jasbeingjas's reviews
823 reviews

The Girl with the Make-Believe Husband by Julia Quinn

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emotional hopeful lighthearted medium-paced
  • Plot- or character-driven? A mix
  • Strong character development? Yes
  • Loveable characters? Yes
  • Diverse cast of characters? No
  • Flaws of characters a main focus? No

3.75

This was a really enjoyable read! I loved the story between Cecelia and Edward. They both made a sweet couple and it was so romantic the way they fell in love. Really looking forward to reading Andrew’s story next. 
Because of Miss Bridgerton by Julia Quinn

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funny hopeful lighthearted medium-paced
  • Plot- or character-driven? Character
  • Strong character development? No
  • Loveable characters? It's complicated
  • Diverse cast of characters? No
  • Flaws of characters a main focus? No

3.5

This was an enjoyable read, but I wouldn't say it's a favorite.  I mostly hate FMC's whose whole personality is just that they're "not like other girls."  And to be honest, I can't say I really felt like I was watching the love grow between these two people who supposedly hated each other.  It just seemed like they suddenly were in love and it was convenient.  There were also some weird sub plots that were more annoying than intriguing.  Also the bit about Edward not being resolved was sort of annoying too.  Either way, I'll be reading the rest of the series, lol.
Juniper's Christmas by Eoin Colfer

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adventurous emotional hopeful inspiring 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

5.0

This was such a lovely Christmas story to read.  Perfect for the holidays!  I originally purchased it just because Juniper is our dog's name, but this story was so heartwarming to read.  Would highly recommend, not just for kids but any adults looking for an easy read with lots of Christmas magic.

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Wreck the Halls by Tessa Bailey

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emotional hopeful lighthearted medium-paced
  • Plot- or character-driven? A mix
  • Strong character development? Yes
  • Loveable characters? Yes
  • Diverse cast of characters? No
  • Flaws of characters a main focus? It's complicated

3.5

This was a super cute holiday romance to read!  I don't usually read contemporary romances, but this is the second holiday romance from Tessa Bailey I have read and enjoyed.  The plot was fun, the romance was very very adorable.  Both MCs were people you could root for, individually and together.
The Wood at Midwinter by Susanna Clarke

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hopeful lighthearted reflective fast-paced
  • Plot- or character-driven? Character
  • Strong character development? N/A
  • Loveable characters? Yes
  • Diverse cast of characters? N/A
  • Flaws of characters a main focus? N/A

5.0

This is a beautiful short story, and the artwork is gorgeous.  Very whimsical, and a little bit like magical realism.  I especially enjoyed reading the afterward.  It's beautiful the way art can inspire more art, the way that it can stick with us for years.
Lean in: Women, Work, and the Will to Lead by Sheryl Sandberg

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hopeful informative slow-paced

3.0

I had to remind myself that this book came out like a decade ago, so it's natural to feel like this is nothing new.  I think if you aren't familiar with gender biases in the workplace this can be a great starting point.  Personally, some of the personal anecdotes felt self indulgent and dragged on a bit for me.  I'm sure for others these stories might have come across as helpful but I just didn't personally care for them.  But I also have a strong sense that this book in a lot of ways was preaching to the choir.  Most women know these things, having either personally felt or experienced them, but I guess in some ways reading it could be more validating.  Unfortunately, I don't think we've come as far as Sandberg would have hoped since this book came out.
A Very Krampus Holiday by Katee Robert

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adventurous dark mysterious fast-paced
  • Plot- or character-driven? Character
  • Strong character development? No
  • Loveable characters? N/A
  • Diverse cast of characters? N/A
  • Flaws of characters a main focus? No

3.0

Short and spicy little holiday novella. More on the darker side. But it’s just 15 pages so really not a lot of time for story or character building. 
Desperate Measures by Katee Robert

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dark emotional hopeful 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

4.5

I really really loved Jafar and Yasmina.  This is one of my favorite authors and I can't believe I've waited so long to dive into this series.  I loved all the bonus content as well.  This is a gorgeous edition with cool artwork sprinkled throughout.

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The Demon's Queen by Katee Robert

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emotional hopeful lighthearted 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? It's complicated

4.25

I was dying for this book in the series and it was so good!  I knew I would love Azazel and I’m glad I liked Eve too!  It was fun seeing scenes from some of the other books with more context in this one. I only wish there was an epilogue or something more. The ending felt so abrupt. 

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An Offer From a Gentleman by Julia Quinn

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emotional funny hopeful lighthearted medium-paced
  • Plot- or character-driven? A mix
  • Strong character development? Yes
  • Loveable characters? Yes
  • Diverse cast of characters? No
  • Flaws of characters a main focus? No

3.75

I wasn’t very excited for this book in the series but it’s one of the few I haven’t read yet and I was pleasantly surprised! I really like Benedict and Sophie together and I loved watching Violet be a superb mother and championing them both. I also loved what a hopeless romantic Benedict is even if he’s very quiet and secretive about it. The 2nd epilogue for this book was also great! Loved seeing Posy’s story.