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Clear Lake Quartet #1
Fortunate Misfortune
Mallory Edwards is the queen of plans and hers are always on schedule. Captain and soccer goalie for Clear Lake University? Check. 4.0 student? Check. On track for graduate school and an amazing career? Check. Everything is right on target.
Until it suddenly isn’t. On top of grieving the loss of her father, a crumbling relationship with her mother, and a recent type 1 diabetes diagnosis, Mallory realizes her perfectly constructed plans are at risk of unraveling if she doesn’t find an internship by the end of her junior year. And of course, the one thing standing between Mallory and a secured future is Kenneth Gray.
Kenneth Gray, a former nationally ranked swimmer, is everything Mallory isn’t. The neutral to her vibrant. The spontaneous to her rigid. The only sparks that fly between them aren’t the good kind, which is why it might be best they’re nothing more than rivals.
But Kenneth has a secret. Unbeknownst to Mallory, the game they created together, the Brain Bowl, is at risk of ending. In one semester, Kenneth must not only secure his own future, but also find a way to keep Mallory in his life. Outside of their game.
Suddenly, the line between rivals and something more seems thinner than ever before.
Until it suddenly isn’t. On top of grieving the loss of her father, a crumbling relationship with her mother, and a recent type 1 diabetes diagnosis, Mallory realizes her perfectly constructed plans are at risk of unraveling if she doesn’t find an internship by the end of her junior year. And of course, the one thing standing between Mallory and a secured future is Kenneth Gray.
Kenneth Gray, a former nationally ranked swimmer, is everything Mallory isn’t. The neutral to her vibrant. The spontaneous to her rigid. The only sparks that fly between them aren’t the good kind, which is why it might be best they’re nothing more than rivals.
But Kenneth has a secret. Unbeknownst to Mallory, the game they created together, the Brain Bowl, is at risk of ending. In one semester, Kenneth must not only secure his own future, but also find a way to keep Mallory in his life. Outside of their game.
Suddenly, the line between rivals and something more seems thinner than ever before.
384 pages, Paperback
Published August 5, 2024
159 people are currently reading
1750 people want to read
About the author
Miah Onsha
2 books99 followersMiah Onsha is a romance author and lover of books. She is dedicated to not only crafting stories of real love, but also to filling a gap she keenly felt in her own youth. Through her writing, she endeavors to provide the representation and affirmation that she yearned for as a young reader. As a registered dietitian with a passion for nutrition education, each story she writes holds a piece of that love through the eyes of real characters and real experiences. In each book, you will find healthy relationships, found family, and a whole lot of love.
Miah is surrounded by her wonderful family, two perfect dogs, and the best friends a woman could ask for.
For inquiries, contact Miah Onsha at hello@authormiahonsha.com.
Miah is surrounded by her wonderful family, two perfect dogs, and the best friends a woman could ask for.
For inquiries, contact Miah Onsha at hello@authormiahonsha.com.
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August 8, 2024
#arcreview | 4.5🌟/ 5🌟
#MALLORYKENNETH
Fortunate Misfortune by @miahonsha.author
⋆𐙚₊˚”You look beautiful tonight, Mallory. Thank you for being here.” A shy smile breaks across her lips. “There’s nowhere I’d rather be. Just say the word and we can go.”⋆𐙚₊˚
𝐓𝐑𝐎𝐏𝐄𝐒
⋆𐙚₊˚ 𝐑𝐢𝐯𝐚𝐥𝐬 𝐭𝐨 𝐥𝐨𝐯𝐞𝐫𝐬
⋆𐙚₊˚ 𝐒𝐥𝐨𝐰 𝐁𝐮𝐫𝐧
⋆𐙚₊˚ 𝐇𝐞 𝐟𝐚𝐥𝐥𝐬 𝐟𝐢𝐫𝐬𝐭
⋆𐙚₊˚ 𝐅𝐨𝐮𝐧𝐝 𝐅𝐚𝐦𝐢𝐥𝐲
⋆𐙚₊˚ 𝐂𝐡𝐫𝐨𝐧𝐢𝐜 𝐜𝐨𝐧𝐝𝐢𝐭𝐢𝐨𝐧𝐬 𝐫𝐞𝐩 (𝐌𝐒 𝐚𝐧𝐝 𝐃𝐢𝐚𝐛𝐞𝐭𝐞𝐬 𝐭𝐲𝐩𝐞 𝟏)
⋆𐙚₊˚ 𝐀𝐧𝐱𝐢𝐞𝐭𝐲 𝐫𝐞𝐩
As you guys know I will read any book that has black woman representation because we never had much, so I find it important to read diverse and this book has everything I was looking for!! I’m not the biggest fan of rivals to lovers, it’s not my jam but I liked them having healthy competition and It was good slow burn
I see a lot of me in Mallory Edwards like I see myself with her anxiety, strong mind, her banter and more it’s was very relatable and I loved every second of it and Shay was like literally my best friend in fiction form, I felt like I was living the story itself 🥹 she cares of her friends and is there for them when they need a person.
I could relate with her grieving her dad like I still have my dad but I feels like he’s gone like not present in my life, I learned a lot about her diabetes too and I was very educated, I loved every moments of learning where people with diabetes are going through daily🫶🏾
Kenneth gray is so me too like his relationship with his dad was relatable, i feel like my dad doesn’t care enough. Gray is thoughtful,you are telling me that he made notes about Mallory! so he could help her every moment!
He is so sweet, he helps Mallory through her anxiety attacks.
He was helping her get out of her bubble and have fun.
He’s anxiety and insecure for doing something he failed and I he was scared he would fail again, I have the same fear of failure😞he’s dedicated his major to his nan to study MS!!
Cade and Shay are definition of ride or die!
If this Isn’t enough to convince you to pick this book up! You are missing out on a amazing story with important representations
#MALLORYKENNETH
Fortunate Misfortune by @miahonsha.author
⋆𐙚₊˚”You look beautiful tonight, Mallory. Thank you for being here.” A shy smile breaks across her lips. “There’s nowhere I’d rather be. Just say the word and we can go.”⋆𐙚₊˚
𝐓𝐑𝐎𝐏𝐄𝐒
⋆𐙚₊˚ 𝐑𝐢𝐯𝐚𝐥𝐬 𝐭𝐨 𝐥𝐨𝐯𝐞𝐫𝐬
⋆𐙚₊˚ 𝐒𝐥𝐨𝐰 𝐁𝐮𝐫𝐧
⋆𐙚₊˚ 𝐇𝐞 𝐟𝐚𝐥𝐥𝐬 𝐟𝐢𝐫𝐬𝐭
⋆𐙚₊˚ 𝐅𝐨𝐮𝐧𝐝 𝐅𝐚𝐦𝐢𝐥𝐲
⋆𐙚₊˚ 𝐂𝐡𝐫𝐨𝐧𝐢𝐜 𝐜𝐨𝐧𝐝𝐢𝐭𝐢𝐨𝐧𝐬 𝐫𝐞𝐩 (𝐌𝐒 𝐚𝐧𝐝 𝐃𝐢𝐚𝐛𝐞𝐭𝐞𝐬 𝐭𝐲𝐩𝐞 𝟏)
⋆𐙚₊˚ 𝐀𝐧𝐱𝐢𝐞𝐭𝐲 𝐫𝐞𝐩
As you guys know I will read any book that has black woman representation because we never had much, so I find it important to read diverse and this book has everything I was looking for!! I’m not the biggest fan of rivals to lovers, it’s not my jam but I liked them having healthy competition and It was good slow burn
I see a lot of me in Mallory Edwards like I see myself with her anxiety, strong mind, her banter and more it’s was very relatable and I loved every second of it and Shay was like literally my best friend in fiction form, I felt like I was living the story itself 🥹 she cares of her friends and is there for them when they need a person.
I could relate with her grieving her dad like I still have my dad but I feels like he’s gone like not present in my life, I learned a lot about her diabetes too and I was very educated, I loved every moments of learning where people with diabetes are going through daily🫶🏾
Kenneth gray is so me too like his relationship with his dad was relatable, i feel like my dad doesn’t care enough. Gray is thoughtful,you are telling me that he made notes about Mallory! so he could help her every moment!
He is so sweet, he helps Mallory through her anxiety attacks.
