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Your Mess is Mine

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I don't trust people who follow their hearts.

Hearts are peculiar things. They're necessary muscles that keep us alive by pumping blood and oxygen into our veins. Hearts are also compulsory, often making us foolish. They pull us towards others with a force that aches, burns, and satiates you all at once.

Before you know it that mass of tissue is no longer yours.

Maybe mine never was.

In my case, that draw came from a stranger that left my heart feeling both fulfilled and consumed.

I didn't expect to fight her for the last standby seat to New York City. I didn't plan on letting her get under my skin. Or the way her vulnerability tore me up inside and compelled me to care for her. She didn't plan on letting me witness her chaos.

Her anxious heart and my perfectionist mind let things get messy.

And though we didn't plan for it, our interrupting of each others' lives was exactly what we needed.

Sometimes the mess is the most beautiful part of life.

First published May 31, 2016

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About the author

Stephanie Alba

6 books58 followers
Stephanie Alba lives in Miami, Florida with her husband, her toddler and their two dogs, Milo and Van Gogh. She's obsessed with Disney, British history, traveling, romances novels, movies, and Halloween. When she's not glued to her laptop or writing in her notebook, she's either: running, planning her next vacation, binge-watching Netflix, reading, or chasing her toddler.

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5 stars
55 (49%)
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33 (29%)
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21 (18%)
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 44 reviews
Profile Image for ☆ Aimetz.
301 reviews3 followers
May 31, 2016


5 messy stars!

It was a sweet, beautiful story, just what I need in this moment.





No tengo ni idea de cómo o por donde comenzar.

Your Mess is Mine de Stephanie Alba es una de esas historias donde te sientes identificado, pero NO en cosas banales ni tribales.

Siento que fue una historia refrescante, dulce y romántica, pero por otro lado te muestra la braveza de la protagonista y el protagonista masculino siendo una persona tenaz.




Pienso que es de estas historias donde te pones a pensar que en algún momento de tu vida, nos sentimos depresivos, por muchas cosas, sin embargo no sabemos que hacer con esos sentimientos o como actuar y lo dejamos pasar.

No sabemos como buscar la ayuda que necesitamos en dicho momento, o como compartir el como nos sentimos. O simplemente no entendemos y ya.

Esta historia nos enseña que:
Es una de las que te marcará siempre y más porque no importa cuando caos haya en nuestra vida, ni cuan quebrados estén nuestros corazones. Debes aceptarte, quererte primero y luego así podrás amar.



Las personas de la vida real, tienen problemas reales. Y así sentí esta historia: REAL
Profile Image for Jeannine Allison.
Author 13 books530 followers
Read
December 26, 2017
DNF @ 27%...

There isn't anything glaringly bad about this... but so far the story is telling more than showing, and I'm just having a hard time staying interested :/
Profile Image for &#x1f380; αиgєℓα &#x1f48c;.
563 reviews3 followers
February 12, 2018
Crei que esta historia me iva ser llorar y sentir que no habria otro libro igual solo aprendie que la depresion en una enfermedad silenciosa perono fue una gran historia para ponerle 5 estrellas la verdad eh leido mejores libros😬🤷🏻‍♀️
Profile Image for Stephanie Alba.
Author 6 books58 followers
Read
May 26, 2016
This isn't a conventional romance story. This is a story that many people might relate to, and it's also one that doesn't get written about often enough. It's a real love story, bare and honest, funny and sexy, and I really hope that people give it a shot. Not so much because I wrote it, but more so because Margo and Hudson deserve that chance. I hope that if you do read it, that you know I wrote it from the deepest parts of my heart and that it finds a place in yours.
Profile Image for KceeReads.
159 reviews2 followers
May 30, 2016





Since Hudson laid eyes on that beautiful dark haired girl at the airport, he just couldn't get her off his mind.

Being introduced to Margo wasn't as smooth as Hudson planned it to be. It was crazy chaotic! But then, everything that followed their crazy antics was very unexpected.

