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The Companion
New York, 1948 After years of trying to break into New York City's literary scene, Madeline Slaughter is emotionally and physically exhausted. When a friend offers her a safe haven as the live-in companion to reclusive, bestselling novelist Victor Hallowell she jumps at the chance to escape the city. Madeline expects to find rest and quiet in the forests of Upstate New York. Instead, she finds Victor, handsome and intensely passionate, and Audrey Coffin, Victor's mysterious and beautiful neighbor. When Victor offers her a kiss and the promise of more Madeline allows herself to become entangled even as Audrey is also claiming her heart. The only problem is that Audrey and Victor are ex-lovers with plenty of baggage between them. As Madeline finds herself opening up and falling in love with both she starts to wonder, can there be a future for all three?
168 pages, Paperback
First published April 16, 2021
105 people are currently reading
7695 people want to read
About the author
E.E. Ottoman
29 books347 followerswrites romance novels, wears pretty clothes, does history stuff.
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April 18, 2021This is a remarkable romance between two trans women, one trans man, and a place of safety.
That's the part that hits hardest. All three have fled to the country after New York's art scene proved too hostile and unwelcoming, its people exploitative and predatory. Madeline is hurting, afraid, and unable to write when she decides to become Victor's companion in his isolated home. The tiny society of love, sex, friendship, and real acceptance they build together and with Audrey next door allows her to start living and creating, and it's glorious.
This is very much a book about healing, which can't happen till people stop stabbing you. It's faintly melancholy in the recognition that the outer world is brutally hostile, but the power of the world they build for themselves is also palpable.
The romance isn't conflict driven--we have three very hurt people here. (Victor says, "I am good at being hurt and bad at being loved." Ooof.) Instead this is very much a story of repair and regrowth, and learning to believe you can have happiness, in whatever shape fits you. And if that's not the essence of romance, I don't know what is.
That's the part that hits hardest. All three have fled to the country after New York's art scene proved too hostile and unwelcoming, its people exploitative and predatory. Madeline is hurting, afraid, and unable to write when she decides to become Victor's companion in his isolated home. The tiny society of love, sex, friendship, and real acceptance they build together and with Audrey next door allows her to start living and creating, and it's glorious.
This is very much a book about healing, which can't happen till people stop stabbing you. It's faintly melancholy in the recognition that the outer world is brutally hostile, but the power of the world they build for themselves is also palpable.
The romance isn't conflict driven--we have three very hurt people here. (Victor says, "I am good at being hurt and bad at being loved." Ooof.) Instead this is very much a story of repair and regrowth, and learning to believe you can have happiness, in whatever shape fits you. And if that's not the essence of romance, I don't know what is.
March 26, 2023
No plot just vibes and an incredibly sweet t4t poly romance
September 11, 2021
This was a really lovely read. I couldn't believe how quiet and heartfelt it was. I loved how it created a safe place for the queer characters to love each other in their own way. It was a secluded country setting.
Madeline and Victor are authors. Victor is a successful one, who never leaves his home. Madeline is an aspiring one, who couldn't quite make it in NYC and needed to get away from the scene there. She managed, but in order to succeed, she knew she would need to make herself available to be used, something she was not willing to do. She moves away from NYC to live with Viktor as his companion, an arrangement made through a friend. Victor had done the NYC literary scene as well, along with his former lover and neighbor, Audrey. This is a polyamorous story. Madeline is the connecting glue and focus of the story.
This book is carefully written and very considerate to the characters. Rather than showing the objectification/judgement of society, it was just touched on or hinted at, through insecurities or mentions of the past in passing. The focus was that they had found a safe place to be who they were and with who they wanted. To me that felt triumphant, these characters deserved that.
I wish this had been longer. Sometimes a bit more transition was needed particularly to convey the passage of time better, and I definitely needed an epilogue. I felt like it ended abruptly and there were some scenes that progressed quicker than I expected. However, overall it was a really good read. I definitely recommend, and I plan to read more by Ottoman.
