Review: In the Dark

In the Dark by Loreth Anne White
My rating: 2 of 5 stars

Note: An ARC was given generously in exchange for an honest review. Thanks to Netgalley, the author for allowing me to review this.

So.

This novel held a promise of being great. But with unreliable and unidentifiable narrators, too many of them, slow pacing, and a cover which doesn't hold much interest, I succumbed to boredom and simply skipped on this novel after 4%.

Hence why, not a recommend. But I would still like to try this author's works in the future.

Until the next read,

TMr

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Review: Nine Elms

Nine Elms by Robert Bryndza
My rating: 2 of 5 stars

Note: An ARC was given generously in exchange for an honest review. Thank you to Netgalley and the author for allowing me the opportunity to review this.

I wanted to like this novel so bad, I mean it was just so made for me.

The summary, the cover. The recs by my friends.

Gah, it was perfect. But then it blew up.

I felt the characters were too weak for my taste, as someone who's dealt with cases before, she was too weak-hearted and the plot was moving too slowly for my taste.

Hence why I DNFed. But still I'd like to try this author's works as I do see some potential.

So yeah, not a recommend.

Until the next read,

TMR

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Review: Enemies

Enemies by Tijan
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

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

Ah Tijan stories...welcome back y'all. Missed you all so dearly.

Finally recently, I've loved a Tijan work. I am all eager to tell you about it.

So let's go.

The cover - Pretty hot, hot, hot! Swoon-worthy cover, even though I can't see the face but damn it, still so gooood. Gahhh. Hence the stars.

The summary - "Stone Reeves was my neighbor, and I've hated him since sixth grade.

Gorgeous and charismatic, he became the town's football god, while I became the town's invisible girl.
He went to a Division 1 school for football, while my father was fired by his father.
His team won the National Championship, while my mother died the same day.

He was a first round pick for the NFL ...
... while I made the worst decision of my life.

Now I'm in Texas trying to pick up the pieces of my life.
But, Stone is here.
Stone is everywhere.

It doesn't matter that disaster has struck my life again.
It doesn't matter that he's the one trying to console me.
It doesn't matter that he's the nation's newest football obsession.

Because for me, he always has been and always will be my enemy."

So cliched, but still so darn loveable. Gah, I love them always, what can I say? My teenage self will always love them. And it's ridiculous but true. Hence the stars.

The characters - Dusty (love the name..) is a smart, hardworking, and independant woman overall in this novel. But it doesn't mean she doesn't have her fragile moments. Which, all in all, make her relatable and special to all of us, she's the example of what we've all, at one time, experienced or lived through. Love her. As for Stone, he's the misunderstood, rich but still caring badboy royalty of football, her childhood friend too. And he's back in town. But what looks beautiful from the outside may not always be what it is from the inside. Sure, he looks beautiful, rich and an arrogant bastard. But he was always more than that. That's what made their dynamic so interesting. And loved.

As for the friends, they're friends of convenience. That's what other reviewers said as well, alongside me. They only become friends or help poor Dusty when Stone is involved or shows up. Other than that, they're all horrible and remakes of classic Mean Girls. That's it. Siobhan, Trent, Joe, C (forgot her full name..), Jake, and Colby they're all actual friends, even though they barely get any screen time, which I object over. Really I do. But still it kept my interest so good then.

The romance - Shows up at around 45% but it's not even on their actual liking towards each other. So more of a slowburn, but a very steamy slowburn, but the confession at the end...that really sold me towards this novel. Gah, it was adorable as fuck...hence the stars.

The problems - Well the main problems are overcome much quicker but with their attraction it's more of a main problem later on which was very..me likey. Yeah. But they overcame their problems real quick and without too much fuss, I think. SO not bad problem solving, although sometimes the drama could be shortened a little.

Overall, a great, and brilliant novel written. I look forward to more Tijan novels and give this one a high recommend.

PS: The letters, and epilogues you will definitely enjoy, they will definitely sweeten the pot more.

So yup. An awesome novel.

Until the next read,

TMR

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Review: Good Girls Lie

Good Girls Lie by J.T. Ellison
My rating: 1 of 5 stars

Note: Thank you to Edelweiss for sending me an ARC in exchange for an honest review.

This novel has been popular around, circling a lot of goodreads feeds, hence why my curiosity about it and finally requesting it through Edelweiss after Netgalley delayed me, yet again.

But seriously, I think the lord knew that I would hate this novel, that's why he didn't let my request come through on time.

My main reason for rejecting this overall was the Pretty Little liars format this story uses. It's like a remake of above tv show.

I thought it would be different, even with such a cliched summary, I mean it'd won so many hearts, but then this..

Gah, I can't.

Until the next read,

TMR

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Review: One Hot Night

One Hot Night by Kacey Shea
My rating: 4 of 5 stars

Note: This is a prequel to Caught in the Lies. This is a whole series, so probably start from Caught in the Flames first, because that will explain Cam's connection. And Jill's.

Anyway.

I don't really have much to say. This was like an introductory book to characters, Jill and Cam. Cam, you'll know who he is, once you've read CITF (That book is Jill's friend's story...).

So we get to know through this prequel who Jill and Cam are, and how they first met each other. The title is exactly what this story is about. One Hot Night. That's it.

So if you want a short and sexy read (which would also help your reading challenge..) and also you love romantic shorts like this, then this is a good one to try.

So a recommend.

Until the next read,

TMR

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Review: Die Trying

Die Trying by Lee Child
My rating: 4 of 5 stars

Ahhhhhh...

WELCOME BACK, my dear Jack Reacher. Missed ya loads, love.

Anyway I've loved your recent adventures in civilian life. Let me tell everyone else about em too.

So.

The cover - Bullets cover every inch of the background, red dots the background, and yellow flashes throughout..close to looking like a traffic light but whatever. It's so fierce, mysterious and dangerous, it's got me all shivering and goosebumps up. SO yup, I loved it, hence the stars.

The summary - "A Chicago street in bright sunshine. Jack Reacher, strolling nowhere, meets an attractive young woman, limping, struggling with her crutches, alone. Naturally he stops to offer her a steadying arm and then they turn together—to face twin handguns held level and motionless and aimed straight at their stomachs.

Chained to the woman, locked in a dark, stifling van racing 2,000 miles across America, Reacher needs to know who he's dealing with. The kidnappers are saying nothing and his companion claims to be Holly Johnson, FBI agent. She's fierce enough and tough enough, but he knows there must be more to her than that. And at their remote, hostile destination, they will need to act as a team and trust each other, pitting raw courage and cunning against insane violence and seemingly hopeless odds, with their own lives and hundreds more at stake."

Definitely sounds more action-packed than mysterious, but eh it was the perfect blend, and I drank up every page of it. Hence the stars.

The characters - Jack Reacher is Jack Reacher. Our silent, thoughtful, and quick timed hero as ever, is back in the picture, ready to stroll through civilian streets once again, so there's not much change. Our heroine, Holly, is not what she seems, even more so than her FBI background, I'll give you that as a hint. The rest of them are necessary though and everyone has a part to play, so nothing is left out. Overall they're all intriguing in their own right, so it was hard not to get completely absorbed in the novel itself. Hence the stars.

The mystery - Fast paced mostly, and no the plot is not missing. We get tons of information about government workings, police procedures, double lives, what it is to start a whole new brave new world thing, etc...It's all intriguing and makes it doubly enjoyable. Not much to be disappointed over. Hence the stars.

The ending - Yes we all know Jack Reacher solves a lot of shit, but still knowing the reason why it all happened and what led to it being happened, all leave you wandering around and head spinning for hours. So it's definitely predictable but so worth it.

The only problem - I felt there was too much filler, like about the guns, the government, police, people, past experiences...this could have been shortened 40 pages definitely. I know this was all important but for someone who doesn't read a lot of political thrillers, this gets boring at one point. SO yeah my only problem was this.

The rest was great though, overall. A high recommend for sure.

Until the next read,

TMR

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Review: One Week ’Til Christmas: The perfect holiday romance this Christmas!