Hudson's a perfectionist and Margo has an unfiltered mouth. Tell me, opposite poles attract, right?

Okay, so where do I start? The characters? Sure! I am sooo in love with the hero and heroine of this book. I mean, I used to swoon over heroes saving their damsels in distress, but now strong-willed and smart heroines just closes the deal for me. I fall in love with gorgeous and sweet heroes, but strong heroines inspire me. Margo is such a realistic character that you don't really get to meet everyday.

Hudson's that kind of hero who you want to just own because damn it! This man's sweet, and scorching hot too! The things he says just make me swoon over him. And Margo? She's an intelligent, witty and sometimes anxious heroine. Her flaws make her more realistic and relatable.

And of course, I won't ever forget Hudson's nana. I mean, how can I leave a character as smart-mouth as Nana? You'll definitely love her!

Your Mess Is Mine is filled with really heartwarming, funny and out -of- this- world sexy scenes. With their complicated relationship, you will really wonder how these two will get their happily ever after.

I also loved how this book will make you realize that in every messy and complicated situation, it's not impossible to find love and beauty. This book will touch your heart. Don't be fooled by the sweet words though, because Hudson and Margo like it dirty too! *wink, wink*

I have enjoyed this book a lot, and I'm really wondering why I just started reading Stephanie Alba's work. Now, this is an awesome start and I cannot wait to read more of her books!

Profile Image for Nance.
1,543 reviews112 followers
August 4, 2016
***POSSIBLE SPOILERS PRESENT WITHIN REVIEW***

Read this book! You will love the characters. Their story. And, the author tells an amazing significant tale! It’s funny. And, it’s heartbreaking. I laughed, and I cried. I loved it! Once I was hooked, I couldn’t stop turning the pages. Margo, she’s broken, even though she appears so confident in the first half of the book. As the reader, I didn’t think that she had any issues. But, as I dug deeper into the belly of this novel, things were not as I originally suspected. And, it was with sadness that the truth would be revealed. Hudson, oh what can I say about dear, dear Hudson. He’s hot with his dirty potty mouth. He’s smart as he’s such a hard-working male. But, he’s also such a caring and compassionate man. Margo and Hudson’s story is magical. And, even though Margo knows that without a doubt Hudson is the best thing that ever happened to her, she throws a wrench into their relationship that has Hudson hell-bent on doing everything that he can to repair it. Loved this book to death! It’s real and raw. Ms. Alba does an amazing job with her depiction of the disease of depression...

“I realized that, whether human, animal, family, or friends, we all need each other in our best and hardest moments. We have the power to heal each other or destroy each other, and what we do with that power determines the lives we lead. Besides that influence, though, we each possess weaknesses. We have flaws that aren’t as pretty. Whether it’s an emotional disorder, or a character flaw, or even a disability, they are what make us human. They are what make us real and alive.” ~ Margo (Epilogue)


Profile Image for Meg Trashy.
109 reviews4 followers
May 15, 2016
I adore this book! I love how refreshing it was. This one sucked me in instantly. I love how we followed Hudson and Margo and heir journey together. I felt like it was a documentary, in how we just watched it all unfold. Real people with real problems and hang ups. This could really have been someone's story, it didn't feel so fictional as a FSOG. It felt so real to me, and that there was a major conflict and it was more real life, other than some stupid typical female hang ups. I related to Margo. I have a twin, but my twin is the one who is Margo and I'm definitely not a Patty! You just have to read it and see what I mean. I am definitely going to re-read this. Hudson I'm in love with you. Margo I want her to be my new best friend. Stephanie Alba hit this one out of the park! If you want a book that's more real than fiction, this one is it.
Profile Image for Heidi Sturgess.
840 reviews11 followers
October 15, 2016
Stephanie Alba achieved super hero status in my eyes with her dedication ,a few simple words yet so powerful !!!! 

