November 9

This book completely pulled me in from the very beginning! The story is unique, emotional, and full of twists that kept me guessing until the very end. I found myself constantly saying, "Just one more chapter," and ended up finishing it much faster than I expected. The characters are complex and easy to become invested in, and the emotional depth of the story made it even more memorable. Colleen Hoover has a way of creating stories that stay with you long after you've finished reading. If you love romance with unexpected twists, heartfelt moments, and characters you'll be thinking about for days, I highly recommend adding this one to your reading list!

I absolutely loved this book. All the twists and turns. But love was solid even though it has its ups and downs. I loved the way the story took turns and in the end it was all worth it. I cried, I laughed, I was sad, I was thrilled. All the emotions a book should give you. I totally enjoyed everything that was thrown in. It was an awesome read.

First, let me say that prior to reading November 9, I was in a HUGE reading slump that I cannot willing admit for how long. Books, not all, just haven't been doing anything for me. I read until about 20%, giving it a chance, but, that seems to be where it ends...for me at least. Second, I am going to be completely honest. I am a super cheap stay-at-home mom of three...we're on a tight budget that doesn't include much, if any, of a reading allowance. I missed reading, though. I missed reading! I missed getting swept into a novel where I had no clue of what was going on around me. I missed sitting on the couch with my Kindle gripped so tightly that I had no clue how much time was passing while I read. I missed being consumed. I missed my heart being pulled into so many directions that I'd ask myself, "why I was willingly putting myself through this!" I missed the feels... I missed REAL reading. A couple of nights ago, I said, "I NEED a good book!" My sanity needed to escape and find peace in a beautiful, well written love story. I started skimming through my book library on my kindle, scrolling through the not even attempted, the started but not finished, but nothing grabbed me. So then I did something I hadn't done in so long, I went to the STORE on my Kindle. I was perusing Amazon, reading synopsis', checking the ratings, the price... for book after book. Dry. Nothing. I was beginning to lose hope. And then I paused when I came to November 9. I've always been a Colleen Hoover fan. Slammed was read in my first week of when I discovered my reading addiction. Point of Retreat soon followed, and before I knew it, I'd become a CoHo addict. I read the synopsis; though, I already knew what November 9 was about...anyone on the planet that called themselves a reader knew when a CoHo book was being released and had an idea of the storyline whether they wanted to or not. I wasn't dumb to the fact... I knew exactly what it was about and I knew exactly how much I was going to love it. This was it. This was my get out of jail reading slump card. But then there was that looming $7.99 price tag and the reminder that Christmas is coming and $7.99 could surely check a stocking stuffer for one of the kids off my list. I stared. I contemplated, and then without a second thought, I pressed purchase. Kids were too spoiled these days anyway! I started reading right then. Although it was already nine at night and I had to be up in the morning to play mom, I didn't even hesitate when I started on line one. As expected, I was very quickly being pulled into every word Colleen so cleverly wrote. My surroundings disappeared, and the time vanished from any concern I may of had of it previously. My bed would have to wait, because Benton and Fallon were now my only reason for living at the moment. So many times, being a previous writer, I said to myself, "Lord, I love her brain!"- Colleen's, that is. I clung. For the next 24 hours, I did everything I could to make November 9 my top priority. I played mom, wife, and soccer mom as I was expected (which I wouldn't change for the world), but every second I could, I read. It was happening. Every thing about reading I missed, I was getting back. My heart was throbbing, my smile a permanent fixture on my face, and I sighed more times than I ever thought I would, reading again. That $7.99 price tag was worth every penny. Colleen Hoover was worth every penny! With all that said (sorry I like to talk), here's my honest review: I'm pretty sure I made it clear above that this was a very good book. It had all the feels that I'd expect to get from a CoHo book. I laughed, I swooned, I may have teared up a few times. Fallon and Benton were real, and I couldn't get enough of them and their story. But here's where the missing star happened. I'm estimating,somewhere about 80%, the story turned into a story (you'll understand when you get there), which needed to happen, and I wanted it to happen. There were a lot of unanswered questions that I needed to know the answer to, but I began to feel unconnected a little throughout this point. I'm not really sure why- I don't believe it was lacking anything, and I don't think there was anything Colleen could have done differently with telling this part. I honestly think it was more about my anticipation to know how things turned out and my eagerness to find out right then; I was kind of like, "okay, okay...what happens to them!!!" And unfortunately, that was where the 5th star fell off for me. BUT, LISTEN TO ME WHEN I SAY, this is without a doubt, a book that no one should pass by. It is worth every.single.cent it is being sold for. And, I'm confident in saying, you should never worry about Colleen Hoover not delivering, because she always has and I can predict, she always will!!! Read this book!! You will get the feels...I PROMISE! Great job, Colleen :)