He was helping her get out of her bubble and have fun.
He’s anxiety and insecure for doing something he failed and I he was scared he would fail again, I have the same fear of failure😞he’s dedicated his major to his nan to study MS!!
Cade and Shay are definition of ride or die!
If this Isn’t enough to convince you to pick this book up! You are missing out on a amazing story with important representations
August 5, 2024
Thank you Miah for sending me a ARC copy! 🫶🏾
If I could give this book 6⭐️ I would!!
First off let me start by saying WOOOOOW! Miah did that.
I honestly have not stopped thinking about this book since i finished
Absolutely loved the tension and chemistry between Ken & Mallory. Miah wrote slow burn trope perfectly & in couldn’t put this book down. The rivals to lovers ATE in this book. I low key didn’t want the Brain Bowel to end but the ending was perfect 🥹
“From the moment I met you, I knew I was meant to love you.” *SCREAMING* 🥹🥹
Miah wrote these characters in the most relatable way, I related to their situations a lot. Everything was right about this book, the characters, the competition between them, their relationship and Lake Anita.
If I could give this book 6⭐️ I would!!
First off let me start by saying WOOOOOW! Miah did that.
I honestly have not stopped thinking about this book since i finished
Absolutely loved the tension and chemistry between Ken & Mallory. Miah wrote slow burn trope perfectly & in couldn’t put this book down. The rivals to lovers ATE in this book. I low key didn’t want the Brain Bowel to end but the ending was perfect 🥹
“From the moment I met you, I knew I was meant to love you.” *SCREAMING* 🥹🥹
Miah wrote these characters in the most relatable way, I related to their situations a lot. Everything was right about this book, the characters, the competition between them, their relationship and Lake Anita.
August 9, 2024
Alexa play “I’m not perfect (but I’m trying)” by Rachel Chinouriri. The acoustic version specifically please.
HAPPY PUB DAY TO THIS GEM OF A BOOK <3
I had received an arc to this book a bit ago (s/o Miah) and I gobbledddd this story up. For me, it encapsulated the slow burn trope for me soooo realistically, and the yearning??? *chef’s kiss* I loved the characters, and I just wanted to protect them. SHOUT OUT TO THE GRANDMA KNOWING THE TEA FR (iykyk)
I am also such a huge fan of how Miah was able to integrate important representations and tough topics in a natural way throughout the book, and in a way that I personally didn’t feel was forced. As someone who has a best friend who has Type 1 diabetes, I always pay extra attention when this trope is included in a book. It helps to better understand her world, her feelings. To read some of the ways my own friend has expressed feeling with diabetes, it proved to me that Miah took the time to learn and bring this topic in a sensitive and respectful manner.
Such a fun read. Being able to be apart of the evolution of my two angels Mallory and Kenneth was such a rush <3
HAPPY PUB DAY TO THIS GEM OF A BOOK <3
I had received an arc to this book a bit ago (s/o Miah) and I gobbledddd this story up. For me, it encapsulated the slow burn trope for me soooo realistically, and the yearning??? *chef’s kiss* I loved the characters, and I just wanted to protect them. SHOUT OUT TO THE GRANDMA KNOWING THE TEA FR (iykyk)
I am also such a huge fan of how Miah was able to integrate important representations and tough topics in a natural way throughout the book, and in a way that I personally didn’t feel was forced. As someone who has a best friend who has Type 1 diabetes, I always pay extra attention when this trope is included in a book. It helps to better understand her world, her feelings. To read some of the ways my own friend has expressed feeling with diabetes, it proved to me that Miah took the time to learn and bring this topic in a sensitive and respectful manner.
Such a fun read. Being able to be apart of the evolution of my two angels Mallory and Kenneth was such a rush <3
June 15, 2025
⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️.25 – A Rivals-to-Lovers Debut That Delivers
When I found out that Miah Onsha was a debut author from the Houston area, I knew I had to give her first novel a try, and I’m so glad I did. Fortunate Misfortune is a strong entry into the rivals-to-lovers space, one of my favorite tropes, and it’s executed with just the right mix of tension, growth, and heart.
Mallory and Kenneth have a firecracker dynamic. You could tell from the very beginning that he had a soft spot for her, even if he tried to play it cool. Watching him find reasons to be near her while trying to keep his feelings in check gave their slow-burn a spark that kept me flipping pages.
What really made this book stand out was the layered storytelling. Miah Onsha doesn’t shy away from weaving in real-life challenges like managing type one diabetes and multiple sclerosis into the narrative in a way that’s informative without being heavy-handed. Add to that the pressure of parental expectations, the desire for independence, and learning to let go of self-imposed perfection, and you get a story that feels both personal and powerful.
Mallory’s growth was one of my favorite parts. Watching her learn to loosen up and embrace her joy, especially in those scenes with Frederick, was so satisfying. And don’t even get me started on the lake house. That setting was pure magic. I found myself wishing for my own dock to sit on, just to look up at the stars and breathe.
This debut is a promising start to a new series, and I’m already looking forward to getting to know the rest of the friend group in future books. If you’re in the mood for a heartfelt rivals-to-lovers romance with depth and charm, Fortunate Misfortune should be at the top of your list.
When I found out that Miah Onsha was a debut author from the Houston area, I knew I had to give her first novel a try, and I’m so glad I did. Fortunate Misfortune is a strong entry into the rivals-to-lovers space, one of my favorite tropes, and it’s executed with just the right mix of tension, growth, and heart.
Mallory and Kenneth have a firecracker dynamic. You could tell from the very beginning that he had a soft spot for her, even if he tried to play it cool. Watching him find reasons to be near her while trying to keep his feelings in check gave their slow-burn a spark that kept me flipping pages.
What really made this book stand out was the layered storytelling. Miah Onsha doesn’t shy away from weaving in real-life challenges like managing type one diabetes and multiple sclerosis into the narrative in a way that’s informative without being heavy-handed. Add to that the pressure of parental expectations, the desire for independence, and learning to let go of self-imposed perfection, and you get a story that feels both personal and powerful.
Mallory’s growth was one of my favorite parts. Watching her learn to loosen up and embrace her joy, especially in those scenes with Frederick, was so satisfying. And don’t even get me started on the lake house. That setting was pure magic. I found myself wishing for my own dock to sit on, just to look up at the stars and breathe.
This debut is a promising start to a new series, and I’m already looking forward to getting to know the rest of the friend group in future books. If you’re in the mood for a heartfelt rivals-to-lovers romance with depth and charm, Fortunate Misfortune should be at the top of your list.
November 10, 2024
I’M FINALLY FREEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEE 😭🙏😭🙏😭🙏😭🙏😭🙏😭🙏. Listen!!! This book wasn’t terrible or offensive or anything. I don’t even think it was *bad*. BUUUUUT for some reason it took me
*3 WEEKS*
to get through!!! That is CRIMINAL!!! I can’t even fully point out why this happened; all I can say is that I was never fully invested in this book, and it never managed to make me care about the characters or story that much 🤕.
This is a “rivals to lovers” story, but Kenneth and Mallory’s reasons to become rivals were just plain dumb. Basically, he instantly found her cute and wanted to make her laugh, and proceeded to compare her colourful outfit to rainbow vomit, which she obviously didn’t appreciate. They then started doing little competitions and keeping score of who won what game. It was honestly not that engaging. Also, their “rivalry” never felt intense enough for random waitresses and bartenders to know them as enemies, but whatever.
