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Alee
With just weeks left before her high school graduation, Alee dumps her sunshine stealing boyfriend in epic fashion – by sleeping with his best friend.
Since bad things happen in three, becoming the school slut is just the beginning.
A mass shooting steals the life of Alee’s Olympic-bound best friend and a homeless drug addict turns out to be the father who abandoned Alee as a child.
With a backpack full of daddy-issues and a bucket list of broken dreams, Alee searches for light at the end of a very dark tunnel.
Will the man who broke her, be the one who saves her life?
Since bad things happen in three, becoming the school slut is just the beginning.
A mass shooting steals the life of Alee’s Olympic-bound best friend and a homeless drug addict turns out to be the father who abandoned Alee as a child.
With a backpack full of daddy-issues and a bucket list of broken dreams, Alee searches for light at the end of a very dark tunnel.
Will the man who broke her, be the one who saves her life?
- GenresFiction
296 pages, ebook
Published November 19, 2019
About the author
Nicole Loufas
12 books239 followersNicole was born and raised in California. She claims to be a San Francisco native, however she's lived in both Northern and Southern California. She credits her creativity to the fact that she attended 12 schools between kindergarten and her senior year in high school. Her nomadic childhood allowed her to reinvent herself often. Some might call her a liar. While others see the stories she told as a coping mechanism. Today she channels her storytelling ability into writing novels.
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Displaying 1 - 28 of 28 reviews
November 19, 2019
Alee is unlike anything I have read. The book is captivating, it is the emotional roller coaster that will have you bawling, angry or wanting to throw your kindle. It has some subjects that some will find difficult to read. This is not a happy ending type of book. In fact, I would say there is little about this book that brings forth feelings of happiness. The book is a dark, it is the under belly of real life, it is the unexpected and difficult choices and thoughts that run through people’s minds. It is the struggle of one girl Alee and the ugly, nasty an unfortune choices that are made for her or she is forced and cornered into making. The story and plot bring forth some of the life’s most challenging life obstacles.
I love the development of the characters, the plot twists and turns throughout the story keeping the reader engaged. I would recommend this book with the understanding this does not have a happy ending in the typical sense, and the book does discuss matters that some will find difficult.
I love the development of the characters, the plot twists and turns throughout the story keeping the reader engaged. I would recommend this book with the understanding this does not have a happy ending in the typical sense, and the book does discuss matters that some will find difficult.
September 17, 2019
I received and arc for this book. Just reading the blurb I knew this would be emotional. I've read most of the author's books and she writes remarkable human emotion. Alee was absolutely excellent. If you're burnt out on romance or just want to read something utterly heart-wrenching, this is the book.
November 9, 2019
Okay, I have to be
honest this is probably going to be the hardest review for me to write. My
feelings are all over the place with Alee. I t was a book that truly grabbed
me. It made me feel so many things. I went in blind. I had no clue what topics
this book covered, and lets say it covers so many.
I always try to not
reveal any spoilers in my reviews and generally I can do that. I am going to
try really hard to keep to that. I will forewarn that there are many situations
that could be triggers for people.
So far I only have
one trigger. One thing that when I see a book contains it I generally steer
away from the book. Had I known that Alee had this subject (which it does) I
wouldn’t be sitting here at almost 1 am writing this review. I also (being very
honest) would have missed out on a book that was so raw, deep, emotional and
realistic. Alee is a book that I will be thinking of for a long time to come.
Loufas created a
world that is so damn realistic. I watched it play out in my head. Sorry
Netflix but my imagination makes better movies, it has no budget to hold it
back lol. Her characters came alive. Every emotion poured through me. I am
generally not a person who cries during a book. I will say that Loufas
succeeded in making my cheeks wet. Not an ugly cry (at least not what ya’ll
would deem an ugly cry - but for me even a tear leaking out is an ugly cry lol)
but my pillow was wet before I sat up to type this out. I actually had to start
this review right after finishing.
Watching as Alee
dealt with abandonment issues from every aspect of her life, your heart
couldn’t help but want to heal her. The mom, friend, and woman in me just
wanted to wrap her up and reassure her that there is light at the end of the
tunnel. That if she just kept pressing forward she would find it.
