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thoranareads's review against another edition
funny
hopeful
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? Yes
4.75
Content Warnings
Minor: Racism
shaipanda's review against another edition
I had very mixed feelings on this one - much more so than on Let’s Talk about Love which is one of my favoritesss.
Anyways I love Joy and Fox but I still can’t decide how I feel about Malcolm exactly - I think I like the way it ends up playing out based on the character development but it’s definitely a book with complex characters and character dynamics
Anyways I love Joy and Fox but I still can’t decide how I feel about Malcolm exactly - I think I like the way it ends up playing out based on the character development but it’s definitely a book with complex characters and character dynamics
Content Warnings
Graphic: Acephobia/Arophobia
Moderate: Racism and Sexual content
alliei's review against another edition
funny
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
5.0
WTF?? CLAIRE KANN?? THANK YOU?? I'M OBSESSED??
The writing style wasn't what I'm used to, but that did not ruin anything for me, AT ALL.
First of all, Joy?? JOY?? I love her so much i want to crie. She's literally my favorite character so far for all my 2022 reads. Her goddamn humor and just her entire existence was *chef's kiss*. I better not see anyone talk sht abt her or i will start a fight.
And omg FOX AASASSADJE. I can't believe I get giddy over him just saying "Hmm" like wtf?? AND GODDAMMIT HE'S SO SWEET.
He made Joy a flower crown that matches her outfit. I REPEAT. HE MADE HER A FLOWER CROWN THAT MATCHES HER OUTFIT.
These characters are just so well-written idk what to do. Nobody can ruin this for me. The ace rep was perfect, the fact that it was explained and shown through Joy and Malcolm that it's a spectrum was definitely a touch that I appreciated. Will definitely check out the author's other works. 💗
The writing style wasn't what I'm used to, but that did not ruin anything for me, AT ALL.
First of all, Joy?? JOY?? I love her so much i want to crie. She's literally my favorite character so far for all my 2022 reads. Her goddamn humor and just her entire existence was *chef's kiss*. I better not see anyone talk sht abt her or i will start a fight.
And omg FOX AASASSADJE. I can't believe I get giddy over him just saying "Hmm" like wtf?? AND GODDAMMIT HE'S SO SWEET.
He made Joy a flower crown that matches her outfit. I REPEAT. HE MADE HER A FLOWER CROWN THAT MATCHES HER OUTFIT.
These characters are just so well-written idk what to do. Nobody can ruin this for me. The ace rep was perfect, the fact that it was explained and shown through Joy and Malcolm that it's a spectrum was definitely a touch that I appreciated. Will definitely check out the author's other works. 💗
Content Warnings
Minor: Death, Homophobia, and Racism
amberinpieces's review
challenging
emotional
funny
hopeful
lighthearted
reflective
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? Yes
4.25
Content Warnings
Moderate: Mental illness and Panic attacks/disorders
Minor: Racism, Acephobia/Arophobia, and Alcohol
kylieqrada's review against another edition
emotional
funny
hopeful
inspiring
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? Yes
4.5
4.5 ⭐️s. Vibes. Just... vibes. JOY IS MY BLACK ASEXUAL GODDESS AND SHE MEANS EVERYTHING TO ME. This book is so important and you need to read it. I had minor authorial voice/pacing issues with it, but they pale (PALE I SAY) in comparison to how much I love seeing an adult ace romance. I feel so seen its painful. READ THE THING.
Content Warnings
Graphic: Cursing, Acephobia/Arophobia, and Alcohol
Moderate: Mental illness, Racism, and Sexual content
Minor: Panic attacks/disorders and Car accident
imds's review against another edition
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
4.0
Content Warnings
Graphic: Panic attacks/disorders
Minor: Racism and Acephobia/Arophobia
churrosmom's review against another edition
emotional
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? Yes
4.5
Disclaimer: I received an eARC from the publisher through Netgalley.
4.5 stars. It is pretty hard for me to write a review because this book is really different from anything else I've ever read. This is a beautiful and funny unconventional romance novel about Joy, a Black asexual woman who is hilariously weird. Joy is in love with her best friend since college, Malcolm, a Black asexual man whose exes all felt threatened by Joy and Malcolm's very queer platonic best-friendship. The plot centers around a weekend cabin trip Malcolm plans for Summer, his very very bubbly white friend who he hopes to launch a relationship with using the trip. Malcolm invites Joy along to accompany Summer's ex, Fox. This situation is definitely as emotionally fraught for Joy as it sounds.
