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heathercottledillon's review against another edition
3.0
When Alex falls for Cole, the cute new guy at school, everything seems perfect. Sure, he seems a little jealous of her good friend Zach, and any other guy who comes near her. But he's sweet, he loves her, and he understands her like no one else. As time goes by, though, it seems like something's wrong. Soon Alex can't ignore Cole's put-downs, threats, and increasingly violent behavior, but she can't seem to let go of her first love. As things get worse, Alex realizes she's going to have to make a big decision before it's too late.
I'm really happy to see a teen novel that addresses violence like this without being too preachy. That said, I didn't really enjoy the actual story very much. It felt very predictable to me and I thought several aspects were oversimplified. I wish there was more backstory on both of the main characters--Alex and Cole--to help me understand how they ended up in the positions they were in. Although limiting their stories emphasizes that dating violence can happen to anyone, as a reader I wanted more.
I'm really happy to see a teen novel that addresses violence like this without being too preachy. That said, I didn't really enjoy the actual story very much. It felt very predictable to me and I thought several aspects were oversimplified. I wish there was more backstory on both of the main characters--Alex and Cole--to help me understand how they ended up in the positions they were in. Although limiting their stories emphasizes that dating violence can happen to anyone, as a reader I wanted more.
reader4evr's review against another edition
4.0
Wow, what a crazy book. Jennifer Brown just continues to amaze me with her writing style and the way she "tackled" this typical of an abusive relationship. I think this is a must read for teen girls because this is scary how things like this actually do happen and girls like Alex that don't speak up and they think things are going to get better. There were some moments in the book that I was so upset with Alex especially with what Cole was doing to her but I think she felt like like she was alone and couldn't tell anyone especially anyone in her family.
Although this is a tough topic for maybe a teen girl to read but it is a must even parents too.
Although this is a tough topic for maybe a teen girl to read but it is a must even parents too.
halynah's review against another edition
5.0
The book is great, but really difficult emotionally.It's not a relaxing reading - it is the book, that makes you think about certain things, that are not pretty and pleasant, and for teenagers and their parents it is definitely a must-read!
good1kenz's review against another edition
3.0
this novel was absolutely heart wrenching. Alex's struggle got to me on so many occasions. I found myself setting the book down on multiple occasions because I couldn't keep imagining her situation. I wanted to scream at her that she could do better. That she was better than this. It was far too real. I think everyone should read this book so to not find themselves in this situation.
charms1976's review against another edition
5.0
I actually finished reading this book a few days ago but I was at a loss for words on how to describe my feelings for it in a post. Yes, it was that good and that emotional of a read. Physical abuse in the young adult genre is a subject that is not touched on that much. I think authors are either afraid to talk about it in a novel for this genre, or it might even be something that is frowned upon. In Bitter End, author Jennifer Brown stepped over that boundary and gave it her all. I am so happy that she did and shared a story that teens need to be aware of.
I could understand when Alex falls for Cole. He seems like the perfect guy that is sexy, sweet and romantic. Yet as you read further into the relationship, you start to realize that Cole isn't so perfect. He is possessive, controlling, and yes he is abusive. We can all say that we would never be in a relationship that involves abuse, but you never really know what a person goes through and how easy it is to fall into this trap of a relationship. The way the author tells the story, she builds it to where the abuse is slow in progression. You don't realize you are in one until you are in too deep.
When Alex starts making excuses for Cole and his actions, you start to feel the conflict that she is going through in picking between her love for Cole and her love for her friends. I cannot express how much this book effected me. It was written beautifully and in my opinion, needs to be in school libraries for young teens to read.
If you haven't already bought your copy of Bitter End, you need to grab yourself one. An emotional read that will have you thinking about the book for days after.
I could understand when Alex falls for Cole. He seems like the perfect guy that is sexy, sweet and romantic. Yet as you read further into the relationship, you start to realize that Cole isn't so perfect. He is possessive, controlling, and yes he is abusive. We can all say that we would never be in a relationship that involves abuse, but you never really know what a person goes through and how easy it is to fall into this trap of a relationship. The way the author tells the story, she builds it to where the abuse is slow in progression. You don't realize you are in one until you are in too deep.
When Alex starts making excuses for Cole and his actions, you start to feel the conflict that she is going through in picking between her love for Cole and her love for her friends. I cannot express how much this book effected me. It was written beautifully and in my opinion, needs to be in school libraries for young teens to read.
If you haven't already bought your copy of Bitter End, you need to grab yourself one. An emotional read that will have you thinking about the book for days after.
alboyer6's review against another edition
2.0
I don't know if I just wasn't in the mood for this type of book. (I did recently read Hate List and LOVE it!) I just didn't have much patience for this one and skipped a good chunk in the middle. Maybe I'll try it again another day.
mckinlay's review against another edition
5.0
I can relate to this book, unfortunately. Brown kind of nails how it feels to be abused but still in love. love this book!
j_ritt02's review against another edition
5.0
I love this book. I felt it showed how this situation might really be handled.