Melody's Reading Corner: Romance

Showing posts with label Romance. Show all posts

How to Fail at Flirting by Denise Williams

Melody

Berkley | 1 December 2020 | 352 pgs

Source: Library

Professor Naya Turner's life has always been simple and routine. She's devoted to her work but the university is undergoing a restructuring so that means their flailing department might land on a chopping block anytime. To cheer her up, Naya's bestie suggested she shed her usual self and do something fun for an evening in town, such as making a to-do list and challenge herself to various tasks which are out of her norms. Starting off with striking a conversation with a stranger at the bar. Naya isn't totally against the idea, after all her bestie is coming along and she might not be doing anything from the list at all. But a family emergency came up and Naya is left alone at the bar.

But Naya's loneliness is only temporary after she met Jake who's also nursing his drink alone. Jake is visiting for a business meeting as well as his friend's wedding party. A boisterous bachelorette party nearby prompts him to strike a conversation with Naya and both of them hit it off quickly. Naya thinks Jake is funny and friendly and soon she finds herself sharing her to-do list with him. Jake tells her that he could check off the items on her list, starting with buying her a drink and ending with a no-strings-attached hookup. But their so-called date doesn't seem to end there that night, as Jake wants to get to know Naya more and vice versa.

And as fate would have it, Jake happened to be the management consultant hired by the University; and by the time Naya finds out it's a little late to retrace her steps (and her heart). Aside from the complications of their relationship, Naya also has to face the wrath of her ex-partner after learning that he'll be working in the same university as her. Losing her job and/or love is one thing, but having to deal with his ex-partner's threats and abusive behaviours is another thing.

I haven't read a romance for a while so this was a refreshing read to me. I loved the interactions between Jake and Naya and I thought Jake was a catch - he's funny, considerate and understanding. Naya, on the other hand, appeared to be strong on the surface but deep within she was simply a woman who's looking for someone who'd understand her and respect her. Although this is a romance, it also delves into some serious subjects like domestic abuse and gaslighting and these scenes are particularly hard to read. But Naya was a changed person by then so she wouldn't submit to her ex's behaviours. I enjoyed this book (minus the abusive parts) and all the more for the author's writing. I'll definitely keep a look out for her other books.

© 2023 Melody's Reading Corner (https://mel-reading-corner.blogspot.sg/), All Rights Reserved. If you are reading this post from other site(s), please take note that this post has been stolen and is used without permission.

Labels: 4 stars, Book Review, Romance 10 comments |

Love in the Time of Serial Killers by Alicia Thompson

Melody

Berkley | 16 August 2022 | 352 pgs

Source: Library

I chose this book to kick off the new year. After all, nothing could go wrong with a romance and that title sounds cool, isn't it?

Our heroine, Phoebe Walsh, is a PhD candidate studying and analysing true crimes and the writers who write them as part of her dissertation. She's so obsessed with the genre so much so that she could imagine some homicide cases to a mysterious or a bad situation. She's imaginative and a little paranoid like that.

With her father's passing and to clean out his house before reselling, Phoebe returns to her childhood home in Florida where she reacquaint with her younger brother whom she hasn't contacted in a while. Perhaps her late night arrival isn't a good idea given her over imaginative mind as she couldn't help but to think of all the bad scenarios when a guy approaches her and offers to help her move her desk (yes, she attached her desk onto her car's roof). Turns out he's her neighbour, Sam, but that didn't help in her lowering her guard around him.

As cliché as this goes, Phoebe begins to see him in a new light as the time passes and her relationship with her younger brother deepens as they begin to share their thoughts and ideas for his proposal to his girlfriend. For a romcom, it was a fun read but I've to admit I'd a different expectation prior diving into this book as I thought Sam would be featured as a mysterious "dangerous" man and Phoebe would unveil his "mask" through several misunderstanding and "bad" encounters before she finds his true identity, ha. Phoebe wasn't a character whom you'd warm up to easily given her characteristics but once she'd let her guard down, she could be as good-natured like her younger brother, Connor. Overall it was an entertaining read and I quite enjoyed a few occasional true crime references throughout the book.

Labels: 3 stars, Book Review, Romance 10 comments |

Dokkaebi: Vicious Spirits by Kat Cho

Melody

G.P. Putnam's Sons | 18 August 2020 | 416 pgs

Source: Purchased

(This review contains some spoilers of the first book, Wicked Fox.)

In Kat Cho's previous novel, Wicked Fox, she introduced us the mythology of gumihos and their mystical world set in modern Seoul. This is the companion/sequel of WF and it continues the story of Miyoung and Jihoon but features a new set of characters and mythological creature (Dokkaebi) and a few supernatural entities.

As this book begins, Miyoung and Jihoon are deeply affected by the death of their mother and grandmother respectively. The loss of their loved ones and what they'd experienced have seemed to take its toll on them, leaving them in despair and unmotivated. Miyoung suffers the most considering her fox bead is no longer with her and this leads her to becoming weaker as the day goes.

