8/26/2012

Slammed by Colleen Hoover Review

I had heard sooo much about how wonderful Colleen's writing was and how fantastic this book is. There's this event in Chicago, TFEiC, that I AM DYING TO ATTEND, and still trying to work it out. Because either I drive 11 hours there and back or I pay almost $500 for a plane ticket and crash on a friends couch. And, I'm going to read my way through the authors attending, some like Nicole WIlliams (WHO I LOVE) I've already read her books, but will be rereading them in honor of the even. Anyway, back to Colleen (who will be in Chicago) I heard about this book, saw in on Netgalley and was all "I NEED IT" asked for it, and was approved! I just love when that happens! So here's what I thought. I'm apologizing now about the squeals.

Slammed by Colleen Hoover
★★★★★
ebook Release Date: January 15, 2012
Paperback Release Date: September 18, 2012
Publisher: Atria- Simon and Schuster
Age: Mature YA
Genre: Realistic Fiction, Contemporary Romance, Drama, Love, Romance, Friendship
Format Reviewed: ebook
Source: Publisher via Netgalley
Buy it: Amazon | Barnes and Noble
New York Times bestselling author Colleen Hoover writes a romantic debut novel about a family shattered by a sudden death that leads to two unlikely lovers forming an intricate bond. Following the unexpected death of her father, eighteen-year-old Layken is forced to be the rock for both her mother and her younger brother. Outwardly, she appears resilient and tenacious, but inwardly, she’s losing hope. One young man brings change to all of this. After moving across the country, Layken meets her attractive twenty-one-year-old neighbor who has an intriguing passion for slams. Within days of their introduction, Will and Layken form an intense connection, leaving Layken with a renewed sense of hope.
Not long after a heart-stopping first date, they are slammed to the core when a shocking revelation forces their new relationship to a sudden halt. Daily interactions become impossibly painful as they struggle to find a balance between the feelings that pull them together and the forces that tear them apart.
I'm going to be very limited in my review as to not give anything away. This review will be a large part of my confession of love for Colleen and her beautiful story, a large part of continuous squeals and gushy moments, and a small part about the story itself. It's a book that when you find things out for yourself as you read it, it's much better than going into it knowing everything that will happen. That said, Slammed is also a book I will reread continuously when I need a great read because even now that I know what occurs I'm still a bit obsessed!

Layken's life has been shifted and moved from one state to another. Her 9 year old brother, her mother, and herself are forced to relocate and replant. Her brother's transition is flawless as he instantly makes a best friend with the boy across the street. A boy who has an older brother named Will, who catches Layken's eye. These characters are beautifully created. It's a talent few have, to successfully build a person out of words, and Colleen does a fantastic job.

This book is shocking. I think it's the fact that I didn't know what to expect and didn't really know what the story was going to be about, other than the fact that it was a contemporary. I loved every second of it! SQUEE! Colleen made me feel so much for everyone and everything, I feel like she opened my eyes. I LOVED THIS BOOK!

My favorite part of the book is about Snowmans. I KNOW SNOWMANS, who would've thought. But, it's a great part and when WHEN you read the book remember me when you read about snowmans (and KoolAid). This book has a serious tone, but a comedic and fun one as well. I smiled a lot, cried a lot, yelled a lot, and laughed a lot. It has the perfect balance of elements and kudos to Colleen.

I loved this book! I can't wait to purchase it and its sequel and read them both, this one for the second time! It's uplifting and full of strong characters. A love story that will frustrate and rip your heart out, only to piece it back together and tear it out again. It's an all around great read that I can't wait for everyone to read.

Sorry about being all shouty with the caps, but I hope they got my point across!

READ IT!
READ IT!
READ IT!

Got it? K. :)

4 comments:

  1. <3 Thank you, thank you, THANK YOU! So...are you coming to Chicago??

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  2. As of right now, no. The husband decided wood floors were more important! BUT I'm still trying to make it happen!!!! I really really want to, and would LOVE to meet you guys!!!!!

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  3. Hi!
    I just came across your site and it is really lovely! I happily followed you and will enjoy reading your updates. You can find me over at Rainy Day Reads, www.rainydayreads.com It would be great if you could stop by and I would love to have a fellow book lover as a new follower.
    Christine x
    Rainy Day Reads
    www.rainydayreads.com

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  4. Awesome review, Carole. I loved Slammed too and your review makes me want to read it again. Point of Retreat is pretty great also.

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