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jennireadsmaybe's reviews
558 reviews
Only for the Week by Natasha Bishop
emotional
funny
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? Yes
I can finally say I understand the hype behind this book. I started it and finished it within 24 hours. I just didn't want to put it down. J. Shani Michaels and Winston James did a phenomenal job at bringing the characters to life in the audio! I was straight up blushing while listening 😳
Only for the Week is a vacation, friends (sort of) with benefits, "only for the week" hookup romance. It's short, steamy, and a wild ride. Janelle wants temporary and Rome knows that one week isn't enough. It's delectable. Their chemistry was off the charts. The smut!!!!
My favorite part was Janelle learning to stand up for herself!! It's always nice to read about a character that struggles in her familial relationships (definitely not speaking from personal experience here 🫢). Rome was all about giving her what she wanted just because he could!! Loved them both.
Thanks to @kendrareadswithlove for constantly sharing about this book!!!
Only for the Week is a vacation, friends (sort of) with benefits, "only for the week" hookup romance. It's short, steamy, and a wild ride. Janelle wants temporary and Rome knows that one week isn't enough. It's delectable. Their chemistry was off the charts. The smut!!!!
My favorite part was Janelle learning to stand up for herself!! It's always nice to read about a character that struggles in her familial relationships (definitely not speaking from personal experience here 🫢). Rome was all about giving her what she wanted just because he could!! Loved them both.
Thanks to @kendrareadswithlove for constantly sharing about this book!!!
Content Warnings
Graphic: Sexual content, Gaslighting, and Emotional abuse
Moderate: Alcohol, Toxic relationship, and Violence
Minor: Infidelity and Cancer
I Hope This Doesn't Find You by Ann Liang
emotional
funny
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? Yes
I Hope This Doesn't Find You is my favorite book of 2024 so far! Academic rivals to lovers meets TATBILB except instead of love letters, it's all the "mean" emails Sadie never sent. It's funny, heartfelt, and sweet as can be. Honestly, I'm not convinced I didn't spend most my time reading this crying 😭 The writing is just stunning in every way imaginable.
Sadie and Julius are everything to me! From their first interaction to the last page, I was in love with them. Sadie, in particular, is my favorite part of the story. She’s a child of divorce who is chasing after love and acceptance from people that aren’t worth it. RELATABLE!
Did you take AP classes in high school? Are you a recovering people pleaser? Do you like your romance with a side of "do you not know how much you affect me?" If you answered yes to any of these questions, I Hope This Doesn't Find You is perfect for you!
Quotes I loved:
"Here I was trying to see the best in him, but he was only assuming the worst of me
“Why is it me? Why do you always single me out?"
“Because," he says quietly, a curious expression on his face. I've never seen him so serious. So sincere. "You're the only person worth paying attention to.”
Sadie and Julius are everything to me! From their first interaction to the last page, I was in love with them. Sadie, in particular, is my favorite part of the story. She’s a child of divorce who is chasing after love and acceptance from people that aren’t worth it. RELATABLE!
Did you take AP classes in high school? Are you a recovering people pleaser? Do you like your romance with a side of "do you not know how much you affect me?" If you answered yes to any of these questions, I Hope This Doesn't Find You is perfect for you!
Quotes I loved:
"Here I was trying to see the best in him, but he was only assuming the worst of me
“Why is it me? Why do you always single me out?"
“Because," he says quietly, a curious expression on his face. I've never seen him so serious. So sincere. "You're the only person worth paying attention to.”
Content Warnings
Graphic: Toxic relationship, Bullying, and Cursing
Moderate: Abandonment, Panic attacks/disorders, and Alcohol
Minor: Misogyny and Sexism
Second Night Stand by Karelia Stetz-Waters, Fay Stetz-Waters
emotional
funny
hopeful
lighthearted
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? It's complicated
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
I really really really (yes really) wanted to love Second Night Stand, but it fell a bit flat for me. While the romance was sweet, I didn't feel like it was entirely believable. I liked that the characters communicated very well during general conversations and intimate scenes. It just wasn't enough.
