RESENTMENT (n:) The act of hating-no, f*#king loathing Dean Collins. (Yes, I’m well aware that’s not the actual definition, but it might as well be…).

Hello Everyone,

I wasn’t planning to write today, but I just finished re-reading a book that was as excellent the second time as it was the first and I just had to talk about it. That is Nicole London’s Resentment.

I first came across Nicole after reading an excerpt included in Sincerely, Carter by Whitney G. It turns out that Nicole and Whitney are best friends. This intrigued me, along with the excerpt. I of course had to pre-order it. I was skeptical about it since I had never heard of her, but since I had just become a fan of Whitney’s, I decided to give Nicole a try based on the strength of Whitney. Best. Decision. Ever. The book was phenomenal. So Shout Out to Whitney G. F.L.Y.

Resentment tells the story of Mia Gray and Dean Collings, the art nerd and Mr. Popular. Mia does her best to avoid Dean in their last year of high school, but Dean proves he is not the popular jock for nothing. He is determined to have her. So starts their love story. But a series of misunderstandings and miscommunication proves too much for these high school lovers and they part ways acrimoniously.

Flash to 10 years later where they are unavoidably reunited. Still holding on to regrets and resentment due to the unresolved misunderstanding and…well, you can guess the rest (don’t guess, go read the book).

This story made me laugh, cry and rage. The hurt both Mia and Dean suffered caused by the adults that was suppose to love them pissed me off. Really! Nicole fleshed the characters in such a way that I felt as if I knew them. The feels this book invoked made me glad I was alone in my room. (I guess I will empty the garbage filled with Kleenex when I finish). I wanted to kick their parents ass and give them both a hug. The grown up Mia and Dean moved me as they inevitably gave into their lingering attraction and worked things out with the maturity they lacked as teens. “I’m especially interested in hanging the painting you did of us, the one that features us in the three time periods: high school, when we were apart and now, in shades of grey and white…because the title of it intrigues me and it fits us very well I think…Regret, Resentment & Redemption.” Dean. As I said, a must read.

Nicole London’s debut book was an unmitigated success and I applaud her. So go pick up a copy (or download to your e-reader) and sit back for a helluva ride to HEA.

Happy Thursday!

The Book Diva

P.S. A special thanks to my son Ray and to Torri for your help in creating this site. Y’all are awesome and greatly appreciated. I love you!