𝗔 𝗰𝗲𝗹𝗲𝗯𝗿𝗶𝘁𝘆 𝗿𝗼𝗺𝗮𝗻𝗰𝗲.

I think this book is pretty decent. It's a celebrity romance and a rom com and I enjoyed it. The main character, Nina, works for a talent agency and manages celebrity email accounts including one for an actress called Ari. Ari is supposedly a control freak but I didn't find her difficult at all. In fact, I thought she was pretty pleasant in her interactions, whether they were with Nina or someone else. Nina, on the other hand, had layers to peel back and flaws she needed to work on. But whatever her insecurities were, I'm glad that her plus-sized figure wasn't one of them.

I like the romance that developed between Nina and Ari, didn't like it so much when Nina copped out of things but I so love Nina's friends.

Eu adorei a leitura! Achei muito fluida e leve e fiquei apaixonada pelas personagens! Espero muito que seja traduzido para o meu país!

Cute story - well written. I liked the fast pace and wittiness of the story, and one spot early on had me giggling out loud. I do think that overall, the book was missing a little something, but not sure what that something is because all the components of what I consider a great book are there - good writing, great characters, a little bit of angst, and a happy ending.

I loved Aunt Lorna and her cohorts. They brought a different angle to the story and showed who Nina really is - despite her own views of herself, she is a kind, sweet person who deserves love. And the friends were great - who wouldn't want a supportive group of friends like Nina has? Max was cute - I could see this book having a sequel and including more of Max's journey. And last but not least - Nina and Ari - very cute couple, very compatible. I loved their conversations, but there just didn't seem to be a spark for me.

As a straight-up romance, I wasn't that impressed, but as a general lesbian fiction book, it was very satisfying.

I ended up DNF this book about a quarter of the way in. It just wasn’t for me it’s a very slow romcom in my opinion. Thank you NetGalley for an ARC of For Her Consideration by Amy Spaulding.

This was a DNF @ 35% for me. The writing was fine, but the plot was pretty slow and I couldn't buy the chemistry between the leads. I think this will find it's audience but I wasn't it.

For Her Consideration - Review (https://thebookslayers.home.blog/2022/08/23/for-her-consideration-resena-colaboracion-netgalley/)

English

Thanks to Netgalley and Kensington books for the opportunity to read this ARC.

Those of you who know us already know that we always enjoy lgtbq+ content. Any book that falls into this category gets quite a few points for that alone, but lately I've noticed that when we talk about lesbian or sapphic couples there is always a very distinct difference. That's one of my complaints with this book and I want to make it very clear that it's probably down to the editing and not the author.

My problem with it is not that they cut the sex scenes and that's it. For me it's the least important thing in the plot, I'll talk more about that later which is the strong point of the book. My problem is that we seem to have romance books with straight or mlm couples that do have those scenes, but there are a lot of books that smply cut them or make a fade to black when its a wlw scene. And it's not that it's a punctual moment so as not to be repetitive, it's several times. I repeat, sex to me is extremely secondary, but I don't see his situation to be as fair to lesbian or Sapphic books.

That said, which I think is an important point, I want to tell you about the good things about the book.

The characters. I have to say that it is not only the protagonist who has a good background, who has complexity (and a lot of it because of her ex), but all the characters. Even though some might be secondary, they still have something that makes them realistic. That is always a highlight for me. It is not easy and Amy has achieved it. Besides, the relationships, whether they are family related, friendship or couple, are spot on.

About the main character, I understand her insecurities and all the times she doubts herself. But I have to say that maybe that is repeated a little too much for my taste. Of course, the representation is great.

That's what's great about this book, the representation: lesbians, no binaries, fat people (yes, I'm going to say it like that because I am, period, it's not an insult or anything to be ashamed of). It's one of the things I enjoyed the most because, although there aren't usually many books with so much representation of minorities (thank you, world), it's more realistic. Life is full of these people, myself included, and I want to read inclusive books.

The plot, I have to say the approach and development is great. I like the evolution of the main relationship and friendships. There is also a change in the main character who is slowly starting to open up to the rest. So if I were to cut the review here I would give it a 4-5.

But I have to say that the style didn't quite got to me. There is too much description and explanations that don't end up adding much to the story. I'm not saying that they drag it out, but there were times when it was a bit heavy and repetitive. That's why (and because of the sex scenes, although I know that must have been the publisher) I have to give it a 3.

Maybe it wasn't my book, maybe there are things that didn't convince me, but I won't say that I don't recommend it. The representation is there and unfortunately there is too little books like this one to leave that aside. But I will continue to say that for lesbian/safic stories not everything goes.

