The Love Hypothesis

 

As a third-year Ph.D. candidate, Olive Smith doesn't believe in lasting romantic relationships--but her best friend does, and that's what got her into this situation. Convincing Anh that Olive is dating and well on her way to a happily ever after was always going to take more than hand-wavy Jedi mind tricks: Scientists require proof. So, like any self-respecting biologist, Olive panics and kisses the first man she sees.

That man is none other than Adam Carlsen, a young hotshot professor--and well-known ass. Which is why Olive is positively floored when Stanford's reigning lab tyrant agrees to keep her charade a secret and be her fake boyfriend. But when a big science conference goes haywire, putting Olive's career on the Bunsen burner, Adam surprises her again with his unyielding support and even more unyielding... six-pack abs.

Suddenly their little experiment feels dangerously close to combustion. And Olive discovers that the only thing more complicated than a hypothesis on love is putting her own heart under the microscope. - excerpt from Goodreads.

The Love Hypothesis by Ali Hazelwood will make you laugh, swoon and feel warm in your heart. I absolutely adored this book and was so mesmerised by the story. It made it to my top 3 favourite rom-com books in 2021. I appreciated all the scientific aspect of the book although I don't understand any of it but it showed how much thought the author put into building her characters. The story started off with a lot of fun and the plotline albeit simple yet it was engaging.

The book is written in Olive's perspective only which gives the reader a good grasp of her personality, challenges as well her growth. I absolutely loved reading her interactions with Adam, so intense and funny for many moments. As a reader, you can already feel the signals that Adam is giving her yet both of them dense to what is happening at the same time. Her past and her challenges greatly shapes her person and it's not unrealistic at all. When you read about it, you'll feel like if only she was more fortunate but alas it's part of the story. Adam is elusive at first but you can definitely get more of his personality shining through when he is with Olive, it's a side of him that is exclusive for her. For the supportive characters of the story, they are well written, contributes in moving the plot forward as well.

Layla

 

When Leeds meets Layla, he’s convinced he’ll spend the rest of his life with her—until an unexpected attack leaves Layla fighting for her life. After weeks in the hospital, Layla recovers physically, but the emotional and mental scarring has altered the woman Leeds fell in love with. In order to put their relationship back on track, Leeds whisks Layla away to the bed-and-breakfast where they first met. Once they arrive, Layla’s behavior takes a bizarre turn. And that’s just one of many inexplicable occurrences.

Feeling distant from Layla, Leeds soon finds solace in Willow—another guest of the B&B with whom he forms a connection through their shared concerns. As his curiosity for Willow grows, his decision to help her find answers puts him in direct conflict with Layla’s well-being. Leeds soon realizes he has to make a choice because he can’t help both of them. But if he makes the wrong choice, it could be detrimental for all of them. - excerpt from Goodreads.

Layla by Colleen Hoover explores different area and perspective. This book was written in the male perspective and started off with a heavy sense of mystery. I would say I was definitely surprised for a first half of the story. This review will be short because much of it will be spoilers if I talked about the plot itself. I can share that the characters are unique and their experiences worthy of your attention. I liked how the author transition between two timelines, how going back and forth is the key to my constant drawn to the book.

I love how real the feelings of Leeds is, how honest he is in his thoughts. Although he tries his best in saving the relationship, you can also feel how weary he is. As for Layla, you do not get her perspective but her reactions to Leeds. When another important character like Willow is introduced into the story, your curiosity as a reader will rub on, that wanting to know how things will end up.

I was quite anxious to complete the book and get to the ending and to my relief it was less than 300 pages long. This is definitely one of the shortest Colleen Hoover book I've read. I don't absolutely love it like some of the other titles but overall this was a good book. It highlights the changes of human when met with tragedy, it talks about love in a way that it recognizes familiarity and also being able to grow as well. The thing that I did not like about this book is that the setting is quite stuck but I understand it's because of the nature of the situation that Leeds, Layla and Willow is caught in.  Anymore comments will lead to spoilers. so just get ready for mystery, love and human principles that needs to be questioned. This is probably the first Colleen Hoover book that I won't re-read as knowing the ending gives away to all the mystery.

