A review by shanaepraystoo
Bookmarked by Bella Jay

emotional funny hopeful inspiring reflective relaxing sad fast-paced
  • Plot- or character-driven? Character
  • Strong character development? It's complicated
  • Loveable characters? Yes
  • Diverse cast of characters? Yes
  • Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes

4.0

I wasn't quite sure what to expect of Bookmarked by Bella Jay. I recently read 12:01 by the author and was so impressed that I figured I should delve into the rest of her catalog. 

While I thought the synopsis left quite a bit to my imagination, it definitely hooked me. I am glad that I read Bookmarked, but there are a few things about the book that left me disappointed.

I'll start with my likes:
  •  I could literally feel the chemistry between the FMC, Brooklin, and the MMC, Elgin.
  • The storyline was very realistic.
  • The spice was off the charts - it wasn't 12:01 levels, but very close.
  • Despite her lack of communication skills, I really liked the FMC.
  • The MMC was a great book bae.
  • The book is very funny, I found myself smiling throughout the book.

Now, for my dislikes:
  • I hate when the biggest problem in a romance novel is a lack of communication, it gets so frustrating to read.
  • Though the characters are diverse, not stereotypical in any way, and I did find them likable, I do not think there was enough character development for me.
  • While I did not expect a happy ending, the author makes it clear that there will not be one, I don't feel we got an ending at all with the constant calls for a "sequel" between the two characters and the FMC's move to Barcelona. There was an unnecessary cliffhanger to me. 
  • The main problem in the book centers the FMC's feelings of self-doubt and lack of knowledge of self, you get to about 70% in the book before it becomes clear that this is the reason for the divorce, which is very frustrating. 
  • The FMC has serious issues that are not explored and are obvious to the reader -- how could her intimate partner not see them?

All in all, I think that Bookmarked is a beautiful love story about what happens when a woman does not take the time to find herself before committing to someone or something else. Bookmarked is sad but charming, handling some really serious issues about self-image, self-love, growth, and development in Black female characters (a subject all too often ignored in romance novels). 

I really enjoyed Bookmarked and am still impressed by Bella Jay's writing. If you're looking for a spicy book featuring a book nerd and a funny MMC, I highly recommend Bookmarked.
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