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Being(s) in Love #9
Sweet Clematis
A Being(s) in Love Story
Can a curse be a blessing?
Clematis works hard to embody every fairy stereotype. He can be a sulky prince or a submissive flirt, slutty and arrogant or silly and soft. He makes himself into whatever causes someone to want him. Combine that with beauty that’s incredible even for a fairy, and everyone wants him sooner or later… just not for long.
Well, everyone except the fairy Clematis secretly adores. But then, he’s never expected happily ever after, not when he’s spent years burying his emotions and making himself unlovable to push people away and protect his heart.
But his curse changes all that, and Clematis can no longer prevent his feelings from rising to the surface. He’s terrified that when his few friends see him for who he really is, they’ll abandon him, just like his parents did.
It’s hard to imagine friends who see past his act to the sweet person within, but maybe happiness has been in front of him the entire time, waiting for the real Clematis to break free and blossom.
Can a curse be a blessing?
Clematis works hard to embody every fairy stereotype. He can be a sulky prince or a submissive flirt, slutty and arrogant or silly and soft. He makes himself into whatever causes someone to want him. Combine that with beauty that’s incredible even for a fairy, and everyone wants him sooner or later… just not for long.
Well, everyone except the fairy Clematis secretly adores. But then, he’s never expected happily ever after, not when he’s spent years burying his emotions and making himself unlovable to push people away and protect his heart.
But his curse changes all that, and Clematis can no longer prevent his feelings from rising to the surface. He’s terrified that when his few friends see him for who he really is, they’ll abandon him, just like his parents did.
It’s hard to imagine friends who see past his act to the sweet person within, but maybe happiness has been in front of him the entire time, waiting for the real Clematis to break free and blossom.
306 pages, Kindle Edition
First published November 27, 2018
57 people are currently reading
370 people want to read
About the author
R. Cooper
81 books996 followersI'm R. Cooper, a somewhat absentminded, often distracted, writer of queer romance. I'm probably most known for the Being(s) in Love series and The Suitable 'Verse stories. Also the occasional story about witches or firefighters in love.
You can visit my website for updates or sign up for my newsletter . My newsletter is free! And comes out once a month or once every two months or so.
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Also, I now have a Storygraph where I will try to track my reading in an organized fashion.
You can visit my website for updates or sign up for my newsletter . My newsletter is free! And comes out once a month or once every two months or so.
Otherwise... have some social media links if you want updates and whatever the hell else I am talking about.
Tumblr
BlueSky
**With Meta's current policies, I do not use FB or Insta or Threads for anything but the bare minimum.**
Instagram and Threads
You can also support me on Patreon if you like
If you just want book release updates, I have a BookBub profile.
Also, I now have a Storygraph where I will try to track my reading in an organized fashion.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 87 reviews
June 7, 2023
I was so moved by this book that by the half mark I knew I would give it 5 stars.
It’s the 9th book of a pnr/fantasy series of 10 books more or less connected with each other. Some say it’s not 100% a stand-alone and maybe that’s true (apparently you have to read book 2 and 6 to witness how Clematis was a shitty guy so that you get a better understanding of his redemption). Well,I enjoyed it immensely despite that because honestly I couldn’t care less about the other characters (actually I kind of hated David -I found him to be this whiny ninny who wasn’t sure who he wanted and led all three guys on (Flor , Tulip and Clematis) and then got pissed off and threw a tantrum because Clematis didn’t offer himself on a platter like the other two idiots did) . Of course I’m biased because I adored Clematis the lone fairy and I would have smacked all of them to defend him. His self worth was so low, he was so hurt and lonely and lost, always hiding himself ,I cried for him and I’m happy Flor came through for him. It was such a touching book (character oriented)very well written, very interesting word building hot🔥and very good and smart dialogues. I loved it!
It’s the 9th book of a pnr/fantasy series of 10 books more or less connected with each other. Some say it’s not 100% a stand-alone and maybe that’s true (apparently you have to read book 2 and 6 to witness how Clematis was a shitty guy so that you get a better understanding of his redemption). Well,I enjoyed it immensely despite that because honestly I couldn’t care less about the other characters (actually I kind of hated David -I found him to be this whiny ninny who wasn’t sure who he wanted and led all three guys on (Flor , Tulip and Clematis) and then got pissed off and threw a tantrum because Clematis didn’t offer himself on a platter like the other two idiots did) . Of course I’m biased because I adored Clematis the lone fairy and I would have smacked all of them to defend him. His self worth was so low, he was so hurt and lonely and lost, always hiding himself ,I cried for him and I’m happy Flor came through for him. It was such a touching book (character oriented)very well written, very interesting word building hot🔥and very good and smart dialogues. I loved it!
September 19, 2025
Wow. This was everything I had hoped for and more.
Misunderstood, lonely Clematis finding love where no one expected it, with Flor? Awesome.
Beautiful and touching writing, as always by R. Cooper.
I loved that both Clematis and Flor weren't perfect, they both had hurt people and each other unknowingly, and only very slowly realised what they meant to each other.
The fierceness of Flor's love for Clematis, his need to care for Clematis, were heartwarming and also necessary for Clematis, who never had felt loved or even really cared for.
I loved them together. Their shared intimacy and sex scenes? Fantastic.
Definitely one of my best reads by R. Cooper.
"Clematis stared into the dark for another moment, then turned around to straddle Flor’s lap.
Flor uncurled his legs to let him. “You’re going to keep me?” Clematis asked, to be sure.
Flor’s nervous look instantly became a scowl. “I’m going to keep you so hard. There will be no doubt you are loved.”"
Ps both MCs are with other people/beings before they get together (off page). Sex is something a fairy enjoys openly with friends before they find the one they want to "keep", though.
Misunderstood, lonely Clematis finding love where no one expected it, with Flor? Awesome.
Beautiful and touching writing, as always by R. Cooper.
I loved that both Clematis and Flor weren't perfect, they both had hurt people and each other unknowingly, and only very slowly realised what they meant to each other.
The fierceness of Flor's love for Clematis, his need to care for Clematis, were heartwarming and also necessary for Clematis, who never had felt loved or even really cared for.
I loved them together. Their shared intimacy and sex scenes? Fantastic.
Definitely one of my best reads by R. Cooper.
"Clematis stared into the dark for another moment, then turned around to straddle Flor’s lap.
Flor uncurled his legs to let him. “You’re going to keep me?” Clematis asked, to be sure.
Flor’s nervous look instantly became a scowl. “I’m going to keep you so hard. There will be no doubt you are loved.”"
Ps both MCs are with other people/beings before they get together (off page). Sex is something a fairy enjoys openly with friends before they find the one they want to "keep", though.
November 27, 2018
I think I could describe this book in three words: Angst-porn crack.
And I bloody loved it!
If you have been following this series like I have, you will remember both Clematis and Flor from A Dandelion for Tulip, where they were secondary characters in Tulip and David’s story. Sweet Clematis is basically a follow-up to that story where we get to learn more about Clematis and the curse that Tulip laid on him at the end of book six.
After being cursed to no longer be able to hide his feelings, Clematis is slowly starting to fall apart. After all, he doesn’t know how to live when he cannot hide behind his pretty looks and flighty ways. Because if anyone got a look at the real fairy he was deep down…well, there is no way they would stick around. But now his façade is slowly starting to crack, and Clematis can no longer keep from showing his true colors to those around him. Especially Flor. Flor, who never wanted anything to do with Clematis before—when Clematis was all smiles and flirty winks—and who will now no doubt be horrified by the damaged little fairy that hid behind those looks. Clematis only hope is to convince Tulip to take the curse away before Clematis loses everything and everyone.
R. Cooper brings us once again a highly emotional, but utter lovely story in their world of fairies, werewolves, dragons (and more!).
Like the previously connected story, A Dandelion for Tulip, this book is a sucker-punch of angst drenched in sweets and fairies in love. While this is book nine in the series, books seven and eight take place in a different setting, so are not quite as important to understanding Sweet Clematis, but I would absolutely recommend you read Dandelion before tackling this story since the plot of this book branches off directly from that one.
Yet this story doesn’t feel like it is trying to rehash David and Tulip’s story, but instead use the relationships between those two, Clematis, and Flor to explore just how easily the way you perceive someone can be off the mark. Clematis would be the first one to admit that he uses his looks and his body to draw people to him. He tries so very hard to be The Best Fairy. The type of fairy that everyone loves…mostly because he wants so desperately to be loved. And yet, because he doesn’t think anyone could love him for who he really is—and he knows that it will only be a matter of time before his lovers realize he is little more than a mask—he tends to hurt those around him. Not maliciously, but carelessly. Which doesn’t make it a whole lot better, to be honest. This book is all about how he learns to cope with breaking down those barriers, whether the breaking was of his own volition or not. It is highly emotional, but only in the best of ways.
This series has to be one of my favorite when I’m looking for a big helping of angst smothered in sweet and gooey romance. I can literally be sitting there with tears streaming down my face, and all I’ll be thinking is give me more!!
To be honest the only thing that I wish had been done a bit better is having some kind of resolution to the whole job situation. It is not a huge thing, but it kinda just got left as this hanging thread at the end and I was sorry to not see much closer there. Probably even a vague motion towards his decision as to what he wanted to do would have worked. But as I said, it didn’t even come close to ruining this story. Because on the whole I had a wonderful time reading this.
4.5 stars
This book was provided free in exchange for a fair and honest review for Love Bytes. Go there to check out other reviews, author interviews, and all those awesome giveaways. Click below.
And I bloody loved it!
If you have been following this series like I have, you will remember both Clematis and Flor from A Dandelion for Tulip, where they were secondary characters in Tulip and David’s story. Sweet Clematis is basically a follow-up to that story where we get to learn more about Clematis and the curse that Tulip laid on him at the end of book six.
If no one has taught you about love, perhaps it’s time you were forced to learn, Fairy Clematis. The light you want will never find you if you stay in the dark.
