Colleen Hoover

Slammed

#1 New York Times bestselling author Colleen Hoover’s romantic, emotion-packed debut novel unforgettably captures all the magic and confusion of first love, as two young people forge an unlikely bond before discovering that fate has other plans for them. Following the unexpected death of her father, eighteen-year-old Layken becomes the rock for both her mother and younger brother. She appears resilient and tenacious, but inside, she's losing hope. Then she meets her new neighbor Will, a handsome twenty-one-year-old whose mere presence leaves her flustered and whose passion for poetry slams thrills her. Not long after a heart-stopping first date during which each recognizes something profound and familiar in the other, they are slammed to the core when a shocking discovery brings their new relationship to a sudden halt. Daily interactions become impossibly painful as they struggle to find a balance between the feelings that pull them together and the forces that tear them apart. Only through the poetry they share are they able to speak the truth that is in their hearts and imagine a future where love is cause for celebration, not regret.

A Novel

natalie salinas

Madii

I can't love a book any more than this! It's so exciting, straightforward, and full of surprises! It's so amazing, I'm sure I'd read it over and over again!

We have made it to this point. This was a pretty generic plot with the throw in of poetry. I think if I would have read this when I was younger I would have liked it more without really understanding the gravity of what is all in this book. I was never super into poetry, just what I did in school, but this was just different than what I knew poetry as, so I can’t judge that aspect of the book for not knowing enough about it. I don’t really like how he was a student teacher, even with a three year age difference between the two, it felt weird, especially when given your blessing to do have that when he was still your teacher and then beat up a student because you were jealous before knowing the whole story. It’s weird what is condoned in some of these books. 

Priscilla Stanfield

It's the average romance plot. I have nothing negative to say about it, nor anything extraordinary.

The characters are likable and realistic, the story is endearing and I really liked the connection between the protagonist and love interest.

The only reason I didn't finish it was because I wasn't in the mood to continue reading about romance anymore.

Cláudia Mateus

It's the average romance plot. I have nothing negative to say about it, nor anything extraordinary.

The characters are likable and realistic, the story is endearing and I really liked the connection between the protagonist and love interest.

The only reason I didn't finish it was because I wasn't in the mood to continue reading about romance anymore.

One of my favourite Colleen Hoover romances. I really liked this one and it hits in all the feels!!!

Jodie Reads

Lauren Grey

I finally got to read Slammed and it was so worth the wait! This book has been recommended to me by so many different people and I have been looking for it for a couple years now and miraculously the Barnes and Noble by my house finally had it in stock and I am so glad I caved and paid full price for it! I am definitely on a Colleen Hoover kick at the moment, but I don’t care. So far I have yet to read a book by her that I don’t like and appreciate. This one was no exception.

“So you keep your ocean, I’ll take the Lake.”

It has been awhile since I have read a book with a good guy in it. Lately all the books have guy characters that are broody, dominant, “bad boy,” and misunderstood and it was so refreshing to read a male character that was charming, sweet, sensitive, realistic, and chivalrous. I feel characters like that are dead and that breaks my heart. As exciting as bad boys can be, in reality I want a good guy and it doesn’t hurt to read about them every once in awhile. Will Cooper was a wonderful character and he gave me hope again for good guy characters! I was rooting for him the whole time. I am a girl who loves to fall in love with fictional men and I could not be more relieved that there are two sequels to this book. Yay for more Will Cooper!

“This thing about you that you think is your flaw – it’s the reason I’m falling in love with you.”

It is rare that I like both main characters in a book, especially a romance book. Normally I either love the guy and hate the girl or vice versa, but in this book I liked and felt for them both. At times I didn’t necessarily like how it was working out, because them not being together was killing me, but I was rooting for them, like really rooting for them! Layken was realistic. Moving to a new place with her situation made me want her to succeed and have everything she wanted! I liked how she grew through the story.

Poetry is not my thing. I have hated it my whole life, well pretty much since we had to learn about it in school. BUT this book made me want to like poetry! It made me second guess all my assumptions that I had made about poetry and I really want to research whether or not they have Slam Poetry near me, because I would love to experience it.

“Push your boundaries, that’s what they’re there for.”

This book was as original as a love story could get. It made me laugh and tear up. Definitely a new favorite! I loved how many one-liners it has. I also like when a book has lines that make you think and learn something. Not necessarily a lesson, but just makes you evaluate certain things in your life. I loved this book and can’t wait to read the sequel.

Eighteen-year-old Layken struggles with holding her family together after her father dies, until she develops a relationship with her new neighbor, Will, who has a passion for poetry slams and gives her a new sense of hope.

