The God of Good Looks by Breanne Mc Ivor introduces readers to the indomitable Bianca Bridge as she navigates Trinidadian society in her pursuit to become a writer. Readers also hear from Obadiah Cortland - a seemingly ruthless businessman. It's a beautifully written novel with a unique narrative structure, and I'll look forward to reading more from this author in the future.

Many thanks to the author, publisher, and Net Galley for sharing this book with me. All thoughts are my own.

This read is out of my normal genre, and I am so glad that I jumped into it. The characters and descriptive storytelling compelled me throughout, and the unique tale is one of a kind! I enjoyed learning more about the setting and was able to visualize the characters' surroundings. I felt a lot of emotions reading this story, and think it would be a fantastic book club read to discuss!

Breanne Mc Ivor's THE GOD OF GOOD LOOKS is not just an enlightening and captivating read—it's also a highly entertaining one. I thoroughly enjoyed immersing myself in the colorful world Mc Ivor has crafted, journeying alongside Bianca Bridge and Obadiah Cortland as they embark on their paths of self-awareness and understanding.

The lively narrative, set against the vibrant backdrop of Trinidad and Tobago, kept me hooked from beginning to end. Each page unfolds with a blend of character development, insightful commentary, and vivid storytelling that is as enjoyable as thought-provoking.

One thing to note is that while some relationships and connections form the backbone of the narrative, this book leans less on the romantic aspects, which can often dominate such stories. Instead, it focuses on personal growth, self-realization, and exploring socio-cultural issues intrinsic to Trinidad and Tobago. This refreshing perspective, combined with Mc Ivor's skillful storytelling, is what makes THE GOD OF GOOD LOOKS a standout read.

I decided to give this debut novel a try based on the gorgeous cover art and am so glad I did! I loved everything about this book -- the characters, the setting, and the way it was told, alternating between the main character's (Bianca Bridge's) diary entries and her boss's (Obadiah Cortland's) first-person account. I knew little about Trinidad and the fashion world going into this novel, but found myself drawn into the story from the first pages in spite of that. The story tackles difficult themes (poverty, corruption, and toxic relationships) and introduces real world elements in a natural way that enhanced the story. It offers a dash of humor and romance as well, making for an enjoyable read even when some of the plot points were uncomfortable.

At first, neither Bianca (our main character) nor Obadiah (her notoriously tyrannical employer) seemed particularly sympathetic. Some readers may wonder if they will be able to connect to them, but I would urge you to give them both a chance. I really liked seeing how they evolved over the course of the story and gaining insights to both of their backstories and their behavior. My empathy for both of them and tolerance for their snarky and bristly behavior grew exponentially the more I read. I really connected with both of them and was rooting for them both to have a happy ending.

Many thanks to the Book Club Girl Early Read program and William Morrow for the opportunity to read a NetGalley copy of this stellar debut novel and for putting this author on my radar. I can't wait to read more from her in the future.

this book is full of characters that you want to win. everyone brings something to the table that keeps you entertained and engaged. I thoroughly enjoyed the culture and history regarding Trinidad and Tobago and the journey of Bianca accepting herself. it just felt real and relatable.

I think this book is good, but for a particular reader.

The structure of the narrative is unique but it was difficult for me to focus and get in tuned with the voice. Even with those struggles, I still enjoyed the story and the way it was presented. Overall it was a good read.

In The God of Good Looks, Bianca finds herself blackballed after her affair with a married government official hits front street with her in a yellow thong. Ouch.
Her dream of becoming a writer is null and she makes her way financially as a model.
That is, until the mean Obadiah Courtland comes a-calling with a job. Obadiah, however, isn't what he portrays himself to be, but Bianca is riding it out. Besides, what else is there for her to do? When she thinks things are starting to looking up, her ex, the government official, threatens all she has built, including her business and personal relationship with Obadiah.
There are a few trigger warnings in this book. It took me a while to get into it, but I was rooting for Bianca to win and to claim her place in the world.

What a beautifully written novel. Bianca and Obadiah' were characters to easily connect with. We go along on the journey were we see growth, love, relationship mending between a father and daughter, and friendship evolve. I loved the insight on the magazine business and how much the characters cared for it. What a fun and interesting read all around.

