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readingnesting's Reviews (70)
funny
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:
Complicated
'Freaky Friday. But Gay. And Christmas.'
As soon as I read the above, I was lured in faster than my dog running to the fridge when he hears it open.
The story hooked me from the beginning. It is such a cosy and funny read. It is the perfect book to get into the winter holiday vibes.
Briar Prescott is a new author for me. I see her books being highly recommended a lot on social platforms.
I understand the hype now. I really enjoyed her writing style and sense of humour.
This book is for you:
- You're craving a cosy Christmas read
- Fancying a low spice book
- You loved the banter and chemistry in Red, White and Royal Blue. (You are going to love Gabriel and Josh!)
Get your hot chocolate and blanket ready and settle down with The Christmas Switch by Briar Prescott.
As soon as I read the above, I was lured in faster than my dog running to the fridge when he hears it open.
The story hooked me from the beginning. It is such a cosy and funny read. It is the perfect book to get into the winter holiday vibes.
Briar Prescott is a new author for me. I see her books being highly recommended a lot on social platforms.
I understand the hype now. I really enjoyed her writing style and sense of humour.
This book is for you:
- You're craving a cosy Christmas read
- Fancying a low spice book
- You loved the banter and chemistry in Red, White and Royal Blue. (You are going to love Gabriel and Josh!)
Get your hot chocolate and blanket ready and settle down with The Christmas Switch by Briar Prescott.
emotional
funny
sad
slow-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
emotional
funny
hopeful
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:
N/A
I LOVE THIS BOOK SO MUCH!
I want more readers to find this book.
It is witty, original and a balm to the soul. It's a story for the misfits.
The story revolves around Ellian of the Drioné line (but you can call him Ellie) and Felix Masters.
Ellie is a high society male Incubi, a being that needs sexual activity to survive, but he is on the asexual spectrum. Being a succubus comes with a lot of societal expectations and norms, but it is not congruent with Ellie's nature.
"I wish I was normal,” he admitted into the night. “I wish I was a good succubus. I wish I was like everyone else."‘
He joins Against the Grain, with a foolproof plan: attend the support group for supernatural misfits, figure out how to correct his… abnormality, and then return to the Incubi compound to join his betrothed. For once in Ellie’s suffocatingly controlled existence, he will bring honour to his family name, regardless of the personal cost.
Felix is a human. He is soft around the middle, he talks too much and has anxiety. He never meant to crash into a therapy group for magical oddballs, but there he is!
I deeply love Ellie and Felix. I love how Ellie's tail speaks for him, whilst he learned to suppress his emotions everywhere else.
I love the pure hearted Felix, who also stands up for himself and for what is right. I wish more people would love and be loved exactly like Felix.
I love the story for touching upon gender(dysphoria), trauma and healing, and being yourself when the world is telling you are wrong.
Even though this is an urban fantasy book, the people and their relationships, mental health, consent, are all portrayed in a realistic manner. It's more realistic than most romance books.
I am CIS. I work with a lot of different people, some of them are trans, gender fluid, non binary. I wish that more people would understand their stories and their beauty of being.
Note: There is spice in this book.
Note 2: It is part of a series, but it can definitely be read as a standalone. Because I did. I am now going to read the other 2.
I want more readers to find this book.
It is witty, original and a balm to the soul. It's a story for the misfits.
The story revolves around Ellian of the Drioné line (but you can call him Ellie) and Felix Masters.
Ellie is a high society male Incubi, a being that needs sexual activity to survive, but he is on the asexual spectrum. Being a succubus comes with a lot of societal expectations and norms, but it is not congruent with Ellie's nature.
"I wish I was normal,” he admitted into the night. “I wish I was a good succubus. I wish I was like everyone else."‘
He joins Against the Grain, with a foolproof plan: attend the support group for supernatural misfits, figure out how to correct his… abnormality, and then return to the Incubi compound to join his betrothed. For once in Ellie’s suffocatingly controlled existence, he will bring honour to his family name, regardless of the personal cost.