One Week ’Til Christmas: The perfect holiday romance this Christmas! by Belinda Missen
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

Note: An ARC was given generously in exchange for an honest review. Thanks to the author, the publisher, and Netgalley for letting me review this.

What an excellent end it was to Christmas Eve, reading this wonderful story set during Christmassy England.

Anyway.

Let me tell you how.

The cover - Is pretty cute, nothing special really. But still good enough for my heart to swoon over. Hence the stars.

The summary - "Two people. One chance meeting. Seven days to Christmas.
Isobel Bennett is waiting for the number 11 bus when a man quite literally falls into her lap. Snow is falling, Christmas lights are twinkling, and a gorgeous man with dark brown hair has just slipped on ice and is now pressed against Isobel.

Isobel knows she’s not imagining the chemistry between them. But then his ride arrives and, embarrassed, he beats a hasty retreat, murmuring apologies – and Isobel realises only too late that she didn’t manage to catch his name…

When she runs into him again the next morning, she decides it’s fate.

It’s a second chance for Isobel and Tom – but there’s only one week until she’s leaving London for good. Seven days of enjoying all the festive delights the city has to offer: ice-skating at Somerset House, mulled wine on the Southbank, Christmas shopping at Liberty.

There’s magic in the air and mistletoe in the trees – but what will happen when the week is over?''

Fun summary. Short, sweet, and snappy for sure. A delightful read. Hence the stars.

The characters - Isobel is sweet, funny, smart, and sassy for sure. Tom is the perfect gentleman, fuck he's so perfect, I almost cried when the novel ended, like why can't I have him? And why can't guys be like this around me? Am I always destined for jerks? Maybe. But anyway those two were so adorable. Estelle was the coolest for sure, would have craved having a best friend like her. Overall, they are a marvelous bunch, hence the stars.

The romance -Pretty sweet, mostly slowburn. But yeah I loved how they didn't go and have sex already, they actually learned to use their words to learn more about each other and walked to places to get new experiences, I truly treasured those moments. SO it's really mostly sweet romance, rather than the sexy type. The stars are fully given here.

The problems - Well they do manage to solve the main problem of staying or going, and not without much drama (god knows how much I hate drama...) so yeah loved the problem solving. The ending is nice as well. So pretty good of a novel this was. All 5 stars given here.

Overall, a high, high recommend.

Until the next read,

TMR

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Review: Force of Nature

Force of Nature by Jane Harper
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

Note: This is a sequel to The Dry. This can also be read as a standalone. But be aware, this novel will mention some snippets of the events of The Dry, so just to be up to date, it would be best if you tried the first novel first.

Anyway here we go.

This was actually a great novel. Better than The Dry in some aspects.

Let me tell you all about it.

The cover - Pretty thick as the grass surrounding, thick with mystery and scare jumps all around. It got me, hook, line, sinker. It was just great. Hence the stars.

The summary - "Five women reluctantly pick up their backpacks and start walking along the muddy track. Only four come out the other side.

The hike through the rugged Giralang Ranges is meant to take the office colleagues out of their air-conditioned comfort zone and teach resilience and team building. At least that is what the corporate retreat website advertises.

Federal Police Agent Aaron Falk has a particularly keen interest in the whereabouts of the missing bushwalker. Alice Russell is the whistleblower in his latest case - in just a matter of days she was to provide the documents that will bring down the company she works for.

Falk discovers that far from the hike encouraging teamwork, the women tell a tale of suspicion, violence and disintegrating trust. But does it include murder?"

Interesting enough for me honestly. A hike gone wrong, an important person missing and suspicion lingers everywhere around you. I think it's pretty close to being a horror movie but more with mystery than horror, so good this one was. Hence the stars.

The characters - Aaron, his partner (can't remember her name, it's been a while..), the four women, the staff themselves (the head staff), are all so well done, each having some little backstory or another to the case itself. It's definitely not overwhelming and leaves you wanting more from all of them. They all give their own viewpoint in regards to their case, so it's definitely interesting each time, we get closer to the solving of the case. Giving the stars here.

The mystery itself- First nothing more than a missing person's case, but then to something far more sinister at play. It will definitely keep you turning pages and keeping your interest peaked, honest. Each new clue, witness, suspicion, backstory leads you round and round but eventually helps you to the finishing line in the end. So it's definitely something that will be worth reading. The stars are distributed.

The ending - It is a little predictable but then it's only like that if the author really doesn't know how to keep the reader guessing (she did keep me guessing..), or if you've read a lot of mystery novels (I have...) but it's not really bad. It's still a pleasant end, and makes you relieved that you finished this after all, without struggling. Hence the stars.

SO overall, it's a high recommend. Don't miss out.

Until the next read,

TMR

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Review: 99 Percent Mine

99 Percent Mine by Sally Thorne
My rating: 3 of 5 stars

Oh this novel...

I've had so many hopes dashed by this novel. By this author.

There had been so many good things to be appreciated about this novel, but so, so many bad things overruled this novel's positive view.

Let me explain.

The cover - So darn quirky, and cute. Like there's nothing hiding what is obvious in the summary and the cover itself. It immediately sets the dynamic between the two. So yeah. Loved the cover.

The Summary - "Darcy Barrett found her dream man at age eight - ever since, she's had to learn to settle for good enough. Having conducted a global survey of men, she can categorically say that no one measures up to Tom Valeska, whose only flaw is that he's her twin brother's best friend - oh, and that 99 percent of the time, he hasn't seemed interested in her.

When Darcy and Jamie inherit a tumble-down cottage from their grandmother, they're left with strict instructions to bring it back to its former glory and sell the property. Darcy plans to be in an aisle seat halfway across the ocean as soon as the renovations start, but before she can cut and run, she finds a familiar face on her porch: house-flipper extraordinaire Tom's arrived, he's bearing power tools, and he's single for the first time in almost a decade.

Suddenly Darcy's considering sticking around - just to make sure her twin doesn't ruin the cottage's inherent magic with his penchant for chrome. She's definitely not staying because of her new business partner's tight t-shirts. But sparks start to fly - and not just because of the faulty wiring. Soon, a one percent chance with Tom is no longer enough. This time around, Darcy's switching things up. She's going to make Tom Valeska 99 percent hers."

Well that's the summary. Sounds pretty darn interesting. So hence why the stars.

The romance - Not really bad, pretty steamy and swoon-worthy in some cases. Hence the given stars.

But then the real problem happened.

The characters - Darcy is just too childish and too cartoonish for me to care. Being a feminist, and then becoming a wild savage animal, and then resonating to a teenager, she takes on so many roles which leaves my mind spinning out of control and wondering what happened as the progress was made. Tom. Poor Tom. I wonder why she was the one for him. Seriously she was SO not for him, I don't know how the author managed to make this ridiculous combination. I fail to get it. I mean he's this nice, polite, caring little thing and then...there's her. Gah. And then her brother. The pompous, stuck-up and blackmailer-like brother. Geez. I really did not see any improvement in him throughout most of the novel, and he was barely there. Why was he even included?

Why are there so many holes in character development in general? I fail to understand.

As for the ending - I didn't really stick it out long enough to care. So no comment.

Anyway this was my first novel by this author, so not the first best impression. But I am still willing to try her debut novel - The Hating Game - to give her an even shot as all my friends raved about her.

So yeah, overall this is not a couple I vote for.

Until the next read,

TMR

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Review: Silver

Silver by Chris Hammer
My rating: 2 of 5 stars

Note: This is a sequel to Scrublands, therefore should be read in order to understand main character's life.

And that's exactly what I didn't follow through. Silly me. So I didn't really enjoy this novel as I didn't even have a clear understanding of the characters, and didn't know the whole story so well. Hence why I had to DNF earlier.

So until I read the first novel, I am going to have to stick to this rating.

Until the next read,

TMR

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Review: American Royals

American Royals by Katharine McGee
My rating: 2 of 5 stars

Almost a perfect copy of the british royal family.

But wait, tis not true.

This is about our american folks. Why so much confusion then?

Because Americans are too far-fetched to actually be able to settle down with a monarchy, in my opinion. Need I say more?

And there's not much difference between this book and a daytime soap opera. Everyone's scheming, everyone's out for blood.

