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iamkiaraayleen's review
funny
hopeful
inspiring
lighthearted
reflective
medium-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
I picked this up on a total whim when my local bookstore didn't have the book that I originally went there for, and after reading it I'm so glad that's the way it played out.
This was the adorable, easy to read, sugary sweet romance I expected, while also discussing important topics such as (internalized) misogyny and double standards at the workplace as well as on social media.
Something to be aware of is that it does feature the miscommunication trope, that has ruined more romance books for me personally than I care to admit. But in this instance the resulting conflict didn't take up much of the book and was handled and resolved in a way that seemed fitting for the plot and the characters, so it didn't take me out of the story the way that it has in other books in the past.
Overall, I liked this a whole lot. Reese and Benny as well as Nat, Clara and the Friends of Flavor were a pleasure to read about and Reese's and Benny's nicknames for each other had me chuckling more than a few times. All while other moments had me thinking about the hardships Reese - as well as many real women - had to face.
The issues that were discussed certainly weren't news to me and won't be to many other readers either, but I still very much appreciate the book's perspective on them as well as the representation in general. And I especially appreciate the underlying message, as put by Nat and Clara, that women "can have it all" - finding romance, being a feminist and being successful in your career can and should co-exist and are by no means mutually exclusive.
This was the adorable, easy to read, sugary sweet romance I expected, while also discussing important topics such as (internalized) misogyny and double standards at the workplace as well as on social media.
Something to be aware of is that it does feature the miscommunication trope, that has ruined more romance books for me personally than I care to admit. But in this instance the resulting conflict didn't take up much of the book and was handled and resolved in a way that seemed fitting for the plot and the characters, so it didn't take me out of the story the way that it has in other books in the past.
Overall, I liked this a whole lot. Reese and Benny as well as Nat, Clara and the Friends of Flavor were a pleasure to read about and Reese's and Benny's nicknames for each other had me chuckling more than a few times. All while other moments had me thinking about the hardships Reese - as well as many real women - had to face.
The issues that were discussed certainly weren't news to me and won't be to many other readers either, but I still very much appreciate the book's perspective on them as well as the representation in general. And I especially appreciate the underlying message, as put by Nat and Clara, that women "can have it all" - finding romance, being a feminist and being successful in your career can and should co-exist and are by no means mutually exclusive.
Content Warnings
Graphic: Misogyny, Sexism, and Bullying
Moderate: Toxic relationship and Panic attacks/disorders
markedwithanm's review
emotional
funny
lighthearted
fast-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
4.75
Content Warnings
Graphic: Sexism and Sexual harassment
Moderate: Panic attacks/disorders
rachrreads's review against another edition
emotional
funny
inspiring
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
3.5
I received an eARC from the publisher via NetGalley in exchange for an honest review. All thoughts and opinions are my own.
Reese Camden is offered an experience of a lifetime when she gets a Marketing internship at her favorite show— Friends of Flavor. She is so excited and is vying for the fall internship, but unfortunately so is the other intern, Benny Beneventi. What makes things even worse? The fact that he is charming and Reese is falling for him. When the two are wrangled into doing a segment on Friends of Flavor one afternoon, they are not expecting it to become a regular thing. The two become an internet sensation and fans are shipping them. Reese knows it is dangerous to mix romance and work so she tries to keep Benny at bay.
This was such an adorable story and I love how it dealt with some important issues as well. Reese struggles with social media anxiety after being bullied in high school. She also struggles with anxiety towards relationships, which is in part due to the bullying she received after a relationship went south. There was also some sexual harassment and misogyny that has been interwoven into this story and it is dealt with beautifully.
Benny. Benny is such a sweet soul and I love how understanding he is towards Grace. He does not want to push her into something she is not comfortable with and encourages her to open up to him.
There was definitely some horribly cheesy parts as well which is why this is not rated higher but I would definitely still recommend <3
Reese Camden is offered an experience of a lifetime when she gets a Marketing internship at her favorite show— Friends of Flavor. She is so excited and is vying for the fall internship, but unfortunately so is the other intern, Benny Beneventi. What makes things even worse? The fact that he is charming and Reese is falling for him. When the two are wrangled into doing a segment on Friends of Flavor one afternoon, they are not expecting it to become a regular thing. The two become an internet sensation and fans are shipping them. Reese knows it is dangerous to mix romance and work so she tries to keep Benny at bay.
This was such an adorable story and I love how it dealt with some important issues as well. Reese struggles with social media anxiety after being bullied in high school. She also struggles with anxiety towards relationships, which is in part due to the bullying she received after a relationship went south. There was also some sexual harassment and misogyny that has been interwoven into this story and it is dealt with beautifully.
Benny. Benny is such a sweet soul and I love how understanding he is towards Grace. He does not want to push her into something she is not comfortable with and encourages her to open up to him.
There was definitely some horribly cheesy parts as well which is why this is not rated higher but I would definitely still recommend <3
Content Warnings
Graphic: Bullying, Misogyny, Panic attacks/disorders, Sexism, and Sexual harassment
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