Wednesday, June 19, 2013

Book Spotlight: This Girl (Slammed Series, Book 3) by Colleen Hoover


To Add This Girl to Goodreads Click HERE
This Girl
The Slammed Series, Book 3
By:  Colleen Hoover
Published:  April 30, 2013
Pub. By:  Atria Books
Source:  Publisher (NetGalley)


GR's Summary:


There are two sides to every love story. Now hear Will’s.

Colleen Hoover’s New York Times bestselling Slammed series has brought countless readers to their knees with a whirlwind of love, passion, and heartache.

Layken and Will’s love has managed to withstand the toughest of circumstances and the young lovers, now married, are beginning to feel safe and secure in their union. As much as Layken relishes their new life together, she finds herself wanting to know everything there is to know about her husband, even though Will makes it clear he prefers to keep the painful memories of the past where they belong. Still, he can’t resist his wife’s pleas and so he begins to untangle his side of the story, revealing for the first time his most intimate feelings and thoughts, retelling both the good and bad moments, and sharing a few shocking confessions of his own from the time when they first met.

In This Girl, Will tells the story of their complicated relationship from hispoint of view. Their future rests on how well they deal with the past in this final installment of the beloved Slammed series.








Lindy's Thoughts:

*To Read My Review on Slammed Click HERE


I am a huge Colleen Hoover fan!  She is on my top favorite New Adult Author's list, and anything written by her, is an automatic buy/pre-order for me!  I fell in love with Slammed and Point of Retreat, and then I fell in love with Hopeless.  When I found out that Ms. Hoover was releasing Will's point of view in the Slammed Series, I was beyond excited!!!  Will is my first official book boyfriend, and much like your first love, I will never forget him!


This Girl begins with Will and Lake on their honeymoon, and is told exclusively from Will's perspective.  On the honeymoon, while in bed, Lake asks Will, what he was thinking, as certain events took place during the two years they had known each other. Will flashes back to the past throughout the whole story, and then returns to the present time, in-between, and tells us what's happening during their honeymoon.  


Besides telling his perspective of their past, he also fills in story gaps, such as secret conversations that he had with Lake's mom, Julia, about his experience when he found out that his parents had died, a date he went on when he was trying to stay away from Lake, and other events that Lake, and therefore us readers, were not aware of in Slammed, which was told exclusively through Lakes point of view.  We also get a little bit of information about what happens after the honeymoon, and get a glimpse into Will and Lakes future, three years after they have been married.


Reading, This Girl, was like visiting an old friend that I hadn't realized I missed as much as I did, until I saw them.  I got really emotional during this story.  It was difficult reliving Julia's illness, the pain and suffering that Lake and Kellan had to endure, as well as learning all about what Will and Caulder had been through with the death of their parents.  I was also emotional reading about their happy moments, and realizing all they had to endure to get there, and the fact that they would never get to experience all their future joys and happiness with their parents.  


I loved all of the poetry that Will shared.  Some of it was already in Slammed, and some of it was new.  I loved the fact that even though Julia, (Lake's Mom) died, it was like her presence never left.  She would be a part of the family, give advice, and her memory would carry on.  Overall, I connected with these characters, felt like I knew them, and was a part of their inner circle.  I was rooting for them the whole time, and enjoyed how strong Will and Lake's love was, and how it healed them, and gave them hope for a happy future.  


My Rating:


I give, This Girl, by Colleen Hoover, 4.5 Stars filled with Magical Moments, Eternal Love, Heart-Wrenching Life Lessons, and Poetic Expression.  This Girl was a beautiful re-telling of Slammed in Will's point of view!  I fell in love with Will from the beginning of this series, and loved every moment of getting to see Lake and Will's story through his eyes!  If you are a hopeless romantic like me, you must read, The Slammed Series by Colleen Hoover!  It's one of my favorite series of all time, and I will always remember and treasure, Will and Lake's story!  Trust me, you want this whole series for your library.  It's such a stunningly beautiful and powerful love story!





