paigesonpages's reviews
261 reviews

This Will Be Fun by E.B. Asher

adventurous emotional funny 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

5.0

⭐️ 𝐅𝐈𝐕𝐄 𝐒𝐓𝐀𝐑 𝐑𝐄𝐀𝐃 ⭐️ 

You know it’s a five star read when you feel the need to defend its honor, and I’m more than willing to be a brave hero for 𝐓𝐡𝐢𝐬 𝐖𝐢𝐥𝐥 𝐁𝐞 𝐅𝐮𝐧, by E.B. Asher! 

Read if you enjoy:  

•🔥 Rekindling Former Flames

• 🏰 Epilogues for Every Book

• 🌈 LGBTQIA+ Representation

• 💖 Romantasy on the Funnier Side

Throughout this hilarious novel, readers will get to see what happens ten years after a finished quest and the death of their hero and friend, Galwell the Great. E.B. Asher masterfully brings in all the feels as they write about what’s after “happily ever after” when the leader of the gang is sacrificed, fracturing everything. As someone who will be ten years from their college graduation this spring, the themes of nostalgia and wondering what comes next hit a bit close to home, but in the best way possible.

However, I have a terrifying secret to admit that may start an angry mob… I am not a general “Romantasy” fan. 🫣 

I’ve tried all the big names and I keep trying them, but they are often so serious that it takes me a half hour to read five pages, and by then I’m bored and ready to grab my closest rom-com! 

And this, my friends, is why I loved 𝐓𝐡𝐢𝐬 𝐖𝐢𝐥𝐥 𝐁𝐞 𝐅𝐮𝐧 so much. 💕 

You can NOT go into this book thinking it’s going to be ACOTAR or “Fourth Wing”, because it’s a romantic comedy first! Beatrice, Clare, Elowen, and Vandra’s story is for those who’ve rewatched “Ella Enchanted” and “The Princess Bride” one too many times, or prefer cracking jokes with their Dungeons and Dragons party over deciphering the DM’s riddle. Plus, there are two steamy second-chance romances for the price of one. How could it possibly get any better than that?

If you’re more of a rom-com fan like me but want to feel like a cool Romantasy reader, be sure to pick up 𝐓𝐡𝐢𝐬 𝐖𝐢𝐥𝐥 𝐁𝐞 𝐅𝐮𝐧 today! 

Better Than Revenge by Kasie West

funny hopeful lighthearted medium-paced

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

4.0

I had secondhand embarrassment from the first few chapters and almost stopped (props to the narrator because that felt too real), but I’m glad I kept going! This book goes to show that you CAN do greater things than dating the boy(s) on the football team!

James by Percival Everett

challenging dark reflective fast-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? It's complicated

5.0

Thank you to Penguin Random House for providing the audiobook of “James” in exchange for an honest review. 

Do you ever read book and think to yourself “this needs to be required reading for everyone”? That’s how I felt after listening to James, by Percival Everett, read by Dominic Hoffman. 

Read if you enjoy:

• 📕 Literary Fiction

• ✍️ Retellings of Classic Stories

• 🛶 Flawed Heroes

• 💭 Poignantly Satirical Moments

While the book is a reimagining of “Huckleberry Finn”, a reread of the classic is not necessary. However, familiarity with the plot definitely helps one recognize the nuance involved in telling James’s side of the story. 

Most of Everett’s books are heavily satirical, but this one is on the lighter side of the spectrum, which I appreciate. The moments where James and other enslaved characters discuss code-switching when they’re alone are a perfect example of this subtlety. It’s also why I’m glad I chose to listen to the audiobook, as Dominic Hoffman’s narration seamlessly transitions between the various dialects represented, adding depth to the experience.

This blend of satire and drama, paired with its overall discussion of race, reminds me of Jordan Peele’s films. If you’ve seen “Get Out” or “Nope,” you’ll know exactly what I mean!

Normally, this is where I’d recommend who should read the book, but this time, the answer is simple: everyone. It’s topping several 2024 reading lists and was named Barnes & Noble’s Book of the Year for good reason. James is a quick read, well worth it, and my first five-star audiobook of the year! 

With Any Luck by Ashley Poston

adventurous funny fast-paced

• Plot- or character-driven? A mix
• Strong character development? N/A
• Loveable characters? Yes
• Diverse cast of characters? It's complicated
• Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes

4.0

This is basically “The Hangover” with a little romance, and there’s nothing wrong with that! While I could tell where the overall plot was going, it was still a fun read. I wish there was a little more “magical realism” to it like other Ashley Poston stories!

