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radashes · 2 months

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Book review: 'Dreamland Billionaires' series by Lauren Asher

Step into the lavish world of the Dreamland Billionaire series, where dreams are as big as bank accounts, and the drama is richer than a double espresso on a Monday morning.

#1. The Fine Print: 4/5 stars

I ended up giving this book a 4-star rating. Was it amazing? Nah, not really. Did it keep me hooked and make me finish it in one sitting? Yeah, it did.

So, the story is all about Rowan, who's supposed to inherit his grandpa's fortune and is running Dreamland amusement park, and Zahra, who works there. Rowan's got to find the park's weak spots to get his inheritance, and Zahra's dream is to be a creator, so she gets roped into helping out.

Now, let's talk characters:

Rowan: Your typical grumpy guy with some daddy issues. He gets oddly excited when Zahra touches his leg. Weird, right? Oh, and he's into art, which adds a bit of depth to him, but it's resolved too quickly.

Zahra: She's all sunshine and rainbows, forgiving Rowan way too easily and laughing way too much.

Cringeworthy moments:

These characters act more like teens than adults, which is kinda cringe.

Zahra describing Rowan's butt as a "firm bubble butt" was just... no.

That first kiss in the office? Totally out of place.

Rowan crawling to Zahra on the floor? Ugh, just why?

But hey, there were some good things, like the inclusion of Zahra's sister Ami, who has Down Syndrome. It's awesome to see that kind of representation in popular books.

Despite its flaws, I'll probably keep reading the trilogy because, let's be real, they're pretty addictive.

#2. Terms and Conditions: 4.5/5 stars

"Terms and Conditions" felt like "The Fine Print" with a slightly better font, and I'll be real, those last 80 pages? Nah, fam, we could've done without 'em.

From the get-go, Iris and Declan steal the spotlight. Their dynamic was entertaining, but I could've done without the whole "Is Iris setting this up because she likes me?! Eww" vibe.

Now, onto the characters:

Declan: Dude's got serious daddy issues, but his introverted, grumpy demeanor was oddly endearing. His subtle affection for Iris and efforts to help her with dyslexia were highlights.

Iris: Queen Iris, y'all! Loved her as the strong, determined female lead. Though I felt her third act drama was a tad over-the-top, she taught Declan some valuable life lessons.

In short, Declan's complexity outshone Rowan's, and Iris was a force to be reckoned with.

Favorite moments:

Their banter: “We both know you actually like my brain.” “I like your heart more.”

Declan's little gestures of affection: “I did some research on how people with learning differences like yours do better with verbal and written instructions.”

And that tear-jerker quote? Hits you right in the feels.

Overall, despite the familiar feel, "Terms and Conditions" delivers a solid slow burn romance with relatable characters and some heartwarming moments.

#3. Final Offer: 3.5/5 stars

"Final Offer" was a bit of a letdown, honestly. It felt like it dragged on forever without much excitement. The plot was a mix of clichés, and it just didn't bring anything fresh to the table. Plus, it moved at a snail's pace, which made it a bit of a chore to get through.

Characters:

Alana: Unfortunately, she fell flat for me. Her lack of empathy and manipulative tendencies made it hard to connect with her. Plus, her behavior towards Cal bordered on emotional abuse, which was a major turn-off.

Cal: He had his struggles, but he still had some charm left in him. His journey through addiction and personal demons was touching, but it didn't fully shine through in this installment.

Favorite Moments:

Latin Representation: Kudos to the author for portraying Latin culture well. It was a nice touch and added depth to the story.

Revisiting Previous Characters: Seeing familiar faces from earlier books was a highlight. It added a layer of continuity and nostalgia to the story.

Cal himself was alright, but even his charm couldn't save this sinking ship of a romance plot. The whole thing just felt flat and uninspired.

So yeah, "Final Offer" ended up being a bit of a dud for me.

Overall, the Dreamland Billionaire is a good series with its diverse tropes and well-developed characters. Each book brought something unique to the table, from the grumpy/sunshine dynamic to the fake marriage trope and the second chance friends-to-lovers storyline. And you're spot on about Final Print—it tackled the complexities of "functional" alcoholism with sensitivity and depth. Overall, it's been a fantastic journey with lovable heroes and heroines, plenty of HEAs, and enough feels to last a lifetime!

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radashes · 2 months

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Book review: 'SHATTER ME' SERIES

Entering the world of the 'Shatter Me' series was like embarking on a rollercoaster ride, filled with highs and lows, twists and turns. With each installment, I found myself swept away by Tahereh Mafi's captivating storytelling, but also grappling with my own conflicting emotions. Here's a breakdown of my journey through the series, from the heights of adoration to the depths of disappointment.

