“If you only shine light on your accomplishments and hide all your flaws, then people are never going to see the real you.”
— Owen to Auburn, discussing authenticity in art and life.
Archivist's Choice
Confess
Colleen Hoover (2015)
Genre
Young Adult / Romance
Reading Time
280 min
Key Themes
See below
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In a Dallas art studio, a determined Auburn, rebuilding her shattered life, falls for the enigmatic artist, Owen, only to discover his devastating secret threatens to unravel everything she holds dear.
Synopsis
Auburn Reed, determined to rebuild her life after a devastating loss, moves to Dallas and seeks a job at an art studio. There, she meets Owen Gentry, a mysterious artist who creates paintings based on anonymous confessions. Despite her resolve to avoid complications, Auburn feels an instant, undeniable connection with Owen. They quickly develop a deep bond, sharing vulnerabilities and finding solace in each other. However, their growing romance is threatened by Owen's secret past and the interference of Trey, Auburn's manipulative ex-fiancé and the brother of her deceased child's father, who holds leverage over her through her son, A.J. Owen's secret is tied to his past and a tragic accident, leading to a forced separation and a custody battle for A.J. Auburn discovers the truth behind the sabotage and betrayal, realizing Owen was trying to protect her. Owen persistently works to unveil the truth, and they eventually reunite, forming a plan to expose the injustices they've faced. They use Owen's 'Confession' exhibit to publicly reveal the truth, leading to a legal victory for Auburn and a new beginning for them both, free from the shadows of their pasts.
Reading time
280 min
Difficulty
Easy
Pacing
Moderate
Mood
Emotional, Romantic, Dramatic, Hopeful
✓ Read this if...
You enjoy emotionally charged contemporary romances with significant drama, secrets, and a strong focus on healing and second chances.
✗ Skip this if...
You dislike intense emotional conflict, manipulative ex-partners, or plots that heavily rely on secrets and misunderstandings.
Plot Summary
A New Start and a Chance Encounter
Auburn Reed, 21, moves to Dallas, Texas, for a fresh start after a tragic past. She wants to earn enough money to gain custody of her five-year-old son, A.J., who lives with his paternal grandmother, Lydia, and Lydia's controlling daughter-in-law, Trey. Auburn sees a 'help wanted' sign at an art gallery and studio. Inside, she meets the mysterious artist, Owen Gentry, who is holding an impromptu art show featuring anonymous confessions. Despite her initial hesitation, Auburn feels an undeniable pull towards Owen and, needing the job, agrees to work for him. This marks the beginning of their complicated relationship.
Instant Connection and Shared Vulnerabilities
Auburn and Owen's connection deepens quickly. During her first shift, Owen asks Auburn to paint a picture based on a confession he reads aloud, and their artistic collaboration sparks intense chemistry. They spend the evening talking and sharing personal details, though both hold back significant parts of their pasts. Auburn reveals her desire to regain custody of her son, A.J., while Owen hints at a painful secret that influences his art. Their mutual vulnerability and the raw emotion behind Owen's art draw them closer, hinting at a potential romance despite Auburn's strict focus on her son.
The First Obstacle: Trey's Interference
Auburn tries to visit her son, A.J., at Lydia's house, but Trey, Lydia's daughter-in-law, meets her with hostility. Trey makes it clear that she and Lydia believe Auburn is an unfit mother and will do everything to prevent her from gaining custody. This encounter deeply frustrates Auburn, showing the immense uphill battle she faces to be reunited with A.J. The scene highlights the emotional stakes of Auburn's struggle and Trey's cruel tactics, making Auburn's need for a stable job and income even more urgent. Owen, seeing Auburn's distress, offers her comfort and support, further solidifying their bond.
The Confession and the Revelation
Owen tells Auburn that one of the anonymous confessions, a particularly sad one about a young boy's death, is his own. He explains that his younger brother, Adam, died due to a tragic accident caused by Owen's momentary negligence when they were children. This confession has haunted him and is the primary inspiration for his art, a way to process his guilt and grief. This revelation helps Auburn understand Owen's character and artistic motivations, explaining his intensity and the sadness that often underlies his work. It also creates a new layer of intimacy and trust between them, as Auburn now understands the depth of his pain.
