lovers trope, layering it with the classic contrast of wealth and ambition. Ruby is a relatable protagonist, her quiet determination and academic focus making her a refreshing counterpoint to the extravagant lifestyle of Maxton Hall. James, while initially fitting the typical "rich bad boy" mold, reveals layers of vulnerability and internal conflict as the story progresses, making his character arc genuinely compelling.
The chemistry between Ruby and James is undeniable, fueled by witty banter, forced proximity, and the growing realization that they are more alike than they initially believed. The tension is palpable, and Kasten skillfully teases out their connection, making the inevitable fall all the more satisfying.
Overall, this was a great read, one I would really recommend if you're looking for a story with enough drama, angst, and undeniable chemistry to keep you hooked from beginning to end.

Did I read this because I was obsessed with the show from Amazon Prime? YES I DID!
Was it pretty much the same? YES IT IS!
Did I eat this up?? SURE DID!!

This is your typical normal girl gets admitted into an exclusive private school full of rich kids and falls for the rich boy. The parents hate her and will make their life miserableee. Is it anything new? Nopeee but still soo good! I need the next book like now!!! It ended righr where the show ended and I need to know what happens nextt!!

Thank you Netgalley, Berkley and Random Publishing House for this ARC! ❤️

I'm so thankful to Berkley and Mona Kasten for sending me this eARC in exchange for an honest review. If you love angsty, dramatic, high school / college, rich kid dramas (it's giving a bit of Gossip Girl), you're going to love this. I think this is also going to be great for fans of the show, which again is rich kid, melodrama.

This is a super easy to read story. It's going to be very approachable for literally any reader (18+), and the pacing was good. Lots of drama throughout the first book to keep things moving. The tension between the two main characters was fun and also maddening. The ending I wanted to shake these kids!

However, I feel this is going to be best for 20somethings. I felt very out of place reading this story, which is my fault for requesting. But I think if you're older and haven't watched the show, this one might be a skip. FMC starts the story at 17, and these kids are in high school. One of the relationships is a high school teacher / student, and I struggled with this a lot. There were also no trigger warnings, so I wasn't anticipating this relationship or the physical abuse on page from the MMC's father. I think if you're going to tackle difficult topics, there needs to be a trigger warning. I also felt the characters were a bit surface level and one dimensional and predictable, but there will be 2 more books to flesh this out.

Overall I think if this gets into the right hands, people will love this story. Unfortunately, I am just not the target audience.

Was this book good? lol, no.
Was I up until 3am to finish it? lol, yes.
Will I keep on reading this series? Obviously.

So I just finished Save Me by Mona Kasten, and I’ll be honest—I didn’t really enjoy it, but I can understand why others might.

The story follows Ruby, a scholarship student at an elite private school, and James, the typical rich, emotionally unavailable guy with drama and secrets. It’s got all the ingredients for a steamy, dramatic romance, but I just couldn’t connect with the characters. Ruby felt kind of flat to me, and James gave me emotional whiplash. I get the whole opposites-attract trope, but their chemistry didn’t quite land for me.

The pacing was okay, and the writing style is pretty accessible—nothing too flowery, which I usually like. But the plot felt kind of predictable and, at times, a little shallow. There were moments that hinted at deeper emotional themes, but they never really got explored enough to make me feel invested.

That said, I know a lot of people are into this kind of angsty, elite-school romance, and if that’s your thing, you might like it more than I did. For me, it was just kind of “meh”—not terrible, just not memorable.

Immediately upon finishing my binge of Maxton Hall, I went looking for the English versions of the books. I was so sad there wasn't one but then I was BLESSED with this early copy of the translation! As someone who learned German many years ago, there are some grammatical tip-offs that this version is indeed a translation, but overall it was very well done. James and Ruby are everything and getting this part of their story in words was so enjoyable. It's an unusual experience to come to a book after something like a show or movie but this was worth every moment. The enemies to lovers academy vibes are immaculate with this series. Can't wait for more!

I couldn’t put this down, honestly. It’s the perfect blend of romance, drama, and that irresistible pull between characters who are meant to be but need to figure it out for themselves. I’m so excited to see how the rest of the series unfold.

ARC REVIEW: I watched Maxton Hall last year and completely fell in love with James and Ruby. After reading this, I feel like the TV show held true to the main storyline (at least until the end…)

James Beaufort is king and any Dramione lovers will EAT this story up

Thank you to NetGalley, Berkley, and Ms. Kasten for the opportunity to read an ARC of this translated title. An honest review was requested but not required.

I watched Maxton Hall on Amazon Prime probably three times in the last several weeks, in the original German of course (do yourself a favor and definitely watch in German. I tried both and it's WAY better in German. I always like to hear the actor's actual voices, and even though I can 90% understand the German I generally prefer the original language regardless of what it is.) and was delighted to come across the translation of Save Me on NetGalley. I had been debating reading it in German - and I still might - but it's certainly easier to read in English, ha.

