Member Reviews
I absolutely loved this book - I've devoured everything Jen Comfort has written and really love that each book is its own thing while being distinctively her.
I really enjoyed the additional plot within the game show, while also constantly showing us the insane chemistry between the two leads - I'll definitely be re-reading this and can't wait to see what comes next!
I really liked this book a lot!!! It was so much fun! The banter between the two leads was actually hilarious. I was laughing out loud almost the entire time reading this. All the characters were great as well. The plot of the story was really interesting to me too. I don't think I've ever read a game show romance book 🤣. I really enjoyed learning a bunch of trivia while reading. I don't think I remembered any of it but it was cool nonetheless. The relationship between Maxine and Teddy progressed at the perfect speed in my opinion. I love them both so much. Everyone please read this book!!! You won't regret it!
⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️️
🌶️🌶️
𝗥𝗲𝗮𝗱 𝗶𝗳 𝘆𝗼𝘂 𝗲𝗻𝗷𝗼𝘆:
- Trivia Gameshows
- Rivals to Lovers
- Forced Proximity
- Spicy Studying
My trivia nerd heart absolutely devoured this one! What Is Love? is filled with wit, trivia, fierce competition and of course that spice!
Maxine is our semi-chaotic ADHA heroine and Teddy is our straightlaced, uptight hero and their dynamic had me devouring this book in one day. The contrast of these two really drove the plot and led to many laugh out loud moments that had me super giggly.
This book is packed with so many good micro tropes that it would’ve been easy for the sweet story to get lost in it but Jen Comfort made them work so well. There is forced proximity, rivals to lovers, student/professor kink just to name a few. Even with all these micro tropes, there is still a great amount of character depth and growth for Maxine and Teddy that I kept wanting to read more.
If you’ve ever had trouble studying, I suggest you pick this one up and learn some new techniques - specifically the map scene and the stairwell scene 😏
I am obsessed with Jen Comfort and somehow even more obsessed with this book! Teddy and Maxine have my whole entire heart. I was laughing out loud through most of the book, and then hit directly in the feels with so many poignant moments. Jen is a master!
I am on record as saying I only like grumpy/sunshine in a MF romance if Grumpy is the woman. Too often, grumpy(M)/sunshine(F) results in a manic pixie dream girl-like character who has to do a TON of emotional labor to get the man to open up.
Well, Jen Comfort has once again confounded my expectations by creating a book in which our heroine, Maxine, is Sunshine--kind of. She's Sunshine with a side of Acerbicness and ADHD, and Teddy, our rigid, by-the-book MC, loves every minute.
How could he not, when Maxine says such things as: "I don't usually take dates back to my room after the first drink, and definitely not ones who've insulted my intelligence, but you ARE wearing glasses and suspenders, which I find very slutty on a man. My virtue is real negotiable right now."
Maxine and Teddy are former Answers! (think Jeopardy!) winners who are brought back to participate in an ultra tournament of the best-ever players. Teddy has succeeded through sheer doggedness, intense study and focus. Maxine, a natural genius, plays recklessly and boldly, and her goal is to show other people with ADHD that they don't have to have had a formal education to succeed.
When the all-time greatest player joins the tournament unexpectedly, both Teddy and Maxine are determined to beat him, and they agree to help each other prepare in their own unique ways. They also bone. A lot. It is extremely, extremely hot.
Maxine is a brilliant creation--hilarious and touching and always surprising. Two of my favorite quotes by her:
"I'd rather share a stadium hot dog with Margaret Thatcher's rotting corpse."
"There were only two warm spots in Maxine's cold-blooded heart, and one was reserved for her sister. The other spot was for snakes, which were cool as sh*t."
Jen Comfort is an auto-buy for me. Can't wait to add this to my IRL shelf.
I received this ARC from the author with no expectations of a review, positive or not.
I was fortunate enough to get an early peek at this book, and I absolutely adored every second. This is one of the funniest (and sexiest) books I've read in quite some time. This book is perfect for trivia nerds, rivals-to-lovers fans, and romance readers who like their books spicy enough to make you sweat! Jen Comfort is an auto-buy for me.
Thank you to Jen and Montlake for the advance copy.
I was sold at a game-show inspired rivals-to-lovers romance novel plot and ultimately this one delivered.
Maxine ends Teddy’s long-running win streak on a daily quiz show, and he repays favor in a tournament rematch. When the show plans an ultimate showdown of the highest ranking contestants, the two train together using their differences as a way to fill in the weak spots in their play and prolonged proximity means all bets are off when it comes to feelings beyond competition.
More than anything, I loved that Maxine represented someone who wasn’t a ‘traditional’ learner and demonstrated that intelligence doesn’t fit one mold, even on a knowledge-based quiz show. It also led to very sweet moments of Teddy readjusting his teaching methods to work with her style of learning as they trained together. Her ADHD wasn’t viewed by him as a burden or a hindrance but rather a learning curve for himself to re-evaluate his ideas of education and approach to teaching. He took care to research on his own and seek guidance from her on what was most effective. (The steamy scenes that came from that didn’t hurt either.) I enjoyed the quiz show and preparation setting and plot, and thought it was fun to throw a little scandal in the mix.
