I really enjoyed this book! I’m a huge Legally Blonde fan, and I had always loved Elle and Vivi together. This book translates that story onto a movie set really well.

The amount of nods towards the original film was so fun to see, and I loved it. This was a beautiful sapphic romance that also dealt with other issues quite beautifully. I loved seeing Marisol grow into herself and work to stay true to herself within an industry that often asks for the opposite.

Marisol and Jamila were so cute together, and I loved them dearly. I also loved how Miles became a friend, which was a nice change in this! Understanding and remembering that they were just kids who were navigating a complicated landscape like Hollywood was something I loved in this.

Overall, I liked this book, and I definitely think I would reread this when it comes out. Thank you to Netgalley for the ARC!

Thank you to NetGalley, Random House Children's and Joy Revolution for this E-Arc. All opinions are my own.

I think my favorite part of this whole book is that Marisol is 18 and acts likes shes 18. Her decisions, actions/reactions feel organic and like shes an actual 18 year old (albeit a famous actress) which makes her character growth both believable and satisfying.

In the book we meet Marisol an older teen/new adult who just wrapped production on the series that made her famous. She struggling to find her new direction when her longtime boyfriend breaks up with her. Emboldened by the situation and wanting to show that shes just as serious of an actor- she Elle Woods her way into the same series as he is. Along the way we Marisol fumble, reconnect with her roots and ultimately blossom. I particularly find her ending thoughts on in the book to be a wonderful wrap up of her change and self acceptance. This was a pleasure to read and I highly recommend it for both teen/YA readers and those who want a feel good story.

I really did not like this book. The story was not paced well and there was no chemistry between the main characters.

SUCH A GOOD BOOK. i absolutely loved this and the ending!!! YEPPPP!!!! marisol I ABSOLUTELY will fight for you!!!! you definitely can’t go wrong with a good sapphic romance! read this when it comes out in august!

This book was such a delightful read! From the very first page, I found myself completely immersed in the story. The writing was so approachable and warm, making it easy to connect with the characters and the plot. I loved how the book felt both inviting and engaging, without ever being too complex or hard to follow. It was just the right mix of comfort and intrigue, and I truly enjoyed every moment of it. It’s a wonderful read that I’d happily recommend to anyone looking for a heartwarming escape!

i liked this book so muchhhh!! the romance was adorable and i loved the way marisol re-found her confidence and stood up for herself. i had plans for my evening but they all went ka-boom when i couldn’t put this down. and you know what? that’s ok, i’ve had a great time - no regrets.

i definitely recommend marisol acts the part if you’re looking for a sweet, sapphic, y/a romance. marisol was such a likable character, and i can defo see the elle woods inspiration! i thought the acting aspect of the story was all super interesting too, and also liked the scenes with the various member’s of marisol’s family. i’m actually a bit sad this wasn’t slightly longer as i’d liked to have read more about her reconnecting with them but we move. this was truly such a quick and enjoyable read that made me feel all warm and fuzzy.

This was such a fun, romantic, and fresh take on Legally Blonde—we love a revenge romcom, and Gonzalez Rose's voice lends itself prefectly to the hijinks and emotion of the story.

5 out of 5 stars

Rep: Bi Puerto Rican MC, lesbian Moroccan Muslim LI, Chinese side character, Puerto Rican SCs (including one who's gay and one who does drag), queer Panamanian SC who does drag, trans woman SC, Moroccan SC, nonbinary minor character

Content warnings: Misogyny, forced outing, toxic workplace, panic attack, claustrophobia, allusions to homophobia and transphobia, brief mention of a car accident

"Legally Blonde" is one of my favorite movies and I've always shipped Elle and Vivian. So hearing about a Latine sapphic romance inspired by it felt like it was meant especially for me!

I love all the nods to "Legally Blonde," from a dog named Bruiser to lines from the actual movie! Gonzalez Rose does a fantastic job infusing Marisol with Elle Woods vibes while still leaving her a distinct character in her own right. Like Elle, Marisol loves pink, beauty, and shopping without coming across as shallow or selfish. Both characters are kind and passionate and talented, and changing the setting from law school to a movie set worked surprisingly well!

Full of Puerto Rican joy, celebrations of queer community, and feminist messages that don't come across as preachy, "Marisol Acts the Part" will be one that I buy myself and recommend to all my friends!

**HUGE thank you to Joy Revolution for granting me an eARC through NetGalley in exchange for an honest review!**

**Book Review: *Marisol Acts the Part* by Elle Gonzalez Rose**

*Marisol Acts the Part* begins as a light-hearted romp through the dramatic life of a young actress navigating fame, breakups, and career ambitions. At first, the story feels reminiscent of *Legally Blonde*, with Marisol Polly-Rodriguez determined to prove her worth after being dismissed as “unserious” by her ex. However, as the narrative unfolds, it blossoms into a deeply rewarding exploration of self-discovery and identity.

Marisol’s journey is equal parts glitzy and heartfelt. The early chapters revel in the chaos of Hollywood—tabloid scandals, difficult directors, and competitive castmates—setting the stage for Marisol’s transformation. While her initial motivation to one-up her ex may seem shallow, the story gradually uncovers layers of complexity as Marisol begins to learn about her family history and embrace her identity. These moments of introspection add emotional weight to the narrative and elevate it beyond its surface-level glitz.

The budding romance between Marisol and Jamila is both tender and empowering. Jamila helps Marisol unlock her potential as an actress, while Marisol supports Jamila in finding her confidence amidst newfound fame. Their relationship is a shining example of how love and partnership can foster mutual growth.

Ultimately, *Marisol Acts the Part* is an uplifting story about carving your own path, embracing who you are, and finding a sense of belonging. While the book may start off with a familiar premise, it evolves into a richly satisfying tale that celebrates resilience, identity, and love. It’s a must-read for fans of character-driven stories with heart and humor.

This was a cute, feel good read! It was definitely a bit light on the plot and the relationship development, but it is perfect for when you want a quick and easy read. Marisol and the other characters were all really easy to like and root for, which made up for the fact that the book didn't have a lot of depth.