Scan barcode
visceralreads's review
hopeful
medium-paced
3.75
[3.75 stars rounded up]
TW: mentions of past emotional and physical abuse from family members, maladaptive daydreaming episodes, sex, temporary loss of limbs, fire-related wounds, loss of past loved ones (by illness)
Good stuff first: I love the fat and nonbinary representation in this book and how casual it is without bringing too much attention to it; maladaptive daydreaming representation! this is the first time I've heard about it honestly and I like that it's there (I wish it would be more consistent and not only coming up when the plot needs it to); I ADORE the illustrations in this book, it's so cute and ethereal (and sexy too hehe) and they helped with visualizing the characters as well; the writing is just golden, like many quotes stood out to me because they were just so beautiful and the way some scenes were written... *chef kiss*; and last but not least, a healthy sapphic relationship! there's consent, communication, and cuddles <3
Also, this book has smut, but the author underlined the chapter and put a symbol before the smut paragraph which is a thing I want in books now for when I don't feel like reading spicy scenes (sex-averse ace here). The scenes themselves were so well written too, and I didn't feel uncomfortable or grossed out while reading them! Some themes are explored likeanal play, bondage, toy play, shapeshifting but I didn't mind them too much (I just skimmed the parts lol)
Now, I'd like to talk about some other things in the book that didn't hit the mark for me. The relationship between Ainsley and Priscilla was so rushed, from the insta-love to that ending. I get that they're in love but that quick? But they're a cute couple though, so I have to let that slide for now (/lh). Another thing is that that climax-ending sequence left so many unanswered questions for me and it was all just too fast and dizzying. And also I would've liked more worldbuilding, especially with the fact that magical creatures live with humans. Maybe a little history of the place or background information would helped, and also yes, the place itself could've been less vague because all this time I thought they all were in some US town but they seem to be in Scotland or Ireland (sorry I'm that slow).
All other comments aside, this is a beautiful sapphic book on hope and new relationships (family, friends, and romantic ones). Thank you Faeri Sami for the free ARC copy! My opinion is my own.
TW: mentions of past emotional and physical abuse from family members, maladaptive daydreaming episodes, sex, temporary loss of limbs, fire-related wounds, loss of past loved ones (by illness)
Good stuff first: I love the fat and nonbinary representation in this book and how casual it is without bringing too much attention to it; maladaptive daydreaming representation! this is the first time I've heard about it honestly and I like that it's there (I wish it would be more consistent and not only coming up when the plot needs it to); I ADORE the illustrations in this book, it's so cute and ethereal (and sexy too hehe) and they helped with visualizing the characters as well; the writing is just golden, like many quotes stood out to me because they were just so beautiful and the way some scenes were written... *chef kiss*; and last but not least, a healthy sapphic relationship! there's consent, communication, and cuddles <3
Also, this book has smut, but the author underlined the chapter and put a symbol before the smut paragraph which is a thing I want in books now for when I don't feel like reading spicy scenes (sex-averse ace here). The scenes themselves were so well written too, and I didn't feel uncomfortable or grossed out while reading them! Some themes are explored like
Now, I'd like to talk about some other things in the book that didn't hit the mark for me. The relationship between Ainsley and Priscilla was so rushed, from the insta-love to that ending. I get that they're in love but that quick? But they're a cute couple though, so I have to let that slide for now (/lh). Another thing is that that climax-ending sequence left so many unanswered questions for me and it was all just too fast and dizzying. And also I would've liked more worldbuilding, especially with the fact that magical creatures live with humans. Maybe a little history of the place or background information would helped, and also yes, the place itself could've been less vague because all this time I thought they all were in some US town but they seem to be in Scotland or Ireland (sorry I'm that slow).
All other comments aside, this is a beautiful sapphic book on hope and new relationships (family, friends, and romantic ones). Thank you Faeri Sami for the free ARC copy! My opinion is my own.
softemo69's review
emotional
funny
hopeful
inspiring
lighthearted
relaxing
fast-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
4.75
god this book was what i needed to get me through a rough month in my life ðŸ˜ðŸ’•ðŸ¥°
itsgalactic's review
hopeful
lighthearted
relaxing
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
5.0
I received this book as an ARC.
I was immediately drawn to this book by the premise and very delighted by the execution. This is a modern day fantasy romance that is sweet, dreamy, and not shy with the spice. I also adored the illustrations that were beautifully done and showed sweet moments and some intimate scenes as well. Definitely recommend if you are looking for a sweet, sapphic romance.
I was immediately drawn to this book by the premise and very delighted by the execution. This is a modern day fantasy romance that is sweet, dreamy, and not shy with the spice. I also adored the illustrations that were beautifully done and showed sweet moments and some intimate scenes as well. Definitely recommend if you are looking for a sweet, sapphic romance.
chainsawmochi's review
emotional
hopeful
inspiring
reflective
fast-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? It's complicated
- Loveable characters? It's complicated
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? It's complicated
4.0
"May Day Flowers" wasn't for me. That being said, it is a fantastic book. I highly recommend it to anyone who is looking for a solid romantic fantasy novel. I think this could very easily become a lot of people's favorite book and favorite comfort read. It is enchanting and well written.
The reason it wasn't for me is because I can be very picky with my romance novels. It isn't the fault of the author or the book; in this case, it is my fault for simply not being in the right mindset for it. I'm sure if I were to reread it a year from now it would sit better with me.
