The Love Hypothesis

Title:  The Love Hypothesis

Author:  Ali Hazelwood

Publisher:  Berkley Books

Date Published:  September 14, 2021

Genre:  Adult, Romance, Contemporary

Rating:  ⭐⭐⭐

My Thoughts:

-    Fake dating is plaguing my life right now. I don't know why, but I feel like it is everywhere. 

-    Olive's ex-boyfriend and best friend are attracted to one another, but Olive's friend doesn't want to hurt Olive by dating her ex, so Olive impulsively kisses a random guy in the hallway to make her friend think she has moved on. I don't understand the logic, but whatever. The guy she kissed is a professor who is renown for being an unapproachable jerk. Of course the random professor decides to help her with the ruse, and of course they fall in love. 

-    I didn't hate the romance, in fact I really liked Olive and Adam as a couple, but I didn't like the fake dating trope. 

-    Yes, I crushed on Adam. It helped that from his description, I pictured him as Richard Armitage, so ya. His good looks combined with his undying loyalty, silent longing, and sexy protectiveness made for a very crush worthy guy. 

-    I'm not one for erotic books, and I was unaware of the sex scene. It was a little too steamy for me. I know we are supposed to read outside our comfort zones, but I'm okay not being that intimate with other's relations. 

-    I loved the book setting, and I loved the representation of women in STEM. 

-    I'm glad I finally got around to reading this book, but I think it is over-hyped. *ducks projectiles*

My Thoughts in a GIF:

Cyrano

 

My Thoughts:

-    I love the original play, so when I saw they were doing a musical adaptation, I knew I had to see it. 

-    Sadly, I missed the first 15 min of the movie because I was being held hostage at the car dealership. Why do they always take forever! Grrr!!

-    The story is so beautiful and heart wrenching. I loved it! I also loved all the humor they threw in. There are some very funny moments. 

-    Dinklage's performance was so good! He has such a rich and deep voice. I didn't know he could sing.

-    Visually, it was very appealing. Musically . . .it was okay. I didn't love all the singers, and I didn't love all the songs. Some of the songs. . .were a little cringy. The villain song was really bad and awkward. In a few of the songs, some of the lyrics were silly and crammed into the melody. Some songs were really good though. It was a very weird mix. 

-    Some of the dances seemed out of place and weird. I wanted to giggle when these people were holding loaves of bread in the air and moving around in a circle.

-    I'm glad I saw this in the theater. Yes, I'd like to see it again, especially the beginning. Yes, I've listened to the soundtrack, and my feelings about the songs haven't changed.

My Thoughts in a GIF:

Lies, Love, and Breakfast at Tiffany's

Title:  Lies, Love, and Breakfast at Tiffany's

Author:  Julie Wright

Series:  Proper Romance 

Publisher:  Shadow Mountain

Date Published:  November 6, 2018

Genre:  Romance, Adult Fiction, Contemporary

Rating:  ⭐⭐

My Thoughts:

-    I told myself I wasn't going to read any more of the proper romance books, but then they released one that is highly influenced by Audrey Hepburn. *sigh*

-    Silvia is an up and coming film editor in Hollywood. She is determined to make Hollywood a more female friendly and equality friendly place to work, which would be easier if her boss wasn't a slacker and a jerk. Silvia's old boss, Ben, saves her and her job one night, and Silvia decides to notice how appealing her ex-boss/kinda friend is. Silvia's life has been mildly influenced by Audrey Hepburn and her movies. Her glass eye is even named Audrey. 

-    I loved the quotes at the beginning of the chapters. I knew them all! 

-    Silvia's relationship with Audrey Hepburn was a little weird for me. She wasn't really a fan, she was just a look alike with cancer in common. Silvia's grandma was the true Audrey Hepburn fan, who appreciated Hepburn and her work for it's amazingness. 

-    Speaking of the grandma, I wish the book had more about her. Grandma was the most interesting part of the story. She was my favorite character, and her story interested me way more than Silvia's. 

-    Besides the Audrey Hepburn parts and the grandma parts, I was bored. The romance and the story just weren't doing it for me. 