Gosh. If I'd wanted something like that, I'd have watched the princess diaries or the documentaries on the british royal family.

I was not looking for a replica. Really, I wasn't.

But I was hit by this anyway since everyone else loved it around me.

So nothing really inspired me to read this aside from the cover of this book, the recommendation, and the cliched as hell summary (besides nothing was really that interesting on my shelf to read, so this was solely picked on a whim..) hence the stars.

And that's it. I literally have no more strength or the patience to discuss this novel any further.

Until the next read,

TMR


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Review: Come Sundown

Come Sundown by Nora Roberts
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

"Love, lies, murder. A lot can happen."

And so it did, but at least it didn't ruin the book. Hah Fate, you lose.

Anyway, let me tell you why I loved this masterpiece.

The cover - So beautiful, a gorgeous sunset painted in the back, with a farmlike background. All so comforting, comfy and so far away from everything else. My dream, come true, in a book. Hence the point.

The summary - We meet our Bodine and her family, the responsible adult and her very adorable family, all so supporting and loveable. And then we meet our broken hero, Callen, coming back to the very place he left before. Starting a new life. Love sparks, murders bloody the streets, lies come to threaten them all, especially when a murder of a woman occurs near the bodine farmhouse. Only time will be able to save them all. Loved this summary and couldn't wait to start. Hence the point.

The characters - Bodine and her family were all so darn perfect, loving, supporting, and adorable. Gah, I seem to lose the words. But I love them so very much. Although she annoyed me about the marriage fact, I still loved how responsible, caring, sweet, sexy she was. As for Callen, how strong, resilient, a gentleman, a true sweetheart he'd come to be. No one was too villainous or evil for no reason, everything had a reason, for the sweetness, for the evil. Hence the point.

The romance - Slow burn yet sexy all in the pages. Couldn't help swooning at every turn and crying as well. It was so so so good, gosh. And it's not just Callen and Bodine, but Jess and Chase, Chelsea and Rory. So gosh darn adorable. Loved them all! Hence another point.

The ending - Done brilliantly, and a satisfied conclusion. Everything solves out, nothing is left unturned. Every minute of it, I loved. Gah, it was so darn perfect.

So I recommend this novel with all of my heart and know for sure, you won't be disappointed.

Until the next read,

TMR

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Review: Killing Floor

Killing Floor by Lee Child
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

Three ways I've heard about Lee Child: 1. Jack Reacher novels, one of which had a movie made starring Tom Cruise (I think it was on One Shot, 5th novel in the series). 2. Recommending several mystery novels, all of which I loved. 3. The recent release of Blue Moon.

So it was no surprise I wanted to read the jack reacher novels as quickly as possible. Although I joined late, I was eager to have an opinion on his novels and love them too.

And I loved this one. A lot.

So let me explain.

The cover -A red, blood soaked handprint on the front (I had a different edition). So scary yet it intrigued some mystery fangirl in me to continue reading it. Made me wonder about the mystery of the red handprint. Hence why the point.

The summary - Jack Reacher is an ex-military police man. And recently he's become free from his service of 13 years. Drifting from one town to another was his life. But with how Fate is known to screw shit up, poor Reacher gets arrested for a crime he never committed. Time is running out to save himself and the town which has no idea about the oncoming disaster it's to face.

Sounds fascinating? Great, then you're on the same boat as me. I thought it was pretty fantastic too for a mystery. Hence why the point.

The mystery itself - You know what they say: Money makes the world go round. And in this case, it's no different. I won't delve into the mystery itself a lot, but the way Jack uncovers the spies, the operation itself is pretty interesting and will certainly keep you up, reading all day and night. That I guarantee for sure. Hence why the point.

The characters - Jack is definitely something of an enigma and he's the strong, silent, brooding type but intelligent and handy for sure. Roscoe was special too, sigh what a smart cookie she was. The rest of the characters were all suspicious, something to worry about for sure. All so well-developed and all. Gosh I loved every minute of this novel. Hence why another point.

The ending -Although it didn't work out for Roscoe and Jack (spoiler, whoops), it all ends well, with justice reigning supreme. You will not be disappointed. Hence why the final point.

So a must read for sure. You will love it, guaranteed.

PS: I will definitely check out the rest of the books in the series. So yeah.

Until the next read,

TMR

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Review: The Rosie Project

The Rosie Project by Graeme Simsion
My rating: 2 of 5 stars

Loved by many, I was spellbound by it as well to read it.

But then like so many disasters, this was incoming, yet I had no idea.

So, let me try to explain it as best as I can.

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

The cover - Cute, nothing special. It just eludes to the summary and the title, giving everything away, keeping nothing in secret. But still cute, hence the stars.

The summary - A man looking for a wife in his thirty something years after many dates gone wrong. And he wants to look for the one, through a scientific experiment. Intriguing enough for my attention, since this is the first time I'm hearing of something like this. Hence the stars.

But then that's where everything stopped being nice and fun.

The main problem behind the dnf: His scientific language, and standoffish behavior.

All he talks about is, his science experiments, some weird fact that nobody would care about while reading this novel, and stories about his failed, keep in mind, many failed dates.

That's all. Nothing about all those things makes it appealing about him. Hence why the DNF. If I wanted to sleep, I would have watched the Big Bang Theory or some lullaby.

This book was a snoozefest. Case closed. Sorry to y'all who loved him, I had nothing about him, catch my eye.

So not recommended. And neither am I trying the sequels.

Until the next read,

TMR

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Review: The Long Call

The Long Call by Ann Cleeves
My rating: 2 of 5 stars

Due to personal reasons and beliefs conflicting against this novel, I will only say I couldn't read it or review it like I would have wanted.

Therefore, DNFed.

Until the next read,

TMR

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Review: Shelter in Place

Shelter in Place by Nora Roberts
My rating: 2 of 5 stars

Nora Roberts, oh my god, Nora Roberts!

I love her novels!

Fate: Oh really? Let's see if she likes this one. *rips up pages and puts in new ones* MUHAHAHAHAHA!

That's exactly what happened. Some spawn of a devil ruined the entire book by switching the whole plot and people in it.

That's the story I stick by, goodreads police.

Anyway.....

Here we go.

The cover - So relaxing and removes the mental stress of life in general. The deep, blue-green ocean churning by, the sun glaring near, no civilisation close by. YESS! This is what I want. Thank you very much, dear cover artist. You've saved me. Hence the stars for you.

The story - A massacre happens in our heroine's past and in our hero's past as well, shaking them to the very core that holds them. Years later, the heroine and hero meet again, they fall in love. But someone is out to shake the peace down, and ruin every last bit of humanity. It's up to our boy and girl to save the day.

Pretty intriguing right? I thought so too, hence the points.

But then..

The characters, multi-voices - You heard me, there were multiple narratives over this entire time. Multiple.

Do you know...how irritating that is? Having to remember, understand, every goddamn narrative of every person in the novel. You can barely remember three, let alone, 6-7 of them.

Hence why the DNF. I wish I had more to say on why the rest of the stars got removed, but I don't remember and neither do I care to remember.

Overall, a shambles. Too many narratives going on.

Not recommended.

Until the next read,

TMR

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Review: In the Unlikely Event

In the Unlikely Event by L.J. Shen
My rating: 2 of 5 stars

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

“It’s not the right time to be together, I agree. But if we meet again, under any circumstances, any time in the future, we’re making this work, Rory. Feck spouses. Feck boyfriends and girlfriends. Feck the world. If kismet happens, we are letting it happen, no matter what.” - (Mal)

And boy did kismet make sure they were together. Screwing everything which they held dear but never, directly them. Go kismet!

Yeah...anyway.

I had such high hopes for this novel for two reasons: 1. L.J Shen. (Need I say more?) 2. An experiment with a different storyline. (Hell yeah!)

And....*boom* it did not happen.

Let me explain.

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

9.46 pm, in Melbourne, Australia. The date reads 18th of December.

A girl sits in her comfortable recliner, jaw slack, eyes wide open, and mind blown to pieces (from the inside, duh, why would I encourage gore?)..as she's dnfed a novel, and has no idea what to do anymore with her life.

