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desiree930
I marked this as containing SPOILERS, but I figured I'd throw another disclaimer in here anyway. Consider yourself duly warned.
That being said, there are several potential triggers in this book. If you are sensitive to content including sexual abuse and incest, you may want to steer clear of this book.
I'm pretty conflicted about this book. I absolutely loathe the first quarter of it. I hated Sky. She knew that the people at her school are gossip-mongering bullies who spread vicious lies as easily as breathing...and yet when she hears awful things about Holder, she just assumes that they are true. There were so many misunderstandings between the two of them that were completely avoidable and really made Sky look like an insufferable hypocrite.
From about the 25% mark to the 75% mark, I actually found myself enjoying the story. Now, that's not to say it was great literature. There were definitely issues going on that I had problems with. The slut shaming was endless and some of the dialogue was just laughable (teenagers do NOT speak like these two. I'm sorry, but it's true). But those things didn't stop me from grinning at some of the sweet and funny scenes.
Then at the 75% mark, the 'big reveal' happens. I am sure I'm not alone when I say that I saw almost all the twists long before they were actually revealed. Holder knew Sky when they were younger, and knew she'd been kidnapped. Sky's father was a pedophile and a rapist who had hurt his own sister (Sky's adoptive mother), Sky, and Lesslie, Holder's sister. The only thing that was a mild surprise here was that her father also assaulted Lesslie. Everything else was spelled out long before.
Now, I don't have a problem with the reveal in this story, regardless of the fact that I saw it coming from a mile away. My problem came from the fact that within a couple of hours of her remembering that her father had repeatedly raped her, she begs her boyfriend to have sex with her to "take that away from him (her father)." And he complies. It's highly disturbing. Holder feels terrible about it and stops almost immediately, but then comes back a couple hours later and they pick up where they left off.
Then, after her father commits suicide in front of them, they are cleaning his blood off of them and decide that it's a great time to have sex again. Ummmm...gross. I'm sorry, but no. Just no.
I haven't read many new adult books, so I'm not sure if the over-the-top emotional angsty language is normal, but there were several times where the melodrama was eye-roll inducing.
I really wavered between giving this 2 or 3 stars. I eventually gave it three stars because although I found much of this book problematic, I still enjoyed a good portion of the scenes.
I want to read more Colleen Hoover because I've heard amazing things about her books. I know that there are companion novels to this one, but I think I need to try something with different characters first.
That being said, there are several potential triggers in this book. If you are sensitive to content including sexual abuse and incest, you may want to steer clear of this book.
I'm pretty conflicted about this book. I absolutely loathe the first quarter of it. I hated Sky. She knew that the people at her school are gossip-mongering bullies who spread vicious lies as easily as breathing...and yet when she hears awful things about Holder, she just assumes that they are true. There were so many misunderstandings between the two of them that were completely avoidable and really made Sky look like an insufferable hypocrite.
From about the 25% mark to the 75% mark, I actually found myself enjoying the story. Now, that's not to say it was great literature. There were definitely issues going on that I had problems with. The slut shaming was endless and some of the dialogue was just laughable (teenagers do NOT speak like these two. I'm sorry, but it's true). But those things didn't stop me from grinning at some of the sweet and funny scenes.
Then at the 75% mark, the 'big reveal' happens. I am sure I'm not alone when I say that I saw almost all the twists long before they were actually revealed. Holder knew Sky when they were younger, and knew she'd been kidnapped. Sky's father was a pedophile and a rapist who had hurt his own sister (Sky's adoptive mother), Sky, and Lesslie, Holder's sister. The only thing that was a mild surprise here was that her father also assaulted Lesslie. Everything else was spelled out long before.
Now, I don't have a problem with the reveal in this story, regardless of the fact that I saw it coming from a mile away. My problem came from the fact that within a couple of hours of her remembering that her father had repeatedly raped her, she begs her boyfriend to have sex with her to "take that away from him (her father)." And he complies. It's highly disturbing. Holder feels terrible about it and stops almost immediately, but then comes back a couple hours later and they pick up where they left off.
Then, after her father commits suicide in front of them, they are cleaning his blood off of them and decide that it's a great time to have sex again. Ummmm...gross. I'm sorry, but no. Just no.
I haven't read many new adult books, so I'm not sure if the over-the-top emotional angsty language is normal, but there were several times where the melodrama was eye-roll inducing.
I really wavered between giving this 2 or 3 stars. I eventually gave it three stars because although I found much of this book problematic, I still enjoyed a good portion of the scenes.
I want to read more Colleen Hoover because I've heard amazing things about her books. I know that there are companion novels to this one, but I think I need to try something with different characters first.
I read through this book very quickly. It was an entertaining and engrossing read. I've noticed this about Hoover's writing. Even if the story isn't great, she has the ability to weave a story that is very intriguing.
What I liked:
1. I liked that one of the main characters was an artist and that the book included illustrations of the paintings that were discussed. The artist who created these pictures is amazingly talented. I also liked the concept of Owen's shop and his work being inspired by people's confessions. The fact that these confessions were actually sent to her by readers is amazing and, in some cases, disturbing.
