codingclown is interested in reading...

The Rom-Commers
Katherine Center
codingclown commented on codingclown's review of The Bodyguard
First, I want to say that this book works as a fun, quick, and fluffy romance full of cliches. I understand why it was chosen to be turned into a movie; this story, as a movie/show, with a charismatic cast and a good script, can work really well. All things considered, the way it was executed here left something to be desired.
First, the characters. I've been reading more romance recently, and while I am no expert, I've noticed this pattern (mostly in straight romance) where the FMC is quite incompetent and clueless, despite being treated and described as "the best", "the smartest", etc. In this case, Hannah is supposed to be this really good agent who can read people, yet fails to see that the MMC clearly likes her. On the other hand, Jack does feel a bit more well-rounded in my opinion, and I did like his character a bit more. It's almost as if writers take more time building the perfect love interest and neglect their female protagonists. Some of the side characters were fine; I did love Jack's parents, but Robbie, holy crap, he was just cartoonishly douchy.
The writing is fine; there was a bit of repetition and A LOT of dialogue. The pacing was fast, and you could definitely read this book in 1 or 2 days with no problem. At around 80%, I did feel like the author was dragging the conflict for no reason.
Overall, I do have high hopes for the adaptation since I think this story fits well as a movie, and also for a book called "The Bodyguard", you would think we would have a bit more action, but all things considered, if you are looking for a quick, emotional and fun romance to enjoy, you could have a good time with this one.
codingclown left a rating...
First, I want to say that this book works as a fun, quick, and fluffy romance full of cliches. I understand why it was chosen to be turned into a movie; this story, as a movie/show, with a charismatic cast and a good script, can work really well. All things considered, the way it was executed here left something to be desired.
First, the characters. I've been reading more romance recently, and while I am no expert, I've noticed this pattern (mostly in straight romance) where the FMC is quite incompetent and clueless, despite being treated and described as "the best", "the smartest", etc. In this case, Hannah is supposed to be this really good agent who can read people, yet fails to see that the MMC clearly likes her. On the other hand, Jack does feel a bit more well-rounded in my opinion, and I did like his character a bit more. It's almost as if writers take more time building the perfect love interest and neglect their female protagonists. Some of the side characters were fine; I did love Jack's parents, but Robbie, holy crap, he was just cartoonishly douchy.
The writing is fine; there was a bit of repetition and A LOT of dialogue. The pacing was fast, and you could definitely read this book in 1 or 2 days with no problem. At around 80%, I did feel like the author was dragging the conflict for no reason.
Overall, I do have high hopes for the adaptation since I think this story fits well as a movie, and also for a book called "The Bodyguard", you would think we would have a bit more action, but all things considered, if you are looking for a quick, emotional and fun romance to enjoy, you could have a good time with this one.
codingclown finished a book

The Bodyguard
Katherine Center
Post from the The Bodyguard forum
Post from the The Bodyguard forum
codingclown TBR'd a book

Razorblade Tears
S.A. Cosby
codingclown is interested in reading...

When We Lost Our Heads
Heather O'Neill
codingclown paused reading...

Molka
Monika Kim
Post from the The Bodyguard forum
If you need something fun, fast-paced to pass the time or relax after a crappy day, this book is sooo it. I can see where most things are going, but the writing is fun and really gets you moving; it wastes no time.
codingclown started reading...

The Wicked King (The Folk of the Air, #2)
Holly Black
Post from the The Bodyguard forum
my anxiety did a number on me last night so here I am trying to read something fun for once lol
codingclown started reading...