She ponders hurling herself off a cliff, or killing the editor who edited this novel.

Both sound costly.

She wonders..

Her: THE FUCK DID I JUST READ? Is this really our beloved L.J Shen's novels, the one I'd been dying over, for weeks until I got accepted as a reviewer to read it? Can this be real? Can it?

Fangirl inside: Well. Uh. Yes, yes it's true. It did happen.

Her: God no. I can't. I've already had such a miserable day. This cannot possibly be the ending to my day. God.

Fangirl: Well, maybe write this review up, you need to let your feelings out. Your Aquarius self is already bad at expressing shit. And then read the 560-something novel which you have to return this sunday.

Her: Alright. But still why? *bangs head against wall* WHHYYYYYY?

Fangirl: I wish I could explain. But we have a thing to do. Let's do it. Besides this review is already getting long. So cmon.

Her: Fine. Let's finish this shithole.

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

As you can see this has been my reaction ever since I realized how much I hated this novel, this novel by my very loved author, L.J Shen. This tragedy that was written by her glorious hands.

I can't. But I must. I have to let my feelings out. I must. So here I go.

The cover - Fucking gorgeous. Literally. A broken snow globe, even if you can't tell at first glance. So many hidden meanings, a deep resonating connection within joins you to it. Mesmerising and enthralling, it leaves you breathless seeing it. Hence the star. Fucking perfection.

The summary - A girl in a foreign land. A hot, hot one night stand. A pact made to be together no matter what. A pact which may not go how it's supposed to, if kismet allows it. But you know what they say.

All's fair in love, war and stupidity.

But still a nice summary. Hence why the stars.

But then the real shit happens.

1. The romance - The romance is entirely insta-love. So don't be surprised at how quickly they fall for each other. Secondly, it's entirely like some forbidden romance novel in the later half, which I like but off on cheating I do not. Which it is. Hence why I'm on the fence about it. I always hate cheating no matter what the reason. Like why do people lose control on themselves so easily? They say love can happen quick, so then it should also be acceptable if someone falls out of love quickly. People always get annoyed about the second part. No fair, hon. No fair. Hence why no stars.

2. The cheating and the several other bitchy factors - I don't like swearing this much but this novel literally pissed me off a point to no return, at least to no clean land. So the cheating. She says she will never be like someone in her family because that's what happened to them too. But then she ends up doing the same thing, simply because he was like some irresistible chocolate she couldn't get enough of..(I'll make the chocolate point soon..) and she loves him too much, she "realizes".

Dumbass. And the poor boy she was already with, originally, he gets turned into a jerk for no apparent reason. But then it makes for a very fitting conclusion to their breakup as she can get back to her perfect, white knight in shining armor, irish angel Mal.

Like what? This thing reminds me of the tamlin shebang that happened in the ACOTAR series. I still to this day, love Tamlin and no idiotic Rhysand fan can stop me. All I got for them is that they can go toss themselves off a cliff for all I care. (The author did the same thing with Tamlin, literally stopped his developing process and changed him back into even more of a villain. And made rhysand the hero of it all. He can go die. That's all.)

Therefore I do not support it and did not encourage their romance or their growing up process. The women are constantly bitching at each other and not in support of each other at all. They're even worse than the Meangirls movie and though they're all in their late 20s, they behave like they're 17-18 year olds. It's annoying as fuck. No one cares about Rory. They're all fucking villains. That's all.

The end - I did not care to read till the end. I did not care for the characters, the romance, the development process, the ending, the actual plot. I did not care. All of it's childish and messed up, way beyond my comprehension.

So, sorry L.J, but I hate this half-baked shit that was invented by your hands.

Not recommended at all, overall.

PS: As for the chocolate, what they did with it, Mal and Rory, god. I'll never be able to look at chocolate the same way again. That's guaranteed. Plus it involves Mick Jagger. (Look it up, Gen Z.)

PPS: Still excited about Angry god and her future novels, however, cause after all, this is L.J Shen.

Until the next read,

TMR

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Review: Eleanor Oliphant Is Completely Fine

Eleanor Oliphant Is Completely Fine by Gail Honeyman
My rating: 2 of 5 stars

*shouts* Incoming fall, incoming disaster, your way, it's coming!

*book falls off cliff*

Good riddance. *walks back, a bounce in steps*

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

I wish this had actually happened..but alas, you don't always get what you want.

This was my meant to be novel, my one true love. I mean, cmon.

Weird as hell heroine? - Check.
An equally weird hero? -Double check.
Rude as heck side characters? -Triple check.
A weird as hell backstory for the main character? -Triple check.
Chance meeting with the male protagonist in the most weird yet awkward way? - A big, fat, CHECK, please.

Fellow readers, reviewers: Then why, J, why two stars?
Me: You'll see.

That's been my conversation with others, myself and thoughts ever since I DNFed this novel at page 73 or something.

But let me explain it to you, in proper grammer and all. I mean, I don't want the grammar nazis going after me, you know.

So, Eleanor Oliphant is Completely Fine.

But, I am not.

Let me explain.

The cover - A dark and bleak future is what I see first from burnt matchsticks. The white goes towards a bland life, lived. The writing insinuates forced comforting of self, when you say all is fine, but inside you're breaking down hard, and you can't say anything without sounding weak and problematic..
...........
Ah sorry, personal moment there. Anyway. It's got everything I thought I would get something from a woman who wants to change things for herself but has fears, qualms about the world and the word change itself. It's perfect hence why I loved it. And there go the points racing.

The summary - A thirty something Eleanor is living the same bland and bleak life she's been living since she was born. Work, home, friends (very rare), mom, and taking care of herself.

Repeat. And repeat. And let the routine train go, go, go.

Basically, everything is the same until she spots Raymond, ends up falling in love, and then struggles to accept the changes that are clearly forming in her life.

A charming, and quirky, yet weird summary. My cup of tea. Hence the points.

But thennnnnnnnn, things don't go the way they're supposed to.

The character - Eleanor is way too weird for my taste, and bland at times, and mentally not the same age as she is physically.

She's 60 at the beginning with her very big and fancy sentences, then she's 13, pointing out crap and her routine like she's writing in her diary...

"Dear Diary, I have to tell someone my routine. I mean this could be an entry for the guinness book of records and I might miss it. So here I go. Today I went to work. Ben (we'll use ben just for an argument's sake) teased me about the tickets I brought and the movies, maybe I really don't have taste, I'm just not going to talk to him, meanie." and so on and so on.

You get the point. She's too weird and not even in the sane space. And then she talks about her bikini wax like she's the first human who's ever experienced it or who's dying for the reaction or the treatment procedure. FOR TWO GOSH DARN PAGES!

Too long, and I'm really not dying here for the bikini wax. So move on please.

Plus she can't even defend herself from comments which could hurt her, like people calling her weirdo, freak and all. Wow.

I really do not need a main protagonist who teaches readers, influences them, to always ignore stuff like that when it's been said multiple times. BLOODY MULTIPLE TIMES!

I've got no other reason to be able to give this novel the credibility of being any good.

So if anyone was saying this was a masterpiece, one worth reading, read my review and think again.

Perhaps, you're just like Eleanor. Fine on the outside, but lacking in what's supposed to be right anymore.

Until the next read,

TMR

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Review: The Lost Man

The Lost Man by Jane Harper
My rating: 2 of 5 stars

Note: This is a completely different novel and is not part of a series like the Aaron Falk ones.

Where do I begin? How can I begin?

I'm having trouble doing so..

But let me see..

I was so excited for this novel, considering I literally had just reviewed The dry before and was in love with it.

But then this...this disaster..god..I can't.

I...I can't. It's like taking an emotional hit after someone died. Here however, the plot died on me real quick, but still hit me hard.

I feel like some other writer wrote this, or the editor proofreaded it wrong..or another possibility was the writer fell asleep at the wheel, and decided to write whatever jumbled mess grew out of her dreams, like the body snatcher, except this is the writer who writes good plot but got muddled because of dreams snatcher...

Just my theory.

But let me explain.

