Sizzle Reel by Carlyn Greenwald is a non-traditional romance that explores the struggles of coming out as bisexual and navigating the film industry. I have mixed feelings about it.
One of the book's main themes is Luna's struggles with coming out as bisexual. This is an important and relatable issue. Many of us have navigated being baby gays in our twenties. But her obsession with losing her virginity (and her notions of virginity) gets tiresome.
The filmography career aspect of the book was interesting, and I enjoyed Luna's journey to escape her gross boss and pursue her dream. That being said, I did find Luna to be a bit immature for her age, and her reactions to conflicts and problems read more like a young adult novel than an adult one.
I liked the characterization of both Romy and Valeria. And enjoyed the ending, even though it did feel a bit abrupt. While imperfect, it's still an enjoyable read that uniquely explores important themes - a three-star read for me.

I feel conflicted reviewing this book. On the one hand I’m happy and excited to see LGBTQ fiction hitting the mainstream and so I certainly don’t want to knock a book that is helping to tell the non-traditional stories. There were also components of the book I genuinely did enjoy. If I didn’t, I wouldn’t have kept on reading until the end. On the other hand, I feel like some of this book’s potential was left untapped. There are some characters that are complete and some that could be more fleshed out. When reading books, we want to believe in the characters we’re investing our time in and I just didn’t believe in some of the characters (particularly Val and the not often seen brother). And maybe it’s because I’m getting older but I had to “google” some of the terms used as descriptors in the book. I would say to myself “am I supposed to know what that means?”

I do think if you’re looking for LGBTQ fiction it’s worth a read. That being said I would proceed with caution as you’ll most likely find yourself frustrated at times with the characters and storyline.

Thank you to Net Galley for providing an advanced copy!

This book was so bad and it angers me so much. I fully understand being a baby bi but she knew literally nothing. I don't understand how you best friend exclusively dates non men and yet she still thought that penetration was the only form of sex. She did so much with Valeria and still wouldn't call it sex. She also had weird ideas about virginity that were never really explained nor did the author let the reader know that it's okay to be a virgin. It was just really weird.

Also why was Valeria even needed. Most of the book was spent on her when the love interest was her best friend. I needed more with the best friend throughout the book for it to feel worthwhile.

I received an arc through netgalley.

I’m so glad I decided to give this debut novel by Carlyn Greenwald a chance when I first saw it up on the NetGalley page in the romance section. I’m going to be honest with you and say that the first thing that brought me to that decision was the cover, but then reading the synopsis really sold out the whole deal for me. It’s rare to find coming of age books for new adults centered around a twenty-something trying to figure out her coming-out journey. And this was just that, and the author made me feel so seen in between some of her words.

There have been instances in which I related to characters from other books that I’ve read, but it never came as close as my experience with the main character of this book. All the insecurities and intrusive thoughts coupled up with the inexperience mentioned made me relate to Luna so much that sometimes I felt what she was feeling because I’ve been in her shoes.

Apart from that, the book was great when it comes to its original plot. I really liked how the author took a turn regarding the romance, but I think if you are there from the beginning you can see it happening even if it’s not implied yet. The characters made the experience so much better too. There’s Luna, who has become very dear to me, there’s Val who was so iconic in everything that she did, and Romy was so supportive and thoughtful that made me root for her at any given chance.

All in all, this is a comfort book for me now, making me feel seen in my bisexuality.

*ARC kindly provided by Knopf, Pantheon, Vintage, and Anchor, via NetGalley in exchange for an honest review.

arc provided by Netgalley in exchange for an honest review.

Ok I'll start by saying the premise and beginning of the book was very promising. However the farther in I got the more my enjoyment level dropped until i was dragging myself across the finish line. the biggest and most glaring issue i had with Sizzle Reel, is the pacing. i can forgive some issues with clunky writing because i love sapphic stories but this book was so frustrating. Nothing happens until like 40% in, keep in mind that there are 2 potential love interests, as well as multiple story lines outside of the romance. If the author was trying to build tension it definitely fell flat. the best thing for me would've been to completely remove one of the love interests. It was pointless to have both, and i felt that the one with Luna and Romy was so awkward and undercooked. The few hints given that there is even attraction is Luna describing Romy's body and it did not translate to romance for me. This book just constantly had me rolling my eyes at some of the choices in dialogue as well.
Overall i can see other people enjoying this, but for me, I need better.

