The Failing Hours (How to Date a Douchebag, #2)

by Sara Ney

[stacey_is_sassy]

What makes a person become a Douchebag?

Honestly, I really couldn’t tell you before I started this series whether a Douchebag is born or created. A little part of me thought that some people are just born that way. The grain of nastiness is planted, and with a little nurturing and guidance, that grain can grow. Maybe, it’s all nurture? If you live with a douchebag (what’s the female equivalent, or is it gender neutral?), do their traits pass on because you learn from what you see? Then there’s the Douchebag that’s formed because of circumstances. You know, the person who has had a bad experience that has left them emotionally stunted. Or, last but not least, is the egotistical douchebag. Definitely self-absorbed thinks they’re above everyone else and doesn’t have time for other people and their issues. After starting this series, I think a douchebag is created because of all of these things combined. This does not have to be a lifetime affliction, with a little help and guidance, anyone can recover from being a douchebag. The proof is in The Failing Hours

Holy Shamoly!! This guy takes the crown. I have never met such a rude, crude and socially unacceptable character in a long time. You want me to like him? Love him? Want him to find happiness? Pffft…Sara Ney, I think you’re dreaming.

Famous last words.

Yep, I’m back to loving a Douchebag. How does this author do it? I mean, I cried over this guy. He really hurt me…I mean her. EVERY TIME he said something nasty I was devastated. His ability to do it so successfully, with little effort and fully conscious that he’s doing it, surprised me. I know there’s bad stuff in the world, but seeing it through Zeke’s eyes, was different. Zeke is aware of it all, feels some remorse, but not enough to make him stop. That is, until a Pixie and an 11-year-old boy change his world.

I absolutely loved this story. It always feels weird loving a book that makes me cry A LOT! It’s the journey. If you asked me at around the 20% mark, as I’m wiping tears from my eyes AGAIN, if I would love Zeke, I would have been vehemently shaking my head no. By the end, I loved him and all that he had become. It wasn’t just Violet coming into his life that changed him either. His coach, little brother (mentor program) and friends had a lot to do with it too. It really only came good for Zeke once he’d done a little self-reflection and removed the huge chip on his shoulder.

The Failing Hours was bloody brilliant. I was enthralled from the beginning to the end. I couldn’t believe that a character so nasty could ever come good, but I was pleasantly surprised. It didn’t happen overnight, but it did happen. I can’t wait for more in this series.