The Accidental Pinup is Danielle Jackson’s debut novel. Released in July 2022, it takes readers to Chicago during an advertising campaign. Cassie is a photographer, not a model. Dana is the designer and supposed to be the model. The company wants to use a different photographer but agrees to have Cassie as the model. The problem? The photographer is Cassie’s biggest competitor.
Synopsis from Goodreads
Photographer Cassie Harris loves her job—her company Buxom Boudoir makes people look beautiful and feel empowered with her modern twist on classic pinup photography. Cassie’s best friend, Dana, is about to launch her own dangerously dreamy lingerie line and wants Cassie to shoot and direct the career-changing national campaign. But company politics and Dana’s complicated pregnancy interfere, and Cassie finds herself—a proud plus size Black woman—not behind the camera but in front of it.
Though she’s never modeled herself, Cassie’s pretty sure she can handle the sheer underwear and caution tape bralettes. She’s not sure she can work so intimately with the chosen photographer, her long-time competitor in the Chicago photography scene, Reid Montgomery. Their chemistry is undeniable on set, however, and feelings can develop faster than film…
Positives
- It’s a quick, easy read.
- The book is just over 300 pages.
- The body positivity is fantastic.
Negatives
- You knew what the conflict would be early on in the book.
My Opinions
As someone who has always struggled with body image and continues to do so, I love the number of romances focusing on body positivity. The Accidental Pinup features Cassie Harris, a plus-sized photographer who strives to highlight people at their best. Her best friend, Dana, is also a plus-sized woman who is comfortable in her skin. Dana works to make others feel just as comfortable in their skin.
With the wardrobe Cassie wears in most of the book, you would think the book would be a lot steamier than it is. In general, the intimate scenes fade to gray. What does that mean? Simply put, there’s kissing, there’s making out, but most of the intimate moments aren’t described, the context clues are there for readers. But that’s not to say there aren’t spicy scenes on the page, because there are. Hence, the fade to gray comment.
The Accidental Pinup follows the typical romance formula: A boy meets a girl, and they find each other attractive. They get to know each other and fall in love. Then, something happens to make them separate. One makes a grand gesture, and all is forgiven.
Readers know early on what will cause the happy couple to separate in The Accidental Pinup. I found myself waiting for that to happen. I had to see how it would happen and what the reactions would be. Sadly, I had to wait longer than I thought I would. And the resolution felt a little too quick, and a tad forced.
Overall, The Accidental Pinup is a fun read. It’s perfect for readers looking for a romance featuring a plus-sized main character.
Are you looking for some more books to read? Check out my bookish lists, book reviews, and monthly reading wrap-ups.
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