Title: Belle of the Ball
Author: Mari Costa
Publisher: First Second
Publication date: March 21, 2023
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Summary
At long last, Hawkins has finally worked up the courage to ask out her crush, the cheerleader Regina. However, there’s only one problem: Regina already has a girlfriend, Chloe, who is an underperforming English student. Luckily, Hawkins is an English tutor, so Regina uses this opportunity to get Hawkins to tutor Chloe. Because she knows Hawkins will do anything to get into her good graces.
Regina’s plan works at first, as Hawkins gets folded into their friend group. What Regina doesn’t realize is that Hawkins and Chloe knew each other when they were kids. And there just might be some chemistry there, waiting to be kindled. Especially when they both realize they can be themselves around each other.
Review: Belle of the Ball
Thanks to NetGalley and First Second for an advanced copy of Belle of the Ball by Mari Costa to review! Not only does the cover of this book look absolutely adorable, but the content inside matches it. The story itself gives me a little bit of Heartstopper vibes, so if you’re looking for something that will just make you happy, this is the book for you.
The pink color palette absolutely works for this book, and the art overall is really well done. Costa transports you to this story, and emphasizes the emotions of her characters through the writing and through the facial expressions throughout. You will fall in love with the cast of characters instantly, and the chemistry between them is just phenomenal.
I also appreciated that Hawkins fails when she first asks out her crush, but she’s eventually able to curate a friendship from that. It also makes her realize that there’s maybe someone else that has caught her eye. Bonus: there’s also a Ren Fair at one point, which is just a fun addition to this light-hearted romantic comedy.
All in all, I absolutely loved this and will probably be buying a copy when it comes out in March!
5 stars