Melody's character was great and easy to root for (but it was a struggle reading about some of the bad things that happened to her, especially the doxxing), and I really appreciated the depiction of how hard it is being a woman of color in the world but especially in male dominated industries. I could just feel the frustration and uncertainty of figuring out the balance of trying to be assertive and not allowing people to walk all over you while hoping that it's not taking it too far while struggling not to over apologize. It's definitely relatable!

This book could use with a bit more polishing, especially since there was so much unnecessary detail while ultimately some things never felt properly resolved.

Too many women will relate to Melody’s story of being belittled, bullied and bulldozed in the workplace. Melody takes this, along with a horrific case of cyber bullying and harassment, and by the end becomes a polished, respected heroine who works hard to help others struggling with these issues. A great book for women who game, work in tech, or who just need a good wholesome story of a badass lady succeeding at life.

This was kinda an intense book for me to read. I liked the main characters but didn't love reading about how the main character was doxxed so badly. I know it's a main and important plot point, it was just a lot to take in at times. The author did a good job of incorporating all of that in while still maintaining levity to the story. There were a few plot points that ended without enough explanation for me (why did everyone leave the engagement party??) so that was distracting for me a few times. I also wouldn't say this is strictly a romance novel. While that was a key point, I didn't find it to be the main drive of the novel. I would read another novel by this author but I would hope it would be slightly more polished. Thanks to NetGalley and the publisher for the digital ARC.

***Thanks to the publisher and Netgalley for providing me with a digital copy of this book in exchange for an honest review***

This is the second book by Suzanne Park that I've read lately and I was disappointed. The plot seemed forced and the male interest was somewhat flat.

To be honest, I did not finish this novel.

An eye opening look at the world of video game development and the challenges of being a woman (a minority woman!) in a man's world. It is impossible not to root for Melody. Through her work struggles, medelling parents, and trying not to fall for the intern, Melody's journey is full of frustration, self-revelations, and entertainment!

I received an ARC from Netgalley in exchange for an honest review.

Loathe at First Sight isn't a romance novel. Which is fine! However, it has all the trimmings of a Kiss Quotient, and readers know what to expect when they see the color block covers. The story is more about Melody Joo working in the game industry. She doesn't have a gaming background and is surrounded by boy monsters. I truly felt for Melody. She's funny and smart and Park does a great job writing about that horrible, female thought process of "I need to put my foot down at work but oh God now I've offended someone but I shouldn't apologize because a man wouldn't but I'm still a human being with a heart and ugh."

Pacing in this story also threw me for a loop. There's a lot of detail about getting into cars/finding parking/moving furniture. Little details are great for flavor, but there's more attention to office life minutiae than secondary characters or the love interest. Side plotlines that could span chapters are packed into a couple of pages. All of the drama was done away with so quickly, so when those plot points returned it was hard to stay interested.

First of all, thank you so much for the ARC of this book. I loved the cover and the teaser intrigued me as a potential book for our high school library. Gamer girl, a little flirty romance, both appealing to my YA audience.
Parks' development of Melody Joo is so hilarious and believable. I see her as a woman who could fit into a film like "Bridesmaids." Melody's language, unapologetic love of junk food, and tenacity blend together to make a great basis for the narrative. Her "co-star," Nathan was loveable and said alllllll the things a girl wants to hear (in a romance novel that depicts guys as sensitive, caring, loveable, hunky, sexy, fun creatures). I give him a 10. I think the title was a little misleading, as the most loathsome fellows in the book are her ridiculous boss, Ian, and her officemate Asher.
This book's true conflict centers not squarely on romance but on cyberbullying, internet trolling, and sexism in the workplace and in the 'gaming' world. Parks does a good job and fleshing that out for a 'non-gamer' reader and I felt worried for Melody as things escalated in that realm. I think she balanced Nathan's involvement well, not too 'knight in shining armor, swooping in to take care of things.' There was a great deal of gumption and courage on Melody's part to stick things out and find a positive solution. I like that she spoke her mind and in the end, it all works out for her.
As far as a YA audience goes, I think they would enjoy it. It addresses career speculation and risk-taking, girls standing up for themselves, and the game developing company and Seattle setting are attractive draws. There isn't anything too sexual, even if the game she develops does involve male strippers. Haha!

Nerdy and a cute, I liked the premise for this book. I like the fact that it takes on the issue of gender and gaming, since the stereotype (which is totally mentioned and fully onset in the novel) of gaming and the gaming word being male dominated and without the interest of females. I felt that most of the plot was too much a build up, and it did feel like a very slow read in terms of the story line being slow itself. I still enjoyed it and and thought it a fun and easy read.