Review: Red at the Bone

Red at the Bone by Jacqueline Woodson
My rating: 1 of 5 stars

I really need to learn that not every popular book of 2019 will be popular with me.

But alas. My little bookworm heart loves giving chances to every type of book to exist.

Moving along..

Firstly. The cover.

The cover -Patterned enough to look like a second rate blanket with rainbow swatches. Nothing impressive but ridiculously entertaining though. Hence why a star.

The summary -Is no different than any other YA book (again) as it talks about various stages of growing up, and recollections of past choices made in their lifetime (in the adults' life). So nothing special.

The characters -Gah, the characters. All of them seem to possess no minds and morals either, making them the worst yet to be ever read or thought about if ever an opinion was published.

Bad decisions haunt every corner, making me feel as if the characters were told not to think, plain and simple.

Gah.

Plus surprises keep popping up, like the discussion of LGBTQ relationships (I wish the author or some other reviewer mentioned this, plus they don't even say what she is identifying as -sexually?), cheating, reckless teenage behavior, no understanding of responsibilities with teenage pregnancy.

The racism and feminism, I'm well aware of, but the issues above are hardly talked about. They're mentioned, like some reminder on a page, and you move on automatically.

Like why not go into some more depth about these issues? I don't get it.

Plus there are way too many narratives going on, it gets hard to keep track about who's talking about what.

Aside from all this, there's nothing left or anything good to say about this novel. I fail to understand how this is a "memorable" novel, a "masterpiece" if everything is way too disjointed and disconnected.

So not a recommend. At all.

Until the next read,

-J.B

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Review: Ninth House

Ninth House by Leigh Bardugo
My rating: 2 of 5 stars

*is busy ramming her head in the wall*

Me pokes me: C'mon, you have a review to write. Surely someone would want to hear your thoughts.

Me to me: Well, you're right. But why this novel? I was just so excited and prepared for it..god...

*Continues ramming head in the wall*

Me to me again: C'mon, the show must go on.

Me to me: Alright, alright. I'm writing. *Staggers slightly, sits in chair, starts typing*

As you can see, this was my reaction in the last hour or two after I DNFed this novel. My heart literally cried at the thought of having to DNF it. But as I once said: The show must go on.

So indeed. The show must go on.

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

The cover -I've seen everyone get excited over the cover. I mean who wouldn't? It's literally gorgeous and fantastical, but of course, in a dark way. But regardless, still loved anyway. That snake, that title. DAAAAMN ME. Literally. I fell in love and refused to come out of it. I still refuse to. So hence why it deserved the points.

The summary - Well it was the same cliched story I've ever read, be it fantasy, YA in general. Yes I'm aware that this for NA audiences, but the summary still gives off the YA vibe.

*Ducks under chair* don't hit me.

But it's the honest truth and I didn't feel much, so it was okay but not a great summary.

The Summary: A girl from the wrong side of the track falls in with the high society school and it's rules, tries to fit in while discovering the many secrets said school holds.

See? Cliche as hell. But still decent, hence why one point was given.

But then the real shit starts.

Darlington: Ah yes, Darlington, not actually Darlington but rather made to be (No one talked about this.) And not a darling either honestly. Snobbish, smart (sure), schemer for power, and yet so boring, I don't know why anyone found him enlightening at all. He barely shows up, has the most awful dialogues written in the history of awful dialogues, and is mostly making Alex's life even more restrictive than it is. Thank fuck he didn't show up for most chapters though. So annoying.

Alex: Cliched girl as always. But so weak, god. Even after surviving the most horrible of tragedies, she doesn't seem to be growing stronger, she seems to turn weak at each point, even more annoying than Darlington. And no smart decisions are ever made. It's like the brainy switch got turned off when she enrolled in Yale.

And don't even get me started on Yale.

This author is obsessed with Yale, constant Yale this, Yale that, Yale rules the world blah, blah, blah.

GOD, no one cares. Can we move on? Geez.

The pacing is terrible, so slow and sluggish, worse than moving in wet, drifting mud on a rainy evening. Barely the plot moved, with it's constant description of it's setting and history, like moooove on, literally, I'm dying here. Just please, fucking move on.

Too much to ask? Certainly not.

And one more fact, just to give a reason why I never added another star: Fantasy and crime fiction never mix, especially if it's dark fantasy, with detailed plots, summary and chapters, and catering to the NA audience.

My opinion. Please.

If anyone can write it like that though, they should learn from this mistake of a novel.

That's all I can say about this novel. Or try to without, banging my head more on my wall. Gah, there's even an imprint there.

Damn it.

PS: I will not be picking up the sequel, too annoyed with this one as it is. And who names their Galaxy if you give them the nickname of Alex, how does that make any sense?

I can't even anymore. I give up.

Until the next read,

TMR

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Review: The Ten Thousand Doors of January

The Ten Thousand Doors of January by Alix E. Harrow
My rating: 2 of 5 stars

Note: Another popular pick of Goodreads.

Yes again another popular book I chose. But forgive me, I wanted to catch up with my amigos over what they had read, so yeah this was one way to do it.

Anyway...

The cover - It's definitely enchanting and screams magic, fantasy, quirky characters, exaggerated settings, vivid imagination, everything fantastical and not at all conventional. Hehe. Definitely enjoyed the cover, swooned a bit too. So points to that.

The summary -Sounded like Narnia, Harry Potter basically. But still I found it interesting. Young girl finds a book which leads to a magical place, way out of the conventional imagination and belief, but no one believes her. She keeps going back and finds answers to the book, to the place and discovering herself in the process as well. Sounds good doesn't it? I thought too. That's why I gave it points.