2. I liked the characters of Owen and Auburn. I understand that some people had issues with the way Auburn seemed so passive, but it made sense to me for the most part. She's a young girl. She's in a new place. She has zero support from her family and hasn't since she decided to keep her son. She is doing the only thing she can think of to stay in his life. Her passiveness rings totally true to me. I like that she seems to be a clever person, as evidenced by her ideas for Owen's business. I wish that this would've been explored more. I liked Owen's character as well, for the most part. His loyalty to his father and Auburn is obvious. We know that he 'knows' Auburn from before, and I realized before the last chapter that it had to be from the hospital when Adam was dying. I also figured out that Owen was the one who painted the picture of the hands...it was the same style as his other pictures...but it was still a sweet reveal.
3. The writing style of Colleen Hoover really appeals to me. There is something so addicting to the way that she can get me hooked from the first sentence. I read this 300+ page book in less than three hours. I liked the structure of the dual perspective as well. It was nice getting both points of view, and they had distinct voices so I wasn't confused as to who I was following at any given time.
What I didn't like
1. Insta-love. I liked their relationship, but I wish it had been developed a little better over a longer period of time. Now, for Owen, he remembers her and we learn that he's thought about her over the years, so his infatuation makes sense to me. But on her side, I'm not sure I believe the almost-immediate fall she has for him...especially when she says herself that she has only had two dates since Adam's death. They even have a conversation about the fact that they essentially just met and how crazy it is that they are so deep in their feelings for each other. I did like their interactions, but I wish there was more of a foundation.
2.The misunderstandings/secrets for the sake of misunderstandings/secrets. Okay. I get that this book is called Confess and that it has to do with secrets. But really, some of the secrets were completely pointless. I don't understand why he wouldn't tell her that he was only going to jail because he was protecting his father. Instead, he Kees that to himself, which also means keeping Trey's true character hidden from Auburn, someone he supposedly loves. That doesn't make sense at all. At. All. He had an opportunity to assure her that he wasn't a drug-addicted criminal and instead he just says, "I really don't want to tell you." Huh? There were other WTF moments as well, but this was one of the biggest for me.
3. The ending. I don't like that Trey pretty much got away scot-free. He physically assaulted her and may have sexually assaulted her if not for Emory. He broke in and ransacked Owen's apartment and planted evidence there to get him into trouble. He manipulated a young girl who was desperate to keep her son in her life by using said child to emotionally blackmail her. But in the end, there are absolutely no repercussions to his actions. And I get that that happens in life. Sometimes bad people get away with doing bad things. But it doesn't mean I have to like it. I really hated Lydia as well. I wish that she had been written a little more compassionately. I feel like it would've made for a stronger story that way. As it stood, it seemed like she was more upset that her son's disgusting actions cost her her grandson than she was that her son is a disgusting criminal. I wish there had been more closure with that relationship.
Wishes:
1. I wish Emory had been given a bigger part. The story was so focused on the angsty love story that it squandered the chance to have a really fun friendship.
2. I wish we could've seen AJ and Owen's relationship develop. We got one little scene with them meeting, and that was it until the very end.
3. I wish there had been an epilogue rather than a second prologue at the end of the story.
4. I wish I hadn't seen all the reveals coming before they happened.
Overall, I was completely engrossed with this story, the same way I am with the other Colleen Hoover books I've read. It's only after the fact as I'm thinking about them do I realize all the things I wish I'd gotten out of them that I didn't. There is just so much promise, that the execution often leaves me feeling underwhelmed after the fact. Of course, that isn't going to stop me from picking up another of her books. Like I said, there's just something addicting about them.
What I liked:
1. I liked that one of the main characters was an artist and that the book included illustrations of the paintings that were discussed. The artist who created these pictures is amazingly talented. I also liked the concept of Owen's shop and his work being inspired by people's confessions. The fact that these confessions were actually sent to her by readers is amazing and, in some cases, disturbing.
2. I liked the characters of Owen and Auburn. I understand that some people had issues with the way Auburn seemed so passive, but it made sense to me for the most part. She's a young girl. She's in a new place. She has zero support from her family and hasn't since she decided to keep her son. She is doing the only thing she can think of to stay in his life. Her passiveness rings totally true to me. I like that she seems to be a clever person, as evidenced by her ideas for Owen's business. I wish that this would've been explored more. I liked Owen's character as well, for the most part. His loyalty to his father and Auburn is obvious. We know that he 'knows' Auburn from before, and I realized before the last chapter that it had to be from the hospital when Adam was dying. I also figured out that Owen was the one who painted the picture of the hands...it was the same style as his other pictures...but it was still a sweet reveal.
3. The writing style of Colleen Hoover really appeals to me. There is something so addicting to the way that she can get me hooked from the first sentence. I read this 300+ page book in less than three hours. I liked the structure of the dual perspective as well. It was nice getting both points of view, and they had distinct voices so I wasn't confused as to who I was following at any given time.
