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What Is Love?
Head and heart collide in a story of polar-opposite rivals that’s anything but trivial in this game show romance from Midnight Duet author Jen Comfort.
Answer: From the Latin word for crossroads, this is knowledge so common as to be obscure, the pursuit of which engages millions daily. Question: What is trivia?
Trivia is the magic in the mundane, the connection in the commonplace, and Maxine Hart’s second-favorite pastime. A self-proclaimed Brooklyn street rat and a high school dropout, Maxine has never been a fan of formal education, but thanks to her ADHD “superpowers,” she’s a glutton for knowledge—and a good fight. And when Maxine enters the trivia game show Answers!, her brilliance, coupled with her penchant for big bets, devastates her competition. Even record-holding, 76-time-winner Teddy Ferguson.
Or was it their kiss the night before they faced off that threw the buttoned-up professor off his game?
Now, Maxine and Teddy cross paths again in a high-stakes tournament against all-time Answers! winners, including undefeated champion Hercules McKnight. With nothing in common but an insatiable appetite for knowledge and a desire to win, Maxine offers Teddy a deal: combine their strengths to shore up their weaknesses. She’ll push his tolerance for risk and improve his buzzer speed, if he’ll find creative ways to fill in the gaps in her education.
Except neither one of them foresaw just how scintillating learning could be…
Answer: From the Latin word for crossroads, this is knowledge so common as to be obscure, the pursuit of which engages millions daily. Question: What is trivia?
Trivia is the magic in the mundane, the connection in the commonplace, and Maxine Hart’s second-favorite pastime. A self-proclaimed Brooklyn street rat and a high school dropout, Maxine has never been a fan of formal education, but thanks to her ADHD “superpowers,” she’s a glutton for knowledge—and a good fight. And when Maxine enters the trivia game show Answers!, her brilliance, coupled with her penchant for big bets, devastates her competition. Even record-holding, 76-time-winner Teddy Ferguson.
Or was it their kiss the night before they faced off that threw the buttoned-up professor off his game?
Now, Maxine and Teddy cross paths again in a high-stakes tournament against all-time Answers! winners, including undefeated champion Hercules McKnight. With nothing in common but an insatiable appetite for knowledge and a desire to win, Maxine offers Teddy a deal: combine their strengths to shore up their weaknesses. She’ll push his tolerance for risk and improve his buzzer speed, if he’ll find creative ways to fill in the gaps in her education.
Except neither one of them foresaw just how scintillating learning could be…
351 pages, Paperback
First published February 27, 2024
2127 people are currently reading
14114 people want to read
About the author
Jen Comfort
3 books272 followersJen Comfort is from Portland, OR. She writes nerdy rom-coms and loves animals, gardening, video games, and science-y stuff.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 858 reviews
did-not-finish
March 17, 2024Setting this aside for now with no rating. I find both of these characters to be one-dimensional and annoying and the heroine is a huge asshole. Having adhd and/or childhood trauma doesn’t give you leeway to treat people like crap. Since it’s possible that both of these characters develop, learn and grow, I won’t rate this. I just am too annoyed by this to continue.
Plus does every single romcom have to have constant masturbation jokes? Everyone is way too horny for me, and this book isn’t even as bad as most.
*****************
I can totally relate to a character whose love language is trash talk.
Plus does every single romcom have to have constant masturbation jokes? Everyone is way too horny for me, and this book isn’t even as bad as most.
*****************
I can totally relate to a character whose love language is trash talk.
November 6, 2025
One of the best books I've ever read. I loved this from start to finish. From the moment I started this book, I KNEW I was going to love it. Not many books actually make me laugh out loud, and I was grinning like a fool while I read this on the plane the other day.
We love an opposites attract moment. Teddy is a rule-follower till the day he dies and Maxine believes rules are meant to be broken. The two of them are immediately attracted to each other, but it never gave cheesy insta-love vibes and quickly turned into rivals-to-enemies (he falls first). A splash of forced proximity comes in when they have to work together to study for the trivia tournament - it kind of turns into 'the enemy of my enemy is my friend'. And I'm a sucker for trivia (although I didn't know a single trivia question in this book) it was so fun to read.
This man calls her DARLING and says the following things:
"Teddy wondered how she couldn't see it. That he'd happily let her ruin his life-if only she'd stay in it afterward
"I want you to run my life, Maxine."
EVEN HIS INNER DIALOGUE - "Maxine was so beautiful it made him want to fall to his knees in awe. Careful, his better sense warned. She's trouble
But the whole time they have this rule of 'no kissing' and 'no other emotional distractions' and it was so fun to watch them try and follow their own rule. Tensions were HIGH while they tried to deny their feelings while helping each other study. I. was. eating. it. up.
I loved these two. I read soooo many romance books and tbh sometimes I get sick of the same things, but this book had me on my toes. It didn't follow the normal chain of reaction for a romance book and the spice was actually so fun to read. And there's a perfect balance of it while still having depth and character to the novel.
I wasn't sure how this book was going to end because I assumed either Max or Teddy had to win, but I actually love how it ended. My word of advice? Go in blind and read this. The synopsis is good, but there is so much more in this book. Endlessly loved it.
We love an opposites attract moment. Teddy is a rule-follower till the day he dies and Maxine believes rules are meant to be broken. The two of them are immediately attracted to each other, but it never gave cheesy insta-love vibes and quickly turned into rivals-to-enemies (he falls first). A splash of forced proximity comes in when they have to work together to study for the trivia tournament - it kind of turns into 'the enemy of my enemy is my friend'. And I'm a sucker for trivia (although I didn't know a single trivia question in this book) it was so fun to read.
This man calls her DARLING and says the following things:
"Teddy wondered how she couldn't see it. That he'd happily let her ruin his life-if only she'd stay in it afterward
"I want you to run my life, Maxine."
