Plot Twist

A lesson in how NOT to live your life!

Have you ever been so infuriated with a book, yet you couldn’t stop reading because the writing was so good?! I know this statement is an oxymoron, but Plot Twist is in a world of its own. Usually, when you dislike a book, you stop reading it, but for some reason, I couldn’t put it down! No matter how angry I became, my eyes remained glued to my Kindle, absorbing every page until the spell broke, and I was set free!

Olivia Ross is a thirty-year-old aspiring screenwriter who believes that she is destined to be the supporting character in everyone’s story, including her own. However, on February 4th, 2003, she meets an actor at a coffee shop, and they spontaneously make a pact to meet in ten years — Olivia with a completed screenplay and the stranger with an armful of awards, ready to be her lead star. The exchange happens so quickly that it seems like a dream, but as February 4th rolls in each year, Olivia experiences a series of ironic encounters that will shape who she becomes. What will happen in ten years? Will the strangers meet, or will they have moved on with their lives, holding onto the fairytale of their first meeting?

“I had long ago accepted the fact that I was a supporting character, and supporting characters don’t fall in love with leading men.” ~ Bethany Turner

Plot Twist had every chance of being a home run! From its incredible first chapter that had me hooked to the humor that carried the story, it was impossible not to obsess over Olivia’s life leading up to February 4th, 2013. However, as one year turned into five, my faith in Olivia began to waver. It felt as though she was wasting so many years holding back that she almost willingly missed her destiny. Who gets that many opportunities to do something with their life or profess their love, only to turn around and claim themselves unworthy?! By 2010, I was done. Olivia had blown every possible opportunity, and every time the door opened for her to do something profound, she chose the hardest, loneliest, and darkest route possible!

There is no way for me to justify these elements of the novel. Had Olivia been 20 going on 30, I might’ve been able to understand the author’s direction. But reading about a grown woman purposefully holding herself back while those around her seized the day was exhausting! Though the writing was excellent — engaging, addictive, and fresh — the story itself was empty — no spirituality, depth, positive elements, maturity, or inspiration to be found. It was also cheesy beyond belief, and all the name-dropping felt super tacky after a while.

I know that some people will disagree with this opinion, and that’s okay. Everyone reads a book differently, and I am pleased people are enjoying this novel; however, Plot Twist fell short for me. So, why have I rated this book three stars if I disliked it so much? The writing! Bethany Turner’s ability to keep me locked into place until the end is something to admire; this author is the queen of anticipation and unexpected outcomes. The way she welded the story to keep readers wanting more was incredible! I have never had such a love/hate relationship with a book that made it impossible to stop reading!

“You deserve someone whose love for you causes them to be a person worthy of you.” ~ Bethany Turner

*Thank you to NetGalley and the publisher for providing me with a pre-release copy of this book. My thoughts and opinions are entirely my own!*

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[yasr_multiset setid=0] Ages: 15+