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.

A lush and rich period fantasy with fantastic worldbuilding, excellent characters, and an intriguing story that made it impossible to put down! I do have to admit that the explicit sex scenes were not to my taste, given that I'm not a fan of erotica in general, but they were easy enough to move past and did not significantly hamper my enjoyment of the story. Thank you to NetGalley and Victory Editing for a free ARC in exchange for an honest review!

A very fun, very queer historical fantasy piece. Set in New York City at the end of the nineteenth century, Coup de Coeur follows three men as their paths intersect with each others' and with a dangerous magical artifact. Calix is a reluctant earl who immigrated back to the US as soon as he could and is trapped in a less-than-healthy relationship with his best friend and sometimes lover, Lawton. He's also dealing with the fact that he's an Oracle, someone who can see the future, among other skills, like his mother was, and it was that gift that ultimately killed her. Ethaniel is a patterner, a magical tailor caring for his terminally ill uncle and trying to keep his shop running. Aubrey is a museum curator descended from a long line of healers, but the gift of healing skipped him and instead he's much better with artifacts, much to his family's immense disappointment. When Lawton buys some suspicious books that everyone seems to want, he pulls Calix into a larger issue, who then accidentally drags Ethaniel into it, and then they on purpose bring Aubrey into it, a matter a little more complicated by the fact that Aubrey and Ethaniel recently had an ugly breakup. But they'll have to learn to work together if they're going to keep a dangerous artifact out of more dangerous hands, and more importantly, protect a book.
The magic system was very fun (I'm down for any magic system that includes embroidery). The characters and their dynamic was good. Their relationship was great and well-balanced and now I will have to wait a whole year for the sequel.

Thank you to NetGalley and the publishers for this ARC in exchange for my honest review!!

I’m obsessed with queer historical stories. Especially fantasy ones. This one was amazing! I appreciated the beginning where it explains all the characters and the settings. The world is gripping and the characters are lovable. I am very interested in this series and will be reading more from this author!!

How does one rate perfection? because this is exactly what this book is

I already decided it's going to be 5 stars from the author's note at the beginning

30% in, I stalked the author and followed them on all their social media

50% in I ordered the book box out of Etsy

I have read EVERY. SINGLE. WORD because it was euphoric.

Exagerating??? no I am not

This is a book for the ones who crave art in words

who visualize while reading

who enjoy the aesthetic character creation and perceptive setting importance

and of course, who love to read diversly.

⚜Genre: Low fantasy

⚜Theme: Urban/Historical romance fantasy

⚜Targeted audience: New Adult/ Adult

⚜Characters: humans with magical abilities: Aubrey, Ethaniel, Calix, Lawton

⚜Representation: POC, MM, Polyamorous

⚜TW: Profanity, Violence, Sex, and Suicide

⚜ tropes: second chance, friends to lovers, medium-burn, one bed

⚜ POV: multiple third person

⚜ spice 🌶🌶 hot but subtle

⚜ rating 🌟🌟🌟🌟🌟🌟🌟🌟🌟🌟can I give it more?

⚜standalone: no, first in the series

⚜Ending: cliffhanger

Set against the backdrop of an alternate 1899 New York City, where enchantments and sorcery are as ordinary as carriages and gas lamps, "Coup de Coeur" weaves a tale of four men bound by destiny to a mysterious and possibly conscious grimoire. As the book triggers a chain of events in this queer historical fantasy romance, it stirs a whirlwind of emotions—magic intertwines with passion, longing mingles with apprehension, and peril shadows their every step. Pursued by the clandestine Golden Order, determined to reclaim the grimoire, the trio, followed by the fourth, must navigate a labyrinth of love and danger, leading them to flee the city. Their journey is not just a flight from danger, but a quest to untangle their complex feelings amidst the chaos. "Coup de Coeur" is not only a nod to the vibrant queer history of New York City but also a homage to its rich artistic heritage.

The magic system is subtle yet somehow unique. I don't think I've read anywhere where tailoring has been used as a magical power. Aubrey also possesses the power to heal, but not humans, rather inanimate objects.

The bond between the characters develops at a rhythm that seamlessly unites all elements of the story. Comprising two duos, each pair shares a deep and personal connection. As their paths converge, their romance blossoms with elegance and grace. This measured progression ensures that every aspect of their relationships is explored, culminating in a romance that is both respectful and beautifully portrayed.

With a masterful description, the setting of the book plays a crucial part in bringing out the story. I urge you to read through the author's note as intensive historical research of the time and place has been done. But what truly captivated me was the intricate depiction of the attire. The elaborate details bestowed upon each character's clothing brought out their unique essence and style, endowing them with an unmistakable flair that distinguished them in the narrative. This attention to sartorial detail not only defined the characters but also enriched the tapestry of the story's world.

However, if you made me choose one thing that truly captivated me the entirety of my reading, it would have to be the writing style. Such beautiful wording and description! I was absolutely enchanted

"Elation was a slow burn of champagne fizz in his veins, but it was tampered with caution."

"As if someone had tied wings to his back and watched him learn to soar moments before he'd turned into Icarus."

"Ethaniel had called him a torch. Warm and safe, golden and glowing. That comment had lit Aubrey up from the inside and did to this day. For so long he'd been a lighthouse. A warning about magic mutating in families. A warning about being different and difficult. Would Claix see a lighthouse or a torch?"

One more thing, I rarely if ever see authors including their editor and cover art designers with their names on the book. So bravo to that, and what a gorgeous cover and amazing editing they are.

I wish I could write more on the magnificence of this book. I am honored that the author considered me for the ARC. I am forever a fan and cannot wait for the sequel.