Madeline and Victor are authors. Victor is a successful one, who never leaves his home. Madeline is an aspiring one, who couldn't quite make it in NYC and needed to get away from the scene there. She managed, but in order to succeed, she knew she would need to make herself available to be used, something she was not willing to do. She moves away from NYC to live with Viktor as his companion, an arrangement made through a friend. Victor had done the NYC literary scene as well, along with his former lover and neighbor, Audrey. This is a polyamorous story. Madeline is the connecting glue and focus of the story.
This book is carefully written and very considerate to the characters. Rather than showing the objectification/judgement of society, it was just touched on or hinted at, through insecurities or mentions of the past in passing. The focus was that they had found a safe place to be who they were and with who they wanted. To me that felt triumphant, these characters deserved that.
I wish this had been longer. Sometimes a bit more transition was needed particularly to convey the passage of time better, and I definitely needed an epilogue. I felt like it ended abruptly and there were some scenes that progressed quicker than I expected. However, overall it was a really good read. I definitely recommend, and I plan to read more by Ottoman.
October 24, 2023
3 stars
Set in 1948, this book follows Madeline as she moves to a remote town in New York to live as a companion to the reclusive writer Victor. There she also meets his neighbor Audrey, and remarks on a romantic adventure with the two of them.
This book is no plot and no vibes which is fine, but also zero conflict/stakes and not much character growth led to a fairly surface level reading experience. I did really enjoy the little moments of this book, there were lots of things that had a great takeaway. But I wish the three characters had worked through some of the conflicts presented to them rather than just everything falling perfectly into place. It's also nice to read about adult trans characters in a historical setting and .
Set in 1948, this book follows Madeline as she moves to a remote town in New York to live as a companion to the reclusive writer Victor. There she also meets his neighbor Audrey, and remarks on a romantic adventure with the two of them.
This book is no plot and no vibes which is fine, but also zero conflict/stakes and not much character growth led to a fairly surface level reading experience. I did really enjoy the little moments of this book, there were lots of things that had a great takeaway. But I wish the three characters had worked through some of the conflicts presented to them rather than just everything falling perfectly into place. It's also nice to read about adult trans characters in a historical setting and .
August 20, 2022
“He was silent for a moment, then said more quietly. 'But I know what you are talking about. I've felt like that before too. To be intimate with someone and feel not right afterward, too vulnerable and too seen.' He took a draw on his cigarette. 'I spend so much of my time not being seen. Explaining and quantifying myself.'
'Making myself small and unseen,' Madeline said. 'Unthreatening and unremarkable.'
'In everything,' Victor agreed. 'So, to not have to do that to be accepted without a fight, it can be almost painful. Getting what you want and not knowing what to do with it. I am good at being hurt and bad at being loved.'"
thank you for this, good sir, but i will need more 🧎♂️
this was surprisingly cute and wholesome given the amount of trigger warnings that were presented to me at the beginning. i love trans people being happy. more of that.
March 27, 2023
If you want a polyamorous romance that is both cozy and quite steamy, allow me to suggest The Companion! Set in 1948, it follows a trans man and two trans women finding love together in upstate New York. Madeline is the main character and she literally meets the other women in the woods mushrooming. It's quiet and charming and also very high heat.
July 7, 2021
This book almost bored me to tears.
The entire "plot" was: Madeline waking up > cooking > writing > having sex > repeat.
Every. Fucking. Chapter.
Shit gets boring real fast, especially the repetitive as hell sex scenes.
The characters were so one dimensional I couldn’t really tell you much about them, like, at all. The relationship by the end of the book wasn’t believable, there was still a lot of work to be done I felt like.
The synopsis had me super interested but the execution was so, so disappointing.
The writing wasn't bad per se, there was just nothing going on and, shockingly, when I read a book I want some semblance of a plot.
If this had been any longer than 160 pages I would have for sure DNF'ed.
The entire "plot" was: Madeline waking up > cooking > writing > having sex > repeat.
Every. Fucking. Chapter.
Shit gets boring real fast, especially the repetitive as hell sex scenes.