The cover -Again a view of something like the sahara desert, giving off a dusty, sweltering, and yet sandy view, making you feel hot and humid perhaps (if you can sync real deep with the cover vibes..) and if you feel to a certain degree. Regardless it had me going for a water drink every hour or so, it had my attention. Hence why the points.

The summary -
No one's sure how their brother died in a mysterious circle at the border of their cattle properties in sunny Queensland, another city here in Australia. And where their brother is found, is at the foot of the stockman's grave, a place so old, that no one even cares about it's existence. An upturning event, the brothers are dumbfounded about their brother Cameron's death. Was he losing hope and decided enough was enough? But then if he didn't, then who could it be? Not a lot of suspects left.

Seems interesting enough. But then any novel by this author has my attention, so I was excited to pick this one up. Hence again the points.

BUTTTTTTTTT as usual, Fate decides that he's getting bored and decides to dance in the plot, at the most godawful time and ruins everything..

Let me tell you how.

The characters - Become goddamn sherlock holmes like they were born, talented detectives who can figure out this murder on their own. All of them have family dynamics that are horribly screwed and are looked at the most, which gets annoying by a certain point.

I'm here for the mystery, not for the family feud show.

The writing -Is really too slow paced and seems they don't get back to civilization that quickly, like till 70 pages at least. And yes it also borders on annoying.

The mystery itself - I wish I could say more on the aspect itself, but it seems I DNFed early, hence why I could care less about it overall.

Taking all these points in mind, probably this is not one of her best works. But still, I look forward to reading her future novels and the sequel to The Dry.

Until the next read,

-TMR

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Review: The Dry

The Dry by Jane Harper
My rating: 4 of 5 stars

Note: This is a series, this is the first one in the series. However both novels are standalones so it shouldn't be a problem if you read one and didn't read in order.

Originally I got this novel through the most read section and through some very few but definitely convincing Goodreads Friends such as Kevin (even though some of their reviews weren't so positive..) hence why I picked this novel up. I've also ordered the sequel, and it's on the way haha..

So to begin..

The cover - is definitely close to the dry, often dry and sweltering weather here where I live, in Melbourne, Australia. Overall, I liked it a lot, hence why the points.

The summary -"It hasn't rained in Kiewarra for two years. Tensions in the farming community become unbearable when three members of the Hadler family are discovered shot to death on their property. Everyone assumes Luke Hadler committed suicide after slaughtering his wife and six-year-old son. Federal Police investigator Aaron Falk returns to his hometown for the funerals and is unwillingly drawn into the investigation. As suspicion spreads through the town, Falk is forced to confront the community that rejected him twenty years earlier. Because Falk and his childhood friend Luke Hadler shared a secret, one which Luke's death threatens to unearth..."

I wish I could shorten it but there's no way to shorten something that needs the description. A mystery like this with so many suspects and a murder that threatens to take the tail of a long winded memory lane with its own secrets will definitely be it for me. Hence why the points..

The characters - All of them have a motive, some interaction with the late Hadler family, some reason to be there for the family, but they're there. They all seem to fleshed out well and have some part or other in the novel, no one is useless. As for Aaron, he's also playing a part as the reluctant detective plus being involved in one of the town's most horrid secret that was once the reason for his misery, back in his days living in the town. I feel they were all hard not to think about, so brilliantly written were the characters. Hence why the points again.

The mystery itself - A whole family shot to death, reminds me you of the amityville horror, I wonder why no one talks about it through this angle..anyway, there's no specific reason given about why they're all shot to death, except maybe that luke had finally given up on life/lost his mind and had decided that no one around him was worth living and shot them all. Meanwhile Aaron has to come in for the funeral and is unwillingly tossed into the investigation. I think it all sounds swell, a bit slow sure, but still everything comes together to make sense close to the end, so I don't think the suspense is delayed too much..hence why the points.

The only problem -Not a satisfactory ending to Ellie and her end. He could've reported the criminal but he doesn't. He just up and walks.

LIKE WHAAT? IS THERE NO JUSTICE GIVEN? Like seriously, why does the author not see him reporting this shit to the Feds? WHY NOT? Hence why the point taken away.

Overall, a very satisfactory novel, if you exclude Ellie's conclusion. Not a bad one.

Until the next read,

TMR

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Review: The Wedding Party

The Wedding Party by Jasmine Guillory
My rating: 2 of 5 stars

Note: This is the third novel in the series, entirely a standalone, but would be best if you read in order to understand the characters and their backstories.

So where should I start?

I was kind of hoping this would be better than Royal Holiday, but I guess either Fate doesn't want me happy (when does he want me happy anyway?) or this author can't quit with the annoying characters and half-assed writing..

Here we go then..

The cover - Cute as hell, with both of them at different ends of the wedding..obviously they're both opposed to each other heh. But still adorable. Hence why the points.

The summary - After a one night stand (I don't know why they call it kissing, they literally went and whacked out the entire apartment, but anyway..), they can't stop thinking about each other. But when they're stuck attending a mutual friend's wedding and receptions, they can't help it with the attraction and neither with the hate that simmers between them. But eventually their attraction and love win over and yabba dabba do, they're together.

Cliched but still tolerable. Hence the points.

But then as usual, like Robin Hood's arrow in a tree, a wrench literally falls right damn smack in the middle of the novel and makes me wonder how in earth am I supposed to deal...?

All jokes aside though, something went wrong. A whole bunch of somethings.

1. The characters - The whole time they're with each other, they act more like little children and disagree on the most ridiculous shit ever. They're not fully fleshed out at all, they're only half built, and it's way beyond annoying. Hence why the star taken off.

2. The romance - Way too much sex for my taste and it's barely been 70 pages. Like chill people, you're not wild animals..(I don't even think wild animals stay together and go nuts on each other this much..such a thing as control exists..however they're a different breed I feel..) hence why one star taken off.

3. The reason why they hate each other - Fuck first impressions. Whoever said first impressions were the soul of friendships, and relationships was wrong. Do you know there are so many ways people can fuck up a first impression and there are then some souls that actually try and apologize but then this first impression rule screws up everything..So Maddie, if you started talking to theo and realized he wasn't completely as boring as you thought and neither did you think maddie was that fluttering type, then both of you, why in the holy hell are you still fighting? The reason is told way too early for my like and it ruins the whole plot which this story is based upon..

GOD THIS NOVEL IS ONE FUCKED UP DISASTER! AND I FUCKING MEAN IT! Aside from the screaming, this novel is not recommended.

But like the idiot that I am, I still want to finish the rest of the novels in the series. Oh the idiocy..

Until the next read,

TMR

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Review: Scythe

Scythe by Neal Shusterman
My rating: 1 of 5 stars

A favorite among my friends here on goodreads and goodreads in general too.

Hence why I tried it out.

But sadly, I couldn't go through with it.

The cover - Was impressive enough with rich red and yellow tones, creating an aura of danger and yet light in a way. Terribly conflicting but still blending so well. Hence the point.

The summary - One child policy (they tried and reduced the population, hence the amount of children was 1 and then came the emperor's/empress's syndrome), where they try and keep the population regulated by cutting off at least one innocent life in the process of "gleaning". A good side is that humanity has conquered every fault it ever faced, such as hunger, poverty, mortality, illness, emotional conflict, war, sufferings.

Not my cup of tea, but still pressed on.

The death of that boy...as gleaning..I couldn't continue. I'm sorry but these elements are really not good for someone who may suffer from emotional, mental problems in general. There should be trigger warnings perhaps.

Hence why the DNF. I'm sorry to all the Neal Shusterman fans, but if he writes a different series, that doesn't read like the backwards version of the handmaid's tale and the combination of the one child policy of China, I'd be happy to read.

But until then, I'm staying as far away as I can from this author and also from the sequels of this trilogy.

Until the next read,

TMR


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Review: Olive Kitteridge

Olive Kitteridge by Elizabeth Strout
My rating: 2 of 5 stars

Note: This is a duology. The first one is Olive Kitteridge. The second one is Olive, Again. Read in order, please.

Where do I begin with this novel?

Every goodreads friend recommended it to me, said it was close to real life and sometimes a real life dose is often needed to get back down to earth.