A Secret Relationship and Growing Affection
Despite the complexities of Auburn's life and her custody battle, she and Owen continue to grow closer, starting a secret relationship. They spend time together at the studio and Owen's apartment, sharing intimate moments and learning more about each other's pasts. Owen's support and understanding provide Auburn with a much-needed emotional anchor, while Auburn's presence brings a new lightness into Owen's life. Their affection for each other deepens, but the shadow of Auburn's custody case and the secrets they both hold loom over their blossoming romance, threatening to expose vulnerabilities and create further complications.
The Custody Hearing and Betrayal
The custody hearing for A.J. arrives, and Auburn is hopeful but nervous. During the proceedings, Trey presents evidence that devastates Auburn's case: photographs of Owen's art, specifically paintings inspired by the confession of his brother's death, along with details of Owen's past. Trey twists the narrative, portraying Owen as unstable and dangerous, implying that Auburn's association with him makes her an unfit mother. Auburn is blindsided and heartbroken, realizing that her relationship with Owen has been used against her. The judge rules in favor of Lydia, denying Auburn custody and shattering her dreams of being reunited with A.J.
The Truth Behind the Sabotage
Devastated by the custody ruling, Auburn confronts Owen, believing he somehow betrayed her. Owen, equally shocked, reveals a crucial piece of information: his deceased brother, Adam, was the son of Trey's brother, giving Trey a personal vendetta against Owen and, by extension, Auburn. Trey had been dating Owen's father before Owen's brother died, making her connection to the tragedy personal and her desire to ruin Owen (and anyone associated with him) immense. This revelation clarifies Trey's extreme malice and her motivation for using Owen's past against Auburn. It also explains how Trey knew so much about Owen's art and history, as she had been secretly observing him.
A Forced Separation
Following the disastrous custody hearing and the revelation of Trey's deep-seated vendetta, Trey blackmails Auburn. She threatens to ensure Auburn never sees A.J. again if she continues her relationship with Owen. Faced with an impossible choice, and prioritizing her son's well-being, Auburn makes the heartbreaking decision to break up with Owen. She goes to his studio, feigning indifference and delivering a painful rejection, knowing it's the only way to protect A.J. from Trey's manipulative schemes. Owen is crushed, unable to understand Auburn's sudden change of heart, completely unaware of the blackmail.
Owen's Persistence and Unveiling the Truth
Despite Auburn's harsh rejection, Owen refuses to believe she genuinely wants him out of her life. He persists, trying to understand her sudden change. He begins to investigate Trey, suspecting her involvement in Auburn's changed demeanor. Through his own efforts, Owen uncovers Trey's manipulative blackmail scheme. He learns that Trey threatened Auburn with permanent separation from A.J. if she didn't end their relationship. Armed with this knowledge, Owen realizes the depth of Auburn's sacrifice and her love for her son, solidifying his determination to fight for her and expose Trey's actions.
Reunion and a Plan for Justice
Owen confronts Auburn with the truth, revealing he knows about Trey's blackmail. Auburn, relieved and heartbroken, finally confesses the full extent of Trey's manipulation and her desperate choice. They reconcile, their love for each other stronger than ever. Together, they formulate a plan to expose Trey's unethical behavior and secure Auburn's rightful place in A.J.'s life. Their strategy involves gathering evidence of Trey's threats and using it to challenge the previous custody ruling, hoping to finally bring justice to Auburn and reunite her with her son, free from Trey's interference.
The Confession Exhibit and Public Exposure
Owen decides to use his art, specifically a new exhibit of his confession paintings, as a platform to expose Trey's manipulation. He subtly incorporates elements that hint at Trey's vindictive nature and the injustice Auburn faced, while also showing the purity of his and Auburn's love. The exhibit attracts significant attention, drawing the public's eye to the emotional depth of his work and, implicitly, to the story of a mother fighting for her child. This public display not only strengthens their case but also gains public sympathy for Auburn, creating a powerful narrative that could sway future legal proceedings.
