D'Vaughn and Kris Plan a Wedding: The Perfect Beach Read

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What’s even better, though, we’re introduced not only to them, but to their families too (and quite a few more LGBT characters while we’re at it).

They have an instant connection and each other's backs from the start, and the relationship is both sweet and hot throughout. Framing the book in the context of the show means we also experience our main characters in a sort of vacuum, removed from their everyday lives and jobs while they focus on their goal. Selling their chemistry on camera is surprisingly easy, and it's still there when no one else is watching, which is an unexpected bonus. VERDICT In a romance featuring Black joy, plus-sized beauty, and Mexican pride, the conflicts are entirely believable, and not overly dramatic, and make for a thoroughly enjoyable read. D’Vaughn and Kris meet through the reality TV show Instant I Do, which pairs up contestants who’ve never met and gives them six weeks to convince their loved ones they’re getting married, all while actually planning a wedding.They communicated as a couple, as partners, with such honesty and love, that it truly elevated the story for me. As Kris is Hispanic, this book has a few sentences in Spanish which are contextualized in English, so you don’t need to be bilingual to understand everything. Being a black lesbian, it's hard to see yourself portrayed in media, but it's even harder in romance. One of the things I loved most about this book was how (relatively) well D'Vaughn and Kris communicated with one another. Unfortunately, there were a few subjects they skirted around but, at the same time, they were forthcoming with their feelings (even when it required prodding from their friends and family).

While the angst level was on the lower side, there was still plenty to drive the book forward and it never slowed down or got boring. Her main motivation for going on the show is to come out to her family, which she’s never been able to bring herself to do. The attraction between the two of them is not only clear to them but the chemistry can also be felt by the reader. It's such a quick read and if you're a fan of the recent trend of reality shows playing a large role, you'll love it! D’Vaughn auditioned seeking motivation to come out to her religious family, while Kris hopes to find true love.It comes out later this month and I am super grateful that I was able to read an advanced copy of this through NetGalley (and that I actually read it before it's pub date). Despite those few hiccups, this is a fun romance with lovable characters and definitely worth a read! There were some parts that I enjoyed reading, but although it was supposed to be funny, I didn't find it funny. And the sex scenes, I usually find them underwhelming in f/f but I thought they were pretty good here. Now even though this is a mostly low angst story, the family's response to the whole thing was way too chill to be realistic.