Primeiras Más Impressões

by Gabriela Graciosa Guedes, Solaine Chioro (Translator)

No palco, eles são um casal apaixonado, mas na vida real não se suportam. Será que a química dos personagens vai permanecer apenas no roteiro?

Luiza Bento fará o que estiver ao seu alcance para permanecer nos Estados Unidos, exceto aceitar o que todos parecem considerar a solução mais fácil para conseguir um green card: um casamento.

Ela está determinada a encontrar um emprego que torne possível a sua permanência no país, mas conseguir um trabalho como atriz sendo latina e plus size já é bastante difícil. Um que ainda patrocine o seu visto? Quase impossível.

Depois de meses trabalhando na entrada da Movieland, um importante parque temático em Los Angeles, a oportunidade de que Luiza precisava finalmente surge: uma audição para o departamento de teatro. O único problema? Ela precisa contracenar com Winter Davis, um esnobe arrogante, que parece pensar que seu passado de estrela infantil o torna superior a todos.

No palco, eles são um casal apaixonado, mas na vida real não se suportam. Será que a química dos personagens vai permanecer apenas no roteiro?

Genres: Romance, Fiction, Contemporary Romance, Retellings, Enemies To Lovers, Contemporary, Latinx

317 pages, Kindle Edition

Published September 23, 2024

About the author

Gabriela is a Brazilian writer, romance enthusiast, and HEA advocate. She started writing in elementary school, and it became an addiction she could never drop.

After self-publishing a few short stories in Portuguese, she's now preparing to publish her first work in English come Summer of 2023.

Reviews

[Raquel Bonelli · Rating 5 out of 5]

A Pride & Prejudice retelling, enemies-to-lovers, unmissable novel set in a theatre play. Romance lovers, this is a must-read!

Let's start this review by saying how much I adore Pride & Prejudice. There is something about this story that it's timeless to me and makes me swoon every time I re-read it. So, I'm always enthusiastic about retelling, and if it includes Pride & Prejudice, it's a must-read for me.
I love this book! I love the similarities to one of my favourite romance stories, but all the differences made this book very unique.
Luiza's passion for acting, but mainly for her sisters, is praiseworthy. Winter was a very broody/grumpy character that sounded very contemporary and swoon-worthy, even though it resembles Mr. Darcy.
I need to comment on how much I love the theatre world. I'm a theatre lover, and reading their rehearsal scenes took me back to my time at the drama club in school.
Luiza and Winter's chemistry is off the chart. When they are acting together, I just can't separate the actors from the characters, so Luiza, I understand how hard it is for you, too, because, readers, I could feel the heat out of the pages. All of their scenes were great, including the love and bickering scenes (I'm a goner for enemies-to-lovers). I also feel like I don't read enough romance books with actors acting together as I'd like.
The author's writing is beautiful; the details set the scene and paint the characters to us, but it doesn't overwhelm the narrative to the extent of slowing the pace down.

Highly recommend it to any Pride & Prejudice lover like me!

Thanks to the author for sending me an advanced copy.

[ellen · Rating 5 out of 5]

5 ⭐️

Thank you Gabi for providing me with this ARC!

Tropes:

♡ Pride and Prejudice retelling
♡ Hollywood romance
♡ Latin plus size FMC
♡ Former child star MMC
♡ Enemies to lovers
♡ Slow burn
♡ Theme park setting

I fell totally in love with Luiza Bento & Winter Davis’ love story from their very first encounter. The enemies to lovers/hate to love trope always delivers and First Impressions of You certainly did not disappoint on that point. This book is every Pride and Prejudice girlie’s dream cause this retelling is done so well. It’s sweet, giggly, heartfelt and spicy. It got the most lovable FMC who’s just the sweetest human ever.

Luiza Bento has 6 months left to find a job as an actress until her VISA in the U.S. expires and she has to move back home again. She manages to blow everyone away with her audition at Movieland for a play that takes place at the theme park she works at. Here she meets Winter Davis, and they do not get the best first impressions of each other. But with Winter being her co-star Luiza has to make it work, because she really wants to keep this job and get a chance to stay in California.

