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jessbookishlife's review
4.0
This was the first book I have ever read of this author and I was quite intrigued about the story after reading the synopsis, although I was still surprised at some scenes, that I will talk about in a second.
I did enjoy the story, and I enjoyed it more because I had the second and third books to read immediately after. There was a lot of emotions that I went through, from frustration to sympathy, from understanding to surprise. Some made me that an one minute break, so I could filter my thoughts and emotions and go back with a clearer head. Others were just part of the connecting with the story.
As someone that hasn't been dating, a while back when I was in my teens, I did contemplate the online dating scene, but I felt awkward just thinking about it an gave up on the idea. Anyway, when I say that in the synopsis, I was very curious to know how they have met. And it kind of made sense, because it was thanks to friends in common and not just someone random.
This story follows Lisa Millar, and although the story is written in the third person, we get to see Lisa's thoughts. And that was something that made me laugh at first. But, as I read more of this book I go used to it and it was a good way to truly understand her and her reasoning.
Then there is AJ. I'm writing this review after having read all three books, and thinking back to book one, I do see some things that could have led me to understand his personality. But since it was book one, I didn't see it until book two. Nevertheless, that doesn't matter for book one. AJ was just a fun character, and to be honest I like him and Jeremy more than I like Lisa.
Although things were a bit on the same pace and I had no idea what it would happen except that things had to go wrong at some point, because that's life... Despite that feeling, I was not excepting things to unfold that way. Actually, there were a lot of moments and revelations that I wasn't expecting.
I do have to say, at some points in the story, Lisa frustrated me. I just couldn't deal with her any longer and had to stop reading for a second just to take a deep breath. Let me explain (without spoilers) why I felt that way. In those moments in book one, Lisa felt immature to me. And she and I don't have a big age difference, still I had to take that second because I couldn't believe she was acting without thinking.
Then, while I was thinking about what I had read before I continued the story, I remembered that I know some people that would react the exact same way she did. And thinking about that, made me find a way to connect with her. That had been my problem at first, and once I had that new perspective I went back to the book and I could see her actions in a different way.
Still, I know she's the main character, but I still don't love her. But after reading all three books I can now say I empathize a lot more than when I read book one. And I love that!
You may be asking at this point why I loved that. Sometimes we don't like the main character, it has happened to me before with one of my favorite series. That doesn't mean I won't understand her and enjoy her story. I did enjoy all the cute moments, all the friendship and text messages, all the drama and revelation. And since this was the first book in a series, I knew Lisa was going to grow.
Lisa is young and love is crazy. Emotions sometimes get the best of us, and once I got that through my mind, I enjoyed the story a lot more, despite the immature and her "act first, think later" moments. Actually, I ended up laughing and feeling empathy, and the frustration disappeared. So, to me, the fact that the book made me feel, think and take a step back and let the storm calm down, is a good thing.
It is a NA romance novel, and I haven't read that many NA books. It was quite a journey and at the end of the book, I found myself grabbing the second novel. If I hadn't enjoy the story, believe me, I wouldn't have jumped into the next one.
Also, all the traveling was just mind blowing and I'm so happy the author didn't say numbers, because I saw the prices for a plain ticket from Portugal to the USA, can't even imagine how much the characters spend on traveling back and forwards, but I don't even care. I decided to focus on the characters and their relationships.
I wanted to know more, not only about AJ because I know there was a lot more to uncover in his life, but also, I wanted to see how Lisa's development was going to be and what other dramas was going to happen in their lives.
Do I recommend the book? If you like NA novels, and if you like emotional books with lot's of dramatic moments and twists... then this is for you. I do have to say, give the all series a chance because to me this first book is just a beginning and the characters do develop and change as the story goes.
I did enjoy the story, and I enjoyed it more because I had the second and third books to read immediately after. There was a lot of emotions that I went through, from frustration to sympathy, from understanding to surprise. Some made me that an one minute break, so I could filter my thoughts and emotions and go back with a clearer head. Others were just part of the connecting with the story.
As someone that hasn't been dating, a while back when I was in my teens, I did contemplate the online dating scene, but I felt awkward just thinking about it an gave up on the idea. Anyway, when I say that in the synopsis, I was very curious to know how they have met. And it kind of made sense, because it was thanks to friends in common and not just someone random.
This story follows Lisa Millar, and although the story is written in the third person, we get to see Lisa's thoughts. And that was something that made me laugh at first. But, as I read more of this book I go used to it and it was a good way to truly understand her and her reasoning.