The author did a beautiful job of writing such complex characters who struggle and grow in their character arcs and their relationships through the course of this book. I am not ace but I really loved how the author portrayed the nuance and complexity of ace identity through Joy and Malcolm, who have very different relationships with romance and sex. I also absolutely loved Joy--she was witty and weird in the best way. Though she never identified as such, she definitely seems neurodiverse, and I loved how REAL she and her emotional responses felt.
I would definitely suggest readers go into this book with an open mind--it doesn't really follow any of the heteronormative romance tropes or storylines, and I feel like it centers Joy as a character and her character growth above the plot of the romance/relationships. The book only covers the beginning of the actual "romance," but it is done so tenderly and beautifully. Of course, there is still a HFN/HEA.
4.5 stars. It is pretty hard for me to write a review because this book is really different from anything else I've ever read. This is a beautiful and funny unconventional romance novel about Joy, a Black asexual woman who is hilariously weird. Joy is in love with her best friend since college, Malcolm, a Black asexual man whose exes all felt threatened by Joy and Malcolm's very queer platonic best-friendship. The plot centers around a weekend cabin trip Malcolm plans for Summer, his very very bubbly white friend who he hopes to launch a relationship with using the trip. Malcolm invites Joy along to accompany Summer's ex, Fox. This situation is definitely as emotionally fraught for Joy as it sounds.
The author did a beautiful job of writing such complex characters who struggle and grow in their character arcs and their relationships through the course of this book. I am not ace but I really loved how the author portrayed the nuance and complexity of ace identity through Joy and Malcolm, who have very different relationships with romance and sex. I also absolutely loved Joy--she was witty and weird in the best way. Though she never identified as such, she definitely seems neurodiverse, and I loved how REAL she and her emotional responses felt.
I would definitely suggest readers go into this book with an open mind--it doesn't really follow any of the heteronormative romance tropes or storylines, and I feel like it centers Joy as a character and her character growth above the plot of the romance/relationships. The book only covers the beginning of the actual "romance," but it is done so tenderly and beautifully. Of course, there is still a HFN/HEA.
Content Warnings
Graphic: Acephobia/Arophobia and Alcohol
Moderate: Mental illness, Panic attacks/disorders, and Toxic friendship
Minor: Racism
sdupont's review against another edition
funny
lighthearted
medium-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
4.0
This book is for fans of My Best Friend’s Wedding. I really enjoyed this book it was a fun lighthearted read. I couldn’t put it down because I was so curious how the story would unfold. I will say I wish the romance between Joy and Fox was more fleshed out. I was left wanting more but overall I liked the book and would recommend it.
Content Warnings
Graphic: Acephobia/Arophobia
Moderate: Racism
foreverinastory's review
emotional
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? Yes
5.0
Thank you to Netgalley for an eARC in exchange for an honest review. All opinions are my own.
I loved this so much!!! I need more Ace romance books ASAP!
The Romantic Agenda follows thirty year old Joy. She's been in love with her best friend, Malcolm, for as long as she can remember, but he's never returned her feelings. When he tells her he's met the love of his life, Joy is crushed. Reluctantly, she agrees to a weekend getaway with Malcolm, Summer and Fox. Malcolm has asked her to keep an eye on Fox and this has Joy curious. The more time she spends with the grumpy Fox, the more she likes him.
This book was so fun. I loved being in Joy's head. The way her anxiety manifests was so relatable. Her hyperactivity and effervescence were so much fun to read. Joy made me feel energized every time I would pick this book up. It was so easy to fall in love with Joy and enjoy her story.
I loved that there's two asexual characters in this! We get to see that while both Malcolm and Joy are asexual, that means different things for their attitudes towards sex. Many times it's felt like all ace characters are written the same and they shouldn't be because the spectrum is so vast. But I think as more stories are written that center ace characters and voices, we'll truly see the diversity of the community shine through.
This book was so romantic. I loved it so much. The grumpy and sunshine trope is at it's max in this one and it was so good. I loved watching Fox and Joy grow closer. Fox's grumpiness was so much fun to poke at and I loved how Joy would easily get under his skin. Not only did I enjoy the romance, but I really loved the in depth look at Joy and Malcolm's friendship and how it had evolved to be something that was holding both of them back. I'm glad they took the time to figure out what they needed from each other and how they needed to make new boundaries.
Overall, I 1000% loved Claire Kann's adult debut and I hope she writes more adult romances like this one! I can't wait for her next book.
