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layla87's review against another edition
*****Spoiler Free Review*****
*****Highly Recommended Fae****
OMG YOU HAVE TO READ/LISTEN TO THIS CUTE AF book!
This book certainly lives to to its title!
Audiobook narrated by Joel Leslie Froomkin
What I loved!
- Cute, nerdy assistant, David, who is determined to bring color to his employers dull gray life... #BrightenUpYourLife
- Grumpy, stoic psychologist, Alun, is an cursed and exiled Faerie who lives in the mortal realm to atone his sins... #BeastMode
- Funny dialogue, sweet courting and suspenseful events.. #AllInOne
- Secrets, Forgiveness and Love... #AllIsNotWhatItSeems
- UST and Hot sexy times #LetMeHaveYou
- Low Angst with awesome side characters... #Fluffy
- Happy ending!!! #NoMatterWhat
- The audiobook is pure magic and Mr. Joel delivers an #EarCandy performance with ALL THE ACCENTS!
#HappyReading
*****Highly Recommended Fae****
OMG YOU HAVE TO READ/LISTEN TO THIS CUTE AF book!
This book certainly lives to to its title!
Audiobook narrated by Joel Leslie Froomkin
What I loved!
- Cute, nerdy assistant, David, who is determined to bring color to his employers dull gray life... #BrightenUpYourLife
- Grumpy, stoic psychologist, Alun, is an cursed and exiled Faerie who lives in the mortal realm to atone his sins... #BeastMode
- Funny dialogue, sweet courting and suspenseful events.. #AllInOne
- Secrets, Forgiveness and Love... #AllIsNotWhatItSeems
- UST and Hot sexy times #LetMeHaveYou
- Low Angst with awesome side characters... #Fluffy
- Happy ending!!! #NoMatterWhat
- The audiobook is pure magic and Mr. Joel delivers an #EarCandy performance with ALL THE ACCENTS!
#HappyReading
teresab78's review against another edition
4.0
Good start to the series
I enjoyed this story. David was as cute as Alun was grumpy. Faerie and paranormal creatures are reimagined in many books. This doesn’t delve into too much detail, but I still got a good sense of the world. I also liked the idea of a supernatural psychiatrist.
I enjoyed this story. David was as cute as Alun was grumpy. Faerie and paranormal creatures are reimagined in many books. This doesn’t delve into too much detail, but I still got a good sense of the world. I also liked the idea of a supernatural psychiatrist.
herrityk's review against another edition
adventurous
lighthearted
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? It's complicated
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
3.75
ellelainey's review against another edition
5.0
Book – Cutie and the Beast (Fae Out of Water #1)
Author – E.J. Russell
Star rating - ★★★★★
No. of Pages – 262
Cover – Gorgeous!
POV – 3rd person, dual POV
Would I read it again – Yes
Genre – LGBT, Fantast, Fae, Romance
** COPY RECEIVED THROUGH NETGALLEY **
Reviewed for Divine Magazine
This story was everything I'd hoped for and expected, when I first read the blurb.
Beautifully presented with Celtic knot scene dividers and containing all the attention to detail and characterisation that I could want from a first book in a series. It didn't have that curse of trying to explain too much too soon, but it didn't lack the important information I needed, either. The balance was perfect.
Covering issues like foster care, death and dying, sickness and even rape and genocide, the story still managed to do so respectfully, while maintaining a light tone throughout. Sometimes the concept of rape was used by the Fae as a method of punishment, death or a way to gain what they wanted, but with the way the author handled it, it was acknowledged to be something brutal and unforgiveable, never just brushed off or accepted, which I appreciated. And, thankfully, there was never anything disturbing on page. There were some action scenes, but nothing beyond a little scare and a little blood was ever shown on page; there was no graphic violence, which was great. Although there is some hot sex going on, but that's a different matter.
