​GENRE: Romance, LGBTQ+, YA, Plus-Size
RATING: 5/5


​I absolutely loved this book. It was so well written and it was really perfect in regards to representation. THE DOs & DONUTS of LOVE has plus-size representation, LGBTQ+ representation and POC representation. Not only that, but this issues around fatphobia and racism in a way that doesn’t preach or pull out from the story. I could not put this one down.

The novel address how food is so important and culturally significant. It touches on the idea that not eating food that was prepared for you was an insult but on the other hand being demonized and ridiculed and shamed for then for existing in a bigger body. How do you want me to eat but also be thin? I do love the fact that Shireen’s (MC) parents aren’t like that and love her regardless of her body; but it doesn’t change the fact that she experiences fatphobia.

This novel also addresses a lot of racial issues without it being preachy or out of place in the story. Sometimes, when authors want to address racism in a novel, they have these monologues or parts of the story that do not really fit the rest of the tone or the story, just to say that they included discourse on race (this may not be the case but it can feel this way at times). Within the context of the characters and the novel, the discourse meshes in perfectly. It is great if you are someone who wants to lean about the discourse.

If you love “British Bake Off”, Love Triangles, puns and donuts, I recommend you picking up this book

​***I received this book for free from NetGalley in exchange for an honest review***

RATING: 4/5 STARS
​GENRE: ROMANCE, LGBTQ, SAPPHIC

  I absolutely loved this novel. I have been wanting to read a sapphic novel with bi-representation and this one instantly caught my eye from the moment I saw the cover and immediately needed to pre-order it.

  It did not disappoint. While there was ONE trope that
​I CANNOT STAND that was included within the story, which is why I gave this novel a 4/5, it is still a great read. I just put this dislike as a personal preference.
​
  It was hilarious, there were so many amazing characters, all relatable in their own way. I enjoyed the dynamic of Clare, the bisexual young mother and balancing her love-life, her friendships, her ex and their daughter. I also loved Delilah and her artistic style, her tattoos and the struggles of growing up feeling unloved. I didn’t like Astrid for the longest time, but even as "unlikeable" of a character as I thought she was, I grew to love her as the novel progressed, and I am very excited at the announcement of her own story progressing.

  Ashley Herring Blake is very aware of our modern issues regarding bodies, motherhood and sexuality and she includes it within the story beautifully. I recommend picking up this book on your next bookstore visit.