And just a perfect read for a too hot day in August. This story moved fast yet somehow had a little slow burn feeling to it. The energy between Sophie and Wolfe was delightful, and that part was a little more spicy than I expected. I was surprised though we didn't get Wolfe's PoV as I'm used to the alternating PoV format of Romance books. And I do wish we'd got a look info the future with them or something to see how it panned out too considering his interactions with her friends, but I'm sure with the way her friends were so long as Sophie was happy. All-in-all, I'm pleased to have picked up this book and wouldn't mind reading more from the author.

I’ve been waiting so long to read this graphic novel. To finally find out my library had it, and get ahold of it, was exciting. Even better was that I wasn’t disappointed. The story told here was absolutely beautiful. It made me teary-eyed more than once. I loved all the characters, and the dynamics of the relationships between them all with Morgan. The art was stunning. There were so many scenes where I just stopped and stared at the artwork for awhile. And the bigger messages throughout the story were wonderful.

Personally, I’d love to read more about not just the setting, but the people of it. Morgan and her friends and her family are interesting characters. And Keltie, of course. I could see so much more story there. But if this is the only one we get? I’m glad for it. It’s just… heart-warming and beautiful and I definitely want this on my bookshelf for future comfort re-reads.

This was such a delightful, satisfying read that I'm glad I finally got to pick up. I've been wanting to read it ever since I saw the name and cover last year-ish. So when my library not only had it, but my hold came through sooner than expected? I jumped to read it. I loved the premise of the story, the characters(this includes the side characters who were so lovely & I'd love to see stories for each of them but Zola the most), and the art so much. The fashion aspect was such a delightful thing in addition to the amusement of so many cheese related names, puns, etc. Also omg I really want some grilled cheese sandwiches right now lol

While this book has cozy vibes, I hesitate to call it lighthearted cause it does deal with some heavy topics and emotions re: not being able to be who you are in an unaccepting society and the choices that can be forced on you/you can be forced to make as a result. So please go into this carefully if you're struggling with emotions about being closeted or stuck in an unhappy relationship. And if you need to talk to someone definitely reach out to those who can help you.

You'll notice my rating, I'm sure. Even though I enjoyed it immensely and wanted to rate it higher, here's why I didn't: there's a scene where Camembert says something mildly - not even mildly tbh - improper to Feta and Brie SMACKS him in the face cause 'you don't speak like that to a lady' and this is unacceptable. Not even Feta spoke up for Cam and it was played off lightly afterwards with him saying stop smacking me and Brie saying never like it's cute. It is not cute. Stop having people who are friends or potential love interests or love interests hit the people they love! And yes, I know there's a difference between playing around/joking, but this was not that case and it really bothered me.

As GR ate my original review, this is my attempt to fill one in for the time being. Perhaps in October I'll do a re-read and update accordingly:

I received an ARC of this book through NetGalley in exchange for an honest review.

On a whim, I decided to request a horror book. Me, requesting a horror book? It was surprising. At most I read R.L. Stine when I was a kid and even that scared me. And when it comes to movies I am a baby. So, for me to request one was hilarious, but I didn't think I'd actually get it and then I did. . . and here we are: loving. it.

This was my first time reading T. Kingfisher, and I can't wait to explore more of their works. The way they write is captivating especially when building the tension in regards to the atmosphere of the setting our character, Kara, finds herself in. Kara is just expecting a bit of a relaxed stay at her Uncle Earl's home, a place she enjoyed as a child and hopes will be less stressful to stay at as she starts her life anew than her Mother's place. However, Uncle Earl's home is also his business, the Glory to God Museum of Natural Wonders, Curiosities, and Taxidermy, which comes with its own issues as she takes over running the place while her Uncle Earl is away for a little. Of course, some of these issues are definitely highly unexpected when she finds the hole in the wall. . . Kara is a great character, and her friend Simon from the coffee shop is as well. I love their dynamic throughout the book. While the story is a setting of horror, it doesn't forget that these two characters are people and that is delightful. The sense of humor, and the common sense the characters have at times, balances well with the unease that's introduced with each unnatural description especially in the other world. T. Kingfisher plays with all the senses in a way that can be uncanny. Even as the book left me feeling unsettled at times, I couldn't put it down for long. I just needed to know what would happen. And yes, unsettled is definitely a feeling encountered often as I read. There's a scene with a bus that will forever live rent free in my thoughts and visited my nightmares on more than one occasion. . .

But that won't keep me from reading more from this author or recommending it to everyone.

As my former review of this book was on GR when I read it in 2021 & disappeared, this is a quick new review. Apologies if it isn't as good as my old one:

I received an ARC of this book through NetGalley in exchange for an honest review.

I. Absolutely. Love. This. Book.

This is my first foray into the works of C.L. Polk, but it was a great start and definitely incentive to read more. I was recommended this book for a readathon that I participated in, and it was my favorite book I read during that readathon and a top read for the whole month. I didn't know this was a genre I needed. Fantasy Romance set in the Regency like I was hooked so fast. Even moreso we get our social commentary with whispers of the possibility of not just being able to decide ones own future, but to possibly change society's rules entirely. Wealthy women can't attend school for magic, and are even discouraged from simple charms, and once a contract is made in Bargaining Season well. . . that is it as married women must wearing magic-blocking collars during their reproductive years and the only one with the key is their husband.

The worldbuilding in Chasland and beyond was fascinating, especially in terms of commentary on ways women are restricted in society by claims that supposedly are meant to be protect them, and I do hope we'll get to see more of it in future works. It is definitely inspired by Regency England to some extent, but not entirely and we see this with the Lavan siblings who are not from Chasland and are visiting as their Mother has arranged a contract for Ysbeta that she is trying to get out of as well. While the romance between Beatrice and Ianthe is swoon-worthy? I love the friendship between Beatrice and Ysbeta that's born out of a common goal.

Another great aspect is that Beatrice's goal might sound selfish at first glance — though she entirely has the right to be if she chooses — yet as the story progresses you learn that it's about more than just her. And honestly, more caring than a certain family member deserves(I must say that of her family my favorite is absolutely her little sister Harriet). And as time is limited to save herself, she finds herself pushed closer to the Lavan siblings by her own goal, social circumstances, and by Nadi(who is such a fascinating character all by themself). This proximity leads to more interaction with Ianthe who Beatrice finds herself falling hard for as she learns he has more open-minded views — though perhaps a little naive about just how restrictive society is — being from a place that is more progressive. For Beatrice those feelings are dangerous as even where the Lavan siblings are from women are still prevented from studying higher level magic and must be collared. This makes everything much more tense, and then the book becomes even moreso. . . especially as Beatrice's father learns what is happening. But the outcome of the story as a whole and the wait for the HEA is worth everything.

The chosen family vibes, the LQBTIA+ rep, the interesting class dynamics relating to the difference in social power for wealthy women vs working class women, and more is great in this book. I will say that my only complaint is what happens concerning Beatrice's Father cause I think it was far too nice. But that is all I'll say.