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blandrea_reads's reviews
500 reviews
One and Done by Frederick Smith
emotional
funny
hopeful
lighthearted
fast-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
5.0
I found this book so much fun and so refreshing in many, many ways. The romance was just sweet enough, and the context a different one than I am used to seeing in romance.
Taylor is focused on becoming a College President, and is focused on his career goals. He has one weekly treat of vising Drag Brunch, where he meets DJ, who he fails to be impressed with. DJ turns out to be Dustin, who is the consultant who is completing the assessment of Taylor’s College’s new accreditation bid. But Taylor finds out Dustin isn’t all he seemed on the surface. We know where this is going…..
The differences between them and the similarities make their connection and romance so compelling. The both have quiet ways of caring for their community and the people around them. They both love, and are super frustrated with, their families in turn, and they work hard to find a path where they can be together.
And the finale… just *chef kiss* I was giggling and kicking my feet with the delight of it all.
Full respect to anyone who can make university administration seem like a Hot Person job!
Running Close to the Wind by Alexandra Rowland
adventurous
funny
hopeful
inspiring
lighthearted
mysterious
slow-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Plot
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? No
5.0
Ok, so the first thing to know about this book is that it's very different in tone from a Taste of Gold and Iron. For me, a Taste of Gold and Iron had recency style levels of pining, and while there is pining in this book, if is VERY different style. This is a more light hearted adventure romp.
Avra Helvaçi is an Arashti, semi-retired spy who has consistent levels of luck. Imagine a small horny, bard is the hero of the story, and that's pretty close. His on again, off again live interest, Captain Teveri az-Haffar, is the Captain of a pirate ship, who have picked up Avra, escaping with the most dangerous secret in the world, and Julian, an extremely decorative monk who has taken a vow of celibacy. Both Avra and the Captain are eager to help relieve Julian of his vows. There are secrets to hide, quests to complete and a Pirate Cake Competition to win. Hilarity and hi-jinx ensue....
The queer normative world has a much more silly and light hearted feel than Gold and Iron, and I found myself laughing outload at various points. The audio book narrator, Casey Jones, did a great job of bringing the characters to life, and giving a good variety of personality to all the different characters and pirates.
I loved the feel of this book and anticipate revisiting regularly as and environment that I will just enjoy spending more time in.
Thanks NetGalley for the ARC.
Avra Helvaçi is an Arashti, semi-retired spy who has consistent levels of luck. Imagine a small horny, bard is the hero of the story, and that's pretty close. His on again, off again live interest, Captain Teveri az-Haffar, is the Captain of a pirate ship, who have picked up Avra, escaping with the most dangerous secret in the world, and Julian, an extremely decorative monk who has taken a vow of celibacy. Both Avra and the Captain are eager to help relieve Julian of his vows. There are secrets to hide, quests to complete and a Pirate Cake Competition to win. Hilarity and hi-jinx ensue....
The queer normative world has a much more silly and light hearted feel than Gold and Iron, and I found myself laughing outload at various points. The audio book narrator, Casey Jones, did a great job of bringing the characters to life, and giving a good variety of personality to all the different characters and pirates.
I loved the feel of this book and anticipate revisiting regularly as and environment that I will just enjoy spending more time in.
Thanks NetGalley for the ARC.
Lady Eve's Last Con by Rebecca Fraimow
adventurous
mysterious
slow-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Plot
- Strong character development? No
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? It's complicated
3.5
This story was a mash up of genres that I did not expect. A Sci Fi, High Society intrigue, Heist with Noir undertones.
What worked really well for me was the world building. Ruthi Johnson goes undercover on a wealthy planet to punish the socialite heir, Esteban, who jilter her sister. The plan is to trap Esteban in a matrimonial contract and escape with enough wealth to provide for herself, her sister, pregnant with Esteban’s baby. But Ruthi doesn’t count on running into Sol, Esteban’s sister, who starts to temp Ruthi away from her goal.
The world building was the highlight of this book. A lot of Sci Fi ends up either with long explanations of technology (Rendezvous with Rama) or become a facsimile of earth, but in space. The universe in this book managed to be a truly creative new world. Example: One of the features of the hair salon is that they intentionally vary the gravity regularly so that you can see how your hair will look in different settings. There were a lot of little touches like that.
