As you may know from my last post, I just read Confess by Colleen Hoover and my book review will be included here. But did you know that the book is set in Dallas?! I probably told you that already, didn’t I? Well, did I tell you that I flew to Dallas and did a tour of Dallas inspired by this book!? I did? Oh okay…well, you’ll get a sneak peek into that tour here. Get excited!!!

Confess

It’s no secret that I love Colleen Hoover’s books. I’ve read just about all of them except her latest one, which might actually be set in New York City. I’m still trying to figure that one out- All Your Perfects. I’ve digressed…you’re here for my book review of Confess. I loved it! Duh.

My confession is that I actually already read this book. Admittedly, I chose to reread this one because I couldn’t find another book set in Dallas that I was interested in reading. This is the first time I’ve ever reread a book believe it or not. Since I already knew what would happen, I was a little nervous that it would be a bit tedious getting through it. Well, I don’t know if it’s because I’m so forgetful or because Colleen Hoover is that good (probably the latter), but I was just as invested in it this time as I was the first time I read it.

Summary

Our heroine, Auburn has moved to Dallas. She doesn’t seem too thrilled to be there. The sweltering heat, her hair styling career that she doesn’t seem too inspired by, she’s away from the life she knew, her lack of funds…what is she doing there? Something or someone important is her reason for sticking it out. Someone, she would do anything for. Auburn needs more money to survive and to try to fight to make things work out. She notices a help wanted sign outside a gallery and that’s how she meets Owen Gentry.

Owen is an artist who hires Auburn to help him out for one of his art events. They are drawn to each other right away. The sexual chemistry between them is palpable. Of course, as fate would have it, Owen gets into some trouble and if Auburn stayed with him, it would ruin everything for her. They can’t be together and if Auburn found out what Owen is hiding from her, would she even want to be with him?

Thoughts

Colleen Hoover ties together the past, the present, and the future seamlessly. All the layers of the book and the characters hooked me. If you’re like me, you’ll tear through the book to see how all the pieces fit together. The way Colleen Hoover weaves a story together makes for a compelling read. It has everything…love, passion, tension, and drama that will keep your eyes glued to the page.

I highly recommend this book and all of Colleen Hoover’s books! So my book review of Confess is that it’s a solid A+.

Bookstagram

You might have noticed some confessions in my featured image which will be my bookstagram pic. I mentioned that Owen Gentry is an artist but I didn’t tell you the unique way he gets his inspiration. People submit anonymous confessions to him, which he, in turn, uses as inspiration for his artwork. Some confessions are fun and silly while others are pretty serious. I thought it would be cool to ask people for confessions for my blog and bookstagram picture. I also learned that Colleen Hoover had readers submit confessions that she used anonymously for her book. They were real confessions!

Aside from the book, my bookstagram also got inspiration from Subway Therapy. As a New Yorker, I came across subway therapy during one of my daily commutes. I got to write my feelings down on a post-it and stick it up on the subway wall next to all the other post-its where people bared their souls. To learn more about Subway Therapy, check out their awesome Instagram page @subwaytherapy.

I wasn’t sure how my bookstagram picture would turn out(especially with my messy handwriting), so instead of doing a blast about it on social media, I asked friends I know through the blogging and writing world to submit. My reasoning being that they would not fault me if it didn’t work out. They are all incredibly supportive people.

When I reached out, I wasn’t sure what the response would be. I was blown away by how open people were. And no one asked for their confession to be anonymous. This group is beautiful, bold, funny, and courageous. I appreciate their trust in me and I loved the dialogue that took place between us because of their confessions. To all who submitted: thank you so much for sharing your confessions with me and with whoever reads this. I loved the funny ones and I loved the raw ones. You ALL are awesome. I’m so grateful to know all of you. Seriously, thank you SO much.

 

Confessions

Alex Micati

“I wish I were able to talk to ladies and not in a virtual sphere.”

We all have our insecurities about talking to people we’re interested in. I know I do! You’re not alone, Alex.

If you know Alex on Twitter than you’ll know how clever he is, and if you go to his blog, it’ll reveal even more about that witty, funny guy. He’s a great friend to have and I’m glad he opens up on his blog. Check it out! Alexmi84.wordpress.com. Add him on Twitter @Alex_Micati.

Kathy

“I admit I am a chocolate hoarder! I’m gathering chocolate & saving it for an emergency, like the zombie apocalypse.”

I want to go over Kathy’s place and find her stash! Who’s with me? I have no idea how she has that kind of willpower. That chocolate would haunt me!

You might not find actual chocolate, but you’ll get to read about lots of tasty treats in Kathy’s awesome travel blog, Tasty Itinerary. Kathy always has such useful tips and she is a great friend who has helped me out so much during my blogging journey. Check her site out on tastyitinerary.com. Also, find her on Instagram @tastyitinerary.

Christine

”I only cry when animals (not people) die in books.”

