Once in awhile you come across an author who you've never read before whose book completely blows your mind. HOPELESS is that book for me.

There are so many things I loved about this book. First thing is Hoover's writing. Immediately I was drawn in by Sky's POV. Sky is a seventeen year old girl who has had her fair share of problems, but doesn't allow them to get the best of her. Sky is clever, sarcastic, funny and more mature than most teenagers due to the fact that she has already experienced more than most teens have at her age. Sky is a heroine who has flaws, but isn't apologetic about them. She is who she is, even though her identity gets lost in the course of the book.

Hoover's words are almost lyrical, beautiful its simplicity and utterly gutting in its rawness. There are clever, sarcastic moments that balance the moments that tear your heart out. A lot of work went into this book and you can tell that attention to detail is crucial for this author.

There is another thing that I love about HOPELESS. Two words: DEAN HOLDER. Cue sighs, swoons, the sound of panties spontaneously combusting! Holder is like a dream. He does all the right things, says all the right things but even then, he makes mistakes. And somehow, you can still find it within yourself to forgive him.

Holder and Sky go through an experience that is unconventional and will test their bond. But the great thing about this book is the romance. It's spectacular and probably the best romance I've read in a long time. Hoover brings two opposites together and despite their hesitancy on both sides, they fall in love slowly and Hoover explores that in great detail so that readers don't feel as if they are simply reading a romance book, but that they are also falling in love.

Immediately their love is tested by the events of the past and it turns into a ride that is wholly encompassing and shocking. I anticipated some heartbreak, but never to this level. I cried, sobbed, wept and by the end of it all, my chest physically hurt from the emotional reaction this book evoked from me. HOPELESS gutted me.

Simply put, I loved HOPELESS from beginning to end. Prepare to knock all other favorites off your keeper shelf because Colleen Hoover's HOPELESS deserves its a coveted spot all on its own.