An absolute delight and I need the second book immediately 😩🩷
I don't necessarily think I would classify this as cozy even though I've seen quite a few reviews stating otherwise. Maybe it's the lighthearted tone of our narrator, Leovander, that gives off this vibe? But I do think this has enough stakes- both internal and external- that I would just leave this in squarely in the Fantasy with a romantic subplot category.
Leovander Loveage and Sebastian Grimm are excellent nemesis turned unlikely friendship turned - eventual lovers? (This series has a beautiful slow burn.)
This had all the charm & whimsy of Olivia Atwater's Regency Faerie Tales in a Freye Markse a la The Last Binding kind of setting.
This has a very similar reading experience as The Dallergut Dream Department Store- a series of stories that unfold in a specialized place of business, all with hearty warming moments and lovely lessons. It just did not quite resonate as much with me though. But the food descriptions were delightful.
You know what? Hell yeah. This was such a fun read.
It's not doing anything new for the Fae Romantasy genre but it was well written and had an engaging plot. (Even if it was predictable.) I'm interested to see where she takes this story.
I may come back to this at another time. The writing and storytelling are quite beautiful. It's a slow build and has elements that remind me of Addie LaRue.
I just find myself a little bored at the moment. Idk. I feel like at almost halfway through the book I should not be asking myself, "what is this even moving towards?"