What do you think?
Uphill Battle
TWO RIVALS. ONE PROJECT. THREE DAYS TO BLOW UP THEIR LIVES. When Ada's tiny vlogger channel, "Pin Up Stichin'' finally takes off, she hopes it will mean success for her hotrod upholstery company. What she doesn't expect is that enigmatic billionaire Big Daddy Boom will hire both her and her professional nemesis to work on a super-secret project. But Ada can't pass up this opportunity when it means finally "making it" and finally being able to pay down her Pop's ongoing debts. Not even when she realizes the person she'll be working with is her most vocal critic. Nicola has been in the business of vehicle restoration for a long time and between his obsession with perfecting his craft and his family issues, he hasn't had much time for anything else. When he's offered the chance to get ahead in business and also work with a woman whose work he admires -- even if he expresses that through online critique -- he's in. Until one huge mix-up leaves them stranded in the woods together with the project on the line and two huge personalities in the way. Ada sparks all kinds of emotions in Nicola -- including some he's never felt before. Suddenly, this project -- and maybe even the state of California -- don't seem big enough for the both of them, and what seemed like explosive online content might just be explosive. Period.
This adorable and slightly ridiculous romantic comedy is perfect for lovers of steamy rivals to lovers romance, fake marriage tropes, and for fans of Emily Henry, Christina Lauren and Ali Hazelwood!
This adorable and slightly ridiculous romantic comedy is perfect for lovers of steamy rivals to lovers romance, fake marriage tropes, and for fans of Emily Henry, Christina Lauren and Ali Hazelwood!
- GenresRomance
329 pages, Kindle Edition
Published May 1, 2023
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Displaying 1 - 16 of 16 reviews
April 29, 2023
Thank you to Alice Duke for sending me an ARC in exchange for an honest review.
3 stars.
I started this book very interested on learning more about the story and the author, but I quickly realized the topics weren't much of my knowledge and it was hard to figure everything out.
Since there are many concepts about cars, the first few chapters were a big "?" in my head, as well as when we get to know how they met and where they are right now.
The female main character was another aspect that put me off for so long. Sometimes I liked her but other times not so much. It seemed like she had two different perspectives inside her and couldn't decide which one to keep on for 10 minutes straight.
On the other hand, the male main character was so down to earth, honest and always tried to explaining his point of view.
Despite being a shorter book than what I usually read, it took me longer to finish it. Halfway through it was when I started to like what I was reading but the 3rd act conflit was not it again. It was so fast, out of the blue, a miscommunication. I would have appreciated it if it had one or two more chapters so we could slowly understand what happened, getting to know what each one of them thought.
Overall, it was a okay book. I'm glad I had the opportunity to read it and get to know more about this universe, but I don't know if I would recommend it or read more from this author, unless I knew someone who is into car's world or something close.
3 stars.
I started this book very interested on learning more about the story and the author, but I quickly realized the topics weren't much of my knowledge and it was hard to figure everything out.
Since there are many concepts about cars, the first few chapters were a big "?" in my head, as well as when we get to know how they met and where they are right now.
The female main character was another aspect that put me off for so long. Sometimes I liked her but other times not so much. It seemed like she had two different perspectives inside her and couldn't decide which one to keep on for 10 minutes straight.
On the other hand, the male main character was so down to earth, honest and always tried to explaining his point of view.
Despite being a shorter book than what I usually read, it took me longer to finish it. Halfway through it was when I started to like what I was reading but the 3rd act conflit was not it again. It was so fast, out of the blue, a miscommunication. I would have appreciated it if it had one or two more chapters so we could slowly understand what happened, getting to know what each one of them thought.
Overall, it was a okay book. I'm glad I had the opportunity to read it and get to know more about this universe, but I don't know if I would recommend it or read more from this author, unless I knew someone who is into car's world or something close.
May 11, 2023
Alice Duke brings big, big energy with Uphill Battle, her second book in her Revved Up Rom Coms series. This book rumbles with humor as the creative, effervescent Ada Ford gets paired up with her biggest nemesis the uptight, unrelenting Nicola Petrovic. With a once in a lifetime opportunity up for grabs neither can turn down this chance at making it big. When you put these two hot heads into a tight situation the sparks are going to fly.
