Reviews

Monster Mixer by Robin Jo Margaret

michellej_books's review against another edition

5.0

Spicy, sweet, inclusive, and unique short stories. I love the inclusivity in these stories, the diversity in the characters, and the unique way of explaining them, what better than in little stories full of spice? Everyone was so positive and open to everyone without judging anyone, it was beautiful. Jamie and Vance were my favorite couple, their chemistry was so perfect, they are made for each other, and they are a beautiful couple. The examples of all the diversities were both explanatory for those who don't know the terms and so sweet to read each of them in such an understanding environment as it really should be, I just loved it. One of the best monster smut/romance short stories I've ever read.

asparagusisreading's review

inspiring lighthearted

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

5.0

A sweet and spicy short story collection about Monster Mixer, an event where any and all monsters and humans (with invites and check ups of course) attend for consensual hookups with the possibility of more, sexually, romantically, and platonically. The five interconnected stories featured a variety of monster and human characters, two stories centering on the same couple, each with effortless and respectful inclusive representation (list below). The sex and sex discussions were explicit but featured lots of consent, after care, no judgement, and honest communication that I appreciated. This is the second book I’ve read by Robin Jo Margaret  and I continue to be very impressed with their stories and left wanting more time with the characters. Can’t wait for their future work!

representation: Trans rep (Trans Man and Trans Woman), Plus Size Characters, Bisexual rep, Pansexual rep, Gay rep, Autistic rep, Polyamory rep

wordynerdyanddirty's review against another edition

5.0

I give this 4.5 stars but am rounding it up to 5 because this was so much and so unique.
Interconnected short stories? About a monster mixer? Where monsters and humans consensually hook up? With the possibility of a shot at love? YES PLEASE! This was such a fun read and I loved how all of these short stories flow together. A sprinkle of sweetness here and there and prepare to be drowned (in the best way) by spice.

And the representation and consent communication and after-care throughout all of the stories is INCREDIBLE. The characters identify as trans man, trans woman, gay, bisexual, pansexual, and polyamorous. And we run the gamut between human, minotaur, vampire, werewolf, and other creatures big and small. ALL BEAUTIFUL.

This is a very short book so I won’t give too much away! You should be the one to experience every delicious scene as you read it.

meepisreading's review against another edition

4.0

I liked all these stories! I do think that Charlotte’s story seemed a bit incomplete (maybe hoping that she would get together with Harriet?) but hoping for more from the next book! <3 I love the trans male rep, and their relationship was very cute too! All the scenes were very exciting, and the Monster Mixer meetup was also well written and full of consent checkups.

rickireadss's review against another edition

4.5

i LOVED this!! i can't wait for future volumes with new and previous characters. jamie and vance were my favorites!

representation: Trans rep (Trans Man and Trans Woman), Plus Size Characters, Bisexual rep, Pansexual rep, Gay rep, Autistic rep, Polyamory rep

content warnings:

sexual content

francesmthompson's review

4.0

Loved the trans rep and how they/them was used until preferred pronouns were established.

angelagroves1's review

lighthearted medium-paced

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

4.5

It was a fun and quick read .
I really liked all of the stories they were fun. I also liked all of the characters to i enjoyed it a lot .

shrikebait's review against another edition

adventurous funny hopeful lighthearted 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? No

5.0

A hefty serving of heat and heart, Monster Mixer is a delight. Spice centered on mutual consent and respect! Characters with depth beyond their sexuality!

I absolutely adore how each character is written with so much love and attention to detail. It's clear that the author either has direct experience with many of these identities and/or they did their research and consulted queer folks who have. I related to Jamie's joys and anxieties as a trans man more than many other transmasc characters I've read.

While I enjoyed learning about the other characters, I was most invested in Jamie and Vance. Honestly… I was pretty sad when their portion came to a close! I love these guys and I would pick up more stories about them in a heartbeat.

Thank you so much to the author and to BookSirens for a chance to check this collection out for free. I'm writing this review of my own accord.

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Content Warnings

Graphic: Sexual content

mayabee76's review against another edition

hopeful lighthearted fast-paced

• Diverse cast of characters? Yes

4.75

naikens's review against another edition

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? No

4.0