I had high hopes going into Of the Stars and Sea. As a lover of pirate romance and the enemies-to-lovers trope, the premise felt like it was tailor-made for me. Unfortunately, the execution didn’t quite deliver what I was hoping for. While the story had potential, I struggled to stay engaged. One of the main issues for me was the lack of strong world-building. For a story set in such a fantastical and adventurous setting, I found myself frequently confused about the world and the rules that governed it. Important elements seemed glossed over or underdeveloped, which made it difficult to fully immerse myself in the story. Additionally, the romance — which should have been a central highlight — felt rushed. The transition from enemies to lovers lacked the tension, growth, and emotional payoff that makes this trope so satisfying. Without enough buildup or believable conflict resolution, the romantic arc fell flat for me. That said, I can see how others might enjoy the fast-paced plo......
I went into The Seven Year Itch with high hopes. The premise instantly caught my attention—there’s something undeniably intriguing about the idea of rediscovering love and passion after a long-term relationship hits that infamous "seven-year" wall. I was excited to see how Amy Daws would explore such a relatable and emotionally charged topic. Unfortunately, the excitement faded quickly once I got into the story. I found myself struggling to connect with both main characters. Their personalities felt flat, and their chemistry didn’t pull me in the way I was hoping. Instead of being swept up in the emotional rollercoaster, I felt like a distant observer, waiting for something—anything—to spark. The pacing was another issue for me. The story dragged in parts, especially in the middle, and I found myself losing interest more often than not. I kept hoping for a turning point or a deeper emotional payoff, but it never quite arrived. That said, I do think Amy Daws has a strong wr......