What I didn't like
1. Insta-love. I liked their relationship, but I wish it had been developed a little better over a longer period of time. Now, for Owen, he remembers her and we learn that he's thought about her over the years, so his infatuation makes sense to me. But on her side, I'm not sure I believe the almost-immediate fall she has for him...especially when she says herself that she has only had two dates since Adam's death. They even have a conversation about the fact that they essentially just met and how crazy it is that they are so deep in their feelings for each other. I did like their interactions, but I wish there was more of a foundation.
2.The misunderstandings/secrets for the sake of misunderstandings/secrets. Okay. I get that this book is called Confess and that it has to do with secrets. But really, some of the secrets were completely pointless. I don't understand why he wouldn't tell her that he was only going to jail because he was protecting his father. Instead, he Kees that to himself, which also means keeping Trey's true character hidden from Auburn, someone he supposedly loves. That doesn't make sense at all. At. All. He had an opportunity to assure her that he wasn't a drug-addicted criminal and instead he just says, "I really don't want to tell you." Huh? There were other WTF moments as well, but this was one of the biggest for me.
3. The ending. I don't like that Trey pretty much got away scot-free. He physically assaulted her and may have sexually assaulted her if not for Emory. He broke in and ransacked Owen's apartment and planted evidence there to get him into trouble. He manipulated a young girl who was desperate to keep her son in her life by using said child to emotionally blackmail her. But in the end, there are absolutely no repercussions to his actions. And I get that that happens in life. Sometimes bad people get away with doing bad things. But it doesn't mean I have to like it. I really hated Lydia as well. I wish that she had been written a little more compassionately. I feel like it would've made for a stronger story that way. As it stood, it seemed like she was more upset that her son's disgusting actions cost her her grandson than she was that her son is a disgusting criminal. I wish there had been more closure with that relationship.
Wishes:
1. I wish Emory had been given a bigger part. The story was so focused on the angsty love story that it squandered the chance to have a really fun friendship.
2. I wish we could've seen AJ and Owen's relationship develop. We got one little scene with them meeting, and that was it until the very end.
3. I wish there had been an epilogue rather than a second prologue at the end of the story.
4. I wish I hadn't seen all the reveals coming before they happened.
Overall, I was completely engrossed with this story, the same way I am with the other Colleen Hoover books I've read. It's only after the fact as I'm thinking about them do I realize all the things I wish I'd gotten out of them that I didn't. There is just so much promise, that the execution often leaves me feeling underwhelmed after the fact. Of course, that isn't going to stop me from picking up another of her books. Like I said, there's just something addicting about them.
Ratings by story:
Midnights: by Rainbow Rowell 5/5
Before now, my only Rainbow Rowell experience was Fangirl, which I (mostly) liked.
I will definitely read more of her work in the future.
This was my favorite story in the entire anthology. I honestly feel like it was a mistake to start with this story, because it set my expectations for the rest of the book very high, and I ended up feeling slightly underwhelmed in the end.
The friendship/romance was sweet and relatable. Noel and Mags were flawed and interesting.
I loved the structure showing the growth of their relationship in terms of New Years Eve and the holidays.
My heart wanted this to be a full-length novel so I could have more of these characters. But in my head I feel like this was a perfect length for this narrative. That being said, if Rowell ever adapted this into a novel, I would totally be here for it.
The Lady and the Fox: by Kelly Link 1/5
I really hated this story. I didn't like the writing style at all. It felt like I was dropped in the middle of a full-length book with events being mentioned off-the-cuff without any context. The main character casually talks about her mother being in a Thai prison for years (I think at one point she says that she's in for life, but I could be mistaken.) like it's no big deal. She might as well be talking about the weather. Her mother was a personal assistant (a dresser) for the woman who takes Miranda in every Christmas.
How on Earth does a wardrobe person end up in a Thai prison for life?! This makes absolutely no sense whatsoever.
Later in the story she goes to Thailand to try to visit her mother and ends up leaving after being turned away a couple of times. Again, like it's no big deal. Her reactions are not normal. And it's not like she goes home. She jets off to Japan to hang out for a few months.
I didn't like any of the characters, I didn't like the 'romance', and I didn't like the magical realism elements of the story in the way it was executed by this author.
Needless to say, I will not pursue any of this author's other works.
Angels in the Snow: by Matt de la Peña 3.5-4/5
This is my first experience reading a story by this author. I really ended up enjoying it. I liked that the main character was a male, and a minority at that. His culture influenced his decisions and actions in a way that felt totally authentic to me.
I liked the romance aspect, but I didn't love it. I kind of wish it had just been a friendship kind of connection rather than a romantic one. I'm not even sure why, but it felt a little forced.
Polaris is Where You'll Find Me: by Jenny Han 3/5
This story was okay. I've read several Jenny Han books and feel the same way about this that I feel about most of her work. It's cute, fluffy, but not really substantive.
Since it took place at the North Pole and had elves as major characters (not to mention Santa Claus), I was expecting it to be a little more magical. But I didn't really like the main character...which is another thing this has in common with other Jenny Han books I've read.
