Review & Giveaway: Regretting You by Colleen Hoover

I LOVED Regretting You by Colleen Hoover so I'm thrilled to be part of the blog tour.  I have my review, an interview with Colleen Hoover, as well as a chance to win a copy of Regretting You and $100 Amazon Gift Card! Awesome, right?!

Regretting You by Colleen Hoover

Publication Date: December 10th 2019 by Montlake 

Pages: 365

Source: Publisher

Purchase Links: Amazon | Barnes & Noble | Audible 

About the book:

Morgan Grant and her sixteen-year-old daughter, Clara, would like nothing more than to be nothing alike.

Morgan is determined to prevent her daughter from making the same mistakes she did. By getting pregnant and married way too young, Morgan put her own dreams on hold. Clara doesn’t want to follow in her mother’s footsteps. Her predictable mother doesn’t have a spontaneous bone in her body.

With warring personalities and conflicting goals, Morgan and Clara find it increasingly difficult to coexist. The only person who can bring peace to the household is Chris—Morgan’s husband, Clara’s father, and the family anchor. But that peace is shattered when Chris is involved in a tragic and questionable accident. The heartbreaking and long-lasting consequences will reach far beyond just Morgan and Clara.

While struggling to rebuild everything that crashed around them, Morgan finds comfort in the last person she expects to, and Clara turns to the one boy she’s been forbidden to see. With each passing day, new secrets, resentment, and misunderstandings make mother and daughter fall further apart. So far apart, it might be impossible for them to ever fall back together.

My Thoughts:

Morgan and Clara, mother and teenage daughter, are at that stage in their life where they don’t really connect, but a tragedy leaves the two of them forced to deal with each other. Both battle grief, but the tragedy unearths lies and betrayal.  Morgan and Clara deal with the fallout in their own way.  It’s hard to review this without giving away plot points that I think are best discovered by the reader on their own. We’re given Morgan and Clara’s POV’s in alternating chapters, and I loved experiencing the story from each, both coming from such different places in their lives even though they’re dealing with the same tragedy. 

This story wasn’t only about loss and grief, there’s a romance for Morgan and Clara and I loved that amid all this there was hope, happiness, and passion. I thought I loved Morgan’s romance more, still kind of do, but boy that video at the end was so amazing and unexpected that Clara’s romance rose a several notches! I was bowled over!

I started Regretting You and couldn’t put it down, and read late into the night, finally having to go to bed so I could make it work, but I couldn’t sleep because I kept thinking about the story. How it would all turn out? Colleen Hoover excels at bringing out so many emotions, I raged for both Morgan, and Clara, felt their pain, and their joy, as if they were real life people instead of characters in a book. Regretting You has to be my favorite CoHo to date!

5 Suns

Q&A with Author Colleen Hoover

You are ‘label-less’ in the fact that you write in several genres. Readers never know what to expect next. If someone asks, how do you label yourself?

When I self-published my first novel I had no idea what genre to put it in. I thought I had written a drama but it turns to that I had written a romance. I’ve learned a lot since then, but I still don’t put a lot of weight in genre when I write. When your best friend is begging you to read a book, it’s not going to matter what genre it is when someone you trust is passionate about the story.

To keep all of your stories and characters straight, you must be very organized.

I’m the most disorganized person you will ever meet! I have no schedule. I can’t wake up before nine in the morning. I probably don’t go to bed until like three in the morning. I usually work about 16 hours a day. 

What happens if you get blocked when you are writing? 

If I get stuck writing, I go for a drive and play music. Music really helps me plot. I love The Avett Brothers, X Ambassadors, Airborne Toxic Event...I could go on and on. 

What can you tell readers about your latest release Regretting You?

I would spoil it if I told you about it! Most of my books are like that. I can’t say what they are about or it spoils it. But I can say that Regretting You is told from a dual point-of-view centered on the inner lives of both a teen and adult protagonist.

Sounds like lots of different types of readers will be interested!

Absolutely. I wanted to write a book that bridged the gap between young adult and contemporary romance so that mothers can read with their daughters. I think it’s exciting to see people sharing reading experiences. 

