Romance books are my favorite of all the genres and I can’t believe I have finished five romance books this October. As I am a slow reader and would read only 2-3 books a month with my hectic schedule. So, it was a surprise that I managed to read 5 of the books.
Not waiting much time, let’s dive into each of the books I’ve read so far this October.
Archer’s Voice by Mia Sheridan
I have mixed feelings regarding this book. At first, when the book started with the story of the younger version of Archer, I was intrigued. I was curious about his whole story and past. Another hand, Bree, as a character was introduced who had a tragic past and had to the town for healing.
Basically, this story tells us about two broken people, Bree and Archer. While Bree was running away from the demons of her past, Archer was trying his best to keep everyone at a distance because of his past.
I don’t like insta-love, and I feel that their relationship is kinda one of those. I mean, I know it wasn’t love at first sight, but all those things were fast for them in retrospect their past. It would be so much better if they had a slow burn.
It was a little hard for me to digest that Archer trusted Bree so easily, after all, he was a loner for most of his life and didn’t make friends, especially when they were strangers. The same feeling I have with Bree. Even if Archer was good-looking and had a good physique, you are not supposed to take interest in a stranger whom the whole town has been warning you about, and on top of that you are suffering from PTSD and trauma.
I didn’t like how Bree used to push Archer to talk about his past. Because, I think Archer had the right to take his own time and tell about his past when he felt comfortable. Another thing I didn’t like was how Bree after knowing anything related to Archer, used to share with her every single friend like it didn’t matter, like it didn’t matter how much Archer had put trust in her. As a character, I couldn’t like Bree. Also, Archer’s character development would have been so much better than what the author did.
But, this book had some really beautiful quotes and had a message – compassion and humanity over everything.
Love, Theoretically by Ali Hazelwood
I didn’t imagine the plot would be fake dating the brother of the main character. In some sense, I predicted that the story was going to be a love triangle but I was wrong. I am glad because I hate love triangle trope.
Generally I love Ali Hazelwood’s books because of their STEM-based romance trope. I always find something new regarding STEM which fascinates me. In regards to this, this book didn’t disappoint.
I was fascinated when I learned about the STEM department being separated into theoretically and experimentally. Academically, this book was really informative, along with the way STEM departments work.
I was so irritated with the way Elsie would act in front of the people. She would analyze their behavior, predict what they want, and act accordingly. In short, she is a total people-pleaser. She wouldn’t even stand up with her own family members when she is such a smart girl who loves science.
Jack, on the other hand, was into Elsie when she was dating his brother in a way. Jack was trying to figure Elsie out and found her tactic of interacting with people. In fact, he was the only one whom Elsie found it hard to figure out his actual needs and couldn’t please him like other people, which in a way had compelled her to act her real self without any fakeness. Elsie’s character development from extreme people pleaser(coming from a people pleaser) to her own person was not really interesting to me.
The chemistry between the two characters wasn’t that good, honestly. The two had very little heat and spark. The spice was not spice, it was just salt and pepper. I had expected a heated eye stare and spark as it is an enemies-lovers trope but was disappointed greatly.
My most favourite thing of all was, of course, the cameo from Adam and Olive and the friend group with all the cool science people, that in my opinion was the best part of the book.
Overall, an enjoyable read but quite forgettable and disappointed in a way.
The Love Hypothesis by Ali Hazelwood
I have read almost three of Ali Hazelwood’s books – “Love, Theoretically“, “The Love Hypothesis” and “Loathe to Love You” tops the list. I have loved every part of this book from beginning to end.
Olive, she has my whole heart. I hadn’t relate to the character as much as I did with Olive. Olive is a smart girl but she has her own insecurities and struggles. She doubts her ability to do better, it is quite reasonable too as STEM has a high number of men surrounding within. Olive’s dialogues are witty and snarky, and she is pretty much funny to me. And, the length she went, just so that her best friend would actually openly date her ex with whom the things hadn’t worked out. Oh god, may all of us have a friend like Olive in real life.
