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Cigarette Lemonade
In the gritty underbelly of South Carolina, meet Dizzie and Smoak - an unlikely duo bound by circumstance. Cigarette Lemonade takes you on a thrilling journey alongside a young trans drug trafficker, Dizzie, and her inexperienced partner, Smoak. Together, they navigate a treacherous road trip marked by deceit and betrayal. Shootouts punctuate their path, where survival is their only motivation, and double-crosses lurk around every corner.
Cigarette Lemonade is a wild ride of an unlikely friendship, where two outsiders are thrown into the seedy depths of an unforgiving underworld. Authentically capturing the pulse of adrenaline and the complexities of being young, down and out, and broke, this gripping novel delves deep into the lives of its protagonists, unraveling the twisted truths that lie beneath the surface. Prepare to be captivated by Dizzie and Smoak's harrowing journey, where their paths merge and diverge, leading to an ending neither could have predicted.
Cigarette Lemonade is a wild ride of an unlikely friendship, where two outsiders are thrown into the seedy depths of an unforgiving underworld. Authentically capturing the pulse of adrenaline and the complexities of being young, down and out, and broke, this gripping novel delves deep into the lives of its protagonists, unraveling the twisted truths that lie beneath the surface. Prepare to be captivated by Dizzie and Smoak's harrowing journey, where their paths merge and diverge, leading to an ending neither could have predicted.
140 pages, Paperback
Published June 1, 2024
1 person is currently reading
72 people want to read
About the author
Connor de Bruler
18 books11 followers Connor de Bruler lives in South Carolina. He has been published in Litbreak, Fleas on the Dog, The Horror Library volume 6, And Now the Nightmare Begins, Southern Gothic Shorts, FRESH and Pulp Metal Magazine. His short story The Accident was adapted into the film Astray which premiered at The New Hampshire Film Festival.
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Displaying 1 - 29 of 29 reviews
February 14, 2024
I found this book available on NetGalley.
3.5
Cigarette Lemonade by Connor de Bruler is a well-written novella about drug dealing following Dizzie, a fierce transgender lead, and her hilarious companion, Smoak. I really liked the writing of this book, but what I liked most was the fact that, despite the story only being around 95 pages, both Dizzie and Smoak were really nicely fleshed out characters. I had a great time reading about them.
What threw me off a little was the ending, as I found it to be kind of abrupt. Other than that, I really enjoyed reading this novella.
3.5
Cigarette Lemonade by Connor de Bruler is a well-written novella about drug dealing following Dizzie, a fierce transgender lead, and her hilarious companion, Smoak. I really liked the writing of this book, but what I liked most was the fact that, despite the story only being around 95 pages, both Dizzie and Smoak were really nicely fleshed out characters. I had a great time reading about them.
What threw me off a little was the ending, as I found it to be kind of abrupt. Other than that, I really enjoyed reading this novella.
January 22, 2024
Cigarette Lemonade is a novella, about 95 pages, of drug dealing, torture, killing mystery.
In all its little glory, it was a decent book. Intriguing enough to keep you reading, enough detail to keep you into the characters, enough twists to keep you wanting more. Unfortunately the end was really a let down.
Dizzie and Smoak are the most untypical drug mules possible. It’s almost like they both accidentally ended up in this line of work. I really liked their dynamic together, and how well the story flowed through them. In the end, I wanted more, and a different ending.
In all its little glory, it was a decent book. Intriguing enough to keep you reading, enough detail to keep you into the characters, enough twists to keep you wanting more. Unfortunately the end was really a let down.
Dizzie and Smoak are the most untypical drug mules possible. It’s almost like they both accidentally ended up in this line of work. I really liked their dynamic together, and how well the story flowed through them. In the end, I wanted more, and a different ending.
February 1, 2024
Prosey like an ash-colored rose. From the title, I suppose Smoak is pronounced like Smoke and he hides a body on page one. Dialogue’s snappy, world-building (not talking fantasy) is thick but in a very authentic, pithy way. Massage parlor back room deals with an optimistic all-girl crew. Medium-size drug deals, frowny faces carved into wrists, beautifully ugly highway scenery. The sense of smell is especially specific and evocative.
Dizzie is fun and relatable despite being a trans woman and a dealer, because she’s an average bumpkin into sarcasm, looking to blend in, not latch to any identity to preach about. Once she becomes too high-strung and dangerous, it’s justified being partnered with a jag-off stranger.
