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Fan Favorite
Thirty-five year old Edie Pepper, a rosé loving, reality TV obsessed copywriter from Chicago, dreams of plucking her soulmate from the depths of Hinge (or Tinder or Bumble). Following yet another dumpster fire of a date, Edie is consoling herself with boxed wine and E! News when Ryan Seacrest drops a bomb: Edie's high school sweetheart has been cast as the lead in America's most beloved reality dating show, The Key, and wow, does he look different. Charlie Bennett, Edie's chubby cheeked, cosplay loving high school boyfriend has had a serious glow up, and is now a world traveling, extreme sports hunk.
Desperate to reclaim her One True Love, Edie DMs the show's conniving producers, who are more than happy to shove Edie headfirst into the competition. But Charlie isn't quite who she remembers, and he’s as desperate to hide his past as Edie is to reveal it. Further complicating matters is Peter Kennedy, The Key's cranky showrunner, who, despite his best efforts, finds himself drawn to Edie's everywoman charm.
Navigating increasingly absurd dates, Edie starts to rethink everything she thought she knew about love. Is the biggest risk she's ever taken about to culminate in disaster? Or is Edie about to secure the Happily Ever After she's always wanted?
Find out this season on The Key.
Desperate to reclaim her One True Love, Edie DMs the show's conniving producers, who are more than happy to shove Edie headfirst into the competition. But Charlie isn't quite who she remembers, and he’s as desperate to hide his past as Edie is to reveal it. Further complicating matters is Peter Kennedy, The Key's cranky showrunner, who, despite his best efforts, finds himself drawn to Edie's everywoman charm.
Navigating increasingly absurd dates, Edie starts to rethink everything she thought she knew about love. Is the biggest risk she's ever taken about to culminate in disaster? Or is Edie about to secure the Happily Ever After she's always wanted?
Find out this season on The Key.
384 pages, Paperback
First published June 24, 2025
43 people are currently reading
10013 people want to read
About the author
Adrienne Gunn
2 books52 followersHi, I’m Adrienne! And I take pop culture way too seriously! I wrote a novel called FAN FAVORITE because I wanted to see what would happen if a regular gal who eats carbs and wears Birkenstocks went on a reality TV dating show and had to sit in a hot tub with a bunch of Instagram models (preorder now, in stores 6/24/25). Now I’m writing a romcom about a washed up pop star who goes on a Y2K reunion tour to win the heart of the boy bander of her dreams (Summer 2026). I write about pop culture on my Substack WHERE THE F*CK’S MY HAPPY ENDING?! and complain about how pop culture ruined my life on my podcast DON’T RUIN THIS FOR ME. On Wednesdays I watch Survivor. I believe RHOSLC is the best Housewives franchise. I’m obsessed with oil cleanser, Veep, and my dog, Georgia. On instagram @real.adrienne.gunn
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 182 reviews
June 27, 2025
જ⁀➴ 1 star
Thank you to NetGalley, Adrienne Gunn, and Grand Central Publishing for providing this eARC in exchange for an honest review. Fan Favorite is out now!
𓈒⟡₊⋆∘˚⊹ ࿔ 𓈒⟡₊⋆∘˚⊹ ࿔ 𓈒⟡₊⋆∘˚⊹ ࿔ 𓈒⟡₊⋆∘˚⊹ ࿔ 𓈒⟡₊⋆∘˚⊹ ࿔ 𓈒⟡₊⋆∘˚⊹ ࿔ 𓈒⟡₊⋆∘˚⊹ ࿔ 𓈒⟡₊⋆∘˚⊹ ࿔ 𓈒⟡₊⋆∘˚⊹ ࿔ 𓈒⟡₊⋆∘˚⊹ ࿔
Okay, hear me out on the 1-star rating. Did I think this was a good book upon first glance when I read the synopsis? Yes. Did this almost put me in another slump? Yes. Do I think that other people would eat this book up? Judging by the other ratings of the book so far, yes. Did I think I was the right audience for the book? No.
Edie Pepper is down on her luck. After her last serious relationship ended, she's been struggling on dating apps trying to find a steady relationship. When her high school boyfriend and first love, Charlie Bennett, suddenly appears on a dating show called The Key, she makes the impulsive decision to try to get on the show and win him back. He's changed over the years, and he's no longer the nerdy, scrawny band kid she knew in high school. Suddenly, Edie is thrust into the world of the reality TV shows she watches, and has to navigate catty girls, a new wardrobe, and find love where she least expected to: on national television. With America's eyes on her, will she make it to the end to get engaged to her high school sweetheart? Or will the show's frontrunner, Peter Kennedy, throw a wrench in those plans?
The entire book is written from 3 POVs: Edie's, Charlie's, and The Key's showrunner, Peter Kennedy's. With that said, I thought the use of the third-person narration was kind of odd. Normally, I don't mind whether or not a book is written in the first or third-person, but with the fact that the POVs would change in the middle of the chapters and wouldn't tell you (aside from a paragraph break), it made the entire book feel very impersonal and difficult to follow with at times. This was one of the biggest issues I had with the book overall, and I feel like having distinct chapters or POV changes would've made my experience a lot better. Obviously, there are a ton of people who seem to enjoy the book overall, judging by the ratings, so I'm fully aware that this is a me problem and not necessarily a book problem. It was so hard for me to connect with the characters, and I felt the writing made me feel super detached from everything. I was waiting for the moment that the book would suck me into the story and make me feel invested, but that moment never came.
I also think that for me, I came into the story with the wrong expectations and then was disappointed that it didn't end up being what I thought it would. For one, I went into the story thinking that we were going to get Edie's, and maybe Charlie's, perspectives on the whole experience of being on The Key, and I figured it would be all about Edie trying to win Charlie back. Like...look at the cover. Edie's there. Charlie's there. Then I started reading the book, and then started reading Peter's perspective, and he just gave me the absolute wrong vibes the entire time. I get that he's divorced and has a jaded view on love, but his POV did him no favors in getting me to like him. Coupled with the third-person POV, I felt very disconnected when his relationship with Edie started to build. It felt like it came out of nowhere and didn't have a whole ton of deep, intimate interactions.
In addition, it was also VERY confusing as to what time period this takes place in. I genuinely don't think this takes place in 2023-2025, if we want a general range of what I thought the time period/time frame was. There's little snippets of TV interviews that Charlie does before the season of The Key launches, and there's a snippet where he goes on The Ellen Show, whose last episode was in May of 2022, but then they're talking about Selling Sunset which started airing in 2019? It's such a small part of the story that I'm sure most people will gloss over but as soon as I saw the reference to The Ellen Show I knew that this didn't take place after May 2022. I remember reading the snippet about The Ellen Show and I had to do a double take. Like...I thought that show was over and done?
Add in the fact that there's Kanye West references in the story, a minor plotline of Charlie getting onto the show because the previous star was forced out of the closet and had to come out as gay/queer while ALSO having JKR and HP references in there at the same time, not to mention that one of the contestants on the show is also in the closet was....something else. AND THE BOOK CAME OUT DURING PRIDE MONTH. Be so for real.
(As a side note, the entirety of Chapter 8 almost made me DNF. It was just so utterly cringy I wanted to give up, but I wanted to push through and give a full review considering it was an ARC.)
