This was not a book I would call objectively good. I knew I was coming into this for a fun time over anything else. I really had to suspend my disbelief and just roll with it (or at least just roll my eyes).

Things I did not like / I think were weak:

• I was told things about the characters that I was never (or inadequately) shown and did not believe. I feel like the author had ideas/tropes in mind for these characters but did not execute them well.
• I did not really believe the romantic relationships. Partly because the pacing felt off, I didn’t believe the build up, love felt v quick, etc.
• The storyline and love triangle were very predictable (and sometimes illogical).
• The last ~25% felt like information overload. (It did not help that I insisted on devouring it.)
• The writing wasn’t bad…but it wasn’t great.

However, this was clearly fun enough that I couldn’t stop reading at several points, and I am looking forward to the sequel. Things I loved or liked:

• The girls’ relationships. This was the first bachelorette/marriage competition-esque story that really championed female friendship and solidarity, which I loved. So so necessary. Glad this stood out in this way.
• On a similar note, we had POV chapters from each of the other girls, which gave them more depth (and quite lovely depth too sometimes) and gave us further insight into the characters and the plot.
• The mystery regarding the MC’s sister was soooooo intriguing.
• The Queen’s games were also very fun to read.
• The ending, though many parts predictable, still shocked me and was so so so so fun. (The ending is the only reason Ive rated the plot 3 stars, was originally going to rate it maybe 2.5.)
• Lastly, Lydia. That’s all I’ll say. Lydia.

Ah yes. The autistic urge to pop out one’s eyes with a spoon. Relatable?