I highly approve of this story. It's a great spin to one of the most heated debates on love, that is whether it's fate or choice. I know I could alwayI highly approve of this story. It's a great spin to one of the most heated debates on love, that is whether it's fate or choice. I know I could always count on Sophie Cousens for a good rom-com that's got a lot of substance. I wasn't even a fan of Audrey in the beginning, I thought she had that kind of fleeting, transient spirit that isn't too keen on settling down. But I appreciate her development as a character and her decision in the end is applauding....more
There’s a lot to learn from Ms. Brown’s Rising Strong book especially about vulnerability, human beings always wired for stories, handling emotions thThere’s a lot to learn from Ms. Brown’s Rising Strong book especially about vulnerability, human beings always wired for stories, handling emotions the right way or as she puts it, “reckoning with one’s emotions,” and many others. I was immersed in the book about halfway through until I kind of felt a bit exhausted because of all the fancy terminologies she kept using that made the content a bit distant and impersonal so I couldn’t closely relate with the material. But being the diligent and earnest learner of life that I am, of course I still took plenty of notes. ...more
Not my favorite Christina Lauren book but still very readable. I admittedly couldn’t closely relate with the characters but I could still a 3.5 stars
Not my favorite Christina Lauren book but still very readable. I admittedly couldn’t closely relate with the characters but I could still appreciate their story. Also, the adult content is a bit on the heavier side as compared to the previous ones. But the imagined setting is quite vividly portrayed. The plot is also entertaining....more
It was honestly a shock to read this book because I have known Ms. Kinsella for her funny and entertaining rom-coms. I picked this book up hoping for It was honestly a shock to read this book because I have known Ms. Kinsella for her funny and entertaining rom-coms. I picked this book up hoping for exactly that because I rarely read book blurbs. It turned out that even though this book is written as a novel, it is actually autobiographical.
I feel devastated to find out that Eve, the main character has an incurable brain cancer. Of course, I googled about Ms. Kinsella and unfortunately, it confirmed that she does have the same condition. It is upon this knowledge that I therefore dare rate this book that deserves all the stars just for the courage of the author to write this and just to be able to still write despite her condition. I appreciate her efforts to inspire and help people through this book including her thoughts about moving forward and pushing through regardless of the situation.
Ms. Kinsella, if you ever get the chance to read this review, I want you to know that your book "The Party Crasher" was the first book I have read after giving birth to my second child. It was the book that helped me get out of the fog of postpartum symptoms and for that, I am forever grateful. You have helped so many people in so many different ways through your writing. Hats off to you. ...more
What I like about rom-com sequels is how they delve into the story of the couple as they brace the storms of their relationship, because that's when tWhat I like about rom-com sequels is how they delve into the story of the couple as they brace the storms of their relationship, because that's when the story becomes more realistic. Nothing Like The Movies delivered exactly that and I don't regret the time and money I spent for this sequel. Wes and Liz's story will be on my all-time favorite YA couple romance right next to Peter and Lara Jean's....more
Lynn Painter's YA books remind of Kasie West and Jenny Han, they’re light, fun, and sweet. I’d be guaranteed of both swoon and substance. I honestly tLynn Painter's YA books remind of Kasie West and Jenny Han, they’re light, fun, and sweet. I’d be guaranteed of both swoon and substance. I honestly thought that gone are the days when teenagers will make me swoon but Liz and Wes are just too adorable together. I was smiling with a sound the entire time I was reading. I didn't even know that was possible but yes, I was smiling the kind of smile that produces sound while I was reading the book. And now, I have come to possess of the knowledge that there's a second book of more Wes and Liz? Just yay!...more
This was a highly anticipated read so it was really frustrating that it is so unexpectedly meh. This is my least favorite by the author. I didn't likeThis was a highly anticipated read so it was really frustrating that it is so unexpectedly meh. This is my least favorite by the author. I didn't like it at all, I decided to end at page 82 and scoured the internet for the most detailed summaries of the novel. Good thing I didn't waste too much time for such an absurd story. ...more
This is even better than When in Rome. Don't get me wrong. The first book is really good but somehow, this is even better because not only do4.5 stars
This is even better than When in Rome. Don't get me wrong. The first book is really good but somehow, this is even better because not only do I still get to see how Amelia and Noah's relationship pan out, but I also get a new love story, that is of Annie and Will and their chemistry is just everything. Or maybe I'm just biased because I could closely relate with Annie's personality.
Sarah Adams' books give me a very strong Abby Jimenez vibes and I couldn’t be happier. I will definitely check out the rest of the books by Ms. Adams. ...more
I have been wanting to read a Sarah Adams novel for quite a while now but I don't find a lot of secondhand books by her around, even free epubs. I hadI have been wanting to read a Sarah Adams novel for quite a while now but I don't find a lot of secondhand books by her around, even free epubs. I had to save up, wait for discount vouchers to purchase the new book at 30% off the original price. I now understand why. Her books are the kind you'd like to read again.