I loved this one! It was refreshing and I enjoyed the humorous and witty musings on beauty, class, politics, relationships. It had rich, vivid characters that leapt from the page. Bianca was a vulnerable, brave main character and I thought her story arc was great!

4.5⭐️

There is so much depth to this story and I fell in love with Bianca, Obidiah, and the staff at the magazine.

Bianca is a beautiful woman and despite her beauty, she lacks confidence, doesn't have many close friends and never feels she is good enough. She is lured into a secret affair with the married Prime Minister of Planning. However, once the affair becomes public, Bianca is the one who becomes ostracized and scandalized despite it taking "two to tango."

Bianca desperately needs a job and eventually takes a job with a beauty magazine owned by renowned makeup artist, Obidiah Cortland. Because writing is Bianca's passion, she decides to take the job despite some early on challenges with Obidiah. The dynamic between Obidiah and Bianca was so interesting to watch and especially how they learned to be supportive of each other.

Bianca is a strong female character with depth and integrity who made a mistake and is trying to help others from falling into the same trap that she did. She is committed to speaking her mind no matter the cost. and I found myself cheering for the "good guys" to win.

I received a complimentary copy of this book in exchange for my review. All thoughts and opinions outlined above me my own.

So interesting to read in the setting of Trinidad! Bianca is a model who has been disgraced after being discovered in an affair with a government official. In attempt to recover, she takes a magazine editing job to try and pursue her dream of being a writer, where she works with Obadiah, an abrasive and opinionated makeup artist. I struggled to connect with Obadiah's character, but wanted to root for Bianca as she took control of her narrative.

I will start by saying this is not the genre I typically gravitate towards (I like memoirs, non-fiction and historical fiction) so my review is less meaningful, however I did enjoy this book. The author’s writing style is very easy to read. The storyline is interesting and medium to fast paced. I really felt connected to the characters and liked the development of their relationships. I was definitely invested in the plot and was eager to know how the story would end. Breanne Mc Ivor’s debut novel reads as though she is a seasoned author. I recommend this book and give it 3.5 stars. I think this would make a great movie.

Mc Ivor's voice resonates with the knowledge and understanding of the society in which she lives and writes, putting to page vibrancy of people, expressions, and experiences.

With Bianca, we see a young woman taken in by an experienced man who uses her vulnerability and lack of a strong support group to take what he wants regardless of the damage he causes. After the fallout from their exposed affair, Bianca must now pick up the pieces of her life and career and fight for her place. It takes time and I love that Mc Ivor gave us that slow reckoning, that relearning and coming into the realization of her self and her purpose.

Obadiah is more seasoned and aware of where he stands in the world and in his industry. He is well aware of how far money can take you and how it and connections can affect a burgeoning brand. And his makeup line and classes is a Brand. He carries the weight of expectation and abandonment, of not knowing exactly how to interact with his sister beyond their dinners, and having to deal with knowing that the same man who is using his sister has another link to him.

Some will say that a relationship between Bianca and Obadiah is unnecessary or unfathomable, yet I think that they each can teach the other certain characteristics, Bianca with her vulnerability and yearning, Obadiah with his strength and loyalty.

I devoured this book and will do so again on my next reread. I love the use of makeup to tell stories of culture and issues, it shows the multitude of uses and how even when there are serious societal, something that is seen as shallow or just used to add to or enhance beauty can also be used to reflect the darker sides of us and our lives.

This book was blurbed as a mis between "Queenie and a modern-day Bridget Jones’s Diary" and let me tell you - this is SPOT ON. Add in a bit of Akwaeke Emezi's "You Made a Fool of Death with Your Beauty" and this is a hit. Author Breanne Mc Ivor writes with a lot of heart, attention to character motivations, and wonderful banter. I get kind of sad because this novel, thus far, has been over looked but if it were written by a white author, with white characters, experiencing similar issues, it would be set on the Upper East Side and Gossip Girl fans would be clamoring. But the setting of Trinidad and Tobago was wonderful and the cultural aspects of this novel really let the narrative shine. It is perfect contemporary drama through solid storytelling. I wonder how the author will follow up her debut.