The main character Natalie is a Korean-born human who is adopted by Santa when she is abandoned. She grows up feeling (understandably so) like an outsider in the midst of all these elves. She makes up stories and everyone knows she is lying (so is she getting coal in her stocking? Because last I checked, lying should land you right on the naughty list)...
It also ends very abruptly. I get that this is a short story, but this needed another couple of pages to really feel complete.
This story was fine. I just didn't love it.
It's a Yuletide a Miracle, Charlie Brown: by Stephanie Perkins 4.5/5
I really enjoyed this story. It was cute and sweet, with some real moments of feeling that convinced me of its authenticity. My one real issue with this would be that the romance is a little more 'insta-lovey' than I would normally like, but I can chalk that up to Christmas magic doing its thing :)
Your Temporary Santa: by David Levithan 2.5-3/5
I haven't read any David Levithan before this. I've heard a lot of great things about him so I was really excited to read this.
It was just okay for me. I liked the diversity present in this story, but I didn't really connect to any of the characters. I feel like this the way I felt about the Lady and the Fox. It felt like I was dropped into the middle of a longer story without the context necessary to understand the motivations and actions of different characters.
The main character (whose name I can't remember) has this fear that his boyfriend is going to break up with him, but it's never explained why. The boyfriend's sister has this weird territorial attitude toward her brother which struck me as slightly toxic, to be honest. And again, it's never explained why she acts the way she does. The mom apparently is a real winner who routinely pops tranquilizers before bed, to the point where she wouldn't hear someone breaking into and lurking around her house in the middle of the night...
I still want to check out some other David Levithan, but I don't have as urgent a desire to do it at this point in time.
Krampuslauf: by Holly Black 2/5
I've never read this author, and I have no urge to in the future. I didn't like this story. I didn't connect to the characters, the setting, the writing...I didn't hate it as much as the Lady and the Fox, and there was a little more of a connection with this story, but not much.
What the Hell Have You Done, Sophie Roth?: by Gayle Forman 4-4.5/5 stars
I really liked this. I liked that the main character was Jewish, and I liked the love interest quite a bit. I liked that Forman explored the idea of feeling like an outsider and realizing that you really do have a place.
Will update with the rest of my thoughts shortly.
Midnights: by Rainbow Rowell 5/5
Before now, my only Rainbow Rowell experience was Fangirl, which I (mostly) liked.
I will definitely read more of her work in the future.
This was my favorite story in the entire anthology. I honestly feel like it was a mistake to start with this story, because it set my expectations for the rest of the book very high, and I ended up feeling slightly underwhelmed in the end.
The friendship/romance was sweet and relatable. Noel and Mags were flawed and interesting.
I loved the structure showing the growth of their relationship in terms of New Years Eve and the holidays.
My heart wanted this to be a full-length novel so I could have more of these characters. But in my head I feel like this was a perfect length for this narrative. That being said, if Rowell ever adapted this into a novel, I would totally be here for it.
The Lady and the Fox: by Kelly Link 1/5
I really hated this story. I didn't like the writing style at all. It felt like I was dropped in the middle of a full-length book with events being mentioned off-the-cuff without any context. The main character casually talks about her mother being in a Thai prison for years (I think at one point she says that she's in for life, but I could be mistaken.) like it's no big deal. She might as well be talking about the weather. Her mother was a personal assistant (a dresser) for the woman who takes Miranda in every Christmas.
How on Earth does a wardrobe person end up in a Thai prison for life?! This makes absolutely no sense whatsoever.
Later in the story she goes to Thailand to try to visit her mother and ends up leaving after being turned away a couple of times. Again, like it's no big deal. Her reactions are not normal. And it's not like she goes home. She jets off to Japan to hang out for a few months.
I didn't like any of the characters, I didn't like the 'romance', and I didn't like the magical realism elements of the story in the way it was executed by this author.
Needless to say, I will not pursue any of this author's other works.
Angels in the Snow: by Matt de la Peña 3.5-4/5
This is my first experience reading a story by this author. I really ended up enjoying it. I liked that the main character was a male, and a minority at that. His culture influenced his decisions and actions in a way that felt totally authentic to me.
I liked the romance aspect, but I didn't love it. I kind of wish it had just been a friendship kind of connection rather than a romantic one. I'm not even sure why, but it felt a little forced.
Polaris is Where You'll Find Me: by Jenny Han 3/5
This story was okay. I've read several Jenny Han books and feel the same way about this that I feel about most of her work. It's cute, fluffy, but not really substantive.
Since it took place at the North Pole and had elves as major characters (not to mention Santa Claus), I was expecting it to be a little more magical. But I didn't really like the main character...which is another thing this has in common with other Jenny Han books I've read.
The main character Natalie is a Korean-born human who is adopted by Santa when she is abandoned. She grows up feeling (understandably so) like an outsider in the midst of all these elves. She makes up stories and everyone knows she is lying (so is she getting coal in her stocking? Because last I checked, lying should land you right on the naughty list)...
It also ends very abruptly. I get that this is a short story, but this needed another couple of pages to really feel complete.
This story was fine. I just didn't love it.
