November 9 by Colleen Hoover

Title: November 9
Author: Colleen Hoover
Publication date: November 10, 2015
Pages: 320
Rating: 3.5/5 stars
Purchase: Amazon

Beloved #1 New York Times bestselling author Colleen Hoover returns with an unforgettable love story between a writer and his unexpected muse.

Fallon meets Ben, an aspiring novelist, the day before her scheduled cross-country move. Their untimely attraction leads them to spend Fallon’s last day in L.A. together, and her eventful life becomes the creative inspiration Ben has always sought for his novel. Over time and amidst the various relationships and tribulations of their own separate lives, they continue to meet on the same date every year. Until one day Fallon becomes unsure if Ben has been telling her the truth or fabricating a perfect reality for the sake of the ultimate plot twist.

Have you ever read something that's not that well-written but you still clung on to the story because the story was cute and fluffy? Well, November 9 was like that for me.

November 9 is about two lovebirds who decide to meet up on November 9 each year for five consecutive years. Fallon is a sassy survivor of a fire, and she has to deal with the insecurities that tragedy inflicted upon her. Ben the Writer is a creative writing and communications student who wishes Fallon would see her beauty. Put them together and you have a one-of-a-kind love story.

The premise was excellent. I thought this "meet up once a year without any contact within that year" idea seemed interesting enough for me to read until the end. That aspect of the story removed it from the pool of regular and "cliche" romance novels. I was glad it wasn't just a "boy makes insecure girl love herself" kind of book. Although you don't get to see most of what happens within a year, their meetings give good overviews of how much has changed in thees two characters.

But, as I said, the writing was a bit... eh. It was messy for me. 

Anyway, it was all redeemed by that twist! (Spoilers ahead!) So what happens is this: Ben confesses to being the one to start the fire. (Insert collective gasp) I was not expecting that, Colleen Hoover. Great job at that. Four for you. 

BUT. After that revelation (and many other revelations), everything seemed to go on fast-forward. I understand that the book needs to come to a close, but hey, I don't think any girl would get over something like that quickly! Fallon was basically like "Oh, it's okay, I understand his reasons. I love him so much kissy kissy" and I was like GURL. YOU SERIOUS?

I think that if that twist played out a little longer, it would have been way better. 

Oh, well, it's still a cute read. It's not something I would remember but it's definitely a good book to have with you if you're looking for some sweetness.

3.5 because it focused too much on the lovey and touchy (like, literal touching) side.