Reviews

I'm an author in this book; I'm not talking about my own work, obviously.

I've been looking forward to reading this set of short stories. Even being involved in the anthology, I didn't get to read any of the stories prior to publication. When I started reading, I kept a piece of note paper to track my favorites and uh... I was writing them all down.

The stories all had different things they hit for me, but they all left me smiling. Feeling good. Feeling like I'd just had a bit of sweet fluff to eat and some nice hot cocoa to drink. I read this during a week when my life was turning upside down, and it was exactly the anchor I needed to help cleanse my mind one short story at a time.

I'm biased because I'm part of this, yes, but wow, these stories exceeded my expectations. I came away with joy, and I needed that.

sunshine_oracle's review against another edition

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hopeful lighthearted fast-paced

Plot- or character-driven? Character
Strong character development? No
Loveable characters? Yes
Diverse cast of characters? Yes
Flaws of characters a main focus? It's complicated

4.5

Adorable collection of short romantic cozy fantasy stories. The LGBTQIA+ and BIPOC representation was wonderful. Not enough romance stories have enby characters. I also especially loved the disability representation in one of the stories.

breading_books's review

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emotional 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? It's complicated

4.5

taaya's review

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emotional funny lighthearted slow-paced

Plot- or character-driven? Character
Strong character development? No
Loveable characters? It's complicated
Diverse cast of characters? Yes
Flaws of characters a main focus? It's complicated

4.0

Not what I expected, when it was recommended to me (because I was looking for good rep of ace people actually having a relationship). And in fact, the one ace character in this anthology...is just ace in the tags. Their asexuality is neither mentioned nor acted upon in the story.

But that doesn't change the fact that the stories are super sweet and lovely to read. Just ...proportions, people. Another ace who's asexuality really plays a role on getting together, would've been nice in all those stories.

And ... really, meet cute is now used inflationary, isn't it?

(Massive kudos for the tags!)

Content Warnings

greeniezona's review

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lighthearted medium-paced

4.0

This anthology is a "spellbinding (and scrumptious!) collection of heartwarming queer stories." All of the stories feature magic, there is diverse representation, and all center on a coffee or tea shop in some way. There are sweet, warm stories of people who feel on the edges of society for different reasons, and then find someone who appreciates them just how they are.

A few of the authors of the stories are people I follow as fan fiction authors, and it is great to see them writing original characters and stories as well.

These stories are so soft! It is absolutely the book equivalent of being wrapped in a warm blanket and brought a cup of hot tea. A feeling I needed, as I read many of these stories as I was traveling to and from my grandmother's funeral with my family. This was a perfect collection to bring along, and I really felt it was doing good things for my brain.

fpwoper's review

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emotional hopeful inspiring lighthearted relaxing fast-paced

Plot- or character-driven? N/A
Strong character development? Yes
Loveable characters? Yes
Diverse cast of characters? Yes
Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes

4.5

I absolutely loved this anthology. It was a magical read (ha) and I smiled throughout. One or two stories weren't for me but that's always going to happen. Simply amazing!

sunny15's review

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hopeful lighthearted fast-paced

Plot- or character-driven? Character
Loveable characters? Yes
Diverse cast of characters? Yes

4.75

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