My Thoughts in a GIF:

Starry Night

Title:  Starry Night

Author:  Debbie Macomber

Publisher:  Ballantine Books

Date Published:  October 8, 2013

Genre:  Christmas, Romance, Contemporary

Rating:  ⭐⭐⭐

My Thoughts:

-    This was my very first Debbie Macomber book. I don't know why I chose this one out of all of her Christmas books, but it has been on my TBR for a while.

-    Carrie is tired of writing for the society column in her local magazine? newspaper? whatever. She makes a deal with her boss that if she can score an interview with the very famous and very elusive author, Finn Dalton, she can have her pick of assignments. Carrie is determined to succeed where other reporters have failed. After some convenient things happen, she gets stuck with Finn in his secluded cabin for a couple days. Obviously the two fall for each other, and Carrie has to decide whether she is going to publish her article or not. 

-    I am not the biggest romance fan. I found the script to be very convenient and predictable. There were some cute and funny moments though. I did enjoy the time they were snowed in and were forced to talk to each other, but I got a little bored with everything that came after. 

-    My favorite part about the book was the setting in Alaska. The frigid yet beautiful landscape was delightful. I want to visit Alaska some day and see the northern lights. 

-    Overall, I did enjoy the book while I was reading it. . .mostly. It was a light and fluffy story that suited the Christmas time spirit. If you are a Hallmark movie junky, you will probably love this book.

-    Out of curiosity, how many Debbie Macomber books have you read? Are her books a Christmas time tradition for you?

The Coincidence of Coconut Cake

Goodreads Synopsis:    YOU'VE GOT MAIL meets HOW TO EAT A CUPCAKE in this delightful novel about a talented chef and the food critic who brings down her restaurant—whose chance meeting turns into a delectable romance of mistaken identities.

In downtown Milwaukee, Wisconsin, Lou works tirelessly to build her beloved yet struggling French restaurant, Luella’s, into a success. She cheerfully balances her demanding business and even more demanding fiancé…until the morning she discovers him in the buff—with an intern.

Witty yet gruff British transplant Al is keeping himself employed and entertained by writing scathing reviews of local restaurants in the Milwaukee newspaper under a pseudonym. When an anonymous tip sends him to Luella’s, little does he know he’s arrived on the worst day of the chef’s life. The review practically writes itself: underdone fish, scorched sauce, distracted service—he unleashes his worst.

The day that Al’s mean-spirited review of Luella’s runs, the two cross paths in a pub: Lou drowning her sorrows, and Al celebrating his latest publication. As they chat, Al playfully challenges Lou to show him the best of Milwaukee and she’s game—but only if they never discuss work, which Al readily agrees to. As they explore the city’s local delicacies and their mutual attraction, Lou’s restaurant faces closure, while Al’s column gains popularity. It’s only a matter of time before the two fall in love…but when the truth comes out, can Lou overlook the past to chase her future?

Set in the lovely, quirky heart of Wisconsin, THE COINCIDENCE OF COCONUT CAKE is a charming love story of misunderstandings, mistaken identity, and the power of food to bring two people together.

My Thoughts:

-    This was almost the perfect chick lit. Other than some minor complaints, I really enjoyed this one!

-    I enjoy cooking and baking, and I love cooking shows, so this book had the perfect setting. I loved every minute of Lou's cooking, and I wanted to sample every dish she made. 

-    Al's personality was a little weird in a couple parts. I liked him for most of the book, but his instant adoration for Lou seemed out of character for him. He was the big bad food critic, but when it came to Lou, he was mush. I got tired of him adoring her during their first couple of "none dates." I wish he had been more standoffish during the beginning of the relationship. I like brooding guys with a gentle side, and that is what I wanted Al to be. However, I love how Lou made him want to be better, and how he started looking at everything in a new way after meeting Lou.

-    I'm a sucker for You've Got Mail type stories, and this one falls smack center in that category. I loved it!

-    I really liked Lou, and I sympathized with her. I loved the side characters too. Sue, Harley, and John were fabulous. Otto and Gertrude were perfection. They made me cry. 

-    Romance usually makes me bored, but I enjoyed the kissing and love making in this one. It was swoon worthy, especially the teasing. 

-    I'm so excited to try the coconut cake recipe in the back of the book. I was thrilled when I saw it there! 

The Notebook

My Thoughts:

-    Why do I let people talk me into things I know I won't like? WHY?

-    I didn't like Noah or Allie. They were dumb as teenagers and as adults.

