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cchipmunck's review
2.0
#carrotandbeanbookclub
Miss Tarleton was the most insufferable character i have ever read - yes i understand what she stood for; this woman against matrimony and a patriarchal society but she was just plain annoying
Miss Tarleton was the most insufferable character i have ever read - yes i understand what she stood for; this woman against matrimony and a patriarchal society but she was just plain annoying
laelyn's review
1.0
Well... this was, frankly, terrible.
Rarely have I read a romcom that made me hope for the main couple to never get together, but this is definitely one of them.
The protagonist, Valentine, is kind of an introvert guy who acts like a duke is supposed to act, living by the laws of the society he grew up in. His love interest, Bonny, and Bonny's sister, are obviously time travellers from our time because they're modern brats with modern morals and convictions, and everyone who doesn't share these convictions is evil. I'm honestly not sure why Hall decided to write a regency romcom if there's just no actual Regency in there - everyone but our protagonist is ahead of their times, the restrictions of regency society mean nothing. Hall used the era as a nice backdrop, nothing more.
There is basically no plot, and the tiny plot there is is stupid and ruined by one ridiculous scene after the other. Hall generally seems to write romantic comedies HEAVILY leaning towards the comedy side of things, but it's never been as obvious as in this book. Probably because the romance is unbelievable and the love interest a genuinely terrible caricature that doesn't deserve Valentine to even look his way.
I was hoping for a redeeming ending, but no, this book was absolutely not for me. The silly humour grows stale after a while and completely ruins any possible attachment one might develop towards the characters. 'Something Fabulous', and my dislike of 'Husband Material', sadly seem proof that Hall and I just aren't made for each other.
Rarely have I read a romcom that made me hope for the main couple to never get together, but this is definitely one of them.
The protagonist, Valentine, is kind of an introvert guy who acts like a duke is supposed to act, living by the laws of the society he grew up in. His love interest, Bonny, and Bonny's sister, are obviously time travellers from our time because they're modern brats with modern morals and convictions, and everyone who doesn't share these convictions is evil. I'm honestly not sure why Hall decided to write a regency romcom if there's just no actual Regency in there - everyone but our protagonist is ahead of their times, the restrictions of regency society mean nothing. Hall used the era as a nice backdrop, nothing more.
There is basically no plot, and the tiny plot there is is stupid and ruined by one ridiculous scene after the other. Hall generally seems to write romantic comedies HEAVILY leaning towards the comedy side of things, but it's never been as obvious as in this book. Probably because the romance is unbelievable and the love interest a genuinely terrible caricature that doesn't deserve Valentine to even look his way.
I was hoping for a redeeming ending, but no, this book was absolutely not for me. The silly humour grows stale after a while and completely ruins any possible attachment one might develop towards the characters. 'Something Fabulous', and my dislike of 'Husband Material', sadly seem proof that Hall and I just aren't made for each other.
grover_25's review
funny
lighthearted
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Strong character development? It's complicated
- Loveable characters? It's complicated
- Diverse cast of characters? It's complicated
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
2.75
bexbookrex's review
5.0
Delightful adventure!
Alexis Hall has quite a way with words. This book was absolutely"something fabulous!" It is a wonderful story with action, love, and fantastic humor!
Alexis Hall has quite a way with words. This book was absolutely"something fabulous!" It is a wonderful story with action, love, and fantastic humor!
drakoulis's review
5.0
Something Fabulous combines the atmospheric elements of a Regency romance with Alexis Hall's signature writing style (which to me is complex words and a distinctive vocabulayry and phraseology shouting "British author") and the hilarious absurd comedy of books like TJ Klune's Tales from Verania .
In other words, I loved it and thoroughly enjoyed it !!
It's a grumpy/sunshine pairing, character-driven, in a society slightly different than the real early 19th century England (meaning that most of the characters are queer!).
Bonnie was obviously my favourite, a real unicorn full of sunshine and hopes and excitement ! He was the light guiding Valentine to find his true self and the journey was heartwarming, hilarious, embarassing and spicy !
If you like funny and joyful gay romances, you will love Alexis Hall's Something Fabulous !
In other words, I loved it and thoroughly enjoyed it !!
It's a grumpy/sunshine pairing, character-driven, in a society slightly different than the real early 19th century England (meaning that most of the characters are queer!).
Bonnie was obviously my favourite, a real unicorn full of sunshine and hopes and excitement ! He was the light guiding Valentine to find his true self and the journey was heartwarming, hilarious, embarassing and spicy !
If you like funny and joyful gay romances, you will love Alexis Hall's Something Fabulous !
silver_lining_in_a_book's review against another edition
funny
lighthearted
fast-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? It's complicated
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
2.5
When Adam and Eve ate the fruit of the tree of knowledge, they learned what was good, and what was evil, and how to tell the difference. I believe we know when we do wrong. We feel it. In our hearts, our souls, our conscience. And nothing I have ever learned or known or felt has taught me to believe that love is wrong. So no, my flower, it’s not wrong.
This wasn't quite for me - it was a little too over-the-top and nonsensical. I also found that Valentine was the only character who had any depth whatsoever. Nevertheless, it was fun for what it was and the heated scenes were pretty sweet too!
babblingandbooks's review
funny
lighthearted
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Plot
- Strong character development? No
- Loveable characters? No
- Diverse cast of characters? No
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
2.25
kitcat95's review against another edition
adventurous
emotional
funny
hopeful
lighthearted
fast-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? It's complicated
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
4.0