EVEN HIS INNER DIALOGUE - "Maxine was so beautiful it made him want to fall to his knees in awe. Careful, his better sense warned. She's trouble
But the whole time they have this rule of 'no kissing' and 'no other emotional distractions' and it was so fun to watch them try and follow their own rule. Tensions were HIGH while they tried to deny their feelings while helping each other study. I. was. eating. it. up.
I loved these two. I read soooo many romance books and tbh sometimes I get sick of the same things, but this book had me on my toes. It didn't follow the normal chain of reaction for a romance book and the spice was actually so fun to read. And there's a perfect balance of it while still having depth and character to the novel.
I wasn't sure how this book was going to end because I assumed either Max or Teddy had to win, but I actually love how it ended. My word of advice? Go in blind and read this. The synopsis is good, but there is so much more in this book. Endlessly loved it.
April 1, 2024
Jen Comfort is our favorite contemporary romance author right now, bar none. She writes truly laugh-out-loud funny romcoms (which, sadly, simply cannot be said for most books labeled "romcom"), adds some suuuuuuuper spicy scenes, but also doesn't make you feel like you're missing out on any depth. They're bonkers in the most perfect way.
What Is Love? is no exception. We've got ourselves two trivia game show champions, chaos demon Maxine and rule follower Teddy. They've been supremely attracted to each other from the moment they met, but they hate each other. He plays the game using the established patterns, doesn't risk too much, and has one of the longest runs in the history of the show. Maxine plays the game the way she lives: she jumps from subject to subject, risks as much as she can whenever she gets the chance, and ALSO has one of the longest runs in the history of the show. When they're invited to participate in a champions' championship, they discover that despite their differences, they have one thing in common: the desire to beat the chump who had the longest unbeaten run back in the '90s. They join forces to train. Teddy will tutor her in geography, and she'll show him that taking risks can be worth it. And this is a romance, so you'd better bet they fall in love along the way.
So this is hilarious, sure, but I'm going to be honest: we were low-key stressed from the very, very beginning about the ending of the book. There's only one of two ways a book about a competition can end, right? Either Teddy wins, or Maxine wins. Somehow Jen Comfort put together an incredible third act that includes one of the hottest stairwell scenes we've ever read, the most bonkers takedown of the big bad, the best final round questions ever and - possibly best of all? - that avoids a third act breakup. Amazing. Loved it. Ready for another Jen Comfort right now please and thank you.
8-Word Summaries:
Laine: If auditory, visual, and kinesthetic learning don’t work….
Meg: Now I want to get tutored in geography.
This objective review is based on a complimentary copy of the novel.
What Is Love? is no exception. We've got ourselves two trivia game show champions, chaos demon Maxine and rule follower Teddy. They've been supremely attracted to each other from the moment they met, but they hate each other. He plays the game using the established patterns, doesn't risk too much, and has one of the longest runs in the history of the show. Maxine plays the game the way she lives: she jumps from subject to subject, risks as much as she can whenever she gets the chance, and ALSO has one of the longest runs in the history of the show. When they're invited to participate in a champions' championship, they discover that despite their differences, they have one thing in common: the desire to beat the chump who had the longest unbeaten run back in the '90s. They join forces to train. Teddy will tutor her in geography, and she'll show him that taking risks can be worth it. And this is a romance, so you'd better bet they fall in love along the way.
So this is hilarious, sure, but I'm going to be honest: we were low-key stressed from the very, very beginning about the ending of the book. There's only one of two ways a book about a competition can end, right? Either Teddy wins, or Maxine wins. Somehow Jen Comfort put together an incredible third act that includes one of the hottest stairwell scenes we've ever read, the most bonkers takedown of the big bad, the best final round questions ever and - possibly best of all? - that avoids a third act breakup. Amazing. Loved it. Ready for another Jen Comfort right now please and thank you.
8-Word Summaries:
Laine: If auditory, visual, and kinesthetic learning don’t work….
Meg: Now I want to get tutored in geography.
This objective review is based on a complimentary copy of the novel.
November 10, 2023
FINALLY, a true romp that I had just the best time reading. I slowly savored this horny rivals-to-lovers over a week because finding a funny, sexy, and just absolutely so much fun romcom is really difficult for me to find. The author's sense of humor really really works for me, it might not for everyone, but to me, it is perfect. The banter! The zingers! The horny horny heat!
Anyway, I loved it so much. I highlighted the absolute shit out of my eARC and this is a book I will want to doodle in with my gel pens. I will wait to closer to the release date to share quotes, but definitely get your preorder on.
I also VERY MUCH appreciate the content notes in the front matter; Maxine's mother is deceased (we don't get too much info on this, grief is not the plot of this book. Teddy's parents are struggling a bit financially due to his father's medical condition - more details are in front matter).
Here are some slightly spoilery out of context words: parachute, 69, good girl, yes professor
Professional review to come to Library Journal.
thank you to the author and publisher and LJ for the advance copy; I am friendly with the author on social media, all thoughts are my own.
Anyway, I loved it so much. I highlighted the absolute shit out of my eARC and this is a book I will want to doodle in with my gel pens. I will wait to closer to the release date to share quotes, but definitely get your preorder on.
I also VERY MUCH appreciate the content notes in the front matter; Maxine's mother is deceased (we don't get too much info on this, grief is not the plot of this book. Teddy's parents are struggling a bit financially due to his father's medical condition - more details are in front matter).
Here are some slightly spoilery out of context words: parachute, 69, good girl, yes professor
Professional review to come to Library Journal.
thank you to the author and publisher and LJ for the advance copy; I am friendly with the author on social media, all thoughts are my own.
September 5, 2024
this was an absolute ROMP and i had the greatest time. true romcom lovers? pick this one up.
