Reviews with content warning for Pregnancy - A Lot Like Adiós

It took me a lot longer to finish this than the first book, but to be fair, I was also in an odd, almost non-existent reading mood the entire week, so I'm not sure how much of that is the book's fault. Though I did like "You Had Me at Hola" a lot more.

For some reason, I couldn't really get into the characters and found them a bit boring. Which was weird, because on the surface, they should've worked for me. They treated each other well, both in and out of the bedroom, and I liked their playful interactions. Plus, while this was a friends-to-lovers story and I'm usually not the biggest fan of those, I appreciated that Darias stated early on that they had an almost-sexual encounter as teenagers and had always found each other attractive, because it made me not dislike their immediate attraction to each other. There was nothing inherently wrong with either character. And still, it was very easy for me to dismiss them from their mind the literal moment I put the book down. They didn't excite me. Jasmine and Ashton from the first book also weren't the most explosive couple, but I still ended up wanting to root for them and see them come together, whereas Gabriel and Michelle didn't. And I have no idea why.

Then again, the story did kind of focus a bit too much on sex, which also made it a bit boring for me. Especially because their sexual relationship started very early in the book. And the kind of fake-dating plot line fizzled out at some point, so not even that - my favourite trope in existence - was truly keeping me engaged.

Honestly, my opinion on this book is that it's fine. Fun to read, but also kind of boring. I liked it! I want to read more by the author! But I'll probably also forget about it soon.

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cemeterygay's review

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emotional funny hopeful medium-paced

Plot- or character-driven? Character
Strong character development? Yes
Loveable characters? Yes
Diverse cast of characters? Yes

4.5

I loved this book even more than the first. Gabe and Michelle's relationship is just amazing and so believable. I loved the connection between both characters as childhood friends. The fanfiction segments and how it's incorporated into the story is so good and sweet and satisfying. I also just love the casual bisexual representation and it brings me immense joy. As with the previous book, I adore the side cast and the exploration of family relationships both positive and negative. The angst and character growth were just immaculate. I didn't quite like the actual surrounding plot of the gym as much as I did the last book but I still adored this book.

I'm so excited for the next book and I cannot recommend this book enough.

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armontheroad's review

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emotional funny 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? Yes

5.0

Although I liked the plot of YOU HAD ME AT HOLA more than this one, I adored this romance more. The relationship between these two is written perfectly! Also, was not mad about how often smut scenes were. Although, I do think the ones in the first book were slightly steamier. This was overall, a book I was fully emotionally invested in. Tears may or may not have been shed. I adored all the conversations Alexis Daria managed to insert seamlessly into their storylines. I do wish she would stop using the terms 'male' and 'female', though. Especially since trans characters are in all her books. It's jarring seeing TERF wording in books by vocal allies. To end this on another positive note, both protagonists are ON PAGE bisexual. This book being queer was such a delight!!

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caseythereader's review

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emotional funny lighthearted fast-paced

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

3.75

- Time for a QUEER SCREAMING review! A LOT LIKE ADIOS has two bisexual leads! Second chance romance! Friends to lovers! Workplace romance! Even a dash of fake dating! It's just so lovely.
- I loved the way Gabe and Michelle just fell right back in with each other. Both their deep friendship and their attraction to each other felt so real. Plus the sci-fi fanfic they were writing as teens was just so cute.
- I love a romance where the leads are gentle with each other as they try to figure things out. Gimme that over enemies to lovers any day.
- As one last minor note, I was a big fan of how openly and casually both Gabe and Michelle spoke about not wanting to have kids, and maybe not even ever get married. Love to see a romance with an HEA epilogue where the woman isn't six months pregnant.

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100_pages_hr's review against another edition

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reflective medium-paced

Plot- or character-driven? A mix
Diverse cast of characters? Yes

3.0

This second installment about the primas was just as well written, but definitely had a different vibe. This one had fan fiction interspersed with the story and while I know some people loved it, I had trouble connecting.

In spite of many communication issues with basically every character in the book I really did like Gabe. He was far from perfect and had lost himself a little, but at his core he really cared about people and I especially loved how eager he was to help prop with his Physical Therapy.

I have to admit I was a little thrown at how easy this second chance romance came together. I wanted more dialogue between Mich and Gabe. They didn't do much talking.

Another part of the story that felt a little incomplete to me was their sexual orientation. Both admit to being bisexual, but in my opinion it felt like it was thrown in to be inclusive but there was no need for it as it didn't fit with the story line or serve a purpose. I was just a little confused how that added to the story. If that was a part you loved then I'm glad it worked for you.

I still loved the glimpses into the culture of their families and the Spanish throughout the book but I felt like this one lacked substance.

I received an advanced copy of this book through NetGalley. This is my honest review.

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