Book review: To All the Boys I've Loved Before by Jenny Han

To All the Boys I've Loved Before by Jenny Han
My rating: 4 of 5 stars

Ofcourse I read the book because I have already seen the movie and ofcourse I love the movies.
The writing is so pretty, so relatable and this book has such a warm fuzzy feeling of thick socks in the peak of winters. I loved the narration and the Easter eggs of Ms. Rothschild and John Ambrose McLaren. And I didn't know the book would end at this point. Onto the next one of course now.

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Book review: Practice Makes Perfect by Sarah Adams

Practice Makes Perfect by Sarah Adams
My rating: 3 of 5 stars

4% of the book:

Okay. This female protagonist is suffering from social anxiety and I am hooked. Chapter 1 was good enough to reel me in. I am gonna love it , I can feel it. Bring it on Sarah Adams!

At 7% of the book:
Awww she's clumsy. I love it more and more.

At 53% of the book:
So far I like their chemistry. Annie the angel is kinda repetitive and his denial is too. But the chemistry is good. I like the characters of Annie and Will. So far. And this entire chapter is on a kiss or an extensive makeout session. That was really... Something out of the pirate novels that Annie so loves. Fingers crossed.

At 73% of the book:
I like the honest conversations that they had about what they want from life but I am having a hard time reeling in the feeling that their actions are falling all over the place. I mean, yes of course that's how we are in real life, not set in stone about how we are supposed to be, but at the same time in a book we usually expect for the character arc to start from somewhere and go somewhere entirely different. But here I am somewhat unconvinced about their actions and reactions. Let's see, what happens further.

At 100% of the book:
It was fine. But I am not that convinced. Yeah, she's an introvert, yes I connected with her but the rant going on about the same things gave me a headache and wanted it to end about the third time she mentioned she was not 'angel Annie'. I'll give it 3 stars. Fell kinda flat after the first half.

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Book review: Things We Never Got Over by Lucy Score

Things We Never Got Over by Lucy Score
My rating: 2 of 5 stars

My breakdown of the review as I read the book:

At 56% of book:
Call me biased but after the wonderful read and re-read of 'The love hypothesis' I have been having a hard time falling for this brutish man 'Knox' or this people pleaser damsel in distress 'Naomi'. But finally I am liking that he is doing stuff that wouldn't be called 'efforts' per se but are very considerate. Could be bare minimum but at the same time are so rare that they never exist. Yeah, so finding a few things to like about the book.

At 75% of the book I am pissed off at Knox because of this **spoiler alert** third act breakup thing. And because everyone telling Naomi that her trying to be perfect is getting toooo repetitive. Annoying and irritating. Stars are going down this time.

Okay and now at 78% I am already fed up with everyone just knowing how Knox is hiding his feelings and what not. Nope. Not working out for me now.

So done with it. Not in the mood to complete the series. The writing was too cliche for me and then the storyline was too stretched. 2.5 stars for that rowdy guy, shit personality and not so engaging storyline.

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Book review: The Love Hypothesis by Ali Hazelwood

The Love Hypothesis by Ali Hazelwood
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

I started this book last night and haven't been able to put it down. The writing is gripping, funny, and emotionally all over the place—in the best way possible.

Even in the four hours of sleep I managed to get, I kept dreaming about Adam Carlsen and Olive. The trope might be cliché, but the handling is beautiful.

The mystery of "the guy" from the lab still hasn't been confirmed by 82% of the book, keeping me on edge. I nearly threw my Kindle across the room when Olive was being stupid and didn't want to report harassment by her would-be-could-be boss.

I love the side characters, and Adam—he's a tall, broody hunk with a genius IQ. What's not to fall for? Except maybe that he's an asshole who fails students left and right? No worries, I can relate—I might be that rude teacher too.

This book makes me want to be alone with it for a long period of time, savoring all the humor and vulnerability of Olive and Adam as slowly as possible. For the first time in a while, I don't want a book to end. So, I'll take a break from reading the remaining 15% for now. Sigh! It's perfect.