The dance competition didn't make sense in my brain. Most of the description for the burlesque performances made me question how they made it as far as they did. Also, without spoiling, the way the competition ended for both teams left much to be desired.
I would still recommend it to anyone looking for a sapphic romance, especially if you hate the miscommunication trope.
The dance competition didn't make sense in my brain. Most of the description for the burlesque performances made me question how they made it as far as they did. Also, without spoiling, the way the competition ended for both teams left much to be desired.
I would still recommend it to anyone looking for a sapphic romance, especially if you hate the miscommunication trope.
Content Warnings
Graphic: Abandonment, Sexual content, and Child abuse
Moderate: Fatphobia, Homophobia, and Body shaming
Minor: Racism and Transphobia
The Fae Keeper by H.E. Edgmon
adventurous
dark
emotional
hopeful
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
The Fae Keeper is a solid conclusion to the Witch King duology. It picks up days after the end of TFK and is full steam ahead from there. Wyatt's sassy and funny inner monologue is so entertaining. He's just so fun. He learns so much about magic, himself, and his relationships with everyone around him.
The conversations around transness and aspec identities are so important and continue to be relevant. A lot of the same topics come up in one, which makes sense because overthrowing a tyrannical and repressive government is only the first step in their journey.
Questions are answered, action is packed, and the romance is romanced. I really enjoyed this and look forward to reading more from H.E. Edgmon. Again, this book is perfect for anyone looking for queer fantasy, messy and chaotic trans/queer characters, and just a funny time.
The conversations around transness and aspec identities are so important and continue to be relevant. A lot of the same topics come up in one, which makes sense because overthrowing a tyrannical and repressive government is only the first step in their journey.
Questions are answered, action is packed, and the romance is romanced. I really enjoyed this and look forward to reading more from H.E. Edgmon. Again, this book is perfect for anyone looking for queer fantasy, messy and chaotic trans/queer characters, and just a funny time.
Content Warnings
Graphic: Death, Violence, and Body horror
Moderate: Transphobia, Sexual assault, and Cannibalism
Minor: Racism, Sexual content, and Animal cruelty
A Torch Against the Night by Sabaa Tahir
adventurous
dark
emotional
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
A Torch Against the Night is a good fantasy sequel. It definitely has its moments of slowness, but thankfully, there's a bit of mystery/waiting for the other foot to drop that makes you want to keep reading. You also get a bit more into the fantasy elements.
The reveal in this one!!!! I screamed!!! I definitely wasn't expecting it. The addition of Helene's POV really added to the story. She's such an interesting character to follow. I enjoyed getting to see Laia's fighting/training develop a bit more. She's not the same girl from that first chapter; Elias isn't the same boy from that chapter either. He's challenged just as much as Laia in this one.
I've got more questions than answers at this point and I'm really looking forward to getting those answers. I'm a little late to the game, but don't let that stop you from picking up this series. It's so good!
The reveal in this one!!!! I screamed!!! I definitely wasn't expecting it. The addition of Helene's POV really added to the story. She's such an interesting character to follow. I enjoyed getting to see Laia's fighting/training develop a bit more. She's not the same girl from that first chapter; Elias isn't the same boy from that chapter either. He's challenged just as much as Laia in this one.
I've got more questions than answers at this point and I'm really looking forward to getting those answers. I'm a little late to the game, but don't let that stop you from picking up this series. It's so good!
Content Warnings
Graphic: Violence, Death, and Torture
Moderate: Child abuse, Slavery, and Grief
Minor: Rape and Sexual content
Looking for Love in All the Haunted Places by Claire Kann
adventurous
emotional
funny
mysterious
reflective
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? It's complicated
LFLiatHP is the cozy, spooky, paranormal romance that trad pub has been missing!!! It had just the right amount of ESP, haunted house, and paranormal shenanigans, especially if you're a fraid-y cat like me. It was super intriguing from the start.
