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yourbookishbff's review
emotional
funny
hopeful
tense
fast-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? No
5.0
I LOVED this series set-up for the Lilywhite Boys, and I'm kicking myself for not reading it before Any Old Diamonds. I adored Stan and Christiana's sweet love story and the blend of realism and absurdity in how it unfolds. Stan is a cisgender man and Christiana is a trans woman, and both identify as asexual. Their navigation of gender, sexuality and romance is so tender and respectful, even against a backdrop of violence and organized crime.
Content Warnings
Graphic: Violence and Injury/Injury detail
Moderate: Sexual violence, Trafficking, and Transphobia
Minor: Murder
On transphobia: the villains consistently misgender Christiana, but our main characters/the Lilywhite Boys do not.language_loving_amateur's review
fast-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Plot
- Strong character development? It's complicated
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? No
4.0
Content Warnings
Graphic: Violence, Transphobia, and Deadnaming
Moderate: Kidnapping
Minor: Sexual violence
unsuccessfulbookclub's review
adventurous
funny
mysterious
tense
fast-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? No
4.5
Fast paced and so exciting! The two MCs (Christiana and Stan) are so adorable, and they are mixed up in some rough things so mind the CW. The dialog and action in this baby novella were so well done - I felt like I was watching a movie! Also, I would like to read the entire Lilywhite Boys series now?
Content Warnings
Graphic: Misogyny, Violence, Physical abuse, and Kidnapping
Moderate: Murder and Transphobia
Minor: Sexual harassment and Sexual violence
kimalah's review
emotional
hopeful
tense
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
4.75
The Rat-Catcher’s Daughter is a lovely trans f/m ace romance. Stan, the Lilywhite Boys’ fence and friend, falls for a music hall singer who identifies as female (although she is billed as a female impersonator as per the time period.) Stan loves her unconditionally and she learns to open herself to it. There is a bad guy and his henchmen to deal with, which brings around the Lilywhite Boys to help. This is a short prequel which illuminates Stan and his relationship with Jerry and Templeton. I really enjoyed it.
Content Warnings
Graphic: Transphobia and Violence
the_vegan_bookworm's review
adventurous
lighthearted
fast-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? No
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? No
3.25
Love the asexual romance rep in this cute, short story from KJ Charles! As a novella, the plot was simple and quick but the characters were still likeable and interesting.
Content Warnings
Graphic: Violence and Transphobia
Minor: Sexual violence and Sexual harassment
littlewishling's review
emotional
hopeful
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? No
5.0
Just as short and sweet romance with fantastic asexual representation.
Content Warnings
Moderate: Transphobia and Violence
unwise_samwise's review
emotional
tense
fast-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Plot
- Strong character development? It's complicated
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? No
4.0
Content Warnings
Graphic: Transphobia and Violence
Moderate: Deadnaming
wardenred's review
dark
emotional
funny
hopeful
lighthearted
fast-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
5.0
This was a thoroughly enjoyable and surprisingly sweet romance against the backdrop of historical organized crime, with a dash of music hall. I loved every component of this short love story. Predictably perhaps, I especially enjoyed the fact that this is an ace romance—I always, always want more of those, and I loved how it was handled here. The conversation Stan and Christiana had about the subject felt really authentic and put a smile on my face. I was also really intrigued by the Lilywhite Boys, and I'm looking forward to reading more about these characters.
Content Warnings
Graphic: Transphobia and Violence
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