[ book review ] Virtually Yours by Jeremy Holt & Elizabeth Beals
Book: Virtually Yours
Author: Jeremy Holt & Elizabeth Beals
Genre: adult, contemporary romance, graphic novel
Format: Digital.
Was it an ARC/gifted copy? No.
SYNOPSIS:
Shouldn’t finding a life partner be more challenging than ordering a pizza? Welcome to Virtually Yours, a virtual dating app that provides all the proof of being in a relationship without actually being in one. With her career front of mind, Eva Estrella joins Virtually Yours, after a nudge from her sister, to alleviate some family pressure as she continues to look for her dream job in journalism.
Meanwhile, Max Kittridge, a former child star in the middle of a divorce, takes a gig at Virtually Yours servicing multiple clients as a fake boyfriend. As they navigate their current circumstances, both Eva and Max find that sometimes what you’re looking for is right in front of you.
Virtually Yours is a rom-com for the digital age from writer Jeremy Holt and artist Elizabeth Beals. This exciting new collaboration includes letterer Adam Wollet, book designer Tim Daniel, and editor Kat Vendetti. Together, they present a refreshing take on a beloved genre that will appeal to anyone familiar with love in the time of the internet.
Content Warnings: domestic abuse, physical abuse, emotional abuse, fatphobia, alcohol consumption, sexual harassment, toxic parents & toxic partner
RATING: 4.5 stars
REVIEW:
I wish it had been longer, because with more pages it would have had more space to develop some plot points (like the abusive relationship), or to show the passing of time and the developing of their feelings a little better. The way it is right now is a little too fast and a bit confusing.
The art style is so pretty, the friend group was amazing, and despite its pacing flaws, this was such an enjoyable read that I still think it’s worth 4.5 stars.
Also, did the author sneak in the Good Omens couple on page 79? I don’t know the names of the characters because I haven’t watched the show, but they are pretty recognizable. It’s pretty cool if it is them.
Representation: plus size Latina fmc, Black mmc, multiple POC side characters. The author is queer, and while the two main characters are not said to be queer in the comic (as far as I saw), the fmc’s best friend is gay and the whole group spends much of the book at her gay bar.
