Confess

- Colleen Hoover

Albany, WA

August 30, 2022

Goodreads Book Blurb:

Auburn Reed is determined to rebuild her shattered life and she has no room for mistakes. But when she walks into a Dallas art studio in search of a job, she doesn’t expect to become deeply attracted to the studio’s enigmatic artist, Owen Gentry.

For once, Auburn takes a chance and puts her heart in control, only to discover that Owen is hiding a huge secret. The magnitude of his past threatens to destroy everything Auburn loves most, and the only way to get her life back on track is to cut Owen out of it—but can she do it?

Genres:

My Review:

average:

☆☆☆☆☆ 3/5

My first thought after completing Confess was ‘well, I didn’t hate that…‘, which doesn’t sound great but considering my feelings about Hoover’s work so far, it’s probably a compliment. Unfortunately, as more time has passed, my brain has started to pick apart the story and what I thought might be 3.5 stars, I’ve dropped down to 3. I’m hiding these thoughts beneath a spoiler tag because this entire narrative hinges on the characters keeping dumb secrets from each other and the reader, and I wouldn’t dare ruin your enjoyment of this fine literature…

Spoiler

-If someone stands you up and doesn’t want to tell you why: probably a red flag. Considering Owen doesn’t want to tell her he was arrested, no matter the reason why, the red flag theory seems to hold true.
-Owen keeping this big secret about how he knows Auburn seems weird. If anything, wouldn’t Auburn be happy he knew about Adam and had met him and everything? Why does this boy like keeping so many secrets?
-Auburn cannot make up her mind. One moment she’s talking about how she wants to be a good role model and stand up for herself, and the next, she’s excusing sexual assault. Of course, I am in no way excusing the psychotic police officer, but it’s not surprising he’s confused – Auburn flip-flops on their relationship so often.
-Congratulations on manipulating the psychotic police officer to get your son and your relationship back… but you’re just going to leave him out in the world to torment the next woman he decides is his property or the next innocent person he frames for a crime to get him out of the way? Sure, get what you want, but then still report him.
– Owen decides Auburn is this incredible mother after witnessing one exchange they have. Oh, and because she’s willing to give Owen up, she must be a dedicated mother. I don’t think Auburn is a bad mother, but I think more time might be needed before coming to that conclusion.
-The complete irresponsibility of Owen’s father and the way he lets Owen take ownership over his mistakes does not bode well for his actions as this top criminal lawyer he’s supposed to be. Even when Auburn enlists his help, she takes charge and makes all the plans while he just sits there as ‘the lawyer‘ – not very impressive.