Alee’s relationship
with Laine started off as a “means to an end” but wound up being all
encompassing. Using Laine to get her boyfriend (and his best friend) to break
up with her was (lets be honest) an
immature thing to do. Successful but immature. And so very realistic.
This is the first
book of Nicole Loufas’ that I have read but it will not be the last. Her skill
at taking what would seem a pretty typical life and make the reader crave for
more, make them stay up until 1 am turning pages cause they cant bear the thought
of not finishing it and knowing how Alee turns out is what makes me want to one
click her other books.
While I am doing
this review without spoilers I will say that the end of the book, shocked &
surprised me. It’s also where my trigger happened. Having been on the other
side of the door in real life is not something anyone should have to
experience. A piece of you will always remain there (and yes I am speaking from
personal experience). Even with that being said I am glad I read Alee. It’s an
amazing story, one that deserves to be told.
This review was originally posted on My Blissful Books
September 20, 2019
I received an arc for this book, but the cover alone would have sold me.
Nicole isn't an author I would equate to Tarryn Fisher, but this book gives me the Tarryn feels. In a good way.
I guess the best way to describe the story is to say, "Not everyone gets a happy ending."
Don't let that discourage you from an amazing story of young love and the pain of finding your place in the world.
Phenomenal read.
Nicole isn't an author I would equate to Tarryn Fisher, but this book gives me the Tarryn feels. In a good way.
I guess the best way to describe the story is to say, "Not everyone gets a happy ending."
Don't let that discourage you from an amazing story of young love and the pain of finding your place in the world.
Phenomenal read.
September 20, 2019
I've read this so many times I should know it by heart. I'm sure there are still typos.
December 29, 2019
(This review will be on my blog All the Ups and Downs soon.)
--
I love realistic fiction books that are a bit dark. When I first read the synopsis of Alee by Nicole Loufas, I was instantly hooked. I ended up devouring this novel in a short time!
The book starts out with Alee as a 17 year old high school senior. After sleeping with her boyfriend's best friend, she dumps her boyfriend for being too selfish. After being slut shamed at school, Alee finds comfort in her best friend Bryn. However, while at swim practice, Bryn is shot and killed. Around that time, Alee reconnects with her father that left her and her mother when she was 5, but even he isn't really there being as he's a homeless drug addict. With everything going wrong, Alee finds solace in Laine, her now ex-boyfriend's best friend - the one she slept with. The book talks briefly about Alee's life until the age of 21 where it really focuses on what is going on with Alee. When a major life even happens, Alee is thrown into a downward spiral that she may not ever escape.
I thought the plot for Alee was written beautifully. It's a story that most people can relate to in some way. I was sucked into the plot, and I felt like I was a ghost watching Alee's life unfold from the age of 17 to 21. There are a few minor plot twists which are interesting, but there are no cliff hangers. All of my questions were answered by the end of the book. The pacing for Alee is mostly perfect. There are a few, very rare, times where the pacing slows down, but it instantly picks right back up. I was never bored while reading Alee.
The characters in Alee felt very realistic and fleshed out. In fact, I felt like I knew all of these characters at one point in my life. Alee is such a strong character. She has had so much bad happen to her. It's as if she can't catch a break. It was interesting to follow Alee's thoughts on everything that would happen to her. She tried to stay positive even when her world was crashing down. I absolutely loved Alee, and I kept wanting something positive to happen to her. Laine seemed like such a great guy, and it was obvious how much Alee meant to him (and him to Alee). I loved reading about the love between Laine and Alee. I liked how Loufas made them feel like a real couple by giving them problems as well and not some Hollywood romance. I never really liked Benny. He was well written, but I always felt like I couldn't trust him. Throughout the book, I just kept wishing that he'd stay away from Alee!
Alee is a dark read, and it has quite a few strong triggers. These include gun violence, death, murder, suicide, rape, drug use, alcoholism, miscarriage, profanity, mentions of underage sex, and sexual situations (although not too graphic).
All in all, Alee was a very interesting and emotional read. If you are a fan of sunshine and rainbow books, Alee is not for you. However, if you're after a gritty, beautifully written realistic fiction novel that discuses tough issues, then Alee is the book you've been waiting for. I would definitely recommend Alee by Nicole Loufas to those aged 17+. Alee is one of those books that will keep you thinking about everything that happened in it long after you've finished reading it.