She knows. She knows. She knowssssssss. **Runs around screaming in ecstasy**

It was beautiful. Beautiful, soul-filling, and worthy of ordering a paperback to keep on my shelf. **Sigh** it was so beautifully written.


*Edit- 1 day later*
This book is all I think about right now. Last time I felt like this was after The Hating Game, It ends with us. And Better than movies as well. I really really need to know how Adam felt. I would buy the shit out of the book which tells me his POV for the whole book ever since they first met in his bathroom for the first time.
I ordered a physical copy. So this stays with me forever.

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Book review: Book Lovers by Emily Henry

Book Lovers by Emily Henry
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

As I started this book, "Book Lovers," I had already highlighted three quotes in the prologue. I knew this was going to be as good a read as any. At first, the protagonist seemed like a sunshine-in-the-meadows kind of girl, but she quickly revealed herself to be the ice queen, and I was hooked.

Then there's the grump, who, of course, will eventually become the love interest. Like Nora, I always have to know beforehand how a book or movie ends. I don’t want to be surprised unnecessarily. I just read their confession scene in the bookshop, and it was such a wholesome piece of wrapping of all the promises.

For the first time, I felt there really were ENOUGH words. The final moment of confessions usually feels rushed or progresses to kisses too soon, but Emily Henry nailed it. It was as satisfying as the best burger I’ve ever had or the best cup of frothy coffee ever made. This book was enough. Enough to restore my faith in romances after two disappointing, book-tok hyped books.

The words, the catchy banter, the subtle love, the PG-13 level smut—it was all good. I have so many saved quotations from the book that I’ll share here. Emily Henry, you’ve truly delivered a satisfying romance.

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Book review: On Dublin Street by Samantha Young

On Dublin Street by Samantha Young
My rating: 1 of 5 stars

It’s my mistake for picking up a book with this kind of snippet. I don't know what I’m looking for, but I know I’m not looking for an Alpha-Douchebag hero like Braden. He’s arrogant, and not in a charming way but in an irritating one. Then he gives her the 'look'. What? That's all it takes, apparently.

The language of the book is sometimes "???" that kept me on edge as well. Then this guy, Braden. He completely disregards Joss' boundaries. His behavior is both annoying and abusive. How can anyone romanticize him?

In short, this book is not my cup of tea. I didn’t finish it. I stopped halfway, hoping to find a storyline somewhere. But I guess halfway is enough to decide I can’t do this. I think I'll go back to cute contemporaries for now.

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Book review: Beautiful Bastard by Christina Lauren

Beautiful Bastard by Christina Lauren
My rating: 1 of 5 stars

I went into "Beautiful Bastard" thinking it would be a hot and heavy romance with some good storylines. Boy, was I wrong. Instead, it turned out to be degrading porn without any real plot. I struggled to find any connection with the characters, and their interactions felt flat and meaningless.

I was really hoping for some steamy scenes mixed with a genuine romantic plot, but what I got was just a string of explicit encounters that didn't go anywhere. By the time I got halfway through the third chapter, I had to stop. It felt like a total waste of time and space.

Overall, "Beautiful Bastard" was a huge letdown for me, and I can't recommend it to anyone looking for a decent romance novel. This one gets 1 star from me.

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Book review: Better than the Movies by Lynn Painter

Better than the Movies by Lynn Painter
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

When I started reading this book, I immediately thought, "Oh yes, this girl is me." Liz is a rom-com movie buff waiting for her romantic hero, and her journey felt so relatable. Initially, I didn't want her to go for Michael, but soon it became clear that the trope was enemies to lovers with Wesley. Oh god, Wesley! He is funny, and so is Liz. My favorite laugh-out-loud moment was when Liz texted Michael from Wesley's phone about his hair. I couldn't stop laughing!