**Many thanks to NetGalley, William Morrow, and Breanne Mc Ivor for an ARC of this book!**

"In the end, you will not see the physical beauty in others that caught your eye, but the fire that burned within them."- Shannon L. Alder

Bianca Bridge is just that sort of firecracker. Blessed with both brains AND stunning physical looks, she has been modeling just to get by...but writing is her true MO. After graduating from college, she was full of vim, vigor and that It Factor that could propel her to fame. And she IS famous, in a sense. Her face is known all around Trinidad and Tobago. However, what she's known for is far from literary: she had an affair with a married man....a married man who just HAPPENED to be the Minister of Planning, a government official.

Desperate for a fresh start, Bianca plugs away at the book she is determined to publish in her mother's memory and is willing to pursue just about any opportunity in the meantime...and that's how she ends up meeting make-up artist and "God of Good Looks" Obadiah Cortland. Their initial interview is a bit rocky (to put it gently) and Bianca is instantly put off by Obadiah's holier-than-thou air. After some reflection, however, she figures that a job working for Obadiah's beauty magazine is better than the alternative and after all...pain is beauty, right?

When Bianca's ugly past with her famous ex resurfaces in an unexpected way, and time spent with Obadiah reveals that he might not be part of the Haughty Elite, however, Bianca's worlds collide and she's forced to make a potentially life-changing decision. Does she have the courage to speak her mind and amplify her voice...no matter what the ultimate cost? Or is the price she must pay for a good reputation simply too steep?

This is Mc Ivor's debut, and in many ways, it's an impressive first look (so to speak). As a Trinidadian and make-up artist herself, she is perhaps the perfect voice to inform Bianca's sensibilities. The opening of this one isn't for the weak: Bianca first tells us about a time she was modeling that involved Hershey's chocolate syrup. Needless to say, if that doesn't catch your attention, it's probably time for a cup of coffee (or maybe a quick piece of chocolate!) We learn most of Bianca's story through some diary entries and interviews she conducts..with herself. The colorful flavor of her humor reminded me of a coming of age story I truly adored, Maame, and I was hopeful this would be a similarly engaging read throughout.

However, once the character of Obadiah was introduced...the book slowly tried to become ALL about him. We went from a multilayered mix of fun narration and emotional storytelling from Bianca to hearing more and more about Obadiah and the 'juxtaposition' of his elitist persona and his humble background coming from a particularly poor background. This all would have been more interesting if I felt like the character went through a transformation...at all. Basically, Obadiah is painted as a jerk in his FIRST meeting with Bianca, but as soon as he hires her, we quickly learn that this isn't his true personality at all...so I guess I didn't find it surprising that they were able to work towards the same goal. I also just found Obadiah's personality a bit boring (especially compared to Bianca) and therefore wasn't that interested in his backstory.

The author almost (and I mean ALMOST) went down a road plot=wise that would have made the aforementioned situation even more unpleasant...without giving anything away, luckily the future of this pair after the latest iteration of the magazine comes out is left very much to the imagination. I sadly had to bump my rating down from a 4 just because I felt like there was too much of this 'vibe' going on throughout the book in general. This truly should have been a story about Bianca, through and through, just as this GORGEOUS cover implies...the character simply deserved more. Her relationship with her parents could have easily gone another 50 pages...and I would have happily taken 50 less pages about Obadiah in exchange.

The funny thing is that Mc Ivor somewhat acknowledged this problem about Obadiah in her author's note: apparently some other early readers didn't like the character AT ALL. I think somewhere along the way during the editing and rewriting process, however, that he went from overtly unlikable to 'unlikable and then almost INSTANTLY likable, which sadly didn't seem to work either. This book had all the potential of a strong and impactful bildungsroman but sort of got lost in uncharted territory.

Despite the unfulfilled potential, Mc Ivor's voice rang clear throughout and Bianca is a heroine worth getting to know...and hers is a flame that. despite the flickering winds of change, will NEVER go out.