SHATTER ME #1: 4/5 stars I rated this book 4 stars instead of 5 because I'm not a fan of Adam and Juliette as a couple. Juliette's affection for Adam seems more based on his kindness to her in the past and his ability to touch her, rather than genuine love. Adam's obsession with Juliette feels cliché and cringeworthy to me.

However, I still like Adam as a character overall. The plot and characters like Kenji and especially Warner are fantastic though. Warner's complexity as a character makes him stand out.

DESTROY ME #1.5 [NOVELLA]: 5/5 stars

Wow, Aaron Warner really steals the show. His depth of emotion in this novella is just so well-written. You can really feel his complex feelings, not just towards Juliette, but also in his relationship with Delalieu, which is surprisingly cute. And those dreams? They add such an intriguing layer to the story. And don't even get me started on the quotes - they're just perfection!

Seriously, if you're a Warner fan, you absolutely need to read this. It's a solid 5/5 heartbreaking stars from me.

This novella is an essential read for anyone invested in the series. As you dive into Warner's psyche, you'll feel the weight of his emotions pressing down on you. It's like he's a whirlwind of disappointment, trauma, and anger all bundled up in a 19-year-old boy. But despite all the pain and suffering, you can't help but empathize with him. You start to see the walls he's built around himself and understand why he acts the way he does. It's a real eye-opener that sheds light on every decision he made in the first book.

Fair warning, though - once you finish this novella, there's no turning back. Warner will completely shatter your heart into pieces, and you'll be left utterly captivated by him. I mean, I couldn't even put this novella down, and that rarely happens with novellas!

UNRAVEL ME #2: 4.5/5 stars

This book was so close to perfection. I loved it so much but the ending kind of messed it up for me. It was underwhelming as the whole book.

This book, this world – it's all messed up, yet people keep on living. It blows my mind how they manage to survive, rebels, soldiers, regular folks, all facing terror every day. It's wild.

Lots of folks rag on Juliette, saying she's weak, self-absorbed, always wrapped up in her own drama. But I get where she's coming from. Life's tough, you know? Juliette's been through hell and back. Treated like trash her whole life, it's no wonder she struggles to see herself as anything but a monster. And when she finally starts feeling human again, it's ripped away from her. But she lets it go, showing her humanity.

Her relationships, especially with Adam, get a lot of flack. People say it's not real, just based on need. But with Warner, it's different. Despite his tough exterior, Juliette sees his softer side.

IGNITE ME #3: 5/5 stars

I get it. I FINALLY GET THE HYPE of this series!

This book is the reason why Aaron warner is our golden boy. That guy is the definition of swoon-worthy. Every word out of his mouth had me melting into a puddle on the floor.

Kenji, though? He's the real MVP. I swear, if I wasn't so head over heels for Warner, Kenji would be stealing the show. His humor just brings so much light to everything, you know?

But Adam? Ugh, don't even get me started on him. Every time he showed up, I was ready to throw my book across the room. Seriously, why couldn't Mafi just have Warner toss him off a cliff or something?

But let's talk about the romance. Holy smokes, it was on fire! I lost count of how many scenes had me squealing out loud. Warnette forever, am I right? That pager scene? And "lyhfml"? Absolute perfection.

RESTORE ME #4: 3/5 stars

Wow, that ending though! I'm still trying to process it, honestly.

So, let's get into it. While I didn't love this book as much as "Ignite Me," those secrets and lies had me hooked! But seriously, all that miscommunication? It stressed me out big time. Like, can these characters just talk to each other already?

And Juliette... girl, what happened? She went from confident and strong to clueless and insecure. But hey, she's still the supreme commander, even if she's not sure what to do with all that power. I guess we all make dumb decisions sometimes, right?

But let's talk about the hot stuff. Juliette laying down the law? Scorching! And Kenji? Always a bright spot. His friendship with Juliette and his bond with Warner? Pure gold. And Nazeera? Badass.

Now, Warner. My heart breaks for him. His vulnerability, his anxiety - it's all too real. And that childhood trauma? Heart-wrenching. But eating a cookie with a knife and fork? Classic Warner.

And his love for Juliette? It's sickeningly sweet. He'd do anything for her, and it's both beautiful and agonizing to watch.

Overall, this book had its flaws.

DEFY ME #5: 2.5/5 stars

I gotta be real here. This book left me scratching my head. Like, what was even the point? It felt like Tahereh Mafi was just stretching the story out for the sake of it. And those twists? They were more confusing than anything else. It's like she was trying to shock us without really adding anything meaningful to the plot.

Don't get me wrong, I love Mafi's writing, but this one fell flat for me. The characters I adore, like Kenji and Warner, were still solid, but the rest felt kinda irrelevant. And what's up with the whole Juliette-now-Ella thing? She'll always be Juliette to me.

