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damianameade's review
5.0
I highly recommend Their Troublesome Crush to anyone interested in BDSM Romance that gives you the Warm-n-Fuzzies.
I fell in love with Their Troublesome Crush when I saw the cover art. It depicted beautiful art and colors that caught the eye in general but seeing a romance novel that proudly showed not just one but two fat characters, right there on the cover! I squealed in delight and didn’t care who saw me wiggling with happiness. At that point I absolutely had to read this story.
From the very beginning, I was attracted to the main characters. Ernest is adorable and sweet. I’d have tea with him any day. Nora is sweet switch I am totally digging and I wish I’d met people like this in my early days of BDSM exploration. Even the side characters give me all the warm and fuzzies in their loving care for each other and the main characters.
Unafraid of Fat and Disability
There is a scene in the story where Ernest visits Nora’s home. The space and Nora in it are described beautifully, especially regarding her size. Nora becomes bigger, fatter, more relaxed in her space. The room and furnishings are chosen and arranged to accommodate her size and her mobility issues. Ernest takes all this in, the details are given to the reader unflinchingly without being grotesque. Its how I wish other fat and disabled characters in other books were portrayed – described with love.
Nurturing Care and Access Intimacy
Access Intimacy and Care are what really shine in Their Troublesome Crush that I’ve yet to see in many romances. Not only does West take care to write very real and diverse characters with a variety of needs BUT they also write characters that take care of each other with their needs in mind. My heart grew three sizes when Ernest makes food with their dietary needs in mind.
I’m gonna veer off subject for just a second but one of the first things that endeared this book to me was the very beginning scene when Ernest is trying to decide about ordering cupcakes knowing Nora is diabetic. He can’t decide if ordering the variety of sweet treats would be putting her out or if not ordering them would be stepping on her own autonomy in making decisions about what she can and cannot eat. I nearly cried. I’ve had friends, dates, and family make decisions for me “for my own good” regarding food (I’m not diabetic but this was done regarding other things like my weight and lactose intolerance). Its painful and makes me feel like a child in a not-good way. Seeing a character go over this and choose to allow the other character make decisions for themselves was beautiful and I’m grateful for this scene.
This care goes beyond food and is also revealed in Ernest’s relationship with his Daddy and with his friends. He has very clear, previously discussed, signs when he needs space due to his autism and/or gender dysphoria. His loved ones see these signs, understand that, and act accordingly. This seems simple but its not often I read a book where a Dominant grants the submissive space and its not made into a complicated mess to further the plot line. Instead it shows the love and care between characters, reveals some of their polyamorous connections and understandings, and is just damn real and sweet.
Foodie Fan
I was impressed by the fact that West did not shy away from food in their book, like many stories with fat characters do. In fact, the book is quite the foodie romance. It starts out with cupcakes and moves into dinners, tea service, and more. I could almost sing “These are a few of my favorite things” just with this theme of the book.
The only thing that could have made this over the top even better was recipes for those cupcakes and sandwiches and other treats available in the back of the book. I’d cook up a storm in my kitchen to celebrate this book.
BDSM
Something that West does well in Their Troublesome Crush as well as in their short story, Trying Submission, is show BDSM, specifically the D/s dynamic as well as bondage, without making it overtly erotic.
West keys into something many people don’t always understand about this lifestyle – BDSM isn’t always about sex. You can have a very fulfulling BDSM experience or dynamic without including sex. This is revealed in West’s work without detracting at all from the romance or emotion in the story.
I’d love to see more of this discussed in BDSM romances.
Polyamory
Its so rare that I run into a story that truly shows polyamorous relationships in the variety that they can create. Often what I read is harems or reverse harems or close triads that all start with the main character finding love with all of them from the beginning. Their Troublesome Crush shows two characters, already in a polyamorous relationship as metamours for their shared partner. It also shows how their friends, ex lovers, etc interact with this relationship dynamic.
As a polyamorous person, I believe the characters and relationships were very believable and could see it mirrored in the polyam communities I’ve been part of. Its a complicated ballet that I think West executed perfectly in their writing.
Lastly
It’s not a deterrent from reading the book but Their Troublesome Crush did make me have to do some research. I’m not Jewish and I’m also not all that into showtunes. The story focuses on Pesach (Passover) and the main character, Ernest, is a big fan of show tunes (he’s even writing his own musical). So when there was a reference I didn’t understand, I’d pause my reading and do a little search about it online.
