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wanderlust_romance's review against another edition
emotional
funny
lighthearted
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
4.0
Can a love triangle be...cute? Sweet? Lighthearted? Fun? Yes it can. Zora Books Her Happily Ever After was all of that. And in all honesty, I love how the author framed the relationship development. There's clear communication from the jump. Everyone knows that mutual exclusivity is not a requirement. They're all just dating, getting to know one another, and more importantly Zora, Lawrence, and Reed all seem to be on the same page. Or are they? Why do Lawrence and Reed seem like they are each hiding something? Is it a red flag if a man dismisses one of your favorite genres (ie. romance) when you are a successful bookseller? How about if they prefer to talk about themselves when you're out on a date? Or if they gaslight you after yet again leaving you high and dry in the bedroom? The more you get into the story, the more you as a reader begin to see that one of these fellas is not all he's cracked up to be. I wanted to see him get his just desserts after showing his machismo proclivities. UGH!
It's a fun and fluffy romantic escape that of course features a thriving Black cast and community.
It's a fun and fluffy romantic escape that of course features a thriving Black cast and community.
Content Warnings
Moderate: Sexism and Sexual content
Minor: Misogyny, Death of parent, and Gaslighting
garbage_mcsmutly's review against another edition
lighthearted
slow-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Plot
- Strong character development? No
- Loveable characters? No
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
2.75
This was so predictable. I should've DNF'd at 20% when I knew what was coming. It was an okay book, just super obvious where it was going.
Content Warnings
Graphic: Sexual content and Toxic friendship
Moderate: Death of parent
Minor: Fatphobia, Misogyny, and Racism
kshertz's review against another edition
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
4.75
I loved this book! I love a curvy girl being desired by two best friends. Zora and her bookstore are the dream. She’s fantastic and you love all of the side characters too. The men are deep as well and the relationships are enthralling. This would be 5 stars but the big reveal can be seen from miles away. The author does a great job explaining it and you leave the book cheering and satisfied, but I still would rather have been surprised as well! But it’s definitely a smut romance book I would highly recommend to all. The smut was excellent! And more than one scene! And perfect really. Anyways, you absolutely should read this book.
Content Warnings
Minor: Body shaming, Fatphobia, Misogyny, and Sexual content
bookishmillennial's review against another edition
funny
lighthearted
reflective
fast-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Plot
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
disclaimer: I don’t really give starred reviews because I don’t like leaving them. I enjoy most books for what they are, & I extract lessons from them all. Everyone’s reading experiences are subjective, so I hope my reviews provide enough information to let you know if a book is for you or not, regardless of the lack of stars. Find me on Instagram: @bookish.millennial or tiktok: @bookishmillennial
I haven’t read a book with a love triangle in a LONG time and I should have known by the cover, but this story pleasantly surprised me! 😍
The quick premise is that Zora owns a bookstore in DC, and one of her favorite big time authors is the guest of honor for a bookstore event. Lawrence, mystery crime thriller novelist, immediately takes a liking to Zora and asks her out for drinks after the event. Zora -who would love to write a romance novel one day- is understandably excited to get to know an author she admires and to possibly date him, because he seems like the whole catch! Plus, her meddling and curious grandma continues to bother her about giving her great-grand babies lol!
During the event though, Zora also meets Reid, who is best friends with Lawrence but seems grumpy and arrogant. He invites Zora to speak at his school, since he is an educator and fellow aspirational writer👀 With the consent of both men, Zora continues to date them both to play the field and figure out who is a better fit. This reminded me a lot of “Because I Said So” because it felt so clear to me who Zora would choose, but I knew she had to get their on her own!
I would say the steam is about 3/5 & this was another big clue as to who Zora would end up with, because the way men behave in bed tells me SO MUCH about how that translates into them as emotionally intelligent partners!
I never ever thought I’d enjoy a love triangle book, ever, and here Taj McCoy is making a liar out of me 😂 I appreciated Zora’s passion for the book community, for inspiring young readers, her zest for unpacking mystery, & her convictions! I appreciated that she really knew herself and trusted her gut. Her dynamic with her best friend Emma and her grandma was one of the highlights personally for me though; they had me cracking up and I could feel the play and care they shared with each other.
One last thing — the food descriptions!!!! I’m so hungry. All of the food sounded delectable and I need an accompanying recipe book 😂
I haven’t read a book with a love triangle in a LONG time and I should have known by the cover, but this story pleasantly surprised me! 😍
The quick premise is that Zora owns a bookstore in DC, and one of her favorite big time authors is the guest of honor for a bookstore event. Lawrence, mystery crime thriller novelist, immediately takes a liking to Zora and asks her out for drinks after the event. Zora -who would love to write a romance novel one day- is understandably excited to get to know an author she admires and to possibly date him, because he seems like the whole catch! Plus, her meddling and curious grandma continues to bother her about giving her great-grand babies lol!
During the event though, Zora also meets Reid, who is best friends with Lawrence but seems grumpy and arrogant. He invites Zora to speak at his school, since he is an educator and fellow aspirational writer👀 With the consent of both men, Zora continues to date them both to play the field and figure out who is a better fit. This reminded me a lot of “Because I Said So” because it felt so clear to me who Zora would choose, but I knew she had to get their on her own!
I would say the steam is about 3/5 & this was another big clue as to who Zora would end up with, because the way men behave in bed tells me SO MUCH about how that translates into them as emotionally intelligent partners!
I never ever thought I’d enjoy a love triangle book, ever, and here Taj McCoy is making a liar out of me 😂 I appreciated Zora’s passion for the book community, for inspiring young readers, her zest for unpacking mystery, & her convictions! I appreciated that she really knew herself and trusted her gut. Her dynamic with her best friend Emma and her grandma was one of the highlights personally for me though; they had me cracking up and I could feel the play and care they shared with each other.
One last thing — the food descriptions!!!! I’m so hungry. All of the food sounded delectable and I need an accompanying recipe book 😂
Content Warnings
Graphic: Fatphobia, Misogyny, Sexism, and Sexual content
Minor: Death of parent and Toxic friendship
thirdeyeangel23's review against another edition
adventurous
funny
hopeful
lighthearted
relaxing
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
5.0
How is this book not getting more hype??? I don’t usually enjoy love triangle plot points, but this was so well done! Zora is a 35 year old bookseller who is devoted to her job and community. After booking an appearance from her long-time favorite author, the two hit it off and show interest. But there is also the author’s broody and slightly rude best friend. And although he didn’t make the best first impression, Zora finds herself wanting to know more. This book has so many aspects that I loved. A curvy, 35 year old FMC who has solid relationships and ties with her community. Amazing dating representation and ethical non-monogamy. And this story is all things bookish girly without being cringey or cliché. This is my favorite work from Taj McCoy and I hope we see more like this to come!
Content Warnings
Moderate: Sexual content
Minor: Misogyny