Alexis Donahue

Layken was kind of childish and Will’s impulsive tendencies were semi-annoying… <spoiler> like stop leading the poor girl on </spoiler>. Loved the found family aspect of the two families meshing and was super intrigued and loved the smash poetry aspect as well. Thinking about picking up the next book in the trilogy.

Meghna Sunny 

I  thought that this book was good when I read it 

Lexy 

Victoria

This book made me cry and I seriously did not expect that. I thought that I was going to be in for a typical teeny-bopper YA romance but I was dead wrong. I wasn't even close.

Now I can't wait for the next books! Hopefully they live up to the feels that this gave me.

Abby Champion

4.5
I have become a HUGE CoHo fan. This was my 5th book of hers that I read and I love it just as much as I love all her other books. CoHo is so good at building a great connection between her characters, it is one of my favorite thing about her books! This book is an easy read with still a lot of emotion. I recommend this book of hers for sure.

The New York Times bestselling sensation hits the UK. Layken's father died suddenly, leaving her to gather every ounce of strength to be a pillar for her family, in order to prevent their world from falling apart. Now her life is taking another unexpected turn… Layken's mother gets a job which leads to an unwanted move across country. However, a new home means new neighbours… and Layken's new neighbour is the very attractive Will Cooper. Will has an intriguing passion for slam poetry, and a matching passion for life. The two feel an irresistible attraction but are rocked to the core when a shocking revelation brings their romance to a screeching halt. Layken and Will must find a way to fight the forces that threaten to tear them apart… or learn to live without each other. Praise for Colleen Hoover: 'Brilliant and entertaining' - JAMIE MCGUIRE, New York Times bestselling author of Beautiful Disaster 'This book will consume you - rip out your heart and piece it back together. I absolutely loved it!' - Paige Toon, author of One Perfect Summer 'Unique, unlike anything out there... Go out and read it already!' - TAMARA WEBBER, New York Times bestselling author of Easy

Anna Ureta

COLLEEN HOOVER’S DEBUT NOVEL!
 I know what you’re thinking…
 What took me so long to pick up this amazing series by this amazing author?
 Honestly, looking back I think I was into reading other books when I first found out about her and just hadn’t gotten around to it because of commitments to other books. But I’ve gotten to it now and that’s the important thing.
 Looking at it, after having read all her other books (other than the Never Never series and Maybe Not), I can see why when she wrote Slammed it turned into such a hit. Even though she was writing for the sake of writing because she had all these ideas in her head, there’s something…POETIC that just flows through her words. As they say, when you’ve got it you’ve got it. I’m so glad I stumbled upon this amazing author and am excited I’ve finally gotten a chance to read the book that started it all.
 
Layken Cohen has had to endure some big life changes before her senior year of high school. Her father had recently passed away and now her, her mother, and her brother Kel have to move from the home she’s always known all the way to Michigan. Things seem pretty bleak at first until she meets her neighbour from across the street, William Cooper, who has taken an immediate shine to her. After they go on one date everything seems perfect, and for the first time in months Layken feels happy. But that happiness is suddenly thrown out the window when she finds out the truth about her mysterious neighbour during her first day at her new school. Just when everything had seemed perfect it seems that everything had to fall apart again. Now Layken must face even more challenges than before while trying to juggle this new life and trying not to get her heart broken.
 
At first it was easy to tell that this was Hoover’s first book (after reading all the books that came after). You can see how much an author’s style and develops after they’ve been at a job for so long. But as I previously mentioned, Hoover’s style is very raw, very emotional, and very poetic in its simplicity. It’s easy to see how she and her books have become such a hit after reading her debut novel.
 
Although there are some points in the book I will say, “Really? Come on…that’s just…a kick in the face.” like something is so unlikely and yet it happens…it just takes away from the authenticity of the book that it could potentially be a realistic scenario. But that’s just me, liking books to be somewhat realistic and believable (unless they are sci-fi or fantasy, or even paranormal). Overall, it was a very enjoyable read even though it could be…somewhat frustrating at times.
 
I will say this about Layken.
 She is a PERFECTLY, RATIONAL, YOUNG ADULT.
 I never found myself struggling or wondering whether or not she was justified by her actions because at that age, with that mentality, yes, I believe she was entitled to feel everything she felt with what was going on around her.
 Will Cooper…
 Well he’s another story entirely.
 I found it a little more difficult to like him in terms of his….decision making…
 Overall, I get that he was trying to do the right thing for everyone except himself and was entirely selfless in the matter…but at the same time…I don’t know I felt something off about him. Like he kept giving her the cold shoulder instead of explaining himself properly (which is something a lot of male characters tend to do). I admire Will for his motives, but not the way he carried them out.