For One Night Only by Jessica James

funny tense fast-paced

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

2.0

Thank you Berkley and PRH Audio for the complimentary physical and audiobook copies in exchange for an honest review. 

I’m tired of romance novels that use the last 100 pages to destroy every ounce of character development. The end of this story was a huge letdown, and Caleb deserves better. There are also moments where the timeline is hard to follow. It’s such a shame because the narrators have so much emotion and do a great job!

Love You a Latke by Amanda Elliot

emotional funny hopeful reflective 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

5.0

Thank you to Berkley for sending me my new favorite Hanukkah romance in exchange for an honest review!

Read if you 🩷:  
• ☀️ Grumpy x Sunshine
• ✡️ Jewish Representation
• 🏙️ New York City during the Holidays
• 🍪 Drowning Gingerbread Men 
         (when they deserve it!)

Abby Cohen is juggling a holiday nightmare: organizing her small Vermont town’s first-ever Hanukkah festival with almost zero support—except for Seth, her overly cheerful, most persistent customer. When he offers to introduce her to vendors in exchange for posing as his fake girlfriend for a family Hanukkah celebration, Abby reluctantly agrees. But between latkes, snowy adventures, and Seth’s relentless charm, she starts to wonder if this “fake” relationship might actually be warming her heart for real.

I’m so glad I saved this one to read during Hanukkah because this has to be my favorite romance surrounding the holiday yet! I love how Amanda Elliot has Abby call out inappropriate suggestions towards Hanukkah in the most hilarious ways. It was a spectacular way to bring up the subject without feeling too preachy to any non-Jewish readers. The author also respectfully captures the emotions and concerns of those with estranged parents. While I am not in this situation myself, I appreciate how she details Abby’s thought process in these scenes. 

And Abby and Seth’s chemistry? Absolutely off the charts! This one nails so many of my favorite tropes: Grumpy x Sunshine, Cinnamon Roll Hero, AND only one bed! The list just keeps going. I also love how their friendship grows and the way they support each other throughout the story. 

Although last night was the final evening for Hanukkah, if you’re looking for wintery vibes and New York nostalgia, be sure to pick up “Love You A Latke”! 

Dating and Dragons by Kristy Boyce

funny lighthearted tense 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? No

5.0

Kristy Boyce has rolled a Nat 20 yet again with “Dating and Dragons”! 🙌 

Thank you Delacorte for the early copy in exchange for an honest review.

Read if you 🩷: 
•🎲 All things Nerdy
•🩵 Forbidden Romance
•🥞 A Diehard Group of Besties
•👵 Meddling Grandmas

Kristy Boyce writes the BEST teenagers! Quinn and the gang are so relatable, they’ll have readers feeling like they’re back in high school. Boyce stands out by portraying the real struggles teens face, such as friendships that don’t always mend and the challenge of coming to terms with the mortality of their older relatives.

And don’t forget- there’s an A+ romance happening at the same time! Quinn and Logan’s forbidden romance is full of off the charts chemistry! From their semi-forced meet-cute to their struggles to stay apart, each chapter is a page turner thanks to the balance of the group rules and Quinn’s meddling grandma. Who knew an older woman could come up with so many schemes?! 

Be sure to pick up “Dating and Dragons” when it comes out TOMORROW! 

Most Wonderful by Georgia Clark

emotional funny hopeful reflective slow-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

Thank you PRH Audio for the audiobook copy!

Read if you 🩷:

• 🎄 Holiday Romances
• 🌈 LGBTQIA+ Representation
• 🎁 Family Hijinks
• ❄️ Cozy Town Vibes

The Belvedere siblings are a holiday disaster. Liz is a stressed-out showrunner crushing on her show’s star, Birdie is a floundering comedian more focused on flirting than writing jokes, and Rafi just got publicly rejected after a grand proposal gone wrong. Retreating to their famous mother Babs’s house to regroup, they vow to swear off love… but the season has other plans. With festive mishaps and romantic twists, this queer holiday rom-com is all about love, family, and second chances. 

This was one of my favorite holiday reads this season! I love that three siblings meant triple the romances and, therefore, triple the narrators! Patti Murin, Kristen Sieh, and Shawn K. Jain each bring their own personal touch to the story, and I loved how their choices were all unique yet blended well together. 