It's a Yuletide a Miracle, Charlie Brown: by Stephanie Perkins 4.5/5
I really enjoyed this story. It was cute and sweet, with some real moments of feeling that convinced me of its authenticity. My one real issue with this would be that the romance is a little more 'insta-lovey' than I would normally like, but I can chalk that up to Christmas magic doing its thing :)
Your Temporary Santa: by David Levithan 2.5-3/5
I haven't read any David Levithan before this. I've heard a lot of great things about him so I was really excited to read this.
It was just okay for me. I liked the diversity present in this story, but I didn't really connect to any of the characters. I feel like this the way I felt about the Lady and the Fox. It felt like I was dropped into the middle of a longer story without the context necessary to understand the motivations and actions of different characters.
The main character (whose name I can't remember) has this fear that his boyfriend is going to break up with him, but it's never explained why. The boyfriend's sister has this weird territorial attitude toward her brother which struck me as slightly toxic, to be honest. And again, it's never explained why she acts the way she does. The mom apparently is a real winner who routinely pops tranquilizers before bed, to the point where she wouldn't hear someone breaking into and lurking around her house in the middle of the night...
I still want to check out some other David Levithan, but I don't have as urgent a desire to do it at this point in time.
Krampuslauf: by Holly Black 2/5
I've never read this author, and I have no urge to in the future. I didn't like this story. I didn't connect to the characters, the setting, the writing...I didn't hate it as much as the Lady and the Fox, and there was a little more of a connection with this story, but not much.
What the Hell Have You Done, Sophie Roth?: by Gayle Forman 4-4.5/5 stars
I really liked this. I liked that the main character was Jewish, and I liked the love interest quite a bit. I liked that Forman explored the idea of feeling like an outsider and realizing that you really do have a place.
Will update with the rest of my thoughts shortly.
3.5 stars
For the most part, I enjoyed this book. I did think it lost its way toward the end. Everything got very convoluted and some of the character motivations were a little shaky to the point of implausible, but I still ended up enjoying the story.
I wouldn't say I was shocked by any one reveal. Most of the things that happened were theories I had at one point or another while I was reading.
The ending of this book wasn't entirely satisfying, but there was a sense of hope for the characters that I wasn't expecting.
For a debut I thought this was a really interesting story, and the writing kept me engaged throughout. I'm interested to check out future books by this author.
For the most part, I enjoyed this book. I did think it lost its way toward the end. Everything got very convoluted and some of the character motivations were a little shaky to the point of implausible, but I still ended up enjoying the story.
I wouldn't say I was shocked by any one reveal. Most of the things that happened were theories I had at one point or another while I was reading.
The ending of this book wasn't entirely satisfying, but there was a sense of hope for the characters that I wasn't expecting.
For a debut I thought this was a really interesting story, and the writing kept me engaged throughout. I'm interested to check out future books by this author.
You know what? Misogyny isn't cute. Just saying. It's not cute and it's not sexy.
Just a little disclaimer. I am NOT a prude. I like sexy times in books and I don't care about swearing. I have a vocabulary that could make a sailor blush. I feel like I have to put that out there in case anyone thinks this may not be my genre in general.
I am flabbergasted by all of the four and five-star reviews of this book. I just don't get it. I love steamy adult romances, but that isn't what this is. There is a difference between steamy and just graphically blunt. Seriously, I don't need to see the word 'cock' on every other page. It's overkill.
The main character Taylor (get it? Her name is Taylor and the book is called TAILORED for Trouble!!! Cue a bunch of ridiculously stupid puns) is awful. The idea that she should be trusted to humanize rich and powerful CEOs is laughable, considering she is a one-dimensional cliche of a character. We're supposed to believe she is this smart, ambitious, take-no-shit woman but the moment our 'hero' FREAKING KIDNAPS HER she loses any illusion of strength and just starts obsessing about him masturbating and his penis in general. The number of times she gets caught staring at his penis is absolutely ridiculous. By the way, as a billionaire, you would think that Bennett would be able to have his suits altered so his huge bulging penis isn't clearly visible through his pants. JUST SAYING.
She is the worst. I also don't understand how someone who is a self-proclaimed 6 out of 10 (OMG, she has CURVES! How could she possibly compete?! Eye roll.) has every billionaire she meets chasing after her. Maybe it's because she's 'not like other girls'. To be fair, I don't think those words ever came out of her or anyone else's mouth, but it didn't have to. We're supposed to think of her as tough, smart, witty, ambitious. Every other woman is either an objectifying piece of trash or a gold digger. It was actually funny when Taylor got all upset at her friends talking about Bennett as a sex object when that was how Taylor had been thinking of him almost from the moment she met him. There are also a couple lesbians thrown in there for the sole purpose of providing someone for our 'heroine' to be jealous of just to learn that there was no reason for the jealousy.
I don't tend to get embarrassed reading sex/passionate scenes, but these are cringeworthy. The fact that the condom breaks BOTH times they have sex has me rolling my eyes so hard I just can't even.
Then we have the 'hero'. A guy so charming he is known for the fact that only women he's fucked get to use his first name. Puke.
