UserReviewexpand_more
hubAsk
trending_upmilitary_techadd
homeAlllocal_fire_departmentPopular (24h)trending_upPopular (Week)new_releasesLatest
Popular Categoriesexpand_more
health_and_beauty
Beauty and Health
child_care
Children's
developer_board
Technology
flight
Tourism
pets
Animals
theaters
Film and TV
auto_stories
Books
inventory_2
Products
table_restaurant
Tableware
directions_car
Auto
add
View All
Resources
infoAbout UserReviewhelpHelp CentergavelTerms & Privacy
UserReview © 2026. All rights reserved.
UserReview

The most trusted review platform. We help you make confident decisions with real user reviews and honest experiences.

FBTWIGrss_feed

Explore

  • Categories
  • Leaderboard
  • Top Rated
  • Recent Reviews

Community

  • About Us
  • Careers
  • Press & Media
  • Contact Us

Support

  • Help Center
  • Legal Center
  • Rules & Guidelines
  • Privacy Policy

Newsletter

Subscribe to get the best reviews directly to your inbox.

rate_reviewWrite a Review
© 2026 UserReview. © 2024 UserReview. All rights reserved.•Made with♥for the community
Language
edit
A Great Premise, But the Execution Falls Flat - My Honest Review of The Ugly Cruz
melissaH
Books•2 weeks ago
4
photo_library6
visibility4
The Horrible Cruz by L.J. Shann
Ürünstar 4.0

The Horrible Cruz by L.J. Shann

I devoured this novel in one sitting - it's a real page-turner. The suspense is off the charts, and the plot twists will keep you guessing until the very end. If you're a fan of crime fiction, you won't regret adding this one to your reading list.
chevron_right

A Great Premise, But the Execution Falls Flat - My Honest Review of The Ugly Cruz

summarizeEditor's Summary

I was stoked to dive into The Ugly Cruz, a summer romance novel that promised a sizzling love story. Unfortunately, the execution didn't quite live up to my expectations. The writing was engaging, but the characters felt flat and the plot was predictable. I got frustrated with the lack of depth and development, especially with the female lead. The book's great premise didn't translate to a great read, which was a letdown.

Review image 1
Review image 2
Review image 3
Review image 4
Review image 5
Review image 6

settingsSpecifications

Kararİyi
Bitiş3/10
Dönem7/10
Kalite8/10
authorL.J. Shen
İçerik7/10
publisherFreedom
page_count448
Geliştirme4/10
HikayeKalitesi6/10
age_restriction18+
A Great Premise, But the Execution Falls Flat - My Honest Review of The Ugly Cruz
I've been struggling to get into reading lately, so I decided to pick up a summer romance. Usually, books in this genre are my go-to, but The Ugly Cruz was a bit of a letdown.
“The Ugly Cruz” by L.J. Shen
Published by: Freedom
Number of pages: 448
Age restriction: 18+
The Ugly Cruz. L J Shen That beautiful summer cover
The Ugly Cruz. L J Shen Blurb:
I'd say Dr. Cruz Costello is my arch-nemesis. But then I'd have to acknowledge his existence. He's the city's golden boy. A former quarterback turned amazing doctor. I'm just a waitress at a diner. Now imagine ten unbearable days at sea with a guy I can't stand. But amidst the intoxicating breeze, secrets start to surface, and all I'm left with is one question... Will I fall in love again?
The Ugly Cruz. L J Shen
My Experience with The Ugly Cruz
I was really looking forward to diving into The Ugly Cruz - the premise sounded like my cup of tea. But the beginning was dry, and I found myself wondering if I'd made a mistake by picking it up. It wasn't until things started to get interesting that I felt invested in the story. The problem was, it took them ages to figure things out. They'd been carrying this secret for years, and it felt like they were playing a game of cat and mouse. I was surprised by how long it took them to piece things together.
After that, I lost interest again, but things picked up when I had less than half the book left. I'm not sure if it's the plot or the remaining pages, but I was hooked. I was curious to see how the relationships between the characters would play out, especially after all the drama that had unfolded. The ending was a bit of a letdown, though - it felt rushed and disjointed. I wanted more closure on the main characters, especially the ones I'd grown attached to.
The Good and the Bad
The author did a great job handling mature themes. There aren't many 18+ scenes, and they're tastefully woven into the story. I appreciated how the author approached these scenes with care. It's not often you see authors tackle tough topics with such sensitivity.
On the other hand, the ending felt like it was missing something. The story dragged on, and I found myself skimming through the last few chapters. I wanted more resolution on the main characters, especially the ones I'd grown attached to.
What I Liked
I'd give The Ugly Cruz 4 stars for the great idea that runs throughout the book - living your life on your own terms and not letting others dictate your actions. A great quote that stuck with me is:
Because, you know, sweetie? If you don't start demanding respect, nobody will give it to you.
My Verdict
Overall, I was disappointed by The Ugly Cruz, but I think it's worth a read if you're a fan of summer romances. Just be prepared for a slow start and a rushed ending. If you're looking for a book with a great premise but lackluster execution, then The Ugly Cruz might be the book for you.
Thanks for reading!

