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readingwithtemperance's reviews
179 reviews
The Nightmare Before Kissmas by Sara Raasch
emotional
funny
lighthearted
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
I'm so happy that this book is getting a sequel! I loved this world so so much. If you liked the Rise of the Guardians movie you'll absolutely love this.
It was so cool to see different holidays/the magic they each had. In this book we get to see magic from Christmas, Halloween, and Easter. The Halloween magic was definitely my fav especially the "curses".
The romance was so sweet and tender with just a splash of spice. These two Princes balanced eachother out so well. The mutual pining was EVERYTHING.Especiallywith teasing eachother in public.
I thought it was interesting that we had anevil Santa, which im glad he did better in the end because that tithe stuff was horrible. Cole really came into his own with being the Heir of Christmas!
Something I definitely related to was the mother wound/abandonment. I liked that the author showed grief manifesting in different ways for Cole, his brother, and his father.
Also shout out to the staff! They were so caring and truly so loyal throughout this story. All the decorations were gorgeous and the food sounded incredible.
I can't wait to see more in the sequel Go Luck Yourself ,which releases March 2025.
It was so cool to see different holidays/the magic they each had. In this book we get to see magic from Christmas, Halloween, and Easter. The Halloween magic was definitely my fav especially the "curses".
The romance was so sweet and tender with just a splash of spice. These two Princes balanced eachother out so well. The mutual pining was EVERYTHING.
I thought it was interesting that we had an
Something I definitely related to was the mother wound/abandonment. I liked that the author showed grief manifesting in different ways for Cole, his brother, and his father.
Also shout out to the staff! They were so caring and truly so loyal throughout this story. All the decorations were gorgeous and the food sounded incredible.
I can't wait to see more in the sequel Go Luck Yourself ,which releases March 2025.
Content Warnings
Graphic: Emotional abuse, Sexual content
Moderate: Grief, Gaslighting, Abandonment
Minor: Death, Vomit, Car accident
Abuelita and Me by Leonarda Carranza
emotional
reflective
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? No
4.0
A sweet story about a child and her grandma and their day to day lives. This book speaks about navigating the world through discrimination from others. And how this shouldn't stop you from living your life. And that you are allowed to take up space.
Content Warnings
Moderate: Racism
Jockstraps & Newspapers by Lizzie Strong
funny
lighthearted
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
3.0
Jockstraps & Newspapers was such a sweet fun read! I loved the idea of an actual sport called sports ball and all of the ridiculousness that came along with it.
The friendships and familial healing were definitely a highlight for me. And this book was also delightfully steamy as well.
Overall I truly had so much fun reading this book. But that ending... I don't know it left a bit more to be desired for me?
Slight spoiler ahead!i mean the article around Elliot is a major plot point. And it really bothered me that we didnt get to see anything about the finished article, his reaction to it, or any praise for Cassie's hard work on it.
This book was a bit long imo, but at the same time I feel like it needed an epilogue? A couple years in the future would have been nice just to see where everyone ended up.
I hope that the author makes a sequel to this. I'd really love to see more on the 2nd relationship that was introduced at the end of the book.
The friendships and familial healing were definitely a highlight for me. And this book was also delightfully steamy as well.
Overall I truly had so much fun reading this book. But that ending... I don't know it left a bit more to be desired for me?
Slight spoiler ahead!
This book was a bit long imo, but at the same time I feel like it needed an epilogue? A couple years in the future would have been nice just to see where everyone ended up.
I hope that the author makes a sequel to this. I'd really love to see more on the 2nd relationship that was introduced at the end of the book.
Content Warnings
Graphic: Mental illness, Panic attacks/disorders, Blood, Abandonment
Moderate: Misogyny, Sexual assault, Sexual harassment
Minor: Adult/minor relationship, Emotional abuse, Violence
A Magical Girl Retires by Park Seolyeon
adventurous
emotional
hopeful
reflective
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
4.0
So, what if Sailor Moon was 29 and had real world problems? Well, she'd be in credit card debt like the rest of us obviously.
