jayceejarvis's reviews
976 reviews

Takeover by Anna Zabo

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emotional tense 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

4.5

 I'm not usually a fan of office romances but this story handled all the pitfalls well, including real consequences for the characters. I really liked Michael and Sam and the scorching hot chemistry between them. This was a nice twist on the "oops, I slept with my boss" trope. Highly recommend for fans of kinky contemporary romance. 
The Sea Spirit Festival by Claudie Arseneault

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adventurous emotional hopeful lighthearted mysterious medium-paced
  • Plot- or character-driven? A mix
  • Strong character development? Yes
  • Loveable characters? Yes
  • Diverse cast of characters? Yes

4.75

 This time Horace and his friends take a pause in their travels to wait out (or enjoy!) the Sea Spirit Festival before catching a ship. The world building continues to deepen and delight. A fine addition to the series. I recommend reading book 1 first for full enjoyment of this cozy fantasy series. 
Flooded Secrets by Claudie Arseneault

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emotional hopeful lighthearted relaxing medium-paced
  • Plot- or character-driven? A mix
  • Loveable characters? Yes
  • Diverse cast of characters? Yes

5.0

 My favorite story in the The Chronicles of Nerezia series so far. Horace is growing into his own, while Keza is a delightful addition to the cast of characters. I enjoy the way the characters all work together, each contributing something to their common goals, while learning and respecting each other. Highly recommend the whole series for fans of cozy fantasy. 
Awakenings by Claudie Arseneault

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adventurous hopeful lighthearted relaxing medium-paced
  • Plot- or character-driven? Character
  • Loveable characters? Yes
  • Diverse cast of characters? Yes

4.75

 This story is the beginning of a series, so don't expect all the story questions answered by the end. It is a charming coming of age story for an apprenticed guard who is hoping that this job will finally be eir calling, when everything goes wrong a e ends up on an adventure in the wider world with a new pair of friends. For all the danger posed by the mysterious Fragments, this is very much a cozy fantasy story with lovable characters on a quest for the truth. Highly recommend for fans of found family and cozy fantasy, especially if you are looking for a series to sink into. 
Show Me by Alex Pendragon

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challenging dark emotional tense fast-paced
  • Plot- or character-driven? Character
  • Strong character development? Yes
  • Loveable characters? Yes
  • Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes

4.75

 A sizzling hot romance between the "nerdy twin" and his flashy rebellious brother's best friend. While the sex is off the charts, there is a sweet awkward core of characterization in this story that really helps it hold together and builds the romantic plot-line and family drama. Highly recommend for fans of kinky romance looking for something a little different than standard BDSM fare. 
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For A Good Time, Call... by Anne Tenino, E.J. Russell

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emotional funny hopeful mysterious slow-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

Ace characters are still all too rare in contemporary romances, so I really enjoyed the rep in this one. Seth is a great romantic foil for Nate and shows real growth over the course of the story. I also liked how he let Nate take the lead in sexual and romantic matters out of consideration for his partner's needs. With communication having slightly different libidos can work, which was really nicely done here. I also liked the fact that the romance wasn't the entire focus of the story--they have a mystery to solve together, not to mention some epic pranks to plan. It made the friendship growing into romance feel more organic. A well paced and well written strangers to friends to lovers story. 
Her Virgin Duke by Nicola Davidson

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emotional hopeful lighthearted relaxing fast-paced
  • Plot- or character-driven? Character
  • Loveable characters? Yes
  • Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes

4.5

This is a very cute and steamy historical romance between a shy and stuffy Duke and a notorious madam. While I liked the characters and the interesting twist on the holiday season that he is frankly dreading, I felt that his character development was a little too rushed for someone who had been so sexually repressed. Still a fun historical romance with a sex positive message and a delightful heroine. 
Heir of Tanaris by Kyra Halland

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adventurous dark emotional inspiring reflective medium-paced
  • Strong character development? Yes
  • Loveable characters? Yes
  • Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes

4.5

I really liked how Davian struggled to turn away from his horrible upbringing and how learning patience and allowing himself to be vulnerable took effort and time. Some of that was because of the evil influence on his soul, but it was also clear that he had lots of baggage of his own to overcome. The romance was sweet and progressed in a natural fashion. Highly recommend for fantasy romance readers who enjoy unique magic systems and thoughtful characters. 
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Her Pretend Christmas Date by Jackie Lau

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funny hopeful lighthearted relaxing medium-paced
  • Plot- or character-driven? Character
  • Loveable characters? Yes
  • Diverse cast of characters? Yes

5.0

 Super cute novella in the Cider Bar Sisters series. I recommend reading the other books in the series first, but I really enjoyed this opposites attract romance between a starchy shy hero (one of my favorite archetypes) and a free spirited artist. Lau brings her usual fake-dating, one-bed magic to this holiday romance. 
Hexbreaker by Jordan L. Hawk

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adventurous dark emotional mysterious fast-paced
  • Plot- or character-driven? A mix
  • Strong character development? Yes
  • Loveable characters? Yes
  • Diverse cast of characters? Yes

5.0

Set in an alternate New York in the late 1800's where magic is ubiquitous, though mostly in the form of flashy illusions or protective wards, this paranormal romance is the prefect blend of mystery and romance. Cicero and Tom are assigned to find the connection between a pair of mysterious deaths. Cicero is a cat shifter, and I loved the way that came through in his personality, while Tom is hiding secrets of his own in this fated mates romance. Highly recommend for fans of paranormal takes on historical events and bygone eras.
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