There’s something about a Colleen Hoover novel which tugs at your heartstrings in ways you never expect it to. Having read and absolutely loved some of her previous releases such as Slammed, it’s fair to say that I had my hopes pinned on another emotional and meaningful read. Well, I’m happy to say that November 9 is a book which not only features characters who we as readers can genuinely connect to, but a relationship which is realistic in the portrayal of both the good and challenging times. With a core message of being true to yourself and learning to be comfortable in your own skin, this contemporary new adult (NA) romance is a must-read for sure.

First of all, it’s easy to tell that Hoover has geared this story from the beginning towards readers. From the love interest Ben who is a writer himself to Fallon who mentions the banes of insta-love, most things are relatable. It’s interesting to see these little quirks in the books we as avid readers dive into, and although it’s only a small thing – I still found it made my connection to the plot that much deeper. Just as Slammed appealed to the poetic souls out there, November 9 has a unique literary twist ingrained within its pages.

It’s within the characters themselves however that this book shines. Fallon and Ben are both quite different, but not in terms of the ‘opposites attract’ trope. Of course, they’re not like a typical couple, since they only meet once a year for a day. The reasoning behind this is further revealed in the book itself, and yes – you’ll have to read it to find out! I found Fallon’s approach to a relationship refreshing in a NA contemporary; as she realised that ‘you’ll never be able to find yourself if you’re lost in someone else’. This book emphasises the fact that everyone is an individual and despite having that blossoming connection with another person, they still need to forge their own path first. It’s about coming to terms with the ghosts of the past, moving forward and reconciling with others as well as yourself.

In all, if you see this book on the shelf definitely pick it up. Witty, heartwrenching and everything in between, November 9 is one of my favourite romance novels of 2015.

~Eugenia~