When it comes to Charlie, he was just a massive horndog the entire time. I'm sorry, I said it. I get that he's the show's star and his goal is to date physically attractive women in an attempt to find his future wife, but all he could think about was their breasts and butts and trying not to get a hard-on and it was just so....bad. (There's more about this at the very end of my review because it got me absolutely LIVID. If I put that part in my main review it would be a spoiler so you can scroll to the bottom if you want to find out more.)
The other girls on the show....I wanted to punch them all, especially Zo. I get that that's the whole point of reality TV and everyone's catty and competitive to build drama and keep viewers entertained, but they were body shaming Edie and calling her fat and all these other sorts of rude things that I felt was just totally unnecessary. The only girls I liked were Bailey and Max and that's only because they were the nicest to Edie and they were all friends. I wish we got more interactions with them!
With all of that being said, if you're a big fan of The Bachelor, The Bachelorette, Love Island, or any of those other reality TV shows, you might LOVE this book! I'm not the kind of person who watches reality TV, but I figured I would enjoy reading about all the behind the scenes action during the book. I think if you come into the book with an open mind, zero expectations, and just let the book take its course, you might enjoy this a lot more than I did.
𓈒⟡₊⋆∘˚⊹ ࿔ 𓈒⟡₊⋆∘˚⊹ ࿔ 𓈒⟡₊⋆∘˚⊹ ࿔ 𓈒⟡₊⋆∘˚⊹ ࿔ 𓈒⟡₊⋆∘˚⊹ ࿔ 𓈒⟡₊⋆∘˚⊹ ࿔ 𓈒⟡₊⋆∘˚⊹ ࿔ 𓈒⟡₊⋆∘˚⊹ ࿔ 𓈒⟡₊⋆∘˚⊹ ࿔ 𓈒⟡₊⋆∘˚⊹ ࿔
Trigger/content warnings: sexual content, sexism, bullying, agesism
⋆˙⟡ 𝑅𝑒𝒶𝒹𝒾𝓃𝑔 𝓊𝓅𝒹𝒶𝓉𝑒 (6/25/2025, 11:50 AM): Y'all, I'm trying to finish this today, but holy cow, I don't even know how to feel about this book so far. I'm 75% of the way in and I don't know if this is going to go down in flames or what. I have so many thoughts about what's going on but it just feels so....messy.
⋆˙⟡ 𝒫𝓇𝑒-𝓇𝑒𝒶𝒹: I feel like that Nicki Minaj Roman Holiday meme trying to finish this ARC before tomorrow😭😂 Will I do it, PLUS write 3 reviews for the 3 ARCs I have that are due tomorrow? We'll find out soon enough.
This is ARC 10/11 for my June 2025 ARC list, and eARC 3/3 for my next deadline of June 24th, 2025! (I'm purposely leaving the eleventh one until later on in July. It came out last week, but there's a method to my madness here lol.)
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SPOILER SECTION:
When Edie gets her massive supermodel-style makeover and Charlie magically falls in love with her again, I felt like that was such a horrible thing to think/say/do because Edie is LITERALLY not like the other girls that are on the show. She's 35, she's childhood best friends with and was also Charlie's high school girlfriend, she's not an influencer or celebrity, no plastic surgery or fillers, and just looks like the rest of us in the normal population. But as SOON as she puts on some makeup and designer heels, THAT'S when Charlie falls in love with her again? Buddy didn't even want her on the show but as soon as she looks like everyone else, that's when he wants her back? Give me a break.
Thank you to NetGalley, Adrienne Gunn, and Grand Central Publishing for providing this eARC in exchange for an honest review. Fan Favorite is out now!
"Maybe love isn't this thing we stumble into one day. Maybe you have to wait for it. And maybe that's what makes it so special."
𓈒⟡₊⋆∘˚⊹ ࿔ 𓈒⟡₊⋆∘˚⊹ ࿔ 𓈒⟡₊⋆∘˚⊹ ࿔ 𓈒⟡₊⋆∘˚⊹ ࿔ 𓈒⟡₊⋆∘˚⊹ ࿔ 𓈒⟡₊⋆∘˚⊹ ࿔ 𓈒⟡₊⋆∘˚⊹ ࿔ 𓈒⟡₊⋆∘˚⊹ ࿔ 𓈒⟡₊⋆∘˚⊹ ࿔ 𓈒⟡₊⋆∘˚⊹ ࿔
Okay, hear me out on the 1-star rating. Did I think this was a good book upon first glance when I read the synopsis? Yes. Did this almost put me in another slump? Yes. Do I think that other people would eat this book up? Judging by the other ratings of the book so far, yes. Did I think I was the right audience for the book? No.
Edie Pepper is down on her luck. After her last serious relationship ended, she's been struggling on dating apps trying to find a steady relationship. When her high school boyfriend and first love, Charlie Bennett, suddenly appears on a dating show called The Key, she makes the impulsive decision to try to get on the show and win him back. He's changed over the years, and he's no longer the nerdy, scrawny band kid she knew in high school. Suddenly, Edie is thrust into the world of the reality TV shows she watches, and has to navigate catty girls, a new wardrobe, and find love where she least expected to: on national television. With America's eyes on her, will she make it to the end to get engaged to her high school sweetheart? Or will the show's frontrunner, Peter Kennedy, throw a wrench in those plans?
The entire book is written from 3 POVs: Edie's, Charlie's, and The Key's showrunner, Peter Kennedy's. With that said, I thought the use of the third-person narration was kind of odd. Normally, I don't mind whether or not a book is written in the first or third-person, but with the fact that the POVs would change in the middle of the chapters and wouldn't tell you (aside from a paragraph break), it made the entire book feel very impersonal and difficult to follow with at times. This was one of the biggest issues I had with the book overall, and I feel like having distinct chapters or POV changes would've made my experience a lot better. Obviously, there are a ton of people who seem to enjoy the book overall, judging by the ratings, so I'm fully aware that this is a me problem and not necessarily a book problem. It was so hard for me to connect with the characters, and I felt the writing made me feel super detached from everything. I was waiting for the moment that the book would suck me into the story and make me feel invested, but that moment never came.
I also think that for me, I came into the story with the wrong expectations and then was disappointed that it didn't end up being what I thought it would. For one, I went into the story thinking that we were going to get Edie's, and maybe Charlie's, perspectives on the whole experience of being on The Key, and I figured it would be all about Edie trying to win Charlie back. Like...look at the cover. Edie's there. Charlie's there. Then I started reading the book, and then started reading Peter's perspective, and he just gave me the absolute wrong vibes the entire time. I get that he's divorced and has a jaded view on love, but his POV did him no favors in getting me to like him. Coupled with the third-person POV, I felt very disconnected when his relationship with Edie started to build. It felt like it came out of nowhere and didn't have a whole ton of deep, intimate interactions.
In addition, it was also VERY confusing as to what time period this takes place in. I genuinely don't think this takes place in 2023-2025, if we want a general range of what I thought the time period/time frame was. There's little snippets of TV interviews that Charlie does before the season of The Key launches, and there's a snippet where he goes on The Ellen Show, whose last episode was in May of 2022, but then they're talking about Selling Sunset which started airing in 2019? It's such a small part of the story that I'm sure most people will gloss over but as soon as I saw the reference to The Ellen Show I knew that this didn't take place after May 2022. I remember reading the snippet about The Ellen Show and I had to do a double take. Like...I thought that show was over and done?
