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simplyalexandra's Reviews (890)
Right After Reading:
Stuck between 3 and 4 Stars. On the one hand it was really really cute. I liked the characters, the setting, and their banter. On the other hand this is not *that* slow burn. Which is right in the title. Lol It’s probably 4 Stars and I would bump other recent romance reads up to a 5. I’ll keep thinking on it.
Full Review:
4 Stars - I recommend if you enjoy contemporary romance.
When Lainie, an actress in London's West End, finds out that her play is not doing well... and a certain actor's bad reputation may have something to do with it... their agents suggest that they date to sell more tickets. What starts out as a grumpy agreement just might turn into something more.
Two disclaimers: 1) I think I read too many romance books in a row, 2) I'm having an awfully difficult time rating these books... Overall I really liked this book. Lainie and Troy were both interesting, and quite different from one another. I thought that Lainie had a lot of pluck, but wasn't as crass as some other female romance characters I've read recently. It was a good balance for me. :) I liked that they were stage actors, I found that a fun setting to read. I also really like the "fake dating to real dating" trope. My biggest complaint is just that it was marketed on Kindle as "Title: a slow burn romance"... but it's not very slow burn. A little bit, sure. But it doesn't take the whole book for them to get together. So I was a little mislead by that. Otherwise I really enjoyed it! I would definitely consider reading more of her books and more from this series.
Stuck between 3 and 4 Stars. On the one hand it was really really cute. I liked the characters, the setting, and their banter. On the other hand this is not *that* slow burn. Which is right in the title. Lol It’s probably 4 Stars and I would bump other recent romance reads up to a 5. I’ll keep thinking on it.
Full Review:
4 Stars - I recommend if you enjoy contemporary romance.
When Lainie, an actress in London's West End, finds out that her play is not doing well... and a certain actor's bad reputation may have something to do with it... their agents suggest that they date to sell more tickets. What starts out as a grumpy agreement just might turn into something more.
Two disclaimers: 1) I think I read too many romance books in a row, 2) I'm having an awfully difficult time rating these books... Overall I really liked this book. Lainie and Troy were both interesting, and quite different from one another. I thought that Lainie had a lot of pluck, but wasn't as crass as some other female romance characters I've read recently. It was a good balance for me. :) I liked that they were stage actors, I found that a fun setting to read. I also really like the "fake dating to real dating" trope. My biggest complaint is just that it was marketed on Kindle as "Title: a slow burn romance"... but it's not very slow burn. A little bit, sure. But it doesn't take the whole book for them to get together. So I was a little mislead by that. Otherwise I really enjoyed it! I would definitely consider reading more of her books and more from this series.
Right After Reading:
OMG! I was so riveted by the survival piece of this story, and the controversial age gap in the romance. Loved it!
Full Review:
4 Stars - I highly recommend if you enjoy survival style plots and won't mind a bit of romance.
When 30-something Anna is offered a summer tutoring job in the Maldives she jumps at the chance. 16 year old TJ, just recovering from cancer, is not so excited to spend the summer away from his friends catching up on school work. When Anna and TJ's pilot has a heart attack, their sea plane crashes in the Indian Ocean. The two make it to an uninhabited island and must use their everything they have to survive, and hopefully be rescued. After years on the island, TJ isn't a kid anymore, and years becomes a long time to spend with someone without knowing them better.
I will fully admit that the shock factor of the plot made me want to read this book. When I found it for $1 at a used bookstore on our AR road trip, I had to pick read it soon! This book did not disappoint me. This book is told in alternating perspectives, which I found really interesting. There were some patches of time that were skipped over, and others that were very detailed, which felt representative of being stuck on an island for years. The entire first part of the plot centers around survival and living on the island. I was really interested in how they would make all of the details of life work without any supplies. From the more mundane (but necessary) things like collecting water, to riding out horrible storms, jelly fish wounds, and hemorrhagic fevers, I was very entertained. Then as their relationship developed I was really intrigued to watch them grow and change through their extreme new reality. It was crazy to me that the kept the teacher/student relationship for so long before feeling more like equals. Overall I think the romance worked. It's a little shocking, but not in a bad way. The only part that bugged me was (highlight for SPOILER) at some point they are trying to kill a shark that is keeping them from fishing and these dolphins come to the rescue AND help them pull the shark onto the shore. I could have lived with helping him get out of the water and away from the shark... but... I dunno. I mean I realize they had to kill it to be able to eat.. but... I dunno. Also related to the ending... did TJ *really* need time to "grow up" in Chicago without her. Did a few months of learning to drive, and getting his GED really matter? He could have done those things while he was with her if it was really that important. But I digress. Overall I really enjoyed this one!
