This novella was a goddamn delight. Written entirely in the form of letters (epistolary stuff is my kryptonite). The main character is introverted andThis novella was a goddamn delight. Written entirely in the form of letters (epistolary stuff is my kryptonite). The main character is introverted and socially awkward, and the unreliable-ness of his narration is clear and so sweet because he is so so clueless and adorable in his cluelessness. A queer historical with some light magic, in a world where queerness is normal, but social class issues are still in place. Curious to read more in this world. Thanks Charlotte for the rec!...more
I read this book for the trans right readathon and I am glad I did! I chose it because I am currently on a mini tentative exploration of books within I read this book for the trans right readathon and I am glad I did! I chose it because I am currently on a mini tentative exploration of books within the fantasy genre (that still have romance!), and this book came with several trusted recommendations.
I really enjoyed the noir, mid-century mystery vibes of this novella, and the magical world building was interesting and not too complicated. The love story between Helen and Edith was lovely, though I would have wanted more! The pace was brisk without seeming rushed, and the denouement was really well executed and felt bittersweet in a good way. I am curious to read more by this author!...more
Wow. Ok. This book was outstanding, full stop. The romance was incredibly satisfying on so many levels, and the story deals quite directly with issuesWow. Ok. This book was outstanding, full stop. The romance was incredibly satisfying on so many levels, and the story deals quite directly with issues of class and racial justice, the targeting of black folks by police, the justice system, challenges faced by refugees, academia….I mean. This book was written pretty much exactly at the intersection of several things I care about. It was masterfully done.
I could discuss the ways this book deals with social justice at length, but I also need to yell a bit about the romance itself. Easton and Patrice have so much chemistry I am surprised my kindle didn’t self combust. I loved each of them as individuals, their growth and vulnerability was beautiful, their love story had me near tears in a few places (when I wasn’t fanning myself).
One of my favourite things in this book is the mark of some of my absolute favourite romance novels: the way they fought and talked about difficult things. This book is obviously very different in style and content, but that aspect reminded me of the best of KJ Charles.
Plus this book has what is sure to be one of my all time favourite epilogues. I will be revisiting this book for sure, and I am eager to complete the series, which is also shaping up to be a favourite....more
I absolutely loved this book. The writing is absolutely sublime, I wanted to roll around in its glory.
Emily, the protagonist, is prickly and difficulI absolutely loved this book. The writing is absolutely sublime, I wanted to roll around in its glory.
Emily, the protagonist, is prickly and difficult in a way that is rarely seen for female main characters in romance. I have read heaps and heaps of male protagonists like her, and it was an absolute joy and delight to revel in to story of a curmudgeonly woman who risks allowing herself some joy, while staying true to herself.
This book is a romance, though it is a very slow burn, and the love story is not as central as in most romances. That being said, I absolutely loved romance between her and Captain Andrews, and found their story really satisfying.
One of the highlights of the book was the relationship between Emily and Grace. I legit cried a couple of times at key moments between them in the book.
This book has a magnificent cast of supporting characters, all of whom I adored. Each was well developed and compelling, and I look forward to future rereads so that I can revisit them like old friends.
Highly recommended
Thanks to NetGalley and the publisher for the ARC!...more
When I found out that the new edition of Waiting for the Flood would come with a longer novella companion piece about Marius, I was excited and intrigWhen I found out that the new edition of Waiting for the Flood would come with a longer novella companion piece about Marius, I was excited and intrigued. I never saw Marius as a villain, and was super curious to get to know him. It turns out Marius is in fact quite a difficult character in many ways. He is full of pain and self-loathing, and behaves quite atrociously. A very sharp contrast to Edwin, and to Marius’ love interest Leo in this novella.
Marius is a fascinating character, and I enjoyed his love story with Leo. My favourite part is hard to discuss without spoilers. I will say that I appreciated that there was a lot about compassion, understanding, honesty, and forgiveness in this book. That every person is worthy of being fully seen and accepted and loved. That people can live a situation very differently, and that without information or a full perspective, one can easily fill in the mental blanks in different ways. That it’s possible to come to understanding, resolution, and healing. That part gave me hope. I wish there was more of that in the world.
Thank you to NetGalley and Sourcebooks Casablanca for the ARC ...more
My first romance written in French by a Quebec author! I’ve been curious to read romance in French and I was excited to read this queer friends-to-lovMy first romance written in French by a Quebec author! I’ve been curious to read romance in French and I was excited to read this queer friends-to-lovers rockstar romance. I loved the slow burn romance and the dynamic of the band. I’ll be reading the second book in the series for sure! CW for internalized and full-on homophobia.
