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hjb_128's review
- 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
4.25
Graphic: Mental illness, Racial slurs, Racism, Sexism, Sexual content, Sexual violence, Alcohol, and Sexual harassment
Moderate: Cancer, Infidelity, and Toxic friendship
catlandia91's review against another edition
- 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
The beginning was a little rough for me, the clique-heavy nature of the campus was frustrating. The conflict between social groups felt so immature. It felt more like high school than college, and none of my school experiences remotely matched that, either. The social conflicts help drive much of the plot, which didn't always land for me, but I didn't mind much by the end.
Once I got through the setup drama, I was really hooked by Kiki and Kai's chemistry. I also thought their personal hangups felt pretty relatable, but I wanted to scream in Kiki's ear to stop lying to herself (in a good way, I was getting invested in their relationship). I definitely felt all warm and fuzzy by the end, and I maybe teared up a little. And when it finally happened, the spice was spicy, gat damn!
I also loved the female friendships throughout the book, I had a lot of fun when Aminah and the others were on the page.
The pop culture references felt a little heavy handed in some parts, mostly in Kiki's internal dialogue. They felt more natural in the conversations with Kai or her friends, where they helped give us a sense of everyone's personalities.
The cultural references were also a nice touch-- this felt distinctly British, Nigerian, and Black in a way that was effortless and engaging. If you want a romance with Black joy, I think this would definitely fit the bill.
Overall, this was a fun one, even if I felt a little like a cranky old person dealing with teen problems in the beginning.
Graphic: Sexual content
Moderate: Racism, Sexual assault, and Sexual violence
Minor: Cancer
chilivanilli28's review against another edition
- 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
4.5
Graphic: Sexual content
Moderate: Infidelity, Racism, and Sexual violence
abarnakwn_ourcolourfulpages's review against another edition
- 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
5.0
Graphic: Alcohol
Moderate: Bullying, Cursing, Misogyny, Racism, Sexism, Sexual violence, and Sexual harassment
Minor: Racial slurs, Toxic relationship, and Cultural appropriation
savvyrosereads's review against another edition
- Plot- or character-driven? Plot
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
4.5
Rating: 4.5/5 stars
Kiki Banjo is a college student and the host of a radio show where she discusses relationships and how to avoid heartbreak. But when she is unexpectedly thrust into a fake relationship with Malakai Korede, who she has just dubbed the “Wasteman of Whitewell,” Kiki is about to learn that opening your heart and overcoming your past may just be worth the effort it takes.
I went into this one off the recommendation of a friend but with no specific expectations, and I absolutely adored it.
The audiobook is a masterclass in audiobooks—well acted, well paced, and with brilliant audio touches to add realism (i.e. making phone calls sound like phone calls), so I would absolutely recommend audio as the best format for this one.
As to the book itself, this is a classic college rom-com in all the best ways—it’s witty, charming, and utterly adorable, and I am head over heels for the leading man, Malakai, while also wanting to be best friends with Kiki and her girl group. The plot was moderately predictable, but was also refreshingly deep. Rather than feeling childish or overblown, the issues the main characters had to work through were real and painful and I loved watching them find healing and come into their own.
Finally, I will always love a book that is unapologetically feminist, which this one is, and a book that features Black joy and Black culture (in this case British-Nigerian culture specifically) is even better.
Recommended to anyone, but especially if you like: diverse feminist rom-coms; well-acted audiobooks; sunshine-y male leads who will melt your heart.
CW: Cancer/illness of a parent; discussions of sexual assault/harassment; racism; misogyny/sexism; discussion of off-page incident of police brutality.
Graphic: Misogyny, Sexism, and Sexual harassment
Moderate: Cancer, Racism, Sexual assault, Sexual violence, and Police brutality
Minor: Emotional abuse, Infidelity, and Toxic friendship