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novella42's review against another edition
emotional
funny
hopeful
inspiring
lighthearted
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? Yes
5.0
This book was generous, warm, and wholeheartedly delicious. A cookie. This book was basically a cookie. Fresh out of the oven and scrumptious.
I adored all the food metaphors, many of which were downright poetic. I loved the way that the city of Austin was its own character, one very true to form, I think. It was just so sweet, in every way I could've wanted. It really had everything I could've asked for in a YA queer romance set in my hometown.
It reminded me of the queer foodie goodness of Chef's Kiss by TJ Alexander, and also the magical realism culinary romance of The Mistress of Spices by Chitra Banerjee Divakaruni.
Tiny spoilery complaint about the polyam rep:my only complaint here is that I don't know anyone in the polyamorous community who would surprise invite someone to a polyamory brunch. The community functions on lots of communication and informed consent, which is otherwise wonderfully represented in this scene, but the plot device of having Syd invited without understanding it was a polyam meetup rang really false to me. Maybe it was meant to be a misunderstanding? I think the main reason it bothers me is that polyam people get pinged with a lot of suspicion that we'd try to trick someone into dating us, when the reality is most polyam people (at least the ones I know) go to great lengths to make sure everyone is on the same page and opting in on their own terms. But otherwise, it was a great scene and I truly appreciated having good representation.
Anyway, I loved this book so very much and think I will be swinging by Book Woman soon to pick up a hardcopy for my own Comfort Book Shelf.
I've also snapped pics of the recipes for the Very Sorry Cake and the Shiny New Scones and have loaded up the ingredients in my HEB grocery app. I will update here if they turn out as delicious as they sound!
I adored all the food metaphors, many of which were downright poetic. I loved the way that the city of Austin was its own character, one very true to form, I think. It was just so sweet, in every way I could've wanted. It really had everything I could've asked for in a YA queer romance set in my hometown.
It reminded me of the queer foodie goodness of Chef's Kiss by TJ Alexander, and also the magical realism culinary romance of The Mistress of Spices by Chitra Banerjee Divakaruni.
Tiny spoilery complaint about the polyam rep:
Anyway, I loved this book so very much and think I will be swinging by Book Woman soon to pick up a hardcopy for my own Comfort Book Shelf.
I've also snapped pics of the recipes for the Very Sorry Cake and the Shiny New Scones and have loaded up the ingredients in my HEB grocery app. I will update here if they turn out as delicious as they sound!
Moderate: Biphobia, Fatphobia, Transphobia, Homophobia, Dysphoria, and Toxic relationship
Minor: Sexual content, Alcohol, Cursing, Panic attacks/disorders, and Infidelity
amberinpieces's review against another edition
adventurous
emotional
funny
hopeful
inspiring
lighthearted
reflective
relaxing
fast-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? Yes
4.5
Moderate: Toxic relationship
Minor: Alcohol and Cursing
relin's review against another edition
emotional
hopeful
lighthearted
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
5.0
I would absolutely re-read this in a heartbeat! It was so queer and lovely, and had both a lovely mix of substance and fluff! The romance between agender and nonbinary characters made my heart feel so at ease and seen! I love the magic of it all!
Moderate: Panic attacks/disorders and Dysphoria
Minor: Alcohol, Cursing, and Sexual content
Some brief misgendering, but the text handles it well (and the misgendering comes from characters who don't know).
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