November 9 is currently my favorite Colleen Hoover novel! It’s the sweetest romantic storyline with just a little bit of SMUT that’s not over the top or raunchy, but it’s actually more beautiful and not over sexualized. Colleen Hoover developed these characters really well and focused on every detail of the plot to leave the reader’s , or at least me, begging for more each chapter! The storyline between Ben and Fallon took unpredictable turns that kept the book in my hands. In fact, I read it in one day because I couldn’t put it down and I’m not really an avid reader! Ben and Fallon drove me crazy throughout most of the book, but it’s an epic love story for the ages. It’s not a perfect love story, but so very relatable because life didn’t leave anyone unbruised or unscathed. It’s a story of learning to live, love, and forgive! Perfect for a beach read with only 307 pages! I’d also let my older teen read this novel (most of Colleen’s I wouldn’t due to some of the extreme SMUT, but the storyline is what makes Nov 9 so beautiful and there was really no need for SMUT because the plot is so good).

November 9 was my most anticipated read of 2015, partially because of all of the hype, but mainly because it’s another release by Colleen Hoover, my favorite author. While following her on social media outlets, I noticed that she has even stated multiple times that she has never been more excited about one of her books as much as this one in particular. So here we go… I actually went into the book with a chip on my shoulder for the main male character, thinking that there was just no way that he could top Will Cooper. Impossible! Well, ladies (and maybe a few gentleman, I guess), Benton James Kessler comes as close as possible and may even be sitting directly next to Will Cooper in a dead heat tie on the first place tier of best male fictional character ever. The female character, Fallon O’neal has had a rough go at life, having undergone a traumatic event that left her physically scarred and emotionally ruined. Benton Kessler has also had some interesting and sad things happen in his life that have him at a standstill. Fate put these two people in the right place at the right time and they crash into each other. Their chemistry and witty banter is instant but the timing of their introduction is horrible as Fallon is moving across the country the very next day, inhibiting them from exploring each other further. They agree to meet once a year, in that very same spot on that very same day, November 9th, without any contact what so ever in between, and the story in between is so much fun. Being a sucker for artists, Benton had me from the first scene. He’s creative, smart, hilarious, so relatable, and drop dead gorgeous. His sense of humor alone had me falling in love with him. Fallon is feisty and trying to come into her own but struggling to really spread her wings when her heart is elsewhere. “You'll never be able to find yourself if you're lost in someone else.” I can’t imagine falling for someone one day at a time and then not being able to speak to them for an entire year. So much can happen in a year. But these two are meant for each other. “You can’t leave yet. I’m not finished falling in love with you.” As with any Hoover novel, you find yourself unable to stop turning page after page as the story unfolds itself, often ignoring meals, the need to use the restroom, necessary sleep, and so on. Her words are so beautiful and you are so invested in the characters that time just slips away…and then you get slapped in the face. Cold water dumped onto you like the ice bucket challenge. The crazy PLOT TWIST! The turn that this story takes is brilliant and original, impeccably revealed gently, layer by layer, and then all at once. My heart broke for the both of them and I was devastated. All of my hopes and dreams for this couple shattered. “Why didn't you tell me that the foundation you taught me to stand on is made from quicksand?” I loved the beginnings of each chapter, the prose of Benton setting the scene before you dove in. I chuckled at Hoover’s mockery of romance authors and stereotypical alpha male heroes. And Benton’s letter… the excerpts from the book. Gahhh! The anxiety, the tears, the white-knuckled anger, and the beauty of it all. The words sinking into your soul making it all okay. The narcotic feel of her storytelling blanketing your fears. I don’t want to say too much because this book is something you need to experience without anything being spoiled. Please, trust me. Colleen Hoover does not disappoint. She has yet again, surpassed my expectations and November 9 is my new favorite of her works. The writing is fantastic, the storytelling genius, and the characters addictive. It is simply perfection. Just get it, people. Buy it, now. Set aside some time and commit. Devote yourself to this experience and you’ll come out of it all a slightly better person, as per usual of this author. THE QUEEN! ***Disclaimers*** You will find yourself incapable of not bursting into out loud boastful laughter at the sight of seeing any man wearing trousers with tiny embroidered whales on them. You will forever look for the faces of celebrities like Gary Busey in blood stains. You will (or at least should) view suicide a little differently. You will be addicted to X-Ambassadors. You won’t be so quick to avoid looking at someone with facial scars or deformities. They want eye contact. They deserve eye contact. Thank you, Colleen for once again sharing your gift with us. I will treasure this story and share with as many as I can possibly reach.