The characters were so one dimensional I couldn’t really tell you much about them, like, at all. The relationship by the end of the book wasn’t believable, there was still a lot of work to be done I felt like.
The synopsis had me super interested but the execution was so, so disappointing.
The writing wasn't bad per se, there was just nothing going on and, shockingly, when I read a book I want some semblance of a plot.
If this had been any longer than 160 pages I would have for sure DNF'ed.
June 26, 2024
The Companion was a spontaneous pick for me (a case of seeing a pretty cover and deciding to read it on the spot). Its brevity made it an easy choice for a quick listen, so I jumped in without any prior knowledge of the content. I quickly realized it was a historical romance featuring queer and trans characters in a polyamorous relationship, which piqued my interest.
However, while the premise was exciting, the execution didn't fully meet my expectations. The story leaned heavily towards erotica, more so than I anticipated. I'm not an expert in distinguishing the boundary between romance and erotica, but this tended to focus more on explicit sex scenes than on the gradual development of the characters' relationships, which is completely fine, just not my preference.
The characters themselves were intriguing, and their dynamics held promise. I was particularly interested in exploring the experiences of trans people in the historical setting and witnessing how the polyamorous relationship would unfold, given the complex histories between the characters. Unfortunately, those topics were only touched on at a surface level, leaving me wanting more.
Sadly, this lacked the coziness, cuteness, and romantic build-up I was hoping for. If you prefer a romance that delves deeply into relationship dynamics with a slower build, this might not fully satisfy. However, for those who enjoy a quicker pace with lots of steam, it could be an enjoyable read!
Representation: 2 trans women and a trans man in a poly relationship (both trans women are bi or pan)
Trigger/Content Warnings: transphobia, homophobia, sexual harassment, misogyny
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However, while the premise was exciting, the execution didn't fully meet my expectations. The story leaned heavily towards erotica, more so than I anticipated. I'm not an expert in distinguishing the boundary between romance and erotica, but this tended to focus more on explicit sex scenes than on the gradual development of the characters' relationships, which is completely fine, just not my preference.
The characters themselves were intriguing, and their dynamics held promise. I was particularly interested in exploring the experiences of trans people in the historical setting and witnessing how the polyamorous relationship would unfold, given the complex histories between the characters. Unfortunately, those topics were only touched on at a surface level, leaving me wanting more.
Sadly, this lacked the coziness, cuteness, and romantic build-up I was hoping for. If you prefer a romance that delves deeply into relationship dynamics with a slower build, this might not fully satisfy. However, for those who enjoy a quicker pace with lots of steam, it could be an enjoyable read!
Representation: 2 trans women and a trans man in a poly relationship (both trans women are bi or pan)
Trigger/Content Warnings: transphobia, homophobia, sexual harassment, misogyny
You can find me on...
Youtube | Instagram | TikTok
You can join our book club over on Patreon...
PBB Book Club
August 7, 2021
The Companion by EE Ottoman is a cozy, warm embrace of a queer historical polyamorous romance, set in 1949 and featuring a trans woman finding her place, and love, after taking on a companion job with a writer in secluded upstate NY.
All three characters are healing from trauma and past hurt, and it was so lovely to see them all find peace in each other, in a safe place they created.
The prose is absolutely stunning, setting you immediately in the place and time; you can hear the quiet of the house, the skritch of Madeline's pen as she did finds space and time to write, and canning and simple food preparation.
Cottagecore meets delicious romance. Such a great read.
CWs include transphobia, internalized and period external (off page - feared), smoking, rape culture mentioned
All three characters are healing from trauma and past hurt, and it was so lovely to see them all find peace in each other, in a safe place they created.
The prose is absolutely stunning, setting you immediately in the place and time; you can hear the quiet of the house, the skritch of Madeline's pen as she did finds space and time to write, and canning and simple food preparation.
Cottagecore meets delicious romance. Such a great read.