Lee Somin and Junu are the protagonists of this book but they're also friends of Miyoung and Jihoon. Junu appeared in WF before but his scenes are minimal. He's a dokkaebi (goblin) and while he didn't really leave a deep impression on me in WF, he certainly has grown on me in this one the more I learned about him and his backstory. In fact, his backstory and his banters and romance with Somin took up half of this story while the other half was finding a solution to right the balance between the realms of the living and the dead after what took place at the end of WF and the outcome has caused a tear between these two realms, thus causing the supernatural entities to roam the living world and create havoc. Junu knew what he has to do with his unsettled past and to right all the wrongs, but the jeoseung saja (grim reaper) gives him little time and he's to make a huge decision eventually.

Kat Cho has wowed me with this enthralling duology featuring the world of a few Korean mythological creatures and not to mention a cast of intriguing characters whom I'd grown to love during my reading journey. I liked reading about the friendship amongst these characters and learning more about their strengths and weaknesses through the experiences and challenges they'd faced and I've to say Junu stands out the most among all in my opinion. He's flawed and carried the most emotional baggage but despite the vulnerability in him, he also showed us the humane side despite of what he was as a dokkaebi. I was so sad to see the end of this duology and I really hope Kat Cho will continue writing some more of this mythological world in the near future.

Finally, I want to thank Lark for reading this duology with me for our buddy reads. Go check out Lark's blog for her review and here's my answers to her questions:

1. From the gumiho to ghosts to reapers and goblins, Kat Cho includes a lot of Korean mythology in this book. What supernatural aspects did you like best?

All the mythological creatures fascinate me but I've to say gumiho is the most intriguing among all. Gumihos are known for their longevity and their shape shifting power and I think they're beautiful from some aspect.

2. If you had to pick, which one of the four main characters would you most want to be like? And which one would you want as your best friend? Why?

I liked Somin's feistiness and loyalty so these traits are definitely what I most admired about her. And she makes a great friend, too. She's not afraid of what other people think of her and she's always there for her friends, be it for moral support or a listening ear.

© 2020 Melody's Reading Corner (https://mel-reading-corner.blogspot.sg/), All Rights Reserved. If you are reading this post from other site(s), please take note that this post has been stolen and is used without permission.

Labels: 4 stars, Book Review, Fantasy, Romance, Young Adult 8 comments |

The Flatshare by Beth O'Leary

Melody

Quercus | January 2020 | 400 pgs

Source: Purchased

Tiffy Moore has broken off with her boyfriend and she needs a flat fast. With her limited finances, she could only rent a cheap flat but most of the units she's seen are either messed up or so run-down that she wanted to give up hope until one ad caught her attention. It's a one-bed flat and though the rental meets her budget, she has to share not only the flat but the bed as well. Before you think otherwise, the rental requirements are pretty decent and straightforward. That is, Tiffy will occupy the flat during the evenings as she'll be at work in the day. She's not met up with the flat owner but she's went through all the necessary procedures with the owner's girlfriend who helps oversee the whole arrangement. Now her accommodation problem has finally resolved and she's happy although her two close friends think she's crazy to accept such an arrangement.

Leon Twomey works as a palliative care nurse and since he mostly work night shifts and that he needs money badly for his brother's legal case (there's a little backstory how he was wrongly convicted), he figured renting out his one-bed flat wouldn't pose too much of an issue. His girlfriend has met up with the tenant personally so there wouldn't be any insecurities or jealousy issue standing between them. Communication-wise, it's simple too as they'll leave Post-it notes to each other. But, as much as these two people trying their best to get on with their lives, fate and circumstances seem to have their own plans and since this book is a romance, you could very well imagine what'd happen next.

Cliché or not, I love it when a romance makes me feel some warmth and romantic (but of course), moved and some humanity that move beyond the characters' relationship. This book has it all. I liked how Tiffy and Leon didn't know each other in the beginning and instead, communicate and get to know more about each other through their little notes here and there. I also liked it that they're able to see eye to eye on several things and being there for each other during their most vulnerable moments despite their differences (never mind if their first meetup was disastrously embarrassing but hey, nothing is perfect, right?) And finally, how helping others (these secondary characters are fun to read as well) together have sort of bring them even closer and made them see through many things in general, including their own. All in all, this book was an entertaining and an escapism read and I welcome this little distraction especially in these gloomy times.

Labels: 4 stars, Book Review, Romance 10 comments |

Chaos Reigning by Jessie Mihalik

Melody

Harper Voyager | May 2020 | 416 pgs

Source: Publisher via Edelweiss

This is the last book of Jessie Mihalik's Consortium Rebellion trilogy and well, I was sad to see it end (but what a fun trilogy it was!)

Catarina von Hasenberg is the youngest member of her High House and is often being underestimated by her family though her bubbly personality mask a clever mind and a fierce determination. In the previous book (Aurora Blazing), the von Hasenbergs are still reeling over the treachery and the capture of the oldest son and heir so Catarina figures she'd be the best person to go undercover at a rival House's summer retreat so as to gather information and find out whoever is behind her brother's capture.

