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thepetitepunk's review
3.0
Thank you to the author for providing me with an e-ARC in exchange for an honest review.
This was a complex second-chance romance featuring a bisexual main character that was messy and sweet in all the right ways. Alex was an interesting main character with quite a lot to deal with--I thought the way she worked through her emotions throughout the novel was imperfect and a bit chaotic in the most realistic way possible. I loved that Alex's fumbles and mishaps were highlighted because I think that's the best way to show the difficult, confusing feelings that come with an unexpected second chance with a lover when you thought you had finally moved on. That was by far my favorite part of this novel: the exploration of emotion and desire.
The one part I wanted a bit more depth on was Alex's relationship with Eden. I felt like there were so many times that Eden mistreated Alex, or was at least unfair to her, that I kind of didn't want them to get together at the end. The thing that makes second-chance romances so tricky, especially when the person is already in a different relationship, is that the author really needs to showcase what is so desirable and wonderful about the love interest that it trumps the pain of the breakup. I think we definitely got close to seeing why Alex would choose Eden over anyone else despite the terrible ending to their first attempt at a relationship, but I just wanted a bit more detail into what made Eden so special. (Also, as a side note, the scene with Alex and Eden where they finally get together for sure was a biiiiit too disruptive and rude to other partners for me but that was just my own preference.)
Other than that, this was an entertaining romance novel that explores pain, desire, confusion, sexuality, and the complexity of love. Shannon O'Connor excels at writing complex, confusing emotions--this is definitely a story that comes from the heart. I am so thankful I got the opportunity to read Shannon's work and I am looking forward to seeing what she has next in store! I would definitely recommend Electric Love for anyone looking for a sapphic second-chance romance.
This was a complex second-chance romance featuring a bisexual main character that was messy and sweet in all the right ways. Alex was an interesting main character with quite a lot to deal with--I thought the way she worked through her emotions throughout the novel was imperfect and a bit chaotic in the most realistic way possible. I loved that Alex's fumbles and mishaps were highlighted because I think that's the best way to show the difficult, confusing feelings that come with an unexpected second chance with a lover when you thought you had finally moved on. That was by far my favorite part of this novel: the exploration of emotion and desire.
The one part I wanted a bit more depth on was Alex's relationship with Eden. I felt like there were so many times that Eden mistreated Alex, or was at least unfair to her, that I kind of didn't want them to get together at the end. The thing that makes second-chance romances so tricky, especially when the person is already in a different relationship, is that the author really needs to showcase what is so desirable and wonderful about the love interest that it trumps the pain of the breakup. I think we definitely got close to seeing why Alex would choose Eden over anyone else despite the terrible ending to their first attempt at a relationship, but I just wanted a bit more detail into what made Eden so special. (Also, as a side note, the scene with Alex and Eden where they finally get together for sure was a biiiiit too disruptive and rude to other partners for me but that was just my own preference.)
Other than that, this was an entertaining romance novel that explores pain, desire, confusion, sexuality, and the complexity of love. Shannon O'Connor excels at writing complex, confusing emotions--this is definitely a story that comes from the heart. I am so thankful I got the opportunity to read Shannon's work and I am looking forward to seeing what she has next in store! I would definitely recommend Electric Love for anyone looking for a sapphic second-chance romance.
althea's review
3.0
Electric Love is a fun, light-hearted debut novel with vibrant characters and a writing style that will suck you in from the get go! I was so excited when the author reached out to me to ask if I wanted to read her book because I'm a huge sucker for second chance romances and books set in small towns where everyone knows everyone, plus this book features an openly bisexual main character with a young child who co-parents him with her best friend, which is something I would just love to see more of in romance novels in general! The book jumps back and forward in time quite a bit so you see Alex's current life, raising her child as a single mum while working in a bookshop, as well as her past relationship with Eden. At first it was a bit jarring because we changed timeline after every chapter or so, but I quickly got used to it and I was really glad for the wee snippets we got to see of Alex's past! Shannon O'Connor's writing style is also super engaging and I devoured this book in a matter of hours! It's definitely the kind of sapphic romance that I would class as a 'comfort read'!
