Review: This One Moment by Stina Lindenblatt

This One Moment by Stina Lindenblatt

Series: Pushing Limits #1

Genres: Contemporary Romance

Release Date: April 5, 2016

Format: e-book

Source: NetGalley

Find it here: GoodReads | Amazon

Synopsis

When Nolan Kincaid skipped town to chase the music career of his dreams, he knew he wouldn’t miss the reminders of his broken family—he wasn’t so sure he could forget the girl he left behind. Now his band is touring nonstop, the recording sessions go all night, and the groupies are crazed. But when he hears that Hailey Wilkins is in trouble, he drops everything.

Hailey thought she’d missed her chance with Nolan. Five years ago, the moment she realized she loved him was the moment he decided to leave. Now, when a brutal assault lands her in the ICU, Nolan flies straight to her bedside, acting like nothing’s changed. What’s a rock star like him doing, canceling shows and risking his record deal, just to nurse an old friend back to health? And why should Hailey believe he’ll stay this time?

With her attacker still at large, Nolan’s ready to rise to the occasion. He knows he let Hailey down once before, but he’s ready to give her everything, heart and soul—and he’ll fight for the chance to prove it.

My Thoughts

Nolan left his hometown five years ago and didn't look back. Or at least he tried not to. While pursuing his music career he never forgot the events that drove him away or the girl he left behind - his best friend Hailey who he'd been in love with for years. News that Hailey has been attacked and is in a coma has him returning to the place he has spent years avoiding. 

Hailey was heartbroken when Nolan left years ago and cut off all contact with her. Now he's back, just for her, but she knows it's only temporary so there's no point in getting attached. As Hailey struggles to remember the attack that left her comatose she also has to fight her feelings for Nolan because nothing can come of it, right?

Anyone who has been around here any length of time knows that my #1 bookish pet peeve is miscommunication - or lack of communication. And This One Moment is riddled with both. I lost track of how many times I wanted to beat my head against the wall - more like beat the characters heads against a wall - each and every time one of them didn't say how they were feeling or what they really meant. Or when one misinterpreted what the other was saying. (Minus 50 stars for my most hated trope.) 

Then there's the ages-old trope of a guy and girl in love but neither will tell the other because they're certain it's one-sided and they can't ruin the friendship. OMG, how many times have we all read this same story? (Minus 25 stars for a totally played-out trope.)

But it's not all about I-love-him/her-but-can-never-have-him/her. No, there's tragedy in Nolan's background concerning his family - only he can't remember the details of that terrible night, only the aftermath. Dissociative amnesia. And then there's Hailey assault that... you guessed it!... she can't remember. You heard me right - both main characters have a form of amnesia and cannot remember pivotal events. Amazing, no? That brings me to the climactic scene where the reason behind Hailey's attack is explained. And here's where the story really jumped the shark. The explanation was so ludicrous, so over the top unbelievable that I had to reread it several times and then read it out loud several times just to see if it made any more sense. (Spoiler alert: it didn't.) (Minus 25 stars for being so far-fetched that it blew any believability to smithereens.)

By my calculations we're now at -100 stars so you may be wondering why my rating is 2.5 stars. Here's why: I really liked these characters. Despite their issues, I genuinely liked Nolan and Hailey and wanted good things for them. Hailey was strong and independent and selfless. Nolan was kind and loving and protective without being a caveman. It's too bad their story was mired down by over the top drama.

2.5/5 Stars 

How do you feel about over the top drama and far-fetched plots?

Are you willing to go with it... or is it a deal-breaker?