However, Catarina's wish of working solo is dashed when her overprotective older sister, Bianca, assigns Alexander Sterling as her bodyguard (or lovers in public to steer away unnecessary attention). Bianca and her acquaintance with Alexander was explained in the last book, so it's understandable to see why Alexander is so adamant about following her request. And since Catarina possesses a strong individualism, it was interesting to see their differences gradually led to a solid alliance and then attractions when they finally acknowledge the unspoken sparks between them.

I enjoyed this finale slightly more than Aurora Blazing, partly because it has more actions and there are stakes that are running high. Catarina was a strong character that easily captures a reader's attention through her warm and feisty personality, but she has secrets which she'd kept since young -- an experimental project done on her by her father to mold her into a super soldier. While she gave others a false impression that the experiment failed, the contempt she'd carried continues till her adulthood, though her other siblings feel the same towards their father, too.

While I'm not a huge fan of sci-fi, this combination of interplanetary adventures and romance was a joy to read. Recommend to read from book 1, Polaris Rising, as there are some events and threads which are interwoven into the books' plotlines.

Labels: 4 stars, Book Review, Romance, Sci-Fi 6 comments |

Aurora Blazing by Jessie Mihalik

Melody

Harper Voyager| October 2019| 400 pgs

Source: Purchased

I was hooked by the first book (Polaris Rising) of this Consortium Rebellion trilogy featuring three siblings from High House von Hasenberg so I dived into this second installment with a high expectation (if you love sci-fi and romance, perhaps you should try reading this trilogy. Could be read as a standalone but I'd suggest reading them in order).

Bianca von Hasenberg did her duty by marrying for convenience and when her husband died unexpectedly, many speculated if she's something to do with his death but in truth, she did nothing but one thing for sure, she's definitely living her life happier and freer than before. However, politics and power will always exist and when their oldest brother disappears after an attack, Bianca decides to search for him despite their father's order and this led him to sending Ian Bishop, the director of House von Hasenberg security to bring her back.

Bianca has a vast of connections, and in no time she's able to trace the links to rival House Rockhurst territory. But Ian is persistent and infuriating like no one else; and of course he eventually caught her after some chase across the universe. Bianca stand her ground in finding her brother, even if it means allowing Ian to follow her around and take charge whenever they encounter some obstacles. But most of all, would she be able to believe in love again after an unhappy marriage?

Aurora Blazing was an enjoyable read in terms of the world-building and the family dynamics in the High House von Hasenberg, but it was a slow burn compared to its first book. However, it was justified considering Bianca's backstory and how she came to be that person today both physically and mentally. Ian was another intriguing character, but he received much lesser attention compared to Bianca, thus adding a sense of mystery around him. Their interactions took up most of the story; and it wasn't a surprise to see that their romance took a while to blossom considering their stubborn and hotheaded personalities. While I still liked Polaris Rising a little more than this book, the characters development and the plot remain as good and I'm currently reading the last book of this trilogy, Chaos Reigning, which features the youngest daughter of High House von Hasenberg. While I hate to see this series come to an end, I'll be curious to know what she has in store next.

Labels: 3.5 stars, Book Review, Romance, Sci-Fi 9 comments |

Drama Review: The World of Married Couple

Melody

Synopsis: (from KoreanDrama.org)

This drama is about a married couple whose betrayal of one another leads to a whirlwind of revenge.

Ji Sun Woo (Kim Hee Ae) is a family medicine doctor. She is married to Lee Tae Oh (Park Hae Joon) and they have a son. She seems to have everything, including a successful career and a happy family, but she is betrayed by her husband and others. Meanwhile, Lee Tae Oh dreams of becoming a famous movie director. He runs an entertainment business with the support of his wife Ji Sun Woo. Even though he loves his wife, Lee Tae Oh falls into a dangerous relationship.

My thoughts:

This drama was actually based on BBC's drama series Doctor Foster and has received the highest viewership and ratings in Korean cable television history to-date. Since I didn't watch Doctor Foster, I couldn't compare the two but I've to say watching The World of Married Couple was as exciting as reading a domestic thriller; the only difference is your dislike for the characters intensify since we are seeing all the actions on screen rather than using our imaginations; and not to mention it easily evokes our emotions, too.

To begin with, I've to say the first half of the story was very good. It'd me at the edge of my seat (and gritting my teeth) most of the time. Sun Woo didn't seem to be a woman who's unreasonable or one who would act rashly; after all she gave Tae Oh a chance to admit his infidelity but the latter denied and lied. After she'd found further proof of his infidelity, Tae Oh didn't seem to be remorseful and even retorted that there's no wrong in loving and that he loves her and his mistress at the same time. (Well, you can't have your cake and eat it too, right?) To protect her son and her career, Sun Woo decided that divorcing him and gaining the custody of her son are the options, but alas Tae Oh decided to return to their hometown even after he'd married his mistress and has a young daughter. You'd think that he must have gotten over his ex-wife at this stage but unfortunately that wasn't the case. And this is when things start to get heated up and the start of their revenge.

