jasbeingjas's reviews
829 reviews

The Raven by Hildie McQueen

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

3.0

I was excited for this book but ultimately found it disappointing.  There didn't seem to be any real conflict other than Alex and Nala being stubborn, Nala more so than Alex, which was kind of annoying.  For all she claimed to be independent and strong she refused to be upfront about what she wanted.  And any other conflict seemed to be minor.  The attacks were quickly resolved, the relationship with Clan Grant quickly resolved, and Leah also quickly just resolved.  Would have preferred if there was one real conflict that was fully developed.
Manacled by SenLinYu

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dark emotional mysterious tense medium-paced

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My Dear Comrades by Sunu P. Chandy

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emotional hopeful reflective medium-paced

5.0

I wasn't prepared, but at one point I just started crying.  This is an amazing collection of poems.  I'm so glad I managed to find a signed copy in a local bookstore.  Definitely check content warnings.
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The Moon That Turns You Back: Poems by Hala Alyan

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emotional reflective medium-paced

5.0

Incredible collection of poetry. The first I’ve read from this author and I will be checking out more. I really appreciate the variety in format in this collection. Some themes may be triggering for readers, specifically miscarriage and infertility. 
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The Highlander's Return by Lynsay Sands

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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

4.0

I love this series and this was a great addition!  While sad not having Alick's story yet, it was nice to shift back to the family that started the series with the MacKays.  Both leads, Annella and Graeme were wonderful and I loved them together.  The story was fun, and just a relaxing enjoyable read.  I cannot wait for more!
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It's in His Kiss by Julia Quinn

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adventurous 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

4.0

This was such an enjoyable read!  Hyacinth is one of my favorites of the Bridgerton siblings and it was lovely to see her find a love that loved her just as she is.  It was a bit of a down side seeing so little of the other siblings, but as she is the youngest and one of the last to wed, it makes sense the others would be busy with their own lives and children.  Gareth seemed wonderful and his family turmoil compared to the Bridgerton's loving family was really well done.  The relationship with Lady Danbury is the best!
Ikigai: The Japanese Secret to a Long and Happy Life by Francesc Miralles, Héctor García

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informative inspiring lighthearted reflective medium-paced

3.5

While I think this is a good look at what can lead to a long life, and not just long, but quality life, I wish the authors rather than just prescribing certain dietary and exercise tips, or encouraging us to find our ikigai, took a deeper dive to address the ways Western culture actively prohibits us from finding a similar quality of life.  Many of the aspects of culture in Okinawa do not exist in the US, and with such an emphasis on community as it relates to well being and longevity, it's odd that this book doesn't provide any recommendations on incorporating community relationships in our lives.
King Arthur: His Knights And Their Ladies by Johanna Johnston

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adventurous fast-paced
  • Plot- or character-driven? A mix
  • Strong character development? No
  • Loveable characters? It's complicated
  • Diverse cast of characters? No
  • Flaws of characters a main focus? No

3.25

This was a quick and accessible collection of stories for anyone wanting to become familiar with the tales of King Arthur and his knights. There were some that I would possibly read in the future in greater detail. 
The Chieftain by Margaret Mallory

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emotional hopeful tense fast-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

4.75

I read this in one sitting.  I was so excited for Ilysa and Connor's story and it was perfect!  Along with the romance, the conclusion of the plot that was underlying the whole series was really good.  It was satisfying to see that come to an end also, along with seeing Ilysa and Connor get their HEA after seeing it teased for the first three books.  Every plot and subplot kept me engaged.  I loved the dynamic between Ilysa and Connor.  Overall I'm sad that the series is over.  This is one that I would mention in my list of favorite highland romances for sure!
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The Warrior by Margaret Mallory

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

3.75

I thought this book might be my favorite in the series, however I think it's actually my least favorite.  After two incredible FMCs, Sileas and Glynis, I found Moira incredibly annoying.  For so much of the book she just seemed so spoiled and full of herself.  I also didn't like the way she seemed to look down at Ilysa.  Honestly, Tearlag calling her an ungrateful lass might have been my favorite part of the whole book.  And my dislike of Moira eventually bled into frustration with Duncan, because why did he like her so much?  The book is still well written, but of the series, I just did not enjoy Moira and Duncan's love story the way I did the others at all.
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