Reviews tagging 'Ableism'

All the Feels by Olivia Dade

13 reviews

allisonwonderlandreads's review against another edition

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emotional funny lighthearted medium-paced
  • Plot- or character-driven? A mix
  • Strong character development? Yes
  • Loveable characters? Yes
  • Diverse cast of characters? No
  • Flaws of characters a main focus? It's complicated

4.0

This is a seamless sequel where context about the relationship from the first book adds to the fun when former side characters take center stage. In a magical use of overlapping timelines, the first half of the book covers a familiar window of time with new focus. Readers know about big plot points that are coming without full details of the journey that will take us there, from the hows and whys to the emotional quality. The fallout of a certain career implosion takes us into new territory in the second half of the book with an utterly delightful road trip, a trope I didn't know to be obsessed with previously, and self-aware guest appearances from "only one bed" and "cuddling for warmth" among other fabulous romance mainstays. I also didn't know extreme height difference was a trope I needed, but damn if it wasn't both cute and amazing banter fodder. 10/10 adding it to my ideal tropes list.

Hilarious interludes break up the plot, a device from the first book I was thrilled to see continue. Texts between besties Alex & Marcus gain new meaning now that we have seen events unfold from both sides. We have the privilege of understanding how Alex thinks in all his chaotic, caring ADHD glory and come in close contact with his wild sense of humor. The fanfiction-inspired laughs were multiplied and magnified in this book. It was one of my favorite elements of the first book, and in this one, I needed to pause lest I develop a breathing issue as I cackled.

On a more serious note, conversation around career burnout was well-timed for me, although I'm not sure when a bad time for that would be, to be fair. Lauren is an ER therapist, and there's a hard look at how she values her own well-being compared to others and how a job with high demands on empathy and with low funding/support can siphon off everything that makes you joyful. It also offers something not so narrow as to be classified as "body positivity." This is about a woman who isn't conventionally attractive, who suffers fat-shaming and other rude commentary as a matter of course, and who is a lovely, full person with aspirations, introspection, and a sexy af romance. The story focuses most on Lauren's struggle to find value in her feelings and prioritize them rather than disconnecting.

Finally, I learned the word virago, which I now intend to use at every opportunity.

This is such a funny romance with all the feels promised on the cover. I wholeheartedly recommend it and plan to lie in wait for more (Carah? *fingers crossed*). Thanks to Avon for my copy to read and review!

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kaitlyns_literary_teahouse's review against another edition

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emotional funny lighthearted medium-paced
  • Plot- or character-driven? Character
  • Strong character development? Yes
  • Loveable characters? Yes
  • Diverse cast of characters? Yes
  • Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes

4.5

All the Feels by Olivia Dade, was an excellent follow- to Spoiler Alert. I loved Alex and seeing his growth as a character who has ADHD and also feels guilt for what his mother went through. Lauren is a strong female lead, that seems confident in herself, but also puts up with to much shit from other, especially family members. As her and Alex grow closer you can see her start standing up for herself, instead of Alex doing it for her. Though he meant it in a good protective way, I loved seeing Lauren grow into her own and take no shit from anyone and become that much more confident!

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mandaraffe's review against another edition

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emotional funny hopeful lighthearted medium-paced
  • Plot- or character-driven? A mix
  • Strong character development? Yes
  • Loveable characters? Yes
  • Diverse cast of characters? No
  • Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes

4.0


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