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haechans's review
4.0
3.5
i, too, am delighted.
this was a really cute read! i enjoyed reading serena and eli's relationship developments from childhood enemies to friends to lovers. another thing that i liked reading about is serena's relationship with her friends and how they all differ from each other.
i hope we can read joy's, nat's and kyle's story too.
i, too, am delighted.
this was a really cute read! i enjoyed reading serena and eli's relationship developments from childhood enemies to friends to lovers. another thing that i liked reading about is serena's relationship with her friends and how they all differ from each other.
i hope we can read joy's, nat's and kyle's story too.
thepaperreels's review
3.0
The absolute definition of "cute" I read this within few days and all throughout I was just smiling and giggling. Don't be fooled though, this short and cute romance definitely has substance and deeper topics that was dealt in a simple and yet impactful way. Which was very impressive and made me want to look out for more of Dela Paz's future stories.
Longer review to be followed.
Longer review to be followed.
mischievousreads's review
3.0
Delight is an adorable and lighthearted childhood frenemies to lovers romance, and it's also a coming-of-age journey for the main character, Serena. Moras Dela Paz does a great job in giving us all the fluff and also, by giving us the not-so-bright side of girls growing up, especially around body image. I also enjoyed reading about the other characters; Serena's family and friends, and of course, Eli. They're all very likeable and easy to connect with.
I also enjoyed the romance between Serena and Eli — the pacing was just right, and also a perfect reflection of dating among Filipino young adults.
This book was truly a delight to read. It's a good pick-me-up if you want something really light and easy. It's not my favourite, but it's a really good start to a very promising series.
I also enjoyed the romance between Serena and Eli — the pacing was just right, and also a perfect reflection of dating among Filipino young adults.
This book was truly a delight to read. It's a good pick-me-up if you want something really light and easy. It's not my favourite, but it's a really good start to a very promising series.
ccl1029's review
4.0
If I had to describe Delight by Moras Dela Paz in one word it would be: wholesome. I had always been a sucker for fluffy romance and this book definitely delivers the "kilig" (a thrill felt when something romantic occurs) in a natural manner. And the fact that it's a slow burn romance makes my heart swell with happiness because it definitely showed that great things happen when you wait. Romance though was just part of the bigger picture. The core of the story lies on the journey of growing up and the changes it entails.
The story is told in the third person interchanging sometimes between Serena's and Eli's point of view. It mainly showed Serena's journey from childhood to her early 20s overlapping with Eli's own experiences. It included friendship, romance, family, insecurities and experiences in school. The themes on self, family, friends, love and career that Delight had captured delightfully surprised me. (See what I did there?). I also love that the setting is in the Philippines so the book was full of Filipino traditions and themes.
Although, I have noticed that at times the story felt reliant on the narration of what happened rather than showing it. In my opinion, this takes the reader away in the present moment of the scene and can unfortunately lessen its impact.
Another delightful surprise in the book is the talks on loving one's own body. I believe many of us can relate to weight and/or body issues. So it felt empowering to read how Serena embraced her insecurities regarding her body and to love herself a little bit more. It was definitely a powerful message that the author was able to show through this book especially this scene with Serena and Eli:
"You think you can look a certain type but I bet those girls who you compare yourself to have loads of things that they don't like about themselves too. You look at yourself and you see a mountain of flaws." Eli looked at her in the eyes. "You know what I see when I look at you?"
"What?" She said in a small voice, almost like a whisper. If he wasn't standing close by,
he probably wouldn't hear it.
"I see someone I really like," Eli admitted.
Absolutely swoon worthy if you ask me! Anyways, I really enjoyed reading this and I will definitely look forward to the 2nd book of the series.
The story is told in the third person interchanging sometimes between Serena's and Eli's point of view. It mainly showed Serena's journey from childhood to her early 20s overlapping with Eli's own experiences. It included friendship, romance, family, insecurities and experiences in school. The themes on self, family, friends, love and career that Delight had captured delightfully surprised me. (See what I did there?). I also love that the setting is in the Philippines so the book was full of Filipino traditions and themes.
Although, I have noticed that at times the story felt reliant on the narration of what happened rather than showing it. In my opinion, this takes the reader away in the present moment of the scene and can unfortunately lessen its impact.
Another delightful surprise in the book is the talks on loving one's own body. I believe many of us can relate to weight and/or body issues. So it felt empowering to read how Serena embraced her insecurities regarding her body and to love herself a little bit more. It was definitely a powerful message that the author was able to show through this book especially this scene with Serena and Eli:
"You think you can look a certain type but I bet those girls who you compare yourself to have loads of things that they don't like about themselves too. You look at yourself and you see a mountain of flaws." Eli looked at her in the eyes. "You know what I see when I look at you?"
"What?" She said in a small voice, almost like a whisper. If he wasn't standing close by,
he probably wouldn't hear it.
"I see someone I really like," Eli admitted.