Rep: Black asexual cis female MC with anxiety, Black asexual cis male side character, white cishet female side character, white cishet male side character, BIPOC female side characters.
CWs: Mental illness (anxiety), panic attacks, cursing, acephobia/acemisia, alcohol consumption. Moderate: discussions of sexual content/behavior, racism. Minor: car accident.
I loved this so much!!! I need more Ace romance books ASAP!
The Romantic Agenda follows thirty year old Joy. She's been in love with her best friend, Malcolm, for as long as she can remember, but he's never returned her feelings. When he tells her he's met the love of his life, Joy is crushed. Reluctantly, she agrees to a weekend getaway with Malcolm, Summer and Fox. Malcolm has asked her to keep an eye on Fox and this has Joy curious. The more time she spends with the grumpy Fox, the more she likes him.
This book was so fun. I loved being in Joy's head. The way her anxiety manifests was so relatable. Her hyperactivity and effervescence were so much fun to read. Joy made me feel energized every time I would pick this book up. It was so easy to fall in love with Joy and enjoy her story.
I loved that there's two asexual characters in this! We get to see that while both Malcolm and Joy are asexual, that means different things for their attitudes towards sex. Many times it's felt like all ace characters are written the same and they shouldn't be because the spectrum is so vast. But I think as more stories are written that center ace characters and voices, we'll truly see the diversity of the community shine through.
This book was so romantic. I loved it so much. The grumpy and sunshine trope is at it's max in this one and it was so good. I loved watching Fox and Joy grow closer. Fox's grumpiness was so much fun to poke at and I loved how Joy would easily get under his skin. Not only did I enjoy the romance, but I really loved the in depth look at Joy and Malcolm's friendship and how it had evolved to be something that was holding both of them back. I'm glad they took the time to figure out what they needed from each other and how they needed to make new boundaries.
Overall, I 1000% loved Claire Kann's adult debut and I hope she writes more adult romances like this one! I can't wait for her next book.
Rep: Black asexual cis female MC with anxiety, Black asexual cis male side character, white cishet female side character, white cishet male side character, BIPOC female side characters.
CWs: Mental illness (anxiety), panic attacks, cursing, acephobia/acemisia, alcohol consumption. Moderate: discussions of sexual content/behavior, racism. Minor: car accident.
Content Warnings
Graphic: Cursing, Mental illness, Panic attacks/disorders, Acephobia/Arophobia, and Alcohol
Moderate: Racism and Sexual content
Minor: Car accident
caseythereader's review against another edition
emotional
funny
hopeful
reflective
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
4.25
Thanks to Books Forward PR for the free advance copy of this book.
- Hi, let's have some queer screaming about THE ROMANTIC AGENDA! Two Black asexual characters who experience their asexuality differently! Grumpy/sunshine! Forced proximity! A dash of fake dating! So many feelings!
- I think this book might not be for everyone, given that almost nothing happens except these four characters trying to work through years of tangled thoughts and feelings. But I absolutely loved it. I loved Joy being proud of her identity, and calling people out when they were being ignorant or making her explain herself rather than learn it for themselves.
- I loved that given that Joy doesn't experience physical attraction, this romance novel was less focused on the characters' bodies and more about finding other ways to show your deep feelings to your partner. And I loved how quickly Fox learned how to show his affection while keeping Joy comfortable.
- I'm so glad Kann has made the jump to adult novels. It's tempered the quirkiness of her women characters, but don't worry, the wit and pop culture references are still there.
- Hi, let's have some queer screaming about THE ROMANTIC AGENDA! Two Black asexual characters who experience their asexuality differently! Grumpy/sunshine! Forced proximity! A dash of fake dating! So many feelings!
- I think this book might not be for everyone, given that almost nothing happens except these four characters trying to work through years of tangled thoughts and feelings. But I absolutely loved it. I loved Joy being proud of her identity, and calling people out when they were being ignorant or making her explain herself rather than learn it for themselves.
- I loved that given that Joy doesn't experience physical attraction, this romance novel was less focused on the characters' bodies and more about finding other ways to show your deep feelings to your partner. And I loved how quickly Fox learned how to show his affection while keeping Joy comfortable.
- I'm so glad Kann has made the jump to adult novels. It's tempered the quirkiness of her women characters, but don't worry, the wit and pop culture references are still there.
Content Warnings
Graphic: Cursing, Acephobia/Arophobia, and Alcohol
Moderate: Racism and Sexual content
Minor: Car accident
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