"For anyone that's ever been called 'too sensitive' , 'emotional' or 'weak' YOU ARE NOTHING OF THE SORT " Now that is poetry for the soul
Profile Image for Jen Carver.
294 reviews11 followers
June 6, 2016
When Steph Alba asked me if I would be interesting in reading her latest release, I didn't hesitate to say yes. I didn't read any early reviews, and I skimmed the synopsis. I am one of those crazy people, who like to go into a book knowing as little as possible. From page one I was sucked in, and had to force myself to quit reading at midnight. The last time I read book that made me feel the way Your Mess Is Mine has, was November 9, by Colleen Hoover.

In a genre that is full of slutty virgins, girls with daddy issues, demanding, sometimes damaged, neanderthal men, with beards and tattoos. Your Mess Is Mine is such a breath of fresh air. It's lead characters are easily believable, and heartbreakingly real. Hudson Atwood is the polar opposite of what boyfriend material looks like. Hudson is cocky, unassuming, sexy, smart and bit self deprecating. He is also a little emotionally detached, when it comes to women. I fell in love that the man that Hudson Atwood becomes, after meeting Margo. Margo Lincoln exudes confidence, in a sexy, cool, sarcastic way. Her smart mouth and take no prisoners attitude, is appealing to Hudson. I am not a fan of how love at first sight is often portrayed in books, but their angsty introduction in the airport was on point. There love/hate for each other is palpable, and as soon as the plane takes off for New York, everything changes.

As the story develops, we realize Margo is holding on to a secret, and it is slowly eating her alive. It eventually begins to affect her growing relationship with Hudson. The story is a test of faith, love and devotion. The evolution of what Hudson and Margo experience, is intense and heartbreaking. I refuse to give away the plot point, because Steph did such a great job with the development and the reveal of Margo's secret. You need to come to it on your as a reader. I have seen some people talking about disliking Margo, but I never felt that way. She has never had a support system, and her way of coping with it, is to push people away. I totally understood her motivation, especially after her sister, Patty, is introduced into the story. All I can say is...ugh..Patty.
As reviewer, I am pretty tough, and I don't freely give out high ratings on books. To get a high rating from me, the book needs to touch me deep to the core. This is one of those books for me. This is a book that needs to be read, and shared many many times. I can't say enough about this book.

This book was provided by the author in exchange for an honest review..
Profile Image for Wendy Hodges.
2,490 reviews36 followers
May 16, 2016
This was an arc copy for an honest review.
Hudson and Margo, a chance meeting in an airport. That changes their lives, at first it's a bit rocky hating each other on sight while still feeling an attraction. This story doesn't run the usual course, there are major issues involved, especially for Margo. I cant say too much or go into detail without giving away the twists and turns this couple go through, or what the issues are. Suffice to say the author has done her research well, it is a book written from the heart and you can tell that by reading it. At the start you feel you should hate Margo, the way she behaves and the things she says. As it progresses and you start finding out why she is the way she is it starts to make sense. I have suffered a much milder form of this and could completely understand and relate to her actions. Hudson is amazing, he does all the right things and is nothing but supportive. This is the sort of story that needs telling, not only for those that suffer through issues like this but for those that don't so they can better understand and help anyone they may know going through them. Stephanie did a fantastic job of telling a great story while combing it with a subject that still has a great many taboos attached, despite a growing number of people suffering different forms and levels of this illness. Please give this a read, I don't think anyone could be disappointed in fact I feel they would learn something important, it might even help you understand something you are feeling but don't realise quite what it is . I actually felt I would have liked to score it higher than a 5* because it deserved more than that.
Profile Image for Desi.
2,633 reviews87 followers
Read
July 7, 2018
DNF 20%

La empecé pero me pareció muy aburrida....mucha descripción para mi gusto.... o no estaba en el mejor momento para leer este libro.

