A bit of a slow start, and I felt like the world building was a little messy. But a cute queer book overall.

Good Lord I'm glad I read this. Once I started I couldn't put it down, literally stood next to the cooker with my kindle stirring a stir-fry!!!

It's phenomenal. The characters, the world building - it's off the scale!

The characters are phenomenal and you can literally feel their connections to each other, it made me go a bit soft if I'm honest and that doesn't happen often!!

I loved this, really loved it - the only thing I didn't love was a cliff-hanger!!! But my GOD what a cliff-hanger it is!!!! Next book ASAP please

This was such a delight!! I’m an avid fan of both historical fantasy and queer romance, so needless to say this was right up my alley. Plus I’d heard it was perfect for fans of A Marvelllous Light, which I’d definitely agree with!

Coup de Couer follows the story of three men who find themselves wrapped up in a bit of a mess involving a secret magical society, a sentient book, and the complications of romance amidst peril. I adored Aubrey, Ethaniel and Calix individually as well as together, and really enjoyed their dynamic as they learned to trust and care for each other. The atmosphere was thick with magic and history and it was evident how much research and care the author put into portraying the queer culture of New York at the turn of the 20th century. I was riveted until the very end and needless to say- I need the sequel immediately!

I wanted to like this book a lot more than I did. Magic, historical romance, diverse characters, what's not to like? Well, I started getting turned off in the author's notes, where it said they'd set the story in New York "and not somewhere like London" so as to allow for that diversity. Um. Huh??? Adding insult to injury, having finished the book, I couldn't tell you which of the MCs was supposed to be Black without going back and looking at the list provided by the author—it didn't seem to play out in terms of the character's lived experience. And that character is also genderqueer? I'm not sure where that was on the page.

Leaving representation aside, I found the whole story hard to follow. Some sentences were utterly incomprehensible, and even when that wasn't an issue, I just... didn't care. I didn't much like most of the characters (including the MCs), I couldn't follow the magical system, I... would have thrown the whole thing in at about 25% if I hadn't felt I should keep going to provide a review and in hopes it would improve. Spoiler: It didn't.

I see that other people enjoyed the book, and I'm happy for them. I wish I'd read the book they did.

Thank you to NetGalley and Halli Starling for the eARC.

A historical MMM romance in a world with magic? I could not have requested the ARC quicker!

I loved the choice for the setting of this story, you could tell how much research and care were behind it. I was also very intrigued by the magic system and how magic manifested differently in our main characters. I was at times a little confused by how exactly the patterns worked, but the way the use of magic was described so vividly still made the magic a favorite part of mine.

The setup in the first part of the book is done really well, and I was quickly interested in the characters (with their different backgrounds, past and current struggles) and where the story would take them.

Unfortunately, I was then rather surprised that it was the characters and the romance that I struggled with, which was rather disappointing as this was what I most anticipated when picking the book up. My main gripe was that the romance went way way too fast. We’re talking about I-would-do-anything-for-them style of thoughts after about a day of properly knowing each other. While I did enjoy their flirting (and boosting Calix’s confidence!), it all got very romantic very fast, which just did not work for me personally. I was expecting something thrilling, complex, messy and interesting in regards to the romantic and sexual relationship between the three main characters, but was ultimately left rather bored. I also think the pacing and the plot, which I think had good potential if it had been polished a bit more, suffered from it. Hopefully, the sequel touches more upon the magic and the backgrounds of the characters, as I believe that there is more that can be explored there as well.

If you like a fast romance that is more sweet than complex and takes place in a historical setting with interesting magic, then I think you would have a really good time with this book.

