All Rhodes Lead Here – Book Review

Truth is, I am an absolute sucker for a small-town romance and a real good slow burn. Throw in a single dad who absolutely loves his kid and you’ve got me completely. But what Mariana did with All Rhodes Lead Here using these tropes and more, has left me feeling so warm and gooey inside whilst also feeling inspired and like I could take on the world now.

This book starts off in a hilariously chaotic way as Aurora returns to her home town, to rent the loft of Tobias Rhodes. What Aurora doesn’t realise is she’s been bamboozled by a teenage boy, desperate to earn money and his very single and very attractive father has absolutely no idea that he’s about to have a lodger. A lodger he really, really does not want. After some pleading, Aurora gets to stay with the condition that she basically avoids them at all costs…which is fine until tragedy strikes and it’s up to her to save the day. Going forward the trio can’t help becoming more and more interlinked, and friendships bloom…leading to an incredible slow burn that pays of perfectly (for Aurora and us as readers). 

A large part of this book focuses on Aurora’s mother, and with Ora wanting to follow in her footsteps and experience life as she did. Alongside this, she is also recovering from a decade long toxic relationship where she experienced very little happiness and was taken completely for granted. Whilst Ora goes through her grief, and tries to settle into a new life she unknowingly goes on a journey of self-discovery and growth. As the reader, I found I was picking up on how far she had come alot faster than she did and it was so rewarding when she would realise, and honestly certain scenes had me absolutely cheering for her. Mariana also explores mental health throughout the book, more predominantly in some scenes than others and it was really lovingly written. As someone who has suffered with various mental health issues, it was lovely to see someone acknowledge it but be like things can get better – sometimes happening before you’ve even realised that they have, and that life won’t always feel this way. It was a reminder I very much needed, and I’m sure I’m not the only one.

Honestly there are so many themes and stuff packed into this story. It’s not just a romance, or story about found family and starting over. It’s just so much more, and I loved it. Ora’s journey teaches us a lot about overcoming obstacles, and the importance of allowing ourselves to be happy.

I really adored our quirky; accident prone, hilarious leading lady wo has a major case of verbal diarrhoea (HAHA, IYKYK). I really related to her character, especially in later scenes and it was really heartwarming to watch her go through his emotional and physical journey. I also love the fact that although she was in her 30s, she came across as this younger and chaotic woman that really doesn’t have her stuff together – reminding us as readers that it doesn’t matter what age you are, or where you are on your own journey; things WILL work out. F

Daddy Rhodes ladies and gentlemen! The grumpy to Ora’s sunshine, and the over protective dad of Amos. From the moment his character was introduced, I just knew I was going to love him and once he started to actually open up, I fell fast and hard! The way he is as a father and then the way he looks after and treats Ora had me absolutely swooning alongside her. When he first started calling her Buddy, my heart was like “oh hell no” but the moment I found out why?? I was giggling like a little school girl. In fact, Rhodes had me giggling nonstop throughout and giving me the warm fuzzies. I love how you also see the theme of self discovery/growth with his character as we go through the book, much different to Aurora’s journey but equally as good. I honestly don’t know what I love more about him – the fact overprotective but amazing dad vibes or the “you’re mine and I’ll do anything for you” vibes. Honestly the SMALL things he does for Ora had a much bigger impact on me than the bigger ones, and to see him expressing his love for those around him through his actions more than his words was just adorable. But having said that, when he needs to communicate – he COMMUNICATES, and honestly what else could a girl ask for? A man that’ll look after you, but also sit down and communicate when things get tough instead of running away? Yes please!

Amos is such a fantastic character and I absolutely loved his scenes with Ora, and then later with both Ora and his dad. Watching him come out of his shell and go from the cheeky teen who rented out his dad’s loft to being one of Ora’s best friends and into a strong young man was just so wonderful. His whole story with the two dads and one mum thing as well was really refreshing and unique, and personally I absolutely loved it. Bringing attention to the fact families can be made in many different ways, and as long as there’s a lotta love then nothing else matters. Amos is definitely a character that causes absolutely everyone to love him.

I usually really struggle with long chapters, but honestly once the story picked up more, I found myself flying through them and just wanting more and more. The ending had me absolutely giggling and feeling all the feels. Reading this book made me reappreciate all the small things for me my own husband does in order to show his love and affection; and after finishing this book it made me go and give him the biggest hug. A wonderful, heartwarming read that also leave you inspired to get out there and take on the impossible – and guess what? You can do it!