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booknerderika's review
lighthearted
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
5.0
Natalie Caña has done it again!
There was so much representation in this book (Plus-size, LGBTQ+, mental health/trauma, etc) and tropes that I normally don't like but actually enjoyed here (2nd chance romance, single parent romance, "good boy" smut).
Lola is a plus-sized bisexual activist who stands firm in her beliefs and loves everyone so fiercely. Then there is Saint, the caring father and military veteran who feels it's his duty to protect everyone while neglecting his own struggles withanxiety and PTSD.
I appreciate that this was not a pro-war book and that the topic of how marginalized groups are disproportionately affected by military recruitment out of high school was brought up.
Saint wasn't a favorite character for me in the first book, but I have gained a new view of him and want nothing but the best for him.
I am curious to see how things are going to work out for the next couple. Especially with the drama from book 1. I am very much looking forward to book 3.
There was so much representation in this book (Plus-size, LGBTQ+, mental health/trauma, etc) and tropes that I normally don't like but actually enjoyed here (2nd chance romance, single parent romance, "good boy" smut).
Lola is a plus-sized bisexual activist who stands firm in her beliefs and loves everyone so fiercely. Then there is Saint, the caring father and military veteran who feels it's his duty to protect everyone while neglecting his own struggles with
I appreciate that this was not a pro-war book and that the topic of how marginalized groups are disproportionately affected by military recruitment out of high school was brought up.
Saint wasn't a favorite character for me in the first book, but I have gained a new view of him and want nothing but the best for him.
I am curious to see how things are going to work out for the next couple. Especially with the drama from book 1. I am very much looking forward to book 3.
Content Warnings
Graphic: Injury/Injury detail, Medical content, Mental illness, and Panic attacks/disorders
Moderate: Biphobia, Gun violence, Sexual content, Body shaming, Death of parent, Homophobia, and Fatphobia
Minor: Car accident
stephbeaudoin20's review against another edition
emotional
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? It's complicated
5.0
A Dish Best Served Hot by Natalie Caña
This is the second book in a series, but you can definitely read it as a standalone. If you read it on its own, you'll be in the same place as the main character Lola. 😊
Things I am here for:
Lola is a fat woman who loves her body and doesn't dress to hide it 🔥
Diverse main characters: Lola is Puerto Rican and Mexican and Saint is Puerto Rican
Bisexual representation! Lola is bisexual and Saint immediately accepts her sexuality when they are in high school
Lola is an absolute badass, taking on systems and fighting the man
Saint is the absolute best single dad. Doing Rosie's hair and her edges 🥰
Saint listens to others, apologizes when he is wrong, and goes to therapy! No shame in getting help!
Rosie is the perfect addition to the story. I love her so much.
Lola chooses not to have kids. And that is OK. It's also OK for her to fall in love with Rosie and make a family.
This is the second Natalie Caña book I've read. The third act break up happens because of major character flaws with both main characters. They wrestle with these flaws and how to be a better partner. I'm not a fan of the third act breakup, but at least it's for the characters to grow instead of something ridiculous like miscommunication.
This is an arc, and I'm not supposed to quote it. Know that there are so many highlights on my copy. So many good things!
I received an advance review copy for free from NetGalley, and I am leaving this review voluntarily.
This is the second book in a series, but you can definitely read it as a standalone. If you read it on its own, you'll be in the same place as the main character Lola. 😊
Things I am here for:
Lola is a fat woman who loves her body and doesn't dress to hide it 🔥
Diverse main characters: Lola is Puerto Rican and Mexican and Saint is Puerto Rican
Bisexual representation! Lola is bisexual and Saint immediately accepts her sexuality when they are in high school
Lola is an absolute badass, taking on systems and fighting the man
Saint is the absolute best single dad. Doing Rosie's hair and her edges 🥰
Saint listens to others, apologizes when he is wrong, and goes to therapy! No shame in getting help!
Rosie is the perfect addition to the story. I love her so much.
Lola chooses not to have kids. And that is OK. It's also OK for her to fall in love with Rosie and make a family.
This is the second Natalie Caña book I've read. The third act break up happens because of major character flaws with both main characters. They wrestle with these flaws and how to be a better partner. I'm not a fan of the third act breakup, but at least it's for the characters to grow instead of something ridiculous like miscommunication.
This is an arc, and I'm not supposed to quote it. Know that there are so many highlights on my copy. So many good things!
I received an advance review copy for free from NetGalley, and I am leaving this review voluntarily.
Content Warnings
Moderate: Panic attacks/disorders, Racism, Sexism, Death of parent, Fatphobia, Biphobia, Body shaming, Child abuse, Classism, Colonisation, and Cursing
Minor: Grief, Kidnapping, Mental illness, War, Abandonment, Sexual harassment, and Drug use
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