Let me emphasize that this research is not necessary to enjoy the book but I like to fully immerse myself in a story and that meant looking up words I didn’t understand and listening to songs I’d never heard before. This was actually a pretty cool experience and I don’t begrudge the book for it at all.
I fell in love with Their Troublesome Crush when I saw the cover art. It depicted beautiful art and colors that caught the eye in general but seeing a romance novel that proudly showed not just one but two fat characters, right there on the cover! I squealed in delight and didn’t care who saw me wiggling with happiness. At that point I absolutely had to read this story.
From the very beginning, I was attracted to the main characters. Ernest is adorable and sweet. I’d have tea with him any day. Nora is sweet switch I am totally digging and I wish I’d met people like this in my early days of BDSM exploration. Even the side characters give me all the warm and fuzzies in their loving care for each other and the main characters.
Unafraid of Fat and Disability
There is a scene in the story where Ernest visits Nora’s home. The space and Nora in it are described beautifully, especially regarding her size. Nora becomes bigger, fatter, more relaxed in her space. The room and furnishings are chosen and arranged to accommodate her size and her mobility issues. Ernest takes all this in, the details are given to the reader unflinchingly without being grotesque. Its how I wish other fat and disabled characters in other books were portrayed – described with love.
Nurturing Care and Access Intimacy
Access Intimacy and Care are what really shine in Their Troublesome Crush that I’ve yet to see in many romances. Not only does West take care to write very real and diverse characters with a variety of needs BUT they also write characters that take care of each other with their needs in mind. My heart grew three sizes when Ernest makes food with their dietary needs in mind.
I’m gonna veer off subject for just a second but one of the first things that endeared this book to me was the very beginning scene when Ernest is trying to decide about ordering cupcakes knowing Nora is diabetic. He can’t decide if ordering the variety of sweet treats would be putting her out or if not ordering them would be stepping on her own autonomy in making decisions about what she can and cannot eat. I nearly cried. I’ve had friends, dates, and family make decisions for me “for my own good” regarding food (I’m not diabetic but this was done regarding other things like my weight and lactose intolerance). Its painful and makes me feel like a child in a not-good way. Seeing a character go over this and choose to allow the other character make decisions for themselves was beautiful and I’m grateful for this scene.
This care goes beyond food and is also revealed in Ernest’s relationship with his Daddy and with his friends. He has very clear, previously discussed, signs when he needs space due to his autism and/or gender dysphoria. His loved ones see these signs, understand that, and act accordingly. This seems simple but its not often I read a book where a Dominant grants the submissive space and its not made into a complicated mess to further the plot line. Instead it shows the love and care between characters, reveals some of their polyamorous connections and understandings, and is just damn real and sweet.
Foodie Fan
I was impressed by the fact that West did not shy away from food in their book, like many stories with fat characters do. In fact, the book is quite the foodie romance. It starts out with cupcakes and moves into dinners, tea service, and more. I could almost sing “These are a few of my favorite things” just with this theme of the book.
The only thing that could have made this over the top even better was recipes for those cupcakes and sandwiches and other treats available in the back of the book. I’d cook up a storm in my kitchen to celebrate this book.
BDSM
Something that West does well in Their Troublesome Crush as well as in their short story, Trying Submission, is show BDSM, specifically the D/s dynamic as well as bondage, without making it overtly erotic.
West keys into something many people don’t always understand about this lifestyle – BDSM isn’t always about sex. You can have a very fulfulling BDSM experience or dynamic without including sex. This is revealed in West’s work without detracting at all from the romance or emotion in the story.
I’d love to see more of this discussed in BDSM romances.
Polyamory
Its so rare that I run into a story that truly shows polyamorous relationships in the variety that they can create. Often what I read is harems or reverse harems or close triads that all start with the main character finding love with all of them from the beginning. Their Troublesome Crush shows two characters, already in a polyamorous relationship as metamours for their shared partner. It also shows how their friends, ex lovers, etc interact with this relationship dynamic.
As a polyamorous person, I believe the characters and relationships were very believable and could see it mirrored in the polyam communities I’ve been part of. Its a complicated ballet that I think West executed perfectly in their writing.
Lastly
It’s not a deterrent from reading the book but Their Troublesome Crush did make me have to do some research. I’m not Jewish and I’m also not all that into showtunes. The story focuses on Pesach (Passover) and the main character, Ernest, is a big fan of show tunes (he’s even writing his own musical). So when there was a reference I didn’t understand, I’d pause my reading and do a little search about it online.
