It’s been some time now that I came to the sad conclusion that I AM WEAK!
Yes weak.
You see when I go to Goodreads or Instagram or WordPress and I see many friends raving about a book…they wear me down!
I swore: no more!
Sophie this month you are on a book ban! You have too much books unread already and your book budget has been exploded many months ago. No more book buying!
You swore.
They are all shiny and aclaimed but who cares? You know you have to resist. You pinky promised your hubs who so does not want to build one more shelf to support your book addiction.
But then I see the “Nth” stellar review and I break! I order this hyped book that will certainly leave me fulfilled and exhalted*and will have me baking hubys’s favorite chocolate cake just to mellow the man and convince him to build that shelf*.
Most of the time my spurt of the moment buy is spot on.
But sometimes the impulsive buy of this so hyped book leave a bitter after- taste.
Because it did not live up to the expections.
Well today’s topic in Top 5 Tuseday at @bionicbookworm is about these “much ado about nothing” books. The one so hyped who missed the mark with me.
As I am a rebel I will give you more than 5 as I read both YA and Adult with the resason why. Yes today I AM DISHING OUT!
Adult
Collide by Gail Mc Hugh: 61094 Ratings on GR with 4,23 stars.
Synopsis:
A missed first encounter…
Colliding with a second chance…
On the heels of graduating college and trying to cope with her mother’s death, Emily Cooper moves to New York City for a fresh start.
While harboring secrets of his own, Dillon Parker takes care of Emily through her grief. Knowing he can’t live without her by his side, he’s sweet, thoughtful, and everything Emily has ever wanted in a man.
Until she meets Gavin Blake—a rich and notorious playboy who is dangerously sexy and charming as hell. Emily tries to deny the instant connection she feels, but Mr. Tall, Dark, and Handsome is not inclined to let go so easily. Recovering from his own painful past, Gavin will stop at nothing to win Emily over.
This unexpected encounter compels Emily to question her decisions, forcing her to make a choice that will destroy friendships, shatter hearts, and forever change her life.
It disappointed …. because the female.MC gratted on my nerves! She was a real doormat! Being abused was normal and she made excuses! Oh Hell no!
Beautiful Bastard by Christina Lauren:130.146 ratings on Goodreads, 4.04 stars.
Synopsis
An ambitious intern. A perfectionist executive. And a whole lot of name calling.
Whip-smart, hardworking, and on her way to an MBA, Chloe Mills has only one problem: her boss, Bennett Ryan. He’s exacting, blunt, inconsiderate—and completely irresistible. A Beautiful Bastard.
Bennett has returned to Chicago from France to take a vital role in his family’s massive media business. He never expected that the assistant who’d been helping him from abroad was the gorgeous, innocently provocative—completely infuriating—creature he now has to see every day. Despite the rumors, he’s never been one for a workplace hookup. But Chloe’s so tempting he’s willing to bend the rules—or outright smash them—if it means he can have her. All over the office.
As their appetites for one another increase to a breaking point, Bennett and Chloe must decide exactly what they’re willing to lose in order to win each other.
It disappointed ….because it left me cold. The writing did absolutely nothing for me and it felt superficial. I tried a second one but then called it quit.
Reasonable Doubt series by Whitney G. 32624 ratings on GR with 4,11 stars
My thoughts:
“I really wanted to like it but …no.
Too short, too much sex (never thaught I would say it) and lack of backbone in the story. I hate when writers slice their stories in so many little pièces we’re kept waiting. Sorry but it’s not enough for me. I can’t commiserate with Andrew nor forgive him for what he is doing to Aubrey because we don’t have time to understand or enough explanations.
It’s as Andrew is just a douche and Aubrey has no self esteem and act like a sex crazed kitten. I’ll buy book 3 only if it’s a “real” book, with more than 100 pages and more substance.
So, so disappointed here.”