While there are some laugh-out-loud moments, “Most Wonderful” features some more serious themes. Clark handles moments regarding alcoholism, aging parents, and disability with care while also being able to perfectly transition into another hilarious family hijink.

If you’re looking for a meaningful and heartwarming romance, look no further than “Most Wonderful”! Be sure to grab this audiobook from your favorite online retailer, or you can pick up the physical version at a local bookstore! 

Under Loch and Key by Lana Ferguson

adventurous funny mysterious medium-paced

• Plot- or character-driven? A mix
• Strong character development? Yes
• Loveable characters? It's complicated
• Diverse cast of characters? No
• Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes

5.0

Thank you to Berkley and PRH Audio for the complimentary physical copy and audiobook in exchange for an honest review! 

𝐔𝐧𝐝𝐞𝐫 𝐋𝐨𝐜𝐡 𝐚𝐧𝐝 𝐊𝐞𝐲

By Lana Ferguson

Read if you 🩷:  

• ❤️‍🔥 Enemies to Lovers

• 🐉 Just a hint of Monster Romance

•🏴󠁧󠁢󠁳󠁣󠁴󠁿 Every Grumpy Man with a Scottish dialect

• ✨ “If you had the chance to change your fate, would ya?”

Key MacKay’s father’s death leaves her with more questions than answers, sending her to Scotland to uncover the mysterious past he kept hidden. When brooding Scotsman Lachlan Greer saves her from a mishap, their paths—and secrets—collide. As Key uncovers her family’s history, strange powers, and a centuries-old curse, Lachlan might hold the answers she seeks—and the key to her heart. Together, they must untangle their shared mystery and decide if their connection is worth the risk.

This is the first book I’ve read by Lana Ferguson and I am now HOOKED! I’m definitely adding her other books to my TBR after reading Keyanna and Lachlan’s romance. I love how while the book is spicier than average for me, there’s still an attention-grabbing plot that never drops. Also, while the reader may see the direction where the ending was headed, there are still twists and surprises for even the most analytic person. 

I found myself switching between the audiobook and my physical copy because my eyes are faster than my ears, and I wanted to know what happens! However, if I do reread this one, I’ll definitely stick to just the audiobook because I LOVE the narrators. Flint Park’s Scottish dialect is a joy for any ear that loves a good accent, and Samantha Summers perfectly brings the brightness and chaos of Keyanna out to play in her scenes. This is also the first audiobook I’ve read where the narrators also read their own character’s dialogue during the other character’s POV, which I greatly appreciated as it was easier to keep track of what was happening. 

If you’re looking for a magical adventure across the pond, be sure to pick up Under Loch and Key at your favorite local bookstore! This is going to be a romance I recommend to my friends for quite some time. 

The Merriest Misters by Timothy Janovsky

emotional funny hopeful inspiring lighthearted reflective 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

4.0

Thank you to St Martins Press for the complimentary copy in exchange for an honest review! 

𝐓𝐡𝐞 𝐌𝐞𝐫𝐫𝐢𝐞𝐬𝐭 𝐌𝐢𝐬𝐭𝐞𝐫𝐬
By Timothy Janovsky

Read if you 🩷: 
• 🎄Holiday Movie Retellings
• 🌈 LGBTQIA+ Representation
• 💒 Marriage in Crisis
• ✨ Magical Christmas Lore

Patrick Hargrave and Quinn Muller’s first year of marriage is crumbling under daily stresses—until Christmas Eve, when Patrick wakes Quinn with: “I think I’ve killed a man.” Patrick has accidentally taken out Santa Claus, they are both tasked with saving Christmas—red suit, reindeer, and all! But their sleigh ride doesn’t end back home; instead, they’re dropped off at the North Pole to become Santa and the first-ever Merriest Mister. With a year to save Christmas *and* their marriage, will Quinn and Patrick find holiday magic or end up on each other’s naughty lists?

I had so much fun with this romance! “The Merriest Misters” is a delightfully queer twist on “The Santa Clause” with a perfect ending that left me smiling. I especially enjoyed its heartfelt message of how it’s okay if your adult life doesn’t turn out how you (or your family) expected. 🥰 

This is a closed-door romance, but even as someone who usually enjoys a bit of spice, Patrick and Quinn’s playful, sweet chemistry made it easy not to miss. Let them keep those moments to themselves; I was too busy enjoying their North Pole hijinks to notice! 😉

If you’re looking for a cozy yet exciting holiday romance with all of the nostalgia, be sure to grab “The Merriest Misters” this holiday season! 💚