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ellelainey's review
5.0
** I WAS GIVEN THIS BOOK FOR MY READING PLEASURE **
Reviewed for Divine Magazine
~
Fiorenzo, by Sebastian Nothwell
★★★★★
3rd person, dual POV
Genre: MM, Romance, Historical, Alternative World, Courtesan/Brothel,
Triggers: BDSM (dom/sub, crop, bondage), references to sexual assault (off-page), allusions to past childhood sexual assault, mutilation, references to death of family member, past illness from plague/pandemic, gore, medical scenes, scenes of surgery, prejudice against left-handedness, poison, scenes of swordplay and dueling
~
Fiorenzo is an epic adventure in an alternative historical world where a Duke is charmed by a young courtesan with a strong spirit. The world-building was incredible, from the realistic portrayals of historical Italian life, to the additions of alternative-world elements, such as the Duke's being descended from dragons, the evolution of unique anatomy, and the fact there are women as Dukes and Princes.
Our two main characters are enchanting and each have a dark past and past betrayals to overcome.
A duel has left Enzo with facial scars and a fierce reputation as the Dueling Duke of Drakehaven. He uses a bauta mask when out in public to hide the scars on his face.
Fiore is a courtesan from the Kingfisher, working as a freelance agent of sorts. His life has been a long streak of bad luck – an orphan sent to the conservatorio because of his singing voice, trained to become an opera singer until a trauma made him run away. After some years, he became Fiore a courtesan and has been one ever since.
Together, they make an intriguing couple. Enzo, who has forsaken all hope of affection or compassion unless he's hidden behind a mask, and Fiore who is a free spirit with a jaded outlook on life. They come together purely by accident, but choose to remain together. The tenderness, heat and deep emotional affection displayed between them is profound and beautifully woven into every passage.
While the book has a slightly lyrical, literary style it works perfectly for the historical background and the nature of the characters. There are some amusing uses of metaphor, such as the constant use of sword and nautical themes in intimate situations. The writing is steeped in detail, both ancient and artistic, that it's impossible not to be instantly drawn into the world Nothwell is weaving, from the language use to the architecture and how the words paint a picture of time and location so clearly.
The story starts beautifully slow with Enzo and Fiore meeting, progressing through their tentative relationship at a pace that fits the budding romance and gives us time to see the bond growing between them. Then, at around the halfway mark, I think I held me breath for an entire 10%, because things suddenly took a turn that left no doubt that everything was about to change. Yet, the chemistry between Fiore and Enzo never wavered, becoming stronger for the adversity they faced. Regardless of who was at risk, the other was there to comfort, protect and care for them.
I loved how tentative Fiore was to believe and trust in Enzo, despite his flirtations and obvious affection. It spoke of how deeply he'd been betrayed and hurt in the past, making it hard for him to trust anyone and how aware he is of his own position in society. Alternatively, Enzo has the luxury of not caring about his position and exceeding people's expectations of him to do whatever he wishes. Even when Fiore is injured, Enzo does everything in his power to keep him safe and well, using all that position and authority that he never cared for, to make sure Fiore is safe.
Having undergone surgery without anaesthesia myself, I felt Fiore's pain. Though he was clearly terrified – having a fear of chiurgeons/surgeons – Enzo never judged him for that, instead respecting his choices and never telling him to feel any different or forcing him to face his fears. He takes care of Fiore with such tenderness that it made me want to cry, especially when Fiore was mentally and emotionally scraped raw.
When it comes to secondary characters, I loved Fiore's artist friend Artemesia, the loyal hound Vittorio, and Enzo's sister Giovanna and her family. I wasn't fond of Lucrezia, and I don't think I was supposed to be, but I would have liked to see a little more of his mother at the end.
~
Any issues?
I wouldn't call them issues, but there were a few things I noticed. For an ARC, there were very few editing issues, though I did notice some. One thing that jarred me a little – probably my Britishness getting in the way – was the constant use of the word “cunt”. It's just not a word I can read comfortably. The first few pages mention money, in terms of zecchini, and throughout there are clothing terms or historical elements that I felt a little lost navigating. I had to use Google and my dictionary a lot.
Mostly, my issues were plot gaps. I wanted to know what became of Orazio, but that was never explained. If that's to come in a following book, I'd read it, no doubt. But I did want even a sliver of a hint as to his fate. I also feel like that missing period of Fiore's life, between leaving the conservatorio and taking up residence at the Kingfisher could have used a little more explanation as it was entirely glossed over, though I (perhaps wrongly) assumed that meant he'd been on the streets, in a far less pleasant version of courtesan life.