Then there is AJ. I'm writing this review after having read all three books, and thinking back to book one, I do see some things that could have led me to understand his personality. But since it was book one, I didn't see it until book two. Nevertheless, that doesn't matter for book one. AJ was just a fun character, and to be honest I like him and Jeremy more than I like Lisa.
Although things were a bit on the same pace and I had no idea what it would happen except that things had to go wrong at some point, because that's life... Despite that feeling, I was not excepting things to unfold that way. Actually, there were a lot of moments and revelations that I wasn't expecting.
I do have to say, at some points in the story, Lisa frustrated me. I just couldn't deal with her any longer and had to stop reading for a second just to take a deep breath. Let me explain (without spoilers) why I felt that way. In those moments in book one, Lisa felt immature to me. And she and I don't have a big age difference, still I had to take that second because I couldn't believe she was acting without thinking.
Then, while I was thinking about what I had read before I continued the story, I remembered that I know some people that would react the exact same way she did. And thinking about that, made me find a way to connect with her. That had been my problem at first, and once I had that new perspective I went back to the book and I could see her actions in a different way.
Still, I know she's the main character, but I still don't love her. But after reading all three books I can now say I empathize a lot more than when I read book one. And I love that!
You may be asking at this point why I loved that. Sometimes we don't like the main character, it has happened to me before with one of my favorite series. That doesn't mean I won't understand her and enjoy her story. I did enjoy all the cute moments, all the friendship and text messages, all the drama and revelation. And since this was the first book in a series, I knew Lisa was going to grow.
Lisa is young and love is crazy. Emotions sometimes get the best of us, and once I got that through my mind, I enjoyed the story a lot more, despite the immature and her "act first, think later" moments. Actually, I ended up laughing and feeling empathy, and the frustration disappeared. So, to me, the fact that the book made me feel, think and take a step back and let the storm calm down, is a good thing.
It is a NA romance novel, and I haven't read that many NA books. It was quite a journey and at the end of the book, I found myself grabbing the second novel. If I hadn't enjoy the story, believe me, I wouldn't have jumped into the next one.
Also, all the traveling was just mind blowing and I'm so happy the author didn't say numbers, because I saw the prices for a plain ticket from Portugal to the USA, can't even imagine how much the characters spend on traveling back and forwards, but I don't even care. I decided to focus on the characters and their relationships.
I wanted to know more, not only about AJ because I know there was a lot more to uncover in his life, but also, I wanted to see how Lisa's development was going to be and what other dramas was going to happen in their lives.
Do I recommend the book? If you like NA novels, and if you like emotional books with lot's of dramatic moments and twists... then this is for you. I do have to say, give the all series a chance because to me this first book is just a beginning and the characters do develop and change as the story goes.
rugrat306's review
emotional
funny
lighthearted
sad
fast-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Plot
- Strong character development? No
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? No
- Flaws of characters a main focus? No
4.0
I needed something light to read and this was the book of choice. It was good, I read it in a day, I enjoyed it and look forward to reading the next one.
vikkiew87's review
5.0
I absolutely loved this book, I felt the plot was extremely current as many people are now trialling online dating. I am one of those individuals who don’t really trust the concept, but this story has made me rethink my opinions… I guess anything is possible for the right person.
Lisa is a likeable character who is easy to relate to. I have to admit I was rooting for her from the very start. I love AJ, where can I get one of my own? He comes across such a genuine guy and appears genuine in his feelings.
This has an extremely interesting and engaging plot, which has enough twists and turns to keep the reader on the edge of their seat. I have laughed and been emotional all at once reading this book.
I am often reluctant to read new authors, but Lasairiona has engaged me from the start and produced a story which has awoken a range of emotions.
I read this book in just one sitting, I just had to know what was going to happen next and I cannot wait for the next instalment. I am praying we continue the story of AJ and Lisa through the next instalment because I now feel very invested in these characters and I need to know what happens next.
Lisa is a likeable character who is easy to relate to. I have to admit I was rooting for her from the very start. I love AJ, where can I get one of my own? He comes across such a genuine guy and appears genuine in his feelings.
This has an extremely interesting and engaging plot, which has enough twists and turns to keep the reader on the edge of their seat. I have laughed and been emotional all at once reading this book.
I am often reluctant to read new authors, but Lasairiona has engaged me from the start and produced a story which has awoken a range of emotions.
I read this book in just one sitting, I just had to know what was going to happen next and I cannot wait for the next instalment. I am praying we continue the story of AJ and Lisa through the next instalment because I now feel very invested in these characters and I need to know what happens next.
hayleyjaynereads's review
emotional
medium-paced
- Strong character development? It's complicated
- Loveable characters? It's complicated
- Diverse cast of characters? No
- Flaws of characters a main focus? It's complicated
3.0
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