Felix is a human. He is soft around the middle, he talks too much and has anxiety. He never meant to crash into a therapy group for magical oddballs, but there he is!
I deeply love Ellie and Felix. I love how Ellie's tail speaks for him, whilst he learned to suppress his emotions everywhere else.
I love the pure hearted Felix, who also stands up for himself and for what is right. I wish more people would love and be loved exactly like Felix.
I love the story for touching upon gender(dysphoria), trauma and healing, and being yourself when the world is telling you are wrong.
Even though this is an urban fantasy book, the people and their relationships, mental health, consent, are all portrayed in a realistic manner. It's more realistic than most romance books.
I am CIS. I work with a lot of different people, some of them are trans, gender fluid, non binary. I wish that more people would understand their stories and their beauty of being.
Note: There is spice in this book.
Note 2: It is part of a series, but it can definitely be read as a standalone. Because I did. I am now going to read the other 2.
Content Warnings
Moderate: Drug use, Emotional abuse, Religious bigotry
Minor: Eating disorder, Death of parent
challenging
emotional
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
Dirt bikes? It's not really my thing. I picked up this book 10 months ago anyway, and I am so happy that I did. It stuck with me.
"There is a fine line between being reckless and self distructive- something I'm guilty of from time to time- and feeling so much like your life is already over that basic concept of your safety does not exist."
Silas and Cade go from rivals to friends to lovers. Their backgrounds are rooted in poverty with lots of trauma.
The way the book took me on a journey through their friendship. It is pure, messy and beautiful. These boys are in my heart.
"If I could hollow out the space inside my ribs and place him there for safe keeping, I would. But that is a weird thing to think about your friend."
It takes a while before a double queer awakening takes place, but when it does... it is hot!! Erin Russell is excellent at writing spice.
Top tier book!
Content Warnings
Graphic: Addiction, Suicidal thoughts, Abandonment
Moderate: Domestic abuse, Alcohol
adventurous
funny
medium-paced
Plot or Character Driven:
A mix
Strong character development:
Yes
Loveable characters:
Yes
Diverse cast of characters:
No
Flaws of characters a main focus:
Complicated
Welcome to the Holidays, where every holiday has their own Royal Court and Joy is the currency.
To increase Santa's influence, the Prince of Christmas is promised to the princess of Easter. But he can't get the prince of Halloween out of his head!
Don't expect just a sweet romance book, even though it is that too. It's political and contains criticism of consumerism. Not stuffy, but just very rich in layers!
To increase Santa's influence, the Prince of Christmas is promised to the princess of Easter. But he can't get the prince of Halloween out of his head!
Don't expect just a sweet romance book, even though it is that too. It's political and contains criticism of consumerism. Not stuffy, but just very rich in layers!
"Someone help me, please, because this guy makes me want to learn hymns but only recite them if I’m moaning and I think that might be sacrilege, but I’m okay with damnation if he’s the reason, I just want to know for sure which way is up."
I fell in love with the Princes (and the side characters!). They are funny, messy and extremely lovable! They care so much. And it isn't easy to navigate obligations, expectations, feelings and not to eff everything up.
The writing style can be flowery in some parts. I loved that, but not so much in the spicy scenes. Yes, it does contain some spice, but I don't consider it steamy.
This is a top tier book for me! The layers, a unique story and people loving people with (perceived) flaws and all.
Content Warnings
Moderate: Death, Death of parent, Abandonment
adventurous
hopeful
reflective
medium-paced
Plot or Character Driven:
A mix
Strong character development:
Yes
Loveable characters:
Yes
Diverse cast of characters:
Complicated
Flaws of characters a main focus:
Yes
I got a recommendation for this book through a FB bookgroup. Not even halfway through and I was bursting from the seams, wanting to share and talk this book. Having finished it now, still feel the same!
It has very different dynamics than any shifterbook I read.