When in Rome is sweet, entertaining, funny, and warm. The characters are memorable, even the supporting ones. The small-town country setting gives this wonderful nostalgic feeling, like it’s possible that I personally know everyone in Rome, Kentucky. I also appreciate that even the supposedly steamy scenes are still wholesome. I'm definitely adding the author to my auto-buy. ...more
One Day in December and The Two Lives of Lydia Bird were good but they both started good, then turned bleak, then went back from being good again. OneOne Day in December and The Two Lives of Lydia Bird were good but they both started good, then turned bleak, then went back from being good again. One Night on the Island, I didn’t like at all to be honest. But A Winter in New York is positively great from start to finish, and now definitely my favorite by Josie Silver. This is probably the best vicarious tour I had of New York. That pastrami sandwich at Katz's Deli had my tummy growling and my mouth drooling.
The plot is a wonderful combination of creating food and music. It also talks about tradition and culture as well as history as factors in the success of the gelato business of the Belotti Family. How the lives of Iris and Gio interesect or perhaps fated (majorly involving the lives of their parents) is the stuff of a great literary fiction. How can I not love this?
That most wonderful scene where Iris sings with the busker had my heart brimming with so much joy, I even shed a few tears. I love the strength of Iris' character, of how self-aware she is, how she learned the lesson of protecting herself the hard way and of learning to do and choose what is best for her. Her relationship with her Mom is worth emulating and that her vibrant, brilliant Mom had a very vital role in the trajectory of Iris’ life.
The entire read had me nostalgic of my favorite nineties’ movies (I approve of the many nineties references) but especially of “While You Were Sleeping” because of the Belottis’ big family while Iris, the Sandra Bullock of this story, is devoid of family. I have come to this thought even before page 147 where the actress is actually mentioned. There’s even a list of recommendations of nineties rom-coms at the end of the book.
Gosh! I could go on and on but that would definitely ruin the book. This book amazingly is quite everything!...more
Delightfully short chapters. Funny narration too. Sally Hepworth signature.
"Most mornings I wake up looking like Shrek while Gabe wakes up looking Delightfully short chapters. Funny narration too. Sally Hepworth signature.
"Most mornings I wake up looking like Shrek while Gabe wakes up looking like Chris Hemsworth, and there is no use denying facts."
"All little kids are psychos. It's a necessary, important phase of growth. Except for those who don't grow out of it, I suppose."
I love how she always explores the most complicated family and marriage problem/s and skillfully manage to inject a mystery worth employing one's detective skills. So far, I haven't been let down by this author. ...more
This is a sweet, funny best friends-to-lovers novel. A lot of the dialogues are downright hilarious. I laughed out loud several times. The supporting This is a sweet, funny best friends-to-lovers novel. A lot of the dialogues are downright hilarious. I laughed out loud several times. The supporting characters are very lovely too. The plot is quite entertaining especially with the element of magical realism. And the quaint Canadian setting makes it all gooier.
There are a few chapters dedicated to smut, detailed ones but surprisingly not cringey. It's an overall solid romantic novel. It is such a light read, something you might want to pick up especially during the holidays while having your favorite latte and doughnuts. Lastly, that cover is too adorable. It's one of the main reasons I bought the book. ...more
There are a lot of books about habit formation but most of them come across as daunting or unrealistic or even too serious. This is what makes Badass There are a lot of books about habit formation but most of them come across as daunting or unrealistic or even too serious. This is what makes Badass Habits different because it's easy to read, like simply talking to a friend who's giving you genuine step-by-step advice to ditch your old habits and create positive new ones.
There are also sections of actual people's testimonies of their habit formation that are quite interesting and helpful. The 21-day process detailed in the book is quite easy to follow and seems doable. So, I actually kind of started doing a few new habits following the 21-day program. I hope they stick and if not, I'll just start over. ...more
Highly addictive and entertaining even though I'm not really a chess player. I know all the moves and the functions of the pieces and can probably plaHighly addictive and entertaining even though I'm not really a chess player. I know all the moves and the functions of the pieces and can probably play a little expecting to always lose and yet, I enjoyed this book like a Chess GM.
The writing is very funny too and the overall plot is quite adorable. This will make a really good movie. I can totally see why this was Best Young Adult Fiction of 2023. Just a note though. I wouldn't recommend this to younger readers even though it's qualified as YA due to several themes that aren't quite appropriate for younger readers. ...more
"Things go smoother if you don’t let people get a rise out of you. If you give them control over how you feel, they'll always use it."
I honestly don "Things go smoother if you don’t let people get a rise out of you. If you give them control over how you feel, they'll always use it."
