Reviews with content warning for Lesbophobia - D'Vaughn and Kris Plan a Wedding

I misunderstood the premise of this book (I thought the MCs were already friends) so admittedly I was a bit confused in the beginning. The plot moved very quickly and the relationship between the characters wasn’t quite insta-love but definitely close to it, which I tend not to be a fan of. I also expected it to be more angsty but it just wasn’t. The characters were pretty emotionally intelligent which, while refreshing, wasn’t the reality TV messiness I was hoping for. That’s said, I liked all of the characters in the book including the extended cast and thought the familial relationships and friendships between them were really sweet.

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teniamonet's review against another edition

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emotional funny lighthearted reflective 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

4.75

Wow just wow, I absolutely loved this!! As an avid Love Island watcher the fact that this book had a reality TV aspect and was queer is what drew me in. This book had me laughing out loud while listening and even had my eyes watering during certain moments.

The beating in my chest sped up and I could feel the anxiety creeping in on me again. Was I really going to do this? Was I about to lay myself bare for the entire congregation to see and judge me? Was I going to give my mama, my family, an opportunity to turn their backs on me?

There was no way my bible thumping, prayer warrior and church mother in training mama would accept that her oldest daughter was a lesbian. Without a doubt this was about to be the last time I likely see my family on a good note and fissures were slowly shooting throughout my being ready to split and separate at the first sign of disgust in their eyes.

As someone who also grew up in the church and hid their queerness, I see myself in D’Vaughn.

To see her mother actively try to be understanding and willing to change though was something bittersweet but touching.

She trailed off and it felt like the world switched to slow motion as i watched her eyes skirt down my body until she reached mine and Kris’ joined hands. Everything sped up again as her questioning gaze jumped back up to mine. Her lips first parting to ask a question and then snapping shut when she likely realized the answer.
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Instead of then meeting my eyes again mama dropped her gaze, taking with it the sliver of hope that I’d clung to. My heart plummeted into my shoes as mama extended her arm towards the pew.
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My breathe hitched and I dropped my head, closing my eyes as I faced my lap. How was it possible that I hurt this much when she hadn’t said one word to me? Wasn’t her silence better than condemnation?
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I wanted my mama and she wouldn’t even look at me. The doom and gloom returned with a vengeance and I began to wonder how I was supposed to go on with things the way that they were. My mama was such a big part of my life, but if all she saw when she looked at me was a sinner, nothing of our relationship would be the same.

The author handled the sensitivity of D’Vaughn’s coming out excellently in my opinion and the story was able to continue to be lighthearted.

On a happier note I loved getting to see the personalities of D’Vaughn and Kris’ friends and families, they added something special to the story. Cinta was so loveable and made me think of my own best friend that I’ve had since 3rd grade.

“What have I always told you?”

“That I’m the great non romantic love of your life and whoever I marry has to understand that they are obligated to share me.”

The chemistry and the banter between D’Vaughn and Kris was enjoyable and although they were on a short timeline and this is fake dating none of their relationship development felt over the top or cringey. I do wish we got to see more of the moments of D’Vaughn and Kris hanging out when the cameras weren’t rolling.

My eyes zeroed in on the entrance. D’Vaughn appeared in the doorway and my bottom lip began to tremble. She was a vision that I would never forget as long as I lived.

Spice Rating: *reserved for the romance genre or books with an appropriate substantial romance subplot* this rating is meant to categorize the level of spice not how much I enjoyed it. this is a completely subjective thing.

2 spice (🌶🌶) = less detailed love scenes and the love scenes would probably be very short, there would probably only be like one in like a standard length book. flowery language (or euphemisms) like ""member"", ""cavern"""

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reading_rebellion's review against another edition

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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.

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turtlebrainlibrarian's review

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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!

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bookishkellyn's review

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lighthearted

Plot- or character-driven? Plot
Strong character development? Yes
Loveable characters? Yes
Diverse cast of characters? Yes
Flaws of characters a main focus? No

4.5

Kris (an Afro-Latina stud) is looking for real love and D’Vaughn (a plus-sized closeted femme) is looking to finally live her life freely. Sparks fly when they meet and navigate the reality show process in this LGBTQ+ rom-com. D’Vaughn aggravated my very last nerve with her constant doubts, but their love story was endearing and realistic.

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midnightmarauder's review against another edition

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emotional 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? Yes

5.0

D'Vaughn and Kris Plan a Wedding follows the two titular characters after they join "Instant I Do", a reality tv competition where people couple up with strangers and are challenged to convince their families that they're in love and getting married in six weeks.

Kris Zavala sees the show as an opportunity to find her happily ever after, while D'Vaughn uses it as an opportunity to do the thing that has given her so much trouble for so long; coming out to her family.

One of the things I liked the most about this story was that it showed that gay and lesbian people don't always have families who react negatively to them coming out. Kris' family was overwhelmingly positive after she came out in her younger years, and D'Vaughn's family,

though her mother had moments of insensitivity and failed to acknowledge her daughter's sexuality for years, were supportive of her as well.

This was a very cute and funny love story. I loved seeing both D'Vaughn and Kris' personalities, alongside the personalities of their respected families. What I would've liked to see more of, however, were Kris' flaws. D'Vaughn's were on display most of the time, while Kris was made to seem perfect at times. Otherwise, this is a very comforting novel, and I look forward to reading more from the author.

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