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lurker_stalker's review
4.0
I really enjoyed this one. I'd go 3.5 if Goodreads would allow it. There were some places where the POV switched within the same scene and I had to stop to figure out whose head I was in and there were a couple of typos which didn't bother me nearly as much as the POV things... But the story and the characters were engaging and there were several aspects that reminded me of my favorite LJ Maas story, [b:None So Blind|2001545|None So Blind|L.J. Maas|http://images.gr-assets.com/books/1361467156s/2001545.jpg|2005397] except with less angst and much more honest communication.
This one will go on my re-read list.
This one will go on my re-read list.
jcurry447's review against another edition
emotional
funny
hopeful
lighthearted
medium-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? No
5.0
tricia_r's review against another edition
funny
hopeful
lighthearted
relaxing
medium-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
4.25
jennabeebs79's review against another edition
funny
hopeful
lighthearted
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Plot
- Strong character development? No
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? No
4.0
Always Alex is an enjoyable romantic comedy. After fleeing her hometown shortly after graduation, Dana has run out of options and has to return home to live with her estranged father. Dana isn't thrilled with this idea, but she has her teenage daughter, Sydney to think about. It's like no time has passed as Dana reconnects with her childhood best friend, Alex. They easily slide back into their old friendship, despite all of the missing years. Alex has been in love with Dana since she was eleven. All of her relationships haven't panned out due to Dana having a hold on her heart.
This story is fun and upbeat with a delightful cast of supporting characters. Grandma Thelma is an absolute hoot and I found myself laughing out loud a bunch of times. I love the way Robin Alexander can weave in humor to add levity to serious moments.
I read Always Alex about eight years ago and loved it. I'm so glad that she got Lori Prince to narrate the audiobook as she does a wonderful job of infusing depth and emotion into the storyline. She easily captured the humorous vibe surrounding the story and I was hooked on every word. Lori Prince is the whole package. She can narrate everything from gut-wrenching heartache to joyful bliss to humor in the most incredible way. Well done!
This story is fun and upbeat with a delightful cast of supporting characters. Grandma Thelma is an absolute hoot and I found myself laughing out loud a bunch of times. I love the way Robin Alexander can weave in humor to add levity to serious moments.
I read Always Alex about eight years ago and loved it. I'm so glad that she got Lori Prince to narrate the audiobook as she does a wonderful job of infusing depth and emotion into the storyline. She easily captured the humorous vibe surrounding the story and I was hooked on every word. Lori Prince is the whole package. She can narrate everything from gut-wrenching heartache to joyful bliss to humor in the most incredible way. Well done!
angieinbooks's review
3.0
I wanted a quick, feel-good story with little angst and a happy ending, so I knew I could count on Robin Alexander to deliver.
This is my 4th Alexander novel and I know it won’t be my last. Best friends to lovers is one of my favorite tropes. Add a sort of second-chance element to it and I’m even more intrigued. There’s a lot to like about Alex and Dana’s love story and they provided exactly the experience I wanted coming into novel. Sydney, Dana’s daughter, was a really likeable character, and I wish I’d had more time with her.
But Alexander’s books always have a major flaw for me: the kooky old lady. Of the 4 Alexander novels I’ve read, Always Alex’s Maw Maw is the least annoying of these characters, but I’m still left wondering why this character has to be present at all? They’re not cute or charming or even funny—at least not to me. Alexander spends way too much time allowing these characters to go wild, and I just don’t care. Spend that time on literally any other character. And it’s sad because if not for these kooky old ladies, I’d have probably read way more Alexander novels than I have.
This is my 4th Alexander novel and I know it won’t be my last. Best friends to lovers is one of my favorite tropes. Add a sort of second-chance element to it and I’m even more intrigued. There’s a lot to like about Alex and Dana’s love story and they provided exactly the experience I wanted coming into novel. Sydney, Dana’s daughter, was a really likeable character, and I wish I’d had more time with her.
But Alexander’s books always have a major flaw for me: the kooky old lady. Of the 4 Alexander novels I’ve read, Always Alex’s Maw Maw is the least annoying of these characters, but I’m still left wondering why this character has to be present at all? They’re not cute or charming or even funny—at least not to me. Alexander spends way too much time allowing these characters to go wild, and I just don’t care. Spend that time on literally any other character. And it’s sad because if not for these kooky old ladies, I’d have probably read way more Alexander novels than I have.
destijlx's review
4.0
Solid 4 stars. Enjoyed the read, been meaning to read this for a while and glad to say it was worth the wait! The end was a little abrupt for me I thought (as in, the HEA came too quick and easy, I like a little more angst) but otherwise pretty well written.
3dking's review
4.0
4 Stars. This was again a very sweet story about family, love, forgiveness and eternal hope. As always, there is a ver quirky side character and our protagonists are very much able to communicate. It's a real pleasure to read.
00leah00's review
5.0
Sweet and funny. I laughed out loud a few times. The romance isn’t anything new two friends realize they’ve always been in love after reuniting. I kind of wish I had a family member like Thelma, she was hilarious and outrageous.
rickosborne's review against another edition
funny
lighthearted
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? It's complicated
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
4.5
Things I enjoyed:
- Good sense of humor and funny, as always with Robin Alexander
- Good execution of friends-to-lovers, if a bit short due to the short nature of the story
- Teenage daughter who acts and talks like a teenager
- The scenes between the changed-old-man father and estranged daughter were touching
But also:
- As with many (most?) Robin Alexander books I've read, the side-characters can be a bit one-note
- It's a bit too short, so we don't get to see much of the slow realizations and struggles
Overall, this is pretty solid Robin Alexander. If you like her, you like her.
Sex:two soft-R-rated scenes of relatively low graphic detail
Tags: #AnxiousNeutralPair #Awakening #BackHomeAgain #ClosetedVsOut #DualPOV #FearOfRuiningFriendship #FriendsToLovers #SecondChance #SingleParent #SmallTown #ThirdPersonPOV
Sex:
Tags: #AnxiousNeutralPair #Awakening #BackHomeAgain #ClosetedVsOut #DualPOV #FearOfRuiningFriendship #FriendsToLovers #SecondChance #SingleParent #SmallTown #ThirdPersonPOV
Content Warnings
Minor: Death
Brief mentions of a sister who died pre-story due towillraths's review
adventurous
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