I honestly don't remember Emily Henry's writing this funny. I would have to reread her earlier novels to confirm. But as of the moment, this is the funniest of them, rightfully earning the title, A Funny Story, and definitely earning a spot in my top two favorites by the author.
But it's not just funny, I find it very sweet too. I love the connection between Miles and Daphne, love that they have become each other's best friends. But I also love the library setting, the cast of memorable and good-natured characters, the tour around Waning Bay, Michigan. I just noticed there's more smut in this novel than her earlier novels, so that's probably my only complaint. Maybe dial it down in your next book, Ms. Henry. ...more
A cute summer read. I have always enjoyed reading about summer camps, they remind me of "The Parent Trap" and of a time when everything was still goodA cute summer read. I have always enjoyed reading about summer camps, they remind me of "The Parent Trap" and of a time when everything was still good. I truly appreciate the Filipino representation in the book. It's actually quite the first time I've read Filipinos being represented very well in novels excluding those written by Filipinos themselves. Plot-wise, the story is quite original too. It actually follows the literary-fic formula except this is written in a very light hearted, Gen Z manner. ...more
Because I really liked the author's The Things You Can See Only When You Slow Down, I decided to buy this book and at its original price, not sale priBecause I really liked the author's The Things You Can See Only When You Slow Down, I decided to buy this book and at its original price, not sale price. My friends would be shocked because I only ever buy secondhand books. That's how meaningful his previous book was for me.
Love for Imperfect Things though just like its title is far from perfect. It's quite subjective and a bit repetitive and yet, I still absorbed every page like water nourishing my heart and mind. It reminds me of how my father would keep telling the same anecdotes from his earlier life for the nth time and I would pretend it's my first time hearing them because not only do I enjoy his stories, but there's also a valuable lesson I would always gain from them. Of course, I have notes if anyone wants them. ...more
I tend to avoid gritty, gory thrillers. I'm too weak for these. I'm more of a domestic thriller kind of gal, those where somebody is missing and will I tend to avoid gritty, gory thrillers. I'm too weak for these. I'm more of a domestic thriller kind of gal, those where somebody is missing and will end up getting found eventually. Haha. But Jar of Hearts is just too good to pass up. The writing is gripping and very honest, many times even quite hilarious. I just couldn't put the book down even though I cringed a lot of times throughout the novel. The themes are deeply thought provoking too. It made me think about them for several nights....more
"The best and prettiest things never stay around for long." (I didn’t realize this was a foreshadowing until it was too late.)
"Every day is a gift "The best and prettiest things never stay around for long." (I didn’t realize this was a foreshadowing until it was too late.)
"Every day is a gift."
"Why be miserable when you can be happy?"
It does have a good plot if you're someone with a strong heart and could bravely read a love story where one of them has a terminal illness. Sorry about the spoiler. But I could have used this kind of spoiler. Had I known it would be a very sad read, I wouldn't have picked it up. I do appreciate the portrayal of Poppy and Rune's young but very powerful love and I did highlight some of the positive and inspiring things Poppy said. I just find the writing a bit too much. I thought it is way too sappy especially for teenaged characters. I just don't find it very realistic that two teens at this age/time would talk that way.
I was at chapter 11 when I realized I couldn’t take any more so I honestly skipped three chapters till I reached chapter 15 just so I could read what happens in the end. I mean, obviously I already know what's going to happen. I just wanted to find how Rune will hold up. It did make me appreciate Poppy, her final selfless acts for Rune, even beyond her death. That was really sweet. So in retrospect, perhaps the book were better off if it were a bit shorter. I would have probably endured all the melodramatic chapters and not skipped three chapters instead. ...more
It's a testament to how much I love Mhairi McFarlane's writing that I read the sequel and even bought it at its original brand new price since I couldIt's a testament to how much I love Mhairi McFarlane's writing that I read the sequel and even bought it at its original brand new price since I couldn’t find any free e-book online. Good thing the timing coincided with my 13th month pay. It's not like me to hound bookstores for a second book. I can be patient enough to wait for secondhand books whenever that opportunity comes but after reading Who's That Girl, it was a necessity that I read the sequel pronto.
The plotline gives you a considerable view of what a relationship is like between a popular actor and a non-showbiz gal. Thank goodness, it wasn't a disappointment although at times Elliot and Edie's misunderstandings mostly due to overthinking can be quite annoying but I get it. Their insecurities and their past let them imagine worst-case scenarios. But it's also the reason the story is realistic. I usually like my rom-coms always having a happy ending but I like that Edie and Elliot worked their butts off to attain that ending and are committed to keep putting effort to keep each other. The only downside to reading this book is me singing Taylor Swift every time I’d pick the book up and see the title....more
Aj the Ravenous Reader
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