My one struggle with the book was that I felt the relationship was more than a little unbalanced. It felt like Teddy was constantly giving, evolving, conceding, re-evaluating his attitude, thoughts, opinions and Maxine rarely gave an inch until the last quarter of the book. She was often downright rude and judgmental, and while the occasional situation warranted it, a lot did not and it was frustrating to me. I could recognize it for the self-preservation tactic that it was after a very challenging upbringing where the cards always felt stacked against her, but I struggled with the imbalance of effort to evolve as they got to know each other better.
Overall, I enjoyed this unique setting and take on the rival-to-lovers trope and the intellect combined with the spice and a tender, warm-hearted conclusion hit the right notes for me.
This is one of those five-star reads that your heart will love. The chemistry between Max and Teddy will astound you, it really does spark off the page, but its their inner weakness that will keep you thinking and wondering. The testing each other and themselves getting ready for the big game will keep you on your toes. Throw in the big bad and you have a winning read, with enough twists to keep you hooked and enough drama to make your heart sing.
Jen Comfort's "What is Love?" is a delightful and engaging exploration of the magic found in the mundane world of trivia, bringing together two unlikely competitors in a high-stakes game show that turns into a scintillating journey of self-discovery and unexpected connection.
The protagonist, Maxine Hart, a self-proclaimed Brooklyn street rat with a voracious appetite for knowledge, takes centre stage as she navigates the world of trivia on the game show Answers! Comfort cleverly portrays Maxine's ADHD "superpowers" as both a challenge and a unique strength, allowing readers to connect with her on a deeper level.
The premise of the story, revolving around Maxine's unexpected victory over the record-holding Teddy Ferguson and their subsequent reunion, sets the stage for a compelling narrative. The dynamic between Maxine and Teddy is a highlight, offering a blend of wit, banter, and underlying tension that keeps the reader eagerly turning the pages.
The author skilfully weaves humour, romance, and intellectual curiosity into the storyline, creating a well-rounded narrative that goes beyond the surface of a trivia competition. The exploration of Maxine and Teddy's personal growth and their journey to complement each other's strengths adds depth to the plot, making the characters relatable and endearing.
The pacing is well-maintained, with the trivia competition serving as a backdrop for the characters' development. Comfort expertly captures the thrill of the game, infusing each question with a sense of excitement that mirrors Maxine's passion for knowledge.
While the concept of the story is light-hearted and enjoyable, some readers may find the romantic elements to be somewhat predictable. However, the charm of "What is Love?" lies in its ability to entertain and uplift, offering a heart-warming exploration of love, learning, and the unexpected connections that can arise in the most trivial of pursuits.
In conclusion, Jen Comfort's "What is Love?" is a four-star gem that combines romance, humour, and the joy of learning in a captivating narrative. With well-drawn characters, witty dialogue, and a unique premise, this novel is recommended for readers seeking a charming and feel-good story that celebrates the magic found in the pursuit of knowledge and connection.
Oh, this book. WHAT IS LOVE? by Jen Comfort is probably one of my favorite rom-coms of the year. It combines two incredibly dynamic characters who both bring a lot of baggage (and misconceptions) to the table and follows them as they fall in love and open themselves up to being brave in new ways. This book was laugh out loud funny and there were several times I actually scream-laughed at Maxine. Orange/Ginger Cat was a star. I loved the combination of nerdy trivia, popular culture references, and just regular old banter. The side characters were also wonderful and I really wanted to be a part of Maxine's trivia team. I especially loved the idea of two enemies joining forces to defeat someone else and accidentally getting to know each other in the process. Both their backstories were incredible, the book was marvelously well-written, and I can't believe I have to wait for more Jen Comfort books. Time to devour her backlist!
I just finished this book, and I have the biggest smile on my face. I had such a good time reading it that I devoured it in a couple days. It has humor, heat, excellent neurodivergent rep, and a lot of nerdiness about trivia. I loved it.
Teddy and Maxine are rival competitors on a game show called “Answers!” (which is basically “Jeopardy!”). When they’re both invited to play in the Ultimate Answers! Tournament against the best contestants in the show’s history, they unexpectedly team up to help train each other. Teddy will help Maxine fill in the gaps in her knowledge, and she’ll show him how to take risks and be a savvier game-player. She ends up moving in to his house for the five weeks before the tournament, which leads to a lot of delightful and sexy moments. (I will never look at a world map the same way again.)
Also? *This* is how you do rivals-to-lovers. These people actually have a reason to dislike each other; they’re not childishly sniping at each other for no reason. It’s clear as time goes on that their rivalry is based in deep respect for the other person. The trope doesn’t just go away after a few chapters, either — Teddy and Maxine’s rivalry is a thread woven throughout the story. The tension between them is delicious. And when that tension finally snaps, things get HOT.
I really needed some joy in my life, and WHAT IS LOVE? was an injection of joy straight into my veins. This is one of my favorite books I’ve read all year.
Thank you to NetGalley and the publisher for the ARC.