Smoak sucks but in a way that makes the plot interesting. Though he dresses like a dad, he’s very pity-me-socialist and cause-a-scene-over-assumptions. Line cook sleazy. When they have to interrogate people, he seems too cruel when the narrative offers no tell that his victims are actually lying. We need them to contradict something or be too vague for things to seem more clever, that the duo doesn’t just get lucky in their bloodlust.
Before a third in, things are super eventful and high stakes yet Dizzie doesn’t react during or after at all? That def took away the five star rating. And how is she suddenly not shy or dysphoric or scared of assault to pee like a man with door open and walk out without a skirt after in a motel room with him?? At first, I thought she was adrenaline and wine drunk, horny… I guess it sorta makes sense later but only half.
I like the bits of humor, there could be more. Question and answer bits need commas. Ex. “It’s messed up, isn’t it?” Not sure I love or found the ending too surprising/shaded in. But maybe that’s “pointless” life.
Dizzie is fun and relatable despite being a trans woman and a dealer, because she’s an average bumpkin into sarcasm, looking to blend in, not latch to any identity to preach about. Once she becomes too high-strung and dangerous, it’s justified being partnered with a jag-off stranger.
Smoak sucks but in a way that makes the plot interesting. Though he dresses like a dad, he’s very pity-me-socialist and cause-a-scene-over-assumptions. Line cook sleazy. When they have to interrogate people, he seems too cruel when the narrative offers no tell that his victims are actually lying. We need them to contradict something or be too vague for things to seem more clever, that the duo doesn’t just get lucky in their bloodlust.
Before a third in, things are super eventful and high stakes yet Dizzie doesn’t react during or after at all? That def took away the five star rating. And how is she suddenly not shy or dysphoric or scared of assault to pee like a man with door open and walk out without a skirt after in a motel room with him?? At first, I thought she was adrenaline and wine drunk, horny… I guess it sorta makes sense later but only half.
I like the bits of humor, there could be more. Question and answer bits need commas. Ex. “It’s messed up, isn’t it?” Not sure I love or found the ending too surprising/shaded in. But maybe that’s “pointless” life.
July 16, 2024
Cigarette Lemonade is a gritty novella about two mostly amateur criminals and a deal gone wrong. We follow Dizzie, a gutsy trans woman who likes early '00s rock, and Smoak, a reserved, more experienced criminal who knows his way around a gun & may have a bit of a drinking problem, as they navigate their way out of a doozy of a felony (or 2 or 3...).
This fast-paced novella is very clear and straightforward, making the well-rounded characters and their transgressions feel real. I also thought the story was rock solid, almost feeling like the plot of a movie in ways.
The ending seemed to end a little too abruptly, but I'm not mad about it. It is a novella after all. I could, however, see it expanded into a large work. I just really loved Dizzie!
I am interested in reading more from this author as well as learning more about his background as I couldn't find much about him online.
Thank you NetGalley, Swann + Bedlam, and the author himself for giving me access to this ARC.
This fast-paced novella is very clear and straightforward, making the well-rounded characters and their transgressions feel real. I also thought the story was rock solid, almost feeling like the plot of a movie in ways.
The ending seemed to end a little too abruptly, but I'm not mad about it. It is a novella after all. I could, however, see it expanded into a large work. I just really loved Dizzie!
I am interested in reading more from this author as well as learning more about his background as I couldn't find much about him online.
Thank you NetGalley, Swann + Bedlam, and the author himself for giving me access to this ARC.
January 18, 2024
An excellent ARC!
Cigarette Lemonade is a beautifully vivid novella. Bruler has an immaculate writing sense and establishes a setting without it being lost in chunks of exposition. There is a purposeful sense of mystery, and the characters are decently fleshed out throughout the novella.
This story was engaging, addictive, and very neatly presented. That being said, I ultimately rated Cigarette Lemonade 4.5 stars. While I adore the concept of an open ending for this novella, I couldn't shake the feeling that the conclusion presented was slightly rushed and detached from the tone of the majority of the novella. It fell flat, and it might have to do with the pacing of the final scene. It felt slightly "he did/she did/done."
That aside, this book was thrilling, and I really, really LOVED it. I'm absolutely looking forward to reading Bruler's other writings, and I can't wait to see the success of this book when it is officially released.
Cigarette Lemonade is a beautifully vivid novella. Bruler has an immaculate writing sense and establishes a setting without it being lost in chunks of exposition. There is a purposeful sense of mystery, and the characters are decently fleshed out throughout the novella.
This story was engaging, addictive, and very neatly presented. That being said, I ultimately rated Cigarette Lemonade 4.5 stars. While I adore the concept of an open ending for this novella, I couldn't shake the feeling that the conclusion presented was slightly rushed and detached from the tone of the majority of the novella. It fell flat, and it might have to do with the pacing of the final scene. It felt slightly "he did/she did/done."