--
I love realistic fiction books that are a bit dark. When I first read the synopsis of Alee by Nicole Loufas, I was instantly hooked. I ended up devouring this novel in a short time!
The book starts out with Alee as a 17 year old high school senior. After sleeping with her boyfriend's best friend, she dumps her boyfriend for being too selfish. After being slut shamed at school, Alee finds comfort in her best friend Bryn. However, while at swim practice, Bryn is shot and killed. Around that time, Alee reconnects with her father that left her and her mother when she was 5, but even he isn't really there being as he's a homeless drug addict. With everything going wrong, Alee finds solace in Laine, her now ex-boyfriend's best friend - the one she slept with. The book talks briefly about Alee's life until the age of 21 where it really focuses on what is going on with Alee. When a major life even happens, Alee is thrown into a downward spiral that she may not ever escape.
I thought the plot for Alee was written beautifully. It's a story that most people can relate to in some way. I was sucked into the plot, and I felt like I was a ghost watching Alee's life unfold from the age of 17 to 21. There are a few minor plot twists which are interesting, but there are no cliff hangers. All of my questions were answered by the end of the book. The pacing for Alee is mostly perfect. There are a few, very rare, times where the pacing slows down, but it instantly picks right back up. I was never bored while reading Alee.
The characters in Alee felt very realistic and fleshed out. In fact, I felt like I knew all of these characters at one point in my life. Alee is such a strong character. She has had so much bad happen to her. It's as if she can't catch a break. It was interesting to follow Alee's thoughts on everything that would happen to her. She tried to stay positive even when her world was crashing down. I absolutely loved Alee, and I kept wanting something positive to happen to her. Laine seemed like such a great guy, and it was obvious how much Alee meant to him (and him to Alee). I loved reading about the love between Laine and Alee. I liked how Loufas made them feel like a real couple by giving them problems as well and not some Hollywood romance. I never really liked Benny. He was well written, but I always felt like I couldn't trust him. Throughout the book, I just kept wishing that he'd stay away from Alee!
Alee is a dark read, and it has quite a few strong triggers. These include gun violence, death, murder, suicide, rape, drug use, alcoholism, miscarriage, profanity, mentions of underage sex, and sexual situations (although not too graphic).
All in all, Alee was a very interesting and emotional read. If you are a fan of sunshine and rainbow books, Alee is not for you. However, if you're after a gritty, beautifully written realistic fiction novel that discuses tough issues, then Alee is the book you've been waiting for. I would definitely recommend Alee by Nicole Loufas to those aged 17+. Alee is one of those books that will keep you thinking about everything that happened in it long after you've finished reading it.
September 12, 2019
"Alee's story is one of highs and lows with a love story wrapped in. Sometimes we don't get the fairy tale ending we dream of. Alee as a character has so many strengths but even the strongest fail with too much weight on their shoulders. Abandoned and ignored throughout her young life forged the young adult she became and colored some of her life's decisions.
I would like to believe that Alee was fated to meet and be with Laine, even if the situation was messed up. Alee and Laine had and epic type of love, but the timing was always a little off. I found myself rooting for Alee and Laine, but choices were taken away from them. I could not put this story down and finished it in a day, due to me wanting to know how the story ended. "
I would like to believe that Alee was fated to meet and be with Laine, even if the situation was messed up. Alee and Laine had and epic type of love, but the timing was always a little off. I found myself rooting for Alee and Laine, but choices were taken away from them. I could not put this story down and finished it in a day, due to me wanting to know how the story ended. "
September 22, 2019
This is my first Nicole Loufas book. I highly recommend this book. It is an VERY emotional rollercoaster of a book. This is a dark and tragic love story of both love and loss. It deals with so many types of loss, military, addictions and so many mental health issues that face people today. If you are looking for a happily ever after love story, this is not what you will get with this book. Many people look to read books that make them feel good. I love that Nicole Loufas makes you look at what many people face every day in their lives and what emotions and actions one may go through or feel. Great job!
June 17, 2020
This book is crazy. The end had me like WTF?!?!