First Impressions of You is an exquisitely crafted retelling of a classic that so many people hold dear to their hearts. It’s a tale of love, resilience, courage and the bravery to defy the societal norms and labels that so many people like Luiza has to deal with. It’s such a refreshing and remarkable story and the love within in is to die for. It’s been a long time since I have giggled so much over a book. I’m sold, and the fact that this is Gabriela’s debut novel blows my mind, because it’s just that good. I can definitely recommend it.

[Debbie · Rating 5 out of 5]

Nicely done modern Pride and Prejudice that incorporates into the storyline the immigration status of Luiza Bento, the "Elizabeth Bennet" of this story. It's the last year of her temporary visa, but she has no intention of marrying an American for her green card and is determined to get it on her own - as an actress - in L.A. - as a plus-sized Latina.

Luiza has what may be her last chance with an audition for a role in a theatrical production at an amusement park where she already works the front gate. (Think Universal Studios, but it's called Movieland in the book). The star of the play is Winter Davis (Mr. Darcy), an established, well-known actor who comes in with a major chip on his shoulder about the job he's signed on for.

Wonderfully diverse cast of characters populate the entire book, and the story develops in unpredictable ways. Quality of the writing is good

There is some graphic sexual content.

[Madelyn · Rating 5 out of 5]

The way that I devoured this in one sitting !!! Wow. This is my favorite modern retelling of P&P so far. Absolutely obsessed!

[Silvia Ribeiro · Rating 5 out of 5]

Full disclousure: I am a fan of Pride & Prejudice, and I don't really like reading retellings; the original is enough (and unparalleled) for me. Additionally, I'm not particularly interested in the theatre world nor in the celebrity trope.

All of this to say, I wasn't sure what to expect about this book, and I was pleasantly surprised.

The similarities to P&P were enough for me to catch some moments and smirk to myself "yeah I get it", or to explain certain actions that would made me scream at the book otherwise, while being sufficiently different to stand on its own legs and not feel like a copy.

A good part of this story takes place in the theatre, but it was told in such an engaging way that it captured my attention and didn't feel like it was dragging. (And now I want to read and/or see 'Frostbound Loyalty'!)

The celebrity aspect was not an obstacle in the relationship, nor made the relationship seem like it wouldn't work out long-term, which are my biggest pet peeves when it comes to this trope.

Finally, the central relationship is the perfect enemies-to-lovers, with the sweetest love declarations (and some smut to create a nice equilibrium), and the secondary characters were really good and interesting.

Overall, I really enjoyed reading this story! I'm looking forward to continuing in this world, and reading about Olivia (and maybe a prequel with Emily? A girl can dream hahaha)

[Amy]

4.5/5

I love a retelling and when I saw this was Pride and Prejudice reimagined I was so in! Also can we take a moment to appreciate that cover, I love the colors so much 🤩 This is a slow burn, enemies to lovers, he falls first delight. I loved the theme park setting and getting to see the behind the scenes details of the inner workings of Movieland. These two were true enemies before love, sometimes that trope is really more of a mild dislike before dating but the author really nailed the loathing before love thing so well. Winter and Luiza had exceptional chemistry so their banter was excellent and the build up to them finally kissing was the most delicious kind of torture. This had so much depth as well, I really enjoyed hearing about Luiza’s immigrant experience and her family dynamic was so authentic. Such a well rounded read, can’t wait to see what the author does next

[Shannon · Rating 5 out of 5]

Even though it felt like this book had a slow start (it was probably just me being tired as usual), I ended up really enjoying this book. I loved the MCs and the FMC’s sisters. I could see how the story was a P&P retelling in so many ways but I loved the author’s twist on it. I also liked that the FMC was curvy and that her family was Brazilian and spoke Portuguese. It definitely made the story more interesting.

