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readfrenzy 's review for:
Stroked
by Meghan Quinn
DID NOT FINISH
DNF @ 57%
I’m so disappointed. This book has all the makings of a fantastic story. It kind of reminds me of a cross between an Olympics-based romance and one of my favorites, The Devil Wears Prada—well, the movie version at least because I didn’t read the book. Don’t judge. It’s a shame that one character can ruin a good story.
The big problem is the antagonist, Bellini. It’s fine to have an unlikable villain, but she is one-dimensional and so over-the-top that it’s unrealistic. There are chapters written from her offensive, hateful, and spoiled point of view, and they held no interest for me because I didn’t want to know her thoughts. We get it. She’s a horrible person. The chapters are unnecessary and actually detract from the story instead of enhancing it.
Other parts of the story seem illogical to me. Reese is preparing for the Olympics. His career depends on him winning, and he says he says he needs to stay focused. So he agrees to be on Bellini’s reality TV show? A camera crew following them around isn’t going to distract him? Bellini isn’t going to be a distraction? On top of that, the humor feels forced.
I can tell Meghan Quinn is a creative storyteller, and I’m sure some readers will find the book charming and funny. For me, it was a cup of tea that was too difficult to swallow.
**ARC received in exchange for an honest review.**
I’m so disappointed. This book has all the makings of a fantastic story. It kind of reminds me of a cross between an Olympics-based romance and one of my favorites, The Devil Wears Prada—well, the movie version at least because I didn’t read the book. Don’t judge. It’s a shame that one character can ruin a good story.
The big problem is the antagonist, Bellini. It’s fine to have an unlikable villain, but she is one-dimensional and so over-the-top that it’s unrealistic. There are chapters written from her offensive, hateful, and spoiled point of view, and they held no interest for me because I didn’t want to know her thoughts. We get it. She’s a horrible person. The chapters are unnecessary and actually detract from the story instead of enhancing it.
Other parts of the story seem illogical to me. Reese is preparing for the Olympics. His career depends on him winning, and he says he says he needs to stay focused. So he agrees to be on Bellini’s reality TV show? A camera crew following them around isn’t going to distract him? Bellini isn’t going to be a distraction? On top of that, the humor feels forced.
I can tell Meghan Quinn is a creative storyteller, and I’m sure some readers will find the book charming and funny. For me, it was a cup of tea that was too difficult to swallow.
**ARC received in exchange for an honest review.**