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perpetualpages's review
adventurous
challenging
funny
hopeful
informative
lighthearted
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? Yes
4.0
CWs: Instances of sexism, misogyny, and online harassment; some experiences of xenophobia and homophobia; and discussion of public outing.
Content Warnings
Moderate: Misogyny, Homophobia, Sexism, and Xenophobia
Minor: Outing
ezwolf's review
emotional
funny
inspiring
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? It's complicated
4.0
Hana is an up and coming Korean American actress starring in a new kdrama opposite a kpop idol. When the ratings aren't as good as they had hoped to be, management pushes them into a fake dating scheme to raise ratings, or at least interest. To help boost them even more, Hana's best friend from middle school, Minjee, is cast as her romantic rival on the show, which leads to real feelings among the fake dating, just not for her kpop idol fake boyfriend.
Hana and Minjee's relationship was very cute and I loved their chemistry. The way their friendship turned into feelings and as Hana realized she had actual feelings for Minjee felt very genuine. Bryan was also hilarious as an unintentional/intentional third wheel and even though Hana was annoyed with him sometimes, I found him pretty endearing.
There was great commentary on homophobia being prominent in all kinds of film industry (and how even in America where queer relationships are more tolerated, it's still not great) and how "that's just the way the older generation thinks". The way Lee also discusses the misogyny of dramas and how often times the female characters or love interests are sacrificed for the sake of furthering the male main character's story.
Thank you to Net Galley for making this book available in exchange for an honest review!
Hana and Minjee's relationship was very cute and I loved their chemistry. The way their friendship turned into feelings and as Hana realized she had actual feelings for Minjee felt very genuine. Bryan was also hilarious as an unintentional/intentional third wheel and even though Hana was annoyed with him sometimes, I found him pretty endearing.
There was great commentary on homophobia being prominent in all kinds of film industry (and how even in America where queer relationships are more tolerated, it's still not great) and how "that's just the way the older generation thinks". The way Lee also discusses the misogyny of dramas and how often times the female characters or love interests are sacrificed for the sake of furthering the male main character's story.
Thank you to Net Galley for making this book available in exchange for an honest review!
Content Warnings
Graphic: Homophobia
Moderate: Misogyny
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