That aside, this book was thrilling, and I really, really LOVED it. I'm absolutely looking forward to reading Bruler's other writings, and I can't wait to see the success of this book when it is officially released.
October 4, 2024
i got so much action and storyline for just 100 pages; i felt like i got the content amount of a full length novel. i could see this book making a perfect movie one day. completely unhinged vibes
thank you to netgalley for the arc!
thank you to netgalley for the arc!
February 16, 2024
This story opens with the two main characters hiding a body in the woods, and the action doesn’t slow down until the last word. After the opening scene, we are carried back to the beginning, when Dizzie, a young transgender woman, and Smoak, a young man dreaming of becoming a hit man, are hired to carry out a drug deal. Their employers are a group of Chinese women looking to pick up some easy money. This book fits into the Southern Crime Noir genre and the story and characters remind me of books by Elmore Leonard and Cormac McCarthy. The action is intense, and you have to pay attention to the characters and the situations. Things change constantly as Dizzie and Smoak try to not just finish the job they were hired for, but to survive. It was interesting watching the relationship between these two grow from mistrust to a friendship of sorts based on their circumstances.
Set in South Carolina, the book is rich in description and transports you to the gritty South. There are scenes with graphic violence and an explicit sex scene. You could probably page past the sex, but the violence is pervasive and is woven into the story line and impossible to avoid. I enjoyed the book – the writing was so vivid I felt I was watching a movie and I never flinched from the blood on the page.
I gave this book four stars for the story and writing, but it missed being five stars because I felt the ending was rushed and too abrupt. Maybe I just didn’t want the story to end.
Set in South Carolina, the book is rich in description and transports you to the gritty South. There are scenes with graphic violence and an explicit sex scene. You could probably page past the sex, but the violence is pervasive and is woven into the story line and impossible to avoid. I enjoyed the book – the writing was so vivid I felt I was watching a movie and I never flinched from the blood on the page.
I gave this book four stars for the story and writing, but it missed being five stars because I felt the ending was rushed and too abrupt. Maybe I just didn’t want the story to end.
January 24, 2024
Cigarette Lemonade is a quick and thrilling novella filled with crime, torture, and death. I loved the setting of this story and the vivid action sequences, The adrenaline was pumping the more I read. It left me wanting more each chapter.
Bruler did a fantastic job with the writing and pace of this book, as well as creating a simple yet compelling chemistry between the two main characters Dizzie and Smoak. Dizzie is a such a girlboss. Personally, her character was more intriguing to me from the get go compared to Smoak. This was a fun and exciting read.
Bruler did a fantastic job with the writing and pace of this book, as well as creating a simple yet compelling chemistry between the two main characters Dizzie and Smoak. Dizzie is a such a girlboss. Personally, her character was more intriguing to me from the get go compared to Smoak. This was a fun and exciting read.
January 30, 2024
Not going to lie, I picked this book on NetGalley because I loved the cover. I didn’t even read what it was about. What a surprise! It’s a novella about two drug mules, Dizzie and Smoak. Two people that probably should not be drug mules. It’s right around 100 pages of drugs, violence, torture and murder.
I really enjoyed the novella. I feel there could be a follow up story since the it ended so abruptly. It was super fast paced and overall a great novella.
Thanks to NetGalley for the chance to read an advance copy.
I really enjoyed the novella. I feel there could be a follow up story since the it ended so abruptly. It was super fast paced and overall a great novella.
Thanks to NetGalley for the chance to read an advance copy.
January 29, 2024
Great quick crime noir thriller following a pair trying to correct a failed drug deal. For a short read this is packed with action!
Read
March 24, 2024many reviews were saying that the end to this book was abrupt, or that they felt as if it's too sudden, or that they felt as if it's a letdown. so i did what any sane reader would do: i started reading the book in reverse, at least for the three last chapters.
with the end of the book crystal clear to me i started at its actual chapter 1, which i think made me experience the story in a way that i never would've had i gone in blind.
here's a list of things i observed:
-dialogues are as quick and snappy as its prose but that doesn't take away its chance to distinguish characters.
- i'd mentioned quick and snappy prose because it's quite evident that the stylistic choices employed here leaned more towards economical ways to deliver scenes rather than musical ones, which isn't exactly a bad thing. it's just that i know of a version of myself (circa 2019-2020) who would've DNF'ed the book from chapter 1 just for this alone. that said, 2024-me finds the style adequate for the story it's trying to tell.