After being cursed to no longer be able to hide his feelings, Clematis is slowly starting to fall apart. After all, he doesn’t know how to live when he cannot hide behind his pretty looks and flighty ways. Because if anyone got a look at the real fairy he was deep down…well, there is no way they would stick around. But now his façade is slowly starting to crack, and Clematis can no longer keep from showing his true colors to those around him. Especially Flor. Flor, who never wanted anything to do with Clematis before—when Clematis was all smiles and flirty winks—and who will now no doubt be horrified by the damaged little fairy that hid behind those looks. Clematis only hope is to convince Tulip to take the curse away before Clematis loses everything and everyone.
R. Cooper brings us once again a highly emotional, but utter lovely story in their world of fairies, werewolves, dragons (and more!).
Like the previously connected story, A Dandelion for Tulip, this book is a sucker-punch of angst drenched in sweets and fairies in love. While this is book nine in the series, books seven and eight take place in a different setting, so are not quite as important to understanding Sweet Clematis, but I would absolutely recommend you read Dandelion before tackling this story since the plot of this book branches off directly from that one.
Yet this story doesn’t feel like it is trying to rehash David and Tulip’s story, but instead use the relationships between those two, Clematis, and Flor to explore just how easily the way you perceive someone can be off the mark. Clematis would be the first one to admit that he uses his looks and his body to draw people to him. He tries so very hard to be The Best Fairy. The type of fairy that everyone loves…mostly because he wants so desperately to be loved. And yet, because he doesn’t think anyone could love him for who he really is—and he knows that it will only be a matter of time before his lovers realize he is little more than a mask—he tends to hurt those around him. Not maliciously, but carelessly. Which doesn’t make it a whole lot better, to be honest. This book is all about how he learns to cope with breaking down those barriers, whether the breaking was of his own volition or not. It is highly emotional, but only in the best of ways.
This series has to be one of my favorite when I’m looking for a big helping of angst smothered in sweet and gooey romance. I can literally be sitting there with tears streaming down my face, and all I’ll be thinking is give me more!!
To be honest the only thing that I wish had been done a bit better is having some kind of resolution to the whole job situation. It is not a huge thing, but it kinda just got left as this hanging thread at the end and I was sorry to not see much closer there. Probably even a vague motion towards his decision as to what he wanted to do would have worked. But as I said, it didn’t even come close to ruining this story. Because on the whole I had a wonderful time reading this.
4.5 stars
This book was provided free in exchange for a fair and honest review for Love Bytes. Go there to check out other reviews, author interviews, and all those awesome giveaways. Click below.
December 25, 2018
This time R. Cooper is showing us the darker side of her Being universe. True, a lot of the being books have a certain melancholy underneath the sweetness but except with Firebird she didn't show so directly what doesn't work in the human-being relation and where the fracture points are waiting to break. Prejudice is showing its ugly face and beings cope with it differently and not always in a healthy way.
Have to admit that the prequel story Dandelion for Tulip isn't exactly my favorite book of the series and fairies (except Cal, always except Cal) I enjoyed best as supporting characters, so while being sure that I will enjoy this book because I enjoy R. Coopers unique style I might have to wait for the next book about other kind of beings to find something special again in this universe. I was wrong althoug or maybe because this book is about Clematis, the epitome of what humans believe how fairies are: slutty, shallow, delicate and as easily distracted as a hormonally confused teenager. It needs what Clematis believes a curse to peel of all those layers he wrapped around himself to show the reader the core of being a fairy and Clematis that he can't hide in the shadow of presumptions eternaly because finally it's a R. Cooper book and it's about finding one's happiness (or your treasure if you're a dragon) ... the last pages before the epilogue were a bit too sweet for me but maybe the next time we meet an imp again or even a nix (at least Andersen's little mermaid was mentioned and Ms. Cooper never even looked at water beings from afar).
Maybe a word about the cover: that's not Celamtis, can't be.
Have to admit that the prequel story Dandelion for Tulip isn't exactly my favorite book of the series and fairies (except Cal, always except Cal) I enjoyed best as supporting characters, so while being sure that I will enjoy this book because I enjoy R. Coopers unique style I might have to wait for the next book about other kind of beings to find something special again in this universe. I was wrong althoug or maybe because this book is about Clematis, the epitome of what humans believe how fairies are: slutty, shallow, delicate and as easily distracted as a hormonally confused teenager. It needs what Clematis believes a curse to peel of all those layers he wrapped around himself to show the reader the core of being a fairy and Clematis that he can't hide in the shadow of presumptions eternaly because finally it's a R. Cooper book and it's about finding one's happiness (or your treasure if you're a dragon) ... the last pages before the epilogue were a bit too sweet for me but maybe the next time we meet an imp again or even a nix (at least Andersen's little mermaid was mentioned and Ms. Cooper never even looked at water beings from afar).
Maybe a word about the cover: that's not Celamtis, can't be.
February 8, 2019
Sweet Clematis
BY R. Cooper
Dreamspinner Press, 2018
Five stars
I gave this book five stars despite being rather confused much of the time. This, of the whole “Beings in Love” series, offers shout-outs to most of the other books in the series, reminding us that this is a world created by R. Cooper, a world where, after the apocalypse of World War I, all of the supernatural beings “came out” to the human race, and changed the way of the world forever.
One reason “Sweet Clematis” is confusing is that Cooper (finally) gives us a complete presentation (in convoluted narrative form) of fae psycho-sexuality. Finally, all of the allusions regarding fae characters in the other books are codified in one fairy’s damaged heart.
You see, the fae are not only pansexual, but they see having sex with someone in more or less the same way we humans see having lunch with someone: it is a pleasure, and a diversion, but it is nothing more. On the other hand, fae do feel love, and can form committed relationships, including monogamous ones; but this truth is far overshadowed by the other one in the popular (i.e. human) imagination.
Consider also that fae derive all of their nutritional needs from sweets; and they are all beautiful, they live for more than a century, and never get fat or have blemishes. They heal almost instantly, and have no diseases. Plus, there’s the wings. Most fae can fly a little bit, particularly when they’re excited or in a hurry.
No wonder humans have a love-hate relationship with the fae. And it is no accident that the fae as Cooper represents them, are strikingly similar to flamboyantly gay folk in American culture: sexually liberated, not bound by heteronormative conventions of marriage and monogamy, seemingly always young and beautiful, and somewhat outrageous. For a gay man of my generation (the children of Stonewall, who came out in the 1970s), it is easy to see this parallel. Fairies are seductive, alluring, sexually free, and dangerous.
Sadly, the hero of this story, Clematis, was not raised in a stable fae home – rather he was indifferently raised by a distracted fae woman who never taught him anything of the proud lore or rich heritage of his own people. So Clematis has spent his life mostly alone, internalizing all of the negative stereotypes attributed to the fae by their human oppressors. He tries to assimilate – he tries to fit in; but his self-loathing is so deeply rooted, that, even to his fae acquaintances he seems to be a screw-up. Clematis feels so unworthy of love that he has forced himself to forget what love feels like. He can charm, he can seduce, but he cannot give his heart, because he is sure that nobody would want it.
It would be more heartbreaking if it wasn’t so frustrating.
Then Flor de Maga, a half-Puertorican/half-Jewish fae comes along. He is fierce as well as beautiful. He is out and proud as a pansexual fae; and he is an activist working for Beings Rights and denouncing injustice wherever he sees it. He was raised by fae parents who have lived as a stable monogamous couple and have taught him to cherish all aspects of his being – Jewish, Latino, fae. When he first meets Clematis, all he sees is the flaws, and suppresses his understanding of the truth because Clematis doesn’t fit in with the image of the proud fae man he was taught as a child.
Oh, there is so much in this book that makes me uncomfortable as an old-school assimilated married gay man, but at last Cooper lays it all on the line so that I can absorb and ponder and, finally, embrace her message. As in all of her intense, rather emotionally exhausting books, we live every moment in the heart and mind of the main character. We learn his experience though his eyes. No other writer really does this in any of the LGBT literary sub-genres. There is a moment of self-discovery and empowerment toward the end of the book that brought tears to my eyes, and it links to two other stories in this series, as well as to popular fairy tales of my own childhood. It blew my mind.
I don’t think the “Beings in Love” series is over at book 9. There are a lot of stories to tell.
BY R. Cooper
Dreamspinner Press, 2018
Five stars
I gave this book five stars despite being rather confused much of the time. This, of the whole “Beings in Love” series, offers shout-outs to most of the other books in the series, reminding us that this is a world created by R. Cooper, a world where, after the apocalypse of World War I, all of the supernatural beings “came out” to the human race, and changed the way of the world forever.
One reason “Sweet Clematis” is confusing is that Cooper (finally) gives us a complete presentation (in convoluted narrative form) of fae psycho-sexuality. Finally, all of the allusions regarding fae characters in the other books are codified in one fairy’s damaged heart.
You see, the fae are not only pansexual, but they see having sex with someone in more or less the same way we humans see having lunch with someone: it is a pleasure, and a diversion, but it is nothing more. On the other hand, fae do feel love, and can form committed relationships, including monogamous ones; but this truth is far overshadowed by the other one in the popular (i.e. human) imagination.
Consider also that fae derive all of their nutritional needs from sweets; and they are all beautiful, they live for more than a century, and never get fat or have blemishes. They heal almost instantly, and have no diseases. Plus, there’s the wings. Most fae can fly a little bit, particularly when they’re excited or in a hurry.
No wonder humans have a love-hate relationship with the fae. And it is no accident that the fae as Cooper represents them, are strikingly similar to flamboyantly gay folk in American culture: sexually liberated, not bound by heteronormative conventions of marriage and monogamy, seemingly always young and beautiful, and somewhat outrageous. For a gay man of my generation (the children of Stonewall, who came out in the 1970s), it is easy to see this parallel. Fairies are seductive, alluring, sexually free, and dangerous.