Lucky is Black, ace, bi, and a little bit supernatural (ESP as she calls it). She's risking everything by taking the job as Hennessee House caretaker/investigator. She's a super interesting main character because she's seemingly all on her own and always ready to get into a bit of trouble. Honestly, I don't think any other character would have suited the story as well as she did.
Her romance with Maverick is so completely heartwarming and charming. He is always there with a listening ear and a willingness to learn that quite literally any other love interest could never live up to. They suit each other so well and everyone around them knows that.
There's so much more I could say about this one, but I'm going to end it here. Pick this up if you're looking for a cozy, spooky, single-dad, LGBTQ+ read.
Lucky is Black, ace, bi, and a little bit supernatural (ESP as she calls it). She's risking everything by taking the job as Hennessee House caretaker/investigator. She's a super interesting main character because she's seemingly all on her own and always ready to get into a bit of trouble. Honestly, I don't think any other character would have suited the story as well as she did.
Her romance with Maverick is so completely heartwarming and charming. He is always there with a listening ear and a willingness to learn that quite literally any other love interest could never live up to. They suit each other so well and everyone around them knows that.
There's so much more I could say about this one, but I'm going to end it here. Pick this up if you're looking for a cozy, spooky, single-dad, LGBTQ+ read.
Content Warnings
Graphic: Mental illness, Acephobia/Arophobia, and Grief
Moderate: Emotional abuse, Panic attacks/disorders, and Cursing
Minor: Alcohol, Death, and Death of parent
Twelfth Knight by Alexene Farol Follmuth
emotional
funny
lighthearted
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
Thank you to NetGalley and Tor Teen for providing me with an e-ARC in exchange for my honest thoughts
Honestly, I'm so embarrassed that I own multiple Alexene Farol Follmuth (Olivie Blake) books and the first one I decided to pick up was this ARC, because if this is any indication for how much I'm going to love the other books... there's a big storm coming!!!
Twelfth Knight is all the best parts of 90s and 00s high school romcoms in one hilariously, witty book-sized package. Vi and Jack are such great characters to write as quasi-academic rivals to lovers/hate to love because they are so set in their ways in the beginning that you can't possibly imagine it working out in the end. But AFF did the thing.
Every single beat of this story worked. I couldn't stop turning pages. I finished this book and immediately wanted to start my own D&D adventure. It was a fun, funky, and fresh YA romance that is perfect for anyone looking for a book with 90s romcom vibes.
Honestly, I'm so embarrassed that I own multiple Alexene Farol Follmuth (Olivie Blake) books and the first one I decided to pick up was this ARC, because if this is any indication for how much I'm going to love the other books... there's a big storm coming!!!
Twelfth Knight is all the best parts of 90s and 00s high school romcoms in one hilariously, witty book-sized package. Vi and Jack are such great characters to write as quasi-academic rivals to lovers/hate to love because they are so set in their ways in the beginning that you can't possibly imagine it working out in the end. But AFF did the thing.
Every single beat of this story worked. I couldn't stop turning pages. I finished this book and immediately wanted to start my own D&D adventure. It was a fun, funky, and fresh YA romance that is perfect for anyone looking for a book with 90s romcom vibes.
Content Warnings
Moderate: Sexism, Misogyny, and Sexual harassment
Minor: Gaslighting
Evil Eye by Etaf Rum
challenging
emotional
reflective
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
How do I write a review for Evil Eye? How do I capture how much this book means to me?
Evil Eye follows Yara, a Palestinian American woman, who after marrying and leaving her conservative family behind in Brooklyn is seemingly living the dream. She's gotten to do everything that her mother never could. She's working at a local college, married to a nice man, and raising her two daughters. Everything's great. Except it doesn't feel like enough.
