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A review by moonlitemuseum
One to Watch by Kate Stayman-London
funny
inspiring
lighthearted
reflective
tense
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? Yes
4.0
This was such a dream! I don't ordinarily read straight romance, but the reviews I heard by chance were so tantalizing I just had to try it out. Bea is a dream of a lead character; witty, passionate and terrified of her own vulnerability.
The writing is a little cheesy here and there but it adds to the charm; and the supporting cast, especially Bea's family, her best friend and the final four men she chooses for the show, are all so thoughtful and kind that I could feel my heart healing in real time.
Unfortunately I think the absolute peak of the book is deep in the second act. The first portion of the book is an understandable but gutwrenching gauntlet of bodyshaming, self-doubt and depression, while the third act conflict was a little agitating and predictable (though it read true to the characters). I was, as always, not a fan of the slap-argue-kiss dynamic that seems to plague most straight romance (a late game reveal that a minor m/f couple who spent their entire time barbing each other online got together felt weird and superfluous), but the book is great in terms of dotting LGBT rep around in satisfying dollops in characters that felt authentic.
When the book is good, though, it's GOOD. It feels exactly like binging a trashy reality TV show, but with all the meta commentary and interior feelings carefully curated for your benefit. A gem. As a side note, Kristen Sieh, the narrator for the audiobook, does a flawless job with the accents and building drama!
The writing is a little cheesy here and there but it adds to the charm; and the supporting cast, especially Bea's family, her best friend and the final four men she chooses for the show, are all so thoughtful and kind that I could feel my heart healing in real time.
Unfortunately I think the absolute peak of the book is deep in the second act. The first portion of the book is an understandable but gutwrenching gauntlet of bodyshaming, self-doubt and depression, while the third act conflict was a little agitating and predictable (though it read true to the characters). I was, as always, not a fan of the slap-argue-kiss dynamic that seems to plague most straight romance (a late game reveal that a minor m/f couple who spent their entire time barbing each other online got together felt weird and superfluous), but the book is great in terms of dotting LGBT rep around in satisfying dollops in characters that felt authentic.
When the book is good, though, it's GOOD. It feels exactly like binging a trashy reality TV show, but with all the meta commentary and interior feelings carefully curated for your benefit. A gem. As a side note, Kristen Sieh, the narrator for the audiobook, does a flawless job with the accents and building drama!
Content Warnings
Graphic: Fatphobia and Infidelity
Moderate: Emotional abuse
Minor: Acephobia/Arophobia