After: Anna Todd

Tessa is a good girl with a sweet, reliable boyfriend back home. She’s got direction, ambition, and a mother who’s intent on keeping her that way.

But she’s barely moved into her freshman dorm when she runs into Hardin. With his tousled brown hair, cocky British accent, tattoos, and lip ring, Hardin is cute and different from what she’s used to.

But he’s also rude—to the point of cruelty, even. For all his attitude, Tessa should hate Hardin. And she does—until she finds herself alone with him in his room. Something about his dark mood grabs her, and when they kiss it ignites within her a passion she’s never known before.

He’ll call her beautiful, then insist he isn't the one for her and disappear again and again. Despite the reckless way he treats her, Tessa is compelled to dig deeper and find the real Hardin beneath all his lies. He pushes her away again and again, yet every time she pushes back, he only pulls her in deeper.

Tessa already has the perfect boyfriend. So why is she trying so hard to overcome her own hurt pride and Hardin’s prejudice about nice girls like her?

Unless…could this be love?

There was the time before Tessa met Hardin, and then there’s everything AFTER ... Life will never be the same.
(Goodreads)

I totally read this because of the movie. I probably would never have read this if the movie wasn't as cute and romantic as it was.
But the book? The book is nothing like the movie shocker.  You know how the book is usually better than the movie? That was not the case. The book was absolutely utterly shitty.
That is the only word for it, it was shitty. 
It was a horrible book that contained so much abuse that it hurt my heart to read. I actually gave up on it for a few weeks because it was just so terrible.
So! To give some background: Anna Todd is a fanfiction writer. This book series is was actually published on Wattpad first. And you can definitely tell. Her writing is immature and juvenile. Her story was like reading a young adult 50 shades of grey. THAT IS BASED ON HARRY STYLES. SHE TOOK HARRY STYLES AND TURNED HIM INTO HARDEN. I read that there was a lot of backlash because fans were mad that this lady turned Harry Styles into an abused asshole. All it focused on was the physical relationship between Harden and Tessa, with some plot.
Now the plot. What plot you say? I totally agree. Because in all honesty this book doesn't really have a plot. It just kinda goes in a never ending loop of abuse.
The abuse. I've read books with abuse, both physical and emotional, and they handled the abuse in a way to show that it's wrong. That this is not normal in a relationship, it is not healthy and it is not something you should look for. Whereas this book, this fucking book glorifies the abuse. It romanticizes the abuse Harden throws at Tessa, and expects her to stay with him. To thank him for giving her the time of day. And she eats it up, destroying her relationship with her boyfriend who she describes as a little brother:

"... but sometimes dating (Noah) him is like having an annoying little brother who tattles on me." pg 48 (After: Anna Todd)

 One: already a HELLA bad example. Two: why would she date someone she considers a brother. And Three: their relationship was doomed from the start so I won't fault her for ending it with Noah. But I will fault her for cheating on him because no one deserves that. Anyways She destroyed the relationship with her mother, but don't get me started on her 😠 And just dedicated her time to this abusive boy who only pursued her because of a bet. A BET ON HER VIRGINITY God he's a horrible human being
Now lets talk about abusive Harden. Harden is supposed to be this mega hot British HARRY STYLES WANNABE with a tragic backstory absolutely original who sleeps around with as many girls he possibly can, because he can he probably has a bunch of STD's. He see's Tessa and I quote "is going to ruin her." Like???? That does NOT sound romantic at all. He then proceeds to belittle her, bad mouth her, and say the most hurtful things that the author deems "romantic."
As the story progress the abuse gets worse, then better. Better only because Tessa does everything Harden tells her. She'll "fight" and threaten him, but it always back fires, therefore Hardin gets everything he wants.

The way Anna Todd romanticizes the abuse Tessa as this relationship goal, this fantasy catered to young adults is concerning and dangerous. It shows them that if a boy or girl treats them like this its okay, it'll be alright as long as their partner loves them and apologizes. Then everything will be okay, but it's not. As the book showcased everything fell apart, but it only lasted about five minutes because Hardin continues to manipulate Tessa into coming back. By being 'different' more loving and kind. Something that should not be used as a bargaining chip, which is what it is to Harden. He uses it to lure her back and when she does he then continues the abuse. It's absolutely tragic and heartbreaking

I would never recommend this book to anyone. It's a horrible book that glorifies abuse in the clique idea that it is considered romance. That having someone declare their love to you one minute then shout at you for leaving a room, is not love. Having someone say that they can't sleep without you, and then belittle you, is not love. This book is not romantic, its not cute. It's harmful and cruel and I'm honestly sorry I wasted my time reading such an awful book.
Until next time readers, hopefully with a better book

Love Kat