jayceejarvis's reviews
976 reviews

Forging Golden Slippers by Jen Lynning

adventurous emotional hopeful 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

5.0

 This gender swapped Cinderella retelling at least goes to the trouble to explain the purpose of the infamous ball. Most of the action takes place before the ball, as Mina helps Alan overcome his awful stepfather, and so some of the stranger parts of the original fairytale are only lightly touched on. The characters were easy to cheer for, even as they made mistakes, and the drama was believable. Highly recommend for cozy romance fans who enjoy unique worldbuilding. 

Asiri and the Amaru by Natalia Hernandez

adventurous emotional funny hopeful lighthearted slow-paced

• Plot- or character-driven? Character
• Loveable characters? Yes
• Diverse cast of characters? Yes

4.75

I enjoyed the world building, and especially all the animal personalities in this fantastical romance based on Peruvian mythology. It was easy for me to enjoy this story since speaking to animals is the superpower I always wanted, though Asiri's struggles with her secret and wild animal sidekicks also felt genuine. The romance was a little uneven at times, especially since it is hard for me to buy insta-love, but the characters were adorable and easy to cheer for, while the small town setting worked. Highly recommend for animal lovers looking for a sweet romance, and cool magical elements. 

Hexhunter by Jordan L. Hawk

adventurous challenging dark emotional hopeful mysterious tense 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? Yes

5.0

 Bill and Isaac's story is just heartbreaking, as these side characters from previous books in the Hexworld series take center stage. There is a spark when they meet in book 1, but it takes until now (and three years later) for either of them to admit to their feelings. It is a slow angsty burn, in the best way possible. The series and world building continues to deepen, with a new murder mystery and more exploration of the lives of familiars. I recommend reading this series in order, though this might be my favorite of them all. What a pay-off and gripping read! 

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Content Warnings

Graphic: Homophobia, Violence

Moderate: Emotional abuse, Physical abuse, Antisemitism, Abandonment

Hexslayer by Jordan L. Hawk

adventurous challenging dark emotional mysterious tense fast-paced

• Plot- or character-driven? A mix
• Strong character development? Yes
• Loveable characters? Yes
• Diverse cast of characters? Yes

5.0

 Jamie and Nick are drawn together by a common concern for a familiar (aka shifter) found brutally murdered in Central Park. I like the push and pull of their opposing loyalties, and how their worldviews shaped their relationship. The series really takes off with this story, with the events of the previous book having a real impact. I recommend reading this series in order, and have enjoyed all the installments of this sexy gaslamp series. 

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Content Warnings

Graphic: Gore, Violence, Religious bigotry, Murder

Moderate: Ableism, Homophobia, War

Hexmaker by Jordan L. Hawk

adventurous dark emotional hopeful tense fast-paced

• Plot- or character-driven? A mix
• Strong character development? Yes
• Loveable characters? Yes
• Diverse cast of characters? Yes

5.0

 Owen is briefly introduced in the first book in the Hexworld series, and he is just the kind of nerdy hero I love, so I was excited to read his story. Mal is the perfect devil-may-care foil for the starchy scholar, and I loved the way these two fated mates played off each other. The world building continues to shine, with a murder mystery backdrop to the romance. Highly recommend for gas lamp fantasy fans who want a side of action and adventure with their steamy romance. 

One Night in Hartswood by Emma Denny

adventurous challenging emotional hopeful 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

5.0

 This is a delightful historical romance set in the middle ages and involving an arranged marriage gone awry. When Penn runs away the night before his wedding, he ends up rescued and befriended by Raff, his intended's brother. In a case of double mistaken identity, they strike off on an adventure together, that eventually turns into something more. Penn totally stole my heart with his difficult backstory and how he grows into being the master of his own destiny. Highly recommend for historical romance fans who love a damaged hero with a dose of political maneuvering. 

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Content Warnings

Graphic: Animal cruelty, Homophobia, Violence, Medical content

Moderate: Child abuse, War

Prince and Bodyguard by Tavia Lark

adventurous dark emotional fast-paced

• Plot- or character-driven? A mix
• Strong character development? Yes
• Loveable characters? Yes

5.0

 This second trilogy in the Perilous Courts series starts with a bang, displaying family dynamics that are very different from the largely loving and relatively healthy relationships in the previous royal family. Vana has been a prince of Draskora ever since he was forcefully adopted at age 14. More than a bodyguard, Daromir traveled with Vana from his homeland and has been his only friend in this new and dangerous life. Both these characters are easy to root for as they navigate a friendship that blossoms into more, set against a vivid backdrop of magical powers and political intrigue. Highly recommend for fantasy romance fans who enjoy magical sexy times and high-stakes drama. 

Dance with the Dragon Duke by S.L. Prater

adventurous emotional hopeful lighthearted medium-paced

• Loveable characters? Yes

5.0

Tomorrow has a terrible secret and urgently needs to secure her inheritance against her murderous cousin. Darko reluctantly agrees to pose as her suitor, though he quickly develops genuine feelings for her. The setting is fun, with lovable characters and over the top hijinx. Highly recommend for fans of gas lamp fantasy romance who enjoy a little steam and humor with their stories.

Demon on the Down-Low by E.J. Russell

emotional funny hopeful 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

4.75

 Zeke is in a really tough spot, so it is easy to cheer for him as he comes out of his shell and starts to feel free to enjoy the world around him. Both these characters were very relatable, and all the dating mishaps were a romcom delight. Highly recommend this entire series (and the connected books) for feel-good cozy paranormal romance. 

The Druid Next Door by E.J. Russell

adventurous emotional funny hopeful fast-paced

• Loveable characters? Yes

4.75

 This is a fun paranormal romcom between a curmudgeonly exiled fae enforcer and an untutored druid who are stuck together as neighbors in the mortal realm. The characters are lovable and easy to root for as they manage to succeed at all their wild quests. I recommend reading this series in order for a better understanding of the world and characters, though each book features a new couple and their HEA. Highly recommend for fans of paranormal hijinx to go with mlm their romance.