I moved to the Bay Area when I was three years old. Since then, I have been a tried and true 49ers fan… but only in theory. Prior to Sunday’s “Big Game,” I’d never been to a Niners game. In fact, prior to Sunday’s game, I’d never been to any football game, not even a high school one.
But despite my obvious lack of experience, I’d still say I’m quite knowledgeable about the rules of football thanks to two key factors: The eighth-grade fitness unit and my love of sports romance novels.
Although I much prefer a hockey or soccer romance, I will occasionally dabble with the athletes of America’s favorite pastime—not baseball, but football. Within the past few months, I’d say my new claim has become even more applicable as football has seemingly taken over the American psyche.
This change, in my opinion, is primarily, but not solely, due to the budding relationship between Taylor Swift and Travis Kelce. At this point, you may be asking yourself, “How is this relevant?” but I promise my preface is more relevant than the trivial questions you ask your math teacher in order to delay class.
In fact, the book I will be writing about, “The Stunt” by C.L. Rose, focuses on the romance between a famous “defensive end” (whatever that means) and “the world’s biggest popstar.” Does that synopsis ring any bells?
If you say yes, then you, like me, have been alive for the past few months because even my grandmother is aware of this relationship, and she doesn’t even have a phone. If you say no, well, then tough luck; your streak is over. Now you do.
When I first came across “The Stunt” on social media, I was immediately intrigued. It was presented in a scene snippet format with photos of hot, half-naked football players in the background and quotes randomly pasted from the book in the foreground. It just screamed high-quality literature, and at that moment, I knew I had to add it to my to-be-read list (my TBR).
Once I downloaded the novella and realized it was only 134 pages and published less than a week ago, it got upgraded to my next read. Upon opening the book, however, I immediately regretted my decision.
The novel—and I use that word VERY lightly—starts with a prologue from the perspective of Maverick, the star football player. He is playing in the AFC championships, and once his team scores a goal (or whatever they do in football), he points to the executive suites and mouths, “That was for you, Songbird” as his girlfriend, a famous singer named Bella, is projected on the jumbotron as she blows him a kiss (I hope you can understand these parallels).
The next chapter, which is technically Chapter One, is also from Maverick’s perspective and begins with the tagline “One Week Earlier.”
At this point, any keen reader would understand that something is amiss. The prologue (note the pro- in prologue) takes place one week AFTER the start of the novel. Hmmm. That’s interesting. Now, I should have clocked this for what it was—a red flag—but if you know me or have read any of my previous romance reviews, you know I tend to ignore all wavelengths over 600 (science joke). So naturally, I kept on reading.
I’d like to say that the book got better over time, but then I’d be lying, and I don’t want to face the wrath of Mr. Mayfield and the handbook guidelines. Instead, I’ll give you snippets of the truth.
I enjoyed the overall plot.
The story was marketed as a fake dating PR relationship between a football player and a singer, and it satisfied all of those limited qualifications. Given its short length, I didn’t expect much in terms of plot and wasn’t given much either.
The relationship was cute.
Although the couple started as a PR relationship, they quickly recognized their true feelings for each other, and by quickly, I mean within the span of an hour. I’m not relying on the “teacher definition” when they say, “I’ll grade your test ‘quickly’.” Despite my criticisms, there were some adorable moments between the two and a scene that bordered on a “Who did this to you” trope.
The book was short. At just under 150 pages, I was confident that I would finish it before February Break began.
Just as the weeks between Thanksgiving and Winter Break are a limbo in terms of classwork and homework, the days leading up to a no-homework break are limbo for readers. You’re not currently reading anything, but you don’t want to start any major series or novel because you know it will consume your time, and you’re waiting for break. What you need is the in-between: a trashy, short, entertaining book to become your new obsession.
“The Stunt” by C.L. Rose was just that. With that being said, I would still consider “The Stunt” a fast-fashion romance novel.
Just as H&M, Shein, and many other brands spend very little time between the initial sketch and production, “fast-fashion” novels, which tend to be romance, have a very quick turnaround. For example, Taylor Swift & Travis Kelce started dating in September, and just six months later, in February, this book was published. Fast-fashion clothing also responds to trends, and let’s just all agree that Taylor Swift & Travis Kelce are most definitely “trending.”
Separately, fast-fashion clothing tends to be low quality, and I’m speaking from personal experience when I say “The Stunt” was low quality, disregarding the plot. There were run-on sentences, misused commas, and much, much more. Any English teacher at Castilleja would have graded it a one.
One important distinction I must make, however, is that “fast-fashion” novels may not have the same ethical or environmental impact as pieces of clothing. Nevertheless, “The Stunt” is, in my opinion, a “fast-fashion” novel. This realization does not take away from my enjoyment of the story, nor should it. But it is something to be aware of.
In the age of short attention spans, accessible publishing, and social media, books like “the Stunt,” are inevitable. I’ve come to accept the plot-driven, lousy editing, short style of some romance novels, and at this point, it doesn’t bother me. But it may bother you, and if so, don’t read this book.
With that being said, it’s time for my rating. I rate “The Stunt” by C.L. Rose three out of five C’s: Cansas City Chiefs.
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