April 1, 2024
Maxine is borderline unpleasant at times and as someone who is borderline unpleasant most of the time, I feel seen. Teddy is the guy who straightens the books on the shelves at Barnes & Noble which I also do so really this book is about me being good at trivia. But it’s also about how people with ADHD have to adapt to a world that is not friendly to them, admitting when someone makes you vulnerable, and interesting, fun ways to learn geography. You’ll hear about the stairwell scene and make no mistake: it’s as good as rumored. Will Maxine and Teddy overcome their differences and animosity to buzz-in for a happily ever after? It’s a romance novel so yeah of course but watching it happen is really fun.
April 1, 2024
So, not only did this feel a little like YOU DESERVE EACH OTHER with the sharp-edged one-upmanship between these two rivals, it also felt like what you'd get if YOU DESERVE EACH OTHER and BEACH READ had a baby. And maybe that won't make sense until you read it but.. I hope it does, actually, make sense. Because I couldn't shake that feeling. Which isn't to say this isn't very much it's own thing. So maybe it's not a baby but some generational ancestor down the line. I'm overthinking this. Let's move on.
I find I can easily be moved to feel emotion even if I'm not enjoying a book. Why? Because, all evidence to the contrary, I'm an ooey gooey marshmallow. But what is a lot harder is for me to be genuinely entertained and moved to laughter. And yet that's what happened here.. a lot.
This might also be one of the few romances that had multiple zesty romance scenes that I didn't feel inclined to skip over. Oh, and yes, fitting for a rivals match-up with high stakes, things get hot and intense and heavy allll the way through. Enjoy. And you're welcome.
But okay, let's try and make this a real review, shall we? If you're looking something that has heart, heat, and humour, you can't go wrong here. The trivia and game show setting was very entertaining and educational, the opposites attract element made the rivalry even more engaging, and also I might never think of bodies of water the same way.
My one complaint might be that I wish we'd maybe spent a little less time rehashing Maxine's backstory and neurodivergence because it felt a little overplayed by the end but other than that? This was exactly what I needed to break up a few thrillers and, maybe, also, in general.
If you like your romcoms to have bite and a side helping of flirting and fighting and f-- (I'll leave that last f to your imagination), plus trivia!, I would definitely recommend.
** I received an ARC from NetGalley and the publisher (thank you!) in exchange for an honest review. **
---
This review can also be found at A Take From Two Cities.
I find I can easily be moved to feel emotion even if I'm not enjoying a book. Why? Because, all evidence to the contrary, I'm an ooey gooey marshmallow. But what is a lot harder is for me to be genuinely entertained and moved to laughter. And yet that's what happened here.. a lot.
This might also be one of the few romances that had multiple zesty romance scenes that I didn't feel inclined to skip over. Oh, and yes, fitting for a rivals match-up with high stakes, things get hot and intense and heavy allll the way through. Enjoy. And you're welcome.
But okay, let's try and make this a real review, shall we? If you're looking something that has heart, heat, and humour, you can't go wrong here. The trivia and game show setting was very entertaining and educational, the opposites attract element made the rivalry even more engaging, and also I might never think of bodies of water the same way.
My one complaint might be that I wish we'd maybe spent a little less time rehashing Maxine's backstory and neurodivergence because it felt a little overplayed by the end but other than that? This was exactly what I needed to break up a few thrillers and, maybe, also, in general.
If you like your romcoms to have bite and a side helping of flirting and fighting and f-- (I'll leave that last f to your imagination), plus trivia!, I would definitely recommend.
** I received an ARC from NetGalley and the publisher (thank you!) in exchange for an honest review. **
---
This review can also be found at A Take From Two Cities.
June 12, 2024
i have lots of thoughts about this book, so rtc (i promise i'll actually write and post one) when i put them into coherent sentences, but for now all i can say is that i'm obsessed with this couple, they felt so different and fresh and i love them so fucking much ♡
* 4½ stars
* 4½ stars
February 17, 2024
I wish I could scream from the rooftops about how much I adored this book. Rivals competing on a Jeopardy! esque TV show who have major Pride and Prejudice energy??? I could not put this one down.
This book has:
•A game show setting that is perfect for fellow Jeopardy! lovers 🎤
•The rivals to lovers and forced proximity tropes
•ADHD rep ✨
•Opposites attract, and the boy falls first! The leads couldn't be more different, but that doesn't stop them from falling head over heels in love 👩❤️👨
This book was such a unique and fun rom-com! Thank you to Montlake and Netgalley for an eARC in exchange for an honest review.
5 stars
This book has:
•A game show setting that is perfect for fellow Jeopardy! lovers 🎤
•The rivals to lovers and forced proximity tropes
•ADHD rep ✨
•Opposites attract, and the boy falls first! The leads couldn't be more different, but that doesn't stop them from falling head over heels in love 👩❤️👨
This book was such a unique and fun rom-com! Thank you to Montlake and Netgalley for an eARC in exchange for an honest review.
5 stars
May 20, 2024
➸ 4.5 stars
Tropes:
↬ Spice: 🌶️🌶️.5
↬ Contemporary Romance
↬ Dual POV; Third Person
↬ Jeopardy! Esc Game Show
↬ Rivals to Lovers
↬ Opposites Attract
↬ Grumpy/Sunshine
↬ Forced Proximity
↬ ADHD Rep
Ratings:
↬ Initial Intrigue: 4/5
↬ Characters: 5/5
↬ Plot: 5/5
↬ Structure 4/5
↬ World-Building: 4/5
↬ Writing: 4.5/5
↬ Uniqueness/Creativity: 5/5
↬ Overall Enjoyment: 4.5/5
↬ Read: Physically
_________ ׂׂૢ་༘࿐
I ended up being really surprised by What is Love?. I originally picked this up as an Amazon First Reads pick a few months ago and wasn’t very interested in it initially. However I saw a really glowing rave review over on the r/RomanceBooks subreddit, and it seemed to tick all my boxes. I moved it up higher on my mental tbr, and when I saw my library got in a physical copy, I saw it as a sign. I didn’t have many expectations about this one going in, but I ended up really loving it!
