The intense romantic passion and tribulations that made Slammed an out-of-the-blue self-published powerhouse return in full force in this sequel by Colleen Hoover.
Point of Retreat picks up immediately after Slammed with Lake and Will taking their relationship to the next level, but still keeping their lives separate. As they discover whether or not they have what it takes to stay together forever or if this was just an unbridled flame that's burned out, they discover not only more about themselves with each other but with their little siblings as they learn that family and love extends beyond raw emotions and blood relations.
That "next level" is on full display in Hoover's words, as that's exactly what describes Point of Retreat to Slammed. Hoover crafts a believable and beautiful romance between Lake and Will and the unquestioned love that bonds them, even through heated arguments both large and small. Fleshing out the story are little siblings Kel and Caulder along with new character Kiersten, all of whom contribute strong family storylines and values on top of Lake and Will's narrative. With a rich backstory and universe happening around them, Point of Retreat feels absolutely complete, and a very satisfying continuation of Lake and Will's story. New readers will not miss a beat, but the breadth and expanse of this love story mostly drives home just how amazing Hoover's ultimate trilogy has become and why it's been a buzz among self-published romances, being continued in Point of Retreat and This Girl by Simon and Schuster imprint Atria Paperback.
Grade: 4/5 stars, Goodreads.com scale (readers will likely feel satisfied after reading, and may take away insights, plot developments, or characterizations after initial reading, and may wish to reread in the future).
