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mxsallybend's review
4.0
Oh my, what a lovely story this was - a beautifully diverse tale of friendship and discovery, starring two delightful boys, neither of whom know what (or who) they want.
What it Seems is the perfect title for Sydney Blackburn's quirky romance, since it is all about seeming on a physical and emotional level. Michael falls in love with Darcy at first sight, and then spends the next year looking for her, only to find out 'she' is actually a 'he'. Adorably androgynous, Darcy is neither transgender nor a drag queen, but an actor who just happened to cross-dress for a pair of roles.
One of the boys thinks he is straight and the other asexual, but things are not what they seem. What begins as an adorably awkward friendship quickly gets complicated, especially once they begin practicing kissing for Darcy's big role. It is a sweet, funny story, and one that explores questions of sexual orientation and identity.
http://bibrary.blogspot.ca/2018/05/what-it-seems-by-sydney-blackburn-drag.html
What it Seems is the perfect title for Sydney Blackburn's quirky romance, since it is all about seeming on a physical and emotional level. Michael falls in love with Darcy at first sight, and then spends the next year looking for her, only to find out 'she' is actually a 'he'. Adorably androgynous, Darcy is neither transgender nor a drag queen, but an actor who just happened to cross-dress for a pair of roles.
One of the boys thinks he is straight and the other asexual, but things are not what they seem. What begins as an adorably awkward friendship quickly gets complicated, especially once they begin practicing kissing for Darcy's big role. It is a sweet, funny story, and one that explores questions of sexual orientation and identity.
http://bibrary.blogspot.ca/2018/05/what-it-seems-by-sydney-blackburn-drag.html
ellelainey's review
4.0
** I WAS GIVEN THIS BOOK FOR MY READING PLEASURE **
Copy received through Netgalley
~
What It Seems, by Sydney Blackburn
★★★★☆
66 Pages
POV: 3rd person, dual POV
Content Warning: ace/demi-sexual, self-discovery, a forced kiss
This was my first book by Blackburn and I really enjoyed it.
At first, their writing style felt strangely historical in nature. The way they described events and situations sounded more like a historical book than a modern/contemporary one, and confused me. I found it hard to get into, but the more the first chapter went on the more it began to feel more natural.
A similar thing happened with the characters. At first, I wasn't sure about Michael. It felt like he was overly desperate, fantasising about Darcy without ever knowing anything about them. Then the forced-kiss happened and it was another strike of desperation that didn't help endear me to Michael. By then, we'd seen Darcy's POV and the hint had been lain out that he was ace/aro so that when Michael kissed it, it felt even more invasive than it would have on any other unsuspecting person. Because, by then, we knew Darcy had never been kissed and stealing someone's first kiss like that is brutal.
Personally, I thought it would have had much more impact if we hadn't seen Darcy's POV until *after* the kiss, when Michael realised Darcy was a man. That would have had twice the impact, especially since Michael had done such an intense job of reminding himself he was straight. I also think it would have had *more* impact if we hadn't known about Dave's insistence he was Bi, until *after* the kiss, as well.
For me, Michael over-emphasised his straight-ness all throughout the book. That “he doth protest too much” was in overdrive. Especially with things like this cropping up:
“Dave had told Michael he was bisexual. Michael didn’t feel bisexual, though—more like an open-minded straight guy. Jerking another guy to relieve some horniness wasn’t the same as thinking guys were hot or wanting to date one.”
Darcy, for me, was the shining light of the book. While I'm Ace myself and always love Ace representation in books, I completely understand the direction of the story. Because, no, not everyone discovers their true orientation at first, or early on. Sometimes, you try a label on that you believe fits, and then circumstances happen that completely shock you and rock your world. That's entirely realistic, but I also get why the publisher marked it as both ace and demi, because it really is both. The Ace representation isn't any worse-off for the fact Darcy later realises he's actually demi and not Ace, because the author did such a good job of showing both in a realistic and genuine light.
I was actually really confused by the whole “queue” hairstyle that was constantly mentioned, because there was no explanation of what it was. Once I Googled it and discovered it was a Chinese hairstyle (basically a plait) I was confused about why it had been chosen instead of a plait or ponytail. Was it somehow symbolic of the character's ethnicity? If so, that was never made clear. A little explanation would have gone a long way to helping me understand. Along with a POV change without a break, and a few instances of editing, this was another small piece of editing that could have elevated the book.
For me, the story was two halves. The first was shaky and left me not sure what to make of Michael and the situation that brought him and Darcy together. I still think the order left out major opportunities for intrigue and excitement. But, the second half of the book really helped make up for that. It took the journey of self-discovery for both MC's and really made them shine, individually and apart.
