Author: Charlotte Stein
Year published: 2024
Category: Adult fiction (romance)
Pages: 336 pages
Rating: 4.5 out of 5
Location: (my 2024 Google Reading map): UK
Summary: When grumpy ex-footballer Alfie Harding gets badgered into selling his memoirs, he knows he’s never going to be able to write them. He hates revealing a single thing about himself, is allergic to most emotions, and can’t imagine doing a good job of putting pen to paper.
And so in walks curvy, cheery, cute as heck ghostwriter Mabel Willicker, who knows just how to sunshine and sass her way into getting every little detail out of Alfie. They banter and bicker their way to writing his life story, both of them sure they’ll never be anything other than at odds.
But after their business arrangement is mistaken for a budding romance, the pair have to pretend to be an item for a public who’s ravenous for more of this Cinderella story. Or at least, it feels like it’s pretend―until each slow burn step in their fake relationship sparks a heat neither can control. Now they just have to decide: is this sizzling chemistry just for show? Or something so real it might just give them their fairytale ending?
Review: I was really ready for something light and positive and figured this book would be the one. Yes, it a romance with the always-promised happily ever after. However, there is an author's note at the start of the novel warning about some fatphobia. I was forwarned and a little worried that it would hit a bit close to home. Turns out I was ok.
The premise, a plus sized woman (fake and real) dating a hot professional athlete worked for me. I have been overweight most of my adult life and have dated some hot (admittedly not professional 🤣) athletes. And I've been told my clothes are too bright, too patterned, and yes, I have a sunny disposition most of the time. I could see myself in Mabel and exes/friends in Alfie. What we seem on the outside is certainly not what we are as people. I loved that Alfie had a true side to him that was smart and funny and not at all grumpy.
Does it feel a bit unrealistic? Yes. But all romance novels do and that's one of the things I enjoy about them. I get the happy ending I know is coming, some steamy scenes (and let me tell you, this novel has a couple foreplay scenes that are sooooo good), and I laughed out loud in some places. What more could I ask for?!
Challenges for which this counts:
- Bookish--writing a memoir
- Diversity your reading--plus sized main character
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