Who Would Like This Book:
This friends-to-lovers romance is a pure treat for anyone who loves geek culture, cosplay, and a fake dating trope with genuine warmth. Kenya, the main character, is fierce, big-hearted, and refreshingly authentic, making her easy to root for. The nerdy reality competition setting brings fun, fandom energy, and real-life issues - like race and body positivity - into the spotlight. If you love supportive friendships, diverse heroines, and watching characters overcome both personal and public obstacles, you’ll want to add this to your TBR. Perfect for fans of reality TV competitions and heartfelt, inclusive romances.
Who May Not Like This Book:
Some readers found the central conflict a bit weak or the fake dating premise hard to buy into. Dialogue can feel a little stilted at times, and if miscommunication between characters drives you nuts, there are a few moments that might frustrate you. Those looking for a steamy romance should know this one keeps it more sweet than spicy.
About:
The Love Con by Seressia Glass is a heartwarming story about Kenya, a plus-sized Black cosplayer, who navigates the challenges of a reality show contest, Cosplay or No Way, while dealing with microaggressions and racism. With the support of her best friend Cam, who transforms into her boyfriend for the show, Kenya faces judgment and skepticism from others but remains resilient in pursuing her dreams. The book expertly weaves in themes of friendship, romance, and self-acceptance, while also shedding light on the struggles Black women face in society.
The author, Seressia Glass, skillfully blends elements of romance, reality television drama, and cosplay culture to create a compelling narrative that resonates with readers. Through Kenya and Cam's evolving relationship, Glass explores themes of consent, respectability politics, and the complexities of interracial dating, offering a refreshing take on the friends-to-lovers trope with a focus on authenticity and empowerment.
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Notes:
Sensitive Topics/Content Warnings
The book includes medium content warnings, mainly addressing microaggressions and societal issues that the characters, particularly Kenya, face related to race and body image.
Has Romance?
The Love Con presents a strong romantic element, showcasing the deepening relationship and chemistry between the main characters throughout the narrative.
From The Publisher:
A LibraryReads Pick!
One of...
Popsugar's Best New Romances
Bustle and Bookish's Most Anticipated Books of December
Library Journal's Best Romances of 2021
He's cosplaying as her boyfriend but their feelings for each other are real in this romantic comedy from Seressia Glass.
Sometimes Kenya Davenport believes she was switched at the hospital-how else could a lover of anime, gaming, and cosplay come from STEM parents? Still, Kenya dreams of being able to turn her creative hobby into a career. She finally has a chance to make it big when she joins the reality show competition Cosplay or No Way .
There's just one catch: the challenge for the final round is all about iconic pairs, and the judges want the contestants' significant others to participate. Unfortunately, Kenya is as single as can be at the moment. Luckily her best friend, Cameron Lassiter, agrees to be her fake boyfriend for the show.
Roleplaying a couple in love will force them to explore what they're hiding under the mask of friendship. Can Kenya and Cam fake it until she makes it, or will she be real about her feelings, knowing it could cost her the best friend she's ever had?
Ratings (1)
Loved It (1) |
Reader Stats (11):
Read It (1) | |
Want To Read (7) | |
Did Not Finish (1) | |
Not Interested (2) |
What can you read after
The Love Con?
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