About the author:

Colleen Hoover is the #1 New York Times bestselling author of several novels, including the bestselling women’s fiction novel It Ends with Us and the bestselling psychological thriller Verity. She has won the Goodreads Choice Award for Best Romance three years in a row—for Confess (2015), It Ends with Us (2016), and Without Merit (2017). Confess was adapted into a seven-episode online series. In 2015, Hoover and her family founded the Bookworm Box, a bookstore and monthly subscription service that offers signed novels donated by authors. All profits go to various charities each month to help those in need. Hoover lives in Texas with her husband and their three boys. Visit www.colleenhoover.com.

Connect with Colleen Hoover:

Website | Facebook | Twitter | Goodreads

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Review: Without Merit by Colleen Hoover

Without Merit by Colleen Hoover

Publication Date: October 3rd 2017 by Atria Books

Purchase Links: Amazon | Barnes & Noble | Kobo

About the book:

Not every mistake deserves a consequence. Sometimes the only thing it deserves is forgiveness.

The Voss family is anything but normal. They live in a repurposed church, newly baptized Dollar Voss. The once cancer-stricken mother lives in the basement, the father is married to the mother’s former nurse, the little half-brother isn’t allowed to do or eat anything fun, and the eldest siblings are irritatingly perfect. Then, there’s Merit.

Merit Voss collects trophies she hasn’t earned and secrets her family forces her to keep. While browsing the local antiques shop for her next trophy, she finds Sagan. His wit and unapologetic idealism disarm and spark renewed life into her—until she discovers that he’s completely unavailable. Merit retreats deeper into herself, watching her family from the sidelines when she learns a secret that no trophy in the world can fix.

Fed up with the lies, Merit decides to shatter the happy family illusion that she’s never been a part of before leaving them behind for good. When her escape plan fails, Merit is forced to deal with the staggering consequences of telling the truth and losing the one boy she loves.

My Thoughts:

I was really worried about picking up Without Merit because I hated the last book I read by Colleen Hoover.  I was pleasantly surprised and relieved to like Without Merit as much as I did. It made me feel a whole range of emotions, and I read the story in one afternoon, unable to put it down.

The romance isn’t angsty or the main focus really, but it was the sweetest part to me.  As the story starts you’re just kind of thrown into the middle of Merit’s world, but in a pretty fantastic moment.  That moment is sort of shattered, but no worries, all sorts itself out.

Merit’s family life is far from happy.  Her father divorced her mother and married his mistress when mistress was pregnant with his child, yet everyone, including Merit’s mother continue to live in the same house!! I was not happy with Merit’s father, and even with all the explanations at the end, I still wasn’t thrilled with the man, but no one is perfect and he did seem to be trying the best he could with the screwed-up situation.  Still, all kinds of f*cked up IMO.  I’d say the circumstances were way out there in terms of real life, but unfortunately, I’ve had to deal with a somewhat similar situation in my own life, so I could totally relate to Merit’s feelings and reactions.

Merit bounces back and forth between being a fun, quirky character to someone with a lot of anger.  As the story progresses it becomes apparent she’s depressed. I think the feelings of depression and reactions felt very real to life.  Those feelings can just sort of creep into your life and take over without even realizing it.  It’s a dangerous thing, but I’m happy that Merit, had people there for her, which included her screwed up family.  

4 Suns

Connect with Colleen Hoover:

Website | Facebook | Twitter | Goodreads

Review:It Ends with Us by Colleen Hoover

It Ends with Us by Colleen Hoover

Published August 2nd 2016 by Atria Books

SOMETIMES THE ONE WHO LOVES YOU IS THE ONE WHO HURTS YOU THE MOST

Lily hasn't always had it easy, but that's never stopped her from working hard for the life she wants. She's come a long way from the small town in Maine where she grew up - she graduated from college, moved to Boston, and started her own business. So when she feels a spark with a gorgeous neurosurgeon named Ryle Kincaid, everything in Lily's life suddenly seems almost too good to be true.

Ryle is assertive, stubborn, and maybe even a little arrogant. He's also sensitive, brilliant, and has a total soft spot for Lily, but Ryle's complete aversion to relationships is disturbing.

