Losing Hope by Colleen Hoover

Losing Hope by Colleen Hoover 6 STARS

Synopsis: 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.

*Disclaimer-- I receive an ARC of this book in return for an honest opinion and marketing of the book.
** If you havent read Hopeless yet I HIGHLY recommend you read it first, though in all honesty it is not necessary.

Cover: Sweet
Rating: PG 13 
Overall: AMAZING, BEAUTIFUL
Characters: Holder and Sky
Page Turner: Kind of
Recommend: YES!!!
Book Boyfriend: Shane
Genre:  Young Adult Holder
Sex Scenes: Kind of
Setting: Texas- High-school

OVERALL- 

This book is increbably moving, and absolutely breathtaking. It will make you laugh, cry and feel things you never thought possible from reading a book. I was able to be completely immersed into this book. As if I was a fly on the wall in every scene. 

Ive been looking forward to this book for a while now. Ever since I found out it was coming out. And Ms. Hoover did not disappoint!! I am in love. Holder is one of the best characters I have ever read. and Known. EVER. His feelings, reactions, thoughts, and opinions are completely raw and sincere and imperfectly perfect. 

This is much more than an alternative perspective. Its a whole new story. To be honest, when I picked up this book I couldnt recall the details of Hopeless. So I was literally reliving every scene. The great part of an alternative story, is making sure that the reader doesnt have to re-read every scene but instead feels the emotions of the alternative person, and thats exactly how this book read. 

PLOT

This isnt just Holder's POV of Hopeless, this is how he became hopeless, its his story, before hopeless begins, and everything in between, and even a little bit after. I dont just feel every emotion of Holder, I live it with him, I see it from his eyes. There were moments in this book where I had to stop reading I was so overwhelmed with emotions, and towards the end, I was crying so much I couldnt see the words written on the page. I was overjoyed, angry, scared, sad, and peaceful at all the same moments that Holder felt those emotions. I was completely and utterly absorbed in this book. 

The plot in this book moved at such a great speed and every scene felt new, and raw. I was amazed at how different this story read once I knew all of Holders thoughts and feelings.

Certain new scenes also held such meaning. Such Beauty. This story starts with Holder and Les a year before meeting Sky. Learning about Holders pain from what happened with Les was devastating to read. I felt like I was there with him, experience the incident with him. I felt the same way when they went to Skys house and learned the truth about her past. Every emotion, was raw, genuine, sincere and absolutely beautiful. 

I loved the seduction scene with Sky. It was fun to re-experience it from Holders perspective. I would smile and laugh throughout the book, in my own world, completely taken by the book to the point where nothing existed outside of the kindle! 

“I’m scared if I kiss her too soon, it’ll feel like every other kiss she’s ever received. She’ll feel nothing. I don’t want her to feel nothing when I kiss her. I want her to feel everything.”

Truth is, I fell in love with this book. and I fell in love all over again with Sky and Holder. 

CHARACTERS--

Holder! Chace Crawford

Holder- I think I've said it enough already but Ill say it again. I love Holder. He is so incredibly sexy. And its noy just how he looks, (in my mind!) but his passion for Sky, the lengths he was willing to go to make sure she was happy, was beautiful, and breathtaking yet heart wrenching and devastating. Understanding his reasons, and his feelings though was the best part of the story. I only got to know Holder and Sky all over again, and relive their love story, I got to know Holder and fell in love with him, more than I thought possible. Recognizing the pain and agony that he went through over the years, made me feel that much closer to him as a character. He couldnt have been more perfect.

Cassie Scerbo as Les

Reading Holders letters to Les was probably the most amazing aspect of this story. Its where his heart bled out for those he loved and lost, he put his everything into it, knowing she was dead. The final letter and the scene with his mother though, thats when I started to cry, thats when I realized how touching the story really was. Hearing Les explain her reasons, her past, her history, and knowing her mother was strong for her, that was my undoing, I felt everything all at once. These two scenes are by far, the unraveling for me. They explain EVERYTHING for Holder. And hold so much meaning. Watching Holder's transformation throughout this book was also breathtaking. He truly matured. And I welcomed  this experience as beautiful and truly warming.

