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Sophia (Bookwyrming Thoughts) (530 KP) rated The Unforgettables in Books
Jan 23, 2020
<b><i>I received this book for free from Author in exchange for an honest review. This does not affect my opinion of the book or the content of my review.</i></b>
Meet Felicia, AKA a piece of fictional me out in the bookish world: awkward, anti-social, and kind of an outcast. It is no wonder why I immediately beeline towards cute contemporary novels (I always make a point to mention <a href="http://bookwyrmingthoughts.com/review-imperfect-chemistry-by-mary-frame"><em>Imperfect Chemistry</em></a> by Mary Frame because that book! Is! Cute! Cue exclamation points and squealing.).
Side note: I haven't reviewed in months. I will probably be as boring and undirectional as 15-year-old me.
<i>The Unforgettables</i> is a story of two fabulously adorable nerds who find out they are neighbors and bond over a set of comic books. Paul and Felicia click over a chance encounter in the summer over the comic books that theyre huge fans of, thus beginning a friendship that wouldnt be forgotten. At least until it becomes more than friendship.
<b>What I Liked:</b>
<i>Cliches can have nerds and outcasts too! Also nerds can be well-liked.</i> - One of the big reasons why Im always weary of contemporary novels is how I somehow never relate to the characters. There is always something off about them - they all fit in, theyre popular, yada yada yada. (And sometimes there is something off... period.) <i>The Unforgettables</i> has both. Felicia is none of those. She isnt popular, she doesnt fit in - in fact, shes the outcast and basically keeps to herself. Paul is well liked - he fits in, and hes certainly not an outcast.
Another side note: Can Paul be an actual human being? I feel like we can be best friends, even if Im not a comic book fan. (Plus, if most guys I come across were as decent as Paul is, the world would be better for awkward me.)
<i>
</i> <i>The serious amount of diversity involved.</i> - Felicia is Haitian. Paul is biracial. Theres an interracial relationship. I am a happy little reader. That is not the only reason why I am a happy little reader.
<i>
</i> <i>Helloooo reality.</i> - The relationship life is as awkward as it is heartbreaking, and I love how those obstacles are portrayed throughout the book instead of making it seem like a cakewalk. The amount of awkwardness involved as Paul and Felicia venture into territory beyond friendship just makes it all the better. (I am all for awkward within reason.) Plus, its reassuring to find that Im not the only one awkward in the romance department. All the other books make it seem heartbreakingly easy.
<blockquote class="tr_bq">A crush equaled no assembly required. There were no broken promises or hurt feelings outside of the fact you werent with them. And if you didnt let them in, the mere thought of them made you smile.</blockquote>
<i>The Unforgettables</i> is the classic story of girl meets boy next door with perks and bonuses that will even capture the attention of the cliche-disliker.
<blockquote class="tr_bq">A little geekery never hurt anyone.</blockquote>
<a href="https://bookwyrmingthoughts.com/arc-review-unforgettables-by-gl-thomas/"; target="_blank">This review was originally posted on Bookwyrming Thoughts</a>
Meet Felicia, AKA a piece of fictional me out in the bookish world: awkward, anti-social, and kind of an outcast. It is no wonder why I immediately beeline towards cute contemporary novels (I always make a point to mention <a href="http://bookwyrmingthoughts.com/review-imperfect-chemistry-by-mary-frame"><em>Imperfect Chemistry</em></a> by Mary Frame because that book! Is! Cute! Cue exclamation points and squealing.).
Side note: I haven't reviewed in months. I will probably be as boring and undirectional as 15-year-old me.
<i>The Unforgettables</i> is a story of two fabulously adorable nerds who find out they are neighbors and bond over a set of comic books. Paul and Felicia click over a chance encounter in the summer over the comic books that theyre huge fans of, thus beginning a friendship that wouldnt be forgotten. At least until it becomes more than friendship.
<b>What I Liked:</b>
<i>Cliches can have nerds and outcasts too! Also nerds can be well-liked.</i> - One of the big reasons why Im always weary of contemporary novels is how I somehow never relate to the characters. There is always something off about them - they all fit in, theyre popular, yada yada yada. (And sometimes there is something off... period.) <i>The Unforgettables</i> has both. Felicia is none of those. She isnt popular, she doesnt fit in - in fact, shes the outcast and basically keeps to herself. Paul is well liked - he fits in, and hes certainly not an outcast.
