Sip Sip Bang Bang is a delightful and frothy confection full of action and all the best fic tropes that coffeeshop AU enthusiasts will enjoy, from theSip Sip Bang Bang is a delightful and frothy confection full of action and all the best fic tropes that coffeeshop AU enthusiasts will enjoy, from the flirty banter to the high stakes in this delightful thrill ride of a novel. ...more
Sharp, witty and delightful, BETTER AT WEDDINGS THAN YOU from start to finish is a breath of fresh air in romance. Esguerra's characters at every leveSharp, witty and delightful, BETTER AT WEDDINGS THAN YOU from start to finish is a breath of fresh air in romance. Esguerra's characters at every level are complex, competent and are wonderfully dynamic with each other. Daphne and Aaron start out as reluctant coworkers who have to pull off a wedding together despite their differences, and then fall in love. One of the most refreshing romances I've read in a long while, and I adored every minute of it. ...more
RULES & REGULATIONS is a smart, fast-paced, high-stakes adventure that draws you in and takes you for a delightful ride into the world of myth and magRULES & REGULATIONS is a smart, fast-paced, high-stakes adventure that draws you in and takes you for a delightful ride into the world of myth and magic. Alongside worrying about AP classes and his crush, Bridger falls headfirst into the chaotic world of being an Intermediary’s assistant. With an awkward mentor and pixies as his guide, he has to learn how to be that bridge between the magical and mundane world (and escape a rampaging unicorn!).
Bridger’s sharp wit, sarcasm and resourcefulness absolutely shine on every single page, and he makes for a hilarious narrator, especially during the many WTF moments (and there are many. He meets a SASQUATCH. It’s amazing.) His relationship with his best friend Astrid is wonderfully dynamic and complex as Bridger starts having to lie about his magical new job, and then things get even more complicated with a potential boyfriend, and also a potentially end of the world.
Lukens delivers at every level, from the overwhelming awkwardness of a first crush, the complex dynamics of friendship, family relationships, and handles coming out in an authentic, clever, and hilarious way. I’m going to be quoting “I’m going to go be bisexual in my room” for a long time. RULES creates a fantastic new universe that I absolutely need more of. ...more
A compelling, intense, and heartwrenching novel told in a series of flashbacks from Sam, and her childhood growing up in Christian suburbia in the PhiA compelling, intense, and heartwrenching novel told in a series of flashbacks from Sam, and her childhood growing up in Christian suburbia in the Philippines, her teenage years at school and struggles with attraction to girls and her relationships, and the present: her current and developing friendship and romance with an outcast neighbor widow named Clara.
Bautista very deftly weaves together the complex family dynamics and the presence Sam's faith plays in her life. Sam has been raised to be, in her mother's eye, the best Christian woman she can be, and her love for her parents and the way she tries to meet their expectations and still be true to herself is done very thoughtfully. Sam's faith and her sexuality are not mutually exclusive; one of the most powerful moments in the novel is when (view spoiler)[ her community pastor, using Bible verses to shame Clara for her sexuality, stands up to him and cites 1 John 4:18-19: "'There is no fear in love. But, perfect love drives out fear, because fear has to do with punishment. The one who fears is not made perfect in love. We love because he first loved us.'....It is you, not her. It is you who lives in fear of people different from you. It is you who is swift in punishment of things you do not understand. You are the unelightened. You claim to live in Christ, but you are quick to self-righteous anger and slow to compassion. Tell me, Pastor Paul. Who is the disgrace?" (hide spoiler)]
The sweet romance and the powerful coming-of-age of a young woman struggling with her family expectations is a strong, emotional read. I especially loved Sam's relationship with both her parents, and (view spoiler)[ cried when her father told her he stayed (after having the opportunity to leave with the man he loved, back when Sam was a kid) because he loved his daughter and wanted to be there for her as she grew up. Sam's relationship with her father and also in the epilogue was so touching, and the entire resolution of Sam's decision to move forward for herself was so wonderful. And of course the possibility and hopeful ending of seeing Clara again was just lovely. (hide spoiler)]