I’m with you there, Christine! If there’s an animal in a book or movie, I’m totally hoping and praying nothing bad happens to the animal.

Christine has a blog about books and boozy adventures! I’ll let her describe it: “Your boozy sommelier popping the cork on bookish & tipsy travels and wanderlust-inspiring reads.” Christine also is a great teacher and uses that skill set very effectively on her blog. Check it out at theuncorkedlibrarian.com. You can also find her on Pinterest at The Uncorked Librarian.

Sarah Smith

”I don’t know if I want to have kids. Part of me wishes that I’ll age out of my window of opportunity so I don’t have to make a decision.”

I can relate hard to this. I’m closing in on 40, so I think I could be aging out of my window of opportunity right now, and I honestly feel a bit relieved. I’m still undecided about wanting kids or not.

Sarah is an incredible writer and has a romance book called Faker that is coming out in October! Can’t wait! Sarah is also one of the most supportive people I know. I might not have kept up with blogging if it hadn’t been for her. 💯 Check out her brand new author website at sarahsmithbooks.com. You can also find Sarah on Twitter @teamechavarre.

Stefanie Simpson

”I put as much of my real life in my books as I do fiction.”

Now everyone go read her books to figure out what’s from her real life and what’s completely fiction! No, go read her books because you’re looking for a new, great romance to read. I highly enjoyed her book A Good Night’s Sleep when I read it. I was pulled in by the storyline and the steamy scenes were HOT. Stefanie pushes the boundaries when it comes to romance and sex. If you think you can handle it, to learn more about her books, head over to her website at stefaniesimpson.wordpress.com. You can also find her on Twitter @Simpson_Romance.

Dee

”I hooked up with friend’s boy toy freshman year when she left a semester. I was truly naive. But I told her!”

We were all young once! I got to hang out with Dee in real life and we had such a nice time. She and her crew welcomed me in as we spent a relaxing day in Williamsburg, Brooklyn. I first got to know Dee through her blog, simply Dee (in D.C.) I’ve always loved how honest and real her writing is. Her thoughts are always so relatable. Check out her site at simplydeeindc.com. Also, find her on Twitter @dcbloggermom.

Kirsten

“I self harmed last year and almost commit suicide. My fiancé saved me from myself. I have not self harmed in 6 months.”

Kirsten also told me that she wants to “show people that life can get better. But you have to be open to sharing your problems. You can’t do it alone. The only reason it has gotten better for me is because my fiancé has helped me through it all. No shame in asking for help.”

Thank you, Kirsten, for sharing this part of you. I’m so glad you asked for help and can now share your message. Thank you for letting me be a small part in getting your important message out there.

So I first bonded with Kirsten over all the tempting and graphic foodie pictures she posts on Instagram. Oh my god does she know her way around a kitchen! Kirsten is a registered dietitian and shares all of her healthy recipes and tricks on her blog and her various social media channels. Check out her site foodventures at f00dventures.wordpress.com. Also, check out her mouthwatering Instagram @f00dventures.

Kerri

”I once fell asleep on a bench on the ‪34th Street‬ subway platform. Incredibly lucky I was not robbed or worse.”

This happened to me while riding a train late at night. Luckily, I magically woke up right at my stop. Never know what can happen in this city. I think I know Kerri well enough to say that we both wised up in our older years. We are much more conscious of being responsible and safe. If I have any younger readers, just know that we both lucked out. It could have been a very different story. Please always be aware of your surroundings and stay alert. Spend money on that Uber if you need to.

Kerri and I have been friends since around the time I first moved to NYC 13 years ago. You’ll get to know Kerri better during my full tour post because she is the good friend I was visiting while in Dallas.

Kerri is a very talented designer. To connect with her and see some of her amazing designs, find her on Instagram @kannehobbs.

Me

”My first kiss was at 19 years old and it was a stage kiss.”

I’m good at being non-judgemental when it comes to other people so I’m going to try hard not to judge myself. All I can say is that this is a true story. Did you know that I used to act on stage during my teen and young adult years? Well, now you do!

Make sure you are following me on Instagram @literary_dates. I will be posting my bookstagram picture and will encourage more people to send me their confessions that I will add to my Stories. Keep an eye out! Feel free to leave your confessions in my comments here too!

Thank you again to everyone who contributed to this post. I can’t thank you enough. It has really meant a lot to me. I’m so glad to know all of you. It’s pretty cool that this virtual world can connect us all, isn’t it?

I promised you all a sneak peek into my Dallas tour inspired by Colleen Hoover’s Confess, didn’t I?

Here you go!

Sneak Peek

 

I got to bond with this sweet kitty while in Dallas. Such a beauty! Follow along on Bear’s adventures by following his Instagram page! Did you think I’d leave a kitty cat out? No way! @adventures_with_bear_the_cat.

Thank you all for reading and again thank you to all who contributed to this post. I can’t tell you how much it has meant to me.

That’s all for now!

My full tour post will be coming soon! Guess what!? It’s live! Check it out here!

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