(Source)

It was easy to feel empathy towards Sun Woo despite everything, afterall she was the victim and actress Kim Hee Ae has portrayed her role wonderfully through her superb acting skills. Likewise to Park Hae Joon who played Tae Oh; a selfish, despicable man who has no bounds when his own benefits are concerned. And above all, my heart went out to their poor teenage son, who felt like he was a pawn between them, or a "tool" to get to the other.

As much as this story was centred around the complex (obsessive?) relationship between Sun Woo and Tae Oh, there was also a subplot about another couple (who's their friends and neighbours) with trust issue. Overall, this story depicts the complicated relationship between Sun Woo and Tae Oh, the challenges of a single working mother and at the same time allows the viewers some discussions about the aspect of marriage and how divorce are being looked upon depending on one's culture and the society. I enjoyed the drama, but it could be dramatic at times and again, I loathed Tae Oh for all his doings yet I couldn't help but to pity him towards the end. And speaking of the ending, I was deeply disappointed and it left me feeling baffled. That said, it was still an intense and an entertaining drama with a good acting cast.

Labels: 4.5 stars, Domestic Thriller, Drama review, Korean drama, Romance 6 comments |

Comeback: A K-pop Novel by Lyn Ashwood, Rachel Rose

Melody

Ashwood & Rose Llp | June 2019 | 314 pgs

Source: Authors

I'm a fan of K-dramas; and I do listen to a few K-pop groups. Thus, when the authors of Comeback: A K-pop Novel asked if I'd like to read and review their book, I knew I couldn't pass this up. After all, this story centers around the exciting world of K-pop industry.

Emery Jung, also known as M with rising K-pop boy group NEON, is preparing for their comeback performance when he meets a girl whom he'd lost contact two years ago. Alana Kim, stylist coordinator to girl group, LilyRed, didn't expect she'd literally run into M with a cup of hot tea. And so, their awkward chance reunion begins their journey where they'll learn more about each other alongside the ups and downs they're going through while pursuing their dreams.

For starters, this book is not all about the fame and glam behind the entertainment industry. In fact, it dictates the realities of a life of an idol and one's self discovery and healing after experiencing the loss of a loved one. The former describes Emery, and as we know, name and fame come with a price and that's freedom. And very often, their private life is also being scrutinised and monitored. However, his biggest burden is more towards his family; whereby he feels he has disappointed his father for not going along his wishes of pursuing a business career instead of the entertainment industry in which the span of being an idol is short-lived and that anything could happen. As for Alana, her older brother's suicide has left her raw and hollow, leading her to abandon her love of music until she met Emery again.

This book focus much on the brotherhood among the NEON members, the love struggles between Emery and Alana and most of all, the courage of pursuing one's dreams and love. The reader also gets a glimpse of the insider's K-pop industry but not so much of the Seoul setting though, which I felt a little disappointed. Nevertheless, it was still an entertaining read and I'm curious what the authors will have in store next.

© 2019 Melody's Reading Corner (https://mel-reading-corner.blogspot.sg/), All Rights Reserved. If you are reading this post from other site(s), please take note that this post has been stolen and is used without permission.

Labels: 4 stars, Book Review, Romance, Young Adult 6 comments |

Things You Save in a Fire by Katherine Center

Melody

St. Martin's Publishing Group | August 2019 | 320 pgs

Source: Library

The title may sound like a non-fiction but this is actually an uplifting and inspiring story that explores about family, forgiveness and love.

Cassie Hanwell is one tough woman. Being the only female firefighter with the Austin Fire Department, she works extra hard not only she loves her job but also as her life focus ever since her mother left her and her father on her sixteenth birthday. That day changed her mindset about trusting people and while she's good in dealing with emergencies, she's never good in connecting with others although she has a great comradeship with her colleagues. She's on her path towards promotion until two things turned her world upside down. First, upon seeing the city councilman who's going to present her with a valor award and he was the guy who's hurt her badly in high school. Then, her estranged mother called and said she needs her to move to Massachusetts given her eye problems.

"Choosing to love -- despite all the ways that people let you down, and disappear, and break your heart. Knowing everything we know about how hard life is and choosing to love anyway . . . That's not weakness. That's courage." ~ Pg 59

Cassie is reluctant to forgive her mother given she'd left them years ago. On top of it, she didn't want to leave her current place but her career with the Austin Fire Department is gone (she refused to apologise to the councilman after what he'd done to her on stage). Through her superior's recommendation, she ends up at Lillian Fire Department in Massachusetts; a smaller station which pale in comparison in all aspects and worst of all, the chief doesn't really think highly of women firefighters but is willing to take her in because they're short-staffed. So Cassie ends up moving into her mother's house and start her new life.