CWs include transphobia, internalized and period external (off page - feared), smoking, rape culture mentioned
March 26, 2024
3.5 ⭐️
Thanks to the Trans Rights Readathon for giving me the nudge to read this after languishing too long on the TBR. A very enjoyable novella about two trans women, Madeline (our POV character) and Audrey, and one trans man, Victor, navigating friendship, desire, and romance, complicated not so much by the non-monogamy as by the fraught history between past lovers Audrey and Victor. The story ends in a poly relationship with Madeline at the center, although with hints that it may evolve into a triad situation.
This was doing a lot in a small space, which is both impressive but also, for me, somewhat detrimental. I would have liked a bit more depth in the relationships, especially between Audrey and Victor. This also read very insta to me, which happens to be one of my struggle tropes. At one point towards the end, Madeline refers to a conversation that happened months ago, which shocked me: I had been reading the story as unfolding over a matter of a few weeks, and there is nothing in the text that indicates otherwise.
That said, I am cognizant that I am reading this as a cis woman responding reflexively to characters' emotional reactions in ways that reflect my own privilege. This is because it is explicit in the text that Madeline's immediate response to Audrey is grounded in a deep sense of recognition and knowing between two trans women -- that she immediately feels, not just attraction and desire, but a sense of safety and commonality and kinship. Similarly with Victor, they meet each other as two people who know, at least on some basic level, what the other's life is like and that they share some hard experiences; and while her attraction to Victor is somewhat different, his openness, generosity, and solidness provoke a very deep, immediate response. All this to say that, while insta is not really my thing, I like how the author pushes us to consider it as reflecting the emotional realities of marginalized people for whom feelings of safety and common experience are, perhaps, uncommon indeed.
This is, for the most party, beautifully written, but let down somewhat by sloppy editing. And I loved the fantastic, hot sex scenes that were definitely gendered but not anatomically fixated. All in all, a rich book that I wish were a bit longer to more thoroughly explore the dynamics between these three memorable characters.
Read as part of the Trans Rights Readathon to spotlight books by authors who are trans, nonbinary, genderqueer, gender-nonconforming, and 2Spirit.
Thanks to the Trans Rights Readathon for giving me the nudge to read this after languishing too long on the TBR. A very enjoyable novella about two trans women, Madeline (our POV character) and Audrey, and one trans man, Victor, navigating friendship, desire, and romance, complicated not so much by the non-monogamy as by the fraught history between past lovers Audrey and Victor. The story ends in a poly relationship with Madeline at the center, although with hints that it may evolve into a triad situation.
This was doing a lot in a small space, which is both impressive but also, for me, somewhat detrimental. I would have liked a bit more depth in the relationships, especially between Audrey and Victor. This also read very insta to me, which happens to be one of my struggle tropes. At one point towards the end, Madeline refers to a conversation that happened months ago, which shocked me: I had been reading the story as unfolding over a matter of a few weeks, and there is nothing in the text that indicates otherwise.
That said, I am cognizant that I am reading this as a cis woman responding reflexively to characters' emotional reactions in ways that reflect my own privilege. This is because it is explicit in the text that Madeline's immediate response to Audrey is grounded in a deep sense of recognition and knowing between two trans women -- that she immediately feels, not just attraction and desire, but a sense of safety and commonality and kinship. Similarly with Victor, they meet each other as two people who know, at least on some basic level, what the other's life is like and that they share some hard experiences; and while her attraction to Victor is somewhat different, his openness, generosity, and solidness provoke a very deep, immediate response. All this to say that, while insta is not really my thing, I like how the author pushes us to consider it as reflecting the emotional realities of marginalized people for whom feelings of safety and common experience are, perhaps, uncommon indeed.
This is, for the most party, beautifully written, but let down somewhat by sloppy editing. And I loved the fantastic, hot sex scenes that were definitely gendered but not anatomically fixated. All in all, a rich book that I wish were a bit longer to more thoroughly explore the dynamics between these three memorable characters.
Read as part of the Trans Rights Readathon to spotlight books by authors who are trans, nonbinary, genderqueer, gender-nonconforming, and 2Spirit.
March 14, 2023
Omg this was so good!! Surprisingly spicy. Loved it.
