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itsjustkatereading's reviews
1622 reviews
Sleeping with the Frenemy by Natalie Caña
emotional
funny
lighthearted
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
4.0
A super fun, feisty and drama filled romance brimming with banter, family and heart.
With a cast of multifaceted characters who are full of life and a plot that wonderfully balances its cute fluffy moments, with honest and emotional explorations on topics, such as family dynamics, mental health, race and culture, this was a thoroughly enjoyable read. (And as always, Frankie Corzo did a beautiful job with the audiobook narration.)
what to expect:
• best friends brother
• second chance
• childhood crush
• meddling family
• close proximity
• adhd and chronic pain rep (mmc)
• puerto rican fmc
• the cutest puppy
With a cast of multifaceted characters who are full of life and a plot that wonderfully balances its cute fluffy moments, with honest and emotional explorations on topics, such as family dynamics, mental health, race and culture, this was a thoroughly enjoyable read. (And as always, Frankie Corzo did a beautiful job with the audiobook narration.)
what to expect:
• best friends brother
• second chance
• childhood crush
• meddling family
• close proximity
• adhd and chronic pain rep (mmc)
• puerto rican fmc
• the cutest puppy
The Baby Dragon Café by A.T. Qureshi
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? No
4.0
The Baby Dragon Cafe is truly a cinnamon roll of a book. It’s warn and gooey and sugary sweet in a way that’s a little sickly at times but so enjoyable you can’t help but gobble it up.
I think marketing this as a romantasy was a mistake and I have a feeling it could leave people feeling somewhat disappointed. This was very much a contemporary romance; with the caveat of there being dragons (which were essentially a mash up of toddlers and puppies and ridiculously fun!)
The writing was enjoyable but simplistic and because of this, while I very much warmed to them, the characters did feel a tad two dimensional at times. That being said, it didn’t bother me all that much because it was such a comfortable and easy read. I simply had a good time and that was enough for me.
Overall, with its low stakes and cosy slow burn romance, this incredibly cutesy story was a delight to read and I very much look forward to returning to this world with the sequel.
What to expect:
- slow burn
- grumpy x sunshine (but he’s actually just shy)
- small town
- he cooks for her
- fake marriage
- only one bed
- closed door/fade to black
- cinnamon roll vibes all round
I think marketing this as a romantasy was a mistake and I have a feeling it could leave people feeling somewhat disappointed. This was very much a contemporary romance; with the caveat of there being dragons (which were essentially a mash up of toddlers and puppies and ridiculously fun!)
The writing was enjoyable but simplistic and because of this, while I very much warmed to them, the characters did feel a tad two dimensional at times. That being said, it didn’t bother me all that much because it was such a comfortable and easy read. I simply had a good time and that was enough for me.
Overall, with its low stakes and cosy slow burn romance, this incredibly cutesy story was a delight to read and I very much look forward to returning to this world with the sequel.
What to expect:
- slow burn
- grumpy x sunshine (but he’s actually just shy)
- small town
- he cooks for her
- fake marriage
- only one bed
- closed door/fade to black
- cinnamon roll vibes all round
Four Ruined Realms by Mai Corland
adventurous
dark
emotional
tense
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
4.0
Why did I spend this whole book thinking it was a duology and expecting a dramatic conclusion only to be left with a cliffhanger and running to check this silly app only to realise I’m the silliest of them all???
Anywho… This was an action packed, quest filled, twist filled ride. I’m loving this series so much and although I don’t think I loved this quite as much as book one, I’m already anxiously anticipated the next book (and my inevitable reread of this one because we all know I’m going to forget everything and get shocked by that ending all over again.)
Anywho… This was an action packed, quest filled, twist filled ride. I’m loving this series so much and although I don’t think I loved this quite as much as book one, I’m already anxiously anticipated the next book (and my inevitable reread of this one because we all know I’m going to forget everything and get shocked by that ending all over again.)
Out of the Woods by Hannah Bonam-Young
emotional
funny
hopeful
lighthearted
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
5.0
Hannah Bonam-Young is one of those truly special authors who don’t come around all too often but when they do, their work and words stick with you well beyond the last page. The way she manages to touch so many readers in so many ways is such an incredible feat and goes to show how important vulnerable, funny, messy stories are.
