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neuroqueer's reviews
339 reviews
Seducing Scylla by Lex Logan
Did not finish book. Stopped at 27%.
Did not finish book. Stopped at 27%.
I got bored and wasn't feeling writing. It is fine writing but just couldn't get into it.
The Cynic's Christmas Conundrum: A Novelette by L.M. Bennett
inspiring
lighthearted
fast-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Strong character development? It's complicated
- Loveable characters? No
- Diverse cast of characters? No
- Flaws of characters a main focus? No
2.75
Overall: C+
"The Cynic's Christmas Conundrum: A Novelette" is a quick holiday romance story featuring two queer women of color. While the story centers on Amara and River's burgeoning relationship, it could benefit from deeper exploration and clearer pacing.
Amara and River are likable protagonists, and their connection is cute to follow. However, the story feels rushed - particularly in the middle and towards the end where the timeline becomes confusing. I wasn't sure how long it had been between River watching opera singer Amara's performace and her New Year's Eve announcement.
The story primarily unfolds within the two leads' apartments and has limited exploration of Brooklyn outside of throwaway lines. The setting feels generic and could easily have taken place in another city like Portland or Seattle.
The cover art is visually appealing. It showcases the two gorgeous women embracing against a beautiful cityscape backdrop. However, the typography leaves much to be desired.
Overall, "The Cynic's Christmas Conundrum" presents a sweet wintery romance with between two characters with interesting and unique professions (an opera singer and graphic designer). However, the initial conflict between Amara and River felt weak. The relationship felt more like a "weak dislike to lovers" rather than "enemies to lovers." This book includes an explicit sex scene. It is a quick read for those looking for a lighthearted wlw romance.
"The Cynic's Christmas Conundrum: A Novelette" is a quick holiday romance story featuring two queer women of color. While the story centers on Amara and River's burgeoning relationship, it could benefit from deeper exploration and clearer pacing.
Amara and River are likable protagonists, and their connection is cute to follow. However, the story feels rushed - particularly in the middle and towards the end where the timeline becomes confusing. I wasn't sure how long it had been between River watching opera singer Amara's performace and her New Year's Eve announcement.
The story primarily unfolds within the two leads' apartments and has limited exploration of Brooklyn outside of throwaway lines. The setting feels generic and could easily have taken place in another city like Portland or Seattle.
The cover art is visually appealing. It showcases the two gorgeous women embracing against a beautiful cityscape backdrop. However, the typography leaves much to be desired.
Overall, "The Cynic's Christmas Conundrum" presents a sweet wintery romance with between two characters with interesting and unique professions (an opera singer and graphic designer). However, the initial conflict between Amara and River felt weak. The relationship felt more like a "weak dislike to lovers" rather than "enemies to lovers." This book includes an explicit sex scene. It is a quick read for those looking for a lighthearted wlw romance.
Princess Floralinda and the Forty-Flight Tower by Tamsyn Muir
adventurous
dark
funny
lighthearted
fast-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? No
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
5.0
Tantie Merle and the Farmhand 4200 by R.S.A. Garcia
funny
lighthearted
fast-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? No
5.0
A Fatal Autumnal Stew by Dahlia Donovan
Did not finish book. Stopped at 33%.
Did not finish book. Stopped at 33%.
Main character and how the world revolves around them frustrates me. I really like the setting and the idea but I had to put the book down and rage twice.
Staged by Elle Cosimano
funny
lighthearted
mysterious
fast-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Plot
- Strong character development? No
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? No
- Flaws of characters a main focus? No
3.25
Overall: B
Nightfall: Nightmareland Volume One by Daniel Barnett
dark
mysterious
reflective
slow-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Strong character development? No
- Loveable characters? No
- Diverse cast of characters? No
- Flaws of characters a main focus? It's complicated
3.25
Overall: B
Emeralds to Emeralds, Dust to Dust by Douglas Cohen, Seanan McGuire, John Joseph Adams
dark
funny
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Plot
- Strong character development? No
- Loveable characters? It's complicated
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? No
3.0
Overall: B-
My Husband, My Stalker by Jessa Kane
funny
lighthearted
fast-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? No
- Diverse cast of characters? No
- Flaws of characters a main focus? It's complicated
2.75
Overall: C+
I keep giving erotica a chance and it just never works for me. This was an quick, easy read for those who like dirty talk and "bad boy turns good for good girl" tropes.
I keep giving erotica a chance and it just never works for me. This was an quick, easy read for those who like dirty talk and "bad boy turns good for good girl" tropes.