Sky is Lily Collins

Sky- We already know Sky from Hopeless. And the focal point of this novel isnt to get to know her again. The focus is on Holder, and if I had to complain about anything it would be that. I missed her. I missed Sky. But because I recall Hopeless, I understood everything from her already, I knew her. And I felt for her, all those times that I was reading hopeless thinking "how could you Holder!" I recalled now, what she was feeling, and now how Holder felt. Knowing this, made my heart squeeze just a bit more for their story. What I loved though was watching Holder fall in love with her. Hearing how much he watched her and cared for her, made it that much more sweet. Her strength truly showed by the end of the book, and I was pleased with how everything turned out, again. Even though I was re-experiencing everything, hearing it again, from Holders perspective didnt make me feel it any less. This time I watched from Holder and he explained what he saw, while she learned the truth and remembered her past. 

I recommend this series for EVERYONE. 

The Only Exception by Magan Vernon

The Only Exception by Magan Vernon 4 STARS

Synopsis: Fiercely liberal Monica Remy prefers to blend in. Despite her tattoos, piercings, and outspoken personality, she transferred to Central to escape—before she finds out that her next door neighbor is the uber conservative governor's son, Trey Chapman.
No matter how hard she tries to avoid Trey, he still finds a way to get under her skin. Monica can’t stand his crisp white shirts or his staunch views on women. But she can’t help counting every freckle on his face and wondering what it would feel like to have him stop talking politics and kiss her.
A class debate project forces the unlikely pair to work together, and the political lines are blurred in late-night make out sessions. But despite their fiery chemistry, Trey’s politics threatens to smother their relationship for good.
* Received EARC for an honest review

Overall- I LOVED this book. This book has been on my radar for a while now, but I wasnt sure I would like it. I was hesitant at first, considering the strong political discussion, topic and constant reminders. But I was more than pleasantly surprised by this one. In fact I ending up really liking the book. What I loved most about this book is the honesty of each written word. The author has crafted a novel with a message, an obvious one, but its not the only message she sent, she has intwined numerous points into this book that every woman should know. I totally fell in love with the characters and the story. Beautifully written and powerful 


Cover: Pretty, and political
Rating: PG13
Overall: Really great read! 
Characters: Trey and Monica 
Page Turner: Not really 
Series Cont.? Nope
Recommend: YES
Book Boyfriend:  Trey 
Genre: New Adult
Sex Scenes: Yes
Setting: outside Chicago at small College 

Plot--This book starts with a political focus and argument that grows into an adult relationship between two people from very different paths of life and views on the world. I absolutely loved the idea, and the arguments were fasinating. Im not that into politics, but I must say this was so interesting to read. When the love story got stronger, I was really intrigued, trying to figure out what would happen, would the truth come out, would it tear them apart. The author surprised me. Which in this case, was actually appreciated. I liked the way the relationships and truths all come to light, and the reactions between everyone. I think the plot moved at a great pace, it reminded me of how things worked in college, sometimes slow building sometimes a tornado, and sometimes a fire yearning for more and this was no different. Monica and Trey's relationship moved at such an incredible speed with such strength and passion. I really appreciated this love story it was more honest and loving than many of the stories Iv read. The final message regarding women, and Monicas struggle was what I think made the book that much better. Standing up for whats right is not always the easy thing to do, being honest when you never lied, is not always easy, and somehow, Monica managed to handle it all. It was so interesting to read Monicas struggles and her coping, even when she has Trey. Her journey was quite lovely and amazing.