But then as always, Fate steps in like some movie villain and ruins everything.

So let me tell you how everything went to shit.

The characters - Well she sounded like every cliched heroine I'd read, but still I was fine reading it. But not a lot of characters show up, it's almost like they were told to only do cameos like some movie script. I can't reflect on the girl's personality much as she's shown young and stupid basically, with a vivid imagination at one point. That's it. Hence why a point removed.

Way too much description of the place and not about the girl and her actions -It's almost like the girl doesn't care much about what's happening to her and her life, rather all she cares about is what she sees, NOT WHAT SHE FEELS. Sigh..annoying as hell. Another point removed.

The ending -Didn't read till the end, so personally, I can't comment on something I never read till.

Overall, a shambles. DO NOT RECOMMEND IT, IN ANY SENSE.

That's all.

Until the next read,

TMR

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Review: Bonnie and Stan

Bonnie and Stan by Anna Stuart
My rating: 2 of 5 stars

Note: Not a popular book of 2019, more like a library pick. But eh, continue reading.

God.

Where do I start?

This novel had such promise. I was so excited to start it, I'd cleared every other book I had to read, muted all of my friends, put on good music, and was literally not breathing when I first cracked open the book.

I'd done everything to ensure I was in a happy, excited mood to read this. No anger, slowness, sir!

But then, I already told you about Fate, fiend as he is, screwing up my reading once in a while and making me curse him even more.

That's exactly what happened.

But let me start accordingly.

The cover - Well the cover was cute and I thought a bit sweet too, sweet like my heart melting and never forming solid again. And I really adored it, so points to that.

The summary - I haven't been reading a lot of senior citizens' novels, so this one was a good surprise. At first I thought it would be a sad beginning, literally beginning with his death, so yeah I was definitely hesitant. But then as I read and searched some more for it's actual summary, it had nothing to do with his death or not at the beginning anyway. A couple, with the husband facing some terrible news, which is to do with his life expectancy being much shorter, meanwhile husband tries to find wife a new husband when he passed away, to help her continue living life.

Sweet ain't it? I thought so too. Hence why the points are gifted.

But then everything hit the ground and blew apart my entire interest for this story, like some goddamn hurricane.

Anyway.

The pacing -In general was pretty slow. Yes I know, 40 something pages is not enough to judge, but for me even 20 pages is a good indication whether this novel will actually follow through with it's plot and pacing. So yeah. The pacing in general was pretty slow, to say the least, and left me wondering what went wrong for me to end up at such a conclusion. But in the end, it was slow and I couldn't continue. So yeah hence why I took off one point.

The characters, time flashbacks -The characters are not dull I have to admit, but their dialogues were, for sure, and I was wondering if the author actually knew how to make dialogues exciting without sounding like a teenager but rather still sounding dignified and formal. As for the flashbacks, the 60s were more fun then the present time and rather easier to read rather than the dull, morbid environment set in the present. So another point got removed.

The ending -I can't comment on, as I didn't finish till the end. So no star was given in general, as I have no idea how the novel ended.

Therefore, things could have changed, and made the novel much better. I still feel it has potential to strike hearts, and be emotionally moving, if with a few changes.

So yeah, there you go. Not a total shambles.

Until the next read,

TMR

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Review: The Testaments

The Testaments by Margaret Atwood
My rating: 4 of 5 stars

Note: This is the second novel in the series. The first novel in the series is The Handmaid's Tale, then The Testaments. Read in order, please.

*To hear my thoughts on the first novel, check this link: https://www.goodreads.com/review/show...

Finally this review will be published, considering many fellow reviewers wrote about it early heh, but yeah finally this review will see the light. Didn't mean to delay it obviously, but time.

So..

FINALLY this review will see the light!

Continuing on..

The cover -Not much to stare at or swoon at, technically, but still strikes something in me. I'm not sure what it is, but this novel does do something to me. Anyway I give it points for being able to give me a reaction of sorts.

The summary - Is much more understandable, gets me even more intrigued as it is the prologue, the start to The Republic of Gilead, which explains the reason why it was formed, for who it was benefitting, what was the cause for it, when it happened, how it happened (not by pure magic certainly), the characters who played roles in helping to establish Gilead. That stuff. Intriguing and igniting a curiosity in me to find out the why, what, how, who, and when. So definitely interesting enough to get points.

The characters - Well there are three narrators as every reviewer, reader and Margaret Atwood fan knows: Aunt Lydia, Daisy, Agatha (or something, I've seemingly forgotten) (although the girls are not easy to identify, but we'll get into that soon enough), who reflect the future (not really but eh), the present and the past in itself. Each of them have something different to offer: Aunt Lydia with her own past, how she got roped in as a founder for Gilead, Daisy as a defiant 16 year old who's unwillingly put in the spotlight due to her "interesting" background and is resisting capture for it. Agatha as a recruit of a wife as simply of her high social status, but, who doesn't have a particular like to it, and escaping it anyway she can.

I admit, sometimes it got chaotic trying to remember exactly what was happening with each narrator of their own story, shocking I didn't suffer from a headache, but it left me, strangely, wanting more, I don't know why, but it did. So not bad in general. Hence why points are given.

*Warning: Content down below may be a spoiler (not really), so fair warning before you proceed.*

As for identifying the narrators, there are two people on the front and back, and the third one is underneath the front cover girl (haha, bet you didn't know that). So the front one is Agatha, the pony-tailed girl in the back cover is Daisy and the pen (in the first few pages in the book) is Aunt Lydia.

You're welcome but consider this as a spoiler of sorts or warning. Whatever. It will make your life easy, even if you object, to help identify the narrators much faster.

