Positive Ease

Strange Love by Ann Aguirre.

I came to this book with absolutely no expectations. It had popped up several times on my recommended for you lists, been listed as a title in similar people have also read lists, and so on. No overt, "You gotta read this!" kind of thing.

But god damn, was I honestly delighted in the story! The MMC is awkward and sweet and very very alien. The FMC is a treate and rolls with a lot of punches externally while freaking out internally. And the Snaps, the dog granted a voice, was fucking awesome (such a good boy).

It was an odd story all on its own, but made sweet with two people accidentally thrown together who grow to care for one another. Because of over population and population control concerns, couples need to compete in a series of trials to be granted permission to copulate and "exchange genetic material". Threw a series to tests and trials, they need to prove they "worthy genetics" to pass on, but also that they can protect, defend, provide, and nurture whatever young they have.

I like that it teated both partners in a couple. It was interesting how sometimes the partner you enter the Choosing with may not be the one you end the trials with. And it was so fucking weird in other ways.

HAPPY INTERNATIONAL FAERIE DAY!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! posting my best faerie girls in honour (+ one bonus human)

Medusa and the blind woman in love