- when i say the prose and dialogues are quick and snappy i mean paratactic syntax outnumbers hypotactic ones. this kind of style isn't exactly unpleasant, but it does not prioritize pleasantness at all. i understand that this is not for everyone.
- the ending is very much consistent with its a) style b) story c) subject matter. it is abrupt because it's meant to be abrupt. idk but reading the ending first made the coming-together of these three seem much more deliberate for me.
would i recommend it?
- to someone looking for a quick read regardless of the subject matter, yes.
- to someone looking to de-stress, no.
This book is available through NetGalley.
with the end of the book crystal clear to me i started at its actual chapter 1, which i think made me experience the story in a way that i never would've had i gone in blind.
here's a list of things i observed:
-dialogues are as quick and snappy as its prose but that doesn't take away its chance to distinguish characters.
- i'd mentioned quick and snappy prose because it's quite evident that the stylistic choices employed here leaned more towards economical ways to deliver scenes rather than musical ones, which isn't exactly a bad thing. it's just that i know of a version of myself (circa 2019-2020) who would've DNF'ed the book from chapter 1 just for this alone. that said, 2024-me finds the style adequate for the story it's trying to tell.
- when i say the prose and dialogues are quick and snappy i mean paratactic syntax outnumbers hypotactic ones. this kind of style isn't exactly unpleasant, but it does not prioritize pleasantness at all. i understand that this is not for everyone.
- the ending is very much consistent with its a) style b) story c) subject matter. it is abrupt because it's meant to be abrupt. idk but reading the ending first made the coming-together of these three seem much more deliberate for me.
would i recommend it?
- to someone looking for a quick read regardless of the subject matter, yes.
- to someone looking to de-stress, no.
This book is available through NetGalley.
February 14, 2024
This was more violent than I expected, but there were a lot of parts of this book that I liked. The chapters feel very episodic, moving from one setting to another without much transition, and I think that it worked very well with the story that this book is telling. The characters are interesting, and in fact, I would have liked to know more about a lot of the characters. It's fast paced, which works well in connection with the episodic nature of the chapters. I read it straight through without putting it down, and there is a lot more action than you would expect from a novella of its length.
To me, it did feel like some of the scenes were a bit rushed. There were places that I wanted to see more of a description of the scene, or more explanation for why Dizzie and Smoak reacted the way they did to conversations or circumstances. Sometimes it felt like characters were introduced only to be left behind at the end of the chapter.
3.75/5 - rounded up on Goodreads
Thank you to NetGalley for the arc.
To me, it did feel like some of the scenes were a bit rushed. There were places that I wanted to see more of a description of the scene, or more explanation for why Dizzie and Smoak reacted the way they did to conversations or circumstances. Sometimes it felt like characters were introduced only to be left behind at the end of the chapter.
3.75/5 - rounded up on Goodreads
Thank you to NetGalley for the arc.
May 11, 2024
Thanks to NetGalley for a free copy of this book in exchange for an honest review.
The cover & title of this pulled me in right away. I didn't pay too much attention to the synopsis but I was immediately immersed in the story from the get go. Despite it being short, I felt the characters were explored in depth and there was a great plot going too! The torture/violence aspect in this blew me away just because I never expected it to go as far as it did.
Diverse characters and a fun, fast-paced plot. Give it a shot!
The cover & title of this pulled me in right away. I didn't pay too much attention to the synopsis but I was immediately immersed in the story from the get go. Despite it being short, I felt the characters were explored in depth and there was a great plot going too! The torture/violence aspect in this blew me away just because I never expected it to go as far as it did.
Diverse characters and a fun, fast-paced plot. Give it a shot!
May 29, 2024
Cigarette Lemonade is not a book for me, however, I can't deny that it's effective. In its short length, Dizzie and Smoak meet and find themselves in increasingly violent situations and double-crossings. By the end we're hoping they find a way out, getting away from their gritty reality. There are some complaints about the ending, but it suits the story--we've been on this ride together, we can figure out what's going to happen from here (and there's no way it can match the ride we've been on so far).
Thank you, Netgalley and Swann + Bedlam, for an advance ebook in exchange for a fair review.
Thank you, Netgalley and Swann + Bedlam, for an advance ebook in exchange for a fair review.
May 26, 2024
4.5. I loved this novella - my favourite parts were the vibes,I’d even say some parts read like a movie. I also LOVED the dynamic between Dizzie and Smoak like those two were impeccable and I would read a whole 300 page novel if it was filled to the brim with their interactions. I didn’t mind the ending, it honestly felt like a natural trajectory from the rest of the book and I don’t feel like I was left with any “but what about ___?” questions.