December 25, 2021
First and foremost, I am not a member of the trans community and cannot speak to any discussions surrounding the trans experience.
Second of all, this was simply lovely. In a polyamorous love story involving a second chance romance and sexual exploration, we see feelings of safety and community be prioritized above all else in our all trans cast of characters.
With a slow start in order to ease our way into the story with character intros, we follow Madeline's perspective as she goes off to be a live in companion to fellow (and more accomplished) writer, Victor, whose neighbor is his ex-lover, the statuesque Audrey.
I, too, want a pretty red-headed lady to take me into the woods to find mushrooms while I come home to the handsome horror writer.
The prose in this book can't be described as anything other than romantic.
I'm excited to get into more work from this author.
CW: explicit sexual content, discussions of internalized transphobia + sexual shame, references to transphobia + general threat of harm, references to fetishization and predatory behavior toward trans women, reference to medical gaslighting, chronic migraines depicted, recreational drug use
Second of all, this was simply lovely. In a polyamorous love story involving a second chance romance and sexual exploration, we see feelings of safety and community be prioritized above all else in our all trans cast of characters.
With a slow start in order to ease our way into the story with character intros, we follow Madeline's perspective as she goes off to be a live in companion to fellow (and more accomplished) writer, Victor, whose neighbor is his ex-lover, the statuesque Audrey.
I, too, want a pretty red-headed lady to take me into the woods to find mushrooms while I come home to the handsome horror writer.
The prose in this book can't be described as anything other than romantic.
I'm excited to get into more work from this author.
CW: explicit sexual content, discussions of internalized transphobia + sexual shame, references to transphobia + general threat of harm, references to fetishization and predatory behavior toward trans women, reference to medical gaslighting, chronic migraines depicted, recreational drug use
August 30, 2023
Reread via audio. I love this book so much!! Super cozy, high spice and an all trans main cast.
September 12, 2021
sweet, but could have stood to be longer and a bit more dragged out at the start
Rep: bi trans mcs, trans mc, m/f/f polyamory
Rep: bi trans mcs, trans mc, m/f/f polyamory
November 21, 2022
No plot just vibes but sometimes that’s what you need
May 22, 2022
I really wanted to like this because I found the premise extremely intriguing but this was...so bad. I'm sorry but this reads like something written within a few hours by a teenager or something.
I always feel hesitant to rate queer books 1 star because I know how important those books are and because I'm grateful to everyone who writes them but even the good representation wasn't enough for me to make up for everything else this book was lacking.
I always feel hesitant to rate queer books 1 star because I know how important those books are and because I'm grateful to everyone who writes them but even the good representation wasn't enough for me to make up for everything else this book was lacking.
September 28, 2024
Just as lovely and warm as everyone told me it would be 😊 This will be great to come back to for a reread when I want cozy, farm town feels.
August 24, 2023
Very different than I anticipated. The synopsis led me to believe this would be a coming-of-age story of a trans woman in the early 20th century. And yes, there was some of that. But mainly, this turned into a sexual awakening for Madeline. And I am stoked for her.
But again, I actually wish there was less sex and more inner monologues/introspection.
But again, I actually wish there was less sex and more inner monologues/introspection.
September 24, 2022
3.5 stars review to come!
February 26, 2024
A slice-of-life polyamorous historical romance about three trans people creating a safe haven with each other. Madeline needs to get out of NYC and lick her wounds so her friend arranges for her to go stay with fellow writer Victor in upstate New York. Shortly thereafter, she meets his farmer neighbor and ex-partner Audrey. Madeline may be demoralized by the publishing industry but she’s not shy about asking for what she wants, including sex lessons. She develops a relationship with both Victor and Audrey as she works on her novel and explores the forest. There’s nary an internal or external conflict to be had but this is one of the rare “no plot, just vibes” books that I found enjoyable. I loved learning about the food they all cook and can and the glimpses of post-WWII life. The romance could have used more development—the depth of feeling didn’t feel grounded or earned—but I love Ottoman’s thoughtful portrayal of trans characters and the way these three are making a life together.