You had me at Hola

Leading Ladies do not end up on tabloid covers. 

After a messy public breakup, soap opera darling Jasmine Lin Rodriguez finds her face splashed across the tabloids. When she returns to her hometown of New York City to film the starring role in a bilingual romantic comedy for the number one streaming service in the country, Jasmine figures her new “Leading Lady Plan” should be easy enough to follow—until a casting shake-up pairs her with telenovela hunk Ashton Suárez. 

Leading Ladies don’t need a man to be happy. 

After his last telenovela character was killed off, Ashton is worried his career is dead as well. Joining this new cast as a last-minute addition will give him the chance to show off his acting chops to American audiences and ping the radar of Hollywood casting agents. To make it work, he’ll need to generate smoking-hot on-screen chemistry with Jasmine. Easier said than done, especially when a disastrous first impression smothers the embers of whatever sexual heat they might have had. 

Leading Ladies do not rebound with their new costars. 

With their careers on the line, Jasmine and Ashton agree to rehearse in private. But rehearsal leads to kissing, and kissing leads to a behind-the-scenes romance worthy of a soap opera. While their on-screen performance improves, the media spotlight on Jasmine soon threatens to destroy her new image and expose Ashton’s most closely guarded secret. - excerpt from Goodreads.

You had me at Hola by Alexis Dara is a sexy book with a charming and loving story. Firstly I love alternating point of views, as I'm always curious how both characters react and the thoughts in their heads. The book having a drama script in it as well kept me well entertained. From who they are individually and how both of them are different when with each other, it was laid out carefully with the mindset of growth and changes. I love how the author is writing about a culture that I know not much of. I am definitely feel inferior when Spanish was used in the book and having to search those words was a little bit tedious when you're in the mood of continuous reading. So I just went with the flow of words and figured out the meaning after some time.

The tension and interactions between Jasmine and Ashton was so sexy, exciting and well you just want more to happen between them. I enjoyed their personalities and also their background. The value of family and individuality is strongly highlighted in the book. I love the pacing of the book as well as the inclusion of scripts of the drama they are working on. Jasmine's cousins brought so much fun and laughing moments in the story, the great relationship and bond they have is something I craved for myself. I do yearn for that sisterhood where you can just rant and discuss about anything with them, that they also have your best interest always.

Lastly, the struggles these people go through for the colour of their skin is a great lesson for readers. It helps broaden our views slightly and hopefully manage to touch some people to not be judgy and instead have acceptance. Lately I have been reading books that is much more diverse instead of picturing characters to be white skin. I definitely learnt a lot and appreciate that more and more culture are told in romance stories, it can be romantic and meaningful at the same time. I think this is a unique romance novel on its own and am excited as we see more of a diverse ethnicity mentioned and many stories of theirs to be told.

 

99% Mine

 

Darcy Barrett has undertaken a global survey of men. She’s travelled the world, and can categorically say that no one measures up to Tom Valeska, whose only flaw is that Darcy’s twin brother Jamie saw him first and claimed him forever as his best friend. Despite Darcy’s best efforts, Tom’s off limits and loyal to her brother, 99%. That’s the problem with finding her dream man at age eight and peaking in her photography career at age twenty—ever since, she’s had to learn to settle for good enough.

When Darcy and Jamie inherit a tumble-down cottage from their grandmother, they’re left with strict instructions to bring it back to its former glory and sell the property. Darcy plans to be in an aisle seat halfway across the ocean as soon as the renovations start, but before she can cut and run, she finds a familiar face on her porch: house-flipper extraordinaire Tom’s arrived, he’s bearing power tools, and he’s single for the first time in almost a decade.