Another side note: Can Paul be an actual human being? I feel like we can be best friends, even if Im not a comic book fan. (Plus, if most guys I come across were as decent as Paul is, the world would be better for awkward me.)
<i>
</i> <i>The serious amount of diversity involved.</i> - Felicia is Haitian. Paul is biracial. Theres an interracial relationship. I am a happy little reader. That is not the only reason why I am a happy little reader.
<i>
</i> <i>Helloooo reality.</i> - The relationship life is as awkward as it is heartbreaking, and I love how those obstacles are portrayed throughout the book instead of making it seem like a cakewalk. The amount of awkwardness involved as Paul and Felicia venture into territory beyond friendship just makes it all the better. (I am all for awkward within reason.) Plus, its reassuring to find that Im not the only one awkward in the romance department. All the other books make it seem heartbreakingly easy.
<blockquote class="tr_bq">A crush equaled no assembly required. There were no broken promises or hurt feelings outside of the fact you werent with them. And if you didnt let them in, the mere thought of them made you smile.</blockquote>
<i>The Unforgettables</i> is the classic story of girl meets boy next door with perks and bonuses that will even capture the attention of the cliche-disliker.
<blockquote class="tr_bq">A little geekery never hurt anyone.</blockquote>
<a href="https://bookwyrmingthoughts.com/arc-review-unforgettables-by-gl-thomas/"; target="_blank">This review was originally posted on Bookwyrming Thoughts</a>
Suswatibasu (1703 KP) rated Bad Feminist in Books
Nov 23, 2017
A mixed bag of essays
Roxane Gay is a gifted writer no doubt, but like a lot of her more prominent work, there are huge amounts of autobiographical information that didn't seem completely relevant.
Her essays on the intersection of feminism with misogynistic pop culture was incredibly on point, exploring E.L. James' infamous BDSM novel Fifty Shades of Grey, as well as other popular novels such as Twilight. She briefly mentions rape culture and how all of the above feeds into this notion.
Similarly her discussion on how race is portrayed in major Hollywood motion pictures is accurately disturbing - showing how African Americans are used in plots as a way to prop up white protagonists (The Help, Django Unchained).
Some of her other chapters seemed disconnected as if they were put in the book because there was no other place for it. This appears in the chapter on Scrabble. (Playing Scrabble doesn't make you a bad feminist).
There were a lot of haphazard thoughts that didn't quite thread together with the rest of the book ie. abortion rights, and male politicians' views on body autonomy. Gay was pretty adamant on her views on this, which appeared to showcase her opinion that she truly is a feminist.
The underlying message was that you may have flaws by enjoying aspects of pop culture, but as long as you are aware of how important it is that women receive equal rights, you can be any kind of feminist. But the book does feel as if she's trying to prove it to herself and to the world which seems rather unnecessary. We believe you Roxane.
Her essays on the intersection of feminism with misogynistic pop culture was incredibly on point, exploring E.L. James' infamous BDSM novel Fifty Shades of Grey, as well as other popular novels such as Twilight. She briefly mentions rape culture and how all of the above feeds into this notion.
Similarly her discussion on how race is portrayed in major Hollywood motion pictures is accurately disturbing - showing how African Americans are used in plots as a way to prop up white protagonists (The Help, Django Unchained).
Some of her other chapters seemed disconnected as if they were put in the book because there was no other place for it. This appears in the chapter on Scrabble. (Playing Scrabble doesn't make you a bad feminist).
There were a lot of haphazard thoughts that didn't quite thread together with the rest of the book ie. abortion rights, and male politicians' views on body autonomy. Gay was pretty adamant on her views on this, which appeared to showcase her opinion that she truly is a feminist.
The underlying message was that you may have flaws by enjoying aspects of pop culture, but as long as you are aware of how important it is that women receive equal rights, you can be any kind of feminist. But the book does feel as if she's trying to prove it to herself and to the world which seems rather unnecessary. We believe you Roxane.