I did, however, have a few wee issues with the book, mostly to do with Alex and Eden's current dynamic. We see in the flashbacks that Eden treated Alex kinda rubbishly, and she really deserved better, but in the present day timeline, Eden goes out of her way to reconnect with Alex again. Although we do see a sort of yearning between the two, I never really felt any of it - it felt more like we were being told that they still loved each other, rather than being able to see it in their body language and thoughts. I think maybe the book could have benefitted from a couple of chapters from Eden's perspective in that sense. I also was really confused by the ending - everything was resolved so quickly with absolutely no explanation and, while I'm glad there was an HEA, I would have liked all of the loose threads to be tied up.
All in all, this was a really fun romance read that I couldn't bear to put down, despite my eyelids slowly drooping from tiredness at this time of night, and I'll definitely be keeping an eye out for this author's upcoming works!
Thank you so much to the author for providing me with an ebook copy of this book! This has not influenced my opinions in any way!
Want more sapphic books? You can find me here: Book Blog | Twitter | Instagram
I did, however, have a few wee issues with the book, mostly to do with Alex and Eden's current dynamic. We see in the flashbacks that Eden treated Alex kinda rubbishly, and she really deserved better, but in the present day timeline, Eden goes out of her way to reconnect with Alex again. Although we do see a sort of yearning between the two, I never really felt any of it - it felt more like we were being told that they still loved each other, rather than being able to see it in their body language and thoughts. I think maybe the book could have benefitted from a couple of chapters from Eden's perspective in that sense. I also was really confused by the ending - everything was resolved so quickly with absolutely no explanation and, while I'm glad there was an HEA, I would have liked all of the loose threads to be tied up.
All in all, this was a really fun romance read that I couldn't bear to put down, despite my eyelids slowly drooping from tiredness at this time of night, and I'll definitely be keeping an eye out for this author's upcoming works!
Thank you so much to the author for providing me with an ebook copy of this book! This has not influenced my opinions in any way!
Want more sapphic books? You can find me here: Book Blog | Twitter | Instagram
worthleyv's review
4.0
A cute quick read but I would have liked more time with Alex and Eden in the present day
Spoiler
after getting back together. I felt like their other relationships dragged on too long then we skipped to HEA.mleighmorhaime's review
5.0
This is more than just a story about second chance love. You find yourself completely immersed in Allie's world, growing with her and experiencing everything as she does. It's incredibly relatable. It's about more than love. It's about family, friendship, growing, and healing. There were a few scenes I was definitely on the edge of my seat for, waiting to see what she would do or how someone would react. And that ending...just read and find out.
readingromancehea's review
3.0
Allie is heartbroken over what Eden did. Eden moves on fast. They run into each other after years of being apart. This was cute. They have interesting pasts. Their present is full of surprises. I like how only Eden can call Allie Alex. I don't really know how to feel about Logan and Bailey after what they did. Elijah is adorable. It wrapped up well.
juliettesebock's review
4.0
*I received a copy of Shannon O’Connor’s Electric Love for review purposes. As always, this review reflects only my honest thoughts on the book.*
There’s plenty to love about this love story, in all its forms—the world within Electric Love highlights affections beyond romance, too. It’s refreshing to get a glimpse into the life of a confident, openly bisexual protagonist, a committed single mother making her way through life in and around New York City (which just so happens to be one of my favourite places in the world).
Beyond the romance you’d expect of the genre, this book delves into the intimacy of friendship and the devotion of motherhood. The converging connections between the Electric Love cast are varied and unflinchingly loyal. But it’s those characters themselves that stand out the most as I read Allie’s story.
*full review at Pencils & Pages*
There’s plenty to love about this love story, in all its forms—the world within Electric Love highlights affections beyond romance, too. It’s refreshing to get a glimpse into the life of a confident, openly bisexual protagonist, a committed single mother making her way through life in and around New York City (which just so happens to be one of my favourite places in the world).
Beyond the romance you’d expect of the genre, this book delves into the intimacy of friendship and the devotion of motherhood. The converging connections between the Electric Love cast are varied and unflinchingly loyal. But it’s those characters themselves that stand out the most as I read Allie’s story.