As questions about her new relationship overwhelm her, so do thoughts of Atlas Corrigan - her first love and a link to the past she left behind. He was her kindred spirit, her protector. When Atlas suddenly reappears, everything Lily has built with Ryle is threatened.

With this bold and deeply personal novel, Colleen Hoover delivers a heart-wrenching story that breaks exciting new ground for her as a writer. It Ends With Us is an unforgettable tale of love that comes at the ultimate price.

This book contains graphic scenes and very sensitive subject matter.

My Thoughts

Emotionally charged book that seems to be CoHo’s style as of late.

To be completely candid, I feel like I’ve been having a rocky reader/author relationship with CoHo lately. My initial impression of this author in her early days was that she was a breath of fresh air to the new adult scene. However, as time has gone by, I sense a need from CoHo to flood the market with emotionally packed stories that include everything but the kitchen sink. I really don’t know anymore what her signature style is, and as a result it’s hard to predict if her stories will be a hit or miss for me.

Luckily for It Ends with Us, I was able to connect with the story. It’s a solid four stars in my book. However, I experienced this novel as an audio book, so there’s a good possibility the narrator Olivia Song had a lot to do with my experience.

In this novel, we meet Lily who is hard working, motivated and full of life. The story commences when she meets Ryle who happens to be an ambitious neurosurgeon who doesn’t have time for relationships. Eventually these two fall in love, and there begins their tumultuous love affair that ultimately leads to heartbreaking physical abuse.

There is so much to the story, which I feel can be overwhelming to some readers. For example, CoHo adds themes such as abuse, neglect, possible suicide, homeless teenagers, etc. to an already heavy book. Luckily, because I was listening to the audio, I never felt truly overburdened by the multitude of themes flooding the pages.

The characters were all distinct and relatable, which is one of CoHo’s strengths… her ability to create characters you want to get to know.

Overall, It Ends with Us is sure to be a hit for CoHo’s rabid fan base. Worthy story that will likely stay on your mind for some time.

4 Suns

Review: November 9 by Colleen Hoover

November 9 by Colleen Hoover
Published November 10th 2015 by Atria Books

Beloved #1 New York Times bestselling author Colleen Hoover returns with an unforgettable love story between a writer and his unexpected muse.

Fallon meets Ben, an aspiring novelist, the day before her scheduled cross-country move. Their untimely attraction leads them to spend Fallon’s last day in L.A. together, and her eventful life becomes the creative inspiration Ben has always sought for his novel. Over time and amidst the various relationships and tribulations of their own separate lives, they continue to meet on the same date every year. Until one day Fallon becomes unsure if Ben has been telling her the truth or fabricating a perfect reality for the sake of the ultimate plot twist. 

My Thoughts

You’ll never be able to find yourself if you’re lost in someone else.

Definitely a CoHo book that’s signature of her style… Good dialog, somewhat creative twist on an ordinary storyline, and overall a pleasant reading experience. However, either I know Hoover’s writing style too well, or November 9 was just simply predictable. That doesn’t mean I didn’t fall for Ben and Fallon’s story because I really did. But, I saw the twist coming a mile away, which was a bit of a disappointment.

In November 9, we get the pleasure of meeting Fallon the Transient and Ben the Writer on an ordinary day when Fallon is meeting her father for lunch. As the encounter with her dad goes south, Fallon is rescued by this stranger Ben, who she develops a deep connection with despite the burn scars that have caused her to keep her distance from everyone.

Ben and Fallon develop a quick connection after one short day of hanging out together, but Fallon follows through with her plans to move from California to New York and leave Ben behind. However, they make a pact to meet every November 9th for the next five years to see where this relationship takes them.

Through the years, we see Fallon and Ben grow and find themselves in more ways than one… Fallon gains back the confidence she lost in the fire, and Ben struggles with a secret that might shatter their friendship.

