I feel somewhat bad about the whole experience. I mean, Bradshaw is one of my favorite authors, listed as such on my profile. And every single person I follow and/or am friends with not only liked the book, they loved it. What was it, 6 people? 6 five stars. And then mine.

This was a difficult book for me to complete. I seem to be saying that a lot in reviews recently, but even if so, this one was difficult for a different reason. Everything about it was pissing me off. The writing, the story, the characters. The over the top melodrama that I read. Heck, I kinda hated the winking way the book ended.

I'm vaguely curious (not really) if I somehow read a different book than everyone else. Since so many others loved it. Ah well.

below is what I wrote when I initially DNF'd this book
This is not the book I expected. Does not meet what I was lead to believe from the description or reviews. Granted I'm stopping at 28%, so maybe everything glows like rainbows before everything is said and done. But I'm physically in pain. Literally, not figuratively. And unlike Harper, I know when tempting myself with destruction. So I must stop. Before I hurt myself more.

TMI: I suppose I should note that I have one of those lovely little medical conditions which can cause pain, set off from certain things. Most of the time not involving strong emotions. And since it is rare, I don't know the signs leading up to pain. So, yeah, my rage grew and grew to the point I suddenly rolled into a ball of pain.

I'll just leave my status updates:

11.0% "Well that was quite uncomfortable. Two women flirting with deep attraction on both sides. Eww. Heh, no, it's the part where one is in a long term committed relationship with another woman. I really hope we get past this flirtation quickly."

19.0% "The whole Lauren & Harper thing is really starting to get on my nerves. I'm confused. Bradshaw does not normally piss me off this much. This book is not at all what I expected from the reviews and description. I'm beginning to actually hate Harper."

28.0% "Yeah. That's it. I can't continue. The rage built to a point where my body literally was in pain. And yes, I do know what the word literally means. I loathe Harper."

Oh, and I was going to add to that last update: I also was beginning to dislike Lauren, but the story is told from Harper's point of view, and then there was this meltdown and well, I was/am willing to give Lauren a one-time pass for her part in the activity up to the 28% mark.

Bradshaw is on my list as one of my favorite authors. I mean, listed right there on my profile and everything. This would have been my tenth book by her, if I had been able to complete it. And it is causing me to think that I'll not be able to read another. Which is absurd. I'll ease into another one eventually. Maybe even this one.

ETA: Well . . . of course, despite writing the above, I attempted to continue. Up to 32%. When Abby's catty little "You mean 'pretty boy.' Oh, he's so far in the closet, he can't see the door. . . ." and Harper's response of "I knew he was too pretty" pissed me off again. Like . . . Harper allows herself to be bisexual, but everyone else has to be straight or gay? Steven isn't allowed to be bisexual? The whole 'bisexuals aren't real' vibe oozing off of Abby's catty comment is bloody annoying. Good, now I'm annoyed at Lauren, Harper, and Abby. If I continue, I'll probably end up hating all of them.

ETA2: hmms. I think I was thinking of a different book instead of this one when I started. I looked at the reviews again just now and they are not what I recalled reading months and months ago. I think I might have accidentally started reading the wrong book. So I screwed myself here. pfft. Nooo, I can't be at fault! Nooooo. mmphs.

ETA - post completion: Right, the above text was what I left in this here box when I initially DNF'd the book. I've finished the book now, but it's roughly 3 a.m. so the prior writing will have to stay for now. ( )