“I want you to read it for yourself. Because when you love someone, you owe it to them to help them be the best version of themselves that they can be. And as much as it crushes me to admit this, the best version of you doesn't include me.” Stunning. Consuming. Poetic. Raw. Heartrendingly Beautiful. These are a few words that comes to mind when describing this magnificent and captivating masterpiece called November 9 by Colleen Hoover. CoHo is one of those rare authors who DELIVERS every single time. If her mission was to grip her readers hearts and leave a stain on our soul with her written words then I will happily say mission accomplished. She delivered. Well, she more than DELIVERED as readers like myself happily handed my heart to her as she took me on one of the most unforgettable reads that I have read. One date. November 9. One day out of 365 days in the year. That one specific date that CoHo has ingrained in her readers. The date that readers like myself will fall in love with the story of Benton James Kessler and Fallon O'Neill. November 9. “ I'm in love with her. Like really in love with her. Crippling, debilitating, paralyzing love.” In life, there are so many momentousness occasions and life-altering dates that occurs in one's life whether it be a birthday, a milestone, a graduation, a wedding, a death anniversary, or the day that will forever alter and change your life. For Fallon O'Neill, November 9 marked the day that changed her. It is the day that left her insecure and ridden with physical scars. But on that specific day, November 9 also marked the date that she met Benton James Kessler. On November 9, Benton James Kessler walked into Fallon O' Neill's life and instantly knew his life would be forever altered by this girl. He didn't see a young woman with physical scars but instead saw a witty, smart, funny and beautiful girl. A girl who just needed that extra push of encouragement to be bold and confident. He saw that her inner beauty radiated from within and that her scars were just as beautiful. It told him that this girl he just met was a fighter and survivor. “Maybe I don't know the first thing about falling in love, because I've been telling myself I'm not falling for him yet. That it's too soon. But it's not. What's happening inside my heart right now is way too consequential to deny. I think I've been misjudging the whole concept of insta-love. Now if I can just figure out how we can finish these next few years with a happy ending.” They say ever scar tells a story. And for Fallon, her scars tells of a story that will emotionally gut you. Her scars were a reminder of a terrible accident gone wrong and a resentment she holds. These scares were put on display of what could have been a thriving career as a young actress in Hollywood. But all that changes, when Ben made her see that she doesn't have to hide her scars. Ben knocked down her walls of insecurities and stripped her bare, allowing her to see that Fallon O'Neill is one of the most beautiful woman that walked into his life. And on that day, November 9 marked the day when a boy fell in love with a girl. The day that gave birth to an epic love story. “No combination of written words could ever do this moment justice.” I really don't want to say anymore because November 9 is a book that must be read, experienced and savored. I will just say this Colleen Hoover reminded me once again why I love reading her books. She has a way of stripping you down, laying you bare and exposed in order to FEEL for her characters. Passion, strength, humor, hope, absolution, and love were so beautifully entangled and woven into this book that I was left breathless as I absorb every written word and emotion. Did Colleen Hoover leave me a blubbering mess? Yes, of course she did. She is Colleen Hoover, a master in pulling those emotional heartstrings. With that being said, I will just say CoHo will shatter your hearts as she weaves one of the most emotional plot twist that will have you grabbing for the tissues. But don't worry and fret too long, CoHo will heal and mend our broken hearts with her magical and book-worthy unforgettable lines. Just be prepared to fall in love Benton James Kessler as he writes and tells us why his love for Fallon O'Neill is book-worthy. “I don't want to be your first, Fallon. I want to be your last.” Colleen Hoover is one those gifted and rare writers who can capture your hearts with her gorgeous prose and raw characters. Like any masterpiece, Colleen Hoover paints a beautiful literary creation that will leave a lasting impression that can stain your soul. Her words are not only felt but absorbed. It is often said to let the work speak for itself and as such Colleen Hoover will hold you hostage as you are immersed with beauty, loss, friendship, heartache, and a new found sense of hope, absolution, finding oneself, and an epic book-worthy love. November 9 was a book that consumed you, stripped you naked and left you feeling raw, exposed and vulnerable and it was worth every laughter, tears, and swoon-worthy moments. As an avid reader, I love to read book to escape. To fall in love with the words, the characters, and everything in between. Just a few pages in, you can already tell if a book is going to be amazing or not. And let me just say, November Nine is 100% BOOK WORTHY!!!!! So thank you, Colleen Hoover, for gifting your readers on another unforgettable book worthy romance!!!! ~Michelle of Four Chicks Flipping Pages