live_helpFeatured FAQ

Is The Ugly Cruz a good read for fans of summer romance novels?

Unfortunately, the book falls short of expectations. While it has a great premise, the execution is disappointing and fails to deliver on its promises.

What are the main themes explored in The Ugly Cruz?

The book touches on complex themes like love, relationships, and identity, but they're not explored in depth.

Is The Ugly Cruz suitable for all ages?

No, the book is restricted to readers 18+ due to mature content.

What's the page count of The Ugly Cruz?

The book has 448 pages, which is a decent length for a romance novel.

Who is the author of The Ugly Cruz?

The Ugly Cruz is written by L.J. Shen, a talented author in the romance genre.

What's the setting of The Ugly Cruz?

The book is set in a vividly described city, which adds to the immersive reading experience.

Is The Ugly Cruz a good choice for readers looking for a complex plot?

No, the plot is predictable and lacks surprises, making it a disappointing read for fans of complex stories.

Can I return The Ugly Cruz if I'm not satisfied?

Yes, you can return the book if you're not satisfied with your purchase.

What are some alternative summer romance novels I can read?

If you're looking for a better summer romance novel, I'd recommend checking out some other titles in the genre.

check_circlePros

  • •The writing is engaging and easy to follow
  • •The blurb had me hooked from the start
  • •The setting is vividly described and immersive
  • •I appreciated the exploration of complex themes
  • •The book has a great cover that caught my attention
  • •The author's use of language is descriptive and rich
  • •The book's pacing is well-suited for a romance novel

cancelCons

  • •The characters feel flat and underdeveloped
  • •The plot is predictable and lacks surprises
  • •The female lead is frustratingly one-dimensional
  • •The romance feels forced and unrealistic
  • •The pacing is uneven and slow in some parts
  • •The book fails to deliver on its great premise
  • •The themes aren't explored in depth
  • •The book's tone is inconsistent

Related Reviews

More reviews in Books.

View all reviews
My Take on the New Issue of New Hearth Magazine
Portrait of NickGrant
NickGrant• last week

My Take on the New Issue of New Hearth Magazine

Discover the latest issue of New Hearth Magazine, with its stunning design, engaging articles, and focus on in-depth content.

Newspapers and Magazines
thumb_up0
chat_bubble0
My Go-To Magazine: Why I'm Hooked on 'Caravan of Stories'
Portrait of StephBell
StephBell• last week

My Go-To Magazine: Why I'm Hooked on 'Caravan of Stories'

Discover why I'm hooked on 'Caravan of Stories' - a magazine that's got everything I'm looking for.

Newspapers and Magazines
thumb_up0
chat_bubble0
My Take on 'What I Got Up To' by Amanda Prouze
Portrait of StephBell
StephBell• last week

My Take on 'What I Got Up To' by Amanda Prouze

Amanda Prouze's debut book is a wild ride, tackling tough topics with no sugarcoating. Read our review to find out if this book is right for you.

Books / Literary Fiction
thumb_up0
chat_bubble0

Comments (0)

No comments yet. Be the first to comment!

The Horrible Cruz by L.J. Shann

The Horrible Cruz by L.J. Shann

Ürüne Git