I think the biggest reason the romance didn’t work for me was the fact that we never really saw much development. This is described as a slow burn, and, yeah, they only get together at like 60%, but Kenneth literally admits he liked Mallory from the moment they met, and throughout the whole book he’s obsessed, and I mean OBSESSED with her! And, listen: I enjoy a pathetically-in-love man as much as everyone else, but like… He was *insanely* down bad, but we never saw a concrete reason as to WHY his feelings were so intense. This was insta-love on his side, but it was *off-page insta-love*, because he already liked her before the book even began, and it seems like he only fell for her because she had a contagious laugh and he became fucking hellbent on being the reason she was happy. 😐
They are forced to work together on a group project and start spending more time together, and (supposedly) become friends. In my opinion, they got too close, too quickly. Like, Kenneth gives her a super intense speech thanking her for hanging out at a lake with him, they intertwine their fingers, she gets super happy when he smiles at her, they start hugging (he literally says at some point “I wanted nothing more than to hug you”), he pulls her into his lap and she cuddles him, they sleep next to each other… Just like, suuuper intense for people who were supposedly rivals for YEARS and have only been friends for like, 1 week or something. I just never really believed their friendship – it often felt too forced. 😐😐😐
Another thing: a LOT of lines in this book feel like they were written specifically for the tiktok girlies to swoon over. There’s just such an abundance of them, and his feelings seem too intense for the relationship we’ve seen. This makes me believe that the reason he’s so weirdly head-over-heels was specifically BECAUSE the author wanted those swoon-worthy lines, but unfortunately she never managed to make them make sense. 😕 Like, she was excited to get those tab-worthy quotes without doing the work to make them feel warranted, given Kenneth and Mallory’s relationship.
So. Yeah. They accept that they like each other at 50%, and then kind of drop their friends because they’re now mega close with each other somehow. They admit their feelings at 60%, and the rest of the book is just them being together. Not bad, but not really a slow-burn either (especially given the fact that Kenneth was obsessed with Mallory for years before the book starts). Deceptive marketing, in my opinion.
I did enjoy their relationship, though. I mean, their crush, friendship and romance never felt fully developed to me, because I couldn’t understand their reasons to feel so deeply for each other, but I did appreciate how much they cared about one another. They were sweet, they apologized for their wrongdoings, they communicated, they cared about each other… Overall a very sweet and healthy relationship!
The sex scenes were a bit much for me (especially with lines like “I unwrap her body like the gift it is” and “her perfect pussy” lol. The criiiinge 🥴), but that might just be because I’m too asexual for this 😵💫😵💫😵💫. Them having unprotected sex stressed me out, even though she was on birth control 😭. I do appreciate that he was a virgin and she was the more knowledgeable one when it came to sex; at least it’s different from what we usually see in these straight adult romances. This virgin ass dude being able to make her cum from penetration was funny, though lmaooo.
I enjoyed the MCs, individually. Kenneth has the very typical “It’s not MY dream, dad! It’s YOURS!” plotline, which I didn’t care about, but whatever. While I didn’t love or understand his intense obsession with Mallory, I did appreciate that at least he was kind and caring, instead of being one of those cocky and mean LIs. Mallory was also a cool character. I especially liked to learn about diabetes through her. It’s the type of thing we never see much representation for.
With that said, I honestly didn’t care about the SCs at all. I appreciate the healthy friendships, but I just didn’t care about them. Also, whenever the author tried to make the “quartet” thing happen with those random football girls, it just seemed silly to me. 😅 I also didn’t care about the MCs’ relationships with their parents. Just… whatever.
The writing wasn’t always great. Some conversations didn’t flow very well. And the passage of time was REEEALLY unclear. Like, the book starts in what I’m assuming is the Summer (they’re at a pool party), and not long after it’s snowing????? I’m guessing several months passed between chapters without mention. 🤨 Afterwards, it’s Valentine’s Day, and the following chapter it’s March, with no mention of a month passing. 🤨 Later, he fingers her and then asks her to be his girlfriend. The chapter ends. New chapter begins and she’s at his door because he’s sick. 🤨 It all just felt so disjointed, at times! And not only did this make the book feel very clunky, but it also made me question the plot. Like, you’re telling me they’ve been partners for a group project for MONTHS and only met up TWICE to talk about said project? Doesn’t make much sense…
There was also too much “telling instead of showing”. Soooo many times the characters would just *mention* things that had happened and we never got to actually *see*, and like…… why did so much stuff happen off-page? 😕 If we actually got to see these little moments between the characters, perhaps it would’ve been easier to *feel* their romance.
Overall, this was just…… a book. 😐 Definitely not terrible, but not great either. For some reason, it took me 3 weeks to finish, but I never really wanted to DNF it (I did want it to be over, though, but that might be because I’d been reading it for what felt like a lifetime lol). Whatever. You might enjoy it more than I did. Idk.
This is a “rivals to lovers” story, but Kenneth and Mallory’s reasons to become rivals were just plain dumb. Basically, he instantly found her cute and wanted to make her laugh, and proceeded to compare her colourful outfit to rainbow vomit, which she obviously didn’t appreciate. They then started doing little competitions and keeping score of who won what game. It was honestly not that engaging. Also, their “rivalry” never felt intense enough for random waitresses and bartenders to know them as enemies, but whatever.
I think the biggest reason the romance didn’t work for me was the fact that we never really saw much development. This is described as a slow burn, and, yeah, they only get together at like 60%, but Kenneth literally admits he liked Mallory from the moment they met, and throughout the whole book he’s obsessed, and I mean OBSESSED with her! And, listen: I enjoy a pathetically-in-love man as much as everyone else, but like… He was *insanely* down bad, but we never saw a concrete reason as to WHY his feelings were so intense. This was insta-love on his side, but it was *off-page insta-love*, because he already liked her before the book even began, and it seems like he only fell for her because she had a contagious laugh and he became fucking hellbent on being the reason she was happy. 😐
They are forced to work together on a group project and start spending more time together, and (supposedly) become friends. In my opinion, they got too close, too quickly. Like, Kenneth gives her a super intense speech thanking her for hanging out at a lake with him, they intertwine their fingers, she gets super happy when he smiles at her, they start hugging (he literally says at some point “I wanted nothing more than to hug you”), he pulls her into his lap and she cuddles him, they sleep next to each other… Just like, suuuper intense for people who were supposedly rivals for YEARS and have only been friends for like, 1 week or something. I just never really believed their friendship – it often felt too forced. 😐😐😐
Another thing: a LOT of lines in this book feel like they were written specifically for the tiktok girlies to swoon over. There’s just such an abundance of them, and his feelings seem too intense for the relationship we’ve seen. This makes me believe that the reason he’s so weirdly head-over-heels was specifically BECAUSE the author wanted those swoon-worthy lines, but unfortunately she never managed to make them make sense. 😕 Like, she was excited to get those tab-worthy quotes without doing the work to make them feel warranted, given Kenneth and Mallory’s relationship.
So. Yeah. They accept that they like each other at 50%, and then kind of drop their friends because they’re now mega close with each other somehow. They admit their feelings at 60%, and the rest of the book is just them being together. Not bad, but not really a slow-burn either (especially given the fact that Kenneth was obsessed with Mallory for years before the book starts). Deceptive marketing, in my opinion.
I did enjoy their relationship, though. I mean, their crush, friendship and romance never felt fully developed to me, because I couldn’t understand their reasons to feel so deeply for each other, but I did appreciate how much they cared about one another. They were sweet, they apologized for their wrongdoings, they communicated, they cared about each other… Overall a very sweet and healthy relationship!
The sex scenes were a bit much for me (especially with lines like “I unwrap her body like the gift it is” and “her perfect pussy” lol. The criiiinge 🥴), but that might just be because I’m too asexual for this 😵💫😵💫😵💫. Them having unprotected sex stressed me out, even though she was on birth control 😭. I do appreciate that he was a virgin and she was the more knowledgeable one when it came to sex; at least it’s different from what we usually see in these straight adult romances. This virgin ass dude being able to make her cum from penetration was funny, though lmaooo.
I enjoyed the MCs, individually. Kenneth has the very typical “It’s not MY dream, dad! It’s YOURS!” plotline, which I didn’t care about, but whatever. While I didn’t love or understand his intense obsession with Mallory, I did appreciate that at least he was kind and caring, instead of being one of those cocky and mean LIs. Mallory was also a cool character. I especially liked to learn about diabetes through her. It’s the type of thing we never see much representation for.
With that said, I honestly didn’t care about the SCs at all. I appreciate the healthy friendships, but I just didn’t care about them. Also, whenever the author tried to make the “quartet” thing happen with those random football girls, it just seemed silly to me. 😅 I also didn’t care about the MCs’ relationships with their parents. Just… whatever.
