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bookshelvesandtealeaves's review against another edition
emotional
funny
lighthearted
medium-paced
- 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
justinkhchen's review against another edition
4.0
4 stars
A thoroughly self-aware, super gay historical romance romp, Something Fabulous is more Saturday Night Live skit than a straightforward historical romance, and I thoroughly enjoyed its kookiness (yet still beautifully written), as well as its ability to tug at one's heartstrings.
I think some of the lowly-rated reviews might have misunderstood the tone of Something Fabulous, which is evidently satirical, highlighting historical romance's trope and turning it on its (homosexual) head; criticizing characters being nasty and abusive is like complaining the Saw movies are too gory and violent — the amplified eccentricity is THE point — it's silly protesting its lack of character depth or empathetic emotional journey when they are not the intent of the work.
While I appreciate its madcap nature, from the deadpan 'straight' virgin duke surrounded by only gay people, to the 'fourth-wall breaking' banters (characters would slip out of their Regency period diction quite often), this is by no means an example of perfect storytelling; some of its running jokes overstay their welcome, with one major one unfortunately being quite critical to Something Fabulous's overall narrative — the book should've been at least 50 pages shorter to prevent the fatigue I had around its 60-70% mark.
Still, Something Fabulous is clearly written by someone who genuinely loves the genre, so this modern spoof doesn't come across as mean-spirited or degrading, but manages to carry the sensibilities of the source materials through its tasteful, emotive prose. I can see how this level of farce might not be everyone's cup of tea, and it would've worked even better as a novella, but it's a still a strong piece of fluff with a sharp attitude.
A thoroughly self-aware, super gay historical romance romp, Something Fabulous is more Saturday Night Live skit than a straightforward historical romance, and I thoroughly enjoyed its kookiness (yet still beautifully written), as well as its ability to tug at one's heartstrings.
I think some of the lowly-rated reviews might have misunderstood the tone of Something Fabulous, which is evidently satirical, highlighting historical romance's trope and turning it on its (homosexual) head; criticizing characters being nasty and abusive is like complaining the Saw movies are too gory and violent — the amplified eccentricity is THE point — it's silly protesting its lack of character depth or empathetic emotional journey when they are not the intent of the work.
While I appreciate its madcap nature, from the deadpan 'straight' virgin duke surrounded by only gay people, to the 'fourth-wall breaking' banters (characters would slip out of their Regency period diction quite often), this is by no means an example of perfect storytelling; some of its running jokes overstay their welcome, with one major one unfortunately being quite critical to Something Fabulous's overall narrative — the book should've been at least 50 pages shorter to prevent the fatigue I had around its 60-70% mark.
Still, Something Fabulous is clearly written by someone who genuinely loves the genre, so this modern spoof doesn't come across as mean-spirited or degrading, but manages to carry the sensibilities of the source materials through its tasteful, emotive prose. I can see how this level of farce might not be everyone's cup of tea, and it would've worked even better as a novella, but it's a still a strong piece of fluff with a sharp attitude.
baldrigek's review against another edition
lighthearted
fast-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? No
- Diverse cast of characters? It's complicated
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
2.0
bhnmt61's review against another edition
3.0
I loved Boyfriend Material so I pre-ordered this one and saved it up for a trip. It sounded perfect- a 28-year-old Duke finally gives in to the inevitable and proposes to the young woman his family has arranged for him to marry, only to find that the young woman is utterly uninterested in accepting his proposal, and her brother is … oddly attractive.
I finally had to put it down because it was ruining my vacation. I was all in at first- one of the early scenes had me laughing so much I was worried I’d wake my sleeping spouse. But then it just becomes too lopsided, too weighted toward the ridiculous. Responsible people, people who are the designated driver, or the ones who stay calm when plans fall apart, or the ones who are trying to do what’s right when everyone around them is acting the fool— those people are only represented in this book by the Duke, Valentine, who becomes nothing but an object of contempt and ridicule. He is someone who is wrong, someone who needs to be fixed.
There should have been a moment when Bonny had to recognize the enormous amount of pressure Valentine was under as someone who inherited a title (and estates to manage and people whose livelihood depended on him and and and) when he was still very young, which might have something to do with why he became such a stick in the mud. And since I am one of those responsible people, reading this felt too much like I was being attacked. Not what I need on vacation. I finished it after we got home. I will give him this- nobody writes falling in love better than Alexis Hall. Too bad he was so unfair to one of his protagonists.
