My Rating: *
I hate giving books one star but the caption for one star (on goodreads) is 'did not like it' and that is how I would describe my feelings for this book...as well as frustrated, annoyed and aggravated.This was my first Colleen Hoover book and I had some high expectations based on things I'd heard about her writing, unfortunately I was disappointed. I will give some of her other books, the ones I own, a chance but this one definitely wasn't for me.
My main issue was with the story and the characters as opposed to the writing (which was quite nice, shame about the story really) although I'm not sure how I feel about the 'poety'. I'm not entirely sure what it is but I don't see that it really added anything to the story. I imagine it was used to add impact or because Miles' POV was set (for the most part) 6 years earlier. Whatever the reason for it, I didn't find it particularly effective in aiding my reading experience.
Another issue I had with Miles' POV is that for awhile they seemed to be a little repetitive and drawn out (Also kinda creepy and obsessive).
Miles is not a nice guy in my opinion (actually he's an abusive jackass) I realise that he had dealt with some difficult circumstances in his past but I don't believe that gives anyone an excuse to treat someone like dirt.
What was more shocking to me than the fact that Miles treat Tate like dirt was the fact that she took it, made excuses for it and went back for more when she should have left. Every time I thought she was going to see how badly he was treating her she annoyed me by going back to him, by defending him (and the way he treat her) and by choosing him over people she loved.
She was such a pushover that I wanted to climb inside the book and shake it out of her. She claims to be a strong, independent woman but I never saw that. All I could see was someone is too immature and weak willed to say what they actually think. It really frustrated me that her thoughts were written down but she never spoke them. She always said the opposite of what she actually felt or just said whatever would appease him. People pleasing in that respect isn't an admirable trait in anyone for me but especially not the heroine of a book who claims to be strong and independent.
As far as the relationships in the book go I didn't feel that either of them were very viable. Miles and Rachel's relationship was instantaneous love which I couldn't buy (Also Miles' affections came across quite strong before he even knew her). Miles and Tate's relationship was empty, I didn't feel their connection on anything other than a physical level. I don't remember any conversations where they demonstrated that they have a real relationship, at least one that wasn't based in their pants.
I struggled to get past page 208, I just wanted to stop reading. I won't spoil but around that time in the book I was getting so frustrated and I just didn't want to go on. I knew though if I stopped I wouldn't finish it so I pushed through.
I am glad I finished it although I did start skimming certain parts more toward the end. For me the last 20 pages were the best part of the book, I was happy with the ending although it I feel more indifferent towards it than positive. It is the best part because I didn't feel negatively toward it...much (Tate's pushover personality still got to me).
As I said I plan to read some more of Colleen Hoover's books in the future and I won't let this book prevent me from doing so or from viewing those as objectively as possible. Hopefully the other books have characters who don't make me want to throw the book at a wall (I get upset if a book gets creased even a little bit so if I'm feeling that aggravated I know something is very wrong).
My 'Rave' Review: Façade by Nyrae Dawn
My Rating: *****
"Haunt me,
my little ghost,
Possess me.
Live inside me,
And scare aware my sins
Until there's nothing left.
But you."
(Adrian)
I reread the first book in this series a few days before reading this and decided to continue because I really enjoyed it and wanted to read Adrian's story. I was not expecting to love this story so much, certainly not more so than the first but I did. This book was truly incredible and probably the best new adult I've ever read. The writing was beautiful. The poetry was simple and perfect (not at all stalkerish, creepy or out of place - it felt very natural, heartfelt and appropriate)
The character development, as with the first book, was an important part of the story and incredibly well done.
The relationship was real and deep and wonderful to read.
Again this book was able to convey some serious issues without dramatics so often seen in other new adult. It made me cry not only due to the themes of the story but the way they were presented and how they affected the characters.
The name of this book is perfect for the story and really encompasses the kind of development that does take place within the characters lives.
I really didn't expect to love this book so much but as I saw the relationship progress I began to love both of the characters. They're both really broken due to their pasts and yet so strong.
Adrian was an especially complex character which is amazing to see, especially in this genre. He is quite sensitive in ways and very deep.
Both Adrian and Delaney were immensely lovable and I definitely felt attached to their story.
The dreams, the imagery and the flashbacks were integrated in a subtle way, so much so that they blended with the story and became part of it. So often these techniques are included in books but don't feel like they fit, here they were seamless which is testament to the phenomenal writing this author is capable of.
I feel like this review is all over the place and is a messy explanation of why I love this book but I won't rewrite it as much as I hate the disorganization. The reason why is because this unordered review is a representation of how I felt immediately after having read this book. I desperately wanted to write down how I felt but the impact this book had on me meant it came out in rush and became jumbled. That's okay though because to me it is the mark of an excellent book to leave the reader completely baffled and unable to form a coherent thought due to the immense emotions felt for the book and its characters.
~~~~~
So here are two NA books I've read relatively recently which have made me feel two completely different things. One made me angry, the other made me content. One made me want to cry in frustration, the other in blubbering tears of empathising sadness. One was given 1 star, the other given 5 stars. Ultimately these are only my thoughts and I am keenly aware of the fact that most people wouldn't agree. Despite this though I wanted to share my two reviews with you, please comment if you've read these books and have similar/different opinions - I'd love to hear them.
Thank you for reading!
With all my bookish love, Jess x
P.S. This 'Rant & Rave' thing is a new series type post I'm going to try to start on here by taking two books of the same genre, one I loved and one I loathed, and sharing my reviews in one post!
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