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A review by ayosfantasyreads
The Love Interest by Helen Comerford
adventurous
funny
hopeful
inspiring
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? No
4.75
SLIGHT SPOLIERS!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
The Love Interest is a refreshing YA take on the superhero genre, blending romance, feminism, and self-discovery into a short but engaging comfort read. I loved how the book explored themes of patriarchy and power structures while still being a bit lighthearted and humorous. It mixes action and romance well, making for an nice easy fantasy/superhero romance read.
Jenna Ray’s journey was one of my favourite aspects of the book. I understood her reluctance to be seen as Blaze’s Love Interest, but her decision to become a double agent just to find her mother was frustrating at times. That said, it added an interesting layer to the story. From the start, I had a strong suspicion that her mother was actually the leader of the villains—especially with how her dad and sister seemed to be hiding something from her. So, when that twist was revealed, it wasn’t necessarily shocking, but it was still satisfying to see everything unfold. The flying scenes with Blaze, especially when Jenna accidentally used her powers, were some of the most entertaining moments—equal parts hilarious and exciting.
One of the things I enjoyed most was watching Jenna struggle against the expectations placed on her. She was a reluctant damsel in distress, refusing to fall in line with the status quo even as the world tried to push her into that role. Watching her get thrown into the spotlight, suddenly recognised by everyone, while stubbornly resisting the idea of playing the perfect Love Interest, made for some funny and satisfying moments.
I think what I enjoyed most, even though it was an unexpected element, was the representation of anxiety. As someone who struggles with really bad anxiety, it was both refreshing and deeply relatable to see Jenna navigating these experiences in a way that felt real. Her struggles, reactions, and emotions were portrayed with care, and that made her journey all the more personal to me.
I’d definitely recommend The Love Interest to anyone who enjoys stories with a mix of humour, action, and heartfelt moments. It’s a fun, engaging read that puts a unique spin on superhero tropes. If you’re a fan of The Boys this has a similar concept—just with less swearing and a lot less graphic content.
The Love Interest is a refreshing YA take on the superhero genre, blending romance, feminism, and self-discovery into a short but engaging comfort read. I loved how the book explored themes of patriarchy and power structures while still being a bit lighthearted and humorous. It mixes action and romance well, making for an nice easy fantasy/superhero romance read.
Jenna Ray’s journey was one of my favourite aspects of the book. I understood her reluctance to be seen as Blaze’s Love Interest, but her decision to become a double agent just to find her mother was frustrating at times. That said, it added an interesting layer to the story. From the start, I had a strong suspicion that her mother was actually the leader of the villains—especially with how her dad and sister seemed to be hiding something from her. So, when that twist was revealed, it wasn’t necessarily shocking, but it was still satisfying to see everything unfold. The flying scenes with Blaze, especially when Jenna accidentally used her powers, were some of the most entertaining moments—equal parts hilarious and exciting.
One of the things I enjoyed most was watching Jenna struggle against the expectations placed on her. She was a reluctant damsel in distress, refusing to fall in line with the status quo even as the world tried to push her into that role. Watching her get thrown into the spotlight, suddenly recognised by everyone, while stubbornly resisting the idea of playing the perfect Love Interest, made for some funny and satisfying moments.
I think what I enjoyed most, even though it was an unexpected element, was the representation of anxiety. As someone who struggles with really bad anxiety, it was both refreshing and deeply relatable to see Jenna navigating these experiences in a way that felt real. Her struggles, reactions, and emotions were portrayed with care, and that made her journey all the more personal to me.
I’d definitely recommend The Love Interest to anyone who enjoys stories with a mix of humour, action, and heartfelt moments. It’s a fun, engaging read that puts a unique spin on superhero tropes. If you’re a fan of The Boys this has a similar concept—just with less swearing and a lot less graphic content.