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diazona's review against another edition
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
3.75
There are a couple of pretty neat plot twists toward the end. They definitely make the last quarter or so very interesting indeed, I just don't think it's enough to make me forget about the lack of things happening during the first three quarters.
Normally a story without meaningful events is not one I'm going to be very interested in, but I think what saves this one is the rich character development. All the main characters have distinct and consistent personalities (except for gruff Jamie who shows an unexpectedly soft side at some point in the middle), they feel realistic and relatable, and most of all they're nice. These are the kinds of people I wish I could have as friends and family. So it didn't take very far into the book before I started caring about them and getting invested in their successes and failures. According to the afterword, the author was inspired to write this story as a reaction to the loneliness of the pandemic, and in that sense, mission accomplished.
All in all, it's a good book. I wouldn't put it on my list of all-time favorites, and it's not one that I see myself coming back to read and reread regularly, but any time I'm in the mood for something heartwarming and comforting, I'll be glad to have this on my (virtual) shelf.
Graphic: Sexual content
Moderate: Abandonment and Cursing
Minor: Vomit, Murder, Death, Alcohol, Confinement, and Death of parent
johannaplatt's review against another edition
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
3.75
Graphic: Cursing, Death of parent, Alcohol, and Child abuse
ribbonquest's review against another edition
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Loveable characters? It's complicated
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
3.0
The three children are cute and remind me of the girls from Despicable Me. The oldest is a bookworm, the middle child is rebellious and aggressive, and the youngest is adorable and mimics the swearing of adults around her. The adult cast is varied as well.
I found the romance itself very typical and dull. It's your typical grumpy/sunshine dynamic. Spice level = Yes
Graphic: Cursing, Death of parent, Alcohol, Abandonment, and Sexual content
Moderate: Child abuse and Racism
Minor: Homophobia
maeverose's review against another edition
5.0
I feel so stupid for ever thinking I wasn’t interested in this book. I don’t tend to like romance genre books, so I found it so refreshing that this completely subverts all the tropes I hate in romance. They actually communicate. I could cry. The third act conflict is a completely understandable conflict and is resolved quickly. There’s absolutely zero pettiness between the love interests. And it has tropes I like! Grumpy / sunshine!! Semi-dislike to love!!! I’m actually screaming internally. This was so good.
It’s definitely cozy fantasy, but it does have stakes and plot (which I personally prefer). It’s very much a comfort book.
I loved all the characters, they all had distinct personalities and quirks. They’re the found family I wish I had. Jamie was my type of love interest. Wouldn’t mind one of those for myself thank you.
It’s also really funny, and I don’t often find funny books to be funny. But the humor worked for me in this.
My only very minor not very serious complaint is I wish it was just a tad steamier… but I’ll take what I can get.
I had a stupid smile on my face the whole time reading this (except for when I was crying). If you like romance books, witchy books, or cozy fantasy, please read this. I don’t even tend to like any of those things, hence why I wasn’t interested initially, but this is now one of my favorite books. I need to go buy a copy.
Graphic: Sexual content and Death
Moderate: Bullying, Alcohol, Alcoholism, Child abuse, Death of parent, and Cursing
Minor: Homophobia, Body horror, and Racism
Plot twist spoiler, but kept vague:singalana's review against another edition
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? It's complicated
- Loveable characters? It's complicated
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? It's complicated
3.5
Minor: Cursing, Abandonment, Alcohol, Confinement, Death, Domestic abuse, and Sexual content
rwsmith's review
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
5.0
i loved the worldbuilding of the magic - just as you expect, and it aligns with all the familiar fairy tales, but with a touch of uniqueness to this fictional world.
the romance was also SO GOOD. ive never been into the romance genre, and i wouldnt say this is necessarily a romance novel, but the romantic plot was incredibly well done - relatable, funny, emotional, perfectly paced, and incredibly satisfying.
the representation in this book is lovely as well. the different races of the characters are simply stated, but the differences between each are acknowledged and deemed important at the same time.
anyone who loves love, magic, and silliness - and a happy ending - should give this book a read.
Graphic: Death of parent
Moderate: Alcohol, Cursing, Emotional abuse, and Gaslighting
Minor: Alcoholism, Bullying, Homophobia, Grief, and Sexual content
violetends's review against another edition
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
4.0
Graphic: Sexual content, Abandonment, and Death of parent
Moderate: Alcohol
thehobbitbarbie's review against another edition
- 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
My biggest complaint is that this book, like so many new adult romance novels, makes great use of tropes, but still seems embarrassed by them. When I pick up a romance novel like this, I expect and want to see tropes. When a book points out how ridiculous its tropes are, it completely rips me out of the world and makes me feel like I'm being ridiculed for enjoying it. Romance novelists, it's okay to be a little corny! That's why we're here!
Soap box aside, this is a fantastic cozy fantasy that will give you all the warm fuzzies to carry you from fall into the cold, dark winter months.
Minor: Homophobia, Racism, Abandonment, and Alcohol
lunep's review against another edition
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
5.0
Graphic: Sexual content, Alcohol, Cursing, and Death
Moderate: Death of parent, Child abuse, Confinement, Domestic abuse, Grief, Murder, Bullying, Physical abuse, and Toxic relationship
Minor: Misogyny, Homophobia, Injury/Injury detail, Emotional abuse, Xenophobia, Forced institutionalization, Racism, Abandonment, and Classism
wickedgrumpy's review
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
4.75
I don't know if I would change the rating if I reread it but since it's the first in a series I will continue when more books are released, there's a chance.
Minor: Alcohol, Gaslighting, Grief, Homophobia, Toxic relationship, Abandonment, Cursing, Confinement, Outing, Death, Death of parent, Sexual content, and Violence