*Spoiler of sorts ends.*

The characters' overcoming problems - Well they get their problems solved quite in the end, as mostly it's filler in the beginning and introduction to their problems. But definitely each narrator's main goal and problems are solved in a manner which you may like. Or not. Depends on you. But I liked it, so. Yeah. Hence why one point is taken but still loved them.

The ending -Well it was a satisfactory ending as I mentioned earlier, that their problems get solved quite late but they do, so I think it ended good. Better than THT, honestly.

Overall, this is a much better novel than THT as it doesn't end horribly neither are the narrators weak characters, and their problems do end, no cliffhanger.

So yes, I'm in the minority but THIS NOVEL IS SO MUCH BETTER THAN THE HANDMAID'S TALE.

There. I said it. Hah. *ducks to avoid any rotten eggs or fruit, comments etc* Please don't hurt me.

Anyway, if you're in the minority like me, you'll like it for sure. Otherwise, sorry, we all have different opinions.

Until the next read,

TMR

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Review: The Handmaid's Tale: The Graphic Novel

The Handmaid's Tale: The Graphic Novel by Margaret Atwood
My rating: 2 of 5 stars

Note: The first in the series is The Handmaid's Tale, next comes The Testaments.

Another Note: The review is only late, because I really didn't feel like writing a review for this one, but thought it best for people who are just starting on this series and might lend them some caution before they start.

Now..

A true pick of 2019.

Not my favorite personally but still it was popular so I had to read it.

Yup the popularity bell rings once again.

Anyway let's continue.

The cover - It's the graphic novel version, so the artwork inside and out is beautiful. Vivid, colorful and absolutely realistic, it makes you feel as if you've actually transferred to the world of the Gilead. So I absolutely had to give points to that.

The storyline: Well it seems interesting enough to want to give it a read.

Brain: Yeah that's why you rejected it at first glance, especially when it's sequel cam out.

Okay so maybe I had a hard time convincing myself that it was even good enough to read, I mean it's got everything depressing in it, despite the colorful art inside and well-written dialogues (although barely existing in this one), so naturally I was skeptical and not inclined at all to read it.
But it's interesting enough with declining births, humanity growing older without next generations, and not enough left for hope. Only Offred, our main heroine, can save the day if she can somehow manage to be able to give a child to the Commander and his wife, and stand long enough with the harsh rules and setting around her with the other handmaids, and tough instructors such as Aunt Lydia. So definitely interesting.

Plus it rings out like Children of Men. (I wish I could show the image for it, but seems like goodreads doesn't allow me).

For those who have never heard of Children of Men (I have unfortunately, after having to watch it for an English exam..), it is a simple story about how the future children of humanity haven't been born in the last 18 years and now, there has been some hope discovered, our main hero Theo has to make sure this hope stays alive and allows humanity to live longer without it going to dust.

Yes it's almost similar to the handmaid's tale. As the child in the movie is, in a way, the handmaid girls, they're substitutes, "the vessels" for giving a child, they're the only hope left for humanity and theo is the republic of gilead, desperately trying to preserve that hope.

Only difference: He wants to let the hope live normally, have a life. Gilead however wants to squash any normality left from the handmaids and make them pure vessels for children births.

That's it. Literally.

Yes I'm still not in favor of these stories, because not everyone prefers a reality dose in novels, especially when reality is already hard to live through.

But occasionally you lose your mind and read these novels. Moving along..

The characters -Not a lot shown from their personalities, their behavior and all. Offred is a scared, obedient young woman, who can be manipulated faster than a toy car with a remote. Nick is a charismatic, problematic young man who ends up being a help of sorts in the end. Aunt Lydia is the pure King Kong ruler of the republic. She's the director, writer, actor for the teachers and staff in general in leading the republic to it's success. A manipulator but not too hard to love, so she's in my good books a bit. Commander and his wife are irrelevant as they barely show. Captain Judd, the main bastard behind the shenanigans is, you know, a bastard, so can't really change it, case closed. So not much to tell, to see, and change from their personalities. No points given.

The overcoming of problems -Nothing really. Not until the end anyway. So no point commenting on it. No points given.

The ending -The cliffhanger, will always be a cliffhanger, no matter how we describe it. Can't spoil it and at the same time, nothing is left to say anyway.

So yeah overall, a total disappointment.

But maybe if I had the actual book, it would be a 3, maybe 3.5 at best.

But with this one, its a 2, 1.5 at best.

PS: The sequel has been released, so please check that one out. I will be posting my thoughts about it soon.

PPS: Always check which version of the novel you're reading. Saves so much trouble later on.

Alternate Name for The Handmaid's Tale: Children of Men: The Novel.

Until the next read,

TMR

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Review: The Wicked King

The Wicked King by Holly Black
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

Note: This is the second novel in the trilogy, therefore to read in order, start with The Cruel Prince.

To hear my thoughts on the first novel, click here:

https://www.goodreads.com/review/show...

"It is a condition of monsters that do not perceive themselves as such." (Oh Jude, how true you are.)

Finally, after what seemed like forever, I've caught on with the rest of the bookstagram community and my goodreads friends to read this book. And boy am I left wanting more..

Sigh.

I was skeptical (as with the first) but this time, I was not sure how it would go. I mean I had heard a lot of things about the sequel and about Jude's finale.

So yeah, I was trying to avoid it and fate was making sure I kept avoiding it.

But then, one fine day, it landed on my lap and all I can say is that this novel is worth everything I've ever cherished or loved and regret not reading it before.

Anyway let's continue.