The same can be said of the Sylvia Day Crossfire Series. First book on GR got 413.414 ratings with 4,19 stars whereas the fourth book in this series got 78.587 ratings.
Synopsis
“Gideon Cross came into my life like lightning in the darkness. He was beautiful and brilliant, jagged and white-hot. I was drawn to him as I’d never been to anything or anyone in my life. I craved his touch like a drug, even knowing it would weaken me. I was flawed and damaged, and he opened those cracks in me so easily.
Gideon “knew.” He had demons of his own. And we would become the mirrors that reflected each others most private wounds and desires.
The bonds of his love transformed me, even as I prayed that the torment of our pasts didn’t tear us apart ”
Disappointed because ….I loved the first 3 books then it fizzled out. Honestly it was meant to be a trilogy and was simply dragged out. I was under the impression that the author just wanted to make more money.
Young Adult
When we Collided by Emery Lord.13.604 ratings on GR with 3,84 stars
I had so much hope as the cover is really pretty with all its colors and the reviews were enthusiastic. My main problem with the book was Viv’s personality. I really have a hard time connecting with characters behaving erratically or buoyantly. Constant whirlwind.
Second issue I have with the book: the love between Jonah and Viv did not feel real to me. They did things together, Viv helped Jonah throughout his ordeals and they cared for each other but … I guess Viv acting so careless sometimes and flirting somehow with other guys and just coming too forcefully on Jonah made me disbelieve their feelings.
Beautiful Creatures by Kami Garcia and Margaret Stohl 493.469 ratings on GR and 3,76 stars
Synopsis
Lena Duchannes is unlike anyone the small Southern town of Gatlin has ever seen, and she’s struggling to conceal her power, and a curse that has haunted her family for generations. But even within the overgrown gardens, murky swamps and crumbling graveyards of the forgotten South, a secret cannot stay hidden forever.
Ethan Wate, who has been counting the months until he can escape from Gatlin, is haunted by dreams of a beautiful girl he has never met. When Lena moves into the town’s oldest and most infamous plantation, Ethan is inexplicably drawn to her and determined to uncover the connection between them.
In a town with no surprises, one secret could change everything
I was really sad to feel only mild interest in this one as it had so much success. But I never fell into the story. I don’t know why though.
One Small Thing by Erin Watt 2.478 ratings on GR, 3,76 stars
I really pinned for this one as I love Erin Watt’s books but sadly I could not like it. I found some inconsistencies in the book (they are in the grass then suddenly he leaves the bed where they made love. WTH? ) My main problem was that I was MAD at Beth’s parents ALL THE TIME! And I was mad at her best friend Rebecca AND at the whole school. Heck make it the whole town! I found that it was unrealistic to have everyone and I mean really everyone in town against him! He was not a serial killer for God’s sake! Not believable that everyone was blind and dumb.
Looking for Alaska by John Green 943.127 ratings, 4,06 stars
Synopsis
Before. Miles “Pudge” Halter is done with his safe life at home. His whole life has been one big non-event, and his obsession with famous last words has only made him crave “the Great Perhaps” even more (Francois Rabelais, poet). He heads off to the sometimes crazy and anything-but-boring world of Culver Creek Boarding School, and his life becomes the opposite of safe. Because down the hall is Alaska Young. The gorgeous, clever, funny, sexy, self-destructive, screwed up, and utterly fascinating Alaska Young. She is an event unto herself. She pulls Pudge into her world, launches him into the Great Perhaps, and steals his heart. Then. . . .
After. Nothing is ever the same.
This happened with every John Green ‘s books that I’ve tried. His writing simply does not work for me and feel all over the place. I know he is a gifted author he just isn’t one author for me.
Rebel Belle by Rachel Hawkins 34.374 ratings on GR, 3,76 stars
Barely weeks ago I recommended Hex Hall by the same author. Sadly the magic did not repeat in this one. It was good but not great. Certainly not what I had expected. The humor that I loved so much in Hex Hall was missing.