However...in the long run, I couldn't bring myself to give this book anything less than the 5 stars it deserves, and I'll be adding it to my bookshelf to sit alongside Oak King Holly King.
~
OVERALL
Fiorenzo is an incredibly emotive, captivating story of two people who should never have found themselves together but who fit so perfectly that there's no denying what a perfect match they make. No matter the trials or troubles they face, they've faced them together and lead the reader on an enchanting journey through danger, ecstasy and pain to come out the other side stronger and more in love than ever. Nothwell has already secured a place on my physical bookshelf with his last book, but this book shows me I need to make more space because I can see many more of his books gracing my shelf into the future.
~
Favourite Quote
“what would you do with me when I'm old and flabby and wrinkled?”
Enzo smiled. “With any luck, I shall likewise become old and flabby and wrinked by then, and we would make a well-matched set.”
Another wistful smile graced Fiore's perfect lips. “Perhaps.””
“even with the mark on, Enzo had felt more seen by Fiore than he had by anyone since he'd first donned it.”
Reviewed for Divine Magazine
~
Fiorenzo, by Sebastian Nothwell
★★★★★
3rd person, dual POV
Genre: MM, Romance, Historical, Alternative World, Courtesan/Brothel,
Triggers: BDSM (dom/sub, crop, bondage), references to sexual assault (off-page), allusions to past childhood sexual assault, mutilation, references to death of family member, past illness from plague/pandemic, gore, medical scenes, scenes of surgery, prejudice against left-handedness, poison, scenes of swordplay and dueling
~
Fiorenzo is an epic adventure in an alternative historical world where a Duke is charmed by a young courtesan with a strong spirit. The world-building was incredible, from the realistic portrayals of historical Italian life, to the additions of alternative-world elements, such as the Duke's being descended from dragons, the evolution of unique anatomy, and the fact there are women as Dukes and Princes.
Our two main characters are enchanting and each have a dark past and past betrayals to overcome.
A duel has left Enzo with facial scars and a fierce reputation as the Dueling Duke of Drakehaven. He uses a bauta mask when out in public to hide the scars on his face.
Fiore is a courtesan from the Kingfisher, working as a freelance agent of sorts. His life has been a long streak of bad luck – an orphan sent to the conservatorio because of his singing voice, trained to become an opera singer until a trauma made him run away. After some years, he became Fiore a courtesan and has been one ever since.
Together, they make an intriguing couple. Enzo, who has forsaken all hope of affection or compassion unless he's hidden behind a mask, and Fiore who is a free spirit with a jaded outlook on life. They come together purely by accident, but choose to remain together. The tenderness, heat and deep emotional affection displayed between them is profound and beautifully woven into every passage.
While the book has a slightly lyrical, literary style it works perfectly for the historical background and the nature of the characters. There are some amusing uses of metaphor, such as the constant use of sword and nautical themes in intimate situations. The writing is steeped in detail, both ancient and artistic, that it's impossible not to be instantly drawn into the world Nothwell is weaving, from the language use to the architecture and how the words paint a picture of time and location so clearly.
The story starts beautifully slow with Enzo and Fiore meeting, progressing through their tentative relationship at a pace that fits the budding romance and gives us time to see the bond growing between them. Then, at around the halfway mark, I think I held me breath for an entire 10%, because things suddenly took a turn that left no doubt that everything was about to change. Yet, the chemistry between Fiore and Enzo never wavered, becoming stronger for the adversity they faced. Regardless of who was at risk, the other was there to comfort, protect and care for them.
I loved how tentative Fiore was to believe and trust in Enzo, despite his flirtations and obvious affection. It spoke of how deeply he'd been betrayed and hurt in the past, making it hard for him to trust anyone and how aware he is of his own position in society. Alternatively, Enzo has the luxury of not caring about his position and exceeding people's expectations of him to do whatever he wishes. Even when Fiore is injured, Enzo does everything in his power to keep him safe and well, using all that position and authority that he never cared for, to make sure Fiore is safe.
Having undergone surgery without anaesthesia myself, I felt Fiore's pain. Though he was clearly terrified – having a fear of chiurgeons/surgeons – Enzo never judged him for that, instead respecting his choices and never telling him to feel any different or forcing him to face his fears. He takes care of Fiore with such tenderness that it made me want to cry, especially when Fiore was mentally and emotionally scraped raw.
