A review by _teoeo
The Absinthe Underground by Jamie Pacton

adventurous lighthearted medium-paced
  • Plot- or character-driven? Plot

3.5

The gorgeous cover grabbed my attention instantly and the sapphic slow burn premise made it a book I was really looking forward to read next year. I'm so glad for the opportunity to read it as an ARC!
 The first thing I realised while reading is that I wouldn't exactly consider it as slow burn. From the beginning of the book it is crystal clear that the two main characters are in love with each other. This is not a bad thing, but my taste is a bit slower romance. In general I have to say that the romance and relationship feels a bit flat, for we as readers can't understand why they are in love, only that they are. This could maybe be a "told but not shown"-problem. To be honest, the plot as a whole has this kind of problem, the author explains the things as they are without making them plausible to the reader. 
Regardless, it's a lighthearted read and the plot is easy to follow what makes it quick and enjoyable. I liked the neurodivergent representation (even though it was subtle) and enjoyed the cozy setting. All in all I would recommend this book, especially to a younger audience. 

Thanks to NetGalley for providing an e-ARC of that book!
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