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3.91 AVERAGE
3.91 AVERAGE
hopeful
lighthearted
medium-paced
challenging
hopeful
reflective
medium-paced
Plot or Character Driven:
Character
Strong character development:
Yes
Loveable characters:
No
Diverse cast of characters:
Yes
Flaws of characters a main focus:
Yes
Plot or Character Driven:
Character
Strong character development:
Yes
Diverse cast of characters:
No
Flaws of characters a main focus:
Yes
I feel like I have no interest in the book I think I’m a bit too old to read it and just can’t connect
Thanks to Netgalley for an eARC in exchange for an honest review!
A fun premise along the lines of Nothing Can Possibly Go Wrong, My Mechanical Romance fulfilled its promise of being a fun, light rom-com while somewhat missing the mark with its emphasis on representation.
Though they went a bit fast for my taste, the interactions between Teo and Bel made for some fun and enjoyable romance with some very cute scenes here and there.
The overall characterization of both Teo and (especially) Bel did leave something to be desired. Parts of their personalities would be emphasized in some scenes and then never mentioned again. I kept waiting for resolution on what several exchanges between them hinted at, but that resolution never came, the book instead opting to ignore areas of potential conflict in favor of a smooth, romantic conclusion. The family situations of both Teo and Bel had the potential to add a lot to these characters and the story overall, but very little of it overall was resolved or even addressed (especially in Teo’s case).
The characterization of the side characters also left something to be desired. Dash had some depth, with bits of conversations between him and Bel or Teo showing that he was in fact something more than a samosa-munching fiend, but particularly towards the end of the book he took on the role of “blank slate supportive friend,” and nothing more. The situation with Jamie was similar.
But let’s talk about the STEM-girl representation. All of the familiar beats were there: Initially sexist boys’ club that sees the light when they realize how talented Bel is, the one other girl in the club acting as an antagonist to Bel (at first), the haters at robotics competitions being swiftly shown just how wrong they are. It was all extremely on the nose. But what I really, really took issue with was Neelam's characterization and how she interacted with others. I understand that part of the point of Neelam’s harshness was to contrast her with Bel and show Bel to be “naive” and not understanding how women are perceived in STEM fields. But to set her up as an antagonist to Bel with the logic being that Neelam feels resentful because Bel didn’t “earn her way through the boys club” perpetuates a genuinely harmful and outdated idea.
Overall, ⅗ stars for the fun, light romance and rather disappointing representation.
A fun premise along the lines of Nothing Can Possibly Go Wrong, My Mechanical Romance fulfilled its promise of being a fun, light rom-com while somewhat missing the mark with its emphasis on representation.
Though they went a bit fast for my taste, the interactions between Teo and Bel made for some fun and enjoyable romance with some very cute scenes here and there.
The overall characterization of both Teo and (especially) Bel did leave something to be desired. Parts of their personalities would be emphasized in some scenes and then never mentioned again. I kept waiting for resolution on what several exchanges between them hinted at, but that resolution never came, the book instead opting to ignore areas of potential conflict in favor of a smooth, romantic conclusion. The family situations of both Teo and Bel had the potential to add a lot to these characters and the story overall, but very little of it overall was resolved or even addressed (especially in Teo’s case).
The characterization of the side characters also left something to be desired. Dash had some depth, with bits of conversations between him and Bel or Teo showing that he was in fact something more than a samosa-munching fiend, but particularly towards the end of the book he took on the role of “blank slate supportive friend,” and nothing more. The situation with Jamie was similar.
But let’s talk about the STEM-girl representation. All of the familiar beats were there: Initially sexist boys’ club that sees the light when they realize how talented Bel is, the one other girl in the club acting as an antagonist to Bel (at first), the haters at robotics competitions being swiftly shown just how wrong they are. It was all extremely on the nose. But what I really, really took issue with was Neelam's characterization and how she interacted with others. I understand that part of the point of Neelam’s harshness was to contrast her with Bel and show Bel to be “naive” and not understanding how women are perceived in STEM fields. But to set her up as an antagonist to Bel with the logic being that Neelam feels resentful because Bel didn’t “earn her way through the boys club” perpetuates a genuinely harmful and outdated idea.
Overall, ⅗ stars for the fun, light romance and rather disappointing representation.
inspiring
lighthearted
relaxing
medium-paced
this book is so freaking cute
⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
I really enjoyed this contemporary romance
The robotic setting was really unique and quirky. I also liked how the author presented gender discrimination and minority within STEM, as girls don’t typically go towards those kind of careers.
The characters were also really well presented. The dynamics between Bel and Teo were great as well. And how they suffered with real problems that people their ages experience. It was very realistic to me. Their romance also had a bit of slow burn in it and I really liked it.
Can’t wait to see if the author is gonna be coming out with any more contemporary romances, if so I will definitely be picking them up. And now I will be getting to her fantasy novel, The Atlas Six, at some point
Would definitely recommend if you like robots, quirky female characters, funny dynamics and a good realistic romance
I really enjoyed this contemporary romance
The robotic setting was really unique and quirky. I also liked how the author presented gender discrimination and minority within STEM, as girls don’t typically go towards those kind of careers.
The characters were also really well presented. The dynamics between Bel and Teo were great as well. And how they suffered with real problems that people their ages experience. It was very realistic to me. Their romance also had a bit of slow burn in it and I really liked it.
Can’t wait to see if the author is gonna be coming out with any more contemporary romances, if so I will definitely be picking them up. And now I will be getting to her fantasy novel, The Atlas Six, at some point
Would definitely recommend if you like robots, quirky female characters, funny dynamics and a good realistic romance
emotional
funny
lighthearted
reflective
fast-paced
Plot or Character Driven:
A mix
Strong character development:
Yes
Diverse cast of characters:
Yes
Flaws of characters a main focus:
No
emotional
hopeful
inspiring
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