Etaf Rum is a forced to be reckoned with; there's no other way to put it. Evil Eye explores generational trauma, motherhood, depression, friendship, and the deeply personal desire to be loved by the people around us. It's a hard read, but a necessary one in my opinion.
There were so many lines throughout the book that were a punch in the gut. Rum's writing is at once beautiful and harrowing, but I never find myself lost by it.
Content Warnings
Graphic: Sexism, Gaslighting, Domestic abuse, Misogyny, Emotional abuse, Grief, and Mental illness
Moderate: Death of parent, Suicidal thoughts, and Racism
Flawless Girls by Anna-Marie McLemore
dark
mysterious
reflective
tense
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
I'm not certain that any review I write will do Flawless Girls justice. It's the kind of book you need to read without reading reviews. It's a fever dream and a half that probably seems like it doesn't make sense while reading it. I think that's what makes it so easy to keep turning the pages.
I started reading Anna-Marie McLemore when they released Lakelore and fell for the way they write. Every word means something. It hurts and it heals and it still blows my mind days later. Honestly, it was so atmospheric that I'm pretty sure I dreamt about it after I finished the book. I definitely have a new appreciation for stones and gems now.
I would be remiss not to mention the representation in Flawless Girls. The FMC is an Latina, intersex, girl in a world that is ripe with expectations of what femininity is and isn't. It's extremely powerful.
I started reading Anna-Marie McLemore when they released Lakelore and fell for the way they write. Every word means something. It hurts and it heals and it still blows my mind days later. Honestly, it was so atmospheric that I'm pretty sure I dreamt about it after I finished the book. I definitely have a new appreciation for stones and gems now.
I would be remiss not to mention the representation in Flawless Girls. The FMC is an Latina, intersex, girl in a world that is ripe with expectations of what femininity is and isn't. It's extremely powerful.
Out On a Limb by Hannah Bonam-Young
emotional
funny
hopeful
lighthearted
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
My most favorite HBY by far!! Out on a Limb is an absolute treasure (arrrrr!). I know that this surprise pregnancy took the romance world by storm when it came out, and it's so deserved!! This book taught me more about loving others and what that looks like in any relationship.
Win, the fmc, has a limb difference like HBY. HBY shares her raw and honest thoughts in an author's note before the book and it makes the story that much more special. Win's journey to motherhood may not look like what we're used to in romance but it's important and necessary that it gets to take up space on shelves around the world. I love her so much! She's laugh-out-loud funny, compassionate, and the kind of character that I wish was real so I could have her in my life.
The people were right when they said Bo is the perfect book boyfriend. Ha! Everything he does proves just how much he loves Win. From splitting finances equitably, to constantly surprising her with not-so-wanted but necessary expensive gifts. He's a sweet man with a huge heart (and other things ;)). A romance that's all about being chosen by the person you love. I will be screaming about this from the rooftops for the remainder of my life. Everyone should read it!
Win, the fmc, has a limb difference like HBY. HBY shares her raw and honest thoughts in an author's note before the book and it makes the story that much more special. Win's journey to motherhood may not look like what we're used to in romance but it's important and necessary that it gets to take up space on shelves around the world. I love her so much! She's laugh-out-loud funny, compassionate, and the kind of character that I wish was real so I could have her in my life.
The people were right when they said Bo is the perfect book boyfriend. Ha! Everything he does proves just how much he loves Win. From splitting finances equitably, to constantly surprising her with not-so-wanted but necessary expensive gifts. He's a sweet man with a huge heart (and other things ;)). A romance that's all about being chosen by the person you love. I will be screaming about this from the rooftops for the remainder of my life. Everyone should read it!
Content Warnings
Graphic: Pregnancy, Cancer, and Sexual content
Moderate: Suicide, Death of parent, and Ableism
Minor: Emotional abuse, Abortion, and Toxic relationship