Overall, I really liked Ben and Fallon. I did have a few minor annoyances with the story including the predictability of the outcome. The writing, however, kept me glued to my eCopy and the story was flooded with tons of nice passages. The only reason I’m keeping my rating below four stars is because I was hoping for a great story. I was counting on CoHo to deliver something beautiful, different, and impactful, which is really wasn’t. I struggled with one of Ben’s relationships that transpired in the story. I struggled with the predictability. And finally I struggled with my disappointment that it wasn’t more…

However, I’m sure November 9 will be a hit with Hoover’s rabid fan base and just a pleasant experience for the more sensible reader audience that doesn’t feel compelled to adore everything this author pens. Good, but not great…

3.5 Suns

Blog Tour and Review: Confess by Colleen Hoover

CONFESS by Colleen Hoover

Atria Books | Paperback

On-Sale: 03/10/15

Paperback ISBN: 9781476791456, $16.00

eBook ISBN: 9781476791463, $7.99

320 pages 

About the book:
From #1 New York Times bestselling author Colleen Hoover, a new novel about risking everything for love—and finding your heart somewhere between the truth and lies.
Auburn Reed has her entire life mapped out. Her goals are in sight and there’s no room for mistakes. But when she walks into a Dallas art studio in search of a job, she doesn’t expect to find a deep attraction to the enigmatic artist who works there, Owen Gentry.
For once, Auburn takes a risk and puts her heart in control, only to discover that Owen is keeping some major secrets from coming out. The magnitude of his past threatens to destroy everything important to Auburn, and the only way to get her life back on track is to cut Owen out of it.
The last thing Owen wants is to lose Auburn, but he can’t seem to convince her that truth is sometimes as subjective as art. All he would have to do to save their relationship is confess. But in this case, the confession could be much more destructive than the actual sin…

My Review:

I know I blather on constantly about my love of Colleen Hoover and how everyone should read her books. But, it’s not often that you find an author who’s writing is so unique, their stories so different from anything you will ever read, with every new book that is released. Not only that, but stories that shake you to your core and stay with you long after finishing. That is what Colleen’s books always do to me. And that is why I will never stop sharing my love for her and her writing.

I find it really difficult to put into words how fantastic this story is. And I don’t want to give away too many details with my review, because it’s absolutely better to go into this story completely unknowing of what you’re about to read.

Auburn is a very strong and incredible character. It’s not often that a book has reduced me to tears within the first few chapters, but my heart broke for her immediately. The pain from her past will affect her future immensely, as she tries to make a life for herself. Then, enter Owen, someone who will bring her back to life and make her feel things again. Owen is such a passionate and sweet guy. His immediate attraction to her may seem quick to a lot of people, but it worked for me. I immediately adored Auburn, so I could understand why he had such an intense connection to her from the minute they met - a need to know her and protect her.

As everything unfolds, many heart-stopping secrets and confessions will come to light. I was completely terrified of what would happen. I had fallen in love with both Auburn and Owen, feeling every emotion imaginable, all of their heartache and hope. And as is usually the case while reading a CoHo book, I didn’t want to ever put it down.

This book is full of tension, suspense, twists, heartbreak, but also humor and incredibly sweet and swoony moments. All elements I look for in a perfect read. The addition of all of the confessions that were included throughout the story just made it even more unique, another reason this book will stand out among any other book you'll ever read.

I can't wait to receive my paperback copy so that I can immediately re-read it and experience the artwork along with the story.

Another absolutely fantastic must read by Colleen Hoover!


ARC kindly provided by publisher in exchange for an honest review.

5 Suns

 

Enter for a chance to win! Visit Atria’s Tumblr page from 3/9 – 3/22 to enter to win one of five signed copies of CONFESS.

 

About the Author:

Colleen Hoover is the #1 New York Times bestselling author of Slammed, Point of Retreat, This Girl, Hopeless, Losing Hope, Maybe Someday, Finding Cinderella, and Ugly Love. She lives in Texas with her husband and their three boys. Please visit ColleenHoover.com.

 

Find Colleen online:

Website: www.ColleenHoover.com

Facebook: www.Facebook.com/ColleenHoover

Twitter: @ColleenHoover

Instagram: @ColleenHoover

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Review & Giveaway: Never Never (Never Never #1) by Colleen Hoover & Tarryn Fisher

Never Never (Never Never #1) by Colleen Hoover and Tarryn Fisher

Published January 7th 2015 by Hoover Ink

Best friends since they could walk. In love since the age of fourteen.
Complete strangers since this morning.
He'll do anything to remember. She'll do anything to forget. 

