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camillatd's review
emotional
funny
lighthearted
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? It's complicated
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? It's complicated
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
3.5
This was a cute, fluffy queer romcom. It wasn't anything too special for me, personally, but I did really appreciate the representation. I found the characters endearing, and their chemistry was compelling, but the plot was pretty structurally predictable.
Graphic: Sexual content and Transphobia
Moderate: Alcohol, Homophobia, Dysphoria, and Panic attacks/disorders
imstephtacular's review
emotional
hopeful
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? Yes
4.25
Graphic: Sexual content
Moderate: Transphobia and Classism
Minor: Cursing, Emotional abuse, Grief, Homophobia, Medical content, Mental illness, Panic attacks/disorders, Sexism, and Misogyny
jazhandz's review against another edition
emotional
hopeful
lighthearted
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Strong character development? No
- Diverse cast of characters? No
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
3.75
Graphic: Sexual content and Transphobia
Minor: Panic attacks/disorders
ladysadiereads's review
emotional
funny
hopeful
reflective
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
5.0
Making my thoughts in any way coherent about the brilliance of this story is incredibly difficult. I was somewhat intimidated on page one - I have never watched a cooking show and was worried I wouldn’t be as invested because of this - but the absolutely gorgeous characterization of both London and Dahlia is amazing. London is the best kind of giant, ginger, grump that I love to read. They are - literally and figuratively - bowled over by Dahlia and have no idea what to do with that. While I am cis and I cannot speak to London’s nonbinary representation - I loved that this book is a mainstream romance with a nonbinary romantic lead! London’s deeply personal journey of owning not only their sexuality - they are pansexual - but also their path to learning to navigate the world and have to defend their nonbinary status on a constant basis is a deeply pertinent and beautiful story to read. Dahlia is a brilliant lead - she is unsure of herself but also hilarious, and warm, and kind, and unbelievably strong. I love that she learned to cook for herself as a way to help herself heal. As someone who is straight passing and came out later in life - Dahlia’s queerness hit home so deeply for me too! In between, there are searing kisses, delicious food descriptions, and so much more. I honestly loved this book and cannot wait to read it again.
TL/DR Review
Stars: Five Blazing Brilliant Bright Stars
Steam: multiple sexual scenes, with a build in intimacy, no overt kink but one semi-public sexual scene
Tropes: grumpy/ sunshine, competence kink, cooking show competition, life after divorce, later in life coming of age
For Fans Of: Adriana Herrera and Roan Parrish
Theme Song: The Way I Tend to Be by Frank Turner
Subgenre: Contemporary/ Queer
CW/ TW: transphobia on the page, some body dysmorphia, coming out, toxic family dynamics
Thank you to the author and publisher for my complimentary copy in exchange for an honest review.
TL/DR Review
Stars: Five Blazing Brilliant Bright Stars
Steam: multiple sexual scenes, with a build in intimacy, no overt kink but one semi-public sexual scene
Tropes: grumpy/ sunshine, competence kink, cooking show competition, life after divorce, later in life coming of age
For Fans Of: Adriana Herrera and Roan Parrish
Theme Song: The Way I Tend to Be by Frank Turner
Subgenre: Contemporary/ Queer
CW/ TW: transphobia on the page, some body dysmorphia, coming out, toxic family dynamics
Thank you to the author and publisher for my complimentary copy in exchange for an honest review.
Graphic: Transphobia
Moderate: Misogyny and Panic attacks/disorders
snowydaze's review
emotional
funny
hopeful
lighthearted
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? Yes
4.0
I received an eARC of this book from NetGalley.
Overall I enjoyed the book, the characters were lovable at times but there seemed to be some things glossed over. I loved London however most of their character points seem to revolve around dealing with transphobia and although I am very glad the hateful comments were not actually mentioned in the book, I found London to be lacking in comparison to Dahlia. Their differences of economic status isn't discussed even though it does create problems. Additionally Dahlia seems to get away with a lot in terms of being rude at times. The story also plays into the get with a rich person and all your problems dissappear trope which is sorta problematic.
Otherwise the story was cute and satisfying to read.
Overall I enjoyed the book, the characters were lovable at times but there seemed to be some things glossed over. I loved London however most of their character points seem to revolve around dealing with transphobia and although I am very glad the hateful comments were not actually mentioned in the book, I found London to be lacking in comparison to Dahlia. Their differences of economic status isn't discussed even though it does create problems. Additionally Dahlia seems to get away with a lot in terms of being rude at times. The story also plays into the get with a rich person and all your problems dissappear trope which is sorta problematic.
Otherwise the story was cute and satisfying to read.
Moderate: Transphobia, Alcohol, Cursing, Dysphoria, Grief, Homophobia, and Panic attacks/disorders
Minor: Blood
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