thistledonicely

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This isn't even for a rarepair, it's the entire fandom for a whole-ass published novel. Also, the one work is by me. I'm starving over here.

True suffering.

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SAY MORE RIGHT NOW

I feel like TJ Klune has really tapped into the boundless queer yearning to have love and sanctuary, and a funny little house.

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I am now starting Phoenix Extravagant by Yoon Ha Lee, looks from the blurb like it should be pretty amazing

‘Gyen Jebi isn't a fighter or a subversive. They just want to paint. One day they're jobless and desperate; the next, Jebi finds themself recruited by the Ministry of Armor to paint the mystical sigils that animate the occupying government's automaton soldiers. When Jebi discovers the depths of the Razanei government's horrifying crimes--and the awful source of the magical pigments they use--they find they can no longer stay out of politics. What they can do is steal Arazi, the ministry's mighty dragon automaton, and find a way to fight...’

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I feel like TJ Klune has really tapped into the boundless queer yearning to have love and sanctuary, and a funny little house.

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whoops forgot i have a blog specifically for talking about queer books, let’s try that again. goodbye.... five whole notes, from the original post

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did i have a good reason to slap together a very small handful of words about that extremely cute image of a skate-date in chapter 30 of The Magic Between? No. Did I do it anyway? sure DID

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*I received an eARC from NetGalley in exchange for an honest review. Cover image and summary from Goodreads*

In a world where everyone has magic coursing through them, legend says magic itself craves a mate. Legend says those with opposite magics have the greatest chance of forming the unbreakable Bond it desires. A.B. Cerise is an obsessive compulsive pop star with the ability to turn invisible. He’s an out bisexual with absolutely no belief in Bonds. He has a love-bruised heart, thinks dating in the spotlight is a hassle at best and a nightmare at worst, and has no intention of going through it all over again. Matthew Hellman-Levoie is the NHL’s number one goalie prospect, the youngest in a hockey dynasty, and one of the rare few who can see the unseeable. He’s a straight man who wears his heart on his sleeve, has grown up searching for a Bond, and dreams of finding the love of his life. Legend never said anything about what to do when sparks fly between two people opposite in more ways than just magic.

Totally adorable! I enjoyed reading The Magic Between so much that I was smiling the majority of the time and probably giving off major heart eyes. This is the perfect read if you enjoy soul mate type stories, magic worldbuilding, celebrities in love, and slow burn romance. The story has gentle pacing and I love that Matthew and AB take their time getting to know each other, become friends, and slowly become more. They both have issues to work through and I liked that they're patient and support one another. I especially appreciated that while their magical bond helps them deal with some of the negative aspects of their magic, it isn't a cure all. For example, AB still has OCD and intrusive thoughts but with the bond he's learning how to better manage it. One of my other favorite things is the communication through the story. Matthew and AB face a lot of challenges and they always take the time to talk through things with each other and with their friends.

All the characters in this book are stellar! I instantly fell for Matthew and AB. From their initial meeting they charmed me and I got so invested in seeing how things would turn out. I also loved the supporting characters! Friends, family, band members, and team mates, they all have important roles in the story. They're a diverse cast and super queer!

This book is sweet, tender, fun, and flail-inducing! An instant comfort read. Also, the illustrations by Victoria Newberry are the CUTEST! This cover *swoons*

Pub date February 15, 2022