Move the Stars
by Jessica Hawkins
Move the Stars is third and final installment of Jessica Hawkins’ Something in the Way series. Rarely have I been so disappointed in the end of a series; usually if I have a complaint it’s just one little aspect or only the last few pages. This entire book was terrible, and so different from the preceding two, it’s as if Hawkins farmed it out to another author because she didn’t care anymore.
Based on the first book’s message, I thought the point of this story was exploring maturity. Lake started the book as a sixteen-year-old with a crush on an adult construction worker. She was extremely immature and didn’t understand the ways of the world. Manning had the maturity to realize she was a young girl without guidance. He had conflicting feelings for her, both attraction and the need to protect her. Instead of taking advantage of her naiveté, he restrained himself and made sure they both tried to move on.
This third book throws that message completely out the window! It turns into a regular, formulaic romance novel. I lost track of how many times Lake described how tall and large Manning was. The top of her head didn’t even reach his chin, he could barely fit through the doorframe, his bulk filled out her entire kitchen, his hand was twice the size of hers – enough already! We get it, he’s a tall caveman who can protect you from the saber tooth tiger. But while she’s blindsided by his height and constantly telling the readers what a wonderful man he is, we’re left to rationally see him for who he is. He’s actually a terrible person. Controlling, rude, overprotective, jealous, unrealistic, unfaithful, selfish, and disrespectful of the gifts others have given him. As an adulterer, he has no respect for marriage and tradition, and through his “wonderful” plans for their future together, he asks her to throw away her entire past and family for him. He resents her having friends, going to work, or doing anything without him – even going so far as to yell at her for walking home alone at night because he’s worried about her safety. If he really cared, he would calmly tell her his concerns, not loose his temper and cause a fight that ends in tears.
Unfortunately, this series started off teaching readers about healthy boundaries and relationships. It ended up as unrealistic tripe that belonged in a teenager’s fantasy diary. Anyone who’s tried to make it in show business will be frustrated beyond belief at Lake’s ease and lucky breaks as she decides to move to New York to become an actress. And if Manning is really someone’s ideal for a boyfriend, I feel sorry for them. Get some self-respect and better judgement.
Based on the first book’s message, I thought the point of this story was exploring maturity. Lake started the book as a sixteen-year-old with a crush on an adult construction worker. She was extremely immature and didn’t understand the ways of the world. Manning had the maturity to realize she was a young girl without guidance. He had conflicting feelings for her, both attraction and the need to protect her. Instead of taking advantage of her naiveté, he restrained himself and made sure they both tried to move on.
This third book throws that message completely out the window! It turns into a regular, formulaic romance novel. I lost track of how many times Lake described how tall and large Manning was. The top of her head didn’t even reach his chin, he could barely fit through the doorframe, his bulk filled out her entire kitchen, his hand was twice the size of hers – enough already! We get it, he’s a tall caveman who can protect you from the saber tooth tiger. But while she’s blindsided by his height and constantly telling the readers what a wonderful man he is, we’re left to rationally see him for who he is. He’s actually a terrible person. Controlling, rude, overprotective, jealous, unrealistic, unfaithful, selfish, and disrespectful of the gifts others have given him. As an adulterer, he has no respect for marriage and tradition, and through his “wonderful” plans for their future together, he asks her to throw away her entire past and family for him. He resents her having friends, going to work, or doing anything without him – even going so far as to yell at her for walking home alone at night because he’s worried about her safety. If he really cared, he would calmly tell her his concerns, not loose his temper and cause a fight that ends in tears.
Unfortunately, this series started off teaching readers about healthy boundaries and relationships. It ended up as unrealistic tripe that belonged in a teenager’s fantasy diary. Anyone who’s tried to make it in show business will be frustrated beyond belief at Lake’s ease and lucky breaks as she decides to move to New York to become an actress. And if Manning is really someone’s ideal for a boyfriend, I feel sorry for them. Get some self-respect and better judgement.