Review of The Bitter End

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Dalia Chf
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Review of The Bitter End

Post by Dalia Chf »

[Following is an official OnlineBookClub.org review of "The Bitter End" by Elise Lapham.]
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4 out of 5 stars
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The Bitter End by Elise Lapham is a romance novel that tells the love story of Lilly and Paul. They fell in love with each other as teenagers, but Paul had to go off to the Vietnam War. After a few months, Paul went MIA, never to be heard from again. Follow Lilly's journey after the love of her life disappears and experience their emotional reunion 20 years later. Will there be a happy ending for Lilly and Paul? Or will Lilly's secret destroy their chance at happiness?

I really enjoyed this story. It's very emotional and mature. I especially liked how Paul's reaction to Lilly's secret was handled (don't worry, I won't spoil it!). It wasn't too over the top or dramatic, but angsty enough to keep the reader engaged.

However, I'd have liked the book to have been told from Paul's point of view as well. I think that would have made the experience much more intense for the reader. He's the one who suffered the most, so an insight into his thoughts would have been the icing on the cake. Otherwise, I thought the story was really good, albeit a bit rushed. It's a very short read, but if Lapham had dragged out the slow burn between Lilly and Paul after their reunion, it definitely would have been more exciting. I also think the secret Lilly was keeping was handled pretty poorly, but I can't go into that or I'd give away a major spoiler. Let's just say that there are things you can't hide for months without anyone noticing. That was a bit of a stretch.

I rate this book 4 out of 5 stars. I really enjoyed reading this emotion-filled story. I'm a big fan of romance novels and I found this book very appealing. However, I can't give the book 5 stars because of the way Lilly's secret was handled. Also, I don't think the title of the book reflects the story well. It doesn't have a bitter ending, but rather a happy one. The book is without a doubt professionally edited. I found only one minor error in it.

I'd recommend this book to all romance lovers. If you're in the mood for a short, low-angst second chance romance, look no further. This book is worth your time!

******
The Bitter End
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Amy Luman
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Post by Amy Luman »

Romance books are really not my favorite genre, but Lily and Paul seem to have bigger problems and working on that seems the most important. Thanks for the review!
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Post by TrishaCleve »

Although I am not a fan of romance novels, your review has me curious as to what the secret could be. Thank you for the provocative review.
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Post by Sethuratna »

Your review is engaging and well written. Well done.
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Post by Rabia Qanit »

I love the way you explained the story to your viewers. To be completely honest, I want to know what was Lilly hiding as it's called a secret. The story seems interesting. Although I'm not a fan of love stories, this story has caught my attention. I'll genuinely read it. Thank you for the information.
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Post by AdrianCarranza28 »

The handling of Paul's reaction to Lilly's secret is particularly noteworthy. It strikes a balance between being emotionally charged without being overly dramatic, allowing the reader to stay engaged in the story.
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Post by AdrianCarranza28 »

It's always fascinating to explore both sides of a love story, especially one with such a long and tumultuous separation.
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Post by Ynrsbjayy »

I love the way you explained the story to your viewers. To be completely honest, I want to know what was Lilly hiding as it's called a secret. The story seems interesting. Although I'm not a fan of love stories, this story has caught my attention. I'll genuinely read it. Thank you for the information.
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Post by Nancy Kilkenny Barnhart »

Well now I need to read the book. I think I can predict from your review what it’s about but I’m anxious to read for myself. Thanks for your insights.
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I enjoyed reading your review. Anyways, that story is a captivating story.
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Post by RutvikPatel »

"The Bitter End" by Elise Lapham is an emotionally charged romance novel that explores the love story of Lilly and Paul. While the story is engaging and mature, it would benefit from Paul's perspective to enhance depth. The pacing could be improved for a more satisfying slow burn. Despite minor issues, it's recommended for romance enthusiasts.
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Post by Joy mi »

Give this book a score of 4 out of 5. I had a great time reading this story full with passion. Being a huge admirer of romance books, I really enjoyed this book. I'm sorry, but I'm unable to give the book a perfect score due to how Lilly's secret was handled. Additionally, I don't believe the book's title adequately conveys the plot. It has a cheerful conclusion rather than a harsh one. Without a doubt, the book has been properly edited. Only a single, small mistake was discovered.