Sadly, the hero of this story, Clematis, was not raised in a stable fae home – rather he was indifferently raised by a distracted fae woman who never taught him anything of the proud lore or rich heritage of his own people. So Clematis has spent his life mostly alone, internalizing all of the negative stereotypes attributed to the fae by their human oppressors. He tries to assimilate – he tries to fit in; but his self-loathing is so deeply rooted, that, even to his fae acquaintances he seems to be a screw-up. Clematis feels so unworthy of love that he has forced himself to forget what love feels like. He can charm, he can seduce, but he cannot give his heart, because he is sure that nobody would want it.
It would be more heartbreaking if it wasn’t so frustrating.
Then Flor de Maga, a half-Puertorican/half-Jewish fae comes along. He is fierce as well as beautiful. He is out and proud as a pansexual fae; and he is an activist working for Beings Rights and denouncing injustice wherever he sees it. He was raised by fae parents who have lived as a stable monogamous couple and have taught him to cherish all aspects of his being – Jewish, Latino, fae. When he first meets Clematis, all he sees is the flaws, and suppresses his understanding of the truth because Clematis doesn’t fit in with the image of the proud fae man he was taught as a child.
Oh, there is so much in this book that makes me uncomfortable as an old-school assimilated married gay man, but at last Cooper lays it all on the line so that I can absorb and ponder and, finally, embrace her message. As in all of her intense, rather emotionally exhausting books, we live every moment in the heart and mind of the main character. We learn his experience though his eyes. No other writer really does this in any of the LGBT literary sub-genres. There is a moment of self-discovery and empowerment toward the end of the book that brought tears to my eyes, and it links to two other stories in this series, as well as to popular fairy tales of my own childhood. It blew my mind.
I don’t think the “Beings in Love” series is over at book 9. There are a lot of stories to tell.
November 18, 2018
Hello new favorite~!
I’m so glad Clematis got his happy ending and ughhhh he hurts so much! Absolutely a new favorite and I love love LOVE!!!! all the familiar faces and connections to previous books 😍 This series just gets better and better with every addition.
—————
10/6/18 - I just read the excerpt and I HAVE QUESTIONS!!!! I gasped at the last line!!!!! Another month and a half and I can have this lovely in my hands *grabby hands* 😍😍
9/19/18 - ITS UP FOR PREORDER!!!!! 😍😍😍😍 https://www.dreamspinnerpress.com/boo...
4/26/18 - *happy screams all over the place* THERES A TITLE! THERES A GR PAGE!! *grabby hands* GIMME GIMME GIMME~~~~
I’m so glad Clematis got his happy ending and ughhhh he hurts so much! Absolutely a new favorite and I love love LOVE!!!! all the familiar faces and connections to previous books 😍 This series just gets better and better with every addition.
—————
10/6/18 - I just read the excerpt and I HAVE QUESTIONS!!!! I gasped at the last line!!!!! Another month and a half and I can have this lovely in my hands *grabby hands* 😍😍
9/19/18 - ITS UP FOR PREORDER!!!!! 😍😍😍😍 https://www.dreamspinnerpress.com/boo...
4/26/18 - *happy screams all over the place* THERES A TITLE! THERES A GR PAGE!! *grabby hands* GIMME GIMME GIMME~~~~
May 27, 2020
“If no one has taught you about love, perhaps it’s time you were forced to learn, Fairy Clematis. The light you want will never find you if you stay in the dark.” Tulip, A Dandelion for Tulip
Everlasting is the setting for this latest story in the ‘Beings in Love’ series, and at its center are Clematis and Flor, secondary characters from previous books. Both of them are fairies, and if I previously believed that only fairy-human relationships are difficult – well, I know better now. Flor used to be in love with David before he and Tulip got together, and is now sort of adrift, not sure he is meant to fall in love and/or find “the one” for him. Clematis is as insecure as they come, has no idea what love is, and thinks sleeping with others will make them like him. What a pair! Between Flor trying to find his feet after David and the anguish Clematis feels every day of his life for multiple reasons, this was a heartbreaking story to read. I loved every second though; partly because I knew a happy end was coming and partly because Clematis just tried sooo hard and I wanted to be there to root for him. I was completely spellbound.
Please find my full review of the second edition on Rainbow Book Reviews.
Everlasting is the setting for this latest story in the ‘Beings in Love’ series, and at its center are Clematis and Flor, secondary characters from previous books. Both of them are fairies, and if I previously believed that only fairy-human relationships are difficult – well, I know better now. Flor used to be in love with David before he and Tulip got together, and is now sort of adrift, not sure he is meant to fall in love and/or find “the one” for him. Clematis is as insecure as they come, has no idea what love is, and thinks sleeping with others will make them like him. What a pair! Between Flor trying to find his feet after David and the anguish Clematis feels every day of his life for multiple reasons, this was a heartbreaking story to read. I loved every second though; partly because I knew a happy end was coming and partly because Clematis just tried sooo hard and I wanted to be there to root for him. I was completely spellbound.
Please find my full review of the second edition on Rainbow Book Reviews.
January 4, 2019
Loved it
4.75 ⭐️💫✨
Wow. I’ve read every book in this series and while a couple drove me nuts I loved most of them. I loved this one. It was long while it wasn’t perfect it was close enough to it for me. I can’t wait to read it again and see it takes out the top spot.
The first around 40% killed me. We get to finally see inside of Clematis’ head and it’s so heartbreaking how little he expects for himself and how he actually sees himself.
The situation with David’s party slayed me. The way all of his friends were talking about the party but with no one actually inviting him to it was kind of cruel and rude. To me it showed more about them than Clematis. I still don’t understand why Flor was angry that he didn’t show up (I wouldn’t have either in that situation) and I also didn’t understand Tulip saying that he was surprised not to see him there, he wasn’t invited.
The relationship with Stephanie also worried me a little. With the way Clem was so submissive at times, and even though he was happy for her to use him when she needed, it felt to me like a massive power imbalance.
I loved seeing the past and seeing when he met his happiness and was devastated when he was ignored. I not sure I understood why that happened but I’m hoping to pick it up more on the re-read. I’m glad his wasn’t cleared up easily but that there was work done to make him believe that he was loved now.
I wish his being friends had noticed how unhappy he was and how he didn’t have his sparkles, surely they should have noticed. But I loved how he made his own family, bits and pieces at a time as he collected people who loved him. I wished that he took on the institution for firing him, they deserved to be taken to task. I hope Sasha gets someone to love him too.
I loved the cameos from the other stories and how everyone ties in. Hyacinth and Walter were a favourite. With all the appearances I so wanted to go back to the start and restart the whole series.
Hoping for more from this world
4.75 ⭐️💫✨
Wow. I’ve read every book in this series and while a couple drove me nuts I loved most of them. I loved this one. It was long while it wasn’t perfect it was close enough to it for me. I can’t wait to read it again and see it takes out the top spot.
The first around 40% killed me. We get to finally see inside of Clematis’ head and it’s so heartbreaking how little he expects for himself and how he actually sees himself.
The situation with David’s party slayed me. The way all of his friends were talking about the party but with no one actually inviting him to it was kind of cruel and rude. To me it showed more about them than Clematis. I still don’t understand why Flor was angry that he didn’t show up (I wouldn’t have either in that situation) and I also didn’t understand Tulip saying that he was surprised not to see him there, he wasn’t invited.
The relationship with Stephanie also worried me a little. With the way Clem was so submissive at times, and even though he was happy for her to use him when she needed, it felt to me like a massive power imbalance.
I loved seeing the past and seeing when he met his happiness and was devastated when he was ignored. I not sure I understood why that happened but I’m hoping to pick it up more on the re-read. I’m glad his wasn’t cleared up easily but that there was work done to make him believe that he was loved now.
I wish his being friends had noticed how unhappy he was and how he didn’t have his sparkles, surely they should have noticed. But I loved how he made his own family, bits and pieces at a time as he collected people who loved him. I wished that he took on the institution for firing him, they deserved to be taken to task. I hope Sasha gets someone to love him too.
I loved the cameos from the other stories and how everyone ties in. Hyacinth and Walter were a favourite. With all the appearances I so wanted to go back to the start and restart the whole series.
Hoping for more from this world
Read
June 13, 2022tried to read this as a standalone, but i was so lost on the character relationships and my brain was too tired to fill in the gaps as i went 😆
October 15, 2025
5-⭐
Yup, I re-read this rather long cryfest again for this year, because I wanted to feel it. And I did. (This time accompanied with book 6, which was a good choice.)
---
Original review:
R. Cooper always delivers the pining and the angst. But this was such a prolonged pure, sweet angst... I'm rolling in it like a dog in mud. If you don't like a character who thinks he's not good enough to be loved, stay away. Clematis is beautiful and everyone wants him, but he thinks no one wants him for more than sex. Sometimes even I can get frustrated with the 'woe is me' characters, but Clematis works. He's not wallowing in self pity really, he's rather dissociated from everything, even to the point that mental health professionals are talked about.
I wish I didn't have as much time between this and book #6 because it's the same group of characters (with tie-ins to books 1 and 2). Books 7 and 8 happened chronologically in between or around the same time as book 6, as the tensions between humans and beings are growing. But for a reread I will definitely read 6 & 9 together.
The being rights issues is a large part of this story as is Clematis not only finding romantic love but waking up to see that other people love him too. I cried so much. And I don't remember when was the last time I enjoyed crying this much.
Yup, I re-read this rather long cryfest again for this year, because I wanted to feel it. And I did. (This time accompanied with book 6, which was a good choice.)
---
Original review:
R. Cooper always delivers the pining and the angst. But this was such a prolonged pure, sweet angst... I'm rolling in it like a dog in mud. If you don't like a character who thinks he's not good enough to be loved, stay away. Clematis is beautiful and everyone wants him, but he thinks no one wants him for more than sex. Sometimes even I can get frustrated with the 'woe is me' characters, but Clematis works. He's not wallowing in self pity really, he's rather dissociated from everything, even to the point that mental health professionals are talked about.
