After We Collided - Anna Todd

Ramblings of a bookworm...

Here we go!  Review for book 2 in the After series begins... now

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Following an emotional ending to the first book, After We Collided picks up the story flawlessly, carrying on the heart-wrenching journey that is #Hessa.  Throughout the entirety of the novel, I was on edge; just as I thought I'd be able to relax, another obstacle gets thrown into the mix.  The more I read, the more invested in the characters I became (as I usually do) which made After We Collided that much more intense for me.

Over the course of 688 pages, Hardin and Tessa are faced with the challenges of love, loss, jealousy, hurt, anger, and everything in between.  Complete with a jaw dropping ending, Anna Todd did not disappoint with her second installment of the After Series, making my heart soar before crashing down to the ground again just as much (if not more than) the series debut.  

A notable difference that really made the book for me was the perspective flip between the two protagonists, giving you insight into the incredible, dark, and complicated mind of the one and only Hardin Scott.  Being able to see both sides of the story and where each character stood emotionally as well as psychologically truly made all the difference in the world.

I hope you like amusement parks because this series is one heck of a ride. 

Synopsis:

Tessa has everything to lose. Hardin has nothing to lose...except her. AFTER WE COLLIDED...Life will never be the same. #HESSA

After a tumultuous beginning to their relationship, Tessa and Hardin were on the path to making things work. Tessa knew Hardin could be cruel, but when a bombshell revelation is dropped about the origins of their relationship—and Hardin’s mysterious past—Tessa is beside herself.

Hardin will always be...Hardin. But is he really the deep, thoughtful guy Tessa fell madly in love with despite his angry exterior—or has he been a stranger all along? She wishes she could walk away. It’s just not that easy. Not with the memory of passionate nights spent in his arms. His electric touch. His hungry kisses.

Still, Tessa’s not sure she can endure one more broken promise. She put so much on hold for Hardin—school, friends, her mom, a relationship with a guy who really loved her, and now possibly even a promising new career. She needs to move forward with her life.

Hardin knows he made a mistake, possibly the biggest one of his life. He’s not going down without a fight. But can he change? Will he change...for love?

After - Anna Todd

Ramblings of a bookworm...
First and foremost, I must admit - I had never heard of the global phenomenon that is After up until two weeks ago when I sat down on my couch and my mom and I decided to watch a movie that, as she said, "sounds a lot like those books you and your sister pass back and forth."  Within ten minutes, I had my phone out and was googling the books.  Two weeks later, I had all five novels completed.  I'll go into a detailed review of each book in individual posts as I fully believe each one deserves its own chance to shine.

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The second I started reading After, I knew I was doomed.  I was immediately hooked and found it near impossible to put down.  I became so invested in the characters who's lives became more complex with each passing page that time seemed to lose all meaning.  To me, a good book pulls you in and makes you feel - I mean really feel.  Happiness, sadness, anger - this book had it all.  It was a 608 page emotional roller-coaster that broke my heart before gently piecing it back together, only to rip it apart again. 

If you enjoy feeling true emotion throughout your literary journey, complete with conflicting feelings of euphoria at the same times as all consuming sadness, or rage at the same time as unfaltering compassion, then I highly recommend this book. 

I could go on for hours about my love-hate feelings towards the male protagonist, Hardin, but no matter how many times I churn it over in my mind, I can't come up with any answer other than this: I love to hate him, and I hate to love him.  He's complicated and downright cruel at times, but don't let this fact give you pause.  He is every part the bad boy that our parents warn us about, with an extra emphasis on "bad", however as you read through the journey of Hessa, your heart grows and squeezes, making you feel so much empathy for the man that you can't even be mad.

I love my book boyfriends, and Hardin is certainly no exception.

Synopsis:
There was the time before Tessa met Hardin, and then there’s everything AFTER... Life will never be the same. #Hessa

Tessa is a good girl with a sweet, reliable boyfriend back home. She’s got direction, ambition, and a mother who’s intent on keeping her that way.

But she’s barely moved into her freshman dorm when she runs into Hardin. With his tousled brown hair, cocky British accent, and tattoos, Hardin is cute and different from what she’s used to.

But he’s also rude—to the point of cruelty, even. For all his attitude, Tessa should hate Hardin. And she does—until she finds herself alone with him in his room. Something about his dark mood grabs her, and when they kiss it ignites within her a passion she’s never known before.

He''ll call her beautiful, then insist he isn’t the one for her and disappear again and again. Despite the reckless way he treats her, Tessa is compelled to dig deeper and find the real Hardin beneath all his lies. He pushes her away again and again, yet every time she pushes back, he only pulls her in deeper.

Tessa already has the perfect boyfriend. So why is she trying so hard to overcome her own hurt pride and Hardin''s prejudice about nice girls like her?

Unless...could this be love?