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garbage_mcsmutly's reviews
1627 reviews
A Gentleman's Gentleman by TJ Alexander
emotional
fast-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? It's complicated
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
4.0
π This was a good book. I don't feel like it elicited any deep feelings in me personally; it was a very personal story which was not made to resonate with my circumstances, which is fine. I feel like it had a distinct perspective on the trans experience in regency England. Worth the read/listen.
I really appreciated the growing intimacy between the two MCs over time. It was a bit of a torturous slow burn but it was good. And seeing Christopher have a safe space to be himself as he opened up to James was really sweet.
π§ Single POV, 3rd person, single narrator. The performance was very good. The book is told from one MC's perspective, but there's also a lot that isn't revealed to us about him, or is only revealed later on, and so I didn't feel like I really knew the MC for most of the book. (Again, this is not a story tailored to me, I get that, just sharing my experience.)
πΆοΈ 2.5/5 There was one spicy scene near the end.
βπ³οΈββ§οΈ This is an achillean trans love story. There's class difference, one side character is gay, there's not much racial or cultural diversity (everyone seems to be white and at least peripherally of The Ton).
I really appreciated the growing intimacy between the two MCs over time. It was a bit of a torturous slow burn but it was good. And seeing Christopher have a safe space to be himself as he opened up to James was really sweet.
π§ Single POV, 3rd person, single narrator. The performance was very good. The book is told from one MC's perspective, but there's also a lot that isn't revealed to us about him, or is only revealed later on, and so I didn't feel like I really knew the MC for most of the book. (Again, this is not a story tailored to me, I get that, just sharing my experience.)
πΆοΈ 2.5/5 There was one spicy scene near the end.
βπ³οΈββ§οΈ This is an achillean trans love story. There's class difference, one side character is gay, there's not much racial or cultural diversity (everyone seems to be white and at least peripherally of The Ton).
Content Warnings
Graphic: Dysphoria
Moderate: Child death, Death, Homophobia, Panic attacks/disorders, Sexism, Sexual content, Transphobia
Minor: Gun violence, Slavery, Suicidal thoughts, Grief, Death of parent, Colonisation, Classism
Most Ardently: A Pride & Prejudice Remix by Gabe Cole Novoa
emotional
hopeful
fast-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? It's complicated
5.0
π Okay so obviously I love an Austen remix, especially P&P. And this did not disappoint! There were some great tender moments with family members, and between our two MMCs. There was still a medium level of intrigue/drama. And it was overall just really cute. There were a couple scenes that made me cry happy tears.
π§ 3rd person singular POV of our Bennet hero, Oliver. One male narrator. I thought the performer did a pretty good job with most of the book, although there were one or two scenes when multiple side characters were in the same scene together, where the voices weren't super distinct from each other.
πΆοΈ 1/5 This is a cute lil YA read, with nothing sexual. There are a couple of kisses and that's all. No pants feelings are even mentioned, only heart feelings.
π³οΈβπβπ³οΈββ§οΈπ The protagonist is a trans boy, and he, his love interest, and his best friend and her partner, are all queer. The Bennets are well off enough to have servants but not like rich. Darcy and Bingley are varying degrees of rich-rich. There wasn't any racial or ethnic diversity that I noted, which is maybe a little weird since this takes place in London, but we really don't meet very many characters outside of the Bennets, the love interests, and the villains.
π§ 3rd person singular POV of our Bennet hero, Oliver. One male narrator. I thought the performer did a pretty good job with most of the book, although there were one or two scenes when multiple side characters were in the same scene together, where the voices weren't super distinct from each other.
πΆοΈ 1/5 This is a cute lil YA read, with nothing sexual. There are a couple of kisses and that's all. No pants feelings are even mentioned, only heart feelings.
π³οΈβπβπ³οΈββ§οΈπ The protagonist is a trans boy, and he, his love interest, and his best friend and her partner, are all queer. The Bennets are well off enough to have servants but not like rich. Darcy and Bingley are varying degrees of rich-rich. There wasn't any racial or ethnic diversity that I noted, which is maybe a little weird since this takes place in London, but we really don't meet very many characters outside of the Bennets, the love interests, and the villains.