I wish I didn't have as much time between this and book #6 because it's the same group of characters (with tie-ins to books 1 and 2). Books 7 and 8 happened chronologically in between or around the same time as book 6, as the tensions between humans and beings are growing. But for a reread I will definitely read 6 & 9 together.
The being rights issues is a large part of this story as is Clematis not only finding romantic love but waking up to see that other people love him too. I cried so much. And I don't remember when was the last time I enjoyed crying this much.
June 22, 2020
Firstly, I want to say how much I loved Clematis and Flor. Clematis was a wounded, insecure fairy that was shut down and wouldn't let himself believe he was worthy of being loved because he thought he never was before. Flor was a fierce, loyal and loving fairy who seemed to go against what humans thought of fairies. He was still flighty in ways like many fairies were but he was also willing to fight oppression and for those he loved.
This story like most books in this series had a strong melancholic feeling, as another reviewer stated, and made me feel low-level sad throughout.
The only thing that bothered me was that this book was very similar to the first one in the series because it was often hard to know what was going on with the dialogue. It felt like two different conversations were going on or that they were having a conversation that I wasn't meant to understand. I don't know how else to explain it. There were some unanswered questions that I wish would've been addressed like what happened with Lis's son and mate and did anything happen with Clem's old job.
R. Cooper has her own style that took me a while to get used to but I am glad I kept going because her stories are really beautiful.
This story like most books in this series had a strong melancholic feeling, as another reviewer stated, and made me feel low-level sad throughout.
The only thing that bothered me was that this book was very similar to the first one in the series because it was often hard to know what was going on with the dialogue. It felt like two different conversations were going on or that they were having a conversation that I wasn't meant to understand. I don't know how else to explain it. There were some unanswered questions that I wish would've been addressed like what happened with Lis's son and mate and did anything happen with Clem's old job.
R. Cooper has her own style that took me a while to get used to but I am glad I kept going because her stories are really beautiful.
Read
October 2, 2021Amazing. I think this the most successful "antagonist is now the sympathetic main character" romance I have ever read.
I will have to reread.
I will have to reread.
November 27, 2018
** I WAS GIVEN THIS BOOK FOR MY READING PLEASURE **
Reviewed for Divine Magazine
~
Sweet Clematis
Being(s) in Love, Book 9
★★★★☆
306 Pages
POV: 3rd person, one character POV
Would I read it again?: Yes
Genre: LGBT, MM, Romance, Paranormal/Supernatural, Fae/Fairy
Pairings: MM
Heat Level: ★★★☆☆
Content Warning: contains instances of being-phobia and hostility from humans, mental health/dissociation
I was so excited to see that there were further additions to the Being(s) in Love series, as it's been a favourite of mine since I read the first novel.
~
Before I talk about the book as a novel, I do want to mention why it's not a 5 star review, which it could have been. I didn't love A Dandelion for Tulip, the book that all the characters of this novel were first introduced in, but I was intrigued to read Clematis' story. However, it's been a little over a year since I last read a book in this series, and I haven't had the time or the opportunity to catch up, by re-reading books 1-8 before delving into this novel.
That proved problematic and confusing.
Sadly, I felt disconnected from the novel for the first 15%. This was mostly because the book so heavily referenced previous relationships and characters (particularly from A Dandelion for Tulip) that it was difficult to remember where everyone fitted without re-reading the previous books first. Perhaps if there had been a Prologue, showing the moment Tulip cursed Clematis – an event I wished I'd seen in this book, since it was so important to the plot, but never got – it could also have reminded me of the dynamics between Clematis, Flor, Tulip and David, which felt confusing and didn't feel well explained until about 20% in, when my memory jogged on the complicated relationships between them all.
I also have to admit that it feels impossible to come into this novel by accident, thinking it's a standalone. There are just too many references to past events, past characters, and mentions of things that the reader is expected to know about, with little attempt to explain them afresh. Even I had trouble piecing it all together and remembering all the nuances, without a re-read. Characters appear from SIX of the previous stories.
If you're going to read Sweet Clematis, then I'd recommend reading the entire series first. Or at least refreshing with A Dandelion for Tulip (book 6) and Frangipani and the Very Shiny Boy (book 5.5) before you start. Both have characters and events that are important here. Characters with influence on the plot, or who appear on page, include Arthur/Bertie from book 2 (A Boy and His Dragon); Hyacinth/Walter from book 5 (Firebird and Other Stories); mentions of Cal from book 1 (Some Kind of Magic) and mentions of events that took place in book 7 (Treasure for Treasure).
~
Once I was able to settle into the story, it was beautiful. Truly beautiful. And it's made me want to go back and re-read the entire series, now that I have more time on my hands. It's reminded me of the characters, the world building, and the atmosphere that I first fell in love with and want to revisit.
I loved the way that the two MC's – Flor and Clematis – were so brutally oblivious to what their friendship had been leading to all along. I was honestly confused by their boundaries myself, from the first. One minute they were like an old married couple, the next they were barely, tentatively friends. It was beautiful to watch that slow growth, the gradual change and watch them both drift towards each other, slowly putting the pieces together and realising what it meant.
The slight Dom/sub elements to Flor and Clematis' relationship were fitting for the characters. Nothing too heavy, just some demand/obey in the bedroom, and Flor's natural bossiness coming to light. It was nice to see that they discussed it, that they placed boundaries on what could be done or said, and that they accepted that part of each other without judgment.
The political aspect of Being acceptance and tolerance was a great subplot, one that has bled throughout the entire series. To see the struggle from a different aspect, to see how it affected Clematis' studies and his relationship with co-workers and students, as well as how the human students took sides between human vs being, was a great addition, and one that was well explored.
I must admit, I found the book to be really heavily emotionally charged. It could just be me, and the mood I'm in, but I definitely felt on the verge of tears for a good 80% of the novel. Maybe that was because I related to Clematis a little too much – as a person that others don't always understand, and who feels differently to what is considered 'normal' – or maybe because I held onto so much hope that he could have what he wanted, and that Flor would not fix, but certainly heal, him. It was a heavy emotional toll, but in the best way. And it didn't take much to get me out-right crying, though I definitely ugly-cried and snot-sobbed throughout the whole Clematis/Tulip conversation in the library. So, thanks for that, R. Cooper. Cathartic, a little gross, but a relief all the same.
Overall, I thought it was a perfect addition to a series that I already loved. Full of emotion, full of beautiful characters, most of them familiar, and bringing a little bit of hope and love and joy to someone who had never experienced them before and so desperately needed them. Clematis was, perhaps, my favourite character of the series. Yet, I equally loved the gentle care and hesitancy that he brought out in Flor, during those tender moments. With a super cute ending, it's definitely one I'll be reading again. And it won't be long before I take a little break, delve into book one and build myself back up to re-reading this roller-coaster ride, before the end of the year.
~
Favourite Quotes
“Clematis the fairy, once described by an art student as a 'wicked forest prince,' buying a waffle iron on sale is the best thing I've ever heard.”
““Dating?” he wondered again. What an innocent, beautiful, painful thing Flor had given him.”
Reviewed for Divine Magazine
~
Sweet Clematis
Being(s) in Love, Book 9
★★★★☆
306 Pages
POV: 3rd person, one character POV
Would I read it again?: Yes
Genre: LGBT, MM, Romance, Paranormal/Supernatural, Fae/Fairy
Pairings: MM
Heat Level: ★★★☆☆
Content Warning: contains instances of being-phobia and hostility from humans, mental health/dissociation
I was so excited to see that there were further additions to the Being(s) in Love series, as it's been a favourite of mine since I read the first novel.
~
Before I talk about the book as a novel, I do want to mention why it's not a 5 star review, which it could have been. I didn't love A Dandelion for Tulip, the book that all the characters of this novel were first introduced in, but I was intrigued to read Clematis' story. However, it's been a little over a year since I last read a book in this series, and I haven't had the time or the opportunity to catch up, by re-reading books 1-8 before delving into this novel.
That proved problematic and confusing.
Sadly, I felt disconnected from the novel for the first 15%. This was mostly because the book so heavily referenced previous relationships and characters (particularly from A Dandelion for Tulip) that it was difficult to remember where everyone fitted without re-reading the previous books first. Perhaps if there had been a Prologue, showing the moment Tulip cursed Clematis – an event I wished I'd seen in this book, since it was so important to the plot, but never got – it could also have reminded me of the dynamics between Clematis, Flor, Tulip and David, which felt confusing and didn't feel well explained until about 20% in, when my memory jogged on the complicated relationships between them all.
I also have to admit that it feels impossible to come into this novel by accident, thinking it's a standalone. There are just too many references to past events, past characters, and mentions of things that the reader is expected to know about, with little attempt to explain them afresh. Even I had trouble piecing it all together and remembering all the nuances, without a re-read. Characters appear from SIX of the previous stories.
If you're going to read Sweet Clematis, then I'd recommend reading the entire series first. Or at least refreshing with A Dandelion for Tulip (book 6) and Frangipani and the Very Shiny Boy (book 5.5) before you start. Both have characters and events that are important here. Characters with influence on the plot, or who appear on page, include Arthur/Bertie from book 2 (A Boy and His Dragon); Hyacinth/Walter from book 5 (Firebird and Other Stories); mentions of Cal from book 1 (Some Kind of Magic) and mentions of events that took place in book 7 (Treasure for Treasure).
~
Once I was able to settle into the story, it was beautiful. Truly beautiful. And it's made me want to go back and re-read the entire series, now that I have more time on my hands. It's reminded me of the characters, the world building, and the atmosphere that I first fell in love with and want to revisit.
I loved the way that the two MC's – Flor and Clematis – were so brutally oblivious to what their friendship had been leading to all along. I was honestly confused by their boundaries myself, from the first. One minute they were like an old married couple, the next they were barely, tentatively friends. It was beautiful to watch that slow growth, the gradual change and watch them both drift towards each other, slowly putting the pieces together and realising what it meant.
