Reviews tagging 'Toxic relationship'

On Location by Sarah Echavarre Smith

3 reviews

annahamburger's review

Go to review page

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. 

Expand filter menu Content Warnings

erins11's review against another edition

Go to review page

hopeful lighthearted medium-paced
  • Plot- or character-driven? A mix
  • Strong character development? No
  • Loveable characters? Yes
  • Diverse cast of characters? It's complicated
  • Flaws of characters a main focus? No

3.5


Expand filter menu Content Warnings

kfmcf's review against another edition

Go to review page

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.

Expand filter menu Content Warnings