But it's okay because he loves his mom! Awwwww. Nope. STILL NOT OKAY.
He spends the entire book being a misogynistic pig but we're supposed to think it's hot. Oh, by the way, HE'S SO HOTTTTT. I mean, he would HAVE to be hot. If an average looking, average penised man acted the way he did, we'd call him a controlling stalker. But because he's attractive and well-endowed, it's all okay.
The third time he meets Taylor, he has two hired hands escort her onto his plane where they then take off, against her will. So HOT.
On said flight he gives her a phone and uses it to track her. Ladies, I don't know about you, but I LOVE it when a hot guy demands to know where I am every second of every day. SO HOT!
He screams at people when he doesn't get his way, and is endlessly rude and arrogant. Wow. The hotness is approaching critical levels here.
There is a weak explanation of all his shitty behavior near the end of the book, but for me it didn't justify anything. Also, it's the epitome of one of my least-favorite tropes: Miscommunication that could've been solved if the protagonists had used their words but had to be there for the plot to exist.
Maybe all of this could've been okay if either character had shown any growth whatsoever throughout the course of the book. But they really didn't. Some would argue that Bennett had amazing growth, but he didn't. He was the same at the beginning as at the end, but we knew all of his secrets. That was the only difference. Oh yeah, except that he learned how to have sex without a mirror as part of the equation. SO. HOT.
Other odds and ends:
1. I don't understand why this book wasn't written in first person. With the exception of one scene at the end of the book, it is all told in Taylor's perspective. We're basically in her head already (which is as awful as it sounds) so why tell the story in third-person past tense?
2. It felt like this book was trying to be an updated Pride and Prejudice. I don't know if that was the intent, but in naming one of the protagonists 'Bennett' I feel like it's a pretty good assumption. All I have to say about that is: Nope. Didn't work.
3. The number of times the author (I mean, Taylor...wink, wink) brings up Fifty Shades of Grey is stupid, especially because it's usually to refute the idea that this situation is ANYTHING like FSOG. Sure, it's about a girl and an rich, extremely hot CEO having extremely hot sexy times, but there are no butt plugs! So it's totally different!! I wish I could say I was joking and that there aren't actually any butt-plug references in this book...but I can't. The fact that he is totally controlling and stalkerish is glazed over in the reality that he's SUPER HOT. Sounds like Fifty Shades to me!
It's 2019 people! Can't we please have some hot n' steamy romances without the overly-controlling POS love interests?! Pretty Please?????
Just a little disclaimer. I am NOT a prude. I like sexy times in books and I don't care about swearing. I have a vocabulary that could make a sailor blush. I feel like I have to put that out there in case anyone thinks this may not be my genre in general.
I am flabbergasted by all of the four and five-star reviews of this book. I just don't get it. I love steamy adult romances, but that isn't what this is. There is a difference between steamy and just graphically blunt. Seriously, I don't need to see the word 'cock' on every other page. It's overkill.
The main character Taylor (get it? Her name is Taylor and the book is called TAILORED for Trouble!!! Cue a bunch of ridiculously stupid puns) is awful. The idea that she should be trusted to humanize rich and powerful CEOs is laughable, considering she is a one-dimensional cliche of a character. We're supposed to believe she is this smart, ambitious, take-no-shit woman but the moment our 'hero' FREAKING KIDNAPS HER she loses any illusion of strength and just starts obsessing about him masturbating and his penis in general. The number of times she gets caught staring at his penis is absolutely ridiculous. By the way, as a billionaire, you would think that Bennett would be able to have his suits altered so his huge bulging penis isn't clearly visible through his pants. JUST SAYING.
She is the worst. I also don't understand how someone who is a self-proclaimed 6 out of 10 (OMG, she has CURVES! How could she possibly compete?! Eye roll.) has every billionaire she meets chasing after her. Maybe it's because she's 'not like other girls'. To be fair, I don't think those words ever came out of her or anyone else's mouth, but it didn't have to. We're supposed to think of her as tough, smart, witty, ambitious. Every other woman is either an objectifying piece of trash or a gold digger. It was actually funny when Taylor got all upset at her friends talking about Bennett as a sex object when that was how Taylor had been thinking of him almost from the moment she met him. There are also a couple lesbians thrown in there for the sole purpose of providing someone for our 'heroine' to be jealous of just to learn that there was no reason for the jealousy.
I don't tend to get embarrassed reading sex/passionate scenes, but these are cringeworthy. The fact that
Then we have the 'hero'. A guy so charming he is known for the fact that only women he's fucked get to use his first name. Puke.
But it's okay because he loves his mom! Awwwww. Nope. STILL NOT OKAY.
He spends the entire book being a misogynistic pig but we're supposed to think it's hot. Oh, by the way, HE'S SO HOTTTTT. I mean, he would HAVE to be hot. If an average looking, average penised man acted the way he did, we'd call him a controlling stalker. But because he's attractive and well-endowed, it's all okay.
The third time he meets Taylor, he has two hired hands escort her onto his plane where they then take off, against her will. So HOT.