Wesley is so charming, and I'm falling for this guy just like Liz. But most of all, I connect with this hopeless romantic girl looking for the love she saw in movies. I was really hoping she'd pull her head out of her ass and see that Wesley is the one!

I found myself crying over the bond between Liz and Helena. Liz embracing the woman she thought was replacing the memories of her mom and finding a dependable friend in her is so touching. Helena reminds me of a practical and clear friend I have, yet she's soft and emotional.

This was a great book. It had everything: relatable characters, angst, confusion, and a happily ever after at the very end. Liz accepting Michael's promposal felt a bit stupid, and Wes making her go up to the piano room after that moment wasn't the best decision either. But this book made me cry, and that's always been a sign of a 5-star rating of the highest kind for me.

Long live romances with build-up and PG-13 content!

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Book Review: Hook, Line, and Sinker by Tessa Bailey

Hook, Line, and Sinker by Tessa Bailey
My rating: 3 of 5 stars

I recently read "Hook, Line, and Sinker" and found Hannah to be quite relatable, which was something I missed in the last book. Her character resonated with me in a way that felt genuine and grounded.

However, Fox was another story. He is such a hard head. I understand that sometimes it's difficult to break free from the notions you've set for yourself, and it's natural to need some help from others to figure it out. But Fox just keeps going back and forth on the same thing. It was frustrating to see him struggle so much with whether he wanted to shed his carefree image or not.

The only saving grace for me was the relatability with Hannah. Beyond that, the book felt dragged out and didn't hold my interest as much as I hoped.

Done and dusted. Not worth going back to it.
3 stars

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Book Review: It Happened One Summer by Tessa Bailey

It Happened One Summer by Tessa Bailey
My rating: 3 of 5 stars

This book was cute. Sweet.
The parts where Brenden was involved were intense, I don't think of any other word when he was involved. I understood the part why and how Piper started falling for him, but his side was not too convincing. Just that? He hadn't seen a girl/woman in 7 years and now this beautiful out of townie made him suddenly see 'new things'. Him falling for her wasn't lead-on properly or maybe because I kept picturing Alexis from Schitts creek here, I wasn't convinced. I don't know, I feel a bit cynical here. Piper was let down by a lot of people in her life, and Brenden doing the same kinda was a turn off. He went all huff and puff after all the build up of 'I'll be there for you' 'You depend on me'.
At the same time I too would give everything I have for a person like him to forgive and go back to, I guess.
The build up for Hannah and Fox seemed cute too. I might give it a go, or maybe not.
The steamy part didn't disappoint at all. That part was GOOOOD! I personally couldn't connect with Piper because of her initial nonchalance, ambition lessness and airheaded-ness (She was!). I could connect to her feeling of being categorised as 'incompetent' by everyone and being questioned if she was capable of doing stuff at all. That part was heartbreaking, when she thought everyone cancelled upon her and she was not worth giving the chance. At that part I wanted this Rom com steamy book to turn into a feminist rant of how she will gain her confidence back and give a finger to everyone who ever doubted her. But anyway. Ending with the mixed feelings about this book.

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Book Review: You Deserve Each Other by Sarah Hogle

You Deserve Each Other by Sarah Hogle
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

When this book started, I was rooting for Naomi to dump Nick's ass and fly far away to some distant country and start a new life away from his and his family.
But when the book progressed and I saw Nick in a new light when she realised that maybe he isn't what she thinks he really is... Seeing the picture from his angle as well. I started feeling sympathy for this pumpkin of a person, who was struggling himself.
It was quaint, watching them falling back in love honestly. I didn't want to put the book down. The explanation of intimacy of understanding one another in this book was beautifully portrayed. I saw myself in this at so many places. The emotions were well written, the analogies of colors, description of every mundane was done so beautifully.
I guess I never had felt this desire to stop and reread so many of the lines again while reading for the first time because the meaning being conveyed was too intricate and beautifully put.

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