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annahamburger's review
emotional
funny
hopeful
inspiring
reflective
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? It's complicated
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? No
- Flaws of characters a main focus? It's complicated
4.25
Really enjoyed this book. I agree with the friend though, that the FMC and MMC talk like they are in high school and won't just be forthright with their feelings at a certain point.
I know the relationship takes place over a really short time period (2 ish months) but I'd have liked to see
Aleah come to the realization that her past relationship and related trauma was making her anxious and take what Drew would say out of context and to an extreme. She got there - it was just off page. I also would have liked it to happen a bit earlier in the narrative before their final misunderstanding- I think it being such a visceral reaction and triggering would still make sense.
I think she could have gotten upset about the matches comment and then talked herself through and talked to Drew.
Her anxieties and reactions are valid - I just think after a few of these instances she would start try to talk herself though if - even if she couldn't convince herself all the way.
I know the relationship takes place over a really short time period (2 ish months) but I'd have liked to see
Aleah come to the realization that her past relationship and related trauma was making her anxious and take what Drew would say out of context and to an extreme. She got there - it was just off page. I also would have liked it to happen a bit earlier in the narrative before their final misunderstanding- I think it being such a visceral reaction and triggering would still make sense.
I think she could have gotten upset about the matches comment and then talked herself through and talked to Drew.
Her anxieties and reactions are valid - I just think after a few of these instances she would start try to talk herself though if - even if she couldn't convince herself all the way.
Content Warnings
Graphic: Cursing, Domestic abuse, Emotional abuse, Misogyny, Sexism, Sexual assault, Sexual content, Grief, Alcohol, and Sexual harassment
Moderate: Alcoholism, Drug abuse, Drug use, Toxic relationship, Medical content, Abandonment, and Injury/Injury detail
Minor: Death, Infidelity, Mental illness, Physical abuse, Rape, Stalking, and Pregnancy
phua_jieying's review against another edition
adventurous
hopeful
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
4.0
Content Warnings
Graphic: Misogyny, Sexism, Sexual content, Violence, and Sexual harassment
Minor: Death
kfmcf's review against another edition
lighthearted
reflective
slow-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Strong character development? No
- Loveable characters? It's complicated
- Diverse cast of characters? N/A
- Flaws of characters a main focus? It's complicated
2.25
It took me absolutely forever to finish this book because the first third to half is incredibly slow.
This book...is a mess, honestly. I think 'Simmer Down' is better in many ways, number one being likeable characters. Alia is incredibly frustrating being she doesn't actually listen to anyone. The entire book is just high up ands sharp downs in regards to communication and misunderstandings and just...it was tiring to read. The side characters were all really peppy happy all the time too which wasn't realistic.
Also the epilogue was silly. really? She can't just be successful? She has to have a surprise baby? Why. That's not an interesting or fulfilling epilogue
I want to like this writer more than I do and I think I've read multiple books of hers solely because, I admit, she is good at writing spice. However, as someone who cares about the characters more than anything in stories, I've been frustrated with her writing. Unless I heard rave reviews of her next release I'll probably sit it out.
This book...is a mess, honestly. I think 'Simmer Down' is better in many ways, number one being likeable characters. Alia is incredibly frustrating being she doesn't actually listen to anyone. The entire book is just high up ands sharp downs in regards to communication and misunderstandings and just...it was tiring to read. The side characters were all really peppy happy all the time too which wasn't realistic.
Also the epilogue was silly. really? She can't just be successful? She has to have a surprise baby? Why. That's not an interesting or fulfilling epilogue
I want to like this writer more than I do and I think I've read multiple books of hers solely because, I admit, she is good at writing spice. However, as someone who cares about the characters more than anything in stories, I've been frustrated with her writing. Unless I heard rave reviews of her next release I'll probably sit it out.
Content Warnings
Graphic: Sexual assault, Sexual content, and Sexual harassment
Moderate: Cursing and Sexism
Minor: Drug use, Toxic relationship, and Pregnancy
meganpbennett's review against another edition
adventurous
funny
lighthearted
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? It's complicated
- Loveable characters? It's complicated
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
4.0
On Location is an interesting novel. It's the story of Alia, who is trying to film and produce her first nature exploration series, set in the National Parks of Utah. It's very evocative of the landscape, and did a good job describing the sights that I remember fondly from the Parks I've been to. Arches is indescribably, hauntingly, otherworldly beautiful. Alia is also contending with the worst possible host - not only is he a complete jackass, he's also unprofessional and likes to come to work high - and the man she had half a date with before he ghosted her in New York.
On Location is well written, and it has some tropes that I really enjoy in it, including friends with benefits, and people learning how to stand up for themselves. Alia has a very loyal crew who are willing to do anything for her, even when it risks making management mad at them. Drew's a little frustrating at the beginning, as it's hard to tell if he's going to help or hinder the filming, but he eventually warms up to Alia, and her wild ideas.
On Location is well written, and it has some tropes that I really enjoy in it, including friends with benefits, and people learning how to stand up for themselves. Alia has a very loyal crew who are willing to do anything for her, even when it risks making management mad at them. Drew's a little frustrating at the beginning, as it's hard to tell if he's going to help or hinder the filming, but he eventually warms up to Alia, and her wild ideas.
Content Warnings
Graphic: Drug use, Misogyny, Sexism, Sexual assault, Sexual harassment, and Injury/Injury detail
stevie's review against another edition
adventurous
lighthearted
fast-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Plot
- Strong character development? No
- Loveable characters? It's complicated
- Diverse cast of characters? No
- Flaws of characters a main focus? No
3.0
Content Warnings
Graphic: Drug use, Misogyny, Sexism, Sexual harassment, and Injury/Injury detail
thejoyfulbookblogger's review against another edition
adventurous
medium-paced
- Loveable characters? No
3.5
originally posted on www.livinglifewithjoy.com
Book Format & Source: Digital ARC via NetGalley. I received a complimentary copy of this book from Berkley Romance. Opinions expressed in this review are completely my own. Any ARC editing errors noticed are assumed corrected prior to the final published copy release.
Review & Thoughts:
Great first line had me laughing from the get go. The book touches on impactful themes; sexual assault, happily ever afters, and life adventures. Main theme was about miscommunication which I’m sorry to say is my least favorite romance trope. I find it hard to connect with multiple instances of miscommunication and it kind of makes my skin crawl when a relationship seems so doomed from the start. In my perspective communication is so incredibly important for the continued growth of a health relationship.
I enjoyed the story but I didn’t find myself engaged. From one perspective I think it may have had too many romance tropes bundled into the story. You have your meet cute, your close proximity, secret relationships, overcoming past relationship trouble that led to having a hard time to trust a new romance. The meet cute was a really fun one though!
The chemistry between Alia and Drew is off the charts which makes for a sexy steamy read but some of the story felt a bit over the top for me. This book had fantastic feedback so if it sounds like your kind of read I’d still recommend giving it a go!
Fun Fact: The author lives in Oregon. My husband and I just moved to Oregon and bought our first home and I get so excited when I discover local authors!
Recommend for: lovers of steamy romance, romance tropes; meet cute, close proximity, miscommunication
My Review Rating: ♥♥♥.5
Romance Steam Factor: R
Content Warnings
Minor: Drug use, Infidelity, Sexism, and Sexual assault