The writing wasn’t always great. Some conversations didn’t flow very well. And the passage of time was REEEALLY unclear. Like, the book starts in what I’m assuming is the Summer (they’re at a pool party), and not long after it’s snowing????? I’m guessing several months passed between chapters without mention. 🤨 Afterwards, it’s Valentine’s Day, and the following chapter it’s March, with no mention of a month passing. 🤨 Later, he fingers her and then asks her to be his girlfriend. The chapter ends. New chapter begins and she’s at his door because he’s sick. 🤨 It all just felt so disjointed, at times! And not only did this make the book feel very clunky, but it also made me question the plot. Like, you’re telling me they’ve been partners for a group project for MONTHS and only met up TWICE to talk about said project? Doesn’t make much sense…
There was also too much “telling instead of showing”. Soooo many times the characters would just *mention* things that had happened and we never got to actually *see*, and like…… why did so much stuff happen off-page? 😕 If we actually got to see these little moments between the characters, perhaps it would’ve been easier to *feel* their romance.
Overall, this was just…… a book. 😐 Definitely not terrible, but not great either. For some reason, it took me 3 weeks to finish, but I never really wanted to DNF it (I did want it to be over, though, but that might be because I’d been reading it for what felt like a lifetime lol). Whatever. You might enjoy it more than I did. Idk.
August 1, 2024
I have not been able to stop thinking about this book since I finished it because this book was EVERYTHING!!! I have never felt more seen, and it's made me feel hopeful about life again. The found family and North Carolina vibes were wonderful, and the chronic illness representation made me feel like the book was written just for me!
While I don't have diabetes, I felt very seen as someone who has chronic pain. The discussion of how you should and should not treat loved ones that have a chronic illness was extremely accurate. We don't want to be infantilized! We want a copilot, and Mallory goes through a journey to find that in her life. I love, love, LOVE the multitude of different relationships that demonstrate the differences between pitying/infantilizing and real support/co-piloting. Mallory’s work to set boundaries to change the relationships that needed to change was very relatable and accurate. I have had those conversations and it's incredible to have a book that shows that, while relationships change when you have a chronic illness, they can change for the better!
Now let's talk about the romance (because that's why we’re here obviously). The rivals to lovers ATE in this book. Kenneth and Mallory are so precious, and I would literally die for them. If you are looking for a modern-day Kate and Anthony from Bridgerton, you found it and will NOT be disappointed. Their competitiveness always comes first, but they are willing to stick up for each other when it matters most (even when they 'hate' one another). Also, the dual POV adds so much to their romance and allows you to get to know both Kenneth and Mallory so deeply.
The portion of this book that really had me crying was Kenneth’s relationship with his family. Without getting too personal, Kenneth and I share a lot of similarities in our current family situations, and it’s been hard to feel hopeful recently. However, reading his journey gave me the hope I desperately needed and has made me feel excited for the future.
I needed this book, and I am so grateful Miah Onsha was able to write this incredible story for all of us to love.
While I don't have diabetes, I felt very seen as someone who has chronic pain. The discussion of how you should and should not treat loved ones that have a chronic illness was extremely accurate. We don't want to be infantilized! We want a copilot, and Mallory goes through a journey to find that in her life. I love, love, LOVE the multitude of different relationships that demonstrate the differences between pitying/infantilizing and real support/co-piloting. Mallory’s work to set boundaries to change the relationships that needed to change was very relatable and accurate. I have had those conversations and it's incredible to have a book that shows that, while relationships change when you have a chronic illness, they can change for the better!
Now let's talk about the romance (because that's why we’re here obviously). The rivals to lovers ATE in this book. Kenneth and Mallory are so precious, and I would literally die for them. If you are looking for a modern-day Kate and Anthony from Bridgerton, you found it and will NOT be disappointed. Their competitiveness always comes first, but they are willing to stick up for each other when it matters most (even when they 'hate' one another). Also, the dual POV adds so much to their romance and allows you to get to know both Kenneth and Mallory so deeply.
The portion of this book that really had me crying was Kenneth’s relationship with his family. Without getting too personal, Kenneth and I share a lot of similarities in our current family situations, and it’s been hard to feel hopeful recently. However, reading his journey gave me the hope I desperately needed and has made me feel excited for the future.
I needed this book, and I am so grateful Miah Onsha was able to write this incredible story for all of us to love.
July 29, 2024
Let me start off with WOW, Miah Onsha you did that! 👏🏼
THE TENSION between Kenneth and Mallory in this slow burn made me read so quickly, I couldn’t put it down! Also this is me putting in my referral to be apart of this friend group! The end of the Brain Bowl was chefs kiss and I wouldn’t want it any other way 🤗 The way Miah wrote these characters are so relatable, I could see myself in some of these situations relating to Kenneth and Mallory!
Also I want to say that the way serious topics are discussed in this book are so well thought out, I just know time was taken.
The character growth individually and together was amazing to see develop in front of me.
Overall this was such a cute, fun read! Thank you Miah for allowing me to be part of it, you know I was fully enjoying it!!
P. S. Nan is my spirt animal, I want to be her when I grow up! 🤣
THE TENSION between Kenneth and Mallory in this slow burn made me read so quickly, I couldn’t put it down! Also this is me putting in my referral to be apart of this friend group! The end of the Brain Bowl was chefs kiss and I wouldn’t want it any other way 🤗 The way Miah wrote these characters are so relatable, I could see myself in some of these situations relating to Kenneth and Mallory!
Also I want to say that the way serious topics are discussed in this book are so well thought out, I just know time was taken.
The character growth individually and together was amazing to see develop in front of me.
Overall this was such a cute, fun read! Thank you Miah for allowing me to be part of it, you know I was fully enjoying it!!
P. S. Nan is my spirt animal, I want to be her when I grow up! 🤣
July 29, 2024
how do you start off a review for your new favorite comfort read??! Because honestly I don’t know what else to say except OMG BESTIEEE YOU 100% NEED THIS BOOK!!!
The tension!! The slow burn!! The pining!!! Ugh what Mallory and Kenneth have is so soo special and I was smiling stupid the entire time! These characters were soo good and I desperately wish I was apart of the quartet🤣everything about this book felt soo real. The characters, their relationships, lake Anita! I could see the entire story being played out in my head and it was perfect.
This was such a fantastic, cute little read and I loved every bit of it! Thank you Miah for giving me this opportunity to read it early! I love you!!
* ty to the author Miah Onsha for sending me a arc in exchange for this review💕
The tension!! The slow burn!! The pining!!! Ugh what Mallory and Kenneth have is so soo special and I was smiling stupid the entire time! These characters were soo good and I desperately wish I was apart of the quartet🤣everything about this book felt soo real. The characters, their relationships, lake Anita! I could see the entire story being played out in my head and it was perfect.
This was such a fantastic, cute little read and I loved every bit of it! Thank you Miah for giving me this opportunity to read it early! I love you!!
* ty to the author Miah Onsha for sending me a arc in exchange for this review💕
July 31, 2024
3.5 stars. Thank you so much Miah Onsha for the advanced copy - this was a fun read!
I have mixed feelings about this book because the first half was so good I was certain it would be a 5-star read but once they stopped being rivals, all the fun tension and banter went away and it was so insta-love that it became a little cringy when they started calling each other honey and baby and it was heaaaaaaavy on the cheese 🙈🙈 I found myself wanting to skim parts during the last half.
That being said though there were so many aspects I loved. This was unique because the FMC is an anxiety and Type 1 Diabetes rep and the author did an amazing job with the serious aspects of the book, while also keeping it light and enjoyable.
This is a perfect summer-romance read with lake vibes and nothing too heavy. There’s found family, crazy family dynamics, the MMC loves his Nan and falls first which was the sweetest thing ever. So many great parts to this book!
I’m a little confused by the book cover giving off childish, Archie-comic vibes. I would have thought this book was super YA and intended for 16 year olds but there was spice and heat in here. As a 33 year old, this book isn’t something I would have picked up at a book store simply because of the childish cover.
But don’t let the cover fool you because the MMC Kennith is a super hot, muscular swimmer and is very mature the whole book so it’s nothing like what you’d expect.
Overall I enjoyed it. I would recommend to the right person but don’t go into this one expecting a mind blowing plot or anything like that. Read this one more for the cute, romance, college-love vibes. Kenneth and Mal will have you smiling the whole book!
I have mixed feelings about this book because the first half was so good I was certain it would be a 5-star read but once they stopped being rivals, all the fun tension and banter went away and it was so insta-love that it became a little cringy when they started calling each other honey and baby and it was heaaaaaaavy on the cheese 🙈🙈 I found myself wanting to skim parts during the last half.
