Scan barcode
A review by tyras_bookshelf
The Long Game by Elena Armas
emotional
funny
hopeful
inspiring
lighthearted
medium-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
3.5
I’m a little conflicted by this book. I really liked the premise, a sorta spoiled Heiress type gets knocked on her ass by a mistake and has to deal with the consequences in a rural, remote area reluctantly aided by the hot, grumpy, town recluse. There’s banter, enemies to lovers, a logical third act breakup and a HEA. I laughed out loud on many occasion.
That said, on a petty level, the word choice through the book in crucial areas was off to me and distracting as a reader and the overuse of certain phrases took me from the story. Maybe it’s a personal brand of the author but some areas felt like they needed to be reviewed/edited again.
**spoilers ahead**
I appreciated Adalyn’s sense of responsibility and no nonsense attitude. It felt contradictory at first for people to see her as a “princess” knowing the truth of her character but the fact that Cameron operated off a stereotype only gave him a higher pedestal from which to fall deeply in love with her. Similarly, it was very fun to watch Cameron’s touch exterior get chipped away from the first encounter with Adalyn. I ate it up.
Adalyn’s arch was great (even if there were too many mentions of metaphors about dragons) and I’m so glad she healed that inner a child a bit to stand up to her terrible dad and ex.
I needed a bit more from Cameron’s arch but him getting the courage to be a full participant in life again and choosing to love someone when he never had before was nice to see. I think him giving up his big shiny footballer career as a response to his fear became easier to accept for him as he made a place for himself in Green Oak and eventually trusted himself enough to love someone.
I also loved that the third act conflict didn’t have a big toxic fight that characters wouldn’t recover from.
That said, on a petty level, the word choice through the book in crucial areas was off to me and distracting as a reader and the overuse of certain phrases took me from the story. Maybe it’s a personal brand of the author but some areas felt like they needed to be reviewed/edited again.
**spoilers ahead**
I appreciated Adalyn’s sense of responsibility and no nonsense attitude. It felt contradictory at first for people to see her as a “princess” knowing the truth of her character but the fact that Cameron operated off a stereotype only gave him a higher pedestal from which to fall deeply in love with her. Similarly, it was very fun to watch Cameron’s touch exterior get chipped away from the first encounter with Adalyn. I ate it up.
Adalyn’s arch was great (even if there were too many mentions of metaphors about dragons) and I’m so glad she healed that inner a child a bit to stand up to her terrible dad and ex.
I needed a bit more from Cameron’s arch but him getting the courage to be a full participant in life again and choosing to love someone when he never had before was nice to see. I think him giving up his big shiny footballer career as a response to his fear became easier to accept for him as he made a place for himself in Green Oak and eventually trusted himself enough to love someone.
I also loved that the third act conflict didn’t have a big toxic fight that characters wouldn’t recover from.
The book gave heavy Ted Lasso vibes, in a good way and maybe that’s just because it was about soccer but of well.
Definitely excited to read more from Armas!
Definitely excited to read more from Armas!
Content Warnings
Graphic: Sexual content, Cursing, and Toxic relationship
Moderate: Bullying and Panic attacks/disorders