Let me emphasize that this research is not necessary to enjoy the book but I like to fully immerse myself in a story and that meant looking up words I didn’t understand and listening to songs I’d never heard before. This was actually a pretty cool experience and I don’t begrudge the book for it at all.
virgilsinferno's review against another edition
lighthearted
fast-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
4.0
hissingpotatoes's review against another edition
3.5
As a romance story, it felt over before it even began, as did the plotline of the birthday party. The text needed a proofreader.
However, the daily realities of the characters living in the intersection of their identities felt very real, genuine, and down-to-earth with nuance and experiences I, at least, haven't seen much in fiction. The relationships varied all along the split attraction model with the main one being a combination of romance and non-sexual kink.
It was so refreshing and validating to read from the perspective of an autistic character, the familiarity of his thought processes, his comfort with and knowledge of himself, his found family creating space for him to be himself. The author allowed the characters to be themselves fully, to communicate clearly and without judgment.
I appreciated the details that set the timeline in 2011, specifically the Livejournal/Dreamwidth references which I lived through myself. I loved all the inclusion of food; this novella would be a great candidate for a companion recipe booklet.
This is a sweet romance with characters whose identities need more representation in fiction.
However, the daily realities of the characters living in the intersection of their identities felt very real, genuine, and down-to-earth with nuance and experiences I, at least, haven't seen much in fiction. The relationships varied all along the split attraction model with the main one being a combination of romance and non-sexual kink.
It was so refreshing and validating to read from the perspective of an autistic character, the familiarity of his thought processes, his comfort with and knowledge of himself, his found family creating space for him to be himself. The author allowed the characters to be themselves fully, to communicate clearly and without judgment.
I appreciated the details that set the timeline in 2011, specifically the Livejournal/Dreamwidth references which I lived through myself. I loved all the inclusion of food; this novella would be a great candidate for a companion recipe booklet.
This is a sweet romance with characters whose identities need more representation in fiction.
topy_loving_books's review against another edition
3.0
It was a sweet story and characters with great intent but it felt too academical, with too many explanations about their kinks and identities. We lost the romance in the process. Which is a shame because I was looking to see such queer, fat & jew representation that I don't see often. Maybe it was too much rep for one book. Or maybe more pages would have make it more digestible.
dsuttles's review against another edition
2.0
I really wanted to like it - but it just wasn't for me. Which is a bummer, because I liked the concept. I think queer, fat, polyamorous, neurodivergent, Jewish, and kinky voices all deserve a platform. Hopefully, the story is more resonant for someone else.
candelibri's review
- Strong character development? No
- Loveable characters? No
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
1.0
I’m all about representation in the books I read. This is not it.
There is barely a plot. The characters are merely a collection of labels who never have a conversation past explains said labels to one another.
Absolutely exhausting. People do not talk like this - especially within their own communities!
There is barely a plot. The characters are merely a collection of labels who never have a conversation past explains said labels to one another.
Absolutely exhausting. People do not talk like this - especially within their own communities!
jugglingpup's review
4.0
To see more reviews check out MI Book Reviews.
I got an ARC of this book.
This is the second book by West that I have read. It will not be the last. West is able to write romances and eroticas that feel like home in this way that I will forever compare every other romance and erotica to. West is officially my standard.
I will start with the stuff I didn’t like, since that list is much shorter. I felt like this was more of a rushed romance than the last book I read. I think it was mostly due to the length of the book. If this were longer, I would get more of the angst and feeling that I was expecting. I was warned that the book is significantly less angsty, but I know how I feel when my sexuality and reality are not matching up perfectly. I can go on for weeks when I experience sexual attraction for just a few minutes. So being fair that not everyone is an anxious mess like I am, my issue is really I needed more time with the characters. I needed a bit more. I didn’t feel cheated at the end, but I was not ready to say goodbye. I will need to find the other books in the series.
Now on to the stuff I liked. In short, I liked everything. Bam! Review done.
Like I could read a book like this without gushing forever until the review is a rambling mess. The book was really queer. It was explicitly queer. There were pronouns that were just pronouns. I didn’t get the trans 101 talk. There was talk about arospec identities and how they worked for one specific character. There was talk of the split attraction model, which is one of my favorite things to talk about. There was talk about how kink can have its own attraction and that not every kink will be something you want with every person, which is just so much yes. It is something that never seems to be talked about in mainstream straight and cis eroticas or romances.