Adam is the grumpiest professor and has a bad reputation in the department but nevertheless, he’s got a good heart and has good intentions in his every action. Sure, he is strict but he can be sweet, caring, and supportive too (only for Olive though). I think students misunderstood him in a way with the way he disciplines them. But, he only wants what is best for STEM department.
The romance between Olive and Adam developed slowly, with plenty of tension and sizzle. I love how this fake dating was able to make them get close. During this phase, they not only understood each other but had each of their back too. They even share an inside joke between conversations which was heartwarming. And, the forced proximity they had to perform just to show they were a couple had got me millions of butterflies and giddiness.
The book is fast-paced, engaging, witty, and unexpectedly emotional at times. The book is super nerdy/set in STEM and academia but it is quite romantic and sweet too. And, the last reveal – him falling for her way before they had even met properly, that’s it, I was a goner for this book.
Aristotle and Dante discover the secrets of universe
Reading this book gave me the calmness and peace that I never expected. The story revolves around two boys, Aristotle and Dante who became friends after one encounter.
Rather than romance, the story is about finding who you are and what you want in your life. In actuality, it doesn’t have a “plot”. It’s a story about a boy who is sad and angry and can’t figure out why. A boy trying to love himself and others. It’s about the teenage condition and mentality.
Aristotle was an extremely relatable character. He doesn’t have friends. In most situation, he feels like he doesn’t fit anywhere, even with Dante he feels lonely because Dante seems to fit himself everywhere he goes. He is angry with his father for not talking and angry for not letting him know about his brother. He feels lost, hurt, and mostly lonely just like any teenager which is why his character felt so relatable.
The friendship between them is just pure. Although Ari sometimes behaves as a jerk, they both know each other inside out like no other. As the story goes on, we can see how they evolve and get to terms with their feelings later. I also love the bond they both had with their parents.
This book is full of heart-warming scenes, terrifying incidents, heart-wrenching arguments and confrontations, beautiful quotes, and an unbreakable friendship bond. I can’t even say how much I have loved it and can’t describe in words the feelings I had while reading it.
I just can’t wait to watch adapted movie – “Aristotle and Dante discover the secrets of universe” now that I’ve read the book.
One True Loves by Taylor Jenkins Reid
This book has a meaningful message but the story didn’t interest me. Sometimes, I felt bored because the story was so slow and lengthy unnecessarily. I have read other books by this author which were way better than this one. So, I guess this book comes off as average to me.
Emma has to choose between her fiancé, Sam, and her husband, Jesse whom she thought had already been dead. Emma. I think she’s actually one of the worst characters I’ve ever encountered.
Jesse and Sam really did love Emma for who she was and vice-versa but I didn’t like how she managed the situation when aroused. She should have drawn a line with both of them as she was already committed in a way to Sam and as for Jesse, she should have asked for time rather than agreeing to whatever he suggested. Although she was in an impossible and heartbreaking situation, I didn’t like how she could just switch off when she was with Jesse or Sam.
The way in which Emma came to her decision was too quick and easy. I expected some angst and groveling but after just one conversion it was settled and agreed. It was done hastily. It still felt like Emma was cheating on Sam with the way she handled the situation. I felt sorry for Sam.
But I liked the message it gave. Life is unpredictable. Ups and downs are a part of life. It is a fact, that we have to move on and let of of our past and burdens in order to be happy in the future. We come across many people whom we will love but letting go of someone doesn’t mean we didn’t love them truly and heartily. It’s just that we have to move on life to be happy.
My thoughts
My favorite is going to be “The Love Hypothesis” and “Aristotle and Dante discover the secrets of the universe“. These both books have been constantly on my mind even after ‘finishing it. The characters were relatable to me and their stories have inspired me in real life.
Have you guys read all of these books?? Comment you favorite book and tell me about your experience. I’m all yours to listen!!
You can also read “Summer Reading” book review which is a romance book as well.
