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A review by shelvesofivy
Cupid Calling by Viano Oniomoh
emotional
funny
lighthearted
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
4.5
This book totally blindsided me!!
All I really knew going in was the reality TV romance, plus the fact that it's bi x bi and has demi rep. But this had me physically crying literally on chapter 3, and then sobbing at multiple points throughout. The conversations surrounding queerness, identity, and family are all so real and honest and I think a lot can be gained from them. I also think that not many books go where this one did with grief and lost love.
Beyond the tears, this book was so fun!! It was wonderful and hilarious watching these idiots dance around each other for the first half of the book. (and it felt like watching my past self while seeing Ejiro's thoughts before having his awakening – or like watching a baby bird lol)
A few things did keep it from being fully 5 stars for me. It felt like there was just a bit too much "tell" in the beginning for me, and it took a little longer to pick up the plot than I would have liked. It would have worked better (in my opinion) if we started at or nearer to the start of filming and then dropped in the information about their families and friends throughout the story. I also agree with another reviewer who said a good portion of the ending could have been cut out.
Ultimately though, they didn't take away from my overall enjoyment and glee from this book. The romance was top tier ♡
All I really knew going in was the reality TV romance, plus the fact that it's bi x bi and has demi rep. But this had me physically crying literally on chapter 3, and then sobbing at multiple points throughout. The conversations surrounding queerness, identity, and family are all so real and honest and I think a lot can be gained from them. I also think that not many books go where this one did with grief and lost love.
Beyond the tears, this book was so fun!! It was wonderful and hilarious watching these idiots dance around each other for the first half of the book. (and it felt like watching my past self while seeing Ejiro's thoughts before having his awakening – or like watching a baby bird lol)
A few things did keep it from being fully 5 stars for me. It felt like there was just a bit too much "tell" in the beginning for me, and it took a little longer to pick up the plot than I would have liked. It would have worked better (in my opinion) if we started at or nearer to the start of filming and then dropped in the information about their families and friends throughout the story. I also agree with another reviewer who said a good portion of the ending could have been cut out.
Ultimately though, they didn't take away from my overall enjoyment and glee from this book. The romance was top tier ♡
Content Warnings
Graphic: Biphobia, Emotional abuse, Homophobia, Sexual content, and Grief
Moderate: Sexual assault and Toxic relationship
Minor: Car accident