Big Fan

Maya is a DC political strategist who, despite getting her candidate elected as President, is struggling to find work because her well-connected husband was caught bonking an intern. Charlie, is the former leader of Mischief, a boyband whom teenage Maya was co-founder of their fan forum. When Charlie asks Maya to help him launch a solo album sparks fly, but is Maya prepared to ignore them while she tries her own comeback in DC circles?

This was such a delightful novella. While its subject matter - former fan falls in love with teenage boyband crush - could easily be cringy parasocial fan fiction, what makes Big Fan stand out is its well-paced and plotted character development. Charlie was so delightful and thoughtful. Maya was also fun to watch as she reacquaints herself with her go-getting teenage self. I really loved that they had lovely banter and communicated with each other maturely. Charlie knew what he wanted and was clear about it with Maya, who was still fighting her heart and head.

I do think this could've done with an epilogue as it felt like the it ended too quickly. But honestly, this was just a lovely easy read and maybe I am just greedy for more. I hope to read longer fiction from this author.

Thanks to Authors Equity and NetGalley for the ARC.

"Big Fan" is a captivating novella that perfectly inaugurates the 831 Stories journey, curated by Claire and Erica, who undoubtedly have the best taste. This delightful story blends the world of high-stakes politics and the glitz of a comeback music career, creating a unique and engaging narrative.

The story follows Maya, a talented political strategist grappling with the fallout from her ex-husband's scandalous affair. As she attempts to restart her career and personal life, she unexpectedly meets her teenage crush, Charlie, the lead singer of a once-famous boy band. Charlie, looking to reignite his music career, seeks Maya's expertise, sparking a connection that is both professional and deeply personal.

Maya and Charlie's dynamic reminded me of the charming interplay between Sally and Noah in "Romantic Comedy," another favorite of mine. The banter and simmering tension between these mature, intelligent, and likable characters make for a refreshing romance. The novella's fast pace kept me engaged, although it did sacrifice some of the sexual tension that typically builds in longer romances.

One of the standout aspects of "Big Fan" is its portrayal of mature characters navigating new beginnings in their late thirties. Both Maya and Charlie are on journeys of self-discovery, learning to prioritize their own needs and ambitions over external pressures. This maturity, combined with the sexy and sophisticated narrative, makes the story incredibly relatable and enjoyable.

The novella also shines in its depiction of fandom culture. Romanoff masterfully captures the excitement and dedication of fans, adding a layer of realism to Maya and Charlie's relationship. The subplot involving Maya's past as a fan club president and Charlie's comeback tour is both nostalgic and heartwarming, enhancing the overall appeal of the story.

"Big Fan" is a breath of fresh air in the romance genre. It's a quick read that manages to create a compelling world, rich character dynamics, and a satisfying blend of political intrigue and Hollywood romance. Romanoff's ability to infuse the narrative with tension, yearning, and difficult choices in just 160 pages is commendable.

Overall, "Big Fan" is a delightful read that offers a perfect escape. It's a testament to Romanoff's talent and the curatorial prowess of 831 Stories. I eagerly anticipate what Romanoff has in store next and highly recommend this novella to anyone looking for a smart, sexy, and mature romance. Thank you to 831 Stories and NetGalley for the opportunity to read this gem.

This was the breath of fresh air I needed. A MC that’s smart, capable and with a grounded world and background that doesn’t feel like an exposition dump? A LI that’s believable and charming and yet so completely enthralled with the MC in a realistic way? I was immediately gripped by the world that was created and the set up is so delicious; combining the high stakes political game of DC with a dash of Hollywood secret romance makes this feel like it was created in a lab specifically for me.

My only complaint is how sudden the ending is. I despise the romance-genre convention of giving a one chapter epilogue that ties up every loose end and leaves absolutely no mystery to what will come but I had to do a triple take when I realized that it ended. It’s only a complaint, because of how much more I wanted. Even the typical “third act breakup” didn’t feel contrived and so much of what’s in here feels real to a person who has actually been in fandom spaces before (the following alone of fans uncovering someone’s identity in real time was masterful).

This was such a great quick read. I loved every minute and look forward to whatever Romanoff has next.

While professionally recovering from the aftermath of her ex-husband’s affair, Maya, a political consultant, gets a surprise request from Charlie, a former member of a boy band for whom Maya ran a fan club as a teenager. When trying to negotiate a professional relationship, Maya and Charlie unexpectedly start to negotiate a different kind of relationship. Big Fan has a lot of heart and some great big ideas (more people should want UBI programs) that I think will be important for readers to know about in our current political environment. I was surprised by the length—I always want books I like to go on longer but I think this could be a few chapters longer. This is a quick read for anyone who needs a light, smart romance but only has an afternoon or needs an immediate pick me up after their Idea of You hangover.

- [ Witty, humorous in the dark kind of a woman scorned and in the upper echelons of a career could possibly fathom. Something that every feminist strives for, yet hates when it’s arrived, but thanks god they came armed with an arsenal of politically correct jabs that reinforce a strong kill, regardless of who died a social death first.
- Within the first two chapters I knew that Maya is, by far, the only fictional (debatable) champion that I will bet all of my money on in the ring.
- Every millennials dream come true on getting attention from their childhood boy band crush
-Big Fan would be a great fit for someone who's in the mood to read something inspiring, light-hearted, emotional, funny, reflective, hopeful, and/or relaxing.
-Fast-paced and character driven
-Diverse characters

Short and sweet - what a lovely read
It’s a nice change to read a romance where BOTH the characters are actually likeable and moreish.
5/5

This book was such a delight to read. You know those characters that just make you smile and warm your heart; Maya and Charlie did that for me. Their banter and character development is fantastic. I would definitely be looking forward to read more from the author.

Short and sweet - this was a delight!

Maya, a talented political strategist dealing with the fallout from her ex-husband's affair, meets her celebrity crush when he asks her to help him restart his music career. Maya has other ambitions, however, but she can't quite shake the feeling that Charlie could become someone important in her life.

The banter and simmering connection between Maya and Charlie reminded me a bit of Sally's and Noah's relationship in Romantic Comedy, which I also loved. It is always nice to read a romance between two mature, intelligent, talented, and likable characters!

Thank you very much to 831 Stories and NetGalley for the opportunity to read a copy.