My Favorite Quotes:


"Sometimes two people need to fall apart to realize how much they need to fall back together."  (Nook, pg. 14)


"I'm not one to believe that there is only one person right for me in the world.  But the tug and pull Lake has on me, even when she isn't in my presence, it makes it feel like she's the most right for me."  (Nook pg. 89)


"Wife, I say, staring straight into her eyes.  Think what you want, but there isn't a single woman in this whole damn universe that I could ever love like I love you."  (Nook, pg. 95)


"You're the greatest thing that's ever happened to my life, I whisper.  As soon as I push myself inside her, our lips collide, our tongues collide, our bodies collide, and our hearts collide.  Then this girl completely shatters the window to my soul and crawls inside."  (Nook, pg. 196)



"I don't know how one minute, a person can think his life is nothing more than a barren valley with nothing left to look forward to.  Then, in the blink of an eye, someone can come along and change it with a simple smile."  (Nook, pg. 201)






The Way Ria See's It

Gahhhh!!! So...There may or may not be a lot of nay sayers (regarding the same story alternate POV) out there! Well poo poo on you! Ms Hoover is a GENIUS.Seriously.SHE.is...BRILLIANT!! I’ve had the extreme privilege to read the same story with a different POV or alternate POV.  I’ve always described them as an “enhancer” sure, sure nothing changes, but your experience with the same story is “enhanced”...Follow? Good. 



Well 

This.Girl.




This.Girl.

BREAKS THE MOLD!


Bare with me for a sec... 

Imagine a baseball breaking through a window...Shocking right?


Now

Imagine that same baseball breaking through an entire wall of stained glass.  Imagine it shattering to bits, creating the most beautiful rainbow of every color imaginable, as they make the loveliest little melody when connecting to the ground...


That.Was.

This.Girl. 

Beyond an enhancer, This Girl is a must read. You might think you know...But you have no idea! 



The entire Slammed series is a little puzzle piece that will melt your heart, find its place and remain with you forever.


T-houghts, after years of discipline and struggle two hearts that have faced so much hardship, may now begin to live as one. Nothing left in between them, all that remains are stories of the past.
H-umor, the person whom you love should make you laugh. Though their road wasn’t easy, the ease and the joy with which they share it, everyone knows they were created for each other.
I-nterpret, things left unsaid and secrets kept, always find a way to surface and inflict pain, especially towards those who least deserve the pain.
S-olution, their dreams are a reality, a reality that has already began for them. Together there isn’t anything either one wouldn’t face, to fight for their happiness, for their love.

G-oal, to love and to cherish, to grow old, to be good examples, to be each others puzzle piece, and their sweet, forever.
I-n Love, sharing their passion, getting ready to share their lives together. 
R-eality, with a heavy heart both realize all they have lost and given up, nothing matters, nothing matters more than their family and their love.
L-ife, has continued, and has moved on, with so many angels looking down, hearts open, pasts will present themselves, with guidance and love, forever and ever.

I CRIED.  I CRIED!  I cried SO butterflying hard, that my boyfriend ran out of our room and sat next to me on the couch reacting to my sobs and hyperventilation.  It's my own fault.  I thought I knew what was going to happen, boy was I wrong!  This Girl, is a must read, the way Will tells his side of the story was so refreshing...It was almost an entirely different story!  I loved it! From beginning to end, the ease and the flow of this book NEVER falters.  GET THIS GIRL NOW! 



My Fav’s

Will
It took me a little bit to fall in love with Will.  At first I thought he was mean. When I fell, I fell hard. I’m still falling.  The series is seriously over, and I’m still falling.  Will has a heart that is made of gold!  His depth, and the way he loves Lake!  UGH!!  I love him to pieces!  It was such a treat being inside his head :)

Lake
I’ve loved her since the zombie bit with her little brother.  In This Girl, she does most of the “outlining,” but again her role was perfect.  I would not have done anything differently.


My Rating

5.0 Butterflying, Grilled Cheese, Slam, The Ocean, Last kiss, Measuring Tape, Carved pumpkins, Schooled, Pink Star, Final Piece, This Life, Filled Stars!!!  GREAT!!  I’M BALLING AGAIN!!  Aaahh!!  Go get this book NOW!!  Do it!  It's a MUST read!  SERIOUSLY!  MUST!!
















My Take on this Journey:

This Girl, By Colleen Hoover is the repeat story of Slammed, and the continuing story from that point on.  In this segment, the reader get's Will's point of view, which is nice to know what he was thinking throughout the dramatic first novel of this series.  I did feel that it was a bit redundant, but there was moments of insight also.  In This Girl, Will and Lake are on their honeymoon, and Lake is begging Will to give her a blow by blow account of their entire relationship to the end.  She wants to know what he was feeling, not knowing that she may not be too happy with what he might have been thinking about, and doing.  


This third, and final novel from the Slammed Series, by Ms. Hoover, was very interesting.  I was glad to get Will's point of view.  It is always interesting, to get both perspectives.  I love novels done in dual perspective, and just wish that it would have been done that way from the beginning, so that I wouldn't already know the outcome.  Will discusses his parents, their deaths, Vaughn, (his ex-girlfriend) and her heartless manner in which she dumped him at the lowest ebb of his life, and all he endured and survived, after she left him.