Content warning: mention of suicide of a classmate during Sam's flashbacks, no explicit details, focus on the emotional aftermath and Sam's feelings about it. ...more
ABSOLUTELY ADORABLE. A sweet morsel of a novella, you'll absolutely fall in love with band mom Lana as she crushes on Mel during a snowed-in music comABSOLUTELY ADORABLE. A sweet morsel of a novella, you'll absolutely fall in love with band mom Lana as she crushes on Mel during a snowed-in music competition. Filled with lush longing and all the wonderfulness of remembering skills in music, Fearless is a lovely, heartwarming piece. ...more
90's kids aren't the only ones who'll appreciate this deftly crafted and fun, vivacious read. Tabitha is immediately likable and readers will identify90's kids aren't the only ones who'll appreciate this deftly crafted and fun, vivacious read. Tabitha is immediately likable and readers will identify with her struggles with her classmates and their insensitive comments and fat-shaming. Tabby's blossoming friendship with the Riot Grrrls and finding herself with new friends and cause is a delight to read, as is her learning about her own bisexuality and expressing it. The embedded zines are a lovely addition, as is the poetry and reading Tabby and her friend's riot of self-expression.
Pack also discusses Tabby's white privilege and looks at the complex layers of racism within the punk scene, and Tabby's relationship with Jackie, a fellow Riot Grrrl, is not only a sweet romance, but also a look into unlearning assumptions. Grrrls on the Side features a wonderful diverse cast of characters who are flawed and complex and call each other out on racist and misogynistic behaviors.
Tabby's relationships with male and female characters and her affirmation of her bisexuality is refreshing to see on the page, and absolutely important for readers to see. A lovely novel of coming-of-age in the 90's in the zine movement with fantastic characters. Readers looking for F/F with happy endings and punks at heart will appreciate Grrrls on the Side....more
A well crafted poly love story with heat and will tug at your heartstrings. When traditional adoption channels fail Gabe and Shahid and their friend KA well crafted poly love story with heat and will tug at your heartstrings. When traditional adoption channels fail Gabe and Shahid and their friend Kendra offers to carry a baby for them, a new relationship develops. The point of view switch between the three protagonists really worked for the story and bringing all three together. Excellent portrayal of open and honest communication with and dealt with the conflicts of external homophobia, the personal struggle with fertility and the three of them working it out together and all falling in love. ...more
Forest of a Thousand Lanterns shines with rich characters, a fantastic and detailed worldbuilding thoughtfully written by an Asian American author, anForest of a Thousand Lanterns shines with rich characters, a fantastic and detailed worldbuilding thoughtfully written by an Asian American author, and a cunning protagonist who is the anti-hero you've been waiting for.
Xifeng wants more than anything to be more than her little village and get away from her overbearing aunt Guma, and takes a chance to travel to the heart of the city and meet the Emperor. As she enters court, she has to navigate the pit of vipers there; make friends and enemies and every step is filled with danger. Xifeng's embrace of her powers and the court intrigue makes for an enthralling read.
It is imperatively important that we can see all types of protagonists from different backgrounds in our media; the more characters of color there are, the less pressure there is for each character to have to represent every character in the community. We can see people as rich and complex when there are multiple characters; Forest of A Thousand Lanterns is important because Xifeng is fascinating as a person; she'll do anything she can to get ahead. Dao makes a bold move here and the book doesn't shy away from a descent-to-darkness arc that works incredibly well for Xifeng's character.
Haunting, magical, and dark, Forest of a Thousand Lanterns is the first in a series of a retelling of Snow White set in an Asian fantasy world. Avidly awaiting the next in the series....more
Lukens deftly brings us back into the world of drifts and adventure with a fast-paced follow up to the amazing Star Host, where Ren discovered his tecLukens deftly brings us back into the world of drifts and adventure with a fast-paced follow up to the amazing Star Host, where Ren discovered his technopath powers. Like the first of the series, Ghost & Ashes is every bit as intricately detailed, packed with rich imagery of the vastness of space, the incredible vistas of planets, the beauty of found-families in crews just trying to get by and protect their own.