The slight Dom/sub elements to Flor and Clematis' relationship were fitting for the characters. Nothing too heavy, just some demand/obey in the bedroom, and Flor's natural bossiness coming to light. It was nice to see that they discussed it, that they placed boundaries on what could be done or said, and that they accepted that part of each other without judgment.
The political aspect of Being acceptance and tolerance was a great subplot, one that has bled throughout the entire series. To see the struggle from a different aspect, to see how it affected Clematis' studies and his relationship with co-workers and students, as well as how the human students took sides between human vs being, was a great addition, and one that was well explored.
I must admit, I found the book to be really heavily emotionally charged. It could just be me, and the mood I'm in, but I definitely felt on the verge of tears for a good 80% of the novel. Maybe that was because I related to Clematis a little too much – as a person that others don't always understand, and who feels differently to what is considered 'normal' – or maybe because I held onto so much hope that he could have what he wanted, and that Flor would not fix, but certainly heal, him. It was a heavy emotional toll, but in the best way. And it didn't take much to get me out-right crying, though I definitely ugly-cried and snot-sobbed throughout the whole Clematis/Tulip conversation in the library. So, thanks for that, R. Cooper. Cathartic, a little gross, but a relief all the same.
Overall, I thought it was a perfect addition to a series that I already loved. Full of emotion, full of beautiful characters, most of them familiar, and bringing a little bit of hope and love and joy to someone who had never experienced them before and so desperately needed them. Clematis was, perhaps, my favourite character of the series. Yet, I equally loved the gentle care and hesitancy that he brought out in Flor, during those tender moments. With a super cute ending, it's definitely one I'll be reading again. And it won't be long before I take a little break, delve into book one and build myself back up to re-reading this roller-coaster ride, before the end of the year.
~
Favourite Quotes
“Clematis the fairy, once described by an art student as a 'wicked forest prince,' buying a waffle iron on sale is the best thing I've ever heard.”
““Dating?” he wondered again. What an innocent, beautiful, painful thing Flor had given him.”
January 24, 2019
4.5 Stars
September 28, 2020
This book is phenomenal. I highly, highly recommend it.
Content warnings in this book for TALKING ABOUT: depression, anxiety, dissociation (esp with regards to sex & bdsm), bdsm (99.9% a positive experience for the characters, with discussion of how it has not been at times), dubious consent/sex as self harm maybe? (this character intentionally puts himself into sexual situations he doesn't actually want, I'm not 100% sure how to classify that)... SHOWING ON PAGE: harassment and discrimination, especially in a workplace, mistreatment by police, good consensual bdsm. I may be forgetting some! Please read the review and decide if the topics discussed are things you can handle.
Clematis zeroes in on Beings vs. Humans bigotry, an issue she's been building up to in her previous books in the series. It really comes to a head here, with protests and harassment. It's obviously inspired by the current political climate and the MAGA crowd's sexism/homophobia/racism (depending on how you relate to it). Which leads to some amazing subplots, conversation, and themes about discrimination and how there are multiple kinds of resistance. It can be standing as a strong, silent support for a crying young person in the face of harassment. It can be shouting louder than those who hate who you are and the space you take up in their world. It can be getting a driver's license when no one thinks you can.
Clematis himself has been portrayed throughout the series as a "silly, slutty fairy." He sleeps around, blurts out things with very little tact, leads people on, dates them and dumps them without looking back. It's walked the line of slutshaming throughout the series, but the emphasis has always been on the aftermath of his decisions: the people who felt he broke their heart, or whose relationships he made more complicated by sleeping with one or more of them. He was the ex-boyfriend of one MC, the obstacle for another, and a side character at fairy parties who was constantly flirting with everyone.
In this book, we get inside his head, and learn that his flirty, seductive act is just that... an act (most of the time). It's a coping mechanism, a defense, a way of diffusing scary situations like facing harassment and discrimination.
Clematis has been dissociating for much of his life, especially during sex. He gets involved in intense BDSM situations, dissociates through the pain portion, all to get those scraps of affection during the aftercare. He's been seducing dangerous people because if they were attracted to him, it distracted them from bullying them, at least long enough for him to escape. He doesn't believe he's worth anything, that anyone actually cares about him beyond a quick fuck. (Note: he experiences good BDSM sex by the end of the book, and there's a distinct contrast between how past partners treated him vs. his current partner.)
Since his parents .
The scene where Flor realizes Clematis is dissociating and talks to him about it is very good, very real, and something I have longed to see in a book. I'm going to copy (spoiler free) parts of that scene below, just focusing on how good and real this reaction is. It is exactly the right way to respond to this situation, and is so, so good.
I wept through most of this book. It was so real to my experiences as someone who has also dealt with childhood trauma, and is also mentally ill. There are very few times I've seen my experiences mirrored on the page so well, and few books that let people like me be cared for, slowly and patiently, not for unnecessary drama or angst, but as part of a genuine relationship
R. Cooper astounds me every time. When I read Firebird, I thought it was the crowning jewel of her Beings series and she'd never be able to top it. Then she goes and writes this. And I have no doubt she'll publish something else this year that will have me absolutely floored.
--Notes on content warnings & reading as a standalone--
This is not a book I would say is overly violent, graphic, or traumatic. No trauma happens on-page. But it deals with a mentally ill character and his recovery, and relevant topics are discussed at length. I personally wish I had had some warning that this would dig so deep into the mental health, because it came out of nowhere and I spent the whole day sobbing. THE GOOD KIND of sobbing, but still.
I'm not 100% sure this book works as a standalone, at least not to the same effect. Clematis has been a side character in several of the other Beings books, and the reactions people have to him and the decisions he's made that hurt others are dealt with intensely in this book. Also, this book acts as a sequel to Dandelion for Tulip, and I can imagine it would be hard to follow along with who did what unless you read it.
Content warnings in this book for TALKING ABOUT: depression, anxiety, dissociation (esp with regards to sex & bdsm), bdsm (99.9% a positive experience for the characters, with discussion of how it has not been at times), dubious consent/sex as self harm maybe? (this character intentionally puts himself into sexual situations he doesn't actually want, I'm not 100% sure how to classify that)... SHOWING ON PAGE: harassment and discrimination, especially in a workplace, mistreatment by police, good consensual bdsm. I may be forgetting some! Please read the review and decide if the topics discussed are things you can handle.
Clematis zeroes in on Beings vs. Humans bigotry, an issue she's been building up to in her previous books in the series. It really comes to a head here, with protests and harassment. It's obviously inspired by the current political climate and the MAGA crowd's sexism/homophobia/racism (depending on how you relate to it). Which leads to some amazing subplots, conversation, and themes about discrimination and how there are multiple kinds of resistance. It can be standing as a strong, silent support for a crying young person in the face of harassment. It can be shouting louder than those who hate who you are and the space you take up in their world. It can be getting a driver's license when no one thinks you can.
Clematis himself has been portrayed throughout the series as a "silly, slutty fairy." He sleeps around, blurts out things with very little tact, leads people on, dates them and dumps them without looking back. It's walked the line of slutshaming throughout the series, but the emphasis has always been on the aftermath of his decisions: the people who felt he broke their heart, or whose relationships he made more complicated by sleeping with one or more of them. He was the ex-boyfriend of one MC, the obstacle for another, and a side character at fairy parties who was constantly flirting with everyone.
In this book, we get inside his head, and learn that his flirty, seductive act is just that... an act (most of the time). It's a coping mechanism, a defense, a way of diffusing scary situations like facing harassment and discrimination.
Clematis has been dissociating for much of his life, especially during sex. He gets involved in intense BDSM situations, dissociates through the pain portion, all to get those scraps of affection during the aftercare. He's been seducing dangerous people because if they were attracted to him, it distracted them from bullying them, at least long enough for him to escape. He doesn't believe he's worth anything, that anyone actually cares about him beyond a quick fuck. (Note: he experiences good BDSM sex by the end of the book, and there's a distinct contrast between how past partners treated him vs. his current partner.)
Since his parents .
The scene where Flor realizes Clematis is dissociating and talks to him about it is very good, very real, and something I have longed to see in a book. I'm going to copy (spoiler free) parts of that scene below, just focusing on how good and real this reaction is. It is exactly the right way to respond to this situation, and is so, so good.
Flor growled something under his breath and scrubbed his cheek with a fist before giving Clematis a long, searching look. "It hasn't even registered. You're looking at me. You’re listening. I can see you breathing. But it’s like you aren’t even in the room.”
“I’m here,” Clematis insisted, the sound echoing through his head.
“Are you?” Flor took a step closer. “You seem distant, almost like when you’re becoming that other you, except right now it’s not aimed at anything. Clematis?” He took another step, peering into his face. “Are you okay? [...] Do you do this a lot? Sort of… zone out like this? Or hide yourself?”
“I don’t know.” Clematis imagined everything around him was air and the only real, tangible thing he could feel was Flor’s fingers, firm at his wrist. “I don’t always notice. Sometimes I get lost in my thoughts, you know, like daydreaming. My thoughts go on a lot, but, you know how fairies are, hyper, always talking, so I try not to bother people.”
“The word used in my psych class was dissociation,” Clematis offered.
"Can I take your hand?" Flor asked slowly, a strange and timid question. [...] Floor took a breath. "Okay," he said carefully. "I'm worrying again, but I'm not mad. Okay? [...] So you just... agree with whatever people are saying, but absent yourself from the discussion? [...] I don't care how you act except for this. This bothers me, because you shouldn't have to do this."
“Sometimes I don’t do it,” Clematis explained to make it better. “I just—fold things up and put them away.”
"Do you want to talk about it? The things you... fold up and put away?"
"I don't think so. Maybe. Not now, I think. I don't want you to leave."
Flor began to type on his phone with his free hand and left the other between them. After a while, he started to read aloud, pausing every so often until Clematis said yes or no or I don't know. And each time, he would nod or smile and then continue reading.
