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nikkicruz_md's reviews
292 reviews
Normal People by Sally Rooney
sad
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? N/A
- Strong character development? No
- Loveable characters? No
- Diverse cast of characters? No
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
1.0
I tried reading this before but lost interest after a few chapters and decided to shelve it under DNF. However, a friend recently picked it up and bombarded me with questions about why I gave up on it. He made a compelling case for giving it another shot, so I mustered the resolve to revisit it.
I'm proud to say I finished it, but I still don’t understand the hype. I’ll admit that Rooney’s writing is beautiful, but I found it difficult to stay engaged. The pacing felt slow and uneventful, and by 84%, I was just trying to make sense of what was happening—so much had unfolded, yet it didn’t feel like anything had truly been resolved.
What frustrated me the most was that, despite Connell and Marianne’s personal growth, they continued to struggle with communication. Their love for each other was undeniable, and they were constantly drawn together like magnets, yet they never fully bridged that gap.
Ultimately, I think I’m just not the target audience for this kind of book because I honestly didn’t enjoy reading it.
Love, Mom by Iliana Xander
adventurous
dark
emotional
tense
fast-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
4.5
I immersed myself in this book after seeing such high praise from my Kindle Buddies in facebook and i was pleasantly surprised by how gripping it turned out to be. I was on the edge of my seat, especially at the end of Part 1 where a major plot twist was revealed. From that moment on, I cannot put the book down.
This is definitely a great read!
This is definitely a great read!
Crimson Dagger: Parts I & II by Morgan Rhodes
adventurous
fast-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? N/A
- Loveable characters? N/A
- Diverse cast of characters? N/A
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
3.0
It’s been a while since I picked up another fantasy - I am quite scared of what this genre will do to my heart and soul. The last Romantasy I’ve read nearly shattered me andI’m still reeling from the book hangover left by Sarah J. Maas’ The Throne of Glass series.
Thus, we embark on our journey with Falling Kingdoms. At this early stage, I find myself enjoying it.
But life is a series of injuries. Our scars are like the rings in a tree trunk, showing its progress through life. How we heal and move forward through adversity... that is what makes the difference. We can't run from our problems; we need to face them.
The Body in the Library by Agatha Christie
I love that Agatha Christie crafts the storytelling in a way that allows readers, along with Miss Marple, to solve the mystery by piecing together the facts, examining alibis, and uncovering the nuances of sleuthing—making it all the more interesting and fun.
I will definitely be back for more of Miss Marple's mysteries!
adventurous
mysterious
fast-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? It's complicated
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
4.5
So far, I am loving Miss Marple's mysteries, and I am fascinated by the way she solves crimes.
I love that Agatha Christie crafts the storytelling in a way that allows readers, along with Miss Marple, to solve the mystery by piecing together the facts, examining alibis, and uncovering the nuances of sleuthing—making it all the more interesting and fun.
I will definitely be back for more of Miss Marple's mysteries!
Beg, Borrow, or Steal by Sarah Adams
emotional
funny
lighthearted
fast-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? It's complicated
3.0
Love this!!!
The Murder at the Vicarage by Agatha Christie
challenging
mysterious
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
4.5
This is my first Agatha Christie book and I loved every bit of it!
Excited for Miss Marple’s adventures!
Excited for Miss Marple’s adventures!
Home by Whitney Hanson
emotional
fast-paced
3.5
This is a good read for those who have been left behind by someone.
It holds such a powerful message that you could (and you would) continue to grow even when love ends; that it would take a hell of a lot of courage to move forward but you will eventually heal and see the beauty in what you have gone through. ✨
It holds such a powerful message that you could (and you would) continue to grow even when love ends; that it would take a hell of a lot of courage to move forward but you will eventually heal and see the beauty in what you have gone through. ✨
The Housemaid's Wedding by Freida McFadden
emotional
hopeful
fast-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Plot
- Strong character development? N/A
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
3.5
Short and sweet :)
The Perfect Marriage by Jeneva Rose
funny
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? N/A
- Strong character development? No
- Loveable characters? No
- Diverse cast of characters? No
- Flaws of characters a main focus? It's complicated
2.0
I don’t know what has gotten into me.
Why did I pick this book?
I am so disappointed and as much as I wanted to DNF it (promised myself not to waste time on novels that does not spark joy), I’m almost at 80% so might as well finish it.
I mean, why is Adam Morgan so dumb? He was handed the photo of a suspect moments before he was face to face with the guy and he still cannot remember him? What the actual f*ck was that?
Adam said:
Adam said:
That’s Bob. Oh yes, I know Bob. He’s the one who’s been giving Sarah shit for the past couple of years and gunning for her job any chance he can get. He’s a fucking dick. I never liked him even before Sarah had problems with him
He’s known the guy for a long time and is still too dumb to realize that he was the one on the photo. My goodness. I can’t comprehend how dumb he could be. I’m not sure if the author wanted him to appear that way but again, how could he be so dumb?
There are major plot holes (GIGANTIC, even) yet there are so many story fillers that does not make sense. I’m rolling my eyes at the end thinking about all those extra scenes like "how the heck is that related to the plot?"
I am not an experienced author but you don’t need to be one to deduce that this is not a good book. I hope the 2nd book is better than this.
The Guest List by Lucy Foley
dark
emotional
tense
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
4.5
Slow burn but bloody amazing!
Kind of feel like it was going way too slow in the beginning but I never really minded the pace because Lucy Foley started the world building and character introduction in a very interesting way.
I’ve read about some people’s opinion regarding the multiple POVs but I loved them. It made me bond with the characters more.
All in all, this is a great read!
Guess I will be reading all of the books written by Lucy Foley now. Ciao! ☺️
Kind of feel like it was going way too slow in the beginning but I never really minded the pace because Lucy Foley started the world building and character introduction in a very interesting way.
I’ve read about some people’s opinion regarding the multiple POVs but I loved them. It made me bond with the characters more.
All in all, this is a great read!
Guess I will be reading all of the books written by Lucy Foley now. Ciao! ☺️
Content Warnings
Graphic: Death and Murder