Primrose | REVIEW SHOP [ OPEN ]

✦ { Cel } Deadlines To Desires

Client: camillarb5

Reviewer: rinaXhazurina

Title: 5/5

A suiting title not only summarizes the plot of the story but also wisely chooses to do so through alliteration with the appropriate words 'deadline' and 'desire.' It was very creative and satisfying to hear and read. It also hints well at the story's intended theme, genre, and ambiance of business-related conflict along with a steamy romance.

Book Cover: 5/5

The cover fits the theme, plot, and genre proposed by the title and the blurb. The stylistic design hints at its romantic yet professional ambiance, leaving room for steam. The font choices are good and the use of a single color for all the texts is simple but appropriate to be visible against the background.

Blurb: 5/5

The blurb is well done. It explains the character's conflicts both internal and external which are very relatable and relevant to this modern era for its corporate competition. Alice's character is presented as ambitious and diligent struggling against the stern Ethan whose character is also exhibited explicitly. The unexpected event to venture to France indicates a clear change in the tense relationship between the two significant characters which indicates the main excitement of the story and thus, makes readers want to know more. Despite the anticipated blooming romance between them, the slow-burn and grounded and relevant situation promises a unique execution of the trope.

Characters: 10/10

Alice as a main character is executed well in aligning her desires and flaws with the plot and chosen setting. It's clear she wants the promotion and she and her characters mention it over and over again but unlike her, they repeatedly berate her on sacrificing her health for the sake of her goals rightfully so. The repetitive reprimand is logical because it's what close associates would do and reasonable for the same reason, so points for that storywise. Even so, Alice justifies it but even she and the readers know her actions are not good for her, which makes readers care and root for her.

The story did well in revealing more about her such as placing her in interesting situations that push a person to think or act that reveals more about them. This is exemplified when Jenny asks Alice about the two dates and Alice's organized and pensive side is shown by addressing the dilemma by listing the pros and cons. Moreover, her character exploration was best shown through work and environment, which is probably the most natural way to get to know a person in real life seen in Alice's silent suffering in Ethan's presence and her messy room, further supporting the fact that she is that much of a busy woman.

Alice is also brave for including her self-expression. It is a relatable moment of struggle, risking her efforts for her goal, putting the character in a dilemma in choosing between what she thinks is best and the decree of the controlling forces around her. That is, Ethan. The supporting characters are dynamic, making them distinguishable from each other while not overstepping Alice's role as the main character.

The opposite nature between Alice and Jenny is highlighted greatly by their actions and dialogues, making a good example of showing over telling. While Jenny may be a controversial person, she is genuinely and surprisingly a good friend Alice may not deserve seeing that she continues her self-destructive nature, but Jenny is patient with her and does more than consoling and scolding her when she carries out acts of service for Alice, contrasting what is typically associated with people like her. This makes Jenny likable and her antics contribute to its humorous moments. Carol is also intriguing by the choice of making her pregnant, making her stand out among the others but the fact that she also cares for Alice's wellbeing by suggesting she takes a rest and she'll make the excuse to Ethan makes her immediately likable. Her motherly side is shown in this, presenting another type of woman in the corporate community.