Having seen the show first, I definitely pictured the actors in my head when I was reading, so I was intrigued to find that in the book James is a redhead (strawberry blonde, I suppose, but still.) THANK YOU CASTING CREW for changing that up. Damian Hardung is quintessential James Beaufort in my brain and I much prefer his hair color to the book's description. I think the actors have softened the characters up a little bit on the show; Ruby is a little harsher in the book, with a lot less emphasis placed on her familial relationships (particularly her father). In the book James is also less vulnerable than on the show. With the exchanges with his mom, with his drawing, with his relationship with Lydia, and certainly with Ruby, the show version gives James a lot more emotional depth than I saw in the book. I have to hand it to the show runners for changing certain scenes for the better (especially at the end), and adding details (live quails!) and expanded plot (Alistair's entire character and story arc, and Lydia's too [such as her role in the company], and even the dress bit with Ember) that gave the story a lot more richness and complexity. The chemistry between the actors is also a lot more gripping than between the book characters; they definitely bring a maturity and realism to the relationships. One thing about the book I DID really like: James' POV chapters. While Damian Hardung does a GREAT job at portraying James' emotions, the book does fill in a few of those gaps to know exactly what he was thinking.

Overall I would say, I think I enjoyed the book because I LOVE the show and it was an opportunity to wallow in the characters a little longer. Completely on its own it isn't hugely distinct from any number of YA or NA enemies to lovers-style high school or college romances. It's the show, and the little changes made, that makes the book come alive. However, this is book #1, and seeing as how the show has already diverged slightly from the path I'm curious to see where it will go next. I'm also very curious now to read the original German version of the book to see what perhaps did not survive translation.

Overall I think this book will probably STRONGLY appeal to fans of the show, especially to tide them over until season 2 comes around.

I really enjoyed this! It's the perfect enemies to lovers, rich x poor, boarding school-vibes and the tv-show is so true to the book. I have been waiting for the English translation for these books for years and I have not been disappointed. Can't wait to read the rest of the series!

4.25 ⭐️

save me by mona kasten completely took me by surprise in the best possible way. i went in curious—half because i enjoyed the maxton hall series on amazon and half because i wasn’t sure what to expect from the english translation of a german bestseller. but wow, did this book deliver. it’s got everything i crave in a romance: elite boarding school vibes, a sizzling enemies-to-lovers dynamic, and just enough drama to keep you flipping pages way past bedtime.

we follow ruby bell, a hardworking scholarship student who’s laser-focused on getting into oxford. she’s all about discipline, routine, and flying under the radar… until she stumbles on a scandal that involves lydia beaufort, sister of the school’s golden boy (and certified heartthrob) james beaufort. from that moment on, ruby’s life becomes tangled in the very world she’s been trying to avoid.

james is the classic rich, broody bad boy—lacrosse captain, heir to a fashion empire, emotionally guarded, but oh-so intriguing. watching his icy demeanor slowly melt as ruby chips away at his walls? absolute perfection. and the tension between them?? kasten knows how to write a slow burn with just the right amount of banter, angst, and longing. i found myself equally frustrated and swooning through so many of their scenes.

one thing i really appreciated was the dual pov—it gave the story more emotional weight, especially seeing james’s inner struggles. his development felt genuine, and his vulnerability added so much depth beyond the privileged playboy persona. ruby, on the other hand, was easy to root for. she’s driven, loyal, and a total girls’ girl—her dynamic with lydia was one of the unexpected highlights for me.

the writing itself is smooth and accessible—kudos to the translator for making this story feel so natural and heartfelt in english. while the prose is more straightforward than lyrical, it suits the tone and pace of the book. my only small gripe is some of the miscommunication and drama felt a bit forced at times. still, i couldn’t stop reading.

oh, and the cliffhanger?? yeah… i was not okay. 😭 thank god save you is coming soon because i need answers immediately.

if you’re into books like gossip girl, cruel intentions, or just love a good “rich boy falls for the strong, smart girl who challenges everything he knows” trope—save me is 100% worth the hype. whether you’re new to the world of maxton hall or a fan of the show looking for more depth, this book is a total binge-read.

thanks to netgalley and the publisher for this digital arc in exchange for my honest review!

Was it the best written book ever? No. Did I stay up all night reading it? Yes. It took me a bit to get into and then I was hooked and couldn't stop until I finished it. I really like Ruby and how she stood up for herself. I had a love/hate thing with James. I think most people will. I really liked Lin and Lydia. I could not stand the other guys in this book. I found them to be completely immature and annoying. Thanks NetGalley for the advanced read.

