A review by kj468
Rosaline Palmer Takes the Cake by Alexis Hall

emotional funny hopeful 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

5.0

This book is truly excellent. It's a great combination of humor, romance, plot, and *life lessons*. Alexis Hall is a truly hilarious author; his wit is unmatched. I appreciated the main character's (Rosaline) arc, particularly her growth in learning to do what makes her (rather than her parents, society, etc) happy. Rosaline is bisexual, and the book definitely is a queer read; her bisexuality is well represented and is a significant part of her character -- it never feels like a background detail. Furthermore, I was very happy with how the romance played out. Without saying too much, I enjoyed the rides and turns that Hall takes readers through, and was very satisfied with the ending. The cooking show plot is well developed. I like that readers get to see enough of the show that it feels tangible and real -- readers develop real stakes in the competition -- but not so much that it becomes boring or tired. Overall, I absolutely recommend this book to anyone looking for a light, fun romance read with a hearty dash of self-reflection and strong character growth.

(Also, readers should note the content warning at the beginning of the book; there is a scene with non-graphic attempted sexual assault. The author has more detailed content guidance on his website, on the page for this book.)

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Content Warnings

Graphic: Classism

Moderate: Biphobia and Sexual assault

Minor: Violence

The classism is part of the character journey Rosaline goes on:

understanding her parents' classism and how it has been internalized in her. Her views radically change throughout the book, however the parents continue to be classist.

Details of the attempted sexual assault:

Rosaline's intoxicated boyfriend and his intoxicated ex-girlfriend attempt to pressure Rosaline into having a threesome with them. Rosaline does not want to have the threesome, and repeatedly says so. The woman continues making advances on Rosaline, despite Rosaline saying no. She removes herself from the situation and locks herself in the bathroom to call for help. While she is in the bathroom, the boyfriend continues to verbally pressure her (through the door) to come out and have the threesome. Rosaline is able to safely leave the situation when her friend arrives to help her leave. The woman eventually expresses remorse for her actions and recognizes they were wrong. The man does not express remorse.