Ok ladies and gents who read New Adult. YOU DO NOT WANT TO MISS THIS ONE! Was that too much peer pressure? Sorry but I'm gonna ship this book till the boat breaks. Cause it's so good. I haven't read a NA book and loved it in quite awhile. A stale cliche is looming over that genre so when I signed up for this one I honestly qued in the cliche playlist and let it roll. But it wasn't, the characters are great the plotting is fresh, everything was so angst ridden I felt frustrated I might've had a few frustrated tears. (I blamed allergies to the boyfriend, so shhh) these characters were intellectual, deep, thoughtful, caring, intense, it was pure bliss. As the story progresses you might get alittle angst tired and want to give up hope but I promise there is a light at the end of the tunnel a HEA ending is there. It's a standalone series the next installment will follow characters in this story so you can get a small happy dance out of not being a series if you don't want to continue. I get commit phobia but if it's a stand alone series for some reason I'm most likely to continue on, I kinda wish more authors would do this truthfully. I can't wait for the next installment, and definitely going to look into more from this author. 5stars

Wow, I was on the fence about requesting this book because the publish date was so soon, but boy am I glad I read this. I loved it! The feelings and emotions were so real.... I vividly remember feeling just like Rikki did about boys and relationships and sex. This book made me laugh and cry. It made me feel. And I think that is the goal of any author or artist really. Definitely a thumbs up from me!

An excellent NA read. This is on the younger side of NA. Very well written with enjoyable characters. Competitors all through their school years, it would appear to everyone that Rikki Eisendrath and Sam Payne hated each other. Things are not always what they seem though. When they end up not only at the same university but in the same dorm, their relationship takes a quick turn to friendship and then so much more.

This wonderful story takes us through their freshman year as they learn that life changes are what makes living that much more interesting.

I highly recommend this one.

Great introduction to the YA/New Adult genre. Characters are believable and the story keeps a good pace. Would probably label this in the New Adult category if purchased for our library.

I loved this! It is one of the best New Adult books I've read lately. I think it would fit better in a YA collection, but would still be enjoyed by adult readers. I am looking forward to more books in the series and will check out Strom's earlier books.

I’m currently a senior in high school, facing the pre-college nerves. Where will I end up? What will it be like? What will my roommate be like? It’s novels like this and Jamie McGuire’s Beautiful Disaster and Walking Disaster books that make me both ultra nervous... and super excited about college life. Maybe that’s why I love New Adult novels so much. It makes the uncertainty of the future easier to think of.

Let’s jump in with the review. As you saw in the synopsis, this is a college novel, through and through. It takes place almost exclusively at Hart University, where Rikki and her old friend/rival Sam are forced to deal with their feelings for each other. This relationship, starting off as pure hatred, and eventually becoming friendship, was actually quite believable. The emotions displayed throughout this book weren’t too outrageous or obvious, but subtle, as they would be in real life. Of course, there are moments when the characters explode, but that’s to be expected, right? They’re only human!

Speaking of characters, the cast of characters was actually really interesting and diverse. (Rikki has two Moms, a character identifies as bisexual, and the dorm they stay at has a no “slut-shaming” policy!) I just wish that the characters could’ve been a bit more developed. The only characters we really get to know are Rikki, Sam, Tamsin, and a bit of Jason. However, I believe that the author is planning more books in this Hart University series, each from a different character’s POV, so in the future novel’s we’ll probably get to learn more about the rest of the group. Of the characters we did get to meet, I really did like everyone (except one character, but you’ll find out who if you read it!)

All in all, Rikki is a really amazing book that I would recommend to older teens in high school, especially seniors, or college students. It’s a very cute contemporary romance that is a perfect blend of sweet first-love and heart pounding passion. Fans of Walking Disaster or just New Adult novels won’t know what hit them when they read Abigail Strom’s Rikki.

Rikki was a perfect example of a college romance. Easy to read without being brain-numbing, with exactly the right levels of romance, sex and angst, Rikki was everything I love about the genre. Strom's characters jumped off the page and into my head right from the start, and I just couldn't put the book down. I can't wait to read the rest of this series and I'll definitely be looking up Strom's other works.

Oh my goodness... I can only gush about this books as though I were in high school. I loved everything about this book. The characters the dynamic the developments along the way and everything that threw you for a loop. I absolutely LOVED Rikki's character I think maybe because there were moments that I felt like I could relate to her because I felt like it would be something I would say or do. Then Sam was swoon worthy of course but its a totally different swoon. He is smart & that to me is extremely swoon worthy. I can only say READ IT so many times! please read its absolutely beautiful. I can't wait for the next book! I am looking forward to it! thank you for the opportunity.

It has been awhile since I have read anything in this genre because, if truth be told, I have been a bit burnt out on it. So it was with little expectation that I picked this up, even though I have loved Strom's work before. It wasn't anything against her, I just wasn't sure I was ready to dive back into the genre yet.

