Reviews - The Love Interest

94 reviews for:

The Love Interest

Helen Comerford

3.62 AVERAGE

xolobooks's review against another edition

3.0

emotional funny lighthearted medium-paced

Plot or Character Driven: Plot

Strong character development: Yes

Loveable characters: Yes

Diverse cast of characters: Yes

Flaws of characters a main focus: No

prettyphantastic's review against another edition

2.75

adventurous lighthearted mysterious medium-paced

Plot or Character Driven: Plot

Strong character development: Yes

Diverse cast of characters: Yes

alongreader's review against another edition

4.0

n The Love Interest, Helen Comerford presents a delightful and subversive take on the superhero genre through the eyes of seventeen-year-old Jenna Ray. After being saved by the charming superhero Blaze, Jenna finds herself thrust into the role of the "Love Interest"—a title she’s determined to reject. However, the narrative quickly spirals into a thrilling adventure as she navigates the complexities of her new reality.

Jenna is a relatable protagonist, filled with wit and determination. Her desire to defy the expectations placed upon her by the Heroics and Power Authority (HPA) resonates deeply, especially in a world that often reduces characters to mere romantic interests. As she grapples with her new role, the introduction of the Villains adds an intriguing twist. Their proposition to act as Blaze's Love Interest while secretly investigating the HPA creates a compelling tension that drives the plot forward.

Comerford skillfully balances humor and heart in Jenna’s journey, exploring themes of identity, agency, and the nuances of love and friendship. The budding relationship between Jenna and Blaze is sweet, yet it’s Jenna’s internal conflict that truly captures the reader’s attention. As she uncovers secrets about the HPA and begins to explore her own powers, the line between ally and adversary blurs, making for an engaging and unpredictable storyline.

The pacing of the novel is brisk, keeping readers on their toes with a mix of action, humor, and emotional depth. The world-building is cleverly woven into the narrative, allowing readers to fully immerse themselves in the complexities of a society shaped by superhuman abilities. It's also refreshing to see a world that has changed because of superheroes and shows some of the practicalities of dealing with them!

The Love Interest is not just a story about superheroes; it’s a celebration of self-discovery and empowerment. Jenna’s journey from reluctant Love Interest to a proactive heroine is both refreshing and inspiring, making this novel a standout in the genre.

For readers who enjoy a unique blend of romance, adventure, and humor, The Love Interest is a must-read. Comerford's debut is a charming exploration of what it means to truly be seen and to carve out one’s own identity, even in a world filled with extraordinary expectations.

Recommendations: If you enjoyed The Love Interest, you might also like Not Your Sidekick by C.B. Lee, a humorous and heartfelt exploration of life in a superhero family. For a TV show that balances comedy with quirky characters, Superstore delivers laughs and relatable situations. Finally, Scott Pilgrim vs. The World offers a unique blend of romance, humor, and fantastical elements, making it a delightful companion to Jenna Ray’s adventurous journey.

xtinexby's review against another edition

3.5

adventurous fast-paced

Plot or Character Driven: A mix

Strong character development: Yes

Loveable characters: Yes

First, let me say that I did not realize this was YA found into it and that colored my perception of this book. That's my own fault for starting books with barely paying attention to the summary. The teenage drama and angst in YA can grate on me and this was no exception.

I do think it was well written and a fairly interesting concept. Unfortunately I feel like in trying to subvert the superhero genre, the author ended up playing into it more often then not. I'm not sure I really buy or understand the relationship between the MCs. But the plot was interesting and fun. This was an alright book for me.