This was a sample and it’s Colleen Hoover so I really want to read this book. Like any of her books it hooks you from the beginning and I’m sad it was just a sample.

So this was different. Not in a bad way. It still had the same writing and unique characters I've come to expect in a Colleen Hoover novel. The thing that sets Without Merit apart from her previous novels is that the romance aspect of the book isn't the main focus.

The main focus is Merit Voss and her quirky family, including her identical twin sister, two brothers, her dad and step-mother, and her mother who still lives in the basement of the Voss family home despite being divorced from her father. Each family member harbors their own secrets and issues and instead of confronting them, they pretend like they don't exist.

Merit is not very likable in this book. She has a very negative view of everyone in her family and very low self confidence. She finally hits a breaking point and the Voss family is forced to deal with everything they've been sweeping under the rug for so long.

I really liked this book and appreciate that Colleen tried to branch out a little bit from her typical romances and focused more on the dynamics of this crazy family. My only issue is that I wish we would have gotten an epilogue a few months or a year in the future after they've been in therapy because I feel like the story ended without really wrapping anything up. I still have so many questions.

CoHo and Tarryn Fisher are two people who bring me out of my reading slumps but lately it hasn't been working out like that anymore. I usually read Collen's books as soon as they come out and yet the fact that I could resist reading this and reviewing it for so long shows that something is definitely wrong.
Firstly, this ISN'T a romance novel but it damn well felt like it. I liked Merit's character as much as people like pineapples on a pizza. Some people do. Most don't. So while many people MIGHT like her, I didn't. The only reason I even kept reading this book was that Collen has an engaging writing style. But other than that, I didn't really care about anything and forgot about this book totally two days after I read it which is why I don't have anything to talk about in this review.
Still wondering why I gave it three stars?
I'm wondering the same

I only read this a sample...so it did what it should have. I was ready for the whole story. Colleen Hoover is a romance super star. I will read any words she deems important. With an open mind and heart. LOVED IT thank you

This was an another amazing book. Colleen Hoover never ceases to amaze me and always leaves me wanting more from her. Her writing style is flawless. Her humor and wit are spot on. This book did not disappoint. From the quirky characters, to the sensitive subject matter at hand (no spoilers here), Hoover really captured everything perfectly and told a beautiful story. I really love that this book was outside the norm and really gave the YA community a chance to open up about certain issues. This book was so powerful and I truly feel like it will help many, weather they realize it right away or not. I will definitely be reading every single thing Colleen Hoover publishes.

This was weird and awkward and wonderful. I completely loved it from beginning to end. This family had plenty of faults but eventually figured out how to just be real with each other. They were messy. They were uncomfortable. They were completely amazing.

Pros:

This is completely different from anything Colleen’s ever written
These characters were each complex in their own ways, making them extremely lifelike
This book addresses some pretty important issues that many teens face
The message of forgiveness and understanding is really strong
That cameo!
It was written by Colleen and let’s be real, she could write gibberish on the greasy back of an old takeout paper bag and I would still read it
It was a refreshingly different type of read, but it was still so full of feels
“Bitch you”
She gets me every damn time with these awesome covers
This book is considered YA, but it is not an immature book. It is written in a way that young adults AND adults can both relate to and enjoy
Cons:

I’m not sure there are any, to be perfectly honest
Okay well maybe Merit was sort of a brat
My Thoughts: Okay. So my spoiler-filled review (if I decide to write one) will obviously be in more detail because I can actually talk about things. I’ll link it here when I write it.

Where do I even start with this book? This is, obviously, quite different from what we normally get from Colleen Hoover. I was honestly just a little hesitant going into this book. I didn’t go in blind, per se, but I read as little about it as I could because I wanted to be surprised. But I was still hesitant. Why change something that works well, right?

So I picked this book up a day early. After reading that Colleen didn’t really care if we bought her books early because she’s already been a bestseller, I drove straight to B&N and waited for them to open and bought it. And started reading in traffic on the way home. Don’t tell my husband.

The journey this book took me on was one that I don’t think I really expected. I laughed, my heartstrings were tugged, I was angry, I was worried. The whole spectrum of emotions ran through me, basically all within the second half of this book. This isn’t just a romantic love story, this is a story about family love, and self love.

And every single character in this book has something that we can love or admire about them. Their personalities are all different. Right down to four year old little Moby. But together they form this great unit of characters that are very fun to read.

This is about as much as I can write without spoiling the book, but honestly I think that this is a book that every parent should go out and buy their teenager. Right now.

Their feelings our valid. All of our feelings are valid. And it’s important to know this.

Quotes [Only listing a few here because I loved the whole book]:

“Not every mistake deserves a consequence. Sometimes the only thing it deserves is forgiveness.”
“We’re all a degree of fucked-up.”
“Bitch you.”
“Your emotions are valid, Merit. Don’t let anyone tell you any different. You’re the only one who feels them.”

Nobody else can write imperfectly flawed, real life characters the way Colleen does. This book was so much more than I thought it would be. The redemption for each character was incredible and inspiring and really touched me on a personal level. This book gave me hope and healing and I'm so thankful I read it exactly when I did. Another 5+ stars from me.

This sample grabbed my attention enough to make me purchase a print copy and the ebook.
Most of Colleen's books are true gems and this one will be in the same category no doubt

Nice excerpt, now I am excited to read. I like how unique this family is and am interested in learning more about them.

I was hooked on this book from the intro. The family is so quirky and I have to find out what happened with sister’s boyfriend. I did purchase the book, I know Colleen Hoover never disappoints.

OK so the Queen wrote this. I know this is just the excerpt, but for real. Can we all agree she is the best? No one else can make me feel all the feels like she does! Do yourself a favor... if you think you want to just start with this excerpt, go ahead and buy the full book because you will end up purchasing it anyways. I can't review as good as the taco guy, but I just want to get the message out there that you need this book in your life. The whole one. Again, just get it. You're welcome.

Just for the excerpt I loved this book, which lead me to buy it and read it all in one sitting. I love Merit and getting to know her family.

I haven't had the chance to read the whole book yet, but it is on my TBR list for this summer.
Colleen Hoover always writes powerful stories, and I can't wait to read it from cover to cover.

I absolutely loved Merit's quirks and that this book delves into mental illness and the struggles it can cause. Without Merit explores depression and suicidal ideation and it brings about the ugly truths that are sometimes hard to face. As always, it was brilliantly written by Colleen and has left a lasting impression.

Colleen Hoover never disappoints me. This excert of Without Merit, was the perfect amount to convince me that I needed to know more about these characters. I need to know what happens next!

Simply amazing I don't think there is book that colleen can write that isn't. This little snpbit only left me wanting more. This is a must purchase!!!!

Love Colleen Hoover's writing style !! Without Merit is a very good read. Colleen has a way to write about real life situations and makes you have a better understanding of them.... you may not always get the ending you want but that is what makes her stories more life-like!

Great beginning for the book! Can't wait to read all of it!

Anyone who reads Without Merit can relate in someway to one of the characters. I love that Colleen hits on a serious topic of depression. It hits home for so many people and seeing her bring it to light means the world to me as a reader. My 13 year old daughter battles depression and has for a few years. I will eventually give her a copy of this book when she is old enough to read it and let her know she is not alone.....