May 21, 2024
This Breaking Bad adjacent novella is a faced paced, high stakes story that kept me on my toes. The pacing was perfection and my interest never diminished.
If you are in the mood for dark and twisty, but don’t want to commit fully to a novel, this would be a superb choice.
Plot - 5
Writing and Editing - 3
Character Development - 3
Personal Bias - 4
Final Score - 3.75
Thank you Conner de Bruler, Swann + Bedlam, and NetGalley for my advanced review copy. My opinions are my own.
Cigarette Lemonade is out June 1st, 2024!
If you are in the mood for dark and twisty, but don’t want to commit fully to a novel, this would be a superb choice.
Plot - 5
Writing and Editing - 3
Character Development - 3
Personal Bias - 4
Final Score - 3.75
Thank you Conner de Bruler, Swann + Bedlam, and NetGalley for my advanced review copy. My opinions are my own.
Cigarette Lemonade is out June 1st, 2024!
June 13, 2024
Cigarette Lemonade was my introduction to Conner De Bruler's writing, and I must say, it left a lasting impression. Despite being a novella, it packs a punch with its well-crafted narrative and fast-paced storytelling.
The novella delves into the aftermath of a murder, immediately immersing the reader into a world of tension and suspense. What sets this story apart is its ability to flesh out characters remarkably well within a limited word count—a feat not easily achieved. The protagonists, both LGBTQ, are portrayed with depth and nuance. One is transgender, while the other hints at being queer or bisexual, adding layers of complexity to their interactions and motivations.
The narrative is gritty, raw, and unapologetically dark, touching on themes like homophobia, graphic violence, drug use, sexual situations, and profanity. These elements may be triggering for some readers, but they contribute to the authenticity and realism of the story.
One of the novella's strengths lies in its ability to keep the reader engaged. I found myself turning pages eagerly, eager to unravel the characters' pasts and motivations. However, I did wish for a slightly longer exploration of certain plot points and felt that the ending was somewhat rushed. Despite this, the overall experience was highly satisfying.
What stands out about Cigarette Lemonade is its departure from the typical angsty narrative often associated with LGBTQ literature. De Bruler's fresh approach brings a refreshing perspective to the genre, offering a compelling and thought-provoking read.
In conclusion, Cigarette Lemonade is a gripping novella that showcases De Bruler's talent for character development and storytelling. While it may not be everyone's cup of tea due to its dark themes, for those looking for a compelling LGBTQ narrative that defies conventions, this book is a must-read. I look forward to exploring more of De Bruler's work in the future.
Thank you to Netgalley and the publisher for an ARC copy in exchange for an honest review.
The novella delves into the aftermath of a murder, immediately immersing the reader into a world of tension and suspense. What sets this story apart is its ability to flesh out characters remarkably well within a limited word count—a feat not easily achieved. The protagonists, both LGBTQ, are portrayed with depth and nuance. One is transgender, while the other hints at being queer or bisexual, adding layers of complexity to their interactions and motivations.
The narrative is gritty, raw, and unapologetically dark, touching on themes like homophobia, graphic violence, drug use, sexual situations, and profanity. These elements may be triggering for some readers, but they contribute to the authenticity and realism of the story.
One of the novella's strengths lies in its ability to keep the reader engaged. I found myself turning pages eagerly, eager to unravel the characters' pasts and motivations. However, I did wish for a slightly longer exploration of certain plot points and felt that the ending was somewhat rushed. Despite this, the overall experience was highly satisfying.
What stands out about Cigarette Lemonade is its departure from the typical angsty narrative often associated with LGBTQ literature. De Bruler's fresh approach brings a refreshing perspective to the genre, offering a compelling and thought-provoking read.
In conclusion, Cigarette Lemonade is a gripping novella that showcases De Bruler's talent for character development and storytelling. While it may not be everyone's cup of tea due to its dark themes, for those looking for a compelling LGBTQ narrative that defies conventions, this book is a must-read. I look forward to exploring more of De Bruler's work in the future.
Thank you to Netgalley and the publisher for an ARC copy in exchange for an honest review.
February 1, 2024
Prosey like an ash-colored rose. From the title, I suppose Smoak is pronounced like Smoke and he hides a body on page one. Dialogue’s snappy, world-building (not talking fantasy) is thick but in a very authentic, pithy way. Massage parlor back room deals with an optimistic all-girl crew. Medium-size drug deals, frowny faces carved into wrists, beautifully ugly highway scenery. The sense of smell is especially specific and evocative.
