anna todd Archives - Diary of Difference

★★★

We have gathered here today, because I somehow ended up loving After by Anna Todd, despite some issues I came across. And naturally, I had to continue with the series and read After We Collided. This review may contain spoilers from the first book, so if you’re new to this series I suggest you check out THIS REVIEW of After instead.

Synopsis:

After Hardin did something terrible to Tessa, and the first book ending with an obvious cliff-hanger, we start where we left off. Tessa is upset and angry, and both her and Hardin are living separate lives, therefore the After We Collided title. But even though in their separate worlds, they still miss each other, and can feel that void every second of the day.

When a couple of random (or maybe not so random) circumstances bring them back to each other’s lives, it’s time for a test. A test of their love, their trust for each other, and their ability to grow in this relationship.

Is Hardin really sorry for what he’s done, and is he ready to change? Does Tessa loves and trusts Hardin enough to fully forgive him and give him another chance?

My Thoughts:

Honestly, I enjoyed the first book way more! Perhaps it was due to the fact that I expected both Tessa and Hardin to grow as characters, but they didn’t. At least not as a couple. They acted as if they haven’t learned anything from what happened before. And in After We Collided there was way less drama compared to the first book, which I felt was missing. Mostly, I expected more from Hardin. He was behaving like a small child (again) that didn’t get his pudding after dinner. And Tessa being Tessa, allowed for him to come into her life again and keep hurting her.

However, all things considered, their relationship is what a typical teenage relationship is all about. Lots of drama, jealousy, tears, words said without meaning, battle of the egos and lack of communication. The only part I still don’t like is how Tessa is presented to be unable to have a normal and happy life if Hardin is not in it. No, Tessa, you don’t need a man to be happy. Well, apparently, you do.

I liked everything else though.

The part where we meet Hardin’s mum. I really love that woman, and she’s probably the best side character in the books so far. The babysitting and Hardin bonding with the little kiddo. I even loved the scenes when Tessa was at work. Even the scenes with Trevor. I quite like him, and would love to read more about him.

Even though Tessa and Hardin couldn’t grow as a couple, they did grow a bit as individuals. I am quite excited for book 3 – After We Fell, and I will probably read it very soon. I am very invested in this relationship now, and I really hope the next book will make me believe in #Hessa a little bit more. Right now, I am not so convinced they are meant for each other. And as always, big thanks to my sister, for sharing her After series with me, without the need to bribe me (yet).

After by Anna Todd [BOOK REVIEW]

After by Anna Todd is the perfect teenage romance book.

★★★★★

I know I’m late to the After party. But hey, better late than never! I started After by Anna Todd in the evening, then stayed up all night because I had to finish it. And then, I begged my teen sister for the second book. She kindly agreed to give the book to me. I hope she doesn’t change her mind just to torture me. We’ll have to see how this unravels.

Synopsis:

Tessa is just starting college, and she’s got everything planned. In one year, her boyfriend Noah will join her as well. But then she meets her wild roommate Steph as well as the incredibly rude guy with a British accent, Hardin. And everything changes!

My Thoughts:

Tessa is a good girl and she doesn’t do parties and short dresses. And she goes to a party with Steph and something changes. She can’t look away. Harding is doing something to her and she can barely resist. But she has a boyfriend. And also, everything she has a good moment with Hardin, two bad ones follow. Hardin is toxic, and Tessa hurts him in return as well. Also, their communication has to improve. Not the mention how the whole boyfriend situation was handled.

Honestly, I thought my opinions would be conflicting. But they’re not. I really enjoyed the book and I’m looking forward to the second one. Also, I know Hardin is based on Harry Styles, but while I was reading the book, he didn’t once cross my mind. I also often have fantasies about celebrities, I just don’t happen to write them. Honestly, it’s not a big deal.

My only worry was that teens might see Hardin’s toxic side and think that’s how a girl should be treated. But that would mean underestimating the girls out there. Even in the book, Tessa was aware Hardin’s behaviour was not okay, which is why she reacted the way she did. The facts she would return only meant that she had feelings for him. Their relationship has more issues than good parts, but in all honesty, when I think about my high school days, it was that way for me too. I didn’t handle things well. Sometimes I didn’t communicate well. I trusted people I shouldn’t have trusted. And that’s the beauty of this book.

After by Anna Todd is the perfect teenage book.

It reminded me of my days of high school and uni. Attending parties I shouldn’t have and trusting people that didn’t deserve my trust. Handling relationships badly and having terrible ability to communicate. And this book brought all the excitement back and more. Fond and not so fond memories that reminded me that I have lived at the fullest.

In the next book, I do hope that their relationship improves. I hope Hardin grows up and Tessa communicates to him, instead of hurting him back. Also, I hope Tessa fixes her relationship with her mother as well, even though her mother needs to work on her own biases as well. I also hope that the dramas continue as well – I really love them.

After by Anna Todd was a very refreshing read for me, because I don’t usually read teen romance anymore. I really hope I read it sooner, and I think I should get back to this genre as well. It kept me intrigued and hooked all the way through, and I certainly recommend it.

P.S. If you want a good boy Hardin, watch the movie instead of reading the book. But don’t expect too much. It could’ve used a more “”bad boy” looking actor as well. Sorry, Hero, it’s nothing personal. You’re just not the Hardin I imagined.

Purchase Links:
Amazon UK | Amazon US