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btwnprintedpgs's review against another edition
adventurous
emotional
inspiring
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? It's complicated
2.0
This book was a miss for me. The pacing, especially, was chaotic and this was one of those books where you're expecting one thing, and it's totally different in not-the-best way.
The whole hook of this story is this game show, and yet it doesn't actually start until around 60% in and only takes up maybe 10% of this book. Instead, the book is more of a self-discovery/grief journey for Holden. Not the worst thing - I actually really liked his character arc and how he actually worked on himself - but, since I was sold something totally different, my reading experience was definitely affected, especially since there was so much build up and emotions around this game show. It was such a small sliver of the book, it was almost insignificant.
Leo was fun and relaxed and I appreciated his and Holden's connection. I think there could've been a bit more relationship development, and, again, the pacing of their relationship was very rough (and very much a cold bucket of water multiple times), and it felt choppy. It was like the book was edging us, but the climax was their relationship, you know? Maybe? I don't know. It just wasn't for me.
I think this book could be something solid, but in its current form there's just something missing. Additionally, the game show was such a big selling point for me that the small part of the story it took up just wasn't satisfying. Point for great character development, especially at the end, but not enough for me to say this was an entirely enjoyable read.
TW: grief, sexual content; mentions death of parent, infidelity, cancer, homophobia
Plot: 2.5/5
Characters: 4/5
World Building: 1/5
Writing: 3/5
Pacing: 1/5
Overall: 2/5
eARC gifted via NetGalley by Afterglow Books by Harlequin in exchange for an honest review.
The whole hook of this story is this game show, and yet it doesn't actually start until around 60% in and only takes up maybe 10% of this book. Instead, the book is more of a self-discovery/grief journey for Holden. Not the worst thing - I actually really liked his character arc and how he actually worked on himself - but, since I was sold something totally different, my reading experience was definitely affected, especially since there was so much build up and emotions around this game show. It was such a small sliver of the book, it was almost insignificant.
Leo was fun and relaxed and I appreciated his and Holden's connection. I think there could've been a bit more relationship development, and, again, the pacing of their relationship was very rough (and very much a cold bucket of water multiple times), and it felt choppy. It was like the book was edging us, but the climax was their relationship, you know? Maybe? I don't know. It just wasn't for me.
I think this book could be something solid, but in its current form there's just something missing. Additionally, the game show was such a big selling point for me that the small part of the story it took up just wasn't satisfying. Point for great character development, especially at the end, but not enough for me to say this was an entirely enjoyable read.
TW: grief, sexual content; mentions death of parent, infidelity, cancer, homophobia
Plot: 2.5/5
Characters: 4/5
World Building: 1/5
Writing: 3/5
Pacing: 1/5
Overall: 2/5
eARC gifted via NetGalley by Afterglow Books by Harlequin in exchange for an honest review.
Content Warnings
Graphic: Grief and Sexual content
Minor: Cancer, Homophobia, Death of parent, and Infidelity
fanboyriot's review against another edition
emotional
funny
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
Read For:
Fake Dating
Light Dom/sub
Strangers to Lovers
Game Show/Reality TV
Insta-Love (but done right)
This book was so much better than I was thinking it would be. Everything was written so nicely. The characters, the relationships, the drama, the plot, it was all so entertaining and enjoyable.
Fake date to get on a game show then realize you caught feelings? Love this idea and how it all played out. It was wholesome, cute, funny, spicy, and just amusing to read.
Holden and Leo have such a great dynamic. I loved their chemistry and how they helped each other. Finding each other when life was less than the best. The self healing was also nice to see. Holden dealing with the grief of losing his mother and getting rid of his ghost-like mindset, and becoming himself again was written really nicely. This book was amazing!
Thank you to the author, NetGalley, and HARLEQUIN - Romance, for this eARC of this book.
Rating: ★ ★ ★ ★ ★ (5/5)
Release Date: 23, January 2024
POV: First Person
Spice: 🌶️🌶️🌶️🌶️
Rep: MlM, Gay MC, Gay Korean-American LI
Content Warnings
Graphic: Grief
Moderate: Cursing and Sexual content
Minor: Cancer, Toxic relationship, Death, Death of parent, and Terminal illness
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