This is a sweet and very steamy enemies-to-lovers romance with only a little angst. Chloe is a very curvy black woman suffering with debilitating and painful fibromyalgia (contracted after a bout of pneumonia years prior). As a result of her pain, she was abandoned by her fiancé and chose to shut out all of her friends. She couldn’t handle both emotional and physical pain, so decided to avoid anything and anyone that might cause it. As the story begins, she is almost hit by a car which makes her realize that she hasn’t really been living, so she makes a list of ways to “get a life.” First step was moving out of her parents’ house and into her own apartment. There, she begins a testy relationship with her gorgeous super, Red. Despite their initial negative reaction to each other, Chloe checks off #7 on her list, “Do something bad,” when she spies on Red painting shirtless. She doesn’t know if he’s seen her, but eventually asks him to help her check off additional items on her list (for example, go camping, ride a motorbike). What ensues is a transformation from sarcastic, witty banter to passionate love. Red is one of the most caring and genuine heroes you’ll ever meet as well as a gifted painter, and, despite a painful past thanks to an abusive ex-girlfriend, he still cares deeply about people. Chloe, despite her fear of exposing herself to pain through relationships, is confident with her body (no awkwardness about getting naked) and acknowledges that she’s “gorgeous.” It is such a treat to read about a hunky hero who lusts after a woman’s “thick thighs” and “rounded belly.” We all need more of this celebration of diversity and body-positivity. Although cartoonish covers are all the rage right now, this one seems so misrepresentative of Chloe’s beauty. They could do much better. Fun, satisfying chick lit!
I received a complimentary ARC of this book from Avon through NetGalley in exchange for an honest review. Opinions expressed are completely my own.
No comments:
Post a Comment