title: Once Upon an Algorithm
author: Clara O'Connor
publisher: One More Chapter
publication date: January 19, 2024
pages: 329
peppers: 3 (on this scale)
warnings: none
summary: While at her friend's bachelorette trip, Lenora has one weird night with Jack in Paris. Then, it turns out that she has to work with him on developing and launching an app her step-brother has borrowed money from her step-father to create. If she fails to help with the app, her step-father and mother will be financially ruined.
tropes:
- I'll never see you again
- evil step-sibling
- raised by a single mom
- doesn't fit in with step family
- keeping big secrets
what I liked: there were some funny lines in this book
what I didn’t like:
- The main character changed her mind a lot, was self-centered, and wouldn't listen to people.
- There was too much technical talk/jargon about the app and people developing it. It seemed like she was trying to get the same readers who likely Ali Hazelwood's books without having AH's talent for creating likable characters in STEM.
- This book would have been more enjoyable with a more ruthless editor; 25% shorter would vastly improve it.
overall rating: 2 (of 5 stars)