3.5⭐

Verified enjoyable!

This book gave me Emily In Paris vibes, featuring a spirited Zillenial moving cities for a glamorous job and occasionally being over in her head. Think loud outfits, Mindy-like best friend, and proving all the naysayers wrong.

My favourite aspect is undoubtedly the robust social commentary on so many important issues, such as the rampant sexism in Silicon Valley, plus the sexual harassment and lack of actual diversity (not just #woke diversity) in tech. I also adored The Fraud Squad references and Easter eggs!

Zoe is a deeply relatable protagonist; Imposter Syndrome is very much real and something I experience more than I would like. Her journey of self-discovery and growth was both enjoyable to read and satisfying to watch. I also loved all the other characters, but wish they were more developed and had stronger arcs.

The fashion bits, name-dropping of brands and gossip articles were all super fun to read. But what struck me most was that snippet of Damien's essay.... wow. It was incredibly well-written and made me wonder why the same quality isn't reflected in the rest of the novel or even the author's debut.

Overall, I wish everything had been more fleshed out, even the conflict. The potential and the talent is clearly there but somehow just doesn't shine as fully as it should. Nevertheless, this was a step-up from The Fraud Squad and a fun escapist read.

Thank you Berkley Publishing for the ARC.