November 9th
by Colleen Hoover
Published by Atria Books
Fallon meets Ben, an aspiring novelist, the day before her scheduled cross-country move.
Their untimely attraction leads them to spend Fallon’s last day in L.A. together, and her eventful life becomes the creative inspiration Ben has always sought for his novel. Over time and amidst the various relationships and tribulations of their own separate lives, they continue to meet on the same date every year. Until one day Fallon becomes unsure if Ben has been telling her the truth or fabricating a perfect reality for the sake of the ultimate plot twist.
Can Ben’s relationship with Fallon—and simultaneously his novel—be considered a love story if it ends in heartbreak?
Beloved #1 New York Times bestselling author Colleen Hoover returns with an unforgettable love story between a writer and his unexpected muse.
Genre:
Contemporary Romance
November 9th by Colleen Hoover, is a dual POV contemporary romance, centering around eighteen year olds Fallon, and Ben. When Fallon and Ben, an aspiring writer, meet on an eventful November 9th, their instant chemistry and attraction is undeniable. But with Fallon literally hours away from moving cross country, they can't bring themselves to succumb to that attraction, if all it leads to is heartbreak. That is, until they come up with a plan: for the next five years, on November 9th, they will meet at the same restaurant, and spend the day together. No talking, no contact AT ALL during the year. This way they don't have to say goodbye, Ben gets some much needed inspiration for his novel, and Fallon is forced to face her fears, and work towards her personal goals with Ben's "homework". During the five years, with them both growing into adults, dealing with relationships, and unexpected life events, one thing doesn't change; that attraction is always there. But when comes across some heartbreaking truths, she wonders if Ben ever felt anything for her at all. Was she just his muse for his first novel?
I absolutely ADORED this book. I mean, it was Colleen Hoover, so of course I cried to the point my face was puffy, but it was worth the read. Especially after reading Verity. I needed the reminder that Colleen Hoover does write more heartfelt fiction. November 9th was everything I wanted it to be. We don't get any filler between the dates, which at first worried me, but it totally works, and it really immerses you into their stories. Each November 9th is unique, and not only because of the events of the day, but Fallon and Ben themselves. Every year that goes by shows a level of growth - or bounce back - with their characters. Every year that went by they matured, and I really enjoyed that. The twists - because of course there are twists! This is Colleen Hoover! - had me feeling all the feels, which is exactly what I expect from Colleen. I was crying. I was frustrated. I was angry. I was crying. I was in love with this story, and these characters.
Colleen Hoover proves once again she can write wonderfully entertaining stories, with rich plotlines, and well-written characters. I didn't know what I was getting into when I picked up November 9 on a whim, but I'm so glad I read it!
Max: I didn't know I had it in me to become a father again."
A loud burst of disbelieving laughter escapes my mouth.
Fallon: "Releasing sperm into the vagina of a twenty-four-year-old does not a father make."
Fallon: "Kill me now. I feel a pang of guilt, because as much as I wish someone would actually kill me right now, I didn't mean to say those words out loud.
Max: "Fallon, you can't judge whether or not you'll like her until you've met her."
Fallon: "I don't have to meet her to know I won't like her. She is marrying you, after all."
I'm pretty sure my mouth is hanging open, so I immediately clamp it shut. I don't want my father to know I have no idea who this guy is. I also don't want this Benton guy to think my jaw is touching the floor because I like his attention. I'm only looking at him like this because ... well ... because he's obviously a lunatic.
Ben: "If your daughter is as talented as you claim she is, wouldn't you want to encourage her not to give up on her dreams? Why would you want her to see the world the way you do?"
My father stiffens.
Max: "And how, exactly, do you think I see the world, Mr. Kessler?"
Ben leans back in our booth without breaking eye contact with my father,
Ben: "Through the closed eyes of an arrogant asshole."
Fallon: "We'll be in my room."
Ben gives them a quick wave and then removes his arm from around my shoulders, sliding his fingers through mine.
Ben: "Nice to meet you both."
He points down the hall.
Ben: "I'm gonna follow Fallon to her room now so I can see what kind of panties she has on."
