Reviews

By Referral Only by Lyla Payne

patke's review against another edition

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4.0

I enjoyed this one even more than the first one! It was a little scary how much I was able to relate to Ruby's thoughts - her actions, not as much - and I was totally rooting for her the whole way through. I really loved the pacing of the story, it kept me interested with the gradual build up and the twists and turns. And the romance is exactly what I look for in NA novels, I've still got a huge smile plastered on my face!

jen286's review against another edition

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1.0

Also posted to Jen in Bookland

Ugh. I really couldn't stand Ruby. She was horrible. Her self loathing poor me attitude was just horrible. I hated her so much. She came from new money and so apparently people expected her to act like a white trash princess so what does she do? Acts like a white trash princess then gets mad when people see her that way. Um okay...if you don't want people to see you that way stop acting that way? Then she complains about poor her everyone judges her without knowing her, but she does the exact same thing! With everyone! So she had a boyfriend dump her once, because she thinks his family didn't like her, so that means everyone at her fancy school will be like that. Everyone. It doesn't matter how nice they are to her or the sweet things they do, they don't actually like her. Um okay...pot meet kettle. It was so frustrating!! So then she doesn't want a relationship she just wants a sex partner. Fine, but why in the world would you stay with Liam then? The sex is not good, he is a complete jerk to you so...why stay with him? If you just want a sex partner I am positive you can find someone to actually have enjoyable sex with. I didn't get it.

Ruby just complained and whined and made assumptions about everyone the entire way through the book. Sure suddenly at the end she see the error of her ways and that Cole might actually like her and so she changes overnight. Sure. I buy that. I liked Cole and couldn't understand why he wanted Ruby. I mean she was pretty terrible to him. I mean after he reveals his humiliating secret that he is super ashamed of she just storms off and calls it off with him. Nice. Way to go. I wish it would have taken more groveling to get him back. It was way too easy. She pretty much just smiled at him and he was all okay! Boo. You deserve better Cole! You deserve way better than Ruby!! You deserve someone who will treat you with respect and love you like you love them. Not stupid Ruby poor me whiny pants who treats you like crap. I really don't get it.

I also wanted to slap Ruby so many times and just be like so what you are new money and people think less of you for it? At least you have money to get an education at a fancy school and make all your fancy contacts so you will probably have a leg up after you graduate. Plus you can go to New York and try and make it big on Broadway without having to worry about money or anything so I really feel bad for you. Suck it up and be thankful for what you do have because there are plenty of intelligent driven people who just cannot afford to go to school and do not get the opportunities you have. I don't feel bad for poor little rich girl. Man I hated her. I really wish she would have been written so that she was somewhat sympathetic, but she was just horrible.

alexandraflorence's review against another edition

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4.0

It wasn't until I got to the 33% mark that I started to realise that By Referral Only was probably part of a series, I say probably because I wasn't too sure. It was then at 70% that it dawned on me that I had in fact read the fist book! Safe to say I cannot remember any of it, besides the creep Sebastian. After my experience with the book, I'd definitely say don't rush out to read the first one, you don't need to, and honestly I preferred By Referral Only to Broken At Love anyway.

Oh, I love Cole, I love Cole, I love Cole. And how could you not? He's Scottish for crying out loud! Serious kudos to Lyla Payne for actually creating a believable Scot, there was no daft or excessive dialect in sight, which is something I always find authors trip up on, especially if they are American (no offence or anything, it's just that the language is usually romanticised beyond belief). As a Brit, and one who's half Scottish at that, I can confidently say that I approve of Cole's language, special mention to some of the words that Lyla used, that I can honestly say I've heard my very Scottish Grandparents say!

"He was from Scotland - he probably liked pale."

I loved that quote too much not to mention it!

In addition to having the whole Scottish thing going on, Cole is also a proper gentleman. He's respectful and treats Ruby right. (Queue another quote)

'"I can take care of myself" [...] "I am quite convinced of that, Ruby Cotton. It doesn't mean you don't deserve to be taken care of, though. In my humble opinion."'

Seriously, swoon!

Ruby is from new money, a la Gatsby, and it's a very defining part of her. So much so that she avoids relationships to prevent being dumped due to not being 'good enough'. Ruby did harp on a bout this quite a lot, and I could see how it could get annoying, but it's not something that bothered me in any way. We've all got flaws and that's just hers. Aside from the whole white-trash new-money thing, Ruby is hilarious and I really liked that she was independent and didn't need to rely on anyone.

Ruby is an aspiring actress, so the book is jammed full of drama references and analogies, which I've got to say I loved. Teaching kids Shakespeare, my inner drama geek swooned.

I definitely enjoyed By Referral Only, I found it hard to not just write about Cole, he's one of my favourite New Adult men.