I discovered Alice Duke while reading her first book Stupid Prizes. I love the energy she brings to these stories. They are fun, light easy reads. I’m kind of new to highlighting passages as I read, but with Duke’s humor my pages start to glow with color. She makes me laugh which means my husband gets to hear half of the story too!
My favorite thing about Uphill Battle is the amazingly strong female lead Ada Ford. She’s tough, hardworking, confident and loving and definitely not a damsel in distress. Ada defines herself by what she can accomplish, not by tearing others down. She is a role model, someone to look up to and cheer on.
I love how well Ada and Nicola play off of each other. The tension and teasing is done to perfection. There’s a strong story about family and duty weaved into this playful tale. Another hit for me, and I can
not wait to read book three.
I received an advanced readers copy of this book from the author in exchange for my honest review.
I discovered Alice Duke while reading her first book Stupid Prizes. I love the energy she brings to these stories. They are fun, light easy reads. I’m kind of new to highlighting passages as I read, but with Duke’s humor my pages start to glow with color. She makes me laugh which means my husband gets to hear half of the story too!
My favorite thing about Uphill Battle is the amazingly strong female lead Ada Ford. She’s tough, hardworking, confident and loving and definitely not a damsel in distress. Ada defines herself by what she can accomplish, not by tearing others down. She is a role model, someone to look up to and cheer on.
I love how well Ada and Nicola play off of each other. The tension and teasing is done to perfection. There’s a strong story about family and duty weaved into this playful tale. Another hit for me, and I can
not wait to read book three.
I received an advanced readers copy of this book from the author in exchange for my honest review.
June 18, 2023
WHEN I TELL YOU I WAS KICKING MY FEET SQUEALING GIGGLING THE WHOLE TIME VNFKFNKDNFJF SUCH AN UNDERRATED BOOK!!!! DEFINITELY DESERVES MORE HYPE
April 22, 2023
This book is an ARC I received in exchange for an honest review. This will not change my review
It's Me, Hi. I'm the Problem. It's Me
Song for the Book: "Anti-Hero" by Taylor Swift
I genuinely liked this book! I feel like it is definitely one that will wind up being a comfort read at some point or another. I want to read the rest of this series desperately now!!!
The Characters
Ada: Ada's character is one that meant a lot to me. I could see a lot of what little relationship I have with my father in hers with her father (the stressful parts that is). I applaud her for being able to do what she did for her dad for so long because I would not have been able to do it at all. I loved our introduction to Ada and the vibes she gives off throughout the book. She is a badass FMC and Alice makes this clear to us from page one.
Nicola: Nikola. poor Nikola. See, buddy, you're the reason there's Taylor Swift here. You sweet, summer child. You try so hard and get so far but you literally are your own anti-hero. You assume too much and you know what they say about assuming... it's not good. so work on it bubs. You'll get there. Until then, let Ada take reigns
Things I Loved
I really enjoyed the pacing and how what I thought I saw coming was actually not that. I enjoyed the storyline about Ada and her father as well as Nikola and his parents. I felt like they were very important to who they were as characters.
Things I Didn't Love
I wanted more to go into the representation of Ada's character. A lot of times, I forgot she was Black and that bothers me. I loved how the mention at the beginning of Black mothers' mortality rates during childbirth was brought up. I wish in her descriptions that she had been described more about her skin color not so much in a fetishization way, but in representation. I also understand wanting to have that representation but not wanting to take over Black spaces or tell Black stories. There is a fine line to walk, I just feel the author could have gotten closer to it.
The Final Verdict
I really enjoyed this book, I just wish the representation had been more clear at times. Otherwise, it was a wonderful read!
It's Me, Hi. I'm the Problem. It's Me
Song for the Book: "Anti-Hero" by Taylor Swift
I genuinely liked this book! I feel like it is definitely one that will wind up being a comfort read at some point or another. I want to read the rest of this series desperately now!!!
