Look, you know me, you know I worked in the veterinary field for about six years and was burnt out for probably three of them. My mental health was at an all-time low during that period. But how? I got to play with kittens and puppies all day every day! How could I be having panic attacks at work on the regular when I had such a fUlLfIlLiNg CaReEr?
Because we're constantly judged and misunderstood by the general public. Because we're surrounded by death. Because wE'rE JuSt iN It FoR tHe MoNeY. Because of the rapidly growing anti-science movement that thinks vaccines give dogs autism. Because we're accused of not caring about animals when caring for animals is literally the only reason anyone ever enters vet med. Because after six years, I had nothing in my savings account and all my requests for raises, overtime pay, and supplemental help were denied.
So when I saw that there was a romantasy book WRITTEN by a vet and the main character was a vet? Yeah, I added to cart.
The beginning of All Things Real and Mythical was painfully relatable. The conversations Charlotte has with her clients were so authentic, just like conversations vets have every day in their exam rooms. The overwhelming STRESS that Charlotte feels, the constant fatigue, girl I have BEEN there <3
I just wanted to reach into the book and wrap Charlotte up in a big hug.
But the middle of this book falls apart so dramatically. I can't stand that so much romantasy has just become a checklist of tropes and authors feel the need to pack as many as possible into their stories. We got the one bed scene, we got the "who did this to you" scene, we got the cringey pet name (I'm sorry but every pet name I've come across just makes me want to vomit, it's nothing personal). I did appreciate that this wasn't yet ANOTHER enemies to lovers book, but there was a LOT of "banter" that just made our main characters (28 and 31, believe it or not) sound like middle schoolers. The world building has some potential, but nothing is really developed or given space to breathe. Unfortunately the side characters are pretty flat and indistinguishable, but I believe they can be developed more in sequels.
The ending was pretty sweet, although there are some big unanswered questions. Charlotte's mental health crisis is given a resolution and I liked that we came full-circle there. For a debut written by someone in the freaking MEDICAL field, it's a great start. I think I will check out the second book when it comes out.