[...]He did ask if Clematis would mind if he asked the others if they knew anything practical about the subject. Clematis allowed him to go ahead [...] Clematis couldn't afford therapy [and didn't trust the system] But Flor had listened attentively and glanced at him and seemed to read from his expression how comfortable he was with what was going on.
I wept through most of this book. It was so real to my experiences as someone who has also dealt with childhood trauma, and is also mentally ill. There are very few times I've seen my experiences mirrored on the page so well, and few books that let people like me be cared for, slowly and patiently, not for unnecessary drama or angst, but as part of a genuine relationship
R. Cooper astounds me every time. When I read Firebird, I thought it was the crowning jewel of her Beings series and she'd never be able to top it. Then she goes and writes this. And I have no doubt she'll publish something else this year that will have me absolutely floored.
--Notes on content warnings & reading as a standalone--
This is not a book I would say is overly violent, graphic, or traumatic. No trauma happens on-page. But it deals with a mentally ill character and his recovery, and relevant topics are discussed at length. I personally wish I had had some warning that this would dig so deep into the mental health, because it came out of nowhere and I spent the whole day sobbing. THE GOOD KIND of sobbing, but still.
I'm not 100% sure this book works as a standalone, at least not to the same effect. Clematis has been a side character in several of the other Beings books, and the reactions people have to him and the decisions he's made that hurt others are dealt with intensely in this book. Also, this book acts as a sequel to Dandelion for Tulip, and I can imagine it would be hard to follow along with who did what unless you read it.
October 23, 2020
Possibly my new favorite in this series? I felt the writing was clearer (less allusion, more explanation in dialogue - don't get me wrong, I will read ANYTHING by Cooper and eat it up but I do sometimes have to work to understand what is going on). I loved seeing characters return, and, well, Clematis. This hit hard both as a parent and as someone who also felt for ages that I was intrinsically wrong.
February 24, 2019
Surprisingly enjoyable - worked as a stand-alone
As someone who generally goes for historicals, this - a contemporary story about fairies - is completely outside my wheelhouse. I read contemporary, sometimes, and fantasy, sometimes, but never the twain shall meet. I’m not sure what made me go for this title, but I liked the sample and sprung for the book and I certainly don’t regret it.
This is the first book I’ve read in this series and indeed from this author, and I didn’t really feel like I was missing much. The David/Tulip origin story, yes, but the basic parameters were well enough explained throughout this story that it certainly didn’t make the story hard to understand or detract from my reading experience! There were some bits where the writing was a bit vague and I felt like I was missing things, but that’s a style thing and I’ve certainly encountered it before; it can be quite good for building an atmosphere, if not for ensuring clarity.
I liked the characters a lot, and their insecurities made me cry plenty, and I appreciated the lack of anything truly dark - so many authors these days seem to feel the need to drive the plot by doing something disastrous to their characters - kidnapping or rape or a murder plot or something, but this story was driven with nice everyday relationship strife.
Honestly a welcome change! Really this book’s only fault (if you can call it that) was the price - seven dollars for an ebook! Pretty steep, and it definitely discourages me a bit from going back and reading the preceding books. Well see how I feel later, but really this was a super enjoyable read.
As someone who generally goes for historicals, this - a contemporary story about fairies - is completely outside my wheelhouse. I read contemporary, sometimes, and fantasy, sometimes, but never the twain shall meet. I’m not sure what made me go for this title, but I liked the sample and sprung for the book and I certainly don’t regret it.
This is the first book I’ve read in this series and indeed from this author, and I didn’t really feel like I was missing much. The David/Tulip origin story, yes, but the basic parameters were well enough explained throughout this story that it certainly didn’t make the story hard to understand or detract from my reading experience! There were some bits where the writing was a bit vague and I felt like I was missing things, but that’s a style thing and I’ve certainly encountered it before; it can be quite good for building an atmosphere, if not for ensuring clarity.
I liked the characters a lot, and their insecurities made me cry plenty, and I appreciated the lack of anything truly dark - so many authors these days seem to feel the need to drive the plot by doing something disastrous to their characters - kidnapping or rape or a murder plot or something, but this story was driven with nice everyday relationship strife.
Honestly a welcome change! Really this book’s only fault (if you can call it that) was the price - seven dollars for an ebook! Pretty steep, and it definitely discourages me a bit from going back and reading the preceding books. Well see how I feel later, but really this was a super enjoyable read.
December 7, 2022
Sweet Clematis
Being(s) in Love, Book 9
★★★★☆
306 Pages
POV: 3rd person, one character POV
Would I read it again?: Yes
Genre: LGBT, MM, Romance, Paranormal/Supernatural, Fae/Fairy
Pairings: MM
Heat Level: ★★★☆☆
Content Warning: contains instances of being-phobia and hostility from humans, mental health/dissociation
I was so excited to see that there were further additions to the Being(s) in Love series, as it's been a favourite of mine since I read the first novel.
~
Before I talk about the book as a novel, I do want to mention why it's not a 5 star review, which it could have been. I didn't love A Dandelion for Tulip, the book that all the characters of this novel were first introduced in, but I was intrigued to read Clematis' story. However, it's been a little over a year since I last read a book in this series, and I haven't had the time or the opportunity to catch up, by re-reading books 1-8 before delving into this novel.
That proved problematic and confusing.
Sadly, I felt disconnected from the novel for the first 15%. This was mostly because the book so heavily referenced previous relationships and characters (particularly from A Dandelion for Tulip) that it was difficult to remember where everyone fitted without re-reading the previous books first. Perhaps if there had been a Prologue, showing the moment Tulip cursed Clematis – an event I wished I'd seen in this book, since it was so important to the plot, but never got – it could also have reminded me of the dynamics between Clematis, Flor, Tulip and David, which felt confusing and didn't feel well explained until about 20% in, when my memory jogged on the complicated relationships between them all.
I also have to admit that it feels impossible to come into this novel by accident, thinking it's a standalone. There are just too many references to past events, past characters, and mentions of things that the reader is expected to know about, with little attempt to explain them afresh. Even I had trouble piecing it all together and remembering all the nuances, without a re-read. Characters appear from SIX of the previous stories.
If you're going to read Sweet Clematis, then I'd recommend reading the entire series first. Or at least refreshing with A Dandelion for Tulip (book 6) and Frangipani and the Very Shiny Boy (book 5.5) before you start. Both have characters and events that are important here. Characters with influence on the plot, or who appear on page, include Arthur/Bertie from book 2 (A Boy and His Dragon); Hyacinth/Walter from book 5 (Firebird and Other Stories); mentions of Cal from book 1 (Some Kind of Magic) and mentions of events that took place in book 7 (Treasure for Treasure).
~
Once I was able to settle into the story, it was beautiful. Truly beautiful. And it's made me want to go back and re-read the entire series, now that I have more time on my hands. It's reminded me of the characters, the world building, and the atmosphere that I first fell in love with and want to revisit.
I loved the way that the two MC's – Flor and Clematis – were so brutally oblivious to what their friendship had been leading to all along. I was honestly confused by their boundaries myself, from the first. One minute they were like an old married couple, the next they were barely, tentatively friends. It was beautiful to watch that slow growth, the gradual change and watch them both drift towards each other, slowly putting the pieces together and realising what it meant.
The slight Dom/sub elements to Flor and Clematis' relationship were fitting for the characters. Nothing too heavy, just some demand/obey in the bedroom, and Flor's natural bossiness coming to light. It was nice to see that they discussed it, that they placed boundaries on what could be done or said, and that they accepted that part of each other without judgment.
The political aspect of Being acceptance and tolerance was a great subplot, one that has bled throughout the entire series. To see the struggle from a different aspect, to see how it affected Clematis' studies and his relationship with co-workers and students, as well as how the human students took sides between human vs being, was a great addition, and one that was well explored.
I must admit, I found the book to be really heavily emotionally charged. It could just be me, and the mood I'm in, but I definitely felt on the verge of tears for a good 80% of the novel. Maybe that was because I related to Clematis a little too much – as a person that others don't always understand, and who feels differently to what is considered 'normal' – or maybe because I held onto so much hope that he could have what he wanted, and that Flor would not fix, but certainly heal, him. It was a heavy emotional toll, but in the best way. And it didn't take much to get me out-right crying, though I definitely ugly-cried and snot-sobbed throughout the whole Clematis/Tulip conversation in the library. So, thanks for that, R. Cooper. Cathartic, a little gross, but a relief all the same.
Overall, I thought it was a perfect addition to a series that I already loved. Full of emotion, full of beautiful characters, most of them familiar, and bringing a little bit of hope and love and joy to someone who had never experienced them before and so desperately needed them. Clematis was, perhaps, my favourite character of the series. Yet, I equally loved the gentle care and hesitancy that he brought out in Flor, during those tender moments. With a super cute ending, it's definitely one I'll be reading again. And it won't be long before I take a little break, delve into book one and build myself back up to re-reading this roller-coaster ride, before the end of the year.
~
Favourite Quotes
“Clematis the fairy, once described by an art student as a 'wicked forest prince,' buying a waffle iron on sale is the best thing I've ever heard.”
““Dating?” he wondered again. What an innocent, beautiful, painful thing Flor had given him.”
Being(s) in Love, Book 9
★★★★☆
306 Pages
POV: 3rd person, one character POV
Would I read it again?: Yes
Genre: LGBT, MM, Romance, Paranormal/Supernatural, Fae/Fairy
Pairings: MM
Heat Level: ★★★☆☆
Content Warning: contains instances of being-phobia and hostility from humans, mental health/dissociation
I was so excited to see that there were further additions to the Being(s) in Love series, as it's been a favourite of mine since I read the first novel.
~
Before I talk about the book as a novel, I do want to mention why it's not a 5 star review, which it could have been. I didn't love A Dandelion for Tulip, the book that all the characters of this novel were first introduced in, but I was intrigued to read Clematis' story. However, it's been a little over a year since I last read a book in this series, and I haven't had the time or the opportunity to catch up, by re-reading books 1-8 before delving into this novel.