Question: What is Love? Answer: The steamy, quiz show based enemies to lovers book you WON’T be able to put down! This book was fantastic Jen Comfort is such a talented writer. I loved this book and will definitely be reading it again!
This book is so freaking cute!! WHAT IS LOVE is definitely a winner. I love the premise - set on a Jeopardy style gameshow - and the two main characters were adorable. I was rooting for them the whole time! I'm so here for witty banter, sexy romance and a book that is just 100% bingeable. Definitely do yourselves a favour and add this one to the TBR, you will not regret it.
Thank you to NetGalley and Montlake for providing a DRC of this title for review.
In What is Love?, trivia show rivals team up in an attempt to conquer an undefeated champion and find love in the process. As a big Jeopardy! fan, I was really looking forward to this one! I don't know if I ever fully connected with the characters/understood them as a couple, but I would still recommend it to patrons who were looking for a quiz-show related romcom. 3 stars/5.
"What is Love?" by Jen Comfort is an introspective journey into the complexities of love, self-discovery, and human connection. Comfort's writing is reflective, offering insightful perspectives on matters of the heart. This book invites readers to explore the multifaceted nature of love, making it a thought-provoking and enlightening read.
3rd person, dual POV. Enemies to lovers. Very open door. Quiz show setting so lots of trivia!
I really liked how the author approached the 3rd POV in this novel and it really really worked for me and was super enjoyable. It had personality and style and had distinction between the two characters' POVs. The characters start out a little annoying, but they very quickly move beyond that stage. The banter was so fun, and I loved the trivia backdrop!
A very fun read!!
Thank you to Netgalley and the publisher for an advanced copy in exchange for an honest review.
A rom-com centered around a Jeopardy-esque game show? Why not??
This book was such a fun (and unexpectedly spicy) read! The enemies-to-lovers storyline about “nerds” had me hooked from the beginning. The tension between the main characters was hot and the ride from rivals to roommates was intense to say the least.
If you’re looking for a spicy rom-com with a splash of neurodivergence, nerdiness and trivia, then this is for you. And even if none of those topics are on your radar, you’ll still love this story about two unlikely lovers who discover they’re a perfect match.
I’ll definitely be adding Jen Comfort to my list of authors to follow.
Thank you to NetGalley and the publisher for the ARC!
Spicy! Trivia! Game shows! Quirky! Clever! And a bit raunchy!
Such a fun romance with a straight laced guy and a bit of manic pixie dream girl who knows that’s how people see her.
Jeopardy for romance lovers!
This Jeopardy-inspired romance is perfect for fans of rivals to lovers; strong, intelligent women; (ethical) student/teacher vibes; and, of course, trivia enthusiasts.
Maxine and Teddy first meet when competing on a trivia game show and an epic rivalry is born. The two are thrown back together during the game show’s all-stars competition and reluctantly decide to work together to beat their ultimate competition. Maxine and Teddy have their own strengths as players and things heat up as they help each other overcome their weaknesses.
What is Love? ("WIL") is both a love letter to Jeopardy and a romance with complex, well-developed characters. One of the first things I noticed when reading WIL is the impressive amount of research and references to both trivia and game show playing techniques. Jen’s comprehensive and detailed research reminded me of another of my favorite reads this year, Romantic Comedy, by Curtis Sittenfeld. It’s clear Jen dedicated a lot of time becoming an expert in Jeopardy game play and strategy while also including so much fun trivia throughout the book (and hilarious nods to Jeopardy’s influence in pop culture). Jen seamlessly incorporated substantive research without dragging down the pace of the story and kept it lighthearted and laugh-out-loud funny.
But enough with the wonky stuff and on to the most important part of the book, the love story. I can’t overstate how much I loved that Maxine and Teddy are two mature, intelligent adult characters even though they might not have everything together. Maxine Hart is a strong, unapologetic woman who owns her flaws and doesn’t need to change her personality to get her happily ever after. And then there’s Teddy Ferguson. I was hooked from the first chapter by how fast Teddy fell for Maxine and, by the end of the book, I was obsessed with his absolute plummet to lovestruck fool. Jen wrote two amazing characters with such distinct, funny voices. The story leans into Maxine’s chaos personality and Teddy’s stuffiness to create comedic (and sexual) tension that delights and feels believable. Did I also mention this book is hot?!?
I won’t give any spoilers, but I do need to specifically mention the ending of the book. I had no clue how things would resolve and, honestly, Jen wrote the perfect ending that I could not have even imagined. I laughed and I literally cried (happy tears). It was incredibly satisfying, and I need everyone to read WIL so we can talk about it!
I miss Maxine and Teddy’s snarky banter and big hearts already. I’m not someone who watches gameshows and am personally VERY bad at trivia, but I looooved it as a setting. The trivia sprinkled throughout felt like little dopamine hits. Also.. who knew trivia could be so hot?! (Teddy, that’s who 🔥)
I love to see ADHD rep in all its glory. Some of those scenes hit a little too close to home at times though ha! Off to preorder a copy because this will definitely be a comfort reread - especially all my favourite scenes.
Thank you NetGalley and Montlake for the eARC!