That being said though there were so many aspects I loved. This was unique because the FMC is an anxiety and Type 1 Diabetes rep and the author did an amazing job with the serious aspects of the book, while also keeping it light and enjoyable.
This is a perfect summer-romance read with lake vibes and nothing too heavy. There’s found family, crazy family dynamics, the MMC loves his Nan and falls first which was the sweetest thing ever. So many great parts to this book!
I’m a little confused by the book cover giving off childish, Archie-comic vibes. I would have thought this book was super YA and intended for 16 year olds but there was spice and heat in here. As a 33 year old, this book isn’t something I would have picked up at a book store simply because of the childish cover.
But don’t let the cover fool you because the MMC Kennith is a super hot, muscular swimmer and is very mature the whole book so it’s nothing like what you’d expect.
Overall I enjoyed it. I would recommend to the right person but don’t go into this one expecting a mind blowing plot or anything like that. Read this one more for the cute, romance, college-love vibes. Kenneth and Mal will have you smiling the whole book!
October 14, 2025
Okay, I’ll be honest, I was a little nervous diving into this one since the MMC is white, but let’s be real… gingers are basically honorary Black at this point, so it didn’t count. 😌
This story had me grinning and clutching my Kindle at the same time. Mallory is the girl who is driven, disciplined, and doing her best to keep her world from spinning out of control. Kenneth? The total opposite. He’s spontaneous, laid-back, and the kind of chaos she swears she doesn’t need. But whew, their chemistry says otherwise.
Miah Onsha delivered a story that’s both tender and sharp, with grief, ambition, rivalry, and that slow-burning tension that sneaks up on you when you least expect it. What I really loved is how grounded it felt; the academic rivalry, the emotional weight, and that quiet longing between two people who keep pretending they don’t care.
By the end, I was fully invested in Mallory and Kenneth’s game, both the Brain Bowl and the one they were playing with each other’s hearts. A sweet, smart, and surprisingly emotional read that left me smiling.
This story had me grinning and clutching my Kindle at the same time. Mallory is the girl who is driven, disciplined, and doing her best to keep her world from spinning out of control. Kenneth? The total opposite. He’s spontaneous, laid-back, and the kind of chaos she swears she doesn’t need. But whew, their chemistry says otherwise.
Miah Onsha delivered a story that’s both tender and sharp, with grief, ambition, rivalry, and that slow-burning tension that sneaks up on you when you least expect it. What I really loved is how grounded it felt; the academic rivalry, the emotional weight, and that quiet longing between two people who keep pretending they don’t care.
By the end, I was fully invested in Mallory and Kenneth’s game, both the Brain Bowl and the one they were playing with each other’s hearts. A sweet, smart, and surprisingly emotional read that left me smiling.
July 28, 2024
You would never guess this is a debut novel! The story, the romance, the side characters, the development, the mental and physical health represented, all perfection! I am astonished this is Miah’s first book, she did a phenomenal job!
I love Mallory! I completely understood the type A personality she had, all through school I was just like her. The color coded planner, student athlete, the anxiety and stress, all of it was very relatable. On top of all her academic and athletic demands, Mallory also has to manage her type 1 diabetes. I admire and respect the hell out of her for being able to juggle all she does, all while also making time for her friends and social life. She is the true definition of hard working, determined, and passionate. Although there were struggles along the way, she made it all work out.
Kenneth Gray: college swimmer, caring friend, loving grandson, and Mallory’s number 1 rival. Kenneth, like Mallory, is able to beautifully balance his academics and social life. Since he was a lil boy his passion for helping others has been strong. He is always putting others before himself and ensuring those he cares for are happy and healthy.
Together, Mallory and Kenneth are the perfect balance. She’s the color, while he’s the neutral. He’s the ‘go-with-the-flow’, while she’s plans everything. They’re one another’s biggest rivals, but also biggest supporters (even if it didn’t start out that way).
I absolutely adored the development between Mallory and Kenneth, along with their individual personal growth throughout the story. One major green flag was how attentive Kenneth is with Mallory, not only her emotions, but her diabetes as well. He is obsessed with her, it’s fantastic. I wish I could accurately put into words how much I love their relationship.
Overall, please read this! Miah did a fabulous job and giving everything you could ask for. The gradual progression from rivals to friends to more was done so well. You’ll fall in love with not only the main characters, but the side characters as well. The relatability and representation in this book are amazing. Everything about this book is stunning! Go read it!
🌶️
Pepper percentage:
1.9% of the pages contain spicy content
4.2% if the chapters contain spicy content
I love Mallory! I completely understood the type A personality she had, all through school I was just like her. The color coded planner, student athlete, the anxiety and stress, all of it was very relatable. On top of all her academic and athletic demands, Mallory also has to manage her type 1 diabetes. I admire and respect the hell out of her for being able to juggle all she does, all while also making time for her friends and social life. She is the true definition of hard working, determined, and passionate. Although there were struggles along the way, she made it all work out.
Kenneth Gray: college swimmer, caring friend, loving grandson, and Mallory’s number 1 rival. Kenneth, like Mallory, is able to beautifully balance his academics and social life. Since he was a lil boy his passion for helping others has been strong. He is always putting others before himself and ensuring those he cares for are happy and healthy.
Together, Mallory and Kenneth are the perfect balance. She’s the color, while he’s the neutral. He’s the ‘go-with-the-flow’, while she’s plans everything. They’re one another’s biggest rivals, but also biggest supporters (even if it didn’t start out that way).
I absolutely adored the development between Mallory and Kenneth, along with their individual personal growth throughout the story. One major green flag was how attentive Kenneth is with Mallory, not only her emotions, but her diabetes as well. He is obsessed with her, it’s fantastic. I wish I could accurately put into words how much I love their relationship.
Overall, please read this! Miah did a fabulous job and giving everything you could ask for. The gradual progression from rivals to friends to more was done so well. You’ll fall in love with not only the main characters, but the side characters as well. The relatability and representation in this book are amazing. Everything about this book is stunning! Go read it!
🌶️
Pepper percentage:
1.9% of the pages contain spicy content
4.2% if the chapters contain spicy content
August 7, 2024
⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️.75
A huge thank you to Miah Onsha for trusting me with this ARC
“although her smile isn't directly aimed at me, I feel like I'm drowning in it”
One thing about me is that Academic Rivals to Lovers was one of the first tropes I ever loved, and let me tell you THIS book got it down. They had this going since freshman year with their own scoring system and everything. Kenneth is a “if he wanted to, he would” man. I mean he just wanted to be near her no matter what the case was (which we love ☺️). Mallory is this type A, and anxiety ridden girl that has to put everything into her planer. I loved how these two stood up for each other, no matter what.
I loved that even though the two had their own problems, at the end of the day Kenneth and Mallory always had each other's back no matter what. This book has such a great sense of found family which I enjoyed so much. The way that both Kenneth and Mallory's friends step up and become almost like their own support system
This book means so much to me. Miah gave these characters such a precious love story where they are equals. This book had me hooked from the start! The way it addresses serious topics like diabetes, MS, anxiety, and grief, while also delivering a heartwarming love story filled with banter, tension, and chemistry, is truly remarkable. I mean this book had me laughing, and crying at times.
also, I loved the names in this book. I feel like a lot of the time the characters have the same names as many other books, so it was nice for a change to have names you don’t really hear.
Tropes:
✻ Slow burn
✻ ”It’s always been you”
✻ Academic rivals to lovers
✻ Healthy communication
✻ Acts of service
✻ QUALITY TIME
A huge thank you to Miah Onsha for trusting me with this ARC
“although her smile isn't directly aimed at me, I feel like I'm drowning in it”
One thing about me is that Academic Rivals to Lovers was one of the first tropes I ever loved, and let me tell you THIS book got it down. They had this going since freshman year with their own scoring system and everything. Kenneth is a “if he wanted to, he would” man. I mean he just wanted to be near her no matter what the case was (which we love ☺️). Mallory is this type A, and anxiety ridden girl that has to put everything into her planer. I loved how these two stood up for each other, no matter what.