Suddenly Darcy’s considering sticking around to make sure her twin doesn’t ruin the cottage’s inherent magic with his penchant for grey and chrome. She’s definitely not staying because of her new business partner’s tight t-shirts, or that perfect face that's inspiring her to pick up her camera again. Soon sparks are flying—and it’s not the faulty wiring. It turns out one percent of Tom’s heart might not be enough for Darcy anymore. This time around, she’s switching things up. She’s going to make Tom Valeska 99 percent hers. - excerpt from Goodreads.

99% Mine by Sally Thorne is my second book of hers. After reading such a good one, this one was not up to my expectations. I felt that the lead female had too many issues that she needed to deal with on her own but instead acted in a way that was quite annoying.  I find it quite hard to give a longer review of this book than usual because I don't really have a lot to say. The character itself was rebellious, quite immature and her lack of growth made it those books that sometimes I want to skip her thoughts. The plots were good, the premise is not bad but her behavior which is justified by her upbringing is not relatable and certainly not likeable as well.  I would commend that the author did a great job portraying her as a bitch. Her interactions with the male interest was the only thing that kept my attention as I wanted to know how he would react. I quite like the male interest and was hoping for more family involvement as well but it was not enough. The banter is fun at times but it would turned into annoying after a while. 

The plot was unpredictable but there wasn't a lot happening at once. It was something quite straightforward without too many plot twists. Once I completed the book, I didn't feel blissful neither did I get any butterflies in my tummy from this book. It was just mediocre and something I wouldn't read again. If I'm being honest I think what the author was doing was to present a deeper, more emotionally stressed character that made her who she is from her decisions as well as her upbringing. I felt that she chose to think the way she thinks and the actions she made, in someway yes family plays a part but she has separated them from her for such a long time I would have expected growth. Instead this character went downhill and needed a lot of repair and revelation to move forward. I understand that there will be character struggles but this one is just too unrealistic.  Overall the characters' interactions are what kept her reading, it was fun at times, sexy as well. It's definitely not fantastic like 'The hating game' so no loss if you miss out on this title.

A Good Girl's Guide to Murder

The case is closed. Five years ago, schoolgirl Andie Bell was murdered by Sal Singh. The police know he did it. Everyone in town knows he did it.

But having grown up in the same small town that was consumed by the murder, Pippa Fitz-Amobi isn't so sure. When she chooses the case as the topic for her final year project, she starts to uncover secrets that someone in town desperately wants to stay hidden. And if the real killer is still out there, how far will they go to keep Pip from the truth? - excerpt from Goodreads.

A Good Girl's Guide to Murder by Holly Jackson  is her first debut into the world of YA thriller/mystery. I have definitely not been active in the bookstagram scene, hence this book wasn't on my radar at all. As someone who love 'Truly Devious' and 'Charlotte Holmes' series, this was right down my alley. I will confess that I am pretty picky when it comes to these genre as Pretty Little Liars, The Lying Game are similar  but I did not have a liking to the plot line. My favourite have always been a crime being solved because I love to form my speculations, gather the facts from the book and have my own set of suspects, a little sleuthing while I read. Books like these are so much fun because when you get to the end, you get to know if you had the right target as well.

Crazy Stupid Bromance

 

Alexis Carlisle and her cat café, ToeBeans, have shot to fame after she came forward as a victim of a celebrity chef’s sexual harassment. When a new customer approaches to confide in her, the last thing Alexis expects is for the woman to claim they’re sisters. Unsure what to do, Alexis turns to the only man she trusts—her best friend, Noah Logan.

Computer genius Noah left his rebellious teenage hacker past behind to become a computer security expert. Now he only uses his old skills for the right cause. But Noah’s got a secret: He’s madly in love with Alexis. When she asks for his help, he wonders if the timing will ever be right to confess his crush.

Noah’s pals in The Bromance Book Club are more than willing to share their beloved “manuals” to help him go from bud to boyfriend. But he must decide if telling the truth is worth risking the best friendship he’s ever had.