The Bodyguard
Katherine Center
codingclown commented on codingclown's review of No One Is Safe
4.75/5 No One Is Safe is a thriller set in 1980s NYC. We follow Simon, a serial killer with amnesia; he doesn't remember who he is or the crimes he committed. Together with Nomi Pace, a private investigator with a dark past, not only will he reconstruct his identity, but also discover a very dark side of himself that makes him rethink what he is capable of.
This book was an emotional slap in the face, in the best possible way. I already knew Simon from the None Shall Sleep trilogy, and in this book, we see another side, another interpretation of the character, which completely captivated me.
What I loved about this book, and didn't expect, is that it not only presents us with a case to solve but also raises some questions: What would happen if a killer lost all memories of their crimes? Can a sociopath change if they don't remember who they are? Is empathy something we are born with or something we learn? The central focus of the story isn't just the investigation, but the relationship between Simon and Nomi. I found this new character a welcome addition to the world and a complex and wonderful character, as is typical of Marney's female characters. She's strong, but not invincible, intelligent, but not a know-it-all. She makes mistakes and fails time and time again, yet she perseveres and always does the best she can in her situation. Although I mentioned a "relationship" between Simon and Nomi (and there were definitely some sparks flying from time to time), romance isn't the main focus. These characters are just getting to know each other under very particular circumstances, which don't allow for a sudden, abrupt "Shall we go on a date?" I can see a hint of romance, but it's more of a seed for something else to bloom. At times, the investigation felt a bit long, but everything makes sense and becomes relevant by the end of the plot. Another thing I want to highlight is the level of detail. It's clear the author researched the situation in NYC, and I'm also glad to see that the city's diversity and the role the LGBTQ+ community played during that time aren't ignored.
Is it necessary to read None Shall Sleep to understand this book? Honestly, no. It's one of those cases where if you've read the trilogy (which I highly recommend), you'll notice certain things and understand certain references. However, if you haven't read the trilogy, this book stands on its own. What I do recommend is reading None Shall Sleep to get a deeper understanding of our protagonist and fully grasp the skills he possesses and what he's capable of. I was definitely left wanting to know more and to see where Ellie will take us with these new characters.
Thanks again to Ellie and Thomas & Marcer for giving me a copy of the book in exchange for an honest opinion.
codingclown left a rating...
4.75/5 No One Is Safe is a thriller set in 1980s NYC. We follow Simon, a serial killer with amnesia; he doesn't remember who he is or the crimes he committed. Together with Nomi Pace, a private investigator with a dark past, not only will he reconstruct his identity, but also discover a very dark side of himself that makes him rethink what he is capable of.
This book was an emotional slap in the face, in the best possible way. I already knew Simon from the None Shall Sleep trilogy, and in this book, we see another side, another interpretation of the character, which completely captivated me.
What I loved about this book, and didn't expect, is that it not only presents us with a case to solve but also raises some questions: What would happen if a killer lost all memories of their crimes? Can a sociopath change if they don't remember who they are? Is empathy something we are born with or something we learn? The central focus of the story isn't just the investigation, but the relationship between Simon and Nomi. I found this new character a welcome addition to the world and a complex and wonderful character, as is typical of Marney's female characters. She's strong, but not invincible, intelligent, but not a know-it-all. She makes mistakes and fails time and time again, yet she perseveres and always does the best she can in her situation. Although I mentioned a "relationship" between Simon and Nomi (and there were definitely some sparks flying from time to time), romance isn't the main focus. These characters are just getting to know each other under very particular circumstances, which don't allow for a sudden, abrupt "Shall we go on a date?" I can see a hint of romance, but it's more of a seed for something else to bloom. At times, the investigation felt a bit long, but everything makes sense and becomes relevant by the end of the plot. Another thing I want to highlight is the level of detail. It's clear the author researched the situation in NYC, and I'm also glad to see that the city's diversity and the role the LGBTQ+ community played during that time aren't ignored.
Is it necessary to read None Shall Sleep to understand this book? Honestly, no. It's one of those cases where if you've read the trilogy (which I highly recommend), you'll notice certain things and understand certain references. However, if you haven't read the trilogy, this book stands on its own. What I do recommend is reading None Shall Sleep to get a deeper understanding of our protagonist and fully grasp the skills he possesses and what he's capable of. I was definitely left wanting to know more and to see where Ellie will take us with these new characters.
Thanks again to Ellie and Thomas & Marcer for giving me a copy of the book in exchange for an honest opinion.
codingclown finished a book

No One Is Safe
Ellie Marney