Rating: 1/5

Okay, so I finally picked up 'Reminders of Him' by Colleen Hoover, and after seeing all the hype, I honestly expected more. As my honest book review title says, I ended up giving it a 1/5 rating, and I really tried to like it, but it just wasn't for me. If you're wondering what made me feel so strongly, let me break it down. First, let's address one of the most common questions I see people asking about Colleen Hoover books: is Reminders of Him a spicy book? From my perspective, no, not really. If you're looking for overt spice, this isn't the book. There are some intimate moments hinted at, but I wouldn't classify it as spicy in the way other popular romance novels are. It’s more emotional and focused on the drama than on explicit scenes, which in itself isn't a problem, but it might disappoint those seeking a higher spice level. My biggest issue revolved around the characters, particularly Keena and Ledger. I found myself constantly frustrated by their decisions and behaviors. For me, they often felt inconsistent or just plain infuriating, which made it incredibly hard to connect with their journey. The only character I found myself rooting for, or at least understanding, was Diem. She was a bright spot, a child caught in the middle, and her innocence was a stark contrast to the often perplexing actions of the adults around her. I wish we had seen more development for Scotty too; he was mentioned, but not enough to really form an opinion beyond the few traits repeated throughout the story. Another major point of contention was the repetition. Oh, the repetition! It felt like certain plot points or character traits were hammered home again and again, almost as if the author didn't trust the reader to remember. This made the pacing feel slow in parts, and I found myself skimming just to get past familiar territory. It really detracted from the overall reading experience, making a story that could have been impactful feel dragged out and tedious. And then there was the ending. Honestly, it felt so rushed and unsatisfying after all the build-up. The audacity of both Keena and Ledger, given everything that transpired, left me feeling incredibly annoyed. It was almost as if the resolution was forced, not earned, and it left a sour taste. I finished the book feeling more exasperated than fulfilled, which is never a good sign for a story I've invested hours into. In conclusion, 'Reminders of Him' just didn't resonate with me. While others might enjoy the emotional turmoil and the redemption arc, I found it to be a struggle to get through, prompting my 1/5 rating. It’s a book that truly infuriated me at times. On a brighter note, I've just started 'The Silent Patient' by Alex Michaelides, and so far, I'm really enjoying it! It’s a refreshing change of pace and a much more engaging read for me.