Initially,I can't say I was particularly interested in Bree as a character. I picked up her story randomly,many years later. To my surprise,it's quite different from what I expected. Instead of her origin story,the novella focuses on her lifestyle as a vampire and pretty soon trying to figure out what's Riley and Victoria's plan,forging alliances and conspiring to leave the “clan”. Bree's intelligence was refreshing,just like her brief romance with a fellow newborn,Diego. My only issue there is that Diego's character could've been unwrapped better,I really liked him. He seemed to be such a promising figure,except for appearing to be a bit naive towards Riley. I'm aware of the plot twist,but the fact that Stephenie k1lled him off "off-screen" feels kinda lazy. That was unfair,my heart broke for the girl. Same goes for Fred,who possesses special powers like some of the Cullens. I would've liked to learn more about that. All the hints at the camouflage and influencing other's perception of him made me think of Jasper as the extent of his powers are elaborated in Midnight Sun. Shame that I could barely see these characters talk. In true SM style you can't avoid a few somewhat cringey moments,like the sound of vampire kisses etc. Bree (and her group) is hunting humans,obviously,so trigger warning for murd3r. As bottom line I think Bree was a smart character,considering that she's only a 15-year-old newborn. She had no intention to participate in the fight and could've had a promising future. Respect for accepting her fate and giving information to Edward through telepathy as her last act of service. She deserved better.
⭐⭐⭐ and 1/2 stars
It's definitely a cute and entertaining story,I do like the concept. I was just waiting for...more. The pacing was pretty slow for me and there was no significant growth for any of the characters by the end of the book,therefore this first installment seemed kind of pointless as a whole. It was lacking chemistry,everything (which wasn't a lot) happened at the very end. I feel like there was much more potential in the idea originally,but I'm going to give it another chance and continue with the second volume.
(Please keep in mind that I haven't watched the movies.)
I liked this sequel much more than the first book. The pacing was steadier and the chemistry turned up a notch. Although Josh's nearly complete absence was surprising to me,Peter's character became more loving,and John! Oh John Ambrose McClaren,my darling! I absolutely adored him. Am I the only one who was/is rooting for him? I feel like his character is a much safer choice for Lara Jean. He's thoughtful,gentle,caring and smart. He became brave for her. He's the one you can comfortably read in silence with. Ugh! Being with him is easy as breathing. The drama revolving around Peter and Genevieve is reasonably frustrating for the heroine. I mean who wants their boyfriend's ex still in the picture? Even though I loved Peter in this volume more than at first,he has yet to apologize,man up,give an explanation and commit. I did like how Margot,Kitty and Chris were having Lara Jean's back as a team in the beginning and the representation of double standard.
What I did not like: Kitty's character is annoying to me sometimes,I'm sorry. She is always scheming in the background when specifically asked not to (I know she's 10,but still) and she only does favors if there's something in it for her,she's way too bossy. Another thing I noticed is that in the first half of the book Lara Jean is repeatedly talking about how handsome Peter is. I get it,he's a popular teenage boy. There are more to a person than looks,girl. I was shocked how quickly she ditched John for Peter's sorry 4ss in the end. Also Anonyb1tch is supposed to be a Gossip Girl knock off?
Altogether this is a good story,there were several GASP and swoon moments for me. I enjoyed reading it. I'm going to pick up part 3.
3 and 1/2 stars ✨
The final chapter to Lara Jean's high school shenanigans. Waiting for confirmation letters from universities and navigating (love) life for the future. This volume is a charming coming of age story to its core. I have to admit I got a bit emotional about the ending and Peter K grew on me. The pacing is similar to the first installment's,hence the rating. I think Jenny creates conflicts really well,I just wish they'd come sooner and would be more fleshed out. The solution should be more complex,because everything happens really quickly at the end. I'd have loved more John Ambrose,but all in all it's a lovely book. I'm going to miss these characters.
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