-Ele

Spanish

Gracias a Netgalley y a Kensington books por la oportunidad de leer esta copia en digital antes de la publicación del libro.

Aquí ya sabéis que siempre disfrutamos de las lecturas con contenido lgtbq+. Cualquier libro que entre en esta categoría se lleva bastantes puntos solamente por eso, pero últimamente me he dado cuenta de que cuando hablamos de parejas lésbicas o sáficas siempre hay una diferencia muy clara. Esa es una de mis quejas con este libro y quiero dejar muy claro que seguramente sea cosa de la edición y no de la autora.

Mi problema con esto no es que corten el sexo y ya. Para mí es lo menos importante de la historia, ya hablaré más adelante de eso que es el punto fuerte. Mi problema es que parece que tenemos libros románticos con parejas hetero o gays que sí tienen esas escenas, pero hay tantas ocasiones en el que cuando son dos mujeres eso se corta. Y no es que sea un momento puntual para no ser repetitivo, es que son varias veces. Repito, el sexo para mí es extremadamente secundario, pero no veo justo que se haga con los libros lésbicos o sáficos.

Dicho esto, que creo que es un punto importante, quiero hablaros de las cosas buenas del libro.

Los personajes. He de decir que no es solamente la protagonista quien tiene un buen fondo, que tiene complejidad (y mucha porque telita la ex). Son todos los personajes, que aunque sean secundarios siguen teniendo un algo que les hace realistas. Eso siempre es un puntazo para mí. No es fácil y Amy lo ha conseguido. Además, las relaciones que hay ya sean de familia, amistad o pareja me parece que están muy conseguidas.

Sobre la prota, entiendo muchísimo sus inseguridades y todas las veces que duda de sí misma. Pero he de decir que quizás eso se repite un poquito demasiado para mi gusto. Eso sí, la representación chapó.

Es que eso es lo genial de este libro, la representación: lesbianas, no binaries, gente gorda (sí, lo voy a decir así porque yo lo soy y punto, no es un insulto ni nada de lo que avergonzarse)… Es una de las cosas que más he disfrutado porque dentro de que no suele haber muchísimos libros con tanta representación de minorías (gracias mundo), es más realista. La vida está llena de estas personas, yo incluida, y quiero leer libros inclusivos.

La trama, tengo que decir que el planteamiento y el desarrollo es genial. Me gusta la evolución de la relación principal y de las amistades. También hay un cambio en la protagonista que se empieza a abrir poco a poco al resto. Así que si cortara aquí la reseña le pondría un 4-5.

Pero tengo que decir que el estilo no me ha llegado del todo. Hay demasiada descripción y explicaciones que no terminan de aportar mucho a la historia. No digo que lo alarguen, pero sí que hubo momentos en los que se me hizo un poco pesado y reptitivo. Es por eso (y por lo de las escenas de sexo aunque sé que eso habrá sido la editorial) que tengo que ponerle un 3.

Quizás no ha sido mi libro, quizás hay cosas que no me han terminado de convencer, pero no voy a decir que no lo recomiendo. La representación está ahí y desgraciadamente hay muy poca como para dejarlo de lado. Pero seguiré diciendo que para historias lesbicas/saficas cualquier cosa no vale.

–Ele

I'm a sucker for a good rom-com- this was the perfect summer read. thank you netgalley & the publisher for the arc!

I don't know what it is about romance novels set in LA but I absolutely adore them. We start with Nina's horrible, no good, very bad breakup that makes me want to murder her now-ex in about a million ways, and that general sentiment towards her never really fades. Nina's initial crush on Ari from a distance for being one of the few out queer actresses was very relatable as well - that sort of general gratitude and awareness of public figures who choose to be out. I loved watching the two of them begin to interact and shift from polite awkwardness to mega crush to dating.
Spaulding's writing is a delight as always, and at one point had me laughing so hard I got a stitch in my side and had to set the book down. Absolutely amazing novel, I loved it. Stayed up until 1am finishing it. Going to be screaming about it to people until it comes out in February.

The parts I really enjoyed: the chemistry between the love interests, found family of the main friend group and the sweetest grandma I wish I had.

The parts that I enjoyed less: the main character's internal struggle. It was relatable but felt repetitive. The pacing also got kind of boring but then the conflict hit and I was hooked again.

Overall, I really enjoyed this book and definitely recommend it!