From the moment I started reading this book, I was immediately transported to 19th century New York, the descriptive style made me feel I was there following Calix (Oracle), Ethaniel(Tailor) and Aubrey(Curator).
This story kept my attention from page one. Calix whilst an Earl never once flaunted his nobility, he was the jam in the jam sandwich, Ethaniel was a care giver, had a heart of gold and Aubrey whilst he came across at times as cold, he was passionate. Each had a different magic to bring to the story and I really enjoyed reading how Ethaniel weaved his magic with his trade.
This was a story about the characters finding each other and the start of beautiful romance. There was also the good vs evil, with them coming up against the Golden Order and the times when they were confronted was exciting. Before I knew it I had finished the book and one thing a cliffhanger, I was not expecting that. I've got questions on the Golden Order, What is their end game? What does the book do?
I cant believe I have to wait to find out so I am off to follow this new to me author so I do not miss out. An excellent read

Special thank you to Halli Starling and NetGalley for providing me with this eARC in exchange for an honest review.

Happy publication day to this wonderful book! I want to give some of my thoughts now. A more detailed review will be posted to Goodreads on 05/31 after I get a chance to write.

I did not know Halli Starling self-published this. The quality was amazing. I loved the author’s note at the beginning detailing her research into the time period and liberties she had taken for a fantasy story. You can tell while reading that she had put a lot of care into crafting this novel. The main thing I want to gush about though are of course, the characters. Oh they had such personalities and dynamics lol. Right off the bat, I was invested in Calix and Lawton’s characters. Based on the cover and description, I was honestly expecting something more YA-ish. Or for the characters to be early twenties at the oldest. But pleasantly surprised that this is just Adult, the characters are like 30, and we are not confined to certain topics.

I’m not sure how the official ebook is coming along, but I feel like the Kindle formatting for the eARC was too hard to read with the dark pages. Kindle settings did not help. I had to switch back and forth from Kindle and NetGalley app while reading.

This book is fascinatingly unique, incredibly well-developed, intensely funny, and extremely gay. What more could you want?

The three main characters will tug at your heartstrings. The relationship between them is so sweet and impossible not to like. The mystery at the heart of it all makes this book difficult to put down.

I'm already so unhappy that I have to wait for book two.

Are you looking for a magical mystery/drama in a historical setting, with a queer and polyamorous romance, and a possibly sentient grimoire? Well, look no further, friend.

Coup de Coeur is a story crafted with care; it’s evident the author has put effort and love into it, which has resulted in a pleasant concoction of a book. The two main components are the relationships and the magic mystery/drama, and while I think these were both well executed, I (as a lover of characters and their relationships) did not care all that much about the mystery/drama aspect–which in this instance is what drives the plot forward.

Unfortunately, I believed the story was a stand-alone while reading it, which naturally resulted in me finding the romance just a little bit lacking. I assume there will be a sequel, and I’m intrigued to see the characters and their connections evolve!

This Victorian-era fantasy/adventure/romance was quite enjoyable to read. This first book in the series sets us up for even more excitement in book 2.

I loved Ethaniel’s character, and the way he uses his magic as a tailor, to put different magical patterns (spells) within the pieces he makes. He certainly didn’t know what kind of adventure he was about to be swept up in.

The use of magic in this book, and the way different characters possess different types of magic, was refreshing to read. It really helps bring out the uniqueness of each character.

So many magic stories I read seem to be set in the U.K. or elsewhere in Europe, so having this one set in New York was refreshing!

As for the romance in the book, it was nicely done. Expect a polyamorous relationship by the end, in case that isn’t your thing.

I picked up Coup de Coeur for a mental break from darker books. I enjoyed the playful and steamy flirtation among Aubrey, Ethaniel, and Calix. Starling is great at writing pining! I also found the descriptive language of color and texture immersive.

I didn't feel as satisfied by the plot. Ethaniel and Aubrey have history, but I was surprised by Calix's sudden infatuation with these near-strangers. I also found it jarring when the plot pauses for bonding scenes. This gave me the impression that the romance comes at the expense of the story.

I like Aubrey, Ethaniel, and Calix. I'd just be more invested if their relationship were more grounded within the plot.

Thank you for the chance to read this ARC for free. I'm leaving this review of my own accord.