That proved problematic and confusing.
Sadly, I felt disconnected from the novel for the first 15%. This was mostly because the book so heavily referenced previous relationships and characters (particularly from A Dandelion for Tulip) that it was difficult to remember where everyone fitted without re-reading the previous books first. Perhaps if there had been a Prologue, showing the moment Tulip cursed Clematis – an event I wished I'd seen in this book, since it was so important to the plot, but never got – it could also have reminded me of the dynamics between Clematis, Flor, Tulip and David, which felt confusing and didn't feel well explained until about 20% in, when my memory jogged on the complicated relationships between them all.
I also have to admit that it feels impossible to come into this novel by accident, thinking it's a standalone. There are just too many references to past events, past characters, and mentions of things that the reader is expected to know about, with little attempt to explain them afresh. Even I had trouble piecing it all together and remembering all the nuances, without a re-read. Characters appear from SIX of the previous stories.
If you're going to read Sweet Clematis, then I'd recommend reading the entire series first. Or at least refreshing with A Dandelion for Tulip (book 6) and Frangipani and the Very Shiny Boy (book 5.5) before you start. Both have characters and events that are important here. Characters with influence on the plot, or who appear on page, include Arthur/Bertie from book 2 (A Boy and His Dragon); Hyacinth/Walter from book 5 (Firebird and Other Stories); mentions of Cal from book 1 (Some Kind of Magic) and mentions of events that took place in book 7 (Treasure for Treasure).
~
Once I was able to settle into the story, it was beautiful. Truly beautiful. And it's made me want to go back and re-read the entire series, now that I have more time on my hands. It's reminded me of the characters, the world building, and the atmosphere that I first fell in love with and want to revisit.
I loved the way that the two MC's – Flor and Clematis – were so brutally oblivious to what their friendship had been leading to all along. I was honestly confused by their boundaries myself, from the first. One minute they were like an old married couple, the next they were barely, tentatively friends. It was beautiful to watch that slow growth, the gradual change and watch them both drift towards each other, slowly putting the pieces together and realising what it meant.
The slight Dom/sub elements to Flor and Clematis' relationship were fitting for the characters. Nothing too heavy, just some demand/obey in the bedroom, and Flor's natural bossiness coming to light. It was nice to see that they discussed it, that they placed boundaries on what could be done or said, and that they accepted that part of each other without judgment.
The political aspect of Being acceptance and tolerance was a great subplot, one that has bled throughout the entire series. To see the struggle from a different aspect, to see how it affected Clematis' studies and his relationship with co-workers and students, as well as how the human students took sides between human vs being, was a great addition, and one that was well explored.
I must admit, I found the book to be really heavily emotionally charged. It could just be me, and the mood I'm in, but I definitely felt on the verge of tears for a good 80% of the novel. Maybe that was because I related to Clematis a little too much – as a person that others don't always understand, and who feels differently to what is considered 'normal' – or maybe because I held onto so much hope that he could have what he wanted, and that Flor would not fix, but certainly heal, him. It was a heavy emotional toll, but in the best way. And it didn't take much to get me out-right crying, though I definitely ugly-cried and snot-sobbed throughout the whole Clematis/Tulip conversation in the library. So, thanks for that, R. Cooper. Cathartic, a little gross, but a relief all the same.
Overall, I thought it was a perfect addition to a series that I already loved. Full of emotion, full of beautiful characters, most of them familiar, and bringing a little bit of hope and love and joy to someone who had never experienced them before and so desperately needed them. Clematis was, perhaps, my favourite character of the series. Yet, I equally loved the gentle care and hesitancy that he brought out in Flor, during those tender moments. With a super cute ending, it's definitely one I'll be reading again. And it won't be long before I take a little break, delve into book one and build myself back up to re-reading this roller-coaster ride, before the end of the year.
~
Favourite Quotes
“Clematis the fairy, once described by an art student as a 'wicked forest prince,' buying a waffle iron on sale is the best thing I've ever heard.”
““Dating?” he wondered again. What an innocent, beautiful, painful thing Flor had given him.”
August 25, 2025
R. Cooper's writing is hit and miss for me but I really felt for Clematis. His mental struggle and ensuing angst felt real. I like the relationship between the MCs and their happy ending felt earned. I didn't realize this was a sequel and maybe that affected my enjoyment. This can be read as a standalone but maybe it's not the best approach. I've only read the first book in the series before this and I was pretty confused and bothered by hostile behavior towards Clematis by his so called friends because of this David guy who is a little bitch baby everyone is fawning over for some reason (he and tulip can jump off a clip together for all I care) but I think I picked up on what was going on as the book progressed. I'm here for the beings romance, I like the complicated relationship between beings and humans and I think the writing has improved from the first book.
June 16, 2019
4.5 rounded down
I adore this series, and this update was wonderful! I really loved getting to see Clematis, who's been a background character in a number of the other books, in the spotlight, and OMG did he give me ALL the chest feels. Lots of gorgeous self-worth angst here, and I really enjoyed seeing more of the activism/backlash against Beings, as it felt very believable and authentic. My heart seriously went out to Clematis, and I just ADORED him and Flor. Honestly, the whole story was really lovely and gave me lots of feels.
I will say that since it's been SO long since I've read A Dandelion for Tulip, I couldn't remember all of the details, and the events in that book are heavily referenced in this one, so I'd recommend reading them in succession.
I adore this series, and this update was wonderful! I really loved getting to see Clematis, who's been a background character in a number of the other books, in the spotlight, and OMG did he give me ALL the chest feels. Lots of gorgeous self-worth angst here, and I really enjoyed seeing more of the activism/backlash against Beings, as it felt very believable and authentic. My heart seriously went out to Clematis, and I just ADORED him and Flor. Honestly, the whole story was really lovely and gave me lots of feels.
I will say that since it's been SO long since I've read A Dandelion for Tulip, I couldn't remember all of the details, and the events in that book are heavily referenced in this one, so I'd recommend reading them in succession.
December 24, 2021
Having been disappointed in #7, I read reviews and skipped #8 too. But this one looks like a deeper, richer story. ...Now I am done.
This is magnificent.
I could not stop reading even before the halfway point. It's told from Clematis's point of view, which only adds to what he has to confront and endure and eventually undo enough to escape. The end drama was great, and the epilogue is perfect. To fully appreciate an important scene, read A Boy and His Dragon first, or next if it made you curious. Themes from child neglect effects to dangerous assumptions, justice, fairness, ethics and equality, assumptions, presumptions, agency, and communication. More. It's a lot. I loved every word.
This is magnificent.
I could not stop reading even before the halfway point. It's told from Clematis's point of view, which only adds to what he has to confront and endure and eventually undo enough to escape. The end drama was great, and the epilogue is perfect. To fully appreciate an important scene, read A Boy and His Dragon first, or next if it made you curious. Themes from child neglect effects to dangerous assumptions, justice, fairness, ethics and equality, assumptions, presumptions, agency, and communication. More. It's a lot. I loved every word.
December 1, 2018
Beautifully angsty and lovely and tender, with timely issues woven throughout, and all the things I love about these books. Clematis' story broke my heart and bruised my soul and then soothed and comforted me, all in the very best ways. There were mentions and cameos of many of this series' past characters which delighted me every time they popped up. This may be my new favorite book in the Being(s) in Love universe.
December 29, 2021
Tags: fairies, magical beings, prejudice and stereotypes, fated “mates”, dissociation and mental health, hurt / comfort, a little bit kinky
Finished reading for the second time, this time the written version. Made me cry again. Lovely and sad and poignant. Difficult to follow sometimes as all R. Coopers books are, with the small subtle details thrown in that absolutely make the book. Worth the second read.
Finished reading for the second time, this time the written version. Made me cry again. Lovely and sad and poignant. Difficult to follow sometimes as all R. Coopers books are, with the small subtle details thrown in that absolutely make the book. Worth the second read.
dnf
August 25, 2025I might try this again some other time, but for now the story of Clematis is just too sad and melancholy. He is so sure that no one could care for him, is treated horribly by the humans at work, and habitually ghosts friends and lovers because he can't imagine they'd care.
I'm pretty sure it's just my depression talking, so I'm not going to post a rating.
I'm pretty sure it's just my depression talking, so I'm not going to post a rating.
November 6, 2025
I think I reread this once or twice a year. This might be one of my favorite books and I’ve never even written a review?!
I don’t know what to say other than this is the sweetest book that makes me cry profusely. I love it so much.
I don’t know what to say other than this is the sweetest book that makes me cry profusely. I love it so much.
February 2, 2025
Wonderfully Emotional Read
This was an amazing read, and my favorite in the series so far! I especially loved the characters, particularly Clemantis's journey, to accept love and realize that he is indeed loved. I adored everything about this book!
This was an amazing read, and my favorite in the series so far! I especially loved the characters, particularly Clemantis's journey, to accept love and realize that he is indeed loved. I adored everything about this book!
July 29, 2023
4.5 stars
Absolutely lovely, clematis made me cry several times.
Absolutely lovely, clematis made me cry several times.
October 31, 2024
Oh my sweet, soft Clematis.
I have a bleeding heart for misunderstood and lonely MCs and Clematis was that and so much more. I saw someone call this book an angst-porn crack and I wholeheartedly agree. This would definitely have the whump tag on AO3. My heart was literally aching through majority of this book and I cried so many tears but I loved it. I skimmed through book 6 to read this which made me hurt for Clematis more.
