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Source: borrowed/Public Library
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Others: What Happened to Goodbye ; Along for the Ride
When it comes to relationships, Remy doesn't mess around. After all, she's learned all there is to know from her mother, who's currently working on husband number five. But there's something about Dexter that seems to defy all of Remy's rules. He certainly doesn't seem like Mr. Right. For some reason, however, Remy just can't seem to shake him. Could it be that Remy's starting to understand what those love songs are all about?
Ah, Sarah, as much as I hate to say it, you disappointed me this time around. First of all, I hate players. Especially girl players. I know you're probably thinking back to that one time when I described my undying love for Wesley in The DUFF - aka the biggest fictional man-whore ever - and before you start pelting me with apples and doughnuts for, what appears to be, unjustified sexism, allow me to explain myself - because, after all, that would be a horrible waste of doughnuts.
I live by the following motto: "If you can't love with permanence, love always with kindness," thought up by yours truly... well, kinda (there's some Nora Roberts thrown in there). So it peeves me when I see people INTENTIONALLY hurt others in matters of the heart, where people are the most vulnerable. And the only reason why SOME guys - granted FICTIONAL guys - can get away with it is because I fall for their cursed good looks and latent sexual prowess. I know, totally superficial and unfair of me. But, at least the guys can charm me out of being angry with them. What have females got for me? Nada. Therefore I get - and stay - angrier at them. So, the fact that Remy thinks she's got love, life, and relationships all figured out didn't make me feel compassion toward her, as I think it was intended, but instead annoyed the hell out of me. I mean, girlfriend, you're like what, seventeen? I'm only one year behind you, and I don't have all the answers figured out. What makes you think YOU do? I don't know... perhaps, I'm insensitive and unreceptive. (Pffft.)
In my book, she doesn't even really deserve a guy like Dex. Sweet, fun, and eccentric Dex. A musician and a nice one at that. Instead of going gaga at their romance like I had hoped, I just got infinitely more peeved. Remy believes she can't be with him long-term because... what? why? I don't get it, personally. It seems to me she has some trust issues and is on the narcissistic side... So, I don't know if you've... well, noticed, but I'm not all that fond of Remy. And my frustration and dislike only grew as the book progressed, as Dex worked to open her up to him only to have the door closed in his face. He was so patient and loving throughout the whole thing - though not without his flaws, mind you - and above all, sweet. Even though I didn't really enjoy Remy's character, I couldn't help but think, Okay, great, exactly what the doctor ordered to cure that bitter, resentful, cynical heart of hers.
But then I got a smack in the face. (SPOILER) Not only does the girl dump my guy, but she manages to accuse him of all sorts of, what I deem as, bullshit. And proceeds to act stupidly throughout the last few pages of the novel. Then, just when, I thought she'd finally earned Dex's forgiveness - though, if it was me, I'd've tossed her out the window to be done with it, but I get it - love is love, after all - Dessen slaps me with one of those, They'll find each other again someday endings. Really? Really? So I'm meaning to tell you that I sat there, for hours, through a three hundred-something paged, drama-filled novel to have it end LIKE THAT. With only a CHANCE that they'll come back together again and rekindle their relationship. And to that I say, Son of a-
Anyway, I ended up detesting the latter half of the book. Which sucks because, this book had some really good aspects (besides that pitiful heroine). There were some adorable scenes between Dex and Remy, that I would not trade for the world. They could be so cute together at times - or should I say Remy actually had a few good points. Her only mistake, to my everlasting dismay, was letting Dex go. But the ending just... I'm still breathing fire, even as I write this.
"Now, tell me why you like me."
"Who says I do?"
"Remy," he said sternly. "Don't make me call you sweet again."
"Fine, fine..."
"Well," I said finally, knowing he was waiting, "you make me laugh."
He nodded. "And?"
"You're pretty good-looking."
"Pretty good-looking? I called you beautiful."
"You want to be beautiful?" I asked him.
"Are you saying I'm not?"
I looked at the ceiling, shaking my head.
"I'm kidding, I'll stop..."
"Okay," he said as I turned back to face him, sliding my arms around his neck. "You don't have to say it out loud. I already know why you like me."
"You do, huh?"
"Yep."
He wrapped his around my waist, pulling me closer. "So," I said. "Tell me."
"It's animal attraction," he said simply. "Totally chemical..."
"It doesn't matter, anyway, why you like me."
"No?"
"Nope." His hands were in my hair now, and I was leaning in, not able to totally make out his face, but his voice was clear, close to my ear. "Just that you do." (190)
Okay, I experienced a slow, inevitable meltdown when I read this. Love you, Dexter, like with all my effing heart!
If you're wanting to read about love and musicians, give the following book a try (though, you may want to break out the Kleenex):
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| Click HERE to head to its Goodreads page. Click HERE to go to my review. |