November 9 is yet another Colleen Hoover signature book, which was anxiously awaited. It is the standalone story of Fallon O’Neil and James Benton Kessler. James rescues Fallon from a very uncomfortable discussion she is having with her absent father in a café. While the two of them click, Fallon is reluctant to explore the relationship further because she will be moving to New York soon, and because she firmly believes what her mother told her: that she is too young for love. So the two of them make a pact: they do not exchange numbers, but agree to meet again on the same day in a year (in other words, on November 9 ) for the next years to come. I was a bit disappointed since I did not get the usual CoHo feels when reading November 9 . That’s mainly because I couldn’t fully relate to the storyline. “Plausibility” or “believability” of the story is something I find very important. Don’t get me wrong: I am not a total Cartesian and I do like a fair amount of magic and serendipity, but I know where I draw the line. And that would be at insta-love and repeated chance encounters – did I mention repeated? “I finished falling in love with her almost immediately after I started, because it was a straight plummet from the top to the bottom. A woosh. An instant. Insta-Love.” Would you believe that, against all odds, the main characters meet once a year, without failure? They may have known each other for years, yet they’ve only shared a couple of hours together. They meet only once a year and in my opinion 364 days without any further contact is a damn long time to not be thinking about something/something else. And although the insta-love aspect of the plot was pushing it, the two characters had great chemistry which made up for some really great banter and humour. Fallon and Benton could hold entire conversation in sexual innuendos and I loved that playful Collen Hoover writing style. The rest of the writing style was perfect anyway. As always, Colleen Hoover managed to write in full Technicolor, and truly brought the book to life through flashbacks. Benton was also the perfect gentleman and book-boyfriend, slowly helping Fallon to help accept herself and her past. There was actually a huge emphasis on Fallon’s “issues” in November 9 , probably because they were visible in the form of scars. I would have loved for the book to focus just as much on Benton’s issues – the one that turned him into a depressive lost soul without any aim. “From now on when you think about your scars, you aren’t allowed to resent them. You’re going to embrace them, because you’re lucky to be on this earth to see them.” And if you can close an eye on the insta-love and serendipity aspects, the rest of the plot is pretty intriguing. Because it turns out that Fallon and Benton have a history. I hope this won’t spoil anything to you, but the subsequent plot itself reminded me a lot of Left Drowning by Jessica Park, and the final revelation in this book was definitely the same in November 9 . So unfortunately, I had a full deja-vu during the last chapters, but I still very much enjoyed how Colleen Hoover executed the writing throughout the book (including her signature flashbacks). I did actual­­ly get the full rollercoaster experience, especially around the 60% mark, where I suffered from severe heartbreak and the desire to punch someone (Benton?) in the face! But then again, I often wanted to punch Fallon in the face for denying herself something really great. But hey, what do I know!? “Whoever said the truth hurts was being an optimist. The truth is an excruciatingly painful son of a bitch.” Anyway – you need to take November 9 with a pinch of salt (and magic), but all in all it is yet a wonderful story that I certainly recommend!

