Point of Retreat: A Novel

Here's the thing with series books that have a romantic element involved: I usually love them. Okay, I usually LOVE them. I eat them up like candy. Yum! But I know, without a doubt, that something has to happen to pull the couple apart at some point in the story. If it is a standalone romance it doesn't have to happen because the entire story can be the development of the relationship. But in a series what happens to drive the plot after the relationship becomes a done deal? Usually there is some sort of issue that comes between the two people, tempers flare, feelings are hurt, someone gives someone else the silent treatment, desperation ensues. It happens. I expect it, but that doesn't mean that I LIKE it. In fact, I absolutely cannot stand it in relationship books when communication breaks down due to some misunderstanding, pulling a couple I love so much apart for a good portion of the book. So with that in mind, let me offer my two cents about Point of Retreat, the second book in the Slammed series.I absolutely adored Slammed, the first book in this series. I loved Will and Lake and their relationship. I loved everything about it. I thought that Slammed ended almost perfectly. No. I thought that it ended perfectly. But I wanted more anyway, so I was eager to begin this book right away. I knew after reading the blurb for this book that there was going to be some sort of misunderstanding involving someone from Will's past, and I knew that it was going to be the long lost ex-girlfriend. I knew that Lake was going to have issues with this and spend a good deal of time "carving pumpkins" (check out book one to see what this means). So all of those elements of a book two romance that I so dislike seemed to be coming my way. I was nervous. I didn't want to see my happy couple facing this sort of obstacle. But I read on.As soon as Will decided that it would be best to not let Lake know that Vaughn was taking one of his college classes with him I knew there was going to be trouble in Will's immediate future. Oh how I wished that Will had some sort of soundboard of a friend to share his decision with so that that friend could knock him upside the head and tell him he was being an idiot. By not telling her about the situation he was going to make the situation seem much more important than it really was. I know that he was annoyed by Vaughn and wanted nothing to do with her. But Lake didn't have the advantage of seeing inside Will's head like I did. Trouble is coming his way.I have to say that I am so glad that this story is told through Will's point of view. I think I would have been terribly irritated with Lake as she pushes him away again and again, despite all of his efforts to make this situation correct. I am no big fan of the silent treatment as a tool in conflict resolution, so her tactics weren't making me happy at all. Even when they did choose to bring things out in the open I thought that she was too quick to cut him off and throw away all of the good experiences they had shared together. I think that hearing the story through Will's point of view helped to maintain the love connection that exists between these two. Although Lake never loses it, she does spend a good deal of time angry. I preferred to hear Will's desperation to the anger.Changing to Will's point of view in this book accomplished two things for me. First of all it made a difficult situation that normally irritates me into a better one. It isn't that the situation improved simply by having Will tell the story. No. It was still bad. But his refusal to let this relationship die and his determination to do whatever it takes to bring Lake back to him made this a story of strength rather than simply a story of a relationship funk. I appreciated that. The second benefit to Will as a narrator was that I was able to relive some of my favorite scenes of the first book through his memories. I LOVED that. Seeing those amazing scenes in his eyes added another amazing dimension to scenes that I already adored.So this was a book that potentially could have ruined all of the good feelings I was feeling at the end of Slammed, but instead it was another wonderful addition to the story. I am totally going to have to follow Lake's mother's lead and make a vase full of origami stars containing words of advise for my children to pull out on days when things get difficult, whether I am dying of cancer or not. That was brilliant! I loved all of her advise, but I especially loved these words:"Sometimes two people have to fall apart to realize how much they need to fall back together."I absolutely loved this, and that sums up the theme of this book perfectly. I knew that Will and Lake had a great relationship at the end of Slammed, but at the end of this book I knew that they had an endurable and everlasting relationship. The struggles of this book when added to the things that they have lived through in their past combine to show the beauty of this love story.And Will. Ahhhhhhhh Will! I absolutely love this character! I think he might be giving Dimitri Belikov (Vampire Academy) a run for the title of my favorite book male lead. I loved his actions at the end of the book so much, but as in Slammed, it was his poetry that pulled me into swoon-a-thon territory. The poetry doesn't take as much of a role in this book as in the first book, but it is there, and it is an essential part of the resolution of the issues in this book. There were some excellent poems written by the younger generation at the end that were wonderful. But Will's poem performance with props got me giddy. So amazing! I felt as if I got to relive the highlights of their relationship right along with them. Beautiful! I can't give this moment the right amount of justice in a review. You just have to read the story yourself.So if you are someone like me who shies away from the stories in series where a relationship faces a major trial that could break it ... do not fear. Colleen Hoover does a great job of relating this story in such a way that I never felt annoyed. Instead I just felt this overwhelming need to continue to read. I needed for things to be made right for these two characters who I loved so much. I couldn't stop reading until I was content. And am I content? Oh yes. Yes! Yes! Yes! Yes! Yes! Hurray for a beautiful end to a beautiful story.I think I heard a rumor that there might be another addition to this story spotlighting a secondary character. I hope that that is true because I love these two stories so much, and I think that there is more to explore in the lives of some of the other characters introduced through this story. I hope the rumor is true. I know I have found a new favorite author to add to my list!