[Tabea · Rating 4 out of 5]

4.5⭐️
I had the honour to read an ARC🥹🫶🏽👀

It was so cute. I haven’t read anything like that until now. It was about migration and hard work but also about a lovely lovestory between a plus-size about-to-be actress and a well known actor (internal screaming🫠🥹😍).
I loved it!
100% recommending 😊❤️🫶🏽

[Cait | GoodeyReads · Rating 3 out of 5]

Thank you to the author for an eARC.

IT WAS OKAY.

BLOG || INSTAGRAM

I feel like this hit that middle ground of reads for me. I liked some things, and did not like others. Lets get into it.

What I struggled with was the surface level feeling the book gave me. And the chaotic drama that I never got on board with. The beginning felt forced between Winter and Luiza and when the relationship started I just wasn’t into the chemistry between them.

The setting is fun with the Movieland concept and performing shows. I enjoyed Luiza as a main character. She felt authentic and was someone that I wanted to cheer on and hope that they got what they were after. Luiza was passionate about being an actress and I loved that for her. Things do wrap up well and I admit the second half was better. There’s some good quotable confessions from Winter and you get to see his soft side break through.

It very much is a Pride and Prejudice retelling and I liked noticing those aspects too.

Overall audience notes:
- Contemporary Romance
- Language: some strong
- Romance: 2-3 open door; low-moderate explicit

[Saurya · Rating 4 out of 5]

Just discovered a swoon worthy romance perfect for coming out of a reading slump 🥺

I loved Meeting Luiza and her large family. The Bento sisters are as different as they are endearing: there's love, madness but also more complicated moments between them that only make the novel more realistic. I loved the way Gabriela managed to describe their different relationships, and it makes me want to meet them all again!

The chemistry and tension between Luiza, an aspiring actress, and Winter, a Hollywood celebrity. After a first meeting that went more than badly, these two could only hate each other. Or almost... Their reactions, their characters and the situations they find themselves in only reinforce their I love you, I love you not. But we soon escalate to tense moments when Winter makes the first move 🤭

Despite facing a more than recalcitrant and prejudiced partner, Luiza managed to prove him wrong! (Although I would have liked to know more about Winter, his thoughts and his past). As well as asserting herself as an actress, she gains confidence as a woman, thanks to the unwavering support of her sisters and her best friend. By the way, accomplished women are amply represented in this book and I loved it 🥰

I appreciated that Gabriela tackled so many themes as varied as representation, different origins and different bodies, prejudice and the difficulty of living up to it, but also complex family relationships! The writing was fluid and gave me a great time... Although too short 🫣

[charlie-lea · Rating 3 out of 5]

3.75⭐️

I need to start by saying that I tried to overlook the errors (use of wrong words, missing words, etc.) but there were so many that it’s pretty much impossible. I still enjoyed the story, but if that’s something that might bother you when reading this, just keep it in mind.
ETA - The author has updated the ebook of First Impressions of You and corrected most (if not all) of the mistakes that made this annoying to read, so this is no longer a concern!

I love the main character, Luiza, and the love interest, Winter. Their relationship was cute, but it did feel really rushed. The book is short so everything does have to come together quickly, but it felt like partway through a switch was flipped and they suddenly loved each other. Having no idea how the visa system works in America, I found it interesting to see Luiza’s struggle and determination to do what’s needed to stay and do what she loves.

I did appreciate that there was no real third act breakup, I was waiting for it and so glad it didn’t come.

The epilogue was cute, and exactly what an epilogue should be: a nice closure to the story (not a sequel bait like most are now).

[Lettering library · Rating 4 out of 5]

~He’s looking down at me instead, as if nothing is happening around us. His eyes are focused on me using him as a safe place to hide. And under the brim of his baseball cap, I can see his lips curved in a smug smile~

I'm gonna start by saying that pride and prejudice It's one of my favorites books of all times, I've never read a rettelling of It and I was really curious about It. The parallels are cleverly build and really fun to compare to the original. I really liked how the author adapted the story and made It hers. For the characters, the FMC Luisa was Amazing, sure of her dreams and aspirations but also insecure that she is enough to make It. Then for the MMC we have Winter, that we may judge as cold at first but then reveals his real feelings and makes us swoon with his sweetness and care for Luisa. I would liked if the visa problem at the end was more discussed, the resolution seemed a bit rushed but I loved It and the epilogue had everything i hoped for.