Dizzie is fun and relatable despite being a trans woman and a dealer, because she’s an average bumpkin into sarcasm, looking to blend in, not latch to any identity to preach about. Once she becomes too high-strung and dangerous, it’s justified being partnered with a jag-off stranger.
Smoak sucks but in a way that makes the plot interesting. Though he dresses like a dad, he’s very pity-me-socialist and cause-a-scene-over-assumptions. Line cook sleazy. When they have to interrogate people, he seems too cruel when the narrative offers no tell that his victims are actually lying. We need them to contradict something or be too vague for things to seem more clever, that the duo doesn’t just get lucky in their bloodlust.
Before a third in, things are super eventful and high stakes yet Dizzie doesn’t react during or after at all? That def took away the five star rating. And how is she suddenly not shy or dysphoric or scared of assault to pee like a man with door open and walk out without a skirt after in a motel room with him?? At first, I thought she was adrenaline and wine drunk, horny… I guess it sorta makes sense later but only half.
I like the bits of humor, there could be more. Question and answer bits need commas. Ex. “It’s messed up, isn’t it?” Not sure I love or found the ending too surprising/shaded in. But maybe that’s “pointless” life.
Dizzie is fun and relatable despite being a trans woman and a dealer, because she’s an average bumpkin into sarcasm, looking to blend in, not latch to any identity to preach about. Once she becomes too high-strung and dangerous, it’s justified being partnered with a jag-off stranger.
Smoak sucks but in a way that makes the plot interesting. Though he dresses like a dad, he’s very pity-me-socialist and cause-a-scene-over-assumptions. Line cook sleazy. When they have to interrogate people, he seems too cruel when the narrative offers no tell that his victims are actually lying. We need them to contradict something or be too vague for things to seem more clever, that the duo doesn’t just get lucky in their bloodlust.
Before a third in, things are super eventful and high stakes yet Dizzie doesn’t react during or after at all? That def took away the five star rating. And how is she suddenly not shy or dysphoric or scared of assault to pee like a man with door open and walk out without a skirt after in a motel room with him?? At first, I thought she was adrenaline and wine drunk, horny… I guess it sorta makes sense later but only half.
I like the bits of humor, there could be more. Question and answer bits need commas. Ex. “It’s messed up, isn’t it?” Not sure I love or found the ending too surprising/shaded in. But maybe that’s “pointless” life.
March 31, 2024
I really liked this novella. Like other reviews, I wish part of the ending wasn't so abrupt, especially since I was very invested in both characters! Trying not to give anything away, I wish that one of the main characters had received a little more attention during the last chapter. Other than that it was an excellent story!
This story is about two young drug mules and the mayhem they get themselves involved in. This 95 pager, brought me back to the feeling of watching an episode of the Sopranos. I’d definitely recommend it those looking for a fast paced amusing story of an unlikely criminal pairing.
It was a very enjoyable quick read!
This story is about two young drug mules and the mayhem they get themselves involved in. This 95 pager, brought me back to the feeling of watching an episode of the Sopranos. I’d definitely recommend it those looking for a fast paced amusing story of an unlikely criminal pairing.
It was a very enjoyable quick read!
April 3, 2024
3.5 stars
Full review to follow upon publication.
Full review to follow upon publication.
January 23, 2024
Content and trigger warnings: gratuitous blood/murder, gratuitous sexual imagery, explicit homophobic slurs, implicit transphobia
I love Dizzie’s character, I love the exploration of a trans MC who is a totally BAMF. Dizzie’s firecracker personality shines through and especially in compliment to Smoak who is more stoic. I thought Smoak was snarky with a quick tongue, and I enjoyed his dialogue a lot. The two MCs are definitely very likable on their own right and as partners.
Unfortunately, I found the plot to be lacking. There isn’t enough time to breathe from one event to the next, so it reads more like a travelogue from point A to B. This book doesn’t do a great job of maintaining tension throughout the story. Dizzie and Smoak and their adventure is very akin to a buddy cop story, but the events taking place don’t feel tense or exciting. If new characters were introduced, their impact would be neutralized very quickly.
Things seem to go smoothly for them every single time, which reads more as plot armor than speaks to their competency to survive.
I also thought the dialogue and scene break-up was very aimless. At times, it felt like chapters were too short and filled with scenes that really didn’t add to the overall plot line or character development. Same with the dialogue; there were times I would read it and wonder what the author was trying to accomplish with some of the lines. Even the way the book is written is a little monotonous; paragraphs would sometimes be a string of short, basic subject-verb-object sentences back to back, with no variation in sentence complexity, which gave the book a very bland rhythm.