All romance readers should read this novel, in my opinion. Look no farther if you're in the market for a quick, Low angst second chance relationship. It's worthwhile to read this book.
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Post by MercyNdungu »

Dalia Chf wrote: 27 Aug 2023, 07:53 [Following is an official OnlineBookClub.org review of "The Bitter End" by Elise Lapham.]
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4 out of 5 stars
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The Bitter End by Elise Lapham is a romance novel that tells the love story of Lilly and Paul. They fell in love with each other as teenagers, but Paul had to go off to the Vietnam War. After a few months, Paul went MIA, never to be heard from again. Follow Lilly's journey after the love of her life disappears and experience their emotional reunion 20 years later. Will there be a happy ending for Lilly and Paul? Or will Lilly's secret destroy their chance at happiness?

I really enjoyed this story. It's very emotional and mature. I especially liked how Paul's reaction to Lilly's secret was handled (don't worry, I won't spoil it!). It wasn't too over the top or dramatic, but angsty enough to keep the reader engaged.

However, I'd have liked the book to have been told from Paul's point of view as well. I think that would have made the experience much more intense for the reader. He's the one who suffered the most, so an insight into his thoughts would have been the icing on the cake. Otherwise, I thought the story was really good, albeit a bit rushed. It's a very short read, but if Lapham had dragged out the slow burn between Lilly and Paul after their reunion, it definitely would have been more exciting. I also think the secret Lilly was keeping was handled pretty poorly, but I can't go into that or I'd give away a major spoiler. Let's just say that there are things you can't hide for months without anyone noticing. That was a bit of a stretch.

I rate this book 4 out of 5 stars. I really enjoyed reading this emotion-filled story. I'm a big fan of romance novels and I found this book very appealing. However, I can't give the book 5 stars because of the way Lilly's secret was handled. Also, I don't think the title of the book reflects the story well. It doesn't have a bitter ending, but rather a happy one. The book is without a doubt professionally edited. I found only one minor error in it.

I'd recommend this book to all romance lovers. If you're in the mood for a short, low-angst second chance romance, look no further. This book is worth your time!

******
The Bitter End
View: on Bookshelves | on Amazon
Thank you for your detailed review of "The Bitter End" by Elise Lapham. It's clear that you found the emotional depth and maturity of the story appealing. Your appreciation for the way Paul's reaction to Lilly's secret was handled without being overly dramatic is noted, keeping the reader engaged in the narrative.

Your suggestion of having Paul's perspective included in the story to provide more insight into his thoughts is a valid point. It would indeed add depth to the reader's understanding, especially given his experiences.

Your comment on the pacing and the desire for a more extended slow-burn element is insightful, as it reflects your preference for the development of the relationship between Lilly and Paul. Additionally, your observation about the handling of Lilly's secret, while avoiding spoilers, provides valuable feedback.

Your rating of 4 out of 5 stars, along with your reasons for deducting a star, provides a clear summary of your overall assessment. Your point about the book's title not entirely reflecting the story's ending is a noteworthy observation, as book titles play a crucial role in setting reader expectations.

In conclusion, your review offers valuable insights for potential readers and constructive feedback for the author. Your recommendation to fellow romance lovers looking for a short, low-angst second chance romance is appreciated.
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Post by Valentine Nyanchama »

Romance is so good especially when it is two way. I am not a lover of Romance books but I guess I have a bone to chew based on this review, it is giving me nostalgia and I want to feel what Paul felt. Thanks for this, I am definitely adding the book to my next read.
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Post by Ohmy Book »

I love romance books with a happy ending. Your review is amazing! Thank you for avoiding the spoilers. I would like to give this book a try someday.
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