Dwimmler (0 KP) rated The Woman in Cabin 10 in Books
Apr 26, 2018
Predictable
I get that mystery and thriller is hard to do now because there have been SO MANY mystery/thriller novels released. I will also say, while I love the genre, it is hard for me to find one I like, so that might just be me being picky. That being said, the biggest disappointment for me was the character development. She tried so hard to set up the mood of suspense and the backstory of why the main character is consistently fearful and anxious, but it seems like she skipped over adding any depth to the character, which makes no sense since most the book is the character being in her own head. Her thoughts are so one-note, though, I couldn’t connect with or even like her and, by the end, I found myself hoping she would die (which is not usually what I root for to happen). She throws in a few tidbits of backstory later on into the book, almost as though they are part of a great reveal, but it fell flat for me and it was a “too little too late” sort of situation. It was a good, easy read for vacation (which is when I read it), but I was slightly disappointed given the amount of publicity this book has been getting.
tanuki (2 KP) rated The Poppy War (The Poppy War #1) in Books
Feb 6, 2019
A fantasy novel that hits close to home
The beauty of this novel is in the way it tonally shifts from one arena to another, leaving you never quite sure where you are and certainly rendering the tale very unpredictable. If there are fantasy tropes here, it's no matter - you won't see them coming nor where they'll crop up.
The opening chapters seem inspired by wuxia novels and the tale of Yim Wing Chun - kung fu practitioners will note a number of references here to their origin tales, as well as some beautiful descriptions of the biomechanics of the art - mixed with Hogwarts. We have the neglected orphan who works hard to achieve her school place and study the fields of combat, lore, medicine and so on. There is an unusual teacher occupying the position of wise sage and there's the handsome rival. So far, so comforting. One can enjoy this fairly cosy ride.
But then there is a distinct undercurrent. It creeps up on you, darker and more earthy than the tone suggests. Just as the students spend their days training for a war that'll never come, we read this schoolyard tale as if the latter half of the book won't come.
It hits with a bombshell, and they just keep coming. Now fiction isn't fiction at all. History is woven through the narrative. We can see the major players and we know how it ends. And yet the deftly woven plot, excellent prose and gripping characters keep us on the edge of our seats.
A phenomenal debut and the start of a thrilling trilogy.
The opening chapters seem inspired by wuxia novels and the tale of Yim Wing Chun - kung fu practitioners will note a number of references here to their origin tales, as well as some beautiful descriptions of the biomechanics of the art - mixed with Hogwarts. We have the neglected orphan who works hard to achieve her school place and study the fields of combat, lore, medicine and so on. There is an unusual teacher occupying the position of wise sage and there's the handsome rival. So far, so comforting. One can enjoy this fairly cosy ride.
But then there is a distinct undercurrent. It creeps up on you, darker and more earthy than the tone suggests. Just as the students spend their days training for a war that'll never come, we read this schoolyard tale as if the latter half of the book won't come.
It hits with a bombshell, and they just keep coming. Now fiction isn't fiction at all. History is woven through the narrative. We can see the major players and we know how it ends. And yet the deftly woven plot, excellent prose and gripping characters keep us on the edge of our seats.
A phenomenal debut and the start of a thrilling trilogy.
Midge (525 KP) rated The Couple in Books
Feb 12, 2019 (Updated Feb 14, 2019)
Brilliant And Dark
THE COUPLE is a debut psychological thriller by Sarah Mitchell and I absolutely loved it! I adore novels that are written in two time periods, namely the past and present, like this one.
The characters were very difficult to warm to, especially the main character Claire, who became rather irritating, annoying and dis-likeable during the story.
Claire, who works for the Immigration Service is newly engaged after a whirlwind romance. Her fiance, Angus, is a hotel entrepreneur and they are looking to buy their perfect home together. When Claire views a house and meets Mark, the fellow who is selling the house, she finds that he resembles a former lover, a man for whom she still has feelings. Claire is drawn to him and Angus starts to behave very suspiciously, but can Claire trust either of them or herself?