I loved that even though the two had their own problems, at the end of the day Kenneth and Mallory always had each other's back no matter what. This book has such a great sense of found family which I enjoyed so much. The way that both Kenneth and Mallory's friends step up and become almost like their own support system
This book means so much to me. Miah gave these characters such a precious love story where they are equals. This book had me hooked from the start! The way it addresses serious topics like diabetes, MS, anxiety, and grief, while also delivering a heartwarming love story filled with banter, tension, and chemistry, is truly remarkable. I mean this book had me laughing, and crying at times.
also, I loved the names in this book. I feel like a lot of the time the characters have the same names as many other books, so it was nice for a change to have names you don’t really hear.
Tropes:
✻ Slow burn
✻ ”It’s always been you”
✻ Academic rivals to lovers
✻ Healthy communication
✻ Acts of service
✻ QUALITY TIME
July 28, 2025
5 ⭐️
now i need some romance authors (you know yourselves) to take notes on how to write a good book.
one thing i loved about the book is that it had some of my favorite tropes - like rivals to lovers🤭- without overcomplicating the plot. the author also steered clear of the obviously much hated trope, which was a bonus.
the characters were also incredibly likable. and that might be a me thing, but i also found them really relatable.
The main couple (mallory and kenneth) had great chemistry, banter, and *drum roll please* communication skills.
now i need some romance authors (you know yourselves) to take notes on how to write a good book.
one thing i loved about the book is that it had some of my favorite tropes - like rivals to lovers🤭- without overcomplicating the plot. the author also steered clear of the obviously much hated trope, which was a bonus.
the characters were also incredibly likable. and that might be a me thing, but i also found them really relatable.
The main couple (mallory and kenneth) had great chemistry, banter, and *drum roll please* communication skills.
July 28, 2024
6⭐️ **ARC** I had the privilege and honor of receiving an ARC of Fortunate Misfortune, and it may have been one of the best things to ever happen to me. Thank you Miah for trusting me with your hard work and debut novel, it means more to me than you’ll ever know. I adore this book with every fiber of my being, since the moment I started reading I was unable to put it down (I was delirious at 5:00am because of it, and even as I tried to fall asleep my mind wouldn’t stop reeling about this book). I was giggling and kicking my feet the entire time, and crying frequently at the honesty and tenderness throughout the story. Mallory and Kenneth have my whole heart, they are some of the realest and most relatable characters I’ve ever read. The communication between the two of them was inspiring, and I was in enthralled by their journeys as characters. Mallory’s journey in particular was extremely eye-opening and educational, and I’m in awe of her strength. I also truly appreciated the lack of a third-act-breakup, their ability to be there for one another and support each other is something to strive for. I’m invested in this story like they are real people, and I’m obsessed with the Quartet. I am currently counting down the days for the next book (sorry Miah, I know this one isn’t even out yet LOL). I feel as though it’s been awhile since a romance book has truly made me feel like this, and it’s an exhilarating feeling to be so absorbed in a storyline. The banter, the chemistry, the plot — I need more!! The best rivals-to-lovers that I’ve read to date. And the slow burn burned in the best way. I will be thinking about this book for a very long time, I 100% recommend.
“From the moment I met you, I knew I was meant to love you.” SAY LESS.
“From the moment I met you, I knew I was meant to love you.” SAY LESS.
July 27, 2024
4.5 rounded up, this was soooo cute and corny and adorable. Honestly loved the representation for mental health and diabetes. Love reading about black women being loved out loud without dealing w anything that has to do with race. Fully enjoyed reading this and I will be purchasing when it releases
September 24, 2024
This was such a sweet and romantic story. Really liked it. Their banter was hilarious too.
August 9, 2024
First, I’d like to thank Miah for this arc copy of this wonderful book. ✨
This book gave me so many feelings of happiness, worry, comfort and just everything you can think of. Mallory & Kenneth are the cutest and their dynamic just makes me soooo giddy! Reading this really made me miss my college days and all of the fun I had even with the downsides that may have came with it.
I loved how the author gave us representation on type 1 diabetes, MS and anxiety. Those topics were handled so well and gives readers a lot of insight on how they take a toll on individuals with those conditions.
- I absolutely loveee that he falls first, it was nice change of pace to see in a novel. The slow burn was slow burning but in such a wonderful way. This novel is just wonderful and I’m so happy and lucky I got to read and I hope so many people pick it up & experience it as well 🤎😊
Tropes
- found family
- close proximity
- college athletes
- slow burn
- academic rivals
And sooo much more!
5 ⭐️
This book gave me so many feelings of happiness, worry, comfort and just everything you can think of. Mallory & Kenneth are the cutest and their dynamic just makes me soooo giddy! Reading this really made me miss my college days and all of the fun I had even with the downsides that may have came with it.
I loved how the author gave us representation on type 1 diabetes, MS and anxiety. Those topics were handled so well and gives readers a lot of insight on how they take a toll on individuals with those conditions.
- I absolutely loveee that he falls first, it was nice change of pace to see in a novel. The slow burn was slow burning but in such a wonderful way. This novel is just wonderful and I’m so happy and lucky I got to read and I hope so many people pick it up & experience it as well 🤎😊
Tropes
- found family
- close proximity
- college athletes
- slow burn
- academic rivals
And sooo much more!
5 ⭐️
August 3, 2024
i loved this book so much!!
i love kenneth and mallory so much!!
the tension, pining, and banter in this book was everything i needed and more!! mallory is so sassy and honestly reminds me so much of myself. kenneth will literally do anything for her and it makes me weak in the knees. all of the nicknames he gave her also made me weak. 🧎🏽♀️
miah has wrote some of my favorite characters and wrote the hard topics so well and with care. i laughed so much while reading this — i also cried, screamed, kicked my feet, and let out a good amount of “nuh uh’s” because that lil twist took me by surprise.
i cannot wait to read the rest of these books in this series!
————————————
thank you so much to miah onsha for sending me an early eARC in exchange for my honest review. all thoughts are my own.
i love kenneth and mallory so much!!
the tension, pining, and banter in this book was everything i needed and more!! mallory is so sassy and honestly reminds me so much of myself. kenneth will literally do anything for her and it makes me weak in the knees. all of the nicknames he gave her also made me weak. 🧎🏽♀️
miah has wrote some of my favorite characters and wrote the hard topics so well and with care. i laughed so much while reading this — i also cried, screamed, kicked my feet, and let out a good amount of “nuh uh’s” because that lil twist took me by surprise.
i cannot wait to read the rest of these books in this series!
————————————
thank you so much to miah onsha for sending me an early eARC in exchange for my honest review. all thoughts are my own.
October 7, 2025
i really enjoyed this book it was actually so sweet and my first time i think reading a mmc with ginger hair and it was actually so great. I loved the amazing banter between Ken and Mallory they had a great healthy competition and he was so obsessed with her it was so heart warming to read. I loved how much he cared about her and understood her in every way. I LOVE THEM
and i now can add ginger’s to my type so
tropes
rivals to friends to lovers
sick trope
type 1 diabetes rep
competition trope
both smart
soccer fmc
swimmer mmc
obsessed mmc
he falls first
spicy 🌶️ 1/5
⭐️ 4/5
and i now can add ginger’s to my type so
tropes
rivals to friends to lovers
sick trope
type 1 diabetes rep
competition trope
both smart
soccer fmc
swimmer mmc
obsessed mmc
he falls first
spicy 🌶️ 1/5
⭐️ 4/5
July 28, 2024
thanks so much for an ARC of what i can safely say is one of the best books i’ve read this year! this book truly has it ALL, from adorable main characters, to playful bickering, to some of the best written friends i think i’ve ever come across! i also really loved seeing the focus and attention put on mallory’s struggles with her diabetes and the importance of having a strong support system. i cannot WAIT to read whatever comes next!
August 8, 2024
4,75⭐️
The tension, the slow burn, the pining—what Kenneth and Mallory have is really special, and I couldn't stop smiling the whole time! The characters were so well written, and I wished I was part of their group. Everything about this book felt so real, from the relationships to Lake Anita. I could picture the whole story in my head, and it was perfect. This was such a fantastic, sweet read, and I loved every bit of it!
Thanks so much, Miah Onsha, for letting me read it early!
