Okay, so I went into "Only Love Can Hurt Like This" with high hopes—I've heard Paige Toon is basically the queen of emotional romances, and the title Okay, so I went into "Only Love Can Hurt Like This" with high hopes—I've heard Paige Toon is basically the queen of emotional romances, and the title alone sounded like it was going to break my heart in all the right ways. And, yes, it did deliver on some of the feels…but honestly, not as much as I hoped.
I will say that author Paige Toon knows how to write beautiful, bittersweet moments, and there were definitely parts that hit the heart. The family and backstory elements were done well, and I actually enjoyed the side characters a lot. The main problem is that the romantic chemistry parts were not that solid. It’s got this angsty, star-crossed-lovers vibe, which I usually love, but somehow it didn’t fully click here. The chemistry between the main characters was there, but it felt almost forced at times, like the author was trying so hard to make us believe in their love without letting it just happen naturally. I found myself flipping through some sections just to get back to the main story.
Would I recommend it? Sure, if you’re a Paige Toon fan or just love a good emotional read, but if you’re looking for something groundbreaking, it might leave you wanting more....more
Cole's writing style is as captivating as ever, weaving a tale that effortlessly pulls at the heartstrings.
What I loved most about this novel was its Cole's writing style is as captivating as ever, weaving a tale that effortlessly pulls at the heartstrings.
What I loved most about this novel was its characters. They felt like friends I've known forever, flawed but so incredibly real. I found myself rooting for them every step of the way; each with their own struggles, dreams, and desires. It's impossible not to become emotionally invested in their journey.
When I first checked out the book summary, I thought it would mainly revolve around age-gap romance. But to my surprise, it turned out to be much more than that. It's a story about forgiving oneself, growing as a person, and finding redemption in unexpected places. It's a reminder that even in tough times, there's always a glimmer of hope to hold on to.
Sure, the story may follow some familiar tropes, have a slow pace, and lack significant steamy moments. I am pleased that Carian Cole brings her own unique voice and perspective to the table. The result is a story that feels fresh, authentic, and impossible to put down. I was so engrossed that I managed to finish it in just three days....more
I've already read the book a few times and seen the movie. Still, the meaningful side of the story continues to leave a lasting impression on me and hI've already read the book a few times and seen the movie. Still, the meaningful side of the story continues to leave a lasting impression on me and has made me think again and again about how precious every moment of life is....more
The positive impression created in the opening chapters was promising. However, the author couldn't maintain that momentum, and the book didn't live uThe positive impression created in the opening chapters was promising. However, the author couldn't maintain that momentum, and the book didn't live up to its full potential. Ultimately, it left me with mixed feelings.
The story of this novel definitely had a unique and refreshing plot. What I enjoyed the most was how the author skillfully blended supernatural elements with a sweet love story. The slightly eerie atmosphere even reminded me of The Addams Family. In that aspect, these elements were the only things that kept me interested and motivated to keep reading.
My main issue with this book is that the author's writing style didn't connect with me. It felt like there were too many unnecessary words for a book of its length. There were lots of extra details that didn't really add to the story. And for the most part, the FMC was talking extensively without actually conveying much substance. Even though the ending was okay, it seemed like the author was trying too hard to make certain parts happen, that made it less enjoyable overall.
ANYWAY, I liked the author's refreshing imaginative thinking. I'll have to see what other books she has written. ...more
I recently finished reading "The Goldfinch" by Donna Tartt, and while it certainly had its moments, I can~ A Decent Read with Some Flaws - 3.5 Stars ~
I recently finished reading "The Goldfinch" by Donna Tartt, and while it certainly had its moments, I can't help but feel a bit conflicted about my overall experience with the book.
The novel starts off with a gripping and emotionally charged event, setting the stage for what seemed to be a promising narrative. The protagonist, Theo, is a complex and well-developed character whose journey I found compelling. The author skillfully navigates his coming-of-age amidst tragedy, and the exploration of grief and loss is handled with great sensitivity. The writing style is undoubtedly one of the book's strengths. Donna Tartt's prose is rich and eloquent, which immerses the reader in the various settings and adds depth to the story.
However, despite its strengths, "The Goldfinch" suffers from some significant pacing issues. At times, the narrative feels unnecessarily drawn-out, and certain sections seem to meander without contributing much to the overall plot. This caused my engagement to waver, and I found myself losing interest in parts of the book.
