Hi everyone! I have been reading a TON but I haven't been posting a lot of detailed reviews because I've been reading primarily what I'd consider chick lit or romance novels which are a lot of fun and easy to read but there typically isn't a ton to reflect on or note in a review. I've had a lot of stuff going on and I have just needed some light reading to escape from the busyness of life! But, I thought I'd do a post here to share what I have been reading (in case you also need something more lighthearted and fun to read) lately ... quick note: I just checked and I've already read 53 books in 2015. That is a ton considering we're just in mid-March at this point!
My romance/chick-lit focus began with the 50 Shades trilogy because I really felt like I couldn't be critical of a series unless I'd actually read them ... so I jumped in and have basically read almost all romance since mid-February.
Mini Reviews -
NOTE: Although I'm not rating the Fifty Shades trilogy very high, I do understand why they are so beloved to some - the story really is engaging. My ratings are more focused on the actual writing of the books which I just don't think is good! I will say that I was drawn into the story and if I ignore the glaring annoyances - the bad writing, the inner goddess crap, etc - I can completely understand why so many love this series. I should also mention that I do not, in any way, think that these books glorify abuse in any way whatsoever. In fact, just the opposite. I think it's clear in the novels that Ana is the one with the power and any of the sexual experiences that they share in the novels were completely consensual and in no way abusive. Is Christian obsessive of Ana? Um, yes. But she pushes back on that aspect of his personality time and time again ... she is in no way his victim. Anyway, enough commentary. I just wanted to be clear that I'm not saying they are horrible stories - just poorly written stories, which is kind of sad because I can see the potential in the trilogy.
Fifty Shades of Grey by
E.L. James
My rating:
1 of 5 stars
I was talking about this book and someone asked me if I'd read it and I realized that I should read it before I comment on it.
Well, the first time I started it, I gave up in 3 pages because the writing is sooooo bad. And then I tried again. And I stuck through it and finished it. It's just not a well written book. It's silly, repetitive, unrealistic and poorly developed. I have to believe that there are better written novels about this BSDM topic. Not my kind of thing so I have no recommendations but I have to believe THIS isn't the best in the genre. I totally get why some women might like the idea of a Christian and this whole thing. But, I really struggled with this one - it's just not good.
I will, however, watch the film ... mostly because I'm a huge fan of Jamie Dornan and I'm interested to see what he can do with this material. I wasn't interested until he became attached to it. I'm not going to the theater ,.. I will wait until its on cable but I will see it. I'm doubting I'll read more of these.
NOTE: I did indeed see the movie after all and I actually really loved it. I think it was MUCH better written than the novel was and I think the casting was spot on! Jamie Dornan just BECAME Christian for me and I think Dakota Johnson was just adorable and funny. Many of the bad reviews of the movie must be by people who did not read the book - I keep hearing how wooden Jamie was but I thought he portrayed Christian exactly as he was written in the novels. Anyway, I was surprised how much I liked the movie!
Fifty Shades Darker by
E.L. James
My rating:
1 of 5 stars
See notes above ...
Fifty Shades Freed by
E.L. James
My rating:
1 of 5 stars
See notes above ...
Slammed by
Colleen Hoover
My rating:
4 of 5 stars
Oh Colleen Hoover! You are killing me! Yet another wonderful novel that made me cry like a baby! I read it in one sitting.
Bared to You by
Sylvia Day
My rating:
1 of 5 stars
Ugh! I only read this as someone told me I might like it better than 50 Shades as it was written better. Yeah, not so much. In fact, I think 50 Shades was far superior to this one, despite it's flaws. At least I somewhat bought the Christian/Ana relationship. This entire book felt like a rip-off of the 50 Shades story. And it wasn't even a good one. And the writing was just as bad, just different. I'm still looking for more decently written and well told romance ... This was not it.
Maybe Someday by
Colleen Hoover
My rating:
4 of 5 stars
Yet another really great book. It was a quick read but had a great deal of emotional punch! Colleen Hoover really knows how to write a compelling story!
Beautiful Disaster by
Jamie McGuire
My rating:
3 of 5 stars
Another easy read - I liked this one but didn't love it. These easy to read romances are hitting the spot lately!
Anna and the French Kiss by
Stephanie Perkins
My rating:
4 of 5 stars
What a pleasant surprise this book was ... very well written, well constructed, good character development, there was humor and good dialogue. Can't complain one bit! A nice little romance!
One Plus One by
Jojo Moyes
My rating:
3 of 5 stars
It took me a really long time to get into this book and care at all about the characters and their journey.I think this one suffered from my having read Me Before You prior to this one. It just isn't as good as that one ... at all. But, in the end, this one was a good book that I enjoyed. I just wish I'd been engaged earlier in the story and the characters as it would have been more impactful!
Lola and the Boy Next Door by
Stephanie Perkins
My rating:
4 of 5 stars
Isla and the Happily Ever After by
Stephanie Perkins
My rating:
4 of 5 stars
Confess by
Colleen Hoover
My rating:
4 of 5 stars
The Devil in Denim by
Melanie Scott
My rating:
4 of 5 stars
Really enjoyed this sports focused romance.
Angel in Armani by
Melanie Scott
My rating:
4 of 5 stars
Seeing Me Naked by
Liza Palmer
My rating:
4 of 5 stars
This little book really surprised me - it was a light read but not at all simple. There was complexity and character development in this one that stands out among similar books!
Nowhere But Home by
Liza Palmer
My rating:
4 of 5 stars
I really enjoyed this novel. Although it's a light read, there was a lot of complexity in this one. Very compelling story and multi-faceted characters. I really enjoyed how this explored themes of home, family and identity. Definitely recommend.
Ok, I think that's it for now. Sorry for the long post but I did want to share some of my recent reads in case you were interested in the whole romance genre and trying something new. I think that reading romance is really about finding what works for you and what doesn't. I've been pleasantly surprised by how much really good storytelling is in the genre ... I think I had some negative connotations with the whole 'romance' thing. It's been nice to discover that there is quite a bit of romance that I really do enjoy!
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