Scan barcode
jennireadsmaybe's reviews
558 reviews
Saint, Sorrow, Sinner by Freydís Moon
dark
emotional
hopeful
mysterious
fast-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
Was I just completely destroyed and then sewed back up by Saint, Sorrow, Sinner? Yes. Freydís Moon is without a doubt one of my favorite discoveries of 2024. Their story telling ability sucked me into each book I've read (4 down). Genuinely, I think that everyone should read the Gideon Testaments!!
Sophia is learning what it means to not see herself as a villain after previous events in the series. She is completely alone in life at this point, except she isn't. She has an entire, magical found family that is willing to do whatever it takes to save her. This particular found family is messy, hilarious, and straight up terrifying. I loved every second!!
The romance in this one may not be as much of a focal point as the previous books, but it still holds that teeth-rottingly sweet softness that I came to adore in the series. The representation is wonderful as always. A sapphic romance featuring an autistic fmc and a trans love interest.
Sophia is learning what it means to not see herself as a villain after previous events in the series. She is completely alone in life at this point, except she isn't. She has an entire, magical found family that is willing to do whatever it takes to save her. This particular found family is messy, hilarious, and straight up terrifying. I loved every second!!
The romance in this one may not be as much of a focal point as the previous books, but it still holds that teeth-rottingly sweet softness that I came to adore in the series. The representation is wonderful as always. A sapphic romance featuring an autistic fmc and a trans love interest.
Content Warnings
Graphic: Death, Body horror, and Blood
Moderate: Panic attacks/disorders, Animal death, and Emotional abuse
Minor: Ableism, Rape, and Confinement
Falling for Meadow by Kels Stone, Denise Stone
emotional
funny
lighthearted
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? No
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
Can't believe the Perks and Benefits series is over!! I've been with it since the start and must say this was the perfect ending to a beloved series. As with all the other books, Falling for Meadow is at once heartfelt and sweepingly romantic. Meadow and Ollie's second chance romance was inevitable once they were brought back into each other's life. It was just so sweet.
Kels and Denise Stone really excel at writing heroes that make me want to fall in love. Oliver is yet another example of this. He just wants to take care of Meadow and Maisie, and he does just that. Meadow's struggle with rediscovering who she is as a result of motherhood is something that feels overlooked in most single mom romances. She is resilient as hell!
I will say Falling for Meadow was a bit harder for me to get into that previous books in the series. I do think that's mostly a me problem (read: life slump) because once I was in I was in. A great single mom romance for anyone looking for a new one.
Kels and Denise Stone really excel at writing heroes that make me want to fall in love. Oliver is yet another example of this. He just wants to take care of Meadow and Maisie, and he does just that. Meadow's struggle with rediscovering who she is as a result of motherhood is something that feels overlooked in most single mom romances. She is resilient as hell!
I will say Falling for Meadow was a bit harder for me to get into that previous books in the series. I do think that's mostly a me problem (read: life slump) because once I was in I was in. A great single mom romance for anyone looking for a new one.
Content Warnings
Graphic: Sexual content
Moderate: Panic attacks/disorders and Grief
Minor: Pregnancy
The Duke Gets Desperate by Diana Quincy
emotional
funny
lighthearted
mysterious
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
Anthony Bridgerton who? There's a new Anthony in town and you'd better step aside.
In all seriousness, I thoroughly enjoyed The Duke Gets Desperate. Raya and Strick are the epitome of "I hate that I'm attracted to you" and it's freaking delightful. Raya completely flips Strick on his head by masterminding several ways for the failing castle to make money. She's gorgeous, business savvy, and the exact match to Strick's attitude. Chef's kiss.
I love an inheritance plot, throw in the shenanigans around saving the castle, and the forced proximity of it all and I was ready to devour this book. I wasn't Strick's biggest fan, but he won me over by the end with just how much he believed in Raya. Their chemistry had me giggling and kicking my feet.
The mystery/suspense plot felt ridiculous but in the best way. It definitely added a bit of tension that I felt was missing in the last third of the book. Can't wait to keep reading in the series.
In all seriousness, I thoroughly enjoyed The Duke Gets Desperate. Raya and Strick are the epitome of "I hate that I'm attracted to you" and it's freaking delightful. Raya completely flips Strick on his head by masterminding several ways for the failing castle to make money. She's gorgeous, business savvy, and the exact match to Strick's attitude. Chef's kiss.