A Magical Girl Retires was something so unexpected and different than what I had previously thought. It's rather charming in its mundaneness though. Our MC is very relatable and truly just a millennial trying to get through life day by day.
Alsothe big bad being climate change was just so on the nose. The magical girl of time was such an asshole of a villian too omg.
This was such a fun quick read. I think everyone should read it at least once. Especially if you grew up watching magical girls!
A Magical Girl Retires was something so unexpected and different than what I had previously thought. It's rather charming in its mundaneness though. Our MC is very relatable and truly just a millennial trying to get through life day by day.
Also
This was such a fun quick read. I think everyone should read it at least once. Especially if you grew up watching magical girls!
Content Warnings
Graphic: Domestic abuse, Suicidal thoughts, Suicide attempt
Moderate: Grief, Murder
Minor: Sexual assault, Death of parent
Thirsty by Jas Hammonds
challenging
emotional
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
This was unputdownable, if you have the opportunity to read this via audio PLEASE do so.
Thirsty was absolutely incredible. My heart broke for Blake so many times. She really struggles with her self image and anxiety abd her past with bullying. The way she speaks to herself made me want to just wrap her up in my arms. I'm so glad she has Nettie through all of the ugly she experiences.
The author gives us a first hand experience with alcoholism throughout this book. And how normalized it is by our society. Especially with how often Blake is told "you don't have a problem" byher girlfriend Ella.
Thirsty also shows that there is life outside of addiction. And how things can become better through healing and having a community who cares for you.
Also I just need to go on a mini rant brbI HATE Ella oh my god. How dare she cheat on Blake. How dare she make Blake feel stupid for being angry THE NIGHT she cheated on her. How dare she be so toxic and gas light her and put her SAFETY in jeopardy. Ella is so incredibly awful and selfish. Blake deserved so much better and I'm so happy she's no longer in her life. That relationship was TERRIBLE.
Okay rant over! Read this book :)
Thirsty was absolutely incredible. My heart broke for Blake so many times. She really struggles with her self image and anxiety abd her past with bullying. The way she speaks to herself made me want to just wrap her up in my arms. I'm so glad she has Nettie through all of the ugly she experiences.
The author gives us a first hand experience with alcoholism throughout this book. And how normalized it is by our society. Especially with how often Blake is told "you don't have a problem" by
Thirsty also shows that there is life outside of addiction. And how things can become better through healing and having a community who cares for you.
Also I just need to go on a mini rant brb
Okay rant over! Read this book :)
Content Warnings
Graphic: Addiction, Alcoholism, Alcohol
Moderate: Infidelity, Racism, Transphobia
Minor: Vomit, Outing
Mistletoe & Mishigas by M.A. Wardell
emotional
funny
lighthearted
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
5.0
Oh how I loved these two. Sheldon and Theo are such a perfect pair despite being vastly different.
Their mutual annoyance with eachother in the beginning was utterly hilarious. Especially with Theo constantly thinking about how Sheldon never shuts up.
But they were both so sweet and tender with eachother. Sheldon with being there for Theo in his ptsd moments. And Theo always reassuring and encouraging Sheldon to be his truest self no matter what. The nail polish moments were some of my favorites.
The ptsd representation meant so much to me. While I've never been in a war zone, Theo's experience with ptsd was very relatable. And it made me so happy how sound his support system is.
Theo's parents are absolutely wonderful and truly a highlight of this book for me. They're so incredibly loving. I love how much they healed Sheldon.
Another thing I loved was Sheldon's relationship with his twin sister and how they're always there for eachother.
This series continues to delight me and capture my heart and i can't wait to read the third book.
Their mutual annoyance with eachother in the beginning was utterly hilarious. Especially with Theo constantly thinking about how Sheldon never shuts up.
But they were both so sweet and tender with eachother. Sheldon with being there for Theo in his ptsd moments. And Theo always reassuring and encouraging Sheldon to be his truest self no matter what. The nail polish moments were some of my favorites.