Boy was I wrong. This was such a fun read and it made me realize why I fell in love with this genre to begin with.

It had just the right amount of fun, steam, and romance as well and character growth.

All the fun romantic tropes I crave and love most, all packed into a little read that was so worth my time.

It left me with a smile on my face and just a complete feeling. Like seeing an old friend you haven't seen in forever and remembering why they were your friend to begin with.

Strom did a fun job delivering and making every aspect of this believable and entertaining and she reminded me why I trust her work to being with.

I can't wait for the next book!

What a fun NA read! I loved the characters and their story. Thus seems like a great kick off to an enjoyable new series! Can't wait for more.

This was definitely not my kind of book but I ended up falling in love with it. It was so, so good! Though I was frustrated for most of the times and there was angst, lots and lots of angst between the characters but I just loved it! It made it more exiting in a kind of way. I started the book with a neutral attitude and I'm so glad I gave this book a chance, it ended up being my new favourite!

The story is about Rikki and Sam who shared their first kiss together in a game called seven minutes in heaven in their high school days. They were never friends in high school and they went back to ignoring each other after this incident. When they ended up in the same university, also in the same dorm room, they declared a truce and decided to try being friends. But as they start to spend time with each other, Rikki starts to feel strongly for Sam which scares her and she feels conflicted about Sam feeling for her. As the chemistry between them intensifies, it's upto them to decide that they want to remain enemies, be friends or much more.

The plot was different from any NA book that I've ever read. The story revolves around the first year of university lives of Rikki and Sam. It also stated the experience of innocence to a new sexual conceptism. Although being enemies, Rikki have always felt something for Sam but she has never acted upon her feelings because she thought Sam hated her. She continues to do the same in her university. I was frustrated a lot, because just as I was thinking something was going to happen or one of them would confess, it always went the opposite way. But that doesn't mean I didn't love it, it was exactly the opposite. I enjoyed the friendship and the banters between Rikki and Sam, I also the sexual tension between them and their chemistry was undeniable. I loved the family and the friendship aspect of this book, I wish there was more of it.

Rikki and Sam were two fully different people yet same in so many ways. Rikki was a control freak and that's why she was scared when she couldn't understand her feelings for Sam. But I loved her and I can totally relate to her, not the control freak thingy though. She loved studying and she was totally focused it. She was caring, kept to herself and also not judgemental. And I loved Sam as well though he was really good at hiding his feeling and that's why at first I wanted to hit him. Though he did a terrible mistake, he remained chivalrous. He was a pretty decent guy, the things he kept doing for her, you can't help but love him. I just loved these two together. This book depicted the experience of new friendship, first love and delving into much more. I simply loved all the characters, they were fresh and unique and also relatable and realistic.

I loved the other characters as well. Both of Rikki's moms were totally great, specially Beth. I wanted more of them. I wasn't sure of what I felt for Tamsin, Rikki's roommate at first but as the story progressed, I absolutely loved her. She was an awsome friend.

The writing was simple and beautiful. I absolutely loved how the dialogues flowed out. I breezed through the book in a day. The pace was even throughout the book, neither too slow nor too fast. The story didn't slack in any portion and I didn't feel bored for even a second. It was pretty hard to put this book down, I was constantly turning the pages to see what happened next.

Overall, Rikki was a great read for me. The plot was great, it depicted a beautiful story of friendship and love. The characters were unique and diverse. I loved all of them. I specially enjoyed the romance and the angst between Rikki and Sam. They had a crackling chemistry. The writing style was smooth and the pace was even throughout the book. I'm definitely looking forward to read this series and also any other works by this author.

Recommend it?

Yes!

Review also posted in:

Goodreads- https://www.goodreads.com/review/show/1424317137

Amazon- https://www.amazon.com/review/R3RVCDODKRYH2A/ref=pe_1098610_137716200_cm_rv_eml_rv0_rv

Rikki and Sam have been at odds since junior high, fighting for the valedictorian position. They may have had one moment during a game of seven minutes in heaven, but now they hate each other. Except, Rikki doesn't really hate anyone and when they end up at college together, their hatred slowly changes. From enemies they grow into friends, friends that help each other out when they need it. From late night talks to posing for Sam's art project, Rikki slowly finds her feelings becoming a bit confusing. She goes for the jock she's had her eyes on and tried being anyone but herself, but in the end, their arguments may be more than just arguments.

