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3.84 AVERAGE
3.84 AVERAGE
There was entirely too much going on in the story for me. I really got to know the characters and it is a good set up for the series, but it was too much at some points. It reminded me of gossip girl so much but somehow heavier.
challenging
dark
emotional
funny
hopeful
sad
fast-paced
Plot or Character Driven:
Character
Strong character development:
Yes
Loveable characters:
Yes
Diverse cast of characters:
No
Flaws of characters a main focus:
Yes
I've been waiting for you, Pretty Reckless.
I've seen so much fan hype and build up that I honestly had no idea which way this book was going to go. I'd imagined this book being something so completely different to what it actually was, and for that I'm happy. This book was a complete 180 to what I was prepared for.
I was prepared for a Queen Bee, black souled b***h. A teen movie cliche, predictable and boring.
That's not what I got. Daria is so complex, so different to what I was expecting. Every road I thought I could see mapped out turned out differently. Every time I rolled my eyes to myself, thinking I could see what was coming up ahead, I was proven wrong.
This isn't the book the fans are building up in their heads, its way better.
I've seen so much fan hype and build up that I honestly had no idea which way this book was going to go. I'd imagined this book being something so completely different to what it actually was, and for that I'm happy. This book was a complete 180 to what I was prepared for.
I was prepared for a Queen Bee, black souled b***h. A teen movie cliche, predictable and boring.
That's not what I got. Daria is so complex, so different to what I was expecting. Every road I thought I could see mapped out turned out differently. Every time I rolled my eyes to myself, thinking I could see what was coming up ahead, I was proven wrong.
This isn't the book the fans are building up in their heads, its way better.
challenging
dark
mysterious
medium-paced
Plot or Character Driven:
Character
Strong character development:
N/A
Loveable characters:
No
Diverse cast of characters:
No
Flaws of characters a main focus:
Yes
dark
emotional
hopeful
mysterious
sad
tense
medium-paced
Plot or Character Driven:
A mix
Strong character development:
Yes
Loveable characters:
Yes
Diverse cast of characters:
Complicated
Flaws of characters a main focus:
Complicated
What a roller coaster of emotions. The real hero of this book is Jaime, Daria's dad.
Working my way through my endless TBR pile, I found another evocative and emotional new adult romance from one of my favorite authors, L.J. Shen. As a reader, I was immediately drawn into the intense and emotional world of Daria Followhill and Penn Scully. The complex characters and their intertwined stories make for a powerful read.
It all started with a first kiss and a rare piece of orange sea glass. They were young and vulnerable. Angry and lonely. Foolish and betrayed. Four years later as seniors in high school, they meet again. His mom is dead, he's homeless, and his twin sister's disappearance all those years ago is her fault. He's out for revenge and she deserves everything he throws at her.
The romance between Daria and Penn is a rollercoaster ride of emotions. Their initial animosity towards each other turns into sizzling sexual chemistry and eventually, a deep and abiding love. But their road to happiness is fraught with obstacles, including secrets and betrayals that threaten to tear them apart.
Ms. Shen's character development is exceptional. Daria's journey from a hardened mean girl to a vulnerable and redeemed young woman is both heartbreaking and inspiring. Penn's struggle to overcome his difficult past and make a better life for himself is also compelling. And the supporting characters, like Daria's kind and caring father Jaime, add depth and richness to the story.
What I loved most about Pretty Reckless was the way Ms. Shen tackled difficult and taboo topics with brutal honesty. Daria's emotional turmoil and her forbidden relationship with an adult authority figure are painful and real. The novel raises important questions about privilege, power, and the consequences of our actions.
Ms. Shen's explosive and thought-provoking prose is amazing. I highly recommend this passionate enemies-to-lovers romance that culminates in an unforgettable happily-ever-after ending.
It all started with a first kiss and a rare piece of orange sea glass. They were young and vulnerable. Angry and lonely. Foolish and betrayed. Four years later as seniors in high school, they meet again. His mom is dead, he's homeless, and his twin sister's disappearance all those years ago is her fault. He's out for revenge and she deserves everything he throws at her.
The romance between Daria and Penn is a rollercoaster ride of emotions. Their initial animosity towards each other turns into sizzling sexual chemistry and eventually, a deep and abiding love. But their road to happiness is fraught with obstacles, including secrets and betrayals that threaten to tear them apart.
Ms. Shen's character development is exceptional. Daria's journey from a hardened mean girl to a vulnerable and redeemed young woman is both heartbreaking and inspiring. Penn's struggle to overcome his difficult past and make a better life for himself is also compelling. And the supporting characters, like Daria's kind and caring father Jaime, add depth and richness to the story.
What I loved most about Pretty Reckless was the way Ms. Shen tackled difficult and taboo topics with brutal honesty. Daria's emotional turmoil and her forbidden relationship with an adult authority figure are painful and real. The novel raises important questions about privilege, power, and the consequences of our actions.
Ms. Shen's explosive and thought-provoking prose is amazing. I highly recommend this passionate enemies-to-lovers romance that culminates in an unforgettable happily-ever-after ending.
challenging
dark
tense
medium-paced
Plot or Character Driven:
Character
Strong character development:
Yes
Loveable characters:
No
Diverse cast of characters:
Yes
Flaws of characters a main focus:
Yes