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3.78 AVERAGE
3.78 AVERAGE
emotional
hopeful
inspiring
fast-paced
Plot or Character Driven:
A mix
Strong character development:
Yes
Loveable characters:
Yes
Diverse cast of characters:
N/A
Flaws of characters a main focus:
Yes
It’s quite a fast and lighthearted read but it’s a great reminder that the world… it doesn’t have to be such a dark place all the time. SPOILER It's a bit unrealistic at times, but it’s got a nice hopeful ending.
4 I am Brave Stars!
After the emotional turmoil this book put me through I was this close - to giving it 5 stars. That being said, I got to thinking, really thinking, about what this book deserves.
It was sweet no doubt about that. It was so unlike your typical college romance. Where the guy is hard and rough with issues. Esben was so freaking sweet and kind, and outgoing. At some point I thought for sure it was going to be all an act and he would end up disappointing us. Spoiler: He doesn’t. He is real, and honest and gentle. I loved him. Allison was your typical foster child brought up hard and rough. She built walls, and had a hard time letting people in. For the first 60% I was kinda like okay… awwww…that is sweet….I like that…okay move on… Almost like I just wanted the book to end because it was so steady it was boring. Then at about the last 25% of the book I was completely traumatized. Seriously this was me: (no joke I even was downing a bottle of my favorite red)
The entire time I could picture a movie being made. The sisters giving up their seat, the help from the motorcycle gang, the bachelorette limo. GAH the FEELS! My heart was literally breaking!
Steffi, I absolutely adored her! And Allison’s dad, he was one of my favorite characters! I don’t want to give anything away – and I am afraid if I delve into this book any further I just might. You have to read it!. It was written so beautifully well, you were able to feel the emotions just jump of the pages. Solid work Miss Park. Solid work!
After the emotional turmoil this book put me through I was this close - to giving it 5 stars. That being said, I got to thinking, really thinking, about what this book deserves.
It was sweet no doubt about that. It was so unlike your typical college romance. Where the guy is hard and rough with issues. Esben was so freaking sweet and kind, and outgoing. At some point I thought for sure it was going to be all an act and he would end up disappointing us. Spoiler: He doesn’t. He is real, and honest and gentle. I loved him. Allison was your typical foster child brought up hard and rough. She built walls, and had a hard time letting people in. For the first 60% I was kinda like okay… awwww…that is sweet….I like that…okay move on… Almost like I just wanted the book to end because it was so steady it was boring. Then at about the last 25% of the book I was completely traumatized. Seriously this was me: (no joke I even was downing a bottle of my favorite red)
The entire time I could picture a movie being made. The sisters giving up their seat, the help from the motorcycle gang, the bachelorette limo. GAH the FEELS! My heart was literally breaking!
Steffi, I absolutely adored her! And Allison’s dad, he was one of my favorite characters! I don’t want to give anything away – and I am afraid if I delve into this book any further I just might. You have to read it!. It was written so beautifully well, you were able to feel the emotions just jump of the pages. Solid work Miss Park. Solid work!
My heart
So so beautiful, I didn’t know what to expect when I picked this up, but this hurt my heart in all the right ways.
So so beautiful, I didn’t know what to expect when I picked this up, but this hurt my heart in all the right ways.
*** REVIEW ***
Have you ever read a book that you just couldn't stop thinking about? One that you go back and reread, then thumb through to your favorite scenes, and even then can't get past it enough to start a different book? Well, this is what happened to me with 180 Seconds by Jessica Park.
Esben. Esben, Esben, Esben! He's one of my favorite book boyfriends EVER. He's flawed and he makes no apologies for it, but he's also so amazing and supportive and kind. And Allison... her growth in this book, emotionally, was so good to see. She's a funny, kind, and loving girl who deserved so much more than she was letting herself have.
I laughed and I cried... goodness did I cry at that one part. It was intense and so, so good.
Those 180 Seconds changed their lives, but they also impacted mine. If you haven't read it, do it. You'll find a refreshingly unique storyline instead of the trending ones. It was exactly what I needed.
Have you ever read a book that you just couldn't stop thinking about? One that you go back and reread, then thumb through to your favorite scenes, and even then can't get past it enough to start a different book? Well, this is what happened to me with 180 Seconds by Jessica Park.
