Scan barcode
carbs666's review
emotional
funny
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? Yes
4.0
Ok in general the reality show premise is NOT for me but I really enjoyed this book! I felt like it really excellently and sensitively handled the core conflict of this book, which actually comes up quite early (D'Vaugn coming out to her quite religious mother/family and the rockiness surrounding that).
After that point, things are largely lighthearted and entertaining, and the side characters are fully fleshed out, despite the book being fairly tight in terms of length. I actually think the editing of this book was very well done and the structure serves the narrative beautifully.
If you're a reality TV girlie you will probably LOVE this, and if you're not it's still great!
After that point, things are largely lighthearted and entertaining, and the side characters are fully fleshed out, despite the book being fairly tight in terms of length. I actually think the editing of this book was very well done and the structure serves the narrative beautifully.
If you're a reality TV girlie you will probably LOVE this, and if you're not it's still great!
Content Warnings
Graphic: Sexual content
Moderate: Homophobia and Racism
theespressoedition's review against another edition
4.0
Content Warnings
Graphic: Sexual content
Moderate: Homophobia, Racism, and Toxic relationship
jennireadsmaybe's review against another edition
funny
hopeful
inspiring
lighthearted
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? No
The gasp that was gusped at the end yall!!! I throughly enjoyed this one for what it was. I’m a sucker for a TV competition plot and Instant I Do was just the right amount of outrageous and fun.
D’Vaughn coming out on the TV show after a life time of hiding her sexuality from her mom was a gut punch. I enjoyed the conversation regarding a parent not wanting to acknowledge a part of who their kid is while also admitting that they know they have to learn what loving their child looks like now. It’s a coming out story that makes me feel so seen as an adult who still hasn’t come out to their parents. Kris is a flirty, social media influencer who makes it known from the first episode that she is looking for love. D’Vaughn + Kris may not have seemed like the couple the show would root for, but they ended up being so much more than the show.
I loved their relationship. It had all the fun of fake dating (er engagement) with the growth to show just how deeply they cared for each other. They both had to acknowledge if what they felt was enough to last after I do. It was magnificent!
The audiobook is the way to go imho. Rebecca Lee saying preciosa as Kris unlocked something deep inside me. She did a phenomenal job with differentiating their voices. I never felt lost in finding out whose chapter it was. It was also just so fun!
Content Warnings
Graphic: Sexual content
Moderate: Homophobia and Religious bigotry
reading_rebellion's review against another edition
emotional
funny
hopeful
inspiring
lighthearted
relaxing
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Plot
- Strong character development? No
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? No
4.25
OMG! Love love love this one! 😍 A cute Black lesbian love story with a fake dating trope, curvy girl rep, lots of comedy, family dynamics, emotional dialogue and hella spicey 🥵 Leans into some common lesbian stereotypes but does so playfully.
I love that FINALLY there's more Black lesbian love story representation and that this is a fluffy, low drama romance.
I love that FINALLY there's more Black lesbian love story representation and that this is a fluffy, low drama romance.
Content Warnings
Graphic: Sexual content
Moderate: Cursing, Grief, and Abandonment
Minor: Homophobia, Religious bigotry, and Lesbophobia
turtlebrainlibrarian's review
emotional
funny
lighthearted
fast-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
4.0
“D’Vaughn and Kris have six weeks to plan their dream wedding. Their whole relationship is fake.”
This was a fun romance read with the main focus on a supportive, growing relationship and lovable side characters!
Content Warnings
Moderate: Homophobia, Racism, and Lesbophobia
cjwitch's review
emotional
funny
lighthearted
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
4.25
This book is an absolute great time! The two main characters are swoon-worthy and, for the most part, their families are an absolute delight. Kris' siblings often had me full on cackling! Everyone is so well fleshed out and well-written.
D'Vaughn's worries about coming out to her religious family are relatable and seeing her face them with Kris by her side was heartwarming. I loved that it wasn't glossed over or easy, but wasn't horrendous and heartbreaking either. Her mom's reaction and D'Vaughn's reaction to that all felt very real.
