Review: Royal Holiday

Royal Holiday by Jasmine Guillory
My rating: 3 of 5 stars

Note: Goodreads forced me to pick it up and so did her fans. So originally it wasn't my brilliant idea to pick this up.. Also my first 50 year olds' romance, so good job on me! Good ideas hehe..

But not bad ones.

So here we go..

The cover -Hardback (the one I received), a pretty cute and simple cover, though very adorable. So I loved it at first glance, couldn't control myself to keep trailing my fingers around the title itself..hehe, guilty. So a star for that.

The summary, plotline itself: Well the summary was interesting. Considering it was a spin off The Wedding Party (Vivian's daughter Maddie's story), it should have been hard to read as I had missed a story for one, and getting introduced to the other characters that were related or knew the main character well. But luckily it wasn't hard to get into the story and feeling connected all the same. But of course it's now got me wanting to read the other books in the order hehe, so addicted a bit, gotta admit. But the plotline is interesting: Vivian goes to England with her stylist daughter who's helping the duchess with her clothes, she ends up meeting Malcolm and loving England overall. Loved it enough to give it a star yay!

It's quite interesting. Another interesting fact linked to this book would be the fact that originally the author had volunteered to write a book where in an alternate universe, Meghan Markle's mother would be a single parent visiting England for the first time (without a husband, but then again who wants a husband and father like Meghan Markle's?) so sounding close to fanfiction in a way but a very interesting plot to write. This was my main motivation throughout, that perhaps if things were different Doris Ragland would have had a different future for herself after her daughter had settled...(not a bad thought)..

The romance: Slow burn as they usually are, in short, snappy, sweet romances. But there's not a lot of tension, or something to swoon at, felt a bit flat at times. But maybe I've been too used to reading 20-30 year olds' romances, that could be one reason..But still flat overall.

Now the reason why I took out two stars..

The personalities: Sometimes Vivian felt like a teenager, or a woman in her 30s. I can't pinpoint exactly what made her disliked, to me at least, but the way she talked and acted were some of the reasons why I disliked her. Malcolm was not bad to read but even he with his decisions sometimes forgot to depend on others, and acted a bit too nice, sigh..He's supposed to be firm, a bit moody I suppose considering he's 1. British. 2. In his 50s. 3. A royal secretary. So I really didn't enjoy their personalities much.

I hope for Maddie, Theo, Alex to be different than these characters, seriously...

The issues: There are not enough issues in this book. For 1. They're both different, personality wise. They never talk about this. 2. They have different beliefs. They never mention how he's british and he has certain beliefs, and how she's american, she might never get used to it...they don't talk. 3. They're both too old to keep travelling back and forth, they don't think how they'll manage in the future.

THEY NEVER COMMUNICATE! The author completely overlooks these issues like they're nothing and just moves on.

Sigh..

And they're mostly happy. Like aren't there supposed to be more issues? Considering the fact that they're so different and come from two different worlds?

I fail to understand how this author even managed to think falling in love even when you're miles apart with no issue is so DARN EASY. FAIL TO COMPREHEND THIS!..

But overall it's not too terrible to read, just as long as you're prepared to go along with characters who act much younger, almost no issues shown (making this as an unrealistic read), and the romance downplayed a hell lot.

But regardless, I'll still pick this author's other novels up as they're quite popular and well known, so hopefully they'll be better.

Until the next read,

-J.B

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Review: Everything Is F*cked: A Book About Hope

Everything Is F*cked: A Book About Hope by Mark Manson
My rating: 2 of 5 stars

Note: A sequel to A Subtle Art of Not Giving A F*ck. So read that one first before you jump into this one, although they are both subjectively different. But to understand the writing, perhaps it would be wise to try the first one out.

Sigh, where do I begin?

I had high expectations for this novel considering the fact that I had highly enjoyed the previous novel therefore I was sure that this would be just as equally informative but with some witty dialogue interwoven.

But boy was I wrong.

The cover is not much to look at, but the title almost screams that there is something interesting to gain from reading this novel.

Perhaps information, perhaps understanding ourselves more, giving more hope? All of these lessons were to be expected acknowledging the title itself. So I was definitely intrigued and curious to know what hid this time in this author's novel.

The summary itself. The summary is interesting and quite straightforward in itself overall. It simply talks about where we have faults in terms of keeping hope in a certain situation and how we can fix it to gain hope back in our lives. So pretty straight there with the reader, nothing more to the summary. But still good enough to get a rating.

But then, there's such a thing as fate and how it screws up everything just when you're having fun or enjoying it.

That's exactly what happened when I had crossed the threshold to almost 100 pages being left.

To point out exactly what happened, here are some answers below.

Numero uno 1. The whole time there are only bits and pieces of his own advice and his own experience about losing hope and gaining back hope. But the rest of the time it's even worse than a college student's plagiarised paper, with so much information churned out in the form of internet facts thrown left and right. Nothing personal, only mere factual information.