Esben. Esben, Esben, Esben! He's one of my favorite book boyfriends EVER. He's flawed and he makes no apologies for it, but he's also so amazing and supportive and kind. And Allison... her growth in this book, emotionally, was so good to see. She's a funny, kind, and loving girl who deserved so much more than she was letting herself have.
I laughed and I cried... goodness did I cry at that one part. It was intense and so, so good.
Those 180 Seconds changed their lives, but they also impacted mine. If you haven't read it, do it. You'll find a refreshingly unique storyline instead of the trending ones. It was exactly what I needed.
I am a huge fan of Park’s Flat Out Series and after seeing the synopsis for 180 Seconds, I was thrilled to have the opportunity to read her work again. The premise is interesting and early on, I was impressed. However, the further I read into the story, the more overwhelming and predictable it became. I have mixed emotions after finishing. There are certain aspects I loved but others left me somewhat disappointed. In the end, I don’t regret reading it but wouldn’t consider 180 Seconds a recommended read either.
Allison is a charming heroine, and I adored her immensely. She is no doubt the shining star of the book. It’s the type of character I’ve come to admire from this author. The scenes with her adopted father Simon are the most heart-warming and well developed moments in the book. I could have read just their story and have been pleased. Esben is likable, but I but never became fully invested in the social media aspect of his character. In the later half of the book, there are so many storylines and events, I felt Allison's journey became lost and watered down. By the end, it felt predictable and tedious. I was saddened because it wasn't how the story began.
This is one I think some readers will have massive love for and others will not. Sadly, I’m in the minority. I wouldn’t discourage anyone from trying it and won’t hesitate to read more from Park in the future.
**Thank you to Skyscape and NetGalley for my copy in exchange for this review.**
Allison is a charming heroine, and I adored her immensely. She is no doubt the shining star of the book. It’s the type of character I’ve come to admire from this author. The scenes with her adopted father Simon are the most heart-warming and well developed moments in the book. I could have read just their story and have been pleased. Esben is likable, but I but never became fully invested in the social media aspect of his character. In the later half of the book, there are so many storylines and events, I felt Allison's journey became lost and watered down. By the end, it felt predictable and tedious. I was saddened because it wasn't how the story began.
This is one I think some readers will have massive love for and others will not. Sadly, I’m in the minority. I wouldn’t discourage anyone from trying it and won’t hesitate to read more from Park in the future.
**Thank you to Skyscape and NetGalley for my copy in exchange for this review.**
emotional
lighthearted
sad
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
This was an okay read. Initially, I wasn't very into it, but it was short and easy to read, so I kept going. I liked how Allison and Esben met through his video challenge, but the story didn't pick for me until the last 100 pages or so. I appreciated the ending, though it was sad, and I liked how it made the story full circle in multiple ways. Reading about Allison coming out of her shell was nice and I liked the romance, but the writing is where it disappointed me. I wouldn't call the writing bad, but I found it to be a bit flat and it didn't help enhance the story. Overall, an average read, with some good parts at the end that save it somewhat.
I love Jessica Park, especially the Flat Out series. This one was a good read, but felt a little rushed towards the end. Loved the scenery described though!
I have to be honest, this book was quite the rollercoaster.
In the beginning of 180 Seconds, I was so sure that it was going to be a 4 or 5 stars rating. I loved getting glimpses of Allison's life, how she's gone through her problems and how she's dealing with them. I loved her friendship with Steffi.
Then, as the romance (and along with that, drama) progressed in the book, I started feeling... Less excited? Less engaged I guess? So I was starting to wane to a 3 stars rating.
But the ending had me cry multiple times, and though many aspects were quite.. Unrealistic, it was still amazing and I loved it and I really want to give the ending a 5 stars rating.
But alas, the middle part of the book really stops me from doing that, so a 4 stars rating it is.
In the beginning of 180 Seconds, I was so sure that it was going to be a 4 or 5 stars rating. I loved getting glimpses of Allison's life, how she's gone through her problems and how she's dealing with them. I loved her friendship with Steffi.
Then, as the romance (and along with that, drama) progressed in the book, I started feeling... Less excited? Less engaged I guess? So I was starting to wane to a 3 stars rating.
But the ending had me cry multiple times, and though many aspects were quite.. Unrealistic, it was still amazing and I loved it and I really want to give the ending a 5 stars rating.
But alas, the middle part of the book really stops me from doing that, so a 4 stars rating it is.