'By Referral Only' by Lyla Payne
4 Stars

acdom's review against another edition

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2.0

I thought I'd give Lyla Payne a second chance after really disliking the first book in the Whitman series, but I'm still not a fan. It's official: NA romance novels are not for me.

solelylu's review against another edition

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3.0

Original Posting: Gaga Over Books

I read By Referral Only without really knowing what it was about. I haven't read the first book Broken At Love. Shameful, I know. When I got my ARC copy and I began reading it I felt like I was missing something. I did some research and found about Whitman University. This is all so cool. I love how the authors are being creative and indulging readers into the worlds they have created.

Anyway, back to the book. I began reading it and the writing made me stick with the book. It is a book meant to be read in one sitting. Those who have read the first are already aware how the Whitman University works. We have Quinn and Emily from the first novel making cameos in this installment. This is a book about Ruby Cotton- Emilie's roommate and best friend who takes it upon herself to make a referral site about guys- the girls rate the different guys and then make referrals so that other girls can be on the lookout if the guy makes a move on them. As 'no' referral on the site means the guy is not good in the sack ;) and the girl should stay away. Ruby has sworn off full relationships with guys that are higher in the Whitman world. She is more into casual endeavors. She is having a somewhat casual thing with Liam- her acting partner but he is disappointing in bed. But Ruby doesn't end things. There are two reasons: first, Cole Stuart (the guy with lowest referrals is after her), second, he is from the most wealthy families in Whitman. Anyway, Ruby focuses on her acting and takes a chance for once.

I liked how Ruby made the referral site as guys are always objectifying women and for once it was nice to see that being done to guys. D: The book was told from Ruby's perspective and it was fun to be inside her head. I loved her passion for acting and the way she would immerse in whatever scene she was enacting. I liked how she put her career before guys. It was good to see her as this fierce character out in Whitman and making her own name. I liked Emilie- she was a good friend to Ruby. I liked that exchange between them where Emilie was trying to make Ruby make sense of how Cole was good for her. Liam was just an irritating guy. Cole was sweet and attentive. I loved Cole's family and how they were with Ruby.

All in all, this book was funny to read and engaging.

Teaser:
"I'm a girl, Cole. We over-think everything."

smonro's review against another edition

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4.0

I really liked it although he was too cheesy sometime

inkdrinkerpdx's review against another edition

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4.0

I liked this one way better than the first, glad I have it a chance.

jaimearkin's review against another edition

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5.0

Ruby Cotton is considered 'new money'. Something she learned very quickly is frowned upon by those with 'old money'! After being dumped her Freshman year by a boyfriend because of it, she decided never to put her heart on the line again with a Whitman boy. But she also doesn't want to waste her time with guys who aren't worth the effort. After running into a sorority sister who had a 'bad' evening with Cole 'fucking' Stuart she comes up with the idea of a referral website. A website where the female population of Whitman University can rate and refer the guys they date or have dated. This should make it easier to pick the right guy to have flings with right? It's okay though, Ruby, a theatre major, has her eyes set on Liam, an actor she is working in a production with... which saves her from having to come up with an excuse as to why she can't go out with Cole Stuart!

Cole Stuart has the lowest ranking on the website though, so she wouldn't consider him either way! But Cole isn't going to take 'no' for an answer. He's bound and determined to explore the chemistry he has with Ruby but he's got to break through her defenses first and get her to realize he's not a typical Whitman guy.

I really loved Broken at Love, even though Quinn wasn’t your typical hero ... so when I got my hands on this one I was incredibly excited. And I wasn't disappointed - in fact, I loved this more than the first. I’m going to blame that on a certain Scottish, kilt wearing, swoony guy.

First let’s talk about Ruby. Ruby’s hang-ups with her new money status are just that. Her hang-ups. But they’re realistic. Who wants to put their heart on the line when they feel like ultimately they won’t stand up to family scrutiny. She has been burned before, and she’s not going to let it happen again. I loved that Payne turned the tables on us readers by making Ruby the one who comes up with this idea of rating guys. I mean… who wouldn’t use that website if it was really out there… Exactly. I think I actually laughed the loudest when the girls were telling their hook-up horror stories. In fact I believe I read that whole passage out loud to my sister.

Now… Cole Stuart. If you’re looking for a swoony, sweet, guy who is actual royalty – look no further. Oh… he’s also a swimmer. So go ahead and picture that in your mind… now add a kilt. I swear that I may have been fascinated by kilt wearing men previously, but after this book I’m definitely intrigued! You guys, he may have the lowest rating on Ruby’s site, but it’s not for any reason you might be expecting. He’s determined to make Ruby see him for who he is instead of who she thinks he is. But that’s the catch. Cole has a few secrets and when Ruby finds out, well… I’ll let you find out all the details by reading! But holy crap the swoon this guy gives…

“ What if I said I wanted to date you – and yes, Ruby, go to bed with you – but not for a few weeks or a month. I want to talk about Christmas, and showing you Elgin, and maybe a spring holiday on the Mediterranean. I don’t want to see you with the expectation that it won’t last.”

