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allthingsalicia's reviews
18 reviews
Offtrack by Esha Patel
hopeful
lighthearted
slow-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? No
- Loveable characters? It's complicated
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? It's complicated
3.25
Solid 3.25 - I’m a sucker for F1 & romance. Add in the idea of seeing a woman enter the space!
The paddock interviews, media days and energy of a race were enjoyable. I liked the idea of “fate” and “destiny” bringing our main characters together through their respective journeys in the sport, but was craving a bit more chemistry. I can’t really call it a true slow burn, but it was a sweet romance though.
I wish the pace was better and there were aspects of the storyline I didn’t quite enjoy. I could understand where the author wanted to go but think the storyline was lacking to support it.
The paddock interviews, media days and energy of a race were enjoyable. I liked the idea of “fate” and “destiny” bringing our main characters together through their respective journeys in the sport, but was craving a bit more chemistry. I can’t really call it a true slow burn, but it was a sweet romance though.
I wish the pace was better and there were aspects of the storyline I didn’t quite enjoy. I could understand where the author wanted to go but think the storyline was lacking to support it.
One Billion Reasons by Sophia Travers
challenging
emotional
fast-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Strong character development? No
- Loveable characters? It's complicated
- Diverse cast of characters? No
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
3.0
There were definitely moments in this book where I was kicking up my feet giddy, but other parts that were drawn out and had to push myself through. I consumed this book in 2 days for the love of romance but here’s my breakdown.
Love: the banter, the angst, the twin relationship, the mini tropes, GEORGE
Meh: Lane’s oblivious nature about Miles loving her, MARK, the unanswered apartment building.
Love: the banter, the angst, the twin relationship, the mini tropes, GEORGE
Meh: Lane’s oblivious nature about Miles loving her, MARK, the unanswered apartment building.
Content Warnings
Moderate: Death of parent
Minor: Car accident
Idaho by Frank Jensen, Cathleen Cole
adventurous
dark
emotional
tense
fast-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? It's complicated
- Flaws of characters a main focus? It's complicated
5.0
Another hit! I cannot say how much I love this universe. This book was fun to read with the expected action and steam, but a great plot and story to follow. Lockout being a twin was so fun and I really loved how different Eva was as a FMC in this book. I shouldn't be shocked about his lack of communication and mixed signals, but he loves her fiercely. I cannot wait until the next installment of this book - the writing is solid, the extension of the story is done well and it's just another character I'm in love with!
The Starter Ex by Mia Sosa
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? Yes
4.5
What a fun concept - a starter ex!
This book touched my heart as the family dynamic, challenges and FMC all felt so relatable and real. I loved the growth and inner turmoil of our FMC and thought this was a fairly fast paced listen.
This book was funny and a solid sweet romance. I loved the added layer of familial responsibility and identity.
This book touched my heart as the family dynamic, challenges and FMC all felt so relatable and real. I loved the growth and inner turmoil of our FMC and thought this was a fairly fast paced listen.
This book was funny and a solid sweet romance. I loved the added layer of familial responsibility and identity.
The Daughter of Doctor Moreau by Silvia Moreno-Garcia
adventurous
dark
emotional
mysterious
slow-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
4.0
A new pace from this author that had me interested in where the story would go! Carlota was a naive but interesting main character to follow. The turmoil of loving her father versus learning what is right was enjoyable to follow. There were a few great twists to this book that pushing the story along too.
A little romance, action, and “history” within this fictional little world. I wish there was more to the ending, but enjoyed this book overall.
A little romance, action, and “history” within this fictional little world. I wish there was more to the ending, but enjoyed this book overall.
Mexican Gothic by Silvia Moreno-Garcia
dark
mysterious
tense
fast-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? No
4.75
What a read! The way that the written built a world that I could visualize so clearly hooked me. I loved the FMC and following her through all her digging, questions and action was really enjoyable.