Numero dos 2. Two many historical facts piled in, that was one fact I kinda dislike about the first book too, but it's been some time, so.. Almost felt like I was reading a history book for my high school class.

And I really didn't enjoy those, to be honest. Thank god, I'm out of that hellhole.

Moving on..

Final point, numero tres 3. He's mostly pointing out the faults of everyone who ever lost hope, criticising them, making fun of them in a way. And he's dragging the religion point a bit too far.

Two things: You're supposed to in a way suggest what could be done to better oneself, give hope back rather than mock someone for a poor choice made at one point. And another thing is that everyone has a different reason to believe in their religion, to have that faith in something.

Because as Mr Manson said, you have to give a fuck or have faith in something.

So contradicting yourself in that one or two pages is really not such a grand idea.

Overall, a shambles. Never would I have thought this novel would want me to throw it to the floor, stomp on it a few times and then hurl it out like goddamn Tarzan and yell...

But miracles do happen.

Until the next read,

-J.B


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Review: Dating You / Hating You

Dating You / Hating You by Christina Lauren
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

Well. I'm kinda tongue-twisted on what I should say to describe this wonderful creation and not spoil it at the same time.

But I gotta start somewhere.

So here we go...

-----------------

Cover: Simple but cute enough. It's just so straightforward about the story overall. Besides the guy in the cover is cute. So, I'll give one rating here.

The backstory: Well the backstory is pretty interesting. Girl meets guy at a friend's party. They both hit it off and even start planning their wedding vows (kidding somewhat).

But then the plot twist shows up when they are each other's rivals after a merge.

God it makes everything so darn more interesting. No CEO crap, no secretary, just two employees simply acting like two grown adults who like and hate each other. So definitely points to that.

The romance: Well it's more of a slow burn in the beginning but then the tension increases, and it's almost got me hooting and rooting for them hard! Especially the dialogues, and the alone moments they rarely got, just made me swoon so hard.

The personalities, the characters themselves: Well Evie's personality is definitely something of a controlled, cool and calm working woman even though she's been undermined a lot by her boss and colleagues. But she's still chill, fun, and hardworking, a likeable personality. As for Carter, a witty, cocky, underestimated, but hardworking as well guy. He's been definitely been dealt a lot of bad cards courtesy to his family and job. But otherwise a joy to read about. They're both tons of fun to read about, relatable, and aspirational.

The ending and other ends tied in: Well the ending is obviously a happy one, but with their issues and own differences worked out. The side characters are absolutely wonderful. Michael Christopher with Steph and their children are so cute, sigh..would love a story on them. Daryl and Eric please, a story, I love them so much...? Amelia is funny as well, I hope she finds her soulmate, she deserves it.

So I loved EVERYTHING about this novel. And I crave more Christina Lauren, sigh, so damn badly.

Damn them for becoming an addiction.

But you get the point.

Until the next read,

-J.B

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Review: The Vice President

The Vice President by Addy Archer
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

Note: I received an ARC in exchange for an honest review.

Hooked, line and sinker!

I think that's the way the expression goes.

Anyway this book WAS AMAZING! Mindblowingly so.

It had everything I usually want in a biker romance: romance, mystery, action, confessions of love and all, some awesome ass-kicking, and family time, especially if the hero has a daughter, or the heroine does!

So naturally I was swooning by the end, almost fell down the stairs because of my dreaming..

But shush, don't tell anyone. They'll make fun of me even more.

But let's get on with the review.

The cover - Damn delicious. Hehe. I just couldn't help but swoon just a little. It's hard to control when you've got an amazing as hell cover. So definitely one rating for that.

The storyline: I always like a bit of a softie hero especially when he has a hero. Kinda get to see both the soft and badboy-like side, and it's a wonderful and totally heartwarming combination. Especially when he fights to rescue both his girls, the child and his woman. So naturally I fell for that storyline. Totally worth points.

The romance: Steamy and giving me all kinds of feelings! I wished they were real so bad, or I could find close enough people in real life to give a tribute to them. DAAMN Me. The dialogues, the chase, the heartwarming confessions, the time they spent together, so darn loveable. Sigh...

The characters: Well the hero is definitely something of a gem. The way he's going against all odds to go and save his daughter and teaming up with his gang, it's all so damn emotional and heartblowing stuff. Got me right in the heart! The daughter is so adorable, so cute and precious hehe, I couldn't love her like an older sibling so yeah, she got me quick.. The heroine has her own special place in my heart, so relatable, strong, confident, worthy of my love hehe. And the gang were also fun to be with, like a virtual side character, totally wished they were real, I bet we would have had tons of fun hehe.

HEA and previous book characters: Oh what an ending, I couldn't help but cry a little.

And for me to cry, it's a miracle, because I never cry, no matter what the book entails in itself. So indeed what a miracle.