The heist plot was compelling and had a satisfying ending, but the characters were slightly flat for me, not totally 3D. More like 2.5 D, and the pacing felt a bit slow at times. But against the EXTREMELY vivid world building, it wasn’t too much of a detractor.
Hot lady scammers in space falling in love? Yes please!
Turns Out My Online Friend is My Real-Life Boss! Volume 1 by Nmura
funny
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Strong character development? No
- Loveable characters? No
3.0
I picked this up because it was giving me “you’ve got mail” vibes. I always enjoy that trope of meeting online. I think the reason I like this trope so much is that the online version of communication between people often represents a baring of the most authentic version of themselves, stripped of the preconceptions that come with a physical presence (or at least that’s how usually works in the trope). And this story gave me what I was looking for in that trope.
What didn’t work for me quite so well was the miscommunication love triangle. Maybe I’ve been reading too much Katee Robert and Xiran Jay Zhao, but I thought a “why choose?” solution would have worked well in the context. Assuming Kumada is old enough, because I couldn’t get a good idea on how old he was and it if would be part of an age-gap dynamic, or more of a creepy predatory one.
I would have liked to see more in the “meeting online” trope and less miscommunication, but I was looking for a light-hearted read, and but that measure, it did deliver.
Thanks Netgalley for the ARC.
What didn’t work for me quite so well was the miscommunication love triangle. Maybe I’ve been reading too much Katee Robert and Xiran Jay Zhao, but I thought a “why choose?” solution would have worked well in the context. Assuming Kumada is old enough, because I couldn’t get a good idea on how old he was and it if would be part of an age-gap dynamic, or more of a creepy predatory one.
I would have liked to see more in the “meeting online” trope and less miscommunication, but I was looking for a light-hearted read, and but that measure, it did deliver.
Thanks Netgalley for the ARC.
Castle Swimmer: Volume 1 by Wendy Lian Martin
adventurous
hopeful
lighthearted
relaxing
slow-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? No
5.0
astle Swimmer” is like a soothing underwater lullaby—a graphic novel that cradles you in its gentle waves. The art, oh, the art! It’s a watercolor dream, capturing the ethereal beauty of an ocean realm. The soft hues and intricate details make me feel like I’m floating alongside the characters.
This webtoon has been my “happy place” comfort read for years —a comforting escape from reality. The underwater world, with its castles and merpeople, feels both familiar and otherworldly. And now, the news of a traditional publishing run? My heart flutters like a school of fish caught in a sunbeam.
The characters—Kappa and Siren—are more than ink and pixels; they’re my precious cinnamon rolls who’ve kept me company. Kappa, burdened by prophecy, tugs at my heartstrings. Who wants to be the chosen one, anyway? And Siren, the shark prince, carries scars—both seen and unseen. His struggle between duty and desire really resonates.
And let’s talk about representation. No neon signs here—just quiet acceptance. The growing romance between Prince Siren and another male character? It’s a delicate dance, like seaweed swaying in the current. No fuss, no fanfare—just love blooming beneath the waves.
So, as the tides shift and “Castle Swimmer” embarks on its traditional publishing voyage, I’ll be there, cheering from the shore. May it find new readers, like seashells washed ashore, each one holding a piece of this enchanting tale.
This webtoon has been my “happy place” comfort read for years —a comforting escape from reality. The underwater world, with its castles and merpeople, feels both familiar and otherworldly. And now, the news of a traditional publishing run? My heart flutters like a school of fish caught in a sunbeam.
The characters—Kappa and Siren—are more than ink and pixels; they’re my precious cinnamon rolls who’ve kept me company. Kappa, burdened by prophecy, tugs at my heartstrings. Who wants to be the chosen one, anyway? And Siren, the shark prince, carries scars—both seen and unseen. His struggle between duty and desire really resonates.
And let’s talk about representation. No neon signs here—just quiet acceptance. The growing romance between Prince Siren and another male character? It’s a delicate dance, like seaweed swaying in the current. No fuss, no fanfare—just love blooming beneath the waves.
So, as the tides shift and “Castle Swimmer” embarks on its traditional publishing voyage, I’ll be there, cheering from the shore. May it find new readers, like seashells washed ashore, each one holding a piece of this enchanting tale.
