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nickartrip102's reviews
756 reviews
Let It Snow by Heidi Cullinan
3.0
This one gave me all the warm, fuzzy, sexy Christmas feels. The leads were slightly one dimensional, but it was still a good, cozy read for me.
Sleigh Ride by Heidi Cullinan
4.0
Very nearly a five star book for me. It was equal parts sweet and sexy, with important messages. So pleased to see the writer tackle gender binaries and how they are damaging to children with the side plot about Thomas and his doll Soupy. It was also refreshing to see the story address access to literature and technology in a small rural community, which is something I am passionate about. I loved the relationship between Arthur and Gabriel, kink and all. I am not at all ashamed to say that the final scene warmed my heart and made me cry (just a little!)
The only thing stopping me from tating this five stars was the near violent attack in the final chapters. To me it felt disjointed and was not adequately explained. Apart from that this was a charming and fun read.
The only thing stopping me from tating this five stars was the near violent attack in the final chapters. To me it felt disjointed and was not adequately explained. Apart from that this was a charming and fun read.
He Sees You When You're Sleeping by Sara Dobie Bauer
3.0
A murderous, voyeuristic, gay Santa? I am not entirely sure that I loved this story, but it was certainly an interesting experience about the "what ifs?"
Winter Wonderland by Heidi Cullinan
4.0
Fun fluff! With Paul, Heidi Cullinan really captures why Hallmark Christmas movies appeal to so many folks who need their spirits lifted. I loved the toppy, twink nurse pursuing the grumpy bear.
Santa Baby by Heidi Cullinan
2.0
A big sigh is needed here. I adored this series! And though polyamory and m/m/m aren't necessarily my cup of tea, I did find the relationship and connectivity between the three protagonists to be charming. The thing I love about queer romance as a genre is that it often presents readers with "new normals" that aren't often given fair treatment by more mainstream writers.
That being said, this was not my favorite installment. It felt a bit rushed and I had a difficult time appreciating Dale as a lead. I often found myself skipping the steamy scenes because there were kinks and acts that do not appeal to me and that I am not comfortable with. These feelings really detracted from my interest in the story as a whole. Though, some may disagree, I feel this is where content warnings come in handy.
If I could rate anything about this edition higher it would be the important themes and social issues that Cullinan explores. She presented a survivor's tale in a great manner, showcasing the self doubt and shame that survivors too often face. With the support of his friend group, however, Cullinan shows us what a world where we believe and affirm survivors could be like. Bravo for that and thank you for showing us male leads who are vulnerable. The world needs more of this. In this story we see nonbinary folk and the importance of respecting pronouns, we see the crucial role of chosen families in queer communities. These are all wonderful things that warmed my heart even if this story as a whole was a flop for me.
That being said, this was not my favorite installment. It felt a bit rushed and I had a difficult time appreciating Dale as a lead. I often found myself skipping the steamy scenes because there were kinks and acts that do not appeal to me and that I am not comfortable with. These feelings really detracted from my interest in the story as a whole. Though, some may disagree, I feel this is where content warnings come in handy.
If I could rate anything about this edition higher it would be the important themes and social issues that Cullinan explores. She presented a survivor's tale in a great manner, showcasing the self doubt and shame that survivors too often face. With the support of his friend group, however, Cullinan shows us what a world where we believe and affirm survivors could be like. Bravo for that and thank you for showing us male leads who are vulnerable. The world needs more of this. In this story we see nonbinary folk and the importance of respecting pronouns, we see the crucial role of chosen families in queer communities. These are all wonderful things that warmed my heart even if this story as a whole was a flop for me.
Felix Ever After by Kacen Callender
5.0
This book is everything and I feel so proud and grateful to have been able to read it. Yes, some of the plot points were a bit obvious, but the context and affirmation found within its pages were well worth it. Felix is a black, trans, questioning protagonist who yes, does suffer at various points, but is also allowed joy and growth and complexity. I am continously astounded by the state of YA fiction and this is must read material for the queer subgenre. The secondary characters give us range and realism showing all forms of allyship and misunderstanding. Truly a fantastic experience that I highly recommend. And at it's very heart this narrative begs the world to see that all folks deserve love and affirmation. Golly.
O Come, All Ye Kellys by Isla Olsen
4.0
This was a really fun read and it is always nice to spend time with the Kelly family!
City of Perfect Moments by Annabeth Chatwin
4.0
Never forsake your individuality! While I found myself angry at Malcolm, I realized that his opinion and treatment of West were somewhat natural for a self conscious teenager. I love the author's writing style and flow and her ability to create realistic, vulnerable characters who you just want to shake and hug in equal turns. Some parts of the narrative felt bogged down by emotional manipulation, but this is typical of young, first love, and was course corrected by the characters growth through the story. This was a lovely, quick read that left me yearning for more.