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830 reviews
Rani Choudhury Must Die by Adiba Jaigirdar
lighthearted
reflective
tense
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? It's complicated
- Loveable characters? It's complicated
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
3.0
I can definitely say that I am not the target audience of this book (I'm an adult), but I do think this is a solid contemporary YA read with great representation and cultural aspects.
Rani and Meghna are ex-best friends who reconnect when they find out their boyfriend is the same person and who cheated on them both. They team up to get revenge and beat him in a young scientist exhibition. They want to create an app that can be used to catch cheaters and provide mental health advice.
Unfortunately, Meghna's character is quite annoying. She hates Rani for a reason that is not explained enough to justify the level of hatred coming from Meghna.
Rani is a lovely character who tries to be the voice of reason in many situations to counteract Meghna's fire and stubbornness.
Their reconnection through the revenge plot is the main focus of the book. Their friendship needs healing, and they slowly start to trust each other once again.
The sapphic romance plot is a bit out of the blue at the end, but I did see some very subtle signs we're heading that way, mostly in Rani who's lesbian coded (it's not stated in the book) and who has a thing for Meghna from the beginning even if she doesn't recognize it.
A big part of the story is the Bangladeshi representation. Both Rani and Meghna are very proud of their Bengali origins, and their culture plays a significant role in how they act. The parental expectations, the common discrimination against them because they are dark skinned, and much more. These themes are significant but not overpowering in the book, which is still very much lighthearted.
There are great side characters in the book, too, who mostly try to be the voice of reason.
One thing that I couldn't really get behind is that two bright and talented young women decide to get revenge on a boy throwing away their great ideas about climate change and their culture. It's does not paint the best picture of women in STEM.
Overall, an entertaining read.
Rani and Meghna are ex-best friends who reconnect when they find out their boyfriend is the same person and who cheated on them both. They team up to get revenge and beat him in a young scientist exhibition. They want to create an app that can be used to catch cheaters and provide mental health advice.
Unfortunately, Meghna's character is quite annoying. She hates Rani for a reason that is not explained enough to justify the level of hatred coming from Meghna.
Rani is a lovely character who tries to be the voice of reason in many situations to counteract Meghna's fire and stubbornness.
Their reconnection through the revenge plot is the main focus of the book. Their friendship needs healing, and they slowly start to trust each other once again.
The sapphic romance plot is a bit out of the blue at the end, but I did see some very subtle signs we're heading that way, mostly in Rani who's lesbian coded (it's not stated in the book) and who has a thing for Meghna from the beginning even if she doesn't recognize it.
A big part of the story is the Bangladeshi representation. Both Rani and Meghna are very proud of their Bengali origins, and their culture plays a significant role in how they act. The parental expectations, the common discrimination against them because they are dark skinned, and much more. These themes are significant but not overpowering in the book, which is still very much lighthearted.
There are great side characters in the book, too, who mostly try to be the voice of reason.
One thing that I couldn't really get behind is that two bright and talented young women decide to get revenge on a boy throwing away their great ideas about climate change and their culture. It's does not paint the best picture of women in STEM.
Overall, an entertaining read.
Content Warnings
Moderate: Infidelity, Racism, Gaslighting, and Classism
The Snuggle is Real by DJ Jamison
emotional
lighthearted
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? No
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? No
- Flaws of characters a main focus? No
3.5
Welcome to Christmas Falls, Season 2. A collection of holiday romances set in the holiday themed town of Christmas Falls staring with The Snuggle is Real.
When you mix a small town, the holidays, a bit of found family, a cute puppy and romance, you get this sweet and cosy story.
In this book, Ford and Mason find their holiday romance and little family over Christmas.
Mason is the director of the town's charity foundation, helping families in need over the holidays. He's good at his job and he tries to help everyone, even those who don't want to admit they need a little help because of their pride.
Ford unexpectedly ends up with his stepdaughter over the holidays, while her mom is in rehab. And while he managed on his own, taking on a 7-year-old and making sure she has a life and holidays she deserves is not easy.