The Characters
Ada: Ada's character is one that meant a lot to me. I could see a lot of what little relationship I have with my father in hers with her father (the stressful parts that is). I applaud her for being able to do what she did for her dad for so long because I would not have been able to do it at all. I loved our introduction to Ada and the vibes she gives off throughout the book. She is a badass FMC and Alice makes this clear to us from page one.
Nicola: Nikola. poor Nikola. See, buddy, you're the reason there's Taylor Swift here. You sweet, summer child. You try so hard and get so far but you literally are your own anti-hero. You assume too much and you know what they say about assuming... it's not good. so work on it bubs. You'll get there. Until then, let Ada take reigns
Things I Loved
I really enjoyed the pacing and how what I thought I saw coming was actually not that. I enjoyed the storyline about Ada and her father as well as Nikola and his parents. I felt like they were very important to who they were as characters.
Things I Didn't Love
I wanted more to go into the representation of Ada's character. A lot of times, I forgot she was Black and that bothers me. I loved how the mention at the beginning of Black mothers' mortality rates during childbirth was brought up. I wish in her descriptions that she had been described more about her skin color not so much in a fetishization way, but in representation. I also understand wanting to have that representation but not wanting to take over Black spaces or tell Black stories. There is a fine line to walk, I just feel the author could have gotten closer to it.
The Final Verdict
I really enjoyed this book, I just wish the representation had been more clear at times. Otherwise, it was a wonderful read!
May 3, 2023
I received an advance review copy for free, and I am leaving this review voluntarily.
4.25/5 ⭐️
Uphill battle by Alice Duke was a very cute read. It was a enemies to lovers fast paced rom com. The pacing was really good and I loved the family storyline this book shows. I loved Ada character, she was independent and strong. Her initial introduction was amazing and really introduced her as the badass queen she is. Nicola on the other hand took more time to like. At the start I didn’t like his initial interaction with Ada where he assumed she was with a man who knew about cars and that she didn’t know about them. But as the story continued I began to warm up to him, sure Ada is still my favorite character but I did like him more than I thought at the start. I did like that the both knew si much about cars, sometimes I was confused but thats because I don’t know much about cars but that didn’t take from my enjoyment. Overall I really enjoyed this story and I can’t wait to continue this series in the future.
4.25/5 ⭐️
Uphill battle by Alice Duke was a very cute read. It was a enemies to lovers fast paced rom com. The pacing was really good and I loved the family storyline this book shows. I loved Ada character, she was independent and strong. Her initial introduction was amazing and really introduced her as the badass queen she is. Nicola on the other hand took more time to like. At the start I didn’t like his initial interaction with Ada where he assumed she was with a man who knew about cars and that she didn’t know about them. But as the story continued I began to warm up to him, sure Ada is still my favorite character but I did like him more than I thought at the start. I did like that the both knew si much about cars, sometimes I was confused but thats because I don’t know much about cars but that didn’t take from my enjoyment. Overall I really enjoyed this story and I can’t wait to continue this series in the future.
April 30, 2023
Rating: ⭐⭐⭐⭐/5
Spice: 🌶️/5
Chemistry: 🧪🧪/5
Plot: 3/5
This was definitely a book that I expected to love a little more than I did. But I did enjoy the banter, the struggle of power between the two, and how they were willing to compromise enough for each other.
Compromising is such a hard thing to do when you have always had to fend for yourself, it can feel like losing everything. Ada and Nicola worked through some tension that had built up, learned to lean on each other more than they normally would. With a third act miscommunication rounding out everything I was so glad to see that things worked out the way it did.
I wish I could have seen more about their story than there was but isn't that the struggle with all good stories??
Thank you so much to Alice Duke for the complimentary ARC, in exchange for my honest opinion.
Spice: 🌶️/5
Chemistry: 🧪🧪/5
Plot: 3/5
This was definitely a book that I expected to love a little more than I did. But I did enjoy the banter, the struggle of power between the two, and how they were willing to compromise enough for each other.