The only place I wish had gone a bit different was D'Vaugn and Kris' growing feelings for each other. It didn't feel like they truly spent enough off camera time together (at least that we saw) outside of sex scenes. I wish we had gotten a few off camera dates between them to support the developing feelings. I do love how they pushed to communicate with each other and build their relationship though. They were honestly trying so hard and really wanted to fall for each other, which helped suspend some of the disbelief at the speed of it.
Overall, this was a sweet and hilarious book that had me kicking my feet and giggling.
D'Vaughn's worries about coming out to her religious family are relatable and seeing her face them with Kris by her side was heartwarming. I loved that it wasn't glossed over or easy, but wasn't horrendous and heartbreaking either. Her mom's reaction and D'Vaughn's reaction to that all felt very real.
The only place I wish had gone a bit different was D'Vaugn and Kris' growing feelings for each other. It didn't feel like they truly spent enough off camera time together (at least that we saw) outside of sex scenes. I wish we had gotten a few off camera dates between them to support the developing feelings. I do love how they pushed to communicate with each other and build their relationship though. They were honestly trying so hard and really wanted to fall for each other, which helped suspend some of the disbelief at the speed of it.
Overall, this was a sweet and hilarious book that had me kicking my feet and giggling.
Content Warnings
Minor: Homophobia and Religious bigotry
nerdysread's review against another edition
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
4.0
Is it perfect? No. Did I love it? Oh hell yes. Give me lesbian fake dating and you're sure it's 3 stars minimum.
Okay, I wish the ending was longer, and sometimes D'Vaughn made my eyes roll. I thought I was insecure. Well... okay I get her tbh.
But you what is really amazing? NO THIRD ACT BREAKUP.
Anyway, I needed a cute romace and I got what I wanted
Okay, I wish the ending was longer, and sometimes D'Vaughn made my eyes roll. I thought I was insecure. Well... okay I get her tbh.
Anyway, I needed a cute romace and I got what I wanted
Content Warnings
Graphic: Sexual content
Moderate: Homophobia
Minor: Toxic relationship and Gaslighting
kikimimitoto's review
hopeful
lighthearted
fast-paced
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? No
4.5
overall a great book! there were a few moments in the book that made me cringe internally (particularly at word choice), but all in all i found myself glued to every page. i do wish the ending was a bit longer, it seemed to end abruptly and i was antsy to know more about the characters.
d’vaughn was a tough character to digest at times… it felt like she was self-sabotaging and i had to take a breather before i could continue reading her POV.
kris was honestly what kept me interested! she’s such a “too good to be true” character and i loved reading about her. she is so wholesome and made the whole book worthwhile.
d’vaughn was a tough character to digest at times… it felt like she was self-sabotaging and i had to take a breather before i could continue reading her POV.
kris was honestly what kept me interested! she’s such a “too good to be true” character and i loved reading about her. she is so wholesome and made the whole book worthwhile.
Content Warnings
Graphic: Homophobia
Minor: Misogyny
beangirl7785's review against another edition
emotional
funny
inspiring
lighthearted
fast-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? No
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? No
4.25
Content Warnings
Minor: Homophobia and Religious bigotry
kiwi_00's review
emotional
funny
lighthearted
relaxing
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Plot
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
5.0
The relationship between D'Vaughn and Kris is sweet without being corny or too cheesy. I really enjoyed everything about this book, the fact that they are both Black since a lot of sapphic romance books ( or at least the ones I've read) don't have black main characters. I loved how their relationship exists within a community of family and friends, who are absolutely hilarious (shout out to Kris' brother) and flawed, the conversation between D'Vaughn and CInta after coming out showed that Cinta would never fully understand where D'Vaughn was coming from but wanted to be a good friend so she would just act as emotional support and let D'Vaughn talk to someone who did understand. I love how despite being scared D'Vaughn chooses love and faces her feelings and that Kris makes it really clear to D'Vaughn that she loves her and isn't just looking for someone so she can be in a relationship .
Content Warnings
Minor: Homophobia