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Kristy H (1252 KP) rated Hot Dog Girl in Books

Aug 20, 2020  
Hot Dog Girl
Hot Dog Girl
Jennifer Dugan | 2020 | LGBTQ+, Young Adult (YA)
8
8.0 (1 Ratings)
Book Rating
It took me a little while to get into this book, but once I did, I really enjoyed it. Lou's mom left when Lou was a kid and Magic Castle means the world to Lou--it's where her parents shared memories and then Lou later on. Its closing devastates her and she's shocked that the owner has no desire to save it. Coupled with her hopeless crush on Nick, Lou is a pool of self-pity in the beginning of the book and, truly, a bit of a downer. (Although, seriously, I wouldn't want to wear a giant hot dog costume at a roasting hot theme park either, so she has me there.)

But once you get into the rhythm of Lou, this is a fun and really lovely book. There's great queer representation, between Lou's lesbian best friend, Seeley and Lou herself, who is bi. Seeley has recently broken up with her girlfriend, so Lou is also determined to set her up (sometimes with disastrous consequences). Setting a book at an amusement park is great. I love theme parks and while this was just a small town place, it was an enjoyable and fun location to read about, especially when it involved a group of teens.

Dugan captures teens really well, too. Lou, Seeley, Nick, his girlfriend--they all jump off the page. They seem real, and I enjoy that they seemed like actual teens. Not disaffected teens, not rich boarding school teens trying to hide a body, but honest teens whom you would actually meet and be friends with.

There were pages where I found myself laughing out loud. As a bi person, I loved having characters I could empathize with and relate to--this book is sweet and heartwarming. Lou's journey (and Seeley's) is great and makes for an excellent read.

Overall, this is a lovely, touching and also humorous read about love, friendship, and teens growing up. 4 stars.
  
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Merissa (14218 KP) rated Unveiled (Monarchs of Magic #1) in Books

Sep 30, 2026  
Unveiled (Monarchs of Magic #1)
Unveiled (Monarchs of Magic #1)
Susan Mac Nicol | 2026 | LGBTQ+, Paranormal, Romance
7
7.0 (1 Ratings)
Book Rating
UNVEILED is the first book in the Monarchs of Magic series, set in the Scottish Highlands. Connor is King of his pack, with roots deep in the Scottish soil. Adrian, on the other hand, has inherited his pack and comes from France. When a whole village turns up overnight on Connor's land, they have to work together to find out just what is going on.

I am so glad Brigadoon was mentioned in here! It's what sprung to my mind as soon as I read the blurb, and it only got stronger as I got into the story. The village is full of amazing characters that I can't wait to learn more about. However, for me, that came at the expense of the packs, the land, and where they lived. It never felt very clear to me just what their lodgings looked like. I know one was a castle and the other wasn't, but we only get a paragraph or so describing them. I also found the characters of the packs almost interchangeable and had to consciously think about who was whom and which pack they belonged to when they were speaking.

Connor and Adrian are both announced as protectors, dual guardians, but Connor spends most of his time protecting Adrian. The Veil and the Council were intriguing, but you don't learn that much about them here. That just means that I'm looking forward to reading more about them in future books.

This is a fast-paced story that just doesn't stop, so hold onto your hats! This is a great new world that I am invested in, and can't wait to see what comes next. 3.5 very good stars, rounded up to 4 where necessary.

** The same worded review will appear elsewhere. **

* A copy of this book was provided to me with no requirements for a review. I voluntarily read this book; the comments here are my honest opinion. *

Merissa
Archaeolibrarian
Sep 29, 2026