I agreed and then started reading.

And then...

The writing - Was great, I mean not impressive, but good enough to not zone in and out of. Half star.

The cover - Was something that caught my attention, but again nothing extraordinary. Hence again half a star.

The problems:

The characters -Olive seems pissed off most of the time, Henry seems to be that cool, calm mind. Total opposites, and yet both are not even properly matched to one another. Descriptions of every character come into play but with Olive, it's angry, young woman, Olive. Nothing special about her, even though the novel is about her.

The point -I don't know what the point seems to be. Whether the fact that you don't always have a happy life in your 50s or when you look at someone else's life, perhaps you're envious of them? I was so lost with what this author wanted to say, so darn lost.

That's all I can say literally. No good attribute was left, except for the writing and the cover.

So not recommended. And neither do I plan to read the sequel.

PS: There's a tv show too apparently on HBO for this novel. Not watching that either haha, but why are they continuing this house of boredom and depression? I don't get it.

Until the next read,

TMR

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Review: The Giver of Stars

The Giver of Stars by Jojo Moyes
My rating: 2 of 5 stars

Note: Took me three days to get to 30 pages, imagine how bad this novel must be for me to take such a long time..

Ah yes, this same blasted author, that I promised I'd never read again after checking out Me Before You series.

But guess what? I got roped in, yet again by goodreads and it's popularity, and the author being Jojo Moyes..

Gosh.

But let's move, shall we?

The cover - Reminds me of the view you get through the telescope when looking at the night sky. The stars, glinting bright and happy, and the sky being so blue, you feel it being painted rather than actually existing. Such a surreal feeling I got when I first looked at the cover. Hence why the points.

The summary -Late 1930s, America. There are two women, Alice and Margery. Alice Van Cleve, who gets married to Bennet Van Cleve just to escape her harsh family and life (being british and all). Once she moves to America in a little town with Bennet's family (his dad), she realizes things are far more tougher and not as frivolous as she would have thought it to be. She tries to manage life in every way she can. Then one day, there's a meeting held in the church about the Pack Horse Librarians, and getting volunteers for it. She signs up in the hopes that this will please her husband (but it doesn't, surprise, surprise) and on her adventure starts, as a pack horse librarian, along with the woman, Margery O'Hare who's different to her, and yet aiming for similar goals: to be able to get more people involved in learning about literature. Love, friendship and true meaning of words comes into play with this historical fiction novel.

Brilliant summary. And considering it revolves around books and education about books, I was all down for it. Hence why the star.

But then..

The writing -Slow, way too slow, info dumping a heck lot, made me doze within first 30 pages of the book.

The lovers - Why is Alice finding someone new at all? She's married and yet this fact is completely ignored? I don't even.

The stereotypes - Alice is the good girl rebel, Margery is the true rebel, and their lovers are honest Romeos, everyone else in their town is like the Sheriff of Nottingham, getting rich off ignorance.

I can't even. Such a promising novel but then the writing, the shallow characters, the stereotypes were all too much for little old me to handle.

So I'm sorry to lovers of Jojo Moyes' novels, I cannot go on the boat of support you hold for her. I'd rather sink it unfortunately. This book is heavy enough, it may just do the job.

Not a recommend at all, overall.

PS: I heard about the plagiarizing with the Book Woman something novel. People, people, people. Similar topics can be written off, nothing is original anymore. A new idea will always become borrowed for someone else. As for similar writing style, it happens. Authors often read each others' works and often end up writing similar dialogues and situations. So I don't think there's much need for offense or fuss. That's all.

Until the next read,

TMR

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Review: The Turn of the Key

The Turn of the Key by Ruth Ware
My rating: 1 of 5 stars

Another popular book which I once again did not like.

*sad horns in the distance*

Yeah, I got it, thanks. Anyway..

Let me explain what happened exactly.

The cover - Not much to look at, the title is so big, literally hid most of the artwork. So yeah, not a good move by the cover maker. Hence why I didn't bother giving it a star.

The summary -A nanny is hired to look after a couple's children in the highlands. It's quite good money, good lodging too, well-behaved children, a happy couple. And the nanny was looking to get out of her old job as she wasn't doing so well with it before.

The only catch with this picture perfect family -the technologically built house. Everything runs on an AI system, programmed by the couple, and is given some access to the nanny too.

Everything seems perfect. But then why is the nanny then later on accused to have murdered a child in the family? And no one wants to take her case either. Will anyone believe her or will she be hung up, simply as she is posed to be a vile murderer?

Intriguing enough summary. Hence why points are given.

But then things go wrong..and no, no one got murdered here in real life, in my house. Just the plot of this book did.

For most of the book, all we see is the main heroine trying to figure out the technological house, and fussing over the fact that she hates her previous job.

NO ONE CARES! MOVE IT.

I certainly don't.

And then, she's seen behaving with the children like an older sibling, rather than a responsible adult. Seriously?

Do people (the couple) not check the interactions between kids and nanny anymore? Do they simply choose to go blind with their kids' safety, as so they don't have to fuss around with their own children, rather someone else can?

I'm awestruck with their behaviour. Literally left speechless.

My parents would have always made sure who the babysitter was and how she behaved. Plus why would you go after an offer that sounds too good to be true?

Are people that money crazy nowadays? I can't even.

So this novel is a complete and utter joke to true mysteries. I'm sorry but it's true.

Hence why the DNF and the one star review. God, what was I thinking reading this?

Oh yeah right, I lost my mind.

Anyway.

Until the next read,

TMR

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Review: Girl, Woman, Other

Girl, Woman, Other by Bernardine Evaristo
My rating: 2 of 5 stars

Note: An ARC was given to me by Netgalley, and I also was able to obtain a copy from the library. Hence why I had two copies before. But thank you to Netgalley for approving me in exchange for an honest review.

"A masterpiece."

"A must read."

"One for all the bookworms."

Boy were they wrong..

Let me explain.

The cover -A patchwork, quilts made up. Stitched together are the girls of the story, each having their own part, their own voice about what's been happening in their life. Good enough to get me reading, therefore a point given.

The summary -It's almost the same story that is told about women, specially black women and their struggles in different eras. Not much interest, but like 5% maybe. Hence why a point is given.

But as usual, Fate runs up to me and snatches my story, tries to ruin it and......succeeds.

One point for Fate.

0 for J.

God.

The writing - Was so disjointed, and thrown all over the place like some goddamn game of legos. A chaos to behold.

And as a grammar nazi, I feel offended by the author's writing style. More like disoriented but same thing.

How can she call herself a writer, if she can't even write the way normal writers do, like I don't know...with punctuations maybe?

Therefore I had to DNF. I don't care how anyone else overlooks this author's mess of writing decently, but I certainly care enough to point this fact out.

People get offended at the slightest typo made by an author and make fun of the author and humiliate them.

But in this case, they simply choose to overlook the million grammar and writing mistakes she made, and call it a "masterpiece".

I ask you, how is it possible to wear a blindfold on almost every second paragraph wrought with mistakes and still call it a wonderful piece of work? I fail to understand.

Sorry but I disagree with everyone else about what is a masterpiece.

There are many ways that you can pose a message, but this is not one of them. Destroying the writing style won't earn any brownie points with me and certainly it will set me running from this as far as I can.

So, not recommended. AT ALL.

Until the next read,

TMR

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Review: The Unhoneymooners

The Unhoneymooners by Christina Lauren
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

“And I get it. As much as I hate him . . . I think I’m starting to like us.” (Because Olive, secretly Hate is LOOOVE..so can't deny it..sorry.)

*cartwheels all over the lawn*

Me to me: What in the godforsaken lucifer ridden hell are you doing? Get back here!

Me to me again: I'm having a moment here, excuse me. And you go back in there. Let me be happy. You know I'm having these moments rarely, after all the disappointments I've been reading. SO just chill.

Me to me the third time: I know it's been rare, I have an idea. Share your happiness with your amigos, you know, like how you share kindness? It might make you even more happier. And maybe more clean. *wrinkles nose*

Me to me for the fourth time: Fine, fine. I'm coming. *grins*

That's been my reaction ever since I finished The Unhoneymooners (such a hilarious title honestly, but yeah). I've literally lost words and have since been cartwheeling to let my emotions out that way. But I have apparently convinced myself that I can write a review on this without blubbering and having heart eyes..I think.