Luna Roth goal is to be a cinematographer. She is paying dues and making connections working as an assistant at a talent agency. She is 24 and decides to come out as Bi to her two roommates, Romy and Wyatt. Romy is queer and is Luna’s go to for advice on all things gay. Wyatt on the other hand outs her to work and doesn’t feel he has done anything wrong. I almost DNF’d right then. She does meet A-lister Valeria Sullivan, who is 28 and is already an award winning actress. Valeria gives her a brief job assisting with camera work on a indie film she is directing.

The plot of this is very messy. Luna desperately wants to lose her queer virginity and thinks Val is the one. This isn’t about romance or finding a relationship it is about sex. The lines are more blurred because Val is a potential gateway to furthering her career. The power balance is off the charts bad. I get the character is young but her therapist is telling her she isn’t ready for the next step and instead she listens to Wyatt’s advice. Insert eye roll here. To make things even more complicated Romy may have real feelings for Luna as well.

This says it is a rom-com but I never laughed. And while situations and some conversations are cringey, Val and Romy are both very kind and supportive. But why Luna doesn’t hear what they both are telling her is baffling. The ending pulls most of the plot together enough to end with three stars barely.

Thank you to Knopf, Pantheon, Vintage, and Anchor for the ARC vis NetGalley and I am leaving a voluntary review.

Thank you to NetGalley and Knopf, Pantheon, Vintage, and Anchor for the advanced copy for review.

Sizzle Reel is a queer romcom that is set in Hollywood. It focuses on Luna who is an aspiring cinematographer who just recently realized she's bisexual. She's not quite sure how to navigate this new revelation so the first person she comes out to is her therapist. Now she has to figure out how to come out to her two best friends, one whom is a cis man she's dated and the other whom is a nonbinary lesbian.

Luna is on a mission to prove to herself that she really is bi. She seeks advice from her therapist and from her roommate and BFF on how to figure out if she truly is bi and how to prove to herself that she is. There's also a lot of talk about her virginity and whether she is or isn't based on past and present encounters.

I honestly enjoyed this book. I felt that it described a lot of the right feelings for someone who is just starting to spread their baby bi wings and figure themselves out. It's scary and confusing and this was portrayed in the storytelling.

This is set up as a love triangle of sorts. I don't want to get spoilery, but there are easter eggs for the feelings felt with the third person of the triangle. Most of the book focuses on the two with the MC getting advice from the third. I liked this setup.

I would recommend this book to those who enjoy queer romances and for those who have been in a similar situation or are questioning themselves as well. It's nice seeing that we all go through the doubt.

Sizzle Reel is a fun and quirky sapphic romcom full of some of the best tropes - friends to lovers, found family, figuring yourself out. I liked the Hollywood backdrop, and as someone far removed from that world, it was fun to look in and get a glimpse into the lives of those in the film industry in LA. I had an inkling of who THE love interest will be from the get-go, and every little interaction between them made me giddy.

I also really loved Luna's friendships - be it with Romy, Val, and even Wyatt (though he was quite a bit of a twat at some points) - and I think those made the book even more special.

My only complaint would be Luna's incessant and honestly stubborn declarations that only penetrative sex counts as sex - despite her very queer friends telling her otherwise on multiple occasions. It seemed odd since Luna was otherwise portrayed as a progressive young woman; it seemed a bit counterintuitive, but I do understand that knowing something and applying it to yourself can sometimes be two different things.

All in all, Sizzle Reel was a great read I would happily recommend!

The book's synopsis gave a feeling that I would like it, but it wasn't what I anticipated.

Even though I liked some portions of the book, others were just... blah. Some of the situations were dull, and the characters were bland and unlikeable. Although I adore reading sapphic novels, I wasn't a fan of this one. Nevertheless, I suggest this book if you're looking for a light and quick read.

Thank you to Netgalley and the publisher for an ARC of this book!

