quiteliterary's reviews
118 reviews

Soldier Sailor by Claire Kilroy
Did not finish book. Stopped at 10%.

Just couldn’t connect to MC at all. 

Friends Like These by Meg Rosoff

reflective sad medium-paced

• Plot- or character-driven? Character
• Strong character development? It's complicated

Not one likeable character on sight. Everyone’s just pathetic and miserable. 

Happy All the Time by Laurie Colwin
Did not finish book. Stopped at 38%.

In the name of writing complex female characters, they just ended up having no depth with a side of emotional constipation. If I wanted to hear about boring relationships, I could just talk to couples I know in real life. 

The Return of Ellie Black by Emiko Jean

dark emotional hopeful mysterious sad tense medium-paced

• Plot- or character-driven? Plot
• Strong character development? Yes
• Diverse cast of characters? Yes

3.0

Plot twist didn’t seem necessary to me. Felt like it was for the dramatic effect. I think the story would have still been okay (or maybe better) if things were predictable. Some parts fell flat and the ending seemed a little rushed even though I think every question I had was answered, but the book wasn’t too bad of a read overall. While description of events aren’t too graphic, they are still heavy so heed warnings.

Good Material by Dolly Alderton

emotional funny hopeful inspiring reflective medium-paced

• Plot- or character-driven? Character
• Strong character development? Yes
• Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes

5.0

If men suffer in silence, then why am I reading about it?

However, I actually enjoyed this. I never really care to know a man’s perspective on anything but this was written by a woman so I thought I should give it a try. Turns out I definitely did see the hype. It was funny, and exactly how I thought a man’s perspective on a break up would be. 

I can see why some people would dislike this, and even DNF. Andy is annoying, whiny and insecure but I think D.A made that intentional. Everything was a hit on the nail. It is easier to read this if you read this as something satirical with its moments here and there. 

The last chapter though, which was Jen’s perspective, was the cherry on top. Chef’s kiss. Everything she said was little too close to home. If this book had came out when 10 years ago, I’d probably have processed my break up better. 

When He Was Wicked by Julia Quinn

emotional hopeful sad medium-paced

• Plot- or character-driven? A mix
• Strong character development? Yes
• Loveable characters? Yes

3.0

Some parts made me feel annoyed (while I got their dilemma, all they had to do was talk and not run away at every chance they get) and uncomfortable (no verbal consent during one of their rated scenes). 

I didn’t like Michael pressuring her to agree to his proposal. As if he wasn’t always facing his own dilemma. His bursts of anger were odd too. I don’t think we even got a proper explanation. We don’t get to see John as much as we do with Michael, but John was definitely a better man. 

I really loved the moments between Francesca with all the women. Especially the ones with the Bridgerton ladies. Hyacinth was hilarious. Book Francesca and show Francesca are pretty similar so it was easy to picture the actress while reading this. 

P.S the scene at John’s grave made me cry tho. So there’s that. 🥲

Better Left Unsent by Lia Louis
Did not finish book. Stopped at 42%.

Very slow and boring.

An Offer From a Gentleman by Julia Quinn

emotional hopeful lighthearted sad medium-paced

• Plot- or character-driven? A mix
• Strong character development? Yes

3.0

This is the first Bridgerton book I’ve ever read because I’ve been anticipating for Benedict’s season which Shonda skipped this time. 

You can expect a typical Cinderella story so there is nothing to dissect or analyse. It is a fun and easy read. But try not to be disappointed with Benedict’s characterisation if you are coming in here as a fan of the Netflix show.

While I adored show Ben, book Ben was infuriating and gave me the ick most of the time. But I had been familiar with that prior to reading this. So I already knew what I was jumping into. 

I was mostly looking forward to meeting Sophie, whom was easy to love. I am excited to see who will portray her in the show and how much of the plot Shonda is going tweak for their season! 

The Life of the Mind by Christine Smallwood
Did not finish book. Stopped at 9%.

So much was said. So little mattered. 

Blue Sisters by Coco Mellors
Did not finish book. Stopped at 19%.

I didn’t like Cleopatra and Frankenstein which I’ve picked up twice, DNF both times. But I really wanted to like this one because I love stories about sisters. But this spoke nothing of their sisterhood. Except for the fact that two of them can’t stand each other. One is dead. The other is just there, who is kind of the only one I cared about. 

Similarly with C&F, the writing in this one felt very flat. Avery and Lucky have personality traits that you can’t miss while reading but somehow they still felt one dimensional. I feel like the audience only got to dip their toes into Bonnie’s POVs which is odd because wasn’t she the sister closest to Nicky? At least that’s what I got from reading the different POVs.  

I’ve concluded that maybe Coco Mellors’ writing style just doesn’t work for me. She has pretty book covers tho.