1.88k reviews for:

Camera Shy

Kay Cove

3.89 AVERAGE

emotional funny lighthearted medium-paced
Plot or Character Driven: Character
Strong character development: Yes
Loveable characters: Yes
Diverse cast of characters: No
Flaws of characters a main focus: Yes

3.5⭐️
emotional inspiring reflective medium-paced
Plot or Character Driven: Character
Strong character development: Yes
Loveable characters: Complicated
Diverse cast of characters: N/A
Flaws of characters a main focus: Yes

Queen was said entirely too much!!!!!!

okay for this... I JUST FELT CONFLICTED BUT ENTERTAINED

What to Expect:
📷 Neighbors for the Summer
💋 Friends with Benefits / Sex Lessons
🔥 BDSM Elements
💞 Plus-Size FMC
🏡 Small-Town Vibes
📝 Brand Strategist FMC x Boudoir Photographer MMC

Let’s be honest—I should’ve loved this book more than I did. It had so much potential with the premise: a curvy, insecure FMC taking charge of her sexuality after a humiliating breakup, a sweet and supportive MMC who’s patient and emotionally mature, and a steamy, no-strings-attached summer arrangement that was bound to get messy. And in many ways, it delivered. The banter? Solid. The spice? Top-tier. The message of self-acceptance? Beautiful. But there were also some big misses that held it back for me: HOW CAN YOU BE SO GOOD W COMUNCIATION IN THE BEDROOM BUT SO BAD OUTSIDE OF IT!?

What worked for me:
🔥 Finn was a dream. Sweet, sexy, a total gentleman with a dirty mouth—I loved how open he was about his feelings.
🔥 Avery’s body positivity journey was real and relatable. I appreciated how the book tackled insecurities in an honest way.
🔥 The sexual confidence aspect was well done. Finn never made Avery feel “less than,” and watching her become more comfortable in her skin was great.
🔥 The writing style was engaging. The humor and dialogue kept the book moving, and Kay Cove knows how to write steamy scenes.

What didn’t work for me:
🚩 The women-against-women dynamic got exhausting. It felt like every single female character (except Finn’s cousin) existed to tear Avery down or be a romantic rival. Like seriously, asied from Lenox it felt like it was every woman vs. Avery...
🚩 The attempted threesome scene. I won’t spoil it, but it felt unnecessary and did more harm than good for the character arcs.  (if im being honest, I would have DNFd if I wasn't buddy reading with my sister)
🚩 Avery’s lack of backbone at times. I love a vulnerable, insecure FMC, but there were moments where I needed her to stand up for herself sooner.
🚩 The "Queen" nickname. Over. Used. Fifty. Three. Times.

Overall, I wanted more self-love and less outside validation. While this book had great moments, it also had some frustrating ones that kept me from fully loving it. Would I still recommend it? Yes, but with cautions for those who dislike unnecessary drama and awkward third-act moments... so maybe no?
emotional funny lighthearted fast-paced
Plot or Character Driven: Character
Strong character development: Yes
Loveable characters: Yes
Diverse cast of characters: No
Flaws of characters a main focus: Yes
inspiring

Absolutely LOVED this book! Everyone needs them a Finn! 

2.6
emotional funny hopeful inspiring tense medium-paced
Plot or Character Driven: Character
Strong character development: Yes
Loveable characters: Yes
Diverse cast of characters: N/A
Flaws of characters a main focus: Yes

Not going to lie Avery annoyed me sometimes but I think it’s because i understand her and wish I could change those thoughts within myself!! I loved this story and the realness of it! 

A 30th birthday that starts off with a ridiculous man child sorry excuse for a boyfriend... yea, I was not intrigued. That man was utter scum and couldn't stop without just truly going for the jugular with his words, and actions both. I was pretty sure that I was going to DNF the book, but decided to give it a chance and keep going - if only to see if there was any redemption or any message of body positivity later on.

The story picked up in Vegas; next door neighbor Finn had such an instant connection to Avery that it took me by surprise. He showed up for her in such a beautiful way and slowly he helped to rebuild her self confidence. The dialogue was witty, spicy, and uplifting (though lets just say I never want to hear another female called queen ever again!). The body image message was utterly uplifting and positive at the end and it was just overall encouraging to see how it played out through the pages.

The spice was also rather delicious - the praise kink was very much on point and spicy! The ending of the book was really one I wish never existed, and although it was well written (let's face it - Kay has a gorgeous writing style as her prose is just magical) it was just so... gross (for lack of better word) and was really a gray area for me.

However, I am glad I stuck with the book - it was healing in quite a few ways for me as a woman that has always struggled with her body image. This also has truly made me want to explore having a boudoir photoshoot - I think it would be incredibly empowering!

Favorite Quote's:

“Avery, listen to me. You’re beautiful. You’re worthy. Don’t you dare let any man treat you like garbage. Don’t let any man tell you you’re lacking. If he doesn’t see you as sexy, he’s not using his eyes. But confidence starts with you. A man is going to treat you how you treat yourself. So please, for the love of God, act like a fucking queen.”

“Men need to be more careful with the women they love.” He tilts his head, his expression full of pity. “They have no idea the damage they can do.” (Oh - how I feel this. Deeply. In my soul)

“Apologizing about your body is ridiculous. Please don’t ever do that for me or for anyone else, okay?” (I may or may not have shed a tear reading this... okay, I did, because these words are so powerful and they truly need to be said more often.)
emotional hopeful inspiring medium-paced
Plot or Character Driven: Character
Strong character development: Yes
Loveable characters: Yes
Diverse cast of characters: Complicated
Flaws of characters a main focus: Complicated

This book was nothing short of beautiful, I loved the characters and I cannot help but feel so grateful to the author for writing a book that truly changes a narrative that never should have been written in the first place. 

This book reminds readers that they are perfect no matter what and they are worthy. No one should settled for less and they shouldn't be content with how they are treated if it's poorly *regaurdless of how much you may love them, it doesn't give them a free pass*

Finn and Avery's relationship was built on trust, love and support. It was symbiotic, and that is part of what I loved so much about this book.

To avoid getting philosophical *and to avoid bursting into tears* I really truly 100% believe you should read this book. It was amazing and though it's a steamy hot beatiful romance it also speaks major FACTS and puts things into perspective 🩷🩷🩷 love this book I absolutely recommend it 🥰