Add in the fact that there's Kanye West references in the story, a minor plotline of Charlie getting onto the show because the previous star was forced out of the closet and had to come out as gay/queer while ALSO having JKR and HP references in there at the same time, not to mention that one of the contestants on the show is also in the closet was....something else. AND THE BOOK CAME OUT DURING PRIDE MONTH. Be so for real.
(As a side note, the entirety of Chapter 8 almost made me DNF. It was just so utterly cringy I wanted to give up, but I wanted to push through and give a full review considering it was an ARC.)
When it comes to Charlie, he was just a massive horndog the entire time. I'm sorry, I said it. I get that he's the show's star and his goal is to date physically attractive women in an attempt to find his future wife, but all he could think about was their breasts and butts and trying not to get a hard-on and it was just so....bad. (There's more about this at the very end of my review because it got me absolutely LIVID. If I put that part in my main review it would be a spoiler so you can scroll to the bottom if you want to find out more.)
The other girls on the show....I wanted to punch them all, especially Zo. I get that that's the whole point of reality TV and everyone's catty and competitive to build drama and keep viewers entertained, but they were body shaming Edie and calling her fat and all these other sorts of rude things that I felt was just totally unnecessary. The only girls I liked were Bailey and Max and that's only because they were the nicest to Edie and they were all friends. I wish we got more interactions with them!
With all of that being said, if you're a big fan of The Bachelor, The Bachelorette, Love Island, or any of those other reality TV shows, you might LOVE this book! I'm not the kind of person who watches reality TV, but I figured I would enjoy reading about all the behind the scenes action during the book. I think if you come into the book with an open mind, zero expectations, and just let the book take its course, you might enjoy this a lot more than I did.
𓈒⟡₊⋆∘˚⊹ ࿔ 𓈒⟡₊⋆∘˚⊹ ࿔ 𓈒⟡₊⋆∘˚⊹ ࿔ 𓈒⟡₊⋆∘˚⊹ ࿔ 𓈒⟡₊⋆∘˚⊹ ࿔ 𓈒⟡₊⋆∘˚⊹ ࿔ 𓈒⟡₊⋆∘˚⊹ ࿔ 𓈒⟡₊⋆∘˚⊹ ࿔ 𓈒⟡₊⋆∘˚⊹ ࿔ 𓈒⟡₊⋆∘˚⊹ ࿔
Trigger/content warnings: sexual content, sexism, bullying, agesism
⋆˙⟡ 𝑅𝑒𝒶𝒹𝒾𝓃𝑔 𝓊𝓅𝒹𝒶𝓉𝑒 (6/25/2025, 11:50 AM): Y'all, I'm trying to finish this today, but holy cow, I don't even know how to feel about this book so far. I'm 75% of the way in and I don't know if this is going to go down in flames or what. I have so many thoughts about what's going on but it just feels so....messy.
⋆˙⟡ 𝒫𝓇𝑒-𝓇𝑒𝒶𝒹: I feel like that Nicki Minaj Roman Holiday meme trying to finish this ARC before tomorrow😭😂 Will I do it, PLUS write 3 reviews for the 3 ARCs I have that are due tomorrow? We'll find out soon enough.
This is ARC 10/11 for my June 2025 ARC list, and eARC 3/3 for my next deadline of June 24th, 2025! (I'm purposely leaving the eleventh one until later on in July. It came out last week, but there's a method to my madness here lol.)
.
.
.
.
.
.
.
.
.
.
.
.
SPOILER SECTION:
When Edie gets her massive supermodel-style makeover and Charlie magically falls in love with her again, I felt like that was such a horrible thing to think/say/do because Edie is LITERALLY not like the other girls that are on the show. She's 35, she's childhood best friends with and was also Charlie's high school girlfriend, she's not an influencer or celebrity, no plastic surgery or fillers, and just looks like the rest of us in the normal population. But as SOON as she puts on some makeup and designer heels, THAT'S when Charlie falls in love with her again? Buddy didn't even want her on the show but as soon as she looks like everyone else, that's when he wants her back? Give me a break.
February 9, 2025
"Fan Favorite" by Adrienne Gunn is an enjoyable romcom set in the world of reality TV dating. I rarely watch reality shows - aside from the occasional dating episode - but I love reading about them.
Thirty-five-year-old Edie Pepper, a copywriter from Chicago, wants love, marriage, and the whole package. After her boyfriend dumps her and a series of disastrous dates, she faces an existential crisis - especially when her latest date tells her she’s "too old" for marriage. Yet, she hasn’t given up on love. When she sees her high school sweetheart, Charlie Bennett, on America’s biggest reality dating show, The Key, she convinces herself he’s the one. She reaches out to Jessa, one of the show’s producers, who eagerly brings her on board to boost ratings.
Petter, The Key's cynical showrunner, is unimpressed - Edie doesn’t fit the typical contestant mold, nor does he believe in love after his rough divorce. Meanwhile, Charlie isn’t the man she remembers. He’s reinvented himself and has no intention of looking back. When Edie unexpectedly joins the show, he’s less than thrilled. Expecting fireworks and a rekindled romance, Edie instead finds herself entangled in the ruthless world of reality TV. She soon realizes that reality is far from glamorous - and that love often appears where you least expect it.
I enjoyed this book very much. While it has plenty of lighthearted moments, it also explores serious themes - love and the need to be loved, friendship, self-image, and the lengths people will go for fame. Though written in third person, the novel skillfully delves into the perspectives of Edie, Charlie, and Petter, making them feel like real, fleshed-out people. The character interactions felt authentic and added depth to the story.
The novel pokes fun at modern dating, exposing the unrealistic expectations shaped by books and movies, while offering a sharp critique of reality TV’s behind-the-scenes manipulations - not a pretty picture. I especially loved the small touches, like the memos between the producers, the TV interviews, and the raw behind-the-scenes look at how "reality" is crafted.
There was a bit of excessive name-dropping, which felt over the top at times. Edie, as the quintessential all-American girl, struggles with self-esteem, even comparing herself to skinny celebrities at one point (not exactly the best role models). Still, I liked her, and I appreciated how both she and the other characters evolved throughout the story. She learns important lessons and, more importantly, finds herself along the way.
Overall, I loved the book and its refreshing take on social media, dating, and reality TV. I’d recommend it to anyone looking for a light read with deeper themes. While the ending was predictable, the journey was anything but. It makes you reflect on the choices we make and serves as a reminder to believe in yourself.
Would I ever participate in a reality show? Absolutely not. And after reading this, I’ll never look at them the same way again.
* Thank you NetGalley and (publisher) for the opportunity to read this arc. All opinions are my own.
* Review on my blog: https://galibookish.blogspot.com/2025...
Thirty-five-year-old Edie Pepper, a copywriter from Chicago, wants love, marriage, and the whole package. After her boyfriend dumps her and a series of disastrous dates, she faces an existential crisis - especially when her latest date tells her she’s "too old" for marriage. Yet, she hasn’t given up on love. When she sees her high school sweetheart, Charlie Bennett, on America’s biggest reality dating show, The Key, she convinces herself he’s the one. She reaches out to Jessa, one of the show’s producers, who eagerly brings her on board to boost ratings.
Petter, The Key's cynical showrunner, is unimpressed - Edie doesn’t fit the typical contestant mold, nor does he believe in love after his rough divorce. Meanwhile, Charlie isn’t the man she remembers. He’s reinvented himself and has no intention of looking back. When Edie unexpectedly joins the show, he’s less than thrilled. Expecting fireworks and a rekindled romance, Edie instead finds herself entangled in the ruthless world of reality TV. She soon realizes that reality is far from glamorous - and that love often appears where you least expect it.
