Reviews with content warning for Cursing - Tokyo Ever After

“You are a world unto yourself. Build your own space. One meant uniquely for you.”

Izumi Tanaka has never really felt like she fit in—it isn’t easy being Japanese American in her small, mostly white, northern California town. Raised by a single mother, it’s always been Izzy, her nickname, because “It’s easier this way”, and her mom against the world. But then Izzy discovers a clue to her unknown father’s identity, and he’s none other than the Crown Prince of Japan. Which means Izzy is a princess. Izzy soon finds herself caught between worlds, and between versions of herself—back home, she was never “American” enough, and in Japan, she must prove she’s “Japanese” enough. Will Izumi crumble under the weight of the crown, or will she live out her fairytale, happily ever after?

This was such a lovely story. I fell wholeheartedly in love with Izumi almost immediately. I think this was a very touching story full of self-discovery. I cannot comment on the accuracy of the portrayed Japanese culture because it is not my own, nor do I share the same main identity struggles as Izumi, but the story did make me fall in love with the Japan Izumi saw and it will definitely be moved up my dream destinations. The story touched me in so many tender ways, her discovering her dad and forming a relationship with him brought tears to my eyes multiple times. I felt the love through the pages, the familial love that makes a person's heart full. My favourite man Akio was such a delight to get to know, the tenderness of his feelings for Izumi were swoon-worthy and delicately described. And my best princess Izumi was such an inspiration, I so deeply felt everything she felt. I was so proud of her progress and hard work, I liked how she learnt to embrace all sides of herself. I loved Izumi and Akio's chemistry and I can't wait to read what the second book has in store for them. They deserve all the love in the world.

NOT THE PLOT TWIST BEING THAT YOSHI DID IT, I was so SCHOKED and HURT, I was about to hype my man up and he goes and does THIS??

Content Warnings

jillkaarlela's review

Go to review page

emotional funny hopeful lighthearted medium-paced

Plot- or character-driven? A mix
Strong character development? Yes
Loveable characters? Yes
Diverse cast of characters? Yes
Flaws of characters a main focus? It's complicated

4.5

Taylor Swift songs: “I think he knows”, “Sparks Fly”

Imagine “the princess diaries”, except if she was the Princess of Tokyo! I really enjoyed this book, it was super entertaining, fun, and easy to get through! I would say this leans more towards YA fiction with romance than a YA Romcom (bc it focuses mainly on Izumi dealing with her new role as a royal), but it’s still very lighthearted and has some good romance in it! It’s a princess-bodyguard romance, with grumpy-sunshine trope!

I also loved the added element of a Japanese-American girl discussing what it was like to be raised in a mostly White city, then getting to go to Japan. It really captured the idea of struggle with identity and belonging very well. It was also fun to see what Japanese royalty is like!

This book was a “Reece’s book club” pick, and honestly, Reece does not kiss. I’ve read many of her book club picks, and they are all really good. I know she’s making movies of her other picks, but I would really be interested in seeing this as a movie!

I know there is a sequel to this book that continues this story, and I will definitely be adding that to my list to read!

Age rating: 13+ (not spicy, some mild language)

Content Warnings

jessiehans13's review against another edition

Go to review page

funny lighthearted medium-paced

Loveable characters? Yes

4.0

** spoiler alert ** Good! I like the cover. It reminded me of The Princess Diaries, because of the scenario, but it also felt so unique. I liked our main character and I really liked the love interest. Never thought I'd hear someone call their significant other "radish" so affectionately. This is a win for vegetables! Excited to read the sequel. And movie studios, hop on this one because it could be a great teen rom-com!!

Content Warnings

fremzz's review against another edition

Go to review page

funny lighthearted fast-paced

Plot- or character-driven? Character
Strong character development? Yes
Loveable characters? Yes
Diverse cast of characters? Yes
Flaws of characters a main focus? N/A

3.5

Content Warnings

aargot1's review against another edition

Go to review page

emotional funny hopeful lighthearted fast-paced

4.75

Content Warnings

maya_reads_books's review against another edition

Go to review page

adventurous hopeful lighthearted medium-paced

Strong character development? Yes
Loveable characters? Yes
Diverse cast of characters? Yes
Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes

4.0

Content Warnings

More...