A review by tonyaf
Coup de Coeur by Halli Starling

dark mysterious tense medium-paced

• Plot- or character-driven? A mix
• Strong character development? It's complicated
• Loveable characters? Yes
• Diverse cast of characters? Yes
• Flaws of characters a main focus? No

3.0

Queer romantasy is one of my favorite genres at the moment and I love discovering new ones. Coup de Coeur by Halli Starling is a new Achillean (and polyamorous) fantasy romance that is also a fun historical mystery that I think is an exciting addition to the genre! 

Coup de Coeur is set in the late 1800s in New York City. There are four main characters: Calix, Ethaniel, Aubrey, and Lawton. The four characters get caught up in a mystery involving a magical book and their relationships are greatly affected in the ensuing drama. While Calix, Ethaniel, and Aubrey work together and grow closer. Lawton searches for the three and the book and his long-time but complicated relationship with Calix may finally be pushed past its breaking point.  

The Plot 

The plot of Coup de Coeur is interesting (I love books about magical books) but I found the pacing to be slightly slow for the first half of the book. The story takes place in 1899 New York City and the author clearly took great care in researching the city at the time (and how queer people lived in the era). Those details add a lot to the worldbuilding, but occasionally, some of those feel shoehorned in and disrupt the plot's momentum. Thankfully, once you hit the 50% mark, the story picks up speed and I found the second half to be paced nicely.  

The Characters 

Calix, Ethaniel, and Aubrey are interesting and likable characters and l found myself quickly rooting for the three. Lawton is also an interesting and complicated character.  

The Relationships 

The relationship between Calix, Ethaniel, and Aubrey really became the "star of the show" for me. It's a slow burn but I greatly enjoyed the individual relationships between the three and the main relationship between them as a new throuple. 

When the book starts, we learn that Ethaniel and Aubrey have feelings for each other but have recently had a falling out. Calix meets Aubrey and there's a spark between them. Calix and Ethaniel also have a sweet dynamic
.  

There's a lot to like about Coup de Coeur. I especially appreciate all the representation in the book and I like the three main characters. The ending sets up a future sequel with an exciting cliffhanger that left me excited to see what the future holds for Calix, Ethaniel, and Aubrey.