Published: January 5th, 2012
Slammed (Slammed # 1)
By: Colleen Hoover
Self Published
ISBN-13: 2940014187602
Following the unexpected death of her father, 18-year-old Layken is forced to be the rock for both her mother and younger brother. Outwardly, she appears resilient and tenacious, but inwardly, she's losing hope.
Enter Will Cooper: The attractive, 21-year-old new neighbor with an intriguing passion for slam poetry and a unique sense of humor. Within days of their introduction, Will and Layken form an intense emotional connection, leaving Layken with a renewed sense of hope.
Not long after an intense, 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 secret that keeps them apart.
Enter Will Cooper: The attractive, 21-year-old new neighbor with an intriguing passion for slam poetry and a unique sense of humor. Within days of their introduction, Will and Layken form an intense emotional connection, leaving Layken with a renewed sense of hope.
Not long after an intense, 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 secret that keeps them apart.
Review
So I got schooled this year, by this novel. This one was what I consider to be my first true introduction to the New Adult Contemporary genre that has popped up over the last few years and expanded like mad in the writing community. This book in particular seems to be one most people either really dislike, or really love. I saw an article about New Adult fiction in Romantic Times magazine and figured I'd give one of the spotlighted books a shot. Boy am I seriously grateful that I chose this one (which won the draw mostly because it's set in my home state of Michigan!). Layken was a relatable main character, who although she was mature and good-hearted was far from perfect. In fact there were times when she was a downright brat to everyone who loves her. And that made this more real to me than a million perfect heroines with true 'speshul' loves ever could. We are never our best selves 100 % of the time - EVER. I loved the way that she and Will met and while the source of their angst and the thing keeping them apart was very cliched, for the most part it was handled extremely well by the author and never delved into the realm of lurid fantasy that it could have easily hijacked. Layken and Will's little brothers were hilarious and heartbreaking, especially with the tragedy that they're going through with Layken's one remaining parent. Their Halloween costume made me cry and laugh both. This book was so sincere and gripping in its emotions that I couldn't put it down, reading it straight through in one sitting! I can't say much more without giving major spoilers, so all I will say is that if you love romance and reading characters that are people you could actually know, this is the one for you. But have the sequel within close reach or you'll be dying for the next fix!
VERDICT: 5/5 Stars
**No money or favors were exchanged for this review. This book is now available in stores, online, or maybe even at your local library.**
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