I'm an honest girl. I have honest opinion. And my honest opinion is that I'm glad I picked up this two-book series! I'll admit that it wasn't something I just HAD to read. I was in a book rut... we've all been there right? The story seemed like it might be a nice young read and although I was currently trolling for something a little more adult, and a little less YA, I decided to give it a go. As I said, this is a two-book series so I'll try to break down my thoughts between the individual reads.First, book one... SLAMMED!As I said, I was apprehensive. A young girl, grieving the loss of her father, uprooted and dragged across the states by her surviving mother and little brother.. sounded like a bit of a downer. But then... Will happened! Poor Layken "Lake" had enough worries.. but they just kept adding up. I don't want to spoil any of the story here, so I really must be a little vague. She can't be with Will.. the boy across the street. Her family life is going to hell. She just wants to move back to Texas and crawl in a dark corner forever. Life continues to suck for Lake. Again, I say the word "downer" but the stolen moments (and kisses) with the forbidden Will keep her going, and kept me reading!The first book in this series rounds out beautifully as everything comes full-circle and our characters, who've suffered so much find peace. I was content to just stop there and not even pick up book two. Slammed really would have worked greatly as a stand-alone. BUT I missed Lake and Will and just had to have more of them.Book two - POINT OF RETREATAgain, no spoilers on here, so I really can't go into much detail about book two without ruining book one for you :( As soon as I read the description, I hesitated yet again to read it. MORE trouble for these individuals who've suffered so much already? I just didn't think my heart could take it. It was almost like I thought that if I didn't read it, none of the rest of the turmoil would have ever existed for them. Of course, I read anyway. I was right.. My heart almost couldn't take it. Just when everything was working out and everybody was finding their way in life.. BAM! (There's always a 'bam' moment isn't there??)Of course, everything has it's way of playing out and I'm ever so glad that I decided to pick up that second book!Generally As a SeriesI must say that each of these two books brought me something different. The first brought me back to my youth. Very YA, it took me back to those times every girl has when you have that first special moment with a boy.. that first heartache.. that giddy feeling you get right before you see 'him'... that feeling that the world will JUST END if he doesn't like you back... and my personal favorite - that gloriously wonderful "punched in the gut" butterfly feeling that boy gives you! Yes, I had butterflies while reading book one!Book two is all about what happens after those moments... it showcased for me what happens after the "honeymoon phase" when real life starts getting in the way of young love. I must say that book two was hillarous to read though! I found a lot of humor in many passages and on several occasions giggled out loud! I had feared that I would hate having the 'happy ever after' conclusion from book one ripped apart, but book two offered me even MORE closure than I could have hoped. So yes, I'm again very glad that I kept reading!This series is very YOUNG... young love, young troubles, but is so much more adult than that at the same time. A child growing up is never easy. A child living the life of an adult full of grown-up responsibilities is even harder. I found myself feeling proud of these characters and how they survived! Roll that over for a minute... I felt PROUD of people I've never met, who technically don't even exist. But of course, we readers become so emotionally invested in our stories that they WERE real to me! If I could see Lake, Will, and the rest of the gang in real life that's what I'd tell them... That I'm PROUD of them!I'm also very proud of Colleen Hoover for putting together these stories so eloquently. Everything was so nicely rounded out and left me feeling complete when it was all wrapped up. I'd also like to thank Colleen for the "butterflying butterflies" she made me feel like I haven't since I was a kid with a crush! --- You'll understand and appreciate that statement once you finish book two. Which, by the way you'd BETTER! of my reviews at book-snobs.blogspot Read more

Such a great story of love and loss and all that happens in between! This story takes you on a crazy journey of how people overcome so much b thrown at them.

What a great follow up to the first book of the series, Slammed! I didn’t think it good get better and it does!! Colleen Hoover is amazing!!

