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ali1311's review against another edition
funny
lighthearted
slow-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Strong character development? It's complicated
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
2.5
This book was honestly a bit disappointing for me! There was no overarching conflict, just a handful of micro-conflicts that were easily resolved, which made for a bit of a boring read overall. The characters were quite funny, so props for that. But overall, I was dragging my feet to listen to this audiobook and then I just sped it up a lot and zoomed through it so that I could finish it. I also felt like the dialogue was weird? No one really talks like that and generally people aren't so good at processing their emotions on the spot, so it was a bit not believable for me a lot of the time. But it was definitely funny and lighthearted, so good if you aren't in the mood for conflict.
Content Warnings
Moderate: Homophobia
lisacanteven's review against another edition
I really loved this book until the church scene. I am healed from my religious trauma, but that doesn't mean I want to read a book with an unrealistic scene inside a church. It almost felt like the author is trying to redeem the church, redeem christianity altogether. I didn't like it. I thought if I could get past that scene the rest would be okay. But then in the next chapter, the other POV is recapping the church scene and is even more Christian-coded. I just didn't want to wait around while low-key being preached to and shown that Christians can be good people. Please, I don't need a Christian redemption arc.
Content Warnings
Graphic: Religious bigotry and Homophobia
kyeruhh's review against another edition
emotional
lighthearted
fast-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Plot
- Strong character development? It's complicated
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? No
3.0
I misunderstood the premise of this book (I thought the MCs were already friends) so admittedly I was a bit confused in the beginning. The plot moved very quickly and the relationship between the characters wasn’t quite insta-love but definitely close to it, which I tend not to be a fan of. I also expected it to be more angsty but it just wasn’t. The characters were pretty emotionally intelligent which, while refreshing, wasn’t the reality TV messiness I was hoping for. That’s said, I liked all of the characters in the book including the extended cast and thought the familial relationships and friendships between them were really sweet.
Content Warnings
Graphic: Sexual content
Minor: Homophobia, Religious bigotry, and Lesbophobia
ainadei's review against another edition
funny
lighthearted
reflective
fast-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Plot
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
3.75
Content Warnings
Moderate: Homophobia
carbs666's review against another edition
emotional
funny
fast-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
4.0
Ok in general the reality show premise is NOT for me but I really enjoyed this book! I felt like it really excellently and sensitively handled the core conflict of this book, which actually comes up quite early (D'Vaugn coming out to her quite religious mother/family and the rockiness surrounding that).
After that point, things are largely lighthearted and entertaining, and the side characters are fully fleshed out, despite the book being fairly tight in terms of length. I actually think the editing of this book was very well done and the structure serves the narrative beautifully.
If you're a reality TV girlie you will probably LOVE this, and if you're not it's still great!
After that point, things are largely lighthearted and entertaining, and the side characters are fully fleshed out, despite the book being fairly tight in terms of length. I actually think the editing of this book was very well done and the structure serves the narrative beautifully.
If you're a reality TV girlie you will probably LOVE this, and if you're not it's still great!
Content Warnings
Graphic: Sexual content
Moderate: Homophobia and Racism
theespressoedition's review against another edition
4.0
Content Warnings
Graphic: Sexual content
Moderate: Homophobia, Toxic relationship, and Racism
jennireadsmaybe's review against another edition
funny
hopeful
inspiring
lighthearted
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? No
The gasp that was gusped at the end yall!!! I throughly enjoyed this one for what it was. I’m a sucker for a TV competition plot and Instant I Do was just the right amount of outrageous and fun.
D’Vaughn coming out on the TV show after a life time of hiding her sexuality from her mom was a gut punch. I enjoyed the conversation regarding a parent not wanting to acknowledge a part of who their kid is while also admitting that they know they have to learn what loving their child looks like now. It’s a coming out story that makes me feel so seen as an adult who still hasn’t come out to their parents. Kris is a flirty, social media influencer who makes it known from the first episode that she is looking for love. D’Vaughn + Kris may not have seemed like the couple the show would root for, but they ended up being so much more than the show.
I loved their relationship. It had all the fun of fake dating (er engagement) with the growth to show just how deeply they cared for each other. They both had to acknowledge if what they felt was enough to last after I do. It was magnificent!
The audiobook is the way to go imho. Rebecca Lee saying preciosa as Kris unlocked something deep inside me. She did a phenomenal job with differentiating their voices. I never felt lost in finding out whose chapter it was. It was also just so fun!
Content Warnings
Graphic: Sexual content
Moderate: Homophobia and Religious bigotry
happyblkhippie's review against another edition
emotional
funny
hopeful
inspiring
lighthearted
relaxing
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Plot
- Strong character development? No
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? No
4.5
OMG! Love love love this one! 😍 A cute Black lesbian love story with a fake dating trope, curvy girl rep, lots of comedy, family dynamics, emotional dialogue and hella spicey 🥵 Leans into some common lesbian stereotypes but does so playfully.
I love that FINALLY there's more Black lesbian love story representation and that this is a fluffy, low drama romance.
I love that FINALLY there's more Black lesbian love story representation and that this is a fluffy, low drama romance.
Content Warnings
Graphic: Sexual content
Moderate: Abandonment, Grief, and Cursing
Minor: Homophobia, Religious bigotry, and Lesbophobia
turtlebrainlibrarian's review against another edition
emotional
funny
lighthearted
fast-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
4.0
“D’Vaughn and Kris have six weeks to plan their dream wedding. Their whole relationship is fake.”
This was a fun romance read with the main focus on a supportive, growing relationship and lovable side characters!
Content Warnings
Moderate: Homophobia, Lesbophobia, and Racism
cjwitch's review against another edition
emotional
funny
lighthearted
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
4.25
This book is an absolute great time! The two main characters are swoon-worthy and, for the most part, their families are an absolute delight. Kris' siblings often had me full on cackling! Everyone is so well fleshed out and well-written.
D'Vaughn's worries about coming out to her religious family are relatable and seeing her face them with Kris by her side was heartwarming. I loved that it wasn't glossed over or easy, but wasn't horrendous and heartbreaking either. Her mom's reaction and D'Vaughn's reaction to that all felt very real.
The only place I wish had gone a bit different was D'Vaugn and Kris' growing feelings for each other. It didn't feel like they truly spent enough off camera time together (at least that we saw) outside of sex scenes. I wish we had gotten a few off camera dates between them to support the developing feelings. I do love how they pushed to communicate with each other and build their relationship though. They were honestly trying so hard and really wanted to fall for each other, which helped suspend some of the disbelief at the speed of it.
Overall, this was a sweet and hilarious book that had me kicking my feet and giggling.
D'Vaughn's worries about coming out to her religious family are relatable and seeing her face them with Kris by her side was heartwarming. I loved that it wasn't glossed over or easy, but wasn't horrendous and heartbreaking either. Her mom's reaction and D'Vaughn's reaction to that all felt very real.
The only place I wish had gone a bit different was D'Vaugn and Kris' growing feelings for each other. It didn't feel like they truly spent enough off camera time together (at least that we saw) outside of sex scenes. I wish we had gotten a few off camera dates between them to support the developing feelings. I do love how they pushed to communicate with each other and build their relationship though. They were honestly trying so hard and really wanted to fall for each other, which helped suspend some of the disbelief at the speed of it.
Overall, this was a sweet and hilarious book that had me kicking my feet and giggling.
Content Warnings
Minor: Religious bigotry and Homophobia