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jess_justmaybeperfect's reviews
813 reviews
A Rare Find by Joanna Lowell
emotional
funny
hopeful
lighthearted
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
5.0
A regency HistRom with enemies to lovers, a treasure hunt, starlight kisses, and a nonbinary MC.
Georgie and Elf’s relationship is low conflict but the external stakes are high and compelling. The dialogue is tight and fun.
Excellent secondary characters abound and anti-misogyny rules the day. Every major and minor plot line is executed to perfection. No holes. Excellent resolutions. And all a great background to a cozy, funny, sexy, sweet, and adventurous romance!
Georgie and Elf’s relationship is low conflict but the external stakes are high and compelling. The dialogue is tight and fun.
Excellent secondary characters abound and anti-misogyny rules the day. Every major and minor plot line is executed to perfection. No holes. Excellent resolutions. And all a great background to a cozy, funny, sexy, sweet, and adventurous romance!
Content Warnings
Graphic: Misogyny, Sexism, Sexual content, Grief, Death of parent, Abandonment
Minor: Medical trauma
A Shore Thing by Joanna Lowell
adventurous
emotional
funny
inspiring
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
5.0
After a case of stolen identity, Miss Muriel Pendrake has earned a story of her very own. She’s landed in St. Ives determined to prove even seaweed isn’t beneath her (it is, in fact, beneath her), and happens to fall into the actual path of a truly handsome cyclist/illustrator who would be a perfect project partner for her work.
He also happens to be the best friend of the infamous Lucy Coover (from A Duke Undone).
A bicycle trip ensues, with lots of opportunities for scandalous bathing machines and only-one-bed scenarios and true love.
He also happens to be the best friend of the infamous Lucy Coover (from A Duke Undone).
A bicycle trip ensues, with lots of opportunities for scandalous bathing machines and only-one-bed scenarios and true love.
Content Warnings
Graphic: Sexism, Sexual content
Minor: Transphobia
Pet by Akwaeke Emezi
challenging
emotional
reflective
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
4.5
A genre bending story set in a post “monster” world run by “angels”, starring Jam, a young woman who meets a hunter (Pet), who springs from her mother’s painting.
When Jam learns the hunt involves a monster in her best friend’s family, she resists her parents’ urging to send Pet back and decides to help.
As the investigation proceeds, Jam (and the reader) explore gender, parenting, childhood, friendship, family, abuse, betrayal, vengeance, loyalty, and justice.
“Angels can look like many things. So can monsters.”
Content Warnings
Moderate: Violence
Minor: Child abuse, Deadnaming, Sexual assault
Caroline's Heart by Austin Chant
challenging
emotional
hopeful
reflective
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
Set in 1885 Texas, Caroline’s Heart is the story of Roy, a cowboy, and Cecily, a witch.
Brought together by work and then violence, Roy and Cecily’s love story explores trans lives, secrets, grief, masculinity, falling in love for the first time, falling in love again, the complicated legacy of women who heal others and allegations of witchcraft, family loss, found family, real friendship, honesty, and forgiveness.
This novella is beautifully written, a little eerie, very romantic, hot, and an unputdownable quick read.
Brought together by work and then violence, Roy and Cecily’s love story explores trans lives, secrets, grief, masculinity, falling in love for the first time, falling in love again, the complicated legacy of women who heal others and allegations of witchcraft, family loss, found family, real friendship, honesty, and forgiveness.
This novella is beautifully written, a little eerie, very romantic, hot, and an unputdownable quick read.
Content Warnings
Graphic: Death, Gun violence, Sexual content, Medical content, Grief, Medical trauma, Fire/Fire injury, War, Injury/Injury detail
Oathbound by Tracy Deonn
adventurous
challenging
dark
emotional
mysterious
reflective
sad
tense
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
5.0
Content Warnings
Graphic: Confinement, Cursing, Death, Emotional abuse, Gore, Physical abuse, Racism, Rape, Slavery, Torture, Violence, Forced institutionalization, Blood, Medical content, Grief, Medical trauma, Death of parent, Murder, Gaslighting, War, Classism
A Midsummer Night's Duke by Colleen Kelly
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
Elizabeth Langham is starting over. After running away from home to become an actor in her teens, she’s been discarded and replaced by her lover. She is heading out of London to teach at her Aunt’s school.
Hungry for one more night on her own, Elizabeth hops off the mail coach at a tavern to make the most of her trip. There she meets Rex, a grumpy, serious, man who knows how to dance. Elizabeth propositions Rex and he (nervously and enthusiastically) accepts. After an extremely hot, extra consensual, and educational night together, Elizabeth and Rex part ways.
