For Her Consideration
by Amy Spalding
2.5 stars

L.A. sapphic love story.
I love a love story but this one lost me Nina was self-sabotaging left and right she was blind. I wasn't a fan of Nina. I liked Ari a lot her self-confidence was great. Just not the book for me.
Plus side I really enjoyed how Nina did take the time and did work on herself later on but felt like it took a while and I couldn't get into it.

Thank you, Net Galley and HarperCollins UK, One More Chapter, for the eARC for an honest review.

I received an advance copy of this book from One More Chapter, HarperCollins UK, and NetGalley in exchange for an honest review.

For Her Consideration is a deliciously fun and queer romantic comedy for the mentally ill girlies who would rather daydream about dating celebrities than live their real life (i.e. me).

I inhaled this book; it was such a lovely space to occupy and I didn't want to put it down. The characters were fun and charming and the plot moved at a pace that made the book super easy to read in one day without realising you'd done it. My favourite thing was how queer it is; pretty much everyone is gay, there's multiple characters who use gender neutral pronouns, and there were so many fun moments that made my queer little self so happy.

For Her Consideration is set in Los Angeles and is the only piece of media I have ever encountered that has made me want to visit LA. Amy Spalding highlighted the fun quirky elements of LA, and Nina's relationship with the city developed alongside her relationships with her friends and Ari Fox, her celebrity crush. The city felt so vibrant and played a key role in the plot, with Nina leaving the city to escape her feelings. As a suburban girly myself, I felt her pain whenever she did need to travel in! There were also sooo many mouth-watering descriptions of the meals they had around LA, and I regretted not having snacks to hand while I read. I want to do a tour of the city and try all the places they went. Please tell me they're all real???

I only had two issues with this book. The first is that the conflict between Nina and Ari wasn't really a conflict and they should have resolved it much sooner. The second is that Nina's friends let her walk away for so long, and that didn't really match up with how close they were. I totally get why Nina cut herself off from her friends; what her ex did was really damaging and I understood why Nina felt she needed to distance herself from people. What I don't get is how her friends - her self-described chosen family - let her isolate herself for so long, only to welcome her back into their lives straight away. Surely if you're that close you'd make more of an effort to get in touch??? Maybe I'm just not used to the concept of friends but it seemed a bit weird to me.

These were only minor issues though and on the whole this was a really sweet, funny, and romantic book, and I will definitely be seeking out more of Amy's work!

This book had me smiling from ear to ear all the way through and the amount of laugh out loud moments I had was unreal!!
This book was so heart warming and I instantly fell in love with Nina and Ari and all their friends, god I wish I had a friend group like them!!
There were a few moments that felt repetitive in the middle which is what stopped me from giving it a full 5 stars.
But I can hand on heart say I LOVED this book!!!

This was adorable. I really love when I can genuinely grin while reading a book, and I lost count of how many times that happened with this one.

I am an absolute sucker for found family, and Nina's friends are a perfect example of that. I could feel the love and warmth between them practically jumping out the page, same with Lorna and her relationship with Nina. (One of my minor ‘complaints’ about this book really, is that I wanted more Lorna, give me a sequel of her and her friends getting up to shenanigans pls and thank you) 


Nina was a mess, she spent three years isolating herself because she wholeheartedly believed what her ex said about her during their breakup. And I get it, running from problems and doing what you think will protect others seemed like the right choice for her at the time. Having her bring up what Taylor said constantly throughout the book did get tiring and repetitive, but that’s how it feels to have those anxious thoughts following you around in real life too, so if it annoyed me imagine how much it annoyed Nina. 


There is one trope of the genre I dislike that was used here, but I can’t really hold it against the book too much when like I said, it’s a genre trope, and it was done far better than others I’ve read in the past. 


What I really did love in this book besides the romance, which was adorable, is the growth. Characters actually develop and grow, and discuss therapy! with their friends! And have hard real conversations!! I hate when a romance book finishes with a super unrealistic perfect ending where no one actually improves or learns anything from their mistakes. Here it not only felt like a nice wrap up for this story, but also like the beginning of their next chapter, it was perfect. 

ALSO I really loved the casual use of they/them pronouns and the way characters introduced themselves to each other by saying "hi my name is X with X pronouns", its realistic and simple and exactly what I want to be normalised in and out of stories.

