Book Review: M. Stevenson’s Behooved
⭐️⭐️⭐️
3.4 of 5 stars
A Quirky, Prickly Romantasy with Hooves, Humor, and Heart.
M. Stevenson’s Behooved is a debut that gallops into romantasy with a unique premise, a touch of humor, and strong queer-normative and disability representation (Celiac Disease). While sometimes labeled as cozy fantasy, I’d call it cozy-adjacent at best—once Aric turns into a horse, the tone shifts closer to cozy territory, but the stakes remain a bit too high, and Bianca’s serious, often prickly nature keeps the book from settling into that warm, comforting space.
The novel takes a while to hit its stride, with the first quarter dragging due to pacing rather than plot. During this stretch, Bianca is deeply concerned with how others perceive her, and much of her frustration stems from minor slights that don’t feel particularly pressing within the book’s world. However, once her new husband transforms into a horse on their wedding night the story kicks into gear, offering a fun twist and vibe shift that makes for an entertaining read.
Stevenson’s prose leans formal, which lends the book a distinct, almost fairy-tale-like feel, though it may not be for everyone. Some named characters serve clear roles but don’t develop much beyond them. That said, the novel excels in its queer-normative world, witty banter, and offbeat magical premise.
For a debut from an author without a formal writing background, this is an impressive first outing. While it wasn’t entirely my cup of tea, Behooved will likely appeal to romantasy readers who enjoy grumpy protagonists, sharp humor, and a magical plot with a twist and a nuzzle. If you can overlook some pacing hiccups and enjoy a weekend romp in the stable—with a few extra hurdles along the way—this one is worth saddling up for.
⭐️⭐️⭐️
3.4/5 stars
Behooved will release on May 20, 2025 and is available for pre-order at ethical retailers like Bookshop.org.
Thank you to NetGalley and Bramble, an imprint of Tor Publishing Group, for the eARC in exchange for an honest professional review.