Cassie soon finds out that she's not the only newbie but there's a rookie who's joining Lillian FD, too. Being the only female and her capabilities in doubt, Cassie works extra hard to prove herself and along the drills and other works, she discovers that Owen Callaghan (who is often called the "rookie" more than his name) is nothing like his other subordinates. For starters, he treats her as an equal and even better, acknowledge her skills. Back at home, her relationship with her mother is lukewarm but as the days go, she soon finds out the real reason behind her mother's request.

This book evoked so much emotions in me during my reading journey. I admired Cassie's spirit and I think she'd made all women proud for undertaking a male dominated job and excelled in it. Her relationship with Owen, as well as the moments with her mother are both bittersweet to read. There may be some scenes which are cheesy or cliché, but to me how the book made me feel and reflect usually have me overlook them. I enjoyed this book a lot and would definitely check out the other books by this author.

Labels: 4 5 stars, Book Review, Fiction, Romance 12 comments |

Gumiho (Wicked Fox) by Kat Cho

Melody

G.P. Putnam's Sons | July 2019 | 438 pgs

Source: Purchased

If you're into K-dramas, you should've heard of the drama "My Girlfriend Is a Nine-Tailed Fox", starring Lee Seung-gi and Shin Min-ah. I loved that rom-com fantasy; and it introduced me to this Korean mythology (click here if you wish to learn more about gumiho) although I'm more familiar with the Chinese version of the same creature.

In this book, eighteen-year-old Gu Miyoung arrives in Seoul with her mother for a new life. Being a gumiho forbids them to stay in the same place permanently and for years the two women have no qualm about their hunting life (preying on men on full moon so they could devour their energy in order to survive). Miyoung may have to feed to survive but she has her own rules when it comes to choosing her prey. Through the help of Nara, a young shaman, she captures criminals and the like through Nara's vision and although this doesn't make her less of a murderer, she feels she is doing a justice in some ways.

On a particular full moon night, Ahn Jihoon brings his dog out for a walk and they end up deep in the forest. Jihoon's fear of the dark came true when he encounters a goblin. Just when he thought he'd not come out of the forest alive, a girl came to his rescue. She's none other than Miyoung. However, she'd violated the gumiho rules and lost her fox bead during the rescue. Without the fox bead in her body, her fox essence will deteriorate even though she's holding on to it.

(Image Credit)

And as fate would have it, Miyoung is a newcomer in Jihoon's school and they're in the same class, too. Miyoung doesn't want to acknowledge him initially, but Jihoon is patient and persistent. He has no fear of this mysterious girl, despite he's heard stories about the mystical gumiho from his grandmother since young. It is no surprise their brief acquaintance became friendship, then a longing for companionship considering they're similar in a way - lack of parental love. However, as much as they're attracted to each other, it is clear that their love is doomed from the start. How could a gumiho and a human fall in love, given all their differences and not to mention a feud which already started decades ago?

There are so many things I loved about this book. The mythology, the characters (hands down, Jihoon is my favourite character among all), the plot and of course not to mention the banter between Miyoung and Jihoon. I also enjoyed the sections in between about the history of the gumiho and her journeys. There's a reason behind her coldness and ruthlessness and these information definitely add a few perspectives to this intriguing story (and I need to mention there's also a glossary list of some Korean words and their meanings at the end of the book for easy reference as the author input them into the story for a more authentic voice). Yes, I was sorry to see it end, but Lark and I had a fun time devouring and exchanging views about this book (and oh, there's a sequel coming in summer 2020! We'll definitely read this together then for our buddy read. Right, Lark? 😃).

Finally, here's my answers to Lark's questions:

1. What aspects of Jihoon's character did you like the best?

His persistence and his easy-going demeanour. Although sometimes his persistence may come off as a little strong, but his intentions are good (e.g. trying to befriend Miyoung despite her continuous indifferent attitude).

2. What did you think of Miyoung's mother and their complicated relationship?

Miyoung's mother was a complicated character. She's cold and she could be ruthless, but after reading some of her past stories I actually felt sorry for her. Her complicated relationship with Miyoung (or Jihoon, for that matter) arises from her past and her fear of history repeating itself. On top of these, her somewhat lack of communication with Miyoung further widen the gap between the mother-and-daughter relationship, although deep down she still cares for her a lot.

There you have it. Now go visit Lark's blog to read her review and the Q&As. 😃

Labels: 4 stars, Book Review, Fantasy, Romance, Young Adult 6 comments |

Somewhere Only We Know by Maurene Goo

Melody

Farrar Straus Giroux | May 2019 | 336 pgs

Source: Library

I didn't really enjoy Maurene Goo's previous book (I Believe in a Thing Called Love) as much as I'd anticipated. However, I do like the way how she manages to capture the emotions and thoughts of the teenagers' mind into words so I'm giving her latest book another try.