I enjoyed this book very much. While it has plenty of lighthearted moments, it also explores serious themes - love and the need to be loved, friendship, self-image, and the lengths people will go for fame. Though written in third person, the novel skillfully delves into the perspectives of Edie, Charlie, and Petter, making them feel like real, fleshed-out people. The character interactions felt authentic and added depth to the story.
The novel pokes fun at modern dating, exposing the unrealistic expectations shaped by books and movies, while offering a sharp critique of reality TV’s behind-the-scenes manipulations - not a pretty picture. I especially loved the small touches, like the memos between the producers, the TV interviews, and the raw behind-the-scenes look at how "reality" is crafted.
There was a bit of excessive name-dropping, which felt over the top at times. Edie, as the quintessential all-American girl, struggles with self-esteem, even comparing herself to skinny celebrities at one point (not exactly the best role models). Still, I liked her, and I appreciated how both she and the other characters evolved throughout the story. She learns important lessons and, more importantly, finds herself along the way.
Overall, I loved the book and its refreshing take on social media, dating, and reality TV. I’d recommend it to anyone looking for a light read with deeper themes. While the ending was predictable, the journey was anything but. It makes you reflect on the choices we make and serves as a reminder to believe in yourself.
Would I ever participate in a reality show? Absolutely not. And after reading this, I’ll never look at them the same way again.
* Thank you NetGalley and (publisher) for the opportunity to read this arc. All opinions are my own.
* Review on my blog: https://galibookish.blogspot.com/2025...
September 11, 2025
Edie Pepper was such a riot. She’s insecure, over-the-top delusional, and extremely crass, but gosh, she was entertaining! After seeing her ex-boyfriend announced as the next lead on a Bachelor-style reality show, she forces herself on as a contestant to win him back. Edie just wants to find love, no matter the cost, and beneath all her desperation and outrageous antics, I really found myself rooting for her.
And the story doesn’t just stick to Edie’s perspective! It pulls back the curtain on the entire circus of reality TV. There’s Charlie, the ex-boyfriend, conflicted about seeing her again, and Peter Kennedy, the cranky showrunner who simply cannot resist her chaotic charm. I’m such a sucker for a love triangle!
The behind-the-scenes drama, from manipulative producers to desperate contestants, made the story feel like watching a reality show play out on page. The romance itself was adorable, too, and Edie’s growth throughout her wild ride felt really genuine. I loved seeing her bumble her way through, only to come out stronger. Between the messy reality TV drama, crazy humour, and the surprising sweetness, this was pure fun! And the audiobook is narrated by Patti Murin, one of my favourites!
( 1 open-door scene, explicit details + heavy language throughout)
And the story doesn’t just stick to Edie’s perspective! It pulls back the curtain on the entire circus of reality TV. There’s Charlie, the ex-boyfriend, conflicted about seeing her again, and Peter Kennedy, the cranky showrunner who simply cannot resist her chaotic charm. I’m such a sucker for a love triangle!
The behind-the-scenes drama, from manipulative producers to desperate contestants, made the story feel like watching a reality show play out on page. The romance itself was adorable, too, and Edie’s growth throughout her wild ride felt really genuine. I loved seeing her bumble her way through, only to come out stronger. Between the messy reality TV drama, crazy humour, and the surprising sweetness, this was pure fun! And the audiobook is narrated by Patti Murin, one of my favourites!
( 1 open-door scene, explicit details + heavy language throughout)
June 20, 2025
The setup is pure entertainment, but what sets this rom com apart is its sly commentary on dating culture, media manipulation, and the pressure women feel to “perform” for love. It’s a sharp, funny, and delightfully messy behind the scenes peek at the world of reality dating shows, and it’s an absolute treat on audio thanks to the incredible narration by Patti Murin.
The authors writing is sharp and full of wit and exactly my style. The humor is spot on and strikes a great balance between laugh out loud funny and emotionally grounded. Edie is such a relatable protagonist, she’s funny, self aware, and just trying to make sense of what she wants in a world that rewards spectacle over sincerity.
And then there’s the audio narration. Patti Murin is one of my all time favorite narrators, and she proves once again why she’s in a league of her own. Her animated, engaging delivery breathes even more life into Edie and the entire cast of characters. She captures the humor, heart, and occasional heartbreak so perfectly that you can’t help but hang on every word. This book was made for her voice.
If you’re a fan of The Bachelor, Love Island, or anything with a bit of romantic chaos and insider drama, Fan Favorite should be at the top of your TBR, especially on audio.
February 10, 2025
Thank you NetGalley & Grand Central Publishing for allowing me to read this ebook!
Fan Favorite by Adrienne Gunn is coming your way on June 24th and you don't want to miss it if you are a lover of Reality TV! Edie Pepper, a 35-year-old copywriter, enters the reality dating show The Key to win back her high school sweetheart, Charlie Bennett, who’s had a major glow-up since their teen years. But as Edie dives into absurd challenges, she discovers Charlie isn’t the same person she remembers—and sparks unexpectedly fly with the show’s cranky yet charming producer, Peter. With love, self-discovery, and chaos at every turn, Edie must decide if her Happily Ever After lies in her past or her future.
This was my first book by this author and it won't be my last, I loved the quirky writing style, I recommend this one to anyone who is a fan of The Bachelor, you're going to love this!!
Fan Favorite by Adrienne Gunn is coming your way on June 24th and you don't want to miss it if you are a lover of Reality TV! Edie Pepper, a 35-year-old copywriter, enters the reality dating show The Key to win back her high school sweetheart, Charlie Bennett, who’s had a major glow-up since their teen years. But as Edie dives into absurd challenges, she discovers Charlie isn’t the same person she remembers—and sparks unexpectedly fly with the show’s cranky yet charming producer, Peter. With love, self-discovery, and chaos at every turn, Edie must decide if her Happily Ever After lies in her past or her future.
This was my first book by this author and it won't be my last, I loved the quirky writing style, I recommend this one to anyone who is a fan of The Bachelor, you're going to love this!!
February 17, 2025
Edie Pepper is 35 and single again. She has been on too many bad dates to count. She has a few too many glasses of wine and discovers that Charlie her bff from kindergarten has somehow managed to go from nerd to outdoorsy hunk. He is also the next Bachelor on The Key. She decides to try to get on the show to get another chance with Charlie.
I liked this book. It delves into the behind the scenes of producers creating storylines in reality tv. I thought it would be million dollar dates in interesting places but it’s more highlighting the absolute absurdity of shows like The Bachelor. If you are looking for a light hearted rom com that pokes fun at reality tv you will enjoy this one.