Content Warnings
Graphic: Deadnaming, Sexism, Transphobia, Outing, Dysphoria
Moderate: Bullying, Emotional abuse, Homophobia, Misogyny, Classism
Minor: Adult/minor relationship, Animal cruelty, Suicidal thoughts, Stalking
The Duke Undone by Joanna Lowell
hopeful
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Plot
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? No
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
4.25
π I liked this one! The plot and sub plots were engaging, I cared about the MMC's and FMC's individual struggles/self improvement, the love story was sweet. The FMC was especially great. The MMC has some big time Strugglesβ’οΈ to work through which made him not super appealing as a partner until pretty far into the book.
π§ Dual POV (3rd person) but just one female narrator. There were a few times where it switched POV and I didn't realize until a couple sentences in. But she did a great job with the acting and voices.
πΆοΈ 3/5 There were a few love scenes, nothing terribly steamy. Honestly I sort of tuned out through some of them.
π³οΈβπβ Not much racial or queer diversity to speak of. I read the last book in this universe before this one, which is the first. So I know lgbtqia+ spoilers about a couple of the side characters that the reader doesn't learn until later in the series. But it's only slightly hinted at in this book.
π§ Dual POV (3rd person) but just one female narrator. There were a few times where it switched POV and I didn't realize until a couple sentences in. But she did a great job with the acting and voices.
πΆοΈ 3/5 There were a few love scenes, nothing terribly steamy. Honestly I sort of tuned out through some of them.
π³οΈβπβ Not much racial or queer diversity to speak of. I read the last book in this universe before this one, which is the first. So I know lgbtqia+ spoilers about a couple of the side characters that the reader doesn't learn until later in the series. But it's only slightly hinted at in this book.
Content Warnings
Graphic: Addiction, Alcoholism, Confinement, Sexual content, Toxic relationship, Forced institutionalization, Gaslighting, Toxic friendship, Alcohol
Moderate: Bullying, Child abuse, Gun violence, Infidelity, Misogyny, Dementia, War, Injury/Injury detail, Classism
Minor: Animal cruelty, Animal death, Death, Emotional abuse, Self harm, Suicide, Torture, Violence, Xenophobia, Blood, Islamophobia, Death of parent, Colonisation
Earl Crush by Alexandra Vasti
adventurous
funny
hopeful
lighthearted
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
5.0
π This book! It was perfect. There was comedy, there was intrigue, there was yearning, there was action, there was spice, there were chases, there were zebras. What more could you want???
π The romance was lovely. The two MCs had great chemistry, they were both super into each other, there was yearning aplenty. They both had their own insecurities to overcome in order to get together. And the sexual tension was ππ€
π This rom-com made me smile and laugh a bunch. The main characters were quirky in their ways and I think the side characters really shine too. They feel like complete, complex characters but also are good for some comic relief. And Vasti is just really funny and has a great sense of humor IMHO, there are so many good asides/little thoughts or actions.
π§ Dual POV, 3rd person, single narrator (female). I believe Mhairi Morrison has done all of Vasti's books so far, and she continues to do them really well. I often get disappointed when it's dual POV with only one narrator, but Morrison did a great job and I didn't feel like I was "missing" a male narrator.
πΆοΈ 3.5/5 It's not a spice-forward book, but there are multiple explicit scenes and tons of tension and good chemistry.
π³οΈβπβ There are a MM couple and an unwed mother who the MMC is close to. One man in the MM pair is Black. There's definitely an inclusive/accepting attitude throughout the book, but we do spend most of the pages with the MMC and FMC alone, or not with many other people, so the side characters don't get highlighted that much.
π The romance was lovely. The two MCs had great chemistry, they were both super into each other, there was yearning aplenty. They both had their own insecurities to overcome in order to get together. And the sexual tension was ππ€
π This rom-com made me smile and laugh a bunch. The main characters were quirky in their ways and I think the side characters really shine too. They feel like complete, complex characters but also are good for some comic relief. And Vasti is just really funny and has a great sense of humor IMHO, there are so many good asides/little thoughts or actions.
π§ Dual POV, 3rd person, single narrator (female). I believe Mhairi Morrison has done all of Vasti's books so far, and she continues to do them really well. I often get disappointed when it's dual POV with only one narrator, but Morrison did a great job and I didn't feel like I was "missing" a male narrator.
πΆοΈ 3.5/5 It's not a spice-forward book, but there are multiple explicit scenes and tons of tension and good chemistry.