Legal Victory and a New Beginning
Armed with new evidence and public awareness, Auburn and Owen present their case to the court. Trey's manipulative tactics are exposed, and her credibility is shattered. The judge, seeing the clear evidence of blackmail and the genuine love between Auburn and Owen, reverses the previous custody decision. Auburn is finally granted full custody of A.J. The story concludes with Auburn, A.J., and Owen starting their new life together as a family. Auburn's long-fought battle for her son ends in triumph, and she finds not only her son but also a deep and lasting love with Owen, fulfilling her dreams of a complete family.
Principal Figures
Auburn Reed
The Protagonist
Auburn transforms from a heartbroken, guarded woman into a courageous and empowered mother who fights for her happiness and her son.
Owen Gentry
The Protagonist/Love Interest
Owen moves from a place of self-blame and isolation to finding healing, love, and a renewed sense of purpose through his relationship with Auburn.
A.J.
The Supporting
A.J. is reunited with his mother, gaining the stable and loving home he deserves.
Lydia
The Supporting/Antagonist
Lydia maintains her stance for most of the story but is eventually swayed by the truth about Trey's manipulation.
Trey
The Antagonist
Trey's manipulative schemes are ultimately exposed, leading to her downfall and the resolution of the conflict.
Adam
The Mentioned
Adam's story is revealed to explain Owen's motivations and the depth of the antagonist's vendetta.
Themes & Insights
The Power of Confession and Art as Therapy
The novel shows how sharing secrets and expressing inner turmoil through art can be cathartic and healing. Owen's entire artistic premise revolves around anonymous confessions, allowing strangers to unload their burdens and providing him with material to process his own guilt over his brother's death. Auburn also finds solace in opening up to Owen and expressing her pain through painting, showing art's ability to provide an outlet for unspoken grief and trauma. This theme is central to Owen's character and his studio, where confessions are literally brought to life through paint on canvas, creating a shared human experience.
“''Sometimes a person needs to be told they're not broken, that they're just breaking.''”
Unconditional Love and Sacrifice
This theme is clear in Auburn's relentless fight for her son, A.J., and the sacrifices she makes for him. Her love for A.J. drives all her major decisions, including her willingness to leave Owen when blackmailed by Trey. Owen's love for Auburn also shows sacrifice, as he endures her forced rejection, but then persistently fights for her and A.J. once he understands the truth. The story emphasizes that true love often requires personal sacrifice and putting another's well-being above one's own desires, leading to a stronger, more resilient bond.
“''You can't be brave if you've only had good things happen to you.''”
The Weight of the Past and Forgiveness
Both Auburn and Owen are deeply affected by their pasts. Auburn's life is shaped by the tragic death of her fiancé and the subsequent loss of custody of A.J., while Owen carries guilt over his brother's accidental death. The novel explores how these past traumas continue to influence their present choices and relationships. Forgiveness, both of oneself and of others, is a crucial element for healing and moving forward. Owen's art is an attempt at self-forgiveness, and Auburn's journey is about forgiving herself for circumstances beyond her control and forgiving others for their roles in her pain, allowing her to embrace a future free from past burdens.
“''The only way to move forward is to let go of the past.''”
Justice and Redemption
The narrative is largely driven by Auburn's quest for justice—to regain custody of her son and to expose Trey's manipulative actions. Her journey is one of redemption, not just for herself in the eyes of the law, but also for her self-perception as a mother. Owen also seeks a form of redemption through his art, attempting to atone for his perceived past failings. The resolution of the story sees justice served as Trey's schemes are uncovered, leading to Auburn's triumph and a fair outcome, allowing both protagonists to find peace and a chance at a new, redemptive future.
“''It's not about making things right, it's about making things happen.''”
Plot Devices & Literary Techniques
Anonymous Confessions
A collection of submitted secrets that inspire Owen's art and drive the narrative.
The anonymous confessions are a central plot device. Owen collects these handwritten confessions from strangers, using them as inspiration for his paintings. This device serves multiple purposes: it introduces the audience to Owen's unique artistic process, reveals facets of human experience, and most importantly, one of the confessions turns out to be Owen's own, revealing his deepest secret about his brother's death. This personal confession becomes a critical element in understanding his character and is later manipulated by the antagonist, Trey, to sabotage Auburn's custody case. The confessions also act as a metaphor for the secrets and burdens characters carry.
