Where did I get
it?
Amazon. It was chosen for my online book club and although I hadn't heard of it it was right up my street. I bought it on Kindle for ease of reading.
What's it about?
Its subtitle is "fresh twists on romantic tales", it is a collection of romantic stories but set in wildly different worlds and featuring a whole bunch of people. I loved the diversity shown, there were queer teens and teens of colour and stories set in the past, in space, in a time travelling dimension. I didn't like the first story, so skipped that, and didn't like the one about the boy band either (no contract in the world can stop you falling in love with a bandmate, and it would be a violation of your human rights if it tried to...), so skipped that. But some of the authors featured are amazing - it was lovely to read Amy Spalding again, for example. I like anthologies like this, where there's sure to be something that piques your interest, even if some of the stories just aren't for you.
I wouldn't say I was much of a romance reader, but I liked all these cute, short stories about people falling in love, or getting that feeling, or sharing a first kiss.
What age range is it for?
13+, there's nothing unsuitable for a teen of that age
Are any main characters LGBTQ+?
Yes, lots! I liked the diversity of characters and there were plenty of queer teens represented. I liked the story where two girls from a magical school have to go and try pass an exam, because one of them was bisexual, which I always like to see.
Are any main characters people of colour?
Yes, again, there's plenty of diversity. I particularly liked one of the last stories which was set either on a very futuristic earth or in space, in which a girl working in a phone shop meets a girl who sounded very much like a k-pop idol.
Are any main characters disabled either mentally or physically?
I feel like yes, but I can't remember specifically, and for that I'm sorry.
Is there any sex stuff?
No
Are drugs mentioned or used?
One story uses flowers to travel back in time, which I guess may come under this, but that's all.
Is there any talk of death?
Yes, it's not graphic but yes a couple of stories featured death in a small way
Are there swear words?
No
What criticisms do
I have?
As I said above, one story annoyed me because it was factually inaccurate, and maybe I'm just not into boyband members falling in love anyway, and while the first one was very well written, the setting of it just didn't float my boat.
Would I recommend the book?
Yes, definitely. Especially if you like romance!
Why did I choose to read it at this point in life?
For book club, obviously
What do I think of
the cover?
It's cute, but I'm not sure it really gets over the book so well. Your mileage may vary
What other books is
it like?
Generally I felt it gave me that same happy tummy vibe as anything by Amy Spalding
How many stars?
Four out of five, I generally really liked it
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