Reviews with content warning for Misogyny - All the Feels

Reviews tagging 'Misogyny'

All the Feels by Olivia Dade

7 reviews

mags_is_reading's review against another edition

this one just didn’t do it for me. I have no idea why Olivia Dade chose to hate Lauren so much but that’s the vibe I got from the very beginning of this book. It’s one thing to have a character who has a plain or unconventional appearance, it’s another to call her ugly every chance you get. Unfortunately this one was a DNF for me.

Content Warnings

bethanycrowepowell's review against another edition

Go to review page

emotional funny lighthearted relaxing fast-paced

Plot- or character-driven? Character
Strong character development? It's complicated
Loveable characters? Yes
Diverse cast of characters? It's complicated
Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes

4.0

This follow-up to Spoiler Alert is a crackling, fun odd couple romance.
Alex's hectic energy in the wings of Spoiler Alert was intriguing, and getting to ride along with him as he tackles life as his PR disaster spirals was compelling. His ADHD is both managed and a part of him.
Lauren, who is saddled with keeping him out of trouble, was a bit more opaque as a character. I think this was intentional as her quietness and focus outward is integral to her personality, but I would have liked more interiority from her. Maybe it's because Alex's interior monologue is always actually spoken out loud, the contrast makes her feel less developed. However, the chemistry they have made sense to me, and I think this was my favorite of the series.

Content Warnings

jessgj's review against another edition

Go to review page

emotional reflective tense slow-paced

Plot- or character-driven? A mix
Strong character development? Yes
Loveable characters? Yes
Diverse cast of characters? It's complicated
Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes

4.75

Alas, not my favorite of this series thus far. Admittedly, I'm not a fan of slow burn romances and the working title for this book was "Slow Burn" so that's more on me. Your mileage might vary.

That said, I remember being excited to see Alex and Lauren fall in love while reading Spoiler Alert and this didn't disappoint. I really appreciate that Lauren isn't the "accepted" type of plus-sized, I.E. the hourglass-shaped vixen with a Jessica Rabbit-like bust-waist-hips ratio. Bodies come in different shapes and sizes and they're all valid and deserve our appreciation.

I also appreciate the depiction of Alex's ADHD. ADHD is often portrayed as this vapid, quirky, impulsive thing and Alex is very much seen that way in the public eye but we get to see the full picture of his love, his need for acceptance, his huge emotional range. We get to see the world through his eyes and it's so rich.

And Wren, ugh. She kept surprising me and her struggle with giving just so much of herself that she's burning out on all fronts is something I understand too well. Dade sucked punched me with that and the slow reveal of just how much Lauren does that. It's actually reminded me to take better care of myself so thank you, Olivia Dade for that one.

Overall, it wasn't the slam dunk I was hoping for but it's still a great time with a great cast.

TW: Mentions of domestic assault, fatphobia, panic attacks, some violence and bullying

Content Warnings

kcbookshelf's review against another edition

Go to review page

emotional funny hopeful inspiring lighthearted reflective 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? It's complicated

5.0

This book is something special. I think I preferred Spoiler Alert on the whole but I definitely felt like there were more messages and more moments where I was proud of the characters. The personal development of both Alex and Lauren was deep, emotional, and heartwarming! The only reason I didn’t give it the full 5 stars was because there was a bit, around their sex scenes I guess, that it felt like it dipped. The sex scenes were good, didn’t take away anything from the story, but I was definitely at a point where I was ready for the two of them to start wrapping up their story, but I knew I still had a good hundred pages left. That said, I tabbed quite a bit for a romance novel and I wouldn’t definitely recommend to everyone!

The best way for me to describe it is that it is special, honest, and worthy!

I don’t know too much about ADHD but I felt like the representation was just. Alex’s character was full of energy but also you felt the pain, understood the other symptoms, could figure out his train of thought. It was truly well-rounded. Then to have a character that has dealt with abuse at her work place, ultimately getting burnt out, whilst also having dealt with comments about her appearance from people throughout her whole life… it was refreshing for them to both be proud of themselves, to know what’s best for their bodies (even if they don’t always stick to it) and to discuss that with one another. Granted, there are complications, but it was lovely to see their “flaws” (as they would be in a lot of other books) not be flaws at all. They were simply a part of them, part of their personality, part of their drive. And it wasn’t a huge part of the plot either, it aided it perfectly!

The conversations of body image, abuse, domestic abuse, ADHD, fat phobia, mental health, and struggling friendships were dealt with with heart, care and still remained lighthearted.

By the end I felt warm, comforted, and proud. Both of the fictional characters and the real characters in my life (myself, my friends, my family) who have dealt with similar things. It has left me with an outlook that I already had but now understand ways to word it and deal with it.

From your shrewish sister from another mister…

BIG HARPY ENERGY FOREVER

Content Warnings