I received a digital ARC in exchange for an honest review. My opinion is my own. Thank you to the author for the opportunity.
The reason it wasn't for me is because I can be very picky with my romance novels. It isn't the fault of the author or the book; in this case, it is my fault for simply not being in the right mindset for it. I'm sure if I were to reread it a year from now it would sit better with me.
I received a digital ARC in exchange for an honest review. My opinion is my own. Thank you to the author for the opportunity.
ashegads's review
emotional
hopeful
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? No
4.0
While I feel like the book is held back more than elevated than its strange POV/tense combo, the story is an entrancing read that's willing to get a little "out of the box" with its intimate relationships.
bun99's review
hopeful
reflective
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
5.0
I adored this book, it is a great book to get back into reading as the story and world is lovely. It is soft and magical in ways that I have not read before and the queerness of characters is written so well.
herethethea's review
lighthearted
relaxing
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
Thank you so much for providing me the ARC for the book and just in time for me to review this book a day before the book releases. Happy release day in advance, May Day Flowers!
I truly enjoyed the story and the overall vibe of the book! It is so cozy and cute with added representation of the main characters, a plus size character (which btw I always love as a plus size myself) & a non-binary character in the book, such a cute duo! The characters in the book really interacted well with the progression of the story. I enjoyed the included illustrations in the book too, it adds a nice touch! Regarding the skippable spicy scenes, I actually love the indicated symbol & underlined chapter but I totally forgot about it & just enjoyed the flow of the story!
So would I recommend this book? 100% yes as this book has a nice & chill flow when it comes to the plot of the story. I really took my time enjoying the story & highly recommend for the cozy readers out there! You can totally skip the spicy scenes and still enjoy the plot of the story! Congrats on debuting a wonderful book to the author, can't wait to see more work in the future!
I truly enjoyed the story and the overall vibe of the book! It is so cozy and cute with added representation of the main characters, a plus size character (which btw I always love as a plus size myself) & a non-binary character in the book, such a cute duo! The characters in the book really interacted well with the progression of the story. I enjoyed the included illustrations in the book too, it adds a nice touch! Regarding the skippable spicy scenes, I actually love the indicated symbol & underlined chapter but I totally forgot about it & just enjoyed the flow of the story!
So would I recommend this book? 100% yes as this book has a nice & chill flow when it comes to the plot of the story. I really took my time enjoying the story & highly recommend for the cozy readers out there! You can totally skip the spicy scenes and still enjoy the plot of the story! Congrats on debuting a wonderful book to the author, can't wait to see more work in the future!
Content Warnings
Graphic: Fire/Fire injury and Sexual content
ramramyum's review
emotional
funny
hopeful
lighthearted
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Plot
- Strong character development? No
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? No
3.0
Content Warnings
Graphic: Sexual content
Moderate: Violence
Minor: Emotional abuse, Child abuse, Death, and Grief
shesgeminii's review
hopeful
lighthearted
relaxing
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Strong character development? It's complicated
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? It's complicated
3.25
Personally I loved this book. It’s very much cozy comfort read and a lot of fluff with a little bit of smut. There’s not really any conflict or much overarching plot as it’s quite character driven. If you’re feeling some nostalgia over cozy fluffy fan fiction this is for you. It’s an easy and short read with beautiful illustrations done by the author themselves. I fell in love with both Ainsley and Priscilla and laughed every time Ainsley spoke in her old fashioned speech XD Definitely a spring time read.
rheah's review
1.5
I was afraid when picking up an indie book mostly described on aesthetics that this book would be exactly what it turned out to be. To be fair, I picked it up mostly for the sapphic F/NBi romantasy aspect. Was there a F/NBi couple? yes. Was there a romantasy? Well I was expecting a romance set in high fantasy world given the whole marketing but one of the protagonists is an interior designer, so there is that. And I guess it was a romance with fantasy elements so yes.
Listen, I feel bad for being negative about what's clearly a passion project. The author wanted a book that matched their aesthetics and imagery, where they could write the sex scenes they wanted and spread some body positivity. But as a book and as a romance, the plot and writing are lacking. The couple lacks chemistry, with a sped-up love story rushed to get to the sex scenes. As for the story, there's not a lot to chew on, even for a romance. There are hints of attempts to conflicts to create some tension but most fall flat. I don't say this often but this story could have likely worked better as a short story which is less demanding of plot and allows more polished writing and especially dialogues. The writing was trying to hard to create an atmosphere but I felt like I could see all the seams. I know I'm supposed to find things I liked so the illustrations were nice, the overall concept too.
Listen, I feel bad for being negative about what's clearly a passion project. The author wanted a book that matched their aesthetics and imagery, where they could write the sex scenes they wanted and spread some body positivity. But as a book and as a romance, the plot and writing are lacking. The couple lacks chemistry, with a sped-up love story rushed to get to the sex scenes. As for the story, there's not a lot to chew on, even for a romance. There are hints of attempts to conflicts to create some tension but most fall flat. I don't say this often but this story could have likely worked better as a short story which is less demanding of plot and allows more polished writing and especially dialogues. The writing was trying to hard to create an atmosphere but I felt like I could see all the seams. I know I'm supposed to find things I liked so the illustrations were nice, the overall concept too.