The Slammed Series

Colleen Hoover blends music and poetry, humour and heartache, in her beguiling and romantic 'Slammed' series. It's the story of Layken and Will, mature beyond their years due to the challenges they've separately faced, but optimistic when they meet that life is finally giving them a break and a much-needed fresh start. Will introduces Layken to slam poetry, a form of competition poetry where participants read or recite their work. Throughout the series, Hoover uses moving and witty slam poetry to help define key characters, and convey strong emotions and pivotal moments. Layken and Will's shared appreciation for slam poetry strengthens their initial connection, but elation is short lived as circumstances conspire to keep them apart and family responsibilities weigh heavily. In addition to her immensely appealing main characters, Hoover gives her story considerable depth and humour with strong secondary characters in the younger brothers, Kel and Caulder, off-beat friends Eddie and Gavin, and Layken's conflicted mother, Julia. A thoroughly enjoyable read.