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rainbowbookworm's review against another edition
1.0
I've been debating how to rate this, but I have to give it a one because this is not a retelling of [b:Much Ado About Nothing|12957|Much Ado About Nothing|William Shakespeare|https://i.gr-assets.com/images/S/compressed.photo.goodreads.com/books/1327885569l/12957._SY75_.jpg|2080738]. Sure this Ben and Beatriz bicker, but it is not with the witty wordplay of Benedict and Beatrice who were one-upping each other with their quick retorts. This book is also missing the friends plotting to outsmart Ben and Beatriz so that they realized they belonged together.
However, even if this book had been marketed as inspired by Shakespeare's play, the most I could have given it was a three-star rating. Had that been the case, I would have probably given it a two-star rating because Ben and Beatriz do something incredibly stupid and irresponsible at the end. This one act left a bitter taste in my mouth and will be what I remember when I think of this book whose premise held so much promise.
However, even if this book had been marketed as inspired by Shakespeare's play, the most I could have given it was a three-star rating. Had that been the case, I would have probably given it a two-star rating because Ben and Beatriz do something incredibly stupid and irresponsible at the end. This one act left a bitter taste in my mouth and will be what I remember when I think of this book whose premise held so much promise.
blahlicia's review against another edition
Idk I just kinda ran out of steam about 67% of the way through it. Beatriz constantly assumed the worst of Ben even when it seemed like he was trying to understand her. Also it takes place shortly after the 2016 election which is just a lot to live through again.
blairmcl's review against another edition
emotional
inspiring
reflective
fast-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
5.0
windermerepeak1's review against another edition
This is just not for me. The first person POVs are lowkey cringe and the disconnect/miscommunication between Ben and Beatriz is too much. I already think Beatriz can do way better than this guy, regardless of what his sad backstory is. Also John, the bro, is such a prick that it pisses me off to even look at his name on a page. ðŸ˜
passionatereader78's review
lighthearted
fast-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
4.0
Content Warnings
Graphic: Drug use, Sexual content, and Cursing
Minor: Drug abuse
kkaste's review against another edition
challenging
hopeful
reflective
fast-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Plot
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
5.0
thebookpaiges'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
3.75
hidingincorners's review against another edition
5.0
Gods, what a STUNNING, knockout debut! I love this take on Much Ado. I was blown away by the depth of the characters and the emotional growth and difficult conversations and emotions. This is the most valid interpretation of Claudio I've seen. I never liked how easily things wrapped up for that man after mistreating Hero! There is so much I feel about this book that I find it difficult to articulate just how excellent it is. It's clear Katalina Gamarra has not only a deep understanding of human nature and behavior, but also a masterful understanding of the craft of writing. So good!! ♡♡
ewurabena_reads's review against another edition
fast-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Plot
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? It's complicated
4.0
smalltownbookmom's review against another edition
5.0
I LOVED this debut #ownvoices novel that has so many layers my review can't nearly to justice to all of them.
On the surface this Much ado about you retelling is a new adult, coming of age, interracial, opposites attract, second chance romance between two college students, Ben and Beatriz. After a disastrous one night stand that Ben doesn't remember and Beatriz remembers all too well, these two haven't seen each other for years only to get stuck together for a week at a Cape Cod mansion.
From a wealthy, conservative family, Ben seemingly lives a life of privilege and ease but struggles to fit in or accept his place, whereas Beatriz is a queer (pansexual), biracial woman from much humbler means dealing with life in America under Trump.
What I loved:
- the relationship between bestie cousins Beatriz and Hero
- the strong mental health rep (Beatriz had a past suicide attempt, and Ben suffers from anxiety)
- the value and importance placed on therapy
- that the two MCs bond over a shared love of Jane Austen
- the queer and dyslexia rep
- the steamy open door romance with open communication and consent
- the great author's note included at the end
While this book tackles heavy topics including racism, microaggressions, mental health, addiction, sexual harassment, suicide and childhood abuse/neglect, it is also at the core, a beautiful story about two very different people finding a deep bond over shared interests and empathy.
Great on audio narrated by James Fouhey and Aida Reluzco, this is going to be one of my favorite books of the year. Highly recommended for fans of Honey and Spice by Bolu Babalola, Elle Kennedy or Kennedy Ryan. Much thanks to NetGalley and Graydon House for an early digital copy in exchange for my honest review and Librofm for my ALC!
On the surface this Much ado about you retelling is a new adult, coming of age, interracial, opposites attract, second chance romance between two college students, Ben and Beatriz. After a disastrous one night stand that Ben doesn't remember and Beatriz remembers all too well, these two haven't seen each other for years only to get stuck together for a week at a Cape Cod mansion.
From a wealthy, conservative family, Ben seemingly lives a life of privilege and ease but struggles to fit in or accept his place, whereas Beatriz is a queer (pansexual), biracial woman from much humbler means dealing with life in America under Trump.
What I loved:
- the relationship between bestie cousins Beatriz and Hero
- the strong mental health rep (Beatriz had a past suicide attempt, and Ben suffers from anxiety)
- the value and importance placed on therapy
- that the two MCs bond over a shared love of Jane Austen
- the queer and dyslexia rep
- the steamy open door romance with open communication and consent
- the great author's note included at the end
While this book tackles heavy topics including racism, microaggressions, mental health, addiction, sexual harassment, suicide and childhood abuse/neglect, it is also at the core, a beautiful story about two very different people finding a deep bond over shared interests and empathy.
Great on audio narrated by James Fouhey and Aida Reluzco, this is going to be one of my favorite books of the year. Highly recommended for fans of Honey and Spice by Bolu Babalola, Elle Kennedy or Kennedy Ryan. Much thanks to NetGalley and Graydon House for an early digital copy in exchange for my honest review and Librofm for my ALC!