Reviews

Caroline's Heart by Austin Chant

belsy's review against another edition

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5.0

I read this book at, like, 3 in the morning — and couldn't stop until I was finished. It's a very quick read, I think it has less than 100 pages, but it's still super sweet and worth reading. It definitely got into my favorites!

Like... I wasn't planning on falling in love with a cowboy, but... I guess I just did!

The main characters are so lovely! Each of them have their own problems, their own dreams, their own history — and, by chance, it all gets tangled. Roy is absolutely the cutest cowboy I have ever seen. He is sweet, caring, and it's endearing how he is drooling on the floor everytime Cecily shows up. It has a beautiful contrast with Cecily's poise and elegance, making them a lovely couple.
All the main topics in the book are taken in such a delicate way! Grieve, fear of being rejected by your own peers, disphoria...
I really appreciate the author for writing this book. It was short, but really pleasing to read. When I finished, I was basically silently screaming (???), holding my kindle and going "YES!!! YES PLEASE!!!!". I wanted a good old happy ending after reading a tragedy, and this was everything I needed. I really recommend it.

Also: Roy, please, marry me???? gosh darn it, i melt everytime he calls Cecily "ma'am"!!!

hotdogwater's review against another edition

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4.0

A sweet supernatural story about two trans people falling for each other.

oceans's review against another edition

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3.0

this was so cute? soft undercurrent of magic and small town vibes with a heartwarming romance

rep: bi trans man mc, bi trans woman mc

victoriapyrrhi's review against another edition

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adventurous emotional hopeful mysterious fast-paced
  • Plot- or character-driven? Character
  • Strong character development? Yes
  • Loveable characters? Yes
  • Diverse cast of characters? Yes
  • Flaws of characters a main focus? No

5.0

Absolutely adored this - in a short amount of time, the author established rich, poignant characters, high stakes, and a beautiful love story. Fierce and funny and full of longing.

crackedspines_'s review against another edition

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dark emotional reflective fast-paced
  • Plot- or character-driven? Character
  • Strong character development? Yes
  • Loveable characters? Yes
  • Diverse cast of characters? Yes
  • Flaws of characters a main focus? It's complicated
This book is so far out of my comfort zone. It’s an adult romance, it’s about cowboys in the south. I was excited, but also a bit hesitant, to pick it up. But I’m so glad I did. Caroline’s Heart is a strange little book, and I say that fondly. It’s like nothing else I’ve ever read.
The characters are so strong and well-developed. Cecily is introduced as a prickly, aloof witch, and throughout the story she both grows and reveals more of her story. Roy is the absolute SWEETEST. He may be 25 but he is my BABY.
Despite the historical, south setting, Caroline’s Heart is full of trans joy and acceptance. A little thrill went through my heart when Roy was met with complete acceptance and understanding.
The magic system in this book was utterly fascinating. The more I learned about how magic worked in this world, the hungrier I grew for more! Maybe I just don’t read enough fantasy, but I thought the magic was so cool and very different.
At under 100 pages, Caroline’s Heart is an extremely quick read. It took me a while because I am disabled but for most people it would be quick. And I did read the last four (out of nine) chapters all in one go.
I can’t wait for this book to go back into print in July so I can buy a physical copy and annotate the SHIT out of it.

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anacoqui's review against another edition

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5.0

Caroline’s Heart by Austin Chant (Trans m/f, PNR, Western). Beautiful, surprising tale about a witch’s grief, an unexpected connection, a split-second decision & the making of a place for each other. Couldn’t put it down. Flawless #bkbrk

luaferraz's review against another edition

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emotional lighthearted mysterious 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? No

4.0

vitniss's review against another edition

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5.0

#queerlitread

victor_rosa's review against another edition

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4.0

S.A. Chant arrasa sempre

libgremlin's review against another edition

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5.0

I got this in the #KrakenFriends sale for a dollar.

This was a sweet novella with fantasy elements, set in the 1880s Wild West, with trans queer protagonists. Really sweet, quick to read, recommend. I'll look for more work by this author.