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No Strings on Her
Puppeteer Beatrice Snowdrop is well used to chatty dolls with attitude. Fortunately, headmistressy Miss Beatti knows how to discipline naughty toys. And how!
A failed relationship forces Beatti to shut up shop and hunker down for winter. The days become lonely and cold. She misses crafting dolls, but she isn’t going to make another puppet or date another woman. Definitely not!
Come springtime, old flame Evie Fine offers a cash prize for the best Easter doll. Beatti wonders if her ex wants to lure her back to the toy business or if she seeks to rekindle their relationship. Either way, temptation is difficult to resist and Beatti eventually crafts a new doll.
Pokio ... Oh, Pokio, a feisty doll with cheek aplenty. She insults Beatti from the get-go and proves to be more than a handful. Worse, Pokio can read her mistress’s innermost thoughts, and can spot a fib a mile away.
Quite soon the strings controlling Pokio are abandoned. It’s Miss Beatti who does as she’s told and Pokio who calls the shots. Switching roles is fun! They forget every rule of doll making and instead notice each other as women.
Pokio develops into a loving, thoughtful doll who adores her mistress. Exactly what Beatti needs. It’s only natural and right when affection blossoms like the spring flowers.
A kiss is shared, an ancient spell released. Can a doll become a real woman? What does real even mean?
A failed relationship forces Beatti to shut up shop and hunker down for winter. The days become lonely and cold. She misses crafting dolls, but she isn’t going to make another puppet or date another woman. Definitely not!
Come springtime, old flame Evie Fine offers a cash prize for the best Easter doll. Beatti wonders if her ex wants to lure her back to the toy business or if she seeks to rekindle their relationship. Either way, temptation is difficult to resist and Beatti eventually crafts a new doll.
Pokio ... Oh, Pokio, a feisty doll with cheek aplenty. She insults Beatti from the get-go and proves to be more than a handful. Worse, Pokio can read her mistress’s innermost thoughts, and can spot a fib a mile away.
Quite soon the strings controlling Pokio are abandoned. It’s Miss Beatti who does as she’s told and Pokio who calls the shots. Switching roles is fun! They forget every rule of doll making and instead notice each other as women.
Pokio develops into a loving, thoughtful doll who adores her mistress. Exactly what Beatti needs. It’s only natural and right when affection blossoms like the spring flowers.
A kiss is shared, an ancient spell released. Can a doll become a real woman? What does real even mean?
- GenresRomance
101 pages, Kindle Edition
First published April 8, 2023
54 people want to read
About the author
Eule Grey
26 books73 followersEule Grey has settled, for now, in the north UK. She’s worked in education, justice, youth work, and even spread the butter in a sandwich factory.
Eule writes LGBTQI books with the characters she’s been seeking since childhood: neurodivergent villains, characters with mental health issues, conflicted thoughts, and a craving for cupcakes. Best of all, Eule adores writing romantic stories, often with a dash of the paranormal.
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Displaying 1 - 16 of 16 reviews
April 17, 2023
Such a unique story. I don't think I have ever read something like this. I’ve only read two of Eule Grey’s books, and she delivers more than the blurb could reveal! The story itself has many quirks and depths, as well as the two main characters...and the twist at the end!
I really enjoy it. From now on, I will put all of her sapphic book to my reading list!
I received an advance review copy for free, and I am leaving this review voluntarily.
I really enjoy it. From now on, I will put all of her sapphic book to my reading list!
I received an advance review copy for free, and I am leaving this review voluntarily.
April 11, 2023
Like all Grey stuff it's been so well written and makes you think. Super sweet story, also funny. I was mezmerized by the puppets and would like to know more about this world please. Very pleased that Evie also gets her day. Hot in a cute way
April 15, 2023
At first I was skeptical because puppets/dolls aren’t really my thing but I’m really into queer romance so I thought I’d give it a shot and asked to be an ARC reviewer. The characterization of the dolls as sentient and sexual was strange at first but when thinking about this book as a magical surrealist commentary on platonic, romantic, and self love, it started to make more sense as an art piece. I appreciated how much thought the author put into the rules of magic within the novel, especially given the challenges of world building in such a short work.
