A review by samthebookdevotee
The Lonely Hearts Rescue by Nell Stark, Missouri Vaun, Morgan Lee Miller

funny hopeful lighthearted medium-paced

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

2.75

 

I don't read short story collections often, but animals and LGBTQ+ main characters, sign me up! I have never read anything from any of these authors so I went in with fresh eyes. I'll break this review up into a paragraph for each story.

Something About You was really cute. I liked that it felt very natural between Reece and Hannah. I thought especially the author did a great job of showing Hannah's first time dating while out. I felt the exact same way. Messaging women with romantic intentions is hard lol. I also thought Reece and Hannah were really cute together. I would read a full novel about them if the author ever decided to expand or do a short sequel.

Test of Faith was my least favorite story. Honestly, I didn't even finish it. Faith was just so awkward and I thought the author used it as an excuse to say mean things. When Faith made a joke about someone not being a real queer because that person didn't know some famous gay icon I literally just skipped the rest of the story. Even though I'm sure the story ended with a happy ending, I have no interest in Faith as a character.

Force of Nature was my favorite of the trio, so I'm glad it was the last story I read. I thought Rebekah and Rory were very cute and just a little bit funny. I thought seeing Rebekah doubting herself in being a pet parent but still put in the work and really tried. I remember being a first-time pet parent. Way different than growing up with animals as a child. Lost of scary adult responsibility. The only thing I wasn't a fan of was their one fight that made them question the relationship. It felt like it came out of nowhere. I think a build-up confession would have been nicer. 

Overall, this was a fun read. I wouldn't personally purchase a copy for myself as I wouldn't want to own a book where I skip a complete story if I were to re-read it, but I do recommend it for those who are curious. Maybe you may like Faith and her story.