Call It What You Want by Alissa DeRogatis is a debut contemporary romance novel that gained massive popularity on "BookTok" for its raw exploration of "situationships"—intense romantic connections without official labels. Originally self-published in 2023, the book was later acquired and traditionally re-published by Sourcebooks Landmark in June 2024. Plot Overview
The story follows Sloane Hart, a college senior and aspiring writer who, after her parents' divorce, has become skeptical of lasting love. Her life changes when she meets Ethan Brady, a guarded and mysterious man.
The Relationship: Sloane and Ethan enter an undefined relationship—an "almost love"—marked by intense chemistry but a lack of commitment from Ethan.
The Journey: The narrative spans their final year of college and their transition into post-graduate life in New York City.
Themes: It explores themes of self-worth, the fallacy of trying to "save" an emotionally unavailable partner, and the challenges of moving on from someone you never officially dated. Availability: EPUB & PDF
You can find the book in various digital formats through legitimate retailers and libraries: Call It What You Want by Alissa DeRogatis - Goodreads call it what you want by alissa derogatis epub pdf top
Call It What You Want is the viral debut novel by Alissa DeRogatis that became a sensation on BookTok. Originally self-published in 2023 and later acquired by Sourcebooks Landmark in 2024, it is a contemporary New Adult romance that explores the messy, painful reality of "situationships"—those intense connections that lack a formal label. Core Premise & Characters
The story follows Sloane Hart, a college senior and aspiring writer, and Ethan Brady, her mysterious and guarded upstairs neighbor.
The Situationship: Despite an undeniable connection, Ethan is unwilling to commit due to deep-seated childhood trauma involving his parents. They enter into an "almost relationship" that spans their final year of college in Wilmington, North Carolina, and follows them into their post-graduate lives in New York City.
Sloane Hart: A hopeless romantic who tries to "save" Ethan with her love, only to realize her self-worth is increasingly tied to his validation.
Ethan Brady: Emotionally unavailable and avoidant, Ethan's fear of abandonment stems from his mother's desertion after his parents were imprisoned. Major Themes Call It What You Want by Alissa DeRogatis
The novel is often described as a "love letter" to anyone who has struggled to get over someone they never officially dated. Key themes include:
The Fallacy of "Saving" a Partner: Sloane learns that love alone cannot fix another person's trauma.
Defining Self-Worth: The narrative tracks Sloane’s growth as she moves from seeking a relationship label for validation to finding fulfillment through her career and writing.
Childhood Trauma & Intimacy: The book illustrates how past abandonment can create barriers to healthy adult relationships. Reader Experience & Formats Call It What You Want Alissa Derogatis
Before we dive into file formats and download locations, let’s establish why this book has become a literary touchstone. Call It What You Want is a contemporary romance novel that defies simple categorization. Alissa Derogatis, a rising star in the indie author scene, has crafted a narrative that is equal parts steamy, angsty, and deeply psychological. What is “Call It What You Want” By Alissa Derogatis
The story follows two broken protagonists navigating the treacherous waters of college life, family betrayal, mental health, and the kind of magnetic attraction that is impossible to ignore. The title itself, Call It What You Want, is a direct nod to the ambiguous nature of modern relationships—are they friends with benefits? Enemies? Soulmates? The narrative dares the reader to label it, only to subvert every expectation.
Readers have compared Derogatis’s writing to a blend of Colleen Hoover’s emotional gut-punches and Ana Huang’s spicy tension. However, Derogatis brings a unique voice that focuses heavily on therapy, personal accountability, and the slow, painful journey toward self-worth. This is not just a romance; it is a healing narrative disguised as a steamy novel.
Once you have your “Call It What You Want by Alissa Derogatis” EPUB file, here is how to open it:
I know it’s tempting to search for a free PDF. But Call It What You Want is a fantastic book that deserves to be read in its best form. By borrowing or buying it, you’re telling the publishing world: We want more stories like this.
Happy reading—and trust me, it’s worth the wait.
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