November 9 is a day Fallon has dreaded for 2 years. It marks the anniversary of the terrible fire that scarred over 30% of her body, a day that took away her looks, her confidence, and her career. But this year, she meets someone that changes November 9 forever. She and Ben have an instant connection. And even though Fallon is getting on a plane and moving across the country, the two agree to meet every year, same day and time—something to look forward to. But there’s more to Ben than what he’s letting on, and it may make November 9 worse than ever before.
My first Colleen Hoover experience has left me speechless. I had no idea how engrossed I’d become in this book. I had even delayed lunch yesterday by 2 hours just so I could finish listening to the story! It’s also the first alternating-chapter audiobook I’ve decided to listen to. I really enjoyed it.
The book alternates between Fallon and Ben’s perspective on every Nov 9. I’m REALLY REALLY glad the book didn’t delve into the days they weren’t together. That would have been super unnecessary and boring. So it was interesting to follow both characters, for one day only, over the course of 6 years. I especially like that those years were from 18-23 years of age. I feel like I can’t find enough New Adult books that truly captivate me, so thank you, Colleen Hoover. Bless you.
I knew this book would be romance-y, but boy was I underestimating it—it is SO STEAMY. I felt odd listening to it at work. Like, wow. Hoover can really write some intimate scenes. This book made me want to be 18 again and totally change my entire life. Go out and redo everything. Be more confident. Be more experimental. Be more free. I’m about to be 23, so this book really affected me in ways I can’t even begin to explain. Maybe other people don’t have this big epiphany moment, but I did, and that definitely boosted my opinions of the book.
The plot was unique and a wild roller coaster ride. I was never bored. I was craving to know what happened next. I didn’t expect the “big twist” and that made me enjoy the book so much more.
The characters…I was iffy on. Let me use an actual example from the book. Fallon is explaining to Ben that just because she reads about certain people, doesn’t mean she wants to be those people or that she even likes those types of people. That’s how I felt with Fallon and Ben. Fallon, I thought, was so wishy-washy! One minute she loves Ben, the next she doesn’t. She wanted to push him away, but then she didn’t. She was constantly putting blame on him, even when something may have been her own fault. Also, I don’t know how she resisted letting Ben into her life immediately. Seriously, she’s stronger than I would ever be. As for Ben, he was definitely a book boyfriend. Over the top sweet, says all the right things, does all the right things, persistent and dominant, and just so sexy. However, he is kind of a jerk for reasons I won’t delve into for fear of spoiling anything, but still, I found it hard to dislike him.
I think other people may hate Ben, though. He comes off as a teensy tiny bit…rapey? I don’t want to say rapey, but, kind of. He does grab Fallon a lot. Pushes her against walls—yes, in a sexual way, but also sometimes not. Constantly begging her for things when she first says no but then says yes. I don’t know. I guess at some points I thought, man, he’s a little too insistent. But honestly, it’s such a fine line between just right and too much, so I don’t know. Fallon was consenting, but at the same time, she was so “I don’t know, kind of want him to stop, kind of want him to not,” so it’s impossible… I’ve only ever been in one of those situations once before, but I’m not a good example. I guess what I mean is, some people may have serious issues with Ben’s character, and that will probably make them hate the book. Luckily, I did not hate the book.
In fact, I enjoyed it more than I thought I would and immediately will begin my next Colleen Hoover experience. November 9 was great. I would watch that movie in a heartbeat, guys. If you’re ready for your attention (and heart) to be grabbed and never let go, definitely read this book.
Favorite Quotes
-“You’ll never be able to find yourself if you’re lost in someone else.”