I also wanna thank the author for sending me an EArc of the book 🫂🥹

[Mariana · Rating 5 out of 5]

I'm a big fan of pride and prejudice, one of the first love stories that really spoke to my heart. I love to feel swooned by books, to connect with the characters in a deeper level and to feel like it could've been me (hopeless romantic anyone?). And FIOY did this to me! Luiza is a great character, you can relate to her insecurities, to her fears, not only because of her personality, but because she's also brazilian, that was a bonus. Winter is as enigmatic as Mr Darcy, and if you're in love with his declarations of love, wait til you read Winter's! It's even better and will make your heart tingle. This is a beautiful love story, I loved the theater related themes and all the secondary characters, Luiza's sisters are amazing and I hope Olivia gets her own book, it would be so nice!
Definitely a 5 ⭐️ read. I loved it so much ❤️

[Mariana Vilela · Rating 4 out of 5]

Um livro de romance gostosinho, com alguns momentos de drama, para aquecer o coração. Sabe quando você está numa maré de leituras/vida ruim e só quer pegar um livro não muito complexo e divertido numa boa dose? Pois então, foi assim com esse livro.
Luiza quer ser uma atriz nos Estados Unidos e larga a faculdade de medicina (e a aprovação dos pais) para tentar a sorte por lá. Mas tudo que ela conseguiu até agora é um trabalho num parque de diversões que já teve algumas estrelas do cinema/tv formados ali. Agora que ela tem a chance de fazer parte de uma das peças do parque, bem quando o prazo de seu visto estar acabando, ela não perde a oportunidade. O problema é que ela escuta a estrela da peça, Winter, conversando com a diretora, não muito satisfeito com ter que, possivelmente atuar com alguém sem experiência na tv/cinema, e é, óbvio que ela começa a detestá-lo.
Quando a diretora da peça acredita que ela é a pessoa certa para o papel, Luiza vai ter que passar pela primeira impressão de que teve de Winter: de um ator egoísta e soberbo.
Só que ele não tem ajudado muito ela a mudar essa impressão. E para piorar, eles tem uma química absurda.
Além de acompanharmos o romance dos dois, temos as irmãs da Luiza também passando por questões pessoais, uma relação complicada entre Luiza e uma das irmãs, uma relação complicada com os pais, questões de imigração, ex-amizades problemáticas do Winter, fama durante a infância e relações familiares complicadas do Winter.
Gostei que tivemos outros assuntos para trabalhar além do romance. Sempre falo que gosto disso.
O romance teve um bom ritmo e uma ótima química. Consegui sentir a conexão dos dois, mesmo que eles tenham passado metade do livro brigando. Mesmo que eles brigassem, dava para ver que eles estavam escondendo coisas um do outro e dava para sentir a tensão entre os dois. Quando eu estava na metade do livro já estava quase achando que eles só iam ficar juntos nos 90% do livro. Hahahah Bom, não foi assim (amém) e tivemos vários bons momentos deles juntos. Mesmo que eles ainda tivessem assuntos inacabados. Porém, achei que a finalização deles foi um pouco rápida. Como fomos resolver alguns outros problemas que apareceram no caminho, o casal em si não teve muito tempo.
Gostei das relações entre as irmãs. Cada uma delas tinha um problema para resolver e como elas tinham um relação boa, mesmo que Luiza tivesse certos problemas com uma delas. Mas deu para entender bem da onde que vinham aqueles problemas.
No fim, os problemas não foram super dramáticos, mas foram relevantes. Não ficou com aquele tom de surreal ou super dramático, mas também tiveram o seu tempo, o que não deixou o livro morno.
No mais, é um ótimo livro de romance com romance e drama na medida certa. E se você gosta de reinterpretações de Orgulho e preconceito achei que esse consegue lembrar a história, mas ao mesmo tempo consegue ser original sozinha.