The reader is taken through all of the obstacles that were laid before them in Slammed, with the added insight that was so full of love and tenderness from Will's perspective.  He was a tender and loving man, with quite a temper.  Especially when Vaughn walks out on him, because of his built in responsibility, of now being a parent to his younger brother, Caulder.  Poor Caulder is so broken, and Will realizes where his priorities need to be, and from that day forward puts his brother first.


From the first moment Will saw Lake, he knew there was something very different about her.  She was the complete opposite of his ex, and it warmed his heart.  The characters came to life for me, and I was able to relate to Will a lot more in this segment of the series.  The first time around, there were so many misunderstandings about his feelings, and the reader was feeling sorry for Lake because she was so crushed.  In Slammed, I wanted her to kick Will to the curb.  In This Girl, I realized why he did what he did.  It made things become crystal clear, and made me love him for not being such a complicated guy with a million conflicting signals that were all frustrating!


Colleen Hoover does a great job, as she always does, keeping the interest of the reader.  Her prose are outstanding, and I love her style of writing.  I look forward to reading more books in the future written by this relatable author.  The reader's have long awaited the final union of these two characters, and believe me, the scenes are hot!  I loved the way she wrapped up this series, and did not disappoint.


I give, This Girl, By Colleen Hoover, 4 1/2 love filled stars.











Casting






Book Trailer:






Guest Post:



We would like to invite the talented Colleen Hoover to our blog!  We are both honored, and excited for you to share a little bit about you, with all of us!!  #FanGirling 


Hi Ladies! 

Here are the five things I like to do in my spare time: 




1. Watch Real Housewives (It doesn't matter which town, I LOVE them all.)  

2. Listen to Avett Brothers' music 

3. Play/Hang out with my boys 

4. Write...of course!  

5. Stalk other authors on Facebook







Purchase At:











About the Author:


I love music. LOVE music. Namely The Avett Brothers, Lumineers, Pink, Eminem. I have eclectic taste? If you have any recommendations, send them my way!

I'm addicted to diet pepsi and could tell you in a taste-test which restaurant it came from. It's a serious addiction, I tell you. 

I get stoked whenever I get a message from goodreads saying I have a new friend request...so request me, dangit! 

If you want to know when I have new books out or just want to be inundated by random, pointless blog posts, follow me at www.colleenhoover.com 





Giveaway:

a Rafflecopter giveaway


40 comments:

  1. Aw, I really need to get started on this series! You two wrote such beautiful reviews for this.

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    1. Thank You Andrea,
      We really enjoyed this book, with Will's point of view. Just wish it would have been with both points of view to begin with in Slammed! Still it was nice to see what Will was really thinking.

      Thanks,
      RO
      A Bookish Escape

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  2. Thanks friend :). This is an awesome series! You will love it!!!

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  3. Thanks for the great review! I've always read such great reviews for this author, I really need to get started :)

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    1. Thank you and yes you do...I never like to give anything away at all...there is a tough subject Layken's mom...UGH it'll break your heart.

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    2. Hi Erin,
      Yes, Colleen Hoover knows how to set the mood. She has some delicious scenes in her books!


      Happy Reading,

      RO
      A Bookish Escape

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  4. I DNF Walking Disaster even though I loved Beautiful Disaster. I’m afraid that thill will happen with this book…
    I do have it though and I do plan on reading it sometime hopefully soon.

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    1. WHAT?!! Nereyda My HEART is breaking! I LOVED both! and I can't wait to hear all about his brothers...Did you at least skip to the end...PLEASE PLEASE tell me you at least skipped to the end!! As long as you go into it knowing that its a re-telling...I enjoyed it so much, I've missed them and if you enjoy poetry you must make it to the end!! I was hyperventilating...Like scary.HARD! Are you going to the Houston book event by chance?

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    2. Hi Nereyda,
      I'm right there with you. I had a tough time with this one because I already knew what was going to happen, and at times I felt like I needed more that just cut and paste. But Will's perspective is generous, and you will find it makes you a bit more sympathetic for his feelings. You will pretty much be getting a lot of the same thing you got in slammed, with a little bit something extra.

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  5. Awesome review! I haven't read these yet, but I do have the first two in my TBR pile. I really like getting the POV's of both the H & h, but I think I prefer it to alternate in a single book---we'll see, though, because I'm definitely planning to give This Girl a try later.
    Thanks for the chance to win, too!