On said flight he gives her a phone and uses it to track her. Ladies, I don't know about you, but I LOVE it when a hot guy demands to know where I am every second of every day. SO HOT!
He screams at people when he doesn't get his way, and is endlessly rude and arrogant. Wow. The hotness is approaching critical levels here.
There is a weak explanation of all his shitty behavior near the end of the book, but for me it didn't justify anything. Also, it's the epitome of one of my least-favorite tropes: Miscommunication that could've been solved if the protagonists had used their words but had to be there for the plot to exist.
Maybe all of this could've been okay if either character had shown any growth whatsoever throughout the course of the book. But they really didn't. Some would argue that Bennett had amazing growth, but he didn't. He was the same at the beginning as at the end, but we knew all of his secrets. That was the only difference. Oh yeah, except that he learned how to have sex without a mirror as part of the equation. SO. HOT.
Other odds and ends:
1. I don't understand why this book wasn't written in first person. With the exception of one scene at the end of the book, it is all told in Taylor's perspective. We're basically in her head already (which is as awful as it sounds) so why tell the story in third-person past tense?
2. It felt like this book was trying to be an updated Pride and Prejudice. I don't know if that was the intent, but in naming one of the protagonists 'Bennett' I feel like it's a pretty good assumption. All I have to say about that is: Nope. Didn't work.
3. The number of times the author (I mean, Taylor...wink, wink) brings up Fifty Shades of Grey is stupid, especially because it's usually to refute the idea that this situation is ANYTHING like FSOG. Sure, it's about a girl and an rich, extremely hot CEO having extremely hot sexy times, but there are no butt plugs! So it's totally different!! I wish I could say I was joking and that there aren't actually any butt-plug references in this book...but I can't. The fact that he is totally controlling and stalkerish is glazed over in the reality that he's SUPER HOT. Sounds like Fifty Shades to me!
It's 2019 people! Can't we please have some hot n' steamy romances without the overly-controlling POS love interests?! Pretty Please?????
4.5 stars
I loved this. I get why some people might think it was a little too long, but I honestly didn't have a problem with it. I felt like the anecdotes that she shared were important because they shaped the woman she is today; classy, intelligent, and empathetic.
I have read critical reviews talking about the fact that this focuses more on her childhood and pre-FLOTUS life than it does her time as First Lady. And that is true. But honestly, that's what I wanted to read about in the first place. Her experiences as a young black girl in Chicago in the 1960s and 70s are important in understanding how her values were formed. And considering the fact that she spent more than a decade in the public eye, I don't need to know all of the ins and outs of her time as First Lady. We all saw how she was treated and the stress it must have caused. I was more interested in her beginnings.
I loved reading about her family and her relationship with Barack Obama. The section where she talks about her fertility difficulties really hit home for me, as someone who has had difficulties myself.
Many of the one-star reviews seem to come from people who obviously haven't even read the book. But since being an ignorant jerk isn't a crime, the less time focusing on that, the better.
I loved this. I get why some people might think it was a little too long, but I honestly didn't have a problem with it. I felt like the anecdotes that she shared were important because they shaped the woman she is today; classy, intelligent, and empathetic.
I have read critical reviews talking about the fact that this focuses more on her childhood and pre-FLOTUS life than it does her time as First Lady. And that is true. But honestly, that's what I wanted to read about in the first place. Her experiences as a young black girl in Chicago in the 1960s and 70s are important in understanding how her values were formed. And considering the fact that she spent more than a decade in the public eye, I don't need to know all of the ins and outs of her time as First Lady. We all saw how she was treated and the stress it must have caused. I was more interested in her beginnings.
I loved reading about her family and her relationship with Barack Obama. The section where she talks about her fertility difficulties really hit home for me, as someone who has had difficulties myself.
Many of the one-star reviews seem to come from people who obviously haven't even read the book. But since being an ignorant jerk isn't a crime, the less time focusing on that, the better.
This book had me at "Jane Eyre in space". I love Jane Eyre, I love re-tellings, and I love sci-fi with a healthy dose of romance.
I was definitely entertained by this book. The author has a style that is interesting and accessible, and knowing that this is a debut novel makes me optimistic for future novels.
I did have a couple of issues with this book, however.
For starters, I felt like some of the words and idioms were anachronistic. There was some slang that is common today that I just don't think will be common hundreds of years in the future, when this book is supposed to take place. There were also certain phrases that were very old fashioned that made for some awkward phrasing. Language is just such a fluid and ever-changing thing. There are words and idioms in our daily vocabulary that didn't exist just a couple of years ago and a few years from now there will be even more, so it felt a little strange to hear modern-day slang in a book that is set hundreds of years in the future in a completely different environment than ours.
The other, larger question I have is: would this hold up on it own? What I mean by that is, if a reader who picked up this book had never read the source material, would the book still work? While I do think that it was entertaining and engaging as someone who loves the story of Jane Eyre, I think it did lack some depth as far as the characters and their motivations go, especially in the case of Stella (this version's Jane). I didn't think the relationship between her and Hugo (Rochester) had much of a foundation, and many of the events felt glossed over for me. It didn't take away from my enjoyment while I was reading, but after the fact I realized that it was missing a little something for me.