The two MC’s, Teddy and Maxine were both so compelling and I loved how different they were. Teddy is very strait-laced, no nonsense, rule follower and Maxine is the exact opposite. She really ruffles Teddy’s feathers in every interaction, and I love their dynamic and the chemistry that inevitably followed. I loved how Maxine got Teddy to loosen up and try new things, and I loved how Teddy helped Maxine focus and learn things while taking her ADHD into account. Also seeing Maxine try to push as many of Teddy’s buttons before he snapped was super hot, especially with the accompanying sex scenes. This book has some really juicy praise kink, and light kink discovery and if you have been here for awhile, you know I’m all about a well written praise kink. This book definitely delivers, even if it was on the lighter side of what I like.
Maxine was also a fantastic character and her ADHD was so incredibly well written—at least from the perspective of someone who also has ADHD. It was a little frightening how much I truly related to Maxine; she honestly felt like a much bolder version of me. I don’t think I’ve ever felt as seen as I did reading Maxine, and that was not something I was expecting coming into What is Love?.
The game show element was also the perfect cherry on top to an already lovable couple. I love Jeopardy! and have never read a book that has elements inspired by it. I loved this authors take on a Jeopardy! esc game show, and the obvious love for trivia Jen Comfort has is heavily evident! The scenes where Teddy and Maxine are training for the show were so entertaining, and really fed my nerdy Jeopardy! loving heart.
This was such a great and fun book with a fantastic couple! I can definitely see myself rereading this in the future. I’m not entirely sure why it’s not a full 5 stars though, it just didn’t give me that full 5 star feeling if that makes sense. Still, I did love this book a lot and I really can’t believe how underrated it is! This was such a great read, I hope more people decide to pick it up after reading this review! I’m so excited to read more from Jen Comfort, her other books look just as fantastic as this one.
Tropes:
↬ Spice: 🌶️🌶️.5
↬ Contemporary Romance
↬ Dual POV; Third Person
↬ Jeopardy! Esc Game Show
↬ Rivals to Lovers
↬ Opposites Attract
↬ Grumpy/Sunshine
↬ Forced Proximity
↬ ADHD Rep
Ratings:
↬ Initial Intrigue: 4/5
↬ Characters: 5/5
↬ Plot: 5/5
↬ Structure 4/5
↬ World-Building: 4/5
↬ Writing: 4.5/5
↬ Uniqueness/Creativity: 5/5
↬ Overall Enjoyment: 4.5/5
↬ Read: Physically
_________ ׂׂૢ་༘࿐
I ended up being really surprised by What is Love?. I originally picked this up as an Amazon First Reads pick a few months ago and wasn’t very interested in it initially. However I saw a really glowing rave review over on the r/RomanceBooks subreddit, and it seemed to tick all my boxes. I moved it up higher on my mental tbr, and when I saw my library got in a physical copy, I saw it as a sign. I didn’t have many expectations about this one going in, but I ended up really loving it!
The two MC’s, Teddy and Maxine were both so compelling and I loved how different they were. Teddy is very strait-laced, no nonsense, rule follower and Maxine is the exact opposite. She really ruffles Teddy’s feathers in every interaction, and I love their dynamic and the chemistry that inevitably followed. I loved how Maxine got Teddy to loosen up and try new things, and I loved how Teddy helped Maxine focus and learn things while taking her ADHD into account. Also seeing Maxine try to push as many of Teddy’s buttons before he snapped was super hot, especially with the accompanying sex scenes. This book has some really juicy praise kink, and light kink discovery and if you have been here for awhile, you know I’m all about a well written praise kink. This book definitely delivers, even if it was on the lighter side of what I like.
Maxine was also a fantastic character and her ADHD was so incredibly well written—at least from the perspective of someone who also has ADHD. It was a little frightening how much I truly related to Maxine; she honestly felt like a much bolder version of me. I don’t think I’ve ever felt as seen as I did reading Maxine, and that was not something I was expecting coming into What is Love?.
The game show element was also the perfect cherry on top to an already lovable couple. I love Jeopardy! and have never read a book that has elements inspired by it. I loved this authors take on a Jeopardy! esc game show, and the obvious love for trivia Jen Comfort has is heavily evident! The scenes where Teddy and Maxine are training for the show were so entertaining, and really fed my nerdy Jeopardy! loving heart.
This was such a great and fun book with a fantastic couple! I can definitely see myself rereading this in the future. I’m not entirely sure why it’s not a full 5 stars though, it just didn’t give me that full 5 star feeling if that makes sense. Still, I did love this book a lot and I really can’t believe how underrated it is! This was such a great read, I hope more people decide to pick it up after reading this review! I’m so excited to read more from Jen Comfort, her other books look just as fantastic as this one.
March 7, 2024
Don’t have words yet for how much I loved every single second of this. Will undoubtedly be one of my favorite reads of the year.
April 1, 2024
A book about a freaking gameshow? I was like eh, I'll give it a shot, why not? OMG this book is freaking amazing. I absolutely adored it. Maxine and Teddy are like....love goals people. Ugh, I just want to squeeze this book. I will definitely be recommending this book to everyone I know that loves a good witty/snarky/spicy book. I read it in one sitting, I could not put it down.
When I read the scene with Teddy and Maxine "studying" the map, and right after skydiving, and the "stairwell scene" I might have spontaneously combusted. If you want to know what those scenes are you will just have to read it for yourself. ;)
Their banter is top notch, the humor is spectacular and the ending may just make you shed a tear with happiness.
I am immediately adding Jen Comfort to my must read authors list. Well done!
Thank you to NetGalley, Montlake and Jen Comfort for the ARC of this book in exchange for an honest review.