-    Noah totally manipulated Allie into going out with him! Great way to start a relationship! NOT!

-    I was bored for a lot of the film. A lot of it was just talking and talking and talking.

-    I liked Noah's dad. He was the best character in the movie.

-    Allie is such a SPAZ!

-    Noah turns into a crazy obsessive bum. What woman would want that? I didn't like how he used that poor widow lady.

-    I was SO bored!

-    Allie should have picked the other dude. He was stable and really nice. Plus he adored her. 

-    James Garner looks NOTHING like Ryan Gosling.

-    What was the point of this movie!?

Two Hearts: When I Said I Do, I Meant Forever

I recieved a copy of this book from the author for my honest opinion.

From the Back of the Cover:    Jaxon Taggot is a good Montana-grown farm boy that is sensitive, hard-working, and strikingly handsome. Any girl would feel lucky to have Jaxon claim her as his own, but Jaxon's heart is fixed on his high school sweetheart, Annie. Jaxon plans a romantic evening, which concludes with his proposal. He asks Annie if she will unite her heart with his, as one, forever.

Annie's mother, a victim of her own failed marriage, forbids Annie to accept Jaxon's proposal, for there is no such thing as true love - that only exists in fairy tales. Annie's heart belongs to Jaxon, always has, and she accepts his proposal against her mother's demands.

But life's challenges set in, mightily testing their love, from infidelity, ranch foreclosure, hired killers hunting them, a brutal grizzly attack - can their Two Hearts remain as one, or will the whirlwinds of life sever their true love forever.

My Thoughts:

-    I've been wanting to read more books out of my comfort zone, so when I was approached to review this book, I thought, "Why not?" I'm glad I accepted!

-    I was a little skeptical of this story. I'm not big on Romance, and this was an Adult book. I usually read YA, and I rarely read a Romance YA.  I was pleasantly surprised by how interested the story was, and how connected I felt to the characters.

-    The book kept me interested the whole way through.

-    I am very impressed on how this male author nailed a lot of a woman's/wife's emotions and actions. There were a few times where I thought Annie overreacted, or was too upset about something, but I don't have the same background as her, so I can't really say how I'd act in those circumstances. Overall, I like how the author handled Annie.

-    Jax is an amazing guy. He is very loyal, independent, and hard working. Plus he is hot and can shoot a gun! I love how he always counseled with Annie during big decisions, and Annie was always the first person he wanted to see and talk to. He was so devoted! 

-    I was really attached to Jax and Annie. I was cheering for them and their relationship the whole way through.

-    There were too many explanations during some parts. It slowed things down a little bit, but not much. The explanations were usually short, but I felt like they weren't needed.

-    The second half of the book really picked up. There were a lot of exciting and eventful things going down. I couldn't stop reading. I just had to know what happened and if everything turned out okay.

-    The last few sentences were a bit cheesy, and I can't believe Annie didn't know! Hello!!

-    Overall, this book is a sweet good clean read. I highly recommend it to romance lovers. 

The Red Notebook

Goodreads Synopsis:    Heroic bookseller Laurent Letellier comes across an abandoned handbag on a Parisian street. There's nothing in the bag to indicate who it belongs to, although there's all sorts of other things in it. Laurent feels a strong impulse to find the owner and tries to puzzle together who she might be from the contents of the bag. Especially a red notebook with her jottings, which really makes him want to meet her. Without even a name to go on, and only a few of her possessions to help him, how is he to find one woman in a city of millions?

The Red Notebook has already been sold in twelve different languages. French TV is making a film of The President's Hat and the movie rights ofThe Red Notebook have been sold to UGC.

My Thoughts:

-    I was so excited to read this translated book!

-    The story reminds me of Just Like Heaven with Reese Witherspoon and Mark Ruffalo.

-    What kind of man is curious enough to meticulously go through a lady's handbag? Despite that, Laurent was an interesting guy. I really liked him. 

-    I love all the French culture and words used. I want to visit France!

-    This book made me want to brush up on my French and learn it better.

-    This was a fun, light, and quick read.

-    Reading this made me a feel a little more connected with people around the world. Even though we live on different continents, we are still enjoying the same stories with the same characters. 

-    I write a little bit more about my thoughts on the book in a previous post about translated books. 