When it comes to secondary characters, I loved Fiore's artist friend Artemesia, the loyal hound Vittorio, and Enzo's sister Giovanna and her family. I wasn't fond of Lucrezia, and I don't think I was supposed to be, but I would have liked to see a little more of his mother at the end.
~
Any issues?
I wouldn't call them issues, but there were a few things I noticed. For an ARC, there were very few editing issues, though I did notice some. One thing that jarred me a little – probably my Britishness getting in the way – was the constant use of the word “cunt”. It's just not a word I can read comfortably. The first few pages mention money, in terms of zecchini, and throughout there are clothing terms or historical elements that I felt a little lost navigating. I had to use Google and my dictionary a lot.
Mostly, my issues were plot gaps. I wanted to know what became of Orazio, but that was never explained. If that's to come in a following book, I'd read it, no doubt. But I did want even a sliver of a hint as to his fate. I also feel like that missing period of Fiore's life, between leaving the conservatorio and taking up residence at the Kingfisher could have used a little more explanation as it was entirely glossed over, though I (perhaps wrongly) assumed that meant he'd been on the streets, in a far less pleasant version of courtesan life.
However...in the long run, I couldn't bring myself to give this book anything less than the 5 stars it deserves, and I'll be adding it to my bookshelf to sit alongside Oak King Holly King.
~
OVERALL
Fiorenzo is an incredibly emotive, captivating story of two people who should never have found themselves together but who fit so perfectly that there's no denying what a perfect match they make. No matter the trials or troubles they face, they've faced them together and lead the reader on an enchanting journey through danger, ecstasy and pain to come out the other side stronger and more in love than ever. Nothwell has already secured a place on my physical bookshelf with his last book, but this book shows me I need to make more space because I can see many more of his books gracing my shelf into the future.
~
Favourite Quote
“what would you do with me when I'm old and flabby and wrinkled?”
Enzo smiled. “With any luck, I shall likewise become old and flabby and wrinked by then, and we would make a well-matched set.”
Another wistful smile graced Fiore's perfect lips. “Perhaps.””
“even with the mark on, Enzo had felt more seen by Fiore than he had by anyone since he'd first donned it.”
ajsteele1699's review
adventurous
emotional
hopeful
inspiring
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? No
- Flaws of characters a main focus? It's complicated
4.75
farenmaddox's review
adventurous
emotional
hopeful
medium-paced
3.5
This book is a fantasy-historical romance, so I went in expecting certain tropes, which I found in spades. Nothwell's prose is lovely, and as a hurt/comfort enthusiast, not to mention a fond spot for narratives that let sex workers be sex workers while still enjoying a romance plot that isn't fuelled by jealousy, I have to say this book really does it for me.
On the other hand, it's too long. Some of the backstory stuff could have been handled quicker and there was at least one too many episodes of convalesence. I sympathised greatly with Fiore's medical trauma, but the amount of repetiveness given to it was excessive. Because of those reasons, the pacing felt wrong in a few places.
On the other hand, it's too long. Some of the backstory stuff could have been handled quicker and there was at least one too many episodes of convalesence. I sympathised greatly with Fiore's medical trauma, but the amount of repetiveness given to it was excessive. Because of those reasons, the pacing felt wrong in a few places.
Content Warnings
Graphic: Sexual content, Injury/Injury detail, Medical trauma, and Medical content
Moderate: Violence and Sexual assault
Minor: Confinement and Sexual violence
meli_thebookworm16's review
challenging
emotional
hopeful
reflective
tense
slow-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
4.75
"I know you don't like to be perceived."
"I like to be perceived by you."
.
.
OH MY GOD. THIS BOOK.
I have to admit I was extremely hesitant about this book. First, it was from an unknown to me author, and times are very trying for me personally right now which makes me very prone to just re-read one of my comfort books instead of trying something new. I know. Second, there was an extensive list of CW that I found in the Graph, and even though most of the stuff that I tend to avoid are off page (mind you, I value my mental sanity and do not enjoy triggering myself when I am reading, which I do for fun, thank you very much!), I have been burned in the past so I had to think it twice lmao.
I am so glad that despite all of that I gave this book a chance. THIS BOOK IS SPECTACULAR!!
