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4.09 AVERAGE
4.09 AVERAGE
funny
lighthearted
relaxing
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:
Complicated
emotional
funny
lighthearted
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 book is incredibly clever and smart. At times I felt like this book was just a level or two above me—like I didn’t feel smart enough to keep up! The characters are funny and witty and this author is a talent writer. I really enjoyed the narrator of this audiobook but found I had to slow things down from my usual 1.5 speed to catch some of the fast conversations. I really loved the effects in the audiobook so you could tell when Kikiola or Malakai were interviewing or on the radio or documentary.
I enjoyed the college setting, Kiki’s growing friendships, Amina as her ride or die friend who knows her to her core, and her professor/mentor. I loved getting a little bit of a sense of Nigerian-British culture. I also loved the book convention that Kiki and Kai went to! I thought that was a really great part of the plot.
In terms of drawbacks, I didn’t feel like I got the warm and fuzzies for Kiki and Kai together. I liked them as a couple but I didn’t feel each other’s love or investment in the relationship the way I wanted to. Like they are two individuals I can see would be great together but I don’t believe in them as a couple yet if that makes sense.
At the end of the day, I found this story was more a coming of age. It was great to see Kiki’s growth as a character, especially around having friendships and taking on leadership roles and standing up for important issues she cares about. I’m not sure I fully bought into the romance, despite really enjoying both the main characters! I think we needed a little more plot and love story, but I could also see the benefits of just fully leaning into this being a coming of age story about female friendships.
I enjoyed the college setting, Kiki’s growing friendships, Amina as her ride or die friend who knows her to her core, and her professor/mentor. I loved getting a little bit of a sense of Nigerian-British culture. I also loved the book convention that Kiki and Kai went to! I thought that was a really great part of the plot.
In terms of drawbacks, I didn’t feel like I got the warm and fuzzies for Kiki and Kai together. I liked them as a couple but I didn’t feel each other’s love or investment in the relationship the way I wanted to. Like they are two individuals I can see would be great together but I don’t believe in them as a couple yet if that makes sense.
At the end of the day, I found this story was more a coming of age. It was great to see Kiki’s growth as a character, especially around having friendships and taking on leadership roles and standing up for important issues she cares about. I’m not sure I fully bought into the romance, despite really enjoying both the main characters! I think we needed a little more plot and love story, but I could also see the benefits of just fully leaning into this being a coming of age story about female friendships.
emotional
funny
hopeful
inspiring
lighthearted
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
hopeful
inspiring
reflective
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:
Complicated
emotional
funny
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
slow-paced
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
Who needs a plot when you can have fast talking, sharp wit and a golden retriever fake boyfriend such as Kai. So many flimsy plotlines but I did laugh quite a bit. Don't think it needs a sequel but I'll definitely be reading Sweet Heat.
emotional
funny
hopeful
lighthearted
fast-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
emotional
funny
hopeful
lighthearted
reflective
medium-paced
Plot or Character Driven:
A mix
Strong character development:
Yes
Loveable characters:
Yes