Author: Colleen Hoover
Genre: Romance; New Adult
Rating: 9.5/10
I have heard about Colleen Hoover before; about how her books are achingly beautiful, heart-wrenching, soul-shattering stories. This is the first book I've read from her, and I can assure you that those words just don’t do justice to her writing at all. I am completely floored.
Confess starts off with Auburn Reed, a girl who is determined to rebuild her shattered life. When she walks into an art studio with a hiring sign out front, she meets Owen Gentry. Owen, an enigmatic, charming and insanely talented artist. Owen, who is also hiding a huge secret. When Owen's past threatens to destroy Auburn’s future, she has no choice but to leave him behind. But that seems to be impossible because she is falling for him, way too hard and fast.
I absolutely adore this book. It's a romance, yes, but it is also so much more. The themes and messages in the story were portrayed in all their painful rawness. Young love. The power of family. Grief and getting back up. So many universal truths were woven seamlessly into the storyline.
“If a person truly cares about you, they'll get more pleasure from the way they make you feel, rather than the way you make them feel.”
The writing is very natural. In first person narration, the story switches perspectives between Auburn and Owen. Their voices are very distinct, and quite frankly, it’s tough to refer to them as characters when they feel so incredibly real. Their struggles are unique and described in an understandable yet sensitive manner. It really makes us feel for them.
And, Oh My God, the plotting. Chef’s kiss. Throughout the story, I had to put the book down quite a few times because the scenes became too intense. The use of foreshadowing, the pacing of the book and the way the story developed were all perfect. I absolutely loved the ending, because I’m a huge fan of plots that come full circle.
Finally, we come to the romance aspect. It was very good. If we follow the timeline of the book, Owen and Auburn don't actually spend a lot of time together–which was one of the minor drawbacks for me. However, by giving us a blow-by-blow narration and bringing us into their minds, we can really experience how the relationship develops. The chemistry is definitely there and it’s sizzling. The scenes weren't overly explicit, but I would still recommend this book for a more mature readership, simply because the feelings portrayed can be quite overwhelming.
“The more we kiss, the more we realize what we’re losing.”
The title was perfect. The concept of the art studio was just amazing. The pieces commissioned for this book were both brilliant and breathtaking.
However, I think what really captivated me was how every single confession was actually real; true confessions submitted by her fans and readers. By incorporating real life with fiction, she made the book feel very special.
I could tell, once I read the dedication, that this book was going to be like no other. And it definitely did not disappoint. A must-read for lovers of romance!
Reviewed by: S.R. Scribbles (1st reading)
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