Lo dejé por el 4to capítulo!!
Profile Image for Rachel.
710 reviews
August 1, 2017
What a beautiful story. It made me laugh and cry. To loved and be loved that way was something truly beautiful. This was a story that needed to be told, and was done in a beautiful way.
Profile Image for Adricrisuruta.
1,639 reviews2 followers
September 17, 2017
Me encantó la historia. Para mi la autora trato de plasmar el problema de la depresión y la ansiedad de forma realista.
Margo luchaba día a día con sus pensamientos, le costaba pero gracias a que Hudson entro en su vida, encontró lo que necesitaba para dejar de sobrevivir y empezar a vivir.
Me gustó que Hudson no era perfecto y aunque quería ayudar metió la pata, teniendo que trabajar para fortalecer su relación.
Profile Image for Elias .
419 reviews10 followers
June 2, 2016
I don't remember the last time I read a work of fiction that was so damn real. I devoured every morsel this story had to offer and I was a mix of down in the dumps while also feeling my heart burst with happiness.

Margo and Hudson are virtual strangers who happen to wind up in a mishap at an airport. While not fans of each other at first, the two are forced to bond while they're suspended in a metal tube, floating through air in the middle of the night. The rest becomes history.

They're both in town for work, and eventually decide to kill the time they have in NYC with each other. Seems their chat on the plane left them wanting more... And it's so much more.

Margo just broke my heart. In most aspects, I could relate to her mood and the conflict that raged in her head from time-to-time. She's just lucky she had a Hudson there for her at the end of the day. Whether they're in the same apartment, or on opposite sides of the country, they find a way to navigate this connection between them.

What I really adore in stories like this one is how one interaction and one person can become that life-altering game changer. Hudson was an absolute angel in disguise, and just what Margo needed. While I ached for him and his slightly off-kilter upbringing, it thrilled me to see the man he had become. I was obsessed with how taken he was with Margo. He could seemingly read her mind and anticipated her every need.

While a chunk of this story was the exact opposite of butterflies and rainbows (hello, see the title), it was still gorgeous because it was so raw. The everyday questions we all have regarding life and relationships are there on the table, and Margo and Hudson are not always perfect about how they handle each obstacle.. But they fight and they try because they know when someone is worth really battling for in order to enjoy the long-haul. They not only discovered each other, but also, themselves.. And really came into their own.
Profile Image for RentasticReads.
699 reviews184 followers
May 29, 2016
I'm so in love with this. Hudson and Margo are too perfectly imperfect and their story just couldn't be more magical. I honestly didn't expect this book to draw this much emotion out of me! Stephanie Alba has done such a wonderful job in imparting such a sensitive situation and open up ourselves into it more and yet still inject all that humor and sexiness and sassiness into it all at the same time. This is the second book I've read from her and frankly, she's gone above and beyond on this one because I cherished every single second of it even more. The improvement is vast and I'm so happy with the leaps she made on and for this book. It struck a different chord in me and I just couldn't get enough. This is one of those books that totally needs to be savored and not rushed because—too many feels!

Margo Lincoln's mouth is THE champ. Seriously, the things she says border on ridiculous you'd pee your pants. Hudson Rockwell's charm is to die for. Couple that with his filthy mouth in the bedroom, super sweetness and concern when it comes to Margo... Then the littlest and simplest things he does. Good god, I'm just done for. Both their humor is out of this world. And best of all—both their flaws make me love them so much more.

I loved the way they met. I loved their bantering and the gradual progress of their relationship and how they just fell into it without even knowing. I loved the struggle of them both in being together and finding comfort in each other in just a short period of time. And then the familiarity they built together as time went by, no matter if they're on opposite sides of the country, they just tried and made it work. Did I mention that I LOVED EVERYTHING ABOUT THIS BOOK? Because I most certainly did. Oh and last thing, can you please marry me, Hudson Rockwell? Thanks.
Profile Image for Zuray yaruz7.
360 reviews30 followers
June 5, 2016
Five "I am Margo" stars

