Reviews

This was ridiculously funny, and honest. I love that the "problems" were small compared to other roms coms (the fact that both MC's could own up to their problems and fix things like actual adults!). So honest and nerdy and vibey. I loved it!

dianeteallevans's review against another edition

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5.0

Perhaps my fave romcom this year! Funny, cozy, clever. Slow burn with well-written spice.

easlan's review against another edition

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4.75

Very sweet, slightly predictable, but in a cozy way. The audiobook was great with fun affects. Would want to read again

brokenrecord's review against another edition

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4.0

3.5 stars. This was pretty good! Honestly at first I wasn't sure how into it I was going to be because it felt a bit lust-at-first sight which usually isn't my favorite thing, but the dynamic between Kiki and Malakai really won me over. They had good banter were just a lot of fun together. I did get a little tired of the back-and-forth at times (mostly at the beginning, with them taking a step forward with the fake kiss and then immediately a step back, but once they actually committed to fake dating, I really enjoyed them). I also felt like even though this is set in a university, at times it felt more like it was about high school students, with the cliques and president stuff, etc. I did really like Kiki's friendships with Aminah and, later, Chioma and Shanti, and the bit where Malakai and her friends come to her defense against Zack, and she says she's never really had friends stand up for her like that before was both sweet and a little heartbreaking. I didn't get fully sucked into the romance (it was very enjoyable but I didn't find myself swooning over it like a top-tier romance) and wasn't super into all the politics/power structure element of the story which is why I'm not rating this any higher, but I definitely ended up liking it a lot.

sophiemitchell's review against another edition

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emotional 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? Yes

3.5

katiemack's review against another edition

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funny hopeful informative 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

4.25

Some of the writing is too flowery/cliche for my taste, but overall I adored this. Bolu Babalola really captures what it’s like to be a university student—the dialogue in particular is delightful and authentic—all while addressing pertinent issues such as racism, colorism, classism, etc. The romance is a delicious slow burn (not always my thing, but this one is so charming and vulnerable it’s tough not to fall in love with Kiki and Malakai’s relationship), but Babalola takes care to cultivate some sweet and grounded platonic relationships throughout the book as well.

This reads very New Adult, obviously, but it’s more than worth a read even if you’re not twenty years old.

Content Warnings

tiredenglishteacher's review against another edition

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emotional 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

4.25

fun little enemies to fake romance to lovers story. bolu babalola is a fantastic writer - story is as much about kiki’s character development and friendships as it is about her romance. highlights the Black post secondary experience and focuses on Black friendships and excellence. broad variety of characters all told authentically.

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