3.5 stars, rounded down from 4

3.5, rounded up. This is a slower burn than I had anticipated, but I enjoyed savoring the tidbits Breanne Mc Ivor reveals about Trinidadian society, culture, and economics (mostly because I didn't know much about those aspects before starting this book). I learned a lot, and none of it felt forced or exaggerated within the tone of the novel.

I'm glad she gives Obadiah his own chapters, as he would have felt more villainous and much less sympathetic had she not, but the romance feels superfluous. I would have enjoyed the book even without the budding relationship between Obadiah and Bianca, and it serves to be more distracting than an enhancement of the book (plus Obadiah triggers body image issues in Bianca that are almost unforgivable).

An interesting book.
I liked the narration view of reading Bianca’s journal entries. I was thrown when the voice turned to Obediah because there was no warning.
I understand the author’s reasoning for switching back and forth, but for me, it made the book more difficult.
The theme of refreshing one’s life and starting anew is universal, but I didn’t connect with the main characters.

Thank you to William Morrow Books (publisher) for sending me this ARC in exchange for an honest review

3.5. Content warning for disordered eating, food restriction and body image issues.

THE GOD OF GOOD LOOKS follows the story of Bianca Bridge, a Trinidadian woman who has become somewhat of a social pariah due to her affair with a prominent government minister. Bianca models to pay bills until she meets Obadiah Cortland, well-known makeup guru and she begins working for him.

What this novel does INCREDIBLY well if portray contemporary Trinidadian society. It captures the current sociopolitical climate in a way I have not seen before. The ugly parts are front and center and the entire story feels like it actually did happen. This is what the author does really well! I think the book really does a good job of illuminating various issues of Trinidad and Tobago, and nothing feels forced.

What didn't work for me so much was the romance in the book. I would have preferred that less, given how terrible Obadiah was to Bianca at the very start, especially his part of play in his body image issues?? I did resonate a little with our deep dive into why Obadiah had become so hardened and the bits on classism and discrimination based on neighbourhood were well-done, but overall I'm bored with women in literature who end up with the mean guy, idk.

Overall, a good debut and I would definitely read more of this author's books.

I didn't finish this book -- and feel guilty that I didn't go on, but admittedly struggled with the focus on disordered eating, body image issues, and just constant discussion of ideas of beauty. Please read more into content warnings in reviews if these are issues for you.

What worked for me
-I loved the Trinidad and Tobago setting -- I loved learning about the culture as well as local issues
-I liked the journal format though admittedly it was a little harder to navigate in audio
-this stunning cover 🔥
-her persistence to use her platform working for Obadiah to raise light on more serious issues in T&T.

What didn't work for me:
-Though the character is kind of thrown into modeling to survive, the constant discussion of body image, dieting/starving herself, looking for affirmation of body, etc. wasn't something I enjoyed. While I can see where the story is set up for her to grow and start taking better care of herself, I really struggled with this. I can also see where her relationship with Obadiah will grow, but it's hard to move beyond his commentary on her weight and his refusal to let her have a drink with a sugar cube in it.

For those who can hang with this book to the end, I have no doubt they'll witness growth and enjoy the read, but I struggled so much getting past these early chapters.

Bianca Bridge has always dreamt of becoming a writer. But Trinidadian society can be unforgiving, and having an affair with a married government official is a sure-fire way to ruin your prospects. So when Obadiah Cortland, a notoriously tyrannical entrepreneur in the island’s beauty scene, offers her a job, Bianca accepts, realizing that working on his magazine is the closest to her dreams she’ll get.

McIvor brings true Island vibes to this incredible work of art. I truly could not put this book down until I had finished it, then all I wanted was more.

Obadiahs character was splendid!! Even before I knew his back story I loved him. He just oozed sophistication and Bianca fell for him hook, line and sinker.

Bianca and Obadiahs chemistry was spot on, it didn't come off as cheesy or either of them too desperate.

Bianca's wealth and back story worked into the script perfectly.

I was thoroughly impressed with McIvor's storyline and cannot wait to see what she comes up with next.

Job superbly done!!

Nuff Respect!!❤️

Praying for a book II 🙏🙏

Thank you,NetGalley\BreanneMcIvor\William Morrow\ For this AMAZING eARC in advance for my honest review. My opinions are of my own volition.