Slip of the Tongue by Jessica Hawkins – 1 star
Slip of the tongue tells the story of Sadie – a perfectionist when it comes to her marriage. But she is having trouble wit her husband Nathan who has been cold, distant, and just downright mean. And when her hot as sin new neighbor Finn moves in, she goes to him for comfort and their affair begins.
There were things I liked about this story. And A LOT of things I did not.
Actually, as I sit here and write this review, I think the only thing I actually did like about this story was Finn. He was sexy, sweet, patient, and even though he wasn’t Sadie’s husband, I was kind of routing for him the whole time.
“If you can’t do this, I will. I’ll make this decision for us. When you hurt tomorrow, physically, or emotionally… when you question what we did…when you ache to do it again- I’ll take the blame for all of it Sadie.”
See? He’s probably the only thing that kept me going.
Now for what I didn’t like. As I read, and especially when I finished, something about the story was just …off. Something didn’t click with me. Maybe it was the choppy writing, which I personally am not a fan of.
But as I continued to think about it, realization dawned. So I’ll just admit it….the heroine?
There, I said it. I found her annoying, self-involved, spoiled, and rather daft. I had an extremely hard time understanding how someone could fall head over heels for this girl, especially after spending only a few short moments together. Was Finn really willing to change his whole life for HER? I just didn’t believe it. Apart from her lack of remorse and some infuriating thoughts, she lacked personality and I found her dull. I don’t think the book being solely in her point of view helped this. After a while, I started to skim her inner monologues because I just didn’t care for her thoughts.
WARNING: A few RANTY SPOILERS below to further clarify what I didn’t like:
– Her reasoning for justifying her affair was absolutely ridiculous. It was completely blown out of proportion. Nathan was definitely cold towards her because of what he found out she hid from him, but his behavior was happening for not even 2 months, and it took her quite some time to open her mouth and even confront him about it. Granted, he should have spoken to her about it. That I agree on. But she mentions multiple times how HAPPY their marriage has been. So at the first hiccup, it’s ok to just abandon your marriage? PUH-LEASE.
-Yes, Nathan was cold, yes he was distant, yes he shut her out. But when it came down to it, and Nathan found out about the affair, I don’t even think she said SORRY. She literally held zero accountability for OPENING HER LEGS FOR ANOTHER MAN. And I am not saying how Nathan acted was right. But after he finds out, he just brushes it off, they barely speak of what she did, and all is forgiven. I’m sorry, but I am pretty sure if someone broke your trust and vows, a conversation and maybe a “hey I’m sorry someone else’s dick was in me” is warranted. Just saying.
I won’t spoil it and discuss which man she winds up with, but in my opinion the ending was too wrapped up in a neat little bow. And the reactions of both men just ‘accepting’ things was so unrealistic.
thecrazyworldofabooklover 