For me, Sarah Mitchell’s writing is captivating and extremely well structured. This book is full of twists and turns and I really enjoyed it. The novel moved along at an intense speed and I loved how dark and twisted it was. The character development was brilliant and apart from most of the characters themselves, I liked everything about this book. THE COUPLE held my interest from start to finish and the way in which Sarah Mitchell brought everything to a conclusion was just fabulous. I loved it and it has left me eager to read more from this author.
I would recommend THE COUPLE to anyone who likes this genre.
Thank you to NetGalley, Bookouture and Sarah Mitchell for a free ARC of this book in exchange for a voluntary, honest review.
The characters were very difficult to warm to, especially the main character Claire, who became rather irritating, annoying and dis-likeable during the story.
Claire, who works for the Immigration Service is newly engaged after a whirlwind romance. Her fiance, Angus, is a hotel entrepreneur and they are looking to buy their perfect home together. When Claire views a house and meets Mark, the fellow who is selling the house, she finds that he resembles a former lover, a man for whom she still has feelings. Claire is drawn to him and Angus starts to behave very suspiciously, but can Claire trust either of them or herself?
For me, Sarah Mitchell’s writing is captivating and extremely well structured. This book is full of twists and turns and I really enjoyed it. The novel moved along at an intense speed and I loved how dark and twisted it was. The character development was brilliant and apart from most of the characters themselves, I liked everything about this book. THE COUPLE held my interest from start to finish and the way in which Sarah Mitchell brought everything to a conclusion was just fabulous. I loved it and it has left me eager to read more from this author.
I would recommend THE COUPLE to anyone who likes this genre.
Thank you to NetGalley, Bookouture and Sarah Mitchell for a free ARC of this book in exchange for a voluntary, honest review.
graveyardgremlin (7194 KP) rated The Secret History of the Pink Carnation (Pink Carnation, #1) in Books
Feb 15, 2019
In the ways of mystery, intrigue, and espionage in both the past and present narrative, I thought that [b:The Intelligencer|1098168|The Intelligencer|Leslie Silbert|http://photo.goodreads.com/books/1180962888s/1098168.jpg|1135397] was better (only brought up because I read it recently). I am a bit disappointed that there wasn't more of those in it and less romance, but not much. While predictible and not always original, it still has a charm of its own and, at times, was impossible to put down. The characters were great and I enjoyed Amy's spirited ways and the banter between her and Richard. All the secondary characters, epecially Jane and Richard's family and friends, were interesting and added to the story. I really liked Eloise, and even though she's not in it much, I really got a sense of knowing her and I can't wait to find out what happens with her next. That intrigues me as much as finding out what happens next with the Pink Carnation!
I haven't come across many books with the past/present espionage storyline and would be interested in reading more, so I'm glad that the author has decided to write more of these novels. I hope the sequels are equally as engaging and fun! And some more mystery might be nice too.
Mini-kinda-spoiler: <spoiler>
The one thing that kind of bothered me was that the title implies it is about the Pink Carnation when there really isn't much about ol' Pinkie. And the one major mission isn't really described at all! Probably because it didn't really involve the central characters or story, I imagine.</spoiler>
I haven't come across many books with the past/present espionage storyline and would be interested in reading more, so I'm glad that the author has decided to write more of these novels. I hope the sequels are equally as engaging and fun! And some more mystery might be nice too.
Mini-kinda-spoiler: <spoiler>
The one thing that kind of bothered me was that the title implies it is about the Pink Carnation when there really isn't much about ol' Pinkie. And the one major mission isn't really described at all! Probably because it didn't really involve the central characters or story, I imagine.</spoiler>
ArecRain (8 KP) rated Kissing Chaos Volume 1 in Books
Jan 18, 2018
The description made this book seem like it was filled with action, but in reality it was more about the inner monologues of a psychotic brat named Angela and some heavy dialogues between Damien and Raevyn.
I'll first start off with why I didn't like this book. First off, Angela very rarely talked. In fact, the most you get out of her is her mental raving monologues about her feelings towards Damien. If I was Damien and knew what she was thinking, I probably would have shot her instead. Most of the dialogue is between Damien and Raevyn, who have more chemistry than Damien and Angela. Half the time, their dialogues seemed so tedious and about absolutely nothing that I couldn't force myself to focus on what was be said. Not only that, but I literally had no idea what was going on. It was so hard to follow the story line.