There is something really satisfying about the character development. Many of us know the feeling of losing ourselves in the person we’re dating and having to find ourselves again after. The depiction of that in the book is very accurate and emotional in a good way. The length does stop too much character development from happening and it does feel like sometimes the transitions between scenes are a little abrupt and the relationships aren’t as fleshed out as they could be. However, watching Pokio become a real person is very rewarding and the sex scene was well written.
It’s a cute novella and certainly a feel good story once you get past the “doll” part of things. I’m glad I read it and I appreciate the addition of a magical lesbian romance to queer literature.
I received an advance review copy for free, and I am leaving this review voluntarily.
There is something really satisfying about the character development. Many of us know the feeling of losing ourselves in the person we’re dating and having to find ourselves again after. The depiction of that in the book is very accurate and emotional in a good way. The length does stop too much character development from happening and it does feel like sometimes the transitions between scenes are a little abrupt and the relationships aren’t as fleshed out as they could be. However, watching Pokio become a real person is very rewarding and the sex scene was well written.
It’s a cute novella and certainly a feel good story once you get past the “doll” part of things. I’m glad I read it and I appreciate the addition of a magical lesbian romance to queer literature.
I received an advance review copy for free, and I am leaving this review voluntarily.
April 26, 2023
This was a wonderful quirky novella about dolls coming to life as they were carved enough to have personalities then if the right circumstances came about could become fully alive. The humour was fantastic. The initial conversations with the wood beam were hilarious.
Deep seated behind the words were the belief that we should love who we are and not let anyone knock us down alongside the fact that trees are living things and therefore deserve to be treated with reverence.
I received an advance review copy for free, and I am leaving this review voluntarily.
Deep seated behind the words were the belief that we should love who we are and not let anyone knock us down alongside the fact that trees are living things and therefore deserve to be treated with reverence.
I received an advance review copy for free, and I am leaving this review voluntarily.
April 27, 2023
I received an advance review copy for free, and I am leaving this review voluntarily.
This book had a very different plot about dolls and dollmakers in a fictitious land called Kinder. I found the description of how the dolls were made from wood a little difficult to understand not having a creative streak. However, I did find the story compelling, if you are looking for a sapphic story different from the norm this would be the one to read.
This book had a very different plot about dolls and dollmakers in a fictitious land called Kinder. I found the description of how the dolls were made from wood a little difficult to understand not having a creative streak. However, I did find the story compelling, if you are looking for a sapphic story different from the norm this would be the one to read.
April 12, 2023
Beautiful and weird. Everyone needs a best friend like Pokio.
April 27, 2023
A copy of the book was provided to Sapphic Book Club in exchange for an honest review.
What an interesting book. This story is a take on Pinocchio, which is not my favorite. I, actually, don't think I have ever finished the movie or story. Either way, this was very interesting. The story follows Beatrice, a puppeteer who no longer makes puppets because of a broken heart. Her friend ends up convincing Beatti to enter into a puppet making contest to get her back into living her life. Here is where Pokio enters, to liven up Beatti's life.
It took me a couple of chapters to get into the story but once I did, I really enjoyed. I am glad that I read a few other reviews beforehand. They mentioned that this story takes place in a fascinating world where the dolls can talk. It is a really captivating world, but if I hadn't know that before I started reading, I would have spent a large chunk of this novella trying to figure out if Beatti was having a mental breakdown or if the descriptions of the dolls were hyperbole. But since I knew that from the get go, I was able to just enjoy the ride.
With this being a novella, the story is kept tight and on the lighter whimsical side. There is a look at what makes someone who they are, but it doesn't dive as deep as it could. I think this worked well with keeping everything feeling whimsical and lighter.
All in all, I was surprised with how much I ended up enjoying this novella. The world is very interesting and I would love to know more. I would recommend this book to those who are looking for magical realism short stories.
What an interesting book. This story is a take on Pinocchio, which is not my favorite. I, actually, don't think I have ever finished the movie or story. Either way, this was very interesting. The story follows Beatrice, a puppeteer who no longer makes puppets because of a broken heart. Her friend ends up convincing Beatti to enter into a puppet making contest to get her back into living her life. Here is where Pokio enters, to liven up Beatti's life.
It took me a couple of chapters to get into the story but once I did, I really enjoyed. I am glad that I read a few other reviews beforehand. They mentioned that this story takes place in a fascinating world where the dolls can talk. It is a really captivating world, but if I hadn't know that before I started reading, I would have spent a large chunk of this novella trying to figure out if Beatti was having a mental breakdown or if the descriptions of the dolls were hyperbole. But since I knew that from the get go, I was able to just enjoy the ride.
