Slammed by Colleen Hoover
Series: Slammed #1
Published by Atria on September 18, 2012
Genres: Contemporary
Pages: 352
Format: ebook
Source: Bought
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Following the unexpected death of her father, 18-year-old Layken is forced to be the rock for both her mother and younger brother. Outwardly, she appears resilient and tenacious, but inwardly, she's losing hope.

Enter Will Cooper: The attractive, 21-year-old new neighbor with an intriguing passion for slam poetry and a unique sense of humor. Within days of their introduction, Will and Layken form an intense emotional connection, leaving Layken with a renewed sense of hope.

Not long after an intense, heart-stopping first date, they are slammed to the core when a shocking revelation forces 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 secret that keeps them apart.

You guys know by now that I don’t normally have much luck with new adult novels. So far I’ve liked about 2 of the ones that I’ve read. I had almost given up hope when I was told that I had to read Slammed. I figured I’d give it a shot but I didn’t have very high expectations. While I’m still not in love with the genre, Slammed is a wonderful book and has made me think twice about giving up altogether.

The characters were by far my favorite part of Slammed. Layken started off a bit whiny and I wasn’t sure how I was going to like her but that didn’t last long. I quickly grew to really love her even when she whined. She was a girl I could easily see myself befriending. Speaking of befriending though, her best friend Eddie, was by far the best. She had a tough life but she didn’t let it bring her down. She was quirky and crazy but so much fun. Then there’s the boy. Oh boy. Will was amazing. He was sweet, smart, funny, and a great brother. His relationship with his little brother was one of the most attractive things about him. He did have flaws though. He was stubborn and that stubbornness really screwed things up with him and Layken. I couldn’t fault him though since it was clear to see where he was coming from. There’s also Layken’s family which consists of her mom and her little brother. Their family was far from perfect but that was what made them so real. Layken’s mom was always there for her and her little brother was so great. I loved the family dynamics not just with them but also with Will and his brother.

The story had a few predictable moments for me but it wasn’t enough to make me dislike the book. The secret that tears Will and Layken apart completely took me by surprise although to be honest, I should have seen it coming. There were some signs leading up to the big reveal that should have given it away but I’m glad it didn’t. I liked that mystery. That’s not the only secret though. Layken’s family has some secrets of their own and those were the ones that were a bit predictable. Don’t worry though, you’ll still really enjoy the story and you will devour it. It’s such a quick read.

The romance might have been my favorite part though. Especially all the tension between Will and Layken! Things started off a little quickly for them but their relationship did eventually slow down and that’s when readers really get to see how perfect they are for each other. Sure there might have been a little insta-love at first but it’s not too bad. It’s not the beginning of their relationship that really matters though. It’s how it progresses throughout the book that really matters. It’s so fabulous.

Overall, Slammed has given me a new take on new adult. I will definitely continue with this trilogy and I highly recommend starting it if you haven’t already.

A Turn of Page’s review: “I loved it, it was fantastic, and to go on for too long would just be gushing.”

Refracted Light’s review: “It was an emotional rollercoaster, and I loved all of it.”

Books Over Boys’ review: “The second I started Slammed I couldn’t stop.”