But of course, they are (awkwardly but eventually kindly) reintroduced as a teacher and brother to one of her students. Oh, and he’s a Duke.
He’s been pinning, so has she. They make a go at a brief (and very secret) affair only to fall even more head over heels. Class differences, responsibilities, mutual respect, their protection of his sister (FMC from Kelly’s first book), and his mother, all stand in the way of their HEA. But, determination and love win the day.
This novella is HOT, funny, sweet, romantic, and just like her previous book, the sex is safe and protected.
Elizabeth rules.
I can’t believe I’m writing this but I liked this even more than The Earl I Want for Christmas!
Hungry for one more night on her own, Elizabeth hops off the mail coach at a tavern to make the most of her trip. There she meets Rex, a grumpy, serious, man who knows how to dance. Elizabeth propositions Rex and he (nervously and enthusiastically) accepts. After an extremely hot, extra consensual, and educational night together, Elizabeth and Rex part ways.
But of course, they are (awkwardly but eventually kindly) reintroduced as a teacher and brother to one of her students. Oh, and he’s a Duke.
He’s been pinning, so has she. They make a go at a brief (and very secret) affair only to fall even more head over heels. Class differences, responsibilities, mutual respect, their protection of his sister (FMC from Kelly’s first book), and his mother, all stand in the way of their HEA. But, determination and love win the day.
This novella is HOT, funny, sweet, romantic, and just like her previous book, the sex is safe and protected.
Elizabeth rules.
I can’t believe I’m writing this but I liked this even more than The Earl I Want for Christmas!
Content Warnings
Graphic: Sexual content
Bloody, Slutty, and Pathetic by WhatMurdah
challenging
dark
emotional
funny
reflective
medium-paced
For non-book records, review text and ratings are hidden. Only mood, pace, and content warnings are visible.
Content Warnings
Graphic: Bullying, Confinement, Death, Gore, Misogyny, Physical abuse, Sexual content, Suicidal thoughts, Torture, Toxic relationship, Violence, Forced institutionalization, Xenophobia, Blood, Medical content, Grief, Medical trauma, Murder, Pregnancy, Gaslighting, War, Injury/Injury detail
Minor: Domestic abuse, Abortion
Oh! You Pretty Things: A Glam Rock Romance by Jane Hadley
challenging
emotional
funny
hopeful
informative
reflective
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? It's complicated
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
5.0
Oh! You Pretty Things is the love story between Arthur Ohashi and Jim “call me James” Novak, University of Minnesota students.
Told entirely from Arthur’s point of view, the book begins in 1970, when Arthur meets Eve, a complicated young woman, who wants him in her band, The Tarts. James and Deb are also members. Arthur’s best friend, Tomiko, has her moments too. (More on Tomiko, Deb, and Eve below.)
In the first half of Oh! the reader gets to explore friendship, music, school, parties, drugs, alcohol, family, religion, race, and sex, right along with Arthur. Arthur is extremely new to sex. His innocence thrills Eve and seems to intrigue James. Arthur learns painful and lovely lessons along the way. The consent is expert level and even when complicated, the sex is very hot. There is a group scene so monumental it could be used as the basis for a dissertation on sexual and gender identity and awakening.
The second half of the book is where the romance really picks up. After a thrilling but messy trip to Chicago to record an album, Arthur and James get time alone together, to talk, tell the truth, explore their feelings, meet Arthur’s parents (who, frankly, deserve an essay of their own), and fall in love. It’s romantic, hot, funny, and touching. Then, when James is offered an opportunity he’s been promised for years, Arthur refuses to ask him to stay and James refuses to ask to be asked. It’s angsty, grand, sweet, and funny all at the same time. Plus, the epilogue will thrill you! (Seriously though, my kingdom for Mr. and Mrs. Ohashi.) There’s even a secondary romance.
This book is staggeringly good. Gender, sexuality, queer awakening, white feminists, power imbalances, found family, amazing parents, the generational consequences of violent xenophobia and racism, college life, growing up, first love, true love, found family, and a real love letter to the Twin Cities. Arthur and James, and their crew, rocked my world. READ THIS BOOK!
p.s. The footnotes at the end of the book are required reading.
Side characters:
Eve is a challenging character. She’s a (white) feminist, encouraging to her friends, fun, and sexy, but can be manipulative and even cruel, especially to James. But what Hadley does with Eve is more nuanced than the classic bad girl character. She’s young, finally free, an object of lust, struggling to find her own identity, and working within the power structures to which she has access.
