All Rhodes Lead Here by Mariana Zapata | BOOK REVIEW
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Losing people you love is hard.
Aurora De La Torre knows moving back to a place that was once home isn’t going to be easy.
Starting your whole life over probably isn’t supposed to be.
But a small town in the mountains might be the perfect remedy for a broken heart.
Checking out her landlord across the driveway just might cure it too.
All Rhodes Lead Here by Mariana Zapata | BOOK REVIEW
ALL RHODES LEAD HERE BY MARIANA ZAPATA
BOOK REVIEW
When I finished this book I had the biggest smile on my face. Actually, throughout the book I caught myself smiling often, sometimes almost like a lunatic and all because All Rhodes Lead Here was such a feel good novel. I couldn’t help myself. It made me just so stinking happy.
I’m not going to lie, every time I read a new MZ I have high hopes it will be another five star book. Sadly it doesn’t happen all the time, but the few times it did happen the books have become cherished novels that I re-read again and again. Here is my list of favorite Mariana Zapata books so far.
When it comes to All Rhodes Lead Here I can point to a few things that guaranteed that I would love this book.
- Single parent trope – the hero has a teenage son who lives with him. And not only is their relationship precious, I also adored the son. He is just like his father, and when he opened up to Aurora my heart became all gooey.
- Much of the book happens outdoors, and there is just something about nature and Colorado itself. And the journey the heroine is on really touched me in a profound way. Moreover, I actually shed some tears.
- The music industry plays some part in this story, which I really enjoyed.
- Loved the female friendships in this book.
- The couple is a sunshine/grump pairing, a brand-new romance trope that I’m in love with.
- And the slow burn was really well done. It wasn’t too drawn out compared to some of the author’s other books, it was just perfect.
But I think what made me the happiest of all were the relationships between the characters. And how it was obvious and palpable how much they liked each other. From platonic relationships to the main couple. Everyone was truly pleasant and nice. At least everyone who counted, which was 99%. Also I loved how uplifting the story was thanks to a heroine who was happy, fun, smart, and just genuinely likeable. It makes such a difference to a story if characters are happy with their lives. It totally changes the mood of a novel.
Also, the story had some wonderful lol moments. And the dialogues had me smiling, especially when it came to Aurora and the Rhodes men. Aurora is such a sunshine personality, and the contrast between her and them was obvious, but also exactly what they needed.
The only thing I would change or complain about is that there were a couple times I felt the book dragged a little. Mostly during Aurora’s inner monologues. But with 500 pages it’s still a surprisingly fast read.
So, in the end this book was a HUGE thumbs up for me. And it will go on my list of my favorite Mariana Zapata novels, and one I can see myself reading again.
FOUR AND A HALF STARS
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All Rhodes Lead Here by Mariana Zapata | BOOK REVIEW
I’m so happy to read this review! I’m still struggling to come out of a book slump and the 500+ page count was making me a little hesitant to start this, but it sounds like it will be a winner. Great review!
Thank you!!!! Her books are always super long, but I got though it pretty quickly. There was some dragging and a slow start but as soon as the characters connected I was hooked. Hope you’ll enjoy it 😊
Great review! I haven’t read a Zapata book in a long while and this one sounds like something I would like.
I always read them, always hoping for another 5 star lol
I’ve only read The Wall of Winniepeg and it was really good!
Ooh that’s probably her most popular book – if you are ever in the mood for another of her books – let me know 😊
I am! What do you recommend?
It depends on what trope you like. She has sports romances, books with kids, friends to lovers, work place romance. My favorite is Wait For It, and this one was pretty awesome too.
I will Iook into Wait for It!
Wonderful review! You’ve definitely made me curious about this story now. xx
I think this author could be one to work for you. Her books are slow burns and maybe all but one would be ones I would recommend to you. Let me know if you want a place (other than this) to start.
That’s good to know! I’ve added this one to my wishlist already, so I will probably start with it as I like the sound of the blurb…
Yay!!!
Thank you Yvonne!! It’s a great romance to add to your tbr, especially if you enjoy slow burn 😀
Oh that definitely sounds right up my alley! I’ve added it to my wishlist.
Such a sweet story this was and there were sooooo many elements that I just absolutely loved! Slow burns have been tough for me, but I’ll forever love Mariana Zapata.
I would say she is the only author that does slow burn in a way that makes it exciting to read 😀
I’m reading this one now! I’m not too far into it, but loving it. I’m glad it was such a good read for you.
I’m so glad you are enjoying it!! Crossing my fingers it will be great one for you! I’ll keep a look out for your review!
Okay. I’m back! I finished! And I agree with all your points. It’s going on my list of favorites of hers. I actually thought it dragged less than most of her other books, though. There were some redundant thoughts, but not enough to bug me. Now I just want her to write more about all the supporting characters. AND SOON!
OMG I’m so happy you loved it!!!!! Rhodes reminded me a little of Dallas – loved him! And I wish she would write about the other characters. We’ll have to wait another 9 month 😂
9 months. *sobs*
I’m guessing 😂
so happy you ended with another MZ favourite, Corina! Micky loved this too. – H
I always have such high expectations when it comes to her books. I’m really happy it worked out. And I’m glad Micky loved it too.
All Rhodes Lead Here is my second Mariana Zapata book after WOW, and it leaves me smiling like a lunatic. I love how grumpy Tobers one minute and a sweetypie after 🙂 Their chemistry is superb…. and the slow burn…wow..just wow.
OMG, just reading this makes me want to re-read it again 😀 so glad you loved it and that your first MZ book was such a success!!!!
MZ desperately needs a good editor. She’s talented and the potential has been there, but she isn’t progressing and actually seems to be moving backwards. I’ve loved several of her books, but the last couple of books, meh. This book was a huge improvement plot and tropes wise. I have a huge spot for books that feature neighbors and outdoor themes, I even enjoyed the inclusion the music industry and the teenage son.
However, her writing style has regressed to the days of Lingus. I expect and can put up with the meandering that is typical of her books, but the protagonist’s inner dialogue showed her to be dumb as rocks at times, it referenced poop way too much, and if she swore completely unprompted that she didn’t have inappropriate feeling for his son one more time I swear I was going to hurl the book out the window. All things a good editor could have fixed without losing her unique Mariana Zapata-ness.
I’m not surprised that you mention a good editor. I too feel like she could use someone to go over her books, because I noticed the meandering and some repetitiveness. But honestly, at this point I’ll read her stuff even without an editor. Her books have become a treat for me, and even if not every book works for me, I’m always hopeful that once in a while she writes a five star read 😀