So I loved the HEA they all got, I mean they did deserve the HEA after what they all went through. Gee. And it was so good to see the other previous characters, though in a cameo of sorts, but still good to see them all.

So I recommend this with all my heart. What a novel!

Until the next read,

-J.B

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Review: Begin Again

Begin Again by Amanda Leigh
My rating: 3 of 5 stars

Note: I received an ARC in exchange for an honest review.

Well I'm not really sure how I should feel about this book.

I mean it has some content that would not be suitable for young readers, such as 13/14-15+ year olds. Even as a 17 year old, this is a bit unsettling to read. But regardless, there was just something about this book that made me push on.

So..

The cover. Looks sweet, light hearted romance. So deceiving. Contradictory to the actual summary. I mean the summary talks about abuse, a tough situation, a kid involved. And this looks like some sunshiny cover overall. So definitely I was deceived. But I loved it regardless.

The storyline. Well there's nothing more that would excite or intrigue you more to read than an abuse story, especially when there's a kid involved. So I was definitely curious to see how it would pan out and scared if they will ever get a happy ending. But this author did not disappoint with the ending so definitely points to that.

The characters themselves. Well they have redeemable features such as resilience to tough it out in a situation which is not even through their fault, the mother being strong enough to get out and save herself and her family.

Such a husband should be killed, no offense.

Regardless, the characters were all resilient, nice, confident, strong, and loveable too. I loved them so much, I could not let go of them at the end. Sigh... So points to that.

I was just not happy with the abuse story. I'm not a fan of abuse stories and usually stay clear from them, so reading this was not easy, let me tell you. But since I'd already signed up, I wanted to continue reading it. But if anyone who may get triggered by this, should really stay away for their own mental sanity.

The stranger fact. A stranger helping them. I don't know why of all people you take a stranger's help to save yourself and your family. Clearly the husband had hit her a bit too much to run to strangers to help them.

DID AN EXTENDED FAMILY NOT EXIST? I'm really skeptical about that. Of all the people you trust, you trust a stranger to help you.

Humanity is far from trustworthy, these days. Clearly this woman should read her news.

Anyway, this is a so-so recommendation. Not highly recommended.

Until the next read,

-J.B

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Review: Sweet Agony

Sweet Agony by Christy Pastore
My rating: 1 of 5 stars

Note: I received an ARC in exchange for an honest review.

This book was just too slow. Maybe by the fact that there was no intriguing start to it.

So basically I never got to actually enjoy the book. That's why there is such a low rating.

The cover is fun and very sexual. Well when I want a breather, these kinds of covers are just so darn enlightening on my nerves. So points to that.

The summary. Seems typical as hell. Kind of like a highschool crush fastforwarded to the present time but then you realize the so-called crush is ready to fix their act.

They should have fixed their attitude and problems earlier. Not a punching bag for ya.

The romance. Well I don't really know. I never bothered to go past the point of 50 pages as my patience had dwindled to an incredible 0.5%.

The plot itself. Like I said before, nothing interesting added to the summary. No twists and turns, same story every corner.

The characters. Seem nice enough, relatable to a degree. But still not enough to score a point with me.

So a letdown in general. Will not recommend.

Until the next read,

-J.B

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Review: Undone

Undone by Kathy Coopmans
My rating: 4 of 5 stars

Note: I received an ARC in exchange for an honest review.

Daaaamn me...

This book just wowed me to no end.

Such an intriguing storyline. Chasing after someone you loved, after you broke their heart, whether they'll forgive you or not.

All makes for such an interesting summary. So Points to that.

The cover, is sinfully gorgeous... I mean it's just speaking seduction and intrigue, all wrapped in such a delicious package. Heh. Wonderful. So really loved it.

The romance - Well it's truly steamy. The dialogues, the chase scenes, the tiny moments where they're vulnerable and open with each other, truly worthwhile to read. So points to that.

The plotline is also something of an enjoyment. So many intriguing twists. Anticipated confessions. It's never a standard plotline, it's more than what it's own summary says.

But there's nothing more to it, so I had to take a star off.

Otherwise, it's a must read.

Until the next read,

-J.B

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Review: Sharp Objects

Sharp Objects by Gillian Flynn
My rating: 2 of 5 stars

I really had a lot of hope for this novel.

I mean people really enjoyed this, enjoyed this author's novels a lot.

And I felt guilty since I had only heard about this author, and her novels being adapted into films. So naturally I pushed myself to pick a novel of hers. And this one had been gaining recent hype ever since it landed on HBO as an adapted tv show.

But like all things that are meant to wreck a person's sanity, this one made me question whether I actually had good taste in books or Mother Luck was just not by my side.

And I got to also star alongside other 1/2 star reviews. Hurray! (*rolls eyes*)

So let me explain why I feel like I've been given an ice cold bath bomb on my head.

..................................

