Tough Critic Book Reviews: NEW REVIEW: You Were Mine by Abbi Glines

Gossip is the ultimate currency in Rosemary Beach, but Bethy and Tripp have managed to keep one big secret to themselves.

Eight years ago, Tripp Newark was dating a rich girl he didn’t like and was on his way to Yale—and a future he didn’t want. The only way he could escape his predictable life would be to give up the money and power that came with his family’s name. And that’s exactly what he planned to do. At the end of the summer, he was going to ride off on his Harley and never look back.

That was before he met Beth Lowry.

It was only supposed to be a summer fling. She was a sixteen-year-old trailer-park girl who served drinks to his friends at Kerrington Country Club. They didn’t run in the same social circles. No one even knew they were friends, let alone lovers. Yet, for one summer, Bethy became his entire world.

But he couldn’t give up on his plan. He needed to leave Rosemary Beach, but he vowed he would come back for her.

Problem was, by the time he came back—years later than promised—it was too late. His cousin, Jace, had already claimed the woman he loved. . . .

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Dear Abbi,

It’s me…again. Guess WHAT!?!!! I just finished You Were Mine, and I have thoughts, lots of thoughts. Good thoughts. Bad thoughts. Conflicting thoughts. Reflective thoughts….THOUGHTS!

Your ability to create a world of intricately interwoven characters developed in such a way that people continue to come back for more…and more…and more, is astounding. The longevity of most of your series is a direct testament to your skill as a writer. A testament to your ability to “spike” your books with something so intangibly addictive that readers can’t help but fuel a need for more. For that, I salute you.

Some of your books are totally me. Some aren’t. Some I love. Some I like. Some…not so much. Despite my personal feelings, I always find something, and I always go in with an open mind.

That’s exactly how You Were Mine initially took me by storm. My expectations were cautious and hopeful.

At first I was overwhelmed by how much I liked it. The first half was griping, compelling, and for lack of a better word…really, really good. I was caught up in the past as much as I was anticipating the future. There was something so heartbreaking and intense about Beth and Tripp’s relationship. Their story. But more specifically his devotion and unfailing need to protect Beth. His support was unconditional.

Beth kept him at a distance, pushed him away even, but Tripp let her. He gave her what she needed. Space. Well, the illusion of space. He was happy being on the sidelines, being there just in case she fell, just in case she broke. His actions were nothing short of selfless. I loved everything about their story. If I am just looking at the first half, it may be my favorite book in the series, but things got a little off after that.

The second half slowed down a bit and I found myself getting bored, almost like I was stuck on a plateau. I can’t really put my finger on exactly what happened but the pacing slowed way down and then the ending sped way up. Then...it ended. It ended way too fast. It just ended. I don’t think I was ready. I felt like time was wasted on those slower parts and then we ran out of time.

It didn’t ruin the book for me, and I am convinced fans of this series are going to love Beth and Tripp’s story. Hell, I loved their story. It somehow set itself apart from the others. I love me some Rush and Blaire, but this was just so emotionally raw. I just wish it would have been executed consistently from beginning to end. I felt like all the heart was in the first half, but the conclusion, the closure was rushed.

The content was there though, and that alone gets five stars.

Abbi, it’s obvious you have more talent in the cuticle of your pinky finger than most people have in their entire body. I know exactly what I’m going to get out of a Abbi Glines book, and that’s good, but at the same time it almost feels like I’m sometimes reading the same story (great stories), but with different characters.

I'm a fan, and for you I have the utmost respect. I also remain hopeful. Hopeful of reading that book I don’t see coming. That book that’s a game changer. That book that’s different from anything you’ve ever done before. That book that doesn’t just step outside your box, but blows the whole damn thing up. Because if anyone can do it, it’s you.

Sincerely,

Your reader

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About the Author

Abbi Glines is the New York Times, USA TODAY, and Wall Street Journal bestselling author of the Rosemary Beach, Sea Breeze, Vincent Boys, and Existence series. A devoted booklover, Abbi lives with her family in Alabama. She maintains a Twitter addiction at @AbbiGlines and can also be found at Facebook.com/AbbiGlinesAuthor and AbbiGlines.com.

You Were Mine by Abbi Glines

Paperback: Atria Books | ISBN 9781476776071 | December 2, 2014 | $15.00

eBook: Atria Books | ISBN 9781476776088| December 2, 2014 | $7.99

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