I think…. Okay I’ll just say it. this is the best contemporary romance I’ve read so far.
Okay yeah, maybe I haven’t read alotof them, but enough to know most of them struggle to even brush my standards.
Wanna know my standards?
Both love interests arelikable.
The girl doesn’tconstantly whine.
The girl isn’t such a *tough girl* that she has no emotions or cares about no one whatsoever (or there isn’t a character arc for her becoming a caring, etc. person).Truly, this critique applies to every book out there, and I’m especially looking at YOU, YA.
If it’s supposed to be funny,it makes me actually laugh
A plot that doesn’t revolve around MISCOMMUNICATION
Their chemistry is somagnificent,the writer doesn’t need a kiss to show it (there can still be a kiss, obviously, but it should reflect their emotional/personality compatibility… not create it)
(And my personal standards are it’s not spicy and doesn’t have incessant and/or flippant language)
So guess what: this book met those standards and exceeded them.
Hannah isfreaking awesome.She’s a martial artsqueen,she reads people’s body language like a book, she’s so smart at her job of being a bodyguard. She struggles with workaholism (but honestly.. this was relatable to me so Igotit) and forgiving other people and herself, but her character arc in this was sweetly done. She does care, though— and that’s what I like about her. The book starts after she’s just lost her mom and she goes through a breakup— and I think that was a well done way to start the story, as it showed Hannah is a woman whodoescare a lot, about people and relationships, and she’s not this cold-hearted bodyguard figure. Also- her inner monologue is SUPERB. Her wit is delicious, I eat it for breakfast.
And Jack…. ahhh just discover him yourself. his character subtly unfolds into someone beautifullll. I loved how Katherine Center gave him the personal conflict and internal struggles that she did, I think they played out well in the story.
Their chemistry is. So. Good. The BANTER. The LOL moments. The cute fights over little things. Also, I’ll just say… PIGGYBACK RIDES. Adorableeeee Also Jack’s mom and dad were incredible people, simply put.
Only objections:The external conflict (not the inner, emotional or relational conflict, but the one involving Jack’s threatener) was a little ridiculous… and honestly I was here for that, until the ending, when it was… Idk, it wasn’t bad it was just kind of odd how it played out. Like, it supposed to be dramatic or inspiring maybe, but instead it was just kind of ridiculous, so I wasn’t sure if I was supposed to take it seriously.
But, it did not affect my opinion of the romance or dim the entire book. The resolution was sooo sweet, and the last words were yes, a little cheesy, but also so beautiful and I was here for it.
This is a little more than just a romance. Its themes weren’t anything profound… but they were there, as a simple and straightforward reminder. This is about losing love, finding love, defining love. Love is forgiving the people who ask for it, and forgiving yourself. Love is not about looks or fake or money. Love is in the little things, the smile lines, the worry creases, the stupid jokes, the peaceful walks. Even if Center didn’t attribute this kind of love to a reflection of God’s love, this book truly does grasp and reflect at beautiful love as much as it can.
In short:I devoured it. It warmed me from the inside out. It was freaking adorable without being cringey, and romantic without beingsteamy.I laughed more than I remember laughing at a book for a long time… and Imight’veshed a few tears too.
If this sounds like something YOU want to read, please pick this book up right now...more
YAY, I LOVED IT JUST AS MUCH AS THE FIRST TIME— IF NOT MORE!!
This book is a brilliant concoction ofHarry Potter and the Goblet of Fire’s plot (if itYAY, I LOVED IT JUST AS MUCH AS THE FIRST TIME— IF NOT MORE!!
This book is a brilliant concoction ofHarry Potter and the Goblet of Fire’s plot (if it was lighter hearted),Alice in Wonderland’s world (if it was a little more structured), a little bit ofMary Poppins’curiousness, and a little bit ofStar Wars’magic (The Forcevibes) — with characters blended from each of those — while still being its own fresh and exciting story.If that doesn’t sound like a fantastically fun story to you, I don’t know what is.
I want desperately to be transported to this new, magical city of Nevermoor; to stay at the eccentrically welcoming Hotel Deucalion; to get my own unique knack and be tested in the adventurous Trials to join the Wunder Society. I want to celebrate Christmas for a whole month there, and see Saint Nick and the Yule Queen have a “face off.” And I certainly want to float off a roof with my own magical umbrella (that’s the Mary Poppins part for you).
I want desperately to become friends with Jupiter North — wild, adventurous, sarcastic, and brilliant — who I have to say is myfavoritementor figure I’ve ever encountered (yes. I mean it. More than Dumbledore). I want to ride on Fenestra the sarcastic talking cat’s back, I want adorable Hawthorne to teach me how to ride dragons, and I want to hang out with stubborn and rebellious Morrigan as she discovers this Wunderous world.
I highly recommend this book if you want an absolutely fun and adventurous ride into an engrossing new world, with distinct characters, charming magic, and an exciting plot that unravels a deep secret behind the world… and a notorious villain — all told through Jessica Townsend’s flowing and merry writing style.
This book awakened the childlike side of me and I don’t want it to go away! ON TO THE SEQUEL!!!...more
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