I liked this book. It delves into the behind the scenes of producers creating storylines in reality tv. I thought it would be million dollar dates in interesting places but it’s more highlighting the absolute absurdity of shows like The Bachelor. If you are looking for a light hearted rom com that pokes fun at reality tv you will enjoy this one.
dnf
August 31, 2025dnf at 20%, I don't like the characters and it feels iffy and kinda "outdated" overall
February 18, 2025
To start, I loved this book so much! It was sooo messy from start to end. I expected nothing less from the blurb and it did not disappoint on reality tv drama. No spoilers, but Edie goes on this reality dating show after a string of terrible first dates when she finds out her high school sweetheart is the bachelor of the upcoming season. The thing is, he’s basically reinvented himself since the last time they spoke (hella years ago). Naturally, drama ensues and Edie is faced with a choice of rekindling her high school romance and this new thing she’s feeling with the showrunner, Peter. Ugh I would die for Edie. Like, yeah she was a lil messy for reaching out and then going along with being on the show, but that’s why I loved her so much. She wasn’t this “perfect” and flawless character. She was Edie who believes in love so much and dives right in no matter who she has been hurt. She doesn’t want to change who she is to be loved. She’s strong and vulnerable and amazing. I absolutely adored her ending and am sooo glad she finally got a happy ending!
As a side note, I would have loved seeing Edie tell her ex to kick rocks when she finds out he had been messaging her!!!
Thank you to NetGalley, Grand Central Publishing, and the author for an ARC :) This book is expected to be published on June 24, 2025
As a side note, I would have loved seeing Edie tell her ex to kick rocks when she finds out he had been messaging her!!!
Thank you to NetGalley, Grand Central Publishing, and the author for an ARC :) This book is expected to be published on June 24, 2025
June 18, 2025
Y'all!!! I read this book in ONE DAY! I thoroughly enjoyed Edie's story.
Edie Pepper just wants to be loved. After numerous failed relationships she sees her high school boyfriend on tv as the new suitor on a Bachelor-type reality show. She feels he's the one that got away and finds a way onto the show to win him back.
She was a real, honest character. Her stream of consciousness was witty and felt authentic. The multiple POVs were also entertaining. Peter, the show producer, had a fantastic inner monologue. With the title of 'Fan Favorite' I was expecting more mention of Edie's appeal to the viewers of the reality show earlier on in the book, though it didn't detract from the story. I also appreciated the age representation of older (mid-30s) main characters for a change. Despite the low amount of spice, you still feel the delicious angst and yearning. This was a great romcom that had me laughing, yelling, and cheering for the couple. Wishing Edie her happily ever after!
Best of luck to Adrienne Gunn! And thanks to her, her publisher and NetGalley for the ARC so I could read this fun story early and share my review with you all!
Edie Pepper just wants to be loved. After numerous failed relationships she sees her high school boyfriend on tv as the new suitor on a Bachelor-type reality show. She feels he's the one that got away and finds a way onto the show to win him back.
She was a real, honest character. Her stream of consciousness was witty and felt authentic. The multiple POVs were also entertaining. Peter, the show producer, had a fantastic inner monologue. With the title of 'Fan Favorite' I was expecting more mention of Edie's appeal to the viewers of the reality show earlier on in the book, though it didn't detract from the story. I also appreciated the age representation of older (mid-30s) main characters for a change. Despite the low amount of spice, you still feel the delicious angst and yearning. This was a great romcom that had me laughing, yelling, and cheering for the couple. Wishing Edie her happily ever after!
Best of luck to Adrienne Gunn! And thanks to her, her publisher and NetGalley for the ARC so I could read this fun story early and share my review with you all!
August 22, 2025
It's safe to say I loved this book more than I should & I regret absolutely nothing.😅 It's been a while since a romcom ACTUALLY made me laugh out loud almost constantly the way Fan Favorite did, and I thoroughly enjoyed how lighthearted and silly this one was. ✨ I really needed a romance read that wasn't going to reduce me to a puddle of tears and this was perfect for what I needed, when I needed it.
Centered around Edie, an everywoman who chases her high school ex onto a reality tv show (think: The Bachelor), we watch her try to win his heart while capturing a very grumpy showrunner's in the process. Who will she choose??? Stay tuned 👀
Now for the tea ⬇️
This one is for my book besties who just want a cute af, feel good romcom with:
• None of the heavy (no crying, guaranteed) 🥰
• A hyperdose of happiness ☺️
• A particularly grumpy mmc
• A particularly awkward FMC
• An epic af grand gesture
• A story that will allow them to walk away feeling really positive at the end
This was a peak, bingey comfort read and loved this one sm. While it may not have tackled any majorly big themes other than delightfully satirical subtext on the reality tv industry, the FMC was relatable and ridiculous and I was rooting for her love story. I found Adrienne Gunn to be a fresh new voice & I can't wait to read whatever gem she puts out next ❤️
Thank you to Hachette book group for the review copy of this book.
Centered around Edie, an everywoman who chases her high school ex onto a reality tv show (think: The Bachelor), we watch her try to win his heart while capturing a very grumpy showrunner's in the process. Who will she choose??? Stay tuned 👀
Now for the tea ⬇️
This one is for my book besties who just want a cute af, feel good romcom with:
• None of the heavy (no crying, guaranteed) 🥰
• A hyperdose of happiness ☺️
• A particularly grumpy mmc
• A particularly awkward FMC
• An epic af grand gesture
• A story that will allow them to walk away feeling really positive at the end
This was a peak, bingey comfort read and loved this one sm. While it may not have tackled any majorly big themes other than delightfully satirical subtext on the reality tv industry, the FMC was relatable and ridiculous and I was rooting for her love story. I found Adrienne Gunn to be a fresh new voice & I can't wait to read whatever gem she puts out next ❤️
Thank you to Hachette book group for the review copy of this book.
February 10, 2025
Edie is wallowing in the throes of breakup when she spots her nerdy high school ex-boyfriend and former BFF being interview on tv as the next star of a reality dating show--and he's now hotter than ever. Desperate and maybe a little bit wine drunk, Edie tweets at one of the show's producers, and soon enough, she's flying to LA to join the cast. But at 34, she's almost ten years older than most of the other women, and while she considers herself cute, she's not exactly an Instagram model. Between manipulative producers, villainous woman, and a man she can't quite tell if she's destined to be with or so over, Edie is in for the adventure of a lifetime.
I loved this book so much. I was on a reality television romance kick, and this was the book I needed to get me out of a slump. It's super unique, with a multi-POV take that keeps you guessing as to who, if anyone, Edie will end up with. But make no mistakes, Edie is the star. It has a realness to it that we don't see often in romcoms, somewhat reminiscent of another author I love, Fallon Ballard. Edie is very three-dimensional and we get to see all sides of her, the good, the bad, and the awkward. For fans of The Bachelor or books like One to Watch, this is sure to be a hit.
Thanks to Grand Central Publishing for my eARC! All thoughts and opinions are my own.
5 stars - 9/10
I loved this book so much. I was on a reality television romance kick, and this was the book I needed to get me out of a slump. It's super unique, with a multi-POV take that keeps you guessing as to who, if anyone, Edie will end up with. But make no mistakes, Edie is the star. It has a realness to it that we don't see often in romcoms, somewhat reminiscent of another author I love, Fallon Ballard. Edie is very three-dimensional and we get to see all sides of her, the good, the bad, and the awkward. For fans of The Bachelor or books like One to Watch, this is sure to be a hit.
Thanks to Grand Central Publishing for my eARC! All thoughts and opinions are my own.
5 stars - 9/10
October 23, 2025
Really cute and entertaining, was a 3 until the epilogue
June 20, 2025
Calling all my book besties who love a good, hilarious rom-com that gives ALL of The Bachelor/The Bachelorette vibes. I promise, you are going to EAT this up!
Fan Favorite by @real.adrienne.gunn was seriously a delight to read. It had the stomach cramping humor, the blush inducing spice, and the kind of storyline I love to read about.