OMG! I was so riveted by the survival piece of this story, and the controversial age gap in the romance. Loved it!
Full Review:
4 Stars - I highly recommend if you enjoy survival style plots and won't mind a bit of romance.
When 30-something Anna is offered a summer tutoring job in the Maldives she jumps at the chance. 16 year old TJ, just recovering from cancer, is not so excited to spend the summer away from his friends catching up on school work. When Anna and TJ's pilot has a heart attack, their sea plane crashes in the Indian Ocean. The two make it to an uninhabited island and must use their everything they have to survive, and hopefully be rescued. After years on the island, TJ isn't a kid anymore, and years becomes a long time to spend with someone without knowing them better.
I will fully admit that the shock factor of the plot made me want to read this book. When I found it for $1 at a used bookstore on our AR road trip, I had to pick read it soon! This book did not disappoint me. This book is told in alternating perspectives, which I found really interesting. There were some patches of time that were skipped over, and others that were very detailed, which felt representative of being stuck on an island for years. The entire first part of the plot centers around survival and living on the island. I was really interested in how they would make all of the details of life work without any supplies. From the more mundane (but necessary) things like collecting water, to riding out horrible storms, jelly fish wounds, and hemorrhagic fevers, I was very entertained. Then as their relationship developed I was really intrigued to watch them grow and change through their extreme new reality. It was crazy to me that the kept the teacher/student relationship for so long before feeling more like equals. Overall I think the romance worked. It's a little shocking, but not in a bad way. The only part that bugged me was (highlight for SPOILER) at some point they are trying to kill a shark that is keeping them from fishing and these dolphins come to the rescue AND help them pull the shark onto the shore. I could have lived with helping him get out of the water and away from the shark... but... I dunno. I mean I realize they had to kill it to be able to eat.. but... I dunno. Also related to the ending... did TJ *really* need time to "grow up" in Chicago without her. Did a few months of learning to drive, and getting his GED really matter? He could have done those things while he was with her if it was really that important. But I digress. Overall I really enjoyed this one!
3 - 3.5 Stars - I recommend if you enjoy contemporary YA.
Jessie has just lost her mother, and she thinks her life can't get worse. It can. Her father decides to re-marry and uproot her from Chicago to L.A. When she arrives in L.A. her world is completely different. She lives in a mansion, goes to a private school, and no longer fits in. When she gets an email from the anonymous "SN" she quickly forms an attachment to him. When SN feels like her only friend, she'll want to meet him more than ever. But is he more comfortable on the other end of the screen?
This book reminded me a lot of Simon Vs. The Homo Sapien Agenda. Emails from a secret admirer, she wants to meet him, he doesn't want to meet... etc. I think because I read Simon so recently I was a little let down by this one. It wasn't bad at all, but it felt really similar, and I really adored Simon. I thought that Jessie and SN's conversations were really cute and funny, but I wanted a little bit more of them! I felt like Jessie ended up having some friends and I didn't completely get her relationships with them, and I guess I didn't feel like I understood her personality very well either. Maybe it is because of the grief and life changes she is dealing with? I'm not quite sure. Overall this book was very cute, and a fun, quick read... but I wanted just a little more from it. After writing my review, I saw another review of this book... and she was totally right... there's a lot of girl-on-girl hate in this book. Some of it is directed toward the main character, some of it from her. It's a lot, and it's nice to see the opposite in fiction, so I hope to read more books where female characters lift each other up in the future!
Jessie has just lost her mother, and she thinks her life can't get worse. It can. Her father decides to re-marry and uproot her from Chicago to L.A. When she arrives in L.A. her world is completely different. She lives in a mansion, goes to a private school, and no longer fits in. When she gets an email from the anonymous "SN" she quickly forms an attachment to him. When SN feels like her only friend, she'll want to meet him more than ever. But is he more comfortable on the other end of the screen?
This book reminded me a lot of Simon Vs. The Homo Sapien Agenda. Emails from a secret admirer, she wants to meet him, he doesn't want to meet... etc. I think because I read Simon so recently I was a little let down by this one. It wasn't bad at all, but it felt really similar, and I really adored Simon. I thought that Jessie and SN's conversations were really cute and funny, but I wanted a little bit more of them! I felt like Jessie ended up having some friends and I didn't completely get her relationships with them, and I guess I didn't feel like I understood her personality very well either. Maybe it is because of the grief and life changes she is dealing with? I'm not quite sure. Overall this book was very cute, and a fun, quick read... but I wanted just a little more from it. After writing my review, I saw another review of this book... and she was totally right... there's a lot of girl-on-girl hate in this book. Some of it is directed toward the main character, some of it from her. It's a lot, and it's nice to see the opposite in fiction, so I hope to read more books where female characters lift each other up in the future!