One of my favorite parts was a trans person who doesn’t pass was the main romantic lead. I AM SO EXCITED! Ernest was one of my favorite side characters in the last book, so seeing him have a full life and happiness was something I needed. Seeing representation for trans guys that can’t bind and who don’t pass is even more magical. I love Gideon. He is this bouncy and lovely person that I just want to hug and have him be my sub. I would live for his tea service. Seeing trans guys that aren’t thin is also amazing. There was a paragraph or two about some dysphoria around his partner being able to have top surgery results that were more flat. It was just so wonderful and complex of an emotion that I was drawn in. It is a feeling I have had before and one that I have never been able to articulate. Gideon is just perfection.
There was a female dominant! She was also fat and wonderful. Seeing a dominant woman is always a plus for me, but her being fat and a cat lady was just something I needed in my life. I adore Nora. She is the sort of dominant I would trust and would want to tie me up. Her communication and understanding were the sort of things I look for in partners. How could I not love her?
The role of chosen family played in the lives of the characters was heartbreaking and cathartic all at once. I love my chosen family, without them I wouldn’t be here writing terribly rambling reviews. It was heartbreaking to see that these characters needed a chosen family. I wanted them all to have happy and loving lives without any complications or sadness. I know that is a lot and I love reading their angst, but I can still want it. I loved that they were all supported. I loved that they all worked together to have loving lives they all deserved. I just loved it all. I want them to be real and I want to be part of their family.
I loved that the relationship didn’t turn into a triad. I loved how there was space for the relationship to grow on its own. Can I just live in this world now?
I got an ARC of this book.
This is the second book by West that I have read. It will not be the last. West is able to write romances and eroticas that feel like home in this way that I will forever compare every other romance and erotica to. West is officially my standard.
I will start with the stuff I didn’t like, since that list is much shorter. I felt like this was more of a rushed romance than the last book I read. I think it was mostly due to the length of the book. If this were longer, I would get more of the angst and feeling that I was expecting. I was warned that the book is significantly less angsty, but I know how I feel when my sexuality and reality are not matching up perfectly. I can go on for weeks when I experience sexual attraction for just a few minutes. So being fair that not everyone is an anxious mess like I am, my issue is really I needed more time with the characters. I needed a bit more. I didn’t feel cheated at the end, but I was not ready to say goodbye. I will need to find the other books in the series.
Now on to the stuff I liked. In short, I liked everything. Bam! Review done.
Like I could read a book like this without gushing forever until the review is a rambling mess. The book was really queer. It was explicitly queer. There were pronouns that were just pronouns. I didn’t get the trans 101 talk. There was talk about arospec identities and how they worked for one specific character. There was talk of the split attraction model, which is one of my favorite things to talk about. There was talk about how kink can have its own attraction and that not every kink will be something you want with every person, which is just so much yes. It is something that never seems to be talked about in mainstream straight and cis eroticas or romances.
One of my favorite parts was a trans person who doesn’t pass was the main romantic lead. I AM SO EXCITED! Ernest was one of my favorite side characters in the last book, so seeing him have a full life and happiness was something I needed. Seeing representation for trans guys that can’t bind and who don’t pass is even more magical. I love Gideon. He is this bouncy and lovely person that I just want to hug and have him be my sub. I would live for his tea service. Seeing trans guys that aren’t thin is also amazing. There was a paragraph or two about some dysphoria around his partner being able to have top surgery results that were more flat. It was just so wonderful and complex of an emotion that I was drawn in. It is a feeling I have had before and one that I have never been able to articulate. Gideon is just perfection.
There was a female dominant! She was also fat and wonderful. Seeing a dominant woman is always a plus for me, but her being fat and a cat lady was just something I needed in my life. I adore Nora. She is the sort of dominant I would trust and would want to tie me up. Her communication and understanding were the sort of things I look for in partners. How could I not love her?
The role of chosen family played in the lives of the characters was heartbreaking and cathartic all at once. I love my chosen family, without them I wouldn’t be here writing terribly rambling reviews. It was heartbreaking to see that these characters needed a chosen family. I wanted them all to have happy and loving lives without any complications or sadness. I know that is a lot and I love reading their angst, but I can still want it. I loved that they were all supported. I loved that they all worked together to have loving lives they all deserved. I just loved it all. I want them to be real and I want to be part of their family.
I loved that the relationship didn’t turn into a triad. I loved how there was space for the relationship to grow on its own. Can I just live in this world now?
simplysifiso's review
hopeful
inspiring
lighthearted
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? No
5.0
i_readsandbujos's review
emotional
hopeful
informative
medium-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
3.5
scrow1022's review
5.0
Lovely, wonderful, heartening. Such a vision of consent, care, communication.
I hate that there will be no more - I miss Corey greatly.
I hate that there will be no more - I miss Corey greatly.