Fallon: 'Don't push your luck."
He laughs.
Ben: "Why the hell does luck exist id I'm not supposed to push it?"
I point at the door.
Fallon: "Go. Shower. And shave while you're at it."
He opens the door and begins to back out.
Ben: "Shave, huh? You plan on putting those lips on my face tonight?"
Fallon: "Go."
I say with an exasperated laugh.
He shuts the door, but I can still hear what he says to Amber and Glenn as soon as he walks into the living room.
Ben: "They're red! Her panties are red!"
Fallon: "What's wrong?"
I grimace and grip the doorframe tighter.
Ben: "I want to kiss you really, really bad and I'm doing everything in my power not to do that yet."
She pulls her neck back and her eyebrows draw together in confusion.
Fallon: "Do you always look like you're about to puke when you feel like kissing a girl?"
I shake my head.
Ben: "Not until you."
She huffs and pushes past me. That did not come out how I meant it.
Ben: "I didn't mean the thought of kissing you makes me sick. I meant I want to kiss you so bad it's making my stomach hurt. Kind of like blue balls, but in my stomach instead of my balls."
She starts laughing and brings both of her hands up to her forehead.
Fallon: "What am I gonna do with you, Ben the Writer?"
Ben: "You could kiss me and make me feel better."
Ben: "There's a quote that reminds me of you, from Dylan Thomas. My favorite poet."
Fallon: "What is it?"
A slow smile warms its way across his mouth. He dips his head and whispers the quote against my lips.
Ben: " 'I have longed to move away but am afraid; Some life, yet unspent, might explode.' "
Fallon: "Just don't propose to me before my flight, and I think we'll be fine."
He laughs.
Ben: "Pretty sure I asked you to marry me when we were on your bed earlier. But I'll try not to get you pregnant before your flight."
Fallon: "Ben. Are you ... booksting me?"
He cocks an eyebrow.
Ben: "Booksting?"
Fallon: "Yeah. When a hot guy talks books with a girl. It's like sexting, but out loud and with books instead of sex. Not does it have to do with texts. Okay, so it's nothing like sexting, but it made sense in my head."
He falls onto his back in laughter. I scoot toward him and place my hand on his chest as I lean over him.
Fallon: "Don't stop."
I tease in a seductive voice.
Fallon: "Give me more, Ben. Did you read eBooks or ..."
I run my finger slowly down his chest.
Fallon: "Hardbacks?"
He pulls his hands behind his head and a smug look washes over his face.
Ben: "Oh, they were hardbacks, all right. And I'm not sure if you're ready for this, but ... I have my very own TBR pile. You should see it, Fallon. It's huge."
Ben: "I thought I was tougher than a word. But I just discovered that having to say goodbye to you is one of the hardest things I've ever had to do."
Ian: "Did you just pick something out of her teeth?"
I don't say anything because I don't know what he plans to do with my answer.
Ian: "I'm being serious. Did he just pick something out of your teeth?"
She nods hesitantly. Ian smirks.
Ian: "Wow. My brother is in love with you."
I can feel Fallon freeze against me.
Ben: "That's not awkward at all."
Ian shakes his head with a sly grin.
Ian: "It's not awkward, Ben. It's cute. You're in love."
His eyes drop to my legs again and he begins to speak slowly, as if he's reciting poetry.
Ben: " 'The only sea I saw, Was thee 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.
Ben: "Dylan Thomas."
I release a slow breath.
Fallon: "Wow. Poetry porn. Who knew?"
Fallon: "I want you to be my first and last."
Ben's eyes darken and then he slides his body over mine, caging me in with his arms. I can feel him hard against me and I try not to whimper.
Ben: "You can't say things like that unless you mean them, Fallon."
I meant it with everything I am. For the first time, I realize that I don't care about the five years. I don't care that I'm not twenty-three. All I care about it Ben and how I feel when I'm with him, and how I want so much more of this.
Fallon: "I want you to be my only."
Ben: "Theodore. You seem like a ... nice guy."
Theodore: "Thanks."
Theodore says, smiling.
Ben: "Let me finish,"
Ben says, holding up a finger in warning.