Edie Pepper enters a realty dating tv show hoping to get a chance at winning back a high school flame/love interest, but in the process she finds herself being pulled in another direction, toward the producer of the tv show.
@pattimurin did a wonderful job narrating this audiobook. 10/10!!!
Fan Favorite by @real.adrienne.gunn was seriously a delight to read. It had the stomach cramping humor, the blush inducing spice, and the kind of storyline I love to read about.
Edie Pepper enters a realty dating tv show hoping to get a chance at winning back a high school flame/love interest, but in the process she finds herself being pulled in another direction, toward the producer of the tv show.
@pattimurin did a wonderful job narrating this audiobook. 10/10!!!
April 8, 2025
As someone entering pop culture just as the first season of The Bachelor premiered, Fan Favorite's premise spoke to me - a mid-30s, still single born-and-bred Chicagoan Edie is still waiting for the love she's always dreamed of. Unfortunately, after the relationship she thinks will truly turn into the real thing dies, she's crushed - until she sees her childhood best friend and boyfriend Charlie on The Key (a show akin to The Bachelor). In a fit of mania, she reaches out to the producers and manages to get herself added to the cast in an effort to reunite with him and seal their fate together. But when she gets there, awkward and loveable Charlie Bennett is now adventure bro Bennett Charles, and she's the only non-20's, non-tiny, non-tan contestant on the risers at the end of each night. Meanwhile showrunner Peter is trying to stitch together a happy ending and for the childhood pair, and finds that perhaps his cold heart might be thawing around Edie's warmth.
At first I was a little disappointed in this book - look, another mid-30s, still single, frumpy hapless woman who just can't understand why it isn't working out - how original! As a woman (originally from the midwest no less) on the cusp of 40, I was excited to see a main female character older than 25 but disappointed to see her portrayed as the typical mess; so frequently female characters beyond 30 get to either be career-driven ice queens or emotional messes who can't get it together. Thankfully Edie got her chance to shine as the plot got to "cruising altitude" and she embraced her (very strange) surroundings. I enjoyed watching the evolution of the three main characters and their relationships to each other, and really loved getting to watch Edie own her story and blossom. Her eventual comfort with and even guidance of the other female characters was fun and refreshing to see, and while I was cheering for her to find love, I was mostly just cheering for her. Fan Favorite was a fun read for anyone who is witness to reality television, where sometimes love does happen - just maybe not where you expect it.
Thank you to NetGalley and Grand Central Publishing for this ARC!
At first I was a little disappointed in this book - look, another mid-30s, still single, frumpy hapless woman who just can't understand why it isn't working out - how original! As a woman (originally from the midwest no less) on the cusp of 40, I was excited to see a main female character older than 25 but disappointed to see her portrayed as the typical mess; so frequently female characters beyond 30 get to either be career-driven ice queens or emotional messes who can't get it together. Thankfully Edie got her chance to shine as the plot got to "cruising altitude" and she embraced her (very strange) surroundings. I enjoyed watching the evolution of the three main characters and their relationships to each other, and really loved getting to watch Edie own her story and blossom. Her eventual comfort with and even guidance of the other female characters was fun and refreshing to see, and while I was cheering for her to find love, I was mostly just cheering for her. Fan Favorite was a fun read for anyone who is witness to reality television, where sometimes love does happen - just maybe not where you expect it.
Thank you to NetGalley and Grand Central Publishing for this ARC!
February 22, 2025
I received an ARC of this book and I’m honestly bummed my friends can’t read it until it comes out in June. I was entertained from beginning to end! This is actually funny, the character development was great, and I loved poking fun at the bachelor. Enough romance to make you swoon, but very light spice.
July 2, 2025
Fan Favorite by Adrienne Gunn
4 stars ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️🗝️📺🎥❤️
Thank you to NetGalley for the ARC in exchange for an honest review!
This hilarious debut follows 35-year-old Edie Pepper as she stumbles through a string of post-breakup dating disasters-until she spots her high school best friend, Charlie, starring on The Key, a reality dating show. Seizing the moment, she joins the cast, hoping to reconnect-and maybe stir up a little chaos. Instead, she unexpectedly finds herself bonding with Peter, the show’s grumpy but lovable producer.
While mostly set in the present, the book weaves in just enough backstory to show Edie and Charlie’s messy history-including a laugh-out-loud scene where teenage Edie accidentally breaks his nose during their first hookup. In a perfectly absurd full-circle moment, she manages to break it again during a volleyball scene on the show. These callbacks added humor and emotional depth without overloading the narrative.
Told through multiple third-person perspectives—Edie, Peter, Charlie (now going by “Bennet”), and other contestants-the book captures the behind-the-scenes drama and manipulation of reality TV. It moves at a fast, cinematic pace, making it feel like you’re watching a season of your favorite guilty pleasure unfold in book form.
While Charlie is all image (think Ryan Reynolds in Just Friends), Edie and Peter’s enemies-to-lovers arc brings heart and substance to the story. Their late-night hangouts and quiet moments off-camera were especially sweet, and Peter’s personal growth was a nice surprise.
A sharp, funny, surprisingly touching read. Fans of One to Watch (novel) and Love Island-style chaos will love this. I’ll definitely be picking up whatever Adrienne Gunn writes next!
4 stars ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️🗝️📺🎥❤️
Thank you to NetGalley for the ARC in exchange for an honest review!
This hilarious debut follows 35-year-old Edie Pepper as she stumbles through a string of post-breakup dating disasters-until she spots her high school best friend, Charlie, starring on The Key, a reality dating show. Seizing the moment, she joins the cast, hoping to reconnect-and maybe stir up a little chaos. Instead, she unexpectedly finds herself bonding with Peter, the show’s grumpy but lovable producer.
While mostly set in the present, the book weaves in just enough backstory to show Edie and Charlie’s messy history-including a laugh-out-loud scene where teenage Edie accidentally breaks his nose during their first hookup. In a perfectly absurd full-circle moment, she manages to break it again during a volleyball scene on the show. These callbacks added humor and emotional depth without overloading the narrative.
Told through multiple third-person perspectives—Edie, Peter, Charlie (now going by “Bennet”), and other contestants-the book captures the behind-the-scenes drama and manipulation of reality TV. It moves at a fast, cinematic pace, making it feel like you’re watching a season of your favorite guilty pleasure unfold in book form.
While Charlie is all image (think Ryan Reynolds in Just Friends), Edie and Peter’s enemies-to-lovers arc brings heart and substance to the story. Their late-night hangouts and quiet moments off-camera were especially sweet, and Peter’s personal growth was a nice surprise.
A sharp, funny, surprisingly touching read. Fans of One to Watch (novel) and Love Island-style chaos will love this. I’ll definitely be picking up whatever Adrienne Gunn writes next!
June 21, 2025
3.5!!
Three words to describe this book….
Raunchy, relatable, and fun!!
This is the perfect little beach read!! It takes you into a world of reality tv dating and messy relationships, and I had a blast reading about the world of Edie, Bennet, and Peter!
All of these characters are seriously flawed. From their expectations of love, to their self-identity, to what they want in life. Edie is a 35 year old just trying to figure it out. She’s the epitome of pasta stains, tankinis, and too much wine. And how does think she’ll figure life out? By entering a dating show staring her high school boyfriend.
