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noriboo's reviews
597 reviews
The Kamogawa Food Detectives by Hisashi Kashiwai
4.0
This book is best described as a collection of stories that take place within the restaurant. This is not a cosy mystery novel.
Nagare and his daughter, Koishi, run a restaurant. The special thing about this restaurant is that Nagare has a special talent for recreating dishes from people's memories. To reach customers, Nagare has put out an ad. Interestingly, this ad doesn't mention a location or address. Nagare did this on purpose, believing that faith will bring the right customers to them.
Every chapter is about a different customer, and as such, this story can be read at a leisurely pace. Each chapter felt as a little story on its own. The story focuses on the memories that one connects to food. From lost love to a place that felt safe. While reading this book, I felt like a customer in the restaurant, listening to the stories of others on a cold winters eve.
A lovely exploration of human connections.
Nagare and his daughter, Koishi, run a restaurant. The special thing about this restaurant is that Nagare has a special talent for recreating dishes from people's memories. To reach customers, Nagare has put out an ad. Interestingly, this ad doesn't mention a location or address. Nagare did this on purpose, believing that faith will bring the right customers to them.
Every chapter is about a different customer, and as such, this story can be read at a leisurely pace. Each chapter felt as a little story on its own. The story focuses on the memories that one connects to food. From lost love to a place that felt safe. While reading this book, I felt like a customer in the restaurant, listening to the stories of others on a cold winters eve.
A lovely exploration of human connections.
Terms of Obsession by H.N. DeFore
3.5
A decent smutty read. The relationship development between Callie and Nate was a little weird to me. Their chemistry is on point, but Callie was a little too okay with finding out that Nate was stalking her.
This Poison Heart by Kalynn Bayron
4.0
Although I quite liked this story, the pacing was a little too slow for me in the first part of the story.
In the second part, the build-up in the tension is well done, and the story as a whole proceeds at a faster pace. I liked the incorporation of Greek mythology. It made me curious as to where the story would take us. I think this story would be best described as a blend between urban fantasy and thriller. While it didn't blow me away, I had a good time while reading it. Would definitely recommend it if you're looking for a YA fantasy with a Black, bi main character, queer side characters that are properly developed, and where the story has thriller undertones.
In the second part, the build-up in the tension is well done, and the story as a whole proceeds at a faster pace. I liked the incorporation of Greek mythology. It made me curious as to where the story would take us. I think this story would be best described as a blend between urban fantasy and thriller. While it didn't blow me away, I had a good time while reading it. Would definitely recommend it if you're looking for a YA fantasy with a Black, bi main character, queer side characters that are properly developed, and where the story has thriller undertones.
I Married A Lizardman by Regine Abel
4.0
This was an adorable read. What I noticed is the way in which the human fmc doesn't try to change the way of living of the lizard people that are indigenous to the planet. Instead, she tried to find ways to incorporate her knowledge of farming in a way that both respected their history and land, and that would primarily benefit the indigenous people.
A lot of times in these types of romances, the aliens are portrayed as "savages" that just need to get in line, with an fmc or mmc that "successfully" convinces them to do so. I really appreciate that the author showed the blending of cultures and knowledge in a respectful and realistic manner. The chemistry between the main characters was very well done, with a few small setbacks due to cultural setbacks. But neither one of them gets infantalized.
I'd definitely recommend this!
A lot of times in these types of romances, the aliens are portrayed as "savages" that just need to get in line, with an fmc or mmc that "successfully" convinces them to do so. I really appreciate that the author showed the blending of cultures and knowledge in a respectful and realistic manner. The chemistry between the main characters was very well done, with a few small setbacks due to cultural setbacks. But neither one of them gets infantalized.
I'd definitely recommend this!
Bouquets & Buckles by Elliott Rose
4.0
Sweet and spicy cowboy romance that's set around the Christmas days without an overly holiday vibe. I rocked with it. Elliott Rose is definitely one of my favourite romance authors. Skyler and Luke were incredibly likeable characters, and despite this being a short novella, I definitely feel like I got to know them as individuals and as a couple.
The perfect palate cleanser to lift your spirits around the holiday season.
The perfect palate cleanser to lift your spirits around the holiday season.
Such A Filthy Girl by Effie Campbell
4.0
This series of novellas is such a delightful, naughty treat.
The author has managed to toe the line between creepy and endearing in a wonderful way. Everyone involved is fully aware of how weird it all is, but they can't help themselves, and the tension between the main characters is chef's kiss.
It's no different between Leo and Estella, a pair that has had a secret relationship as teens due to their parents having been married. I felt for Leo, being stuck in their parental home due to agoraphobia.
Even though they're stepsiblings, I didn't have much trouble with this taboo pairing in this scenario because their parents got together when Leo and Estella were in their late teens.
The story is a little over 100 pages. Despite the size, it definitely felt like I'd read a full-size novel.
The author has managed to toe the line between creepy and endearing in a wonderful way. Everyone involved is fully aware of how weird it all is, but they can't help themselves, and the tension between the main characters is chef's kiss.
It's no different between Leo and Estella, a pair that has had a secret relationship as teens due to their parents having been married. I felt for Leo, being stuck in their parental home due to agoraphobia.
Even though they're stepsiblings, I didn't have much trouble with this taboo pairing in this scenario because their parents got together when Leo and Estella were in their late teens.
The story is a little over 100 pages. Despite the size, it definitely felt like I'd read a full-size novel.
Content Warnings
Graphic: Infidelity, Mental illness, Stalking, and Alcohol
The Nightmare Before Kissmas by Sara Raasch
emotional
funny
lighthearted
fast-paced
5.0
I picked this up, expecting it to be a silly holiday rom-com. And while it certainly had lighter moments and banter that made me laugh, this story actually packs a serious message about corporate greed and the commercialisation of Christmas. With a dash of grief and family drama.
Coal and Hex were adorable to me. As someone who loves both Halloween and Christmas, they were the perfect pairing to me. As such, I wouldn't change anything on the romance side of this.
For the political part of the story: it all felt a little too quickly solved in the end. I get it. It's a rom-com, centred around Christmas vibes at that. Without spoiling too much, I just didn't expect things to end on such a mellow note with a Christmas bow on top after all the buildup. It was too easy.
That being said, if you're looking for an enjoyable, queer holiday read, this is one to put on the tbr.
Coal and Hex were adorable to me. As someone who loves both Halloween and Christmas, they were the perfect pairing to me. As such, I wouldn't change anything on the romance side of this.
For the political part of the story: it all felt a little too quickly solved in the end. I get it. It's a rom-com, centred around Christmas vibes at that. Without spoiling too much, I just didn't expect things to end on such a mellow note with a Christmas bow on top after all the buildup. It was too easy.
That being said, if you're looking for an enjoyable, queer holiday read, this is one to put on the tbr.
Shared by the Headmaster by Darcy Fayton
5.0
This book is very dark. Definitely don't proceed without checking the tw if you're not familiar with the authors work.
The second part of Susie and Arken's duology did my head in. They work as a couple. The more we learn about the period of Henrikk's reign, the pain and trauma he put onto other people, how manipulative he is. I'm still shocked, every darn time. The writing is well done: it's painfully immersive, and what I admire is that no matter which couple you choose to read first, there's so many layers to the intrigue that you will probably be kept on your toes every time.
The second part of Susie and Arken's duology did my head in. They work as a couple. The more we learn about the period of Henrikk's reign, the pain and trauma he put onto other people, how manipulative he is. I'm still shocked, every darn time. The writing is well done: it's painfully immersive, and what I admire is that no matter which couple you choose to read first, there's so many layers to the intrigue that you will probably be kept on your toes every time.