Arlene's Thoughts

Never stop. Never forget. 

“There’s no protocol on how to console your girlfriend of four years who you just met this morning.”

Wow! What a trip! I guess only a dynamic duo like Hoover and Fisher can pull off an incredible novella-length story that not only packs a powerful punch, but also makes you feel like you’ve spend the entire night searching the streets for answers just to come up empty handed and exhausted. As pissed as I am that I didn’t find out what I needed to know, I have to admit that was a fun ride.

In Never, Never we meet Charlie and Silas during a normal school day that’s anything but normal. They have no idea who they are or what’s going on. As the day goes on, they come up with a few short facts. They’ve been together for four years. Their relationship is completely messed up. Charlie lives in a shabby house with a father that’s in prison, an alcoholic mother and a younger sister that hates her. Silas is the quarterback of a football team that he has no clue how to play anymore. His family is wealthy, and he’s close to his brother. Oh and did I mention Silas and Charlie's families hate each other?

This story couldn’t be more bizarre, but for some reason it worked and it kept me engaged.

I can clearly distinguish the voices of both these talented authors, and it was fun to see them blend their magic. Whether they decided together not to share the big reason or maybe they simply don’t know yet where it’s going… I have to say that doesn’t take the fun away from this adventure. Actually, I hope these authors have no idea where they want this story to go because it gives it a bit more edge and excitement.

Either way, I’m sure book two will be a blast. Bring it on!

4 Suns

Brandie's Thoughts

What a hell of a ride. You are thrown into the unknown and left completely confused and wanting more. And I loved it! The suspense of not knowing what is really going on is what kept me glued to my Kindle.

As I've mentioned numerous times, I'm a huge fan of Colleen Hoover. I'd even have to say she's my favorite author ever. I have enjoyed most of Tarryn Fisher's books, although she is known to be kinda dark with her stories. That’s why I was nervous about them teaming up. CoHo books usually have happier endings, and I wasn’t sure how that would work with Fisher’s style.

I love all of the little clues playing out and the discoveries along the way. This is the best kind of suspense! The fact that I’m totally clueless makes my reading experience even better. I’m not one who enjoys figuring out the conclusion before the big reveal – that ruins a book for me. This was so well written, even for such a short amount of pages. It packed a serious punch!

As for the characters - it was easy to immediately like Silas, and I'm still warming up to Charlie. I think I will like her more once I get a better understanding of what is happening to them.

There's no doubt you will finish the book completely confused and thinking, 'WTF!?', but I think it's worth every minute. For me, personally, it was better not to dwell on possible scenarios or conclusions - just get comfortable and enjoy the ride!

Once again, Colleen Hoover has proven she is the queen of unique story telling. I can't wait for Part Two in May!

5 Suns

For our Waves of Fiction followers who have not had a chance to read this amazing book, we are giving away an eBook for those who follow us through Bloglovin and GFC. Open to all who can receive an eBook through either US Amazon or US Barnes & Noble. Simply fill out the Rafflecopter and share with us why you'd like to read this book. Good luck!

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Upcoming Release: Never Never by Colleen Hoover and Tarryn Fisher

With much excitement but not very many details, we wanted to share the happy news that two of our favorite authors are currently writing a novel together. Yes! Colleen Hoover and Tarryn Fisher have decided to join evil forces and deliver a novel in early 2015. Check it out!!

Never Never by Colleen Hoover, Tarryn Fisher

Expected publication: January 31st 2015 by Hoover Ink

Best friends since they could walk. In love by the age of fourteen. Dating for over four years.
She’ll do everything she can to never forget.
He’ll do everything he can to never remember.
Too bad it’s not up to them.

Blog Tour & Review: Ugly Love by Colleen Hoover

Ugly Love by Colleen Hoover

Expected Publication: August 5, 2014 by Atria Books

Preorder: Amazon / B&N

About the book:
When Tate Collins meets airline pilot Miles Archer, she knows it isn’t love at first sight. They wouldn’t even go so far as to consider themselves friends. The only thing Tate and Miles have in common is an undeniable mutual attraction. Once their desires are out in the open, they realize they have the perfect set-up. He doesn’t want love, she doesn’t have time for love, so that just leaves the sex. Their arrangement could be surprisingly seamless, as long as Tate can stick to the only two rules Miles has for her.
Never ask about the past.Don’t expect a future.
They think they can handle it, but realize almost immediately they can’t handle it at all.
Hearts get infiltrated.Promises get broken.Rules get shattered.Love gets ugly.