Queer romantasy is one of my favorite genres at the moment and I love discovering new ones. Coup de Coeur by Halli Starling is a new Achillean (and polyamorous) fantasy romance that is also a fun historical mystery that I think is an exciting addition to the genre!

Coup de Coeur is set in the late 1800s in New York City. There are four main characters: Calix, Ethaniel, Aubrey, and Lawton. The four characters get caught up in a mystery involving a magical book and their relationships are greatly affected in the ensuing drama. While Calix, Ethaniel, and Aubrey work together and grow closer. Lawton searches for the three and the book and his long-time but complicated relationship with Calix may finally be pushed past its breaking point.

The Plot
The plot of Coup de Coeur is interesting (I love books about magical books) but I found the pacing to be slightly slow for the first half of the book. The story takes place in 1899 New York City and the author clearly took great care in researching the city at the time (and how queer people lived in the era). Those details add a lot to the worldbuilding, but occasionally, some of those feel shoehorned in and disrupt the plot's momentum. Thankfully, once you hit the 50% mark, the story picks up speed and I found the second half to be paced nicely.

The Characters
Calix, Ethaniel, and Aubrey are interesting and likable characters and l found myself quickly rooting for the three. Lawton is also an interesting and complicated character.

The Relationships
The relationship between Calix, Ethaniel, and Aubrey really became the "star of the show" for me. It's a slow burn but I greatly enjoyed the individual relationships between the three and the main relationship between them as a new throuple.

When the book starts, we learn that Ethaniel and Aubrey have feelings for each other but have recently had a falling out. Calix meets Aubrey and there's a spark between them. Calix and Ethaniel also have a sweet dynamic
.

There's a lot to like about Coup de Coeur. I especially appreciate all the representation in the book and I like the three main characters. The ending sets up a future sequel with an exciting cliffhanger that left me excited to see what the future holds for Calix, Ethaniel, and Aubrey.

A historical romance with magic and it's queer? This book had me at the description.

We start with Calix, who tends to let his old friend Lawton lead him into both good time and trouble. When Lawton entangles himself with the wrong people Calix is left literally holding the bag, which contains a mysterious magical book.

Calix, who seeks help from his tailor/crush Ethaniel, who is a talent magical tailor. Ethaniel then engages the help of his old friend/lover Aubrey, whose an expert in magical objects.

The three of them bond quickly as they attempt to discover the books secrets while being perused by a secret society called The Golden Order. The magical book may contain more power than any one person should have.

So, there's a lot happening in this story and a lot to cover. I love how everyone has their type of magic and how it works in this world. Calix, Ethaniel and Aubrey are all such different, well rounded characters. The three work on managing how to escape with their passion for each other.

The book was exciting and kept me on my toes. The world is interesting and the characters engaging. I will say I had no idea it would end in such a massive cliffhanger! Can't wait for book 2. If you love romance, magic and adventure I recommend this book.

Thanks you NetGalley and Victory Editing for the ARC in exchange for an honest review.

Halli Starling writes a strong story and I enjoyed this as a opening chapter in this series. It had that element that I was looking for and enjoyed the historical feel that I was hoping for. I enjoyed the romance element and thought the use of New York worked well in this story. I enjoyed the fantasy element and how all of the elements worked well overall. I can't wait for more with the Oracle, Tailor, Curator series.

The best way I can describe Coup de Coeur is a queer late 19th century serial drama. There is a beginning and a middle, but the ending feels far down the road. Although Goodreads doesn't indicate it, Coup de Coeur must be the first in a series given where the characters land on the last page, but even if there was a more closed ending, the book would still feel as if it ended on the denouement.

The meandering structure of Coup de Coeur isn't necessarily a bad thing if you are fond of serial dramas. The book is more of a character study than rooted in action, which all good serial dramas should be. The action is there to push the characters rather than the characters moving the story along. Although there are harrowing moments in the book, the rising action never feels like it gets too high and there is no one real climax (or if there is, I failed to spot it). As such, the resolution simply comes without much warning.