This book reigns in gothic, history, supernatural elements and some serious darkness. As this book picks us pace, you are sucked into the world. Solid characters, plot, and quite the climax and discovery!
This book reigns in gothic, history, supernatural elements and some serious darkness. As this book picks us pace, you are sucked into the world. Solid characters, plot, and quite the climax and discovery!
The Italian by T.L. Swan
Although this book had tons of spice, it also got to be a bit repetitive and felt like filler when the story could’ve kept moving on. I also struggled with the FMC, Olivia. It was hard to love her - the decisions she made, her thinking, it all just didn’t fit for me for her ~30 year old character.
Overall - love the author, ok book, but do not think I’ll read the next in series.
emotional
tense
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Strong character development? No
- Loveable characters? It's complicated
- Diverse cast of characters? No
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
3.25
Not my favorite from the author, but it’s got plot, tons of spice and the characters can be lovable. Here’s what I loved -
- An interesting whirlwind love story
- Enrico - the family dynamic and his inner turmoil was written well
Although this book had tons of spice, it also got to be a bit repetitive and felt like filler when the story could’ve kept moving on. I also struggled with the FMC, Olivia. It was hard to love her - the decisions she made, her thinking, it all just didn’t fit for me for her ~30 year old character.
Overall - love the author, ok book, but do not think I’ll read the next in series.
Teach Me by Olivia Dade
funny
lighthearted
fast-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? No
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
4.0
Loved the dynamic and banter in this romance. An easy read with an enjoyable plot - not spicy, but a sweet read.
None of This Is True by Lisa Jewell
dark
emotional
mysterious
sad
tense
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- 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
4.5
A solid psych thriller with good pace.
The good:
I loved the twists, parts 1 & 2 kept me rushing to read more quickly to find where the twist would be. Particularly because of the ominous POVs going back and forth.
What I wish:
Personally, I thought part 3 was the most chilling. By the time I get to part 4, I’m wondering where there may be a twist. I loved always wondering about who was lying and about what - naturally because of the book’s title. By the time part 4 came and the book was done, I was sad to have lost so much of Josie’s POV. I wanted to know what was happening when we started uncovering more information. I was left just wanting more.
Overall - I definitely can see it both ways - why to leave you wondering about who is lying vs. giving more information, but for me the twist was just a tad too late for this to be a 5 star. I think there was space to hook me even more into the story and leave me utterly speechless. Still really enjoyed it and would recommend!
The good:
I loved the twists, parts 1 & 2 kept me rushing to read more quickly to find where the twist would be. Particularly because of the ominous POVs going back and forth.
What I wish:
Personally, I thought part 3 was the most chilling. By the time I get to part 4, I’m wondering where there may be a twist. I loved always wondering about who was lying and about what - naturally because of the book’s title. By the time part 4 came and the book was done, I was sad to have lost so much of Josie’s POV. I wanted to know what was happening when we started uncovering more information. I was left just wanting more.
Overall - I definitely can see it both ways - why to leave you wondering about who is lying vs. giving more information, but for me the twist was just a tad too late for this to be a 5 star. I think there was space to hook me even more into the story and leave me utterly speechless. Still really enjoyed it and would recommend!
Content Warnings
Graphic: Pedophilia, Violence, and Murder
Little Secrets by Jennifer Hillier
dark
emotional
mysterious
sad
tense
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? It's complicated
- Diverse cast of characters? No
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
4.5
What a read - for such an intense topic, the writing was beautifully heartbreaking. For the first half, you question where the book is going since the FMC’s grief is all consuming, but then…THEN part two completely changes the feeling, tone and direction of the book. I couldn’t put the book down after I hit the 2nd half of the book. Once the pieces started to fall together, the ending was somewhat predictable but still worth it. Highly recommend you read the content warnings for this book though, there’s a lot to unpack.
Content Warnings
Graphic: Infertility, Domestic abuse, Kidnapping, Grief, Suicide attempt, Violence, Suicidal thoughts, Infidelity, Murder, Gun violence, and Suicide