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A review by bandysbooks
Queerly Beloved by Susie Dumond
funny
hopeful
informative
lighthearted
reflective
tense
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Strong character development? It's complicated
- Loveable characters? It's complicated
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
3.25
I’ll admit that I’m not the biggest romance reader, but I’m trying to mix it in occasionally. I work as a chef and the fact that this book is so focused on food was a big draw I convincing me to give it a try!
I’m not sure where exactly to start this particular review because this book was quite a bit different than I imagined. I expected a fluffy queer romance, but the romance was a very small part of the actual plot. The majority of the book is focused on Amy’s semi-closetedness and her struggles with being authentic to herself and to the larger queer community. That’s not necessarily a bad thing, just not what I was expecting.
As for the romance, it felt a bit generic. I mean there were parts of it that were cute, but we never learn much about Charley, the love interest. Also, so many of their interactions are awkward that you start to wonder where the chemistry is. Eventually, it does have that sweet ending though. Also, kind of annoyed that the very few sex scenes included were brief and fade to black. I don’t want smut necessarily, but it felt a little YA in terms of sex.
I will say there was also quite a disconnect in the timeline versus the dialogue. This book is supposed to be set in 2013 before gay marriage was legalized in the USA…but a lot of the dialogue reads as very now. For example, all of the characters introduce themselves with pronouns which I’m all for…but I don’t remember anyone doing that prior to a year or two ago. In fact, I still barely here it today.
That being said, I did find myself laughing at several points throughout the book. There were some generally funny points.
I also love how much food and food description was a part of this book! The cakes and pastries sounded genuinely amazing and a couple recipes were included at the end of the book! I’m looking forward to trying them.
And I did love the diversity of representation in this book even if it wasn’t quite as diverse as it could’ve been. I know that’s confusing. Let me explain. The author did a great job with LGBTQIA diversity as ther are characters of varying sexualities and genders throughout this book. That said, it wasn’t very racially or ethnically diverse. I suppose we can attribute some of that to the story being set in Oklahoma…but it’s a weak excuse. After making such an effort to be inclusive, I wish she’d gone just a bit further.
Was this the best queer romance I’ve ever read? No. Is it an entertaining enough, light read? Yes. I think it would be good for a day by the pool or beach.
I’m not sure where exactly to start this particular review because this book was quite a bit different than I imagined. I expected a fluffy queer romance, but the romance was a very small part of the actual plot. The majority of the book is focused on Amy’s semi-closetedness and her struggles with being authentic to herself and to the larger queer community. That’s not necessarily a bad thing, just not what I was expecting.
As for the romance, it felt a bit generic. I mean there were parts of it that were cute, but we never learn much about Charley, the love interest. Also, so many of their interactions are awkward that you start to wonder where the chemistry is. Eventually, it does have that sweet ending though. Also, kind of annoyed that the very few sex scenes included were brief and fade to black. I don’t want smut necessarily, but it felt a little YA in terms of sex.
I will say there was also quite a disconnect in the timeline versus the dialogue. This book is supposed to be set in 2013 before gay marriage was legalized in the USA…but a lot of the dialogue reads as very now. For example, all of the characters introduce themselves with pronouns which I’m all for…but I don’t remember anyone doing that prior to a year or two ago. In fact, I still barely here it today.
That being said, I did find myself laughing at several points throughout the book. There were some generally funny points.
I also love how much food and food description was a part of this book! The cakes and pastries sounded genuinely amazing and a couple recipes were included at the end of the book! I’m looking forward to trying them.
And I did love the diversity of representation in this book even if it wasn’t quite as diverse as it could’ve been. I know that’s confusing. Let me explain. The author did a great job with LGBTQIA diversity as ther are characters of varying sexualities and genders throughout this book. That said, it wasn’t very racially or ethnically diverse. I suppose we can attribute some of that to the story being set in Oklahoma…but it’s a weak excuse. After making such an effort to be inclusive, I wish she’d gone just a bit further.
Was this the best queer romance I’ve ever read? No. Is it an entertaining enough, light read? Yes. I think it would be good for a day by the pool or beach.
Content Warnings
Graphic: Homophobia, Religious bigotry, Lesbophobia, and Outing
Minor: Sexual content