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A review by sueread2030
Coup de Coeur by Halli Starling
adventurous
challenging
emotional
hopeful
informative
inspiring
mysterious
reflective
medium-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? Yes
5.0
How does one rate perfection? because this is exactly what this book is
I already decided it's going to be 5 stars from the author's note at the beginning
30% in, I stalked the author and followed them on all their social media
50% in I ordered the book box out of Etsy
I have read EVERY. SINGLE. WORD because it was euphoric.
Exagerating??? no I am not
This is a book for the ones who crave art in words
who visualize while reading
who enjoy the aesthetic character creation and perceptive setting importance
and of course, who love to read diversly.
⚜Genre: Low fantasy
⚜Theme: Urban/Historical romance fantasy
⚜Targeted audience: New Adult/ Adult
⚜Characters: humans with magical abilities: Aubrey, Ethaniel, Calix, Lawton
⚜Representation: POC, MM, Polyamorous
⚜TW: Profanity, Violence, Sex, and Suicide
⚜ tropes: second chance, friends to lovers, medium-burn, one bed
⚜ POV: multiple third person
⚜ spice 🌶🌶 hot but subtle
⚜ rating 🌟🌟🌟🌟🌟🌟🌟🌟🌟🌟can I give it more?
⚜standalone: no, first in the series
⚜Ending: cliffhanger
Set against the backdrop of an alternate 1899 New York City, where enchantments and sorcery are as ordinary as carriages and gas lamps, "Coup de Coeur" weaves a tale of four men bound by destiny to a mysterious and possibly conscious grimoire. As the book triggers a chain of events in this queer historical fantasy romance, it stirs a whirlwind of emotions—magic intertwines with passion, longing mingles with apprehension, and peril shadows their every step. Pursued by the clandestine Golden Order, determined to reclaim the grimoire, the trio, followed by the fourth, must navigate a labyrinth of love and danger, leading them to flee the city. Their journey is not just a flight from danger, but a quest to untangle their complex feelings amidst the chaos. "Coup de Coeur" is not only a nod to the vibrant queer history of New York City but also a homage to its rich artistic heritage.
The magic system is subtle yet somehow unique. I don't think I've read anywhere where tailoring has been used as a magical power. Aubrey also possesses the power to heal, but not humans, rather inanimate objects.
The bond between the characters develops at a rhythm that seamlessly unites all elements of the story. Comprising two duos, each pair shares a deep and personal connection. As their paths converge, their romance blossoms with elegance and grace. This measured progression ensures that every aspect of their relationships is explored, culminating in a romance that is both respectful and beautifully portrayed.
With a masterful description, the setting of the book plays a crucial part in bringing out the story. I urge you to read through the author's note as intensive historical research of the time and place has been done. But what truly captivated me was the intricate depiction of the attire. The elaborate details bestowed upon each character's clothing brought out their unique essence and style, endowing them with an unmistakable flair that distinguished them in the narrative. This attention to sartorial detail not only defined the characters but also enriched the tapestry of the story's world.
However, if you made me choose one thing that truly captivated me the entirety of my reading, it would have to be the writing style. Such beautiful wording and description! I was absolutely enchanted
Elation was a slow burn of champagne fizz in his veins, but it was tampered with caution.
As if someone had tied wings to his back and watched him learn to soar moments before he'd turned into Icarus.
Ethaniel had called him a torch. Warm and safe, golden and glowing. That comment had lit Aubrey up from the inside and did to this day. For so long he'd been a lighthouse. A warning about magic mutating in families. A warning about being different and difficult. Would Claix see a lighthouse or a torch?
One more thing, I rarely if ever see authors including their editor and cover art designers with their names on the book. So bravo to that, and what a gorgeous cover and amazing editing they are.
I wish I could write more on the magnificence of this book. I am honored that the author considered me for the ARC. I am forever a fan and cannot wait for the sequel.
I already decided it's going to be 5 stars from the author's note at the beginning
30% in, I stalked the author and followed them on all their social media
50% in I ordered the book box out of Etsy
I have read EVERY. SINGLE. WORD because it was euphoric.
Exagerating??? no I am not
This is a book for the ones who crave art in words
who visualize while reading
who enjoy the aesthetic character creation and perceptive setting importance
and of course, who love to read diversly.
⚜Genre: Low fantasy
⚜Theme: Urban/Historical romance fantasy
⚜Targeted audience: New Adult/ Adult
⚜Characters: humans with magical abilities: Aubrey, Ethaniel, Calix, Lawton
⚜Representation: POC, MM, Polyamorous
⚜TW: Profanity, Violence, Sex, and Suicide
⚜ tropes: second chance, friends to lovers, medium-burn, one bed
⚜ POV: multiple third person
⚜ spice 🌶🌶 hot but subtle
⚜ rating 🌟🌟🌟🌟🌟🌟🌟🌟🌟🌟can I give it more?
⚜standalone: no, first in the series
⚜Ending: cliffhanger
Set against the backdrop of an alternate 1899 New York City, where enchantments and sorcery are as ordinary as carriages and gas lamps, "Coup de Coeur" weaves a tale of four men bound by destiny to a mysterious and possibly conscious grimoire. As the book triggers a chain of events in this queer historical fantasy romance, it stirs a whirlwind of emotions—magic intertwines with passion, longing mingles with apprehension, and peril shadows their every step. Pursued by the clandestine Golden Order, determined to reclaim the grimoire, the trio, followed by the fourth, must navigate a labyrinth of love and danger, leading them to flee the city. Their journey is not just a flight from danger, but a quest to untangle their complex feelings amidst the chaos. "Coup de Coeur" is not only a nod to the vibrant queer history of New York City but also a homage to its rich artistic heritage.
The magic system is subtle yet somehow unique. I don't think I've read anywhere where tailoring has been used as a magical power. Aubrey also possesses the power to heal, but not humans, rather inanimate objects.
The bond between the characters develops at a rhythm that seamlessly unites all elements of the story. Comprising two duos, each pair shares a deep and personal connection. As their paths converge, their romance blossoms with elegance and grace. This measured progression ensures that every aspect of their relationships is explored, culminating in a romance that is both respectful and beautifully portrayed.
With a masterful description, the setting of the book plays a crucial part in bringing out the story. I urge you to read through the author's note as intensive historical research of the time and place has been done. But what truly captivated me was the intricate depiction of the attire. The elaborate details bestowed upon each character's clothing brought out their unique essence and style, endowing them with an unmistakable flair that distinguished them in the narrative. This attention to sartorial detail not only defined the characters but also enriched the tapestry of the story's world.
However, if you made me choose one thing that truly captivated me the entirety of my reading, it would have to be the writing style. Such beautiful wording and description! I was absolutely enchanted
Elation was a slow burn of champagne fizz in his veins, but it was tampered with caution.
As if someone had tied wings to his back and watched him learn to soar moments before he'd turned into Icarus.
Ethaniel had called him a torch. Warm and safe, golden and glowing. That comment had lit Aubrey up from the inside and did to this day. For so long he'd been a lighthouse. A warning about magic mutating in families. A warning about being different and difficult. Would Claix see a lighthouse or a torch?
One more thing, I rarely if ever see authors including their editor and cover art designers with their names on the book. So bravo to that, and what a gorgeous cover and amazing editing they are.
I wish I could write more on the magnificence of this book. I am honored that the author considered me for the ARC. I am forever a fan and cannot wait for the sequel.