neuroqueer's Reviews (442)

adventurous funny mysterious fast-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: No

Overall: A
dark emotional mysterious fast-paced
Plot or Character Driven: A mix
Strong character development: No
Loveable characters: No
Diverse cast of characters: No
Flaws of characters a main focus: Yes

Overall: B+
adventurous dark mysterious fast-paced
Plot or Character Driven: Plot
Strong character development: Complicated
Loveable characters: Yes
Diverse cast of characters: Yes
Flaws of characters a main focus: Yes

Overall: A

Seducing Scylla

Lex Logan

DID NOT FINISH: 27%

I got bored and wasn't feeling writing. It is fine writing but just couldn't get into it. 
inspiring lighthearted fast-paced
Plot or Character Driven: Character
Strong character development: Complicated
Loveable characters: No
Diverse cast of characters: No
Flaws of characters a main focus: No

Overall: C+ 

"The Cynic's Christmas Conundrum: A Novelette" is a quick holiday romance story featuring two queer women of color. While the story centers on Amara and River's burgeoning relationship, it could benefit from deeper exploration and clearer pacing.

Amara and River are likable protagonists, and their connection is cute to follow. However, the story feels rushed -  particularly in the middle and towards the end where the timeline becomes confusing. I wasn't sure how long it had been between River watching opera singer Amara's performace and her New Year's Eve announcement.

The story primarily unfolds within the two leads' apartments and has limited exploration of Brooklyn outside of throwaway lines. The setting feels generic and could easily have taken place in another city like Portland or Seattle.

The cover art is visually appealing. It showcases the two gorgeous women embracing against a beautiful cityscape backdrop. However, the typography leaves much to be desired.

Overall, "The Cynic's Christmas Conundrum" presents a sweet wintery romance with between two characters with interesting and unique professions (an opera singer and graphic designer). However, the initial conflict between Amara and River felt weak. The relationship felt more like a "weak dislike to lovers" rather than "enemies to lovers." This book includes an explicit sex scene. It is a quick read for those looking for a lighthearted  wlw romance.
adventurous dark funny lighthearted fast-paced
Plot or Character Driven: Character
Strong character development: Yes
Loveable characters: Yes
Diverse cast of characters: No
Flaws of characters a main focus: Yes
funny lighthearted fast-paced
Plot or Character Driven: A mix
Strong character development: Yes
Loveable characters: Yes
Diverse cast of characters: No
Flaws of characters a main focus: No

A Fatal Autumnal Stew

Dahlia Donovan

DID NOT FINISH: 33%

Main character and how the world revolves around them frustrates me. I really like the setting and the idea but I had to put the book down and rage twice.  

The Stranger Diaries

Elly Griffiths

DID NOT FINISH: 16%

Too slow 
funny lighthearted mysterious fast-paced
Plot or Character Driven: Plot
Strong character development: No
Loveable characters: Yes
Diverse cast of characters: No
Flaws of characters a main focus: No

Overall: B