The tension, the slow burn, the pining—what Kenneth and Mallory have is really special, and I couldn't stop smiling the whole time! The characters were so well written, and I wished I was part of their group. Everything about this book felt so real, from the relationships to Lake Anita. I could picture the whole story in my head, and it was perfect. This was such a fantastic, sweet read, and I loved every bit of it!
Thanks so much, Miah Onsha, for letting me read it early!
September 20, 2024
I absolutely loved this book. I actually stopped myself from reading it in a day or two. This was such a fun book that gives you all the feels. Mallory reminds me so much of myself. Kenneth is a literal dream. I adored every second of their slow burn.
August 2, 2024
I was lucky enough to receive an ARC of this sweet book, and I enjoyed reading it very much! Is it a little cheesy? Yes. Did I mind? Not one bit.
Even at the beginning of the novel, their eventual partnership definitely felt realistic! A lot of rivals-to-lovers novels go from zero to one-hundred real quick, but it’s clear that Mallory and Kenneth have always cared for each other. I love that.
I appreciated the care taken with these characters. Mallory and Kenneth are so much more than their relationship to one another. Instead, they are competitive, anxious, and imperfect, which I love to find in the characters I read about.
I only had a couple of complaints while reading. At times, I felt that there could’ve been more showing than internal monologuing. For example, I would’ve loved to see more of Mallory’s rebuilding of her relationship with her mom. I also felt that the (incredibly lovable) side characters somewhat disappeared near the end. Shay and Cade are big parts of Mallory and Kenneth’s lives, and I wish that was better reflected after they become official.
Despite these minor complaints, I am happy to announce that there was NO third-act break up! (I was terrified of the possibility the entire time.) I loved Mallory and Kenneth, and I love a happily ever after! :)
Overall, this story caught my attention quickly and held onto it the whole time! I read it all in one day, and I could barely put it down! I will definitely be recommending it to others, and I can’t wait to see what the author writes next!
Even at the beginning of the novel, their eventual partnership definitely felt realistic! A lot of rivals-to-lovers novels go from zero to one-hundred real quick, but it’s clear that Mallory and Kenneth have always cared for each other. I love that.
I appreciated the care taken with these characters. Mallory and Kenneth are so much more than their relationship to one another. Instead, they are competitive, anxious, and imperfect, which I love to find in the characters I read about.
I only had a couple of complaints while reading. At times, I felt that there could’ve been more showing than internal monologuing. For example, I would’ve loved to see more of Mallory’s rebuilding of her relationship with her mom. I also felt that the (incredibly lovable) side characters somewhat disappeared near the end. Shay and Cade are big parts of Mallory and Kenneth’s lives, and I wish that was better reflected after they become official.
Despite these minor complaints, I am happy to announce that there was NO third-act break up! (I was terrified of the possibility the entire time.) I loved Mallory and Kenneth, and I love a happily ever after! :)
Overall, this story caught my attention quickly and held onto it the whole time! I read it all in one day, and I could barely put it down! I will definitely be recommending it to others, and I can’t wait to see what the author writes next!
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
August 8, 2024
I think I just found my new comfort read
I wish I could read this book for the first time all over again
I barely find a good academic rivals book but this lands on top of the list
I love Kenneth so much. He was a perfect gentleman. He was so perspective about things and man! The effort he put in to get her, I love that!!
This boy is the literal perfection
Mal, is just something else. She personality, determination and the depth of her character! She was just so good.
Tropes:
🍀Academic and athletic college rivals
🍀mental health+chronic condition rep (type 1 🍀diabetes & MS)
🍀Dual pov
🍀Forced proximity
🍀Strong friendships and found family
🍀Slow burn
I wish I could read this book for the first time all over again
I barely find a good academic rivals book but this lands on top of the list
I love Kenneth so much. He was a perfect gentleman. He was so perspective about things and man! The effort he put in to get her, I love that!!
This boy is the literal perfection
Mal, is just something else. She personality, determination and the depth of her character! She was just so good.
Tropes:
🍀Academic and athletic college rivals
🍀mental health+chronic condition rep (type 1 🍀diabetes & MS)
🍀Dual pov
🍀Forced proximity
🍀Strong friendships and found family
🍀Slow burn
August 5, 2024
I wrote this tears coming down my face When I got this ARC I had NO IDEA what I was in for! This story hit all the FEELS! The grief Mallory went through losing her father and the way she lost her father hit SO close to home. There’s a moment in the book where she gets an internship that’s so perfect for her and she thinks to herself that if her dad could see you her now he would be so proud and turn the situation into a hilarious one about she should have listened to him! Mallory’s dad and mine shared a lot in common and I totally get how Mallory basically liver her life waiting for the other shoe to to drop. Reading how Kenneth and Mallory’s story ended became the book I didn’t know I needed.
This is undoubtedly a ⭐️ 5/5 star rating from me! 😭😭😭
“Maybe I was never cursed after all.” - Mallory Edwards
This is undoubtedly a ⭐️ 5/5 star rating from me! 😭😭😭
“Maybe I was never cursed after all.” - Mallory Edwards
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
August 6, 2024
First off I want to Thank the author Miah Onsha for sending me this ARC 🩵I highly appreciated it🩵
Overall I would rate it 3.5/5 Stars!! ⭐️ ⭐️⭐️
I always feel bad when I rate anything 3 stars but it shouldn’t be a bad thing !!
First I would like to say I loved the rep in this book! Rep with the Diabetes, Anxiety & also the diversity ! I do not have diabetes but I knew someone who did and how hard and scary it was for them! As for the anxiety I felt so seen cause I’ve acted the way Mallory has before.
I loved both characters and both were relatable in some way I loved the way Kenneth described her eyes cause Dark Brown eyes do NOT GET hype that lighter eyes do and always get shit on! So to see that it made me super happy ! I saved one of the quotes it said,
“ They’re the color of the Earth after a good rain. Sunlight through a bottle of whiskey. A honeyed glow that adds sweetness to her gaze—“
SIR PLSSSSSSS GO ON 🙇🏾♀️
I did grow to love both characters but I will say at that nicknames annoyed me at one point because they’re so many haha but that’s just a me thing! I also liked the side characters ( Cade, Shay & Nan (( WE LOVE NAN)) I remembered them the most ) but some I forgot about until they appeared again.
The overall plot line was really good but I will say it did feel like I was reading YA so it tripped me out whenever the steamy scene came up haha which all the smut scenes were really well written!
A couple things I didn’t like was I felt like there was some telling us and not showing us? And when chapters ended at one point I got confused when the next one came cause I was like “ so we’re not ganna follow up with that haha” so that tripped me out just a smidge with the pacing.
As for the steamy scenes I thought they were cute and romantic especially with Kenneth being a “Virgin” I thought it was sweet how she took her time with him and how honest he was about it.
WAITING FOR SEX UNTIL YOUR EARLY 20’s OR WHENEVER YOUR READY INTO YOUR ADULT LIFE IS NOTHING TO BE ASHAMED ABOUT!
I love how it wasn’t made a big deal of it cause it really isn’t just the honesty about not doing it yet 👍🏾
Overall I loved the ending these two got and how something’s were resolved with Kenneth & his Family I was rooting for him and for Mallory as well I was cheering hard for to get that internship 🥺!
Even tho I had a few issues with this book I will def be reading her next one 🩵
Overall I would rate it 3.5/5 Stars!! ⭐️ ⭐️⭐️
I always feel bad when I rate anything 3 stars but it shouldn’t be a bad thing !!
First I would like to say I loved the rep in this book! Rep with the Diabetes, Anxiety & also the diversity ! I do not have diabetes but I knew someone who did and how hard and scary it was for them! As for the anxiety I felt so seen cause I’ve acted the way Mallory has before.
I loved both characters and both were relatable in some way I loved the way Kenneth described her eyes cause Dark Brown eyes do NOT GET hype that lighter eyes do and always get shit on! So to see that it made me super happy ! I saved one of the quotes it said,
“ They’re the color of the Earth after a good rain. Sunlight through a bottle of whiskey. A honeyed glow that adds sweetness to her gaze—“
SIR PLSSSSSSS GO ON 🙇🏾♀️
I did grow to love both characters but I will say at that nicknames annoyed me at one point because they’re so many haha but that’s just a me thing! I also liked the side characters ( Cade, Shay & Nan (( WE LOVE NAN)) I remembered them the most ) but some I forgot about until they appeared again.