The cover: Well I really loved the cover. I never got a cover that actually represented it's adaptation, like this was...holy shit...my first ever time. So naturally, the cover had got me squealing in happiness. Plus it made me so curious about the story itself because of the stern expressions on each of the character's face on the cover. So really fell for this one. Points to that.

The summary: I've read summaries like this one before. Reporter/detective/police officer battles her own past, meanwhile solves a mystery case as well. It's kinda like a Murder she Wrote Episode. So I was all down for it, even more so by the tv adaptation. So points to that.

But the other points screwed up my ratings. To the point where I even fought with myself whether I should bother at all to give a rating. But the brain won out, so I had to rate.

The characters: As one reviewer said before, it's like the author was desperately trying to show how only evil ruled human nature and no good ever surfaced. All the characters seem intent on being materialistic, shrewed, flawed, and evil.

That's it. Literally they have no other agenda other than accomplishing their own goals.

I'm sorry but if you cannot show humanity then what's my point reading this? -Note to Author. They should have flaws yes, but not so many that they can barely see past them.

The mystery: Well Camille is too busy criticising people and even the victim murdered. And then she complains why she never got promoted. Well if you can't analyse or even sympathise, or even try and help, then there's no point in even being a reporter. She's supposed to be uncovering more about the mystery rather than be so absorbed in solving her own mystery.

The mystery and her own problems should go hand in hand, not overlap each other. It makes things so darn confusing, I don't even understand what the author is trying to achieve.

Overcoming problems: Well none of that was seen. But then again it was only 38 pages when I DNFed so makes sense. So I won't comment much on this aspect.

But overall, I think it's the most ridiculous novel that ever graced the bookstagram and goodreads community.

Everyone's just doing their own thing and I think the author just let them do whatever they wanted. That's what's happened.

Call the writing police, wake this darn author up! Her characters, and plot need work! Call them!

So, overall, I'm never trying any of her books again, because I only have patience for so much.

Until the next read,

-J.B

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Review: The Chain

The Chain by Adrian McKinty
My rating: 2 of 5 stars

Sigh...

Looks like I fell in the trap of popular hype once again.

Bad Javelyn, bad. *Hits head*

Well I have to cry to someone as to why I disliked this book so much.

So let me start.

First of all the premise. I mean the premise was really interesting. A woman's child getting kidnapped by another mother and this poor mother has to do the same thing as well, as such to continue "The CHAIN" cycle.

I've honestly never read a book with that kind of a summary. What I mostly read are murders and full on police procedurals in mystery novels.

So this was something I'd never had read. And boy was I excited!

So points to that.

The cover, wow I really love it. It gives you thrills and I mean the dangerous kind, the creeps and the shivers, basically what a mystery novel is known for!

Unfortunately I got a different library copy so the cover I got was just not giving me the right feelings.

BUT THIS. Made me fall in love hard. So points!

The third voice/narrator: Okay, as a kid of 14 I used to love the third voice, as it usually explained everything that a normal main or second character couldn't explain.

The third voice was kinda like Fate. It explained everything without sounding biased. And I loved that, I loved the whole view. Of everything.

But the author of this novel either needs to learn how to write a third voice properly. Or needs to learn how to not mix everything together, such as sounding like a first person and an overall view.
It confused me to no limit. So really that's why I took out most of the ratings.

The characters: Okay, the kidnappers were more smart than the main heroes of this novel. Sorry but whenever they think of something smart, the next thing they do is:

"Who needs to go with a smart plan? I'm going to go with all the dumb choices this author threw at me and save the day anyway, yeah it's so darn foolproof that it will instantaneously work, we won't get hurt, this author made us invincible."

Oh for crying out loud. Now this is what we call off-script dramatic acting.

But let's move on. There's plenty more on the runthrough.

The mystery itself: I felt the mystery lacking a bit. I mean in the beginning it was all suspense and action but then at page 40, it felt less as a threatening and dangerous situation and more like a pretend kidnapping, they're all so mellow (and I dont mean nice), but the hungering in me for dangerous and some serious cruelty shown in mystery novels was utterly disappointed.

So overall, it's a shambles.

Which in casual and understandable english means, this novel neither this author is worth reading.

What a letdown.

PS: Someone said in their review that the author had criticised a one-star review and was literally cursing the hell out of that poor reviewer.

Two things: 1. Should I be worried, haha? 2. How is this author still able to sell?

Until the next read,

-J.B

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Review: Alma Underwood Is Not A Kleptomaniac

Alma Underwood Is Not A Kleptomaniac by Lacey Dailey
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

Note: An ARC was given generously in exchange for an honest review.

PS: The dates are a bit weird because I was sorting through my library books at the time as well. That's how I got to the cruel prince after all, haha.

...................................................

Alma Underwood IS INDEED A KLEPTOMANIAC. She needs to stop lying to herself.

The story is interesting. A girl finding a guy in one of her most favorite items found, a train set. And so she plans on keeping him, since no one has found him yet and he seems to be looking for something too. So why not let the treasure find its way?

