Review: It Happens all the Time by Amy Hatvany

It Happens all the Time by Amy Hatvany

Published: March 28, 2017

Publisher: Atria Books

Format: via audiobook

Rating: 4 /5

Synopsis

Amber Bryant and Tyler Hicks have been best friends since they were teenagers—trusting and depending on each other through some of the darkest periods of their young lives. And while Amber has always felt that their relationship is strictly platonic, Tyler has long harbored the secret desire that they might one day become more than friends.

Returning home for the summer after her college graduation, Amber begins spending more time with Tyler than she has in years. Despite the fact that Amber is engaged to her college sweetheart, a flirtation begins to grow between them. One night, fueled by alcohol and concerns about whether she’s getting married too young, Amber kisses Tyler.

What happens next will change them forever.

In alternating points of view, It Happens All the Time examines the complexity of sexual dynamics between men and women and offers an incisive exploration of gender roles, expectations, and the ever-timely issue of consent.

My Thoughts

It Happens all the Time is a hard-hitting story of two best friends whose lives are forever changed after one night out. Amber and Tyler have been best friends ever since Tyler and his family moved to town when Tyler was in his early teens. He soon became friends with the girl next door Amber. While they are just friends Tyler has always had feelings for Amber but never said anything since he valued their friendship. As they grow older Amber comes home after graduation and reconnects with Tyler and announces she is engaged, and of course, Tyler is crushed but continues to keep his feelings to himself.

One night they go out and Amber admits to flirting with Tyler but she never thinks that what happens next would ever happen. Years of feelings and his love for Amber takes over Tyler and he does the most unthinkable thing ever while making out he rapes Amber. She says no and he doesn't stop but Tyler doesn't remember her saying no and he doesn't think he raped her. This sets off a chain reaction that will break up friendships and relationships and messes with Amber’s emotional state of mind. Tyler’s past with his father and their relationship plays a huge part in all of this and you begin to question Tyler in general.

This story is powerful to say the last, no matter your opinion about Tyler. Is he a good guy yes, at least in the beginning, but he did a very bad thing. Does years of his father mental abuse play a part? Maybe. However, in the end, no means no and nothing excuses what he did. I loved the alternating chapters because we see how each one viewed the events as it happens. This story will make you think and it's a very emotional read one that will stay with you way after you closed the book. Amy Hatvany gives us a story that will have you shocked and in tears and will definitely have you questioning everything you think you knew.