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joanna1905's review
3.0
THIS BOOK IS SO CUTE!!!
I'm always looking out for trans inclusive lit, especially cute fluffy romantic stories like this. So much of LGBTQ+ lit is tragic and angsty (and sure I get it, that is definitely part of the LGBTQ+ experience) but sometimes I just want to read about members of my community being happy and In love.
There's not a whole heap to say about this since it is a novella, and therefore, very short. But it was a really beautiful story that followed two characters I really liked (Kieran and Seth) and really enjoyed getting to know. As a cis person but a member of the lgbtq+ community, it's really important to me to read books that help me understand the other members of my community so that I can be the best ally I can be. I've learnt a lot over the years through the help of a podcast called 'You're So Brave' By Chase Ross and Aaron Ansuini, but I love finding books like this because there's always more to learn. Plus it's just so dang refreshing to read books, especially love stories that just about straight cisgendered people - like there's already a TRILLION of those.
I usually have beef with novellas and avoid them at all costs, they're often so short I get annoyed that they end so quickly; and while I would have LOVED an extra 300 pages of this book - it really is the perfect novella. Despite its length I didn't feel robbed of their story, it wasn't rushed and it wasn't lacking. It was perfect. I will definitely be more open-minded about picking up novellas in the future!
This book is sweet and fluffy and the perfect cure when your feeling pissed off about the lacklustre LGBTQ+ (especially trans) representation in mainstream media. I can't wait to check out more of Austin Chant's books in the future!
I'm always looking out for trans inclusive lit, especially cute fluffy romantic stories like this. So much of LGBTQ+ lit is tragic and angsty (and sure I get it, that is definitely part of the LGBTQ+ experience) but sometimes I just want to read about members of my community being happy and In love.
There's not a whole heap to say about this since it is a novella, and therefore, very short. But it was a really beautiful story that followed two characters I really liked (Kieran and Seth) and really enjoyed getting to know. As a cis person but a member of the lgbtq+ community, it's really important to me to read books that help me understand the other members of my community so that I can be the best ally I can be. I've learnt a lot over the years through the help of a podcast called 'You're So Brave' By Chase Ross and Aaron Ansuini, but I love finding books like this because there's always more to learn. Plus it's just so dang refreshing to read books, especially love stories that just about straight cisgendered people - like there's already a TRILLION of those.
I usually have beef with novellas and avoid them at all costs, they're often so short I get annoyed that they end so quickly; and while I would have LOVED an extra 300 pages of this book - it really is the perfect novella. Despite its length I didn't feel robbed of their story, it wasn't rushed and it wasn't lacking. It was perfect. I will definitely be more open-minded about picking up novellas in the future!
This book is sweet and fluffy and the perfect cure when your feeling pissed off about the lacklustre LGBTQ+ (especially trans) representation in mainstream media. I can't wait to check out more of Austin Chant's books in the future!
a_reader_obsessed's review
3.0
3.5 Stars
A representative novella showcasing prickly Kieran who has plenty of reasons to have a huge chip on his shoulder. He’s volunteering on a political campaign and can’t help but be attracted to stern, by the book campaign manager Sean. As they slowly get to know each other both see the other in a new light.
Touching on struggles for persons both trans and bi, this was a sweet but acerbic romance with a satisfying payoff.
A representative novella showcasing prickly Kieran who has plenty of reasons to have a huge chip on his shoulder. He’s volunteering on a political campaign and can’t help but be attracted to stern, by the book campaign manager Sean. As they slowly get to know each other both see the other in a new light.
Touching on struggles for persons both trans and bi, this was a sweet but acerbic romance with a satisfying payoff.
ilarilarileohoh's review
3.0
I have mixed feelings about this book. On the one hand, I liked the trans representation and the visibility of uncomfortable situations that trans people face in their day-to-day lives, such as being called by other pronouns than what they want to be referred to, or being forced to have the responsibility not to be misgendered.
