Woman Down: A Kayla Hicks Book Review

What is Woman Down by Colleen Hoover about?

Her words used to set the page on fire. But a viral backlash over her latest film adaptation forced Petra Rose to take a hiatus, resulting in missed deadlines and an overdue mortgage. Branded a fraud and fame-hungry opportunist, she learned the hard way what happens when the internet turns on you. And she’s been uninspired to write ever since.

Now, with her next suspense novel outlined and savings nearly gone, she retreats to a secluded lakeside cabin, hoping to find inspiration. It’s Petra’s last-ditch attempt to save her career—and herself.

Then he shows up.

Detective Nathaniel Saint arrives with disturbing news, his presence igniting a creativity in her she thought long since burned out. Petra’s words return in a rush, and her fictional cop character begins to mirror the very real cop who’s becoming her muse.

Their “research” sessions blur the lines between fantasy and reality. Each glance, every touch pulls Petra deeper into a world she thought she’d never lose herself in again. She’s never felt more alive. But inspiration this powerful comes at a cost.

When Saint starts taking his role in her career a little too seriously, Petra’s forced to confront the chaos she created. But doing so could cost her more than the reputation she’s been trying to salvage. The reputation the world wrote for her—the reputation only she can reclaim.

My Review

Petra is just a writer whose moments in the sunshine of fame have turned for the worse when fans rage over the changes made from the book to movie adaptation of one of her well-known novels. In an attempt to gain some inspiration for her next novel and hide from the world in the process, Petra goes on a writer retreat to a small town she's taken writer retreats to before.

What she didn't expect was a police officer to drop in in the middle of the night and inspire her to write one of her new main characters. Her attraction for him from the get-go is clear, but what she doesn't expect is how far she is willing to take book research in order to get her novel written. Even if it happens to destroy her life.

This was a darker book for Colleen Hoover, but it kept my attention all the same. She placed twists in the storyline I didn't see coming, causing me to keep reading so I could get answers. And the ending brought betrayals and surprises I never saw coming. The characters kept me hooked, and I felt as I were on the ride with Petra as the story unraveled.

I give this story a 4-star review.