π³οΈβπβ There are a MM couple and an unwed mother who the MMC is close to. One man in the MM pair is Black. There's definitely an inclusive/accepting attitude throughout the book, but we do spend most of the pages with the MMC and FMC alone, or not with many other people, so the side characters don't get highlighted that much.
Five Broken Blades by Mai Corland
adventurous
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Plot
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
4.25
π So this is book 1 in a series that's not finished yet, just as an fyi, so the ending is a little bit cliffhanger-y. But it still manages to wrap up a bunch of the book's plot lines by the end of this book. It was an enjoyable action-adventure story set in a fantasy world.
π§ 1st person POV, multiple (6) perspectives/narrators. I really enjoyed everyone's performances.
πΆοΈ 1.5/5 There are a few vague references to sexual things having happened behind closed doors but there's nothing on page.
π³οΈβπβ The world of the book appears to be queer normative. 2 of the MMCs are together. The other MCs couple off m/f. The fantasy world is based in East Asian culture.
π§ 1st person POV, multiple (6) perspectives/narrators. I really enjoyed everyone's performances.
πΆοΈ 1.5/5 There are a few vague references to sexual things having happened behind closed doors but there's nothing on page.
π³οΈβπβ The world of the book appears to be queer normative. 2 of the MMCs are together. The other MCs couple off m/f. The fantasy world is based in East Asian culture.
Content Warnings
Moderate: Animal death, Cursing, Misogyny, Sexism, Violence, Blood, Trafficking, Kidnapping, Grief, Murder, Abandonment, Injury/Injury detail, Classism
Minor: Adult/minor relationship, Child abuse, Child death, Drug abuse, Drug use, Emotional abuse, Physical abuse, Rape, Sexual content, Sexual violence, Slavery, Suicidal thoughts, Torture, Death of parent, Fire/Fire injury, Sexual harassment
A Tropical Rebel Gets the Duke by Adriana Herrera
emotional
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Strong character development? It's complicated
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
3.75
π I have really loved the LΓ©onas series, but this one fell flat for me. I liked the book at the beginning and middle, but the pacing was strange, like not a lot happened through most of the middle of the book, and then there was a lot of seemingly OTT action bunched in at the end? And maybe I'm showing my age--I am older than almost all romance MCs at this point on my life--but the FMC's eureka moment felt both long overdue (girl, handle your ish, it ain't that deep!) and kind of forced when it finally arrived (really? that's all it took???).
βοΈπ Okay so one of the things that made this book kind of hard to read, but was really good, was the way it addressed women's reproductive freedom (or lack thereof). However, in the 2025 political climate, it was especially difficult to read about (trigger warning) women being harmed or killed because they are trying to get medical care in a world where it is outlawed, young girls being taken advantage of by older men, those men suffering zero consequences, and the many injustices large and small visited upon women during the Victorian era (and today!). So yeah, tough subject matter, a little hard to cope with, not a very light read even though it is ultimately a somewhat light-hearted romance.
π§ This was a solid narrator, but the POV was dual, and there was only one narrator, so that was a little disappointing as well. (Although the other two books in the series had the same situation, and I liked those more.)
πΆοΈ 3.5/5 Definitely spicy, but not like, spice-forward. There were multiple explicit scenes and they were well done.
π³οΈβπβ This whole series has been great with diversity. The FMCs are Afro-Caribbean/-Latine, and the MMC in this book is Afro-Latine as well. The books all take place in France/mainly Paris, and the social spheres we encounter are diverse and largely feature expats from the Caribbean and Latin America. There are side characters from other countries as well; in this book we encounter two Vietnamese characters, and I want to say there were some African characters in one of the previous books in the series, but it's a little fuzzy now. There's also diversity in sexuality. There are two queer couples in the side characters in this book (one MM Brazilian-Vietnamese pairing, one FF Latina pairing (the leads from book 2)), and queerness is accepted as normal amongst this lot. It's a lovely little community/found family they've created.
βοΈπ Okay so one of the things that made this book kind of hard to read, but was really good, was the way it addressed women's reproductive freedom (or lack thereof). However, in the 2025 political climate, it was especially difficult to read about (trigger warning) women being harmed or killed because they are trying to get medical care in a world where it is outlawed, young girls being taken advantage of by older men, those men suffering zero consequences, and the many injustices large and small visited upon women during the Victorian era (and today!). So yeah, tough subject matter, a little hard to cope with, not a very light read even though it is ultimately a somewhat light-hearted romance.