Compromising is such a hard thing to do when you have always had to fend for yourself, it can feel like losing everything. Ada and Nicola worked through some tension that had built up, learned to lean on each other more than they normally would. With a third act miscommunication rounding out everything I was so glad to see that things worked out the way it did.
I wish I could have seen more about their story than there was but isn't that the struggle with all good stories??
Thank you so much to Alice Duke for the complimentary ARC, in exchange for my honest opinion.
May 1, 2023
Uphill Battle - ARC Review
Out on KU May 1st
“Just thinking of her fighting with that spare tire makes my mouth a little dry.” 🔥
I haven’t read a romance that centers around hot rod 🚘 enthusiasts, so this was a first!
Read if you like:
🚘 Car restoration/hot rods
🚘 Forced proximity
🚘 Rivals to Lovers
🚘 Slowburn
🚘 Rom - Coms
When Ada and Nicola met at a car show, he made the mistake of thinking the car wasn’t hers, but her husband’s? Boyfriend’s?Father’s? Okay, it’s gotta be her brother’s, right? 🤦🏻♀️ 🕳️
So, their relationship didn’t start off on the right foot. Now they are forced together for a once in a lifetime competition that will get both their car restoration businesses on the map! Can they work together?
Qotd: Do you know cars? I definitely don’t beyond the logos and have myself a dependable Toyota. 😂 What’s your go-to car brand?
Out on KU May 1st
“Just thinking of her fighting with that spare tire makes my mouth a little dry.” 🔥
I haven’t read a romance that centers around hot rod 🚘 enthusiasts, so this was a first!
Read if you like:
🚘 Car restoration/hot rods
🚘 Forced proximity
🚘 Rivals to Lovers
🚘 Slowburn
🚘 Rom - Coms
When Ada and Nicola met at a car show, he made the mistake of thinking the car wasn’t hers, but her husband’s? Boyfriend’s?Father’s? Okay, it’s gotta be her brother’s, right? 🤦🏻♀️ 🕳️
So, their relationship didn’t start off on the right foot. Now they are forced together for a once in a lifetime competition that will get both their car restoration businesses on the map! Can they work together?
Qotd: Do you know cars? I definitely don’t beyond the logos and have myself a dependable Toyota. 😂 What’s your go-to car brand?
April 23, 2023
I wish I could do 3.5!
This was a fun, enjoyable and easy read for me and my second Alice Duke book in the Boom industries world.
I know nothing about cars, so this series/standalone about characters whose lives revolve around the automotive industry is so fun for me. This book also contains so many of my favorite tropes!
I loved Nicola and his obvious devotion to his family and how we get to see the journey of Ada becoming his number one.
Ada was rougher for me to fall in love with, but in the end the way the characters mesh together and pull each other up and out of their individual problems😍dedication baby!!!!
So happy they could figure things out for their shops, family, and themselves.
This was a fun, enjoyable and easy read for me and my second Alice Duke book in the Boom industries world.
I know nothing about cars, so this series/standalone about characters whose lives revolve around the automotive industry is so fun for me. This book also contains so many of my favorite tropes!
I loved Nicola and his obvious devotion to his family and how we get to see the journey of Ada becoming his number one.
Ada was rougher for me to fall in love with, but in the end the way the characters mesh together and pull each other up and out of their individual problems😍dedication baby!!!!
So happy they could figure things out for their shops, family, and themselves.
April 29, 2023
Ok, this book was so freaking cute.
If you're looking for MTVs Pimp My Ride mash up with The Proposal, here it is. Weird, right? Weird is good 🤌🏻 we like weird. A romantic comedy for sure with great twists and turns. And if you've read my reviews before, you know I LOVE DUAL POV. Alice Duke does it well.
Now, let's talk spice. I felt a little gypped with the spice. When your website and insta is branded with the words "swoon & sizzle", I expected more when the MMC wanted to go down on FMC and she SAYS NO. That definitely hurt the star rating here. But over all, I would still recommend it!
If you're looking for MTVs Pimp My Ride mash up with The Proposal, here it is. Weird, right? Weird is good 🤌🏻 we like weird. A romantic comedy for sure with great twists and turns. And if you've read my reviews before, you know I LOVE DUAL POV. Alice Duke does it well.
