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itsjustkatereading's reviews
1628 reviews
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!
Swift and Saddled by Lyla Sage
emotional
funny
hopeful
lighthearted
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? No
- Flaws of characters a main focus? No
5.0
There are some books in life that you come across as just the right time. Swift and Saddled is one of those books for me. This book is the warm hug I so very much needed and well worth my first five star rating of the year.
This book has well and truly stolen my heart, as have its two main characters. I knew I adored Ada (as a dungarees girl, I appreciate the rep) but the moment she started discussing her experiences of loneliness and self doubt in socialising solidified her as a new favourite fmc. I can also very much relate to crying over cows, so that also helped.
And then there’s Wes. When you look up ‘perfection ’ in the dictionary, I’m convinced you’ll find the words ‘Weston Ryder’. A man who’s open about his struggles with mental health, quotes How to Lose a Guy in Ten Days and rescues calfs in storms? It’s safe to say I have ever so slightly fallen in love.
The discussions around depression made my heart so happy. I truly thought it was done beautifully. It’s subtle and not the main plot point but it’s received with gentleness and care. The same goes for Ada’s experiences with friendship struggles and self doubt.
Swift and Saddled is a book of self worth and gentleness and letting your guard down. It’s possible I’m simply a little minimal right now but I truly loved this book with my whole being.
But most of all, this is the first cowboy romance I’ve read with actual cow content and that in itself is deserving of five stars.
What to expect:
• black cat x golden retriever
• country boy x city girl
• depression rep (mmc)
• opposites attract
• forced proximity
• small town romance
• cows
• a very good dog
What to expect:
• black cat x golden retriever
• country boy x city girl
• depression rep (mmc)
• opposites attract
• forced proximity
• small town romance
• cows
• a very good dog
Content Warnings
Moderate: Mental illness and Toxic relationship
Not in Love by Ali Hazelwood
emotional
reflective
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
4.0
Not in Love has a very different vibe from Ali’s previous books. It’s less rom-com and more melancholic but it’s not lacking in Ali’s quick wit and snark. This was a tender book about messy people finding each other, themselves and learning to trust. It’s a story of love and heartbreak in romance, friendships and careers. I loved both Rue and Eli’s characters, both together and apart and would happily read a sequel following their happily ever after and Rue becoming a dog mum. Eli was gorgeous and there was something about Rue’s character I just adored. Whilst not my favourite of Ali’s, I really enjoyed this one.
What to expect:
• dual pov
• forbidden romance
• he falls first
• instalust
• stem romance
• workplace romance
• found family
• cute pup
What to expect:
• dual pov
• forbidden romance
• he falls first
• instalust
• stem romance
• workplace romance
• found family
• cute pup
Lore Olympus: Volume Seven by Rachel Smythe
emotional
funny
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
4.0
This wasn’t my favourite volume as it felt a tad disjointed at times but also I loved every page so who am I to complain?
Content Warnings
Moderate: Rape
A Language of Dragons by S.F. Williamson
adventurous
dark
tense
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
3.75
Did I find myself a little confused at times? Yes.
Do I need a sequel asap despite this? Also yes.
I had a great time with this action packed historical fantasy. I thought this exploration discussions surrounding linguistics were such an interesting focal point and not something I’ve come across in a fantasy before. Sure, some elements of the magic system and world building went over my head a little (I’m happy to blame my currently exhausted brain for this) but I have a feeling this wouldn’t be an issue upon a reread, which I’m hoping will happen because I’d love a sequel after that ending!!
Do I need a sequel asap despite this? Also yes.
I had a great time with this action packed historical fantasy. I thought this exploration discussions surrounding linguistics were such an interesting focal point and not something I’ve come across in a fantasy before. Sure, some elements of the magic system and world building went over my head a little (I’m happy to blame my currently exhausted brain for this) but I have a feeling this wouldn’t be an issue upon a reread, which I’m hoping will happen because I’d love a sequel after that ending!!