A hacktivist and a cat café owner decode the friend zone in this romantic comedy from the author of Undercover Bromance. - excerpt from Goodreads.

Crazy Stupid Bromance by Lyssa Kay Adams is about two best friends who dare not take the next step for fear of ruining the friendship. Well the dudes are back again and this book did not disappoint, I would say it's my favourite out of the three. It was really unexpected, especially the plot twists. I was definitely caught by surprise on multiple occasions and my heart swooned so much by Noah. 

The best parts is in my opinion are the characters, both of them are just capturing with their personalities complimenting each other as well as bringing out the best in each other. I liked how their past made them stronger and taught them lessons which was valuable. I also loved the chemistry between the two of them, let's just say when it gets intimate I swear my toes rolled up in excitement. Of course, this book will not have its flair without the members of the bromance book club. I love how when they gather up and gives advice it's something that can be related to real life. Their conversations are many laugh out loud moments. I cannot get enough of them which made me realised the men of the books are the stars for sure. The bond and their matureness is outstanding and makes me wonder will I meet these kind of men in my life, hahahaha. 

Kiss My Cupcake

 

Blaire Calloway has planned every Instagram-worthy moment of her cupcake and cocktails shop launch down to the tiniest detail. What she didn't plan on? Ronan Knight and his old-school sports bar next door opening on the very same day. He may be super swoony, but Blaire hasn't spent years obsessing over buttercream and bourbon to have him ruin her chance at success.

From axe throwing (his place) to frosting contests (hers), Blaire and Ronan are constantly trying to one-up each other in a battle to win new customers. But with every clash, there's also an undeniable chemistry. When an even bigger threat to their business comes to town, they're forced to call a temporary time-out on their own war and work together. And the more time Blaire spends getting to know the real Ronan, the more she wonders if it's possible to have her cupcake and eat it too.

As two neighborhood shop owners battle for business, they prove opposites attract in this outrageously funny romantic comedy from the USA Today bestselling author of Meet Cute. -excerpt from Goodreads.

Kiss My Cupcake by Helena Hunting portrays a strong female character that is capable without the help or support of her family, she does not let people climb over her head and is confident in her way of things. I would say the book starts off with good chemistry between the Blaire and Ronan. Although it started as a nemesis thing but eventually it turned into something meaningful. Their encounters and the swap in both point of views makes this more enjoyable as you get a taste of both side of the story. I would say this book is fairly creative for the author in thinking of events for the chapters. I absolutely love the different chapter titles, I think this is the author's signature in writing. You definitely get laughs from some of the social media postings as well as the clashes of the characters.

The Right Swipe

 

Rhiannon Hunter may have revolutionized romance in the digital world, but in real life she only swipes right on her career—and the occasional hookup. The cynical dating app creator controls her love life with a few key rules:

- Nude pics are by invitation only

- If someone stands you up, block them with extreme prejudice

- Protect your heart

Only there aren't any rules to govern her attraction to her newest match, former pro-football player Samson Lima. The sexy and seemingly sweet hunk woos her one magical night... and disappears.

Rhi thought she'd buried her hurt over Samson ghosting her, until he suddenly surfaces months later, still big, still beautiful—and in league with a business rival. He says he won't fumble their second chance, but she's wary. A temporary physical partnership is one thing, but a merger of hearts? Surely that’s too high a risk…- excerpt from Goodreads.

The Right Swipe by Alisha Rai is about a woman who lost confidence in love but perhaps by fate it's standing in front of her again. Rhi has something hidden about her past and as the story progresses more of it is revealed. Samson caught in a swirl of misunderstanding tries to fix it and hopefully will have a second chance again with Rhi. Written in dual perspective, the author has made sure that both characters have their personalities portrayed, their side of the story shared and of course their growth as well. As much I've liked the chemistry they both have, the story wouldn't have worked without great support characters as well. Those characters bring out different sides of Rhi and Samson.