My Thoughts:

Perfection. Absolutely amazing and there aren't enough stars to rate this book. It was an honor to get the chance to read an advanced copy, and I'm still thinking about Miles and Tate's story days after finishing.

I always have really high expectations when I pick up a new Colleen Hoover book. She hasn’t let me down once, and it’s no exception with the perfection that is Ugly Love. This book wrecked me and amazed me all at once. It is powerful, sexy, mysterious, emotional & heart-wrenching. I have always said that Colleen Hoover has the best way of pulling you into her stories with her poetic writing, and once again I felt like I was in this book, living this story, with Miles and Tate. The book is told in dual POV’s with most of Mile’s chapters being flashbacks to his past. I love how the story went back and forth, because it made for a suspenseful read that was hard to put down.

I also love that she continues to write unique story lines. I have been finding it a challenge to enjoy the NA genre lately, and have been chalking it up to just a phase I’m going through. But, I think my problem is that I needed a book like this to remind me why I fell in love with this genre in the first place. It is books like this that make me love to read and want to recommend her books to EVERYONE I KNOW. The beauty that is this book just solidifies why Colleen is my absolute favorite author.

We first meet Tate, who is moving in with her brother with plans to get a new start on life – get her masters, work her butt off as a nurse, and eventually get her own place. And it’s the day she moves into her brother’s place that she has her first encounter with Miles, who is passed out drunk in front of her door. First impressions are sometimes very deceiving and Tate immediately saw there was something painful and sad about Miles.

Miles is a pilot – sexy, brooding, and mysterious. He’s suffered something horrible in his past, and we’re given little glimpses of this in each of Mile’s chapters. The build up to figuring out what happened to cause this man so much suffering is intense, and it kept me wanting more, wanting to just finish so I could find out what broke this man. I loved his intensity. It made me want to know more about him, figure out what was going on in his head.

Miles is friends with Tate’s brother (who’s also a pilot), and lives across the hall from them, so naturally they start seeing each other more. They can’t deny there’s an attraction between them. But Miles makes it clear that he’s not willing to have any kind of relationship. So, they agree on a sex only arrangement, and he sets two rules: don’t ever ask about my past and don’t ever expect a future. Now, what woman in her right mind would go for that, right? Well, Tate wasn’t looking for a relationship because she was focused on her career and getting her life together. She initially thinks this is a perfect agreement. But things get complicated and Tate finds it’s impossible not to fall head over heels for this man.

Because of Miles past, he’s unwilling to move on and refuses any hope for a future that won’t cause him more pain. But Tate starts to get under his skin and makes it harder for him to keep his walls up. It’s all of the subtle moments they have together that melted me. His looks, his rare smiles, the way he was so protective of her. And I’d be remiss if I didn’t mention how hot they were together. Their chemistry was powerful and when they were together, it was scorching.

This book was so emotional and intense (but in the best way possible). ‘Intense’ seems to be my theme for the book but I don’t know of any other more perfect word to describe how it felt to me. And not a lot of books can move me to tears, but this one most definitely made me cry. My heart broke for Miles and then in the next minute it was bursting with love and hope for him and Tate. The heartache is worth every single minute of reading. Although I did love Tate, it’s clear that Miles made this book for me. An incredible and beautiful story – I am blown away once again by Colleen Hoover and her ability to write the perfect novel. If you haven't preordered this book - I recommend you do so immediately!

Some of my favorite quotes:
”If you love me more today than you loved me yesterday, then I can’t wait for tomorrow.”

”God gives us the ugliness so we don’t take the beautiful things in life for granted.” 

ARC kindly provided by the publisher via Netgalley in exchange for an honest review.