Coup de Coeur follows Calix, a British Earl transplanted in New York City along with his childhood friend Lawton. Lawton is that friend that makes you feel needed when it suits him, but otherwise takes without giving much in return. They exist in a world where magic is real, but not all possess it. The magic system is unique, but I admit it confused me. Only towards the end of the book was I able to actually imagine what is happening when someone uses magic. This didn't ruin the story for me--you can be confused about the magic system and still enjoy the book. Anyway, Calix has premonitions; Lawton has no magic.

Calix's life is upended when he's dragged along on one of Lawton's schemes and then sent running when it goes bad, with a magical book that speaks to him in his head. Through a series of events, he teams up with Ethaniel, who I think creates and sees magical patterns and puts them on clothing or objects (again, I was a little confused), and Ethaniel's ex, Aubrey, a curator who has the ability to fix magical objects. They need to figure out what this book is and why some very dangerous people are after it--people that Lawton appears to be involved with.

It was at the point where the plot began to develop that I realized this book was more about its characters than the action. We get four points of view--Calix, Lawton, Ethaniel and Aubrey. As the reader, we are hearing all the thoughts in these characters' heads, and I really wanted for Calix, Ethaniel and Aubrey's voices to be better differentiated. Because Lawton is the most obviously flawed character, his was the most clearly defined voice. We are told that Aubrey is serious and Ethaniel is creative and Calix is shy with self-doubt, but I would have liked those attributes to be better distinguished in their own thoughts. Out of the three, Calix's voice was probably the best defined, but only because thoughts of self-doubt are easier to spot.

One of my least favorite aspects of sitting inside Calix's, Aubrey's and Ethaniel's heads actually surprised me given that I like romance: I got tired of them thinking about each other. There is a romantic subplot between the three of them woven throughout the story, and they all have intrusively romantic thoughts about each other constantly, even in moments where their lives are in danger. All of the romantic thoughts are selfless, giving, loving and starry-eyed. Not a selfish thought anywhere to be found, and I actually wanted these characters to have more conflicted thoughts about each other because it was all just too romantic all the time. That probably will appeal to a lot of people. I just wanted these characters to be more flawed; more real. I also wanted to slap them upside their heads more than once because *now is not the time for that*.

Ultimately, though, Coup de Coeur is a unique tale that will appeal to readers who love (not just like) romance, and enjoy a good serial drama.

*Thank you to the author and NetGalley for providing an e-arc of this book in exchange for an honest review.*

Ethaniel is a magic tailor, able to imbue clothing with enchantments. Museum curator Audrey and Ethaniel used to be lovers, but are now on the outs. That changes when Calix comes barging into their lives, carrying an unusual artifact that is being hunted down to great expense by a secret magic society.

This was so much fun. The thrilling mystery of what’s going on mixed with a great poly m/m/m storyline, it all was a fantastic combination that works really well. I started reading this and found it super immersive and hard to put down. It ends spectacularly, in a way that both conclusively ends this book and gives hints to the next book. I’m super looking forward to where this series goes!

Thanks to Halli Starling and NetGalley for a copy of this ebook in exchange for an honest review.

Thank you to the author, NetGalley and the publisher for the chance to read this book in exchange for an honest review.#CoupdeCoeur #NetGalley

Coup de Coeur is a great, very queer historical fantasy, set in the end of the nineteenth century New York. The story follows the life of three men, who are all interesting characters on their own, but their chemistry makes them even greater. There is mystery, action, romance in the story, I really enjoyed the world building and the interesting magic system! I hope it will get a sequel, because there was so much more that I would have loved to read about.

I would recommend it to queer historical fantasy fans!

This book had two things that really worked for me: well-drawn characters and an interesting magic system. There’s a nice plot there, too, though I think the pacing is a bit on the slow side, especially in the early parts of the book where time is spent introducing each of the three main characters, their place in life, and how they know one another, but it’s only when the mystery of the book is introduced that I felt the story actually got going.

