Review: Boots by Angel Martinez

Title: Boots

Author: Angel Martinez

Publisher: Pride Publishing

Length:  113 Pages

Category: Fantasy

At a Glance: A charming romance with a fairytale twist.

Reviewed By: Cassie

Blurb: Willem’s lost his job and his boyfriend, and now possibly his mind when his cat calls him a nitwit.

Willem’s father never approved of his artistic talents, his choices in life, or the fact that he’s gay. When the only thing Horst leaves to Willem is the family cat, he thinks it’s his father’s last insult from the grave. That is, until the cat starts talking to him.

Though Willem’s lost his boyfriend, his home, and his job, Kasha, who claims to be a magic cat, reassures him that all will be well. All he needs is Willem’s trust and a good pair of boots. But giving boots to a talking cat has unexpected consequences when odd events ambush Willem at every turn, such as the appearance of a handsome stranger in his arms at night. While he begins to suspect Kasha’s plans might be dangerous for all involved, how can he distrust such a charming kitty in cowboy boots?

Review: I didn’t realize until I was about halfway through this story that the only thing I knew about the story of Puss in Boots was actually from the movie Shrek, so I jumped over to Wikipedia and looked that sucker up. I’m so glad I did, because half the fun of these retellings of fairytales that Angel Martinez is so good at is enjoying how the pieces of the original get their modern update, then enjoying where they get turned on their ear for the M/M update. This was a good one.

Willem’s a nice guy who’s down on his luck, with no real direction or plan for getting his life back under his control. Kasha, like any cat worth his whiskers, comes in to run the show and get Willem back on track. The magic that ensues is interesting and fun, and the pacing of the whole thing is pretty spot on. There’s enough space to give real time to the story and characters, making the whole thing a satisfying read. There was even a bit of suspense at the end that made the finale all the more enjoyable.

This is the second of Angel Martinez’s revamped fairytales I’ve read, and I’ve found them to be truly enjoyable novellas that are perfect for satisfying that modern fantasy itch while providing just a touch of nostalgia. Usually referencing one of the more obscure fairytales, they feel fresh even while sourcing a story you may already be familiar with. There’s no sense of rehashing an overused plot yet again, despite the familiarity. Boots is worth your time. Pick it up and enjoy it on one of these cold weekend afternoons; it’s the perfect excuse to stay in where it’s warm!

You can buy Boots here:
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