I LOVED Fiorenzo. Fiore is a courtesan, who is in the search for his ideal patron, someone with money, who will give him security, stability and this person must be old-ish, which will minimize the risk of him being cast aside when such patron eventually gets tired of him, which he knows it is what will inevitably happen because it is the fate of every courtesan he has met. He meets Enzo, an enigmatic man who wears a bauta mask (aka a Casanova’s mask that covers the whole face) and who does not remove the mask not even in the privacy of his chambers, and from the very beginning of their sexual encounters they have an incredible connection. Their relationship starts as a mere transactional one, because of Fiore’s occupation, and very rapidly starts progressing into something very treasured and intimate between a uninhibited but very broken inside and jaded individual, Fiore, and a reserved, awkward and equally broken one, Enzo. They are open and frank with each other, and even when their relationship still has not progressed to discuss their exclusivity of an actual relationship, it is that openness and the absolute trust in the other that makes everything work because they are devoted to each other. They cherish and protect each other fiercely. The amount of yearning in this book feels like something that should be punishable by law because it made me want to eat my fist multiple times.
Also, the hurt/comfort. Good Gods, the hurt/comfort!! This book is for the hurt/comfort girlies (gender neutral), who like the hurt to not trigger them and want pages and pages of comfort and people bathing the other one, playing the lute for the other one, reading to them and overall taking care of their beloved while they are convalescing that will turn your heart to mush, repeatedly, to your absolute delight. It is also for those who find great comfort in vowing to destroy and wreak absolute vengeance on those who hurt your loved one.
This book is also for those who unabashedly and unapologetically adore poetic prose; the prose in this book is exquisite. Full stop.
Fiorenzo is the most gratifying trope fest. It has size difference, bdsm (dom/sub, crop, bondage and a full sea-chest of toys ready to use) where the shorter one prefers to top (Fiore) and the bulkiest one prefers to bottom (Enzo) which in the grand scheme of things is not something that perhaps other people might include in their reviews but it would be a gross neglect on my part to omit it, because this caters to my very personal interests. And the smut was REALLY GOOD. On top of that, it has insanely hot homoerotic sparring between lovers. I felt I was in heaven.
Which leads me to mention one thing that I particularly enjoyed and it was how the conversation about Enzo’s physical peculiarity, as the character himself calls it (and not to be referred to as an intersex individual out of respect for real intersex people, per author request since the peculiarity in question in this case has a fantastical source, aka related to dragons) was handled. Honestly, it is very simple, if a book has people talking about boundaries, and making sure those boundaries are always respected it will get bonus points from me.
Additionally, if you are kind of sick and tired of everything being so misogynistic and queerphobic irl, I have great news for you. This is the book you oughta read. Superbly researched, the story set in the late 14th century in Halcyon, a fictional realm loosely inspired by the Venetian Republic and also borrowing some artistic tradition, costume and cuisine from other parts of Italy, is delightfully queernormative. Not only are same sex relationships not taboo, but it has a very refreshing attitude towards gender that simultaneously thrilled me and made me so sad that this was not the world I was living in; most of the authority figures were women. Tons of bonus points.
My only gripe, and it is a very teeny tiny one, almost inconsequential, is that for a book of close to 700 pages the ending felt a bit rushed. Maybe I wanted to see a bit more of their HEA together. And yet, the last sentence almost brought me to tears, with the sheer joy of having experienced the beautiful healing journey that is Fiorenzo.
.
.
[I received an advance review copy for free from BookSirens, and I am leaving this review voluntarily.]
"I like to be perceived by you."
.
.
OH MY GOD. THIS BOOK.
I have to admit I was extremely hesitant about this book. First, it was from an unknown to me author, and times are very trying for me personally right now which makes me very prone to just re-read one of my comfort books instead of trying something new. I know. Second, there was an extensive list of CW that I found in the Graph, and even though most of the stuff that I tend to avoid are off page (mind you, I value my mental sanity and do not enjoy triggering myself when I am reading, which I do for fun, thank you very much!), I have been burned in the past so I had to think it twice lmao.
I am so glad that despite all of that I gave this book a chance. THIS BOOK IS SPECTACULAR!!
