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Love Rampage
Maíra has always wanted a unicorn, but isn't quite prepared when one shows up on her doorstep and kidnaps her—and proclaims that Maíra must confess her feelings to the girl she loves. Maíra is definitely reluctant to follow through with that, but everything changes when Carol is kidnapped by a demon...
41 pages, Kindle Edition
First published January 28, 2015
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Displaying 1 - 13 of 13 reviews
April 16, 2015
LOVE RAMPAGE is delightful and whimsical.
Maira loves unicorns and has a slight obsesh. Which I totally get, because I too think unicorns are the bees knees. She loves them, but has outgrown her real belief in them. Until one shows up at her door.
The unicorn comes into Maira's life because she's fallen in love. And that, of course, is how unicorns are made. Her unicorn takes her off to find the perfect dress to make the perfect declaration of love to Carol. No matter how much Maira protested, the unicorn would not back down. The unicorn was determined that Maira tell Carol her true feelings.
There was so much fun wrapped up in such a short novella. It was very fast paced and the story took off right away. The take on unicorns was awesome. Not only are they made from love, but there were sparkles and rainbows and moonbeams. There were other supernatural creatures that were woven into the human world through emotions, like the unicorns. It was all very clever and I loved every bit of it.
LOVE RAMPAGE isn't a romance where we see the couple fall in love, but more about Maira finally expressing her feelings and her journey getting there. It was simply charming and such a fun story.
Maira loves unicorns and has a slight obsesh. Which I totally get, because I too think unicorns are the bees knees. She loves them, but has outgrown her real belief in them. Until one shows up at her door.
The unicorn comes into Maira's life because she's fallen in love. And that, of course, is how unicorns are made. Her unicorn takes her off to find the perfect dress to make the perfect declaration of love to Carol. No matter how much Maira protested, the unicorn would not back down. The unicorn was determined that Maira tell Carol her true feelings.
There was so much fun wrapped up in such a short novella. It was very fast paced and the story took off right away. The take on unicorns was awesome. Not only are they made from love, but there were sparkles and rainbows and moonbeams. There were other supernatural creatures that were woven into the human world through emotions, like the unicorns. It was all very clever and I loved every bit of it.
LOVE RAMPAGE isn't a romance where we see the couple fall in love, but more about Maira finally expressing her feelings and her journey getting there. It was simply charming and such a fun story.
January 14, 2015
Wow, OMG, and Squee! Love Rampage was such a fun, delightful tale, I never wanted it to end. It's an absolutely perfect 21st century fairy tale of true love, gender identity, and (yes) unicorns. Alex Powell has really crafted something special here, the kind of story that wraps you in a warm hug and carries you away to a world where love is true, and where dreams do come true.
As the story opens, Maíra has long since outgrown wanting a unicorn, but then, wouldn't you know it, one shows up in her room, claiming she needs it because she's fallen in love. Powell really has fun with the encounter, indulging in some friendly banter while she allows Maíra to explore whether her unicorn is real, or whether it's all a dream. The unicorn's sarcastic sort innocence is what really brings the tale alive, with an absolute refusal to accept that love cannot (and should not) be so simple and pure.
The term 'transgender' is never used within the tale, but it's hinted at, danced around, and strongly suggested as the basis for Maíra's reluctance to follow through in declaring her love. The unicorn's response to that is fantastic:
"You're human. She is also human. I do not see the problem," the unicorn said. "I know a dragon that fell in love with a mermaid. Why should shape have any bearing on the matter?"
With that settled, they're off to shop for a wedding dress (a comic adventure all on its own), before heading to fairy tale lands to have the elves craft one of their own. Where the story gets dark (and smart) is when Maíra finally arrives to declare her love, only to find the object of her affections at the mercy of a magical serpent. As we discover, the unicorn is an embodiment of love, while serpent is an embodiment of hate, and the two lovers-to-be must battle against the fears, the self-hatred, and the prejudices instilled in them by society.
