All of my Year 2022 reads!

Book 1: The Dark Between Stars by Atticus

This was the first poetry book I read, which definitely did not disappoint! After reading this book, Atticus became one of my favourite poets (not that I have anyone else tbh). But it was actually a really perfect book filled with beautiful poetry. It was a great read for sure.

Book 2: The Twisted series by Ana Huang

I read all four of the books in this series, and that is, Twisted Love, Twisted Games, Twisted Hate, and last but not the least, Twisted Lies. Of all four books, my favourite was Twisted Games and my favourite character was, of course, Rhys Larsen. Who could deny the charms of Mr Larsen? Twisted Love was not that good, to be honest, but we of course should not overlook the fact that it was the author's first ever book written, then Twisted Games (as I said) became my favourite, Twisted Hate was a huge disappointment for me and Twisted Love was okay-ish. That pretty much sums up my feelings for the twisted series!

Click on the link to read more: Twisted Love Book Review, Twisted Games Book Review, Twisted Hate Book Review

Book 3: Ugly Love by Colleen Hoover

Ugly love was my first romance book in years. I had heard a lot about CoHo books and it is kind of pretty much famous in TikTokso I had to try it out! But it was okay-ish for me. Kind of (a little bit) disappointing. Because of this, I have still not read one of Colleen Hoover's best-seller It Ends with us. I am afraid, as this was so overhyped, I will feel the same with the other book.  

Click on the link to read more: Ugly Love Book Review 

Book 4: Hedon by Priyanka

This one was a good book actually, I really really hated the ending with a passion though. I think the author should have gone with any other ending rather than the one that is in the book. I mean, seriously?? That ending was so bad. The book is actually about a girl who is trying to find herself, even though I thought it would be another romance novel, it definitely was not.

Book 5: Looking for Alaska by John Green

Oh yes, one of my favourite books I read last year. This one is so good, I would gift it to every reader if I could. Definitely, a must-read! (I know I have said it already in my blog) But I don't care if you are a teenager or an adult, you definitely should give this book a try, no matter what's your age.

Click on the link to read more: Looking for Alaska Book Review  

Book 6: The Alchemist by Paulo Coelho

 Another good book. Not my top-5 book but definitely worth a read. This book will surely give you some life lessons that will really help you. I had heard a lot about this book from a lot of people, and I thought I should give it a try, and I, for sure don't regret buying and reading this book. Finally, a book that is worth the hype that it got. 

Click on the link to read more: The Alchemist Book Review

Book 7 Illusion of my Life by Muskan Pawar

This one is quite personal. This book is actually written by my best friend so being a good friend I knew I had to read it (even though I had already read it before when it was yet to get published). Sorry not sorry but my name being mentioned in the book was the highlight of the book (lmao). But on a serious note, for a first-time author, this book actually had some solid scenes and dialogues that I never thought Muskan could write. This one is, of course, close to my heart and is definitely going to my Top 10.

  

Book 8: The Tempting of Thomas Carrick by Stephanie Laurens

Oh my god, this was such a bad book. I tried reading it as much as I could but I just couldn't continue reading it. I hate leaving a book in the middle with a passion but this was one of those books that I just could not continue reading. After reading this one, I got the idea that reading old-age books is not my type of thing.

Book 9: All he saw was the girl by Peter Leonard

Another disappointment of a book. Left it in the middle as I couldn't continue reading it. Though, for this one, I do blame my judgement. This book was not what I thought it would be.

Book 10: Little Women by Louisa May Alcott

A classic, however, this was so boring that I left this one in the middle as well. I, unfortunately, couldn't continue reading it. I thought that since this is a classic, and so loved by people all over the world, it would be a great read but it wasn't. After this, I think classic books are just not for me. 

Book Review: The Alchemist

 

The Alchemist by Paulo Coelho

Quote: "What's the world's greatest lie?"

