Grim Lovelies by Megan Shepherd Blog Tour

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I am so excited to be joining in on the Grim Lovelies blog tour with Raincoast Books today!

I’ll be sharing my thoughts on the book as well as a mini Q&A with the author, Megan Shepherd!

The publisher kindly sent me a physical copy of the book in exchange for an honest review.

Seventeen-year-old Anouk envies the human world, where people known as Pretties lavish themselves in fast cars, high fashion, and have the freedom to fall in love. But Anouk can never have those things, because she is not really human. Enchanted from animal to human girl and forbidden to venture beyond her familiar Parisian prison, Anouk is a Beastie: destined for a life surrounded by dust bunnies and cinders serving Mada Vittora, the evil witch who spelled her into existence. That is, until one day she finds her mistress murdered in a pool of blood — and Anouk is accused of the crime.

Now, the world she always dreamed of is rife with danger. Pursued through Paris by the underground magical society known as the Haute, Anouk and her fellow Beasties only have three days to find the real killer before the spell keeping them human fades away. If they fail, they will lose the only lives they’ve ever known … but if they succeed, they could be more powerful than anyone ever bargained for.

From New York Times bestselling author Megan Shepherd, Grim Lovelies is an epic and glittering YA fantasy. Prepare to be spellbound by the world of Grim Lovelies, where secrets have been long buried, friends can become enemies, and everything — especially humanity — comes at a price.

Grim Lovelies Review

Grim Lovelies follows Anouk, a maid who works for an evil witch that transformed her from animal to human. Following the death of the evil witch, Anouk travels around Paris for a spell that will keep her and her other ‘beastie’ friends human.

I really enjoyed the characters in this book. While Anouk sometimes seemed childish, she’s blinded by the world the witch, Mada Vittoria, has given her. But as she discovers more about herself, she becomes a really strong, brave and confident character.

The other ‘beasties’ are also enjoyable! My favourite is Cricket because she’s sassy and sarcastic! She is also defiant and stubborn but I thoroughly enjoyed her!

Viggo and Hunter Black play the arrogant characters you sometimes need to have around, while Beau is just a perfect companion.

The one thing I didn’t enjoy as much is the romantic element. It felt a bit forced as well as insta-lovey. I think that the book would probably be better without romance intertwined.

There is so much happening in this plot like traveing around Paris, visting the Royals and more. But this helps to drive the book and create a fast-paced adventure.

Overall, Grim Lovelies is dark, whimsical, magical and full of adventure. It’s a great fantasy that will certainly leave you excited for the next book, Midnight Beauties.

I would recommend this book to those who are fans of urban fantasy, modern settings as well as magic!

Rating: ★★★☆☆ (3.5)

Favourite Quote
They shouldn’t ever have to be anything other than themselves.

Q&A with Megan Shepherd

If you could spend a day with any of the characters from Grim Lovelies, who would it be and what would you spend the day doing?

Great question! I’d be tempted to spend the day with Anouk, because she is an incredible baker and could whip up cakes and pies and cookies. Or with Beau, whose passion in life is driving fast cars through the crazy streets of Paris. But I think I’d pick Cricket, the thief, because she knows the hidden nooks of Paris — where to get the best coffee, the location of secret parties, and how to sneak into venues for the most exclusive concerts.

About the Author

New York Times bestselling author Megan Shepherd grew up in her family’s independent bookstore in the Blue Ridge Mountains. She is the author of several young adult and middle grade novels. She now lives and writes on a 125-year-old farm outside Asheville, North Carolina, with her husband, two cats, and an especially scruffy dog.

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