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yourbookishbff's review against another edition
hopeful
lighthearted
reflective
slow-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
This is the coziest kind of cozy fantasy romance, perfect for readers who just want to escape into a bear hug of a book with loveable characters. This is set in the queer-normative, alt-Regency world Wallace has built throughout the Meddle-and-Mend series, and though this was my entry point, I still felt able to quickly learn this world and its characters. It's epistolary, told entirely through diary entries, and evidences the significant growth and reflection of a youngest sibling struggling to find a place and a purpose in adulthood. The romance is secondary to this character development, and it's a beautifully affirming love story between our cisgender male narrator and a transgender man he meets through the course of his new job assisting a master spellcaster.
I want to read the remainder of this series and look forward to having a cozy fantasy world to return to in between my generally higher-angst romance reads!
I want to read the remainder of this series and look forward to having a cozy fantasy world to return to in between my generally higher-angst romance reads!
Content Warnings
Moderate: Panic attacks/disorders and Vomit
Minor: Sexual assault
Sexual assault - and a correlated panic attack/traumatic episode - appear as part of a side character's backstory. Assault is described non-graphically and occurs off-page, though the traumatic episode does occur on page.jacksons_books_and_music's review
emotional
funny
hopeful
inspiring
lighthearted
reflective
relaxing
slow-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
5.0
I received an ARC in exchange for an honest review. Since first reading his letters in Letters to Half Moon Street, I knew Seb and his story would be my favorite! I was not disappointed, to say the least! This book got a lot of emotions out of me. I laughed out loud. I cried multiple times, especially at some of the wholesome scenes at the end. And there was one scene, an overheard conversation, that made me have to take a break from reading for an hour because I was so upset at one character and so upset on behalf of another. The scene after was extremely realistic and well-written, too. While an overall cozy read, it goes to some very deep places, all handled with care and respect. Dear Bartleby is cathartic, healing, so sweet! I want to give Seb, and all his loved ones, a big hug! I think readers will enjoy this story as either a standalone or as part of the Meddle & Mend series. I look forward to Sarah Wallace’s next books!
Content Warnings
Minor: Classism, Trafficking, Vomit, Bullying, Sexual harassment, and Sexual violence
Author writes: My books will always be about the power of kindness and hope and will always have a HEA, but please note that this book includes the following: -References to past bullying, particularly in the form of verbal and sexual abuse -References to a side character having been a sex trafficking victim -On page verbal sexual assault
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