🌟ARC Review🌟

I was so excited to be approved to read this ARC and it did not disappoint. It follows the story of Nina, an aspiring scriptwriter, who is healing from a bad break up and living in her aunt’s condo. When she meets Ari, a queer actress who is beautiful and charming, Nina suddenly finds herself feeling old feelings that she didn’t know she could still have. As Nina continues her journey of healing, reconnecting with old friends, and navigating her feelings, it was a book I could not put down! ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️/5

Nina was such a real character that was so relatable. She made me feel everything she was feeling and I absolutely fell in love with her chosen family. Her relationship with Ari was so cute and loving and as it continued, I couldn’t stop rooting for them the entire time. Such a fabulous book and I was so sad when it ended. As much as I loved Ari and Nina’s love story, by far my fav character was Lorna!

Thank you to NetGalley and Kensington Books for letting me review this book.

A fun, queer rom com that takes place in sunny LA. My only complaint is that the main character Nina did get a bit tiresome in her insecurities. The supporting characters were great and Ari was perfect!

For Her Consideration tells the story of Nina Rice, an aspiring screenwriter whose current gig is writing emails for celebrities, and Ari Fox, an up-and-coming out lesbian actress who is one of said celebrities.

I loved that this is a book where a character actually calls herself a lesbian!! i was nervous at the beginning while reading bc Nina refers to herself only as a queer woman, and calls Ari a queer woman too, so i was worried this would be yet another sapphic book in which the sapphic character who does not like men never uses the word lesbian. but Amy Spalding came through for us and i was so happy to see the word "lesbian" on the page in a non-derogatory way and see how Ari is comfortable calling herself that, though i wish we had gotten that more than just a couple times.

the fat rep is also superb. Nina uses the word "fat" instead of "plus size" which is so refreshing, and i love how confident she is in her body and how she doesn't dress to hide it, how she mentions that she loves her thighs and her stomsch. as a fat person myself, i loved getting to read about this side of nina.

overall, this was a good read! i love a queer chosen family and all the side characters were so cool and interesting. *SPOILERS* I did think that there should've been more of an interaction between Nina and her ex, Taylor. Considering how Taylor's words drive Nina and her actions for over three years, I thought there should've been more between them than just a short paragraph mention of them saying hello to each other. However, I still really enjoyed this and I love where it ended!

Thank you to NetGalley and Kensington Books for the e-ARC! this book releases in February 2023 🤍

I loved this book! It was super relatable, and a quick, easy read. I love celebrity rom coms, and the chosen family trope just hit all the feels. Loved it!

Thanks so much to Kensington Books and NetGalley for the ARC in exchange for an honest review!

Okay, this was one of the best romances I've read in a hot second, and I think it's because it's not JUST about the romance. Spalding's love for Los Angeles, the LGBTQIA+ community, and found family really shined through in this novel. I don't know if Spalding is an LA native, but she seems to know it like the back of her hand, and I was instantly teleported to Hollywood, despite having never stepped foot there.

This was one of the few romance novels I've read where the friends don't get sidelined; rather, they are treated as real people with feelings and personalities. This seems bare minimum, but trust me, Spalding does it spectacularly. If you've ever had a queer friend group (and yes, you've probably all dated each other and have all the same exes), you will instantly recognize and love Nina's friend group. Also, there's some really cool casual nonbinary rep, which I don't usually see even in LGBT-centered books.

The romance was super natural, the feelings involving Nina's crush were so relatable, and the conflict was super well done. I can't say much without spoiling anything, but it's not your normal third act miscommunication trope. Both characters actually actively grow throughout the relationship, and I was invested through all their ups and downs. Also, Nina's main inner conflict following her breakup in the prologue of the book was so heartbreaking and so well done. I really think a lot of people will find it relatable and really see themselves in her.

Overall, I think this will be one of the best romance releases of 2023. I highly recommend you check it out.

Nina and Ari are amazing. Their friends were amazing. This whole story was amazing. Did I mention, amazing????


I received a complimentary copy of this book through NetGalley. The opinions expressed in this review are completely my own

I wanted to love this book––it’s a famous/non-famous romcom! it’s gay! there’s a huge emphasis on found family!––but For Her Consideration didn’t quite work for me. The main culprit: the story’s inconsistent pacing. The narrative drags, the prose is often repetitive, and Spalding rushes through or skips over scenes that feel necessary to the plot. Basically, there’s a lack of tension on the page, which prevents the author from building momentum (on a macro/story level) and from creating that ~spark~ AKA chemistry between the MCs (on a micro/scene level). A dual POV structure would likely be effective here––alternating between Nina and Ari’s voices would liven up the prose, and it would give the reader more insight into Ari’s fears & motivations, since we only ever get to be inside Nina’s head.

