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Dating Makes Perfect is a mixed bag of good and bad, but ultimately, I really enjoyed it.
Initial thoughts:
Initial thoughts:
I find us in every story I've ever read
and if a reader lives a thousand lives,
then the thousand heroines in me
would gladly belong
in a thousand happily-ever-afters
with the thousand heroes in you.
{ it is written }
This poetry book came at a perfect time for me.
Final verdict:
Recommended!
As someone who loved The Bromance Book Club, I was very much disappointed to find so many issues with this book.
Initial thoughts:
Initial thoughts:
I am blown away by how much I enjoyed this story. I rarely reread contemporary romance novels, but I can definitely imagine revisiting this world and its characters over and over again. Heart and Seoul had me smiling all the way through, and true to its title, has wormed its way into my heart and soul.
Full review to follow.
* I received a digital reading copy of this book in exchange for an honest review.
Full review to follow.
* I received a digital reading copy of this book in exchange for an honest review.
I'm torn.
On one hand, my biggest issue with Chao's debut, American Panda, was the extreme positioning of American values and Asian culture, wherein the former is framed as good while the latter is presented as bad, regressive, and restrictive. I wanted more nuances in this particular discourse, and I have to admit that Rent a Boyfriend delivers more in that aspect. I think that should be acknowledged and commended.
But on the other hand, among all the Gloria Chao books I've read (a total of 3), Rent a Boyfriend is the least enjoyable. I was really impressed by the first 15% of this book. It was cute and everything. However, everything went downhill afterward.
Maybe I'll write a full review someday. But for now, I have to say that I'm personally miffed that teenage pregnancy was portrayed as something repulsive and shameful in this book, and I'm deeply appalled that this notion was never challenged. Not even by the supposedly "progressive" main character.
Not recommended
On one hand, my biggest issue with Chao's debut, American Panda, was the extreme positioning of American values and Asian culture, wherein the former is framed as good while the latter is presented as bad, regressive, and restrictive. I wanted more nuances in this particular discourse, and I have to admit that Rent a Boyfriend delivers more in that aspect. I think that should be acknowledged and commended.
But on the other hand, among all the Gloria Chao books I've read (a total of 3), Rent a Boyfriend is the least enjoyable. I was really impressed by the first 15% of this book. It was cute and everything. However, everything went downhill afterward.
Maybe I'll write a full review someday. But for now, I have to say that I'm personally miffed that teenage pregnancy was portrayed as something repulsive and shameful in this book, and I'm deeply appalled that this notion was never challenged. Not even by the supposedly "progressive" main character.
Not recommended
If you can look past the formulaic aspects of the plot and characterization, Crownchasers serves up a high-stakes, action-packed race across the galaxy that's humorous, enjoyable, and exciting. I'll probably pick up the sequel. (Also, huge brown points for the sharp-tongued pansexual space pilot and cute friends-with-benefits to lovers romance!)
Final verdict:
Recommended!
Final verdict:
Recommended!
Head empty, thoughts full of Kitay.
(Honestly, I’m a little let down. But let’s see what the sequel has in store for me!)
(Honestly, I’m a little let down. But let’s see what the sequel has in store for me!)