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    Replies
    1. I know what you mean about 2 POV's 1 Book I guess I missed them soooo MUCH it was a delicious treat to watch the same show with a different spin...Ya know? Ms Hoover has a way of touching your Heart with her writing I just <3 her!!

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    2. Hi Megan,
      I'm on the same page with you. I prefer dual perspectives in one novel. I don't really care for re-reading a story word for word, and then adding a little something more, and I don't like knowing the end of a book ahead of time. I am not one of those readers who do that!

      The series was great.

      RO
      A Bookish Escape

      Delete
  6. Ahh great review! This makes me want to read the book that much more! It's on hold for me at the library so I'm just dying to read it! Thanks for the giveaway too :)

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    Replies
    1. SARAH!! I know the feeling and the anticipation!! I hope it moves you the way it moved me!!! Good Luck w/the giveaway!!

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    2. Hi Sarah,
      YOU ARE WELCOME!
      I hope you enjoy this series. We love it!

      RO
      A Bookish Escape

      Delete
  7. Awesome reviews chickas!

    Can't wait to start reading them ... My TBR list is out of control and I need to be in vacation to start this series. I don't want anybody or anything getting in my way!

    OMG!!! Thos cast pictures ... Eeeeep!!!!

    I love when authors give us the male's POV. It's so raw!

    I live Colleen like crazy !!!!

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    Replies
    1. I LOVE THE MALE POV TOO!! Mikki U ROCK! I was seriously ugly crying at the end...When you read it I want your thoughts!!

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  8. Awesome review & post. Thanks for the giveaway :)

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    Replies
    1. Thank you DOLL!! Good Luck with the giveaway!! ;)

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  9. One of your comments about the book were it was like coming back to old friends . . . I love that in a book. When there are characters I can truly like and want to revisit and continue their journey. Thank you for sharing your thoughts and spotlighting this read :)

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    Replies
    1. Thank you for reading our review Denise! We are glad you enjoyed it! Good luck with the giveaway!!!!

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  10. You ladies always have one of the best reviews of books. I always love reading what you have to say. I really need to read this series sounds really good! Thanks for posting and for the giveaway!! Keep the great reviews coming ladies!

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    1. Oh and I forgot to ask when Ria said she CRIED was it a bad cry or a really good cry? I for one hate crying when I'm reading because then I have to stop reading so I can finish crying..I hope its not to much crying in This Girl

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    2. Thanks Brenna! We are so glad that you enjoy our reviews! It makes us feel so good! Thanks for stopping by!

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    3. Brenna they were HAPPY HAPPY! ROCKET TO THE MOON!! Tears!! Oh man, it was bad I was coughing and choking on tears and boogers!!! EGADS!! I know! Im a big softy ask LIN!

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    4. Hi Brenna,
      Thank You for your kind words! Don't worry, there isn't that much to cry about in there, Ria is a bit emotional...so we cut her a little slack! :) LOL

      RO
      A Bookish Escape

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  11. I can't believe I haven't read this book yet. I absolutely devoured Slammed and Point of Retreat, and both were so amazing. I need more Will and Lake in my life! :)

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    1. You will enjoy This Girl then! I can't get enough of Lake and Will either!

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  12. I just finished Slammed a couple of days ago and really liked it! I'm excited to read the next two books... And even more anxious after seeing THREE loving reviews.

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    1. Yes! This is an awesome series Crystal!!!! You need to read the rest of the series ASAP!

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  13. I have not read the series but it sounds like something right up my alley!

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    1. Danielle!! You must read this series! Anything by Colleen Hoover is excellent! I love this whole series so much! It is very memorable, touching, and worth your time.

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  14. Loved Slammed and Point of Retreat! So excited to read this! I'm glad to hear that it was worth reading. Thanks for your thoughts and the giveaway!

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    1. Your Welcome Erika! I hope you enjoy it as much as we did!

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  15. Wow, wow wow wow! I love Colleen Hoover and all her books and I loved This Girl too. I'm so happy to see that you girls loved it as well. Who can't love Lake, Will and the boys? They are just too adorable. And I even love Eddie and Gavin. I really wish Colleen would write a small novella for them. It would be great! I wish I were living in US so I'd get those signed copies. Fabulous post and even fabulous reviews!

    Sarika @ The Readdicts

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    1. I agree! I'd love to read a novella on Eddie and Gavin! They're such a cute couple! Thanks for stopping by friend!

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  16. Can't wait to read this!! :D Great review<3

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    1. It was sooooo goooood we just know your going to love it!!

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  17. I was disappointed in book 2 so its good to hear book 3 might be worth my time

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  18. Great review! I absolutely love every single book of Colleen, she is such an amazing writer!

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