The Age of Adaline

My Thoughts:

-    I had the pleasure of seeing this with Jenni, Suey, and Tori. Movies are always more fun with friends. 

-    I really enjoyed this. It spoke to me. I don't know why.

-    The narrator was a little weird but it worked. 

-    I loved the cast! They were perfect. Blake Lively is so elegant and lovely. Her portrayal of the character was perfect. I love how sophisticated and smart Adaline was because of her life's experiences.

-    I loved seeing Harrison Ford! He is so old now, but when he smiles you can see that glimmer of his younger self, and I love it. They cast the perfect guy to play Ford's younger self. His mannerisms, his voice, his looks, and especially his smile were spot on! I almost believed that was young Harrison Ford.

-    I saw this a while ago, but I often think about it still. It has stayed with me since I watched it.

-    I wish Ellis had been cuter, but he had a charming personality. He was a winner.

-    I loved the relationship Adaline had with her daughter. It was fun to see those moments.

-    The whole science behind this idea is totally bogus, but I liked the concept anyway.

-    The costumes were really great. Blake Lively looked amazing in everything she wore. I liked seeing the different clothes and hairstyles for different time periods.

-    Great date night movie!

Spoiler: (I cried and couldn't stop sniffling and crying when her dog died. It was SO sad!)

The Scarlet Pimpernel

My Thoughts:

-    Oh my flamboyance! Percy's acting was too much. I couldn't handle it. 

-    What the crap does "Sink me!" even mean? It baffled me every time Percy said it.

-    Ian McKellen is SO young in this! I almost didn't recognize him. He was awesome!

-    I liked seeing Percy's disguises. They were really fun and clever. 

-    This didn't follow the book very well, but I could see why people like it.

-    My husband thought Marguerite was very pretty. I couldn't over her giant afro. 

-    The music was over dramatic at times and very absent other times.

-    The best part of the movie was the costumes. 

-    This movie was bit over the top for me. I didn't hate it, but I didn't enjoy it either. 

-    I wouldn't mind seeing a more updated version of this with less flamboyancy.

Persuasion

Goodreads Synopsis:    In her final novel, as in her earlier ones, Jane Austen uses a love story to explore and gently satirize social pretensions and emotional confusion.Persuasion follows the romance of Anne Elliot and naval officer Frederick Wentworth. They were happily engaged until Anne’s friend, Lady Russell, persuaded her that Frederick was “unworthy.” Now, eight years later, Frederick returns, a wealthy captain in the navy, while Anne’s family teeters on the edge of bankruptcy. They still love each other, but their past mistakes threaten to keep them apart. Austen may seem to paint on a small canvas, but her characters contain the full range of human passion and moral complexity, and the author’s generous spirit renders them all with understanding, compassion, and humor.

My Thoughts:

-    It took about 50 pages for the story to get good, but after that I was hooked.

-    There were a lot of characters, and it was hard to keep track of who was who. There were so many in-laws and in-laws of in-laws. Watching the movie helped a lot with figuring out the characters.

-    I love Anne! She is so plain and kind. I loved seeing a meek female protagonist. I could relate to her shyness.

-    I LOVED the letter in the end. Letters are so personal and intimate, and I just love that is how Captain Wentworth chose to express himself. 

-    I wish there was a prequel. I want to know exactly what happened in past. How did Anne and Wentworth meet? How exactly did Lady Russel break them up? It is so intriguing.

-    I love the idea of these two people rediscovering their love for one another. We need more second chance love stories.

-    I want to know what happens to Mr. Elliot and Kellynch. I also want to know what happens to Anne's father and Elizabeth. 

-    Great story! Why did it take me so long to read this!?

Attachments

Goodreads Synopsis:    "Hi, I'm the guy who reads your e-mail, and also, I love you . . . " 

From the award-winning author of Eleanor & Park and Fangirl comes a hilarious and heartfelt novel about love in the workplace.

Beth Fremont and Jennifer Scribner-Snyder know that somebody is monitoring their work e-mail. (Everybody in the newsroom knows. It's company policy.) But they can't quite bring themselves to take it seriously. They go on sending each other endless and endlessly hilarious e-mails, discussing every aspect of their personal lives.

Meanwhile, Lincoln O'Neill can't believe this is his job now- reading other people's e-mail. When he applied to be "internet security officer," he pictured himself building firewalls and crushing hackers- not writing up a report every time a sports reporter forwards a dirty joke.