The writing was a bit literary at times, so when the swearing or sexy parts came, it felt a tad unnatural. There were some editing issues. The consent problem was nicely resolved by Darcy's reaction to it, in my opinion, and it became a real story about love, friendship, discovery and what it meant to be true to oneself.
~
Favourite Quotes
“I love sex, I really do, but if I have to choose between it and you, I pick you. My life…oh god, Darcy. My life without you would be so…bleak, so empty.”
Copy received through Netgalley
~
What It Seems, by Sydney Blackburn
★★★★☆
66 Pages
POV: 3rd person, dual POV
Content Warning: ace/demi-sexual, self-discovery, a forced kiss
This was my first book by Blackburn and I really enjoyed it.
At first, their writing style felt strangely historical in nature. The way they described events and situations sounded more like a historical book than a modern/contemporary one, and confused me. I found it hard to get into, but the more the first chapter went on the more it began to feel more natural.
A similar thing happened with the characters. At first, I wasn't sure about Michael. It felt like he was overly desperate, fantasising about Darcy without ever knowing anything about them. Then the forced-kiss happened and it was another strike of desperation that didn't help endear me to Michael. By then, we'd seen Darcy's POV and the hint had been lain out that he was ace/aro so that when Michael kissed it, it felt even more invasive than it would have on any other unsuspecting person. Because, by then, we knew Darcy had never been kissed and stealing someone's first kiss like that is brutal.
Personally, I thought it would have had much more impact if we hadn't seen Darcy's POV until *after* the kiss, when Michael realised Darcy was a man. That would have had twice the impact, especially since Michael had done such an intense job of reminding himself he was straight. I also think it would have had *more* impact if we hadn't known about Dave's insistence he was Bi, until *after* the kiss, as well.
For me, Michael over-emphasised his straight-ness all throughout the book. That “he doth protest too much” was in overdrive. Especially with things like this cropping up:
“Dave had told Michael he was bisexual. Michael didn’t feel bisexual, though—more like an open-minded straight guy. Jerking another guy to relieve some horniness wasn’t the same as thinking guys were hot or wanting to date one.”
Darcy, for me, was the shining light of the book. While I'm Ace myself and always love Ace representation in books, I completely understand the direction of the story. Because, no, not everyone discovers their true orientation at first, or early on. Sometimes, you try a label on that you believe fits, and then circumstances happen that completely shock you and rock your world. That's entirely realistic, but I also get why the publisher marked it as both ace and demi, because it really is both. The Ace representation isn't any worse-off for the fact Darcy later realises he's actually demi and not Ace, because the author did such a good job of showing both in a realistic and genuine light.
I was actually really confused by the whole “queue” hairstyle that was constantly mentioned, because there was no explanation of what it was. Once I Googled it and discovered it was a Chinese hairstyle (basically a plait) I was confused about why it had been chosen instead of a plait or ponytail. Was it somehow symbolic of the character's ethnicity? If so, that was never made clear. A little explanation would have gone a long way to helping me understand. Along with a POV change without a break, and a few instances of editing, this was another small piece of editing that could have elevated the book.
For me, the story was two halves. The first was shaky and left me not sure what to make of Michael and the situation that brought him and Darcy together. I still think the order left out major opportunities for intrigue and excitement. But, the second half of the book really helped make up for that. It took the journey of self-discovery for both MC's and really made them shine, individually and apart.
The writing was a bit literary at times, so when the swearing or sexy parts came, it felt a tad unnatural. There were some editing issues. The consent problem was nicely resolved by Darcy's reaction to it, in my opinion, and it became a real story about love, friendship, discovery and what it meant to be true to oneself.
~
Favourite Quotes
“I love sex, I really do, but if I have to choose between it and you, I pick you. My life…oh god, Darcy. My life without you would be so…bleak, so empty.”
karentje's review
4.0
A very sweet, low-heat, friends-to-lovers novella.
One of the MC's is on the ace spectrum, which made the friends to lovers/gay for you vibe of the story quite poignant. The story focuses mostly on the growing friendship between Michael and Darcy, first and foremost.
I really loved their emotional connection, and the slow build-up of gentle touches and soft kisses.
Everything happens so gradually that when their feelings finally morph into love, even Michael and Darcy themselves seem caught off guard by it.
This was an incredibly touching story!
I would love to read a second book about these characters. I feel like there is still more to tell.
One of the MC's is on the ace spectrum, which made the friends to lovers/gay for you vibe of the story quite poignant. The story focuses mostly on the growing friendship between Michael and Darcy, first and foremost.
I really loved their emotional connection, and the slow build-up of gentle touches and soft kisses.
Everything happens so gradually that when their feelings finally morph into love, even Michael and Darcy themselves seem caught off guard by it.