3 Stars - I recommend if you like contemporary fiction that focuses on troubled pasts and messy family drama.
After Lilah's mother died, she moved to Austin to live with her aunt. Now that her aunt has taken a new job abroad, Lilah must move back to Blackwater, TX with her father. What's more is her ex-best friend Chase will be living with her and her dad. His dad has taken up drinking again. Chase and Lilah haven't spoken in two years. Will living together help them repair their relationship, or tear them apart?
This book was very quick to read, the chapters were super short, so I read it in between bits of The Hate U Give. I wanted to love this book, but I didn't. It was a little bit slow, and I found Chase and Lilah to be a little bit young for me. I don't know why, I read a decent chunk of YA, but Lilah was just SO angsty. I think because you don't know what happened with their past and mothers right away, but as the story goes, it really makes it harder to identify with their angst. Most of the time I just wanted them to communicate. LOL. It also wasn't very romantic, which I had expected. Overall, it was a quick and interesting read, but not one of my favorites. I definitely preferred The Beau and The Belle of the two I have read from Grey so far. :)
After Lilah's mother died, she moved to Austin to live with her aunt. Now that her aunt has taken a new job abroad, Lilah must move back to Blackwater, TX with her father. What's more is her ex-best friend Chase will be living with her and her dad. His dad has taken up drinking again. Chase and Lilah haven't spoken in two years. Will living together help them repair their relationship, or tear them apart?
This book was very quick to read, the chapters were super short, so I read it in between bits of The Hate U Give. I wanted to love this book, but I didn't. It was a little bit slow, and I found Chase and Lilah to be a little bit young for me. I don't know why, I read a decent chunk of YA, but Lilah was just SO angsty. I think because you don't know what happened with their past and mothers right away, but as the story goes, it really makes it harder to identify with their angst. Most of the time I just wanted them to communicate. LOL. It also wasn't very romantic, which I had expected. Overall, it was a quick and interesting read, but not one of my favorites. I definitely preferred The Beau and The Belle of the two I have read from Grey so far. :)
Right After Reading:
4.5 Stars - So vivid, powerful, and timely. Highly recommend.
Full Review:
4.5 Stars - I recommend if you enjoy contemporary fiction that focuses on tough and timely issues, and features diversity in characters.
This book follows Starr who leads two lives: one in her black neighborhood with friends and family, and another at her private high school where she is one of the only non-white students in attendance. When Starr leaves a party with her friend Khalil and they are pulled over, Khalil is shot by a police officer. Starr must deal with her double identity, current issues, guilt and blame, and normal teen issues as the story and the investigation into Kahlil's murder continue.
I had heard so many good things about this book, and FINALLY on the 3rd time checking it out, I was able to get it read. I love that this is an own voices book, and a stunning debut novel for Angie Thomas. I appreciate seeing more diversity in authors, characters, and plots -- especially in YA books. I loved how seamlessly Thomas writes from each of Starr's "worlds," how she gives so much depth to her character. My biggest complaint was just that the chapters were SO long. It's not a secret that I like shorter chapters more, and I find them more motivating to keep reading, but some of these were 30+ pages in length. Other than that though, I thought that this book was fantastically and vividly written, and tenderly deals with such a timely and devastating topic from multiple vantage points.
4.5 Stars - So vivid, powerful, and timely. Highly recommend.
Full Review:
4.5 Stars - I recommend if you enjoy contemporary fiction that focuses on tough and timely issues, and features diversity in characters.
This book follows Starr who leads two lives: one in her black neighborhood with friends and family, and another at her private high school where she is one of the only non-white students in attendance. When Starr leaves a party with her friend Khalil and they are pulled over, Khalil is shot by a police officer. Starr must deal with her double identity, current issues, guilt and blame, and normal teen issues as the story and the investigation into Kahlil's murder continue.
I had heard so many good things about this book, and FINALLY on the 3rd time checking it out, I was able to get it read. I love that this is an own voices book, and a stunning debut novel for Angie Thomas. I appreciate seeing more diversity in authors, characters, and plots -- especially in YA books. I loved how seamlessly Thomas writes from each of Starr's "worlds," how she gives so much depth to her character. My biggest complaint was just that the chapters were SO long. It's not a secret that I like shorter chapters more, and I find them more motivating to keep reading, but some of these were 30+ pages in length. Other than that though, I thought that this book was fantastically and vividly written, and tenderly deals with such a timely and devastating topic from multiple vantage points.
Right After Reading:
4.5 Stars - So funny, sexy, and fresh. Really loved this!
Full Review:
4.5 Stars - I recommend if you enjoy contemporary romance.
Evie is a successful Hollywood agent who is married to her job. Carter is also a Hollywood agent, hoping to break into features. When they are set up to meet at a Halloween party, the two of them are interested but hesitant. When their companies merge, and they're competing for a job, things move way past complicated.
