Reviews

Lingus by Mariana Zapata

Only show reviews with written explanations

victoriadiesattheend's review against another edition

2.0

You can 5000% tell this was written in 2012. For a rom-com about falling in love with a porn star, it’s extremely problematic. The main character refers to women as bitches constantly, calls fans of her love interest “gonorhea-infested,” and you get to be in her head while she judges women’s outfits and age. It had the opportunity to be a sex-positive book but instead she judged pornstars constantly (but watching porn was praised!). The only pornstar she didn’t judge was her best friend “who only did girl-on-girl scenes” so for some reason it was different????? I loved the love interest in this book so I’m so sad it was so problematic. Also the “comedy” in this book was picking wedgies, farting, “honking” boobs, etc. That is just not knee-slapping comedy TO ME ….. but okay.

cssims91's review against another edition

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funny lighthearted 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

michellebasile's review against another edition

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3.0

It was a cute story. I just (personally) couldn’t get over his “accountant” job.

emilysedlacek's review against another edition

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emotional funny lighthearted medium-paced

Plot- or character-driven? Character
Strong character development? No
Loveable characters? It's complicated
Diverse cast of characters? No
Flaws of characters a main focus? No

2.0

kzimm2024's review against another edition

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4.0

Well, I waited to read this one until it was free on KU since I did not love the whole porn star angle and its available now if any of you were waiting as well. Its a cute story. I should have known MZ would write a fun story.

Meeting at a porn convention? Falling for a porn star? Dealing with the emotions from all that? Dealt with in a good way but also in a kind of obvious way too- spoiler alert- the actors involved would need to retire so they can have a normal life.

But its the build-up in their first meetings that sells it for me:
"I started laughing like an idiot and then snorted too, like a full-blown hog for freak’s sake. We both laughed so hard at each other for our mirrored noises that he snorted again even louder and I followed as well. The porn con had officially become a farm."

The pace made this relationship believable between Kat and Tristan. Not insta like some stories, but when have any MZ stories been that? They always unfold in an easy way, patiently letting the characters move at their own pace.

One issue not addressed- Tristan never explained why he got into porn acting in the first place. He inherited money from a passing relative that explains a house and expensive car. It was alluded to that he had lots of schooling debt but the whole issue was not explained. Was it just because of Calum?

I do have to say, I was ready for Tristan to make his move at 65% and wrap this puppy up but it all was worth it in the end. Smoking. And I loved her terrible, loving, outlandish friends.