Lucky (not her real name) is a successful K-pop star and she is touring around Asia for her performances. Hong Kong is her next destination and she has her eyes set on making her debut on The Tonight Show in America. But with her name and fame, she often find it a challenge to sneak out to do the things she loves. However, on one particular night she has a craving for a hamburger so she decides to sneak out secretly. But then she hasn't thought about the sleeping pills and the anxiety pills she'd taken earlier.

Jack Lim is interning at his father's bank while waiting to get into college. But his passion is photography and to fuel his love for this, he took up a side job taking pictures for a tabloid magazine. No one knows about his side job except his roommate, Charlie. So Jack has received news that a certain male celebrity is staying at a fancy hotel and on his way out after the assignment, he runs into a girl wearing the hotel's slippers. Appearing dazed, he decided to help the girl, not knowing that he's spending some time with a bigger celebrity (well, he's not into K-pop so he has absolutely no idea who she is.) When Jack finally realises who she is towards the end of the evening, he wonders if he should fulfill his dreams or protect Lucky's privacy and miss his chance for the work he loves so much.

This is a cute and sweet story which I find is a great escapism from my usual reads. The story plot is simple and the reader get to read Lucky's and Jack's story over the span of one day in the city of Hong Kong. I'm not a fan of insta-love but I can see why Lucky and Jack are attracted to each other. And through Lucky's experiences, the reader also get a glimpse of the life of an idol and some of the sacrifices they've to make behind that glamorous image which I feel is a fact surrounding the K-pop industry today. Character-wise, I think the developments were great and although this was more of a character- than a plot-driven story, it was still an entertaining read.

Labels: 3.5 stars, Book Review, Romance, Young Adult 10 comments |

I Believe in a Thing Called Love by Maurene Goo

Melody

Farrar, Straus and Giroux | May 2017 | 336 pgs

Source: Library

This book caught my attention because of the diversity of the characters (a Korean-American heroine, a Caucasian hero and the heroine's BFF is a gay) and most of all it is literally a tribute to Korean rom-com dramas so being a fan of the latter, I couldn't possibly turn my attention away, right?

So the book opens with the introduction of our heroine, Desi Lee. She's smart and actively involved in various clubs and sports in school. Heck, she even set her goals into getting Stanford. The only problem - she's never been good with the opposite sex and it's no wonder she has never had a boyfriend. The confidence she has for other things immediately diminish whenever she meets a guy she fancies.

Desi lost her mother since young and she is very close with her father. One thing she couldn't understand about her father is his love for Korean dramas. She finds their storylines cliché and formulaic and no matter how different the two protagonists are or how they were thrown in difficult circumstances, they always end with happiness tied with a big red bow. Her opinions in Korean dramas start to change after she encounter a guy named Luca Drakos. Moody and ever elusive, Luca is also an expert in Arts and Desi is immediately drawn to his charisma. What she thought of the romance in Korean dramas has a plan in making a relationship work and she decided to work out a list by following their "tactics".

Now while I find this book entertaining, hilarious and even adorable at times, I do have a few issues concerning Desi's plans. While there are positivity in a few of them, there are one or two issues which had me shaking my head. I think it is understandable of Desi to come up with some plans of having Luca to take notice of her, but it is totally not right to lie and manipulate and this is the point which I couldn't agree with her. Onto other topic, it was refreshing to read about the dynamic between Desi and her father; their interactions and the moments they shared tell a lot about their father-and-daughter bond and I found this perspective endearing since I've read so much about the relationship between mother-and-daughter but rarely this. Overall this was an 'OK' read to me and while I didn't like this book well enough, I'll still read the other books by this author.

* This is a scheduled post as I'm currently taking a short break off of blogging. Comments and blog hopping will resume thereafter.

Labels: 3 stars, Book Review, Romance, Young Adult 4 comments |

Drama Reviews: Doctor Prisoner | The Light in Your Eyes

Melody

Doctor Prisoner

Synopsis from DramaBeans:

Doctor Prisoner centers around an ace doctor in a university hospital’s emergency care center, a skilled professional who treats his patients with full devotion and without discrimination. However, his medical license gets suspended as a result of a medical malpractice incident that arises when the hospital board director causes a ruckus. He then gets his certificate as a medical internist and applies to work at a prison, where his plan is to cozy up to all the bigshots there—business tycoons, celebrities caught for doing drugs, sports stars guilty of gambling—and to win allies, with the ultimate goal of getting revenge against the hospital that ousted him. To do so, he’ll get rid of the existing prison chief doctor and claim the spot for himself.

