Rating: ★★★☆☆
Genre: Romance Mystery
Available On: Amazon
Entering the world of Verity by Colleen Hoover felt like embarking on a rollercoaster of unexpected twists and turns. I love Romance Mystery novels and have enjoyed CoHo’s books in the past (even counting her as one of the best romance authors) so I was really looking forward to this one. It started well, capturing my attention with an intriguing plot premise. The narrative’s energy threaded through the pages, creating an uncontrollable yet well managed whirlwind that kept me hooked from start to finish.
Lowen Ashleigh, a financially struggling writer, encounters a life-changing opportunity when Jeremy Crawford, the husband of bestselling author Verity Crawford, hires her to complete the remaining books in Verity’s successful series. Verity, incapacitated due to severe brain damage from a car accident, is unable to finish the work herself.
Upon settling into the Crawford home, Lowen discovers Verity’s outlines and notes, intending to find inspiration for emulating her writing style. However, her search takes an unexpected turn when she stumbles upon Verity’s unfinished autobiography. The manuscript unveils not only the truth behind the tragic day Verity’s daughter died but also exposes Verity’s authentic self.
Caught between the moral dilemma of revealing the devastating contents to Jeremy, who is still grieving, and the potential personal gains from exposing the truth, Lowen grapples with a choice that could alter the course of her life. The manuscript becomes a closely guarded secret, offering a compelling and suspenseful twist to the narrative.
The Problem With Verity
The characters, especially Lowen Ashleigh and Jeremy Crawford, played integral roles in the story. Their complex relationships added layers to the narrative, and they brought a certain amount of unpredictability to the table. However, as characters they were somewhat lacking distinct personalities, and at times come across as simultaneously shallow and convoluted.
The exploration of trauma and tragedy in Verity, while attempting to add substance to the characters, was also problematic. While it’s integral to the plot, there was a sense they were thrown in simpy for backstories without thorough exploration.
As I have come to expect from Colleen Hoover, the narrative was well peppered with spice and an abundance of sex scenes. While I enjoyed these scenes and the flavour they brought to the story, there was perhaps not quite the right balance between the spice and the rest of the plot, characters and relationships – given the complex issues raised by the book and the way they, at times, seem to be skimmed over, we could have had a little less spice if it allowed deeper exploration of other elements.
The conclusion of the book, which struck me as powerful and memorable, left an impact that I’m still reverberating from. However, it didn’t tie everything up as neatly as I’d have liked, with some aspects of the resolution felt abrupt and lacked consequences for certain plot elements. It was a good ending, but not entirely satisfactory, which was annoying.
Overall, Verity offered a gripping narrative with unexpected plot twists, and the characters contributed to the overall intrigue, even though some aspects may have fallen short. The explicit content and the resolution of certain plot points are points to consider, but the overall reading experience is likely to be shaped by individual preferences for these different elements. Colleen Hoover can have this effect. Personally I really enjoyed It Ends With Us, then hated It Starts With Us, and I know many who had the polar opposite experience of that duology, so you may not be irritated by the elements I found annoying.
I’ve come to appreciate, having now read three of her books, that CoHo is very much a marmite author. Not only in the sense that people either love her or hate her, but that even those who like her can either love or hate her individual books. It’s odd; I can’t think of another author that’s been so inconsistent for me.
What Genre is Verity by Colleen Hoover?
Verity is primarily a romantic mystery novel and psychological thriller. The story incorporates elements of mystery, psychological tension, and romantic intrigue, making it a blend of genres. The narrative revolves around unexpected twists, dark secrets, and the complexities of relationships, contributing to its classification within the psychological thriller and romantic suspense genres.
How Spicy is the Novel?
Verity is moderately spicy, with some relatively explicit scenes although it doesn’t (imo) turn up the heat too much. I found the prevalence of the spice to overshadow the plot in places, but it was still very enjoyable to read! The novel’s explicit scenes do contribute to the overall atmosphere and dynamics of the characters.
What Romance Tropes Are In Verity?
Verity is a psychological thriller that intricately weaves several tropes (though not necessarily romance tropes, which is my usual fodder) into its narrative, adding layers of complexity and intrigue to the story.
Abusive Parent
Verity’s complex relationship with her twin daughters forms a central theme, initially portraying her as an abusive parent. However, a subversion occurs as revelations in her autobiography suggest an inverted and exaggerated portrayal, challenging the initial perception.
Ambiguous Situation
The narrative introduces ambiguity surrounding Verity’s autobiography. Was it a genuine writing exercise, as she claims in her letter, or a manipulative attempt to gain sympathy from Jeremy, leaving readers to question the reliability of the characters’ perspectives?
Asshole Victim
Verity, initially portrayed as a manipulative and jealous character, becomes a victim in a shocking twist. However, a horrific subversion emerges when a secret letter suggests that Verity’s actions were intentionally inverted and exaggerated, challenging the perception of her as a monster.
Creepy Child
Crew, Jeremy’s and Verity’s son, adds a touch of eeriness to the story. His quiet demeanor and apparent dislike of Lowen contribute to the suspense, suggesting an awareness of the danger she poses.
Death of a Child
The tragic deaths of Jeremy and Verity’s twin daughters, initially presented as one of the novel’s darker elements, undergoes a subversion. Verity’s autobiography reveals her delusional beliefs, challenging the circumstances surrounding the deaths.
Green-Eyed Monster
Verity’s jealousy and resentment towards her daughters are portrayed as extreme, but the subversion suggests these traits may have been inverted and exaggerated for narrative effect.
Hate Sink
Verity is intentionally crafted as a character readers are meant to despise, with both the protagonist and the character herself acknowledging this. The later subversion challenges this perception, revealing a more sympathetic side.
Obfuscating Disability
The trope of faking a disability is introduced as Lowen suspects Verity’s actions. However, the subversion reveals Verity’s genuine fear and a sympathetic reason behind her actions.
Poor Communication Kills
A theme of miscommunication drives the plot, with Verity’s inability to communicate effectively leading to tragic consequences. The subversion challenges readers’ perceptions of guilt and innocence.
Really Gets Around
Verity and Jeremy’s past relationships contribute to the novel’s exploration of their characters, adding layers to their personalities and the dynamics of their marriage.
Second Love
The novel explores complex relationships, including Jeremy’s admission that Lowen is his second love. Lowen’s reflections on Jeremy’s potential search for love amid Verity’s condition adds a layer of sympathy and understanding to the characters.
Shrinking Violet
Lowen’s reclusive and insecure nature contributes to her character depth, creating a multidimensional protagonist.
Sympathetic Adulterer
The novel challenges traditional notions of fidelity as Lowen contemplates the complexities of Jeremy’s situation, portraying him as a sympathetic adulterer in the context of Verity’s condition.
