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novella42's review
emotional
funny
hopeful
inspiring
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
5.0
This book was generous, warm, and wholeheartedly delicious. A cookie. This book was basically a cookie. Fresh out of the oven and scrumptious.
I adored all the food metaphors, many of which were downright poetic. I loved the way that the city of Austin was its own character, one very true to form, I think. It was just so sweet, in every way I could've wanted. It really had everything I could've asked for in a YA queer romance set in my hometown.
It reminded me of the queer foodie goodness of Chef's Kiss by TJ Alexander, and also the magical realism culinary romance of The Mistress of Spices by Chitra Banerjee Divakaruni.
Tiny spoilery complaint about the polyam rep:my only complaint here is that I don't know anyone in the polyamorous community who would surprise invite someone to a polyamory brunch. The community functions on lots of communication and informed consent, which is otherwise wonderfully represented in this scene, but the plot device of having Syd invited without understanding it was a polyam meetup rang really false to me. Maybe it was meant to be a misunderstanding? I think the main reason it bothers me is that polyam people get pinged with a lot of suspicion that we'd try to trick someone into dating us, when the reality is most polyam people (at least the ones I know) go to great lengths to make sure everyone is on the same page and opting in on their own terms. But otherwise, it was a great scene and I truly appreciated having good representation.
Anyway, I loved this book so very much and think I will be swinging by Book Woman soon to pick up a hardcopy for my own Comfort Book Shelf.
I've also snapped pics of the recipes for the Very Sorry Cake and the Shiny New Scones and have loaded up the ingredients in my HEB grocery app. I will update here if they turn out as delicious as they sound!
I adored all the food metaphors, many of which were downright poetic. I loved the way that the city of Austin was its own character, one very true to form, I think. It was just so sweet, in every way I could've wanted. It really had everything I could've asked for in a YA queer romance set in my hometown.
It reminded me of the queer foodie goodness of Chef's Kiss by TJ Alexander, and also the magical realism culinary romance of The Mistress of Spices by Chitra Banerjee Divakaruni.
Tiny spoilery complaint about the polyam rep:
Anyway, I loved this book so very much and think I will be swinging by Book Woman soon to pick up a hardcopy for my own Comfort Book Shelf.
I've also snapped pics of the recipes for the Very Sorry Cake and the Shiny New Scones and have loaded up the ingredients in my HEB grocery app. I will update here if they turn out as delicious as they sound!
Content Warnings
Moderate: Biphobia, Fatphobia, Transphobia, Homophobia, Dysphoria, and Toxic relationship
Minor: Sexual content, Alcohol, Cursing, Panic attacks/disorders, and Infidelity
elliott_the_clementine's review
emotional
hopeful
inspiring
lighthearted
reflective
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
4.25
Just like a perfectly baked pastry - sweet and light, with knowledge of the hard work put in to make it so delicious.
Content Warnings
Moderate: Toxic relationship and Toxic friendship
Minor: Transphobia and Homophobia
imstephtacular's review
adventurous
emotional
hopeful
inspiring
lighthearted
mysterious
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
4.5
A beautiful, warm, magical story. The writing is lovely and the story has a great sense of place! I loved the characters and felt so joyful reading this
Content Warnings
Moderate: Dysphoria
Minor: Toxic relationship, Alcohol, and Sexual content
amberinpieces's review against another edition
adventurous
emotional
funny
hopeful
inspiring
lighthearted
reflective
relaxing
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
4.5
Content Warnings
Moderate: Toxic relationship
Minor: Alcohol and Cursing
looseleafellie's review
emotional
hopeful
fast-paced
- Strong character development? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
5.0
This YA contemporary with a magical twist follows agender teen Syd, who works at a queer-owned bakery. When Syd goes through a bad breakup and accidentally makes some brownies that causes everyone who eats them to break up, it’s up to Syd and the bakery’s cute delivery person Harley to save the day!
I am a SUCKER for a slow burn friends to lovers romance, and Syd and Harley are now one of my favorite book couples! I loved seeing their playful banter turn into a beautiful relationship — but with a good amount of angst along the way, cause the angst is what makes it fun.
The magic system is soft, and I didn’t completely understand the rules by the end, but I didn’t mind it the way I would with a high fantasy story. The dash of fantasy was incorporated into Syd’s coming-of-age story in a way that really resonated with me.
The book is also set in Austin, and as someone who lives in the Austin area, it was so fun to see Syd and Harley visit so many familiar places!
If you’re looking for a story with a cute romance, thoughtful coming-of-age themes, a magical twist, and tons of LGBTQ+ representation centered around community, I cannot recommend this book enough!
CWs: dysphoria, misgendering, toxic relationship, fatphobia mention.
I am a SUCKER for a slow burn friends to lovers romance, and Syd and Harley are now one of my favorite book couples! I loved seeing their playful banter turn into a beautiful relationship — but with a good amount of angst along the way, cause the angst is what makes it fun.
The magic system is soft, and I didn’t completely understand the rules by the end, but I didn’t mind it the way I would with a high fantasy story. The dash of fantasy was incorporated into Syd’s coming-of-age story in a way that really resonated with me.
The book is also set in Austin, and as someone who lives in the Austin area, it was so fun to see Syd and Harley visit so many familiar places!
If you’re looking for a story with a cute romance, thoughtful coming-of-age themes, a magical twist, and tons of LGBTQ+ representation centered around community, I cannot recommend this book enough!
CWs: dysphoria, misgendering, toxic relationship, fatphobia mention.
Content Warnings
Minor: Dysphoria, Transphobia, Toxic relationship, and Fatphobia
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