Ben: "Because you're about to hate me. I lied. I'm not writing a paper."
He points at Glenn.
Ben: "This guy told me earlier today where to show up tonight so that I could find the girl I'm supposed to spend the rest of my life with. And I'm sorry, but that girl just so happens to be your date. And I'm in love with her. Like, really in love with her. Crippling, debilitating, paralyzing love. So please accept my sincerest apologies, because she's coming home with ,e tonight. I hope. I pray."
Ben shoots me an endearing look.
Ben: "Please? Otherwise this speech will make me look like a complete fool and that won't be good when we tell our grandkids about this."
Before we reach the door, Amber punches Glenn in the shoulder.
Amber: "You told Ben where we were gonna be tonight?"
she hisses. Glenn rubs his arm.
Glenn: "He showed up at the apartment looking for Fallon."
Amber scoffs.
Amber: "So you just told him where she would be? Why would you do that?"
Glenn: "He's funny!"
Bouncer: "I want every one of you to leave the premises right now before we call the police!"
Amber: "Hold on."
Amber says, holding up a finger while she pulls off her shoe.
Amber: "I'm not finished."
She takes her shoe in her hand and glowers at Theodore, then rears b ack and throws I across the sidewalk, hitting him square between the legs.
Amber: "I hate your stupid pants, asshole! Fallon deserves better than you, and SO DOES NANTUCKET!"
Ben: "Yeah. I'll give the two of you a ride home."
Fallon: "The three of you."
I say to Ben, insinuating that just because he stood up for me doesn't mean I'm automatically going home to his place.
Fallon: "I'll need you to drop me off at my apartment."
Amber groans and then brushes my shoulder.
Amber: "Just forgive him already. Glenn found a member of the male species he actually likes, and if you don't forgive Ben you'll break Glenn's heart."
Ben and Glenn are both quietly staring at me. Glenn is giving me puppy dog eyes and Ben's bottom lip is protruding.
I can't even. I shrug my shoulders in defeat.
Fallon: "Well, then. I guess if Glenn like you, then that's that."
If I could freeze this moment, I would take full advantage so that I could study him. I would run my fingers over his lips to see if they really were as soft as the words that come from them. I would pick up his hands and brush my thumbs over his palms to see if they really felt capable of caressing the scars they were responsible for. I would wrap my arms around him and stand on my tiptoes to whisper in his ear, "Why didn't you tell me that the foundation you taught me to stand on is made from quicksand?"
Mom: "I'm not going to pretend that I know what you've gone through. But after reading those pages, I can assure you that you aren't the only one who was scarred in that fire. Just because he chose not to show you his scars doesn't mean they don't exist."
She picks up the box and sets it on my lap.
Mom: "Here they are. He's put his scars on full display for you, and you need to show him the respect he showed you by not turning away from them."
Letter:
Ben: If you take one things from this manuscript, let it be this one simple paragraph. Absorb these words. I want them to stain your soul, because these words are the most important. I'm terrified that my lies have resulted in a loss of the confidence you gain during the times we were together. Because while I did withhold a huge truth from you, the one thing I couldn't have been more honest about was your beauty. And yes, you have scars. But anyone who sees your scars before they see you doesn't deserve you. I hope you remember that and believe that. A body is simply a package for the true gifts inside. And you are full of gifts. Selflessness, kindness, compassions. All the things that matter.
Ben: "Fallon, come home with me. I want to make love to you and fall asleep with you. And then in the morning, I want to cook you the breakfast I promised you last year. Well-done bacon and over-easy eggs."
She smiles, but she doesn't agree to the breakfast.
Fallon: "Actually, I'm having breakfast with my father tomorrow. But I'll still come home with you."
Ben: "Good. Tonight you're mine. I'll just wait to cook you breakfast until the day after tomorrow. And every day after that, until next November 9th when I get down on one knee and give you the most book-worthy marriage proposal in history."
She slaps me in the chest.
Fallon: "That was a huge spoiler, Ben! Did you not learn about spoiler alerts during your reading binge?"
I grin as I lower my mouth to hers.
Ben: "Spoiler alert. They lived happily ever after."