I finally had to put it down because it was ruining my vacation. I was all in at first- one of the early scenes had me laughing so much I was worried I’d wake my sleeping spouse. But then it just becomes too lopsided, too weighted toward the ridiculous. Responsible people, people who are the designated driver, or the ones who stay calm when plans fall apart, or the ones who are trying to do what’s right when everyone around them is acting the fool— those people are only represented in this book by the Duke, Valentine, who becomes nothing but an object of contempt and ridicule. He is someone who is wrong, someone who needs to be fixed.
There should have been a moment when Bonny had to recognize the enormous amount of pressure Valentine was under as someone who inherited a title (and estates to manage and people whose livelihood depended on him and and and) when he was still very young, which might have something to do with why he became such a stick in the mud. And since I am one of those responsible people, reading this felt too much like I was being attacked. Not what I need on vacation. I finished it after we got home. I will give him this- nobody writes falling in love better than Alexis Hall. Too bad he was so unfair to one of his protagonists.
ashjreads's review against another edition
2.0
2.75/5 stars, but I'll round it up to 3! EDIT. this is 2/5 stars. I change my mind.
Alexis Hall is a master at writing witty banter. This book is humorous at its core, and that's truly the only part I really liked about it.
The romance between Valentine and Bonny felt like it was quite sudden? They went from not being to tolerate each other to being over the moon for one another. There was no in between stages of their romance with each other. It was very unrealistic to me. I don't even understand why Valentine LIKES Bonny! He betrays his trust multiple times and makes him out to be the villain he isn't. Bonny doesn't even like Valentine for his true self, just the concept of him that he created in his mind.
Listen... (forgive me for how awkward this point is for me to make). I like a smutty book just as much as the next guy who grew up reading a copious amount of PWP fanfic, but this smut.... what is happening here?! The dirty talk was downright uncomfortable for me to read to the point that I was physically recoiling away from the book. Then they're doing it out in public, no less?! My second-hand embarrassment couldn't handle this. It was too much.
All in all, this was something I read for the book club that I'm running. I'm glad I pushed through and finished it, but I probably wouldn't have otherwise.
Alexis Hall is a master at writing witty banter. This book is humorous at its core, and that's truly the only part I really liked about it.
The romance between Valentine and Bonny felt like it was quite sudden? They went from not being to tolerate each other to being over the moon for one another. There was no in between stages of their romance with each other. It was very unrealistic to me. I don't even understand why Valentine LIKES Bonny! He betrays his trust multiple times and makes him out to be the villain he isn't. Bonny doesn't even like Valentine for his true self, just the concept of him that he created in his mind.
Listen... (forgive me for how awkward this point is for me to make). I like a smutty book just as much as the next guy who grew up reading a copious amount of PWP fanfic, but this smut.... what is happening here?! The dirty talk was downright uncomfortable for me to read to the point that I was physically recoiling away from the book. Then they're doing it out in public, no less?! My second-hand embarrassment couldn't handle this. It was too much.
All in all, this was something I read for the book club that I'm running. I'm glad I pushed through and finished it, but I probably wouldn't have otherwise.
corsetedfeminist's review against another edition
lighthearted
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Plot
- Strong character development? No
- Loveable characters? No
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
2.0
celestialray's review against another edition
1.0
DNF, gave up at chapter 16.
Belle is the literal worst character I’ve ever read in my entire life. Bonnie is the rudest and most self centred love interest and Valentine, the poor man deserved better.
Got to the part where they literally strapped him to a chair and betrayed and belittled the poor man for no reason. I had to stop listening because I almost crashed my car out of anger.
I didn’t mind boyfriend material, and I like the sound of A Lady for a Duke and Husband Material but I’m really hesitant to read any more of their books now because this was just ghastly disappointing.
Belle is the literal worst character I’ve ever read in my entire life. Bonnie is the rudest and most self centred love interest and Valentine, the poor man deserved better.
Got to the part where they literally strapped him to a chair and betrayed and belittled the poor man for no reason. I had to stop listening because I almost crashed my car out of anger.
I didn’t mind boyfriend material, and I like the sound of A Lady for a Duke and Husband Material but I’m really hesitant to read any more of their books now because this was just ghastly disappointing.
zeus_strider's review against another edition
adventurous
emotional
funny
hopeful
inspiring
lighthearted
relaxing
medium-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
4.75
moll_ereads's review against another edition
5.0
This is THE MOST ridiculous book of all time. Belle was unbelievably irritating but it was so SO funny and romantic and queer!!! Valentine being completely useless and dense was a source of endless amusement for me and Bonny was so so sweet (though also annoying at times lmao). Alexis Hall is just the best!!!!
leahar's review against another edition
emotional
funny
hopeful
lighthearted
slow-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Plot
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? No
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
3.5