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kayladaila's review against another edition
funny
hopeful
lighthearted
fast-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Strong character development? No
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? It's complicated
- Flaws of characters a main focus? No
4.0
Content Warnings
Graphic: Death of parent
Moderate: Body shaming, Bullying, and Death
Minor: Alcohol, Car accident, Fatphobia, Grief, and Misogyny
amandalorianxo's review against another edition
hopeful
inspiring
lighthearted
reflective
fast-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Plot
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? It's complicated
- Diverse cast of characters? No
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
2.75
If the title didn’t make it obvious enough - this is a Cinderella retelling but make it modern day bachelor esque about an early twenties plus sized female MC. I did appreciate the little Disney nods when it came to the names of the characters. I just wish Cindy’s motive for being on the show had been consistent. This was written better than Dumplin and I like when authors take time to grow & improve on their writing. I do feel some aspects of the plot could have been strengthened but overall not a bad book.
Content Warnings
Moderate: Death, Death of parent, Fatphobia, and Grief
Minor: Cancer
kaysokaybookclub's review against another edition
emotional
funny
lighthearted
relaxing
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
5.0
Content Warnings
Moderate: Death of parent, Death, Fatphobia, and Grief
Minor: Body shaming, Car accident, and Terminal illness
gmoneyyyyy's review against another edition
adventurous
emotional
hopeful
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? No
5.0
Content Warnings
Graphic: Fatphobia and Death
skudiklier's review against another edition
emotional
hopeful
lighthearted
reflective
fast-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? No
4.75
I loved this book! I haven't read a contemporary romance in a while, and I was honestly a little hesitant, as I've been tired of the YA ones I used to read a lot. But I genuinely couldn't put this book down. I started and finished it in the same day (and may have ignored some responsibilities in the process...). I had my ups and downs with how I felt about it, but overall the story kept me guessing and I was really happy with it.
As someone who doesn't watch reality TV or shows like The Bachelor, I wasn't sure how I'd feel about that part of the romance. But the book keeps it very real in terms of how much is fake and how much Cindy is surprised by, etc. I also loved all the representation in terms of queer, gender non-conforming, and characters of color. It felt intentional without feeling forced, and definitely added to the story.
Other aspects I loved, in no particular order: the way the book treats Cindy's fatness, the good but realistic relationships Cindy has with her step-family, the way the "why didn't they just say how they felt" moments had realistic explanations that kept me from feeling too frustrated at the characters. And the little Cinderella nods and details were very clear without being too on-the-nose.
I'm really grateful I had the chance to read this book! I want to read more of Julie Murphy's work (and maybe some more romance novels) as soon as i can.
*Thank you to NetGalley and Disney-Hyperion for the chance to review this ARC.*
As someone who doesn't watch reality TV or shows like The Bachelor, I wasn't sure how I'd feel about that part of the romance. But the book keeps it very real in terms of how much is fake and how much Cindy is surprised by, etc. I also loved all the representation in terms of queer, gender non-conforming, and characters of color. It felt intentional without feeling forced, and definitely added to the story.
Other aspects I loved, in no particular order: the way the book treats Cindy's fatness, the good but realistic relationships Cindy has with her step-family, the way the "why didn't they just say how they felt" moments had realistic explanations that kept me from feeling too frustrated at the characters. And the little Cinderella nods and details were very clear without being too on-the-nose.
I'm really grateful I had the chance to read this book! I want to read more of Julie Murphy's work (and maybe some more romance novels) as soon as i can.
*Thank you to NetGalley and Disney-Hyperion for the chance to review this ARC.*
Content Warnings
Graphic: Death, Death of parent, and Grief
Moderate: Fatphobia
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