What You Made Me Do by Kay Marie ✨
📚 For lovers of Please Don’t Go by E. Salvador and Deep End by Ali Hazelwood
I want to start this review off by saying that I literally just finished reading this and I instantly preordered the paperback. What You Made Me Do is such a beautiful story and I was genuinely captivated the entire time I was reading. I knew this would be a 5 star read for me when I was only 15% in and I was absolutely correct.
What I LOVED:
💕 What You Made Me Do is a true college sports romance. I really appreciated how much we got of the college and sport aspects throughout the story; I loved reading about the dorms, classes, school activities, swim practices, etc.
💕 The enemies to lovers dynamic between Clara and Nox meshes so well with the slowwwww burn & time jump plot line. Their rivalry is fierce and their mutual yearning throughout the years holds the same strength- if not more lol. Their love story takes its time to build into something beautiful and genuine. I’d also like to add that the spice is written perfectly for the story.
💕 This story is told from Clara’s POV and, while I typically prefer dual POV, I was 100% a single POV this time. I had no questions about what Nox, or anyone else for that matter, was thinking throughout the book. Every character was so well developed, small side characters included, that I didn’t need anyone else’s perspective. We know that man is yearning from day 1! 😍
💕 The trauma/grief/mental health topics are so well written. Clara’s trauma and grief are so palpable. She doesn’t just suddenly get better, she has to work at it and take the time to heal. The same goes for Nox and the healing that he has to do for his mental health.
💕 The emotion is this story is so real and raw. I felt every single feel there is to be felt and then some! I cried, laughed, mourned, hoped, and loved.
To finish off, I will definitely be rereading this when the book officially releases and I can’t wait for Swiftmore 2!
#arcreader #bookreview #bookrecs #sportsromance #romancebook
When I first picked up 'What You Made Me Do' by Kay Marie, I wasn't just looking for another romance; I was hoping for something that truly immersed me in its world. And let me tell you, this book delivers! Beyond the basic 'college sports romance' label, what really captivated me was how integral the setting became to the characters' lives. It’s not just a backdrop; you feel the grind of swim practices, the pressure of academics for Clara, and the unique challenges of dorm life. It truly felt like I was back on campus, experiencing their journey alongside them. And speaking of journeys, the way Kay Marie masterfully weaves together the 'enemies to lovers' and 'slow burn' tropes is pure artistry. This isn't a quick spark; it's a slow, simmering fire that builds over years, thanks to the brilliant 'time jump' element. We get to witness Clara and Nox's dynamic evolve, sometimes painfully, sometimes with undeniable chemistry, through different stages of their lives. This extended timeline also paves the way for a powerful 'second chance' narrative, where past mistakes and misunderstandings have a chance to be confronted and hopefully, healed. It adds so much depth, making their eventual connection feel incredibly earned and genuine, rather than rushed. One aspect that truly elevates 'What You Made Me Do' is its incredible character development, especially for Clara. The mention of 'FMC in STEM' really resonated with me after reading, as her sharp, analytical mind often grapples with the raw emotional experiences she faces. Her dedication to her studies and her sport grounds her, making her emotional vulnerabilities even more poignant. It’s refreshing to see a heroine who is both intelligent and deeply human, navigating complex feelings while pursuing challenging academic goals. The book also tackles heavy themes of 'trauma' and 'grief' with such sensitivity and realism. It doesn't shy away from the messy, non-linear process of healing. Clara's journey isn't about magically getting over things; it's about the daily effort, the setbacks, and the small victories that contribute to true recovery. The same goes for Nox's battles with mental health, which are portrayed with empathy and understanding. These aren't just plot devices; they are fundamental to who these characters are and how they grow, making their eventual bond incredibly strong and resilient. And for those wondering about the 'spice indicated,' rest assured it’s perfectly integrated. It’s not just thrown in for shock value, but rather serves to deepen the intimacy and emotional connection between Clara and Nox as their relationship progresses. It's passionate, meaningful, and enhances the story's overall emotional impact, fitting seamlessly into their slow-burn trajectory. If you're looking for a romance that combines compelling tropes with profound emotional depth and realistic character arcs, this is definitely one to add to your TBR pile. It left me with a book hangover in the best way possible!
