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hellokitty's review
lighthearted
relaxing
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
Content Warnings
Graphic: Sexual content
lolajh's review
emotional
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
Overall a very wholesome holiday read of a developing relationship between two nonbinary people who experience gender is such different ways and provided a refreshing example of trans people. Loved the emotional pining, the great use of consent and the non binary representation - one of the best I’ve ever seen in a book where it is recognised and accepted and portrayed in completely contrasting ways; Mason’s and Natalie’s experience in their nonbinary-ness are both so different and that’s okay! This has become such a comfort read for the holidays I love it so much even on my second read, although I definitely took notice of the more cringey and oblivious dialogue lol
Content Warnings
Graphic: Sexual content
Minor: Dysphoria and Transphobia
crackedspines_'s review
emotional
hopeful
lighthearted
relaxing
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
OVERALL: Sugar & Spice is a sweet, comforting story full of warmth and trans joy. It’s a short, easy read but still has some depth to it.
PLOT: The book follows Mason in their journey to learn how to bake gluten-free cookies for their crush, Natalie, and it is so cute! I loved watching the two slowly grow closer and lean into the romance. One quick note I have is that there is one line where Mason is referred to using he/him pronouns despite being referred to exclusively as they/them every other time. It’s never explicitly said that they only use they/them pronouns but to only have he/him used once and it not being started that they use multiple sets of pronouns it made me a bit uneasy.
THEME: Both characters are trans and there are themes of trans acceptance and identity woven throughout the story. It’s truly a story of trans joy; Natalie and Mason find comfort and understanding in each other and I appreciated the nuanced portrayal of gender as well as the joy of two trans people feeling safe and accepted. There were so many little details that made the romance even sweeter - the characters asking each other where they want to be touched, turning away while they change, validation of found family.
CHARACTERS: Mason is the absolute sweetest and so lovable. They were also super relatable, both in their anxiety and their experience of gender. Natalie was the same - both characters are the very definition of cinnamon rolls.
I highly recommend Sugar & Spice if you are looking for a short, lighthearted book of trans acceptance and love with cute, cliche-in-the-best-way romance scenes.
PLOT: The book follows Mason in their journey to learn how to bake gluten-free cookies for their crush, Natalie, and it is so cute! I loved watching the two slowly grow closer and lean into the romance. One quick note I have is that there is one line where Mason is referred to using he/him pronouns despite being referred to exclusively as they/them every other time. It’s never explicitly said that they only use they/them pronouns but to only have he/him used once and it not being started that they use multiple sets of pronouns it made me a bit uneasy.
THEME: Both characters are trans and there are themes of trans acceptance and identity woven throughout the story. It’s truly a story of trans joy; Natalie and Mason find comfort and understanding in each other and I appreciated the nuanced portrayal of gender as well as the joy of two trans people feeling safe and accepted. There were so many little details that made the romance even sweeter - the characters asking each other where they want to be touched, turning away while they change, validation of found family.
CHARACTERS: Mason is the absolute sweetest and so lovable. They were also super relatable, both in their anxiety and their experience of gender. Natalie was the same - both characters are the very definition of cinnamon rolls.
I highly recommend Sugar & Spice if you are looking for a short, lighthearted book of trans acceptance and love with cute, cliche-in-the-best-way romance scenes.
Content Warnings
Graphic: Sexual content
Minor: Transphobia
halfwaytoaugust's review
adventurous
fast-paced
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
4.0
Content Warnings
Graphic: Sexual content
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