The characters in this book are unique and interesting. The writing is good. I am just kind of at a loss with this book. It doesn’t end happy and everything that happens in it is negative. I kept waiting for something good to happen. But it doesn’t. It just gets worse.
I think with a little more info this could be a good book. I just always felt like I was missing something. This book did give me a shit ton of feels. Man, Alee has been through everything and my heart aches for her. Terrible thing is this could be a real person right now.
Just do not go into this book looking for romance and pretty shit. It’s not happening.
The characters in this book are unique and interesting. The writing is good. I am just kind of at a loss with this book. It doesn’t end happy and everything that happens in it is negative. I kept waiting for something good to happen. But it doesn’t. It just gets worse.
I think with a little more info this could be a good book. I just always felt like I was missing something. This book did give me a shit ton of feels. Man, Alee has been through everything and my heart aches for her. Terrible thing is this could be a real person right now.
Just do not go into this book looking for romance and pretty shit. It’s not happening.
September 1, 2019
Wow...this story from beginning to end, had me captivated in every way. I could not put it down. In all seriousness though I actually had to put it down a couple of times because I couldn’t read with tears falling. 😭
I know which characters I liked and others I really didn’t like and all you’d have to do is read the book to know. 🥰🤬
This story has my heart, all the feelings and emotions were so heavy, and it wasn’t like just one thing but one thing after another. 💔
I’ll just be over here crying in my own little corner to myself. 😭
Nicole Loufas did an amazing job. 👏🏼👏🏼👏🏼
I know which characters I liked and others I really didn’t like and all you’d have to do is read the book to know. 🥰🤬
This story has my heart, all the feelings and emotions were so heavy, and it wasn’t like just one thing but one thing after another. 💔
I’ll just be over here crying in my own little corner to myself. 😭
Nicole Loufas did an amazing job. 👏🏼👏🏼👏🏼
September 23, 2019
Hands down her best book to date.
I am a huge fan of the Thizz series, but Alee has blown me away.
Some authors have a talent for writing romance, or rom-com, or fantasy - Nicole's is dark and damaged. The writing is spot-on, the voice, and character development are outstanding and unforgettable. Alee will be at the top of my 2019 reads.
This book does contain delicate subject matter.
I am a huge fan of the Thizz series, but Alee has blown me away.
Some authors have a talent for writing romance, or rom-com, or fantasy - Nicole's is dark and damaged. The writing is spot-on, the voice, and character development are outstanding and unforgettable. Alee will be at the top of my 2019 reads.
This book does contain delicate subject matter.
September 13, 2019
I'm an emotional wreck. This story is not what you expect, at any turn. I was left staring at the final page like....
I want more...
I NEED more!!!
For that, I gave it 5 stars.
I want more...
I NEED more!!!
For that, I gave it 5 stars.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
May 14, 2022
This was a GoodReads giveaway book. This book is so incredibly heart-wrenching. Alee's life was a mess from an early age. It got better before it got worse for her. My heart broke for her. TRIGGER WARNING: This book does deal with sexual assault/rape, homelessness, soldier death, abortion, and suicide. I would really only recommend it to certain people. It's not for everyone. I do appreciate all of the information at the end about suicide prevention and about where to turn after sexual assault/rape.
January 17, 2023
I received a copy of this ebook in a Goodreads giveaway.
I don’t know what it was about this book, but it just hit me in the right way at the right time. This is my kind of messy.
I don’t know what it was about this book, but it just hit me in the right way at the right time. This is my kind of messy.
November 20, 2019
Alee is a story full of grief and despair. This Nicole Loufas book is riveting, yet a tragic read,
Alee has major abandonment issues, always craving attention from men. She's cheated on her boyfriend, her father is back, and she's full of regrets and mistakes.
She's just a high school girl who's life is full of issues. To be more specific, she has one messed up life.
And, holy shit, this tale is full of non stop depressing events. And with it being told in present tense, it's an even more depressing read.
I couldn't put it down, but I certainly can't recommend it. I wouldn't know who to recommend it to, or when to suggest they read it. But, it's powerful. And depressing. It's certainly a strong story. But, holy shit, there is not a happy moment in this book. There isn't a single character who I liked. It's one of the most depressing books I've ever read. But I certainly couldn't put it down.
