babyleo's Reviews (1.69k)

This review was published on Lost in a Good Book - https://wp.me/p3x8rS-2Rv
 

This is a sequel in the Marry Me, Juliet series but it reads perfectly fine as a standalone or a first read if you’re going out of order. I didn’t realise when I picked it up and when I learnt there was a second book I assumed it was a companion book from a new perspective. That one is next on my list but if you’re starting here like I was there is nothing wrong with this being your introduction to these characters.

This is the second behind the scenes dating show book I’ve read and I enjoy seeing the manufacturing of shots and dialogue, but at the same time trying to maintain a true love element. Mandie’s love of the show allowed some creative imagined scenarios that sounded plausible and it added a fun element as she imagined how conversations would play out on TV.

McAlister has written characters that felt real, that had their own flaws and made mistakes. I loved that a lot of conflict was internal and character driven - Mandie’s own self-doubt being a key factor as well, but at the same time the external situation of being on a literal dating show added problems too.

There were great surprises and revelations which adds nice drama. There were big reveals and twists but they never felt like they came from nowhere. McAlister uses the characters incredibly well in driving the plot and with each character comes their own wants and needs, not to mention their flaws and misgivings which interact and clash with other people. You really get a sense of being on reality TV, locked up with strangers, vying for the same goal while still trying to appear happy and supportive.

Seeing Mandie’s emotional development through the book was great, she wasn’t a wallflower by any means before, but her blindness to her ex and their behaviour was clear, and I loved the slow reveal that made us realise it too. The positive influence of Dylan was real and never felt sanctimonious or sappy. It always felt like it came from genuine friendship and support. I loved the relationship between Mandie and Dylan and it was nice to see support between two people who were essentially in competition with one another.

I’m definitely going to dive into the first book now and get more goss on the other contestants and the different side of the competition. McAlister has so many players to work with it will be great to see another perspective on the reality show and the different possibilities it can bring. 

I love a time loop story, and I like too one that plays with form, though there is something to be said for the classics too. This story dives into a bit of both. 

Frame skips over multiple loops almost instantly which was interesting. Part of the fun of time loops is seeing the multiple early loops play out, but after a few the story skips and a lot of it is telling of what Jane has done instead. 

There are a lot of deviations from the original day too, Jane changing up her routine almost instantly. Which is fine, but I was hoping for more exploration of the same day for a bit, it’s a core feature of the time loop I think to see characters adapt. This could easily be a time saving thing, and a chance to explore further down the line. 

It isn’t all bad, I enjoyed the format in a few place where we see repeats of the same situation play out, but I still think it was an interesting choice to start skipping so soon. Jane comes to terms with it so quickly and it’s curious to see her shift in mindset. 

The addition of magical realism – clearly proven early inclusion of magical realism – was also interesting. I like having a cause for these kind of situations. Mysteries are nice, but when something strange happens that has these kind of effects it’s fun. 

I enjoyed the resolution to the loop. It was sweet but not over the top and it felt natural which is what you want with a story that has a little bit of magic in it. 

This review was published on my blog Lost in a Good Book https://wp.me/p3x8rS-34u

This review was published on Lost in a Good Book - https://wp.me/p3x8rS-2Rn
 

This is the first one of the series and I liked that despite being written about the new trio of librarians we have more of original librarian Flynn’s adventures as well which is missing from the others. There is no true way to read these books, I read them out of order, but there are occasional brief mentions to past adventures that have no real impact on the story.

This one however, is different. The story flips between 2016 and 2006 as we see the original hunt for the lamp and the “present day” resurfacing. Cox has one a great job in slowly building the mystery backed against the action of Flynn’s hunt, bringing them together at the right time for maximum enjoyment and satisfaction.

As this is the first book it’s interesting to see how the characters are presented versus later books when more of the television show has expanded their story arcs. There is still a sense of who they are but it’s not nearly as obvious as later when their voices and personalities really come across on the page. It may also have something to do with the dual storyline, less time for them to be in the action, but having said that I loved seeing Flynn have centre stage for a while.

The story itself was fascinating. I loved getting into the depths of old manuscripts, ancient texts, reality becoming the basis of myths. This one is more treasure hunting than the others where nursery rhymes and legends come to life, and Cox does a wonderful job making it as exciting and vivid as if you were watching it play out on screen.

There is a wonderful ease in reading this series. The characters are true to their TV and movie counterparts, the story is witty, fun, fast and light. There is a cheesiness too that’s charming in its own way and doesn’t take away from being a really enjoyable story. I wish they’d kept releasing these books because I could keep reading about these characters for a long time but for now three will have to do. 

This review was published on Lost in a Good Book - https://wp.me/p3x8rS-2Re
 

This is a great story that shows family is whoever you want it to be as well as understanding that the list of things that will not change may not always be for the better while sometimes the things that do change are not so bad. Through a lot of different events and time we see Bea’s past and present as she tells us about her friends, her family and how she is guided by the list her parents made her when they divorced.

It’s weird to say this is a wholesome story because there are bad things in here like bullying and homophobia, but Stead tells the story through the characters and each one is full of depth and complexity which feels real and human and I was surprised how deep this story felt.

Bea is a great character because she is complicated, flawed, loving, and her own person. I liked Bea’s passion and her enthusiasm and it was wonderful to see a kid being able to express themselves, even in bad ways, because it is a great example of how kids need to be taught about emotional control and everything is still a steep learning curve for them.

Stead does a great job balancing the story of Bea, her parents, as well as hinting at other family issues and things that happened in the past. The bookend story about her dad and corn is so well done and I thought I was going to be disappointed but Stead makes it work and most of the time you forget there is a reason you’re being told this story about love and family and growing up.

There are secrets, mysteries, and big changes all bundled together and while on the surface this looks like a simple story it’s packed full of so many things that show how messy life can be. Bea’s voice is so innocent and yet understanding it’s a fantastic read for any age.