This was my first Amy Spalding novel, so I’m totally open to trying her out again. ATTN Spalding hive: let me know if I should check out any specific book from her catalogue!

Thank you Netgalley for the access to this ARC!

I went back and forth between 3 or 4 stars, but decided on four. This is a really lovingly, carefully written romance with satisfying depth in the main character and A+ representation. It also contains basically all the things that irritate me in romance novels, but it won me over anyway.

For Her Consideration is a romance, mostly, but it's also very much a slow-paced, deeply emotional character study. A person's opinion on this book will entirely depend on their feelings on Nina Rice. Nina is occasionally insecure about her plus-sized body, but she mostly loves it from the start, which I always love. She's overwhelmingly insecure about the general state of her life, however. Most of the book is centered around Nina removing her self-imposed exile and letting people in again. I appreciated the care that went into depicting how a bad breakup can destroy a person emotionally, and I liked that Nina got the healing and support she deserved as a certified Nice Person Trying Her Best.

Nina tells the whole story in charming, if occasionally rambling, first person narration. Pretty much all of the obstacles and conflict in the book stem from her own self-doubt, mostly inflicted by a scathing email sent three years ago from a terrible ex. Usually, this kind of self-doubt-is-the-only-obstacle love story bores me into a coma. Here, though, Nina's past trauma is so believable and so biting on the page, I was able to look past it.

It's a bit odd that the blurb compares this books to Casey McQuiston's. I suppose every millenial romcom gets compared to Casey McQuiston's now, that makes some sort of sense, but the style and the goals of this book are so different. McQuiston's books always have these insanely high larger-than-real-life stakes (an election, a murder investigation, a true love being lost forever in the electric currents of time travel) and this book goes hard in the opposite direction. It's light, it's breezy. If you like romances where the breakups aren't wrenching, there isn't a fight every few chapters, and everyone is generally really great to each other and gets along, this is the book for you. It's very slice of life.

The flip side, ofc, is that the central conflict could be solved with a referral to a good therapist--so, imagine my surprise when the central conflict was solved with a referral to a good therapist! I really appreciated that. The deep characterization of Nina also really sold this to me, as she did come to the right conclusions on her own even before her friends and great aunt stepped in.

Compared to Nina's rich characterization, I have to say Ari Fox was a little underwhelming to me. She was a hot queer actress who spent a lot of time being queer and hot. I guess she learned a tiny lesson at the end, but, she mostly stayed a constant Hottie North Star.

I tend to prefer romances where I see more of the other side of the coin. For the first half of the book, I legitimately couldn't have told you why Ari was so aggressively pursuing Nina (a lot of this may have been Nina's narration constantly downplaying herself.) So that's why I was on the fence between 3 and 4 stars. Ultimately, the care that went into the ending won me over, and I think the book succeeded brilliantly at what it set out to do. A sweet, slice-of-life take on the Hollywood love story.

This book gives all of the best parts of The L Word minus all of the unnecessary drama. It has an amazingly supportive found family, a steamy romance, and a peek into the behind-the-scenes world of celebrity. Add to that my new favorite octogenarian instagrammer and you’ve got one fabulous read!

I really loved this book because it drove home that you can find your people and your place in the world without having to be perfect. The people that are meant to be in your life will stay and love you for you.

Thank you so much to Kensington Books and NetGalley for the use of this ARC.

I loved this book so much! I felt so deeply connected to Nina that I was shedding a few tears within the first couple of chapters. I kept expecting the story to disappoint me somewhere and for Nina to do something irritating (perhaps I'm projecting, huh? 🤣) but the whole book was lovely and so real. I'm so sad that it's over. I want more time in this world.

The deal: Nina, whose job is to cosplay as celebrities in managing their email inboxes, is still in the shadows of a big breakup when she gets grafting with her client Ari, who is basically Kristen Stewart. (I got an ARC from Netgalley.)

Is it worth it?: Not particularly. The writing was a bit clunky, it dragged on, and the romance didn’t feel particularly real or believable to me. I think a secondary POV would have helped immensely. Also, I struggled with how often Nina was drinking and driving; nearly every date with Ari involved a bucket o’ booze, feeling tipsy, then eating a quick treat to “sober up.” Oh, and a Honda is not a shitty embarrassing car?! All that being said, found family stuff was cute, lots of LA locations, and if you want wlw romance fluff, sure, go for it.

Pairs well with: the Kristen Stewart canon, that one time Edith Zimmerman interviewed Chris Evans for GQ, Porto’s cheese rolls

C-