The ptsd representation meant so much to me. While I've never been in a war zone, Theo's experience with ptsd was very relatable. And it made me so happy how sound his support system is.
Theo's parents are absolutely wonderful and truly a highlight of this book for me. They're so incredibly loving. I love how much they healed Sheldon.
Another thing I loved was Sheldon's relationship with his twin sister and how they're always there for eachother.
This series continues to delight me and capture my heart and i can't wait to read the third book.
Content Warnings
Graphic: Mental illness, Panic attacks/disorders, Sexual content
Moderate: Homophobia, Abandonment, War
Minor: Death, Car accident, Injury/Injury detail
The Golden Frog Games by Claribel A. Ortega
adventurous
emotional
funny
lighthearted
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
Please do not read if you haven't read book one!
This sequel was a bit more serious than the first book. But it still had the same heart.
I didn't guess our villian til the very end. Which obviously not as much as a funny reveal as toads, hit it was still a nice twist!I really enjoyed reading about the magic of impersonating others especially.
The Golden Frog Games were so much fun! Each challenge was so unique. I especially lovedthe ghost fashion one. It was great seeing Thorn showcase her skills!
Seven's Uncle in training duties with the animals were some of my favorite parts of the book. I love that the raccoons trailed after them like a guard. The love and loyalty the raccoons shown made me so happy.
I thought it was sweet thatValley got a girlfriend. Although, i did suspect Graves heavily in the beginning. I definitely misjudged her though. The "pumpkin" bracelet she placed on Valley after she was turned to stone was so sweet.
It truly hurt my heart how horrible the spares were treated throughout the book. I hope that things inprove fkr them in book 3.
I love this world and our three witchlings so much. I can't wait for the third book! Also,NIGHT BEAST BABUES WHAT!?!?!
This sequel was a bit more serious than the first book. But it still had the same heart.
I didn't guess our villian til the very end. Which obviously not as much as a funny reveal as toads, hit it was still a nice twist!
The Golden Frog Games were so much fun! Each challenge was so unique. I especially loved
Seven's Uncle in training duties with the animals were some of my favorite parts of the book. I love that the raccoons trailed after them like a guard. The love and loyalty the raccoons shown made me so happy.
I thought it was sweet that
It truly hurt my heart how horrible the spares were treated throughout the book. I hope that things inprove fkr them in book 3.
I love this world and our three witchlings so much. I can't wait for the third book! Also,
Content Warnings
Graphic: Bullying, Death, Violence
Moderate: Child death, Xenophobia, Fire/Fire injury
Minor: Child abuse, Death of parent
The Girl Who Fell Beneath the Sea by Axie Oh
adventurous
emotional
hopeful
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? No
4.0
I want this book turned into an animated film immediately, preferably by Hayao Miyazaki please and thank you.
I feel like I just really love books set in the afterlife honestly. I loved that you could visit your ancestors and all of the gods and goddesses. And choose what form you take as well.
The story itself was beautifully crafted. Very atmospheric and whimsical. I love stories based on folklore!
I feel like I just really love books set in the afterlife honestly. I loved that you could visit your ancestors and all of the gods and goddesses. And choose what form you take as well.
The story itself was beautifully crafted. Very atmospheric and whimsical. I love stories based on folklore!
Content Warnings
Graphic: Child death, Death, Blood
Moderate: Violence, Grief, Injury/Injury detail
Minor: Miscarriage, Death of parent, War
Teacher of the Year by M.A. Wardell
emotional
funny
hopeful
lighthearted
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
I loved this book for a multitude of reasons. I'm queer, I've worked in education (hi fellow paras!), and I have an alcoholic parent. This book was pretty personal for me to say the least.
Teacher of the year showed me how much I miss working with children. My heart absolutely soared watching Marvin teach. I loved hearing all of the off the wall things the kiddos said and watching them learn. Marvie truly goes above and beyond for his classroom.