Alee has major abandonment issues, always craving attention from men. She's cheated on her boyfriend, her father is back, and she's full of regrets and mistakes.
She's just a high school girl who's life is full of issues. To be more specific, she has one messed up life.
And, holy shit, this tale is full of non stop depressing events. And with it being told in present tense, it's an even more depressing read.
I couldn't put it down, but I certainly can't recommend it. I wouldn't know who to recommend it to, or when to suggest they read it. But, it's powerful. And depressing. It's certainly a strong story. But, holy shit, there is not a happy moment in this book. There isn't a single character who I liked. It's one of the most depressing books I've ever read. But I certainly couldn't put it down.
September 3, 2019
Alee's story is one of highs and lows with a love story wrapped in. Sometimes we don't get the fairy tale ending we dream of. Alee as a character has so many strengths but even the strongest fail with too much weight on their shoulders. Abandoned and ignored throughout her young life forged the young adult she became and colored some of her life's decisions.
I would like to believe that Alee was fated to meet and be with Laine, even if the situation was messed up. Alee and Laine had and epic type of love, but the timing was always a little off. I found myself rooting for Alee and Laine, but choices were taken away from them. I could not put this story down and finished it in a day, due to me wanting to know how the story ended.
I would like to believe that Alee was fated to meet and be with Laine, even if the situation was messed up. Alee and Laine had and epic type of love, but the timing was always a little off. I found myself rooting for Alee and Laine, but choices were taken away from them. I could not put this story down and finished it in a day, due to me wanting to know how the story ended.
November 20, 2019
Alee is unlike anything I’ve ever read. I swear, I felt as if my heart was ripped out and shred into a million little pieces. This book is real, raw and just flat out exceptional. It made me feel every emotion I could ever possibly have and in the end consumed my thoughts as I couldn’t get this book out of my head. I have spent days trying to decide what to write because I know nothing I write will do Alee justice. Just take my advice and read this book!!
October 1, 2019
This story shook me. It isn't a romance and doesn't pretend to be. There is a wonderfully written relationship between two people but this book is more of an exploration of relationships and how people shape our lives - good and bad. This book reminded me not everything needs to be explained and most importantly, every story does not get a happy ending.
September 6, 2019
I am a complete mess...This book had me in ugly tear, smiling and dreading the next page( I the best possible way).
This such a great story of true love, lost and knowing who you are and the things people are capable of.
This such a great story of true love, lost and knowing who you are and the things people are capable of.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
December 12, 2019
Breathtaking
I went into this book knowing nothing about it. I am a huge fan of Nicole so I was sure I would enjoy it. She knocked this one out of the park. I would highly recommend this book if you are looking for an emotional read, it will not disappoint.
I went into this book knowing nothing about it. I am a huge fan of Nicole so I was sure I would enjoy it. She knocked this one out of the park. I would highly recommend this book if you are looking for an emotional read, it will not disappoint.
December 26, 2019
So good! This book has stayed with me and I simply cannot let it go. It's the type of read that gets in your head and bottoms out your stomach. If you are looking for a HEA, be prepared that what you are going to find is gut wrenching heartbreak.
September 5, 2019
What an emotional journey. If you're looking for a book that will blow you away, this is it.
Absolutely fantastic.
Absolutely fantastic.
September 18, 2019
This book is filled with emotion! Definitely not a happily ever after. I read it beginning to end, non-stop because I HAD to know what happened!
September 28, 2019
I’m still thinking about this book..... I just feel like it had a lot of holes. I guess I wanted more. I wanted angst and feels. I feel like I got a lot of questions!
October 7, 2019
I fell in love with the characters and then the writer broke my heart. Well written. Emotional. Great characters. All the feels.
October 8, 2019
This isn't a fluffy teen romance. It is gritty and dark. There is no flowery romance just raw emotion.
Fans of Marrow by Tarryn Fisher will appreciate this book.
Fans of Marrow by Tarryn Fisher will appreciate this book.
October 20, 2019
Simply amazing and sad but great story
December 20, 2019
Holy crap! So much emotion reading this book. Bouncing from happy to sad, to happy to CRYING actual tears. This was a great read. Just be prepared to cry.
Displaying 1 - 28 of 28 reviews