I also wasn’t really pleased with some of the relationship progression choices in this story and felt it was out of character in terms of chemistry.
I love Dizzie’s character, I love the exploration of a trans MC who is a totally BAMF. Dizzie’s firecracker personality shines through and especially in compliment to Smoak who is more stoic. I thought Smoak was snarky with a quick tongue, and I enjoyed his dialogue a lot. The two MCs are definitely very likable on their own right and as partners.
Unfortunately, I found the plot to be lacking. There isn’t enough time to breathe from one event to the next, so it reads more like a travelogue from point A to B. This book doesn’t do a great job of maintaining tension throughout the story. Dizzie and Smoak and their adventure is very akin to a buddy cop story, but the events taking place don’t feel tense or exciting. If new characters were introduced, their impact would be neutralized very quickly.
Things seem to go smoothly for them every single time, which reads more as plot armor than speaks to their competency to survive.
I also thought the dialogue and scene break-up was very aimless. At times, it felt like chapters were too short and filled with scenes that really didn’t add to the overall plot line or character development. Same with the dialogue; there were times I would read it and wonder what the author was trying to accomplish with some of the lines. Even the way the book is written is a little monotonous; paragraphs would sometimes be a string of short, basic subject-verb-object sentences back to back, with no variation in sentence complexity, which gave the book a very bland rhythm.
I also wasn’t really pleased with some of the relationship progression choices in this story and felt it was out of character in terms of chemistry.
January 24, 2024
There were a lot of things I liked, but there were also quite a few things that were not for me.
Minor spoilers ahead.
Content warnings: gun violence, drug use, dead naming, transphobic slurs, sex, pornography
The book is about Dizzie and Smoak, who are thrown into a wild world of drugs, guns, and hitmen. It's a violent book, much more than I had anticipated.
The main plot is really fun and moves quickly. The two main characters are thrown into a world that feel straight out of a thriller and seems full and vibrant. I was very invested in the main plot and read the book in one sitting. It seemed to be a cozy world where the two main characters were very different yet just clicked with each other.
However, there were a couple of things that didn't work for me and I think took away from the plot and the world that the author created.
There was a scene between the two characters where a soft-core porn is vividly described followed by a couple of sexual encounters that came out of nowhere and was really awkward to read. It felt very clinical and didn't have the "spice" that a lot of readers want. It also just ended. There was no mention of it again. I'm note sure why that entire chapter was in the story.
One of the main characters is Dizzie, who is trans. I loved having a trans main character, but something felt off. There are a few times where other characters misgender her, use her dead name (but the author never does!), and use transphobic slurs. I found that to be very distracting from the main plot, which was quite captivating.
Overall, I did enjoy it, but a few things were too distracting to love the book. However, I do recommend it for a quick, cozy, high-paced read.
Minor spoilers ahead.
Content warnings: gun violence, drug use, dead naming, transphobic slurs, sex, pornography
The book is about Dizzie and Smoak, who are thrown into a wild world of drugs, guns, and hitmen. It's a violent book, much more than I had anticipated.
The main plot is really fun and moves quickly. The two main characters are thrown into a world that feel straight out of a thriller and seems full and vibrant. I was very invested in the main plot and read the book in one sitting. It seemed to be a cozy world where the two main characters were very different yet just clicked with each other.
However, there were a couple of things that didn't work for me and I think took away from the plot and the world that the author created.
There was a scene between the two characters where a soft-core porn is vividly described followed by a couple of sexual encounters that came out of nowhere and was really awkward to read. It felt very clinical and didn't have the "spice" that a lot of readers want. It also just ended. There was no mention of it again. I'm note sure why that entire chapter was in the story.
One of the main characters is Dizzie, who is trans. I loved having a trans main character, but something felt off. There are a few times where other characters misgender her, use her dead name (but the author never does!), and use transphobic slurs. I found that to be very distracting from the main plot, which was quite captivating.
Overall, I did enjoy it, but a few things were too distracting to love the book. However, I do recommend it for a quick, cozy, high-paced read.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
September 28, 2024
Cigarette Lemonade takes an unflinching look at two disillusioned twentysomethings who will not (cannot?) conform to the structure of American society. Dizzie, a desperate transgender woman, and Smoak, a hired gun, take a job moving drugs across state lines. The job goes well, until it doesn’t.
The novella is a clear example of author Connor de Bruler flexing his literary muscles, but he manages to do so in the most understated way possible. His prose is sparse, with only the occasional flourish of metaphor. He demonstrates his mastery of the form with what he doesn’t say, abandoning unnecessary descriptions of the main characters (we are left to imagine what they look like entirely). When he chooses to be descriptive, it is with visceral imagery of violence, and settings that seem to evoke loneliness and desperation.
