Such a classic and well-done enemies-to-lovers academic rivals love story! I was hooked from the start and couldn't put it down the more I read. I seriously had such a fun time throughout the entire story. I read most of it during an 8-hour car ride and had to literally contain my smiling, kicking, giggling, and almost crying as best I could lol. Wyn and Three’s banter was so fun and so very addictive. I highlighted almost everything they said and every interaction they had because it was just THAT good. Samantha Markum somehow created a couple that could hate each other, love each other, not stand each other, AND YET have so much sexual tension—all at once. I mean that tension was *chefs kiss*.

I love that Markum included heavy topics on top of the love story. And, while I loved them and they didn’t diminish the storyline in any way, I felt they could’ve been better elaborated on or had a bit more closure to really make everything feel more cohesive. However, Wyn’s personal experience and growth were areas where I think Markum absolutely nailed it. Almost every time I read Wyn discuss her emotions, it felt like I was reading about my 17-year-old self. At times it felt like I was Wyn and Wyn was me. Wyn’s anxiety, insecurity, and growth felt so raw and real, reflecting how I, and many other women, have felt. I could physically feel my heart breaking when Wyn felt a certain way, said words she didn’t mean, felt mistreated, or negatively interpreted someone’s face or body language. She was by no means a perfect person, but that made her feel so real. She had her flaws, managed to grow in many areas, and reached out for support through her friends, therapy, and family.

I have to admit, I was unsure I’d like Three at first, but he surprisingly grew on me. Now, I can’t stop thinking about him (literally send help!)

I loved this story, and if I could, I’d read more and more stories about Three and Wyn or erase my memory and read this book all over again. I also think a story about Madison would be really cute!

Thank you NetGalley and publisher for providing me with an e-arc! All opinions shared are mine and mine alone. Love, Off the Record publishes TODAY June 11, 2024!