Characters: Madeline is a white trans companion and aspiring writer who wears glasses. Victor is a white trans author. Audrey is a white trans farmer and artist. Victor and Audrey were previously in a relationship. This is set in 1948 upstate New York, near Greybridge.
Content notes: anxiety, possible agoraphobia, past predatory behavior within publishing industry, past transphobia and fetishization, migraine, past medical abuse/gaslighting, past death of grandparents, on page sex, bondage, brief role play, menage, voyeurism, alcohol, marijuana, cigarettes, penetrative sex is the only “real” sex (Madeline tells Victor they haven’t “slept together” yet even though they have indeed had manual sex.)
*Romance Salon buddy read
Characters: Madeline is a white trans companion and aspiring writer who wears glasses. Victor is a white trans author. Audrey is a white trans farmer and artist. Victor and Audrey were previously in a relationship. This is set in 1948 upstate New York, near Greybridge.
Content notes: anxiety, possible agoraphobia, past predatory behavior within publishing industry, past transphobia and fetishization, migraine, past medical abuse/gaslighting, past death of grandparents, on page sex, bondage, brief role play, menage, voyeurism, alcohol, marijuana, cigarettes, penetrative sex is the only “real” sex (Madeline tells Victor they haven’t “slept together” yet even though they have indeed had manual sex.)
*Romance Salon buddy read
April 17, 2021
I received an advance copy from the author for review purposes. This in no way influences my review; all words, thoughts, and opinions are my own.
Content notes available in front matter of book.
From the moment I heard about this book, I knew I needed to read it, and I’m so glad I was able to read it early! Madeline has been trying to make it in the writing scene in New York but when a friend tells her about Victor needing a companion, she moves in with him. While there she meets Audrey who works the land while Madeline was exploring the woods and Audrey was mushrooming. All three embark on a sweet polyamorous romance full of warmth and history.
Audrey and Victor have a history where they used to be together, but Victor’s anxieties and the strain of being in the city eventually put pressures on their relationship that resulted in them splitting up. With the arrival of Madeline, and her interest in both Audrey and Victor, they redevelop their relationship in a new way that works better for where they are now.
I really loved how sweet and soft this romance is. So much of it felt like walking through a sun-dappled forest path and I love the details. I also really love and appreciate how all three are trans, and while there’s mention of societal transmisia and queermisia, where they are they are able to be themselves safely and be together. In so many ways it felt like a warm hug, and all around I really enjoyed this book.
Content notes available in front matter of book.
From the moment I heard about this book, I knew I needed to read it, and I’m so glad I was able to read it early! Madeline has been trying to make it in the writing scene in New York but when a friend tells her about Victor needing a companion, she moves in with him. While there she meets Audrey who works the land while Madeline was exploring the woods and Audrey was mushrooming. All three embark on a sweet polyamorous romance full of warmth and history.
Audrey and Victor have a history where they used to be together, but Victor’s anxieties and the strain of being in the city eventually put pressures on their relationship that resulted in them splitting up. With the arrival of Madeline, and her interest in both Audrey and Victor, they redevelop their relationship in a new way that works better for where they are now.
I really loved how sweet and soft this romance is. So much of it felt like walking through a sun-dappled forest path and I love the details. I also really love and appreciate how all three are trans, and while there’s mention of societal transmisia and queermisia, where they are they are able to be themselves safely and be together. In so many ways it felt like a warm hug, and all around I really enjoyed this book.
August 24, 2024
Życzyłabym sobie, by ta opowieść była dłuższa – kolejne dziesiątki stron, na których relacja bohaterów się rozwija, gdzie ów leniwa historia o Nowym Jorku, ówczesnym świecie wydawniczym i queerowości płynie dłużej niż limity nowelki. Nie odbiera to jednak jej uroku, nie sprawia, że jest mniej miła czy przyjemna. Ottoman zwyczajnie pisze tak prosto, lecz pięknie, że nie chce opuszczać się tego starego wiktoriańskiego domu i sąsiadującej z nim farmy. Żal mi odcbodzić od tych bohaterów, choć wiem, że zawsze mogę do nich wrócić, a dzięki formule tej nowelki zawsze będzie wywoływać to samo ciepłe uczucie.
