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~ Review 88 - Saddles & Scandals by @ambyislove ~

Book Information
Book Title: Saddles & Scandals
Author: @ambyislove
Genre: Romance
Target audience: 16+
Current status: 10/ongoing
No. of pages read: 10

Reviewed by jambudweep

WRITING STYLE

The story is written in first person POV with past tense. The pacing is even as well, making the readers ride the boat from the first page itself.

The words used are direct and straightforward, giving a hint of "telling" overpowering the "showing" part. Though it's easy to read and imagine, there is a lack of sensory details when it comes to characters' expression, actions, and movements.

The occasional descriptions about the surroundings, nature, weather are done quite well, bringing the essence of the atmosphere the characters are in. In addition, the descriptions about the characters' appearances do the justice as well.

The first person POV gives the readers a chance to live in every character's head for once, at least. Though, the female lead appears to be the one who is holding the upper hand, since most of the time we are in her head, looking at the world through her eyes.

This approach, somehow, makes the male lead stand out from the plot, but at the same time, gives him a mysterious aura, which is a good trick to put the readers on a hot seat.

However, there is not much of SPAG(spelling, punctuation, and grammar) to be seen as per my concern. But, take a close for "double spaces".

HUMOR

I admit, the writing is full of dry humor, especially from Valentina's side. There has not been a single encounter where she doesn't use sarcasm or witty dialogues to make herself feel better, even in times of crisis.

I burst into laughter after reading, "I don't know if you can tell, but I'm actually a female."

And, this humorous approach kept me engaged till the end, nonetheless. So, the most of all, I liked the dialogues, every bit of them.

CHARACTERS DEVELOPMENT

There are the male lead, Tristan, and the female lead, Valentina with Theo and Max as the supporting roles.

Theo is a goofy guy, and every female lead wants to be friends with a character like Max.

Now, let's move to our main leads:

Valentina, a girl with a bucket of insecurities in her mind is trying to live her life without getting into more trouble. But, there won't be any fun in that, so she gets into trouble—a big one and interesting at the same time.

At first, Valentina tries hard not to show a flicker of emotions or an expression of recognition on seeing her ex. But, of course, she fails miserably. By the time the story moves, she starts getting more comfortable around the boys, and Tristan—a positive arch in her development as a character.

Tristan, an arrogant boy with a cold personality and underlying softness which comes out only when he wants to, but that too not fully. His charms drive the girls around him crazy, more like throwing their dignity out of the window to get a glimpse from him.

So far till the 10th chapter, there has not been a deep trajectory in his character development. However, the level of arrogance this character has delivered shows a slight, just a little lean by now. Guess, the soft spot is expanding. But, still there is this mysterious aura around which as a result of his aloofness is keeping the readers on edge.

Yep, that's all. Thank you!

The author can take things into account they think will work for their work, or just follow their own mind.

BEST OF LUCK!