First of all, I never seen a kleptomaniac ever written in as a potential person who can love. People with far worse diseases have been seen as finding love, but never a kleptomaniac in all of the romance novels ever published.

Why not, a blasted kleptomaniac?

Why is it always a dying person? Hmm? WHYYY?

..............................

Thank god for this author who wrote someone who wasn't dying the next day, but rather just had this habit of collecting things that didn't belong to them.

Thank THE HOLY GOD!

Okay let's continue with the review.

.......................................

Cover: Quirky as hell. Reminds me of a kindergarten child's drawing. Quirky, fun, light hearted romantic feel to it. It was so nice to be able to read something so light hearted and something that no one has yet read, not yet been popular.

So a total breather for me. Thank hell.

Regardless, the cover drew me in and I couldn't keep away. So points to that.

The plotline: Like I said, I never heard of a kleptomaniac ever finding love, so this was a strange concept for me to read and even imagine the author writing it. So I was more curious than intrigued when I first jumped in to read. But I'm glad my curiosity didn't disappoint me. So points to that too.

The romance: Well it was more of a slow burn than what a light-hearted romance usually is good at, being fast that is. But nevertheless, I couldn't wait for them to confess their feelings, declare love and be happy at last, while overcoming every single obstacle that came their way. So definitely it was a good romance. Points given.

The characters: Oh they were all truly the "brady bunch" like family. Josh had been right. But oh how loveable they all were. All clamoring to solve Rumor's problems and guiding Alma as well to turn into a true saint and be a compassionate girl. All were quirky, hilarious, deep, and meaningful.
Sigh what a family. I was even a bit jealous of Alma for having them.

I mean I love my family, but loving a family like Alma's? Pure gold of course and so much of a dream, a dream that was worth it. So definitely, I couldn't help but wish they had their own backstories as well, ya know, just to have a bit more of them to remember. Points also given to that.

The overcoming of obstacles and growing better than who they were before: Well a lot of obstacles came their way, such as Rumor's mother, his own problems with education, his father, his home, and how long he'd been running, his friends. But they all managed to overcome those problems, solved them together like a true team, and never let go of one another. Truly they all changed from just living their lives, to being more compassionate, sympathetic, emphatic, and relatable as hell. Truly strong characters are portrayed and an even stronger plotline. ALL THE POINTS GIVEN THEN.

So if you really want a brady bunch like family, a broken guy, a sunshiny girl, and supportive friends, and love, then this is the book for you.

I'm so thankful to have read this. Truly, I aspire to be like Alma.

Sigh.. now excuse me while I go and pore over a new book and remember Alma and Rumor.

Until the next read,

-J.B

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Review: The Cruel Prince

The Cruel Prince by Holly Black
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

"If I cannot be better than them, I will become so much worse." (Jude is my spirit animal right now, sorry Daisy Jones, some other time.) (Jude will always be loved by moi, no matter what.)

I've finally managed to read the book I've been craving to read ever since it first caught my eye, when it was taking it's rounds on bookstagram and goodreads.

At first I was worried. A lot of people loved it, a half of the percentile hated it.

I wasn't even sure if this book would live to its hype. I mean there have been a lot of disappointments before when I was reading through the top trending books in 2019. Specially those, who were having their trilogy or sequels finished this year.

So naturally, I was a bit skeptical reading it.

But looking at the map and the cover, my gut feelings were all positive about it. And I'm so thankful to them for continuing to lead me right.

So let's get on, shall we?

The map itself. God I was so in love with the details, the sketches, the places written in the map. It all looked and felt so real. It literally called my adventurous side out as my fingers brushed against every place written in. It was just so god damn beautiful, my eyes felt as if they were blessed to see that map. I never thought a map would motivate me so much to push through a book. But it did and I'm so happy that it did. So points to that.

The cover. Oh the cover evoked everything dangerous, seduction, beauty and the anticipation of living in a magical place like Faerie. So cruel the images of branches tucked alongside a crown. It almost makes you look twice at it. Because who would ever see a crown discarded like that, left on a branch? Well that was it. The mystery, the anticipation, the damn design. They HAD ME ALL IN! Literally, they did. So another round of points to that.

The worldbuilding: Each world and it's own set of rulers and rules. They made you feel like these places actually existed, you wanted to visit them so badly, to learn more about what went on in them. At times, I just wanted to learn more and more about the other places, ones aside from Jude's own home. The realities, the lies, the hidden mystery and danger. All pulled me in, threatening to never let go.
And honestly? I never wanted to let go. Truly I didn't. So points to that.

