Reviews

Baby Queen: Special Edition by Charlie Novak

xeleanorx's review against another edition

funny lighthearted medium-paced

• Plot- or character-driven? Character
• Strong character development? Yes
• Loveable characters? Yes
• Diverse cast of characters? No
• Flaws of characters a main focus? No

4.25

bookworm21century's review against another edition

4.0

It was cute! I liked how they both had to lean into it. I also like how we got to see him draw strength 

dede_rose_reads's review against another edition

4.0

I really enjoyed this book. It was heartbreaking to read about Anthony’s experience but I am glad he felt comfortable opening up and sharing his struggles - because lots of good people get scammed and hiding it only helps those who perpetrated the crime do it again to more people. In a community like drag, being open about what happened might encourage other to either come forward and share or be more careful who they trust in the future and spot red flags. I really loved both characters and watching Colin come out of his shell was so much fun. I also loved all the pole dancing, made me wanna take it up as a hobby.

jennp28's review against another edition

4.0

These two are so cute together! I do like a good “we shouldn’t fall in love because XYZ but we just can’t help it” trope. 

waterwitch70's review against another edition

emotional hopeful inspiring slow-paced

• 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

msjessc's review against another edition

I like both MCs fine, but don't love them. There's not really a plot outside of their relationship. Now they're together and ... I don't really have a reason to keep reading. This author is very enjoyable. It's just I'm not vested in these MCs enough.

els17's review against another edition

emotional funny hopeful lighthearted medium-paced

• Plot- or character-driven? Character
• Strong character development? Yes
• Loveable characters? Yes
• Diverse cast of characters? No
• Flaws of characters a main focus? It's complicated

4.25

lost_windsock's review against another edition

emotional medium-paced

• 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

4.5

This was such a sweet book. I really loved the idea of this series continuing not with cast member we'd already met, but two new characters that were integrated so well into the current group. We'd gotten little peeks at Colin and Anthony before in different books of Charlie's, but I liked that we got to see our old favorite Queens and Kings at The Court welcome them in. I really loved Colin's character; he was shy but he was also very sure of himself and he showed a lot of bravery in taking the steps toward getting what he knew he wanted. He was such a solid partner for Anthony to be able to lean on once he finally let himself. What happened to Anthony was definitely super shitty, and I thought he was written very realistically when it came to how he handled it. The heat between he and Colin was delicious, as well. One thing that kinda stood out to me across the book was the mention of Colin's ex and how he must wouldn't leave Colin alone, though we never saw him or heard from him during this book, so I thought it was a bit of a strange detail to add. But I really enjoyed this book and I can't wait to read whatever comes next!

xanthe87's review against another edition

emotional funny lighthearted sad medium-paced

• Plot- or character-driven? A mix
• Strong character development? Yes
• Loveable characters? Yes
• Diverse cast of characters? Yes
• Flaws of characters a main focus? No

5.0

Anthony (Barbie) and Colin's (Sugar Pill) story is such a wonderful read! It's got an element of hurt/comfort to it with what led Anthony to moving back in with his mum, but otherwise it's a fairly low angst story with drag queen awesomeness and a sweet and slow burn romance.
These two men come into each other's lives at just the right time. Anthony's arrival at The Court, to meet everyone, ready for their pantomime, coincides with Colin's, after being invited to come and look behind the scenes and ask questions as someone new to the drag scene. Being the two new guys in the room, they connect quickly and very smoothly. The only thing holding them back is that Anthony takes on the role of mentor to Colin, having so much experience on the big stage after winning Drag Race and doing some touring. Feelings outweigh commonsense sometimes though and lead to the thing you need to bring happiness and comfort to your life.
They are so sweet together but also, there is an intense chemistry that they have no problem in exploring. There is also the great group of people at The Court who welcome them both like long lost friends and soon fold them into the family. Anthony's drama is written well, I thought. There is the mental and emotional toll it took on him but also the stressing of what others would think of him. Colin is a big support, as is their community.
Another brilliant story from Charlie Novak and I can't wait to read more from these characters.
I received an ARC and am happily giving a review.

jerzgirl's review against another edition

funny hopeful lighthearted medium-paced

• 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

I’ve loved this series, The Court. What’s not to love? Drag Queens, characters from the Forever Love series, Heather Bay series AND the Kiss Me series all make appearances because so many characters are connected to each other in various ways. I love checking in on them.

And yet, two new characters! Ok, sort of. Colin is the best friend of Ianto and Rhys, as much as you can be best friends with identical twins who are super tight. He’s our Baby Queen. A PhD student who does pole and wants to become a drag queen. FUN!

And then we meet Barbie Summers (a nod to Buffy Summers?), aka Anthony. She won a drag reality show and was fairly famous, but got screwed by her manager. So Anthony is home from London and shows up at The Court just when Colin does. Kismet for Barbie Summers to take on a drag daughter.

Here’s my single complaint- not enough learning to be a drag queen. Colin was far from a makeup pro and Barbie helps, but I wanted to see Colin do it and be proud. Just little things like that. But that being said, it was still a great book.

Barbie/Anthony and Colin (I won’t give away his drag name) just had chemistry right from the start. What I would call fast friends. They just clicked and spent a lot of time becoming friends. And ramping up the sexual tension.

Barbie grapples with coming to terms with everything in his life while also fighting his growing feelings for Colin. Barbie’s friend and mentor does not want him to get involved with Colin. But the heart wants what the heart wants, amirite?

There are lots of laughs, of course. Many around the subject of Colin’s PhD studies. Because how could you not? But it was also very sweet, very sexy and very fun.

This is an excellent addition to the series. I hope we get to see more of Colin as a drag queen in the future