Blackmail
Trey's manipulation of Auburn to separate her from Owen.
Blackmail is a pivotal plot device used by the antagonist, Trey. After Auburn loses custody of A.J., Trey threatens Auburn, stating that if she continues her relationship with Owen, she will ensure Auburn never sees her son again. This forces Auburn to make the heartbreaking decision to break up with Owen, creating a significant emotional rift and a major obstacle in their relationship. The blackmail highlights Trey's maliciousness and the high stakes of Auburn's custody battle, ultimately leading to Owen's investigation and the eventual exposure of Trey's tactics.
The Art Studio/Gallery
The primary setting where Auburn and Owen meet and their relationship develops.
Owen's art studio and gallery serve as the central setting and a significant plot device. It's where Auburn first encounters Owen and where their initial attraction and connection are forged through their shared artistic endeavors. The studio is a place of creation, vulnerability, and revelation, as Owen's art, based on confessions, is displayed there. It becomes a sanctuary for their budding romance but also a place where secrets are exposed. The studio is both a catalyst for their relationship and a symbol of their shared artistic and emotional journey, eventually becoming the platform for Owen's public exposure of Trey's actions.
Custody Battle
Auburn's legal fight to regain her son, driving much of the conflict.
Auburn's ongoing custody battle for her son, A.J., is the overarching conflict and a powerful plot device. It establishes her primary motivation, creates urgency, and dictates many of her choices, including her initial reluctance to pursue a relationship with Owen and her eventual forced separation from him. The legal proceedings provide a framework for the antagonist's interference and the escalating stakes. The resolution of the custody battle signifies Auburn's ultimate victory and the happy ending for her and Owen, making it the central external conflict that propels the entire narrative forward.
Critical analysis
Notable Quotes
“Sometimes in life, we all need a reason to stay.”
— Auburn reflecting on her reasons for fighting for what she wants.
“It’s not the person who completes you, it’s the person who accepts you completely.”
— A profound thought about true love and acceptance.
“Every time I look at you, I see a new reason to fall in love.”
— Owen expressing his growing feelings for Auburn.
“I think I've been in love with you since the day I first saw you, even though I didn't know it was love until now.”
— Owen confessing his long-held feelings.
“Regret is a disease. And it will eat you alive.”
— Auburn's internal struggle with past decisions and the advice she gives herself.
“You can’t control the past, but you can control where you go from here.”
— Auburn realizing the importance of moving forward.
“Sometimes you have to choose between a good life and a bad one. And sometimes, just sometimes, you choose the bad one because you’re afraid of the good.”
— Auburn contemplating her choices and fears.
“There are some people you meet in life who make you feel like you’ve known them forever.”
— Auburn reflecting on her instant connection with Owen.
“When you find something that makes you happy, you don’t let anyone take it from you.”
— Auburn's resolve to fight for her happiness and Owen.
“I want to be your favorite hello and your hardest goodbye.”
— Owen expressing his desire for a deep, lasting relationship with Auburn.
“The greatest regret of my life isn't that I loved you. It's that I didn't love you enough.”
— A confession from Owen's past that resonates with his current feelings.
“Don’t ever let anyone dull your sparkle.”
— A piece of advice given to Auburn, emphasizing self-worth.
“Love isn't always convenient. Love isn't always pretty. But when it's real, it's worth fighting for.”
— Auburn's realization about the nature of true love.
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Key Questions (FAQ)
Auburn Reed's primary motivation is to regain custody of her son, A.J., from his paternal grandmother, Lydia. She is working multiple jobs and saving every penny to afford legal representation and prove her stability, making her extremely cautious about anything that could jeopardize her efforts.
About the author
Colleen Hoover is a prolific American author best known for her contemporary romance and young adult fiction. Her novels often explore complex emotional themes and relationships, resonating deeply with a large readership. Notable works include 'It Ends with Us', 'Verity', and 'Ugly Love', which have achieved widespread commercial success and bestseller status.
