April 2023 Mini Reviews

 Alex and Eliza by Melissa de la Cruz

Alex & Eliza #1

Published: 7th September 2017 by Pan Macmillan

I received a copy of this e-book from the publisher via NetGalley. This in no way affects my review.

I really wanted to love this book - I've always enjoyed de la Cruz's books in the past and as a fan of Hamilton I was very excited to read a book recounting their love story in more detail than we get on stage. However, there was something about this that I just couldn't click with. I'm not sure if it was the pace in the first half being slower than I thought it would be, or if it came from me having watched the show before reading this, which although you'd think would be the right way to do it, made me compare their love story to how it was portrayed in Hamilton. Not knowing the actual history, it did feel strange that there was no love triangle between ALex, Eliza, and Angelica and that the older Schuyler sister was shipped off quite quickly in the story. It did pick itself back up in the last third, but I don't think I'll be continuing with the trilogy, which is a bit of a shame.

3 stars

Just My Type by Falon Ballard

Published: 7th February 2023 by Headline

I received a copy of this e-book from the publisher via NetGalley. This in no way affects my review.

I had heard really good things about Ballard's debut Lease on Love, and on this second novel of hers too, so I was excited to get into it. I clicked with the writing style straight away, and found myself getting through the chapters really easily, especially the integration of texts and chat messages alongside the prose. Unfortunately there were a few things, some minor and some major, that I wasn't a fan of and I probably would've rated this lower if it wasn't for how much I liked both the writing style and the chemistry between Lana and Seth. I really wasn't a fan of the random Thor references interspersed; I can see what the author was trying to do but I just didn't think it necessary. I also got so frustrated at times with LAna refusing to admit to her feelings for Seth and prolonging both of their agonies, and I have to say it really didn't work in increasing tensions or making the ending more satisfying, it just did the opposite.

3.5 stars

Genuine Fraud by E. Lockhart

Published: 31st May 2018 by Hot Key Books

I received a copy of this e-book from the publisher via NetGalley. This in no way affects my review.

Lockhart's previous novel to this, We Were Liars, became such a phenomenon as a YA novel and I did really enjoy it, so I was looking forward to reading more of her work. Seeing that this is about to be turned into a film makes perfect sense, as the mystery element of this story would work perfectly being revealed on screen. However, I did find this to be confusing to read at times, especially the backwards chronology in which Lockhart tells this tale, which I understand is to add to the mystery but just left me not being able to keep track of things, especially Jule and Immie's relationship at any given time. I quite enjoyed the more gruesome, brutal elements, although I wasn't expecting them in the beginning, and unfortunately I didn't find the motive behind Jule's actions to sufficiently explain them. The ending wasn't satisfying, and ultimately I found myself wanting more from the story.

3 stars

Love in the Time of Serial Killers by Alicia Thompson

Published: 30th March 2023 by Transworld Publishers

I received a copy of this e-book from the publisher via NetGalley. This in no way affects my review.

I didn't look into this book much at all before reading it, I was just enticed by the incredible cover and title! I find that stories about people coming back to their home towns after a long period of time and reconnecting with their pasts always makes for an interesting read, and I did really enjoy that aspect of this book, especially Phoebe's growing relationship with her brother and his girlfriend. As someone who has written university essays on In Cold Blood, it was weird but quite nice to have it be the focus of the protagonist's dissertation as I actually understood the references. However, Phoebe's borderline obsession with the genre did frustrate me at times when I felt it was being used as a plot device to hinder her relationship with Sam, and it annoyed me when she behaved rudely for no need. Saying that, I did find myself enjoying the writing style, and I will be looking out for Thompson's upcoming romance.

3.5 stars