This was an incredibly touching story!
I would love to read a second book about these characters. I feel like there is still more to tell.
ctsquirrel's review
4.0
4/5
It was interesting to watch Michael and Darcy discover the fluidity of their sexuality. Darcy was clearly asexual at the beginning, and not able to tell his nosy friend if he was gay or straight (obviously it was none of her business but he was honest when he said he wasn't gay). Michael swore up and down he wasn't gay (that one time when he and his friend were drunk doesn't count). Turns out after all the protesting they really like kissing each other. No sex, but the last scene seems to be leading to it.
Tags: Location: I think Canada?; Jobs: Darcy is an actor and Michael is a dancer/choreographer; Drag: they meet when Darcy is doing a music video in drag, also in the show he's filming his character dresses as a woman
Quotes:
I love sex, I really do, but if I have to choose between it and you, I pick you.
It was interesting to watch Michael and Darcy discover the fluidity of their sexuality. Darcy was clearly asexual at the beginning, and not able to tell his nosy friend if he was gay or straight (obviously it was none of her business but he was honest when he said he wasn't gay). Michael swore up and down he wasn't gay (that one time when he and his friend were drunk doesn't count). Turns out after all the protesting they really like kissing each other. No sex, but the last scene seems to be leading to it.
Tags: Location: I think Canada?; Jobs: Darcy is an actor and Michael is a dancer/choreographer; Drag: they meet when Darcy is doing a music video in drag, also in the show he's filming his character dresses as a woman
Quotes:
I love sex, I really do, but if I have to choose between it and you, I pick you.
aligroen's review
4.0
A Scattered Thoughts and Rogue Words Review An Alisa Review:
Rating: 4.25 stars out of 5
This was a wonderful story of self-discovery for both of the MCs. Michael has spent so much time waiting to see Darcy again he almost loses his chance when they first actually talk. Darcy likes making a new friend and they soon begin to date without noticing.
Michael and Darcy are both blind a bit to each other and their feelings a bit but grow a great friendship in that time. I was able to see Michael spends his time coming to terms with his bisexuality and looking up any information he may need. It was sweet to see Darcy find that he wasn’t as ace as he always thought but find the acceptance and answers he needed. I loved watching both of these men slowly grow their relationship, even if they didn’t realize it at the time.
The cover art by Natasha Snow is great and I loved the visual of Darcy.
Rating: 4.25 stars out of 5
This was a wonderful story of self-discovery for both of the MCs. Michael has spent so much time waiting to see Darcy again he almost loses his chance when they first actually talk. Darcy likes making a new friend and they soon begin to date without noticing.
Michael and Darcy are both blind a bit to each other and their feelings a bit but grow a great friendship in that time. I was able to see Michael spends his time coming to terms with his bisexuality and looking up any information he may need. It was sweet to see Darcy find that he wasn’t as ace as he always thought but find the acceptance and answers he needed. I loved watching both of these men slowly grow their relationship, even if they didn’t realize it at the time.
The cover art by Natasha Snow is great and I loved the visual of Darcy.
cadiva's review
4.0
What a beautiful and sweet love story this is and quite different in style to the majority I've read.
Michael's pretty sure he's straight until he discovers the gorgeous dancer he's been holding a torch for is actually a man. Darcy's never been sexually attracted to anyone, male or female, but as he and Michael spend more and more time together, he realises that he's not as indifferent as he thought.
The whole story is a gently told exploration of the complexities of sexual orientation and sexual attraction and it's carried out with a lot of consideration.
I've not read this author before but I really enjoyed this short novella in which two young men find love in an unexpected place.
#ARC kindly provided by the author in return for an honest and unbiased review.
Michael's pretty sure he's straight until he discovers the gorgeous dancer he's been holding a torch for is actually a man. Darcy's never been sexually attracted to anyone, male or female, but as he and Michael spend more and more time together, he realises that he's not as indifferent as he thought.
The whole story is a gently told exploration of the complexities of sexual orientation and sexual attraction and it's carried out with a lot of consideration.
I've not read this author before but I really enjoyed this short novella in which two young men find love in an unexpected place.
#ARC kindly provided by the author in return for an honest and unbiased review.
karentje's review against another edition
4.0
A very sweet, low-heat, friends-to-lovers novella.
One of the MC's is on the ace spectrum, which made the friends to lovers/gay for you vibe of the story quite poignant. The story focuses mostly on the growing friendship between Michael and Darcy, first and foremost.
I really loved their emotional connection, and the slow build-up of gentle touches and soft kisses.
Everything happens so gradually that when their feelings finally morph into love, even Michael and Darcy themselves seem caught off guard by it.
This was an incredibly touching story!
I would love to read a second book about these characters. I feel like there is still more to tell.