Payne does an amazing job creating the world of Whitman University and the characters that go there. While this one is a bit lighter in drama than the first, it’s still a perfect read and I really loved the twist and finally finding out more about Cole. This is a book 2 in a series, but if you haven’t read Broken At Love, it’s not necessary (even though I recommend that one too). These can be read as stand-alones if you want, they are more companion books than series books. Both Quinn & Emilie from Broken at Love are in this one a bit, and it’s nice to see where they are in their lives as well.

Lyla Payne is one of the reasons I still go back to the New Adult genre. She is an excellent writer and the stories she crafts, while on the surface they may sound like so many others, they are written with a fresh voice and I can’t wait for even more from her!

Thank you to the author for an advance copy for an honest review!

This review can be found on my blog, Fic Fare:

reader_fictions's review

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3.0

When I was in middle school and high school, I was all about romance novels and chick lit. I couldn't get enough of largely idealized love stories. As I got a bit older and realized the universe wasn't soon going to deposit a hot foreign guy on my doorstep, one miraculously only attracted to me and wealthier than Midas, I got a bit disillusioned. Only in the last couple years have I started to enjoy romance novels again, though it's hard to say whether that's because of increased cynicism or optimism on my part. There's something sort of comforting in a familiar, predictable plot arc sometimes, knowing that HEA is coming and that there will be hot sexy times.

Second in the Whitman University series, By Referral Only is technically a companion novel, following the roommate of the heroine of Broken at Love. Ruby Cotton and I got off to a bit of a rough start. She's not as easily likable as Emilie, more judgmental and intentionally crass. Also, she's a virgin-shamer, which isn't a good way to endear a character to me. Still, she did grow on me a bit as time went by and she realized how bad her emotional hang ups were. Also, the fact that she's an actress and loves Shakespeare and musicals, as well as being a great teacher for a class of children was good too.

What's awesome about By Referral Only is that the traditional gender roles are pretty much swapped. Ruby Cotton loves sex and hates commitment. She intentionally seeks out hot guys that she's not attracted to any way but physically for extended flings, because one night stands aren't good enough to be worth the trouble. Ruby's sexually adventurous and emotionally closed off, due to painful relationships in her past. Now, when I say painful, I mean real life painful, not tragically abusive or anything like that, because this isn't one of those stories. She's just had her heartbroken and doesn't want to go there again.

Sick of subpar hookups, Ruby decides to launch a website so that the women of Whitman University can objectify the men on campus right back. The ladies of Whitman can rate the men both in terms of how good the sex was and whether they would recommend him overall. That whole premise is pretty hilarious to me, ngl. Anyway, Ruby immediately catches the eye of a hot boy in class, only to realize he's gotten the lowest ratings of any guy on campus on her site. Whoops.

Of course, Cole, the guy, turns out to be too tempting to resist, despite the lack of referral from her peers. Plus, the whole mystery of why he's such a good kisser, but apparently bad in the sack, engages her curiosity. Oh, did I mention Cole is Scottish? Seriously. Where are all the hot European men in my life? I feel cheated. Cole turns out to be a really nice, rather nerdy guy, who shares Ruby's love of musical theatre. He's also totally the more innocent one in the relationship and very focused on commitment. They definitely made a more believable and shippable couple than Quinn and Emilie, with romantic issues that are way more true to life.

The other awesome aspect of By Referral Only is the focus on healthy female friendships, often absent from romance novels. Emilie and Ruby get along really well, even if they are both busy with boys a lot of the time. Still, when Ruby needs advice, Emilie comes through for her, not just telling her what she wants to hear but what she needs to hear. Plus, it's not one of those situations where they secretly hate or envy one another. Ruby's a bit jealous of Emilie's loving relationship, but in the "I wish I had a love like that" way and not in the misery wants company way. Ruby also has a burgeoning friendship with Cole's sister Audra.

The focus on how well off everyone at Whitman is did get old, though. Seriously, you all bathe in twenty dollar bills, I get it. Ruby liked to mope about because she comes from new money and a lot of the other Whitman students don't respect her. Poor little rich girl, let me wipe away your tears with a big stack of money.

If you enjoyed Broken at Love, By Referral Only will not disappoint. If you're just checking in now, reading By Referral Only probably won't spoil anything, since it's not like it's a spoiler that the couple from Broken at Love ends up together. The Whitman University series is fun, quick and totally entertaining.

gerireads's review

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4.0

4 Wicked stars!!!

Two words that made this book for me: Cole Stuart. Handsome, rich, Scottish royalty who knows how to wear a kilt had me swooning. The heroine was bit of a let down for me but Cole made up for it.

Please check out my full review at http://everafterromancebookblog.blogspot.com/2013/07/release-day-launch-by-referral-only-by.html.

*ARC provided by the author in exchange for an honest review.*