“There are three questions every woman should be able to answer yes to before they commit to a man. If you answer no to any of the three questions, run like hell.
 “Does he treat you with respect at all times? That’s the first question. The second question is, if he is the exact same person twenty years from now that he is today, would you still want to marry him? And finally, does he inspire to be a better person? You find someone you can answer yes to all three, then you’ve found a good man.”
 
Let’s talk about the mood and the tone of the book which really got to me.
 This is another book I believe was on the more serious side in terms of content and emotions, but at the same time there were times where I couldn’t help but smile. Hoover does this exceptionally well in giving readers a laugh or a smile in between all the raw feelings and the sadness they feel for Layken when relating to her. For once I’d like to see Hoover try to write a RomCom and see how that goes along; I think I could use it after a serious book or series.
 
Another thing was that I thought it ended…very quickly.
 Obviously this was her debut novel so I’m not going to deduct points but…I don’t know again there was just something off about the ending. It wasn’t as satisfying and almost felt rushed, like I didn’t get to enjoy the revelation Layken had in the end. Anyway that’s why there are two more books in the series so one can hope for the best! Although from reading the vague and serious summary in the end I doubt it’ll be any lighter than this one.
 
4/5 Hearts of Love

Sofia Arcângelo 

I loved this book. I also cried and had a good laugh. I can't wait to read the next book of the trilogy.

Tayla 

I liked this book. Did I fall absolutely completely in love with it? No. I am a poet myself so having the poems within the actual story was intriguing to me. The poems made me want to read the book. I applaud the author. Sometimes when an extra element like poetry that's supposed to be powerful and cool and "touch the soul" is added it can suck. Hoover did an amazing job. The sweater piece really had me. I felt like I was sitting in a bout listening to a poet pour out their feelings on the stage. Overall I enjoyed the book. It was a fast read and it's got a uniqueness to it with the names and the added element of poetry.

Colleen Hoover, you never let me down. Generally a really beautiful love story, simple on the surface but very tragic and sincere once you really get into it. Will Cooper, join the long list of my fictional boyfriends. And of course, anything with slam poetry (thumbs up to the beautiful pieces featured here!) is an auto-buy for me. And now, I shall binge-listen to the wisdom of The Avett Brothers.

Stephanie Honour

Good. Not as sad as cohos normal books but still worth the read

Caroll-Ann

I need to read the sequel for sure. I loved it.

Gracie A

i really liked this book. it got me hooked. the heartache, character development. it’s so moving. i cant wait to read the rest of the series!

Fátima

En realidad sería más un 3.5 de 5.

A ver, el libro me gustó pero... 
... Tengo un par de conflictos respecto a éste.

Bueno, primero hablemos de lo bueno:

°Will Cooper me gustó, salvo algo que hizo casi al final de lo cual me quejaré posteriormente. Es un tipo respetuoso, maduro y caballeroso, y tenía muchos puntos conmigo casi siempre. Se merece un aplauso por ser quien cría de su hermano y haberlo hecho tan bien hasta ahora.

°La amistad entre Kel y Caulder es otra de las cosas que me gustó, es bonito que esos dos niños se hayan encontrado el uno al otro. Ambos necesitaban un mejor amigo y es casi un alivio saber que lo encontraron.

°Eddie es otra de las cosas que estaban bien, es un personaje que ha atravesado tantas cosas que por fin se merecía algo bueno. Y me agrada ver que tanto su novio Gavin como el resto de sus amigos sean tan buenos con ella. Se lo merece. Al principio, admito que el hecho de que se hiciera amiga de Layken tan rápido me desconcertó, pero luego cuando conocemos su historia lo entendí mejor. Quizás se sentía un poco sola, quizás no quería que Layken se sintiese sola.

°Algunos de los poemas me gustaron, no todos. Me da gusto haberlo leído en inglés porque así no perdía nada por la traducción. Pero algunos simplemente nope, cringe.

°Muchos momentos y escenas me pusieron emocional. Estuve con ganas de llorar muchas veces. El problema es que era durante muchas veces donde pensaba: That's not funny, that's sad.

°Me gustó lo fácil que era de leer y cuando las cosas iban bien, de hecho era una historia que disfrutaba mucho. Me hizo sonreír muchas veces. 

Pero... siempre tiene que haber un pero.

Estoy a punto de quejarme así que esto puede contener spoilers, lean bajo su propio riesgo. 

A ver, para empezar, tanto drama, tantos temas tratados muy por encima o tomados a la ligera, está mal. Muy mal. Y miren que yo soy fan del drama, pero no de esta clase. Esta es la clase de drama donde los personajes parecen cargar consigo una maldición y no dejan de ocurrirle desgracias tras desgracias. No entiendo por qué los autores a veces maltratan tanto a los personajes. 

