bujo_bellel's review
challenging
emotional
funny
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? Yes
4.0
I quite enjoyed this book, I love reading about the cosplaying in the book as not many books will talk about it and I also learned more about the process of creating cosplays. I think that the build up for the contest was really well thought out and I think the details and descriptions were pretty good too. I LOVE the characters, they are quite complex, yet are not hard to understand. I liked seeing things from both Kenya and Cam's perspective and seeing what went through their minds in each scene. I really enjoyed reading about their love story and they were SO sweet and supportive of each other! I feel like the other characters were also done well and I HATED the producer (obviously). It's interesting that Kenya's parents can be supportive yet also are against Kenya in things. I really enjoyed this book but it wasn't a favourite.
Content Warnings
Graphic: Fatphobia, Body shaming, and Racism
Moderate: Sexual content, Death of parent, and Emotional abuse
Minor: Alcoholism
natkimbrough's review
funny
lighthearted
fast-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Strong character development? It's complicated
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? It's complicated
4.0
I have had this on my TBR from the moment I saw it in B&N last year and thought February would be the perfect time to finally read this! It did not disappoint.
Kenya has her degree in engineering but is choosing to follow her passion in cosplaying, causing tension between her and her parents. The parent/daughter dynamic was so real it was a little hard to read at times. Kenya and Cam’s relationship is freaking adorable and the reader gets both character’s perspectives throughout each chapter. I loved following them along the rollercoaster of emotions caused by the stress of winning the competition, the watchful eyes and opinions of viewers on national television, and the navigation of a fake-but-not-fake relationship.
The only complaint I have is Kenya and Cam being secretly in love with each other the whole time. It got really repetitive and I found myself saying “we get it” almost every chapter. That being said! This book was so cute and I definitely recommend it!
Content Warnings
Minor: Alcoholism and Death of parent
michaelion's review
funny
lighthearted
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Plot
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
2.75
The cover is misleading. Not in a bad way. He's holding Thor's hammer but he doesn't dress as Thor, which maybe would've worked in the story's favor. I came for friends to lovers and got it but the rest of the plot I didn't care much for. I was pretty much skimming to the next romantic scene. Which I guess means I should read more romance?
Content Warnings
Moderate: Sexual content, Racism, and Fatphobia
Minor: Alcoholism, Death of parent, and Bullying
aus10england's review against another edition
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Plot
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
2.25
Bruh…. this had such good potential! I was hooked from the start, but the parents….. yikes!! I can’t even begin to say, they were so controlling and for what, their child is nearly thirty. Why did the MC willingly accept their terms? Make it make sense. Anyway, by the end, Anyway, I was entertained throughout, but the points above made it a very trusting read.
Spoiler
I was rooting for the other team to win, and cheered when they did.
Content Warnings
Graphic: Fatphobia
Moderate: Racism and Sexual content
Minor: Alcoholism and Death of parent
caitcosentino's review against another edition
slow-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Strong character development? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? No
3.0
Pacing issues
Not a lot of build up for the relationship
Kind of boring
I thought I'd hear more about the cosplay
Not a lot of build up for the relationship
Kind of boring
I thought I'd hear more about the cosplay
Content Warnings
Moderate: Death of parent, Alcoholism, and Racism
mangela_28's review
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Plot
- Loveable characters? Yes
4.0
The Love Con is a cute and fun read. Seressia Glass does a great job of giving Kenya and Cameron distinct personalities. I loved the writing style and pace of the book. The spice was mild (but present). The conflict with her parents was good to start with, but towards the end they say some pretty nasty stuff that I don't think could be easily resolved. Otherwise, super cute.
Content Warnings
Minor: Alcoholism and Death of parent
knunderb's review
funny
lighthearted
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Plot
- Strong character development? No
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? No
5.0
A fun, funny, light read. It was predicitable, but also dealt with the complexity of cross-gender platonic friendships and interracial romantic relationships. Very enjoyable!
Content Warnings
Graphic: Racism and Body shaming
Moderate: Alcoholism
Minor: Sexual content and Death of parent
chief_cook_and_librarian's review
funny
hopeful
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
3.75
Content Warnings
Moderate: Fatphobia and Racism
Minor: Alcoholism and Death of parent
essie__reads's review
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
5.0
I don't usually go for friends to lovers books, but the fake dating element in this one made it exciting and kept me interested!!
Kenya and Cam are such lovable characters! Kenya might be a nerd but she has so much confidence and I love a confident female lead character who isn't going to give anyone the satisfaction of stealing her joy. This book definitely appealed to my geek side, I enjoyed all the little refrences the author included throughout.
This was my first novel by Seressia Glass but will not be my last! I enjoyed her writing style so much. As someone from the metro-Atlanta area the elements of the city she included were so great and I need to try Nubian Coffee asap!!
I highly recommend this to any of my Marvel loving friends, and anyone who considers themself a geek!
Kenya and Cam are such lovable characters! Kenya might be a nerd but she has so much confidence and I love a confident female lead character who isn't going to give anyone the satisfaction of stealing her joy. This book definitely appealed to my geek side, I enjoyed all the little refrences the author included throughout.
This was my first novel by Seressia Glass but will not be my last! I enjoyed her writing style so much. As someone from the metro-Atlanta area the elements of the city she included were so great and I need to try Nubian Coffee asap!!
I highly recommend this to any of my Marvel loving friends, and anyone who considers themself a geek!
Content Warnings
Moderate: Body shaming, Fatphobia, Racism, Alcoholism, and Death of parent
lfp315's review
emotional
funny
lighthearted
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? It's complicated
3.5
Content Warnings
Minor: Alcoholism and Death of parent