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paiges_on_pages's review
funny
hopeful
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
4.75
There is a new niche, and that niche is Reality Show Romance Novels.
It’s hard to blame these authors for creating this eclectic sub-genre. Reality shows include drama, suspense, and occasionally romance on their own, so it’s truly a match made in heaven! Everyone loves wondering what’s really behind the scenes, and these stories give you a glimpse of the many possibilities.
The newest addition to the pile is Love & Other Disasters, by Anita Kelly. Dahlia Woodson and London Parker are cast on the hit show Chef’s Special to take a step in a new direction. For Dahlia, that’s discovering who she is outside of her former marriage, a romance that started in high school. On the other bench, London is the first non-binary contestant on the National cooking competition. While comfortable with this decision, they are on a journey to gain the confidence to stand up to the trolls online and in their family (even if that means ignoring social media for the time being.) Stuck on set and in the same hotel, London and Dahlia decide to stick together and explore the Pacific Coast while eliminating the other contestants. Perhaps they’ll explore something else along the way, too…
This novel was such a delight to read! While it does deal with some darker concepts, such as family acceptance and transphobia, the connection between the two main characters was strong, and it brought tons fun and adventure to the story.
However, just a small warning: Love & Other Disasters is very spicy, and this is coming from someone who reads a lot of romance novels!Keep some ice packs on hand, because they may be needed.
The only reason I docked it 1/4 of a star was for a bit of a biased reason. In the first chapter, Dahlia notes she is from a small East Coast town called New Bedford… which just so happens to be where my family is from. While this minute detail is fine for 99% of other readers, it took me out of the story all three times it was mentioned, especially since I was hoping it would have been revealed she is Cape Verdean or Portuguese, as most families from New Bedford. (Not quite a spoiler alert, but Dahlia is revealed to be Italian. One day, I will finally come across a book with a Cape Verdean character!)
This was my January choice for Book of the Month, and it may be one of my favorite choices yet, and definitely my favorite January read. I would definitely recommend this novel to anyone looking for a juicy LGBTQ romance, especially if they’re someone who can’t stop watching Food Network!
Content Warnings
Graphic: Sexual content and Transphobia
Moderate: Biphobia and Alcohol
Minor: Blood
bookcrushin's review
emotional
funny
inspiring
lighthearted
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
5.0
Okay I’m all in on the cute queer adult romances! Keep publishing these queer romances!! This one doesn’t releases until 2022 but seriously put it on your TBR! A pansexual nonbinary cooking show contestant falling for another queer contestant brings the hotness, the drama, and the food!
Content Warnings
Graphic: Transphobia and Biphobia
Moderate: Alcohol, Bullying, and Sexual content
reference to using wrong pronouns, misgendering, but doesn't actually happen on page.
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