Out of the Woods is a story of growth, hope, grief, family (born and found), taking back control, the feeling of not being enough and love in its various and deepest forms. It made me laugh, cry, squee and smile like a child high on sugar. Sarah and Caleb were such real and gorgeous characters. They were flawed, kind, passionate and just a joy to spend time with.
Every time I pick up a HBY book, I think I can’t possibly love it as much as the last and Hannah proves me wrong every time and I’m not even a tiny bit mad about it.
I loved this book with every part of my being and I can’t wait to read it again many times over.
What to expect:
- marriage in crisis
- high school sweethearts
- forced proximity
- past and present timelines
- 10/10 humour
- found family
- woodland shenanigans
Out of the Woods is a story of growth, hope, grief, family (born and found), taking back control, the feeling of not being enough and love in its various and deepest forms. It made me laugh, cry, squee and smile like a child high on sugar. Sarah and Caleb were such real and gorgeous characters. They were flawed, kind, passionate and just a joy to spend time with.
Every time I pick up a HBY book, I think I can’t possibly love it as much as the last and Hannah proves me wrong every time and I’m not even a tiny bit mad about it.
I loved this book with every part of my being and I can’t wait to read it again many times over.
What to expect:
- marriage in crisis
- high school sweethearts
- forced proximity
- past and present timelines
- 10/10 humour
- found family
- woodland shenanigans
Our Dining Table by Mita Ori
lighthearted
reflective
slow-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
4.0
A gentle, soft and beautifully warm story of love, family, food and their intersections. This was an utter delight.
Content Warnings
Moderate: Eating disorder
Not in My Book by Katie Holt
emotional
funny
lighthearted
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
4.0
Not in My Book is a Norah Ephron rom-com movie loving romance readers dream. With its classic NYC setting, grand gestures, rival MC’s, heartfelt declarations and impeccable back and forth, this is a romance that’s comforting in its familiarity and exciting in its originality.
Rosie and Aiden stole my heart with their stubbornness and ability to bring out the best (and worst) in each other. You’ve got Rosie; a hopeless romantic determined to show the world that romance is worthy of time and space in the literary world. She’s passionate, bubbly, vulnerable, quick witted and a dreamer. Then there’s anti romance Aiden; grumpy and closed off but a softie at heart with a passion for frozen hot chocolate I can totally get behind.
I loved so much about this book but for me, I was well and truly won over the moment these two began to fall for each other as they literally co-wrote their own romance. What a dream.
what to expect:
enemies to lovers
fake dating
forced proximity
he buys her books
grumpy x sunshine
book lovers/writers
co-writers
only one bed
Earl Crush by Alexandra Vasti
funny
lighthearted
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
4.0
It’s official; I have well and truly fallen for Alexandra Vasti’s writing. Her balance of humour, emotion, tension and romance (all within a plot that has me fully hooked and in its grasp) is something quite wonderful.
Funny, romantic, charming, surprisingly tense in parts, and goofy in the best way, Earl Crush utterly swept me off my feet.
I adored Lydia from the moment I met her in Ne’er the Duke Well and I’m so happy she was given her time to shine. From shutting down in front of men she finds attractive, to puking at parties, to swallowing her anxieties and taking matters into her own hands in times of urgency, she’s chaotic and compassionate and I loved her so very much.
A gentle giant with an infinite amount of respect and awe for Lydia, Arthur is a true gift. He’s stoic, loyal and protective in a way that’s never overbearing or undermining of Lydia’s capabilities. The way he was always looking out for her and reading what she needed in a room warmed my heart.
All in all, this was a wonderfully fun read with an endearing cast of characters, of which I love more each time I meet them. I’m already eagerly awaiting Georgiana’s story.
P.S. If, like me, you heavily shipped Penelope Featherington and Lord Debling, do yourself a favour and read this book. I promise you won’t regret it.
what to expect:
• only one bed
• fake marriage
• social anxiety rep
• gentle giant
• penelope featherington vibes
• he falls hard
• 16 zebras
Funny, romantic, charming, surprisingly tense in parts, and goofy in the best way, Earl Crush utterly swept me off my feet.
I adored Lydia from the moment I met her in Ne’er the Duke Well and I’m so happy she was given her time to shine. From shutting down in front of men she finds attractive, to puking at parties, to swallowing her anxieties and taking matters into her own hands in times of urgency, she’s chaotic and compassionate and I loved her so very much.
