The Love Con
Author: Seressia Glass
Reviewer: Jen
Rating: A-
What I’m Talking About:
Kenya is in the finals for a chance to win $100,000 and work for a major motion picture with her cosplay designs. She surprises herself and everyone else when she announces on live TV that her best friend Cameron is not only going to be her cosplay partner for the final round, but that he’s also her boyfriend. Now Kenya and Cam have only four weeks to turn out two impressive costumes while convincing everyone they are in love.
I love love love fake relationship stories, and The Love Con is a wonderful one! Cam and Kenya have always been close, knowing one another for half of their lives, living together, always being there for each other. Transitioning to a fake couple is easy, especially since Cam has wanted a real relationship with Kenya for as long as he can remember. The pair is so adorable as they explore what it means to be more than friends. I love how they work so well together and how incredibly encouraging they are for each other. I love the little acts of love and support each provides the other. I love that neither belittles the other’s fears and concerns. Regardless of the fake start, they are a genuine couple right from the start because of their history. They both want more, and I love that they talk things through at each step.
Another thing I really appreciate is the author’s attentiveness and honesty of how the general population (primarily white people) treat Black women. I’ve heard accounts of the micro-aggressions and backhanded criticism disguised as concerns that Black women deal with on a daily basis, but reading this story really brought it home. The story isn’t a cautionary tale but a realistic view of life for a creative, genuine Black woman. The author so throughly puts us into Kenya’s headspace, we experience each fear, each triumph, and all the love.
In the end, I adored Kenya and Cameron. Their romance is uplifting and rewarding. Even though I was worried for Kenya as she worked towards the finish line, I loved seeing her both take the high road and also break down when she was in a safe place. The author gives so much to her characters, and I adored watching them get though this challenge.
My Rating: A- Enjoyed A Lot
Jen
About the Book:
Sometimes Kenya Davenport believes she was switched at the hospital–how else could a lover of anime, gaming, and cosplay come from STEM parents? Still, Kenya dreams of being able to turn her creative hobby into a career. She finally has a chance to make it big when she joins the reality show competition Cosplay or No Way.
There’s just one catch: the challenge for the final round is all about iconic pairs, and the judges want the contestants’ significant others to participate. Unfortunately, Kenya is as single as can be at the moment. Luckily her best friend, Cameron Lassiter, agrees to be her fake boyfriend for the show.
Roleplaying a couple in love will force them to explore what they’re hiding under the mask of friendship. Can Kenya and Cam fake it until she makes it, or will she be real about her feelings, knowing it could cost her the best friend she’s ever had?
Release Date: December 14, 2021
Publisher: Berkley
Series: Standalone
Genre: Contemporary Romance
Format(s): paperback (320 pages), e-book, audiobook
Book Source: Publisher/NetGalley
Purchase Info:
Amazon (affiliate link)