SubZero Vol. 1 by Junepurrr
challenging
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? No
4.0
“Sub Zero” is a fantasy webtoon that is getting a traditional publication! It weaves together elements of romance, adventure, and court intrigue. The best part of the story are the Chinese style dragons. Clove, an ice mage, and Kyro, a fire mage are entering into an arranged marriage for the good of their kingdoms, and make a really good foundation of an Enemies-to-lovers trope.
The central conflict revolves around the pressure of the greater good. As Clove and Kyro navigate their feelings for each other, they must also grapple with their responsibilities as mages. The fate of their realm hangs in the balance, and sacrifices must be made. The tension between personal desires and duty adds depth to the narrative, making it more than just a typical romance.
However, there’s one aspect that occasionally disrupts the flow: the panel order. As someone familiar with both webtoons (up-and-down scroll) and Japanese manga (right-to-left reading), I found myself getting a bit lost with panel order, but you may be better at directions than me and have no issues at all.
In summary, “Sub Zero” offers a delightful blend of magic, romance, and moral dilemmas. If you’re a fan of beautifully illustrated webtoons with a touch of Asian-inspired fantasy, this one is worth exploring.
The central conflict revolves around the pressure of the greater good. As Clove and Kyro navigate their feelings for each other, they must also grapple with their responsibilities as mages. The fate of their realm hangs in the balance, and sacrifices must be made. The tension between personal desires and duty adds depth to the narrative, making it more than just a typical romance.
However, there’s one aspect that occasionally disrupts the flow: the panel order. As someone familiar with both webtoons (up-and-down scroll) and Japanese manga (right-to-left reading), I found myself getting a bit lost with panel order, but you may be better at directions than me and have no issues at all.
In summary, “Sub Zero” offers a delightful blend of magic, romance, and moral dilemmas. If you’re a fan of beautifully illustrated webtoons with a touch of Asian-inspired fantasy, this one is worth exploring.
Of Gods and Boys by Harry F. Rey
The novel gave me strong gothic undertones, creating an atmosphere where uncertainty and suspicion permeate Achilles’ life. His relationship with Jesús, a Mexican American boy working at Domino’s, adds a layer of complexity as they navigate their feelings for each other while trying to get Achilles through a series of seemly arbitrary parole hurdles. The tragic backstory of Achilles’ former cellmate, who commits suicide after transitioning to adult jail, casts a long shadow, with extra grief and emotional complication for Achilles.
The gods are capricious, intervening in human affairs in ways that are both helpful and hindering, and that reinforced the gothic feeling for me of never knowing who is trustworthy or safe. For me, it felt a lot darker with a deeper undercurrent of tragedy than similar YA series, (ie Percy Jackson).
It’s a story made up of ingredients that don’t seem like they should work, Greek Mafia dad, queer boy in Texas, Mom that sacrifices to Greek gods twice a day to the horror of her Catholic ex-husband. Jock bully, and queer awakening. Shake it all up, and what you get in an odd combination that I haven’t experienced before but that worked once I got into it.
adventurous
dark
emotional
mysterious
sad
slow-paced
4.0
“Of Gods and Boys” by Harry F. Rey is a novel that weaves together the threads of Greek mythology and modern-day struggles, set in Texas. The story follows Achilles, a teenager fresh out of juvenile detention, who finds himself navigating a world where the gods are as unpredictable as the adults in his life are untrustworthy.
The novel gave me strong gothic undertones, creating an atmosphere where uncertainty and suspicion permeate Achilles’ life. His relationship with Jesús, a Mexican American boy working at Domino’s, adds a layer of complexity as they navigate their feelings for each other while trying to get Achilles through a series of seemly arbitrary parole hurdles. The tragic backstory of Achilles’ former cellmate, who commits suicide after transitioning to adult jail, casts a long shadow, with extra grief and emotional complication for Achilles.
The gods are capricious, intervening in human affairs in ways that are both helpful and hindering, and that reinforced the gothic feeling for me of never knowing who is trustworthy or safe. For me, it felt a lot darker with a deeper undercurrent of tragedy than similar YA series, (ie Percy Jackson).