Love her books

After I'd finished reading Slammed, I hurried off to grab the next two books in the series because I knew I had to read them straight away. I'd been warned to grab some tissues before going into this one - so I did - and I definitely needed them because this one was just as emotional - maybe slightly more - than the first one. And it was also just as amazing.The one main thing that I think made this book better was that it was told from Will's POV. I absolutely adore Will and I'd been dying to get inside his head during Slammed so I kind of started jumping around when I realise Point of Retreat was told from his POV.So after everything that happened in Slammed, Lake and Will are finally together (*cheers*). But what the two of them don't realise is that their relationship is about to be put to the test again.As much as a love Lake, there were times in this book when I just wanted to shake some sense into her. I get why she stormed off and was upset with Will, but did she really need to ignore him for that long? No, Lake. You didn't! But I do really love her character. Lake is getting used to her new role after the events at the end of Slammed and she seems to be coping well with everything. Lake is a tough character and she's got a lot of inner strength, but she's insecure about herself and her relationship with Will which causes quite a few problems in this book.Oh, Will. I didn't think I could love you anymore than I already do, but this book proved me wrong. Getting to hear from Will actually helped me understand his character a lot more, and also allowed me to fall completely head over heels for his character. Will is just one of the sweetest guys ever and it broke my heart seeing him basically tearing his hair out to prove himself to Lake when she was acting like a 5 year old. It's so obvious to everyone but Lake that he cares about her deeply, and I just wanted to see them together again. Will has always got everyone else's best interests before his and he's so sweet that he just wants to help everyone.So in Point of Retreat, Will heads back to college and it turns out his ex - who dumped him days after his parents died and completely broke his heart - was in his class. And obviously she's a complete bitch who tries everything she possibly can to win Will back and break up his relationship with Lake. She's constantly flirting with him and I really wanted to punch her. Eddie and Gavin had their own problems going on which were inter-twined with the bigger storyline because Eddie and Gavin are a massive part of Will and Lake's lives.The addition of Kiersten and Sherry to this book added a hell of a lot. Kiersten was like a mini Eddie and I loved her so much! She was so hilarious and was always coming out with something that made her seem older than she actually was. Sherry was... strange, but she was a fantastic character. She was there for Will and Lake when they really needed her, and she was amazing.Colleen Hoover sure knows how to write soul-destroying twists. At about 60% there was a heart-wrenching twist that left me unsure of what was going to happen to a few of the characters. Honestly, I was preparing for the worst and I just didn't stop crying.And then the ending also had me in tears because I was freaking happy. I love Will and Lake and that ending was just perfect for them. And also, Gavin and Eddie are adorable <3Overall, Point of Retreat was a fantastic follow up to Slammed. It was so much more emotional, soul-destroying and beautiful than the first one and I adore Colleen Hoover's writing now. I'll definitely be buying ever single book she writes now.

Please bear in mind that this is book 2 in the series and is therefore likely to contain spoilers for book 1.Set a year after the end of Slammed and a change of first person narrative to Will's point of view. Will and Lake are still together Both of them are now in college although they don't get to spend much quality time together as they are busy raising their brothers and running a home alongside their college work. They made a promise to Julia (Lake's mother) before she passed away that they wouldn't take their relationship further physically for a year. I'm not really sure as to the reason behind Julia's request, I feel it may have been to make sure they were sure of their feeling s for each other before committing themselves further to each other. Hence the 'Point of Retreat' if things start to go to far.Will is slightly oblivious to the rest of the world; so when his ex-girlfriend turns up in one of his classes, although he feels a little uncomfortable he is still his charming, adorable self. Until Vaughn makes a move to get back together with Will and Lake walks in on it. Although Will was only making a gesture of comfort towards Vaughn, it makes Lake question the basis of their relationship. Lake is very mature in her attitude; probably as a result of all the trauma she has been thorough. Although she does trust Will she realizes that it isn't enough to just say the words I Love You.You have to show people you love them, a different thing entirely, it is this point that is expertly dealt with in the story.The quirky characters from Slammed are still in place although more emphasis is given to Eddie's Boyfriend, Gavin, in this book due I presume to the male perspective in the narrative. New neighbors add an unconventional 12 year old to the mix. I adored Kierstin and her mother whose philosophy on life provided a lot of food for thought. The debate on the reaction to words was well developed and executed in a BUTTERFLYINGLY brilliant fashion.I also loved how the alternative family structures were shown, from Eddie's foster care to Will and Lake raising their siblings. The prejudice they encounter because of their situation was a real eye opener. It made me sad that they were subjected to this as I am sure they would have rather had a traditional family dynamic but it isn't something they had any control over. I am quite envious of Will's ability to eloquently state a point without being confrontational.Although Lake's mother has passed away here presence is still a huge part of Will and Lake's lives. The idea of a large jar containing paper stars with quotes/advice in the middle of them had me sniffing into the book. Not only does it make Will and Lake feel closer together it also provides a source of comfort in times of stress. I really love this idea and want to do something similar at home and in school.Further tragedy within the story did feel a little like overkill but it did enforce the point that life is short as well as clarifying age is just a number, it is life experience that determines maturity levels.As with Slammed the use of performance poetry and Avett Brothers lyrics added depth and power to the emotions portrayed.The conclusion of this story can be compared to being given a bright shining star of hope for the future. I am so glad I picked up these books.