I also liked that it did not fall into the false belief that a person has to be pansexual to include trans people in their possible love interests (a belief that perpetuates biphobia and makes bisexuality invisible by limiting it to physical attraction to one or another genitalia despite of their personality).
However, I do not share the romanticisation of power positions and to be honest, despite of having a very cute ending, it is very idealized and it is clear that this relationship is unfortunately destined to fail. Although, the readers never know for sure, since the book ends before any of the real tea happens (I would be interested in reading how the relationship would be developed at the office and what they would do in order to not be caught together).
So, is it entertaining to read? Yes. Does it leave you with an uncomfortable and bittersweet feeling at the end? Also yes. However, there are plenty of books with cishet relationships with the same problem that have succeeded, so it wouldn’t be fair to judge this book according to what society considers “woke enough” (which is a very debatable concept). I’d leave it up to you, then.
I also liked that it did not fall into the false belief that a person has to be pansexual to include trans people in their possible love interests (a belief that perpetuates biphobia and makes bisexuality invisible by limiting it to physical attraction to one or another genitalia despite of their personality).
However, I do not share the romanticisation of power positions and to be honest, despite of having a very cute ending, it is very idealized and it is clear that this relationship is unfortunately destined to fail. Although, the readers never know for sure, since the book ends before any of the real tea happens (I would be interested in reading how the relationship would be developed at the office and what they would do in order to not be caught together).
So, is it entertaining to read? Yes. Does it leave you with an uncomfortable and bittersweet feeling at the end? Also yes. However, there are plenty of books with cishet relationships with the same problem that have succeeded, so it wouldn’t be fair to judge this book according to what society considers “woke enough” (which is a very debatable concept). I’d leave it up to you, then.
wishfulfillment's review
2.0
Dropping at 13% because the introduction isn't pulling me in. I appreciate the trans rep and I'm going to keep giving this author more tries, but this one is a little too slow for me.
marieintheraw's review
2.0
It is exactly what the synopsis tells you, which is nice. However, I was left wanting more.
yennn's review against another edition
emotional
informative
inspiring
lighthearted
fast-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Strong character development? N/A
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? N/A
4.0
I really enjoyed Austin Chant’s Peter Darling, so when I saw that I could borrow this from my library, I jumpeddddd.
This is a short little novella about a Kieran, a trans guy, doing an internship with his frosty, but handsome and entirely-smitten-with-their-married-boss supervisor Seth. Cue office romance, and so much affirming, good, wholesome, wonderful interactions.
There were times when the main character Kieran did or said some questionable things, but nobody is perfect, and we wouldn’t get anywhere or be able to relate to a bland MC. Hot manager Seth on the other hand, you did great, 10/10, would not change a thing.
Would recommend, to anybody who’d like a short, #Ownvoices, positive LGBTQ+ read, but please be warned there’s an age difference, misgendering, and an 18+ scene (the positive, affirming kind, if there’s such a thing.)
This is a short little novella about a Kieran, a trans guy, doing an internship with his frosty, but handsome and entirely-smitten-with-their-married-boss supervisor Seth. Cue office romance, and so much affirming, good, wholesome, wonderful interactions.
There were times when the main character Kieran did or said some questionable things, but nobody is perfect, and we wouldn’t get anywhere or be able to relate to a bland MC. Hot manager Seth on the other hand, you did great, 10/10, would not change a thing.
Would recommend, to anybody who’d like a short, #Ownvoices, positive LGBTQ+ read, but please be warned there’s an age difference, misgendering, and an 18+ scene (the positive, affirming kind, if there’s such a thing.)
Content Warnings
Graphic: Sexual content
Moderate: Transphobia and Alcohol
Minor: Dysphoria
blotchedspots's review
funny
lighthearted
fast-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Strong character development? No
- Loveable characters? N/A
- Diverse cast of characters? It's complicated
- Flaws of characters a main focus? No
3.5
Content Warnings
Minor: Transphobia