"It's this: at a certain point in our lives, we lose control of what's happening to us, and our lives become controlled by fate. That's the world's greatest lie."

Plot: The Alchemist is a story about dreams, love and what does truly destiny and life mean? This is a fable of a shepherd boy named Santiago, who goes in a search of treasure after having recurring dreams about it. In his journey, he encounters life-threatening situations, friends, love, and some choices he has to make in the pursuit of the treasure. 

This is an unforgettable story about listening to our hearts and following our dreams.  

My Personal Views: For me, personally the story got better over time, and when I reached almost the end. The end is actually what caught me by surprise. The story was pretty good and the message it delivers is also something that I think, we should all follow in our daily lives. As someone who never thought would be a fan of "self-help books" I never thought I would like it. 

The best scene was the whole conversation that happened between Santiago and dessert, wind and sun. That was where I think the author's real thoughts and writing shone the brightest. It was quite interesting to read.

However, as much as I liked the book, at times I felt bored. Sometimes I felt it took too much of a spiritual turn and as someone who is not much of a spiritual person, I wasn't interested in reading that.

Also, I think, better than the book, Paulo Coelho's (The author) author's note??? Best author's note I've ever read!!! There was this whole interview of his also that was in the book which I super liked. I liked the author's personality and his way of thinking far better than the book. He sure looks like an intelligent and has-it-all-sorted kind of person. I would love to read his autobiography if he ever does decide to write that.   

Stars: ⭐⭐⭐⭐/ 5

Book Review: Twisted Hate

Twisted Hate by Ana Huang.

Quote: "I had closure but no one told me closure was such a bitch. It clawed at my bones and ripped a bloody gash through my heart until every breath became a battle. But instead of trying to assuage it, I embraced it. Because even though pain hurt like a motherfucker, it proved you were still alive, and it was only after it faded that you could finally heal."

Plot: Jules Ambrose is the best friend of Josh Chen's sister. Since the minute they met, they hated each other's guts and it has been the same ever since. Whenever you would see the both of them together, you find them bickering with each other. However, as people say, there is a thin line between love and hate. One night of passion leads to an agreement, enemies with benefits. But, is that all their relationship going to be?

My Personal Views: This book was..hm, how do I explain it? To be frank, I did not like it. There I said it. I guess, after reading Twisted Games I set the bar too high, which lead to disappointment. I mean, sure, it was cuter but for me, Twisted Games was much better. The banter between both main leads just did not feel natural, hence I just could not feel their chemistry.

The writing was surely good, but the plot was not. I had expected much more than what I got, that's the main reason I guess. The whole stealing and stuff just did not feel that much of an interesting story to me. For me, I sure felt Rhys and Bridget had much better chemistry than Josh and Jules ever did.  

Out of the whole book, I think my favorite part was when Josh apologized to Jules. I think out of the whole book that is where I felt their chemistry shined brighter than ever to me.

Even though this story was just not for me, I still am gonna read the last part. Stella and Christian's story is next!

Stars: ⭐⭐⭐/ 5

Book Review: Twisted Games

Twisted Games by Ana Huang.

Quote: "Ours was a story destined for a tragic ending, but when you were already on a train headed off the cliff, all you could do was hold on tight and make every second count."

Plot: Rhys Larsen has only one job- to protect his clients. He is the new bodyguard of Princess Bridget. Rhys is broody and stubborn, qualities that Bridget hates about him. Rhys can see the fire that is Bridget Von Ascherberg, especially when they both argue. It is a game that might involve rules and hearts getting broken. 

My Personal Views:  When I started reading Twisted Games, I had expectations that it would be better than the first one as Twisted Love was cute but could’ve been better and Ana Huang served it just right. 

