Scan barcode
fivecatsinacoat's review against another edition
emotional
funny
lighthearted
- Plot- or character-driven? Plot
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? It's complicated
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? No
3.0
Thank you to NetGalley and the publisher for an advanced review copy of this book.
This is a fun romantic comedy with a fat-positive, diverse cast of characters. While mostly a closed-door romance, the characters had great chemistry and I could really see them together as partners. My only critique was that there seemed to be little conflict, and when present, it wasn't presented in a way that really created a lot of tension.
This is a fun romantic comedy with a fat-positive, diverse cast of characters. While mostly a closed-door romance, the characters had great chemistry and I could really see them together as partners. My only critique was that there seemed to be little conflict, and when present, it wasn't presented in a way that really created a lot of tension.
Content Warnings
Graphic: Racism, Fatphobia, Bullying, and Toxic relationship
Minor: Death of parent and Grief
unsuccessfulbookclub's review
emotional
lighthearted
slow-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
2.75
I really wanted to like this book more than I did. 😕 it’s got so many of my favorite tropes: friends to lovers, reality show competition, forced proximity, fake dating, long term pining, a cinnamon roll hero…I mean, sign me UP! Additionally it’s got an interracial relationship and a plus-sized Black heroine? That stuff is usually my catnip!
Unfortunately, this just didn’t *quite* deliver. I think some of the issue was the pacing - there isn’t really enough time or tension built into the story of the couple (Cam and Kenya). Additionally, the tension between the two of them was a little lacking for me. They start off with a very handsy and emotionally affectionate relationship so moving to a physical relationship felt natural. Which, in real life, that’s great! But in a book? I want DRAMA! LONGING LOOKS! PINING! BANTER!!!
I did love the cosplay aspect of it as well as Kenya, the heroine, in general. She’s a super fun and relatable character. She goes through A LOT in this story arc though so mind the CW. The romance is low angst but her life and situation are absolutely not. She has meddling parents which I never like and she faces a plethora of microaggressions both because of her race and her size, and her role as a reality TV show contestant.
Content Warnings
Graphic: Fatphobia, Racism, and Abandonment
Minor: Death of parent, Alcoholism, and Toxic relationship
More...