ARC provided in exchange for an honest review.

Kate's best friend has been missing for 6 months, gone after a run that leaves everyone missing her. While everyone moves on from Willow, accepting that it's time to let go, Kate has a feeling that there's more to her disappearance and that she could still be alive. While her beliefs alienate her, they also bring her closer to River McEwan, her childhood best friend and Willow's ex. Their friendship turns into more and Kate can't think of life without him, but she still can't shake the thought that Willow is still out there.

Mysterious and alluring, What About Her isn't the average friends to lover trope readers are used to. While it reads like a love-triangle, Emma Tharp's debut novel features only two main characters, the third party missing in action though she's never far from their thoughts. River and Kate are well developed characters, their friendship is one that has had a lustful connection from day one, though neither has acknowledged it. I loved both characters and, while they had minor flaws, I found myself connecting with them and rooting for their romance. Kate is the definition of a good friend, despite her moving on to River it is not as a method of forgetting or replacing Willow. I love that she tried so hard to do the right thing for others even though she knew what was really right for her. River is confusing at first, but as he opens up and reveals his true feelings I really fell for him. Willow, though missing the entire novel, seems to have been quite a character and even without meeting her it is apparent that she guides much of the novels story line. She seems to be a force and the next novel already promises to center around Willow.

With slower pacing, What About Her is the sort of novel that draws you in and grips you, not because it's fast and constantly high emotion but more so due to Emma Tharp's ability to bring the entire book to life. The small town college atmosphere is apparent, the connections between the various students are deemed just as important as those moments shared between River and Kate, and the disappearance of Willow is felt by all. I loved that the mystery isn't revealed in this novel, because the romance and development between Kate and River would've been overshadowed. With just the right amount of angst, smut, romance, and suspense readers who pick up What About Her will be desperate for the next novel. ( )