Poza tym całuję ziemię, po której stąpa Audrey 🛐🛐🛐
Poza tym całuję ziemię, po której stąpa Audrey 🛐🛐🛐
March 21, 2024
A cozy and sensual read ✨
This is a Queer poly romance with 2 trans women and 1 trans man. It’s set in 1940’s upstate NY in a cozy house, where our three characters end up living after leaving NYC for different reasons. Honestly? The plot isn’t that complex haha. You’re mainly here for some heart warming, cozy, and unexpectedly spicy, vibes. 🫶
P. S. Highly recommend the audiobook!
This is a Queer poly romance with 2 trans women and 1 trans man. It’s set in 1940’s upstate NY in a cozy house, where our three characters end up living after leaving NYC for different reasons. Honestly? The plot isn’t that complex haha. You’re mainly here for some heart warming, cozy, and unexpectedly spicy, vibes. 🫶
P. S. Highly recommend the audiobook!
May 9, 2025
cute but boring. rtc
⌗ 09/05/25 - pre read .ᐟ ౨ৎ
this seems like a super cute read so obviously im reading it!! i'm so so excited🥹🥹
⌗ 09/05/25 - pre read .ᐟ ౨ৎ
this seems like a super cute read so obviously im reading it!! i'm so so excited🥹🥹
November 29, 2025
This was not my cup of tea (shockingly, because it's a historical-quaint-trans-trouple-country-side tea). Wasn't a fan of the execution but can't bring myself to give it less than a 3 because lord knows we need more of these kind of queer stories, even if this one wasn't that great
December 12, 2022
I’d like to start off on a positive note. I really appreciated the representation for trans people as well as people in polyamorous relationships. I was looking for some variety and it was definitely found here.
In all honesty, I want to like this book. The writing is beautiful and truly transports you to the upstate New York farm life. The descriptions are well-written and gorgeous which I absolutely loved.
It’s a short historical romance and I was looking forward to exploring this genre. However, I found this book to be far too much of a slow-burn for my personal taste. In these 167 pages, I found that the real progress in the polyamory really only happened at the very end (definitely past page 120).
I’m not well versed in historical facts so I can’t speak much on that front. The clothes and food definitely seemed more old fashioned and so did some of the going-ons. I must say, these descriptions took up a lot of space in the book.
Now, this is a bit of a spicy book. I did, again, appreciate the way it was written. It seems everyone enjoyed themselves in a consensual manner and it was kept rather vanilla.
My only note here is that in the prologue it is mentioned that these three are all trans in a time where the words for this didn’t exist. While reading the book, I found that although knowing they were trans by reading it in the prologue, I was confused. In 2022, we have gender affirming surgical procedures available but in this book it is rather unclear as to if all of this exists. Insecurities are skimmed over and I’m not sure how accurate this was. All the scenes are kept rather vague so it’s unclear if they’ve taken hormones or made any surgical changes. Other than clothing and Madeline’s makeup, it’s never actually talked about and is simply put as an understanding between the main characters. Had I skipped the prologue, I think I would’ve missed the representation altogether.
*I can understand that writing it this way can be comforting for some. I do think it needed to be worked on a little more. Again, this is just my personal opinion.
On an unrelated note, the illness which Madeline suffers from is random and seems to not have been thought through very well and looks like perhaps an excuse for the mention of drugs.
The overall plot/storyline was rather linear without any big problems occurring. The potential for problems was there. Whether from the past relationship, Madeline’s back and forth between Victor and Audrey, or the problematic townsfolk who are mentioned more than once. I found this to be lacking in the story.
Lastly, I would’ve rated this book higher if it hadn’t been for the typos. Over 15 of them can be spotted throughout the book and it really takes away from the experience.
I wanted to enjoy this. I wanted to learn from it. Instead, I was left confused and dissatisfied. This book has potential. It really does. It might be worth a read for the representation and beautiful prose but, personally, I won’t be recommending this.
