muguet21's review
4.0
“Every touch, every hug, every kiss, every press of her body against his was a treasure, even if it was all fool’s gold.”
This book was such a delight! Like many other reviewers have highlighted, the representation was so needed in this niche nerdy space, but also always needed in the romance genre. I adored how this book did not shy away from speaking about racism and fatphobia: it did so in a way that was frank and honest about the realities that folks like Kenya can experience. I felt so seen by this book and awwed the whole way through. This couple had my heart!
This was almost a 5 star read for me however some of the dialogue had me feeling perplexed about the pacing of their relationship and feelings at times, to the point where it felt unrealistic. Although I don’t feel like every romance needs an epilogue, I think this book needed one. We had such a build up to the romance that I wanted the satisfaction of enjoying Kenya and Cam a bit more.
Highly highly recommend this one! Such a joy to read, especially for a mixed Black girl like me! Also for folks put off by too much spice, this is a lower spice book that still described sexual tension without all the details.
Happy reading!
This book was such a delight! Like many other reviewers have highlighted, the representation was so needed in this niche nerdy space, but also always needed in the romance genre. I adored how this book did not shy away from speaking about racism and fatphobia: it did so in a way that was frank and honest about the realities that folks like Kenya can experience. I felt so seen by this book and awwed the whole way through. This couple had my heart!
This was almost a 5 star read for me however some of the dialogue had me feeling perplexed about the pacing of their relationship and feelings at times, to the point where it felt unrealistic. Although I don’t feel like every romance needs an epilogue, I think this book needed one. We had such a build up to the romance that I wanted the satisfaction of enjoying Kenya and Cam a bit more.
Highly highly recommend this one! Such a joy to read, especially for a mixed Black girl like me! Also for folks put off by too much spice, this is a lower spice book that still described sexual tension without all the details.
Happy reading!
thislemonreads's review
4.0
This book got me through an 8 hour wait in the ER in the middle of the night and managed to hold my attention as many a drama passed through the waiting room. If that isn’t ample recommendation for a book, I don’t know what is, LOL. I also loved the representation - it’s not often romances focus on plus size ladies as the object of desire, and even less often on black plus size ladies. Also Cam was sexy as hell…
bnully1027's review
3.0
3.25-3.5. As someone who loves cosplaying and marvel I loved this. And I’m sucker for one bed and fake dating tropes. However. There were some things that just didn’t sit right with me and the ending is what brought it down a star because it was just all of sudden. But they were so cute together and so protective. Wish there would’ve been just a littttttlllleee bit more smut cause there wasn’t any and they way they built it up come on! Haha but overall super cute!!
whatkenzreads's review
3.0
3 ⭐️s - overall, I did like this, but just didn't love it
things I liked: fake-dating romance, cosplay, our MCs
things I did not like: the conflict, Kenya's parents, and how everything was resolved at the end (felt too easy, but I do appreciate that it wasn't some big conflict that tore the two MCs apart).
things I liked: fake-dating romance, cosplay, our MCs
things I did not like: the conflict, Kenya's parents, and how everything was resolved at the end (felt too easy, but I do appreciate that it wasn't some big conflict that tore the two MCs apart).
richardwriteson's review
4.0
This book was right up my BLERDY heart's alley. I would have really liked if the love interest was also Black, mostly because we rarely see that side of black men who also are into cons and cosplay. But this isnt a slight at the author AT ALL because it was such a cute story. Besties to lovers is always a trope that I go up for. Plus, plus sized rep is always nice.
isabellabasile's review
2.0
This book was so slow paced for the first 60% and then the main conflict came crashing down in the last 20 pages. The wiplash took 10 years off of my life. Also, it’s not a happy ending because the white man loves her! #justiceforkenya
moodreader89's review
5.0
This book gets 5 stars from me hands down. From the cosplay to the childhood-friends to lovers plot, and the peak into how staged and wild “reality tv” can be, I stayed up til 3 to finish this and it was a cute, happy ending. I enjoyed every second of this book!
lifeofaliterarynerd's review
4.0
3.5 stars
I really liked getting to see characters be passionate about something I know nothing about, so Kenya's drive, charm, and dedication made this a really enjoyable read. And her fake relationship (that quickly spurs some real feelings) with her best friend, Cam was beyond adorable. The mutual love and pining was everything I wanted.
I received a copy of the book from the publisher in exchange for an honest review
I really liked getting to see characters be passionate about something I know nothing about, so Kenya's drive, charm, and dedication made this a really enjoyable read. And her fake relationship (that quickly spurs some real feelings) with her best friend, Cam was beyond adorable. The mutual love and pining was everything I wanted.
I received a copy of the book from the publisher in exchange for an honest review