Charlie Dee, Charlie Dee, Charlie Dee...
There is so much to say about them! This story started off slow, with wonderful detail that set me right in the house they and their roommates lived. I was hooked by the stark contrast it bares to the eventual present Charlie slumps their way through.
When Charlie meets Buffy... The way they look at her makes me feel seen. And Hayden, goodness, I am swooning! The rapport between all three is so incredibly cute and cozy.
I am a fan of the forced proximity trope but was happy to see it done in a way that involved a family with a little one running around, bringing all her R name glory, and a bird, and a cat... and a dog. It is a full house and one that gets fuller still!
Markus Harwood-Jones, talented author of Really Cute People, did a remarkable job in capturing the quiet chaos of everyday life; the ever-present tension that so many households endure and love through on the daily.
Contemporary tales with fantastical elements are fun, but stories that feature glorious mundanity and, the magic naturally embedded in our significant and highly personal journeys have a special place in my heart. Really Cute People made me feel less alone. Reminded me of the importance of staying open to new people while valuing connections that prove their worth through their persistence and stability.
At the beginning, I very nearly took issue with Charlie. They're outlook forced me to examine my own. It was with Charlie's journey that I found renewed hope in possible futures I may have unwittingly written off as impossibilities. Books I enjoy most tend to evoke introspection, and Really Cute People did not fail in this regard.
If you love stories about found family, this is a wonderful, delightfully queer one. It's the kind of book you snuggle. Especially if you're snowed in.
What a wonderfully thoughtful review! IMO, you’ve captured the essence of Really Cute People so beautifully. I love how you highlighted the cozy dynamics between Charlie, Buffy, and Hayden; it really brings the characters to life! The way you described the blend of everyday chaos with heartfelt connections resonated with me. It’s refreshing to see the forced proximity trope embraced in such a warm, family-oriented setting. Your reflections on Charlie’s journey and the introspection it inspired are truly powerful. I can’t wait to dive into this book myself, especially with your recommendation to snuggle up with it! Thank you for sharing your insights!