The characters, both main and background: The main characters all had reasons as to why they acted the way they did, every reason for every action ocurring. Some backstory that connected them all together. This author did it well, connecting them all together, having some link in their situation, one way or another. No one was ever less significant, each and every character having their own importance at time. Jude and Cardan, specially struck out well. With daring, rebellious, sometimes sympathising character lines, they made you feel for them, to hear them out, to forgive them, to laugh at them, with them, to be there with them. You never felt like you were just a reader, you felt like you were with them, another character just sliding in the story. Nicasia, Locke, Taryn, Vivi, Balekin, Dain, Eldred, Orianna, Oak, Madoc, The Roach, The Ghost, the Bomb, Elowyn, god so many characters... But never did I feel overwhelmed, they each had their turn in the spotlight and had their own special link to the story. So definitely I was not bored and was all intrigued.

Almost similar to Locke, no?

The romance and the plotline overall: The romance wasn't much there, but to be honest, it wasn't so terrible. With more of a fantasy touch than romance, it was okay as it was something of a breather between the more tense and volatile scenes. The power rush, the fights, the squabbles, the laughter, the cries and specially the reason why they all were the way they were. It was all done well, really done well. I've never really had much of an appreciation towards fantasy but this was definitely the book which made me respect fantasy books more now. So thank you to this author for changing my mind about reading fantasy. The romance was steamy enough though, the love-hate relationship between Cardan and Jude, was so touching and racy in a way, that made me squeal so hard and laugh and desperately wishing they would just have their problems resolved automatically. Although we wouldn't have the pleasure of enjoying the second book, if this happened, would we? No not really. So a really well done plotline and romance tag, although I expect more love scenes between Cardan and Jude in the second book.

*winks*

So this has been my favorite, most awesome and loved book of all of 2019! And I'm happy to say that the sequel is on the way and so is the mini story between Taryn and Jude, explaining why she did what she did.

So pick this novel up you guys, you'll truly never want this masterpiece to end!

Until the next read,

-J.B

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Review: Knife

Knife by Jo Nesbø
My rating: 2 of 5 stars

Note: My first Jo Nesbo book after it was seen as quite a popular read on Goodreads and was read by fellow mystery lovers, hence why I picked this up.

Where do I start? God, where do I begin?

The cover first of all is something that is quite mysterious and alluring, in a sense of danger and anticipation of something that is not predicted nor in sight to be identified. I always love a good cover which has everything mystery written all over it. So points to that.

The plotline. Well the plotline was definitely something. I mean chasing after a killer that Harry once put behind, is out for revenge and is threatening everyone he loves, and he has to save the day again. I really love those kinds of plots where you go back to the very first case, or better yet, visit your past, just to get away from the mundane past or a present problem. It's all good in my books, so totally another star was given to it.

The main character. Well Harry Hole was something of an enigma I'd heard from previous fans of the series. Personally, I am new to this series, so going into this book with a lot of expectations was almost a headache to deal with as there was so much hype behind this novel and this series overall, that I was determined to be a fan of this author and his series as well.

But what a disappointment he turned out to be. All I got from Harry hole was his constant rebellious, childish, and an irresponsible regard for everything to do with the law and the case, and everything that was attached to him, personally. A drunkard, a law breaker, a vengeful man, a broken case overall. That's what I perceived of Harry from 140 something pages. Definitely not my type of a problem solver, or someone who saved lives in a different fashion to a doctor's.

Such a detective or a main character is usually the sign of bad things to come when things don't seem to change and you've already got such a terrible character to represent the plotline.

The background characters. So many stories, so many unnecessary plotlines added to the main plotline. It really does create a conundrum of sorts when you're trying to focus on one situation at a time. It literally does blow up in your face and not in a small "oops, my mistake." More like a "kapow, your whole plot is ruined. Muhahahah!" That is how everything went to ruin with extra plotlines.

Filler, filler, filler and killing of beloved characters. I don't understand why there has to be so much filler, especially over 100 pages worth of filler. It almost seems like half the time Harry seems to be dealing with an almost midlife crisis rather than acting like a mature, responsible adult in charge of laying down the law. There's almost zilch spotlight on the case itself, rather it's Harry, Harry, Harry. ALL THE GODDAMN TIME. Geez. And why do you have to kill off someone so close to the main character just to make a point? That's another dumb thing, I don't understand. Why must someone close be killed to make a point? Why can't something else change or be affected to make a case? WHYYYY?

A total disappointment down the drain. Sigh, so many hopes dashed. So much lost.

PS: That's why people. You should keep your head clear, no matter the banners of appreciation or words of praise reach your ears.

So, not a recommend you guys. A HARD NOT RECOMMEND.

Until the next page,

J.B


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Review: I Owe You One

I Owe You One by Sophie Kinsella
My rating: 2 of 5 stars

Note: So many firsts for me throughout this week. And I mean, the novel picking.

As I was saying, first Sophie Kinsella novel to pick up! I'd kinda been feeling guilty about never having picked up a sophie kinsella novel before, so when my library was featuring the novel, I was like yess! Finally, I get to join the likes of other bloggers and bookstagrammers alike who knew about sophie kinsella novels more than me.

Hurray for me.

.............

So.