The cover - As always, Holly Black's books' covers are a delight to see, enjoy, and touch, and love hard. And this time it was no different. The crown drifting in water, abandoned for something far more powerful, precious and able to rip apart everything you ever knew. Obviously, I loved it, seeing it the first time, as everything treacherous, wicked, dangerous, seductive danced, along with abandonment and anticipation of the unforeseen future. So points to the fantastic cover.

The summary - Obviously, things have gotten better with Jude's control on Cardan and the rest of the kingdom and able to rule peacefully and justifiably. But obviously, there's always someone waiting in the corner to ruin and wreck it all, and our heroine has to defy all odds to secure her family's future and save a drowning kingdom (get it, drowning? heheheh). Naturally, I was intrigued and curious to see how it would play out, and play out well it did. Definitely loved the summary, so points.

The characters - Cardan and Jude are as always polar opposites, one schemes for power, the other doesn't, and wishes to be free from restrictive rules. Both fight and push, but make the storyline shine and bearable to read, and they're my old time favorites so yeah hard not to love them. Not much change in personality for both, but Cardan's definitely had an upgrade, but only at a later stage. Taryn, Madoc, Nicasia, Locke, The Roach, The Bomb, The ghost, balekin, the undersea queen, grimsen, the court of termites, a love-hate relationship with them honestly, as no one is noble, everyone's got a secret, something to give for barter.

Everyone's a scheming wretch. And that's not a fact to forget. Hence why they're all loved and hated, but respected and thought of regardless. So points, as usual, given.

The romance -Definitely more steamy and that surprising plot-twist between Cardan and jude, me likey a lot. I loved the intimate moments they had, perhaps more open with their feelings even if they "hate" each other tons. But eh, glad to see them open up more and like each other some. Hehe. Go Jurdan! (Love the shipname by the way..) So points to that.

The ending and what's to come - Well that ending was a plot-twist in itself, so definitely shocked. I'd like to think when I read the ending, I would have been furious with the author and swore never to read her books again, but....

I craved more, even after that ridiculous cliffhanger. Yup, she got me there.

Damn it.

But yeah loved and hated the cliffhanger ending. As for what's to come, definitely we'll see Cardan getting what he deserves (*insert evil laugh here*) and Jude ruling Faerie rightfully.

So, pretty excited for the conclusion. Heheh, so excited but sad to see them go and resolve their issues..Yeah, I'll miss cardan and jude for sure..

But not to worry, I've yet to get the copy for the conclusion, so fingers crossed, I'll get it in a few weeks hehe.

That means I won't have to miss them right away, it will take time heh. (How sly am I? *winks*)

Overall, a fantastically written novel, if you love magic, enemies to lovers, awesome worldbuilding, strange family relationships, betrayal, deceit, and some wit from both our main characters, then this is the book for you, along with the first one.

So enjoy.

And the song for this novel is: Puppet by the Saturdays (courtesy of Jude controlling Cardan most of the time, so it is fitting.)

Until the next read,

-TMR

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Review: The Flatshare

The Flatshare by Beth O'Leary
My rating: 2 of 5 stars

This novel. Another piece of unedited crap that was still somehow published..

God.

But let me tell you the story in general. Let me tell you all the veeeeery interesting details of this book in short.

The cover- Pretty cute and quirky, gave me a light hearted feeling and some excitement as well. So definitely it was something I liked. A star given for sure.

The summary - Pretty original and different. Two people, who've never seen each other, share an apartment by day and then by night, on different shifts. Definitely had my interest, also because the author had a similar situation with her boyfriend of the time, when they worked different shifts and hardly saw each other. So a star is given as well.

But then things do go wrong, as fate never likes me happy for long.

The characters - Whiny, nostalgic all the goddamn time, and never focused on acting like adults, rather acting like teenagers all the gosh darn time. She can't get over her ex. He's not man enough to dump his clingy girlfriend. And despite their tough situations, they're still not willing to clear the air for themselves once and for all, and solve the problem.

No they just keep complaining and whining like a bunch of preschoolers, or teenagers. And honestly it got on my nerves a lot.

Like why can't they just move on? Try to clear the air? WHYYYY NOT? GOD.

The romance -I don't know, neither do I care. Their personalities are hard to love and rooting for them would be like petitioning for Justin Bieber to come to my country and sing a few songs.

Yeah.....no. They're a disaster and I'm not inclined to care for them. Simple.

The overcoming of problems - I DNFed, so I can't respond to that point. Sorry.

The writing style, dual POVS - The writing style was great for Tiffy but for Leon, it seemed cut off, and disjointed a lot, in many paragraphs.

Had this been only once a problem, I would have ignored it.

BUT NOPE. This kept going on like Trump's presidency. Honestly. God.

I know most people said it sounded better for the audiobooks but about the poor people who got the reading material first? What can you do to fix it for them?

You can't. You can simply produce crap like this without ever editing.

God. Why do I do this to myself?

I fail to understand the hatred of Fate's. I'll let y'all know when Fate stops hating me enough that he stops sending unedited crap like this my way.

Until the next read,

-J.B

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Review: The Dutch House

The Dutch House by Ann Patchett
My rating: 1 of 5 stars

This novel was crap. Case closed.

The cover was the only good thing that motivated me to even continue with this.

The summary, the characters, the problems, the overcoming of problems were never even relevant or seen shown important.

Everything was about the house.

THE GODDAMN HOUSE.

It was like Jumanji had captured the characters and tossed them aside and had in some twisted way, given the house the voice of the narrator and life.

GODDD!

One of my biggest mistakes to ever pick this novel up!

I'm really not kidding.