Most of the story is about Mason trying to help out Ford and helping him make awesome and sweet memories with Charlie. There are lots of cosy moments between these three and the nosy and well-meaning residents of the small town. It definitely brings the holiday vibes we all need sometime.
Mason and Ford become quick friends and it's kinda adorable seeing the slowly fall for each other over decoring cookies and multiple christmas trees and unplanned date-like occasions.
I quite enjoyed two thirds of the story bit once the romance heated up it became a jumbled mess. Unfortunately, the intimate moments aren't well written and the fast pace of the romantic relationship after the slowly building friendship in the first half is quite jarring actually. It's mismatched. The last 30% disappointed me a bit, so it didn't end on a high note.
However, I'm still smiling over the lovely side characters. Charlie obviously has a big part in the story, and her antics as a child are a bright spot in the book. Peppermint Bark, the dog with the most ridiculous name ever, is a riot and Dottie, the stereotypical knitting grandma with a bit of a matchmaking side is just plain sweet.
I also very much enjoyed seeing characters from the first season of this series and glimpses into what's to come in the other books coming very soon.
Overall, this is a pretty good holiday romance, especially is you like interconnected standalone series.
When you mix a small town, the holidays, a bit of found family, a cute puppy and romance, you get this sweet and cosy story.
In this book, Ford and Mason find their holiday romance and little family over Christmas.
Mason is the director of the town's charity foundation, helping families in need over the holidays. He's good at his job and he tries to help everyone, even those who don't want to admit they need a little help because of their pride.
Ford unexpectedly ends up with his stepdaughter over the holidays, while her mom is in rehab. And while he managed on his own, taking on a 7-year-old and making sure she has a life and holidays she deserves is not easy.
Most of the story is about Mason trying to help out Ford and helping him make awesome and sweet memories with Charlie. There are lots of cosy moments between these three and the nosy and well-meaning residents of the small town. It definitely brings the holiday vibes we all need sometime.
Mason and Ford become quick friends and it's kinda adorable seeing the slowly fall for each other over decoring cookies and multiple christmas trees and unplanned date-like occasions.
I quite enjoyed two thirds of the story bit once the romance heated up it became a jumbled mess. Unfortunately, the intimate moments aren't well written and the fast pace of the romantic relationship after the slowly building friendship in the first half is quite jarring actually. It's mismatched. The last 30% disappointed me a bit, so it didn't end on a high note.
However, I'm still smiling over the lovely side characters. Charlie obviously has a big part in the story, and her antics as a child are a bright spot in the book. Peppermint Bark, the dog with the most ridiculous name ever, is a riot and Dottie, the stereotypical knitting grandma with a bit of a matchmaking side is just plain sweet.
I also very much enjoyed seeing characters from the first season of this series and glimpses into what's to come in the other books coming very soon.
Overall, this is a pretty good holiday romance, especially is you like interconnected standalone series.
If Only In Our Dreams by Fae Quin
emotional
funny
hopeful
lighthearted
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
4.75
This is the sweetest story with the softest characters. Every chapter is full of hope and joy and aching pain. But as the book sais “Good things can be scary,” ... And sometimes they can be downright painful.”
Returning to Bellville for the holidays has been the highlight of my bookish holiday season for the past two years. The Christmas Daddies series brings this soft joy that is hard to describe.
In If Only In Our Dreams, a third Montgomery brother, Ben finds his happy ending with the closed-off superstar, Robin 'Trashmouth' Johnson.
Their meetcute on a plane back to Bellville is as sweet as they both are. Though none of them shows their soft side to just anybody.
Ben is the quiet and serious Montgomery brother who only shows his sweet side to his twin toddler daughters. But Robin brings out his 'teddy bear' side, making him incredibly soft for the fragile man.
Robin is a rocket artist with years of success and touring behind him. But it took its toll on him, and now he's bone-tired, burnt out, and lonely. He just wants to spend time with his brother and nephew, Miles and Bubba, before the holidays. But he finds peace in the arms of Ben and amongst the nosy and well-meaning residents of the small Vemont town.
