Reviews

Blissfully Blindsided by Robin Alexander

lurker_stalker's review against another edition

3.0

2.5 rounded up

I'm a big fan of Robin Alexander's books but this one just didn't do it for me. I mean, I laughed a bunch during the first few chapters but after that, I could only muster a chuckle now and then.

There was so much restating of information between characters - many times the same characters sharing the same thing more than once or twice - and the same phrases "attractive and interesting" I think was one of them, that I found myself getting annoyed. And there were typos. Mostly there were several things that combined to make this not the experience I was hoping for.

Will I stop reading Alexander's books? Hell no! I love her sense of humor and not every book by an author I like will make me all warm and fuzzy inside. As a matter of fact, I've already got another of her books in mind.

jcurry447's review against another edition

lighthearted medium-paced

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

4.0

jessie_darling's review against another edition

1.0

One of the worst freaking books I've ever read.

jamimap82's review

funny lighthearted relaxing medium-paced

• Plot- or character-driven? Character
• Loveable characters? Yes

3.5

reneetc's review against another edition

4.0

Robin's books always hit the spot when I want to read an angst free, romantic story. Blaze and Caleigh's journey boils down to "Hey, I like you, you like me, so let's see where this goes." The one thing I didn't like was that on several occasions, the dialogue jumped immediately from one topic to another.

Overall, this was an entertaining story. With the help of a severly menopausal sister, an estranged mom, and a few enemas, Balze and Caleigh's love is meant to last.

zefrien's review

emotional slow-paced

• Plot- or character-driven? Character
• Strong character development? Yes
• Loveable characters? Yes
• Diverse cast of characters? No
• Flaws of characters a main focus? No

4.0

wordsandfiction's review

emotional funny lighthearted medium-paced

• Plot- or character-driven? Plot
• Strong character development? No
• Diverse cast of characters? No
• Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes

5.0

That was one of the most entertaining stories I've read in a long time. Robin Alexander has the talent to captivate you not only with good storytelling but also with humour. And this book was exactly what I needed: Something that amuses me and intrigues me at the same time. In Alexander, it turns out that I have found an author whose stories are balm for my soul. 

I was wondering how best to explain the plot of the book. Honestly, the closest thing you can compare it to is a queer version of "Gilmore Girls" because it's also a generational story, and there are actually one or two parallels. (Well, at least for me) For example, the plot is fast-paced. Additionally, the interactions and dialogues are quirky and so witty. I often had to laugh because of the humorous and unconventional portrayal of the characters. Another similarity is that the action also takes place in a small town. As is often the case, rumours and speculations spread like wildfire. 

But now to the characters, because there were a handful of them. The most important ones are Blaze Sonnier and Caleigh Breaux. Blaze has had little luck with dating or social interactions lately. After several catastrophic incidents, she's the talk of the town. And one day, her estranged mother shows up on her doorstep to make matters worse. In addition, her older sister Ronnie is going through early menopause and is therefore facing some personal changes. So it happens that she often seeks shelter and help from Blaze. 

Caleigh changes jobs and moves to Falcon, Louisiana, to be near her grandparents. But her journey goes awry when she gets a flat tire en route and gets stuck on a remote road. That's when she meets Blaze, and they hit it off right away. 

As you can see, a lot is going on, but I had the best time reading this book. It has very little angst, lovely main and secondary characters. It is fast-paced and, on top of that, very entertaining. Recommended! 

corrie's review

5.0

I never read the blurb when the new Robin Alexander comes out because I buy it and put everything else I’m reading at that moment on hold and enjoy myself.

What I’ve come to know and love about her stories, her main characters fall into a drama-free relationship pretty early in the book. They have tons of fun together, they are lovers and best buddies and most importantly they communicate. Refreshing, right? Also Alexander is one of the only authors who brings a nice dose of hilarity to the bedroom and I love that. Sex is about having fun after all.

So prepare yourself for a fun romance amidst crazy family antics in a small Southern town.

f/f

Themes: crazy bunny, sisters, mommy issues, wacky hormones due to menopause (I never had it this bad), I’ve got some notes & highlights to give you a sample of the silliness, I would have loved to read this to book club buddie D.

5 stars

synth's review

1.0

I sadly didn't feel this one at all. The romance happens way too quickly, everything is conveniently nice and smooth, the humor didn't do it for me, the dialogue was so stilted, I didn't feel any chemistry between the MCs, nor did I feel anything for them whatsoever. Too bad because I still appreciate the lack of dramatic breakup at 2/3rd that this author makes a point to write in all her books.