I may be a part of the minority but god's sake, I wanted everything else, really I did.

The characters -so bloody one dimensional. And it's mostly the sister Maeve who the brother centers his world around.

Sigh..

The problems are way too childish for me to care about and everyone's just moved on, like it's nothing.

So really.

I could care less about this novel and its existence.

Case fucking closed.

Until the next read,

-J.B

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Review: The Woman in the Window

The Woman in the Window by A.J. Finn
My rating: 4 of 5 stars

Note: This book will often read like a memoir of sorts, a tribute to almost all hitchcockian films and not. So fair warning, if you've never read them or only got a glimpse.

Another Note: The movie's date has been switched to May 2020. Damn it. But still excited anyway.

This novel is definitely more surprising and terrific than my lovely wife. But nothing more could be more disturbing than that novel, hands down..

But let's go.

The cover -Love the mysterious, entrenched in the shadows cover. Gives off such a nerve-wracking vibe, makes me shiver everywhere, as if someone's watching..

*looks behind* Hello?..

Anyway..

The cover definitely deserves a star.

The storyline itself - The woman in question is a recluse - an agoraphobic who spends her days drinking a lot of wine, watching 1930s-1960s movies, thinking about happier days, and spying on other neighbours.

Already you got a Rear Window vibe. (Please let me know if you actually know about the film.) The only difference was the poor guy had an injury, she's generally an agoraphobic. But otherwise same idea. The other characters are the Russells, who've recently moved in and have a teenage son, who's almost an introvert and a bit of recluse like her, around my age (and blond too, hehe). Then one fine, completely normal evening, she witnesses a murder of the woman next door. And she sets out to find the killer herself when the police refuse to believe her -1. An agoraphobic. 2. She drinks too much.

You've already got me colored curious, because of the agoraphobic fact, also the old movies tributes, and the teenage son, who's a recluse in a way (strange, considering boys my age usually are anything but introverts or stay at home younguns.) Plus the family doesn't seem to be as perfect or loving or complete as they may show.

Definitely some intrigue and Sherlock Holmes vibes flash in my mind, just reading the summary in general. And what better way to spook yourself at night, then read this amazing as fuck thriller? So definitely deserves a star.

The characters - There are so many people to mistrust, judge in general. Everyone's got a secret. Everyone's got a past they don't want to visit. And there is a lot of evidence circling around, but who ever believed a drunk woman? The family may seem perfect, but surely if they were, her curiosity wouldn't have looked over a lot, a passing glance would have been just fine. So the shady natures and secretive personalities would definitely add more intrigue and curiosity over how the mystery would be solved and who's telling the truth and not. Definitely something to think about. A star is in order as well.

The start of the story- Way too slow I felt, and sometimes even lagging, when we're getting flashbacks of the woman's life. I felt the author could have removed at least 100 pages or maybe more just to be more brief and still curious about her life, and even more sympathising. So yeah hence why I had to remove the one star.

The mystery, the ending -The mystery as I already told you before, is more than just who-dun-it and rather who's willing to come clean with their tainted past and admit the truth, and at the same time clear all the prejudgements and mistrust lingering around with all of the characters and the mystery in general.

The ending was definitely a plot-twist in itself. Unexpected but definitely not left disappointed. The last person you would ever suspect. And what a way to find the killer, and quick thinking on the woman's part was definitely appreciated and cheered for, by the stands here heh. So yeah definitely you will not be left disappointed by the ending or the mystery in general.

So a really great novel despite the slow start.

PS: The songs I would recommend are: Cheap Wine by The Vamps (for her drinking). Boy by Charlie Puth. (You'll know who it's about if you've read it, no spoilers, thanks!).

PPS: The hitchcockian film tributes are also something of a motivator if you enjoy references to classic movies, the old hollywood gold mine of movies.

Until the next read,

-J.B

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Review: The Locker Room

The Locker Room by Meghan Quinn
My rating: 4 of 5 stars

Note: I received an ARC Audiobook from the author in exchange for an honest review.

Another Note: This is the first in the series of Brentwood Baseball, next comes The Dugout, third is The Lineup. My reviews are only out of order because it's based on which book I receive from the author first. So read according to the order mentioned, if you want to understand previous storylines and characters, thanks.

Final Note: The dates I read are only screwed up because I was busy finishing up some waiting arcs, and library books. So yeah.

Let's continue.

The audiobook was pretty good. I won't say great because I had one issue with it, otherwise it was really a good listen, in general.

The cover - Well, I'm always up for something light hearted, yet steamy as hell, especially if I've read/listened to a heavy thriller, or a depressing book in general. So naturally, seeing the cover, I had some very fan fluttering moments.

I won't deny it. The teenager in me was pretty excited, looking at the smoking hot cover.. Hence why I gave it a star.

The narrators, the storyline - Well Rock Engle did a damn good job at bringing out Knox, making me root for him and sympathise at moments, making him come alive in such a strong and thrilling manner..daaaamn me.

Boy did I wish Knox in real life would sound like this, maybe someday this dream of mine will come true heheheheh...till then...I've got my audiolisten haha.

As for Emery, Felicity Munroe was exactly what I imagined. Studious, serious sounding and yet filled with plenty of humor, wit, she was what I wanted to hear, when I pictured Emery's interactions with people she loved, cared for, with her job, with Knox and the contrast between them.

It was perfect.

I was a bit jealous when I heard Felicity's gorgeous voice, and Rock's southern twanged accent in my ears the first time, it was like being in the book directly, and feeling a bit ashamed at hearing their interactions, even the private ones...hehe, sorry Emery and Knox.

