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sapphicread 's review for:
Cheer Up! Love and Pompoms
by Crystal Frasier, Val Wise
funny
hopeful
lighthearted
relaxing
fast-paced
Plot or Character Driven:
Character
Strong character development:
Yes
Loveable characters:
Yes
Diverse cast of characters:
Yes
Flaws of characters a main focus:
Yes
This is such a cute, lighthearted story, I really enjoyed it! The graphics were really pretty and I loved the vibrancy of the colors, as well as the contrast in scenes that were more serious than others.
Bebe is a sweetheart. The novel shows her struggle with speaking up for herself and learning when to say no because she doesn’t want the label of “that trans girl”. Her growth is beautiful to see.
Annie is the opposite. She’s very opinionated, has no problem speaking out and shutting people down, but her delivery methods usually make her come off as aggressive and mean. I really loved her character and the fact that she took the time to listen to Bebe, so she didn’t overstep on boundaries.
Their relationship was so adorable. Ugh I’m a sucker for fluff.
Cons:
Some of these aren’t too big, but just stood out for me.
Bebe and Annie’s progress from friends to lovers was a little fast, but the novel is pretty short so that was understandable.
The lack of resolution with the transphobic comments made by some of the cheerleaders. I felt it should’ve at least been addressed in some way.
Bebe’s father suddenly being really understanding, which like yeah good for Bebe, but I think it conflicted with the way he was originally characterized. Do I think development was necessary? Yeah absolutely. But I just think it happened too fast.
Overall, I really did love this. I think it’s the perfect sapphic romance for anyone who needs a pick me up. I’ll definitely be recommending this to friends!
Final Rating: 4.5 ⭐️
Thank you Netgalley and Oni Press for the ARC.
Rep: trans, wlw
Bebe is a sweetheart. The novel shows her struggle with speaking up for herself and learning when to say no because she doesn’t want the label of “that trans girl”. Her growth is beautiful to see.
Annie is the opposite. She’s very opinionated, has no problem speaking out and shutting people down, but her delivery methods usually make her come off as aggressive and mean. I really loved her character and the fact that she took the time to listen to Bebe, so she didn’t overstep on boundaries.
Their relationship was so adorable. Ugh I’m a sucker for fluff.
Cons:
Some of these aren’t too big, but just stood out for me.
Bebe and Annie’s progress from friends to lovers was a little fast, but the novel is pretty short so that was understandable.
The lack of resolution with the transphobic comments made by some of the cheerleaders. I felt it should’ve at least been addressed in some way.
Bebe’s father suddenly being really understanding, which like yeah good for Bebe, but I think it conflicted with the way he was originally characterized. Do I think development was necessary? Yeah absolutely. But I just think it happened too fast.
Overall, I really did love this. I think it’s the perfect sapphic romance for anyone who needs a pick me up. I’ll definitely be recommending this to friends!
Final Rating: 4.5 ⭐️
Thank you Netgalley and Oni Press for the ARC.
Rep: trans, wlw
Graphic: Transphobia
Moderate: Misogyny