I love an inheritance plot, throw in the shenanigans around saving the castle, and the forced proximity of it all and I was ready to devour this book. I wasn't Strick's biggest fan, but he won me over by the end with just how much he believed in Raya. Their chemistry had me giggling and kicking my feet.
The mystery/suspense plot felt ridiculous but in the best way. It definitely added a bit of tension that I felt was missing in the last third of the book. Can't wait to keep reading in the series.
Content Warnings
Graphic: Sexual content, Racism, and Murder
Moderate: Alcohol, Death of parent, and Death
One Week to Claim It All by Adriana Herrera
emotional
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
Add another Adriana Herrera hero to the list of men who could do unspeakable things (ha!). Rival office romance meets second chance with a dirty talking hero who's down bad his woman. Their chemistry was palpable in every scene.
Esmeralda is a strong, capable, woman who is ready to take control of her legacy and knows what she deserves. I love her! Her mom and tias are a fun and necessary addition to the book (the dedication for the book makes them that much more special!).
And, it's all set around a Latinx broadcasting company. The conversations around diversity throughout the diaspora are so important! As always, Adriana Herrera boldly celebrates Latinx language and culture.
Esmeralda is a strong, capable, woman who is ready to take control of her legacy and knows what she deserves. I love her! Her mom and tias are a fun and necessary addition to the book (the dedication for the book makes them that much more special!).
And, it's all set around a Latinx broadcasting company. The conversations around diversity throughout the diaspora are so important! As always, Adriana Herrera boldly celebrates Latinx language and culture.
Content Warnings
Graphic: Abandonment
Moderate: Death of parent, Classism, and Emotional abuse
The Bootleggers Bounty by Adriana Herrera
adventurous
funny
lighthearted
fast-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
Name one book by Adriana Herrera that I don't love? Exactly, you can't.
Dazzling! Hot! The person I was before I read this was a shell. Rosi, Cam, and Enzo have the perfect dynamic and the chemistry was off the charts from the beginning!!! There was a lot of smut but it always served the characters and their development... it was also freaking HOT!!!
The plot was fun. The characters were fun. Everything about The Bootlegger's Bounty was a fun time. The epilogue had me weak!! I loved getting to see the three of them happy, in love, and living their dreams.
Read this if you like high heat, piratey adventures, historical romance, and Latine and queer representation.
Dazzling! Hot! The person I was before I read this was a shell. Rosi, Cam, and Enzo have the perfect dynamic and the chemistry was off the charts from the beginning!!! There was a lot of smut but it always served the characters and their development... it was also freaking HOT!!!
The plot was fun. The characters were fun. Everything about The Bootlegger's Bounty was a fun time. The epilogue had me weak!! I loved getting to see the three of them happy, in love, and living their dreams.
Read this if you like high heat, piratey adventures, historical romance, and Latine and queer representation.
Content Warnings
Graphic: Sexual content and Violence
Minor: Death of parent
Hani and Ishu's Guide to Fake Dating by Adiba Jaigirdar
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
Adiba Jaidirdar tackles first love, toxic friendship, messy family dynamics, and so much more in Hani and Ishu's Guide to Fake Dating. The Bengali and Muslim culture throughout the book was so good! I adore the fact that Hani's parents were completely supportive of her queerness and Nikhita was ready to go to bat for Ishu. Hani is further proof that queerness and religion are not a dichotomy, and I'm always so excited to find new books that explore the relationship between the two.
The romance between Hani and Ishu was the best kind of slow burn, because we got to see them become each other's person and struggle with what it means to fall in love with someone. Fake dating is one of my favorite tropes and this is a new favorite addition to the list. Do you love sapphic romance? Fake dating? Teens being teens? Pick this one up.
Hani's friends are going to get what's coming to them for all their crimes. We ride at dawn people.
The romance between Hani and Ishu was the best kind of slow burn, because we got to see them become each other's person and struggle with what it means to fall in love with someone. Fake dating is one of my favorite tropes and this is a new favorite addition to the list. Do you love sapphic romance? Fake dating? Teens being teens? Pick this one up.
Hani's friends are going to get what's coming to them for all their crimes. We ride at dawn people.
Content Warnings
Graphic: Lesbophobia, Biphobia, Bullying, Islamophobia, Toxic friendship, Homophobia, and Racism
Moderate: Abandonment and Gaslighting
Witchlings by Claribel A. Ortega
adventurous
funny
lighthearted
mysterious
fast-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
Witchlings is a cute and delightful, friendship-forward fantasy series from Claribel A. Ortega. I just love Seven, Thorn, and Valley's journey and friendship - talk about found family!
