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A review by sreberko
Out of Focus by A.L. Lester
emotional
hopeful
lighthearted
reflective
relaxing
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
4.5
A.L. Lester has a unique way of writing everyday situations as something important. Every character, every event, every dramatic moment. All of them seem close to readers, like something that could happen to them or their neighbors. You know these MCs, even if you meet them the first time.
And isn't this a rare gift?
⭐ Luke and Alex are different, likable, and easy to sympathize with.
⭐ As in every A.L. Lester book, there is no way to feel indifferent towards characters and their (small and big) challenges.
⭐ The plot is pretty easy to follow; it could be almost treated as insta-love, if not the mention of the 2 years-long collaboration. It's perfect for a short story, closes in a couple of days, with a suitable epilogue.
⭐ Writing is a *chef's kiss*.
🌙 The only thing, that didn't work for me, was the sudden change in the relationship between MCs. I understand where it came from, and let's be honest - short stories have to have that kind of jump to provide HEA. It did break the pace of the book, tho.
I want to read more about Luke. He was a fearless and merciless boss and partner, and I would like to get to know him better. See how he manages to put proper boundaries, sets out the work-life balance, and tames Alex.
And I would like to understand better Alex - why he behaves in one way, but with Luke... suddenly he is different. What exactly does he see in him?
But this curiosity doesn't come from the lack of explanation or bad descriptions. Sometimes is just... hard to finish your journey with a book that was nice, cozy, and low-angst. I would like to spend more time in this world, absorbing all the fluff...
I received an ARC of this book from the author, and I am voluntarily leaving an unbiased review.
And isn't this a rare gift?
⭐ Luke and Alex are different, likable, and easy to sympathize with.
⭐ As in every A.L. Lester book, there is no way to feel indifferent towards characters and their (small and big) challenges.
⭐ The plot is pretty easy to follow; it could be almost treated as insta-love, if not the mention of the 2 years-long collaboration. It's perfect for a short story, closes in a couple of days, with a suitable epilogue.
⭐ Writing is a *chef's kiss*.
🌙 The only thing, that didn't work for me, was the sudden change in the relationship between MCs. I understand where it came from, and let's be honest - short stories have to have that kind of jump to provide HEA. It did break the pace of the book, tho.
I want to read more about Luke. He was a fearless and merciless boss and partner, and I would like to get to know him better. See how he manages to put proper boundaries, sets out the work-life balance, and tames Alex.
And I would like to understand better Alex - why he behaves in one way, but with Luke... suddenly he is different. What exactly does he see in him?
But this curiosity doesn't come from the lack of explanation or bad descriptions. Sometimes is just... hard to finish your journey with a book that was nice, cozy, and low-angst. I would like to spend more time in this world, absorbing all the fluff...
I received an ARC of this book from the author, and I am voluntarily leaving an unbiased review.