The cover was looking pretty quirky and fun at first glance, so it was appealing to my eye and was one of my motivations to read this novel.

Second was the summary - Fricking awesome, I mean a fix-it girl finding love in the most complicated ways possible, plus with her own quirks -having the constant urge to fix every mistake she saw. Loved the summary overall and couldn't wait to dive in.

The bad points however...

Her family was borderline nuts, specially her siblings. She was a grown woman, yet she was treated like a child. And none of the other siblings are willing to take responsibility for their own actions, especially that sister of hers, Nicole. Sigh, what a self-obsessed mirror of vain. Only her poor mother was her support, her rock, the stable wheel of the family.

And the worst part is, she never stands up to them. She never grows a backbone in all of the 50 pages I read, or DNFed to, anyway.

If I'd wanted to read about cinderella, I would have read the original tale. But I didn't, so why am I getting a cinderella vibe here, specially when I didn't want to read about a weak heroine?

I really don't know.

I can't say anything about the romance either as I had DNFed way too earlier. The growth, is also hard to tell, even though it's a short novel. The moral messages or what gives the book the "kinsella magic" was also missing. It was like it never existed.

A true flop.

Once again, a 2019 favourite, gone down the gutter.

PS: I will still try her other 2019 novel releasing this October, because I don't give up that quickly, specially when everyone loves the author so much.

But for this one, a big thumbs down.

Until the next book,

J.B

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Review: Daisy Jones and The Six

Daisy Jones and The Six by Taylor Jenkins Reid
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

Note: When I first got Daisy Jones and the Six, I realised I had a totally different version of it. But it's the same story anyway, so let's continue.

"I had absolutely no interest in being someone's muse. I am not a muse. I am the somebody. End of fucking story." (My favorite quote overall, really.)

Now that's my Daisy. My role model. My everything. (Just kidding...a bit).

At first glance, this novel looked like I should have dropped it. Immediately. I mean it was something written in such a different style and I'd never read anything in that style before, I was worried. But then I realized why not try something new?

And so I did, venturing into the unknown and coming out of the side with a full grin, enough to make my gums hurt and eyes shine in the light.

But that's not my review. The real story starts below.

This was a written transcript of a band documentary. You know? The ones where they show everyone discussing their beginning, the middle and the highlights of the lasting influence on them and others through their career. And it's got everyone involved, the main band members, the managers, the engineers, the spouses and lovers, the enemies, the other bands, the critics.

EVERY PERSON WAS INVOLVED. NO questions asked.

The summary was about how Daisy Jones and the Six joined, how the Six also formed in their own time, the struggles, the joys, the lows and highs and how they powered on until their split in 1979.
The plus point is that the author says it's "loosely" based off Fleetwood Mac and their album 'Rumors.'

I was willing to go with the story of Fleetwood Mac as it made things all the more interesting and for me to be even more compelled to read Daisy Jones.

In the beginning you get to see Daisy's personality without any change, it's pure spoiled brat personality. Nothing to work on, not even interested in moving her feet but a beautiful one regardless. Her friend Simone, a bright and hardworking girl, a mentor to Daisy in some ways, but a friend, a sibling even since they did not have a lot of age difference and in a lot of ways her saviour.

The six were special as well. Billy the control freak, Graham the soft one and shadowed by his older brother. Karen the feminist. Eddy the Slugger "I'm a man, let's do some hard rock" personality.
Warren, "don't care, only care when I have use with my bass" personality. Pete "I don't want soft rock man, I just want the good old hard rock", a personality similar to Eddy.

Most of them were loveable, just not Eddie and Pete. I mean transitioning from hard rock to soft rock is not a lot different, it's all rock regardless. But I can understand that not everyone warms up to a new suggestion.

Learning about them, watching them develop and change into something different from what they were before, and appreciate how a band truly works with often difficult times and good times thrown in the mix.

It was all wonderful. Sure sometimes I felt like pulling my hair with Daisy's recklessness, Billy's control freak moments, Karen's stubbornness and Graham's lovesick puppy dog behavior.

And sometimes I thought that this novel was a bit too focused on Daisy and Billy (even considered giving it an alternate name, but didn't go through with it) but luckily it wasn't too focused on them, as paying more attention to the band itself and the band members' own personal lives.

But overall it was something of a dawning, heartwarming, witty and an unforgettable novel in it's own take. And I'm sorry about not reading it earlier.

A true masterpiece to ever exist. I look forward to reading more of the author's novels in the near future.

Until the next page,

J.B


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Review: City of Girls

City of Girls by Elizabeth Gilbert
My rating: 2 of 5 stars

My first Elizabeth Gilbert book. Boy was I excited! I mean Eat, Pray, Love didn't do it for me, the concept was bonkers I thought, so this one was totally something different and I was definitely on the edge of my seat, just waiiiting for this novel to be approved by my library!

And finally it showed up!

......

But what a disappointment sigh. Let me explain in the review.

