Loved this. Sapphic glory that it is. It's literally so funny and so gay. I cannot wait to read the rest of the book!

Normally I wouldn't request a preview, because I am impatient, and I don't want to start a book unless I can finish it. That being set, I've read 2 other queer rom-coms lately that were set on reality TV shows, so I found this premise too cute to resist. I'm glad that I gave this preview a try. The first few chapters were enough to get me curious to read the rest of the book. We were introduced to D'Vaughn and Kris, and both of their reasons for entering the competition. The two are just starting to get to know each other, but I'm curious to see where things go. I'll definitely be keeping an eye out for when this book is released!

Who wants to read about a fake marriage? I do! I do! I enjoyed this preview of this story and I can’t wait to read more! I think the complete story will be just as interesting as the preview. I thoroughly enjoyed getting to know these two characters in the cliffhanger that I was left with has me guessing what is going to happen when the characters finally revealed what is happening and their lives. I think it is going to be a good story about coming out while in a relationship and I look forward to the end. I am already rooting for them to find love them because both characters are so endearing.

a great preview for a great, lighthearted, queer romance. as i’ve now read the whole novel, i can say that the representation in this book is phenomenal and i really enjoyed the story

I'm very excited to read the full book once it's released. It's so different than what is presented in mainstream romance, in the simple fact that this book is full of representation for people of color and the LGBTQIA+ community. Our main characters, D'Vaughn and Kris, are two queer women who have signed up for a reality show where they have to convince their families that they are to be wed in six weeks time. Both women have different reasons for being on the show, and I think that's what establishes how this reality TV book is different from others, beyond the inclusive cast. D'Vaughn's participation will be a coming-out story, one that as the reader, I can only hope will resolve positively, while Kris is genuinely looking for love, an idea that usually does not coincide with reality TV. These characters, and all other contestants and friends that have appeared to this point, are interesting, diverse, and full of personality that you will fall in love with.

The only thing I'm question is how the television show will work. Considering the show is on its third season, won't the family realize something is up? If they're being filmed, and there's such a strict deadline of the wedding date, won't they put two and two together that they're family member is participating in the show? This is not an issue that prevents me from enjoying the book thus far, it's just something I've been thinking about from the beginning of the book. The filming had just begun in this sample, and we haven't yet gotten to the meat of the filming or the meeting of the families, so maybe that question will be answered later in the book, but it makes me curious. That being said, I cannot wait to read this book!

This is such a fun book!

This preview gives us a glimpse of the setting and characters of the book and how D’Vaughn and Kris met and started their relationship. I really like the setup of this book, and I think the whole program is unique. It has excellent LGBTQ+ representation, and all the characters for the program seem interesting. I like the writing style. The banter between the main leads is great, with believable chemistry.

I’m looking forward to reading the rest of the book.

Thank you, NetGalley, publisher, and author, for the preview!

FIRST IMPRESSION REVIEW
If you like relationship reality TV and LGBTQ+ representation this is the book for you! The premise is the definition of the fake-dating trope, particularly when one of them is looking for love. This is a very camp-y and fun romantic read.
Personally, this book is a bit much for my taste - and I don’t like reality TV which is the whole plot line! The target audience is definitely out there, it just not me.
3/5
I received an advance review copy for free, and I am leaving this review voluntarily.

Thank you to NetGalley and Carina for the chance to read a preview!

The preview did its job and I am hooked. I don't watch reality TV but I have read a lot of the "Bachelorette"-esque romances that have been floating around lately and just finished ROSALINE PALMER TAKES THE CAKE for a book club. I like the setup of this one even better because there's no potential for a love triangle or secondary characters hogging the spotlight--forced proximity for our main couple all the way! And I am excited by how casually inclusive and intersectional the book is. Can't wait to read more!

I love this concept so much and the characters were great. I’m glad I got to read a preview of this book and I definitely want to read the full book once or releases.

This book seems like it's going to take fake-dating to the extreme with fake-engagement/fake-marriage, and since that's one of my favourite romance tropes I'm super excited. I like both POV characters so far and it seems like it will have some great representation. Will definitely be wanting to pick this one up when it comes out in January!

I liked this preview. I liked the writing, and I like the characters. I’m interested in reading the full ARC to see how things go for these two!

This preview of D’Vaughn and Kris Plan a Wedding by Chencia C Higgins has made me so excited to read the rest of it! It seems like such a sweet and easy to read romance with great representation and a fun plot.

D’Vaughn is a fat Black femme lesbian who has yet to come out to her religious family and is using a reality show to do it. Kris is an Afro-Latine butch who has joined the show looking for love. To win “Instant I Do,” all they have to do is convince their friends and family that their fake relationship and engagement is real through six weeks of wedding planning.

Will they manage to do all of this without also falling in love? Something tells me they won’t!

I have so far adored Higgins characters, and cannot wait to finish this novel. Anyone looking for Black, fat, and sapphic representation, look no further. This books seems so adorable and fun while also touching on some tough topics like coming out.

Thank you for this sampler - I enjoyed it! I love the fake dating trope and this one went even further with a fake marriage? It sounds like a lot of fun. The writing was done well too and it kept me intrigued while reading. I'd love to pick this one up one day.

I loved this sample! A book that takes the fake dating trope to the max with a fake marriage? Sign me up. Can’t wait until this one is released. Definitely a must read.

This looks amazing. It’s already made me laugh. The characters are like-able and interesting and the set up is primed for drama and feeelings. Chencia Higgins has been on my author to read list for a while and after a couple of chapters, I regret not having read her sooner.