Now it’s your turn! Do tell me which hyped book left you disappointed.
Thanks for reading!
Sophie
Kudos for telling like it is – and exactly how you feel! I have a long history of falling for the hype (usually with YA novels) and ended up with the wildly unpopular opinion of disliking the book. I finally decided No More! And now I refuse to fall for the hype and read a book solely because of the hype. I have to be truly and genuinely interested or forget it. My #1 example: I’ll Give You the Sun. OMG, everyone raved about that book as if it were the Best Book Ever in the History of Books! And I disliked it soooo much. LOL Same goes for Looking for Alaska (ugh), The Raven Boys (yawn) and Beautiful Creatures (which managed to be convoluted and boring at the same time). We do disagree on One Small Thing, though. I hated her parents, too, (I’m sure we were supposed to) but I loved Beth and Chase and really pulled for both of them.
Yes I know we disagree on this one Tanya but hey that’s why I love a good discussion with a fellow book blogger! As for resisting the hype I try but I don’t always succeed!
I so love all the posts you do like this !!
I haven’t read any of thoses yet, but ah bummer “When we collided” was on my “interrests” list ..As for Looking for Alaska.. idk, it’s in my “not-so-like” since the movie. I just do not like that actress at all and my brain bring it over everything xD
As for me .. The night circus. Ive seen SO much hype and people saying it’s their favorite book, but nope. couldnt understand a thing of what was going on. Oh well.
Kristina I haven’t dared try The Night Circus so far as I fear being disappointed ….
Great post Sophie! Agreed on the Sylvia Day series. It was too drawn out, and I enjoyed the first books as well. One Small Thing was just so depressing and disappointing. I’ve almost gotten to where I rather wait awhile after new releases, so I’m not let down as much from all the 5 star hype…if that makes sense.
Yes it makes perfect sense Daisy! And thank you <3
Well, lots of good points here…lots of interesting comments but my question? What’s the recipe for your chocolate cake that’s so yummy it gets your hubby to build you a new bookshelf????
Hahahah I will have to post it one day TRisy ;-)))
I think I’ve only read the first two books in the Crossfire series, and may only read book three but I wouldn’t read no further. What else could possible happen! Yes, yes, yes, I totally agree with you about One Small Thing. I really wanted to like it because it was Erin Watt but I just didn’t. I’ve never read a John Green book, and chance are I probably wouldn’t. I feel that Kasie West books are over-hyped, the books I’ve read were just okay, maybe I haven’t read the right one yet.
Pfew I am happy that I am not the only one to think this about One Small Thing Jovita!!!
I haven’t read any of these books but I’ve heard great things about Beautiful Bastard. I’m sorry it was a disappointment for you. One Small Thing is on my TBR list. After reading your thoughts I’m not sure I would love it.
Well Raven maybe you would ….
I haven’t read any of these but its one of my biggest pet peeves when authors “slice their stories in so many little pièces” It drives me nuts!! I hate it when books don’t have an ending and just kind of split right into the next book! Just write and publish the full book!! *cough* Grace and Fury *cough* If you want to write a series that is fine, but each book should still have an ending!! Something should be accomplished! Like Harry Potter! He may not defeat Voldy permanently in the books but he saved the stone and survived the tournament! Those books had actual endings!
Haha sorry for the rant! It really really bugs me when authors do that!
Rant all that you like Brittany because I feel the same! And I love it when bloggers are passionate LOL
Well, there are worse habits to have than book buying 😉 But it does suck when you’re excited for a book only for it to a disappointment. Especially when it’s the last book in a series. Sorry these didn’t live up to the expectations!
Thank you Kristen!!!
Six Of Crows. Grisha. Harry Potter. Divergent. Hunger Games… I could go on and on. I loved Crossfire series but I feel like there were too many things unsolved in the last book.
Yes Grisha was a let down for me too Jamsu!