In all honesty, I want to like this book. The writing is beautiful and truly transports you to the upstate New York farm life. The descriptions are well-written and gorgeous which I absolutely loved.
It’s a short historical romance and I was looking forward to exploring this genre. However, I found this book to be far too much of a slow-burn for my personal taste. In these 167 pages, I found that the real progress in the polyamory really only happened at the very end (definitely past page 120).
I’m not well versed in historical facts so I can’t speak much on that front. The clothes and food definitely seemed more old fashioned and so did some of the going-ons. I must say, these descriptions took up a lot of space in the book.
Now, this is a bit of a spicy book. I did, again, appreciate the way it was written. It seems everyone enjoyed themselves in a consensual manner and it was kept rather vanilla.
My only note here is that in the prologue it is mentioned that these three are all trans in a time where the words for this didn’t exist. While reading the book, I found that although knowing they were trans by reading it in the prologue, I was confused. In 2022, we have gender affirming surgical procedures available but in this book it is rather unclear as to if all of this exists. Insecurities are skimmed over and I’m not sure how accurate this was. All the scenes are kept rather vague so it’s unclear if they’ve taken hormones or made any surgical changes. Other than clothing and Madeline’s makeup, it’s never actually talked about and is simply put as an understanding between the main characters. Had I skipped the prologue, I think I would’ve missed the representation altogether.
*I can understand that writing it this way can be comforting for some. I do think it needed to be worked on a little more. Again, this is just my personal opinion.
On an unrelated note, the illness which Madeline suffers from is random and seems to not have been thought through very well and looks like perhaps an excuse for the mention of drugs.
The overall plot/storyline was rather linear without any big problems occurring. The potential for problems was there. Whether from the past relationship, Madeline’s back and forth between Victor and Audrey, or the problematic townsfolk who are mentioned more than once. I found this to be lacking in the story.
Lastly, I would’ve rated this book higher if it hadn’t been for the typos. Over 15 of them can be spotted throughout the book and it really takes away from the experience.
I wanted to enjoy this. I wanted to learn from it. Instead, I was left confused and dissatisfied. This book has potential. It really does. It might be worth a read for the representation and beautiful prose but, personally, I won’t be recommending this.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
April 17, 2022
4.5*
"He paused, then said, 'And make her walk away safe at the end, all right?'
'Audrey said almost the same thing,' Madeline said. 'She said to make sure she was happy at the end.'
'Happy might be a bit more than you can expect from a horror novel,' Victor pointed out practically. 'But survives. We all deserve that much.'
'Yes. We do.'"
This was a lovely story of two transgender women and a transgender man finding a life of love together. It's a story about self-discovery and finding yourself, about the joy of finding people who love you for *you* and for loving yourself in return.
"He paused, then said, 'And make her walk away safe at the end, all right?'
'Audrey said almost the same thing,' Madeline said. 'She said to make sure she was happy at the end.'
'Happy might be a bit more than you can expect from a horror novel,' Victor pointed out practically. 'But survives. We all deserve that much.'
'Yes. We do.'"
This was a lovely story of two transgender women and a transgender man finding a life of love together. It's a story about self-discovery and finding yourself, about the joy of finding people who love you for *you* and for loving yourself in return.
August 20, 2024
THIS is how you write trans erotica. The most gender-affirming sex scenes I’ve read in… forever, probably? while also being very hot. The story itself is very sweet and the relationships all feel natural - I was honestly a bit doubtful initially because the book is quite short and it’s a poly romance so there’s more relationship-building to do than with just two characters, but it worked really well. Honestly, now I just feel sad that there isn’t more trans erotica or romance that takes this much care when it comes to language & dysphoria in sex scenes.
March 16, 2022
A polyam t4t romance about two trans women and a trans man finding belonging, healing, companionship, and a lot of sex together in a gorgeous cottagecore setting. Character-driven in a way that readers who prefer more dramatic romances will find frustrating, but ideal for those seeking a soothing read. It spoke directly to the part of me that wants to run away and live on a farm in the middle of nowhere.
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