Reviews tagging 'Animal cruelty'

Fan Service (Afterlight Edition) by Rosie Danan

14 reviews

funny 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: Yes

This was just fun, idk I like Rosie's silly plotlines. Like a guy who plays a werewolf on TV suddenly turns into one and his number one fan is the only person who can figure out how to help him? He stands up to her childhood (and honestly adult) bully? AND SHE'S A BISEXUAL VEGAN? Yeah I was sat.

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adventurous emotional funny hopeful mysterious tense 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

Expand filter menu Content Warnings
adventurous 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

A fun, swoon-worthy (and satisfyingly sexy) love letter to fandoms—and fanfic culture—that as a former fanfic girlie, I couldn’t help but thoroughly devour! 

Rosie Danan’s newest Rom-Com; full of AO3 meta references, a sharply witty protagonist in super fan, Alex, and a feast of popular plot tropes to sink your proverbial claws into (forced proximity, black cat/golden retriever, reluctant allies,etc.) Is definitely a read that fans of paranormal shows like Buffy or Teen Wolf (or anyone in need of a feel good, werewolf romance) should consider adding to their TBRs.

I have to say, I loved the lore surrounding long standing TV Show, The Arcane Files (TAF), and the strange occurrences the show’s lead, Devin is currently experiencing. With a fan compiled archive for research and it’s moderator acting as Devin’s personal consultant, we really get a glimpse behind the scenes of life on the receiving end of fan culture as well as the fandom as a whole. 

Which really highlighted the symbiotic relationship between a show and its fans, and validating the importance of fans in ensuring success —without glossing over the negative aspects that arise as a result. 

But, it was the scorchingly intense chemistry between Alex and Devin, and the emotional struggles they each face (regarding intimacy, identity and their own self worth) that really made this a stand out read for me. Plus their witty interactions were soo entertaining.

I adored Alex, who despite being such a witty, compassionate and fiercely devoted person. Is still emotionally guarded, in fear of rejection and losing the people she loves most. But, her journey to finally overcome those fears (and embrace the possibilities IRL relationships can create) was phenomenal.

The same for Devin’s journey. Which sees our poster boy for disillusioned celebrity finally realise his value isn’t tied to fame or success but to his own self acceptance—and the connections he chooses to make along the way. 

Overall, an enjoyable, uplifting, and delightfully spicy read that I cannot recommend enough. Though do check TWs. 

Also thanks to Little, Brown Book Group UK/ Piatkus for the PB copy. 

Expand filter menu Content Warnings
emotional funny inspiring lighthearted medium-paced
Plot or Character Driven: Character
Strong character development: Yes
Loveable characters: Complicated
Diverse cast of characters: No
Flaws of characters a main focus: Yes

Big thank you to NetGalley and Berkley for an advanced digital copy of Fan Service in exchange for a fair and honest review!

Rating:  ★ 3.75
Pub Date: 11 March 2025

“‘I’d like to spend the rest of my life howling at your door.’”

For starters, I definitely enjoyed Fan Service more than Rosie Danan’s previous book Do Your Worst. I connected with the female main character Alex a lot more than I expected. As a former Tumblr diehard, I understood the niches of fandom, even if I wasn’t in ones for Supernatural or Teen Wolf, which Devin’s show is definitely inspired by.

That being said, this is the type of romance book I love– the ones with silly setups that you don’t have to take too seriously. Oh, the actor from your favorite TV show you’ve had a crush on since you were a teen is turning into a werewolf and needs your help? And he’s super horny? Amazing! Give me 300 pages of this.

While I did struggle with the beginning half of this book, the rest made up for it. I thought Devin was an asshole, and Alex was a y/n (being hated by her town for no reason, calling the grown men harassing her “jocks,” etc.) but then I realized– this reads like fanfic! It’s okay to let it be iffy! That’s the fun of it all. 

Now I’m not trying to say Danan writes like bad fanfic– far from it. Her writing style always pulls me in and helps me feel for the characters, and she gives us banger lines like “I’m not going to–’ he lowered his voice– ‘“transform” in this Dunkin’ Donuts.’”

Lastly—everyone say thank you Rosie Danan for giving us a REAL WEREWOLF! I swear, some romance books say the character is a werewolf but it’s just occasional growling and fated mates tropes. Devin is a FERAL wolf and it was so fun. Kinda makes me want Danan to try her hand at a vampire romance now. 

Overall, it was what I expected. A cute, entertaining, smutty book that I got lost in. 



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