It’s a story made up of ingredients that don’t seem like they should work, Greek Mafia dad, queer boy in Texas, Mom that sacrifices to Greek gods twice a day to the horror of her Catholic ex-husband. Jock bully, and queer awakening. Shake it all up, and what you get in an odd combination that I haven’t experienced before but that worked once I got into it.
The Husky & His White Cat Shizun: Erha He Ta De Bai Mao Shizun (Novel) Vol. 1 by Rou Bao Bu Chi Rou
adventurous
funny
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Loveable characters? Yes
I didn't expect to laugh out loud.
The Truth of Our Past by Heather Leighson
dark
emotional
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
5.0
This, I really enjoyed. I was expecting a fairly standard MM romance, with a bit of pining, a 3rd act breakup and a bit of “New York is the best place in the world to live ever” propaganda.
However, what I GOT was two complicated and well-formed men who were doing their absolute best, but life isn’t easy. Von is in New York, obviously hiding from something and trying to make a new start, hesitant to do anything too permanent because he’s not sure what he wants to do with his life. Alec uses sunshine and casual hookups as a defence mechanism, but he is doing is best to heal from hurts in his past. I really enjoyed the relationship because it felt very real. None of the issues they were facing were a miscommunication that could be sorted out with one conversation. The issues include family expectations and judgements, public pressures, friends who hurt even when they are trying to help, and visa paperwork. And how they both try to navigate that while trying to both be open to each other and still protect their hearts was very well written.
There is also a fully formed supporting cast. I hate an “Interfering Best Friend” character as a plot device, but I really loved Mads, because she was so much more than a cardboard cutout trope. She loves her friends and really wants to help, but her insistence that she knows what’s best for everyone hurts the people around her. She hurts Alec, badly, but it’s not glossed over, they both spend a lot of time trying to bounce back from that. I really appreciated the realism of that, having friends that you love, but who hurt you and trying to recover from it. From the setup, I’m also expecting Mads to get her own book in the future.
Themes I loved: Found family, grand gesture apologies that don’t work out like a movie, trying to do something nice and having it hurt people, but mostly people finding their person and working hard to make it work!
All in all, this was a great book, and it will live rent free in my mind for a long time.
Under the Table by Layla Reyne
adventurous
lighthearted
fast-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
4.0
I was given an ARC of this book in exchange for an honest review.
Under the Table is a part of the Accidentally Undercover series, but like most Layla Reyne stories, includes alot of familiar faces.
Feb Winters hates her name, hates Valentines day (which is her birthday), and as the Chef of her own restaurant, Under the Table, USUALLY avoids it at all costs, closing and giving everyone the night off. Except this year she decides to do a subversive Valentines theme, after encouragement from UTT's bartender, Dylan. When a food critic books in under an alias, the stakes feel raised. But Feb has no idea, since the Food critic's Alias is also an Alias, and not the only alias at UTT.
This story had a lot of the hallmarks that I have come to expect from a Layla Reyne romantic
suspense, which is "people in love, but also shooting and running". I haven't ready any of the other Accidentally Undercover books, but I don't think that impacted my experience. Thought if I was totally new to Reyne's universe (both Fog city and the Whiskey-verse) it would have felt a bit more confusing.
All in all it was a nice quick read, a F/NB romance, and enough food to make it interesting, and enough suspense to be more exciting than a contemporary restaurant drama.
Under the Table is a part of the Accidentally Undercover series, but like most Layla Reyne stories, includes alot of familiar faces.
Feb Winters hates her name, hates Valentines day (which is her birthday), and as the Chef of her own restaurant, Under the Table, USUALLY avoids it at all costs, closing and giving everyone the night off. Except this year she decides to do a subversive Valentines theme, after encouragement from UTT's bartender, Dylan. When a food critic books in under an alias, the stakes feel raised. But Feb has no idea, since the Food critic's Alias is also an Alias, and not the only alias at UTT.
This story had a lot of the hallmarks that I have come to expect from a Layla Reyne romantic
suspense, which is "people in love, but also shooting and running". I haven't ready any of the other Accidentally Undercover books, but I don't think that impacted my experience. Thought if I was totally new to Reyne's universe (both Fog city and the Whiskey-verse) it would have felt a bit more confusing.
All in all it was a nice quick read, a F/NB romance, and enough food to make it interesting, and enough suspense to be more exciting than a contemporary restaurant drama.