π§ This was a solid narrator, but the POV was dual, and there was only one narrator, so that was a little disappointing as well. (Although the other two books in the series had the same situation, and I liked those more.)
πΆοΈ 3.5/5 Definitely spicy, but not like, spice-forward. There were multiple explicit scenes and they were well done.
π³οΈβπβ This whole series has been great with diversity. The FMCs are Afro-Caribbean/-Latine, and the MMC in this book is Afro-Latine as well. The books all take place in France/mainly Paris, and the social spheres we encounter are diverse and largely feature expats from the Caribbean and Latin America. There are side characters from other countries as well; in this book we encounter two Vietnamese characters, and I want to say there were some African characters in one of the previous books in the series, but it's a little fuzzy now. There's also diversity in sexuality. There are two queer couples in the side characters in this book (one MM Brazilian-Vietnamese pairing, one FF Latina pairing (the leads from book 2)), and queerness is accepted as normal amongst this lot. It's a lovely little community/found family they've created.
Content Warnings
Graphic: Sexual content, Abandonment, Classism
Moderate: Adult/minor relationship, Child abuse, Cursing, Death, Domestic abuse, Emotional abuse, Gun violence, Misogyny, Racism, Rape, Sexism, Toxic relationship, Violence, Medical content, Grief, Medical trauma, Abortion, Pregnancy, Injury/Injury detail
Minor: Genocide, Slavery, Terminal illness, Xenophobia, Medical content, Medical trauma, Car accident, Death of parent, Colonisation
Fish Out of Water by Katie Ruggle
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Plot
- Strong character development? No
- Loveable characters? No
- Flaws of characters a main focus? No
3.0
Ugh there were many things in this book that I found endearing... but revealing the MMC as pro-cop/cop adjacent 75% through was annoying and turned me off to it for the remainder of the book. (ACAB always, even in fiction, sorry not sorry!) So I can't be objective about the rest of the book.
π§ Story was 3rd person single POV (FMC) and had one female narrator. Her performance was good.
πΆοΈ 2.5/5 One explicit scene.
π³οΈβπβ Most of the book takes place with only the two MCs in the middle of nowhere, but the author included a good amount of racial diversity in the characters. I think the FMC is Latine but it was just a quick mention so I'm not sure I'm remembering right now that it's over. I didn't clock any other types of diversity (neuro, lgbtqia+, disabled, class, etc.) in the book.
π§ Story was 3rd person single POV (FMC) and had one female narrator. Her performance was good.
πΆοΈ 2.5/5 One explicit scene.
π³οΈβπβ Most of the book takes place with only the two MCs in the middle of nowhere, but the author included a good amount of racial diversity in the characters. I think the FMC is Latine but it was just a quick mention so I'm not sure I'm remembering right now that it's over. I didn't clock any other types of diversity (neuro, lgbtqia+, disabled, class, etc.) in the book.
Content Warnings
Graphic: Gun violence, Violence, Fire/Fire injury, Injury/Injury detail
Moderate: Sexual content, Police brutality, Kidnapping
Minor: Sexism, Toxic relationship, Blood, Death of parent, Abandonment
Text Appeal by Amber Roberts
lighthearted
fast-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Plot
- Diverse cast of characters? No
3.5
This was extremely mid. I bumped up my star rating half a point because of the pro sex worker and sex positive messaging, but the book didn't have a lot else to recommend it. It was fine-not-great most of the way through but then really dropped the ball at the end IMHO.
π§ The narrator (single POV, 1st person FMC) did a good job, I think the material just wasn't great?
πΆοΈ 3/5 honestly kinda minimal sexytimes considering the FMC is a sex worker but yeah it's technically open door
π³οΈβπβ FMC is bisexual. FMC's best friend is a lesbian and also, we find out later,aromantic . I think everyone else was straight? And I'm pretty sure everyone was white.
π§ The narrator (single POV, 1st person FMC) did a good job, I think the material just wasn't great?
πΆοΈ 3/5 honestly kinda minimal sexytimes considering the FMC is a sex worker but yeah it's technically open door
π³οΈβπβ FMC is bisexual. FMC's best friend is a lesbian and also, we find out later,
Content Warnings
Moderate: Misogyny, Sexism, Sexual content, Gaslighting, Toxic friendship, Sexual harassment
Minor: Bullying, Infidelity, Stalking, Acephobia/Arophobia, Alcohol