I LOVED Fiorenzo. Fiore is a courtesan, who is in the search for his ideal patron, someone with money, who will give him security, stability and this person must be old-ish, which will minimize the risk of him being cast aside when such patron eventually gets tired of him, which he knows it is what will inevitably happen because it is the fate of every courtesan he has met. He meets Enzo, an enigmatic man who wears a bauta mask (aka a Casanova’s mask that covers the whole face) and who does not remove the mask not even in the privacy of his chambers, and from the very beginning of their sexual encounters they have an incredible connection. Their relationship starts as a mere transactional one, because of Fiore’s occupation, and very rapidly starts progressing into something very treasured and intimate between a uninhibited but very broken inside and jaded individual, Fiore, and a reserved, awkward and equally broken one, Enzo. They are open and frank with each other, and even when their relationship still has not progressed to discuss their exclusivity of an actual relationship, it is that openness and the absolute trust in the other that makes everything work because they are devoted to each other. They cherish and protect each other fiercely. The amount of yearning in this book feels like something that should be punishable by law because it made me want to eat my fist multiple times.
Also, the hurt/comfort. Good Gods, the hurt/comfort!! This book is for the hurt/comfort girlies (gender neutral), who like the hurt to not trigger them and want pages and pages of comfort and people bathing the other one, playing the lute for the other one, reading to them and overall taking care of their beloved while they are convalescing that will turn your heart to mush, repeatedly, to your absolute delight. It is also for those who find great comfort in vowing to destroy and wreak absolute vengeance on those who hurt your loved one.
This book is also for those who unabashedly and unapologetically adore poetic prose; the prose in this book is exquisite. Full stop.
Fiorenzo is the most gratifying trope fest. It has size difference, bdsm (dom/sub, crop, bondage and a full sea-chest of toys ready to use) where the shorter one prefers to top (Fiore) and the bulkiest one prefers to bottom (Enzo) which in the grand scheme of things is not something that perhaps other people might include in their reviews but it would be a gross neglect on my part to omit it, because this caters to my very personal interests. And the smut was REALLY GOOD. On top of that, it has insanely hot homoerotic sparring between lovers. I felt I was in heaven.
Which leads me to mention one thing that I particularly enjoyed and it was how the conversation about Enzo’s physical peculiarity, as the character himself calls it (and not to be referred to as an intersex individual out of respect for real intersex people, per author request since the peculiarity in question in this case has a fantastical source, aka related to dragons) was handled. Honestly, it is very simple, if a book has people talking about boundaries, and making sure those boundaries are always respected it will get bonus points from me.
Additionally, if you are kind of sick and tired of everything being so misogynistic and queerphobic irl, I have great news for you. This is the book you oughta read. Superbly researched, the story set in the late 14th century in Halcyon, a fictional realm loosely inspired by the Venetian Republic and also borrowing some artistic tradition, costume and cuisine from other parts of Italy, is delightfully queernormative. Not only are same sex relationships not taboo, but it has a very refreshing attitude towards gender that simultaneously thrilled me and made me so sad that this was not the world I was living in; most of the authority figures were women. Tons of bonus points.
My only gripe, and it is a very teeny tiny one, almost inconsequential, is that for a book of close to 700 pages the ending felt a bit rushed. Maybe I wanted to see a bit more of their HEA together. And yet, the last sentence almost brought me to tears, with the sheer joy of having experienced the beautiful healing journey that is Fiorenzo.
.
.
[I received an advance review copy for free from BookSirens, and I am leaving this review voluntarily.]
purrson's review
adventurous
dark
emotional
hopeful
mysterious
reflective
tense
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? No
5.0
Content Warnings
Graphic: Kidnapping, Sexual content, and Medical trauma
Moderate: Injury/Injury detail and Medical content
Minor: Murder
tatjanaxyx's review
adventurous
challenging
emotional
funny
mysterious
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
4.5
i was lucky enough to read the ARC of Fiorenzo and i thorougly enjoyed it. The half star is because it took me some time to get into the story but once i read the furst couple of chapters i was sucked in and wasn't able to put it down. Sebastian wrote such a beautiful if painful lovestory here with characters that felt, even if mysterious at the start, always very real and relatable. Especially Enzo stole my heart in the shortest while, i can relate so much to him and his actions/behavior and really don't want to let him go now. Both the main characters had so much heart in it tho, but also all the side characters were fun to read and were really well fleshed out. All in all this was such a good book for the start of fall and i really reccomend you pick up a copy <3
wilt's review against another edition
slow-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
2.75
*I received an advance review copy for free, and I am leaving this review voluntarily.
This is going to be a really difficult book to talk about because while I really enjoyed some elements of the story, the writing, and characters, there were just as many parts I had a tough time getting through and would would be hard pressed to find a reader to recommend the full experience to.