Pub Date: 4/1/24
When I read the scene with Teddy and Maxine "studying" the map, and right after skydiving, and the "stairwell scene" I might have spontaneously combusted. If you want to know what those scenes are you will just have to read it for yourself. ;)
Their banter is top notch, the humor is spectacular and the ending may just make you shed a tear with happiness.
I am immediately adding Jen Comfort to my must read authors list. Well done!
Thank you to NetGalley, Montlake and Jen Comfort for the ARC of this book in exchange for an honest review.
Pub Date: 4/1/24
April 15, 2024
Okay, this was actually delightful!
The plot was entertaining and interesting, which honestly surprised me because I generally don’t like books with TV show settings, but it was enjoyable here.
I loved the characters. They had such perfect chemistry and the tension between them kept building over the course of the story. Also, the sex was hot.
And up until like almost the very end, I was very close to giving this 5 stars.
The pacing was a bit off, especially around the 50% mark, but it got its dynamic back quickly, so it didn’t bother me too much.
What did bother me though was that ending. This is of course a purely personal preference, but I just cannot with cheesy over-the-top endings. It almost felt like I was reading about two different people all of a sudden, it felt so out of character to me.
Despite that though, it was a great story with loveable characters, ADHD rep, and a (to me) unique game show setting. Would recommend!
The plot was entertaining and interesting, which honestly surprised me because I generally don’t like books with TV show settings, but it was enjoyable here.
I loved the characters. They had such perfect chemistry and the tension between them kept building over the course of the story. Also, the sex was hot.
And up until like almost the very end, I was very close to giving this 5 stars.
The pacing was a bit off, especially around the 50% mark, but it got its dynamic back quickly, so it didn’t bother me too much.
What did bother me though was that ending. This is of course a purely personal preference, but I just cannot with cheesy over-the-top endings. It almost felt like I was reading about two different people all of a sudden, it felt so out of character to me.
Despite that though, it was a great story with loveable characters, ADHD rep, and a (to me) unique game show setting. Would recommend!
May 12, 2024
Brace yourselves, this is going to be a long one.
What is Love? is a rivals to lovers book about Teddy and Maxine. Both are winners of a Jeopardy! style trivia game show called Answers! When they are invited to compete in a tournament of champions, they help each other train and study. On paper, this should be a 4 or 5 star read. In reality, this was a 1 star read, and that is me being generous.
The main reason for my dislike of this book is that the FMC, Maxine, is one of the worst FMCs I have read in a long time. This quote from page 67 sums Maxine up entirely: “She’d grown up poor, neurodivergent, and pissed off. Maxine ate challenge for breakfast and washed it down with a glass of spite. There was nothing she couldn’t do with enough embittered feminism and classist rage.”
It was exhausting reading about Maxine. She is obstinate, inconsiderate, and antagonistic at every turn. She has ADHD (which she uses as an excuse for her appalling and erratic behavior) and a chip on her shoulder about higher education and anyone associated with it. She consciously decides to be chaotic and rude because “she can” and never tries to act any different. Maxine has zero self awareness of how her actions negatively affect others. Why make plans or follow any rules when you can just bullshit your way through life? At one point, Teddy says he doesn’t want to characterize Maxine as childish, but that is honestly how she acts nearly 100% of the time.
One of the usual charms to a rivals or enemies to lovers is the banter. The banter here was biting and cutting, not fun and flirty. She nags and picks at Teddy endlessly, making many assumptions about him, his family, and his reasons for entering the tournament. In addition, Maxine’s near constant stream of overly sexualized commentary was unnecessary.
After showing up at Teddy’s house (after midnight, in the pouring rain) Maxine invites herself to stay at his house for 5 weeks to train for the tournament. The next day she goes to get her “essentials” and shows up in a U-Haul truck with literally everything she owns. She just makes herself at home in his house, puts her stuff everywhere, makes messes and doesn’t cleaning them up.
When Teddy first takes her to study, he starts with a trip to a local library. This upsets Maxine because apparently libraries are a symbol of elitism. This is explained because Maxine had been banned from her local library for tearing pages out of books and selling them when she was a teen.
For someone who hates all symbols of rich elites, she puts down the fact that Teddy drives a Nissan. Can anyone do anything right? Unless it is a choice Maxine has directly made, it’s the wrong choice.
Folks, I haven’t even mentioned the emotional-support ball python! Or anything about Teddy who barely has any personality beyond British nerd.
This was such a slow read for me because I kept stopping to complain about how annoying Maxine was being and then struggled to force myself to pick it back up. The plot didn’t really get interesting until nearly 80-85% of the way in when we FINALLY get to the tournament. But then was utterly predictable.
I am so shocked with the number of 4 and 5 star ratings. Were we reading the same book?
What is Love? is a rivals to lovers book about Teddy and Maxine. Both are winners of a Jeopardy! style trivia game show called Answers! When they are invited to compete in a tournament of champions, they help each other train and study. On paper, this should be a 4 or 5 star read. In reality, this was a 1 star read, and that is me being generous.
The main reason for my dislike of this book is that the FMC, Maxine, is one of the worst FMCs I have read in a long time. This quote from page 67 sums Maxine up entirely: “She’d grown up poor, neurodivergent, and pissed off. Maxine ate challenge for breakfast and washed it down with a glass of spite. There was nothing she couldn’t do with enough embittered feminism and classist rage.”
It was exhausting reading about Maxine. She is obstinate, inconsiderate, and antagonistic at every turn. She has ADHD (which she uses as an excuse for her appalling and erratic behavior) and a chip on her shoulder about higher education and anyone associated with it. She consciously decides to be chaotic and rude because “she can” and never tries to act any different. Maxine has zero self awareness of how her actions negatively affect others. Why make plans or follow any rules when you can just bullshit your way through life? At one point, Teddy says he doesn’t want to characterize Maxine as childish, but that is honestly how she acts nearly 100% of the time.