I will say that there is a reveal (aside from the one everyone who has read Jane Eyre is expecting) that I didn't see coming that I thought had a lot of potential. I don't know if it was executed in the best way, but I appreciated that the author was trying to bring a surprise to the table.
I actually thought the ending of the book was the most interesting. I would've liked to see more of what happened after they got to Earth. The idea of returning to this place that they thought was going to be uninhabitable was really interesting to me, and I wish that last part had been a little more than what was essentially a footnote. I get that that isn't the point of a Jane Eyre retelling, but I was intrigued.
I really like the idea of adapting classic literature into YA (or adult) sci-fi, and I think that this book was an enjoyable way to pass a few hours, even though it wasn't a new all-time favorite. I will definitely check out the author's next book, which is described as Jane Austen (YAY) + the Bachelor (ehh) in space (YAY again!)...mostly because Jane Austen, not gonna lie.
I was definitely entertained by this book. The author has a style that is interesting and accessible, and knowing that this is a debut novel makes me optimistic for future novels.
I did have a couple of issues with this book, however.
For starters, I felt like some of the words and idioms were anachronistic. There was some slang that is common today that I just don't think will be common hundreds of years in the future, when this book is supposed to take place. There were also certain phrases that were very old fashioned that made for some awkward phrasing. Language is just such a fluid and ever-changing thing. There are words and idioms in our daily vocabulary that didn't exist just a couple of years ago and a few years from now there will be even more, so it felt a little strange to hear modern-day slang in a book that is set hundreds of years in the future in a completely different environment than ours.
The other, larger question I have is: would this hold up on it own? What I mean by that is, if a reader who picked up this book had never read the source material, would the book still work? While I do think that it was entertaining and engaging as someone who loves the story of Jane Eyre, I think it did lack some depth as far as the characters and their motivations go, especially in the case of Stella (this version's Jane). I didn't think the relationship between her and Hugo (Rochester) had much of a foundation, and many of the events felt glossed over for me. It didn't take away from my enjoyment while I was reading, but after the fact I realized that it was missing a little something for me.
I will say that there is a reveal (aside from the one everyone who has read Jane Eyre is expecting) that I didn't see coming that I thought had a lot of potential. I don't know if it was executed in the best way, but I appreciated that the author was trying to bring a surprise to the table.
I actually thought the ending of the book was the most interesting. I would've liked to see more of what happened after
I really like the idea of adapting classic literature into YA (or adult) sci-fi, and I think that this book was an enjoyable way to pass a few hours, even though it wasn't a new all-time favorite. I will definitely check out the author's next book, which is described as Jane Austen (YAY) + the Bachelor (ehh) in space (YAY again!)...mostly because Jane Austen, not gonna lie.
So...I loved this?
I was very hesitant to pick this book up, and I'm not sure why. I kept hearing it was beautiful, and I don't know that I've read many negative reviews, and maybe that's why. It was very hyped up when it came out in 2017 and I tend to push hyped books to the back burner because I don't want my expectations to be unreasonable.
I don't even remember the last YA contemporary that I've enjoyed this much. The writing is superb, the characters have depth, and the story itself is beautiful and sad.
This is the kind of magical realism I like because it's grounded in the real world.
I also love the friendships in this book, especially in the first half. June's friend Hanna isn't just some random background character and the scenes between them are some of my favorites in the book. She isn't as present in the last part of the book, because of circumstances, but I never felt like she was unimportant. The book didn't fall into the tired YA tropes as far as the friendships go.
I really enjoyed the romance as well. I thought Saul and June had great chemistry and I liked that they were friends and could have conversations that didn't revolve around them as a couple. Their attraction was immediate, but I liked that their relationship progressed throughout the novel.
There are some really impactful scenes and lines about love and grief. There are more than a few tear-jerking moments. And I wouldn't have it any other way.
I was very hesitant to pick this book up, and I'm not sure why. I kept hearing it was beautiful, and I don't know that I've read many negative reviews, and maybe that's why. It was very hyped up when it came out in 2017 and I tend to push hyped books to the back burner because I don't want my expectations to be unreasonable.
I don't even remember the last YA contemporary that I've enjoyed this much. The writing is superb, the characters have depth, and the story itself is beautiful and sad.
This is the kind of magical realism I like because it's grounded in the real world.
I also love the friendships in this book, especially in the first half. June's friend Hanna isn't just some random background character and the scenes between them are some of my favorites in the book. She isn't as present in the last part of the book, because of circumstances, but I never felt like she was unimportant. The book didn't fall into the tired YA tropes as far as the friendships go.
I really enjoyed the romance as well. I thought Saul and June had great chemistry and I liked that they were friends and could have conversations that didn't revolve around them as a couple. Their attraction was immediate, but I liked that their relationship progressed throughout the novel.
There are some really impactful scenes and lines about love and grief. There are more than a few tear-jerking moments. And I wouldn't have it any other way.