The overall plot line was really good but I will say it did feel like I was reading YA so it tripped me out whenever the steamy scene came up haha which all the smut scenes were really well written!
A couple things I didn’t like was I felt like there was some telling us and not showing us? And when chapters ended at one point I got confused when the next one came cause I was like “ so we’re not ganna follow up with that haha” so that tripped me out just a smidge with the pacing.
As for the steamy scenes I thought they were cute and romantic especially with Kenneth being a “Virgin” I thought it was sweet how she took her time with him and how honest he was about it.
WAITING FOR SEX UNTIL YOUR EARLY 20’s OR WHENEVER YOUR READY INTO YOUR ADULT LIFE IS NOTHING TO BE ASHAMED ABOUT!
I love how it wasn’t made a big deal of it cause it really isn’t just the honesty about not doing it yet 👍🏾
Overall I loved the ending these two got and how something’s were resolved with Kenneth & his Family I was rooting for him and for Mallory as well I was cheering hard for to get that internship 🥺!
Even tho I had a few issues with this book I will def be reading her next one 🩵
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
July 22, 2024
Thank you to Miah Onsha for sending me an arc of your book! This book was super cute!! I absolutely loved the vibe of this whole read!! The writing style was super fun and descriptive which I loved!! It was also very funny! I loved the characters, You could tell right away what they were going to be like. Mallory was a very type A personality, and the writing did a good job of show us how her mind works and how she does certain tasks. Kenneth was a super mellow sunshine boy! He was very smitten so reading his pov was very cute. I absolutely love that this book had the trope rivals to lovers but he’s always liked her from the start! I die for those kind of tropes and the author did a good job wiriting about it. I loved the friendship that grew between Mallory and Kenneth! It was super sweet and genuine as they learned more about one another! Like watching them slowly become friends was so frikin cuteeee! I’m just obsessed with them! I liked the fun competition they had that always brought them back together! Kenneth’s grandma was such a vibe I LOVED her character, she was sooo funny and sassy I loved all her lines in the book! I also enjoyed reading about Mallory and Shay’s (Mallory’s best friend) friendship and the up and downs they went through as friends! It was a nice little break from reading the romance! Shay is an amazing friend loved her (she is definitely a ride or die girl!!) And some of the advice she and Mallory’s mom gave was super refreshing !!! It was so raw and so real and I connected so much with that. Kenneth and Mallory’s relationship was super adorable especially all the little things Kenneth did, like watching her favourite show, him learning and taking notes about her insulin and about her in general omgggg (he’s so cute I cantttt) they meshed so well together and I loved how reassuring he was towards Mallory! Always making sure she was okay and always being there for her😭🫶 he was definitely an amazing copilot 🥹 the only issue I had with the book was that some of the pacing/transitions in the book were a little off. One scene would end and the transition to the next wasn’t super smooth so I was little confused at time when reading but overall it was a super cute and fun read I enjoyed reading it a lot!!!
July 29, 2024
I have found it very hard to decide on a rating for this book as most parts I really enjoyed, but some areas were just quite problematic in my view that really did impact my enjoyment.
So, the parts I did enjoy:
The characters are great and the general story line is so good. The writing overall was enjoyable and from the first chapter I was very engaged. The side characters especially are engaging. It reads very much like a book in the genre and the scenes and descriptions were vivid. There were a lot of storylines but they were all tied together nicely and cohesively. There are clear main messages throughout the book that are sure to resonate with readers.
The whole thing with Mallory’s mom and her relation getting fixed was really glossed over. The ending could have been summed up so much faster and it really lost me in the last epilogue part. I didn’t like the first smut scene at all between the writing of it and just where it was (I would’ve preferred it just left out altogether) and in addition this was where I very much seen a lot of awkward transitions between scenes that had me VERY confused.
The plot moved a bit awkwardly. During the beginning, I was really digging the relationship between the main characters but this did jump a little too fast into friendship considering how much it is marked as rivals to lovers (they really weren’t in the rival stage for long enough for me).
Overall, I can definitely see why people enjoyed this book and I would highly recommend it, just as someone with a little more of a criticism eye, I picked up on the small things more.
So, the parts I did enjoy:
The characters are great and the general story line is so good. The writing overall was enjoyable and from the first chapter I was very engaged. The side characters especially are engaging. It reads very much like a book in the genre and the scenes and descriptions were vivid. There were a lot of storylines but they were all tied together nicely and cohesively. There are clear main messages throughout the book that are sure to resonate with readers.
The whole thing with Mallory’s mom and her relation getting fixed was really glossed over. The ending could have been summed up so much faster and it really lost me in the last epilogue part. I didn’t like the first smut scene at all between the writing of it and just where it was (I would’ve preferred it just left out altogether) and in addition this was where I very much seen a lot of awkward transitions between scenes that had me VERY confused.
The plot moved a bit awkwardly. During the beginning, I was really digging the relationship between the main characters but this did jump a little too fast into friendship considering how much it is marked as rivals to lovers (they really weren’t in the rival stage for long enough for me).
Overall, I can definitely see why people enjoyed this book and I would highly recommend it, just as someone with a little more of a criticism eye, I picked up on the small things more.
July 29, 2024
⚽️ Tropes:
Rivals to lovers
College romance
He falls first
Slow-burn
Type 1 diabetes rep
MS rep
Anxiety rep
Forced proximity
Banter
Dual POV
✨️From the first page, I didn't want to put this book down. I love Miah's writing style. The characters were so relatable. The banter with all the characters was so good. Even though I am 10 years older than them, I wanted to be a part of Mal's friend group! The rivalry, banter, and chemistry between Mallory and Kenneth was 💋. It gave me Joey and Pacey vibes. IYKYK. There was a bit of spice as well, which is always a plus in my book. I truly can't believe that this is Miah's debut novel, and I can't wait for more work from her!
Oh, and let's not forget, the playlist! I'm a sucker for a good playlist 😍!
If any of this sounds like something you'd like, be sure to pick up this book when it comes out on 8/8!
Thanks, Miah, for allowing me to read and review!
Rivals to lovers
College romance
He falls first
Slow-burn
Type 1 diabetes rep
MS rep
Anxiety rep
Forced proximity
Banter
Dual POV
✨️From the first page, I didn't want to put this book down. I love Miah's writing style. The characters were so relatable. The banter with all the characters was so good. Even though I am 10 years older than them, I wanted to be a part of Mal's friend group! The rivalry, banter, and chemistry between Mallory and Kenneth was 💋. It gave me Joey and Pacey vibes. IYKYK. There was a bit of spice as well, which is always a plus in my book. I truly can't believe that this is Miah's debut novel, and I can't wait for more work from her!
Oh, and let's not forget, the playlist! I'm a sucker for a good playlist 😍!
If any of this sounds like something you'd like, be sure to pick up this book when it comes out on 8/8!
Thanks, Miah, for allowing me to read and review!
August 8, 2024
Thanks so much to the author for my early copy of Fortune Misfortune!!
Mallory and Kenneth were such a sweet couple, and their communication throughout this story gave me all the feels. I loved getting to watch their relationship develop and their banter was so cute!!
There were parts of this story that dragged for me a little and it felt like some parts had a lot of repetition, but then there were parts that felt a little rushed and like significant conflict got kind of glossed over. For example, Mallory’s conflict with her mom felt so at odds with the scenes we got to see with her mom. It just felt a little too “tied up with a bow”, if that makes sense! I think there could’ve been shifts in the pacing to make room for more resolution there!
Overall, I liked it and look forward to seeing what the other stories will be about!!
Mallory and Kenneth were such a sweet couple, and their communication throughout this story gave me all the feels. I loved getting to watch their relationship develop and their banter was so cute!!
There were parts of this story that dragged for me a little and it felt like some parts had a lot of repetition, but then there were parts that felt a little rushed and like significant conflict got kind of glossed over. For example, Mallory’s conflict with her mom felt so at odds with the scenes we got to see with her mom. It just felt a little too “tied up with a bow”, if that makes sense! I think there could’ve been shifts in the pacing to make room for more resolution there!
Overall, I liked it and look forward to seeing what the other stories will be about!!
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