We first get a glance at an almost 90 year old woman depicting her life as a 19 year old in the 40's and how she later changed through experiences, friendships and new found love.

That was it. As a summary, that was literally it.

It should have deterred me, should have been my first warning sign that this novel wasn't as cracked up as it was supposedly shown.

But still I persevered. Till 69 pages anyway. That's where the issues dropped by and said hey, let's just add more complications and doubts to completely ruin your reading.

And they sure did ruin everything.

My biggest issue was how almost the entire time, all I got was how boring and tiresome the girl's love life was, because she was still a mary the virgin bottle and hadn't done the most exciting thing that most young girls would have loved to do: sex.

First of all the timeline is shown as the 1940s, and not the 60's or the early 2000's. So according to the time period, there is no way a girl of that age and that time period should be this excited about losing her virginity unless she was a prostitute or a street bum. And since this girl seems to be from neither category, then this was just useless point making on the girl's behalf, or even a point worth justifying as she went socializing around the block. And most of the time all she can think about is sex, sex, sex. God there are so many other things you can do, imagine, think, work on, rather than just losing your virginity. Not every young adult is dying to lose her virginity, my dear, lost girl, so this author clearly doesn't know how to portray a picture right.

My second issue is that there are only so many issues a book can hold, and this book exceeded far too much in terms of length. I've seen more issues discussed in less pages than this. So a very long drag and a waste of my time.

Third issue. If this girl's mother wanted her daughter to change or do better, she could not have thought of any other sophisticated, grown up, organised woman? Only Aunt Peg could do the job? Seriously?

I mean, don't get me wrong, I loved Aunt Peg, she was that fun, wacky, sort of cuckoo aunt that everyone loved having by their side, especially when the adults were no fun.
But she was not a role model that would have changed or molded the girl in the way society at the time would have thought best.

That's literally all of the issues that I've had with the book. All of which had left enough of a damning effect on me.

The effect being to never pick this book up again or the author.

So not a recommend, and what sadness, considering it was ranked so high as 2019's top priority.

Geez.

Until the next page,

J.B

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Review: The Subtle Art of Not Giving a F*ck: A Counterintuitive Approach to Living a Good Life

The Subtle Art of Not Giving a F*ck: A Counterintuitive Approach to Living a Good Life by Mark Manson
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

Note: These types of books are rarely read by me, so giving my first nonfiction book a 5 star rating is almost like a miracle. Otherwise I usually stray from these books. I’ll explain why in below review.

Well.....This book was....just so darn heavy and I don’t mean on the arms.

It’s just so relatable and kinda points out all the things we’re at one time very guilty of. And at the same time it helps out with the most common and at the same time not so common problems by giving out the most unconventional advice you’d ever think of and the last thing you’d think would be of any use, combined with the author’s own experiences which gives this book more of a personal touch and a feeling of understanding and connection to the man as not feeling completely alone in whatever we have faced before. And boy has it given me a lot to think about...

My reason to stray away from self help books is they usually give out a lot of advice that you’ve heard of before and most of the time they’re not exactly right as the people who write these “helpful” books know next to nothing about experiencing some of the crap some people experience nowadays. So it’s mostly due to this, that I stay far and clear of these books as I can. It’s just hard to stomach something that the other person pretends to know something about and them then writing it in the most grandiose way possible, a brutal death to the poor book and poison for the mind reading.

Combined with references from pop culture to unknown legends, coupling with the author’s own experiences from his childhood, to his teenagehood, to adulthood and present time experiences, this book is everything “unhelpful” if you look at it through the conventional telescope. But looking at it without the tainted eye of convention, it’s a refreshing change to how advice is given and how you’re able to support yourself and become better and maintain being that awesome individual you are for the long term, and learn from past mistakes here on out.

So I am definitely grateful to this author to publish such a piece and inspire me and motivate me to do better, be better for myself and everyone else in such a way with all experience and wisdom of the past and present.

Pick this up you guys, you won’t regret this, I bet you.

Until the next page,

-J.B

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Review: Bad Apple

Bad Apple by Gemini Jensen
My rating: 2 of 5 stars

Note: An ARC was given by the author in exchange for an honest review.

So.

The writing -Confusing as heck. Too many plot lines going on and surprisingly this isn’t a series, as I’m just left with too many characters to remember and have an account of. The main hero and heroine are just lost somewhere in this cluster of plot lines.

The cover -Delicious. That’s all.

The summary- Typical bully romance summary. Was I expecting anything? Nope. So it was okay.

The romance -Can’t tell, barely at 22% when I DNFed.

The personalities -Typical as well. There’s nothing relatable to them, just something you would expect. The emotions are hard to guess, it’s like a switch with them, you can’t tell what emotion they are feeling and when and for what. Lost. Completely and utterly lost.

So not a high recommend as it has confused me beyond point to give it a convincing high rating.

So yeah, not one for the books.

Until the next page,

-J.B

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