All of that aside, it was pretty enjoyable. I loved Cruz's art style which was more sketchy than clean, clear lines. I actually spent more time examining his technique over the actually reading storyline I thought the characters were believable, psychosis and all. It was actually humorous to read Raevyn and Damien's spats although I often found myself wanting to smack them both. After a few of these little tiffs, I can imagine why Angela would just keep her mouth shut (although her silence was stilling annoying).
I thought about continuing the story to actually figure out what happens, but I decided there are more pressing novels on my bookshelves to read first.
I'll first start off with why I didn't like this book. First off, Angela very rarely talked. In fact, the most you get out of her is her mental raving monologues about her feelings towards Damien. If I was Damien and knew what she was thinking, I probably would have shot her instead. Most of the dialogue is between Damien and Raevyn, who have more chemistry than Damien and Angela. Half the time, their dialogues seemed so tedious and about absolutely nothing that I couldn't force myself to focus on what was be said. Not only that, but I literally had no idea what was going on. It was so hard to follow the story line.
All of that aside, it was pretty enjoyable. I loved Cruz's art style which was more sketchy than clean, clear lines. I actually spent more time examining his technique over the actually reading storyline I thought the characters were believable, psychosis and all. It was actually humorous to read Raevyn and Damien's spats although I often found myself wanting to smack them both. After a few of these little tiffs, I can imagine why Angela would just keep her mouth shut (although her silence was stilling annoying).
I thought about continuing the story to actually figure out what happens, but I decided there are more pressing novels on my bookshelves to read first.
ArecRain (8 KP) rated Halfway to the Grave (Night Huntress, #1) in Books
Jan 18, 2018
I forgot how much I loved a good paranormal romance novel until I discovered Frost. A couple of my favorite authors recommended Jeaniene Frost, singing her praises. I was a bit hesitant after the slew of horrible vampire romances that I have forced myself to make it through as of late.
Boy, was I pleasantly surprised. Frosts fiery Cat immediately captured my attention. She was one of the first female protagonists who actually enjoyed being schooled about her weaknesses. Instead of being obnoxiously stubborn, she actually threw herself into making herself stronger and learning from her faults. I know that sounds like so many other female leads, but to me she seemed different. I didnt feel that everything was a struggle between Cat and Bones. Whenever they fell in love, I could see how they got to that point. They did have fire and chemistry, but it was far from them continuously butting heads and arguing like so many other novels do.
I also enjoyed the simple plot. It wasnt about Cat and Bones being the only two being able to save the world from certain doom. Of course, they did have a goal they were working towards, and an antagonist they had to take down. However, there were no random surprises that only the author could see coming and no twist that broke our necks from confusion.
However, I will state that Cats ridiculous mother seriously made me want to slam her face into the pavement. While Frost can create the likable characters of Bones and Cat, she can also create some monsters like Cats mother.
Boy, was I pleasantly surprised. Frosts fiery Cat immediately captured my attention. She was one of the first female protagonists who actually enjoyed being schooled about her weaknesses. Instead of being obnoxiously stubborn, she actually threw herself into making herself stronger and learning from her faults. I know that sounds like so many other female leads, but to me she seemed different. I didnt feel that everything was a struggle between Cat and Bones. Whenever they fell in love, I could see how they got to that point. They did have fire and chemistry, but it was far from them continuously butting heads and arguing like so many other novels do.
I also enjoyed the simple plot. It wasnt about Cat and Bones being the only two being able to save the world from certain doom. Of course, they did have a goal they were working towards, and an antagonist they had to take down. However, there were no random surprises that only the author could see coming and no twist that broke our necks from confusion.
However, I will state that Cats ridiculous mother seriously made me want to slam her face into the pavement. While Frost can create the likable characters of Bones and Cat, she can also create some monsters like Cats mother.