So the narrators were pretty terrific and I wished they were the narrators for every audiobook I ever heard...Sigh...this could take a while to recover from..but staaar!

Anyway.

The storyline was pretty intriguing. A studious girl vs the jock guy. I have to admit and so will the other reviewers, if they've read/listened to this novel, that it's been a concept done already. Cliched as hell. But with Meghan Quinn, there's no end to the plot-twists and constant obstacles that come across a character's path.

With her signature style, it's hard to get bored at all. Rather you'd be laughing, crying, cheering, basically going with every emotion your heart holds and is threatening to explode with.

So the storyline was definitely predictable, but with every twist and turn, it was nothing you'd expect just after a few pages/hours. A star for sure.

That I can guarantee.

The romance -Steamy and desperately left me wanting more! Like Emery, girl, I had to salute her for the way she made Knox work for it.

Like total hats off to our girl for making our boy work hard. And plus point. He never gives up. Hehe. Now that's a total scenario worth enjoying for sure. The secret kisses, the accidental touches, the emotional love declarations, the passion, hehe, left me desperately craving more of their steamy interactions, seriously love the author for them. Definitely deserved a star.

The characters - Knox was pretty interesting. He was mature throughout the story and I don't think he needed much development as his personality was already solid and loveable throughout. Muscular, charming, witty, humorous, he had all the classic qualities of a loveable guy.

But emery..god...emery.

I feel like the author forgot to check the potion which had all the ingredients to make her classic, loveable and adorable as fuck heroines at one point.

Like Emery was pretty likeable in the beginning. Vulnerable, studious, witty, and humorous, and great looks obviously, she was already a dream girl, at least in most guys' eyes she would be.

No wonder Knox fell for her. But moving on..

But then reaching the middle/close to the end, she's become a sobbing, weak-hearted and stubborn (way too stubborn) bitch who just forgets that not everything is supposed to revolve around her.

Yes she's trying to help Knox.

Yes she's not trying to break her own heart again.

But she doesn't take risks, she's constantly willing to jump the gun simply because she can't bear to see the results.

That's just it. I did not see any Meghan Quinn magic in her while reaching the epilogue, it's like Emery was facing some personality disorder. She becomes far too disjointed as the listen finishes. I almost was willing to jump away from the book and forget it ever existed. But only two things held me back.

1. Knox baby. Because we couldn't abandon loveable, sweet, caring Knox, now could we?

2. The fact that I loved Carson and his story, so this author in a way had become my favorite.

Otherwise, I was willing to shoot her and proclaim that this novel never existed. Simple.

She was that deranged girl, the blonde dumbass, that I often forgot that she was the same girl I was rooting for in the beginning.

It was that mental switch turned off. I just couldn't wait for her dialogues to be over and start Knox's.

God. I hated her. I really, truly, sincerely hated her, later on. I know I shouldn't be comparing Meghan's previous novels, but I wonder if her beta readers forgot to read or she was tired while writing Emery's parts.

I wonder..

I won't tell you what dumb decisions Emery made, but god they were so worth getting pissed over that I wanted to immediately shoot her and forget this had ever happened.

Really. I did.

But the characters overall weren't so bad to read about. I got to see Carson, Holt, Dottie (not sure that's how you spell) and Lindsey, Coach Disick, Mrs Flowers, Mama G, so many characters I loved, damn. I will never forget them. So yeah that's why I removed a star, for Emery's existence in general.

The overcoming of problems - Really took time but I'm glad they got solved reasonably and with time, care, love and patience, they got their HEA. Definitely important problems I'm glad the author captured in order to show the possible strains on their relationship and then saw them overcome them successfully.

So overall, I'd say this is still a great read, not amazing, but still good enough, if you want something light, with a side of steamy, wit, humor and loveable characters, and storylines in general.

I hope y'all enjoy.

PS: I'm still waiting for Holt's story, damn it. I'm so curious about him and his mystery girl, I really wanna know...

Plus I realize now that audiobooks are really not my thing, unless I travelled for long hours, otherwise they take so long, god.

But yeah enjoy.

Until the next read,

-TMR

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Review: Cilka's Journey: The sequel to The Tattooist of Auschwitz

Cilka's Journey: The sequel to The Tattooist of Auschwitz by Heather Morris
My rating: 4 of 5 stars

Note: As you know, this is a sequel to The tattooist of auschwitz, so it'd be more wise to read that one first. But since this novel acts more like a standalone than a sequel, it should be fine, I suppose.

So let's get on.

The cover - Yup the theme has been continuing with the hand holding, and it's so wonderful to see that again, so definitely I got a bit teary-eyed as you can imagine.

It's not easy to get me teary-eyed as you know. So yeah..

So definitely one reason why I loved this book loads. Points to that.

2. The summary doesn't have a lot of change from the first one, but this time, Cilka's situation is definitely more problematic than being simply Jewish and a prisoner, and getting out of it alive and well, is a task harder to do than Lale and Gita. Finding love along the way, makes things much more harder, as you can think, so keeping the guy she likes, alive, and herself, alive, is definitely a Mission Impossible like task. But definitely it's got my attention so I'm happy to give it a point.

3. The romance: Well that's where things started lagging, I have to admit. With the romance, the characters fell into love too quickly and no apparent reason either, they fell in love, either. So yeah, it felt flat there. Hence the one star taken off.

4. The characters: Cilka is definitely something of an enigma, having dealt with so many dangerous situations and all, and still coming out alive, regardless and well.

That is definitely something worth cheering. I have to admit.

Alexandr on the hand is not that developed, but I mostly say this, because of his short role and most of the time, they don't get much of a chance to hang out with, so yeah hence why I don't feel much towards Alexandr.

