Drowning Lessons

I really loved this book! I loved reading about Lola’s personal growth throughout the story. All of the characters in the story felt so real and made the story that much better. It was definitely an emotional read as well. I teared up on multiple occasions. I loved all the LGBTQ+ representation in this book. This book was beautifully written and I really hope we get more in the series to learn about the other characters!

Impossible to put down, and a great credit to an aspiring author.

Drowning Lessons by Ana Hazel is a great book about the self-discovery of a young woman that offers insight into some of the problems people may face in life. Lola’s journey through the story is very Down to Earth, with a great deal of personal growth as she interacts with the other characters to make this a really enjoyable read.

The story is nicely paced with the elements making it impossible to put down. I ended up completing this in two sittings without being able to pull myself away from the screen (ebook).

I really enjoyed reading about Lola’s life in Los Angeles and her interactions with Xavi, the two have a unique chemistry that keeps you wanting to read more. I would love to read more stories about Lola and the others as they continue to grow and will be looking forward to reading more stories from this aspiring new author in the future.

This book contains several mature themes and would be best suited to adult readers with an interest in romance and drama.

I was one of the lucky few to be able to read the advanced reader copy for free and am leaving this review voluntarily.

This book doesn’t shy away from mental health. It follows Lola and her journey which includes many struggles and overcoming her mother’s judgments about her sexuality. The story took me through many emotions and I went from being angry to excited to worried every other chapter lol. I’m excited to see what the author writes next!!

Drowning Lessons by Ana Hazel is a raw, messy, and deeply emotional ride that hooked me from page one. Lola is a character who doesn’t always make the right choices. She drinks too much, pushes people away, and runs toward chaos, but that is exactly what makes her so compelling. She feels real.

This book shines because of how boldly it tackles difficult topics such as mental illness, grief, homophobia, and the way secrets can weigh you down. The representation is heartfelt, and I really appreciated seeing a bisexual awakening on the page along with themes of found family and unlikely love. It never shies away from showing the rough edges of Lola’s life, yet it still leaves you with hope that healing and self acceptance are possible.

The tropes were fun to watch unfold. Love triangle, surprise pregnancy, messy romance, all layered with emotional depth that made them feel fresh rather than cliché. There are definitely some heavy trigger warnings here such as suicidal ideation, infidelity, pregnancy, and more, so it is not a light read, but the honesty is what makes it powerful.

Overall, this is a story about growth, identity, and learning to embrace your truth even when it is scary. I really related to some of the feelings of being lost and not knowing who you are supposed to be. Hazel’s writing is sharp and heartfelt, and I cannot wait to see what she writes next.

Drowning Lessons, a story centered on 25 year old Lola Miller, a young writer and lesbian from The People Agenda, an LGBTQ+ non-profit that focuses on acceptance and unity. When Lola and her two besties are tasked with brainstorming for a big upcoming project, the perfect story just so happens to fall into their laps. Lead singer of a popular rock band is caught on camera kissing a huge rap star, controversy and rumors begins to swirl online because both singers are men. As Lola attempts to get in touch with the two stars, she simultaneously begins to act totally unhinged, leading to some very unexpected events taking place. Will she be able to come through and shine a light on what could potentially be the biggest story of the year or will she spiral out of complete control? I am obsessed with this story and I adored it from beginning to end! The bffs Kyle and Mariluz were the type of friends that every girl dreams of having, non-judgmental and there for you at the drop of a dime, plus they won’t tiptoe around your feelings and will always tell you like it is. Then there was Lola, I felt a kindred spirit to this character from her familial hardships to the flawed and messy decision making that comes with being a young twenty-something. She tries to navigate and balance all of the things life is throwing at her while dealing with her past, and contemplating her future piled on top; which leads to a compelling and engrossing narrative of finding oneself while dealing with the consequences of your actions. The reader also gets to meet the entire Reyes family who display strong, Latine, family-oriented dynamics and include an assortment of unforgettable characters. Drowning Lessons, brought me through a wide array of emotions alongside its delightful cast of characters while also touching on topics of sexuality and mental health in an informative and positive way. I loved this debut novel from author Ana Hazel, and I can’t recommend this book enough to all readers who enjoy LGBTQ+ positivity, Latine literature, and of course romance.