SO HERE WE GOOOO..

Right, the cover - Reminds me of a tropical forest, or more closely reminds me of the lush forests in NZ (yet to see here in Melbourne, AUS, considering I live in the city..), which is fascinating and relaxing too, makes me want to travel to Hawaii or NZ and settle there for the rest of my life...But sadly that is not to be, due to student bills and such. Point here is however, that this cover was so heartwarming and chill that I loved it, and gave it some points too, heh.

The summary - Olive (our main female protagonist) has always been well....unlucky in every endeavour she makes, be it love, jobs, family, etc, etc. But her sister, the twin is lucky in everything, especially in scoring a hot beau and an almost free wedding. She consoles herself with the fact that it's only 24 hours worth of wedding hell, even with her sworn enemy, Ethan, (our main male protagonist) as the best man...wowza.

Sounds nightmarish...anywho. Then when everyone gets sick from food poisoning, Ethan and Olive are forced to go in place of their respective siblings so as not to miss the opportunity of a lifetime to go to Hawaii (surprise, surprise, just mentioned it). They're all set for a vacation, unlike me...Sigh.
But then when they meet Olive's boss, the little white lie might just spin a bit out of context and may make them the couple that they are in place of. But maybe Lady Luck is actually supporting them, and perhaps love is in the cards for her?

What a summary. It's so mixed, with bitter and yet sweet moments but still continuing to be one hilariously swooning read in general. I for sure swooned, so definitely this summary is a winner, if not the cover art itself. Hence the points.

The characters - Although Ethan often comes across as a phobia venting male, he's caring, a bit naive (with his brother), but sweet and romantic too. And even if Olive seems stuck up and unapproachable she still manages to convince me that she can be my true bookish friend, being kind, witty, romantic, sweet. Basically, sometimes things change and adapt themselves often for the situation but then become something more as time passes by. It happens...As two swoon worthy characters, I had to give them points for winning my heart. So there ya go, chumps.

The romance - Slow burn, definitely slow burn. Although there's no initial indication about their feelings and attraction, after a 100 or so pages we get what we want...hurray! So it's not a long wait but some waiting is done. But once you cross that line, it's hot heavy nights for the two...mhm, fiery chemistry running in between for sure! Definitely points are given here.

The overcoming of problems - Several problems were shown, not heavy, but real, like family relationships, love, friendship, and being there for someone you love, and being open with someone you care about. In the most satisfactory way possible, all of their problems were solved, and I'm glad the authors did not drag it out a lot. So thankful for the realness and the quick resolve, points are deserved here.

Overall, if you like enemies to lovers, a free vacation, weird but funny families and friends, little white lies, flaws in characters (not bad, honest), and opening your heart up to something new, you'll like this one for sure.

Before I finish, here's a favorite quote from the novel: “Honesty has always seemed to work best for us.” (And so it has, otherwise how else would you be the couple you are now?)

PS: I heard about Twice in a Blue Moon and how bad the book is. But I am curious regardless to read it, so will let y'all know once I have the book in hand.

Until the next read,

TMR

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Review: The Craftsman

The Craftsman by Sharon J. Bolton
My rating: 2 of 5 stars

Another well sought after novel.

And once again, I've managed to defy the odds and stand aside to the popular, agreeing opinions.

Let me tell you how.

The cover -A different one to this one. But definitely it had my interest. A coffin with the usual details. And then the words brought something in me.

A devoted father or a merciless killer?

Hmm....

Definitely makes you think. It certainly made me think. Hence why the points.

The summary - A police detective captured the killer that had buried bodies (which were alive) deep underground, 30 years ago. But now she encounters a ghost from her past, a possible belief that the killer is still at large, and goes back wondering to the house she used to once lodge in with the Glassbrooks, and tries to once again solve the case that may change her life forever.

Sounds good? Certainly it does, going back to something that may just endanger your life again, it's a risky move, but in police procedurals like these, I love em. Heh. Hence why the point.

Buuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuut....

Something goes wrong. As usual.

One - How can you live with a serial killer, lodge with them? Don't you have your own house to go to? Why would you stay with a stranger? I don't care if they are friends, you're still a guest in a way. Dumb mistake 1.

Two- There's some kind of timeline difference. The author never expresses clearly why there's a jump in time difference every two chapters or so. Which makes it beyond confusing and annoying to keep trying and guessing which is which. Dumb mistake 2.

Three- A mention of witch trials? This isn't a book of magic, it's about mystery. Logical, real life, human made, mystery. I don't care if this author was a part of those so-called witch trials, I don't appreciate being mislead like this. Dumb Mistake 3.

All of these mistakes made me DNF. Literally DNF, and even think of burying this novel deeeep in the ground. Just like this novel's mystery.

But obviously, this was a library copy and they would have killed me if I did that. So...

Hence why I returned it more quickly than I should have. One other way to get rid of it I suppose. Safe too.

Anyway, not a recommend in any darned way.

Until the next read,

TMR

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Review: The Family Upstairs

The Family Upstairs by Lisa Jewell
My rating: 2 of 5 stars

"Be careful who you let in." (Exactly.)

Time for the unpopular opinion streak..*gunshots fired*

Once again, I'm against a book which everyone else loved..Wowza.

Either I lack good taste, or other people lack good taste, or the author just doesn't know how to write.

I don't know anymore.

But I'll write this review to explain anyway.

The cover - It's so dark and is not so straightforward as you'd first imagine it to be. It still hides a lot in the dark, which leaves you intrigued, about its' secrets. Especially that one light in the window of the apartments, something is clearly afoot and we, as the readers, can only figure out when we read it. So definitely it deserves all the points.

The summary -It talks about three families, but it mentions mostly Libby with her recent inheritance of a house a family used to once own, but she has no idea that everyone else is also waiting for the house, and that day. It's about to be one rocky meeting for all three of them.

Intriguing enough. And all for that one house too. Strange. But still piqued my interest enough for me to pick it up.

But then you know, Fate, the main bastard behind the ruination of every book I drop.

The three different timelines - Different time periods, the author fails to mention them. It's hard to catch up on which timeline is running.

Three POVS and no direct mention - I'm aware there are three families, but can't the author highlight the speaker of each family, rather than leaving all of us readers guessing every time?

It's too slow -Simply the writing is not fast paced. It put me into sleep within the first 92 pages, I'm ashamed to say. And also zoning out every 20 pages...

Point is - It never gets to the mystery. The characters just drone on and on and on, and fucking on about their miserable, pathetic lives, blah blah blah. Gosh.

Move THE FUCK on. Thanks.

Imagine how bad this novel must be, that I'm zoning out every time, and criticising so bad. Wowzers.

Anyway, not a recommend.

Until the next read,

TMR

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Review: The Silent Patient

The Silent Patient by Alex Michaelides
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

“We're all crazy, I believe, just in different ways.” (Indeed we are, indeed we are).

The plot itself - We are introduced to a woman called Alicia Berenson with her picture-perfect life, being married to an in-demand fashion photographer. One day she shoots that same husband five times in the face and goes completely silent.

But her silence is what gives her more time in the spotlight, more than the average 15 minutes in the spotlight a normal person receives. In turn, she's put in a psychiatric center, to be treated. Meanwhile we're introduced to our second main protagonist, Theo Faber, a brilliant criminal psychologist, who's been waiting and watching to uncover the truth behind Alicia's actions and is recalled as the last hope. But what if the truth was more than what he could handle? What if it consumed him to a point of no return?

The characters - Alicia is a brilliant woman, even with her confuzzling silence, clever and never leaves you bored, giving you one hint, a treat one page a time. As for Theo, him with his own recollections of his life, his own thoughts about the case, and his interrogations with each suspect linked back to Alicia and her case, keep you guessing, keep you thinking, and turning pages every time. Definitely these characters are to not be underestimated and even sympathised with, perhaps. But you'll definitely love them, as time passes and so do the pages. Points are given here.

