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Clear Pond Book Club

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November 9: A Novel

A gripping tale of love, secrets, and betrayal perfect “for fans of Gillian Flynn” (Library Journal, starred review) from the beloved #1 New York Times bestselling author of Regretting You, Verity, and It Ends with Us.

When Fallon meets Ben, an aspiring novelist, their connection defies logic, sparking an instant bond that seems almost too perfect. But perfection often hides cracks, and as their unconventional arrangement unfolds, the pair agrees to meet only once a year on November 9th— with no contact in between. What begins as an intriguing exploration of love and trust quickly turns into something stronger with more twists than either of them imagined.

Beneath their romance lies a tense undercurrent and Fallon begins to question Ben’s true intentions. With each passing November, the web of truth and lies grows tighter, and what started as a love story teeters on the edge of obsession.

Pulsing with intense chemistry and heart-stopping revelations this riveting novel dares to ask: Can love survive when the truth is the ultimate plot twist?

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Published Nov 10, 2015

320 pages

Average rating: 7.99

1,733 RATINGS

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Community Reviews

Doodlebugsjuju
Jan 26, 2025
6/10 stars
This was an easy read for me. I liked the story line up to the plot twist. I will recommend but not a favorite of mine for Colleen Hoover
thisizleigha
Sep 16, 2024
9/10 stars
I loved the storyline over many years
Ging
Oct 01, 2025
Loved
Ava Robbins
Sep 14, 2025
2/10 stars
This book is a literal incel fantasy- ladies you deserve better

Ben's POV:

I wish I could say I'm mentally preparing a brilliant apology, but I'm not. I seem to have a one track mind, and that track leads straight to the two things I shouldn't even be thinking about right now. Her boobs. Both of them.
I know. I'm pathetic. But if you're just going to sit here and stare at each other, it'd be nice if she were showing a little cleavage instead of wearing this long-sleeved shirt that leaves everything to the imagination. It's pushing eighty degrees outside. She should be in something a lot less... convent-inspired.


"The first time you walked past me... I stared at your ass the whole time you were stomping away. And I couldn't help but wonder what kind of panties you had on. That's all I thought about the entire time you were in the restroom. Were you a thong girl? Were you going commando? Because I didn't see an outline in your jeans that hinted you were wearing normal panties."


"I was so relieved," I tell her. "Because I could tell that one simple movement that you were really insecure. And I realized - since you obviously have no idea how fucking beautiful you were - that I just might actually have a chance with you. And so I smiled. Because I was hoping if I played my cards right - I might get to find out exactly what kind of panties you were wearing under those jeans."


"If you're packing underwear, that means you're going commando. So by process of elimination, I've figured out that you're currently wearing a thong. Now I just have to find out what color it is."


I begin to mentally undress her, and not in a sexual way. I'm just curious. Really curious, because I can't stop staring at her...


Fallon's POV:

"I don't want to wear that, I want to wear this."
"No," he says. "I'm paying for dinner, so I get to choose what to stare at while we eat."


Back to Ben:

My eyes fall to the dress first. I have to give myself props for picking that one out. There's just enough showing at her neckline to keep me good and happy...


I've never wanted to use physical force on a girl before, but I want to push her to the ground and hold her there until the cab drives away.


"I barely know you, so I'm not about to argue with you over your level of intelligence, because you could very well be as dumb as a rock. But at least you're pretty."


Ben talking to Fallon about her scars:

"It's your own fault people feel uncomfortable looking at you."


And this doesn't even mention the literal SA that was passed off as romantic and normal that had to be edited out of the book in future book editions for Nov. 9.

Even then there's still some questionable content.

I feel my shirt being pulled open, and the more of me that becomes exposed, the harder it is to hold back tears.


I am deeply concerned for the people who read this book and think the main relationship is healthy or something to be sought after.
Lauren Greely
Jul 01, 2025
10/10 stars
4.5 ⭐️ 2 spice

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