Book Review – Point of Retreat by Colleen Hoover

Point of Retreat (Slammed series book #2)
While reading book #1 (Slammed), I found out that there was more! A second book, already published and waiting to pick me up off of the floor, after I finished this one. The author happily sent it my way and it totally made my day (even though my day was already made)! Just knowing that my “Will and Lake” journey wasn’t over yet, absolutely thrilled me!!

And while Point of Retreat didn’t make me sob like a baby, it still gets a solid 4.5 stars from me. Slammed got 5 because it managed to turn me into an emotional wreck. This one made an admirable attempt, and *almost* did. And while book #1 is my favorite of the two (the romantic tension and impossible situation was like a punch to the gut), many thought book #2 to be the best.

Kimberly B: … I am half way through the second book and like this one even more. I thought that would be impossible, but no.

Penny March: I read them both today, in one day! And even though the first book was good, I think the second was better!! It’s a keeper

Chris: Girls….Im really liking book 2. I mean *squeeing* like. Book 1 was so emotional for me but book 2 is more a love story. I love the “stars”……I wish I had stars to open.

Yep. It was a HUGE hit with all of us. Fantastic, story progression, sweet characters, each having an important role in this “family” (because that is truly the feel of it… family). Sure not in the traditional sense, but they came together through hardship and tragedy, and as the two main characters forged on, friends and neighbors became an integral part of their lives.

So without giving anything away…Okay, that’s gonna be a little hard to do, at least in terms of book #1 – so for all of you who haven’t read book #1… LOOK AWAY!! Believe me. You are going to want to experience Slammed in all of it’s surprising, and emotional glory so go get it now.

And really… when I think about it, anyone who’s read Slammed SURELY has moved on to this book, because, how could you not? After that whole shebang, there is no way any of us could resist the follow through, so really? Do I need to tell you what #2 is about?

LOL!! Well… humor me a bit 😉

So what’s it about?

Now that Will and Layken are in similar situations, and considering the depth of what they had to overcome, their bond seems almost unbreakable. They have both faced the recent and tragic loss of their parents, Will assisting Lake with the passing of her own mother (and also mourning her in the process). Both find themselves in the unusual role of guardian/parent to their younger siblings. And both have to continue growing up themselves, facing a future that, while seemingly scary, has a certain amount of security as they have each other. Each other, their siblings, and their newfound friendships that surround them with love and a sense of normalcy.

What’s there to question? They completely understand each other, because of what they share, things seem settled in their routine, in their futures etc. But what happens when an ex-girlfriend shows back up in the picture? What happens when their obvious bond is suddenly put into question. Are they truly in love, or have they bonded together, forged their life together simply because of their circumstances. Is this a case of a bond forged in tragedy? Had none of these circumstances occurred, would they have ever pursued a life together?

But that’s not all. Nope. Other stuff happens. I’m not going to say what it is.

This book will take you on a ride of self-exploration, growth, and introspection. Some help from their friends, and even some extra special help from those that are no longer with them (just wait – this was an amazing and heartwarming little twist that stole my heart and yes. Almost made me cry.) Oh, and in the spirit of “Slammed”, the slam-poetry still plays a big part in this installment, and there is one that simply… turned me to mush. *sigh*

So maybe there was a lack of tears on my part, but there was no lack of fluttery butterflies for me. In fact, this book was butterflying fantastic! (huh? you ask? hehe. Just wait. You’ll see. ;))

Vicki: I probably would have sobbed if I wasn’t sitting with the kids and my husband while they were watching a movie (who has time to watch tv when there’s a good book to be read-lol). The more I reflect on that whole thing the more it hits me. I love that Mom picked up on that and that it was used through out. That whole situation landed on my “suck” list, but there were many “sweet” things too :0)

Maryse’s Book Blog: LOVE THAT!! The stars, the way they interacted together even despite the issues, the kids, the cute little customs… I adored them. I think reading this book while I was on a biz trip helped keep me happy and enjoying my weekend despite having to work, BUT because I was moving around so much, may have affected my ability to cry. Because as I think back to Point of Retreat, I NOW am feeling exceptionally emotional about it.

Vicki: That’s exactly how I felt-including being on a business trip (watermelon convention-haha)!! I couldn’t sit long enough while reading Slammed, but ignored the kids tonight in order to read Point of Retreat :). Just a great couple of books and just enough tears…

Yep! See, I knew it! Just know, had I read this one late at night, me cozy in my bed, consuming this in one shot (as I did book #1), I have a feeling I would have had another *sob* moment. Unfortunately, I was too much in hurry to read this book (I couldn’t get enough after Slammed), and instead of waiting to savor it when I had a non-stop run of hours to devote to it, I read it on a biz trip. Too many starts and stops for me to cry, but I recommend you hole yourself up in a nice cozy atmosphere, put a DO NOT DISTURB sign on your door, and let loose.

4.5 stars!