One of the usual charms to a rivals or enemies to lovers is the banter. The banter here was biting and cutting, not fun and flirty. She nags and picks at Teddy endlessly, making many assumptions about him, his family, and his reasons for entering the tournament. In addition, Maxine’s near constant stream of overly sexualized commentary was unnecessary.
After showing up at Teddy’s house (after midnight, in the pouring rain) Maxine invites herself to stay at his house for 5 weeks to train for the tournament. The next day she goes to get her “essentials” and shows up in a U-Haul truck with literally everything she owns. She just makes herself at home in his house, puts her stuff everywhere, makes messes and doesn’t cleaning them up.
When Teddy first takes her to study, he starts with a trip to a local library. This upsets Maxine because apparently libraries are a symbol of elitism. This is explained because Maxine had been banned from her local library for tearing pages out of books and selling them when she was a teen.
For someone who hates all symbols of rich elites, she puts down the fact that Teddy drives a Nissan. Can anyone do anything right? Unless it is a choice Maxine has directly made, it’s the wrong choice.
Folks, I haven’t even mentioned the emotional-support ball python! Or anything about Teddy who barely has any personality beyond British nerd.
This was such a slow read for me because I kept stopping to complain about how annoying Maxine was being and then struggled to force myself to pick it back up. The plot didn’t really get interesting until nearly 80-85% of the way in when we FINALLY get to the tournament. But then was utterly predictable.
I am so shocked with the number of 4 and 5 star ratings. Were we reading the same book?
March 2, 2024
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.
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.
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.
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.
January 2, 2024
Rival trivia contestants falling in love while prepping for the ultimate trivia tournament? Yes please! Oh I was so excited for this book. But in the end it was not for me.
I did not warm up to either MC. They read like caricatures of chaos, Maxine complete with red hair, and stuffy upper crust academic Teddy, aka Theodore Ferguson III. We also get a clichéd villain in Hercules McKnight, which could have made for a fun romp with a side of trivia! But the plot got bogged down with too many tangents and unnecessary scenes.
A rivals to lovers story, but the rivalry was peppered with so much mutual disdain and just really mean thoughts and comments. And it took a significant portion of the book to move beyond that. I’m not convinced Maxine ever really did. It may have been gentler teasing by the end, but to me it never came across as loving.
Overall this book was a slow read, despite the light humourous writing style. The words and general feel were exactly what you’d expect of a rom-comish contemporary, but too much of it just felt unnecessary. I may have enjoyed this book more had it been under 300 pages.
This is the first book I’ve read by this author.
Thank you NetGalley and Montlake for the eARC.
I did not warm up to either MC. They read like caricatures of chaos, Maxine complete with red hair, and stuffy upper crust academic Teddy, aka Theodore Ferguson III. We also get a clichéd villain in Hercules McKnight, which could have made for a fun romp with a side of trivia! But the plot got bogged down with too many tangents and unnecessary scenes.
A rivals to lovers story, but the rivalry was peppered with so much mutual disdain and just really mean thoughts and comments. And it took a significant portion of the book to move beyond that. I’m not convinced Maxine ever really did. It may have been gentler teasing by the end, but to me it never came across as loving.
Overall this book was a slow read, despite the light humourous writing style. The words and general feel were exactly what you’d expect of a rom-comish contemporary, but too much of it just felt unnecessary. I may have enjoyed this book more had it been under 300 pages.
This is the first book I’ve read by this author.
Thank you NetGalley and Montlake for the eARC.
May 16, 2024
5 STARS!!
I absolutely loved "What is Love?" by Jen Comfort! The trivia. The rivalry. The scandal. The wanting. The knowledge. The bickering. The bantering. The spice! Maxine and Teddy... these two dopes are my new favorite main characters! I seriously loved them both so, so much. They are endlessly relatable, equal parts flawed and lovable, and their connection sizzles and scorches. I laughed the entire way through this book. Comfort's writing is flawlessly evocative. I also adored the ADHD representation where Maxine's character was concerned. Teddy is such a sweetheart. The subplot about his parents made me cry. Actually, much of this book made me cry. It just felt so authentic and so real, the characters lived-in and special. I rooted for their love, I rooted for them to overcome their differences, I rooted for everyone and everything about this book. It is SPECTACULAR, an absolute must-read!
Thank you to NetGalley, Jen Comfort, and Montlake for the complimentary ARC of this book. All opinions are my own. I was not compensated for this review.
I absolutely loved "What is Love?" by Jen Comfort! The trivia. The rivalry. The scandal. The wanting. The knowledge. The bickering. The bantering. The spice! Maxine and Teddy... these two dopes are my new favorite main characters! I seriously loved them both so, so much. They are endlessly relatable, equal parts flawed and lovable, and their connection sizzles and scorches. I laughed the entire way through this book. Comfort's writing is flawlessly evocative. I also adored the ADHD representation where Maxine's character was concerned. Teddy is such a sweetheart. The subplot about his parents made me cry. Actually, much of this book made me cry. It just felt so authentic and so real, the characters lived-in and special. I rooted for their love, I rooted for them to overcome their differences, I rooted for everyone and everything about this book. It is SPECTACULAR, an absolute must-read!
Thank you to NetGalley, Jen Comfort, and Montlake for the complimentary ARC of this book. All opinions are my own. I was not compensated for this review.
February 7, 2024
This book was an absolute delight from start to finish. Was it tailor made for me as a former Jeopardy! contestant? Yes. Would I have loved it even if I hadn’t been the show? Also yes. The banter! The trivia! The 🌶️! It was all just perfect. Jen Comfort obviously did her research - there were so many small behind-the-scenes details she got right. (The studio is freezing! You’re not supposed to wear white!) While none of these were consequential to the plot, the fact that she took the time and care to get them right really added to the book for me. I cannot stress enough how much you need to read this book immediately.
