This Girl – Colleen Hoover (2013)

This Girl by Colleen Hoover, published in 2013, is the third installment of the Slammed series. It revisits the romance of Will and Layken, blending new insights with familiar moments through Will’s perspective. Set against themes of love, loss, and resilience, the story offers a heartfelt exploration of the couple’s journey toward healing and togetherness, culminating in their married life.

Plot Summary

On a quiet morning during their honeymoon, Will and Layken bask in the warmth of their newfound togetherness. In the intimate glow of their shared happiness, Layken encourages Will to recount the story of their relationship, seeking to hear his perspective on the moments that brought them to this place. Will agrees, and their time together becomes a journey through the labyrinth of memories, emotions, and milestones that shaped their love.

Two years earlier, Will Cooper’s life had unraveled in ways he couldn’t have imagined. The sudden loss of his parents left him the sole guardian of his younger brother, Caulder. Forced to abandon his dreams to care for his sibling, Will carried the weight of his responsibilities with quiet determination. His world tilted once more when Layken Cohen and her family moved in across the street. The first encounter was serendipitous, and Layken’s fiery spirit intrigued Will instantly. But their connection came with complications, not the least of which was Will’s position as Layken’s teacher.

Their initial bond deepened through a series of accidental and deliberate meetings, each revealing layers of their characters. Will admired Layken’s resilience as she supported her younger brother, Kel, while mourning her father’s recent passing. Their shared experiences of grief formed an unspoken connection, yet Will struggled to reconcile his feelings for her with the ethical implications of their situation. Layken, torn between her growing affection for Will and the boundaries of their relationship, found herself caught in a whirlwind of emotions.

In the months that followed, life tested them in unimaginable ways. Layken’s mother, Julia, became a source of wisdom and strength as both Will and Layken navigated their relationship. Julia’s steady presence and pragmatic advice were invaluable, particularly when her own health began to falter. Her battle with cancer cast a shadow over their lives, forcing Layken to face the reality of potentially losing another parent. Yet even in the midst of despair, Julia’s love for her children—and her quiet support for Will and Layken’s love—offered a beacon of hope.

As Will recounts these memories to Layken during their honeymoon, he reflects on the moments that tested their resolve. There was the time Layken broke up with him, believing he was only with her out of pity. Will, heartbroken yet understanding of her fears, used his words and his poetry to express the depth of his love. It was through these struggles that their bond grew stronger, rooted in honesty and mutual respect.

Poetry played an integral role in their relationship. Both Will and Layken found solace and strength in spoken word performances, a tradition that carried their emotions when words felt inadequate. Their connection to the art form became a shared sanctuary, a place where they could lay bare their hearts without fear of judgment.

Julia’s passing left an indelible mark on both Layken and Will. Her wisdom continued to guide them, even in her absence. The challenges of raising their younger brothers as de facto parents brought them closer, as they worked together to create a stable, loving home. Their mutual understanding of loss and responsibility forged a partnership that transcended romance. It was a love built on sacrifice, resilience, and an unwavering commitment to one another.

Will’s recollections are tinged with humor, pain, and deep affection as he recounts their journey to Layken. He remembers the small, tender moments—the grocery trips, the playful banter, the poetry readings—that wove their lives together. He also recalls the conflicts and misunderstandings that threatened to pull them apart, only to make them realize the strength of their bond.

As their honeymoon winds down, the couple finds themselves more in love than ever. Will’s words reaffirm his devotion to Layken, and her laughter and warmth serve as a reminder of why he fought so hard for their love. Together, they reflect on the journey that brought them here—a journey of love, loss, and healing that culminated in their decision to build a life together.

Their story is not without its scars, but those scars are a testament to the depth of their love and the trials they overcame. As they lie together, hands entwined, they understand that the hardships of the past have prepared them for the beauty of their future. Their love is their anchor, their solace, and their greatest triumph.

Main Characters

• Will Cooper: A young, passionate poetry teacher who becomes a guardian to his younger brother after the death of their parents. Will is thoughtful, deeply emotional, and devoted to Layken, often reflecting on their relationship and his struggles to build a stable future for them.
• Layken Cohen: A resilient and spirited woman who navigates the grief of losing her father while falling in love with Will. Layken’s wit, strength, and vulnerabilities make her a compelling partner to Will, and her journey underscores themes of love and acceptance.
• Julia Cohen: Layken’s mother, whose wise and supportive nature guides the couple through their early relationship. Julia’s legacy continues to influence Layken’s life even after her passing.
• Caulder Cooper: Will’s younger brother, whose innocence and humor bring light to Will’s challenging responsibilities.
• Kel Cohen: Layken’s younger brother and Caulder’s close friend, who shares a bond with his sister and Will that reflects familial love and loyalty.

Theme

• Love and Resilience: The story examines the strength of love in the face of adversity, as Will and Layken work through personal and shared challenges to build a life together.
• Grief and Healing: Both characters grapple with profound loss, learning to embrace life’s beauty without forgetting the past. Their shared understanding of grief strengthens their bond.
• Family and Responsibility: Will and Layken’s roles as guardians to their younger brothers emphasize the importance of family, sacrifice, and responsibility.
• The Power of Expression: Poetry plays a central role in the narrative, serving as an outlet for emotions and a bridge between characters.
• Second Chances and Growth: By revisiting key moments, the novel explores the themes of forgiveness, reflection, and personal growth.

Writing Style and Tone

Colleen Hoover’s writing is emotive and evocative, balancing raw vulnerability with moments of humor and lightheartedness. Her prose is intimate, allowing readers to deeply connect with Will’s perspective. By alternating between present-day events and flashbacks, she weaves a layered narrative that enhances emotional depth and provides fresh perspectives on earlier events from the series.

The tone of This Girl oscillates between contemplative and hopeful. Hoover masterfully uses Will’s voice to express his adoration for Layken, his struggles with guilt and love, and his ultimate growth as a partner and guardian. The poetic interludes further enrich the tone, encapsulating the heartfelt essence of the story.