*I received this book as an ARC in exchange for an honest review*

This book, this freaking AMAZING book. Let me start by saying that I didn't read the blurb before reading this book so I didn't know what the book was about but I love the cover and what I really love more about was the title because every time I saw this book on my IG feed it reminded me of my favorite Vance Joy song Mess is Mine and to be honest I am a mess so that's why I love the idea of somebody saying those words "Your Mess Is Mine" and boy oh boy would that be sweeter coming from someone like Hudson Rockwell ♥ he was pretty incredible ok ok he was AMAZING and love the chemistry with Margo. And talking about Margo let me tell you about Margo Lincoln and how spot on her description on depression was I know for sure that many people in one way or another another have gone or still going through some sort of depression and they would identify with Margo tremendously, I know I did.
Love that she found her rock, somebody who believe in her, was there for her and didn't for a second belittle her or her symptoms.

Honestly this book was so much more than I was expecting.
Profile Image for Butthisbook.
495 reviews18 followers
May 31, 2016
 photo 53FB3CA9-892F-44C9-8F4C-65A073CB4839_zpsvcqcuxkn.jpg

3.5 stars

My favorite thing about this book... How Alba handled a delicate situation and showed her readers a true form of love. How we don't get into-love but we get insta-hate/lust :D
Take that with a bit of humor and you got yourself an enjoyable read.
Profile Image for Mar.
335 reviews6 followers
November 23, 2017
Honestamente, ni siquiera quise seguir leyendo después de las primeras veinte páginas; THANK GOD QUE SEGUÍ LEYENDO.
Your Mess is Mine es una historia de amor atípica; trata sobre Margo, quien tiene una regla tácita de no dejar entrar a nadie en forma sentimental a su vida. Para suerte de ella, encuentra a un alma tan aventurera como la de ella, Hudson. Ambos se enganchan en una relación de "fuckfriends" y cuando menos se dan cuenta, tienen sentimientos el uno por el otro.
El problema radica en que Margo no quiere dejar entrar a nadie en su corazón.

En primer lugar; MALDITA SEA, AMO A LA AUTORA. Hay una referencia en el libro de The Realm of You, cuando mencionan a Sebastian Juares CASI ME AHOGO, fangirleé como la fan adicta que soy a esa historia y TE AMO, GRACIAAASSSSS.

Me encantan (ya deben saberlo por ahora) las historias acerca de personas con depresión y sobre todo, el hecho de que haya puesto esa horrible forma en que muchas personas se expresan acerca de quienes lo padecemos; "no tienes nada porque no hay evidencia física". THATS WHAT I WAS TALKING ABOUT!
Te deja muy metida en la historia de amor entre ambos y debo decir, gracias por no hacer que esta historia sea igual a la del resto de libros en que fuckfriends se enamoran. THANK YOU!
Es una belleza, me encantó.💓

Profile Image for that chaotic.
168 reviews13 followers
December 15, 2016
5 jolly green giant sized stars!

I highlighted many passages...they were intensely what I needed to "hear."
Profile Image for sara.
784 reviews312 followers
December 5, 2018
AMAZING!! This book is so relatable and made me feel so connected with the characters!! This is by far one f the best books I read this year. Well done Stephanie I'm dying to read more of you.
Profile Image for Josephine Brierley.
Author 6 books39 followers
January 16, 2018
Such a beautifully written book.

Th characters were real, and dealing with real life. The subject of depression dealt with in a poignant way that enabled the reader to relate.

My first time reading this author, and I absolutely loved it.
Profile Image for Mia (Mia's Book Blog).
137 reviews65 followers
May 30, 2016
5-you're-my-crazy-lady-stars

When I found out about this book, I was super excited to read another book by the amazing Stephanie Alba, ( still slightly obsessing over how good Perfectly Aligned was, and still is.) There are many differences in writing, I think that Perfectly Aligned is almost a polar opposite to Your Mess Is Mine.

