A review by alireadsbooks
Loathe at First Sight by Suzanne Park

challenging funny hopeful lighthearted medium-paced
  • Plot- or character-driven? A mix
  • Strong character development? Yes
  • Loveable characters? It's complicated
  • Diverse cast of characters? Yes
  • Flaws of characters a main focus? It's complicated

3.25

First of all, I should note that I did enjoy the experience of reading this book. I thought the premise of a young, Asian American woman starting out in the gaming industry was done well, and overall made for a fun page turner. However, I do think this book as a whole suffered from…not really knowing what it was trying to be? 

Loathe at First Sight is marketed as a romance, and its title implies an enemies-to-lovers story with a subplot of young professionals working in the video game industry. However, what I actually got from this was “book about being a BIPOC woman in an overtly sexist, racist industry, with a subplot of office romance.” And there was nothing “loathing” about it other than a brief, uncomfortable conversation between two coworkers? Again, none of this was bad, per se, it just…..wasn’t what I was expecting. In fact, I was way more interested in the workplace plot than the romance, so I guess it’s a good thing that it wasn’t what was advertised? 

As an avid video game fan and as a woman who has worked in toxic office environments, I was definitely here for this feminist story about Melody Joo overcoming obstacles and doing a kick-ass job leading an underdog game through production. The ending came together really well; everyone got what they deserved, and I was left with an overall satisfied feeling. 

Also, I just need to say that this book is a PERFECT example of why dating in the workplace is a horrible idea. Melody and Nolan balancing their disagreements and power imbalance at work with their budding romance made me wildly uncomfortable. Oh, and I know the men were crucial to the sexism storyline, but I really could’ve done without all of them. Even the love interest. 

Overall, aside from the overall identity crisis and some awkward pacing issues, this book was a good time. I don’t know if it would’ve resonated me if I wasn’t interested in the video game industry, but it was still enjoyable. 

Thank you to NetGalley for sending me a free eARC!
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