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vael's reviews
267 reviews
The Magic Fish by Trung Le Nguyen
emotional
lighthearted
reflective
fast-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Strong character development? It's complicated
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? It's complicated
4.25
Content Warnings
Graphic: Death of parent and Homophobia
Frisky Collections Volume 1: Frisky & Queer by Michelle Mars
funny
lighthearted
fast-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Plot
- Strong character development? N/A
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? No
4.0
This book is a compilation of stories from the universe of Frisky Bean, an incredible coffee shop that left me wanting to try everything they sell in real life.
I loved the community that formed around the place. All three stories had incredible queer representation; each relationship was unique and sweet. I definitely want to read more stories from this universe, so I will be reading the rest of the author's stories.
A little more about each story:
Frisky Rivalry is a story of childhood rivals to lovers, with bisexual representation, in which they try to give each other a second chance to be together. I enjoyed it a lot, but because they have been in each other's lives for a long time, the relationship progresses very quickly, so keep that in mind.
Frisky Arrangement follows the story of Ash, an influencer, and Alex, a florist, who have to work together but are so attracted to each other that they have to do something about it. This one! I think it was my favorite. It has BDSM dynamics, genderqueer, and bisexual representation. I wish it was longer; I would read an entire book about them.
Frisky Engagement is the story of a long-term sapphic relationship and their plans for the big question: "Will you marry me?" This one was a little longer, with some spicy d/s dynamic and so much love. All the characters gather in this one to help the protagonists, but also to celebrate the holiday. I had never heard of Purim, so it was wonderful reading about it.
I would recommend this book to readers looking for a quick, cute, and steamy story. It is part of a series (Book 1.5) but can be read independently. If you want to know how Frisky Bean started, I suggest reading Frisky Intentions.
I received a free copy of this book via BookSirens. My review is honest and voluntary.
I loved the community that formed around the place. All three stories had incredible queer representation; each relationship was unique and sweet. I definitely want to read more stories from this universe, so I will be reading the rest of the author's stories.
A little more about each story:
Frisky Rivalry is a story of childhood rivals to lovers, with bisexual representation, in which they try to give each other a second chance to be together. I enjoyed it a lot, but because they have been in each other's lives for a long time, the relationship progresses very quickly, so keep that in mind.
Frisky Arrangement follows the story of Ash, an influencer, and Alex, a florist, who have to work together but are so attracted to each other that they have to do something about it. This one! I think it was my favorite. It has BDSM dynamics, genderqueer, and bisexual representation. I wish it was longer; I would read an entire book about them.
Frisky Engagement is the story of a long-term sapphic relationship and their plans for the big question: "Will you marry me?" This one was a little longer, with some spicy d/s dynamic and so much love. All the characters gather in this one to help the protagonists, but also to celebrate the holiday. I had never heard of Purim, so it was wonderful reading about it.
I would recommend this book to readers looking for a quick, cute, and steamy story. It is part of a series (Book 1.5) but can be read independently. If you want to know how Frisky Bean started, I suggest reading Frisky Intentions.
I received a free copy of this book via BookSirens. My review is honest and voluntary.
Assistant to the Villain by Hannah Nicole Maehrer
funny
fast-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Plot
- Strong character development? No
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? No
3.0
Parallel by Hope Bolinger
emotional
funny
lighthearted
reflective
fast-paced
4.0
What will you find:
-Long distance relationship
-Autism Rep in MC
-Neurodivergent MC (Undiagnosed)
-Parallel Universes
-Toxic family dynamics
-Characters with religious Backgrounds
-Queer besties
As soon as I read "Long distance relationship between neurodiverse protagonists with religious families" I was sold. And my goodness, it was so good.
I really want to see this book adapted into a movie or serie.
I like the way the author implemented the parallel worlds. Because sometimes when you talk to others, it does feel like you're not part of the same world.
There is a lot of the author in this novel and I think many people will feel connected to the story in the same way that I did.
My favorite part was the support the protagonists had from their best friends and teachers. Also, I loved the twist that Jonas' character had towards the end; At first, you would think that things are easier for him than for Sonja, but as the story progresses, you come to understand how he expresses himself, his concerns, and how he grieves the changes they are both experiencing.
The novel is narrated from both points of view and the personalities are so well constructed that it is easy to understand the reason behind their behavior.
Did I cry? Yes, of course, I cry with all the stories on the topic of leaving a toxic environment. I loved the conclusion of the book. I wish we could see more of how they handle their relationship after the events of the book, but I guess you just have to trust them.
I would especially recommend this book to readers looking for a quick, fun novel, with good representation.
If you start reading it, I suggest reading all the author's notes. They add a lot to the experience and help you understand the reason for the protagonists' actions a little more.
I received an advance review copy for free, and I am leaving this review voluntarily.
-Long distance relationship
-Autism Rep in MC
-Neurodivergent MC (Undiagnosed)
-Parallel Universes
-Toxic family dynamics
-Characters with religious Backgrounds
-Queer besties
As soon as I read "Long distance relationship between neurodiverse protagonists with religious families" I was sold. And my goodness, it was so good.
I really want to see this book adapted into a movie or serie.
I like the way the author implemented the parallel worlds. Because sometimes when you talk to others, it does feel like you're not part of the same world.
There is a lot of the author in this novel and I think many people will feel connected to the story in the same way that I did.
My favorite part was the support the protagonists had from their best friends and teachers. Also, I loved the twist that Jonas' character had towards the end; At first, you would think that things are easier for him than for Sonja, but as the story progresses, you come to understand how he expresses himself, his concerns, and how he grieves the changes they are both experiencing.
The novel is narrated from both points of view and the personalities are so well constructed that it is easy to understand the reason behind their behavior.
Did I cry? Yes, of course, I cry with all the stories on the topic of leaving a toxic environment. I loved the conclusion of the book. I wish we could see more of how they handle their relationship after the events of the book, but I guess you just have to trust them.
I would especially recommend this book to readers looking for a quick, fun novel, with good representation.
If you start reading it, I suggest reading all the author's notes. They add a lot to the experience and help you understand the reason for the protagonists' actions a little more.
I received an advance review copy for free, and I am leaving this review voluntarily.
Under the Whispering Door by TJ Klune
emotional
hopeful
inspiring
lighthearted
reflective
fast-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
3.75
Content Warnings
Graphic: Child death, Grief, Animal death, Death, Murder, Suicide, Death of parent, Mental illness, and Panic attacks/disorders
La muerte de Ivan Ilich by Leo Tolstoy
reflective
tense
fast-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Strong character development? It's complicated
- Loveable characters? It's complicated
- Diverse cast of characters? N/A
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
4.0
Content Warnings
Graphic: Death and Grief
Across a Field of Starlight by Blue Delliquanti
adventurous
reflective
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? It's complicated
- Loveable characters? It's complicated
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? It's complicated
3.0
Teacher of the Year by M.A. Wardell
Did not finish book. Stopped at 30%.
Did not finish book. Stopped at 30%.
Unconfy
And he asked "do you like man"
And he said "I like you"
And that's stupid I'm sorry
And he said "I like you"
And that's stupid I'm sorry
La flor y la muerte by Selene M. Pascual, Iria G. Parente
adventurous
inspiring
lighthearted
reflective
slow-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Plot
- Strong character development? It's complicated
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? It's complicated
3.5
Content Warnings
Graphic: Cultural appropriation, Suicidal thoughts, Colonisation, and Classism