ArecRain (8 KP) rated Deliciously Sinful in Books
Jan 18, 2018
Wait
.its over? Where are the amazing chapter long sex scenes that make even me blush? Where is all the scenes detailed down what underwear she is wearing? I love me some Lilli Feisty but this novel just lacked the fire and erotica that the other two did.
One of the reasons Lilli Feisty is my favorite is because she writes erotica thats outside the norm (considering they classify her novels as just romance instead of erotica.) Very rarely have I run across a book in the romance section and pull one out that has tasteful bondage in it. Feisty does it like its second nature. In this book, however, we only are given some steamy foreplay and two very short sex scenes. It was greatly disappointing especially since I have been waiting for it so long.
Despite that, I still cannot give it anything less 5 stars because there is not a single thing I can find wrong with it. I did not get my delicious sex scenes, though what I was given was just as tasteful and well hot, but it still had everything that made it a great novel. I love the characters far too much for my own good. They are so 3D that its hard to believe that are just characters in a book. Not to mention they had me laughing the entire time with their banter.
If youre looking for a novel the same as her first two, you might be disappointed by the lack of erotica.However, the story line and characters make up for it.
One of the reasons Lilli Feisty is my favorite is because she writes erotica thats outside the norm (considering they classify her novels as just romance instead of erotica.) Very rarely have I run across a book in the romance section and pull one out that has tasteful bondage in it. Feisty does it like its second nature. In this book, however, we only are given some steamy foreplay and two very short sex scenes. It was greatly disappointing especially since I have been waiting for it so long.
Despite that, I still cannot give it anything less 5 stars because there is not a single thing I can find wrong with it. I did not get my delicious sex scenes, though what I was given was just as tasteful and well hot, but it still had everything that made it a great novel. I love the characters far too much for my own good. They are so 3D that its hard to believe that are just characters in a book. Not to mention they had me laughing the entire time with their banter.
If youre looking for a novel the same as her first two, you might be disappointed by the lack of erotica.However, the story line and characters make up for it.
ArecRain (8 KP) rated Her One True Love in Books
Jan 18, 2018
I love historical romance but sometimes they all seem the same. Dont get me wrong, sometimes its not a bad thing, like revisiting an old friend after not seeing them for a while. There may be subtle differences, but overall, nothing has truly changed. Therefore, when I find a historical romance that sticks out for whatever reason, it excites me.
Rachel Brimbles novels interested me greatly because they promised something different. Prostitutes, actresses and village girls? These arent the usual heroines in a historical romance. No, those are the side characters, there to help or hinder the H/h. And, more often than not, are shown in a less than favorable light. Even when they are aiding the main characters, these commoners are typically depicted as uneducated, unkempt, and/or even something less than human.
But Brimble made them human. Not only that, she made them likable. Despite how common or low class Brimbles lead couples seem to be, they are still very much human with morals and standards. I found myself rooting for them just as much I would the usual ton couples I read about, maybe even more so since I felt I could relate to these characters.
Brimble also has an easy enjoyable writing style. I found myself gliding along the pages, never once stumbling over a word, phrase or sentence that didnt make sense.
Overall, I enjoyed every single novel I have read from Brimble thus far. I felt her interwoven tales of love and struggle on a visceral and loved that she wrote about the often forgotten members of society during this era.
Rachel Brimbles novels interested me greatly because they promised something different. Prostitutes, actresses and village girls? These arent the usual heroines in a historical romance. No, those are the side characters, there to help or hinder the H/h. And, more often than not, are shown in a less than favorable light. Even when they are aiding the main characters, these commoners are typically depicted as uneducated, unkempt, and/or even something less than human.
But Brimble made them human. Not only that, she made them likable. Despite how common or low class Brimbles lead couples seem to be, they are still very much human with morals and standards. I found myself rooting for them just as much I would the usual ton couples I read about, maybe even more so since I felt I could relate to these characters.
Brimble also has an easy enjoyable writing style. I found myself gliding along the pages, never once stumbling over a word, phrase or sentence that didnt make sense.
Overall, I enjoyed every single novel I have read from Brimble thus far. I felt her interwoven tales of love and struggle on a visceral and loved that she wrote about the often forgotten members of society during this era.