Speaking of ships, Juliette and Warner? Total goals. They're the only reason I'm considering picking up book six. Oh, and I can't forget about Kenji. That guy deserves all the happiness in the world.

Overall, this book felt like a filler episode of a TV show. Not terrible, but definitely not essential. I'll stick to pretending the series ended at book three.

And can we talk about that cover? Seriously, did they just tweak the old one and call it a day? At least give us something fresh!

Oh, and a heads up for anyone thinking about diving in - there are some heavy topics like parental abuse and suicidal thoughts in here, so tread carefully.

IMAGINE ME #6: 3.5/5 stars

This series should've wrapped up neatly with "Ignite Me." Life would've been good. But nope, we got hit with "Restore Me," and it's been a rollercoaster of disappointment since then.

Honestly, going into this book, I had zero expectations. And you know what? I'm kinda glad about that because what I got was not what I expected at all.

Let's start with the positives. Tahereh's writing? Still top-notch. I mean, how does she come up with those poetic sentences? And Kenji? Bless his soul. That guy was carrying the weight of the whole story on his back, trying to keep everyone together.

But then we got Adam, who's still as irrelevant as ever. And don't even get me started on Warner. He went from being tolerable to downright insufferable. And Juliette? Where did she even go? She went from badass to passive, and it's just frustrating to watch.

The worldbuilding and plot? Yeah, still confused. And that ending? Talk about rushed and unsatisfying. So many loose ends, so many unanswered questions. And that epilogue? Don't even get me started.

In the end, the only enjoyment I got out of this mess was from Kenji's inner thoughts. That guy's a gem, always finding a way to lighten the mood.

Seriously, Mafi, this series should've stayed a trilogy. Don't even think about coming back with more books later on. I'll riot, but let's be real, I'll probably still end up reading them because I'm a glutton for punishment.

BELIEVE ME #7 [NOVELLA]: 5/5 stars

Let me tell you, when I heard about this new book coming out, I was hyped! "Imagine Me" didn't quite give us the closure we needed, so I was ready to dive back into this world.

And Aaron Warner? Damn, that guy knows how to turn up the heat. Chapter 8? I was not prepared for that level of steaminess. I thought we'd get a fade to black moment, but by the end of it, I was sweating buckets. My legs? Let's just say they were done for!

But beyond the romance, I was really digging the world-building in this book. Finally getting some insight into their plans to restore the planet was a breath of fresh air after the uncertainty of "Imagine Me."

But man, these characters? They feel like family to me. Seeing them find happiness just warms my heart. It's like revisiting old friends after all these years.

There are some more novella like:

"Destroy Me" - Aaron Warner's point of view

"Fracture Me" - Adam Kent's point of view

"Shadow Me" - Kenji Kishimoto's point of view

"Reveal Me" - Kenji Kishimoto's point of view

"Imagine Me" - Juliette Ferrars' (Ella Sommers') point of view

"Believe Me" - Aaron Warner's point of view

So there you have it, folks! 'Shatter Me' series has taken us on one wild adventure. Whether you loved it, hated it, or fell somewhere in between, one thing's for sure: Tahereh Mafi has given us a story to remember. And with that, it's time to bid adieu to Juliette, Warner, Kenji, and the rest of the crew. Until next time, happy reading!

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radashes · 2 months

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Echoes of Decay: A Grim Reality

In the twisted streets where shadows crawl,

Lurks a reality, dark and appall.

Among the ruins of shattered dreams,

Echoes of despair, sinister schemes.

Beneath the flickering lamplight's glare,

Lies a world consumed by despair.

Where the stench of decay fills the air,

Reality's horror, beyond compare.

In the alleyways where lost souls roam,

Haunted by sins, they call their own.

Whispers of corruption, secrets untold,

Reality's grip, a relentless hold.

Through the cracked windows of broken homes,

Gothic tales of innocence, overthrown.

Where the cries of the oppressed go unheard,

Reality's darkness, a chilling word.

In the halls of power, where darkness reigns,

Greed and corruption, inhuman chains.

Reality's nightmare, a grotesque display,

In the Gothic tapestry of our dismay.

So behold our reality, twisted and grim,

In the Gothic abyss, where light grows dim.

For in the heart of darkness, we find our plight,

A grotesque reality, shrouded in night.

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radashes · 3 months

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A girlboss is a girlboss until she's dicked down

Well, well, well, peasants, let's address the elephant in the room, or should I say, the lack of elephants in certain rooms.

A girlboss is a force to be reckoned with until she decides to add some pleasure to her agenda. Because let's be real, even the most fabulous CEO deserves a little "me time" with someone who can handle her success.

Oh, how scandalous! A girlboss actually daring to have a personal life? I know, it's shocking. But let me break it down for the slow learners in the back: a woman can command a room with a single glance, seal deals with a signature, and still have time for some extracurricular activities that would make Casanova blush.