[Ayushi (bookwormbullet) · Rating 4 out of 5]

Thank you so much to Gabriela Graciosa Guedes for providing me with an ARC in exchange for an honest review!

If there's one thing that is going to make me devour a book, it's finding out that the novel is a Pride and Prejudice retelling. Now make that a Pride and Prejudice retelling by an author of color, and I'll find a way to get that book in my hands instantly. I really did just that withFirst Impressions of You, a Pride and Prejudice retelling with a Brazilian female main character set inside a movie-themed amusement park. I loved the themes of the American immigration experience, sisterhood, family, duty, and following your dreams as we followed Luiza, determined to find an acting job that will sponsor her visa to stay in the U.S. Her relationship with her sisters, Julia and Olivia, were so special and thoughtfully represented as a group of immigrant sisters from Brazil determined to find their own way in the States. I also loved how Luiza's inner thoughts about being a fat Latina woman in the entertainment industry were portrayed.

The romance in this book was also very sweet and definitely made me tear up at times! Winter and Luiza's relationship follows the typical journey that Darcy and Lizzie Bennet go on in Pride and Prejudice, but it still hit just as hard as the original novel. While I do wish we got a little more development into Winter's feelings for Luiza (the switch from him despising Luiza to being enamored by her felt a little abrupt), I still very much enjoyed the romance.

I also need to mention how gorgeous this cover is! If that doesn't convince you to pick this book up, I don't know what will. I look forward to reading Gabriela Graciosa Guedes's future works!

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[andrea v. (andrea’s galley) · Rating 5 out of 5]

“As long as you’re joking, that means you probably don’t hate me that much anymore.”

“I don’t think I could hate you if I wanted to.”

Genre: Romance
Actual Rating: 5 stars
Spicy Meter: 4 fire emojis
Content Warnings: Deals with discrimination against race and weight, and living as an immigrant. Contains explicit sexual content.

“First Impressions of You” follows Luiza Bento, an aspiring actress working in a theme park on a temporary work visa, and Winter Davis, a child star that’ll be working in said theme parks next big theater production. Here’s the thing: Winter doesn’t even want to be there, and least of all with an inexperienced actress that just works in a theme park—and oh, does Luiza overhears that.

I mean, this book had me at “Pride and Prejudice retelling”, but what really made me stay was Luiza’s wit and stubbornness and Winter’s, well, everything.

Told through Luiza’s point of view, we get a glimpse at what it is like to start paving your way through the acting scene in LA, with none other than a well-established child star that doesn’t seem to be too keen on newcomers as a costar.

Sometimes in romance novels I don’t seem to understand where connections and chemistry come from, but oh was this not the case in “First Impressions of You.” Through this debut novel, we feel the tension building and that slow burn giving out slowly as the characters let go of their past frustrations and let themselves feel. I am absolutely in love with this super unique retelling, I will literally never shut up about it.

Are you a sucker for enemies to lovers and hold a little love for “Pride and Prejudice”? Well, this book is literally for you.

ARC provided by the author, Gabriela Graciosa Guedes, in exchange for an honest review.

Publication Date: August 25, 2023

“You’re the sunshine I’ll always want in my winter.”