5 Suns

New Release & Giveaway: Maybe Someday by Colleen Hoover

Maybe Someday by Colleen Hoover

Expected publication: March 18th 2014 by Atria Books

From #1 New York Times bestselling author Colleen Hoover, a passionate tale of friendship, betrayal, and romance—and the enchanting music that inspires one young woman to put her life back together.

At twenty-two years old, aspiring musician Sydney Blake has a great life: She’s in college, working a steady job, in love with her wonderful boyfriend, Hunter, and rooming with her good friend, Tori. But everything changes when she discovers Hunter cheating on her with Tori—and she is left trying to decide what to do next.

Sydney becomes captivated by her mysterious neighbor, Ridge Lawson. She can’t take her eyes off him or stop listening to the daily guitar playing he does out on his balcony. She can feel the harmony and vibrations in his music. And there’s something about Sydney that Ridge can’t ignore, either: He seems to have finally found his muse. When their inevitable encounter happens, they soon find themselves needing each other in more ways than one…

From the author of the New York Times bestsellers Slammed, Point of Retreat, Hopeless, This Girl, and Losing Hope, Maybe Someday is destined to become another bestseller and long-lasting fan favorite.

Brandie's Thoughts

You know how there are some books that absolutely blow you away so much that no review could ever really do it justice? This was that book. I can’t even begin to express the brilliance that is this book. I am a huge fan of Colleen Hoover and have loved every single book she’s written. And each book I say is my new favorite – until she writes another masterpiece that I am now dubbing ‘MY NEW FAVORITE’.

Not only is her writing beautiful and smart and addicting – she always makes you fall in love with her characters. I felt so connected to Sydney and Ridge and was hypnotized by their story. I couldn’t put it down!

I also love how she can create such a different and unique story that I never expect. It’s nothing like I have ever read and it was refreshing and brilliant!

There are so many special things about this book that I don’t want to give away. It’s a book you have to just read in order to understand how amazing it is. The sexual tension, the love, the friendship, the musical aspect, the humor – this book has it all. There is a complicated love triangle (don’t be afraid!) that will have you questioning yourself and what you think is right or wrong. But do not let that stop you from reading this book. I normally steer clear of any and all books with a love triangle – but I am SO thankful I didn’t this time. It is an intense, emotional and powerful read that left me completely in awe once it was over.

I don’t want to be too vague but at the same time I don’t want to ruin such a beautiful story, nor do it an injustice with my mediocre review. All I can say is that Colleen Hoover’s writing is flawless and this is a MUST read for everyone.

ARC kindly provided by Netgalley in exchange for an honest review.

5 Suns

Arlene's Thoughts

“There are only twenty-six letters in the English alphabet. You would think there would only be so much you could do with twenty-six letters. You would think there were only so many ways those letters could make you feel when mixed up and shoved together to make words.”

Nothing describes Ms. Hoover’s writing more perfectly than that statement right there. Every time I finish a book of hers, I think... just about every story has been told... just about every perfect love has been described... just about every plot has been played out, but Colleen Hoover manages to weave her magic with words and come up with something beautiful… and moving... and significant to me as a reader. She is my Melina Marchetta, John Green and Gayle Foreman wrapped up in one perfect little package of AMAZING !!

Maybe Someday moved me in ways few books manage to do lately. I loved Sydney and Ridge together, and I loved them apart as individuals. There were so many layers to these two characters that I just couldn’t get enough of them. To share their journey with them felt emotional and real. These characters came alive to me and they impacted me with their actions, words and feelings. That’s what great writing is all about. It’s when an author can bring her imagination to life for a reader and create something that feels real. Those are the stories that have staying power.

This story is special in so many ways that to outline any details would possibly take away from the experience of going intoMaybe Someday with little to no details. Just know that as an avid reader, I find that the hardest books to review are the ones I love the most. When that happens, my thoughts are a jumbled love-fest and annoying ramble. So I’ll spare you the pain of my soliloquy and just say… if you decide to read a small handful of books in 2014, please make sure you put Maybe Someday on your list. Best experience ever. Love...

5 Suns

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Review: Losing Hope by Colleen Hoover

Losing Hope by Colleen Hoover

Published July 8th 2013 by Atria Books

Purchase: Amazon Barnes and Noble

About the book:

In the follow-up to Colleen Hoover’s #1 New York Times bestseller Hopeless, the charming and irresistible Dean Holder tells the passionate story that has melted thousands of hearts.