My thoughts:

I don't know about you, but I think there's something about medical thriller that attracts us despite some scary facts or uncomfortable scenes that make us think about our bodies and how fragile life can be. I think one reason I love watching medical related dramas is how great a doctor is and seeing how they could save a person's live through their skillful hands and watching Doctor Prisoner allows me to see the passionate side of a doctor called Na Yi Je (starring Nam Goong Min) and his sense of justice when dealing with all kinds of despicable people and their conspiracies. There are so many baddies here that I lost count, and no one is to be trusted, including Dr Na himself since you don't know what he's thinking and what games he might be playing. I think one of the highlights is watching him "creating an illness" to one or two prisoners so they can request for acquittal to justify the few cases he's fighting against the baddies (yes, these group of people are more or less connected) and while it seems a bit far-fetched and doesn't sound morally reprehensible, I can see how his points come about from another perspective. Overall this was an exciting and an intriguing drama and I recommend it if you love a good thriller. (4.5 stars)

The Light in Your Eyes

Synopsis from AJ at MyDramaList:

A girl who can travel through time meets a man who lives a torpid life. Kim Hye Ja is a bright and positive 26-year-old woman who wishes to become an announcer. One day, she gains the ability to exploit time and from there, is involved in a complicated timeline as a 70-year-old. Lee Joon Ha is a man who wishes to become a reporter. He worked hard to reach his goal, but now throws away his time and lives lethargically. When the two opposites meet in a complicated time, a love story begins to unfold.

My thoughts:

I've to say I didn't expect a romance time travel story would be that complicated (mind boggling to say the least) but you've to go in "blind" as you watch this. Do not read and analyse too much from the blurb(s) because it isn't what you're thinking in the first place. It is a slow-burn at times but the wait is worth it and will leave you gasping and muttering "What?" towards the end. I think this is my vaguest review I've ever written but I can say the message behind this is a thought-provoking one. (4 stars)

Labels: 4 stars, 4.5 stars, Fantasy, Korean drama, Medical Thriller, Romance 2 comments |

Polaris Rising by Jessie Mihalik

Melody

HarperCollins Publishers | February 2019 | 448 pgs

Source: Purchased

I rarely read Sci-Fi; and I tend to be picky with this genre but this book had my attention throughout so that says a lot how I felt about this book.

Princess Ada von Hasenberg is the fifth child of six children in the House of von Hasenberg. The von Hasenberg is one of the three High Houses among the space universe and they are officially ruled by the Royal Consortium. Each High House has a Councillor who wield the power and occasionally the three High Councillors will meet for political reasons. In its present case, Ada's father has arranged Ada to wed Richard from House Rockhurst but Ada has her own plans. To escape from the marriage, she has been on the run for two years until she is caught and is thrown into a cell with the notorious Marcus Loch. Known as the devil of Fornax Zero, Loch is known to have killed his entire chain of command during the Fornax Rebellion and he is a wanted man by the Consortium.

However, during the return to Earth their ship is attacked by House Rockhurst's battle cruiser and Ada knew if Richard captures her she'd be used as a political pawn and nothing else. Being constrained in a small cell her only hope is Loch so she strikes a deal with him to help her escape with compensation. Although she isn't sure if Loch is to be trusted, she's willing to take a risk especially when her freedom is at stake.

Polaris Rising is the first book of a trilogy and what a fun adventure-packed book it is! I loved everything here - the characters, the premise and yes, there's even a romance element in it. Ada is one kick-ass heroine; and Loch is one character who will grow on you the more you read about him. There's some history behind his fugitive persona so I was intrigued by it as well. And the Sci-Fi elements are balanced in a way that there aren't too many related stuff that might bore or confuse you; but I've to say I was quite fascinated by the world-building and the scientific technologies (e.g. nanobots for the prestige that seem like a superb recovery system and FTL drives that is an invaluable source to the universe, etc) alongside the adventures. The next installment (Aurora Blazing) will feature Ada's older sister and their House's head security and I can't wait to read their story!

Labels: 4.5 stars, Adventure Thriller, Book Review, Romance, Sci-Fi 6 comments |

The Impossible Girl by Lydia Kang

Melody

Lake Union Publishing | September 2018 | 364 pgs

Source: Library

The year is 1850, New York. Cora Lee, born out of wedlock to a wealthy socialite and a nameless immigrant, is no ordinary girl like the others. Aside from her mixed lineage, she was born with two hearts. She was raised by her late mother's cousin who had then passed, with only her maid Leah as companions. Since a girl, she was told not to disclose her "ailment" to anyone. Even now as the only female resurrectionist in New York, she would disguise herself as a man in dusk for procuring bodies afflicted with strange anomalies. After all, there are anatomists who are willing to pay exorbitant sums for such specimens, either for medical studies or displaying them for the public like "treasures" in museums.

However, Cora doesn't do it entirely for money. Like those deceased with strange anomalies, she knew she herself is a prize to fellow resurrectionists and anatomists alike and her profession not only help her in disguising her identity but also keep her in the loop when the jobs are concerned. Despite the news of the girl with two hearts is a legend, Cora knows she has to be extra vigilant and make sure that the legend remains as it is.

