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geekygraceelyse's reviews
1112 reviews
No One's Angel by Kelly Walker
3.0
I was a little uncertain about this novel when I read the blurb, but I gave it a shot and, while I wasn’t disappointed, I didn’t find this book anything more than enjoyable on a basic level.
‘No One’s Angel’ is a New Adult story about Angel (Tess) who is on the run from an abusive boyfriend. After Angel disappeared from the online world a year ago, Arion (Axel) isn’t willing to let her go when she turns up on his doorstep, soaking wet, and looking for a safe place to stay. What follows is an intense and engaging story, full of tantalizing moments and packed with intrigue.
The novel is written in the dual Point of View (P.O.V) of both Angel and Arion, which I found, at some points throughout the novel, distracted from the anticipation and tension. However, this allowed the reader to get a glimpse at the inner workings of both characters, creating a deeper depth for the novel.
Some of the descriptions, similes and metaphors used in the novel didn’t seem to fit, preventing me from immersing myself completely in the world Walker had created. The use of melodrama and over-reactions from the characters for seemingly no reason, grew tiresome quite quickly. This disappointed me because the plot was quite well put together and enjoyable and was let down by these moments embellishment.
‘No One’s Angel’ interested me from the first chapter, although my fascination waned around the half waypoint as I, sadly, became unable to overlook the cheesy lines and exaggerations (mentioned above) that were littered throughout the novel, not even for the fresh and unique storyline. However if your a fan of ‘romantic cheese’* this would be a great novel for you.
* ‘Romantic Cheese’; the cheesy and almost cliché lines and arguments that occur in most of the more swoon worthy romance novels.
‘No One’s Angel’ is a New Adult story about Angel (Tess) who is on the run from an abusive boyfriend. After Angel disappeared from the online world a year ago, Arion (Axel) isn’t willing to let her go when she turns up on his doorstep, soaking wet, and looking for a safe place to stay. What follows is an intense and engaging story, full of tantalizing moments and packed with intrigue.
The novel is written in the dual Point of View (P.O.V) of both Angel and Arion, which I found, at some points throughout the novel, distracted from the anticipation and tension. However, this allowed the reader to get a glimpse at the inner workings of both characters, creating a deeper depth for the novel.
Some of the descriptions, similes and metaphors used in the novel didn’t seem to fit, preventing me from immersing myself completely in the world Walker had created. The use of melodrama and over-reactions from the characters for seemingly no reason, grew tiresome quite quickly. This disappointed me because the plot was quite well put together and enjoyable and was let down by these moments embellishment.
‘No One’s Angel’ interested me from the first chapter, although my fascination waned around the half waypoint as I, sadly, became unable to overlook the cheesy lines and exaggerations (mentioned above) that were littered throughout the novel, not even for the fresh and unique storyline. However if your a fan of ‘romantic cheese’* this would be a great novel for you.
* ‘Romantic Cheese’; the cheesy and almost cliché lines and arguments that occur in most of the more swoon worthy romance novels.
Coming Home by Paloma Beck
3.0
Copy provided by publishers via NetGalley for an honest review
‘Coming Home’ is a contemporary romance novel that tells the story of Ryan and Tyra, and how they overcome life’s complications and find love.
The novel had a lot of potential; with a great plot, it was ultimately let down by the writing style. I found it very difficult to picture the events as they unfolded and also had trouble following along with what was happening, due to the lack of description. Also the extensive use of formal language, which broke the flow of the novel, made it feel quite stiff and forced.
There was also the sight exposition of dialogue and overreactions by the characters that had me rolling my eyes. There also seemed to be some problems with the syntax throughout the entirety of the novel and I thought Beck stuck to close to the romantic archetype. This forced what would have otherwise been a remarkably enjoyable novel, to become more of a banal and cloying piece of work.
While I enjoyed the characters - the majority of the time – I did find them to be slightly flat and 2D.
However I do believe that die-hard fans of the more sappy section of the romance genre would enjoy this book.
‘Coming Home’ is a contemporary romance novel that tells the story of Ryan and Tyra, and how they overcome life’s complications and find love.
The novel had a lot of potential; with a great plot, it was ultimately let down by the writing style. I found it very difficult to picture the events as they unfolded and also had trouble following along with what was happening, due to the lack of description. Also the extensive use of formal language, which broke the flow of the novel, made it feel quite stiff and forced.
There was also the sight exposition of dialogue and overreactions by the characters that had me rolling my eyes. There also seemed to be some problems with the syntax throughout the entirety of the novel and I thought Beck stuck to close to the romantic archetype. This forced what would have otherwise been a remarkably enjoyable novel, to become more of a banal and cloying piece of work.
While I enjoyed the characters - the majority of the time – I did find them to be slightly flat and 2D.
However I do believe that die-hard fans of the more sappy section of the romance genre would enjoy this book.