Bring in Bennet, or Charlie, (depending on his mood), the adventure seeking “hunk” trying to find love in a sea of 13 women. He’s the ultimate man, however, Edie knows him as something a bit more nerdy.
Lastly, precious Peter, our main producer. He goes through a major identity crisis while helping Edie be the STAR, and supporting Bennet in his quest for love.
This book is crass. It’s kind of wacky. But it’s incredibly binge-able and really helps us normal people understand what it would be like if we were the star of a reality dating show!
I had so much fun and would recommend this to anyone who loves:
📺Reality TV plot lines
📺Flawed characters
📺Three character POVs (third person)
📺Raunchy comedy
📺Pop culture references
Language: Very explicit.
Multiple uses of the f-word, as well as other curse words
Sexual Content:
Multiple talks of past sexual experiences and innuendo
Page 86-93 (open door scene)
Pages: 278-281 (open door scene)
Pages: 283-285 (recounting last nights scene)
Three words to describe this book….
Raunchy, relatable, and fun!!
This is the perfect little beach read!! It takes you into a world of reality tv dating and messy relationships, and I had a blast reading about the world of Edie, Bennet, and Peter!
All of these characters are seriously flawed. From their expectations of love, to their self-identity, to what they want in life. Edie is a 35 year old just trying to figure it out. She’s the epitome of pasta stains, tankinis, and too much wine. And how does think she’ll figure life out? By entering a dating show staring her high school boyfriend.
Bring in Bennet, or Charlie, (depending on his mood), the adventure seeking “hunk” trying to find love in a sea of 13 women. He’s the ultimate man, however, Edie knows him as something a bit more nerdy.
Lastly, precious Peter, our main producer. He goes through a major identity crisis while helping Edie be the STAR, and supporting Bennet in his quest for love.
This book is crass. It’s kind of wacky. But it’s incredibly binge-able and really helps us normal people understand what it would be like if we were the star of a reality dating show!
I had so much fun and would recommend this to anyone who loves:
📺Reality TV plot lines
📺Flawed characters
📺Three character POVs (third person)
📺Raunchy comedy
📺Pop culture references
Language: Very explicit.
Multiple uses of the f-word, as well as other curse words
Sexual Content:
Multiple talks of past sexual experiences and innuendo
Page 86-93 (open door scene)
Pages: 278-281 (open door scene)
Pages: 283-285 (recounting last nights scene)
August 19, 2025
Edie Pepper is 35 and she is tired of dating. She is desperate to find love, get married, and start the rest of her life. When she sees her high school sweetheart headlining The Key, she shoots her shot to see if the love is still there. But what happens when the sparks fly with the head of production?
Romances frequently follow a formula where our love interests meet and sparks fly quickly. We spend most of the story watching them flirt and fall. Gunn thwarts this formula, having Edie and Peter dance around each other at a distance. You can’t openly pursue your interest when he has a job to do and there’s formulaic TV to be made.
The first 60% reminded me of a literary take on The Bachelor I read a few years ago. The last 40% was big, dramatic, and messy like a romance novel after a third act breakup. It’s a little imbalanced but overall, works.
If you want the HEA but a less conventional road getting there, give this one a shot. I look forward to more witty banter and snarky characters from Gunn in the future. 4/5
Romances frequently follow a formula where our love interests meet and sparks fly quickly. We spend most of the story watching them flirt and fall. Gunn thwarts this formula, having Edie and Peter dance around each other at a distance. You can’t openly pursue your interest when he has a job to do and there’s formulaic TV to be made.
The first 60% reminded me of a literary take on The Bachelor I read a few years ago. The last 40% was big, dramatic, and messy like a romance novel after a third act breakup. It’s a little imbalanced but overall, works.
If you want the HEA but a less conventional road getting there, give this one a shot. I look forward to more witty banter and snarky characters from Gunn in the future. 4/5
June 16, 2025
This was a good romance book. I liked the reality show setting but I wasn’t a huge fan of the cast of characters. This book was packed with reality show drama and had some entertaining moments but it didn’t hold my attention as much as I would have liked. This book did have some great elements, but it wasn’t a favorite for me.
Read this if you like:
📖 Reality shows
📖 Drama
📖 Unexpected twists
📖 Pop culture
Thank you to @grandcentralpub for the gifted copy.
Read this if you like:
📖 Reality shows
📖 Drama
📖 Unexpected twists
📖 Pop culture
Thank you to @grandcentralpub for the gifted copy.
August 27, 2025
This book was so much fun to read. Not only is it such a super unique idea, but it is HILARIOUS. I am not one for books being told in third person but it made the book even more amazing!!!!! The author was able to tell a story in modern society without making me cringe (unless it was purposeful). I loved everything about this book!! I think that the only complaint I had was that I wish the love interest had more time to build a connection with the FMC. Beggars can’t be choosers though. This book had me cackling out loud and genuinely put a smile on my face!!!
July 1, 2025
35-year-old Edie Pepper is getting over a recent breakup and slogging through the dregs of modern dating. Depressed after yet another shallow date, she stumbles across the newest season of a dating reality show that happens to star her high school boyfriend. Whether it's fate or desperation that pushes her to sign up to compete, Edie is well on her way to figuring out what she really wants. Right??
I really liked this book! I clicked with the writing style very early on, and the wit and humor throughout were just delightful. *This* is the rom-com I've been waiting for! (I have read sooooo many books deceptively described as rom-coms that had minimal humor, but this story was a breath of fresh air and genuinely enjoyable). The writing and plot were over-the-top in an entertaining way, and Edie's frustration and anxiety over her love life felt pretty universal. (Edie is an interesting mix of both naïve and mature with a huge dash of romantic delulu mixed in. She was hugely relatable.) There is a nice amount of snark overall, and the author has a deft way with phrasing that I'm not ashamed to say made me snort-laugh multiple times. There's a great hook in engaging the reader to try to figure out how and why high school Charlie and present-day "Bennett" are just so different, which does pay off. Adding showrunner Peter into the mix was a great move, and the hope and expectation was that jaded Hollywood Peter and the starry-eyed romantic Midwest Edie would meet somewhere in the middle and become the better versions of themselves. I'm putting this book solidly in the midlife representation category, which is always a plus for me when it comes to romances. The reality show setting was not groundbreaking, but that didn't matter too much as it really only served as a forced-proximity vehicle for the Edie/Bennett/Peter love triangle. There's a great supporting cast of characters and multiple POVs (which was risky but added depth and perspective). Adding in Edie's genuine experiences with some of her co-competitors was a nice touch. I stayed up way too late to finish this book and I regret nothing. I would absolutely read this author again and I can't wait for whatever her next book will be! 4.5 stars rounded up to 5 stars for the sheer fun of it all. Publishes June 24, 2025. This review was based on a complimentary eARC of the book, all opinions are my own.
