ARC Review: Curated
I think the thing that comes up for me when I read a good romance book (besides how much joy they bring me) is how in awe I am of the depths of which they can make me feel seen, loved, heard, affirmed, appreciated. Truly the list could go on forever. And (a little over) 24hrs after finishing Curated I am sat here feeling such gratitude that this book not only exists but I was lucky enough to get an advance copy of it.
I’d like to thank Nellie for the advance copy, thoughts below are my own, enjoy.
On the surface, Curated is an enemies to lovers workplace romance between prickly history curator Emmy and midwest boy (with exceptional shoulders) and fellow science curator Ryan. They’ve been forced together due to university restructuring and need to some how figure out how to work together.
What I appreciated so much about Curated is that this romance is so much more than its plotting. Yes of course we get some delicious moments (of which I’ll try not to spoil) but these people and the world that Wilson has created (curated?) feels so lived in, so visceral that there were moments (oh no I’m gonna cry), that are gonna stick with me for a really long time.
Emmy, our very prickly historical curator-slash-powerful witch is someone a lot of readers are going to see themselves in. From the frank discussions of using ableist language, to the refreshing acknowledgement of how skewed historical curation is through the lens of whiteness, down to the open and deeply vulnerable moments in the bedroom with Ryan, Emmy is a heroine to not only root for but to connect with.
I appreciated how well balanced the gooey romance moments played against the bigger more real discussions (that take place in real bedrooms and relationships all over the world), where SSRI’s and the ability to come exist in the sphere of the intimate moments. Wilson does a tremendous job walking a line that makes Emmy feel fully formed, and NEVER someone to pity.
Ryan is the perfect match for Emmy. And Wilson again creates (curates?) pure magic both in how we’re shown how much Ryan adjusts his world views, and bubble to make space for Emmy to be. In the way he supports her through the ropes course, in the way he wants to collaborate in the bedroom, and most especially how he is in constant awe of how brilliant she is.
What I think added to an already really just fantastic romance is how perfectly the tension builds up between Emmy and Ryan and where it ultimately takes them. I think ALSO that the 3rd act conflict is real, and felt so fucking correct. But trust Nellie to bring it home in the MOST Ryan and Emmy way possible, and hello a Charles and Ray Eames reference and metaphor?! My design heart was full-to-bursting. But not before just punching the absolute SHIT out of it with the whole you want to do work that matters in a place that matters.
I think that that’s all a lot of us want right? A place to contribute. To speak and be heard. To do great work next to folks that matter to us. To make things from our hearts and minds, and leave something behind. For the next person to find, and continue.
I’m telling you, Curated is going to be that book and I cannot wait for other people to find Ryan and Emmy and fall in love with them as much as I have. Be sure to pre-order Curated now, or grab it when it lands in stores and online January 31st 2023.
xo Kels