[aisha · Rating 4 out of 5]

•ARC review•
Luiza has six months left in the U.S before her visa expires and she has to return home. But she’s determined to stay. Everything gets better when she lands a role in a play at Movieland. But the guy she’s going to be playing the lead role with? Nightmare. Let’s just say their first impression was… bad. But the sparks definitely flew 😍
A Pride & Prejudice retelling set in a theme park? Woah.
I love how the author nailed the rep! I really enjoyed the plot and the theme park setting. I also enjoyed their work in the play and the whole friends & family drama. The writing was great. Luiza was fierce, realistic and her dedication to her career was remarkable. And Winter was the sweetest guy underneath all the broody exterior. The other characters were enjoyable, especially Luiza’s sisters and best friend 😍
However, I had a difficult time connecting with the main characters. For me, it doesn’t matter how good the story is, I’m all about the characters. Their growth, their likeness & their personality.
In this case, I found Luiza to be awfully judgmental. She was whiny and always giving shit to her little sister for no good reason. Luiza was infuriating at times when she was quick to judge and assume things. She knew she was being judgemental, got apologetic about it and did it again. I get that it’s a retelling but… it got a little unbearable at times. But there was definitely some development that I loved to see. The male love interest, Winter, was a little bland. But they did have a good chemistry on and off the play.
Overall, I loved the setting of this book. Loved the diversity.
I would recommend this book if you enjoy P&P retelling, theme park setting, workplace romance, enemies to lovers, he falls first, plus size rep & SLOW BURN.
3.75⭐️
I’m grateful to the author for providing me with an ARC in exchange for my honest review 🩷

[Jazmine L · Rating 4 out of 5]

My first ever ARC! Thank you to Gabriel Graciosa Guedes for the opportunity. I honestly love the cover and love the book!

It was filled with so many emotions and the Bento sisters were such a great part of the story. Coming from a family who came to the U.S for better opportunities this hit home. It was heartfelt the worry and stress that Luiza had to endure as the pressure was put on her by her parents. As well as her own internal struggle that she needed to make the most of her time while having the opportunity. It’s such a hard thing to not let it drown your he worry if not having the certainty to have more time. But she discovers she has real pure talent and needs to finally accept it herself. I do think one tiny thing I wish I would had more of was passion from both characters in the beginning of the book. It just seemed a little forced in the first half but it was quickly changed and I loved that it took the turn it needed.

I think Winter was such the perfect pair for her. They both needed each other to thaw out.Haha.Her Winter that she needed to chill her out and his sunshine to melt him.
My favorite line from Winter and makes the whole book in my opinion; “Winter without the sun is just depressing. But winter and sunshine? The best combination.”

[Anya’s books · Rating 5 out of 5]

4.5 ⭐️s

The angst and banter in this book was done so well and had me laughing. There were moments where I wanted to tell the FMC “dang girl, let him get up” from the amount of times she was not backing down from the MMC and I loved it. The sibling dynamic was raw and so real that it had me wanting to hug my own sisters. Truly never read a book that perfectly captured the complex relationship between sisters. It was like seeing my own relationship with my sister written on page. This book also shined a light on the real anxiety of the life of an immigrant and the pressure that comes with going to another country in hopes of staking your claim in the world. Once the MMC finally admits his feelings for the FMC, you can clearly see how BAD he’s down for her and you can’t help but swoon. The teasing and steam had me blushing and absolutely giddy. Definitely recommend!

[Maria · Rating 4 out of 5]

I really enjoyed this Pride and Prejudice retelling! I'm a total sucker for them, and this was one of the better ones for sure. Translating the story into a modern theater setting and framing things from a Visa perspective really worked, and spoke the universality of the story.

The last 20% brought down the rating from 5 to 4 stars for me when the relationship progression went from zero to 60, but I'm not really mad at it. I loved the plus size rep, and every time we were in Winter's POV and he was salivating about Luiza's body, an angel got it's wings.

This really gave me everything I was looking for, and it was a fun twist on the retelling. I would happily read more from the author.

[lalamand · Rating 5 out of 5]

É impossível largar esse livro depois que a gente começa a ler! O ritmo de escrita da Gabriela é delicioso de ler e a gente quer mais e mais desses personagens. Tanto que ao chegar ao final ficamos com a vontade de ler mais! Foi uma homenagem tao linda ao material original e ao mesmo tempo foi uma historia tão fresca e original que eu tenho certeza que a Jane Austen está orgulhosa!!!! Virou um favorito definitivente!

