Book review: Like a love song by Gabriela Martins
First of all, thank you NetGalley for providing me with an ARC in exchange of a review. Here’s the synopsis:
This debut paperback original romance follows a Latina teen pop star whose image takes a dive after a messy public breakup, until she’s set up with a swoon-worthy fake boyfriend.
Fake boyfriend. Real heartbreak?
Non-spoilery review first:
Overall, this was a great book. I think we need more books like these in which we can read about the experiences of people from different countries, diverse voices with unique experiences. If you like fake-dating, rom-coms, soft boys, Brazilian rep, LGBT rep and *spoilers* one bed trope, then this is for you. It’s a fast read with funny banter and the right amount of humor. Gabriela mixes these elements with great care and creates a sweet and romantic atmosphere.
When I first heard about this book I wanted to read because of the Brazilian rep, and I’m glad I did! Even if I didn’t get as much rep as I’d wanted because the MC is in the US, there’s still some great content.
I admit that I didn’t like Nati (the MC) at first but eventually she grew on me. After she is dumped by her boyfriend we begin to see her grow and change for the better, appreciate her family and heritage and go into this fake-dating relationship that doesn’t end up quite as she’s planned.
On the other hand, I liked William from the very beginning. He’s kind, thoughtful and overall a great character (I can’t remember the last time I read about a man cry or accept that the woman paid instead of him). I loved the relationship between these two, how it developed and my only complaint is that it felt a bit fast because the book in general felt a bit short, but I guess that’s expected in a debut novel. My favorite part was when they get to go to Portugal, and finally admit how much they care for each other. At times, it was hard to remember they were seventeen because of the struggles they were facing. I also loved Nati’s relationship with her mom, her friends and how it gets also better with her family (though I wish we’d gotten the Christmas scene).
The only things I didn’t actually like was the length (It could’ve been longer) and the way some stereotypes were handled by Nati at the beginning of the book. I know that we have to see some growth but I would’ve preferred to see something else because I don’t think it’s a good idea to ‘promote’ in some way, harmful stereotypes (if that makes sense).
Still, this book is worth a read, so give it a go!