SPOILERS AHEAD, BE WARNED! 3.5 to 4 Ben The Writer Stars... I have so many torn feelings about this one. First, Colleen does know how to write a book, they always flow flawlessly and you end up falling in love with the characters. I wanted to wait to read this one because there were so many mixed reviews that i didn't want my opinion of it to be tainted by them and form my own one. The first 70% of the book was abso-freaking-lutely beautiful, just amazing, and i couldn't stop turning the pages, i wanted to reach that 5th November, wanted to see if they would have their HEA. "My flaws are what wake me up in the morning and what keep me awake every night." "If I were Benton James Kessler, I would have fake-dumped me by now." Ben melted me so many times, he made my heart so happy i wanted to print him out in one of those 3D printers and make him alive like Pinocchio. The way their relationship developed was what kept me going, i wanted to see what happened the next November, what he would say, would do, would accomplish and so did her. Did she land a job into stardust? Did she got over her insecurities, at least for the most part? Did she? Did she?...so many questions.... “You’ll never be able to find yourself if you’re lost in someone else.” “I barely know you, so I’m not about to argue with you over your level of intelligence, because you could very well be as dumb as a rock. But at least you’re pretty.” "He runs his hand up my waist a couple of inches, and then his thumb moves side to side, slowly. “You can’t pursue the willing, Fallon.” "His eyes drop to my legs again and he begins to speak slowly, as if he’s reciting poetry. “The only sea I saw, Was the seesaw sea, With you riding on it. Lie down, lie easy. Let me shipwreck in your thighs.” His eyes drag up my body until they meet mine. “Dylan Thomas,” he says. I release a slow breath. “Wow,” I say. “Poetry porn. Who knew?” I wanted so much their HEA, i thought at 50% the twist was that, that they would have to overcome that obstacle and i was already jumping in excitement to see what Colleen had in store for their final. “I love you, Fallon. More than poetry, more than words, more than music, more than your b**bs. Both of them. Do you have any idea how much that amounts to?” "Though Lovers be lost, love shall not." And then, i realized she hadn't presented the twist and based on the past 70% of the book, i had my own theories: 1. Ben was a therapist hired by her mom to help her with her emotional pain and as they got along he really fell in love with her. Though, he was 18, so i knew this one couldn't work, but maybe he worked for a therapist. 2. Her father had murder Ben's mother and he was in a revenge stage but ended up falling for Fallon. 3. Ben was a reporter and wanted to do a piece on her father and wanted the inside information with Fallon, so he seduced her, but again, ended up falling for her. But nothing, and i mean NOTHING, could have prepared me for that twist, i didn't like it, didn't love it, didn't buy it. That being said, Colleen managed to keep me on my toes and make me turn the pages like a deranged woman. She kept me intrigued even though i hated what was happening to the book. That's what an amazing writer DOES, even though you don't like what is happening, you can't seem to stop reading and wanting more. She still makes you feel even when you want to smack her upside the head. As always, i cried like a baby with this book. I think i'll send Colleen my kleenex bill. Overall, amazing writing, characters, first 70% of great plot, horrible twist (for me!), but at the end, great addition to my shelfs...

Totally love the entire look of the book. Excited to stay up all night and read...

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I would like to know at this point where is the one million-stars button. Sometimes it's absolutely necessary. And this is one of these times. I'm a huge fan of Colleen Hoover's work, I think she's brilliant. She has this way about her, how her mind works and the way she writes that I find amazingly magic and fascinating. This said, I think this one is her best book to date. And that's saying a lot. I'm not one to cry easily, less when reading a book. But this one, oh this one, had me gutted several times... In a good way. For those who haven't had the pleasure to enjoy her writing yet, you don't know what you're missing. Colleen Hoover es una de mis autoras favoritas. La que más me gusta. Me fascina la forma en la que trabaja su mente, la forma en la que escribe. Siempre he dicho que es mágica. He tenido el placer de leer mucho, pero cuando me leí su primer libro, al cerrarlo pensé: "Es por libros como este, por lo que me hacen sentir al leerlo, por lo que leo". Y me encanta todo lo que ha hecho, todo. Pero creo que este es su mejor libro hasta la fecha. Me entristece que haya muchas personas de habla no inglesa que se pierdan el absoluto placer que supone leer un libro de esta autora. No saben, no se imaginan, lo que se están perdiendo.