[Euge · Rating 5 out of 5]

First impressions of you is a Pride and Prejudice retelling about a plus-size Brazilian actress who lands the role that could change her life forever, but will have to put up with her cranky co-star if she wants to keep it.

What to say about this book? It has simply become my favorite of the year so far (I find it very difficult for it not to be by the end of the year). The romance, the humor, the Taylor Swift references, the Latino representation were PERFECT.

The story follows Luiza, a Brazilian actress who has been living in the United States for four years and who works for the amusement park that produces plays and movies that send their actors to stardom. As the end of her visa approaches, Luiza must obtain a paper that allows her to fulfill her dream and continue living in the country. In the middle of her audition, she meets the grumpy Winter, a well-known actor who doesn't want to act with her, but won't have any other choice since they both need her work. Thus, both must learn to work together even if they can't stand each other.

As I said before I thought it was a perfect book. As a Pride and Prejudice fan I loved all the references that appeared in the story. Winter is the ideal male character, sweet, funny, sarcastic, kind, HE HAS IT ALL. Luiza has a beautiful background, in her relationship with her sisters, with her parents, with Winter and with herself. Many times there are books with Latino representation that feels like a caricature of the culture, but here the representation is really felt and I thought it was beautiful.

The writing is super light and engaging, I couldn't put the book down even if I wanted to.

For fans of romance and Pride and Prejudice, you have to read this book now.

[Ashley Miller · Rating 4 out of 5]

Sweet spicy & adorable retelling! I love a plus size fmc but I pictured America Ferrera one of my favorite plus size baddies growing up and Zac Efron the entire time I’m showing my age I know lol such a good introduction to the author

[Carla Moreira · Rating 5 out of 5]

4.5 stars!

[Marianne | Petite.BumbleBeeBooks · Rating 5 out of 5]

Holy bananas this was incredible! One of the best Pride and Prejudice retelling I've read in a long long while! Full review coming soon.

[Sarah · Rating 4 out of 5]

4,5⭐️

[Phoenix · Rating 5 out of 5]

What an interesting reimagining of Pride and Prejudice. Loved this!

[Amanda · Rating 4 out of 5]

3.75⭐️! This was such a fun read if you enjoy a Pride & Prejudice retelling. The setting of Movieland reminded me of Universal Studios and it is such a unique setting - I’ve not read a book that centers around actors and the industry.

Our female lead is plus sized and Latina - we love diverse rep! And our male lead is the perfect grump. The chemistry between Luiza and Winter was undeniable and the slow burn had me wanting more. I noticed that Luiza is a little quick to jump to conclusions (which did irk me a little as it seems to become a habit and the cause of issues) which is one reason why I had rated it lower as I personally dislike such situations.

Overall, it is an adorable rom-com that was a fun and quick read. Difficult issues like parental expectations, body issues and trying to forge a career in a new country was tackled with care. I recommend you give this read a try.

Thank you to the author for an ARC.

[Rhea Baba · Rating 5 out of 5]

Yesss stuff ur kindle day! Ate this up on the plane. Probably closer to 4.5⭐️

[Raven (the.readingraven) · Rating 3 out of 5]

I’m going to marinate on my opinions of this one. I enjoyed this one but I am not the biggest fan of slow burn.

Also, our male main character Winter crossed a line that was hard for me to forgive! Like, you did what now??? 👀 I sort of forgave him, leading me to like him again, but still!

I like Luiza a lot. She is there for her sisters and even though she is kinda middle child she still has the responsibilities as big sister with her siblings. I didn’t not like that Luiza is so dramática! It makes sense in why she wants to get into acting. I feel like she deff overreacted in some parts & asked soooo many questions! “Why?” “How come?” “What do you mean?” 😩 Like baby girl please shut up & let people talk lmao

I love the Latiné rep, Brazil stand up! The plus size rep was done so well too. It focused on issues with clothing and people’s assumptions of “diversity privilege”. I also like how during our spicy scenes, Luiza never felt embarrassed or ashamed of her body.