Sizzle Reel by Carlyn Greenwald

Published: April 18, 2023
Vintage
Genre: Romance
Pages: 327
KKECReads Rating: 4/5
I received a copy of this book for free, and I leave my review voluntarily.

Carlyn Greenwald is a YA and Adult romance and thriller author and screenwriter hailing from Manhattan Beach, California. She graduated from USC in 2018 with a degree in English and Film as well as minors in Screenwriting and Forensics and Criminality. When not writing, she’s scouring theme park YouTube, playing video games, and hanging with her dogs.

“This’ll be fine.”

Luna is passionate about making films. It’s her dream, and she has been working toward the next step for two years. She also realized she was bi. And now, she has to navigate how that changes her life while trying to balance work and friends.

This was a charming, relatable book. Luna is a character many people will relate to, and her journey will resonate with many “baby gays.”

I loved Romy. She had a very cool, confident, loyal element to her character, and I enjoyed her development throughout the book. Val was also great; I think she is another relatable character.

I liked how this story mixed humor with the serious aspects. It made the experience feel authentic. Most people who identify as not straight will find this story endearing and relatable.

The fear, insecurity, and questions are endless when you’re trying to figure yourself out, and I found that so well represented. This was an easy read, with a storyline that flowed smoothly. I was engaged and had a hard time putting the book down.

sizzle reel by carlyn greenwald: 3/5 stars

honestly, i understand why other reviewers have been annoyed with luna’s focus on sex and her virginity and what that means. but i connected to luna’s panic and obsession and focus on being a “real” queer person, because in my early twenties i was worried about the same thing. my demisexuality took a while to figure out and i definitely was a mess. i think that even with the internet and how many good resources there are about sex and sexuality and queerness, it’s possible for someone to still internalize their anxiety and freak out. that aspect of the plot didn’t bother me.

i didn’t like how stereotypical hollywood was, and is gen x really that queerphobic? i also thought the writing was clunky, and had to reread several sentences to try to understand what the author was trying to say. luna and wyatt’s relationship felt flat, and i know luna didn’t intend to lead val on but to me it felt like she was using her. it was obvious who the hea was going to be with and i was more worried about val’s feelings than about luna. i would read more about val.

thank you to netgalley and the publisher for an arc in exchange for an honest review

*I received a free ARC of this book in exchange for an honest review*

This book had a lot of potential. I liked the premise and the cover, both of which drew me in right away! Unfortunately, this book didn't hit all the right marks for me. I didn't like the main character, which made it hard to like the book. I think the author was leaning into a stereotype about Cali girls when she wrote Luna, and for me that general vibe and attitude comes across as selfish and immature.

While I think some of the characters' experiences were extremely accurate, I unfortunately was underwhelmed.

oh my goddd I'm a big-time sucker for queer books and this book made my gay little heart so so happy, it felt kinda like a rollercoaster ride? like I had no clue what was going to happen but I had the slightest feeling in my gut that I knew exactly what was going to happen I just didn't know when the drop was....and oh boy the drop came and I had to stop reading to scream and do a little dance. thank you so much Knopf and NetGalley for providing me an E-arc of this wonderful book, it's been an anticipated read for a while and it lived up to my expectations x10

I was really excited for this one and even though I saw a lot of negative reviews, I still wanted to try it for myself and see what I think.
Unfortunately, the things I would have problems with (MC's obsession with losing virginity, thinking penetrative sex is the only way to lose it and more...) are starting to come up, and I don't feel up to reading more of this only for the story to go nowhere either.
I know there will be people who have and will like it a lot more but it just isn't for me.
DNFed at 26%

This one was a bit hit or miss. There were good parts, and there were a few places where I cringed a little. It might definitely hit better with some other people, though! I’m not going to completely discount it, and I’ll be recommending it for anyone looking for Hollywood based rom-coms!

A messy romance between college friends in the even messier romance between a girl and her celebrity crush

Plot: 2/5
What’s the plot really? Luna wanted to get into cinematography and bang the hot celebrity? There was very little compelling about this. There were way too many power dynamics at play with the characters and I didn’t feel like there was really any plot other than the romance, which could be fine if the romance was any good.