For me, Twisted Games was far better than Twisted Love, not only in the plot but also in the characters. First thing first, let’s talk about the plot. Just like probably Ana Huang’s every book, it was a whole lot of cliché (which I am not complaining about, trust me) however, this book’s cliché was a lot digestible. Scenes were obviously better written and better expressed. Coming to the characters, personally, I think Rhys & Bridget had much more chemistry than Alex & Ava ever did. There was cute and sarcastic banter which only helped in making their chemistry better. That whole hate-to-love trope goes good I guess (I am expecting it does because the next twisted book is filled with it). 

They introduced Christian in this one, which was kind of a surprise to me because I thought he would come straight in book 4 or 3, he was linked to Rhys another thing I did not expect. Talking about surprises, even though the whole plot was well-written but the story was something that was quite expected but the surprise came when I saw who was the real culprit behind the camera & video stuff. I mean, I seriously did not see that coming (especially for the PR). This twisted book was actually kind of nice to read, filled with cute Rhys &surely miss Bridget moments. I will surely miss their banter.

Stars: ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐/ 5

Book Review: Twisted Love

 Twisted Love by Ana Huang.

Quote: "You are the light to my dark sunshine, without you, I'm lost."

Plot: Alex Volkov is a handsome devil and Ava Chen's brother's best friend and her neighbor. As Ava's brother is going away, he has given Ava's responsibility to Alex to keep her safe as he trusts him. Since Alex takes every responsibility seriously, he decides Ava will be under her protection. Alex has only one purpose in his life, that is, revenge and he had no plans in falling in love with Ava, who is the opposite of him. If he is dark, then she is light. If he is night, then she is the day. Ava is everything that Alex isn't. But fate works in a different way. Both of them have a past that still haunts them to this day. Theirs is a love that will reveal new secrets that could destroy them both. 

My Personal Views: This was a really sweet story. Your usual bad boy and good girl cliché. But who doesn't love clichés, right? This was a really good read which I finished so soon, I can't believe it! 

Personally, I think the only problem for me was, the writing. I mean Ana Huang did an incredible job writing this book but, there is definitely room for improvement as I just couldn't find myself some good quotes. Also, I think the plot could have been better, as sweet as it was. The plot was your usual cliché story that I've read a billion times on Wattpad. 

I have purchased Twisted Games now, I really hope that book is much better than this! 

Stars: ⭐⭐⭐⭐/ 5

Book Review: Ugly Love

Ugly Love by Colleen Hoover.

Quote: "Rachel was right. The pain will always be there. So will the fear. But the pain and fear are no longer my life. They're only moments. Moments that are constantly overshadowed with every minute I spend with Tate."

Plot: The main female lead, Tate Collins has just moved in with her brother to live for some time, where she meets Miles Archer, her brother's best friend. It wasn't exactly love at first sight for both of them but with time they both developed something however, Miles the problem is Miles doesn't believe in love anymore. So, they opt to go with the perfect no-strings-attached arrangement. They think they can handle it, but everything changes when real emotions come out to play, and unfortunately, promises and hearts are meant to break when love turns ugly. 

My Personal Views: I was looking out for my favorite genre when I stumbled upon this book online. Reading the summary, I was way too much eager to try it out, and I had heard only good things about Colleen Hoover's writing. So, I did the only thing I wanted to do at the moment, order it online.  

Now coming to the book, the favorite thing about the book was the writing done by Colleen and of course the quotes. I am a sucker for books with good quotes, and this book did not disappoint me in that aspect. 

The aspects in the book that I did not really like, was first, it was too much ex bounded and second, the female lead felt weak. When I was purchasing this book, I did not think this book would be so ex-fixated. I would have liked it if the book was much more focused on both main leads' relationship rather than the other one. 

Also, I think the female lead could have been more strong-willed and upfront. Personally, I like reading a book that has a badass female lead, that's what I think I did not like. 

Overall, the book was a great one-time read and the quotes really kept me hooked. For me, my favorite character was Cap. Yes, it wasn't Miles or Tate, it was Cap. I found him really wise and he gave Miles and Tate the best advice. I really need someone like him in my life, lol.  

Stars: ⭐⭐⭐/ 5