A review by the_rabble
All the Feels by Olivia Dade

adventurous challenging emotional funny hopeful inspiring lighthearted fast-paced
  • Plot- or character-driven? Plot
  • Strong character development? Yes
  • Loveable characters? Yes
  • Diverse cast of characters? No
  • Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes

5.0

Rad as hell. Ended up laughing out loud often and feeling big feelings.

I don't think this one was a 5-star for me until the reread, bc it takes you for a ride. Big feelings abound and when you aren't laughing, swooning, or vibing, sometimes the big ones are uncomfortable.

But even when chaotic choices are made, the feelings and internal logic of those choices are deeply in-character.

Expert depiction of a stressed out ADHDer (hyperactive type) and a professionally burned out person used to minimizing her own needs, feelings, and comfort.

Some of these romance books give me crushes on one or both main characters- this one was definitely an "oh shit, I just am both of these characters," which this time was a joyful experience.

Also an extremely good depiction of how hotness actually works- Alex finding Lauren
interesting and pleasant to look at and relating her appearance to positive things in his past while finding conventional/common aesthetics boring
was highly relatable. On an extremely shallow level- everyone's a 10 (or a 1) to someone and you never know how it's going to play out.

This book also does "strangers to friendship to more" very well and that emotional intimacy drives the romance- I just appreciated the realistic take on physical attraction.
Expand filter menu Content Warnings