I am a little nervous about Looking for Alaska now! I have enjoyed his other novels, so maybe there is some hope for me. The hype can really turn some books into ones we either avoid or dislike even more.
Well if you liked his other novels I think you should be good! It really is a case of “it’s not you it’s me”. John Green just does not work for me …
I wasn’t a big fan of When We Collided either. It’s too bad because I really enjoyed her previous novel The Start of Me and You.
I need to try her other books Alicia! Some are already on my shelf 😉
I am weak too and my wallet suffers. I need to just say no also and have spent lots of money on books I am not reading because it’s so hyped and then I read it and I feel let down. =(
Mary
Well Mary I agree with you but it’s so difficult!!!!
I am also WEAK and I’m not sorry for it… hahaha.. (But my wallet does.)
If I didn’t tweak the topic a bit and didn’t go to series , Beautiful bastard would’ve been in my list too. it was fine but not that great. 🙁 And don’t even make me start with John Green Books. he isn’t the author for me too. My hatest from him is Paper Towns. God, I hate that book.
I ahven’t tried Paper Town Lili as I quickly realized his books were not meant for me. But yes my wallet is sorry too 😉
I totally agree with Beautiful Creatures!! I read the first book and it was okay, but not amazing and I couldn’t get into the second one.
So I am not the only one? I am so glad sam because I really felt like the “odd one ” there.
Definitely not the only one!
That was a fun read. Title alone…. Lol
Thanks for the heads up on these!
Hahah you are always welcome Nina! And that’s what happens when my brain is running wild after a long grueling workday LOL
I feel you on One Small Thing. I DNF that book because the characters drove me mad. ALL OF THEM. ugh. I don’t think I’ll give it a second chance. Just nope.
Bea I am so glad I was not the only one feeling that way!
I don’t know why I don’t like Beautiful Creatures too, I haven’t read the rest of them, although I really want to read Rebel Belle because I love Royals. That remind me, I have to pick up Hex Halls ASAP!!
Oh you’ll have fun with Hex hall! And I love royals too, usually, but this one was not as good as Hex Hall to me and I had so much expectations!
You had three books on there, which I really liked. Yeah, Viv was erratic, but she was also bipolar and off her meds. So, a little leeway there. Rebel Belle was good for me too, and I read all the Castor Chronicles books too. I liked Alaska, but it is my least favorite John Green book. I feel like it overrated, and I don’t see why people place it on a pedestal. It was good, but not amazing.
Yes yes I know I have to give Viv some leeway! I get it. But even knowing this I did not like how she treated Jonah….;-)
LOL The title of this post is everything!!! Damn him for not delivering LOL! And I’m a little disappointed in myself for not thinking of John Green! Literally any one (Except for Fault in our Stars) could have made the list.
Hahaha thank you Shanah! You know I love wordplay (and not only foreplay LOL). But yes John Green is a kind of hit or miss author!
haha I so relate to breaking book buying bans 😉 I’ve never really been interested in beautiful creatures tbh. I feel the exact same way about John Green! His writing just does not work for me *at all* :/ I was very disappointed with looking for alaska. Great post!
Thank you so much!
You were right Sophie, you talk about some controversial titles.
I can’t get into John Green’s writing and I agree completely about Whitney G’s Reasonable Doubt series.
That’s the beauty of top 5 Tuesday Kayla, we can get controversial 😉
I haven’t read any of those but John Green is not my cup of tea too
Good to know Hamad! 😉
I cannot for the life of me understand the hype around John Green. I like the adaptations of his books way better than the books. I can never even finish the books, I can’t get into them…
I have the first book in the Crossfire series but haven’t started it yet. I might give it a try sometime just to see how I feel about it 😀
Great list, as always!
Well Vanessa I loved The Fault in Our Stars (the movie) so I am with you here 😉
I’ve only read Looking for Alaska and I do agree, I didn’t care for this one at all!
Amanda I believe John Green is a hit or miss among readers!