April 25, 2024
As a monthly pick from Prime Reads, this is the first winner I've come across. After many years, I found a story I could enjoy!
Harsh, I know.
But very true.
And while I didn't love this story, I found plenty to like. Okay, that's a lie. I really liked Teddy. For someone so uptight, he was a lot of fun. Mostly because Maxine was there to stir him up. And while it was hard to like Maxine for most of this story, I enjoyed the combative relationship between these characters. It made for an entertaining book. I don't think I've come across a story that focused so much on trivia and the world, real or imagined, behind a game show and its entrants. I didn't know who I wanted to win (that's another lie because it was Teddy, of course), however, I'm a fan of the way it all worked out.
Harsh, I know.
But very true.
And while I didn't love this story, I found plenty to like. Okay, that's a lie. I really liked Teddy. For someone so uptight, he was a lot of fun. Mostly because Maxine was there to stir him up. And while it was hard to like Maxine for most of this story, I enjoyed the combative relationship between these characters. It made for an entertaining book. I don't think I've come across a story that focused so much on trivia and the world, real or imagined, behind a game show and its entrants. I didn't know who I wanted to win (that's another lie because it was Teddy, of course), however, I'm a fan of the way it all worked out.
November 15, 2023
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.
Thank you to Jen and Montlake for the advance copy.
Read
April 19, 2024DNF. Amazon first reads choice. Thought this would be more fun based on the reviews. Had to force myself to get through 51% hoping it would get better. Didn't care for either main character. Not the book for me.
April 13, 2024
I read three chapters and texted two friends to tell them that they must read this. Jen writes books that are clever and smart and almost a little unlikeable, but in the BEST way. She seems to love a heroine with lots of space to grow and that growth on page is so rewarding.
Maxine and Teddy are archenemies. They competed in a game show together and severely disagreed with each other's methods. When they are asked to compete in a giant tournament of champions, they team up to learn more and also to defeat a common enemy. Proximity combined with instant but secret lust create a romance that is page turning and addicting. I think comfort is growing into her writing because every single book she writes is a little bit better.
Maxine and Teddy are archenemies. They competed in a game show together and severely disagreed with each other's methods. When they are asked to compete in a giant tournament of champions, they team up to learn more and also to defeat a common enemy. Proximity combined with instant but secret lust create a romance that is page turning and addicting. I think comfort is growing into her writing because every single book she writes is a little bit better.
June 29, 2025
Who knew a book about a Jeopardy like trivia quiz show could be so HOT?? Definitely not me but this rivals to lovers, dual POV romance with excellent #ownvoices ADHD rep was certainly steamy, with amazing chemistry between the two leads and had me utterly captivated from start to finish. Great on audio and HIGHLY recommended!!
March 23, 2024
DNF at 50 pages. Neither characters are likable and I don’t like how the book is written. And I can’t imagine reading 300 more pages!
March 20, 2024
Thank you so much to Jen Comfort & Montlake for an advance copy of this book!
This book will be out April 1, 2024.
Content Warnings from the author & Storygraph:
Holy moly I absolutely loved this book!!! I had heard about Jen's book Midnight Duet on a podcast and she has been on my radar ever since. The buzz around this book started to grow and I was so excited when I got access to it. I highlighted so many moments and quotes. It just was so good!
Teddy and Maxine are polar opposites and somehow they work so well as a couple. I will say it took me awhile for Maxine to grow on me but after their first trip to the library then it all clicked for me. I think had Comfort continued to have Maxine push Teddy's button I may have given up. I mean she still did but it was done differently compared to how it was in the first half of the book. The chemistry just built and built and I love how we knew from the first sentence of the book that he fell first. Their banter and constant battling was fun to read and I love that by the end they were really working together.
"Are we having a clandestine make-out-sesh? Because I'm suddenly very on board on libraries."
The SPICE. WHEWWWWWWW! What made this stand out compared to other romances I have recently read is where they are being intimate. The situations where the sexual tension just is so strong that it just had to be done right then and there. Teddy just adored Maxine and took such care of her.
They both grew with each other throughout the book and brought different sides out to one another. There was a moment late into the book where Maxine starts acting out and back to her mean ways and Teddy immediately could tell something was wrong. I felt that was a realistic moment and was not brushed aside or had the MMC play dumb that they weren't intune with their partner (which don't get me wrong, can still happen in relationships). It just really stood out to me and it made Maxine come to terms with things she was scared of. Bravo!!
I don't want to give away too much of story as that was part of the fun. But I just love their growth and respect for each other as the book went on. Even with being rivals they both had. the common goal of defeating the ultimate trivia winner Hercules (what a name) and getting a cool $2 million.
I just absolutely love this book & I think those who read it will have fun and enjoy it as well!
If you are a fan of trivia, rivals to friends to lovers, dual POV - check this out, you will not be disappointed!
PS - Kudos to the author for including a quote from one of my favorite movies "Hook" - "You're doing it Peter."
PSS - If you are an Amazon Prime member and haven't picked out your Amazon First Reads for the month of March, consider downloading this book!
PSSS- There was mention of karaoke but we were robbed from seeing it played out on page!
This book will be out April 1, 2024.
Content Warnings from the author & Storygraph:
Holy moly I absolutely loved this book!!! I had heard about Jen's book Midnight Duet on a podcast and she has been on my radar ever since. The buzz around this book started to grow and I was so excited when I got access to it. I highlighted so many moments and quotes. It just was so good!
Teddy and Maxine are polar opposites and somehow they work so well as a couple. I will say it took me awhile for Maxine to grow on me but after their first trip to the library then it all clicked for me. I think had Comfort continued to have Maxine push Teddy's button I may have given up. I mean she still did but it was done differently compared to how it was in the first half of the book. The chemistry just built and built and I love how we knew from the first sentence of the book that he fell first. Their banter and constant battling was fun to read and I love that by the end they were really working together.
