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bookishfoxes 's review for:

Kindling by Bonnie Woods
4.5
funny lighthearted relaxing medium-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: Yes

I went into this book not knowing anything except an autumn vibes book set in Scotland. I had been searching for an audiobook I wanted to listen to for days and when I found this I was excited to start, but didn't expect much... imagine my absolute delight to find out that this book is filled with representation. A bisexual female main character, nonbinary side character, an established sapphic side relation, multiple characters with disabilities.

I fell in love with Fraser. I mean, a grumpy introverted dude with abandonment issues? Sign me up. I loved how it was clear that the issues he struggled with were from childhood trauma and felt very realistic instead of how sometimes books give characters random flaws. I could also relate a lot to Harper's issues and I absolutely adored her.

This story was a perfect book to read in autumn. It was sweet and made me laugh. I cared about the characters. I nearly shed a tear or two. And most importantly: the characters had chemistry!!

I listened to the audiobook. I did have to get used to the male narrator - not his accent but his voice. When Fraser was introduced in Harper's POV I didn't really feel like the narrator's voice fit the character. But I got used to it. But I definitely preferred listening to Harper's POV.

I am definitely going to want a physical copy of this some day!