The relationship between Marvin and his mother is one I know well. Constantly dreading phone calls, never wanting to be around them, the resentment eating uo your heart and mind, the residual anxiety concerning alcohol. Especially with not wanting to drink yourself. This aspect of the story definitely gave me a new perspective though. Which I'm so grateful for.
I loved his relationship with Olan. They're so sweet together and balance eachother well.It brought me so much joy to see their happy ending and becoming a family.
This book was such a true representation of what it's like to work in education. I loved the humor and sweet moments throughout so much. And all of the raw ones too. Teacher of the Year has my whole heart. I can't wait to continue the series.
Teacher of the year showed me how much I miss working with children. My heart absolutely soared watching Marvin teach. I loved hearing all of the off the wall things the kiddos said and watching them learn. Marvie truly goes above and beyond for his classroom.
The relationship between Marvin and his mother is one I know well. Constantly dreading phone calls, never wanting to be around them, the resentment eating uo your heart and mind, the residual anxiety concerning alcohol. Especially with not wanting to drink yourself. This aspect of the story definitely gave me a new perspective though. Which I'm so grateful for.
I loved his relationship with Olan. They're so sweet together and balance eachother well.
This book was such a true representation of what it's like to work in education. I loved the humor and sweet moments throughout so much. And all of the raw ones too. Teacher of the Year has my whole heart. I can't wait to continue the series.
Content Warnings
Graphic: Alcoholism, Panic attacks/disorders, Sexual content
Moderate: Addiction, Pregnancy
Minor: Infidelity, Miscarriage, Blood
To Shape a Dragon's Breath by Moniquill Blackgoose
adventurous
challenging
inspiring
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? No
5.0
I really loved the representation in this book. There were bisexual/lesbian and neurodivergent/mute characters. As well as polyamory; which is something I haven't really seen in YA.
Anequs was such a wonderful lead. She was constantly advocating for herself/her people. While simultaneously proving the Anglish wrong about their prejudices regarding her capabilities. I especially enjoyed when Professor Ezel had no choice but to pass her and Theod. I also loved that our love triangle was solved via polyamory. And I'm looking forward to that being explored in the sequel! A double marriage would be incredible.
I loved her friendships with Sander and Liberty in particular. And I'm hoping Marta improves in book two because honestly I just found her very annoying.
At times this book was so incredibly heavy. To Shape a Dragon's Breath shone a light on atrocities that happened throughout history to native peoples. Colonization is an ugly beast. The Anglish want nothing more than to strip Anequs and her people of their land and culture.
I thought that the magic system was so interesting. And I'm very eager to see more skiltakraft in book two.
My favorite aspect of this book aside from Anequs' bond with her dragon was the time we spent among her people. I loved learning about her culture and hearing their stories. All of the food sounded incredible!
This was something truly remarkable. I'm so impressed that this was a debut! I cant wait for more feom this world and this author. Sequel NOW!
Anequs was such a wonderful lead. She was constantly advocating for herself/her people. While simultaneously proving the Anglish wrong about their prejudices regarding her capabilities.
I loved her friendships with Sander and Liberty in particular. And I'm hoping Marta improves in book two because honestly I just found her very annoying.
At times this book was so incredibly heavy. To Shape a Dragon's Breath shone a light on atrocities that happened throughout history to native peoples. Colonization is an ugly beast. The Anglish want nothing more than to strip Anequs and her people of their land and culture.
I thought that the magic system was so interesting. And I'm very eager to see more skiltakraft in book two.
My favorite aspect of this book aside from Anequs' bond with her dragon was the time we spent among her people. I loved learning about her culture and hearing their stories. All of the food sounded incredible!
This was something truly remarkable. I'm so impressed that this was a debut! I cant wait for more feom this world and this author. Sequel NOW!
Content Warnings
Graphic: Ableism, Racism, Colonisation
Moderate: Genocide, Homophobia, Violence
Minor: Animal death, Gun violence, Blood, Death of parent, War