If you've arrived on this review without first having read Slammed, I'd have to strongly advise you to click the Back Button and correct that mistake. It would be unfair to come to Point of Retreat before having given yourself the pleasure of reading it's predecessor. Coincidentally I didn't write a review for Slammed, not because I didn't love it, I LOVED IT, but more because it had all been said, really. With Point of Retreat the author takes a break from convention and gives us the hero's point of view, this is still pretty unusual in this genre so I felt I had to write and give her my thumbs up, in the hope that it'll encourage more authors to do that. Most of these books are targeted at the female demographic and we females kind of know how we fictionally react to most situation. We blush, we stammer, we're scared, we stomp, we're jealous, we shout, we love, we withdraw; lather, rinse, repeat. So it was very refreshing to hear the male's voice in this situation, and Will Cooper's voice? It's the voice of a poet...who wouldn't want to hear him?This part of Layken and Will story takes up around a year after the last book ended. They are in the honeymoon phase of their relationship, if you can have a honeymoon when you're raising two ten year old boys, they've gotten into a routine that works and they are madly in love, Enter Spanker in The Works in the shape of Will's ex and all the normal angst that goes with this type of scenario comes into play. The only thing that keep this from descending into well trodden territory is Will Cooper voice, his narrative, his poetry, his honesty and his unshakable belief in the love he feel for Lake... a point of view which normally, we the audience, would not get the chance to participate in. If the author had decided to stick to the norm and let Lake tell the story? It would just be another of those sequels which we've all read and enjoyed and probably quickly forgotten about; but Will's lyrical voice will resound in my memory for some time to come.

Point of Retreat picks up quite a bit after Slammed and is written from Will's point of view.Slam poetry is also a big part of this book. Wills poems were thought provoking and provided the reader with an insight of him rather from just Lake's perspective.Will and Lake are now free to find the love they both craved but have a lot to focus on. They have to deal with college lectures and exams, but they also have to take care of their younger brothers.But unfortunatley that "life sucks" situation hits Lake again. Will makes an error of judgement which makes Lake question his love for her. She has so many choices to make - circumstances that any normal person would not have to face on a daily basis.My Kindle and I were having a serious conversation at this stage as I could not believe what Lake and Will had to face next.So will the hardship that brought them together finally push them apart? Is Lake adult enough to understand why Will did what he and the reason why he had to do it? Can he finally prove his love for Lake?I was very impressed by this young adult story and more so with the writing of Colleen Hoover. If I could give these books more than 5 stars I would. I loved it and was sorry when I finally turned the last page of my Kindle.Point of Retreat is a must read for anyone who has read the first book Slammed. For me it was a perfect sequel to this story.I butterflying loved this book - enough said!

I will start my review by saying I enjoyed this. I didn't enjoy it as much as I enjoyed  Slammed . But I am definitely glad Colleen Hoover decided to write a sequel.What annoyed me about this book, was that it's called "Point of Retreat". When I read what that really meant I was disappointed that that's what the book was leading up to. Also, half the book was spent in hospital.I read this book very quickly. I did find myself wanting to read more and more. I would 100% recommend this book and "Slammed". This has been compared to  Beautiful Disaster  and  Easy . I however, loved those two books much more than I loved this series.I am looking forward to reading the final book in the series,  This Girl (No) . And I have pre-ordered Colleen's other book  Hopeless  which is due through the post any day.I give this book 8 out of 10 and definitely recommend it!! SlammedBeautiful DisasterEasyThis Girl (No)Hopeless