Your Mess Is Mine is a beautiful journey of love, understanding and overcoming difficulties. This story is about real, true love, that is sometimes funny and sexy and sometime it’s bare and honest. This story shines a light on something that is mostly ignored in the society. The story and the character were beautifully written and well-developed. When I started this book, I fell so deeply in love with the story and the character. Hudson is a sweetheart, a sexy sweetheart. And Margo is a strong, but yet a troubled woman.

description

Both Hudson and Margo are on their way to New York City, to attend an important meeting. Their first meeting a huge disaster, fighting over who gets a sit on the plane. Even though they fight the first time they meet. They still can’t keep their eyes from each other. As fate should have it, they ended sitting next each other on flight to New York. As the flight departs from the airport, they talk and connect. But when the plane lands in NY, they depart from each other, only to end up in the same hotel and same place the day after. On their second day in NY they end up having sex, amazing mindblowing sex that leaves them both wanting more. Hudson leaves for San Francisco the day after. After a few days without Margo, he realizes that he’s obsessed with her, so he gets his boss to send him to NY for work.

description

When he arrives to New York, he goes straight to Margo. After that day, Hudson starts going back and forward between San Francisco and New York, even though his job in NY is over. Until one day Margo stops answering to his calls, text after she promised that she will come to San Francisco. So Hudson goes to her, only to discover a secret that Margo tried so hard to keep hidden.

description

This book is a FIVE STAR read. Everyone should read this, everyone needs to read the story of Hudson and Margo. Amazing and emotional read. Everyone should get their copies. Enjoy <3

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Profile Image for Mary Ruth .
222 reviews51 followers
June 4, 2016
*An e-ARC of the book was given for an honest review*

This one is a definite gem for me. There’s something so raw and so real with the way the characters were written that had me reveling on every word in this book. Your Mess is Mine will make a mess of your heart and it surely isn’t the kind of mess you’ll want to fix.

Margo had completely vandalized my life. She had no clue she'd made a mess of the order I'd always possessed, and for the first time ever I was okay with being a little messy.

Once and for all, Margo wanted to be in charge of her life. She wanted a breath of fresh air that is free of judgment and doubt. But little did she know that there was something harder than being judged and doubted--falling and trusting at the same time. Margo was such a thrilling character. I loved exploring her realness and her poignancy. At first she seemed like a free-spirited young woman who enjoyed life in any way she can. But as the story progressed, her depth was slowly being revealed and I found out the free-spirited woman she appeared was in truth a caged bird of her own sufferings.

I thought I knew what he wanted, but the way his mouth stamped itself on my skin was unexpected. It was actually more. It dared me to forget, while taunting me to remember.

Hudson knew exactly what kind of man he was; driven, hard-working and controlled. He preferred things in order. He never carried that level of seriousness into a relationship, though. At least, not until he met the most beautiful mess he was willing to lose himself into. Now Hudson is a rare kind of book boyfriend for me. Something that perfectly balances a real and a dreamy hero. He had his imperfections but his love is perfect.

I need the heart that goes with your body and, more than anything, I want you to desire mine.

