Title: The Romantic Agenda
Author: Claire Kann
Publisher: Berkley
Published: 12 April 2022
Pages: 336
I received an advanced copy of the book from Berkley and Netgalley in exchange for an honest review.
Of course, I recognize that the publication date has passed, so this is technically not an “advanced” review, but the intentions remain the same.
Have you ever read a book that felt like a decadent cupcake? Because this is the best way to describe the book. This book was a treat to read and I absolutely love seeing Black Woman Joy. I definitely need to read more books showing Black joy, so I’m glad to start with this.
Joy is in love with Malcolm, has been since they met their first year in college. But over ten years of friendship have left Joy on the sidelines. After Malcolm’s fiance left him, Joy thought after an appropriate amount of time, that this would be their moment. Instead, Malcolm comes to Joy telling her he’s been seeing someone, Summer, for a couple months now and wants her to come on this weekend excursion with them. Summer has also invited a friend, Fox.
Malcolm wants Joy to come so that way Summer and Joy can be friends unlike his previous relationships. He also wants Joy to come to distract Fox.
During this time, Joy and Fox come up with a plan for Malcolm to actually act on his feelings for Joy by making him jealous. What will happen over this weekend?
There were only a few moments throughout the book that felt like there was a sentence or a paragraph that was missed. I kept going back and forth at the breaks thinking I had swiped past too fast.
Not only was this a joyful (pun intended) romance to read but also to see asexual representation. Not only asexual representation, but Black person who is asexual. The romance between Fox and Joy was a delight to read and experience. It was nice to read a romance that didn’t revolve around sex.
I’m definitely needing to check out Kann’s other novels!
Happy Reading Darlings!
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