Even though it is PNR, in the story there is some real life themes that are shown and moved through.
It has very accurate representation of trauma and its effects. Without being heavy or angsty.
And a lot of assumptions about dominance and submission are criticised in an awesome way.
I love when a good story also has great depth.
The characters are lovable and show growth.
Tis is a top tier book! Can't wait to read more from this author. Hope they will follow up this story as well.
It has very different dynamics than any shifterbook I read.
Even though it is PNR, in the story there is some real life themes that are shown and moved through.
It has very accurate representation of trauma and its effects. Without being heavy or angsty.
And a lot of assumptions about dominance and submission are criticised in an awesome way.
I love when a good story also has great depth.
The characters are lovable and show growth.
Tis is a top tier book! Can't wait to read more from this author. Hope they will follow up this story as well.
Content Warnings
Moderate: Death, Homophobia, Abandonment
adventurous
challenging
emotional
hopeful
medium-paced
"Sixteen-year-old Deka lives in fear and anticipation of the blood ceremony that will determine whether she will become a member of her village. Already different from everyone else because of her unnatural intuition, Deka prays for red blood so she can finally feel like she belongs.
But on the day of the ceremony, her blood runs gold, the color of impurity–and Deka knows she will face a consequence worse than death."
I read this book two or three years ago. This is about 350 books later now. This is a book that stayed with me. It is a beautiful book that deals with heavy topics (like racism, misogyny, inequality, abuse, trauma) in YA fantasy form.
Why this book made an impact on me:
It shows how sneaky conceptions form in society and which devastation comes with that. But most of all, this book is inspiring. Empowering. To peel those layers away and become aware of the beauty and power of you.
The world building felt very unique to me.
The plot was exciting and came with lots of twists. I was emotionally invested.
The characters are complex and mostly female. A Black main character, with many Black, Asian, and brow
But on the day of the ceremony, her blood runs gold, the color of impurity–and Deka knows she will face a consequence worse than death."
I read this book two or three years ago. This is about 350 books later now. This is a book that stayed with me. It is a beautiful book that deals with heavy topics (like racism, misogyny, inequality, abuse, trauma) in YA fantasy form.
Why this book made an impact on me:
It shows how sneaky conceptions form in society and which devastation comes with that. But most of all, this book is inspiring. Empowering. To peel those layers away and become aware of the beauty and power of you.
The world building felt very unique to me.
The plot was exciting and came with lots of twists. I was emotionally invested.
The characters are complex and mostly female. A Black main character, with many Black, Asian, and brow
Content Warnings
Graphic: Sexual violence, Torture, Violence, Colonisation
Minor: Physical abuse
adventurous
dark
funny
medium-paced
Plot or Character Driven:
A mix
Strong character development:
Yes
Loveable characters:
Yes
Diverse cast of characters:
No
Flaws of characters a main focus:
Yes
"I didn't gouge them out, Butcher. I plucked them. Delicately. Like a lady." (Talking about eyes)
Serial killers falling in love. Female/male romance. Slow burn. Read if you want your romance darker rather than too sweet.
Strong female lead and a man who could match her.
This book was written really well. Funny, good storyline, interesting dynamic. I listened to the audiobook as well, one of the best narration I've heard!
funny
lighthearted
medium-paced
Plot or Character Driven:
A mix
Strong character development:
Yes
Loveable characters:
Yes
Diverse cast of characters:
No
Flaws of characters a main focus:
Yes
I read a lot and I read this awhile ago. The story kept with me. It is a fun, cozy and interesting read.
Love the bisexual representation.
If you love the British Bake off, this book is for you.
Love the bisexual representation.
If you love the British Bake off, this book is for you.
hopeful
lighthearted
fast-paced
Plot or Character Driven:
N/A
Strong character development:
No
Loveable characters:
Yes
Diverse cast of characters:
No
Flaws of characters a main focus:
No
It is a sweet story, with mainly spice.