This Girl ~ Colleen Hoover (earc) review

This Girl
Atria Books
August 13, 2013 (paperback)/April 30, 2013 (ebook)
304 pages
add to Goodreads/buy from Book Depo/or Amazon

-- Synopsis and review have spoilers for Point of Retreat (Slammed #2) --

my reviews of Slammed  and Point of Retreat

In Slammed we heard Layken telling of her and in Will's falling in love, with all its ups and (many) downs. In Point of Retreat Will told about what came after, the continuation of their story, their love and their lives.

Now This Girl is both a glimpse at where they are after the super sweet ending of Point of Retreat as well as a look back. On their honeymoon now, Layken wants to know everything possible about Will and asks him for his memories of different times in their relationship.

From the first time he saw her, to that first day in the hallway, carving pumpkins and more, readers and Layken both get to see it all from Will's perspective this time. And there are a few surprises.


I loved the way this book was done, instead of just redoing Slammed from Will's point-of-view. The most important scenes from Will and Layken's relationship were selected. Those 'old' scenes were done as memories, with Will telling them to Layken so they alternated with scenes from the present, the honeymoon. It kept the story both current and from seeming like a 're-do.'

Even if you're someone who normally reads series books out of order, this is one that really works much, much better (if not only works) if you've read the previous books, or at least Slammed, already. You can likely follow it fine without reading them, but it won't be as good.

It really was great to see both where they had come from -- and to now have both sides of some of the most pivotal times in them becoming 'them' -- paralleled with where they were. Reading the books you get a feeling for how much they've encountered and overcome but This Girl encapsulates it very well.

This mix of past and present made for a great novel and w brilliant way to finish Layken and Will's story. While it is sad to see them go, we send them off really being able to see their journey and how far they've come.

Now -- go buy the ebook (it's out already) or, next Tuesday, get the paperback (you can pre-order now!) . . . that gives you time to read the series if you haven't already!!

Rating: 8/10







thank you to the publisher and NetGalley for the chance to read and review