In Hopeless, Sky left no secret unearthed, no feeling unshared, and no memory forgotten, but Holder’s past remained a mystery.

Still haunted by the little girl he let walk away, Holder has spent his entire life searching for her in an attempt to finally rid himself of the crushing guilt he has felt for years. But he could not have anticipated that the moment they reconnect, even greater remorse would overwhelm him…

Sometimes in life, if we wish to move forward, we must first dig deep into our past and make amends. In Losing Hope, bestselling author Colleen Hoover reveals what was going on inside Holder’s head during all those hopeless moments—and whether he can gain the peace he desperately needs.

My Thoughts:

Received an ARC from the publisher and NetGalley in exchange for an honest review. Thank you!

BRAVO Colleen Hoover. You are incredible. Mind blown - this was amazing!

I didn't really know what to expect when I started this book, other than it was Holder's POV. I had hoped it would be a fresh look and not only a retelling of the first book. It ended up being so much more. Absolutely BRILLIANT.

You have to read Hopeless before you read this book or you won't understand everything that is going on. If you haven't read Hopeless - please do not read further. SPOILERS.

This book gives us a chance to see what Holder felt as he was going through the trauma of losing his sister to suicide and meeting Sky - who he suspects is Hope from the beginning. We get to live through HIS emotions and feelings while he gets to know Sky and starts to put pieces of the puzzle together, and then his struggle to tell her the truth. I thought my emotions were all over the place reading the first book - but reading from Holder's POV was even better. I absolutely adored him and his telling of the story. Holder is such an amazing character written to perfection.

This book FAR exceeded my expectations and I can't even recommend this series enough to people. Colleen Hoover has outdone her self yet again and continues to be one of my favorite authors. Her writing is superb!

Read this series! You won't be disappointed!

5 Suns

Review: Hopeless by Colleen Hoover

Hopeless by Colleen Hoover

Published December 19th 2012

About the book:

Sometimes discovering the truth can leave you more hopeless than believing the lies…

That’s what seventeen-year-old Sky realizes after she meets Dean Holder. A guy with a reputation that rivals her own and an uncanny ability to invoke feelings in her she’s never had before. He terrifies her and captivates her all in the span of just one encounter, and something about the way he makes her feel sparks buried memories from a past that she wishes could just stay buried.

Sky struggles to keep him at a distance knowing he’s nothing but trouble, but Holder insists on learning everything about her. After finally caving to his unwavering pursuit, Sky soon finds that Holder isn’t at all who he’s been claiming to be. When the secrets he’s been keeping are finally revealed, every single facet of Sky’s life will change forever.

 

My Thoughts:

My expectations were high after reading and loving Slammed and Point of Retreat. I wasn't expecting this book to be so amazing it blew my mind. Holy freaking wow - this is Colleen Hoover's best work and a must read!

There are so many tiny elements and surprises that made this book incredible that it's hard to write a review without spoilers or giving away important plot information.  I will try my best.

Amazing and emotional - it will stop your heart multiple times. The intense connection between Sky and Holder is so deep and passionate, I couldn't get enough of them. Both of them have experienced their share of trials only to come together for their biggest one ever. The events surrounding them test their feelings, trust, and strength and it's beautiful watching them survive it. It was a book I couldn't put down and that stayed with me days after I finished.

This is a heavy book with serious issues, not for the faint at heart. You have to trust me when I say it's worth reading! Absolutely superb writing.

I have to mention some of my favorite quotes from the book.  SPOILER warning!

"Sky, I'm not kissing you tonight but believe me when I tell you, I've never wanted to kiss a

girl more. I need to know for sure that you're feeling every single thing that I'm feeling the

moment my lips touch yours. Because I want your first kiss to be the best first kiss in the

history of first kisses."

"Fuck all the firsts, Sky. The only thing that matters to me with you are the forevers."

"In a way, he makes me feel necessary. Like my existence alone is necessary for his

survival."

There were so many powerful moments and things said that blew me away while reading

this book. I can't stress enough how much everyone should READ THIS BOOK.

5 Suns