Scan barcode
A review by sophilozophy
Save Me by Mona Kasten
emotional
funny
lighthearted
reflective
sad
tense
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? It's complicated
- Diverse cast of characters? No
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
3.25
Enemies-to-lovers/Opposite attracts set against the backdrop of a prestigious High School where the abundance of luxury rivals the drama.
Ruby Bell just wants to graduate from the renowned Maxton Hall and achieve her dream of going to Oxford. Unlike her wealthy classmates, she's a scholarship student and not from the same world. Like the colours of the categories in her planner–school and family never mix. All she wants is to keep her head down, check off her many to-do lists and get one step closer to reaching her goals in life. On her way to tick off one of those checkboxes, she is caught in the crossfire of James Beaufort. That plan to stay under the radar just went out the window.
If Maxton Hall was a monarchy, James Beaufort would be its king. He's rich, attractive and arrogant as hell. This is his last year and he wants to make it his best before the expectations of his family dynasty take over his life. He has always known what his path in life would be but never expected someone like Ruby would cross it. For the first time, he has met someone who is not interested in getting closer to him and his family but can't seem to get away from him fast enough. In his mind, there has to be an ulterior motive beneath Ruby's altruistic act and he is going to find out what it is.
I felt exasperated for Ruby being put in situations that make her life more difficult by people who seem to enjoy it. There are multiple incidences where she is just in the wrong place at the wrong time and disliked for no other reason. They expect loyalty but don't give her a chance and simultaneously think it's smart to be mean and disrespectful which could push a person to hit back. She is genuinely sweet. While we learn more about James and the reasons behind his actions, I still think she deserves better. Proximity to him comes with a price too high in my opinion. He has been through things and I do feel compassion for him. The kind moments are few and far between in comparison to the chances he will become destructive. The saying hurt people hurt people applies to James and his friends.
The writing style was easy to follow and stay engaged with until the end.
With alternating POVs that help create a complete picture, Save Me proves all that glitters are is gold. Knowing yourself and forming real connections–especially in times of turmoil–are priceless.
Ruby Bell just wants to graduate from the renowned Maxton Hall and achieve her dream of going to Oxford. Unlike her wealthy classmates, she's a scholarship student and not from the same world. Like the colours of the categories in her planner–school and family never mix. All she wants is to keep her head down, check off her many to-do lists and get one step closer to reaching her goals in life. On her way to tick off one of those checkboxes, she is caught in the crossfire of James Beaufort. That plan to stay under the radar just went out the window.
If Maxton Hall was a monarchy, James Beaufort would be its king. He's rich, attractive and arrogant as hell. This is his last year and he wants to make it his best before the expectations of his family dynasty take over his life. He has always known what his path in life would be but never expected someone like Ruby would cross it. For the first time, he has met someone who is not interested in getting closer to him and his family but can't seem to get away from him fast enough. In his mind, there has to be an ulterior motive beneath Ruby's altruistic act and he is going to find out what it is.
I felt exasperated for Ruby being put in situations that make her life more difficult by people who seem to enjoy it. There are multiple incidences where she is just in the wrong place at the wrong time and disliked for no other reason. They expect loyalty but don't give her a chance and simultaneously think it's smart to be mean and disrespectful which could push a person to hit back. She is genuinely sweet. While we learn more about James and the reasons behind his actions, I still think she deserves better. Proximity to him comes with a price too high in my opinion. He has been through things and I do feel compassion for him. The kind moments are few and far between in comparison to the chances he will become destructive. The saying hurt people hurt people applies to James and his friends.
The writing style was easy to follow and stay engaged with until the end.
With alternating POVs that help create a complete picture, Save Me proves all that glitters are is gold. Knowing yourself and forming real connections–especially in times of turmoil–are priceless.
Content Warnings
Moderate: Adult/minor relationship, Alcohol, Toxic relationship, and Toxic friendship
Minor: Classism, Grief, Alcoholism, Child abuse, Death of parent, Suicidal thoughts, and Drug use