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maeverose's review against another edition
5.0
I feel so stupid for ever thinking I wasn’t interested in this book. I don’t tend to like romance genre books, so I found it so refreshing that this completely subverts all the tropes I hate in romance. They actually communicate. I could cry. The third act conflict is a completely understandable conflict and is resolved quickly. There’s absolutely zero pettiness between the love interests. And it has tropes I like! Grumpy / sunshine!! Semi-dislike to love!!! I’m actually screaming internally. This was so good.
It’s definitely cozy fantasy, but it does have stakes and plot (which I personally prefer). It’s very much a comfort book.
I loved all the characters, they all had distinct personalities and quirks. They’re the found family I wish I had. Jamie was my type of love interest. Wouldn’t mind one of those for myself thank you.
It’s also really funny, and I don’t often find funny books to be funny. But the humor worked for me in this.
My only very minor not very serious complaint is I wish it was just a tad steamier… but I’ll take what I can get.
I had a stupid smile on my face the whole time reading this (except for when I was crying). If you like romance books, witchy books, or cozy fantasy, please read this. I don’t even tend to like any of those things, hence why I wasn’t interested initially, but this is now one of my favorite books. I need to go buy a copy.
Graphic: Sexual content and Death
Moderate: Bullying, Alcohol, Alcoholism, Child abuse, Death of parent, and Cursing
Minor: Homophobia, Body horror, and Racism
Plot twist spoiler, but kept vague:singalana's review against another edition
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? It's complicated
- Loveable characters? It's complicated
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? It's complicated
3.5
Minor: Cursing, Abandonment, Alcohol, Confinement, Death, Domestic abuse, and Sexual content
rwsmith's review against another edition
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
5.0
i loved the worldbuilding of the magic - just as you expect, and it aligns with all the familiar fairy tales, but with a touch of uniqueness to this fictional world.
the romance was also SO GOOD. ive never been into the romance genre, and i wouldnt say this is necessarily a romance novel, but the romantic plot was incredibly well done - relatable, funny, emotional, perfectly paced, and incredibly satisfying.
the representation in this book is lovely as well. the different races of the characters are simply stated, but the differences between each are acknowledged and deemed important at the same time.
anyone who loves love, magic, and silliness - and a happy ending - should give this book a read.
Graphic: Death of parent
Moderate: Alcohol, Cursing, Emotional abuse, and Gaslighting
Minor: Alcoholism, Bullying, Homophobia, Grief, and Sexual content
violetends's review against another edition
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
4.0
Graphic: Sexual content, Abandonment, and Death of parent
Moderate: Alcohol
thehobbitbarbie's review against another edition
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
4.0
My biggest complaint is that this book, like so many new adult romance novels, makes great use of tropes, but still seems embarrassed by them. When I pick up a romance novel like this, I expect and want to see tropes. When a book points out how ridiculous its tropes are, it completely rips me out of the world and makes me feel like I'm being ridiculed for enjoying it. Romance novelists, it's okay to be a little corny! That's why we're here!
Soap box aside, this is a fantastic cozy fantasy that will give you all the warm fuzzies to carry you from fall into the cold, dark winter months.
Minor: Homophobia, Racism, Abandonment, and Alcohol
lunep's review against another edition
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
5.0
Graphic: Sexual content, Alcohol, Cursing, and Death
Moderate: Death of parent, Child abuse, Confinement, Domestic abuse, Grief, Murder, Bullying, Physical abuse, and Toxic relationship
Minor: Misogyny, Homophobia, Injury/Injury detail, Emotional abuse, Xenophobia, Forced institutionalization, Racism, Abandonment, and Classism
wickedgrumpy's review against another edition
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
4.75
I don't know if I would change the rating if I reread it but since it's the first in a series I will continue when more books are released, there's a chance.
Minor: Alcohol, Gaslighting, Grief, Homophobia, Toxic relationship, Abandonment, Cursing, Confinement, Outing, Death, Death of parent, Sexual content, and Violence
pixelpigeon's review against another edition
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
5.0
Moderate: Abandonment and Confinement
Minor: Alcohol, Body horror, and Death of parent
clarabooksit's review against another edition
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
4.25
This gem of a feel-good story was a very happy surprise, for me. I just loved it.
It’s not perfect, but it’s a cozy, engaging and diverse read with a likable lead, cute kids, found family and a soft enemies-to-lovers romance. I fell hard for the way Mandanna wove loneliness and whimsy together in her writing and I’m really looking forward to the sequel coming out this year.
Moderate: Abandonment, Sexual content, and Grief
Minor: Alcohol, Racism, Xenophobia, Injury/Injury detail, and Death
margaret_k30's review against another edition
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? It's complicated
5.0
Graphic: Abandonment and Grief
Moderate: Racism, Homophobia, Death, Death of parent, and Sexual content
Minor: Alcohol, Confinement, Gaslighting, Child abuse, Emotional abuse, Blood, and Physical abuse