Could’ve Been Better
3
By BGwin
So… obviously this book wasn’t a high priority for me since it’s taken me months to finish it. I really like J. Nathan’s premises but the writing is rather lackluster, so I don’t think I’ll be investing any more money in this series.
My two biggest issues with this book are:
1) The unhealthy dependance Alex and Hayden have on each other. Maybe I’m being cynical, but calling each other their angel? Saying they can’t live without each other? That the other (mainly Hayden) is their savior? All the while they ADMITTEDLY hardly know each other? I totally get physical attraction and the honeymoon phase of a new love interest, but I felt that they were way over the top with their need for one another.
2) I felt like the bullying Alex faced at the hands of Taylor was unresolved. I mean, from the get-go, it was obvious that Taylor was bad news, so it was inevitable that something would happen between them. But after the event Taylor orchestrated at the beach and then the picture, I expected her to receive some sort of comeuppance yet nothing. In fact, she got what she wanted— Alex’s spot in the talent show (though due to unrelated circumstances).
A minor issue is what happened to Alex’s parents. I feel like I waited and waited and waited to learn what happened to them and then, essentially, the issue is dropped. Her whole state of mind up until that point is ruled by by what happened and then after one visit home and one short encounter with her ex and that’s it? Yet again, I feel like J. Nathan lost steam with this particular plot point in favor of catching Alex up with Hayden’s story line.
Plot aside, I need to mention the actual writing. It was sort of juvenile and boring. You know, a lot of glistening eyes and soulful stares. A lot of “I’m not good enough” and “I should leave him/her alone” (after which the character almost immediately performs a 180 and essentially grovels).
It’s a good thing this wasn’t a very pricey book or else I’d be suffering some serious buyer’s remorse.