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.