It all adds up to a dreamy, surreal, comic, fairy tale story that's full of magic and true love. This is a fairy tale, so expect a happily-ever-after, but be prepared for some difficult, anxious moments in that final magical confrontation. Love Rampage is such a lovely tale, so well-written, that I've been recommending it to anybody who's willing to let me gush. :)
As published on Bending the Bookshelf
As the story opens, Maíra has long since outgrown wanting a unicorn, but then, wouldn't you know it, one shows up in her room, claiming she needs it because she's fallen in love. Powell really has fun with the encounter, indulging in some friendly banter while she allows Maíra to explore whether her unicorn is real, or whether it's all a dream. The unicorn's sarcastic sort innocence is what really brings the tale alive, with an absolute refusal to accept that love cannot (and should not) be so simple and pure.
The term 'transgender' is never used within the tale, but it's hinted at, danced around, and strongly suggested as the basis for Maíra's reluctance to follow through in declaring her love. The unicorn's response to that is fantastic:
"You're human. She is also human. I do not see the problem," the unicorn said. "I know a dragon that fell in love with a mermaid. Why should shape have any bearing on the matter?"
With that settled, they're off to shop for a wedding dress (a comic adventure all on its own), before heading to fairy tale lands to have the elves craft one of their own. Where the story gets dark (and smart) is when Maíra finally arrives to declare her love, only to find the object of her affections at the mercy of a magical serpent. As we discover, the unicorn is an embodiment of love, while serpent is an embodiment of hate, and the two lovers-to-be must battle against the fears, the self-hatred, and the prejudices instilled in them by society.
It all adds up to a dreamy, surreal, comic, fairy tale story that's full of magic and true love. This is a fairy tale, so expect a happily-ever-after, but be prepared for some difficult, anxious moments in that final magical confrontation. Love Rampage is such a lovely tale, so well-written, that I've been recommending it to anybody who's willing to let me gush. :)
As published on Bending the Bookshelf
July 1, 2018
I love how Maira’s being trans is handled in this story – she has her self doubt and her dysphoria but it wasn’t ham fisted, it felt natural and not heavy handed in anyway. - Arthur
In the end, what really counted for me was that the story left me with a smile on my face and the facts I took away from it. - Maria
You can read our full review here
In the end, what really counted for me was that the story left me with a smile on my face and the facts I took away from it. - Maria
You can read our full review here
August 1, 2023
3.5 stars ⭐
A wholesome, cute fantasy romance featuring a unicorn on a quest to help a girl confess her feelings for another girl. So cute!
I definitely see myself coming back to this when I need a pick me up.
A wholesome, cute fantasy romance featuring a unicorn on a quest to help a girl confess her feelings for another girl. So cute!
I definitely see myself coming back to this when I need a pick me up.
January 18, 2015
4.5 Stars! This was an absolute hug of a short story. From the very beginning this is a fun ride, complete with a gallop through the city in search of a wedding dress. I loved the unicorn's preoccupation with the dress and making sure Maíra was wearing just the right thing to declare her love in. I also really liked the idea that unicorns are the embodiment of love, just like the elves they meet are goodwill, and that dragons are crowd mentality. Although the idea that a unicorn dies whenever love fades is awful! Way worse than not clapping for fairies. (Then again I feel horrible guilt whenever I watch Toy Story, so I’m clearly just a sucker that way.)
As fun as all of that way, though, for me this story really came alive when Carol enters. The whole battle with the demon was just beautiful. Fighting against doubt and hate with love and acceptance was so lovely. Not only because Maíra had to overcome her own personal issues, but because she had to convince Carol that she mattered – and vice versa. That whole scene was just full of warm and fuzzy feelings, and the ending simply built on that.
It’s short but very sweet and filled with good feelings. A lovely little read.
(I received a free copy of this book in exchange for an honest review.)
As fun as all of that way, though, for me this story really came alive when Carol enters. The whole battle with the demon was just beautiful. Fighting against doubt and hate with love and acceptance was so lovely. Not only because Maíra had to overcome her own personal issues, but because she had to convince Carol that she mattered – and vice versa. That whole scene was just full of warm and fuzzy feelings, and the ending simply built on that.
It’s short but very sweet and filled with good feelings. A lovely little read.
(I received a free copy of this book in exchange for an honest review.)
March 17, 2015
Oh, I wanted to love this story. Just looking at the cover warms my heart with delight. And certainly, what could be better than a unicorn helping you save your beloved and confess your feelings to them?