Absolutely swoon worthy if you ask me! Anyways, I really enjoyed reading this and I will definitely look forward to the 2nd book of the series.
beamasalunga's review
4.0
I received an ARC from the author in exchange for an honest review.
- Serena and Eli's story was fun, lighthearted and cute. Started off as childhood enemies then turned into lovers when they grew up. These two characters didn't rush when it comes to relationship. It's obvious they were in MU (Mutual Understanding). Eli developed feelings towards Serena and he cares a lot about her but Serena was so naive to see past that. I like they chose not to label their relationship immediately until the time is right.
- I appreciate them for prioritizing their studies first before their love life. Serena was an aspiring baker while Eli seeks to become a professional basketball player. Both were passionate and focused in what they do despite of the pressure. Especially on Eli since his father was a popular basketball player.
- Both characters' parents were supportive. Serena thought at first her parents might disagree and get mad for going to a culinary school. After a slight rift with her mother, they make amends with Eli's help. Whatever career path Serena takes they assured her they will always be supportive and proud of all her achievements even if she didn't inherit her father's athleticism or love for basketball.
- Serena have insecurities with her body weight. She was inspired to lose weight because of her new friend Kyle. It also became her outlet when she's frustrated. However, Eli was concerned of her losing too much. He noticed she pushed herself too hard and felt like she wasn't herself. He addressed and regardless of her body weight, he loves her for who she is. There's nothing wrong in losing weight as long as it's for a healthy reason but losing weight to live up to other's standards? It's unhealthy.
- I want Nat, Joy and Kyle have their own books. I want to know what happened in their lives. It was unfortunate Joy, Nat and Serena's friendship drifted apart. I am hoping these three girls will reunite and make up for the lost time. As for Kyle, so much potential on this boy. I couldn't blame Eli for being jealous. haha!
- Overall, the story was enjoyable and it successfully gave me the kilig vibes. It was a lovely start for the series. I just wish there's more angst to it because when it comes to enemies to lovers stories, I expected more angst.
- Serena and Eli's story was fun, lighthearted and cute. Started off as childhood enemies then turned into lovers when they grew up. These two characters didn't rush when it comes to relationship. It's obvious they were in MU (Mutual Understanding). Eli developed feelings towards Serena and he cares a lot about her but Serena was so naive to see past that. I like they chose not to label their relationship immediately until the time is right.
- I appreciate them for prioritizing their studies first before their love life. Serena was an aspiring baker while Eli seeks to become a professional basketball player. Both were passionate and focused in what they do despite of the pressure. Especially on Eli since his father was a popular basketball player.
- Both characters' parents were supportive. Serena thought at first her parents might disagree and get mad for going to a culinary school. After a slight rift with her mother, they make amends with Eli's help. Whatever career path Serena takes they assured her they will always be supportive and proud of all her achievements even if she didn't inherit her father's athleticism or love for basketball.
- Serena have insecurities with her body weight. She was inspired to lose weight because of her new friend Kyle. It also became her outlet when she's frustrated. However, Eli was concerned of her losing too much. He noticed she pushed herself too hard and felt like she wasn't herself. He addressed and regardless of her body weight, he loves her for who she is. There's nothing wrong in losing weight as long as it's for a healthy reason but losing weight to live up to other's standards? It's unhealthy.
- I want Nat, Joy and Kyle have their own books. I want to know what happened in their lives. It was unfortunate Joy, Nat and Serena's friendship drifted apart. I am hoping these three girls will reunite and make up for the lost time. As for Kyle, so much potential on this boy. I couldn't blame Eli for being jealous. haha!
- Overall, the story was enjoyable and it successfully gave me the kilig vibes. It was a lovely start for the series. I just wish there's more angst to it because when it comes to enemies to lovers stories, I expected more angst.
lovelessness's review
4.0
3.5
i, too, am delighted.
this was a really cute read! i enjoyed reading serena and eli's relationship developments from childhood enemies to friends to lovers. another thing that i liked reading about is serena's relationship with her friends and how they all differ from each other.
i hope we can read joy's, nat's and kyle's story too.
i, too, am delighted.
this was a really cute read! i enjoyed reading serena and eli's relationship developments from childhood enemies to friends to lovers. another thing that i liked reading about is serena's relationship with her friends and how they all differ from each other.
i hope we can read joy's, nat's and kyle's story too.
charminwanderland's review
4.0
I super love the story. Sobrang feel good. You'll definitely enjoy the interactions between the characters. Especially, Joy, Nat and Serena. Gusto ko rin iyong relationship ni Serena and Eli sa mga parents nila. Sobrang supportive and all.
Siguro iyong hindi ko lang nagustuhan dito sa book na 'to iyong pagiging predictable ng ibang parts.
Feeling ko may sequel 'to based na rin sa nangyari sa epilogue.
Siguro iyong hindi ko lang nagustuhan dito sa book na 'to iyong pagiging predictable ng ibang parts.
Feeling ko may sequel 'to based na rin sa nangyari sa epilogue.
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