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caseythereader'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? No
4.25
- Jasmine Guillory's books get better and better with each release. In her early books I found the dialogue quite stilted, but now everything flows and the people and their conversations feel real.
- I loved the slight twist on the fake dating trope here - they were sleeping together and maybe dating, and then turned it into publicly fake dating, and I'm sure you know the drill from there.
- Anna and Ben were both just such sweet and lovely people. This is one to pick up when you need something gentle.
- Along with that, though, are some good discussions about anxiety and about being a famous fat Black person.
- I loved the slight twist on the fake dating trope here - they were sleeping together and maybe dating, and then turned it into publicly fake dating, and I'm sure you know the drill from there.
- Anna and Ben were both just such sweet and lovely people. This is one to pick up when you need something gentle.
- Along with that, though, are some good discussions about anxiety and about being a famous fat Black person.
Content Warnings
Graphic: Abandonment, Alcohol, Body shaming, Cursing, Fatphobia, Mental illness, Panic attacks/disorders, and Sexual content
Moderate: Racism
allisonwonderlandreads's review against another edition
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
3.0
This love story is such a Guillory Whirlwind. There are repressed feelings, stolen weekends, and a deep appreciation for food-- all infectious qualities in a book. It stars Ben, emotionally unavailable playboy and genuine gentleman, and Anna, an anxious actress trying to climb back to normalcy and success after a difficult year, mental health-wise. Their fling becomes a fake relationship when the positive press can be put towards solidifying Anna's chances at an Oscar-worthy role.
There was a lot to enjoy in this fluffy romance. I enjoyed all the sneaking around to hide Anna from the paparazzi, especially a certain contortionist suitcase scene. I also stan the open conversations and respect between our two lovebirds. Anna was a great heroine; she's seeking perfection in a profession (a whole world, actually) where being fat and being Black set her at unfair disadvantage. She's coming to terms with seeing the progress in her life and not judging herself for needing help or for prioritizing her own well-being. The story is a rallying cry for therapy and for leaning on each other.
It was all a bit too fast and furious for my personal taste, but I think the pacing suited the characters. Also, the banter didn't leave me either swoony or laughing out loud, which are my preferred outcomes. However, I liked all the ideas in this story, and I thought both leads were genuinely excellent people. I think that fans of the author will find that this latest installment does not disappoint.
There was a lot to enjoy in this fluffy romance. I enjoyed all the sneaking around to hide Anna from the paparazzi, especially a certain contortionist suitcase scene. I also stan the open conversations and respect between our two lovebirds. Anna was a great heroine; she's seeking perfection in a profession (a whole world, actually) where being fat and being Black set her at unfair disadvantage. She's coming to terms with seeing the progress in her life and not judging herself for needing help or for prioritizing her own well-being. The story is a rallying cry for therapy and for leaning on each other.
It was all a bit too fast and furious for my personal taste, but I think the pacing suited the characters. Also, the banter didn't leave me either swoony or laughing out loud, which are my preferred outcomes. However, I liked all the ideas in this story, and I thought both leads were genuinely excellent people. I think that fans of the author will find that this latest installment does not disappoint.
Content Warnings
Graphic: Mental illness, Panic attacks/disorders, and Sexual content
Moderate: Abandonment, Body shaming, Fatphobia, Mental illness, and Racism
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