elizelizelizeliz's review against another edition
4.0
This book is a sweet small town story where fat, Black, queer people have all the space and possibility they need, for romance and the rest of life.
elizelizeliz's review against another edition
4.0
This book is a sweet small town story where fat, Black, queer people have all the space and possibility they need, for romance and the rest of life.
hellokitty's review
lighthearted
fast-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Strong character development? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
4.0
whatchareadingheather's review
funny
lighthearted
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? It's complicated
3.0
I was looking for a nice, lighthearted fall themed romance and this very much accomplished it. I wish it were longer, but I also understand since it revolves around the Thanksgiving holiday. I think there could have been one more round of editing, but otherwise I had a lot of fun with this.
brianna_4pawsandabook's review against another edition
3.0
The representation of a plus size, black, bisexual main character was beautiful, and the cover of this book is stunning. This was really sweet, and I’d definitely be interested in more from this author, but as a novella this story didn’t work. It needed more pining, more angst. It was essentially running into an old friend, immediately asking her out and then going home with her. Because of how rushed it was, I never really had a vested interest in either character. Had it been a full length novel we could’ve had some backstory, and some fleshing out of both Imari and Cassidy.
If you’re a fan of romance novellas though, I think this could be right up your alley!
If you’re a fan of romance novellas though, I think this could be right up your alley!
pendygal80's review
4.0
Honestly this was just so stinkin' cute. I loved that Imari and Cassidy were childhood friends who randomly bumped into each other and instantly reconnected. I also really enjoyed the fall vibes - it's the perfect treat to read in November. Great spice too. I'm so glad I picked this one up.
coralcrab77's review
lighthearted
fast-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? No
3.75
anacereading's review
lighthearted
fast-paced
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
4.0
susiephone's review against another edition
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
3.0
pucksandpaperbacks's review
lighthearted
tense
medium-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? Yes
I received an advanced readers copy curtesy of the author. All thoughts are my own.
CW: Emotional abuse from a parent, (minor) homophobia, (minor) fatphobia
I enjoyed reading this snippet of a story about two women who were childhood friends and reunite in their adulthood. If you want to read a short autumnal read that is also sapphic, I encourage you to pick up this novella. I enjoyed getting to know the characters and how different Cassidy and Imari were. Imari is also dealing with a lot of turmoil as she left her fiancé at the altar and is struggling with cutting off her emotionally abusive mother. Whereas, Cassidy is the owner of a coffee shop and moved away from home like Imari. However, their situations are vastly different.
This novella does touch on Imari's relationship with her mother and trying to find her chosen family. This was a sweet read and I loved the scene where Imari and her friends go to a Fall Festival. That really made this novella feel autumnal. I would definitely read a larger novel with these two characters!
However, I did have some trouble with the writing. There were some issues with the grammar making it hard to follow at times. However, I did receive a digital galley from the author, so I'm hoping those issues are resolved in the published edition. I also agree with other reviewers who said the writing was hard to get into because it is written in third-person but the balance of pronouns isn't there. The character's names are used more often that being referred by their pronouns. It made it hard to follow some scenes, but I think you just get used to it!
Overall, I would recommend this novella. It was a cute sapphic read that will make you warm inside especially if you like the found family trope and childhood friends to lovers.
CW: Emotional abuse from a parent, (minor) homophobia, (minor) fatphobia
I enjoyed reading this snippet of a story about two women who were childhood friends and reunite in their adulthood. If you want to read a short autumnal read that is also sapphic, I encourage you to pick up this novella. I enjoyed getting to know the characters and how different Cassidy and Imari were. Imari is also dealing with a lot of turmoil as she left her fiancé at the altar and is struggling with cutting off her emotionally abusive mother. Whereas, Cassidy is the owner of a coffee shop and moved away from home like Imari. However, their situations are vastly different.
This novella does touch on Imari's relationship with her mother and trying to find her chosen family. This was a sweet read and I loved the scene where Imari and her friends go to a Fall Festival. That really made this novella feel autumnal. I would definitely read a larger novel with these two characters!
However, I did have some trouble with the writing. There were some issues with the grammar making it hard to follow at times. However, I did receive a digital galley from the author, so I'm hoping those issues are resolved in the published edition. I also agree with other reviewers who said the writing was hard to get into because it is written in third-person but the balance of pronouns isn't there. The character's names are used more often that being referred by their pronouns. It made it hard to follow some scenes, but I think you just get used to it!
Overall, I would recommend this novella. It was a cute sapphic read that will make you warm inside especially if you like the found family trope and childhood friends to lovers.
Content Warnings
Graphic: Emotional abuse
Minor: Homophobia and Fatphobia