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jess_justmaybeperfect's reviews
591 reviews
Dragonflight by Anne McCaffrey
adventurous
tense
fast-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? It's complicated
- Loveable characters? It's complicated
- Diverse cast of characters? No
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
4.0
Yes old school sci-fi so there are some dated themes but the story, the astronomy, the ritualism, and the dragons are amazing. Also, this book (published in 1968) tackles gender roles, faith, respecting and expanding upon tradition, and the "girl" (she's a grown woman) saves the day.
Content Warnings
Graphic: Sexual assault, Fatphobia, and Sexism
You Should Be So Lucky by Cat Sebastian
emotional
funny
lighthearted
reflective
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
5.0
You Should be So Lucky is the story of Eddie O’Leary, newest and most hated, member of the New York Robins and Mark Bailey, a reporter for the Chronicle (yesssss, that Mark from We Could Be So Good).
Mark and Eddie meet when Mark is assigned a weekly diary project about Eddie by his boss, Andy (yes, that Andy).
As the project progress, Mark and Eddie spend more time together in person and by phone (many many pricey long distance calls from hotel lobby phones booths are involved). Eddie is in a new city playing for a new team, getting the silent treatment (not completely undeserved but he had his reasons, ok), lonely, missing home, and trying desperately to get his swing back. Mark is a very well dressed, respected, infamously harsh reporter lonely and reeling from a tragic loss he must bear almost completely alone because of how secret his relationship was. Mark talks Eddie through his fears, inspires Eddie to make amends, have fun with his team, and keeps Eddie’s sometimes terrifying optimism in check. Eddie makes Mark laugh, he falls in love with Mark’s dog, and deeply respects Mark’s grief while immediately recognizing (and mitigating) his fear of another secret relationship.
Sebastian weaves such special touches into this story. For example: the acceptance and sure support Eddie and Mark get from Eddie’s mother and their mentors is subtle but obvious; Eddie’s respect for Mark’s watch and what it means that he finally punched another hole in the band; a somehow very private love letter from Mark in a newspaper article; and the tea cup.
You Should Be So Lucky is a slow burn feelings festival that’ll make you think about falling in love, making friends, grief, community, family, safety, and loyal pets. I loved it!
Thanks to Sebastian, NetGalley, and Avon for this #arc.
Content Warnings
Graphic: Sexual content
Moderate: Homophobia and Racism
Minor: Racial slurs
If I Never Met You by Mhairi McFarlane
emotional
funny
lighthearted
sad
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
5.0
This is a closed door, contemporary, single POV, with a 3rd act break up, a combo I’ve never given 5 stars too. I’m frankly blown away by how much I loved it. Set in Manchester, England, it’s the story of Laurie and Jamie who make a fake dating agreement to piss her ex off and help him get a promotion. Slowly they become great friends and start to fall in love. This book has 1 Very Bad Dad™️, many other very good parents, heartbreak, mistakes, lies and truths, best friends, frightening and tragic memories, devoted caretaking, house plants, cats, AND ITS SO SWEET AND ROMANTIC, GAH!!
Content Warnings
Minor: Pregnancy, Cancer, Child death, Sexual assault, Child abuse, Infidelity, and Pedophilia
Tough Guy by Rachel Reid
challenging
emotional
reflective
sad
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
Content Warnings
Graphic: Suicide, Blood, Violence, Homophobia, and Sexual content
A Love By Design by Elizabeth Everett
emotional
funny
hopeful
reflective
fast-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? No
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
5.0
Never Judge a Lady by Her Cover by Sarah MacLean
adventurous
emotional
funny
lighthearted
reflective
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
5.0
Content Warnings
Graphic: Sexual content and Domestic abuse
No Good Duke Goes Unpunished by Sarah MacLean
emotional
hopeful
reflective
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? No
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
4.5
Justice for Mara. She was SIXTEEN!! Plus Temple had amazing friends and tons of cash to keep him safe while Mara spent more than a decade protecting children, keeping herself alive, and taking care of her jerk of a brother. Plus her apologies and grand gestures (and his) are perfect.