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cortanasreadingnook's reviews
363 reviews
The Yakuza's Guide to Babysitting, Vol. 1 by Tsukiya
emotional
funny
hopeful
inspiring
lighthearted
reflective
relaxing
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? Yes
i love how this is just pure fluff! very fast read with adorable characters as well. the dynamic between tooru and yaeka as babysitter and kid is really cute, and i can see friendship blooming between them as they change each other for the better. 10/10 would highly recommend!
The Story Of Us by Zarin Madiyha
emotional
funny
hopeful
inspiring
lighthearted
reflective
relaxing
sad
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? Yes
5.0
Thank you to Zarin Madiyha for sending me an ARC in exchange for my honest review. This doesn’t affect my thoughts in any way. The Story of Us is in its first week on shelves! I can’t believe Isaac and Violet’s heartwarming book is finally out in the world.
This YA romcom is an adorable, yet equally angsty second chance romance between two teenagers in their last year of boarding school. When Isaac broke up with Violet the day after their seventeenth birthday, she was determined to move on with her life and forget him. But when a school project forces them to pair up and spend time with each other, both of them soon realize that trying again might open doors for another future together.
I have so much to say about this book but to sum it up, I really enjoyed this! It’s very sweet, gut-wrenching, and the main lead is the very definition of a devoted partner; There’s green flags and then there’s Isaac Evans (I mean this in the charming way possible!). Besides the fluff, the characterization was very reflective and inspiring. Reading about Isaac felt like looking at a mirror, seeing all my insecurities and fears in him, which made him more human to me. I usually self-sabotage in relationships and having a Violet in one’s life in any way is both comforting and reassuring. The author’s portrayal of friendships is also very wholesome, and she didn’t have to add drama to make the story engaging. It really focused on forced proximity, their chemistry, and the softness of their intimacy, making this book perfect and soothing. 10/10. Highly recommend!
Content Warnings
Moderate: Abandonment
Minor: Mental illness
Saints of Storm and Sorrow by Gabriella Buba
adventurous
challenging
dark
emotional
inspiring
mysterious
sad
tense
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? It's complicated
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
3.0
My thanks to Titan Books for sending me an ARC through Netgalley in exchange for my honest review. This does not affect my thoughts about the book in any way.
A Saints of Storm and Sorrow is in its first official week on the shelves! This Filipino-inspired new adult fantasy book is a perfect book that sends an amazing fuck you to the Spanish settlers that erased the indigenous Filipino identity in the name of Christianity.
The characterization in this book was done well, especially in the manner of how religion can be so destructive to its followers. It was reflective of the accounts from the Spanish colonial times, specifically since the Catholic church was established in the 1600s and Animism was eradicated for “witchcraft”. This book discusses toxic faith, which is a trait that remains prevalent in the Philippines and has significantly halted societal progression. The writer was trying to show the difference between a hurtful, manipulative relationship and a reassuring, safe one and gives readers, especially queers, a chance to both relate to it and form their own judgement. Moreover, it gives insight to how my country would’ve looked like without white colonizers and if indigenous culture was sustained.
I would’ve truly loved this if the pacing wasn’t messy, if not a bit all over the place. So much was happening, and at the same time, nothing. The lack of direction in the storytelling eventually lessened its appeal. There were highs and lows, which should’ve made this book exciting, but it fell flat to me. However, I would still recommend it because there are enjoyable parts and is overall very informative, centering on the dynamics of the church and state.
Content Warnings
Graphic: Homophobia, Misogyny, Pedophilia, Rape, Sexism, Sexual assault, Toxic relationship, Forced institutionalization, Religious bigotry, Medical trauma, Abortion, Pregnancy, Gaslighting, and Colonisation
Moderate: Slavery
Love Unwritten by Lauren Asher
emotional
funny
hopeful
inspiring
lighthearted
reflective
relaxing
sad
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? Yes
5.0
Rafael and Ellie’s story have got to be one of the most tearjerker, painful reads following Dirty Air. This book will have you clutching your chest because of the angst and yearning. I have seen readers wonder why it’s as long as 600 pages, but you will not feel the lengthy storytelling because it is equally entertaining and reflective. They have very good chemistry that gets more and more engaging to read because of the slowburn.
Rafael’s embodiment of someone with trust and commitment issues were delivered well to fit Ellie’s character, a talented, heartbroken musician with a buried past to her name. Love Unwritten addresses second chances and focuses on taking risks and highlights how intimate connection and communication are in a romantic relationship. Lauren Asher has always been one of my favorite writers, and Lakefront Billionaires is a testament to how she’s grown as a writer. I’m excited to read Love Arranged in 2025!
Rafael’s embodiment of someone with trust and commitment issues were delivered well to fit Ellie’s character, a talented, heartbroken musician with a buried past to her name. Love Unwritten addresses second chances and focuses on taking risks and highlights how intimate connection and communication are in a romantic relationship. Lauren Asher has always been one of my favorite writers, and Lakefront Billionaires is a testament to how she’s grown as a writer. I’m excited to read Love Arranged in 2025!
Content Warnings
Graphic: Self harm
Moderate: Child abuse, Domestic abuse, Sexual assault, and Sexual harassment
Minor: Sexism
Love Redesigned by Lauren Asher
challenging
emotional
funny
hopeful
lighthearted
reflective
relaxing
sad
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
5.0
“I missed out on a chance to make you mine before, but I don’t plan on making the same mistake again. We’re the real deal, sweetheart, and I’m done letting you believe anything else.”
Lauren Asher is back with a new billionaire’s series that I think I loved more than her previous books. Love Redesigned is such a sweet, adult romance about childhood rivals taking a second chance at love.
This book definitely served the whole fucking meal when it gave us Julian Lopez, the most ideal version of Bob the Builder. He is without a doubt smoking hot, but he’s one of the greenest fictional men ever. I’ve said this before, but to be loved is to be known and this man went above and beyond for Dahlia. To me, her character was refreshing, but also quite reflective to read about. Before anyone of you complains how she’s always overthinking, self-sabotage is very common for individuals with anxiety (take it from me). The depiction of her experience with depression was genuine as well and to be able to see myself in women like her makes me feel empowered. I also love how this tackles reproductive complications, which many women face. Dahlia and Julian’s love story is quite the romantic thrill, but what was it that appealed me to her writing even back then? Not everything is perfect. Lauren’s storytelling may be lengthy, but it never affected her delivery. There’s some semblance of reality and emotional maturity in the way she shares her characters to us. She makes them more human and easier to connect with as a reader.
Love Redesigned’s take on second chances, grief, and regret reminds me a lot of Redeemed, also my favorite from Dirty Air. So, I highly recommend reading this book! I can’t wait for Love Unwritten.
Content Warnings
Graphic: Mental illness
Moderate: Miscarriage, Panic attacks/disorders, Vomit, and Death of parent
Minor: Child death and Gaslighting
Spy x Family, Vol. 13 by Tatsuya Endo
challenging
funny
hopeful
inspiring
lighthearted
reflective
relaxing
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? N/A
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
3.0
Spy x Family, Vol. 12 by Tatsuya Endo
adventurous
challenging
emotional
hopeful
lighthearted
fast-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? N/A
- Loveable characters? N/A
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
4.0
Spy x Family, Vol. 11 by Tatsuya Endo
adventurous
funny
hopeful
lighthearted
relaxing
fast-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? N/A
- Strong character development? N/A
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
4.0