This book really touched base with all of my emotions. It was such an unpredictable read, starting off with a sweet and funny aura and then it slowly progressed to a deeper, more poignant prose. Miss Steph’s writing is fluid and engaging, making every scene palpable. The underlying topic on depression adding up to the realness of this book was an eye-opener; a chance for every reader to really get into the gravity of what is a commonly misunderstood disorder. I loved this book so much!
Profile Image for BeautyandtheBooks.
272 reviews16 followers
May 12, 2016
This is a MUST READ for everyone, but for those of us,myself included, that suffer from depression and/or anxiety. Margo is fucking LIFE! She's the real deal! The way the author depicts and talks about
depression in this book makes me just want to hug and squeeze her because she gets it! She hit it out of the park! Those of us that suffer know what it's like to feel alone, that need to disconnect from the world, the way our brains never shut down, the way we need to feel loved with the same intensity and passion as we give back. We feel things so deeply and then sometimes we turn numb and we feel nothing. She was spot on! Margo was foul mouthed and witty! I loved her flaws and all. She found all this with Hudson. This man, my my... He fought for her since day one. I loved how they started off as strangers, meeting in an airport coffee line, only to end up being on the same plane going to the same place. He helped her through so much and even when she pushed him away, he let her know and made her feel how much he cared for her. He took the time to understand what was going on inside her. He wasn't looking for anything any more than she was. It was very serendipitous. You would think this book would be sad and "depressing" but it's the exact opposite! It's fun, charming and super sexy. Yessss lots of lovin' happening in this one. I giggled like a school girl a billion times. I've read all three of Stephanie Alba's books now and she really out did her self with this story. I am completely blown away!! I'm in love with Margo Lincoln. She's totally going into my top five favorite book heroines. Her characters are unforgettable. I'm enamored and I totally want to squeeze Stephanie Alba if I ever meet her. Like full on squeeze til she can't breathe! Thank you for writing this book, for making people try to understand that even those suffering with depression deserve love, and sometimes they get lucky enough to find it. #TeamMargoForLife

"She was achingly beautiful. I stared into the same eyes that had hooked me since day one. The ones that said, 'I dare you to want me.' I didn't know it then, but that implicit challenge had been the start of everything. Of a life I didn't know I wanted, but now needed."

Profile Image for Lizs.book.nook ||Elizabeth||.
1,257 reviews43 followers
June 1, 2016
This book completely captured me and blew my away at the same time. Stephanie Alba completely out did herself with this book.

First off I'd like to say that Margo is everything. This strong woman is an inspiration, even if she is a fictional character. But a mental illness, one like Margo's, or another is certainly not fictional. It is a real hardship that many people deal with on a regular basis. An obstacle in life that some people must face in their lives. In today's society, mental illnesses have become so stigmatized and thought of negatively, but Stephanie Alba shows the world mental illness in an empowering and REAL way. She shows how this disease can effect an individual, how it can make them feel, even if the outside world doesn't see it. It was beautifully written.

Margo was a strong and fiery spirit even when she was battling her own internal demons. She was a foul-mouthed, determined women who was intent on not letting her disease rule her.

As for Hudson...man did I love that Jolly Green Giant. I loved the passion, fire and adoration that Hudson felt and expressed. How through the ups and the downs, even when times were difficult he never once thought about taking the simple and easy way out. How this man, tackled his fears as well as helped Margo conquered her own was extraordinary to watch unfold.

They dynamic between Margo and Hudson was stunning the see. To see the connection they had from the very beginning and how even though circumstances changed and came to light, they never lost who they truly were in the process. They brought out the best in one another and made each other stronger.

This was a stunning read by Stephanie Alba and I would recommend it with flying colors to everyone. Mental illnesses are not something to take lightly. And while people may read this and think this is a depressing book, it is not. While there are some parts that may be hard to read, this is a book of strength, empowerment, and most importantly love.

And outstanding 5 stars!
Profile Image for A.J. Compton.
Author 3 books46 followers
May 15, 2016
Your Mess Is Mine is brave, it's refreshing, and it's real. Those are the words that spring to mind when I think about this book. It's brave, not because of the subject matter, but because of how it's handled.

Stephanie Alba takes a risk with this book, and it paid off for me. Other books may have dealt with some of Margo's issues, but I haven't read any that show how complex those problems can be. Margo is often trapped inside her head, her own worst enemy at times, and only she can get herself out of her mental prison. She's not always easy to love, but that's kind of the point. This book is about Hudson loving all of Margo, flaws and all, and Margo learning to love herself.

Margo is a refreshing heroine. She's flawed, she's crass, she's complex, and she's vulnerable. Another risk by Alba, but it makes Margo stand out in a genre full of shy, near-perfect heroines. Much like the book itself, she won't be for everyone, but she is incredibly relateable to a lot of people - those struggling and not. I love a strong woman who makes no apologies for being who she is or who she's not, and really respected that about Margo. Plus, she's hilarious.

