hobbyist_tm's Reviews (47)

There were a lot of differences between Maris and Aleki, especially that she grew in the modern world learning science while he continued to survive in the jungle with his skills. And yet, they found solace in each other's arms and presence, with the island and Poaka as their witnesses.

This book by far has been the most unique amongst the romances I've read this year, and this became a memorable one for me, too. It was fun and heartwarming, with scientific lessons on the sides—oh, and a sprinkle of spice all around. 

Reading the perspectives of the characters—their loneliness, fear, anxiety, and the hope to get through—was something that resonated with me. It was inspiring that the protagonists were able to get through their personal challenges and traumatic experiences. They also used those to become a safe space for their loved ones, since empathy and understanding were present in the relationship. It was a manifestation that with the right help and people, healing can be attained.

The story of Hazel and Rory has been memorable to me. The fake dating and the guy falls first tropes have matched well with the funny banters and competitiveness of the main characters. Oh, let's not forget the sizzling spice. 🌶

I also appreciated how they journeyed toward becoming their best selves for themselves and for their partners. Body positivity has also been a highlight in this book. I admired how this emphasized becoming the right space to land on for people who struggle navigating self-love. 

like romantic stories without much complications, just focused on making themselves better for their significant other. This one was one of them.

Pippa and Jamie's story started when Jamie wanted an assistant to take care of his newfound dog and Pippa was up for the job, that's just it—or so they thought. Eventually, they became each other's anchor on different situations they encountered—love, career, family, and even the past. 

It was a breath of fresh air to just read about people getting inspiration and support they needed, and having their well-deserved happily ever after, and spice.

What a timely read during the summer season! I even loved this book more because of the grumpy x sunshine trope. Libby and Fisher's adventures together at the island gave me a vivid imagination what the placed looked like. A home near the sea? With only 69 inhabitants and a close-knit community? That was a healing adventure. 

To add more to the nostalgic feeling, Libby visited the island to bring back memories of her mom and to escape the realities of a superstar life. And she was protected by the ever-grumpy-yet-only-smiled-at-her, Fisher with the pretty 8 year old kid, Sutton. 

Though it was not a smooth sailing kind of stay (at first), the story was just chill and it evoked a sense of belongingness and family—with the right kind of 🌶 on the side.

Summer people gave different perspectives on how to adapt to new things, and even the old.

When I learned about the tropes in this book, I knew I would be hooked. They're my roman empire!
—enemies to lovers
—found family
—slow burn
—forced proximity
—no third act breakup
—the mc was down bad
—spicy 🌶

At this time, I wanted a quick break from thriller. An easy read with a storyline that would give butterflies in my stomach was what I needed, and this book delivered! I loved how satisfying the ending was and how the characters grew and healed. 

Can't wait for the third book! 

Lola and TJ thought their meet cute was just for the senior week—or so they thought. They never knew their lives will be intertwined and they will walk through parenthood, college, work, and friendship together for a long time. I loved the support and involvement of their friends because they made every interactions enjoyable and funny. 

This is one of the books I would cling to especially if I want an easy read with romantic vibes and a little bit of banters on the side. Oh, and the spice? Sizzling.

A few days after I read this book, I realized that the story was straightforward, and yet I still have not discovered who the real perpetrator was. There were moments when I had to stare at nothing just to ponder how horrible the acts were — especially that one situation there where Eddie Flynn was deeply devastated and heart broken. Nevertheless, our amazing defense lawyer was still able to push through and fought the case head-on. His trial techniques were still remarkable and his ideals were still in tact. 
At the very end, justice has been served. 

I finally got the hype on this one. The twist never stopped twisting, and the thrill kept on thrilling. It was amazing to be able to connect one dot to the other while the answers unfolded right before my eyes. As Eddie Flynn tried to make sense of what was happening, I found myself ready for the ride towards his discoveries and unforgettable dialogues inside the courtroom.

I appreciated when Steve Cavanagh could insert funny moments like the banters between Eddie and Harry Ford, and there was also between Eddie and Harper. I also like to believe that there's romance build up in there somewhere between the characters (you have to read to know!). Finally, I empathized with Eddie on his struggle between keeping his family and their safety versus choosing his career and the clients he wanted to save. 

Eddie's adventure definitely does not end there. I'm now on my way to read the fifth book, Fifty-Fifty.

I knew the all-nighter was necessary for me to be able to sleep after I finished this third book.

This case was close to Eddie Flynn's heart because as a father, he knew what it was like to have your daughter be away from safety. And the more complicated the situation was, the more he was inclined to deal with it. 

Twists after twists after twists. And I love the conclusion on how fatherly love should be like for one's children. This series never gets tired of its thriller-legal-action combination, and I'm here for all of it. 

Now that I just woke up, I will immediately start the next and I'm curious why readers recommended this one—Th1rt3en—and I'm going to find out.

When I finally had the time this weekend to indulge on this second book, I knew I would not put this one down without devouring all of its pages. 

I understood completely what Eddie Flynn felt with the case, at first glance, the facts and the findings from the investigation were all pointing to David Child. It was a test of patience and integrity since Eddie was pressured to let his client plead with guilt despite his gut telling him that he was innocent. If the pressure wasn't enough, he needed also to protect his wife and his daughter. 

It was so much and yet I was so into this book because of the exciting happening in and out of court. I completed this one until the wee hours. It was twisty, full of legalities (I was learning), and action-packed. My interest and curiosity was totally at its peak.

From this moment, I knew I am going to grab book 3.