The mystery itself- You don't revisit the crime scene over and over again, but flashbacks do occur, discussions do happen, and links are connected. The interrogations are not dragged out, every conversation with Alicia or any other suspect are relevant and link back to the case one way or another, every move Theo makes, is also connected and connecting the dots too. So basically, what I'm saying is that the writing is clear-cut, fast paced, and leaves you hanging with each chapter's ending. Guaranteed it's a mystery worth appreciating. There go the points.

The end -Mm, the ending. Definitely my most favorite and yet shocking ending. I didn't even see the huge plot-twist coming with Alicia's work, her family, her therapy with Theo. Well done to the author. The lead up to the ending may have been misleading sometimes but the big finish leaves you wanting more for hours...such was the ending, deserving all the points in the end.

An excellent psychological mystery written, one which will have you reading all hours of day and night, desperate for it's conclusion and how it all came to be.

Until the next read,

TMR

Review: Well Met

Well Met by Jen DeLuca
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

“Like the stars, your love should be a constant source of light, and like the earth, a firm foundation from which to grow.” (I forgot who said that but eh..still romantic, and swoonworthy.)

Me: My spirit animal is Simon. Case closed.

Me: He knows so much about ancient english, shakespeare and faires...I'm in love. Someone stop me from loving him hard. God.

Me: Wonder if I can find him in real life? God, that would be so great. A guy who knows something about literature and actually enjoys conversations about that..Oh my heart.

Me to me: Stop with the heart eyes and the gushing, geez, you need to write and I don't want to vomit my lunch. (My less romantic side).

Me to me: God, fine. Party pooper and hater of romances. Fine. Let's go.

So here I am. A conversation with me, myself and...I. Ya. So really, let's go.

The cover - Love it, already makes you anxious for their story and their HEA. Plus the clothes the characters are wearing on the cover are so close to their Renaissance Faire costumes (anyone noticed?)..gah. So cute, adorable and swooooooon...(basically points given in gibberish..)

The summary - Our heroine starts over in a new town to care for her sibling and sort things out until she finds a new place. Meanwhile her niece drags her to a Renaissance faire, with costumes, old witty dialogues and food everywhere, literature spilling from every corner. There she meets Simon, in charge of the Faire and a total grouch or at least until he gets into a costume, mon ami/es. Then rooooar, baby. Can love be declared or is it just an attraction due to costume fetishes?

Only reading this novel can tell. (And yes points are given..)

The plot itself - The writing is quirky, romantic, witty and worth laughing, crying and spilling your heart over, guaranteed. Plus the literature references, the costumes (yes I like dressing up, sue me), the friendly townsfolk, her family, all are so loveable gosh. Definitely points are shared.

The characters - At first Simon and Emily are total opposites, she's the fun, sunshiny girl, meanwhile he's the grouch, the responsible one, the shakespearean nerd (one of my main loves). But the costumes, the witty conversations, the accidental touches and kisses, overcoming problems and still getting their HEA are definitely reasons why you'll love Emily and Simon, I tell you. They are swoonworthy, complete comedians, responsible adults (more in Simon's case), and fun individuals overall. Hard not to love, that I can tell you. (Points heeeeere.)

The romance and the problems -Scorching between the costumes (you'd think I'd say the sheets but nope..), but so very romantic, and tear-jerking (that a word anymore?), my heart, suffice to say, may not recover for a couple, hundred maybe, thousand years perhaps..gosh. (points are thrown left right here, peeps.) The problems weren't too heavy, even with some reluctance on both characters' parts but regardless they were overcome with a grace and solving that wasn't dragged out and united the characters even more.

But my only problem with this novel was (a teeny problem) that the author never manages to show Emily finishing university. She mentions it a few times but that's it. No proper resolve is shown.

Other than that, it's a fantastic novel and must read. You won't be disappointed, guaranteed.

Until the next read,

TMR


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Review: Educated

Educated by Tara Westover
My rating: 2 of 5 stars

The most popular novel of 2019 with highly sought after reviews and yet...here I am.

The unpopular queen of em all.

Gee.

Well, this queen has to start somewhere, so let's go.

The cover -Pretty straightforward (if you can call it that) with the pencil against a white palette, background. Leaves no mystery as to what the novel is about. Interesting enough for me though, I was looking for something straightforward anyway. So points.

The summary - Pretty intriguing in a sense that a girl (a young girl) takes a stand to better herself, to give herself the power of knowledge, she has a hunger for it, a craving, to better understand herself, her family and the world around herself. Truly inspiring. Hats off to the author to be able to face such a childhood and still be sane.

I always respect people who try and better themselves with knowledge, with literature, with words that will perhaps help them understand their surroundings more. So I definitely support this author and the choices she took, to be who she is today.

But then things took a fated turn and not in the direction they were supposed to go in...

Let me explain.

The rest of the story played out like Jurassic world, everyone trying to live for their own survival, no one's getting better, everyone's getting hurt.

Or alien. I think the movie alien fits more.

But my point is, it mostly plays out like some survivalist story and not something of a journey, a path to be better.

So yup, hated this novel and had to DNF. Buddy read with @Pragya. (Sorry I'm not sure if this does mention her) but yeah buddy read with her.

Thanks to @Pragya for putting up with me, and hopefully she gains the points she wanted.

Overall, a terrible novel. Do not recommend.

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Review: The Kiss Quotient

The Kiss Quotient by Helen Hoang
My rating: 4 of 5 stars

“All the things that make you different make you perfect.” (Oh Michael, such a sweetheart..)

This novel...

Was absolute perfection, in a way..

My first Helen Hoang novel and I was in love.

Imagine the power this novel holds, to grab me so quick.

...

Let's continue though...

The cover - Is dorkably adorable. Math equation with the couple. I like it. A cover like this is rare. Reveals only what you may be able to pick out, along with the summary. This cover had my heart, before I even read this novel. Points are given.

The summary - Was cliched but cute regardless. An autistic but brilliant young woman needs help with dating and relationships, and she hires an escort to help her. But can love also be added to the difficult equation being life? Definitely got my interest, so points given for sure. (the autism part was not cliched, fyi, the help was though...)

The story itself (plot) -I think the problems, the obstacles, the happy moments were all relevant and contributed beautifully to the story. The plot was fast paced for sure, the writing had me all cracked-up, swooning and even shedding a few tears (especially with Michael's behavior) (but in a good way), overall the story was swell. That's all I'll say and yes, points are distributed.

The romance - A slow burn definitely but it doesn't mean there weren't hints to their very teasing and fiesty chemistry, mhm. A scorching one for sure once they realized they loved each other..so I couldn't help but love them some more. Points are given definitely.

The reason why I had to take off one star - I know people will throw rocks at me for this very unpopular opinion, but I don't think despite them making a great couple, the reality and the expectations expected of them (within their respective backgrounds) could ever erase the fact that he was an escort and she, an economist (something to do with data, don't ask).

No matter how many people say that love defies all, it doesn't defy everything. I mean imagine, having a boyfriend/girlfriend/partner and you run into an acquaintance/or a stranger, and after a few drinks and convos, that they were once screwed by your boyfriend/girlfriend/partner (and not even as exes, but rather to be paid and pay)...

That's....awkward. And humiliating. Being with someone who's screwed millions of other people for money (no matter what their situation is) won't exactly leave a good impression on your heart and reasonable mind. Hence why I disagree with their match at that aspect.

Sue me. Or try to find me first before you can. Hah.

Another point I fail to understand is that every reader and even this author makes the father of the heroine look bad, simply because he wants someone who hasn't screwed everyone else for money and perhaps, a reasonable job and a happy home? Is that wrong? I don't think so. Certainly I don't. I do think however he should not have criticised the poor boy right in front of his guests but still. I agree with his points, it's not wrong to want things (above mentioned) for your child.

So whoever disagrees, think for a second. Would you let your daughter/son/kid marry/date someone who's got more possibility of an STD with different partners (and not even in love) despite their loving your child? Would you?

Think. Before you hurl something at me, just think.

Otherwise, a very well done novel and I look forward to reading more novels by this author.

Until the next read,

TMR

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