5/5

HELLO. Me giving 5 stars to a contemporary romance?! Literally unheard of so that is how you know how good this novel is. Jaw dropped on the floor good, smiling in public while reading it good. Thank you ETERNALLY to Berkeley and NetGalley for giving me this e-arc because this book!!!!! (Also I cannot believe I have to wait for book 2 IT IS NOT OUT UNTIL SEPTEMBER).
This novel is romance perfection. The pacing is top tier, the characters are stellar, and the chemistry literally jumps off of the page. Incredible and HUGE kudos to the translator for making sure the soul of the og German book was so well preserved in this.
Ruby Bell deserves the world. MY GIRL. Her softness and ability to always see James as he is, her strength in refusing to be treated poorly, her love for him…..I could say so much more but will stop here. Ruby is not only a phenomenal main character, she is well developed and has growth throughout the book that is soooo well done.
James Beaufort MY MAN 🥹🥹🥹 Guys when I say I love him….I love him. The emotional depth of his character is incredible and so well captured by Mona. His struggles are so heartbreaking but his love for Ruby transcends everything. His POV was so well done and I know his journey is just starting.
The romance. Y’all…..I will be so honest and say I was getting BJ and Magnolia vibes from this (if you don’t know, BJ and Magnolia are literally in my top 5 favourite book couples ever. They own my heart and soul) which made my heart soar. The push and pull?! The giving in to their desires, the mess ups and arguments and fights?! The insane chemistry?! The sex scene was also so well written I was shocked. AND ALL THE TENSION FILLED SCENES I MEAN THE VICTORIAN CLOTHES FITTING?? Need I say more. And don’t get me started on the ending (I knew it was going to be that!!!! Will admit the ending of magnolia parks remains the second most heartbreaking ending a romance book has ever had, right behind the long way home because Jessa Hastings loves pain…but I digress) which I knew was coming but still ripped me up a little.
The side characters on Ruby’s side were so well done - her family and Lin. Meanwhile omg James NEEDS new friends his current ones are such bastards guys they actually all need to be slapped for their attitude in this novel. Ridiculous behaviour.
Also the setting - give it up for a private school in England y’all!!!!! Atmospheric in the best way I could see Maxton Hall and Oxford so well in my mind’s eye.
So I need all of you reading this review to put this book on your TBRs NOW because this was bloody fantastic.

I was so excited when I saw that this book was being published in English! I watched the German show dubbed in English and I was so obsessed. Save Me delivered exactly what I hoped it would: private school drama, enemies-to-lovers tension, and a smart, grounded heroine who didn’t get lost in the glitter of privilege. Ruby Bell was the kind of protagonist I rooted for from page one—sharp, ambitious, and refreshingly self-aware. Her single-minded focus on Oxford and her refusal to be dazzled by the wealth of Maxton Hall made her stand out in a world full of designer uniforms and curated façades.
James Beaufort was everything a brooding rich boy should be: emotionally guarded, infuriatingly charming, and hiding more depth than he lets on. Their chemistry built gradually, and while the setup followed some familiar tropes, the emotional payoff felt genuine. The secret that pulls Ruby into James’s world was juicy enough to raise the stakes without getting melodramatic, and the forced proximity of planning the gala gave us some delicious tension.
Some parts felt a little repetitive and over the top, but the balance of angst, heart, and intrigue kept the story compelling from beginning to end.
Perfect for fans of Elite, Gossip Girl, or anyone who loves watching a smart girl unravel the golden boy. I'm definitely picking up book two whenever it comes out—Maxton Hall still has secrets left to spill.
Thank you to NetGalley, the author and the publisher for providing me with a copy of this book in exchange for an honest review!

thank you so much to netgalley and publishers for the e-arc!!

i had a lot of high hopes entering this series (mainly because i really did enjoy the tv adaption and wanted to see where the story goes) but i feel like the characters here lacked so much depth that the adaption makes up for in waves.

ruby and james felt so one dimensional and lackluster. i wonder if translation had anything to do with it because i do think meaning/intention can get lost. it just felt more weightless than i was expecting. i do think it follows beat by beat what you see in the show though, so story-wise you still get that pull to want to know what happens next. except that last third because WHAT?! definitely a direction i wasn’t expecting. interesting to see how that would unravel in the rest of series (since it strays from the show!)

i think there’s a lot that could be explored about social status and wealth gaps but something’s a romance book is just a fun little romance book. i do think there are a few heavier topics here though with both of ruby’s and james’ families.

if you are looking for a quick romance read that’s enemies to lovers/opposites attract, this is the story for you! i think it can get addicting really fast for the right reader. unfortunately, it just was not for me!

I absolutely adored Save Me. It’s a very easy read, the chemistry between Ruby and James was undeniable, and I loved seeing their relationship evolve throughout the book. While I was already obsessed with the show, the book added so much more depth, especially with the dual POVs. It gave me a deeper look into both Ruby and James' minds, especially James.

The ending, though—wow! It hit so much harder in the book than the show. I won’t spoil anything, but let’s just say it was gut-wrenching, and I couldn't stop thinking about it long after I finished the last page. I am counting down the days till the next book is released.

💗 Private school
💗Enemies to lovers
💗Dual POV
💗Miscommunication
💗Wealthy MMC + Poor FMC