Sequel?? Part 2 told from Ari's POV?? A book about Phoebe and Bianca? The Lorna book I mentioned above? Give me them ALL

3.75 stars! Firstly, thank you so much to HarperCollins and Amy Spalding for ARC. This was a cute, quick and fun read, It was the first time I've read a book by Amy Spalding but I would definitely pick up another. The first thing that drew me to this book was the beautiful cover, its eye catching and the title was intriguing. I think it might've been easier to follow if it was dual POV because the third act breakup seemed to come out of the blue but otherwise, I really enjoyed it.

This book follows Nina, an aspiring TV writer who after 3 years of almost full seclusion - the result of a bad break-up - falls in love with Ari a movie star whose email account she manages. As she starts driving up to the city more often, reconnecting with her friends, and spending more time with Ari, she finds herself unable to ignore her crush and questioning whether it’s time to leave the past behind and give love (and life) another chance.

Starting with Nina; I kinda have mixed feelings about her. On the one hand, I understand and even sympathise with her struggles; the way her ex broke up with her was not the best and caused a lot of damage and heavily impacted Nina’s self-esteem. She wanted to protect the people she loved more than anything and truly believed that disappearing was the best way to do that. On the other hand, it was a bit annoying at times, especially towards the end when it started to happen again (though thankfully it was different this time). Ultimately, I’m happy she sought therapy to work on her issues and found love again, both among her friend group and with Ari.

Speaking of Ari, I really liked her! Everyone kept saying she was really difficult but I didn’t get that impression at all. She seemed like a great person, pretty laid-back from what I could tell. I wish we’d got to know more about her, actually.

One thing in particular that I think would have made this book even better was having some chapters told from Ari’s POV. I understand why Nina was the focus of the book, as in addition to a romance, this was also a story about her fears and how she overcomes them, but I think it would have been really interesting to know more about Ari’s day-to-day life and what she was feeling and thinking at some of the most pivotal points.

On a different note, I have to mention the found family trope, which was very strong in this book and undoubtedly one of my favourite things about it. I do have some questions (namely about the 3 years Nina spent apart from the group) but I’d rather focus on what we did see, and that is a tight-knit group of friends who love and support each other and would do anything to help and see each other happy. Throughout the book, we got some insights into this diverse group of people’s lives and saw what they are up to and/or struggling with and I really liked that.

Overall, this was a good book. I loved Ari and felt deeply for Nina and the damage her breakup left behind. It was a fun and easy read and although there was some miscommunication (which I don’t love), there’s not much drama overall and I had a great time reading it.

★ 3.5/5 Stars ★

A big thank you to HarperCollins UK, One More Chapter and Netgalley for sending me an arc in exchange for an honest review.

For Her Consideration by Amy Spalding

First of all a huge thank you to Amy Spalding and HarperCollins UK for providing me with a copy of this book in exchange for an honest review on NetGalley.

Since a crushing breakup three years ago, Nina Rice has written romance, friends, her dreams of scriptwriting for TV, and even L.A. proper out of her life. Instead, she’s safely out in the suburbs in her aunt’s condo working her talent agency job from home, managing celebrity email accounts, and certain that’s plenty of writing—and plot—for her life. But a surprise meeting called by Ari Fox, a young actress on everyone’s radar, stirs up all kinds of feelings Nina thought she’d deleted for good…

Ari is sexy, out and proud, and a serious control freak, according to Nina’s boss. She has her own ideas about how Nina should handle her emails—and about getting to know her ghostwriter. When she tells Nina she should be writing again, Nina suddenly finds it less scary to revisit her abandoned life than seriously consider that Ari is flirting with her.

Between reconnecting with her old crew and working on a new script, a relationship with a movie star seems like something she’ll definitely mess up—but what could be more worth the risk?

Review:

I really enjoyed this book. I loved Ari and Lorna, I wish I had Nina’s friends, and I found myself really relating to Nina at times.

Right off the bat, you’re introduced to a variety of female characters and completely immersed into Nina’s world. I found that despite meeting so many characters at once, I not once got confused between them. I truly loved how the book is written- super entertaining and very easy to follow!

Nearer the start of the book, I did have issues with what seemed to be excusing drink/drug driving. Nina would feel the effects of her drinks, having more than one, but it’s okay- they’re going for a half hour walk or a taco to soak it up before Nina drives back to her house in the middle of nowhere(!) I found this quite irksome, but it’s not a running theme throughout the book.

