jayceejarvis's reviews
976 reviews

Yield Under Great Persuasion by Alexandra Rowland

challenging emotional tense

• Plot- or character-driven? Character
• Strong character development? Yes
• Loveable characters? It's complicated
• Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes

4.75

Tam, the main character of this book (and only POV) is a hot mess but also strangely relatable. The world building is creative and interesting, while the POV is so deep it is easy to cheer for this guy even as he makes mistakes. If you like lots of angst and drama to go with your steamy fantasy romance, this is a fine choice. My only issue with this book is that the love interest is a complete golden child, which is Tam's main complaint against him and that level of privileged and good fortune are never really examined--I just had a hard time with the rags-to-riches elements of the story because the system is corrupt, but then the main character gets seduced by it anyway. I've probably been reading too many historical romances with revolutionary undertones to truly appreciate this cross-class romance. I still recommend this gripping story with a strong emotional journey, and a cool magic system. 

Three Reasons to Run by Jackie Lau

emotional funny hopeful lighthearted relaxing 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

I'm really enjoying the Mok Brother's series, especially since their parents are such relatable unflappable people. There is plenty of drama in this book, as Yvonne has a difficult relationship with her parents (and her dad especially is a piece of work) but Leo's parents--while flawed and human--are really doing their best for all their different children. Besides the stand out family dynamics, this story is also about Yvonne reclaiming her life and herself, including her sexuality. It is scorching hot, yet tender at the same time--a Jackie Lua specialty. I also really appreciate the way the pandemic is a thing in this book, just like taking the train and phones and other aspects of realistic modern life. 

The Centurion's Choice by Sandra Schwab

adventurous emotional hopeful fast-paced

5.0

 This was a quick and enjoyable novella about a grouchy Centurion assigned to a new post and Lucius who was his rival for the position, and instead has to serve under him, divided loyalties and all. The setting comes alive, and the relationship grows and deepens in a natural way--quite the pacing feat in a story this short! Highly recommend for anyone looking for romances outside the usual time periods. 

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Content Warnings

Graphic: Violence, Injury/Injury detail

Upon the Midnight Queer by 'Nathan Burgoine

emotional funny hopeful lighthearted medium-paced

• Loveable characters? Yes
• Diverse cast of characters? Yes

5.0

I absolutely loved this collection of retold Christmas stories. The collection builds on itself, with call backs to earlier stories to tie them into a thematic whole. Super clever and creative twists on old classics, and new favorites. There was even a story set in '81 based on Christmas Wrapping by The Waitresses--easily in my top 10 of Christmas songs, so it was a treat to see it fleshed out into a short story. Highly recommend for anyone who enjoys the magic of the season. 

Claws and Contrivances by Stephanie Burgis

funny hopeful lighthearted

• Loveable characters? Yes

5.0

 A delightfully sweet fantasy of manners in an alternate Regency with cute pet dragons as the newest fashion craze. This is the second book in the series, and while they stand alone, they will probably be best enjoyed in order. Rose is a plucky heroine who was easy to root for even as her wild schemes got out of hand. Highly recommend for fans of Austen who want a little extra magic and humor in their stories. 

Listen to the Moon by Rose Lerner

dark emotional hopeful inspiring 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

5.0

 I really enjoyed this romance between a valet down on his luck and a maid-of-all-work who charms him. While it is a marriage of convenience story, the two spend enough time getting to know each other before their engagement for the romance to blossom in a believable way. Historical romance novels with working class characters is still far too rare, and this is an excellent addition to that niche. Highly recommend for historical romance fans who are tiring of endless stories of Dukes. 

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Content Warnings

Moderate: Child abuse

Cinnamon Roll by Anna Zabo

dark 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

 I loved this mlm contemporary romance about a sub and a dom who have been in the same circles for a while but haven't hooked up. Their limited history together added depth and emotion to them coming together. The characters were delightful (and yes, too good for this world) while the side characters were fun and interesting. I've enjoyed all the books in this connected world that I've read. If you want a cozy kink series with found family, small town vibes, this series is excellent, with contributions from a lot of great authors. 

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Content Warnings

Graphic: Sexual content

Minor: Sexual violence

Dionysus in Wisconsin by E.H. Lupton

adventurous emotional funny inspiring mysterious medium-paced

5.0

 Set in 1969 in Madison Wisconsin, a man is cursed to be overrun by a god while a medium warned about the threat is determined to save him. Sam and Ulysses are easy to cheer for along with a colorful cast of side characters. The near history setting was a cool twist for a paranormal story and added tension and drama in interesting ways. Highly recommend for fans of character driven fantasy with a mythological bent. 

Shelter in Garnet Run by Roan Parrish

emotional hopeful lighthearted reflective slow-paced

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

4.75

 I have enjoyed all the fun characters and sweet romances in the Garnet Run series, and this Christmas novella is no exception. River has been a delightful side character for much of the series, so it was really fun to see them get a chance at their own HEA. I haven't read many romance novels with nonbinary main characters, so it was a joy to see them taking center stage, including some frank discussions about some of the pitfalls of dating and gender expectations in romantic situations. Cassidy was a delight, reminding me a little of Charlie (a favorite from the Garnet run crew) and a great match for River. While the series is getting long enough that the cameos from the other characters were a little overwhelming, this was still a solid holiday romance. 

Jackdaw by KJ Charles

challenging emotional hopeful medium-paced

• Plot- or character-driven? Character
• Strong character development? Yes
• Loveable characters? Yes
• Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes

5.0

 Following shortly after the Lord of Magpies series, this story centers Jonah and the policeman he both wronged and did so much to save. It is a delicious second chance romance as these two learn to love each other again across the great divide and betrayals of their past. Both characters have a lot of soul searching and growing to do, against a backdrop of magic and misunderstandings. I highly recommend reading the complete Lord of Magpies trilogy first, as it has some important background. This is a fun chance to explore some other aspects of that world, without all the harrowing mystery and grand villains.