My casting for Trey

Characters--

Trey- Wow. Trey is everything I imagine a political hottie to be. Somewhat argumentative, passionate, beautiful, strong willed and determined, and intelligent. I loved Trey though because the author painted him in a compassionate light instead of a bright or dark way. He was perfect because of his imperfections. He was perfect because he appreciated Monica regardless of her past, he was perfect because even though he didnt agree with any of her views, he listened thoughtfully before responding. He was thoughtful and engrossed in life. As a character, he had his fault like every guy, yet he was strong and compassionate and I appreciated everything he did for Monica and their relationship.

My casting for Monica

Monica- Monica is fiesty and sarcastic. She is beautiful and fragile. Yet she somehow ends up falling for Trey. Their politics may have been different, but they found more in common than they thought. Monica gave Trey a chance even though she was hurting. the inner turmoil that Monica fought on a daily basis is similar to what most women feel. Except many never find ther Trey. Trey was such a great compliment to Monica. Monica was pretty great in her own way. Its completely understandable as to why she would act the way she did. I was amazed by her strength. Especially at the end. I dont think I could have done what she had to do, and the whole time I was terrified for her on the outcome. Her reactions and feelings though were so relatable, and I appreciated that.

Brightest Kind of Darkness by PT Michelle

Brightest Kind of Darkness by PT Michelle 3.5 STARS

synopsis Nara Collins is an average sixteen-year-old, with one exception: every night she dreams the events of the following day. Due to an incident in her past, Nara avoids using her special gift to change fate…until she dreams a future she can’t ignore. After Nara prevents a bombing at Blue Ridge High, her ability to see the future starts to fade, while people at school are suddenly being injured at an unusually high rate.
Grappling with her diminishing powers and the need to prevent another disaster, Nara meets Ethan Harris, a mysterious loner who seems to understand her better than anyone. Ethan and Nara forge an irresistible connection, but as their relationship heats up, so do her questions about his dark past

Overall -- So I really enjoyed this book. It isnt my favorite, but I certainly enjoyed it far more than I thought I would and I am looking forward to reading the rest of the series. I think its a good paranormal young adult romance. It has a great balance of all of those things and I think thats important in the young adult genre. Its interesting and I look forward to learning more about Nara's dreams and Ethan and Naras history!

Cover: Pretty 
Rating: PG
Overall: Intriguing
Characters: Nara and Ethan 
Page Turner: Yes
Series Cont.? Yes
Recommend: Yes
Book Boyfriend: Ethan
Genre: Paranormal Young adult 
Sex Scenes: Nope
Setting: High School in VA

Plot--I found the plot really interesting and different. It wasnt a book just about dreams, it wasnt just about a romance, it has an epic like romance, similar to what Twilight was for the vampire community. This book is unique, different and possess a somewhat realistic quality. At times it felt too juvenile for me, but nonetheless I think the plot was truly interesting. I liked the way everything weaved together, but the plot did get a little long winded, and stagnant every once in a while. This is a good book for a younger generation, personally there wasnt enough action or romance, and the intrigue wasnt entertaining enough to keep my attention at all times. However, given that, and the age range, it was still a good enough book for me to follow up. I like Ethan and Naras romance and I have unanswered questions that I want to learn more about.

Ethan Logan Lerhman

Characters-- Ethan, his mystery is intriguing and interesting, his character is charming, he seems like such a sweet and nice guy but that he is hiding something from everyone. I like that his romance with Nara develops over time and they develop a friendship, an understanding and then a connection, one that was already deep but is then forged with love. There are so many questions though left open about Ethan that I need to read the next book to figure it all out to learn more!

Nara- Nara seems more simplistic, easy to understand from this side of the book. She has mystery surrounding her and continues to search for answers which is what drives me to continue reading. Her character develops but differently than what is expected in a book. Its slower and a bit more methodical than usual. I like that she takes a chance on Ethan though, and goes down a rabbit hole out of curiosity and begins to investigate into herself, her past her futures etc. But Im left with more curiosity and I still want to learn more.