Once I’d gotten past that, I did really enjoy the story being told here. I really enjoyed how inclusive and diverse this book was. The representation was really great. The romance was sweet, and I very much enjoyed this book. I’ll definitely be keeping an eye out for more of Amy Spalding’s books to read in the future!

For Her Consideration finds Nina Rice dealing with the fallout of a relationship. Even though her relationship ended, Nina takes her ex’s words as a warning sign. In order to protect others from what she believes her ex said about her, she isolates herself. Leaving Los Angeles for the suburbs. Keeping her job managing celebrity email accounts.
Amy Spalding has written a romance story that feels real. The relationships even the one Nina Rice has with her boss, feel real. It’s like you’re catching up with a friend when reading For Her Consideration. One of those catch-ups you have with someone you’ve just drifted apart from. The ironic thing is that you also find that relationship when Nina runs into her friend, which leads her to reconnect with her old crew. Her crew never stopped loving her for who she truly is, despite what Nina thought.

Once the crew gets back together, Nina still has to deal with many of the things she’s been struggling with since 3 years ago. You have friends and relationships. Talks about wanting more out of life, family bonding, ambitions, growth, and a lot of sexy talks too in For Her Consideration.

Firstly I have to say that the co er of this book is fantastic and 100% the reason I requested it, I need more sapphic books in my life.

Unfortunately though I really had to push myself through this one and when I got to the 20% mark I just couldn't go any further. I felt like nothing was happening, nothing was intriguing me and the main character was very blanc

an easy fun read, love and heartache, friends and family.
first time i have read a book by this author and i would read more

I loved Ari but I was frustrated by Nina. The third act breakup felt strange because there felt like very little conflict before to cause it, I think having this book in Dual POV would have really help understand the thoughts behind the decisions and actions throughout.

Heartwarming, rom-com that includes breakups, hard truths, change and new love. This is a super cute found family, reconnecting and really learning to love yourself and go after what you want in life. Letting go of old versions of oneself and embarking on new joys even if it’s at a risk. This has family, a cool aunt, fashion, L.A., celebrities, interesting job, ambitions and love. What more could you ask for? This was an ARC and I’m voluntarily leaving this review.

This was a simple, fun, easy and quick read. The perfect type of book for your holiday, beach, pool kind of read. This is a first for me by the author and one I enjoyed and would read more of their work. The book cover is eye-catching and appealing and would spark my interest if in a bookshop. Thank you very much to the author, publisher and Netgalley for this ARC.

— 𝐁𝐨𝐨𝐤 𝐑𝐞𝐯𝐢𝐞𝐰 —

𝐓𝐢𝐭𝐥𝐞: For Her Consideration
𝐒𝐞𝐫𝐢𝐞𝐬: N/A
𝐀𝐮𝐭𝐡𝐨𝐫(𝐬): Amy Spalding
𝐆𝐞𝐧𝐫𝐞: LGBTQ+ Romance
𝐃𝐚𝐭𝐞 𝐏𝐮𝐛𝐥𝐢𝐬𝐡𝐞𝐝: 27th February 2023
𝐓𝐫𝐨𝐩𝐞𝐬/𝐓𝐡𝐞𝐦𝐞𝐬: Found Family, Empowerment
𝐑𝐚𝐭𝐢𝐧𝐠: 3/5

We’re here! We’re queer! And we love a pioneer! For Her Consideration is a love letter to those who represent the LGBTQ+ community in the fame industry and what nonconforming representation can mean for people who live in a heterocentric world.

This book includes celebrity romance, detailed love making with a foxy love interest, and a vibrant tale of LGBTQ+ found family. Also, yay! A sapphic romance with a protagonist in their 30s! I found that refreshing, and I enjoyed this read although I felt that some elements didn’t work for me!

Whilst I loved Ari and Nina’s upbeat and saucy dynamic, I couldn’t help but be frustrated with Nina for always feeling so sorry for herself! At one point I thought that Nina must have been born on a Wednesday since she’s so full of woe. It made me realise that this story needed Ari to balance Nina out way more than Ari needed Nina.