The worldbuildling is so captivating and steeped with so much magic. The girls also find themselves questioning the way their magical society works. Such a great commentary IMO.
Witchlings is a great book for any middle-grade reader looking for BIPOC and LQBTQ+ representation. I'm very much invested in the happenings of the novel and what's to come for Seven, Thorn, and Valley.
The worldbuildling is so captivating and steeped with so much magic. The girls also find themselves questioning the way their magical society works. Such a great commentary IMO.
Witchlings is a great book for any middle-grade reader looking for BIPOC and LQBTQ+ representation. I'm very much invested in the happenings of the novel and what's to come for Seven, Thorn, and Valley.
Content Warnings
Graphic: Bullying, Slavery, and Child abuse
Moderate: Physical abuse, Violence, and Emotional abuse
Minor: Child death, Death, and Blood
Destiny's Embrace by Beverly Jenkins
emotional
funny
hopeful
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
My first ever Beverly Jenkins and it was an absolute gem!!
Another cowboy/western historical romance that I will scream about from the rooftops because the American West was NOT a purely white space historically and colonization wrecked/continues to wreak havoc on BIPOC communities throughout the West.
I absolutely devoured this banter filled romance. Mariah, the FMC, is headstrong and knows what she wants and deserves. She doesn't let Logan, the MMC, get away with treating her with anything less than the respect she deserves. I will say the romance happens fairly quickly in the grand scheme of things, but it isn't completely out of the realm of possibilities for two people that spend several days in close quarters/each other's company.
I will be continuing the series because I am interested in seeing the other brother's stories and more of Alanza.
Another cowboy/western historical romance that I will scream about from the rooftops because the American West was NOT a purely white space historically and colonization wrecked/continues to wreak havoc on BIPOC communities throughout the West.
I absolutely devoured this banter filled romance. Mariah, the FMC, is headstrong and knows what she wants and deserves. She doesn't let Logan, the MMC, get away with treating her with anything less than the respect she deserves. I will say the romance happens fairly quickly in the grand scheme of things, but it isn't completely out of the realm of possibilities for two people that spend several days in close quarters/each other's company.
I will be continuing the series because I am interested in seeing the other brother's stories and more of Alanza.
Content Warnings
Graphic: Child abuse, Sexual content, and Physical abuse
Moderate: Toxic relationship, Emotional abuse, and Racism
Minor: Death of parent
Swift and Saddled by Lyla Sage
emotional
funny
hopeful
lighthearted
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? No
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
I read Swift and Saddled almost immediately after reading D&D and I'm so glad I did! Lyla Sage knows how to write delightful, sweet, spicy, low angst romance. Wes and Ada are the epitome of city girl x country boy and I loved every second.
I'm once again sat here wishing Meadowlark was a real place that I could move to. I want to visit the shops and bars and get to know all Ryders and their friends.
A depressed hero??? Who talks about previous episodes??? Who acknowledges that he takes meds for his depression??? I love Wes so much. He's so important!! And the way he loved Ada down was just ahhhh!!
I'm once again sat here wishing Meadowlark was a real place that I could move to. I want to visit the shops and bars and get to know all Ryders and their friends.
A depressed hero??? Who talks about previous episodes??? Who acknowledges that he takes meds for his depression??? I love Wes so much. He's so important!! And the way he loved Ada down was just ahhhh!!
Content Warnings
Graphic: Mental illness and Sexual content
Moderate: Toxic relationship and Death of parent
Done and Dusted by Lyla Sage
emotional
funny
hopeful
inspiring
lighthearted
fast-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? No
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
As a cowboy romance lover, I was so excited to read Done and Dusted because it features ADHD representation. Lyla Sage definitely didn't disappoint. D&D is a sweet, spicy, soft, low angst, brother's best friend romance. It's fun, it's rodeo, and it's romance at its finest.
Luke consistently shows up for Emmy throughout the book. He's truly the dream MMC. The Ryder family and friends are lovable and Meadowlark, Wyoming is a place you wish you could visit in real life. A wonderful debut from Lyla Sage.
Luke consistently shows up for Emmy throughout the book. He's truly the dream MMC. The Ryder family and friends are lovable and Meadowlark, Wyoming is a place you wish you could visit in real life. A wonderful debut from Lyla Sage.
Content Warnings
Graphic: Sexual content, Panic attacks/disorders, and Injury/Injury detail
Moderate: Death of parent
Minor: Abandonment and Alcoholism