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xojackiedaniels's review
funny
hopeful
fast-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? It's complicated
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? It's complicated
3.75
**no spoilers**
I was obsessed with the Ukrainian Master Chef contest as a kid. So a book written from the POV of a contestant on a similar show was right up my alley.
I enjoyed the pace a lot, it was as fast and dramatic as these TV shows tend to be. However, there was a lot of "telling-not-showing" as a way to skip over the more repetitive/tedious aspects, which grinded my gears a bit. I also feel like some interesting parts were left out for the same reason. I wish we got to experience the contestants' confessionals, instead of simply hearing about them happening in between of major events.
The characters were sweet and loveable, the cast - diverse without tokenization. I liked that the main few were incredibly easy to relate to. Nevertheless, the character development felt pretty rushed :( Not sure if that is because of how rapidly the plot was progressing or due to poor writing...
Something I really disliked was how the main character used other people's bodies to characterize them. Whenever a person did something frustrating, she found a physical "ick" of theirs to focus on.
A former love interest is described as unattractive and having acne scars, but only AFTER we find out he did something really shitty. MC points out another contestants' belly and receding hairline after he says something mildly annoying. This happens on and on, where I felt like I'm supposed to dislike some of the characters purely because they are conventionally ugly and not because of their genuinely horrid actions. The focus was just off for me.
⭐3.75 for the unseriousness, DELICIOUS food descriptions, and the whole TV show setting. It is a very decent book, there were just a few personal icks I cannot get over. If you love food and wholesome romance, you'll love this.
P.S.: even though this is a new adult book, there is not a single sex scene present. Thought that some people could appreciate that!
I was obsessed with the Ukrainian Master Chef contest as a kid. So a book written from the POV of a contestant on a similar show was right up my alley.
I enjoyed the pace a lot, it was as fast and dramatic as these TV shows tend to be. However, there was a lot of "telling-not-showing" as a way to skip over the more repetitive/tedious aspects, which grinded my gears a bit. I also feel like some interesting parts were left out for the same reason. I wish we got to experience the contestants' confessionals, instead of simply hearing about them happening in between of major events.
The characters were sweet and loveable, the cast - diverse without tokenization. I liked that the main few were incredibly easy to relate to. Nevertheless, the character development felt pretty rushed :( Not sure if that is because of how rapidly the plot was progressing or due to poor writing...
Something I really disliked was how the main character used other people's bodies to characterize them. Whenever a person did something frustrating, she found a physical "ick" of theirs to focus on.
A former love interest is described as unattractive and having acne scars, but only AFTER we find out he did something really shitty. MC points out another contestants' belly and receding hairline after he says something mildly annoying. This happens on and on, where I felt like I'm supposed to dislike some of the characters purely because they are conventionally ugly and not because of their genuinely horrid actions. The focus was just off for me.
⭐3.75 for the unseriousness, DELICIOUS food descriptions, and the whole TV show setting. It is a very decent book, there were just a few personal icks I cannot get over. If you love food and wholesome romance, you'll love this.
P.S.: even though this is a new adult book, there is not a single sex scene present. Thought that some people could appreciate that!
Content Warnings
Moderate: Sexual harassment and Toxic relationship
Minor: Classism, Panic attacks/disorders, Racism, and Fatphobia
Warning for a revenge porn sub-plot.
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