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smmoe1997's review against another edition
emotional
funny
hopeful
lighthearted
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Strong character development? It's complicated
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? No
- Flaws of characters a main focus? It's complicated
4.25
I really, really, really liked this book, I listened to the audio version which was very well done by the narrator. I found the characters fun and easy to root for, there is angst, of course, but good communication between the main characters, although not always when they should, the characters are very human and flawed and it was great to read their journey towards their authentic selves.
Content Warnings
Moderate: Body shaming, Bullying, Emotional abuse, Fatphobia, and Toxic relationship
kaitlinnoodles's review against another edition
funny
hopeful
lighthearted
slow-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
4.5
A thoroughly entertaining and hilarious read, with a lot of engaging literary layers and pop culture references (plus women in STEM fields!). I love the way the author gives positive, confident agency to fat characters. However, there isn’t a lot of body diversity (or any other kind) outside of the main character.
The narrator for the audiobook is excellent.
The sex scenes are descriptively explicit but, aside from the fanfic blurbs, there are only 2-3 scenes, none with significant kink.
The narrator for the audiobook is excellent.
The sex scenes are descriptively explicit but, aside from the fanfic blurbs, there are only 2-3 scenes, none with significant kink.
Content Warnings
Graphic: Body shaming, Sexual content, Cursing, Emotional abuse, Bullying, and Fatphobia
Minor: Toxic relationship, Toxic friendship, Alcohol, Blood, Injury/Injury detail, Medical content, Misogyny, and Sexual harassment
peachani's review against another edition
emotional
funny
hopeful
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Plot
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? No
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
3.25
Content Warnings
Graphic: Fatphobia, Emotional abuse, and Sexual content
Moderate: Body shaming, Bullying, and Classism
Minor: Eating disorder and Alcohol
marybsimp's review against another edition
adventurous
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? It's complicated
4.0
I don’t know what I expected from this book. I know it’s somewhat popular, but I never saw it on my FYP/Tiktok or anything. I honestly got it because it’s a cartoon cover and was on sale on Audible. But I was blown away! I loved it. I have not seen a plus size FMC represented like this. So many times, the FMC loses weight or hates herself. While body image is a primary factor in this story, it’s done so well. I don’t know if Olivia Dade is plus size herself, but either way, it is portrayed so well. Everything is discussed great. Additionally, I love that there is representation of dyslexia and it isn’t treated like something is wrong or the person is sick. It’s just part of who they are. Some people in the book look down on this person, but I am so glad that the author intentionally avoids and insists that this is not a diminishing factor of a person but just part of who they are. Plus I love the fanfiction of it all! I love that there are small snippets of fanfiction that reflect the current happenings of the scene/part of the book as well. It is third person which took a minute of getting used to, but I still loved it all in all. I think I would’ve given 5 whole stars if it was first person, but that’s pretty much the only flaw I saw.
Content Warnings
Graphic: Ableism, Body shaming, Toxic relationship, Bullying, Fatphobia, and Emotional abuse
citymouse's review against another edition
2.5
No time before my books are due back to the library
Content Warnings
Moderate: Fatphobia, Body shaming, Ableism, and Bullying
sam_maree's review against another edition
funny
lighthearted
fast-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Plot
- Strong character development? It's complicated
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? No
- Flaws of characters a main focus? It's complicated
3.25
A happy ending romance, a definite comfort read. Plus size women with confidence and shy handsome actor. Lovable and funny story and characters.
Content Warnings
Graphic: Fatphobia, Ableism, Body shaming, Bullying, Emotional abuse, Sexism, and Sexual content
Minor: Sexual assault
reading_historical_romance's review against another edition
emotional
funny
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? Yes
4.0
Content Warnings
Moderate: Fatphobia, Cursing, Bullying, Body shaming, Sexual content, and Toxic relationship
Minor: Emotional abuse
bethanycrowepowell's review against another edition
emotional
funny
lighthearted
fast-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? It's complicated
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
4.0
This tropelicious romance marries fandom escapism with intensely felt angst in a sweet (if well-spiced) fast read.
I am a fan of Talia Hibbert's Brown Sisters books, and found a great companion to them in this series, launched by our fabulous fat cosplaying heroine April and dyslexic fake-Hollywood-himbo secret fic-writer Marcus. I enjoyed the fact that even while trope-aware some of the turns in their relationship that are so clearly mapped out by good drama writing were delivered on fully. I'm a sucker for alter egos as romantic rivals, and the angst of having kept a big secret (of the alter ego) was on point.
Good fun, with neat representation that grappled with real world issues in a nuanced way.
I am a fan of Talia Hibbert's Brown Sisters books, and found a great companion to them in this series, launched by our fabulous fat cosplaying heroine April and dyslexic fake-Hollywood-himbo secret fic-writer Marcus. I enjoyed the fact that even while trope-aware some of the turns in their relationship that are so clearly mapped out by good drama writing were delivered on fully. I'm a sucker for alter egos as romantic rivals, and the angst of having kept a big secret (of the alter ego) was on point.
Good fun, with neat representation that grappled with real world issues in a nuanced way.
Content Warnings
Moderate: Fatphobia and Sexual content
Minor: Emotional abuse, Panic attacks/disorders, Bullying, and Body shaming
Our heroine knows she's taking a risk posting her cosplay, but it's never treated as foregone conclusion that she gets online hate for it. She grapples with parental body shaming from a standpoint of having worked hard to accept herself but having to draw boundaries to protect herself. Her partner is always affirming, and she confronts folks in her fandom about fatphobic tropes in their writing to mostly positive responses. This series represents different levels of comfort and acceptance of bodies and neurodiversity, which I appreciate, and while Marcus and April both deal with unaccepting parents, other protagonists deal with different kinds of emotional baggage. I love when an author is thoughtful on a level of their body of work, not just at a book level.merlesstorys's review against another edition
emotional
inspiring
lighthearted
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Strong character development? It's complicated
- Loveable characters? No
- Diverse cast of characters? It's complicated
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
2.0
Honestly, I had big hopes, especially because of April.
But this book was mediocre, if even. The characters were alright and though their storylines were okay, the spark did not reach me.
This is 1) because of the obvious use of Gods if the Gates as a carbon copy of GoT when it comes to fan response. 2), the implementation of librettos and fictional fanfics were not so nicely done (at least in the German translation, which I read).
In general, the characters felt kinda flat with the premise and the "plot twist" at the end also being implemented lazily to say the least.
But this book was mediocre, if even. The characters were alright and though their storylines were okay, the spark did not reach me.
This is 1) because of the obvious use of Gods if the Gates as a carbon copy of GoT when it comes to fan response. 2), the implementation of librettos and fictional fanfics were not so nicely done (at least in the German translation, which I read).
In general, the characters felt kinda flat with the premise and the "plot twist" at the end also being implemented lazily to say the least.
Content Warnings
Graphic: Bullying, Ableism, Body shaming, Fatphobia, and Sexual content
dancinglemur17's review against another edition
funny
relaxing
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
3.75
Content Warnings
Graphic: Ableism, Fatphobia, and Body shaming
Moderate: Bullying