Ma première romance écrite en français par un auteur québécois ! J’étais curieuse de lire de la romance en français et j’étais excitée de lire cette histoire d’amour queer entre deux amis qui sont musiciens dans un band très populaire. J'ai adoré le development de leur relation amoureuse, qui se déroule lentement. J’ai aussi bien aimé la dynamique du groupe. Je lirai certainement le deuxième tome de la série ! À noter qu’il y a de l’homophobie dans le livre....more
I read this book several years ago, and it has stayed with me all this time. I didn’t use GR at the time, and I decided to revisit it for obvious reasI read this book several years ago, and it has stayed with me all this time. I didn’t use GR at the time, and I decided to revisit it for obvious reasons - the author and the main character are both queer Palestinian-Canadian women, and these identities play a central role in the book.
For full disclosure, I am friends with the author. I’m always a bit nervous when reading something by someone I know - what if I don’t like it, what will I say? I was completely blow away when I read this book, and strongly recommend it.
Nadia, the protagonist in this book, is Palestinian and Canadian, and grew up in Montreal with her Canadian mother. She travels to Egypt to visit her father, and ends up staying and developing a relationship with Manal, a young artist working in a gallery.
This book is a beautiful coming of age story about the complexity of family and identity. I loved the bi awakening and the sapphic love story, though this is not a capital R Romance. Cairo is so alive in this story, the sense of place was very powerful. Tensions in Palestine play a role in the book, and reading it is a reminder of the many injustices that Palestinians have faced for a very long time.
I first read this book on a beach while on vacation. I remember that I was crying when I finished, and looked up to see that the previously sunny sky had clouded over and it had started gently raining. I was so absorbed in the story that I completely forgot about my surroundings....more
Jack Hawthorn is former magician and a class traitor of an aristocrat calling for taxes on the wealthy and I am HFabulous end to an excellent series.
Jack Hawthorn is former magician and a class traitor of an aristocrat calling for taxes on the wealthy and I am Here For It. Extra thrilled I get to use my favourite hashtag in a book review of a romance #TaxTheRich. I loved being in his POV as he finally let himself care about others again.
Alan Ross is a non magical reporter working hard to keep his family afloat, even if it means working for a conservative newspaper that goes against his political analysis and beliefs.
I really appreciated the ways class and privilege were addressed in this book. The chemistry between Alan and Jack was crackling, their banter, their intimate scenes, wow. Really well done. I wanted MORE!!!
It is necessary to read the other books in the series to make sense of this book, as the plot is really threaded across the books. I loved seeing the previous main characters through Jack and Alan’s eyes, and having the whole gang together and in various combinations was a delight.
There is also a large cast of supporting and villainous characters, and the plot, locations, and set pieces were elaborate. I think the author did a good job of keeping it all together, though I did find some bits a little confusing as I was swallowing the book whole to find out what happens next.
I was completely absorbed in the world of this book, and adored the romance. One of my favourite books of the year. ...more
Jen Comfort is solidifying into position as one of my favourite writers. She has a knack for writing sharp, funny, engaging, and steamy books filled wJen Comfort is solidifying into position as one of my favourite writers. She has a knack for writing sharp, funny, engaging, and steamy books filled with crackling banter and heroines who are somehow equal part competent and disaster. The MMCs are always their perfect match.
I loved both Maxine and Teddy. This is an A+ second chance romance. Maxine and Teddy met while filming a Jeopardy-esque game show and are brought back together for a tournament of champions.
Teddy is a buttoned up professor with mega academic credentials and a love of low ties. Maxine dropped out of school and is fully self taught, and a love of sky diving and risk-taking in general. Their individual growth and relationship development was excellent.
This book made me want to form a bar trivia group with some friends. Recommended!
Thank you NetGalley and Montlake for the ARC...more
YES HELLO I LOVED THIS BOOK. The romance, the plot, everything just worked for me in this one. The whole book takes place on a ship travelling from NeYES HELLO I LOVED THIS BOOK. The romance, the plot, everything just worked for me in this one. The whole book takes place on a ship travelling from New York to England, the ambiance and feel that the author created was fantastic. The fact that everyone was trapped on this boat heightened the suspense for me.
I absolutely loved both Maud and Violet, but I have to say that I really adored Maud. A born leader, I would follow her into any battle. The romance was both hot and swoony, the way Violet struggled to open up and reveal herself GAH.
All. The. Side. Characters. Seriously, I loved all the side characters. I am so glad I waited to read this right before the release of book 3 because I am chomping at the bit to read Hawthorn and Ross’ story.
There were some laugh out loud moments in this book, I cackled.
I really enjoyed this last installment of this series, though it did not rise to the level of Total Creative Control, which is an all-time fave.
I espeI really enjoyed this last installment of this series, though it did not rise to the level of Total Creative Control, which is an all-time fave.
I especially loved getting to know Jay in this book. I loved the way he opened up to Tag while struggling with being fully vulnerable. I appreciated the class commentary in this book. ...more
Claire aka DocReads
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lgbtq-romance
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