The Bro Code by Elizabeth A. Seibert

For a while now it seems normal to have a book which relates itself to the teenager. Mainly, relating to school and sometimes the pitfalls of romantic interests. It's one of those genres that has fluctuated the market with the likes of Twilight all the way to Percy Jackson and back to others such as Eleanor and Park. It seems like a formula that works on so many levels, yet there is no indication that this trend will die anytime soon.

Seibert sets her characters out with the idea of there being a 'Bro Code' between a clique of guys known as 'Bros'. I know, very original right? This follows the many rules that the 'Bros' must abide by in order to stay within the clan, but also be a part of their way of life with their friends. However, one of the rules (which is also the one which seems to stick out the most, as well as being the main device to move the plot) is to not date another Bro's relative, especially if it is their sister. Well, we can see how this is going to pan out don't we?

This is where both Nick Maguire and Eliza O' Connor steps into the mix. Maguire, obviously a part of the 'Bro' pack has an unrequited love for his best friend's sister who has recently returned from Australia.

Typically, it is understood that these sort of tropes seem to make sure the reader want for these two people to win the day and still keep the relationships that mean so much to them. It just didn't feel very realistic. Firstly, Maguire just seemed a little off. I'm not sure whether it was his point of view or something that just didn't make him feel like he was actually a real being. I'm not sure whether this was researched enough. It's alright having a male character as the lead but I feel like he was presented in the wrong way in terms of what the plot wanted.

Eliza on the other hand, well, where should I start? Where is she? She seemed a little vacant for my liking. What makes Maguire like her so much? Because I know for one thing she had no personality. There was not much character development, except to say that she came back from Australia. It's only when things start heating up between herself and Maguire that we really see a bit more of her and how her character operates. Almost like she needs Maguire in order to spark her into life like some sort of robot.

What was up with this code each time there was a chapter? It really annoyed me. I know it was the signify certain points within a chapter, but it didn't make it any less annoying. I would have been happy without it to be honest. I felt like it was a little irrelevant. Just like some of the plotlines and the characters in it. There were missed opportunities to really make the story gripping, but instead it felt like Seibert decided to take the easy road. But at least it was entertaining for some right? Pfft.

Disappointing. Lacklustre. Hours of my life wasted. Just a solid no from me. One star.

Thoughts of a Bookworm #5: Goodreads Choice Award is Fake

Hello! So, I know that it has been some time since I was last writing to you all. But I saw an email the other day and it really got me that I couldn’t not share my thoughts on it. As we all know it’s that time of year again. The fairy lights are beginning to twinkle, the days and nights are getting darker and colder and we are all starting to look ahead to the next year. But what comes before next year? Well, the Goodreads Book Choice Awards of course. One of the biggest events in a bookworm’s calendar. But personally, I think the whole thing is an insult to the whole book community. Obviously, when I was younger I didn’t think any different to most bookworms. However, I have come to realise that it isn’t necessarily what is the best book of the year but rather a popularity contest. More so now than ever with the insurgence of ‘BookTok’. Honestly, I don’t think we will ever get a book worthy of the title ever again. It has become a pure vanity project. Take me back to the T...

What's not to be perfect?

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A Wedding in the Country by Katie Fforde

SYNOPSIS Lizzie has just arrived in London, determined to make the best of her new life. Her mother may be keen that she should have a nice wedding in the country to a Suitable Man chosen by her. And Lizzie may be going to cookery school to help her become a Good Wife. But she definitely wants to have some fun first. It is 1963 and London is beginning to swing as Lizzie cuts her hair, buys a new dress with a fashionably short hemline, and moves in with two of her best friends, one of whom lives in a grand but rundown house in Belgravia which has plenty of room for a lodger. Soon Lizzie's life is so exciting that she has forgotten all about her mother's marriage plans for her. All she can think about is that the young man she is falling in love with appears to be engaged to someone else...