stitchesandstationery's Reviews (306)

Instead of hot and protective and "who did this to you", Alex comes across as controlling and possessive, and not in a sexy consensual way? I don't know, it wasn't the right vibe for me. I'm intrigued by the friend dynamic and love that they each get their own book, so I might try one of the others to see if I like the MMC better, but Alex was a miss for me. 

Strong women, lost loves, and a sprinkling of magic? I'm in. I went in blind, and it was the best decision I could have made. August makes me want to live every day to the fullest, and makes me proud to be a woman.

First, I have an incredibly hard time finding the name Kingfisher attractive, I just...can't 🫣 Second, I WANTED to like this book. I think the more Romantasy I read, the more I realize I'm actually a Fantasy girlie who likes some romance scenes, not a Romance girlie who likes Fantasy settings. I WANT to know more about the world building, the lore, the setting, the politics, the drama. So part of me feels bad for giving this a 3 when it wasn't the Fantasy I wanted, but also I just had a hard time connecting with the characters in general, and the romance/steam just wasn't doing it for me.

A 29-year-old wwho feels completely overwhelmed with life and like she isn't good enough at anything and needs a reminder to take a step back and see the magic in the everyday? Who happens to work in a cozy little local bookstore and has a caffeine addiction? Rude of Lucy Jane to write such a relatable character that hits so close to home.

This book was cute, it was inspirational, it was intruguing, it was cozy, it was fun. The romance was clean and maybe a little predictable and underdeveloped, but the vibes of the rest of the book did more than enough to make up for that. This was the perfect little reset of a cozy fantasy, and I am so happy I stumbled across this. 

I'll be honest and say I amost DNF'd this about 15% in, but I was reading it fast enough that I just...kept going. I don't know, there was so much POTENTIAL for this to have really finally made you FEEL for Hera. But I think her depth and emotions managed to just...stay so one-dimensional that you still missed that extra depth that would have made everyone want to be on her side.

The vibes, banter, comedy, quips, and kitchen puns almost throw this one up to a full 5. It's a cozy little rom com wrapped in a magical bow that does its best to call out toxic masculinity. It's definitely more character driven than poor driven, and I had to drop off a star due to lack of resolution on the political/war/dramatic elements that were introduced and discussed but not fleshed out. Turns out there's a sequel though, so I know what I'm doing later!

Apparently Mafia Romance and non-fantasy problematic MMC (and FMC tbh) aren't my thing...