Bitter End by Jennifer Brown

"He told me he loved me and I believed him.

When Alex falls for the charming new boy at school, Cole — a handsome, funny sports star who adores her — she can't believe she's finally found her soul mate . . . someone who truly loves and understands her.

At first, Alex is blissfully happy. Sure, Cole seems a little jealous of her relationship with her close friend Zack, but what guy would want his girlfriend spending all her time with another boy? As the months pass, though, Alex can no longer ignore Cole's small put-downs, pinches, and increasingly violent threats.

As Alex struggles to come to terms with the sweet boyfriend she fell in love with and the boyfriend whose "love" she no longer recognizes, she is forced to choose — between her "true love" and herself." (Barnes and Noble)

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Alex Bradford has spent the last few years planning a trip to Colorado with her best friends Bethany and Zack. The trip to Colorado is supposed to give Alex answers about her mother's death. However, Alex's relationship with her best friends becomes strained when she starts dating Senior transfer student, Cole Cozens. At first Alex's relationship with Cole seems okay, it's only when his jealousy for Alex's relationship with Zack starts to show that she realizes something isn't quite right. Alex is so deep in her relationship with Cole that when the abuse turns physical, she immediately starts making excuses to herself about what happened. Alex finally gets the courage to tell when it is almost too late.

My thoughts:

Bitter End had my attention the entire time I was reading. I didn't want to put the book down because I had to know if Alex was going to be okay. I needed to know why Cole switched schools suddenly. I needed to know more. There were moments as  I read Bitter End when I could feel my heart racing with anticipation. I wanted Alex to be safe.

I think there are a lot of girls (and guys) out there who are in the same situation as Alex. There are so many unhealthy relationships out there, having a book where someone finds a way OUT even if it may come at such a costs is great.

Bitter End by Jennifer Brown has earned 4 dragonflies.