**Friendship to Lovers and Fake Dating: A Review of "Because of Tick Tock" by Sarah Adams**
I recently finished reading "Because of Tick Tock" by Sarah Adams, which has been hyped up quite a bit on social media platforms like TikTok. As someone who loves friends-to-lovers romance, I was excited to dive into this story and see how it would play out. The book tells the tale of two best friends, one a professional NFL player and the other a passionate ballerina who owns her own dance studio. They've been friends for six years, and their relationship is filled with a palpable chemistry that has fans swooning.
I appreciated the authors take on this trope, as it's a favorite of mine, and I was eager to see how she would develop the main character. While I didn't feel like she fully reached the potential of her character development, there was something endearing about the relationship between the two friends. The author did a great job of capturing the ups and downs of their friendship and the subtle hints of attraction that exist beneath the surface.
One thing that struck me about this book is how steamy it gets without being explicit. As someone who prefers not to read overly graphic content, I appreciated the fact that the author kept things PG-13. The romance is still sultry and engaging, but it's not gratuitous or excessive. This made for a very comfortable read, especially during my daily commute.
As I finished reading this book, I realized that while it didn't blow me away, it was a solid friends-to-lovers romance that I would recommend to fans of the genre. The author did a great job of crafting a compelling narrative that explores the complexities of friendship and the thrill of first love. While my expectations were tempered by the hype surrounding this book, I'm glad I gave it a try.
**A Hyped Book: "Tomorrow and Tomorrow and Tomorrow" by Gabrielle Zevin**
Gabrielle Zevin's "Tomorrow and Tomorrow and Tomorrow" has been everywhere – from work to social media platforms like TikTok. As someone who was eager to dive into this book, I have to admit that the hype did affect my reading experience. While I didn't hate it, I didn't love it either. The story follows two friends, Sam and Sadie, as they navigate the ups and downs of life, relationships, and video games.
I appreciated the author's take on friendship and how it evolves over time. The writing is engaging, and I enjoyed following these characters through their lives as they grew up and faced various challenges. However, there was something that didn't quite click for me – perhaps it was the hype surrounding this book that made me expect more. Despite my initial enthusiasm, I found myself wanting to see why everyone loved this book so much.
One thing that did strike me about "Tomorrow and Tomorrow and Tomorrow" is its exploration of themes like identity, ambition, and the power of friendship. These are all important topics that resonated with me, even if the execution didn't quite live up to my expectations. While I wouldn't say it was a bad book, it wasn't my favorite either.
**The Hypothesis: How Hype Can Affect Our Reading Experience**
As someone who loves reading and discovering new books, I have to admit that hype can be both good and bad. On one hand, it's great to see authors and books gaining traction on social media platforms like TikTok. It's exciting to discover new titles and get recommendations from friends and online communities.
On the other hand, hype can also create unrealistic expectations. When a book is everywhere – in work, on social media, or with every friend you know – it can be intimidating to dive into it without preconceived notions. I found myself wanting to see why everyone loved this book so much, which put pressure on my reading experience.
In the end, while hype didn't completely ruin "Tomorrow and Tomorrow and Tomorrow" for me, it did affect my enjoyment of the book. I wish I had gone into it with lower expectations, but I'm glad I gave it a try nonetheless. As for next year's Bookmas celebrations, I'll be sure to approach new releases with a more balanced attitude – one that acknowledges hype without letting it dictate my reading experience.
**Bookmas Day 18 and Christmas Romance Reading Vlog**
It's time to wrap up the reviews for this year, but before we say goodbye, I want to tease you about our upcoming Bookmas Day celebrations. Next week, I'll be sharing a Christmas romance reading vlog – a festive reading challenge that I'm excited to embark on.
In the video, I'll be sharing some of my favorite holiday romances and discussing why they make the cut. From cozy classics to modern takes on traditional tropes, I've got you covered. Be sure to tune in next week for the festivities!
**Why I Struggle with Reading Recommendations**
As someone who loves reading and discovering new books, I often struggle with giving recommendations or explaining why a particular book resonated with me. While I'd love to share my thoughts and opinions freely, there's something that holds me back.
Perhaps it's the fear of oversimplifying complex themes or not doing justice to the author's work. Maybe it's the pressure to be original and unique in my recommendations. Whatever the reason, I've found myself hesitating when it comes to sharing my reading experiences with others.
However, as I reflect on my reading journey, I realize that giving genuine reviews and recommendations is essential for building connections with fellow readers and authors. It's time for me to take a leap of faith and share my thoughts freely – warts and all!