So, she's dicked down. Newsflash: her prowess doesn't evaporate with each roll in the hay. If anything, it's enhanced. Because nothing says "I'm in charge" quite like orchestrating a symphony of success in the morning and a crescendo of pleasure in the evening.

Think her power diminishes when the heels come off? Oh, darling, that's where you're wrong. She's not losing control; she's embracing it in a different arena, turning the sheets into her personal power playground, leaving a trail of shattered egos and bed sheets in her wake.

She's not just a girlboss; she's a queen ruling her empire with a perfectly manicured iron fist. You see, while you're playing checkers, she's playing 4D chess, strategically navigating the complexities of both the business world and her personal playground.

So, scoff all you want, but she's rewriting the rulebook. A girlboss doesn't just break glass ceilings; she shatters expectations with a wicked smile and a killer instinct.

Step aside, mere mortals; the girlboss is here to rule, both in the boardroom and under the sheets. Bow down.

#slay girlboss #woman #just girlboss things #girlboss fr #girlboss #girl boss gaslight gatekeep #gaslight gatekeep girlboss #legs and heels #girlcore #boardroom #tumblr girls #midnights #personal #personal life #queen #bow down #under the sheets

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radashes · 3 months

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Whispers of Possession

I want you to scream. Scream for me. I will never forget the sound of your screams. Because you’re mine, bitch. Mine. Nobody else’s. Your tits, your pussy, your legs all mine.. Not to you. To me. Fuck.

You should be begging me to fuck you instead. I don’t care if the whole fucking world can see us together, or if the other neighbors see. I don’t give a shit. I am the only one that matters.

I’m going to fuck you till you cum for me, baby. I am so close now. Oh shit, you have no idea about what I have in store for you.

Do you know how good you smell? How much I love it when you moan my name? Yeah? You should smell me too, girl. You should smell my fucking cum dripping down your legs. And then I am going to throw you onto the bed, grab that big ass, and fuck every part of your body. I want you to taste my cocks so bad it hurts. I want you to swallow me down your throat, my little slut.

So you better fucking pray to God that you don’t die from pain because my dick doesn’t give two shits if you get your throat slit. Your life means nothing to me. Your death means nothing. Only pleasure and pain will remain. And you’ll enjoy every fucking moment that I fuck you into oblivion while we both burn with ecstasy in hell. Do you understand? Do you hear me, you stupid cunt?

When I am done with you, you will look at me and remember why you loved me so damn much before I fucked your mind and ruined your life, my sweet, innocent flower. Now, please stop fighting. Stop struggling. Stop crying. Let me finish what I started. Let’s play. Let’s fuck. You are already mine, my girl. You always were mine. Always have been mine. Never yours. Please, please, please, oh, please...

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radashes · 4 months

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Magic Unveiled: Harry Potter Books vs. Movies

Grab your broomsticks, folks, 'cause we're diving into the enchanted world of why Harry Potter books are the real deal, leaving the movies in the dust like a sad Sorting Hat rejected from Hogwarts.

Let's talk about characters – the heart and soul of any magical escapade. In the movies, they're like magical mannequins parading around with a script. Ginny, my dear, in the books, she's got more personality than a room full of poltergeists. The movies just turned her into Harry's background dancer. Bravo.

And scenes? Oh, the movies have this knack for taking a scenic route straight through Cluelessville. Remember the Quidditch World Cup in "Goblet of Fire"? Nah, the movies were like, "Who needs magical sports? Let's focus on Harry's angst instead." Because nothing screams magical world-building like ignoring magical sports!

Now, Peeves, our favorite mischievous poltergeist. Books? Check. Movies? Nope. They tossed him out like a bad Quidditch player. Probably figured they had too much magic and mischief already – who needs a cheeky ghost causing chaos?

Let's not forget the brilliance of S.P.E.W. - Society for the Promotion of Elfish Welfare. The books gave us Hermione's crusade for house-elf rights. The movies? Well, they were like, "Eh, too much plot. Let's cut that and throw in another shot of Harry dramatically staring into the distance."

The movies' idea of "detail" is like serving a feast with only pumpkin juice and a chocolate frog. The books, my friend, are the full banquet. You're not just watching the story; you're dining with the characters, experiencing the full magical buffet of Rowling's imagination.

So, while the movies were busy with their cinematic flair, the books were casually dropping wisdom like Dumbledore at the end of each school year. Here's to the true Hogwarts experience – where the pages are the real magic, and the movies are just a quick spell that fades away.

#harry potter #book review #movie #hogwarts #hogwarts mystery #hogwarts school of witchcraft and wizardry #hogwarts legacy #hermione #hp fandom #hermione granger #ginny weasley #albus dumbledore #professor dumbledore #book vs movie #ron weasley #harry potter and the goblet of fire #jk rowling

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