I really liked this book! I clicked with the writing style very early on, and the wit and humor throughout were just delightful. *This* is the rom-com I've been waiting for! (I have read sooooo many books deceptively described as rom-coms that had minimal humor, but this story was a breath of fresh air and genuinely enjoyable). The writing and plot were over-the-top in an entertaining way, and Edie's frustration and anxiety over her love life felt pretty universal. (Edie is an interesting mix of both naïve and mature with a huge dash of romantic delulu mixed in. She was hugely relatable.) There is a nice amount of snark overall, and the author has a deft way with phrasing that I'm not ashamed to say made me snort-laugh multiple times. There's a great hook in engaging the reader to try to figure out how and why high school Charlie and present-day "Bennett" are just so different, which does pay off. Adding showrunner Peter into the mix was a great move, and the hope and expectation was that jaded Hollywood Peter and the starry-eyed romantic Midwest Edie would meet somewhere in the middle and become the better versions of themselves. I'm putting this book solidly in the midlife representation category, which is always a plus for me when it comes to romances. The reality show setting was not groundbreaking, but that didn't matter too much as it really only served as a forced-proximity vehicle for the Edie/Bennett/Peter love triangle. There's a great supporting cast of characters and multiple POVs (which was risky but added depth and perspective). Adding in Edie's genuine experiences with some of her co-competitors was a nice touch. I stayed up way too late to finish this book and I regret nothing. I would absolutely read this author again and I can't wait for whatever her next book will be! 4.5 stars rounded up to 5 stars for the sheer fun of it all. Publishes June 24, 2025. This review was based on a complimentary eARC of the book, all opinions are my own.
August 14, 2025
This is the perfect pick-me-up book. Fun characters, a plot that moves, well-written with lots of laugh-out-loud moments. I want a sequel!
July 3, 2025
This story wasn't bad by any means, it just didn't catch my attention. Maybe if you like reality TV shows it'd be fun to hear a fictional behind the scenes perspective more? The characters were only so so, I didn't love anyone. Just kind of an ok book.
October 30, 2025
This book was very fun! Thoroughly enjoyed it. I’m a sucker for a Hollywood/pop culture romance.
June 2, 2025
This one was fun! The fmc Edie goes on a dating show in hopes of reconnecting with her childhood best friend who is the show’s lead. As an avid reality tv watcher, the “show” was basically the Bachelor! It was a fun setting for a romance to take place with the dates & the other contestants in the story.
I did struggle to get through this one. I didn’t care for the mmc & I wish that the story flowed together more cohesively.
Thank you so much to GCP for the arc of this book in exchange for an honest review.
I did struggle to get through this one. I didn’t care for the mmc & I wish that the story flowed together more cohesively.
Thank you so much to GCP for the arc of this book in exchange for an honest review.
June 23, 2025
Edie Pepper's lovelife is a dumpster fire and she drunkenly begs a reality show to give her a chance with her high school extra nerdy sweetheart. He's changed into a smooth talking Romeo and her take on his teen years is the fodder the show is desperate to exploit. Joining the show, Edie becomes the older mess amongst the young and hot women vying for his heart.
This book is funny and the second hand embarrassment is REAL. Poor Edie makes me want to wrap her in a hug. Her romantic entanglements end exactly how I was hoping.
Patti Murin's lovable performance brought great humor and sympathetic feelings for our hot mess heroine. I just love her voice!
Thank you @hachette for the complimentary audiobook. All thoughts are my own.
This book is funny and the second hand embarrassment is REAL. Poor Edie makes me want to wrap her in a hug. Her romantic entanglements end exactly how I was hoping.
Patti Murin's lovable performance brought great humor and sympathetic feelings for our hot mess heroine. I just love her voice!
Thank you @hachette for the complimentary audiobook. All thoughts are my own.
September 22, 2025
3.5 stars — Would 100% recommend for Bachelor fans. Lots of perspective changes, which isn’t really my thing, but I appreciate that the male POVs didn’t make me want to disappear from the face of the earth!
June 22, 2025
2.5 stars
I think this book might be for either someone who loves the messiness of a reality dating show or for people who hate them with a passion. But if you're very meh or think they are actually real, maybe you won't enjoy this. At times, I really wanted to DNF this book but at the same time I couldn't put it down? I'm not sure what that was about so I added a star for that.
I can't imagine this book was written or set in 2025 for so many reasons. A lot of references and some of the timeline information made me think this should have been set in 2015. For example, they talk about The Ellen Show appearances for the lead of the show (this stopped airing in 2022). At one point this 39 year old showrunner mentions after years of trying to be a tv writer he almost ended up working on The Anna Nicole Show which went off air in 2004 which would have made this guy 18 at that time? And he said he went to LA at 22? But also it can't be earlier than 2021 because there was a 17 year past flashback referencing Maroon 5. Then there were other concerning things for this to be set in 2025 like Kanye references, talking about Harry Potter (come ON we know that author is horrendous as a person!), ditching a now out queer man as the lead instead of making a more progressive show, constantly talking about weight and looks, girls bringing others down constantly, calling a 35 year old woman middle aged (and the man that said it...was OLDER), saying the 35 year old male lead was better matched with women a decade younger instead of someone the same age, the list goes on. I also felt like this author hates EVERYTHING about reality TV because it was a constant tear down of the whole premise. The manipulation throughout was disturbing.
The characters were all pretty horrible. Edie wasn't bad but incredibly naive for being 35. Both Peter and Bennett were superficial and shallow. Peter was cruel at times and Bennett was just a nasty hornball and also a complete idiot. The other girls on the show were mostly just horrible to Edie for much of the book. Bennett having completely changed everything about himself and ghosting someone who truly loved him yet her wanting him back was a bit unhinged. I found having Bennett's POV was also distracting and unnecessary because it made him out to be more of a creep. And it took away from the actual romance to the point I wasn't sure where Peter's feelings actually came from.
The last 25% of the book was kind of fun so I added another half star.
Thanks to NetGalley and the publisher for this eARC.
I think this book might be for either someone who loves the messiness of a reality dating show or for people who hate them with a passion. But if you're very meh or think they are actually real, maybe you won't enjoy this. At times, I really wanted to DNF this book but at the same time I couldn't put it down? I'm not sure what that was about so I added a star for that.
I can't imagine this book was written or set in 2025 for so many reasons. A lot of references and some of the timeline information made me think this should have been set in 2015. For example, they talk about The Ellen Show appearances for the lead of the show (this stopped airing in 2022). At one point this 39 year old showrunner mentions after years of trying to be a tv writer he almost ended up working on The Anna Nicole Show which went off air in 2004 which would have made this guy 18 at that time? And he said he went to LA at 22? But also it can't be earlier than 2021 because there was a 17 year past flashback referencing Maroon 5. Then there were other concerning things for this to be set in 2025 like Kanye references, talking about Harry Potter (come ON we know that author is horrendous as a person!), ditching a now out queer man as the lead instead of making a more progressive show, constantly talking about weight and looks, girls bringing others down constantly, calling a 35 year old woman middle aged (and the man that said it...was OLDER), saying the 35 year old male lead was better matched with women a decade younger instead of someone the same age, the list goes on. I also felt like this author hates EVERYTHING about reality TV because it was a constant tear down of the whole premise. The manipulation throughout was disturbing.
The characters were all pretty horrible. Edie wasn't bad but incredibly naive for being 35. Both Peter and Bennett were superficial and shallow. Peter was cruel at times and Bennett was just a nasty hornball and also a complete idiot. The other girls on the show were mostly just horrible to Edie for much of the book. Bennett having completely changed everything about himself and ghosting someone who truly loved him yet her wanting him back was a bit unhinged. I found having Bennett's POV was also distracting and unnecessary because it made him out to be more of a creep. And it took away from the actual romance to the point I wasn't sure where Peter's feelings actually came from.
The last 25% of the book was kind of fun so I added another half star.
Thanks to NetGalley and the publisher for this eARC.
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