Reading Star Host was like opening a fantastic door into space, and the second book just takes us out for a ride without looking back. We start with Ren, adrift, literally and figuratively. While he's escaped his last prison, he's now under the scrutiny of the Phoenix Corps, and to make things worse, his relationship with Asher has drifted as well; especially as Asher is bound by his loyalties to the Corps. They travel back to Erden, Ren's home planet, in hopes of grounding him, and with Ren's fervent hope of finding his missing brother, as well, but they learn more about the corrupt truths of the Phoenix Corps and Ren finds a message from Baron Vos, who may have more to offer him.
The novel is fraught with complexity and wonderful layers; both at once an adventure and a heartwrenching chapter in Ren and Asher's romance as they navigate trust and betrayal and how to best protect one another. Lukens handles communication and miscommunication so well; and the prose is done so skillfully, whether in the middle of an epic battle, or a dash of wry humor, or sibling banter. And with Ren and Asher's relationship, with all their insecurities and the way they fall apart and come back together and still can tease one another and care for each other, and I need the last book in the series right now.
Lukens has built up the stakes; both in romance and the fate of the universe, and I cannot wait to read how it all comes together in the last novel. ...more
A delightful story filled with puns, superhero-and-villain antics, and a cheeky self-awareness throughout the narrative that makes for a fun and excitA delightful story filled with puns, superhero-and-villain antics, and a cheeky self-awareness throughout the narrative that makes for a fun and exciting read. The Adventures of Technicality Man follow—you guessed it, Technicality Man, our hero, who upon after saving the world and finds himself in good standing in the superpowered community, forms a superteam who then get caught up in a series of wacky hijinks when tropes themselves come under attack, and they need to save the world.
"Isn't that a bit of an anti-climax?" someone asked. "It's only chapter two," came the response. "You don't want a real climax yet."
The characters are memorable and hilarious, and Meats does a great job of poking fun at not only superhero tropes but also narrative tropes and devices, and the narrative and the characters are delightfully self-aware. A favorite scene of mine is when Technicality Man responds to how a person hitting another on the head is unlikely to cause unconsciousness without severe brain injuries.
"Just go with it," said Origami Man. "It's a standard trope."
The chapters are cleverly named, and I particularly enjoyed the "tangent" chapters as well, and the role of the many hilariously named and apt cats in the story, for example Continuity Leopard and Tangent Tiger and Correct Punctuation Lion (who loses control at a point in the story and all the punctuation in the scene gets really wild).
Also, probably my favorite line in the story:
"How come he gets the good puns?
Meats writes with humor and good fun, and I highly recommend The Adventures of Technicality Man for anyone who loves tropes—superhero, narrative or otherwise. ...more
Imagine a movie trailer opening with a fun lively pop song, we're introduced to Daniel and Erik, very much in love, in a diner making heart-eyes at eaImagine a movie trailer opening with a fun lively pop song, we're introduced to Daniel and Erik, very much in love, in a diner making heart-eyes at each other. Newly engaged, they've just started planning their wedding; or well, Daniel is. Close up on a phone open to an app that says "Welcome to Aurora, your digital life planner!" and some festive wedding themed icons. A montage of wedding shenanigans play with Daniel trying to stay ahead of the many lists he needs, and things coming together, things falling apart, and the music swells and the title card flashes at the screen; two groomsmen on a teetering wedding cake.