When Lincoln comes across Beth's and Jennifer's messages, he knows he should turn them in. But he can't help being entertained-and captivated-by their stories.

By the time Lincoln realizes he's falling for Beth, it's way too late to introduce himself.

What would he say . . . ?

My Thoughts:

-    I didn't enjoy this one as much as Fangirl, but I still enjoyed it.

-    Why aren't there more guys like Lincoln around? I know this is fiction, but come on!

-    Jennifer and Beth were funny. Some of their comments cracked me up. I wish I had a friend to email and spill my life too. 

-    I could relate to Lincoln's geekiness. 

-    I LOVED the ending! It is completely unrealistic, but I loved it nonetheless. The tension about whether Beth and Lincoln get together is tangible, and the ending delivers!

-    This is not a YA. It is an adult book. The only bad thing in it is a lot of f-bombs, but the characters are in their upper 20s. They have jobs and have graduated college. 

-    This whole book just wasn't believable. Guys don't talk to girls the way Lincoln does. Things like this just don't happen! Again, I know it's fiction, but it still has to be believable fiction.

Edenbrooke

From Goodreads:    Marianne Daventry will do anything to escape the boredom of Bath and the amorous attentions of an unwanted suitor. So when an invitation arrives from her twin sister, Cecily, to join her at a sprawling country estate, she jumps at the chance. Thinking she’ll be able to relax and enjoy her beloved English countryside while her sister snags the handsome heir of Edenbrooke, Marianne finds that even the best laid plans can go awry.

From a terrifying run-in with a highwayman to a seemingly harmless flirtation, Marianne finds herself embroiled in an unexpected adventure filled with enough romance and intrigue to keep her mind racing. Will she be able to rein in her traitorous heart, or will a mysterious stranger sweep her off her feet? Fate had something other than a relaxing summer in mind when it sent Marianne to Edenbrooke.

My Thoughts:

-    I've heard lots of great things about this book, but I wasn't sure how I'd like it because it is a romance. I enjoyed the book, but probably not as much as others.

-    Why are all the people in this time period so witty and clever? I'm so jealous! I wish to banter with people like that!

-    Marianne is an emotional fool! I suppose she could just be called a girl. She was also dramatically delicate. She needs to eat more or workout or something because normal people don't faint and almost faint that much! 

-    I think the female sex reads and loves books from the Regency time period for the men. Besides the lovely estates, the way they talk, and the clothes, the swoon worthy gentlemen are the highlight of these books!

-    Philip is a very swoon worthy gentlemen. I love how it describes the desire, the teasing, and other looks in his eyes. I also love how he always knew the perfect thing to say.

-    I admit, I get caught up in the grandeur of books like this. 

-    The ending is very captivating! I couldn't read fast enough. I love how a little thrill and danger was thrown into the story. 

-    This was a really fun read. Marianne's pining, swooning, and uncertainty bugged me at times, but I still think this is a great book.

Uneasy Fortunes

Goodreads Synopsis:    Battered by his past, Pete knows he has no business falling for anyone. But when time can’t heal a wound, love steps in to make it right. Based on a true story of the post–Civil War South, this gentle rustic romance will pull you in from the first page and leave you with a renewed hope in the power of real love.












My Thoughts:

-    This was surprisingly good. It wasn't at all what I expected, and I enjoyed it.

-    I love the whole theme of overcoming trials and fear. What June went through was horrific, and I'm sure a lot of women would react the same way she did.

-    I loved June's character. She was strong and courageous but full of fear and doubt. I loved her journey through overcoming her terrible experience. 

-    I also loved the theme of family and how important it is. I want to be part of this family and live a humble and hardworking life.

-    This kinda had a Little House on the Prairie feel.

-    Pete is my new literature heartthrob! He is that strong silent type, that rugged manly man type, and that knight in shining armor that every girl dreams about!

-    The tension between June and Pete towards the end is maddening! This is why I don't read romance books. I hate the miscommunication confusion!

-    I probably wouldn't have given this book a second glance, but since I know the author, I wanted to give it a try, and I'm so glad I did.

-    This wasn't the perfect book, but it was pretty good. It has a great message, and it is pretty entertaining. There were parts where I couldn't put it down, and it left me feeling pretty good about life.