Additionally, while Theo's character is compelling, I struggled to connect with some of the supporting cast. Many secondary characters felt underdeveloped and lacked the depth that would have made their interactions with Theo more impactful. As a result, certain relationships and plotlines felt unconvincing and left me wanting more. And I must say that the ending left me somewhat unsatisfied. After investing time in the story, the resolution felt somewhat abrupt and left a few key questions unanswered, leaving me with a feeling of unresolved anticipation....more
An absolutely phenomenal book that deserves every one of its five stars. Even though I read the book three years ago, revisiting it now feels like I aAn absolutely phenomenal book that deserves every one of its five stars. Even though I read the book three years ago, revisiting it now feels like I am experiencing it for the first time. The story still captivates me just as much as it did before, and the characters and their struggles still feel fresh and relevant. It's almost as if the book has a timeless quality that makes it feel both familiar and new at the same time....more
I couldn't help but feel that Aria and Cade's relationship lacked the solid buildup and tension. The writer rushed through their attraction to one anoI couldn't help but feel that Aria and Cade's relationship lacked the solid buildup and tension. The writer rushed through their attraction to one another, and didn't take enough time to develop the emotional level depth of their relationship. I found myself wishing for more exploration of their feelings, as it seemed like there were a lot of missed opportunities.
The good thing is the few flaws in the book were overshadowed by how the story's most sensitive part was handled. The author has managed to bring light to a subject that people don't want to talk about but that absolutely exists! Well-written and very informative! Moreover, the dual points of view in the book made the story more enjoyable.
Trigger Warnings: Self harming, Grief, Childhood abuse and witness the scene of suicide....more
This novel by Kelley McNeil was a delightful surprise. Despite being her first published work, the author demonstrated exceptional talent, showcasing This novel by Kelley McNeil was a delightful surprise. Despite being her first published work, the author demonstrated exceptional talent, showcasing a writing style that was both sophisticated and effortless. A remarkable blend of excitement, wonder, and suspense made it unforgettable from start to finish.
The main twist of the story was that it was an unintentional journey from one dimension to another where the main protagonist, Annie Beyers, finds herself in the wrong situation. With each passing day in this new dimension, Annie’s remembered past and unfamiliar present begin to blur. Haunted by visions of Hannah (her only daughter), and with knowledge of things she can’t explain, Annie wonders... is she getting sick like her mother, or is it all a big lie?! As a mother, reading this book was an emotional and enlightening experience. The journey of the protagonist was so relatable, and I found myself feeling her pain, frustration, and hopelessness. The real joy of this book came from uncovering the answers to all the questions and realizing important lessons through the protagonist's journey. I was pleasantly stunned by the depth of the story and found myself thoroughly engrossed in this mysterious tale. Loved it!
P.S: This book, in my opinion, should have been included in the time travel fantasy genre. In this way, before choosing to read, it would be more convenient for the readers to understand the real theme of the book....more
Once Upon a Broken Heart is the first book in an enthralling new fantasy series from "Caraval" author Stephanie Garber. I haven't read he5++++ ✨stars!
Once Upon a Broken Heart is the first book in an enthralling new fantasy series from "Caraval" author Stephanie Garber. I haven't read her Caraval series yet, so I had no idea what this book would be like.
Shockingly, from the first chapter, I was so engrossed in the story that I didn't even realize I had read 60% in one sitting. I was totally amazed at how well all the aspects were balanced. This enthralling story is full of adventure, mystery, betrayal, chemistry, jealousy, curses, magic, deception, and faith in true love. Just the perfect package! Undoubtedly, this one is going to be added to my all-time favorites.
My only issue is with the main protagonist, Evangeline Fox. Her character is portrayed as too naive. Every time she made the wrong decision, I turned off my Kindle screen and screamed, "Stupid woman, are you blind?" ...more
The concept of the story held such promise; I could truly feel Tressa's sorrow and the weight of her depression woven throughout the pages. However, tThe concept of the story held such promise; I could truly feel Tressa's sorrow and the weight of her depression woven throughout the pages. However, there were aspects that simply didn't add up. It left me feeling quite puzzled and confused....more
Reading this book for the second time was a bit of a mixed bag. The story still had that emotional punch, diving into the complexities of relationshipReading this book for the second time was a bit of a mixed bag. The story still had that emotional punch, diving into the complexities of relationships, which I appreciated. But, here's the thing—the twists in the plot felt a tad too familiar, like déjà vu, you know? I was hoping for a bit more unpredictability to keep me on my toes.
Anyway, despite these minor letdowns, the book does come through with a heartfelt message about healing and getting another shot at love. It's got this nostalgic vibe that I enjoyed, and Cherry's writing is pretty solid. Sure, it's not perfect, but the book manages to create this intimate connection that makes it a worthwhile read, imperfections and all....more
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