With this being a novella, the story is kept tight and on the lighter whimsical side. There is a look at what makes someone who they are, but it doesn't dive as deep as it could. I think this worked well with keeping everything feeling whimsical and lighter.
All in all, I was surprised with how much I ended up enjoying this novella. The world is very interesting and I would love to know more. I would recommend this book to those who are looking for magical realism short stories.
April 15, 2023
I was given this book complimentary from Book Sirens in e-book form in return for my honest review. Everything stated in this review is of my own opinion and I was not compensated monetarily for providing this review.
I have reviewed a number of ARC copies for Book Sirens now and this is the first five star rating I have given and I am real pleased that it is for a novella by Eule Grey. The previous books by her have all been four star, that is to say - wonderful...but this one is wonderful...period. I feel that Eule Grey is getting into her stride now as an author and I am really looking forward to see what the future brings.
This work is a fairy tale retelling (yes, in my opinion Pinocchio is a fairy tale, if it walks like a duck etc.) and it is well written and paced to perfection. The world almost reminds me of Seanan McGuire -I would be willing to bet Eule Grey is a fan.
This is how to do a fairy tale retelling, the original is an inspiration but the end result is the author's interpretation much like a lead guitarist will take a melody and produce a solo.
We all know how Sapphic romances go - get together instantly, break-up then makeup, well thankfully Eule Grey does not, her works are not off the cookie cutter and she does make you think.
A near perfect novella, now I am waiting for Eule to produce a full length novel (maybe a fairy tale retelling)
Of course I recommend it!
I have reviewed a number of ARC copies for Book Sirens now and this is the first five star rating I have given and I am real pleased that it is for a novella by Eule Grey. The previous books by her have all been four star, that is to say - wonderful...but this one is wonderful...period. I feel that Eule Grey is getting into her stride now as an author and I am really looking forward to see what the future brings.
This work is a fairy tale retelling (yes, in my opinion Pinocchio is a fairy tale, if it walks like a duck etc.) and it is well written and paced to perfection. The world almost reminds me of Seanan McGuire -I would be willing to bet Eule Grey is a fan.
This is how to do a fairy tale retelling, the original is an inspiration but the end result is the author's interpretation much like a lead guitarist will take a melody and produce a solo.
We all know how Sapphic romances go - get together instantly, break-up then makeup, well thankfully Eule Grey does not, her works are not off the cookie cutter and she does make you think.
A near perfect novella, now I am waiting for Eule to produce a full length novel (maybe a fairy tale retelling)
Of course I recommend it!
September 12, 2023
A WLW romance, kind of a revision of a fairy tale, with Eule Grey unique voice.
I liked the humor and sweetness of the story, the characters (especially Pokio), the rules that are gradually abandoned, the grandmother's advices, the support of Enid and Juna, and the twists in the story.
At the beginning it was a little difficult for me to get into the story, I didn't really understand what it was about. Being a novella, I think it would have benefited from turning it into a longer novel. It could have introduced a little of the magical world in which it takes place, placing the reader in this reality where dolls with abilities and their puppeteers are common.
The same with the ending, it seemed a little rushed to me, I think the author could have gotten more out of the meeting between Beatrice and Evie, as well as the transition to a new life for both of them.
I recommend it if you are looking for a short sweet magical WlW romance.
I received an advance review copy for free, and I am leaving this review voluntarily.
I liked the humor and sweetness of the story, the characters (especially Pokio), the rules that are gradually abandoned, the grandmother's advices, the support of Enid and Juna, and the twists in the story.
At the beginning it was a little difficult for me to get into the story, I didn't really understand what it was about. Being a novella, I think it would have benefited from turning it into a longer novel. It could have introduced a little of the magical world in which it takes place, placing the reader in this reality where dolls with abilities and their puppeteers are common.
The same with the ending, it seemed a little rushed to me, I think the author could have gotten more out of the meeting between Beatrice and Evie, as well as the transition to a new life for both of them.
I recommend it if you are looking for a short sweet magical WlW romance.
I received an advance review copy for free, and I am leaving this review voluntarily.
