e-Audio, 08:29:00
Narrated by: Andre Santana
Release Date: December 11, 2023
Published by: Quill Tree Books
Read from: November 30 – December 1, 2023
Stand-alone
Source: NetGalley (I received a copy of this audiobook from Netgalley and the Publisher in exchange for a just and honest review. This did nothing to influence my review.)
TW:
For Readers Interested In: Realistic Fiction, Romance, Racial/Ethnic Diversity (Black), Young Entrepreneurs, YASophomore Kalvin Shmelton has finally perfected his underground candy-selling hustle at school. He keeps his prices reasonable, his inventory fresh, and himself out of the drama. But when a heartbroken Sterling Glistern—Kal’s longtime crush— barges into the storage closet where he keeps his candy supply, a new source of income unexpectedly presents itself: relationship therapist. Sure, he only meant to help Sterling realize she’s been dating a jerk—and maybe win her over—but news spreads fast that Kalvin’s not just the master of sweets…but hearts, too! And as the son of two famous therapists, he leans into this newfound reputation and the money that comes with it.
The truth, however, is that Kalvin’s parents’ “perfect” marriage is crumbling. He was supposed to woo the girl of his dreams, fix his parents’ relationship, and lend a listening ear to a school-full of heartbroken teens. But a jealous boyfriend, a vengeful competitor, and Kalvin’s own growing ego threaten those plans, forcing Kal to rethink all he thought he knew about friendship, family, and love.
*MY THOUGHTS*
I remember adding this to my TBR and not knowing anything about it lol The only thing I knew was the cover was cute as hell. I was ready to give this 5 stars from the cover alone lol Yes I know this is a problem whatever. Anyways, the good thing is the inside is just as cute as the outside.
So Kalvin starts selling some candy from a closet that used to be long to student council…. Where they stored their candy for the same thing, just a separate operation. What could go wrong? Turns out everything. Butt it turns out Kalvin is doing this for a very specific reason that he’s determined is going to fix everything. But he wasn’t counting on life to unravel all his hard work.
Ok so in my initial thoughts on Goodreads I said “some of these characters had me fighting air” and I definitely wasn’t lying. That one person made me think I would be going to jail if this was like my little cousin or something cuz I would have been up at this school so fast. They were terrible and I really didn’t like what they did. It just didn’t fit what he did. She was extreme and uncalled for. And then when they said “you’re not even mad” or something like that I wanted to be like “DUH, HES PROBABLY BROKEN!” Idc I would have hired a cousin for the day.
On the other side of that, I wish the characters were more fleshed out. Yes I was mad af at what that person did, but I really couldn’t tell you anything besides the grudge they were holding. And all the other characters were the same. It was like we only knew surface level stuff and that was unfortunate.
Then there was the romance? I think I was disappointed because first off, it doesn’t happen till the book is over and two because it was pitched to me as one. It was more realistic fiction. They flirted and they were cute, but I wasn’t convinced they actually liked each other. ESPECIALLY after that stunt he pulled. At that point I turned into his mama and slapped him upside the head lol
As for the mental health aspect, I LOVED it. And I loved that Kalvin was so good with his classmates. No none of it was ethical, but I meannnn lol They’re teens and it was high school. But if he was this good without schooling and only watching his parents, he’s going to be great at it when he finally gets the training he needs if that’s what he wants to do. I was actually really proud of what he built, so when it all fell I felt so bad for him. It was BAD.
This book had me yelling and mad but also cheesing and happy. I hope this book brings all readers the same happiness it brought me.
Overall, I give this
