onthesamepage's reviews
1036 reviews

adventurous mysterious medium-paced

Plot- or character-driven? Plot
Strong character development? No
Loveable characters? Yes
Diverse cast of characters? Yes
Flaws of characters a main focus? No

3.5

The GraphicAudio experience was interesting. Could definitely do without the weird grunting whenever two characters kissed, though.

This was a reread and I still had a really good time with it.

Lovelight Farms by B.K. Borison

Go to review page

lighthearted medium-paced

Plot- or character-driven? Character
Strong character development? No
Loveable characters? Yes
Diverse cast of characters? No
Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes

3.0

ARC provided by the publisher in exchange for an honest review.

Tropes:

friends to lovers, fake dating

Steam level: 🌶🌶

This entire book could've been avoided if they'd had one honest conversation with each other. It's an easy read, the setting is nice, and the characters are very cute and lovable, but the drama was just so unnecessary. The way Stella reacted to Luka's confession was over the top, even taking her baggage into account, and it bothered me a bit that he was basically portrayed as a perfect specimen of a man with absolutely nothing wrong with him, while she was dealing with a lot of things.

The epilogue was really cute, and I'm curious about the rest of the books, but this one was just okay for me.

Codename Charming by Lucy Parker

Go to review page

emotional funny lighthearted slow-paced

Plot- or character-driven? Character
Strong character development? Yes
Loveable characters? Yes
Diverse cast of characters? No
Flaws of characters a main focus? No

3.0

Tropes:

fake dating, slow burn

Steam level: 🌶

Honestly, this was too long and too slow for me. I didn't immediately connect with the characters, either, which didn't help. There's nothing wrong with them, but where Battle Royal started with a sense of humor that immediately hit for me, that was missing here.

Pet and Matthias are both very likeable, and the romance is cute and follows the expected route. It's just longer than it needs to be which, combined with a slow burn, made it drag for me. There is a secondary plot thread related to Pet's family, but that doesn't start until about 40-50% in. The fake dating and characters alone just didn't carry the plot enough.

Spoiler for something that happens at the end:

I'm also just not a huge fan of that trope where they ran into each other once as kids, never forgot, and now they're in love.

A Sign of Affection, Omnibus 1 (Vol. 1-3) by suu Morishita

Go to review page

lighthearted medium-paced

Plot- or character-driven? Character
Strong character development? No
Loveable characters? Yes
Diverse cast of characters? Yes
Flaws of characters a main focus? No

4.0

It's been years since I've read a shoujo manga, but this really reminded me why I've always enjoyed them. I was immediately sucked into Yuki's story, and quickly invested in the characters. The art is stunning, and I really appreciate that the mangakas are taking so much care to incorporate sign language—I can only imagine how difficult that must be.

I did find myself initially distrusting Itsuomi's intentions, but he seems pretty smitten, and who can blame him.

Yield Under Great Persuasion by Alexandra Rowland

Go to review page

emotional funny hopeful 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

How dare this book be so good. I feel like a little goblin about it.

I've read one other book by the author, and while I liked the characters and the romance, I didn't end up loving the whole package. It was too long, and kind of repetitive, and I honestly thought the author just wasn't for me (which is fine). I picked this up because it came heavily recommended by someone I trust, and I am so glad I did, because this was so much better. It's a lot shorter, for one, but the pacing is also very tight. I found it easy to connect to the characters, and while I guess there is still a smidge of repetitiveness in Tam's thoughts and monologues, I honestly just don't care when the book is this short, since it doesn't feel bloated as a result.

I think I related to Tam on such a deep level, that reading this impacted me more than I initially thought. Something about his journey through all his issues resonated so hard—I could see that he was being an absolute shit to Nicolau, but I could also see the layers of fear and self-loathing driving him. Joining him on his journey as he dug into all that almost felt cathartic. Seeing the way Nicolau kept trying with him, no matter what Tam did, hurt me in the best way: it was clear that Nicolau adored him, but also that he was deeply hurt, and that his pain hurt Tam too once he realized it. I loved them both so, so much. Every scene was just perfect, and I wouldn't want a single thing to be different.

Goblin is officially the cutest pet name ever, and I just hope all the other romances I read this year will take copious notes, because the way I felt while reading this is how I want to feel with every book.

Content Warnings

A Case of Possession by KJ Charles

Go to review page

adventurous 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

4.0

I desperately hope the giant rats don't end up haunting my nightmares.

Crane and Stephen, however, are adorable, and they can invade my dreams all they want.

The character development in this book was top notch. I loved how supportive Crane was, and how he just wanted to fix everything. Stephen was forced to confront a lot of his fears, and I appreciated how that was dealt with. The romance progression was fantastic—KJ Charles can always make my heart skip a beat, no matter which of her books I'm reading. The "I love you"s are a bit fast, I guess, but would I be equally happy if I didn't get them until 3 books in? Probably not.

“Cor, dear.” Merrick shook his head. “You have got it bad, ain’t you?”
“Shut up.”
“I’m just saying. Round his little finger.”
“Shut up.”
“Pining, that’s what you are. I didn’t recognise it at first, but—”
“Shut up, you repulsive inebriate, or I will dismiss you without a character. And go to bed. We’re up early tomorrow.”

I also really love the way the whole Magpie Lord thing is panning out between Crane and Stephen (not just because it forces them closer, not at all), but also the discussion this book had about what it means to have access to a lot of magic, and what that can do to a practitioner.

There was also a short story at the end of this book that I really loved, which had to do with Merrick being in danger. I just love how Crane cares about people.

Content Warnings