I loved the diversity of the cast. David was a great character to hold our attention for so much of the book, with his own POV. He was clumsy, normal, an every-day guy with a troubled past, some motivation to keep him dealing with all the chaos sent his way and the steely determination and strong personality to deal with Alun on his worst days. Alun, on the other hand, was the grumpy, curmudgeon of an ancient Fae with a temper and a prejudice against innocents who might get themselves in over their heads. The chemistry between these two was brilliant!
Even better was that we got more of the cast in a nicely balanced detail. From brothers Mal and Gareth, who the next two books will be about, I loved that we got to know and learn about Alun's patients – or clients – and that they began to feel like real friends to David, while providing a good progression of plot and a great ending. From the vampires to the dragons and the wolves, the variety of creatures that Alun treated allowed for a wide range of personalities and it was great how seeing more of them showed us more of Alun and David, often things about then that we wouldn't normally get to see from their own POV's.
I really liked the way that the truth was revealed to David; mostly through his Aunt Cassie, but also in stages that made it more interesting for us to follow and left a few things as a surprise, after the first reveal, so that there was something else to look forward to later. The first reveal came at the 39% mark, which was awesome, because it meant that the story didn't dither in uncertainty for too long, but we learned a little and were able to see the consequences of that information being unleashed. It was a genius plotting device to reveal it so quickly and I loved it.
Overall, I could probably gush all day. From the world building, attention to detail, characterisation, chemistry, variety to allowing us to see equal parts of the Faerie world and the Outer World, it couldn't have been better. Most of all, I love how the whole “beast” aspect was handled. I hoped, because I had learned to appreciate who David was, by the end of the story, but I was still scared about the ending until it happened and I loved that it happened the way it did. I loved every minute and I've already added books 2 and 3 to my To Buy list, for when they release.
~
Favourite Quotes
“David.
This was all his doing. Stubborn, impudent, maddening, human David, with his wildly colorful office accessories, constant challenges, and the worst dancing Alun had seen in over two millennia.
Goddess strike him blind, but the man was bloody wonderful.”
“Wrong? Are you kidding me? Let's see – pissy elves, demon hounds, and a tidal wave in a knee-high creek, not to mention swords, magic, and sex.” He flung his arms wide. “Best. First date. Ever.””
Author – E.J. Russell
Star rating - ★★★★★
No. of Pages – 262
Cover – Gorgeous!
POV – 3rd person, dual POV
Would I read it again – Yes
Genre – LGBT, Fantast, Fae, Romance
** COPY RECEIVED THROUGH NETGALLEY **
Reviewed for Divine Magazine
This story was everything I'd hoped for and expected, when I first read the blurb.
Beautifully presented with Celtic knot scene dividers and containing all the attention to detail and characterisation that I could want from a first book in a series. It didn't have that curse of trying to explain too much too soon, but it didn't lack the important information I needed, either. The balance was perfect.
Covering issues like foster care, death and dying, sickness and even rape and genocide, the story still managed to do so respectfully, while maintaining a light tone throughout. Sometimes the concept of rape was used by the Fae as a method of punishment, death or a way to gain what they wanted, but with the way the author handled it, it was acknowledged to be something brutal and unforgiveable, never just brushed off or accepted, which I appreciated. And, thankfully, there was never anything disturbing on page. There were some action scenes, but nothing beyond a little scare and a little blood was ever shown on page; there was no graphic violence, which was great. Although there is some hot sex going on, but that's a different matter.
I loved the diversity of the cast. David was a great character to hold our attention for so much of the book, with his own POV. He was clumsy, normal, an every-day guy with a troubled past, some motivation to keep him dealing with all the chaos sent his way and the steely determination and strong personality to deal with Alun on his worst days. Alun, on the other hand, was the grumpy, curmudgeon of an ancient Fae with a temper and a prejudice against innocents who might get themselves in over their heads. The chemistry between these two was brilliant!