Calix is sweet, kind, and mostly comfortable in his current life at the beck and call of his lover, Lawton, aware he’s being used but turning a blind eye to it for the comfort of having someone in his life; Ethaniel pours himself into his work in order to avoid thinking about his recent parting from his lover, Aubrey, and his uncle slowly fading away. Aubrey is grimly working with his own brand of magic, missing Ethaniel but uncertain how to — or if he ought to — make peace with Ethaniel. When Calix and his mysterious book bring the two of them together, it ends up with the three of them realizing how much they have in common.

One, they’re all gay in a world that doesn’t approve of such things. Two, they’re all three magic users in a world which holds magicians only slightly above queer people. Three, not one of them want to see this book fall into the wrong hands.And, of course, four … they’re all very attracted to one another. Aubrey is black and Ethaniel is of Spanish descent while Calix is the white man, titled, rich, and while completely oblivious to his own privilege, but race isn’t really a factor in the book or — if it is — not as much as being queer.

It’s a delicate balance to make a polyamorous couple without leaving one of the characters on the wayside, but the three of them work very well. Calix is uncertain of his place, coming into an established couple, but eager to love and be loved, and delighting in how much Aubrey and Ethaniel adore one another. Aubrey loves Ethaniel, loves how the other man rises to challenge him and learns to love Calix’s more yielding personality. Ethaniel is often reactionary, trusting Aubrey to take the lead and preferring to take care of others; his love language seems to be acts of service, and he all but swoons when Calix tries to take care of him.

They work as characters, feeling full realized and their interactions with one another feel natural. The romance builds nicely with no immediate rush into love — for all that they are very obviously all physically attracted to one another. I enjoyed how they worked off one another, both as individuals, as pairs, and as a whole trio.

The magic system is hinted at, and slowly explained as the story goes on. Ethaniel sees magic, and — like copying a sewing pattern or a crochet pattern — is able to replicate someone else’s spells. Magic and how it’s used, the devices that contain it, the wards and spells that are shaped by it are everywhere, but almost never in exposition or info dumps. Instead it’s necessary tools, plot points, or incidental world building, and was deftly showcased. I cannot wait for the second book to come out.

Reviews on Goodreads and Storygraph going live on 5/12 and will do Tik Tok review at pub date

This book was the definition of mid. I didn't hate it but there was definitely room for improvement.

I thought that the setting and time period were great choices. Queer friendly areas of NYC at the turn of the 20th century and there's magic?! Sign me up! Unfortunately, the world and the magic system were not developed to the point where everything felt so superficial. I think there was far too much time building the polyamorous relationship between our three main characters and pretty much everything else suffered for it.

First and foremost, what is the magic system and how does it work? I know that it vaguely involves patterns but beyond that I have no idea. Starling doesn't seem like she has any idea either and I'm wondering if she gave it any real thought. Secondly, important pieces of the plot were not established appropriately and felt tacked on. The biggest example would be the the head of the Golden Order and how they are related to our main trio. The second biggest example would be Calix's mother. Her struggles with magic and her death have obviously left a huge mark on Calix but barely any time is spent on why. (And this obviously hurts the ending.)

I also personally don't think there was enough action to fill this entire book. Scenes could have been cut and probably merged with the next book for a better paced story.

I am willing to give this 3 stars as I do love our three main characters. Their budding polyamorous relationship was very sweet and the vibes of the world were there. I just think this story needed more beta reading and editing to give it more dimension.

Thank you to NetGalley & the author for the ARC!

I enjoyed the worldbuilding in this, and found it to be very interesting! I liked the characters we met, and thought the relationships between all of them felt very natural.

But for whatever reason I really struggled with reading/keeping my attention on this book. I pushed through it, but it didn’t grab me immediately which I think caused this. I will definitely be circling back to reread this when it’s published however, as I enjoyed reading it towards the end, and I love the low fantasy, queer poly rep, and all the tropes!

I highly recommend this for people who like low fantasy historical novels with lovely queer rep, the comparisons to Freya Marske are accurate! If you love Marske, you will love this book.