jess_justmaybeperfect's reviews
815 reviews

A Lady Would Know Better by Emma Theriault

adventurous emotional funny lighthearted reflective sad 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

4.0

A Lady Would Know Better is Theriault’s debut.

It’s full of tons of great romance tropes (amnesia, found family, forced proximity, class differences), lots of friends and siblings who promise great love stories of their own, a peak villain, Jane (aka _________) a stunner of an FMC, and Jasper, the MMC, a (Victorian) feminist who knows his place when it comes to the woman he loves.

Really looking forward to what Theriault puts out next!

Content Warnings

Abortion: Our Bodies, Their Lies, and the Truths We Use to Win by Jessica Valenti

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challenging emotional informative inspiring reflective fast-paced

5.0

This is a difficult but important (and quick) read.

If you aren't following Valenti or subscribed to her substack, you should be. As she writes “abortion is proactively objectively good.” It is medical care and the attacks against that care are expanding exponentially. They are coming for BC. They are targeting marginalized populations for prosecutions and young people for new restrictions in the hope that Americans simply won’t care. And they are coming for the helpers. They are firing prosecutors who won’t prosecute abortion crimes. Maternal and fetal medical care generally is suffering. Doctors are leaving or declining positions in jurisdictions with restrictive abortion bans for fear of their careers, fines, and jail time. We have to stay informed and pay attention.

You should read this, even if you’re already a fervent supporter of abortion rights. It’s inspiring and informative. As Valenti says, she’s not preaching to the choir, she’s arming it.

Content Warnings

A Gentleman's Gentleman by TJ Alexander

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emotional funny inspiring reflective sad 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

A Gentleman’s Gentleman is a STUNNER of a romance novel! It’s the story of the reclusive Earl of Eden, better known as Christopher, and James Harding, the valet Christopher hires when he learns that the terms of his father’s will require that he marry and thus endure a London season. Both MCs are trans men dealing with the wonderful, and sometimes lonely, realities of their identities. Their meet cute is simultaneously hilarious, endearing, and evidence of the work both men have done to maintain their true selves.

In the country, we learn about Christopher’s crucial friendships and our MCs have a little time to become friends too. Also, it's a bit gothic! There is even a ghost. And, let me tell you I love when a HistRom makes me start jumping to wild conclusions about a potential mystery like I’m watching Law & Order. In London, we meet Christopher’s honest and kind friend (and tailor), Bee (who’s impact on the story is monumental and a stunning example of Christopher and James’ generosity), and a delightful red head who promises excitement to come. Plus there is even a race to the border.

The story is told entirely from Christopher’s POV yet I never felt like I was missing James’ perspective. It’s clear that Christopher is the energetic sunshine to James’ serious grump while somehow also the introvert to his extrovert. Once they happily reveal themselves and their feelings, Christopher and James have a conversation about being trans and the existence of trans people that I immediately reread and highlighted. It's romantic, honest, happy, and accurate.

And then we get to the conflict, to keep his title and fortune, Christopher must wed. And while I trusted Alexander not to make either MC live not as themselves, I was still joyfully blown away by how these two got their HEA. It's a perfect “f*ck the aristocracy, I’m in love” book!

I think where Alexander really shows off is acknowledging the trials (and pain) of their characters while letting them be funny and have joy. I cannot wait to see what else they do in HistRom. Scroll for some favorite quotes and some truly magnificent art. (I flipped the James art because I loved the idea of Christopher looking up at him.)

Thanks to the publisher and Alexander for this arc.

Content Warnings

The Merchant Match by Jenna Bigelow

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adventurous emotional hopeful reflective fast-paced

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

3.5

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When No One Is Watching by Alyssa Cole

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adventurous dark emotional funny mysterious reflective tense medium-paced

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

4.5

This book takes the racism, pain, and violence of gentrification and turns it into a tense, eerie, and spectacularly adventurous story.

The MC, Sydney, is a Black woman watching her beloved neighborhood change at shocking speed while dealing with a crushing secret.

Her new neighbor, Theo, part of the white wave of gentrification, joins a group planning a block party and becomes Sydney’s volunteer research assistant. He’s also got secrets.

As Sydney and Theo navigate their new friendship, visits with neighbors, unexpected run-ins, violence, and feelings for each other, they confess secrets and make terrifying discoveries.

Cole uses some very cool terror tropes, urban legends, generational knowledge, history, and romantic elements to examine the oppression, violence, gaslighting, racism (especially against Black women), and police violence, that endure in the US.

Sydney is a powerful MC. Her determination and force is moving. I also enjoyed Cole’s decision to include Theo’s POV and watching a white man come to terms with his reality.

I’ve seen some critiques that the book starts a bit slowly and that’s fair but I don’t it took away from the story all things considered. Also saw some readers complain that the ending wrapped up to cleanly, but the joy I felt at who saved the day at how they did it was palpable.

I can’t wait to read more Cole thrillers.

Also, if you have the audio stay for the interview with Cole at the end.

Content Warnings

A Dress With Pockets by PacificRimbaud

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adventurous funny lighthearted reflective fast-paced