I had heard good things about Christina Lauren's books. They're meant to be quite funny and romantic. I didn't really know what to expect, but right away I liked their writing style! While it is a fun and fluffy read, the way it is written is quite smart. I loved having the chapters swap perspective back and forth. The Carter chapters were funny, I loved his relationship with MC. Bromances are the best. I found this to be a really modern take on dating, and I loved it. It felt real, fresh, and funny. I highly recommend this one if you enjoy romance, and if you love smart characters. There is a lot of lady power in this one, and Carter is adorable.
4.5 Stars - So funny, sexy, and fresh. Really loved this!
Full Review:
4.5 Stars - I recommend if you enjoy contemporary romance.
Evie is a successful Hollywood agent who is married to her job. Carter is also a Hollywood agent, hoping to break into features. When they are set up to meet at a Halloween party, the two of them are interested but hesitant. When their companies merge, and they're competing for a job, things move way past complicated.
I had heard good things about Christina Lauren's books. They're meant to be quite funny and romantic. I didn't really know what to expect, but right away I liked their writing style! While it is a fun and fluffy read, the way it is written is quite smart. I loved having the chapters swap perspective back and forth. The Carter chapters were funny, I loved his relationship with MC. Bromances are the best. I found this to be a really modern take on dating, and I loved it. It felt real, fresh, and funny. I highly recommend this one if you enjoy romance, and if you love smart characters. There is a lot of lady power in this one, and Carter is adorable.
Cute!!!!!!!!!!
4 Stars - I recommend if you like contemporary YA romance. This one is a bit dramatic and fluffy, and was very fun to read. I also recommend if you are looking for a different or interesting setting. I really enjoyed that it took place in Tokyo.
Sophie has one more week as an expat in Japan. She's made Tokyo her home over the last 4 years, and feels that leaving will mean the end of her life as she knows it. Her only friends live there, her favorite foods and places exist there, and she doesn't want to leave. As if leaving wasn't bad enough, she has to share her final week with Jamie, who's returning to Japan after years away at boarding school. Jamie and Sophie were friends in middle school, but the day he left, he sent her a mean text by accident. She doesn't want to see him again, but soon remembers that she had more feelings for him than she thought.
This book was on and off a little bit dramatic for me, but overall I really liked it. I liked that it was set in Tokyo, it's a very neat picture that's painted as their backdrop. I liked that Sophie and her friends are pretty vivid characters. I don't know if their lifestyle is realistic, it's very much like a TV show that their parents aren't too concerned with where they are or what they are doing. But I suppose the justification in the book (Tokyo is safe, and most expat parents get used to trusting their kids/are too busy to worry about it) could be totally on point. I found myself pretty caught up in Sophie and Jamie's story. I kind of want to read more, so I guess if Cecilia Vinesse ends up writing a semi related sequel ala Lola and the Boy Next Door, I would be cool with that.
This title was given to me by Netgalley in exchange for an honest review. These reviews are my own opinion, and based on the edition of the book I was given at the time. Thank you Netgalley!
4 Stars - I recommend if you like contemporary YA romance. This one is a bit dramatic and fluffy, and was very fun to read. I also recommend if you are looking for a different or interesting setting. I really enjoyed that it took place in Tokyo.
Sophie has one more week as an expat in Japan. She's made Tokyo her home over the last 4 years, and feels that leaving will mean the end of her life as she knows it. Her only friends live there, her favorite foods and places exist there, and she doesn't want to leave. As if leaving wasn't bad enough, she has to share her final week with Jamie, who's returning to Japan after years away at boarding school. Jamie and Sophie were friends in middle school, but the day he left, he sent her a mean text by accident. She doesn't want to see him again, but soon remembers that she had more feelings for him than she thought.
This book was on and off a little bit dramatic for me, but overall I really liked it. I liked that it was set in Tokyo, it's a very neat picture that's painted as their backdrop. I liked that Sophie and her friends are pretty vivid characters. I don't know if their lifestyle is realistic, it's very much like a TV show that their parents aren't too concerned with where they are or what they are doing. But I suppose the justification in the book (Tokyo is safe, and most expat parents get used to trusting their kids/are too busy to worry about it) could be totally on point. I found myself pretty caught up in Sophie and Jamie's story. I kind of want to read more, so I guess if Cecilia Vinesse ends up writing a semi related sequel ala Lola and the Boy Next Door, I would be cool with that.
This title was given to me by Netgalley in exchange for an honest review. These reviews are my own opinion, and based on the edition of the book I was given at the time. Thank you Netgalley!