Even better was that we got more of the cast in a nicely balanced detail. From brothers Mal and Gareth, who the next two books will be about, I loved that we got to know and learn about Alun's patients – or clients – and that they began to feel like real friends to David, while providing a good progression of plot and a great ending. From the vampires to the dragons and the wolves, the variety of creatures that Alun treated allowed for a wide range of personalities and it was great how seeing more of them showed us more of Alun and David, often things about then that we wouldn't normally get to see from their own POV's.
I really liked the way that the truth was revealed to David; mostly through his Aunt Cassie, but also in stages that made it more interesting for us to follow and left a few things as a surprise, after the first reveal, so that there was something else to look forward to later. The first reveal came at the 39% mark, which was awesome, because it meant that the story didn't dither in uncertainty for too long, but we learned a little and were able to see the consequences of that information being unleashed. It was a genius plotting device to reveal it so quickly and I loved it.
Overall, I could probably gush all day. From the world building, attention to detail, characterisation, chemistry, variety to allowing us to see equal parts of the Faerie world and the Outer World, it couldn't have been better. Most of all, I love how the whole “beast” aspect was handled. I hoped, because I had learned to appreciate who David was, by the end of the story, but I was still scared about the ending until it happened and I loved that it happened the way it did. I loved every minute and I've already added books 2 and 3 to my To Buy list, for when they release.
~
Favourite Quotes
“David.
This was all his doing. Stubborn, impudent, maddening, human David, with his wildly colorful office accessories, constant challenges, and the worst dancing Alun had seen in over two millennia.
Goddess strike him blind, but the man was bloody wonderful.”
“Wrong? Are you kidding me? Let's see – pissy elves, demon hounds, and a tidal wave in a knee-high creek, not to mention swords, magic, and sex.” He flung his arms wide. “Best. First date. Ever.””
casadilla12's review against another edition
adventurous
funny
fast-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? It's complicated
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
4.0
storytimed's review against another edition
3.0
This was a pretty mid gay romance novel. I really liked the idea of a psychologist who treats the supernatural community, but aside from some of the cute side characters (one of the patients is a dragon kid who won't hoard, except! our hero gives him an action figure and the kid immediately starts hoarding; turns out that 6-year-olds are not that interested in precious gems and money)
Tbh the psychotherapy aspect ended up being mostly window dressing, and the zany "quirky rom-com guy brightens up the place!" shenanigans felt a little uh........ disrespectful and boundary-violating when it's a therapist's office instead of your standard coffeeshop
Also it annoys me that even in a fantasy novel the terrifying beast STILL has to change back into a generic handsome guy lol. Where is my compassion for non-traditionally attractive people who can still love and be loved and/or monsterfucker representation................
sophiereadsstories's review against another edition
adventurous
funny
informative
lighthearted
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
5.0
This was a WONDERFUL book! I loved it from Chapter 1 and enjoyed it more and more as the book progressed.
It's a great fantasy book (think dragon shifters, fae, vampires, seelie, curses, and mysteries) combined with practical human interactions. David's pop culture references and action toys, his very human and practical way of looking at problems and solving them, and his fantastic sense of humor made this book a real joy to read.
I also loved the Beauty and the Beast retelling, with Alun's cursed appearance (and his very grumpy demeanor) casting him in the role of the Beast. The way he tried his best to keep his distance from David was both cute and frustrating, because David realises way before Alun that their love would help both men live the lives they deserved and needed. Regardless of how Alun looks,
As this is the first book in the series, it packs quite a punch in terms of characters and world-building, and it's a lot for a reader to keep up with. Luckily, we learned these things with David, and his confusion and then sense-making really helped me make sense of it all as well.
I loved the side characters in this story (David and Benji were so cute!). and I am really looking forward to reading Mal and Gareth's stories next.
Content Warnings
Minor: Violence and Kidnapping
myzanm's review against another edition
4.0
I loved Quirky David. Alum was a bit too self centered even if he was redeeming himself.
Some things were really predictable, like David’s position in the supe society. Others I didn’t really see until right before it happened. I loved the twist of the curse.
Some things were really predictable, like David’s position in the supe society. Others I didn’t really see until right before it happened. I loved the twist of the curse.