*full review at Pencils & Pages*
samanthas_books's review
I received an e-ARC from the author in exchange for an honest review
DNF @ 30%
I wanted to read the whole book as the author sent it to me to review, however, I find the writing style to be very jarring and I'm just not enjoying it, so I will not be finishing this book.
I feel like there is a lot of telling and not showing in this book. For example, it was talking about the characters' kisses being electric, but it just said that they were electric, it didn't show that feeling. Also, due to this I feel like it is difficult to connect to the characters as they feel a bit flat.
I just know that this would not be the book for me, so I'm stopping at 30%. I'm sure there are lots of people who will enjoy this, but I personally don't vibe with the writing style.
DNF @ 30%
I wanted to read the whole book as the author sent it to me to review, however, I find the writing style to be very jarring and I'm just not enjoying it, so I will not be finishing this book.
I feel like there is a lot of telling and not showing in this book. For example, it was talking about the characters' kisses being electric, but it just said that they were electric, it didn't show that feeling. Also, due to this I feel like it is difficult to connect to the characters as they feel a bit flat.
I just know that this would not be the book for me, so I'm stopping at 30%. I'm sure there are lots of people who will enjoy this, but I personally don't vibe with the writing style.
elementarymydear's review
lighthearted
fast-paced
3.0
Allie is a young single mother, balancing work and co-parenting with her best friend, when she (literally) bumps into the love of her life, her ex-girlfriend of five years. As she and Eden begin to reconnect, she has to reconcile the past with the present while unable to ignore the ticking clock as Eden’s wedding day to her fiancée grows ever closer…
📚Read this and more reviews on my blog!📚
This was a really fun contemporary read about family, friendship, and reuniting with lost love. Allie and Eden’s romance was really sweet, and it was great to see how it blossomed from when they were in high school together to when they’re in their mid-twenties. Allie’s family gave a really nice grounding to the novel, and it was really great to see her relationship with her son especially as a constant throughout.
The story jumps between timelines quite a lot, and while I did enjoy getting to see both the past and the present of Allie and Eden’s relationship, it felt quite confusing at times. There were some things it would have been nice to see develop in chronological order, such as when Allie starts dating someone new and we are introduced to him as her boyfriend before read about their first meeting and first date. Some of the writing felt a little bit repetitive, which made some passages a bit clunky, but overall it was a nice read.
If you’re looking for fun contemporary second-chance romance with great bi representation, I’d definitely recommend checking this one out!
Thank you to the author for providing me with a free copy for review. All views are my own.
📚Read this and more reviews on my blog!📚
This was a really fun contemporary read about family, friendship, and reuniting with lost love. Allie and Eden’s romance was really sweet, and it was great to see how it blossomed from when they were in high school together to when they’re in their mid-twenties. Allie’s family gave a really nice grounding to the novel, and it was really great to see her relationship with her son especially as a constant throughout.
The story jumps between timelines quite a lot, and while I did enjoy getting to see both the past and the present of Allie and Eden’s relationship, it felt quite confusing at times. There were some things it would have been nice to see develop in chronological order, such as when Allie starts dating someone new and we are introduced to him as her boyfriend before read about their first meeting and first date. Some of the writing felt a little bit repetitive, which made some passages a bit clunky, but overall it was a nice read.
If you’re looking for fun contemporary second-chance romance with great bi representation, I’d definitely recommend checking this one out!
Thank you to the author for providing me with a free copy for review. All views are my own.
anotherlxver's review
5.0
I absolutely loved this book! I can tell it will definitely be one of my comfort reads now. This was a really nice story that was painted so well by Shan's writing. I felt so sucked in and could really see the story playing out in my mind which is really important for a good book to me. I really liked the structure of it as well. The story itself had me not wanting to put it down. There was a lot of things that hit a little close but it means it just meant that much more to me. I also very much appreciated a queer story without it having to be a huge thing. I have loved Shan's poetry for awhile now so I was so excited when she announced this novel and I really hope she writes more.
bookishcharli's review
1.0
Electric Love is a novel about second chance romances. The story doesn’t flow all that well and at times seems quite poorly written. I’m not sure I’d pick up another novel by the author again.
Not for me.
Not for me.