This book definitely makes its mark in the NA genre. The characters are freshman at college, probably the coolest college I've ever heard of, and they are a mixed bag. They're nerdy, artistic, athletic, and all a little bit strange. I really enjoyed Rikki as a character, she reminded me a lot of my friends, and so did the many other characters. The setting was realistic and so were the characters. I enjoyed reading her inner turmoil and the conversations she have with Sam just show you how nerdy they are. While it is hard to keep up with their confusing push and pull relationship, I rooted for them from start to finish. The feelings this book gave me reminded me of my high school and first years at college, trying to figure it out on my own, leaning on friends for support, and being an adult just a bit too early. There is the natural teenage awkwardness, something I think a lot of authors leave out, but Strom did so well. The emotions are overwhelming, described with great detail and as a reader, I felt like I was sitting right in the dorm room with Rikki and Sam. I loved reading this book, at times seeing the characters shatter apart, and how Strom put it all together. It's an easy read, with a good mix of growth, fun, and smut scenes. I highly recommend this one, particularly to readers coming out of high school and those in college. I feel like this book has a great message that it is okay to be yourself, even if you're 18 and a virgin or if you doubting the risk of a random roommate or if you've never taken the chance on the boy you loved forever. It's a perfect story for all those feelings and many more.

I thoroughly enjoyed this book from beginning to end. There was an innocence and a refreshing view on teenagers talking about sex so openly and without shaming anyone else. It doesn’t happen often because there is always a sense of shame for some. I was captivated by the characters and experienced everything with them as they lived their first year in college.

We meet Rikki and Sam in the very beginning when they were 13 and their one moment I knew would last with the both of them throughout their lives because it was so innocent and memorable. Rikki is a very practical person who likes to distance herself from feeling emotional about anything but she also feels like she’s behind the curve in comparison to everyone else. This is what led to their chance encounter when they were 13 and even though they have pretended to hate each other through high school and into the beginning of college, I believe since hate is such a strong feeling it’s loosely tied to that other strong emotion of love.

When they both get into the same school they agree to put a truce between the two of them and actually attempt a friendship. College is fun, I will never forget my college years and so much happens during that time that makes you into the person you will be forever. It’s those experiences that matter most in your life to help you grow and adapt. With that said the two of them definitely play a cat and mouse game but neither one of them even is aware that it’s happening.

I really liked reading about the two of them where some things were so obvious and the other so oblivious it’s sweet because you can’t help but root for them to get together. Yeah there are some stuff that happen toward then end that I didn’t necessarily agree with but sometimes things happen and you can’t really do anything about it other than try and move on from it. Again sometimes things happen, but you have to read the book to find out what that something is.

I genuinely liked all the characters in this book and I can’t wait to find out more about Claire in the next book, although she wasn’t too present this time it will be fun to experience her time at Hart University. I loved the scenery and the story and I couldn’t put this book down until I absolutely finished it. That’s saying a lot because usually I have to get up very early in the morning, so that’s how much I liked it. Can’t wait for the next one and I will unquestionably check out more from this author because I enjoyed the writing style and plot. Go read this, great start to a good series.

This story was so beautifully done. It captured all of the anxiety and tension that comes with being a young adult, as well as all of the insecurities and joys that come with experiencing a first love. Rikki and Sam were perfect together.

WOW!! I really enjoyed Rikki. This was a beautiful, sweet little read that pulled me in from the very first page. Once I had finished reading, I wanted to go back to the beginning and start all over again. It was so refreshing to read a book that you didn't have to think too much about what was happening, the words spoke for themselves. The characters were likable and you feel the emotions that they themselves are feeling.

The chemistry between Rikki and Sam is very much there, every time they are together. You feel the animosity between them but you can feel the underlying want that they both obviously are feeling, but not willing to admit.

Rikki is book 1 in the Hart University series and I will look forward to continuing the series and reading about the other characters. A great romance that I thoroughly enjoyed and will be reading again.

This is the first book in new series (Hart University) by Abigail Strom where a group, comprised mostly of college freshman, forges new friendships. This book follows Rikki and Sam who have had a love-hate relationship since middle school….they just love to hate each other. They actually thrive off of it. These two give competition a new name. When they end up at the same college the competitive streak is still there but they decide to call a truce and try their hand at friendship.
Things are going pretty well for them as new friends excpet for the fact that well, there’s this little thing called attraction that they both have towards each other. Rikki is surprised to discover that she’s actually attracted to Sam and the thought of him dating one of her new friends doesn’t really set well with her. Convinced that Sam could never be interested in her she decides to focus her energy on her dream guy. Sam thinks Rikki’s taste in guys leaves a lot to be decided but since he’s sure Rikki would never be interested in him, he moves ahead with his dating life.

During this new journey into friendship Sam and Rikki learn that they have a lot more in common than just the desire to be the best in class. Who knew virginity could be such a bonding experience? The two are also dealing with their fair share of family issues. Sam has recently loss his dad to cancer. He struggles with leaving his mom and younger sister to fend for themselves while Rikki is dealing with the divorce of her parents.

There really isn’t too much I can say about this book except, READ IT! I loved the characters, I loved the pace, and I loved experiencing the progression of Rikki’s and Sam’s relationship as well as meeting the cast of characters in this book. I loved that Sam wasn’t the typical “gorgeous jock” and Rikki wasn’t the typical “hot chick”, they were just average. I loved that the situation in general was very relatable. I’m looking forward to reading future books about the other characters.

This is my second Abigail Strom book and it did not disappoint.