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palmsygal's reviews
91 reviews
Love, Theoretically by Ali Hazelwood
funny
informative
lighthearted
slow-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
4.0
I am in no way ashamed to say that I love Ali Hazelwood’s works. Do they sometimes give off wattpad? Absolutely. Do I devour that content? Absolutely.
After the few books I’ve read so far this year, I wanted some familiarity, some cheese, and some cuteness, so I knew picking up this novel would give me all 3.
Academic rivals to lovers? Yes please. Selfless male leads who care only what their other half REALLY wants (and stops at nothing to make sure she’s honest about it so he can give her all and above) Yes please. Falling for a brother’s FAKE-girlfriend and the inner turmoil related to this? Yes PLEASE.
There were so many differing characters in this book: from the surprise about who George actually was, to mentor’s secretly being nasty critters, to a diabetic who moulds herself into what she believes others want. Elsie’s character and development was lovely to read, and I felt I could relate to her in quite a few ways, which gave her progress a lot more depth to me.
4/5 because I loved it, it was cute, it made me laugh and cry and swoon. However, again with the wattpad, sometimes it was a tiny bit cringey, even for me. I also feel you could predict a lot of things, that were supposed to be surprising, from the get-go.
I feel it also worthy to note that I absolutely need a Jack Smith-Turner in my life, ASAP.
After the few books I’ve read so far this year, I wanted some familiarity, some cheese, and some cuteness, so I knew picking up this novel would give me all 3.
Academic rivals to lovers? Yes please. Selfless male leads who care only what their other half REALLY wants (and stops at nothing to make sure she’s honest about it so he can give her all and above) Yes please. Falling for a brother’s FAKE-girlfriend and the inner turmoil related to this? Yes PLEASE.
There were so many differing characters in this book: from the surprise about who George actually was, to mentor’s secretly being nasty critters, to a diabetic who moulds herself into what she believes others want. Elsie’s character and development was lovely to read, and I felt I could relate to her in quite a few ways, which gave her progress a lot more depth to me.
4/5 because I loved it, it was cute, it made me laugh and cry and swoon. However, again with the wattpad, sometimes it was a tiny bit cringey, even for me. I also feel you could predict a lot of things, that were supposed to be surprising, from the get-go.
I feel it also worthy to note that I absolutely need a Jack Smith-Turner in my life, ASAP.
The Mysterious Affair at Styles by Agatha Christie
adventurous
mysterious
relaxing
slow-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Plot
- Diverse cast of characters? No
4.0
This was my first Agatha Christie novel and I must say I was pleasantly surprised. I do love a murder mystery anyway, so I had high expectations that the plot would be good, but that I may find the writing outside of my comfort zone. However, it was an easy read, I enjoyed the plot and the characters, and the writing did not give any troubles that I expected.
Also, the slight underlying tones of fruitiness in Poirot’s character was *chef’s kiss*.
The only thing that made me give a 4 star instead of a 5 star was the ‘plot twist’ ending. I don’t want to spoil anything, but I think it needed a little more build up and explanation in some parts, as it seemed a tad rushed? That’s my personal opinion though, I have seen that others lapped up the ending and were totally shocked.
Also, the slight underlying tones of fruitiness in Poirot’s character was *chef’s kiss*.
The only thing that made me give a 4 star instead of a 5 star was the ‘plot twist’ ending. I don’t want to spoil anything, but I think it needed a little more build up and explanation in some parts, as it seemed a tad rushed? That’s my personal opinion though, I have seen that others lapped up the ending and were totally shocked.
Under the Whispering Door by TJ Klune
emotional
reflective
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
5.0
If I could give this a higher rating, I would. I absolutely adored this book and it took me until a day later to write this review because of how much I sobbed due to this book (trust me, I couldn’t see my screen so would’ve been no good writing a review).
It genuinely radiated so much warmth and soul, and was such a touching story to describe the topic of life-after-death. The characters each had their own specialness and were each unique, and I fell in love with every single one of them.
Touching, insightful, emotional and sad… with a dash of sarcasm throughout… this book embraced my expectations, shredded them up and gave me a big “I can show you much better” from the very first chapter.
It genuinely radiated so much warmth and soul, and was such a touching story to describe the topic of life-after-death. The characters each had their own specialness and were each unique, and I fell in love with every single one of them.
Touching, insightful, emotional and sad… with a dash of sarcasm throughout… this book embraced my expectations, shredded them up and gave me a big “I can show you much better” from the very first chapter.
Content Warnings
Moderate: Death
Minor: Suicide and Child death
The Seven Husbands of Evelyn Hugo by Taylor Jenkins Reid
emotional
hopeful
informative
sad
slow-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
5.0
If I could give this book more than 5 stars, I would. This book was absolutely gobsmackingly amazing. I’d put it off for so long due to fear of being disappointed - now, I don’t think disappointment could ever be linked to this novel. I laughed, I cried (more than that really, I SOBBED) and I fell in love while simultaneously despising Evelyn’s character (though I do think that was the point of the book!!).
TLDR: PLEASE read this book!!! I assure you that you will be pleasantly shocked and will not expect a lot of what happens!
TLDR: PLEASE read this book!!! I assure you that you will be pleasantly shocked and will not expect a lot of what happens!