There are many many sugary, sweet, heartwarming moments in this book. There are heartbreaking ones, too. Seeing Robin learning to trust and finally taking happy moments for himself ached in the best way possible. I am so happy for him. And Ben? Ben's been lonely, too, though he might not have realized it before. But caring for Robin, making sure he's rested and happy lit a fire under him, and it made me so happy.
Their slightly awkward, funny, and soft moments together literally destroyed me. How can they be so cute?
And spicy. Oh, the spice is spicing in this one, for sure. But like in life, they are the perfect match in bed, too, with an added layer of emotional connection.
I have to say, though, that the twins are the heroes of this book. Two four-year-old goth toddlers who roast adults left and right and are miniature mob-bosses of the swear-jar maffia. They are adorable and funny, and the way both Ben as their dad and Robin as their newest friend behaves with them melted my heart.
All in all, this book (and this series) is what I want when it comes to holiday romances. Sweet holiday moments, a dash of that holiday spirit, lots of soft moments, and a good amount of humour.
Give me more, please. I need Bubba and Jeremy's childhood best friends to lovers story like yesterday.
Returning to Bellville for the holidays has been the highlight of my bookish holiday season for the past two years. The Christmas Daddies series brings this soft joy that is hard to describe.
In If Only In Our Dreams, a third Montgomery brother, Ben finds his happy ending with the closed-off superstar, Robin 'Trashmouth' Johnson.
Their meetcute on a plane back to Bellville is as sweet as they both are. Though none of them shows their soft side to just anybody.
Ben is the quiet and serious Montgomery brother who only shows his sweet side to his twin toddler daughters. But Robin brings out his 'teddy bear' side, making him incredibly soft for the fragile man.
Robin is a rocket artist with years of success and touring behind him. But it took its toll on him, and now he's bone-tired, burnt out, and lonely. He just wants to spend time with his brother and nephew, Miles and Bubba, before the holidays. But he finds peace in the arms of Ben and amongst the nosy and well-meaning residents of the small Vemont town.
There are many many sugary, sweet, heartwarming moments in this book. There are heartbreaking ones, too. Seeing Robin learning to trust and finally taking happy moments for himself ached in the best way possible. I am so happy for him. And Ben? Ben's been lonely, too, though he might not have realized it before. But caring for Robin, making sure he's rested and happy lit a fire under him, and it made me so happy.
Their slightly awkward, funny, and soft moments together literally destroyed me. How can they be so cute?
And spicy. Oh, the spice is spicing in this one, for sure. But like in life, they are the perfect match in bed, too, with an added layer of emotional connection.
I have to say, though, that the twins are the heroes of this book. Two four-year-old goth toddlers who roast adults left and right and are miniature mob-bosses of the swear-jar maffia. They are adorable and funny, and the way both Ben as their dad and Robin as their newest friend behaves with them melted my heart.
All in all, this book (and this series) is what I want when it comes to holiday romances. Sweet holiday moments, a dash of that holiday spirit, lots of soft moments, and a good amount of humour.
Give me more, please. I need Bubba and Jeremy's childhood best friends to lovers story like yesterday.
Content Warnings
Graphic: Sexual content
Minor: Chronic illness, Emotional abuse, and Panic attacks/disorders
The Backup Plan by Eden Finley
lighthearted
relaxing
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? No
3.5
This book is sure to bring the fluffy, entertaining M/M sports romance vibes we're used to from the author.
Thad and Kelley are the next generation in Eden's sport romance universe, Thad being an intern at King Sports, which was founded by none other than Damon King (MC in Fake Out). I love how the characters and their stories come together in this new series.
But let's look at Thad and Kelley. Sports agent and baseball player. What could go wrong? Although Thad does not represent Kelley, things can easily go wrong as Kelley is represented by King Sports.