One of the MC's is on the ace spectrum, which made the friends to lovers/gay for you vibe of the story quite poignant. The story focuses mostly on the growing friendship between Michael and Darcy, first and foremost.
I really loved their emotional connection, and the slow build-up of gentle touches and soft kisses.
Everything happens so gradually that when their feelings finally morph into love, even Michael and Darcy themselves seem caught off guard by it.
This was an incredibly touching story!
I would love to read a second book about these characters. I feel like there is still more to tell.
thequeerbookish's review against another edition
1.0
I can't believe I'm not even putting this review on my blog. But the way I'm doing my blog reviews... it's kinda a lot of work and this book does not deserve that much work.
If I remember correctly I had a screaming rant over at twitter about this book. It's been a while since this rant, but as soon as I've thought about What it Seems? The hate and disgust was back again.
I've had it up to here with asexual characters having to endure "romantic" sexual assault. I'm done.
It's not cute. It's not romantic. IT'S NOT FUCKING OKAY ALRIGHT?! (sexual assault is never okay regardless of sexual orientation; this is just a theme and about 50% of ace books have it in my experience).
Sorry for not being able to provide a thoughtful review about this book. But maybe I'm not.
Disclaimer: I was provided with a free copy through NetGalley in exchange for an honest review. Thank you.
If I remember correctly I had a screaming rant over at twitter about this book. It's been a while since this rant, but as soon as I've thought about What it Seems? The hate and disgust was back again.
I've had it up to here with asexual characters having to endure "romantic" sexual assault. I'm done.
It's not cute. It's not romantic. IT'S NOT FUCKING OKAY ALRIGHT?! (sexual assault is never okay regardless of sexual orientation; this is just a theme and about 50% of ace books have it in my experience).
Sorry for not being able to provide a thoughtful review about this book. But maybe I'm not.
Disclaimer: I was provided with a free copy through NetGalley in exchange for an honest review. Thank you.
mayu's review against another edition
5.0
I enjoyed reading this beautiful love story a lot. Michael and Darcy journey from strangers to lovers is very sweet and heartwarming.
What it Seems is not only a love story, in small part it is also a story about discovering and coming in terms with one’s sexuality and making peace with it, this is something that many many people fail to do and end up living closeted lives.
This book is only 19700 words long, so it is very short book. With short books I sometimes feel that they end abruptly, or the whole storyline is rushed, even if this doesn’t happen I feel that the story is lacking something. But nothing like this happened with What it Seems, the storyline didn’t felt rushed or lacking anything, nor I found the ending abrupt. This is so good, because more often than not I end up rating books lower because of this. But I do feel that a few more pages would have been good, and that is solely because I wanted to spent more time with this couple, not because I was dissatisfied with What it Seems in anyway.
Final words
Please do go and give this book a read, I am sure you would enjoy reading it.
What it Seems is not only a love story, in small part it is also a story about discovering and coming in terms with one’s sexuality and making peace with it, this is something that many many people fail to do and end up living closeted lives.
This book is only 19700 words long, so it is very short book. With short books I sometimes feel that they end abruptly, or the whole storyline is rushed, even if this doesn’t happen I feel that the story is lacking something. But nothing like this happened with What it Seems, the storyline didn’t felt rushed or lacking anything, nor I found the ending abrupt. This is so good, because more often than not I end up rating books lower because of this. But I do feel that a few more pages would have been good, and that is solely because I wanted to spent more time with this couple, not because I was dissatisfied with What it Seems in anyway.
Final words
Please do go and give this book a read, I am sure you would enjoy reading it.
cadiva's review against another edition
4.0
What a beautiful and sweet love story this is and quite different in style to the majority I've read.
Michael's pretty sure he's straight until he discovers the gorgeous dancer he's been holding a torch for is actually a man. Darcy's never been sexually attracted to anyone, male or female, but as he and Michael spend more and more time together, he realises that he's not as indifferent as he thought.
The whole story is a gently told exploration of the complexities of sexual orientation and sexual attraction and it's carried out with a lot of consideration.
I've not read this author before but I really enjoyed this short novella in which two young men find love in an unexpected place.
#ARC kindly provided by the author in return for an honest and unbiased review.
Michael's pretty sure he's straight until he discovers the gorgeous dancer he's been holding a torch for is actually a man. Darcy's never been sexually attracted to anyone, male or female, but as he and Michael spend more and more time together, he realises that he's not as indifferent as he thought.
The whole story is a gently told exploration of the complexities of sexual orientation and sexual attraction and it's carried out with a lot of consideration.
I've not read this author before but I really enjoyed this short novella in which two young men find love in an unexpected place.
#ARC kindly provided by the author in return for an honest and unbiased review.
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