A gentle giant with an infinite amount of respect and awe for Lydia, Arthur is a true gift. He’s stoic, loyal and protective in a way that’s never overbearing or undermining of Lydia’s capabilities. The way he was always looking out for her and reading what she needed in a room warmed my heart.
All in all, this was a wonderfully fun read with an endearing cast of characters, of which I love more each time I meet them. I’m already eagerly awaiting Georgiana’s story.
P.S. If, like me, you heavily shipped Penelope Featherington and Lord Debling, do yourself a favour and read this book. I promise you won’t regret it.
what to expect:
• only one bed
• fake marriage
• social anxiety rep
• gentle giant
• penelope featherington vibes
• he falls hard
• 16 zebras
Brielle and Bear: Once Upon a Time by Salomey Doku
hopeful
lighthearted
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
4.0
I’m completely in love with Salomey Doku’s art style. It’s absolutely gorgeous and perfectly complemented this adorable story. Despite the plot and storytelling feeling a little disjointed at times, this was an overall delightful read and I’m definitely looking forward to the next instalment!
The Relationship Mechanic by Karmen Lee
lighthearted
fast-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
3.25
Short and sweet, this drama filled small town romance was a lot of fun but sadly didn’t quite hit the mark for me.
I think my main issue is simply that I craved a bit more depth and I’m not sure the length of this book would have allowed for that without aspects being removed.
I really warmed to both Vini and Jessica’s individual characters but as a couple, I struggled to feel all that invested. I desperately wanted more of an emotional connection but we barely see them have any thing beyond surface level conversations. Their internal monologue told us that they liked each other, it just would have been nice to have seen that unfold beyond physical intimacy.
The drama surrounding Vini’s sister also didn’t quite work for me but again, I think it’s because it felt too big for such a small book. The last few chapters all happened so dramatically and ended so quickly, I felt like I was left with whiplash.
That being said, I did enjoy my time with this book overall. I think the fact that my main complaint is simply that I wanted more from says as much. It was so close to being something I could have really loved but just didn’t quite get there however I’d definitely be interested in reading Karmen Lee’s work again in the future.
What to expect:
- small town
- age gap
- only one bed
- forbidden romance
- big city x small town
I think my main issue is simply that I craved a bit more depth and I’m not sure the length of this book would have allowed for that without aspects being removed.
I really warmed to both Vini and Jessica’s individual characters but as a couple, I struggled to feel all that invested. I desperately wanted more of an emotional connection but we barely see them have any thing beyond surface level conversations. Their internal monologue told us that they liked each other, it just would have been nice to have seen that unfold beyond physical intimacy.
The drama surrounding Vini’s sister also didn’t quite work for me but again, I think it’s because it felt too big for such a small book. The last few chapters all happened so dramatically and ended so quickly, I felt like I was left with whiplash.
That being said, I did enjoy my time with this book overall. I think the fact that my main complaint is simply that I wanted more from says as much. It was so close to being something I could have really loved but just didn’t quite get there however I’d definitely be interested in reading Karmen Lee’s work again in the future.
What to expect:
- small town
- age gap
- only one bed
- forbidden romance
- big city x small town
The Courting of Bristol Keats by Mary E. Pearson
adventurous
tense
slow-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
3.5
I'm somewhat conflicted about this one. On the one hand, it was entertaining and definitely enjoyable. On the other hand, it fell ever so slightly flat for me.
I liked the characters and the plot was fun. That being said, while there wasn't necessarily anything wrong with it but also nothing entirely new or exciting. I think I just wanted a bit more from everything, whilst also feeling the book definitely could have been shorter. The ending was also somewhat anticlimactic.
That being said, it's very possible this is a 'right book, wrong time' situation, so I'd definitely be interested to see what I thought upon a reread before the sequel's released!
I liked the characters and the plot was fun. That being said, while there wasn't necessarily anything wrong with it but also nothing entirely new or exciting. I think I just wanted a bit more from everything, whilst also feeling the book definitely could have been shorter. The ending was also somewhat anticlimactic.
That being said, it's very possible this is a 'right book, wrong time' situation, so I'd definitely be interested to see what I thought upon a reread before the sequel's released!