I like their beginning and their friendship a lot. They are a lot different but also a lot alike, which makes their start a little bumpy, taking both of them a little time to get over some issues. Mainly Thad's resentment of Kelley for achieving his baseball dream, while Thad has to stick to his backup plan as a sports agent.
I also very much appreciate the mental health representation in this story. Kelley struggles with severe anxiety and has trouble dealing with the press that follows a professional athlete in general, but it doubles down after his coming out. But Thad helps him get out of his shell and be more confident in his presence in the world. It's kinda sweet seeing Kelley be much more confident and trusting with Thad.
They spend most of the book in different cities, but their long-distance pining makes the story much more engaging because you can't help but root for them to work it out.
I also adore all the well-known characters popping up from other books. Cameos from Brady Talon (Can't Say Goodbye) and Lane (Shameless Puckboy) really tie in the Demonverse/Sadenverse experience.
All in all, their story is sweet, spicy, and entertaining. Do not expect big character development and soul-searching, though. As usual from the author, the story and characters are one-dimensional with little else going for them other than their relationship and their jobs. Thad at least has friends and a family, but Kelley was left with no one. Not a single friend or family member shows up in the book apart frome a few friendly-ish teammates. It used to bother me more, but nowadays, I'm going into reading a Sadenverse book, knowing it will probably be shallow. But it's entertaining.
I'm afraid of one thing regarding this series. And it's the lack of female characters. It would be a great opportunity to include female sports agents and athletes in this series to not only show support for queer guys but also women and queer women in sports too. I hope the author won't write another series with only male supporting characters, which has been the case in the latest series. A bunch of male characters who rarely know a woman who isn't their mom or sister. It's getting to a point where it's ridiculous.
Thad and Kelley are the next generation in Eden's sport romance universe, Thad being an intern at King Sports, which was founded by none other than Damon King (MC in Fake Out). I love how the characters and their stories come together in this new series.
But let's look at Thad and Kelley. Sports agent and baseball player. What could go wrong? Although Thad does not represent Kelley, things can easily go wrong as Kelley is represented by King Sports.
I like their beginning and their friendship a lot. They are a lot different but also a lot alike, which makes their start a little bumpy, taking both of them a little time to get over some issues. Mainly Thad's resentment of Kelley for achieving his baseball dream, while Thad has to stick to his backup plan as a sports agent.
I also very much appreciate the mental health representation in this story. Kelley struggles with severe anxiety and has trouble dealing with the press that follows a professional athlete in general, but it doubles down after his coming out. But Thad helps him get out of his shell and be more confident in his presence in the world. It's kinda sweet seeing Kelley be much more confident and trusting with Thad.
They spend most of the book in different cities, but their long-distance pining makes the story much more engaging because you can't help but root for them to work it out.
I also adore all the well-known characters popping up from other books. Cameos from Brady Talon (Can't Say Goodbye) and Lane (Shameless Puckboy) really tie in the Demonverse/Sadenverse experience.
All in all, their story is sweet, spicy, and entertaining. Do not expect big character development and soul-searching, though. As usual from the author, the story and characters are one-dimensional with little else going for them other than their relationship and their jobs. Thad at least has friends and a family, but Kelley was left with no one. Not a single friend or family member shows up in the book apart frome a few friendly-ish teammates. It used to bother me more, but nowadays, I'm going into reading a Sadenverse book, knowing it will probably be shallow. But it's entertaining.
I'm afraid of one thing regarding this series. And it's the lack of female characters. It would be a great opportunity to include female sports agents and athletes in this series to not only show support for queer guys but also women and queer women in sports too. I hope the author won't write another series with only male supporting characters, which has been the case in the latest series. A bunch of male characters who rarely know a woman who isn't their mom or sister. It's getting to a point where it's ridiculous.
Content Warnings
Graphic: Panic attacks/disorders and Sexual content
Name From a Hat Trick by L.A. Witt
emotional
funny
lighthearted
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? No
4.75
Content Warnings
Graphic: Panic attacks/disorders
You Can Count On Me by Fae Quin
emotional
funny
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? It's complicated
5.0