My main issue thankfully isn't with the story itself but rather the structure. This is a long book. Which isn't a bad thing, but even as a reader who typically loves brick-like books with lengthy descriptions and tangents and heavy character focus, I really felt like Fiorenzo could have worked better if the word count was halved. It felt like there were three different books here - in that the first 20% was a tense, mysterious erotica that pulled me into a world erupting with vibrant culture and history and artful texture. I loved the beginning of this book, everything from the opening scene to the physical intimacy to the presentation of a city that made me wish I could walk around its streets and harbors and galleries and fountains and art and canals, and I could go on. Even with the fast paced romance unfolding I was intrigued to see where it would lead between these two interesting, complex, confident characters.
But the remaining 80% took such a dramatic pace shift that I struggled with to the very end. Moreso because it kept going back and forth between huge blocks of slow, overly detailed descriptions of mundane events (and never ending self-depreciation), and the actual riveting plot full of cool settings and gripping motivations and impactful consequences. Because like I said, I really liked the story here! But the mundane moments were simply too drawn out and even repetitive. That isn't even to say they needed to be cut out all together, they were just way, way too long and somewhat boring compared to the rest of the book that shined so well. They drowned out some truly interesting sections of story and writing, and made for an overall negative reading experience.
But one more thing I did really enjoy was Enzo's anatomy. I didn't even know before I started reading this book that there would be something of interest there. The author's note had me intrigued, but when I tell you I sat up in excitement and shook my e-reader when I picked up on where exactly it was leading it would be an understatement. Even though Enzo isn't trans or intersex (by the author's word), as a trans man reader I am ecstatic to see broader explorations of non typical anatomy in queer romance. Especially when it's presented as a point of pleasure for the one who has it, and doesn't take away from his masculinity. It's exciting to see, and very enjoyable to read, and I don't think him not being trans or intersex took away from the experience at all. Fictional experiences like these, I think, can actually help normalize the real-world variances present in queer circles, especially because it's not that far off from what some people do have, and it's just plain fun to read. Though, I did feel the actual reveal lacked any feeling of impact or narrative satisfaction, that is again another unfortunate victim of the book's structure.
All in all, this book has a lot of charm and a genuinely compelling story. But it's way too long, with not enough substance to justify it. I'm still glad I finished it, for the sections that did shine, and for the ending that did fill me with a satisfied yet unexpected spark of joy. For the characters, and the art filled world, and the wounds, and the rage, and healing. But I could not read it again, or really recommend it as it is, and that is a huge shame.
This author feels like he has a lot of potential to shine, and I want to know what other queer stories he's written. There are so many elements here that align exactly with what I enjoy. But it would be a challenge to get me to read more from him without the assurance that his other works have had much stronger editing intervention.
This is going to be a really difficult book to talk about because while I really enjoyed some elements of the story, the writing, and characters, there were just as many parts I had a tough time getting through and would would be hard pressed to find a reader to recommend the full experience to.
My main issue thankfully isn't with the story itself but rather the structure. This is a long book. Which isn't a bad thing, but even as a reader who typically loves brick-like books with lengthy descriptions and tangents and heavy character focus, I really felt like Fiorenzo could have worked better if the word count was halved. It felt like there were three different books here - in that the first 20% was a tense, mysterious erotica that pulled me into a world erupting with vibrant culture and history and artful texture. I loved the beginning of this book, everything from the opening scene to the physical intimacy to the presentation of a city that made me wish I could walk around its streets and harbors and galleries and fountains and art and canals, and I could go on. Even with the fast paced romance unfolding I was intrigued to see where it would lead between these two interesting, complex, confident characters.
But the remaining 80% took such a dramatic pace shift that I struggled with to the very end. Moreso because it kept going back and forth between huge blocks of slow, overly detailed descriptions of mundane events (and never ending self-depreciation), and the actual riveting plot full of cool settings and gripping motivations and impactful consequences. Because like I said, I really liked the story here! But the mundane moments were simply too drawn out and even repetitive. That isn't even to say they needed to be cut out all together, they were just way, way too long and somewhat boring compared to the rest of the book that shined so well. They drowned out some truly interesting sections of story and writing, and made for an overall negative reading experience.
