Before picking up this book, I wondered, “will this be my new favourite?”. I asked myself that question because everything about The Love Curse of Melody McIntyre is right up on my alley and I was really looking forward to reading it. Now that I’ve finished it, I have the answer to that innocent question: a big fat YES.
With humour and wit, great writing style, relatable characters, irresistible and swoony sapphic romance, and a flair of drama and theatricality, The Love Curse of Melody McIntyre is one story that will stay with you for a long time.
The writing style of the author is light and full of humour, but it also packs quite a punch when needed. There’s also something so beautiful with the storytelling in this book, particularly in the part where Mel and Odile were getting to know each other. In the book, there was a section full of dialogues (and only dialogues) and yet, I could clearly visualise Mel and Odile falling in love.
The whole book also highlighted theatre production quite perfectly. At the start of the book, there is the announcement of the spring musical production, in between chapters are official documents and postings, and the chapter headers look like play script headings. It made the story fun and atmospheric in the best way possible.
I also loved getting to know the characters in this book. There were a lot, which can get confusing at times, but it’s not too distracting. Instead, they helped shape the story and move it forward. Mel is such a delightful main character and I loved reading the story in her perspective. I could feel her passion for theatre through the pages, and how this ultimately clashed with her own growing feelings for Odile.
The romance, oh, the romance! Let it be known that I am not overly excited when it comes to romance, and it takes a lot for me to be swayed by the love interests. However, the romance in this book is just exquisite. Mel and Odile’s chemistry and dynamic, how they went from sort of acquaintances to lovers, how Mel thought she already knew what kind of person Odile was (only to be proven wrong) is so GOOD. There were times I had to stop reading because I feel like I would burst from so much happiness because of these two. I adored them so much as a couple and as individual characters and I just couldn’t help but root for them until the end.
The plot in this book was relatively simple, but in no means is it boring. Apart from the romance plot, there’s also their Les Mis production (which reminded me of the fun and chaos in shows like Glee and High School Musical), the situation of their theatre and its curse, Mel’s friendship with Dom and other characters, and more. Everything was so entertaining from start to finish.
I also loved how the book opened up with a document listing down the theatre department’s superstitions, rules, and countercurses. I think the first sign of just how serious they are when it comes to the curse, and it showed later on in the book’s plot, when everyone seemed so consumed by the idea of it.
And of course, also my favourite thing in this book is the fact that it’s so gay. There is casual queer representation, but significant issues were also pointed out and talked about throughout the book. I absolutely loved that.
Overall, The Love Curse of Melody McIntyre is one special book. If you’re looking for a feel good YA romcom, with a dash of angst, and a whole lot of queer—well, this is the perfect book for you! Content warning: Slut shaming (mild).
The Love Curse of Melody McIntyre is available from Amazon, Book Depository, and other good book retailers, like your local bookstore, as of December 1st 2020.
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Synopsis | Goodreads
Perfect for fans of Becky Albertalli and Nina LaCour, this #ownvoices romantic comedy from New York Times bestselling author Robin Talley has something for everyone: backstage rendezvous, deadly props, and a seemingly insurmountable obstacle to True Love.
Melody McIntyre, stage manager extraordinaire, has a plan for everything.
What she doesn’t have? Success with love. Every time she falls for someone during a school performance, both the romance and the show end in catastrophe. So, Mel swears off any entanglements until their upcoming production of Les Mis is over.
Of course, Mel didn’t count on Odile Rose, rising star in the acting world, auditioning for the spring performance. And she definitely didn’t expect Odile to be sweet and funny, and care as much about the play’s success as Mel.
Which means that Melody McIntyre’s only plan now is trying desperately not to fall in love.