I also wish that some of the dialogue felt more authentic, I found characters laughing at things that weren’t funny, or crying at things that weren’t especially sad. So whilst the characters were fleshed out and easy to invest in emotionally, some interactions felt awkward at best.

Also, I personally don’t know how to feel about the body positivity rep in this story. I liked it because, yknow, team loveyourself, but also it was talked about so much it felt pushy. Nina constantly called herself fat as a way of disillusioning negative connotations and taking ownership of the word, but also she seemed to worry about the societal opinions of a fat girl in a nice swingy dress, and that Ari’s ex’s were smaller than her. It’s a lot of insecure monologue for someone who is supposed to love their body is all I’m saying. This is definitely a subjective opinion, but I would have loved less but more fierce declarations of body positivity.

🧚🏻‍♀️

***3.5 Stars***

Overall,
3.5 stars rounded to 4. I loved the writing in this book it was pretty fun. I think I did find a new trope that isn't really for me (not sure if its really a trope as much as a setting) I am not big on LA /Hollywood settings. Now I did not realize this going in to this book, and I tried very hard not to let it color my review, because that's not the books fault its mine. With all that said, I enjoyed quite a few aspects of this book, however it did miss a few marks. Specifically that we only got one POV. I think that it would have been a more fulfilling story if we could understand from both main characters point of view.

Recommendation,
This is a fun Sapphic Romance story set in LA/Hollywood and I would definitely recommend reading it.

***Thank you HarperCollins UK, One More Chapter and NetGalley for the chance to read this book early in exchange for an honest review. ***

This book had everything I was hoping for! Queer romance? Check. Hollywood drama? Check. Relatable characters and romance? Check!

I highly recommend this book if you're looking for a feel good f/f romance because you won't be disappointed. Amy did a fantastic job, and I can't wait to see what else she writes in the future!

3⭐

Ever been through a bad breakup and completely reinvented yourself and your life?
Enter Nina. She moved to California to become a writer and IS indeed a writer, just for rich people that don't have time to answer their emails. She's good at it though, and enjoys her job.

Ari is a rising queer actor and employs Nina to write her e-mails. She is super picky, and wanting to make sure it truly sounds like her, wants to meet in person. When they do meet, they hit it off right away. Ari is fun and spontaneous and Nina has a huge crush on her.

Can Nina have it all and get past her fears after her bad breakup? What will she do for love and a new chance at her dream life?

The first half of this book took a while to build. The main character is queer and mentions it again and again in the beginning of the book. I wanted more showing and less telling for a lot of the scenes, there are a lot of queer romance novels that build tension between characters and give readers a window into queer life without "labeling" it repeatedly. I think this more a feeling of, "I get it, she's queer! Let's get to the juicy parts!!"

Pros:
-I loved the supporting characters and would like to get to know them better! The friend group is full of characters that could support their own books and I'd love to see this evolve into a series.
-Our MC ends up becoming an adult and facing her toxic traits head on.
-I loved the aunt, she has a retirement that makes you smile despite her niece always worrying about her.
-I liked that her friends didn't let her ghost them a second time and that they started talking more and not just letting things go. (And blow up or just disappear)

Cons:
-Our MC ditches her friend group that is "like family" for 3 years after her breakup. It doesn't really make a lot of sense and I had a hard time understanding.
-This book thrives on assumptions and miscommunication and it's not my favorite trope. I have a thing for communication in my rom-coms. 🫣
-Ari is super difficult. You never see what this means, it's merely stated again and again. More showing, not telling!

I would read another book by this author. I enjoyed the book overall but wanted a little more from our MC's.

Thanks to netgalley for an eARC of the book!

I'm not enjoying the writing style and I felt like the introduction to our main character was a little too harsh. I know it is meant to give the reader an idea of her backstory, but the negative energy really turned me off of the book.

Thank you to netgalley and the publisher for providing me with a copy of this novel in exchange for an honest review.

2.5 upped to 3
I had fun, liked the humour and the description of the show biz environment. I liked the characters but didn't feel any chemistry between them and the story fell flat
Not my cup of tea
Many thanks to the publisher for this arc, all opinions are mine

Thank you for my eARC. Unfortunately I didn’t finish this, I absolutely was drawn in my the blurb but the writing didn’t keep me engaged and I didn’t find myself wanting to pick it up. If I try again and finish it I will update my review!