Review: A MUST READ!
Rating: 5 out of 5
Date: 06 2, 2014
Have you ever finished a book and immediately thought to yourself "I wish I could unread what I just read, so I can experience it all over again!"? Well, that is exactly how I felt when I finished Hate to Love You. This book took me hostage from the very first chapter and would not cut me loose until the very last page. I was up until 2 am reading because the characters would not let me go to bed until I knew how things turned out for them!The thing that immediately grabbed my attention with this book was Paisley's dislike for her sister, Caroline. And when I say dislike, I am being kind. At first, it seems just to be a side effect of her parents paying more attention to Caroline as they were growing up. Or perhaps the way Caroline seems to get whatever she wants. But as the book progresses and the story unravels, you began to realize it is so much deeper than that. And when the true reason for their hostile relationship is revealed, it will leave you reeling.Paisley is in no wait innocent. She handles things VERY badly. She lashes out in ways that ultimately are destroying her. At first, I was taken aback at her crass language, drinking/drug use and attitude towards her family. But the more I found out about her childhood, the more I understood the destructive behavior. It does not in any way excuse it, but it does make it easier to understand.As the story progresses, you are thrust into her present life where she is trying to make amends for her past actions. But once again, she is going about things the wrong way. The major question that I had was could she finally grow up enough to put someone else's needs before her own? Yes, she owns up to her addictions and even will be the first to call herself out on bad behaviors. But none of that means anything if she isn't willing to put effort into making some MAJOR changes in her life and the way she approaches things.Overall, this was a beautifully written book. Paisley is easily a character I could have disliked but the way the author has her story unfold, I couldn't help but connect to her. Even during the moments I wanted to shake her silly for what she was doing, it because I didn't want to see her continuing on her path of self destruction. She deserved happiness after everything she had been through. She just happens to be one of those characters that takes the long way around to get there!I am going to end my review here by saying...GO GET THIS BOOK NOW! And if you are unsure, download the sample. I promise that alone will hook you.