Strikingly, although she is subject to bigoted scrutiny throughout the story, Dizzie’s former name is never revealed, even when others call her by it. De Bruler gives us a transfeminine main character who has become hardened and capable by the necessity of her transition in less-than-progressive Southern areas, and it shows in every choice she makes. As crackdowns on trans individuals spread through the US, Dizzie is the unfortunate main character queer readers need. Her determination, toughness, and at times, poor judgment make her at once relatable and aspirational.
Reading Cigarette Lemonade was the perfect start to my summer. I hope the novella gets noticed, even studied for the way it deals with transgender characters.
The novella is a clear example of author Connor de Bruler flexing his literary muscles, but he manages to do so in the most understated way possible. His prose is sparse, with only the occasional flourish of metaphor. He demonstrates his mastery of the form with what he doesn’t say, abandoning unnecessary descriptions of the main characters (we are left to imagine what they look like entirely). When he chooses to be descriptive, it is with visceral imagery of violence, and settings that seem to evoke loneliness and desperation.
Strikingly, although she is subject to bigoted scrutiny throughout the story, Dizzie’s former name is never revealed, even when others call her by it. De Bruler gives us a transfeminine main character who has become hardened and capable by the necessity of her transition in less-than-progressive Southern areas, and it shows in every choice she makes. As crackdowns on trans individuals spread through the US, Dizzie is the unfortunate main character queer readers need. Her determination, toughness, and at times, poor judgment make her at once relatable and aspirational.
Reading Cigarette Lemonade was the perfect start to my summer. I hope the novella gets noticed, even studied for the way it deals with transgender characters.
February 22, 2024
I thoroughly enjoyed this little novella. There was an air of surrealism throughout it's run that I deeply connected with. It was simply a vignette into the world of extremely flawed people. In a way, reading it felt somewhat disconnected, but in the same way reading the Great Gatsby feels disconnected. I also loved how completely southern this book was as someone from the south. Red clay, Buc-cee's, burned-out motels at random highway stops, and off-brand cigarettes made it feel as if Dizzie and Smoak were two people you could see passing through town at the local gas station. The whole book felt like a deep-fried fever dream in the best way possible. I believe that this book achieved exactly what it was aiming for. I look forward to it's release in June.
June 13, 2024
I found this novella to be hard to stay engaged with, which is unfortunate as I really liked the characters Dizzie and Smoak as well as the premise. A lot of the action felt forced or out of place, especially towards the end. The characters were well developed but not in the way that quite explained why they kept going, kept pushing for more. The ending was also really abrupt and I wasn't a fan of how it turned out for out main characters.
Does contain an explicit sex scene and graphic violence.
I found this novella available on netgalley, my opinions are my own.
Does contain an explicit sex scene and graphic violence.
I found this novella available on netgalley, my opinions are my own.
March 4, 2024
This just…wasn’t really for me. It kind of reminded me of Justified and had some good atmosphere, but it was way more graphic than I expected violence-wise. I had to skim all the torture parts (which were a lot despite the short length) and honestly, if it wasn’t 95 pages I probably wouldn’t have finished it.
Also I had issues reading it on the NetGalley app, so luckily I was able to send it to my Kindle. Thanks to NetGalley and Swann + Bedlam for the ARC, all opinions are my own.
Also I had issues reading it on the NetGalley app, so luckily I was able to send it to my Kindle. Thanks to NetGalley and Swann + Bedlam for the ARC, all opinions are my own.
February 8, 2024
This has a very interesting premise but it was a bit weird and seemed like it was trying too hard to fit too much of a good thing in such a short book.
June 28, 2025
Cigarette Lemonade is a quick read into the dark abyss where at the end of the book, you look down real quick to make sure none of the splatter got on you. It’s that kind of read. Fun, vicious, and where you root for the drug runner to be bad.
I received a free copy of this book, and I am writing a review without prejudice and voluntarily.
I received a free copy of this book, and I am writing a review without prejudice and voluntarily.
October 8, 2024
Dizzie and Smoak get involved in a drug deal gone bad. A novella that has more action stuffed inside its small number of pages compared to full novels. This book reminded me of Dallas Buyers Club. I enjoyed that one of the characters was transgender and the dynamic between the 2 main characters.
Thank you to Netgalley, Connor de Bruler, and the publishers for this free ebook. This review is 100% my own and honest review.
Thank you to Netgalley, Connor de Bruler, and the publishers for this free ebook. This review is 100% my own and honest review.
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