This is a accurate and surprisingly easy to read account of abuse in relationships. Well written and important to watch pattens repeat over and over.

Would recommend.

Finding love can be an uphill battle, especially as we learn to love ourselves.

Carolyn Hobdey was told at a young age that if she wasn't nicer, no one would love her and she would be alone. These words were a driving force throughout her life and relationships with family, friends and significant others. These simple words compelled her to always try and be agreeable, "nice," and do whatever it took to keep others happy, often to her disadvantage as she pushed her own happiness aside for the sake of others. This ill advice led to many scary situations and heartache for Carolyn as she fell in love with many twats, as she now calls them. From bad boyfriends, closeted husbands, medical horrors and learning to take back her life and power, Carolyn Hobdey bares all in this honest, funny at times, and brilliant memoir that will have you holding on to every word.
I found Carolyn very relatable, as we all struggle at times with our own self-image and most of us have maybe held on a little too long to someone simply because we loved them and didn't want to pick up the pieces after yet another heartbreak. I found her to be very open and honest, even in situations that may not paint her in the best light in some people's eyes. The biggest thing I took away from this book was how important it is to love yourself enough to know how you deserve to be treated and to settle for nothing less.

A beautifully written memoir that was funny, heartbreaking and ultimately relatable. It was inspiring too, and I think it could help others who are going through/have gone through the issues in this book. The author was vulnerable and didn’t hold back, and I love honesty when it comes to memoir. Thank you to the author and publisher for giving me the chance to read and review this book.

I love the title of this book, and based on the title I think I was falsely lured into this book.
It's not at all what I expected. I found it very slow, and I couldn't connect to Hobdey's writing style.
I didn't find it engaging, funny or poignant.
Not for me!

Disclaimer: I got this book in exchange for an honest review.

This is a story about believing something that you're told about by others for so long that you start to think it's true. Carolyn Hobdey has always been told she's "trouble" and believes she's unloveable. This book talks about the ups and downs in life. Considering the fact that it's been one hell of a year -this is the book you need to read! It's a beautiful coming of age novel. It'll be published on January 18th, 2021.

Thank you to NetGalley and the publisher for providing this book in exchange for an honest review.
Each of these tw*ts she had a relationship with is a chance to learn and grow. From the outside looking in, it's easy to see the warning signs that the situation isn't going to be good. But it's an easy trap to think and hope "things will get better" or "he will change for the better" when in reality, it isn't going to be better. This story is written with honesty and self reflection.

Published: January 18, 2021
Filament Publishing

Carolyn Hobdey was a successful businesswoman who held court in some of the most prestigious conference rooms in the business world. But all this did, was allow her to hide a deep secret: she had no self-worth. She wrote this book to help herself and others take control of their lives in both the professional and personal areas.

“Because twats are, after all, everywhere.”

Carolyn Hobdey has been through quite a lot in her life. Some good, some bad, some terrifying. In her memoir, she shares the insights she has earned through her experience.

This book is honest, it’s raw, and it’s filled with highs and lows. Carolyn opens up and shares her darkest secrets and biggest hurts. She shows a vulnerability that is brave and bold.

She shares everything, even things that don’t reflect positively upon her. She gives us the full story, and her humor lightens the blows as she explains what she has been through.

Carolyn Hobdey bares her soul and delivers the darkest of hurts with us. And she does so with purpose. This is a deep dive into what abuse looks like. We learn so much about a woman who has paid more than her share of dues in this life.

The last couple of chapters of this book are powerful. Forgiveness, acceptance, redemption, and self-love are such powerful concepts, and while Carolyn Hobdey doesn’t have all the answers, what she does have is her perspective. And she sings it loud and proud. This is a solid read if you want to overcome your past and come out a better person.

Thank you for the opportunity to read this book.
It's a very personal memoir of a life in love, and well written by the author.

Our early lives shape our future choices and this book shows just how calamitous that can be. Putting up with people and their actions with hopes of better results than we have previously received is a trap we all fall into and the author explores this in an open honest way. I found the writing style somewhat stilted but the content was real, touching and thought provoking.