I absolutely loved the banter between her and Hudson, who is far from perfect himself. One of the things I liked best about this book was the character development for both of them. They both struggled and had setbacks, but ultimately they both grew, as individuals and as a couple.

In between the banter, racy scenes, blunt talk, and authentic situations, are moments of real beauty. Alba has a gorgeous way with words and makes a lot of wonderful, quiet observations about life, mental health, and people.

We all have messes in our lives and heads, and while no one should have to clean up your mess, it's much easier to deal with when there's more than one person to share the burden.
Profile Image for Taylor.
339 reviews18 followers
June 3, 2016
This book was truly beautiful. This was my first Stephanie Alba book and I was impressed with how she made such beautifully dynamic characters. Each character was deep and profound and had their own personal problems, which made them feel so real. Margo's and Hudson's relationship was one of the greats. I can see myself thinking about this story for weeks to come.
Margo isn't like your everyday girl, though she may seem like it...her brain is a jumbled mess. And as she's in a rush to get to New York for a job interview she finds herself fighting for the last seat on the plane with an annoying waist of space. He's arrogant, annoying, and she just wants him to stop talking. She needs that seat on the plane.
When she later finds out they are both going to be on the same plane, not only on the same plane but sitting beside each other, she's determined to ignore him. Even though he's one of the most beautiful men she's ever seen. Hudson is a man to treasure. She soon finds a sweeter side to him on the plane ride when her nerves of flying appear.
Margo and Hudson are two very different but beautiful characters that attract to each other, even though they shouldn't. Hudson can't stop thinking about her and how beautiful she was. He's seen lots of beautiful woman in his day but nothing like Margo.
When they find each other thrust into the other persons life, they soon discover they really enjoy each other's company and fate has better decisions for them.
Will Margo let her walls down to let Hudson in? Or will Margo break...Hudson?
Profile Image for Beth Frank.
71 reviews1 follower
May 17, 2016
5 Happy. Sad. Crazy. Sane. Sexy. Sweatpants. Stars!!

This was an arc copy for an honest review.

This book held my attention from the very beginning. A beautiful and touching story. This is not your typical love story about a girl with daddy issues and a billionaire. It’s a real love story with real people dealing with real issues.

I loved how they met, hated each other at first and then fell in love. Hudson, this guy is my new book boyfriend. He helped Margo through so much, even when she pushed him away. He remained steadfast. Margo is a force to be reckoned with. Loved her, even when I hated how she treated Hudson.

This story is fun, brave and refreshing. The author does an awesome job telling a story around a subject that still is misunderstood by so many.

Please give this a read, you will not be disappointed, in fact I think you will learn something. I know I did.

“We assume others have it better-that whole ‘grass is greener’ bullshit-but frankly, we all have heavy-ass baggage that complicates each day of our lives. It just comes in different shapes and colors, but we’re all the same. Human.”
Profile Image for Jacquie.
549 reviews3 followers
May 31, 2016
This book captivated me right from the start! Stephanie Alba has written a beautiful, touching love story that makes you swoon, laugh, cry and fall in love with BOTH the hero, Hudson and the heroine, Margo.

I loved how a chance meeting in an airport led to a night of insanely HOT sex, where they both were having similar thoughts about maybe having found someone they could actually be in a relationship with, even though neither of them is looking for nor WANTS one!

I loved all the unexpected twists and turns along the way, how caring and loving Hudson was, right from the beginning (well, ALMOST) and how funny and sexy and REAL both Hudson and Margo were with each other! I can't tell you how many times I found myself laughing out loud at their antics (and how many strange looks I got on the bus ;) )and a few tears, as well! Hudson is the epitome of what a true hero should be! Margo's issues are very real and what she goes through just about tore my heart out, yet at the same time, she is so funny and strong, you want her as your best friend!

This book is an absolute must read!! I wish I could give it more than 5 stars!



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