tritaratop's review
funny
lighthearted
fast-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Strong character development? No
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? No
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
2.75
readswithash's review
3.0
This was my 1st FF Romance and my 1st time reading this author! Needless to say I was a little nervous, but Barbie and Kenzie ended up sneaking their way into my heart! This Book opens up immediately getting into the spice, which wasn’t really ideal for me. I didn’t really feel a connection to the characters but, I finished this book in about 2 hours and it was a nice cleanser read. I found myself most relating to Kelly's meddling ways, but falling for how well Kenzie still knew Barbie after all those years! This was definitely a short and spicy read, and I will be trying some of Shannon O'connors other books in the future! I recommend this book to fans of second chances, Barbie references, and FF/Lgbtq+ romance!
This book was provided by the publisher in exchange for an honest review.
This book was provided by the publisher in exchange for an honest review.
tmjmack12's review
lighthearted
fast-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? N/A
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? No
- Flaws of characters a main focus? N/A
3.0
kfriend's review
3.0
HI BARBIE! It's the mantra we've all been living for every since Barbie and her vivid pink subversively feminst wonderland entered the ecosystem. AND I AM HERE FOR THE BARBenaissance. I've been eyeing this authors lusciously adorable covers for a while, and this Barbie-inspired sapphic novella seemed the perfect place to dive in.
Doll Face is a light and fun short story with ample spice. If you're looking for quick read that's pretty surface level light, this will be a nice diversion. I liked the writing style, but I found myself hankering for more story and substance to Barbie and Kenzie's history. The characters are pretty one note, which meant the chemistry mostly comes from steam alone. For a steamy novella that hits the spot for the most part, and we have plenty of Barbie-themed references sprinkled around the way too.
Doll Face is a light and fun short story with ample spice. If you're looking for quick read that's pretty surface level light, this will be a nice diversion. I liked the writing style, but I found myself hankering for more story and substance to Barbie and Kenzie's history. The characters are pretty one note, which meant the chemistry mostly comes from steam alone. For a steamy novella that hits the spot for the most part, and we have plenty of Barbie-themed references sprinkled around the way too.
beccagarren's review
4.0
First of all, thank you to the author for an ARC!!
I really enjoyed this book! It was a quick read for me, especially because I couldn’t put it down. It felt right to come out around the Barbie movie.
I loved seeing Kenzie (took me too long to realize it’s the best female name to Ken) go after Barbie with all the support of Barbies sister. Altogether I loved them together.
I really enjoyed this book! It was a quick read for me, especially because I couldn’t put it down. It felt right to come out around the Barbie movie.
I loved seeing Kenzie (took me too long to realize it’s the best female name to Ken) go after Barbie with all the support of Barbies sister. Altogether I loved them together.
julesreadsromance's review
4.0
Barbie and Ken but sapphic??? Um yes please!!!
Thank you Shannon O’Connor for the ARC opportunity!
Although the characters were very surface level/one dimensional I enjoyed the storyline. I really enjoyed the play on Barbie and Ken and the chemistry/love between Barbie and Kenzie. This was all in all a well written short story, with a great plot and spice! I really do enjoy quick love stories especially a good second-chance romance that ends happily ever after.
This novella took me out of my slump! It was such a quick, fun read that I really cannot say enough good things about!
Thank you Shannon O’Connor for the ARC opportunity!
Although the characters were very surface level/one dimensional I enjoyed the storyline. I really enjoyed the play on Barbie and Ken and the chemistry/love between Barbie and Kenzie. This was all in all a well written short story, with a great plot and spice! I really do enjoy quick love stories especially a good second-chance romance that ends happily ever after.
This novella took me out of my slump! It was such a quick, fun read that I really cannot say enough good things about!
inconsistantly_sarah's review
lighthearted
fast-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Strong character development? No
- Loveable characters? No
- Diverse cast of characters? No
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
2.0
women_using_words's review
adventurous
funny
hopeful
lighthearted
relaxing
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? It's complicated
4.0
The appeal of Barbie has evolved over time in complex and varied ways, especially for sapphic readers and writers. While historically Barbie has reflected the heteronormative and patriarchal beauty ideals projected in fashion and beauty magazines, wlw writers are excited to subvert these norms. Along with challenging gender and sexual stereotypes, they enjoy creating romantic and sexual relationships between the female characters within the Barbie universe. That’s exactly what one will find inside the pages of Shannon O'Connor’s new novella Doll Face. It’s a whole lot of sapphic fun wrapped in a pink Barbie bow.
O'Connor is a fun storyteller. She gives readers something that is light, fluffy and easy to read. This is pure escapism; it’s not meant to challenge one’s world view. However, rest assured that it’s not shabbily done by any means. O'Connor’s story world is solid and immersive. There’s some real thought put into its construction.
Since this is a short story, O'Connor quickly jumps right into it. She introduces Barbie and Kenzie with a steamy sex scene and then promptly breaks them up. The rest of the story works to get them back together, as this is a second chance romance. It does feel a bit rushed at times, which undermines the credibility somewhat. However, considering it’s a novella, it isn’t too bothersome. Readers can accept it, especially when the whole thing is meant for fun.
Even though this is a light and entertaining piece of fiction, O'Connor still manages to include character development that challenges harmful beauty standards. Kenzie is a plus-size woman but never once do readers see her as anything less than attractive; her body image is always portrayed in a positive light. And because O'Connor doesn’t shy away from how bodies impact desire, she allows for the exploration of honest sexual intimacy between Barbie and Kenzie. The result is a narrative that feels authentic, valid and empowering.
Final remarks…
O'Connor takes the well-established world of Barbie beyond the dollhouse and creates a new and fresh perspective for lgbtq readers. By incorporating a sapphic perspective into the storyline, O'Connor crafts something that’s imaginative and entertaining for wlw romance fans. Readers will be drawn to the alluring chemistry between Barbie and Kenzie as they work to rebuild their relationship. Overall, Doll Face is the perfect second chance romance for those that are looking for a quick, entertaining read.
Strengths…
- Quick and easy reading
- Entertaining
- Sexy
- Fun and lighthearted
tianasbookshelf's review
1.0
I think the basic premise of this book had potential. I was excited to read it. However, it really fell flat for me. The only thing that kept me reading is that it’s relatively short. I found the characters very 1 dimensional. We learn so little about them and the world they live in. Their was no world building and little character building. The story was rushed, the plot was barely there, there was no true conflict and the “resolution” was just too convenient. The smut was redundant and unnecessary half the time.