As there is a rise in bodies and competitions among resurrectionists, Cora couldn't help but to suspect if the deceased are murdered instead of passing due to their ailments. To complicate matters, she finds herself attracted to Theodore Flint, a medical student who is interested in learning the trade. But of course Flint doesn't know of her double identity; he knows Cora as a lady but he is more familiar with her "twin" Jacob Lee; the other identity Cora took both for protection as well as her resurrectionist role. As a series of murders unfolds, Cora doesn't know if she could trust anyone, including Flint.

I've no idea how to articulate my thoughts without giving too much of the story away. I loved this book. It has a combination of historical, mystery, romance and a medical aspect of the human anomalies and the likes. While I loved the time period and the setting, what really stands out to me is the author's writing and the characterisations. The characters are fleshed out and the more I read about them, the more I felt for them. I enjoyed knowing more about the role of a resurrectionist, despite the mobidness and all. Also, women physicians back then aren't as recognised as their male counterparts and this gender inequality is well captured in the story based on one character's situation. Overall what I liked most about this book is Cora - an impossible girl who is brave, opiniated and accepting herself as who she is.

Labels: 4.5 stars, Book Review, Historical, Mystery, Romance 18 comments |

If You Leave Me by Crystal Hana Kim

Melody

William Morrow | August 2018 | 417 pgs

Source: Library

Set in the 1950s amid the Korean War, this debut novel by Crystal Hana Kim revolves around our three protagonists and the choices they are forced to make during the war times and how it shaped their destinies thereafter.

Sixteen-year-old Haemi Lee, together with her widowed mother and ailing brother, live in a refugee village after their home was invaded by the Communist-backed army from the North. With the grim circumstances and so forth, Haemi finds some solace in her childhood friend, Kyunghwan, as they will meet for some late night drinks and exchange sentiments. Although Kyunghwan has feelings for Haemi, he put his mind on finishing his studies first so he isn't aware that his older cousin, Jisoo, already has his sights set on Haemi.

As much as Haemi dislike the idea of marrying for security, deep in her heart she knew she has no choice and on top of it, Kyunghwan doesn't seem to have any plans. So Jisoo married Haemi before joining the fight, and Kyunghwan has left Busan to begin a new journey of his own. Haemi by then is a mother to three daughters and while her marriage to Jisoo remains stable, it isn't really a happy and a fulfilling one. What she felt for Jisoo is more towards a feeling of affection than love and at times Haemi will reflect on her decision in choosing him and what would happen if she had chosen Kyunghwan.

Throughout the years, Kyunghwan remains single and his feelings towards Haemi hasn't changed. His return to Busan sent a ripple in Haemi's once quiet life and though she remains unaffected on surface, she is consumed with guilt as she finds herself still drawn to him.

If You Leave Me may seem like an ordinary love triangle story, but it is rich in culture and the life of living as refugees set in the war times was well portrayed and heartbreaking. Crystal Hana Kim's writing is beautiful and lyrical, and the characters are fleshed out and relatable. I'd had a few thoughts after finishing the book and I think our three protagonists are all sad victims of war which in turn led to decisions and then more decisions and consequences. This was an absorbing debut novel and I'll be sure to check out Kim's future releases.

© 2018 Melody's Reading Corner (https://mel-reading-corner.blogspot.sg/), All Rights Reserved. If you are reading this post from other site(s), please take note that this post has been stolen and is used without permission.

Labels: 4 stars, Book Review, Historical Fiction, Romance 12 comments |

Drama Review: Familiar Wife (认识的妻子)

Melody

If you were given a second chance, would you change your life?

Joo-Hyuk (starring Ji Sung) and Woo-Jin (starring Han Ji-Min) have been married for five years and have two young children. The working couple rarely makes time for each other as their life revolves around work and children, thus they lack communication and each is frustrate with the other due to stress and all. As a result, their marriage life suffers and at one point, Joo-Hyuk wonders if his life would be different if he had chosen a different path, especially after he has met Hye-Won (starring Kang Han-Na), his crush from his college days and she told him that she had liked him back then.

But of course Joo-Hyuk couldn't do anything about his present life, until he helped a homeless man and he gave him two coins which were released in 2006. One night while driving home, Joo-Hyuk passed a toll road and after tossing one of the 2006 coins, he found himself travelled back in time to that year - the year when he was in college and how he first encountered Woo-Jin and helped her as a witness after she was molested in a public bus. And there begins their destiny.

Remembering his unhappiness marriage life in the present time, Joo-Hyuk chose a different path when he travelled back to 2006. He ended up married to Hye-Won although he couldn't escape the fate that he is meeting Woo-Jin again, this time as his colleague.

I enjoyed this story and thought it portrays a sharp observation on relationships (be it a couple or colleagues) and marriage life and it'd led me thinking about this saying - "the grass is always greener on the other side" and also "every family goes through its problems". Although we can't change the facts, we can change the interpretation of the facts, or better still adopt the following thinking:

So did Joo-Hyuk find his happiness in the end? Absolutely. And I liked how he worked hard to become a better person, after realising that life is about obstacles and challenges and overcoming them with his wit as well as his heart.