Para empezar, realmente me indignó la forma en la que se trata el tema de la muerte aquí. Me parece muy insensible la clase de bromas que se hacían respecto al cáncer de pulmón. Era inapropiado, y no se le daba la importancia y seriedad que se debía. Que vale, yo no soy nadie para decir cómo rayos tienes que enfrentarlo, pero simplemente las reacciones no me parecían ni siquiera realistas. Por ejemplo, hubo una parte donde Layken y Kel se peleaban por quién iba a quedarse con el cuarto de su madre cuando esta muriese. Discusión que se realizó en presencia de su mamá ENFERMA. JUST NO.

O como el asunto del muñeco de nieve muerto. Eso fue perturbador, especialmente tomando en cuenta el hecho de que Caulder vio a sus propios padres morir. ¿Y qué hacen ellos? Se ríen y corren a buscar sus celulares para sacarle una foto!! Yo es que no puedo, en serio.

Layken es la persona más egoísta e inmadura de esta historia. Todo es yo, yo, yo. Mi sufrimiento, pobre de mí. 

Cuando su madre le cuenta que está enferma, QUE ESTÁ MURIENDO, ella hace su berrinche de niña malcriada y la trata con indiferencia. Decide evitarla y aplicarle la ley del hielo porque oh qué egoísta es mi madre por estar a punto de morir y preocuparse por mi futuro y porque viva mi asquerosa juventud en paz. Y oh, qué hijo de *** es Will por no ponerme antes que a su trabajo, con el que mantiene a su hermanito que sólo lo tiene a él en el mundo. Will debe sufrir porque a mí me da la f*cking gana, porque no puedo esperar algunos meses hasta graduarme. Mejor voy y pongo en peligro su empleo y su reputación profesional aún a sabiendas de que es lo único en lo que puede trabajar que le dará un ingreso. ¿Qué tan egoísta se puede ser por Dios?

Encima, se molesta con su mamá por no querer dejarle a Kel argumentando que él lo es todo para ella. Pero en el libro no interactúan casi nunca, y todo lo que pasa por su cabeza es: Will, Will, Will.

Lo peor es que yo odio el insta love. Y a este par le toma solo tres días, TRES MÍSEROS DÍAS de conocerse, para estar perdidamente enamorados el uno del otro.

Y esta chica de 18 actúa como una de 13. Que vale, si tuviera 16 todavía podría haberle aceptado su actitud, igual me hubiese caído mal pero lo hubiese aceptado. PERO NO. TIENE DIECIOCHO AÑOS, y si tanto quiere hacerse cargo de un menor debería comportarse como una adulta, o al menos tener un mínimo de madurez. Y dejar de ser tan egoísta.

Ahora, lo que había dicho sobre Will. No me gustó su actitud respecto al incidente con Javi porque al principio pensé que la estaba defendiendo, y eso fue algo bueno. Pero luego nos damos cuenta que él ni siquiera sabía que la estaba defendiendo!!! el tipo simplemente estaba defendiendo "su territorio", y eso arruinó la imagen que tenía de él. Porque durante todo el libro se comportó como un chico educado y bueno, ah pero tuvo que sacar su lado posesivo y arruinarlo. Ugh!

Así que en resumen, lo malo de este libro es la insensibilidad respecto a ciertos temas delicados y Layken. Gracias por leer.

Catarina Vieira

Gostei muito mais do que estava à espera, como era um dos primeiros da autora tinha medo de não gostar ou ser demasiado dramático mas não foi o caso. Adorei os alívios cómicos e as personagens secundárias são as minhas favoritas: Eddie, Julia e até os irmãos, enriqueceu muitoooo o livro. Os poemas são muito lindos e bem escritos. Recomendo, não é um dramalhão como outros livros da autora mas vale muito a pena.

Ariana Morris

Gisela Ayala 

Not my favorite Colleen Hoover book but still enjoyable! I always love her writing style and the pacing of her books. The poetry and quotes sprinkled throughout the book were a plus. BUT I didn't really like the main character - she had a lot of growing up to do which is basically the point of the book. But still, her character was probably my least favorite in Colleen's books. I'm looking forward to see how her character develops in the second book and her relationship with Will. 

Side Note: I need more of Eddy and Gavin! I love them both so much!

the first thing I thought of while reading this was wattpad. I was just waiting for one direction to pop up from behind the couch. The mc is like "I'm not like other girls" and she's kinda annoying as well. Also, WHY ARE YOU SLAMMING THE DOOR SO MUCH OMFG!!! It was a quick read tho. so plus points for that. I liked Will tho, he was nice. Not the book man I fell in love with instantly and put him in my book husbands list but he was nice. For a first book from the author it was a nice tho

Slammed

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