But the other characters, are definitely hardworking, strong, resilient and refuse to give up. Although some of them were bullies (you know who they are, if you've read the novel and if you haven't, it's amusing at best) who are often downright insulting and rude, but with Cilka's charm and friendliness, they all soon get together peacefully, and what a sight it is. So they're all truly something of a loveable bunch.

Plus Lale and Gita also have their own flashbacks hence why I added the star, regardless of Alexandr.

5. Overcoming of their situation -As I said, such a strong bunch will usually persevere well, so I was happy to see them get out, although some of them died (so darn sad at that point), but through some clever thinking, heavy wit, and standing up together, they all manage to get out successfully, without suffering too much. And I was ridiculously happy when Cilka and Alexandr got their happy ever after as well. It wasn't too bad, when they all came out happy and safe.

So this novel is a recommend. Not so strong, but still not so bad to give it a shot.

Until the next read,

-TMR

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Review: The Tattooist of Auschwitz

The Tattooist of Auschwitz by Heather Morris
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

Ranked as 2019's most memorable war time piece, it's definitely everything realistic that you'd want, without a depressing Titanic like ending..

I mean really. Why do people like Jack and Rose so much, they're almost like Romeo and Juliet, only a century or two late.

Sigh...

But yes usually I prefer war time pieces that don't end in tragedies because I'm not dying to cry or smash a bullet in a character..Whoops.

Anyway let's just review this masterpiece, shall we?

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

1. The cover - I liked the hand holding as the cover objective. It gives off intimacy, and a glimmer of hope that maybe things weren't so bad as the actual war had been. I like it sincerely for those reasons. And it's a lot contrasting to the subject matter itself, so it also sets in the intrigue whether they'll make it alive. So I love it overall, points to that.

2. The summary -Finding love and trying to get out alive while everyone around you is getting bombed and killed mercilessly, and no safe corner to run to, is definitely something I'd be curious about. The actual war was tough as it was, no thanks to one bastard in particular. So this summary was something I wanted to see end happily, as such hope given through the characters would have been a waste had the plot followed through, like its predecessors, as a tragedy. And I'm happy to say that the characters did get the ending they deserved, without getting killed, hurray!

3. The characters, and the side dishes (you know what I mean): They all have such a lively personality, and obedient personality, which in this case, is definitely a positive sign in my opinion, considering their dangerous circumstances. But even if some of them lose hope, the others make sure they don't fall completely and help them up again to regain hope and have some sense of solidarity in the treacherous lives they live. All are supportive, tough, but loveable all the same. Specially our main couple: Lale and Gita. Boy, are they cute. But loveable they all are, overall.

4. The romance: It was more sweet than spicy honestly, and I have to say, I love more those than anything. Especially the sweet confessions and gestures, it means the whole world to me. And the way Lale treated Gita with respect, care, and love, and giving her time, it was everything perfect. My dream come true in a way, and pushing me to root for them. So the romance was also well done.

5. The overcoming of WWII: Well, I won't say they overcame it, like they didn't overthrow Hitler.

Too bad though...

But they did manage to get out of their hell hole and end up living again, and living a rich life. Persevering and learning several tricks to help them get closer and closer to freedom (who said it was easy without dirtying their hands), it was definitely a ride watching them succeed with each key in the lock, escaping their hellhole and able to live their lives happily and out of trouble.

Overall, this is a novel you should not miss. At all. This is a must recommend, and should not be overlooked.

I hope y'all enjoy this masterpiece.

Until the next read,

-TMR

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Review: After

After by Anna Todd
My rating: 2 of 5 stars

Sigh, where's 14 year old me?

Here, little J. Here little girl. Here.

Aha gotcha. *grabs her and shakes her hard* What were you thinking, you bad boy lover of romances, you nincompoop of sensible novels, what happened?

*sighs* Sorry y'all, you had to see that. Some 14 year olds never learn.

But let's continue.

The cover -Stormy, just like teenage feelings. And honestly they're far more complicated then what an adult would think.

Think back to highschool years. Your first crush. Your first day of school. The mean girls, the jock boys, the emo and goth guys and gals, the grumpy and overworked staff, and you the preppy, or quiet, studious one. Didn't know where to fit in. Feelings going every which way.

This was that moment shown in this cover, this whole book. It's not an easy time, being an 18 year old. And especially if you've never heard of college stories and you're about to head in, unprepared. This is that time period in this book. So I appreciated it and totally related to it.

I mean I'm about to head into college in a few months so I understand the nervousness, the tension, the chaotic nature the first day. Praying that everything goes right, but usually it's only 99% that does haha.

But a good cover regardless.

The summary -Totally cliche and utterly unoriginal. But still loveable for the 14 year old in me, while reading this and the college girl that I'm about to be (except for the romance part, of course). So if I can relate to a summary this way or a certain character, I'll definitely feel a lot closer to the book. And this summary did make me feel that way. So a star to that.

But like everything touched with fate, things do go wrong.

1. The characters are terribly cliched and stereotypical and way too judgemental of each other for my liking. Specially with Hardin, Tessa and her other "friends". Hardin for Tessa being so uptight and conservative with her dressing. Tess for Hardin being an illiterate and a dumbass because of his dressing and tattoos. So not fair, either of you, sigh...The bullets did come in handy when I finally shot them, muhahahah.. but really so darn terrible they were.

2. Peer pressure. She's 18 and yet she acts like a 13 year old when pressured to do something, acts more like a child than a grown girl. And does everything when her "friends" say so. GROW UP!

