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A review by menshevixen
Cinnamon and Cigarettes by Samantha Kate
3.0
So, I received a copy of Cinnamon and Cigarettes in exchange for review, and I'm glad I volunteered! Samantha Kate's novel debut for Torquere focuses on Sara, a library professional navigating her first 'real' job as well as her sexuality.
As a librarian myself, I found the setting and Sara's work life relatable and amusing. Sara's love interest, intersects Sara's life because of her library job, and so this factor, as well as Sara's coworkers Amir and Andy, provided a good backdrop for the romantic plot.
The development of Sara and Moira's relationship is a bit of a slow burn, partly because of the subplot involving Sara's family, specifically her younger sister Hannah and the pressures their parents place on both sisters. However, the scenes with Moira and Sara strike a good balance of sweet and sexy. I'm always a sucker for family drama, too, so the emphasis on Sara's relationship with her parents and sister didn't bother me. I would've loved to see more of the Estradas, Moira's family, as well!
I was really happy to see a varied and diverse cast of characters; Moira is Latina and a lesbian, Sara is white and bisexual, Andy is trans, Amir is (I believe) Iranian. This, as well as Moira's backstory involving her military career, helped the novel feel grounded and true to life.
The writing throughout is solid, though at times overly descriptive for my taste. I did really enjoy the descriptions of flying during Moira and Sara's first date, and I found those centered on Sara's family and family home really effective in showing her feelings about her parents and childhood experiences. Sara's anxiety over losing Moira is also evocative.
Though there's a good amount of angst, I think the emotional roots of stress on both sides of the relationship are clear. It's a big step for Sara to be herself with her parents; it's a big step for Moira to trust that Sara won't hurt her again; and I was happy to see them happy at the story's end.
As a librarian myself, I found the setting and Sara's work life relatable and amusing. Sara's love interest, intersects Sara's life because of her library job, and so this factor, as well as Sara's coworkers Amir and Andy, provided a good backdrop for the romantic plot.
The development of Sara and Moira's relationship is a bit of a slow burn, partly because of the subplot involving Sara's family, specifically her younger sister Hannah and the pressures their parents place on both sisters. However, the scenes with Moira and Sara strike a good balance of sweet and sexy. I'm always a sucker for family drama, too, so the emphasis on Sara's relationship with her parents and sister didn't bother me. I would've loved to see more of the Estradas, Moira's family, as well!
I was really happy to see a varied and diverse cast of characters; Moira is Latina and a lesbian, Sara is white and bisexual, Andy is trans, Amir is (I believe) Iranian. This, as well as Moira's backstory involving her military career, helped the novel feel grounded and true to life.
The writing throughout is solid, though at times overly descriptive for my taste. I did really enjoy the descriptions of flying during Moira and Sara's first date, and I found those centered on Sara's family and family home really effective in showing her feelings about her parents and childhood experiences. Sara's anxiety over losing Moira is also evocative.
Though there's a good amount of angst, I think the emotional roots of stress on both sides of the relationship are clear. It's a big step for Sara to be herself with her parents; it's a big step for Moira to trust that Sara won't hurt her again; and I was happy to see them happy at the story's end.