But one more thing I did really enjoy was Enzo's anatomy. I didn't even know before I started reading this book that there would be something of interest there. The author's note had me intrigued, but when I tell you I sat up in excitement and shook my e-reader when I picked up on where exactly it was leading it would be an understatement. Even though Enzo isn't trans or intersex (by the author's word), as a trans man reader I am ecstatic to see broader explorations of non typical anatomy in queer romance. Especially when it's presented as a point of pleasure for the one who has it, and doesn't take away from his masculinity. It's exciting to see, and very enjoyable to read, and I don't think him not being trans or intersex took away from the experience at all. Fictional experiences like these, I think, can actually help normalize the real-world variances present in queer circles, especially because it's not that far off from what some people do have, and it's just plain fun to read. Though, I did feel the actual reveal lacked any feeling of impact or narrative satisfaction, that is again another unfortunate victim of the book's structure.
All in all, this book has a lot of charm and a genuinely compelling story. But it's way too long, with not enough substance to justify it. I'm still glad I finished it, for the sections that did shine, and for the ending that did fill me with a satisfied yet unexpected spark of joy. For the characters, and the art filled world, and the wounds, and the rage, and healing. But I could not read it again, or really recommend it as it is, and that is a huge shame.
This author feels like he has a lot of potential to shine, and I want to know what other queer stories he's written. There are so many elements here that align exactly with what I enjoy. But it would be a challenge to get me to read more from him without the assurance that his other works have had much stronger editing intervention.
rachelgreenreads's review
adventurous
dark
emotional
hopeful
tense
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? No
- Flaws of characters a main focus? It's complicated
5.0
*Thanks to Sebastian Nothwell for providing me with a digital ARC of this book!*
Fiorenzo is yet another Nothwell masterpiece. These characters are beautifully rendered as usual, with salient emotions that will have you feeling every feel right along with them. The tropes are gold: hurt/ comfort sweet enough to hurt your teeth, dueling, sword play (both kinds), cinnamon roll who would kill/ die for him, secret identity, class difference, height difference, a masquerade ball, mannerpunk, it’s all there!
Fiorenzo is yet another Nothwell masterpiece. These characters are beautifully rendered as usual, with salient emotions that will have you feeling every feel right along with them. The tropes are gold: hurt/ comfort sweet enough to hurt your teeth, dueling, sword play (both kinds), cinnamon roll who would kill/ die for him, secret identity, class difference, height difference, a masquerade ball, mannerpunk, it’s all there!
The plot moves effortlessly between cozy slices of life, to nail-biting drama: both of which make you forget your reading at all. The smut is top of the line, and doesn’t just get tacked onto the narrative for flavor, but rather their sexual/ relational development is a plot on its own. The tension in this book will leave you completely unable to put it down.
An added bonus is the very best book dog in the world, Vittorio!
Content Warnings
Graphic: Confinement, Injury/Injury detail, Torture, Murder, Medical content, and Medical trauma
Moderate: Violence and Sexual assault
Minor: Pandemic/Epidemic
Warnings for descriptions of genital mutilation (historical, moderately graphic), whorephobiaatlastheninth's review
adventurous
emotional
slow-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Strong character development? No
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
4.5
Thanks to the author for an ARC copy, all opinions are my own.
I loved this. Fiore and Enzo are so sweet, I adore them. Also it's a dual POV, so you know that both of them are a mess and constantly pining for the other. And you get some important moments told from both POV's, which YES! I need that in more books.
The only thing I knew about this book before reading it was that it has hurt/comfort and it sure does! And it's so good. It's also the most hurt/comfort I've ever read in a single book.
The pacing was rather slow, but I was never bored nor did it feel like scenes were too long.
We don't spend a lot of time with the side characters, but still all of them feel like fully fleshed-out characters with different personalities.
I also felt like Fiore's trauma, his occupation and the class difference between him and Enzo was all handled very well.
It's difficult to say more about it because this is a full on romance with minimal plot. And the bit of plot was only there so we could have more hurt/comfort, which I personally didn't mind.
This book is very spicy and (what I def didn't expect) it starts out with a lot of it. Overall the spice is really good but there are only so many times I can read the metaphor of a sword being put into a sheath before it becomes ridiculous. It definitly was a couple of times too many for me. But that's pretty much the only complaint I have.
Also noteworthy: One of the characters has a "particular peculiarity" as the character himself calls it (which is such a weird combination of words) or as the author calls it a "creative anatomy".
Content Warnings
Graphic: Injury/Injury detail, Medical content, Medical trauma, Kidnapping, Murder, and Sexual content
Moderate: Blood, Gore, Rape, and Violence
Minor: Animal death and Child abuse