Maybe a handful more pages. I've found that short stories and I always have a singular problem - I'm left wanting more, either because the story was lacking or because I'm so in love. In this case, I'm going to say the story felt a bit lacking. I don't really feel like I got to know Maira much and I certainly know next to nothing about Carol except how ~quirky~ she is and then suddenly at the end I'm thrust into her own crushing self doubts and I'm just thinking... but I don't even know or care about this character?
It was a cute, very whimsical story. I loved the idea, I loved the unicorn and elves and Maira's dress. I just have this feeling like it could be so much more magical if it was fleshed out more (or, alternatively, I could see this being a really wonderful trans story for whatever genre comes just under "young adult").
Maybe a handful more pages. I've found that short stories and I always have a singular problem - I'm left wanting more, either because the story was lacking or because I'm so in love. In this case, I'm going to say the story felt a bit lacking. I don't really feel like I got to know Maira much and I certainly know next to nothing about Carol except how ~quirky~ she is and then suddenly at the end I'm thrust into her own crushing self doubts and I'm just thinking... but I don't even know or care about this character?
It was a cute, very whimsical story. I loved the idea, I loved the unicorn and elves and Maira's dress. I just have this feeling like it could be so much more magical if it was fleshed out more (or, alternatively, I could see this being a really wonderful trans story for whatever genre comes just under "young adult").
January 30, 2015
This story is part of an anthology from Less Than Three Press called Geek Out. It's a collection of trans and genderqueer romances.
This book really takes off! As soon as I started reading Love Rampage, I was thrown right into the action! It was a shock, and I loved it. I mean, who doesn't want to read about unicorns barging into your life?!
Even though this is a short story, there are a lot of elements that make it stand out. The humor is subtle and had me laughing and smiling nearly the entire time. There is plenty of action to keep your interest. And the romantic element is definitely great! Love Rampage makes for a quick and wonderful read!
**I received this book for free in exchange for an honest review with no compensation.
This book really takes off! As soon as I started reading Love Rampage, I was thrown right into the action! It was a shock, and I loved it. I mean, who doesn't want to read about unicorns barging into your life?!
Even though this is a short story, there are a lot of elements that make it stand out. The humor is subtle and had me laughing and smiling nearly the entire time. There is plenty of action to keep your interest. And the romantic element is definitely great! Love Rampage makes for a quick and wonderful read!
**I received this book for free in exchange for an honest review with no compensation.
February 12, 2015
This is like a great crack fic. A unicorn appears to Maira and kidnaps her, saying she has to declare her love for Carol, whom she's harbored feelings for for a while. They go on a quest to find the perfect love declaration outfit, which elves help make. Then she battles a serpent to win Carol's hand. I loved that the mythical creatures were all physical manifestations of emotions and intangible things. The unicorn is love, the elves are goodwill, and the serpent is self-loathing.
February 18, 2017
SO SWEET.
A short, quick, ADORABLE read about being brave and taking chances and believing in yourself and the power of love over hate, especially overcoming your own fears and anxieties and doubts spawned from the pressure of societal expectations! But wrapped up with unicorns, magic princess dresses made out of dreams, and references to my favorite Doctor Who character. A very sweet magical girl story that I really enjoyed.
A short, quick, ADORABLE read about being brave and taking chances and believing in yourself and the power of love over hate, especially overcoming your own fears and anxieties and doubts spawned from the pressure of societal expectations! But wrapped up with unicorns, magic princess dresses made out of dreams, and references to my favorite Doctor Who character. A very sweet magical girl story that I really enjoyed.
December 15, 2020
It's cute! It's a little corny (I definitely took a step back at the shoelace-president exchange), but Maira's a teenage girl, and I think it's allowed to be corny. I could've done without the L'Engle-style "love will overturn hate" battle near the end, but it's nice for Maira to get a pretty dress and kiss a cute girl, and at this point the romance book field is so sparse re: content about hashtag girlslikeus that I'll take whatever uncomplicated fun romances I can get.
January 28, 2015
Whimsical, sweet, and utterly delightful. What a joy to read!
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March 17, 2019Yesss. <3
April 11, 2017
A quick read Also a lovely surprise at the trans representation in this book :D first book I seen a trans woman as a main character :3
Displaying 1 - 13 of 13 reviews