Despite it being so painful (in the best of ways), Clematis’ redemption was so satisfying and I loved how Flor gradually saw through him and took care of him. I wanted to hug Clematis so much but Flor truly took care of him so well. The nonsexual intimacy, the kisses (so much kissing <3), the feeding, the caretaking, the pet names, the courting (the flowers and their meanings). It was everything I was looking for and more. I loved how Clematis was so weak for Flor and was so devoted to pleasing him. Clematis was such a needy character who wanted so desperately to be loved but was too afraid to ask for it and Flor was so dedicated to making Clematis happy and reassured him numerous times that he was deserving of love. It was so sweet and hot. It really felt like they had a connection beyond sex which is something that I’ve been finding hard to look for in books recently. I think the scene where That really changed my brain chemistry. I really love needy characters who are starved for affection and I love seeing how desperate they are to get affection while their SO freely basks them in affection until the needy character becomes comfortable asking for affection too. Although Flor misunderstood Clematis in the beginning, I love him for paying attention and showing that he loved Clematis with his actions and then later with his words.
Clematis and Flor actually remind me of Moth and Charlie from Moth by Lily Mayne in terms of having a misunderstood, lonely character who becomes needy and their significant other who is devoted to taking great care of them. This book is a new fav of mine and I’m going to have a hard time filling the hole it left behind.
Highly Recommend ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️.
I have a bleeding heart for misunderstood and lonely MCs and Clematis was that and so much more. I saw someone call this book an angst-porn crack and I wholeheartedly agree. This would definitely have the whump tag on AO3. My heart was literally aching through majority of this book and I cried so many tears but I loved it. I skimmed through book 6 to read this which made me hurt for Clematis more.
Despite it being so painful (in the best of ways), Clematis’ redemption was so satisfying and I loved how Flor gradually saw through him and took care of him. I wanted to hug Clematis so much but Flor truly took care of him so well. The nonsexual intimacy, the kisses (so much kissing <3), the feeding, the caretaking, the pet names, the courting (the flowers and their meanings). It was everything I was looking for and more. I loved how Clematis was so weak for Flor and was so devoted to pleasing him. Clematis was such a needy character who wanted so desperately to be loved but was too afraid to ask for it and Flor was so dedicated to making Clematis happy and reassured him numerous times that he was deserving of love. It was so sweet and hot. It really felt like they had a connection beyond sex which is something that I’ve been finding hard to look for in books recently. I think the scene where That really changed my brain chemistry. I really love needy characters who are starved for affection and I love seeing how desperate they are to get affection while their SO freely basks them in affection until the needy character becomes comfortable asking for affection too. Although Flor misunderstood Clematis in the beginning, I love him for paying attention and showing that he loved Clematis with his actions and then later with his words.
Clematis and Flor actually remind me of Moth and Charlie from Moth by Lily Mayne in terms of having a misunderstood, lonely character who becomes needy and their significant other who is devoted to taking great care of them. This book is a new fav of mine and I’m going to have a hard time filling the hole it left behind.
Highly Recommend ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️.
January 9, 2022
Ok, lets get started.
Firt of all, I have to say that i have been a regular in the website for recommendations since I was 17, and it has been more than half a decade since. This book inspired me to create a accont just to tell people how good it is.
I truly believe in useful reviews, granted I have been here for that, and that only, for so many years, so it is valid to point out somethings I think may be important about Sweet Clematis. I read this book for the first time last year and somethings have stayed with me since.
First, It was really nostalgic enconter so many already know caracther, Clematis for a foreing point of view (from other books of the R. Cooper) was the "antagonist" in a way, never really bad, but no good for sure.
Second, I personally didn't liked neither Tulip of David, and at the point of the 6th Beins in Love, I didn't liked Flor either, I have grow to understand him more in this book.
Fairies are the whole plot here, it is not a unilateral point od view of how a fairy loves, it is about they deal woth one another.
The relationshp between Clematis and Flor was different from all the insta love theme i've ever seen, "His Mossy Boy" have traits of this kind of connection but i dind't fully unterstood this one, but it is a lovely reading of its own (maybe I am giving it some points just cause it deals in a realistic way of coming to terms with being bisexual, but back to Clematis...), the fact of the gift of fairies works the way it does only hited me in the head in the end of the book.
Fourty, psycological issues are also trated with realism, Clematis is a depressed ans anxious protagonist, he is naive in his own ways.
I was a amazing reading, even with Flor pissing me of so many times, but i loved the ending, only for Clematis benefit, cause he was such a caregiver that he deserved been cared for once.
I hope this inspire someone to read it, thats all I have to say.
All my love to the author, bye.
Firt of all, I have to say that i have been a regular in the website for recommendations since I was 17, and it has been more than half a decade since. This book inspired me to create a accont just to tell people how good it is.
I truly believe in useful reviews, granted I have been here for that, and that only, for so many years, so it is valid to point out somethings I think may be important about Sweet Clematis. I read this book for the first time last year and somethings have stayed with me since.
First, It was really nostalgic enconter so many already know caracther, Clematis for a foreing point of view (from other books of the R. Cooper) was the "antagonist" in a way, never really bad, but no good for sure.
Second, I personally didn't liked neither Tulip of David, and at the point of the 6th Beins in Love, I didn't liked Flor either, I have grow to understand him more in this book.
Fairies are the whole plot here, it is not a unilateral point od view of how a fairy loves, it is about they deal woth one another.
The relationshp between Clematis and Flor was different from all the insta love theme i've ever seen, "His Mossy Boy" have traits of this kind of connection but i dind't fully unterstood this one, but it is a lovely reading of its own (maybe I am giving it some points just cause it deals in a realistic way of coming to terms with being bisexual, but back to Clematis...), the fact of the gift of fairies works the way it does only hited me in the head in the end of the book.
Fourty, psycological issues are also trated with realism, Clematis is a depressed ans anxious protagonist, he is naive in his own ways.
I was a amazing reading, even with Flor pissing me of so many times, but i loved the ending, only for Clematis benefit, cause he was such a caregiver that he deserved been cared for once.
I hope this inspire someone to read it, thats all I have to say.
All my love to the author, bye.
September 16, 2023
"Beings in Love" von R. Cooper ist eine von diesen Reihen, zu denen ich immer wieder greife. Nicht nur, weil die Charaktere so lebensecht sind - und das obwohl es sich um Werwölfe, Feen, Drachen und andere Wesen handelt -, sondern weil auch weil sie einem beim Lesen einfach ans Herz wachsen. Und das manchmal umso mehr, je mehr man sie vorher unsympathisch fand.
So erging es mir in diesem Roman mit fairy Clemantis. Die Fee tauchte bereits in zwei anderen Romanen von "Beings in Love" auf - einmal nur als Erwähnung, einmal als Nebenfigur - und hinterließ vermutlich auch bei den wohlwollendsten Leser:innen keinen guten Eindruck. Doch die Autorin schafft es in "Sweet Clemantis" einfach, dass sich dieser Eindruck schnell ins Gegenteil verkehrt, denn wir lernen den echten Clemantis kennen und erfahren, wie er so geworden ist, wie er sich nach außen hin gibt. Und ich muss gestehen, dass seine Geschichte wirklich die berührendste aller Stories ist, die R. Cooper geschrieben hat. Wenn ich sie lese, heule ich. Jedes. Mal. Ich kann nicht anders, sie geht einfach mitten ins Herz.
Man leidet beim Lesen so richtig mit ihm mit und drückt ihm schnell die Daumen, dass auch er sein Happy End findet. Und die Vorzeichen standen dafür lange nicht gut, denn sein Love Interest ist die Fee Flor, der in der Vergangenheit aus seiner Abneigung für Clemantis keinen Hehl gemacht hat. Um zu sagen, dass ich etwas skeptisch war, ob aus den beiden ein Paar werden kann, ist eine Untertreibung. Es ist von daher eine Slow-burn Gay Romance mit einer ennemies-to-lovers-Konstellation. Aber so gut umgesetzt, dass ich die aufkeimenden Gefühle und die langsame Annäherung auf jeder Seite spüren konnte.
Einer meiner absoluten Lieblingsromane im Gay Romance-Genre und mit Abstand mein Favorit aus der Reihe, auch wenn ich die anderen Romane auch mit 5 Sterne bewerte. Aber mehr als 5 Sterne und das Prädikat "absolut empfehlenswert" kann ich leider nicht vergeben. Grandios!
So erging es mir in diesem Roman mit fairy Clemantis. Die Fee tauchte bereits in zwei anderen Romanen von "Beings in Love" auf - einmal nur als Erwähnung, einmal als Nebenfigur - und hinterließ vermutlich auch bei den wohlwollendsten Leser:innen keinen guten Eindruck. Doch die Autorin schafft es in "Sweet Clemantis" einfach, dass sich dieser Eindruck schnell ins Gegenteil verkehrt, denn wir lernen den echten Clemantis kennen und erfahren, wie er so geworden ist, wie er sich nach außen hin gibt. Und ich muss gestehen, dass seine Geschichte wirklich die berührendste aller Stories ist, die R. Cooper geschrieben hat. Wenn ich sie lese, heule ich. Jedes. Mal. Ich kann nicht anders, sie geht einfach mitten ins Herz.
Man leidet beim Lesen so richtig mit ihm mit und drückt ihm schnell die Daumen, dass auch er sein Happy End findet. Und die Vorzeichen standen dafür lange nicht gut, denn sein Love Interest ist die Fee Flor, der in der Vergangenheit aus seiner Abneigung für Clemantis keinen Hehl gemacht hat. Um zu sagen, dass ich etwas skeptisch war, ob aus den beiden ein Paar werden kann, ist eine Untertreibung. Es ist von daher eine Slow-burn Gay Romance mit einer ennemies-to-lovers-Konstellation. Aber so gut umgesetzt, dass ich die aufkeimenden Gefühle und die langsame Annäherung auf jeder Seite spüren konnte.
Einer meiner absoluten Lieblingsromane im Gay Romance-Genre und mit Abstand mein Favorit aus der Reihe, auch wenn ich die anderen Romane auch mit 5 Sterne bewerte. Aber mehr als 5 Sterne und das Prädikat "absolut empfehlenswert" kann ich leider nicht vergeben. Grandios!
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