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vaniavela's review against another edition
funny
lighthearted
fast-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Strong character development? No
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
3.0
The life of a bisexual british were-bear with a vampire roommate [and a crush on a werewolf] gets complicated by the arrival of a fae prince [and feelings for one of her female co-workers.]
This was an interesting concept. The author took all the famous [and overused] tropes and exploited them to the fullest.
This books focuses on Zelda’s [our protagonist] love life. This is a fast-paced, sarcastic and light-hearted book. She’s fat, bisexual and [drumroll] a werebear.
If I’m honest, I didn’t like this book. The author tried to write so many tropes that they were poorly developed. Also, it all seemed rather rushed; the book jumps from scene to scene without transition.
It was a fun premise, so I'm disappointed.
This was an interesting concept. The author took all the famous [and overused] tropes and exploited them to the fullest.
This books focuses on Zelda’s [our protagonist] love life. This is a fast-paced, sarcastic and light-hearted book. She’s fat, bisexual and [drumroll] a werebear.
If I’m honest, I didn’t like this book. The author tried to write so many tropes that they were poorly developed. Also, it all seemed rather rushed; the book jumps from scene to scene without transition.
It was a fun premise, so I'm disappointed.
Content Warnings
Graphic: Body horror and Sexual content
Moderate: Fatphobia
talonsontypewriters's review
funny
lighthearted
fast-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Strong character development? No
- Loveable characters? It's complicated
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
3.0
Pacing-wise, novellas are always a bit of a balancing act, running the risk of either taking too much time or not nearly enough. Bearly A Lady doesn't quite manage that balance -- the plot is a bit clunky and hard to follow due to the length, and the characters aren't incredibly fleshed out, though they're enjoyable enough to read -- but it's quick and fun nevertheless, with some interesting worldbuilding to accompany its snappy plot and smooth but lively style. The meshing of chick lit and urban fantasy worked out surprisingly well, and I liked how the fantasy elements were woven into the modern setting possibly more than I liked the actual story and characters. A little awkward at times, both in terms of technical writing and plot, but overall entertaining and upbeat.
Content Warnings
Moderate: Body horror, Violence, and Sexual content
Minor: Fatphobia and Sexual assault
Semi-explicit discussion of sex, but no actual sexual content. Sexual assault is mentioned very briefly in passing, and glamouring is present in a romantic/sexual context.bluejayreads's review
funny
lighthearted
medium-paced
- Strong character development? It's complicated
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
4.0
Despite the paranormal elements of this book, it is, at its heart, chick lit. I am not usually a fan of chick lit, but I picked it up because 1. Fat and fasionable protagonist, and 2. Fat protagonist is bisexual.
Zelda is fat, works at Vogue, and also turns into a bear once a month. I love that she owns her fatness and the only problem she has with being fat is that other people look down on her for it and the world is not built for fat people. And I love that she doesn't let people give her crap for it. This book focuses on romantic adventures and misadventures, so a lot of it is Zelda being flustered, confused, and putting her foot in her mouth a little bit, but she's still pretty awesome. (And honestly, I would love to see her be more badass in a different kind of story.)
The side characters were interesting, but since this is a novella, they didn't get fleshed out a lot. Zora the vampire roommate was pretty cool and I would have loved to get more of her. Benedict the fae was an interesting character, especially with the glamour element, and Jake and Janine the love interests were okay, but their time on page was mostly in Zelda's thoughts as opposed to them actually being there.
This book was enjoyable, but it's just not my genre. Chick lit and romcom kind of stuff just isn't my jam. The characters would be cool and I would love the heck out of them in a different plot, but even though I enjoyed it, I didn't really connect with the romance angle. If you enjoy chick lit, you'll probably love the heck out of it.
Content Warnings
Moderate: Body horror
Minor: Fatphobia
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