Characters: 1/5
Luna, our main character, is an extremely anxious baby gay who, at 24, has had minimal sexual experience. She probably has other personality traits but that’s what consumers 80% of her brain space. The other 20% goes to film and how she can use her relationship with Valeria to get other jobs.

Valeria felt like a really underdeveloped character. We really learn nothing about her. I was really uncomfortable with the power dynamic she had with Luna. Like it was so anxiety inducing to Luna that she had to take Xanax just to interact with her? I’m all for showing anxiety medication in books but it just gave me a really weird vibe in the situation.

I was a little confused with the existing dynamic with Luna and Romy for the first portion of the book. Luna was only just realizing she’s attracted to women but also very clearly had had a crush on Romy for some time. Also as Lunas relationship with Valeria progresses, she starts treating Romy like shit and assuming everything is about her.

Writing: 3/5
The story is told from first person perspective and there’s a ton of personality in the voice that Greenwald uses. Our POV character, Luna, has a tendency to ramble excessively though so I found myself getting pulled out of the story by her inner monologuing.

There are a lot of conversations about queer sex, virginity, and what it means to be a queer woman. Some of it felt really valuable, other times it felt weirdly like an instruction manual. And Luna had really heteronormative ideas of sex that she had a really hard time letting go over (re:penetration, climaxing at the same time, etc) so it was really frustrating to have these same conversations repeated for her.

Overall: 2/5

Thank you to the publisher for providing a copy of this book. If you are looking for a book with someone questioning their sexuality, this one is for you. Overall, I enjoyed it but thought Luna was way too obsessed with saying she was a virgin and what constitutes sex. I enjoyed her friendship with Romy and how supportive Romy was with Luna's sexuality. I didn't see this as an age age 24 vs 28 between Valeria and Luna but there was a lot of focus on this in the book. There is a love triangle in the story which I am not a fan of.

I loved the representation in this book, I learned so much from this alone. I loved Romy, she was so much fun, especially when Luna came out, she was there for her best friend. When Luna, who is an assistant and an aspiring Cinematographer meets Valeria, a well-known actress, she’s smitten. I wanted to love this book WAY more than anything, because I love LGBTQIA romances and every romance I have read was GOLD. Luna has this obsession with validating her Bisexuality and feeling that the only way to make that official is to have sex with the same sex, and it was hard to read at times. The books dragged with this concept for too long until things change and then I was liking the book again. This is not your average romance novel though, it was all over the place, but I liked how it came together in the end, its like all of this imbalance in the book was worth it at the end. I cant leave out the steamy connections though!!! *heart eyes*

Thanks Netgalley and the publishers for giving me the opportunity to read this book.

Thank you to NetGalley and the publisher for a copy of this book in exchange for an honest review.

3.5, rounded up. This was a perfect summer read, and while it may not technically be summer yet, the temperatures are starting to soar here, so the vibe was right. As a chaotic disaster bisexual myself, I really related to Luna and her plight, navigating coming out and what that means and who to come out to at what time, discovering what being bisexual means to her. I also really loved the other characters: Valeria was such a babe, Romy was super fun, and even Wyatt had his moments where I didn’t want to shake him.

Seeing a glimpse behind the scenes of how movies are made, from a technical standpoint, was also quite interesting and I’d love to read more about that side of movie making in other books. So frequently, you just get actor POVs, and not tech people.

Overall, I really enjoyed this book- it was perfect spring break fare. Cute, steamy, and just predictable enough that it was comfortable without being boring.

Such a raw, honest and funny coming of age story featuring a young Jewish newly out bisexual woman living life in L.A. and trying to make it as cinematographer. Luna has just come out as bi to her friends and is really struggling to figure out what being bisexual means for her while also being scared of what her parents might think if she ever gets brave enough to tell them.

This was one of the most relatable and real books about discovering and exploring sexuality I've ever read! I also really enjoyed the Hollywood setting and Luna's friendship with her queer bestie Romy. Great on audio and highly recommended for fans of Dahlia Adler or Meryl Wilsner. Many thanks to NetGalley, the publisher and @prhaudio for complimentary digital copies in exchange for my honest review!