Deb is a woman who knows herself, knows her friends, and isn't afraid to speak her mind. While her role is perhaps less impactful than Eve’s, I read her as the rock of the group, the one who really keeps them all together.
Tomiko, Arthur’s strongest connection to his youth and family, is the window through which his past, present, and future meet. Their friendship is crucial to the story. Plus the role she plays in the epilogue is a thing to behold.
Told entirely from Arthur’s point of view, the book begins in 1970, when Arthur meets Eve, a complicated young woman, who wants him in her band, The Tarts. James and Deb are also members. Arthur’s best friend, Tomiko, has her moments too. (More on Tomiko, Deb, and Eve below.)
In the first half of Oh! the reader gets to explore friendship, music, school, parties, drugs, alcohol, family, religion, race, and sex, right along with Arthur. Arthur is extremely new to sex. His innocence thrills Eve and seems to intrigue James. Arthur learns painful and lovely lessons along the way. The consent is expert level and even when complicated, the sex is very hot. There is a group scene so monumental it could be used as the basis for a dissertation on sexual and gender identity and awakening.
The second half of the book is where the romance really picks up. After a thrilling but messy trip to Chicago to record an album, Arthur and James get time alone together, to talk, tell the truth, explore their feelings, meet Arthur’s parents (who, frankly, deserve an essay of their own), and fall in love. It’s romantic, hot, funny, and touching. Then, when James is offered an opportunity he’s been promised for years, Arthur refuses to ask him to stay and James refuses to ask to be asked. It’s angsty, grand, sweet, and funny all at the same time. Plus, the epilogue will thrill you! (Seriously though, my kingdom for Mr. and Mrs. Ohashi.) There’s even a secondary romance.
This book is staggeringly good. Gender, sexuality, queer awakening, white feminists, power imbalances, found family, amazing parents, the generational consequences of violent xenophobia and racism, college life, growing up, first love, true love, found family, and a real love letter to the Twin Cities. Arthur and James, and their crew, rocked my world. READ THIS BOOK!
p.s. The footnotes at the end of the book are required reading.
Side characters:
Eve is a challenging character. She’s a (white) feminist, encouraging to her friends, fun, and sexy, but can be manipulative and even cruel, especially to James. But what Hadley does with Eve is more nuanced than the classic bad girl character. She’s young, finally free, an object of lust, struggling to find her own identity, and working within the power structures to which she has access.
Deb is a woman who knows herself, knows her friends, and isn't afraid to speak her mind. While her role is perhaps less impactful than Eve’s, I read her as the rock of the group, the one who really keeps them all together.
Tomiko, Arthur’s strongest connection to his youth and family, is the window through which his past, present, and future meet. Their friendship is crucial to the story. Plus the role she plays in the epilogue is a thing to behold.
Content Warnings
Graphic: Biphobia, Bullying, Drug use, Emotional abuse, Homophobia, Misogyny, Racism, Sexism, Sexual content, Forced institutionalization, Xenophobia, Outing, Toxic friendship, Abandonment, War
My Dirty Duke, Bonus Epilogue by Joanna Shupe
adventurous
emotional
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
The best (and horniest) age gap couple returns, on their honeymoon, in Paris.
Content Warnings
Graphic: Sexual content
Parable of the Sower by Octavia E. Butler
adventurous
challenging
dark
emotional
reflective
sad
tense
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
5.0
Parable of the Sower imagines a world in which the US, ravished by climate change, corrupt politicians, corporate power, and more, is a collection of communities all on their own. After a shocking attack on her home, Lauren, the stories main character (who might be a little nuts but might also be a savior), strikes out on her own and builds a family on her way.
This book is terrifying, brutal, and violent, but has moments of humor and hope.
I cannot believe she write this book in the 90s. It’s so on the nose for the futuristic (starts in 2024) US, it was almost too hard to read.
This book is terrifying, brutal, and violent, but has moments of humor and hope.
I cannot believe she write this book in the 90s. It’s so on the nose for the futuristic (starts in 2024) US, it was almost too hard to read.
Content Warnings
Graphic: Addiction, Animal death, Child abuse, Child death, Chronic illness, Confinement, Death, Domestic abuse, Drug abuse, Drug use, Emotional abuse, Gore, Gun violence, Mental illness, Pedophilia, Physical abuse, Rape, Sexual assault, Sexual content, Sexual violence, Slavery, Suicide, Torture, Violence, Blood, Police brutality, Medical content, Trafficking, Kidnapping, Grief, Cannibalism, Medical trauma, Death of parent, Murder, Pregnancy, Fire/Fire injury, Gaslighting, Abandonment, Colonisation, Injury/Injury detail, Classism