bookbutch's review against another edition
5.0
I feel extremely protective over this book and the thought of recommending this to almost anyone makes me involuntarily upset. I’ll have to think on a review and my review/recommendation video for quite some time.
the__allovee's review
emotional
lighthearted
slow-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Strong character development? No
- Loveable characters? No
- Diverse cast of characters? No
- Flaws of characters a main focus? It's complicated
1.5
xeniafoe's review against another edition
3.0
Currently DNF at 30% or so, may revisit in a different headspace.
aliiloue's review
emotional
funny
hopeful
lighthearted
slow-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? It's complicated
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
3.5
orangecasio's review
The misogyny was a lot, but when it got to the racial slurs that was it for me. Was really looking forward to this book but a huge letdown. Really upset that the author included racial slurs that were in no way essential to the plot.
Content Warnings
Graphic: Racial slurs, Homophobia, and Misogyny
scott_you_reading's review
funny
informative
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? It's complicated
- Diverse cast of characters? It's complicated
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
4.0
glittery_witch's review
emotional
funny
hopeful
inspiring
lighthearted
reflective
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? It's complicated
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
4.0
Vicky Romeo is a suave heartbreaker, well known in the queer scene of early 2000s Glasgow. She loves music, acting, and art, and uses her talent for the theatrical, which she uses expertly to seduce a seemingly endless string of girls. But then she meets Joolz, a confident young woman dressed in pink and love hearts, who sees straight through her act.
Vicky is one of those characters who, if you met them in real life, would annoy the shit out of you. But within the pages of a book, this makes her incredibly entertaining: her narrative voice is often snarky and humorous, and we are provided with many moments of irony, when Vicky just doesn’t get why people are mad at her, when the reader and the other characters (many of whom are very likeable) know too well that just moments before she was being a complete arsehole. This trait also allows for quite a bit of character development on Vicky’s part, who, over the course of the novel, learns to be more self-aware and considerate.
Vicky Romeo plus Joolz is described as a romcom on the blurb, and romance certainly plays a central role in the book. However, it also takes a close look at Vicky’s relationship with her family, the difficult situation of wanting to pursue a career that seems almost impossible, and the protagonist’s insecurities and fears. The novel also reflects on the biphobia and transphobia both outside of and especially within the queer community.
While I didn’t enjoy Vicky Romeo plus Joolz as much as Ely Percy’s second novel, Duck Feet (which is PERFECTION), it was an entertaining read full of authentic characters, humour, chaos, and wonderful references to The Importance of Being Earnest. And that I, self-proclaimed romance-hater, enjoy a romance novel, surely speaks for the quality of this book.
CW: biphobia, transphobia, misogyny
fiendfull's review against another edition
4.0
Vicky Romeo Plus Joolz is a romcom novel set in Glasgow in 2001, in which Vicky Romeo—heartbreaker of the gay scene who dreams of making her way as an actor—meets her match in Julie Turner, who isn't falling at her feet as expected. Romeo can't get her Juliet out of her head, but the course of true love does not run smooth, with stereotypes crushed, prejudices faced up to, and personal dramas abound in their friendship circle. At the same time, Vicky wants to pull off getting a role and performing in an all-female production of The Importance of Being Earnest, and falling in love wasn't a complication she expected.
This is a charming novel that is incredibly detailed and really paints a picture of the characters and the time period (to the extent it's hard not to come away from it with Atomic Kitten in your head). Vicky is a hilarious, flawed protagonist who is forced to confront some of her own prejudices and selfishness whilst navigating her own feelings about love, family, and who she is. There is a vein of learning greater acceptance and kindness running underneath the novel, which doesn't shy away from characters' views on sexuality and stereotypes and the need for greater understanding even from people who face prejudice themselves. To balance this, there is also a lot of witty banter and romance, and it is a fun read that allows characters to be loud, brash, and themselves.
If you're looking for a funny novel with personality and a vivid setting and characters, Vicky Romeo Plus Joolz fills the brief, and proves that romantic comedy is not just the domain of straight, posh characters and scenarios.
This is a charming novel that is incredibly detailed and really paints a picture of the characters and the time period (to the extent it's hard not to come away from it with Atomic Kitten in your head). Vicky is a hilarious, flawed protagonist who is forced to confront some of her own prejudices and selfishness whilst navigating her own feelings about love, family, and who she is. There is a vein of learning greater acceptance and kindness running underneath the novel, which doesn't shy away from characters' views on sexuality and stereotypes and the need for greater understanding even from people who face prejudice themselves. To balance this, there is also a lot of witty banter and romance, and it is a fun read that allows characters to be loud, brash, and themselves.
If you're looking for a funny novel with personality and a vivid setting and characters, Vicky Romeo Plus Joolz fills the brief, and proves that romantic comedy is not just the domain of straight, posh characters and scenarios.
andireadsawesomely's review
funny
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
5.0
book0logy's review
4.0
This is probably more a 3.75.
I really enjoyed reading this book as an insight into the gay scene of the early 2000s. The central characters are all interesting and vibrant, and the use of setting is so strong. I think my favourite character may be Vicky's step mother Sam.
The ending of the book struggles with pacing. Whilst the first three quarters focus on the mundanity of life in a really successful way, the interactions on nights out and the interpersonal relationships, the last section seems to steam roll through. I feel unresolved about a lot of the family stuff that was introduced for Vicky, and I think the lack of closure regarding her mothers relationship is my main concern. There's so much set up, that I feel like it could have a sequel. Yet the central romantic relationship has very little left to do.
I am definitely interested in reading more from this author as they have a real skill in evoking time and place. This was a good book and a quick read, and I would definitely recommend to others.
I really enjoyed reading this book as an insight into the gay scene of the early 2000s. The central characters are all interesting and vibrant, and the use of setting is so strong. I think my favourite character may be Vicky's step mother Sam.
The ending of the book struggles with pacing. Whilst the first three quarters focus on the mundanity of life in a really successful way, the interactions on nights out and the interpersonal relationships, the last section seems to steam roll through. I feel unresolved about a lot of the family stuff that was introduced for Vicky, and I think the lack of closure regarding her mothers relationship is my main concern. There's so much set up, that I feel like it could have a sequel. Yet the central romantic relationship has very little left to do.
I am definitely interested in reading more from this author as they have a real skill in evoking time and place. This was a good book and a quick read, and I would definitely recommend to others.