"Are we having a clandestine make-out-sesh? Because I'm suddenly very on board on libraries."
The SPICE. WHEWWWWWWW! What made this stand out compared to other romances I have recently read is where they are being intimate. The situations where the sexual tension just is so strong that it just had to be done right then and there. Teddy just adored Maxine and took such care of her.
They both grew with each other throughout the book and brought different sides out to one another. There was a moment late into the book where Maxine starts acting out and back to her mean ways and Teddy immediately could tell something was wrong. I felt that was a realistic moment and was not brushed aside or had the MMC play dumb that they weren't intune with their partner (which don't get me wrong, can still happen in relationships). It just really stood out to me and it made Maxine come to terms with things she was scared of. Bravo!!
I don't want to give away too much of story as that was part of the fun. But I just love their growth and respect for each other as the book went on. Even with being rivals they both had. the common goal of defeating the ultimate trivia winner Hercules (what a name) and getting a cool $2 million.
I just absolutely love this book & I think those who read it will have fun and enjoy it as well!
If you are a fan of trivia, rivals to friends to lovers, dual POV - check this out, you will not be disappointed!
PS - Kudos to the author for including a quote from one of my favorite movies "Hook" - "You're doing it Peter."
PSS - If you are an Amazon Prime member and haven't picked out your Amazon First Reads for the month of March, consider downloading this book!
PSSS- There was mention of karaoke but we were robbed from seeing it played out on page!
March 10, 2024
*DJ Khalid's voice* and anotha one!
I am usually relatively stingy with my 5 star ratings but so far 2024 has been banger after banger. I didn't know Amazon First Reads was a thing until this month, and I wasn't sure what to choose until I saw Christina Lauren recommend this book. I'm glad they did, because I LOVED it. This book has excellent female ADHD representation, was hella spicy and lol funny. I cackled out loud multiple times. Maxine is a chaos demon and I love her. I also need to know if Comfort named the male main character Teddy Ferguson JUST so she could set up the Turd Ferguson nod- one of my favorite SNL skits of all time.
"Philosophy?"
Maxine thought for a moment. "I'd say a toss-up between "Get busy living or get busy dying" and "Be excellent to each other".
He sighed. "I meant, how familiar are you with classical schools of philosophu?"
This!! This energy!!
Shout out to the trivia facts the beginning of each chapter, they made me feel smart.
I am usually relatively stingy with my 5 star ratings but so far 2024 has been banger after banger. I didn't know Amazon First Reads was a thing until this month, and I wasn't sure what to choose until I saw Christina Lauren recommend this book. I'm glad they did, because I LOVED it. This book has excellent female ADHD representation, was hella spicy and lol funny. I cackled out loud multiple times. Maxine is a chaos demon and I love her. I also need to know if Comfort named the male main character Teddy Ferguson JUST so she could set up the Turd Ferguson nod- one of my favorite SNL skits of all time.
"Philosophy?"
Maxine thought for a moment. "I'd say a toss-up between "Get busy living or get busy dying" and "Be excellent to each other".
He sighed. "I meant, how familiar are you with classical schools of philosophu?"
This!! This energy!!
Shout out to the trivia facts the beginning of each chapter, they made me feel smart.
July 17, 2024
I really hate to rate this so low, because the concept was incredible. To start with a few positives, some of the side characters were enjoyable, and even though we got them in small doses I liked when they appeared on the page. There were some very witty one liners that added a nice comedic element. And as someone who also lives his life following “be excellent to each other”, Bill & Ted’s Excellent Adventure references are always welcome.
But you’d be hard pressed to find a romantic novel with two leads who had less chemistry. Everything between the two of them was lust and there’s no way to convince me otherwise. Their sex scenes only reinforced that, because all of them were borderline uncomfortable to read. It also doesn’t help that nobody in the history of ever would do what they did for the first couple of times doing sexual things together, and that made it worse.
And I’m not going to give anything away, but I had it as two stars up until the ending. But I had to knock it down after that, because I didn’t enjoy one bit of it. A very fun concept that unfortunately didn’t do it for me.
But you’d be hard pressed to find a romantic novel with two leads who had less chemistry. Everything between the two of them was lust and there’s no way to convince me otherwise. Their sex scenes only reinforced that, because all of them were borderline uncomfortable to read. It also doesn’t help that nobody in the history of ever would do what they did for the first couple of times doing sexual things together, and that made it worse.
And I’m not going to give anything away, but I had it as two stars up until the ending. But I had to knock it down after that, because I didn’t enjoy one bit of it. A very fun concept that unfortunately didn’t do it for me.
September 3, 2024
10/10 this book was so much fun!
Notes: The tournament in this book is based on the game show Jeopardy! Primarily takes place in Brooklyn, NY , Princeton, NJ and Los Angeles, CA. Both characters are bisexual. Maxine has ADHD.
Notes: The tournament in this book is based on the game show Jeopardy! Primarily takes place in Brooklyn, NY , Princeton, NJ and Los Angeles, CA. Both characters are bisexual. Maxine has ADHD.
April 11, 2024
i suppose my gr theme this year is healing my inner child by reading niche romance books. first a chess rivals romance and now a Jeopardy inspired romance? this book is so good. the author wrote with such care about her neurodivergent fmc. the growth journey the mmc went on was beautiful. this book is quick, clever, and intelligent. the author has a distinct voice and infused trivia in very witty ways. i’m excited to check out her other books
also if i thought i was delulu before reading this book, i now def believe i can go on jeopardy and fully win ¯\_(ツ)_/¯
also if i thought i was delulu before reading this book, i now def believe i can go on jeopardy and fully win ¯\_(ツ)_/¯
March 12, 2024
this was a fun and funky fresh time
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