This novel leaps off the page; it is so much fun. I'm a big fan of rom-coms in general, and Belledonne delivers every trope and turns them on their head with a genuine and delightful romance. Told simultaneously in the present and through flashbacks of Daniel and Erik's budding relationship, the story of falling in love and also being in love and staying in love is done so well. There are tears and heartbreak and high stakes and I absolutely adore it. Recommended for anyone who's a big fan of romantic comedies....more
Absolutely delicious. Wonderful rom-com feel from the very start with incredible leading ladies, falling in love, dealing with vengeful exes, meddlingAbsolutely delicious. Wonderful rom-com feel from the very start with incredible leading ladies, falling in love, dealing with vengeful exes, meddling family members and well-intended friends, Sarita and Maritza fall in love and find happily ever after despite it all.
Reed does it so well with incredible, relatable leads in Maritza and Sarita; wonderful, amazing people whose ambitions and personal lives are difficult to navigate, but they meet in the most adorable meet-cute morning-after scenario and then start dating from there. Sarita is the head cake decorator at a fine bakery establishment and also struggling with her PHD program; academic woes ring very realistic and relatable. Martiza works in a Italian restaurant and also is a very talented ballroom dancer, with dreams of making the big time, her hopes pinging on a huge dance audition coming up. Girl meets girl, girls run into complications, and there's a mad rush for love confessions and making it all worth it. No spoilers, but if you love rom-coms and that desperate, final moment to prove yourself-- this novel is definitely for you.
I loved all the characters, the incredible support and each character is a story unto themselves, warm and inviting, the Sucre Coeur universe is incredibly welcoming and wonderful. Delightful, delightful, delightful....more
Catherine is about to meet the man she's arranged to marry when her stagecoach is robbed by a roguish bandit, only later to find in town that Zeke, heCatherine is about to meet the man she's arranged to marry when her stagecoach is robbed by a roguish bandit, only later to find in town that Zeke, her betrothed, is the same man.
This book was so much fun, from the identity shenanigans in the beginnings and the hustle and bustle of the old West and intricate details. I loved all the characters, especially when Catherine first arrives in town and meets Zeke's "best pal" who seems surprised at her presence but escorts her to Zeke's cabin anyways. Their first meeting-- Zeke in nothing more than a towel-- is hot and their banter is so much fun; Catherine already is defending her betrothed, thinking Zeke the bandit, and calling him "good and kind and interesting" based on just their letters.
The story is fun and the romance and how they come to love each other is sweet, and the stakes get raised when Catherine and Zeke get embroiled in more bandit shenanigans. A fun, lively read....more
Fairchild takes the arranged marriage trope and upends it, doing it well with fantastic heroines who readers will root for to find love and happiness Fairchild takes the arranged marriage trope and upends it, doing it well with fantastic heroines who readers will root for to find love and happiness. The setting of the old West and the developed romance is sweet and lovely; looking forward to more in this series. ...more
A delightful romance with an Asian American protagonist that does well on the friends-to-lovers trope. Yang's voice is fresh and invigorating, and hisA delightful romance with an Asian American protagonist that does well on the friends-to-lovers trope. Yang's voice is fresh and invigorating, and his use of both Mandarin and Cantonese within the novel speaks well to Clint's multicultural upbringing. Loved the portrayal of Clint's family, especially his relationship with his mother. Yang gets the nuances of first generation immigrant families right, and the romance is sweet and loving.
Absolutely wonderful prose, Henson completely draws us in to the lives of Ollie and Tai, two very different suffers. Best friends who navigate their fAbsolutely wonderful prose, Henson completely draws us in to the lives of Ollie and Tai, two very different suffers. Best friends who navigate their feelings for one another, they start hooking up during a surf tour with the conditions that it would only be temporary; yet it changes everything as Tai has been in love with Ollie for quite some time. Ollie's own discovery of his feelings as he gets pulled into a pro-surfer world is a heartwrenching journey.
I particularly loved the setting of the novel, especially how both Ollie and Tai were Hawaiian and wanted to be true to themselves, the island, what it meant to them. Found families is a favorite trope of mine and their wonderful close-knit family and the Blue House had me rooting for them at every step.