Ce roman est une lecture commune avec TheLovelyTeacher et je peux vous dire que la frustration a été à son comble pendant notre lecture. Je n’avais jamais testé Colleen Hoover en VO et je dois dire que l’essai est très concluant, le niveau également abordable. Si je devais décrire cette lecture en un mot, ça serait : envoûtant. Je vous conseille de le commencer en ayant conscience que vous voudrez le terminer avant la fin de ma journée. Nous, nous avons divisé notre lecture en 2/3 jours et je peux vous dire que je n’arrêtais pas d’y penser avec l’envie grandissante d’avoir enfin la conclusion. Fallon est actrice, Ben écrivain. Lorsqu’il se rencontre le 9 Novembre, immédiatement l’alchimie passe. Seulement la jeune femme part pour New-York dans moins de vingt-quatre heures. Ils n’ont que quelques heures pour se découvrir et la complicité entre eux est indéniable dès les premières secondes. Sur une idée folle, ils décident de se rencontrer tous les 9 Novembre jusqu’à leurs 23 ans, sans aucun contact entre chaque année. Seule cette date, pourra les réunir et leur offrir une journée magique. Rapidement, l’auteure met l’accent sur l’histoire de Fallon qui de part son histoire personnel est liée à jamais au 9 Novembre. Au fil des pages, on vit au gré de leur rencontre, on constate qu’ils évoluent et c’est grâce à Ben, que la jeune femme va s’épanouir d’année en année. Je trouve totalement dingue le concept de se voir seulement une fois par an et l’histoire en soi n’est pas si frustrante que ça, mais devoir attendre un an pour que nos héros se retrouvent c’est vraiment, vraiment excitant. Sans compter l’écriture du livre de Ben, à l’intérieur du roman. Au fil des ans, il va raconter leur histoire dans son récit, Fallon va être sa muse, son intrigue et son inspiration. Un jour dans l’année et ils vont retrouver le bonheur d’être ensemble, leur complicité évidente va prendre de l’importance et leurs sentiments ne vont cesser de grandir malgré la séparation. Ils vont donner leur maximum pour se découvrir en tant qu’adulte, sans que l’amour ne vienne interférer dans leur rêve, avec pour seule optique de retrouver l’autre l’année suivante. Je dois dire que, cette idée est grandiose et frustrante car on aurait envie que les jours rallongent et devoir attendre un an afin de pouvoir obtenir des réponses va parfois nous avoir créée des sueurs froides. Et la frustration. Tellement de frustration. Et à côté de ça, les moments de retrouvaille sont magiques, c’est vrai que 1 an c’est long, mais ils vont conserver leur alchimie et lorsqu’ils sont ensemble ça fait des étincelles et on oublie vite qu’ils ne peuvent pas se voir longtemps. Je crois que je suis passée par toutes les émotions, j’ai éprouvé de la colère face à l’histoire de Fallon, de la tendresse en voyant qu’elle n’était que l’ombre d’elle-même et puis vient les rires, les sourires que Ben vient apporter et mon cœur s’est réchauffé devant tant d’amour. Et puis vient les moments douloureux, où mon cœur s’est littéralement fissuré face aux révélations, comme seule Colleen Hoover sait le faire. J’avais l’impression d’appartenir à leur histoire. Je suis incapable de rendre justice à ce roman, car il est unique. Il faut rencontrer Ben et Fallon pour se rendre compte à quel point les émotions sont à leur comble. J’ai vu venir le twist donc la chute a été un peu amortie, mais je voulais me tromper. Ma lecture a été vraiment exceptionnelle et j’aurais pu très facilement avoir un coup de cœur, seulement une étoile s’est perdu sur le chemin à cause d’une chose stupide ! J’ai été très en colère que l’auteure nous fasse un truc pareil et ça m’a empêché d’être au sommet. J’ai vécu leur histoire totalement captivée et lorsque je reposais le livre, j’avais un sentiment de manque qu’il me fallait combler. Encore une fois, la magie a opéré et je crois même qu’il est un level au dessus de Ugly Love. Colleen Hoover est définitivement une auteure exceptionnelle qu’il faut découvrir. Je crois qu’on a plus qu’à attendre de pouvoir enfin la relire, que ce soit en VF ou en VO.

Nice to read for n very interesting book.