Now, let's talk spice. I felt a little gypped with the spice. When your website and insta is branded with the words "swoon & sizzle", I expected more when the MMC wanted to go down on FMC and she SAYS NO. That definitely hurt the star rating here. But over all, I would still recommend it!
April 30, 2023
Daddy BOOM is at it again… I mean Alice Duke, with her amazing writing and the world she has created. Yet another BOOM Enterprises scheme, wrapping in Ada and Nicola, who are seemingly enemies in their line of work… or are they actually?
Ada, an independent and strong female lead, and Nicola, a scowling yet caring guy, find themselves in a messy situation that tracks back to - yup you guessed it - Daddy BOOM.
There story has plenty of twists and turns, keeping you along for the ride ;) It’s not one you want to miss. Especially with the emotional connections you feel for the characters.
Also, cameos from the previous book? 😅 Grab your copy today since it’s release day!
I received an advance review copy for free, and I am leaving this review voluntarily.
Ada, an independent and strong female lead, and Nicola, a scowling yet caring guy, find themselves in a messy situation that tracks back to - yup you guessed it - Daddy BOOM.
There story has plenty of twists and turns, keeping you along for the ride ;) It’s not one you want to miss. Especially with the emotional connections you feel for the characters.
Also, cameos from the previous book? 😅 Grab your copy today since it’s release day!
I received an advance review copy for free, and I am leaving this review voluntarily.
April 25, 2023
I liked reading Uphill Battle as it was fun to read an interesting. I don't know anything about cars but giving that little bit of extra made the story more fascinating. I did however notice a couple of spelling mistakes and the writer uses a lot of the same frase or similar ones in the beginnen but over time it becomes less. Other then that I enjoyed it and it got me hooked.
April 29, 2023
This book was so cute!!!! It was a fast paced marriage of convenience and I loved every minute of it! Nicola was such a babe and I fell in love with him from the very first page! Ada took some time to get used too lol but once you understand her character and what she goes through you really start to connect with her!
I received an eArc of this book for an honest review.
I received an eArc of this book for an honest review.
June 30, 2023
ARC Review
If you are as much of a sucker for HEAs as I am then you HAVE to read Alice Duke.
The insecurities and compassion that intermingle between the two main characters is unparalleled. Their issues, both romantic and not, are one hundred percent relatable for so many readers. The witty banter made me laugh and kept me coming back for more!!
If you are as much of a sucker for HEAs as I am then you HAVE to read Alice Duke.
The insecurities and compassion that intermingle between the two main characters is unparalleled. Their issues, both romantic and not, are one hundred percent relatable for so many readers. The witty banter made me laugh and kept me coming back for more!!
July 10, 2023
I really enjoyed this story. The banter between Nicola and Ada was so funny and heartfelt. I literally ate this up in 2 sittings. Also Nicola???? Dreamyyyyyyyyyyyyyyy. I connected so well with Ada and her struggles and I felt like I was reading myself through her eyes. I'm definitely interested in reading more from this author, especially when I need a break from my fantasy realms.
June 20, 2023
5.0 out of 5 stars
I fell into a reading slump and this was the ONLY book I wanted to finish during it. Also I love Ada and Nicola so chef’s kisses.
Disclaimer: I was given a copy of the book in exchange for an honest review and I’m so glad I got it!
I fell into a reading slump and this was the ONLY book I wanted to finish during it. Also I love Ada and Nicola so chef’s kisses.
Disclaimer: I was given a copy of the book in exchange for an honest review and I’m so glad I got it!
July 7, 2023
3.5 ⭐ This was a first for me for a few reasons. First refugee main character read, first read about car builds and reupholstering (I never thought I'd say that). The conversation about how frustrating parents can be and how they can give you a lot of trauma because of their behaviors was so real and was another first for me. I really enjoyed it but the third act conflict of just simple miscommunication is so tired and I'm sick of it.
Displaying 1 - 16 of 16 reviews