Hopeless by Colleen Hoover

Our 5 star review

“The moment my lips touch yours, it will be your first
kiss. Because if you’ve never felt anything when
someone’s kissed you, then no one’s ever really kissed
you. Not the way I plan on kissing you.”

I had the immense pleasure of reading an advanced copy of

Colleen Hoover’s Hopeless. This book, this multi-layered

book, made me laugh and cry and catch my breath.

This is a different ball of wax from Hoover’s two previous

works (Slammed and Point of Retreat). This is an adult

themed, darker novel which deals with some hard hitting

issues and is told with as much sensitivity as is possible

for Hoover to have written.

Holder is a modern day Sir Lancelot with a troubled past

and a fierce temper. Sky is fiercely independent and

determined to spend her senior year at a public high school,

having been formerly home schooled by her adoptive mother

for her entire education. She is emotionally withdrawn from

affairs involving her heart. She has mastered the art of

separating the physical from the emotional. These two

individuals collide and this intersection catapults

unforeseen unavoidable events. Both have histories deeply

embedded in their subconscious minds that they would prefer

to remain hidden.

I did not think I could love a character of Hoover’s more

than Will Cooper from Slammed/ Point of Retreat. How she

proved me wrong with Dean Holder. I so wanted to embrace

him and let him rest his head and all his troubles on my

shoulders. He is the most steadfast protector of Sky’s

heart that one could wish for. Sky has survived and has

actually managed to thrive against insurmountable odds.

Hoover layers shock upon shock and revelation with each

subsequent chapter. Just when you think all is revealed,

that you can unbuckle that seat belt and put the car in

park, she adds another twist. Sometimes it makes you bawl

your eyes out; sometimes it makes you walk away for a

moment. Sometimes you find it necessary to take your own

“chapter break” before continuing on with this bitter

sweet journey. There are times when your heart breaks and

times of sheer terror and loathing that comes over you in

waves. Take a breath and keep reading. These two have to

finish this journey and you have to accompany them to see it

through. Hopeless, in my opinion, is one of the best books I

have read this year. I dreaded turning the last few pages,

as I did not want it to end. What an outstanding work this

is from Hoover! Sky and Holder will stay with you long

after their story is told.