June 23, 2023
1.5 stars
i think this was a very sweet book but it just wasn't for me. everything happened too quickly for my liking and i couldn't get used to it; for example, [spoilers from here] pokio's personality change, and later her physical change. the faceoff with evie at the end also felt kind of odd, and then her being a train driver was something i didn't really understand. idk. i just don't think i was the target audience and that's okay!
[i was given a free arc in return for an honest review. thank you book sirens!]
i think this was a very sweet book but it just wasn't for me. everything happened too quickly for my liking and i couldn't get used to it; for example, [spoilers from here] pokio's personality change, and later her physical change. the faceoff with evie at the end also felt kind of odd, and then her being a train driver was something i didn't really understand. idk. i just don't think i was the target audience and that's okay!
[i was given a free arc in return for an honest review. thank you book sirens!]
June 27, 2023
What a story! A fairly quick read. Well written. The premise was like nothing else, so very interesting! I just wanted to hug the MC and squeal and jump along with the ‘doll’. There’s magic. Love. Hope. Body positivity. Closure. Spice. It’s sweet and engaging and just lovely!
Thank you for the arc opportunity! I leave this review happily and voluntarily.
Thank you for the arc opportunity! I leave this review happily and voluntarily.
May 13, 2023
This is a very interesting story that was a complete surprise in the end a really liked the way it was written out it was very fun
July 11, 2023
Overall it was pretty fun to read.
November 16, 2023
I received an advance review copy for free, and I am leaving this review voluntarily.
It took me quite a long time before I picked up this book and read it. I had completely frogotten the blurb and what genre this fits into. I am glad I went into it blind! What a fresh premise. This book is a nice peak into a world where we can be more free to love who we want to love. This book made me uncomfortable at times as it covers serious topics but it is done in a kind, and sometimes whimsical, manner. It was never too serious and I found myself wanting to grow, to become a better version of myself. Take the reflection on self and society as far as you wish to go!
Enjoy this book, it is a treat to read!
It took me quite a long time before I picked up this book and read it. I had completely frogotten the blurb and what genre this fits into. I am glad I went into it blind! What a fresh premise. This book is a nice peak into a world where we can be more free to love who we want to love. This book made me uncomfortable at times as it covers serious topics but it is done in a kind, and sometimes whimsical, manner. It was never too serious and I found myself wanting to grow, to become a better version of myself. Take the reflection on self and society as far as you wish to go!
Enjoy this book, it is a treat to read!
August 9, 2024
From the moment I started reading 'No Strings on Her', I knew this was exactly the story I wanted to read. Eule Grey knows how to refine her words and tone down her storytelling to a voice that touches you on an intimate level. The small chapters starting with references from 'Grandmothers' book' are hilarious and well found, they put everything in perspective.
Aren't we all left behind by a loved one at some point? So is Beatrice Snowdrop, the main character in this story. Her hurt sips through her actions and reactions in this book, and I found it funny how this fantasy set-up (a doll coming to life only to transform into an almost perfect partner) can be almost human. Who doesn't want the ideal partner? Beatrice is dumped in a disgusting way and resolves to self humiliating events in order to get back with her ex which resonated big time with me and ending up with a more than perfect partner is the ultimate revenge.
I loved the story. Why the four stars? Because it is an intense story, there is a lot going on, and once in a while, a breather could have been added, which would make the whole novel more complete and extend it to a good length.
Aren't we all left behind by a loved one at some point? So is Beatrice Snowdrop, the main character in this story. Her hurt sips through her actions and reactions in this book, and I found it funny how this fantasy set-up (a doll coming to life only to transform into an almost perfect partner) can be almost human. Who doesn't want the ideal partner? Beatrice is dumped in a disgusting way and resolves to self humiliating events in order to get back with her ex which resonated big time with me and ending up with a more than perfect partner is the ultimate revenge.
I loved the story. Why the four stars? Because it is an intense story, there is a lot going on, and once in a while, a breather could have been added, which would make the whole novel more complete and extend it to a good length.
July 16, 2023
4 stars. This was awesome. Bizarre in the best way possible and so much fun. I love Grey’s writing. I’ve read a few of her works and I have to say that this was my favorite thus far. I loved the plot and just how unique and different it was. The characters Beatrice and Pokio are so lovable and charming. I loved them together and found their romance to be so precious. The ending was great and I want more.
I received an advance review copy for free, and I am leaving this review voluntarily.
I received an advance review copy for free, and I am leaving this review voluntarily.
Displaying 1 - 16 of 16 reviews