Undeniable by Ashley Simone, Alicia Roberts
2.0
The blurb for this novel had me intrigued and thinking it may be an interesting read, however I was mistaken. I found the writing to be basic and while it was categorised as New Adult, I found it to be nothing like the genre it claimed to belong with and more like an adult romance.
‘Undeniable’ is a novel about Allie, a young Waitress, who meets Zac, the overly described gorgeous, attractive and perfect love interest. After sharing a moment and having Zac leave with no explanation, Allie stumbles across an add online with a vague description of someone who looks like her; ‘”I met a girl in a Williamsburg diner,’ the add from zb1234 said, “And I can’t get her out of my head. She’s not too tall and not too short, slim and curvy, and has gorgeous wavy brown hair and sparkling brown eyes. Her cheeks dimple when she smiles. If this sounds like you, let me know, and I’ll make it worth your while.”’
There was little character development and the actions and motives of the protagonist, Allie, often confused me and had me re-reading to see if I’d missed something, which is something easily avoidable with decent editing on a first draft. The lack of character development could be attributed to the fact that the book was only 81 pages long, not nearly enough time to develop decent plot and/or characters.
Allie was the clichéd, contradictory, naive girl who seemed to constantly put herself down ‘It’s not like he’d notice me, a mousy young waitress’. While Zac was a contrary confusion, who while obviously wanting to hook up with Allie ‘I met a girl… and I can’t get her out of my head’, would rather hook up with someone who looks like her, and gets angry when she is the one who replies to the add.
One irritating thing was the over-exaggeration of Michael, the sleazy, obnoxious blind date, who was obviously used as a pawn to juxtapose the general male population (Cliche; as viewed by women attempting to find a partner and failing because ‘all men are jerks’) with Zac, the caring helpful charmer.
I don’t think I would continue the series, and if I did it would only be because the book ends on a cliffhanger regarding Joel, Allie’s brother.
‘Undeniable’ is a novel about Allie, a young Waitress, who meets Zac, the overly described gorgeous, attractive and perfect love interest. After sharing a moment and having Zac leave with no explanation, Allie stumbles across an add online with a vague description of someone who looks like her; ‘”I met a girl in a Williamsburg diner,’ the add from zb1234 said, “And I can’t get her out of my head. She’s not too tall and not too short, slim and curvy, and has gorgeous wavy brown hair and sparkling brown eyes. Her cheeks dimple when she smiles. If this sounds like you, let me know, and I’ll make it worth your while.”’
There was little character development and the actions and motives of the protagonist, Allie, often confused me and had me re-reading to see if I’d missed something, which is something easily avoidable with decent editing on a first draft. The lack of character development could be attributed to the fact that the book was only 81 pages long, not nearly enough time to develop decent plot and/or characters.
Allie was the clichéd, contradictory, naive girl who seemed to constantly put herself down ‘It’s not like he’d notice me, a mousy young waitress’. While Zac was a contrary confusion, who while obviously wanting to hook up with Allie ‘I met a girl… and I can’t get her out of my head’, would rather hook up with someone who looks like her, and gets angry when she is the one who replies to the add.
One irritating thing was the over-exaggeration of Michael, the sleazy, obnoxious blind date, who was obviously used as a pawn to juxtapose the general male population (Cliche; as viewed by women attempting to find a partner and failing because ‘all men are jerks’) with Zac, the caring helpful charmer.
I don’t think I would continue the series, and if I did it would only be because the book ends on a cliffhanger regarding Joel, Allie’s brother.
Rushed by Gina Robinson
3.0
A witty and originative novel; ‘Rushed’ is a story about life in college and living in a sorority. Alexis the reluctant pledge, and Zach the sexy off-limits houseboy are the loveable leads in this brilliantly thought out story by Gina Robinson.
Pressured into joining the Delta Delta Psi sorority by her parent’s third generation legacy, Alexis is dreading the inevitability of joining a sorority she doesn’t believe she fits in… until she meets one of the houseboys.
Zach, who blames himself for a tragic accident that occurred when he was younger, is working as a houseboy for the Double Deltsies and knows that being with Alexis would mean losing his job, something he can’t afford to have happen.
The beginning did seem to have a ‘high school drama’ vibe, but this was soon forgotten as the story picked up its pace and drew you in until you were completely immersed in the novel.
Robinson manages to maintain an upbeat and entertaining vibe throughout the novel, creating a fantastic and captivating read that flows effortlessly.
Pressured into joining the Delta Delta Psi sorority by her parent’s third generation legacy, Alexis is dreading the inevitability of joining a sorority she doesn’t believe she fits in… until she meets one of the houseboys.
Zach, who blames himself for a tragic accident that occurred when he was younger, is working as a houseboy for the Double Deltsies and knows that being with Alexis would mean losing his job, something he can’t afford to have happen.
The beginning did seem to have a ‘high school drama’ vibe, but this was soon forgotten as the story picked up its pace and drew you in until you were completely immersed in the novel.
Robinson manages to maintain an upbeat and entertaining vibe throughout the novel, creating a fantastic and captivating read that flows effortlessly.