3. Being a "square". Simply because she wasn't so intimate with her boyfriend, she's a "square". Damn you Hardin. Why can't people save themselves for marriage or something, huh? Got a problem? Then fuck you. Plain and simple.

4. Bullies. Being a bully and trying to get with the girl who you just insulted is beyond my comprehension. It's verbal abuse and no one should be insulted especially if you like em. Acting like a bastard will never guarantee you any brownie points with a girl.

Me, I'd just slap the guy and walk off. Or call him names, my mother wouldn't be so proud of hearing. But that's my view.

Moving along...

5. The romance was also forced, I felt, like there was no actual chemistry. Just a drunk mistake. And the worse part is she already has a boyfriend, but she still wants it to go on?

Like what happened to your morals, or self-reservations, girl? You lost em? Damn it.

6. Feels more like a highschool romance than college romance. The characters are not sensible and they behave like college is no serious business at all.

Sigh...

All of this adds up to the most ridiculous, cliched, and a terrible book of all time.

I won't even watch the movie version since I haven't read a lot and it would just piss me off more.

So, not recommended. AT ALL.

Until the next read,

-TMR

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Review: My Lovely Wife

My Lovely Wife by Samantha Downing
My rating: 4 of 5 stars

Daaaamn.

This is truly a twisted, horrendous and most surprising book of all the mystery novels I've ever read, hands down..

Let me just say what I feel, properly, from the start before I ramble to god knows where..

And that would be boring as hell, no?

So let me just start.

The cover - A dark aura surrounds it, chilling me with the anticipation of what may happen in it, it's every bit devious as the cover shows, although the pages itself scream more than that they show. And boy do I appreciate that. Heh, it literally kept me up all night and holding a bat in my hand, wondering if it could happen to me, haha..silly me..and you can't convince the mind sometimes to ignore it..so be prepared to be spooked if you read this at night..

The summary -My first time reading a bonny and clyde like serial killer thriller (hehe, get the joke? thriller, killer? song reference?). I was really not prepared for what I was about to read, although reading some fellow reviewers' reviews made me somewhat knowledgeable but not even they, could prepare me for what I read...especially with those plot twists at every turn. Daaamn. Truly my heart felt like it would stop at any one of those scenes.

Here's the summary in case you're wondering (a brief version): Millicent, her husband, are all a normal family at day, juggling every day responsibilities and decisions on their shoulders, also catering to their children and themselves. But what if this family wasn't so ordinary as you thought? What if they were truly something else at night? What would you say then? Especially when one day you discover, that the person you claimed to "know" so well, is truly different, then what would you do? How far would you go to prove yourself right and them wrong?

That is one chillingly spooky summary, and if you're not convinced yet, read the actual summary. Surely then you'll be frightened and more than ready to have this novel at hand.

Guarantee it.

But let's keep moving.

The mystery - This novel would be classed somewhere as a psychological thriller/domestic noir (maybe?) as so many themes that are often found in such novels were ever present in this one. All the planning, the cunning minds, the witty dialogues, and calculated expressions and behaviours, the two personality clanger hanging in the middle of their double lives, representing something far from what an outside eye would see. Truly, it was exciting but so scary anticipating their every move and wondering what their move would be if a barrier came in their way. My heart had quite a hard time balancing it's beat in time, sigh..

The characters, background, explanations -Rory and Jenna, sure they seemed a bit too much at times, but they were kids, you couldn't really judge them for what they did and who they lived with..(*coughs, glares at Millicent and husband). Millicent was truly wearing a mask and masquerading with everything that happened, what a devil. Never once could I predict her ulterior motives for what she planned, the deviousness was truly at an all time high, so unpredictable. Damn. The background of their lives and their own actions are also explained in a detailed but not boring at all manner, it had me going for every page. Also the explanations for each action done by Millicent and the husband were pretty good, I have to admit, leading to one fast paced, suspenseful thriller.

The reason why I took off one star - The husband, felt too weak sometimes, he felt like a protesting child sometimes, or like an obedient pet, just literally going along with everything his wife did, not even questioning anything. And the moments where he did have a heart were so short, that it was hard to see him being anything human, and truly solidified my image of what it means to be a serial killer, and not an emphatic human. I had this discussion with a friend, Jade, who thought it was excellent that the husband had a heart, but then I said how it messes up in your mind about what a serial killer is, and whether he has any feelings which contribute to his actions.

So, sorry Jade, but I don't think he needed to have a heart. His character was already weak, he didn't need more emotional imbalance to affect his own monologue and actions. That's just my opinion though, others can be different.

And the ending was a bit screwed up. I mean they literally restart, move away from everything else, but then he starts the same shenanigans all over again, despite what happened to him.

I mean seriously. Dude, get a new job, life, persona, but don't start your disturbingly imbalanced shit all over again. You have a family to raise all over again and this time, you're alone.

NO ONE WILL HELP YOU. PERIOD.

Aside from all that, I gotta say that this novel is truly something and you shouldn't miss out on picking it up, I mean CJ Tudor compared it to "Dexter meeting Gone Girl" (by which I've ordered both novels from my library since yesterday, and even got friended by the author who wrote the Dexter series, eeeh!). Even if it's too devious and certainly twisted far above, don't let that deter you from reading it, it's truly spine-chilling and the most plot-twist filled success of a novel, of 2019.

And I definitely recommend it with all my heart. So go read it. Please. Just do yourself a favor and do it.

You won't regret it. Much. Maybe not. Only time can tell. *winks*

PS: Sorry for such a long review, I'll try make it short the next time. But I couldn't help it hehe. But sorry again.

I hope you enjoyed.

Until the next read,

-TMR

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