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ditten's reviews
606 reviews
A Suitable Consort: For the King and His Husband by R. Cooper
emotional
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
3.75
This is the perfect example of why you shouldn't judge a book by it's (truly awful) cover lol.
A Suitable Consort is a slowburn poly (MMM, with an established couple at the beginning) romance set in the royal court of a fantasy world.
A royal librarian is courted by the king and his husband, but they're all kind of (loveable) idiots so there's lots of angsty misunderstandings and miscommunication.
While I liked the book, I didnt love it. I'm actually not really sure why this book didn't fully work more for me as the entire premise should've made this a new fave but sometimes that's just how it goes, I guess. I still enjoyed it, and I didn't even mind the miscommunication for most of the book which is usually a thing that irks me.
A Suitable Consort is a slowburn poly (MMM, with an established couple at the beginning) romance set in the royal court of a fantasy world.
A royal librarian is courted by the king and his husband, but they're all kind of (loveable) idiots so there's lots of angsty misunderstandings and miscommunication.
While I liked the book, I didnt love it. I'm actually not really sure why this book didn't fully work more for me as the entire premise should've made this a new fave but sometimes that's just how it goes, I guess. I still enjoyed it, and I didn't even mind the miscommunication for most of the book which is usually a thing that irks me.
Sweet by Howl Avery
Did not finish book. Stopped at 79%.
Did not finish book. Stopped at 79%.
I can excuse indirect cannibalism but I draw the line at fisting.
(that's on me though for only noticing the cannibalism in the CWs and not the fisting)
(that's on me though for only noticing the cannibalism in the CWs and not the fisting)
The Dream Thieves by Maggie Stiefvater
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
Random Latin, weird birds, and weirder dreams - I'm still confused but in a much more fun way now, and I'm definitely hooked!
Ronan is a mess and I'm here for it! I'm liking Blue and Gansey more and more but Adam is starting to annoy me.
Ready to see where this goes in the next one
Ronan is a mess and I'm here for it! I'm liking Blue and Gansey more and more but Adam is starting to annoy me.
Ready to see where this goes in the next one
A Gentleman's Gentleman by TJ Alexander
slow-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
2.0
Well, that was a waste of time. I would've probably DNF'ed this book if it hadn't been a buddy read.
I love queer histroms, and I was super excited for one with trans rep. Sadly, I didn't vibe with it.
There was an incredibly slow start, then a rushed ending. No chemistry between the leads, LOTS of miscommunication that had me groaning in frustration, and just lots of dumb and hard to believe choices made. This one wasn't for me.
I read an eARC from Vintage Books.
I love queer histroms, and I was super excited for one with trans rep. Sadly, I didn't vibe with it.
There was an incredibly slow start, then a rushed ending. No chemistry between the leads, LOTS of miscommunication that had me groaning in frustration, and just lots of dumb and hard to believe choices made. This one wasn't for me.
I read an eARC from Vintage Books.
Football Royalty by Eden Finley
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? Yes
4.0
I really enjoyed Peyton and Levi's second chance ish love story. This was an easy read, and I breezed through it. Great narration, too.
While I haven't read most of the Saden verse, I still enjoyed what was clearly cameos from previous characters, like Peyton's dads, uncles, and Brady's BFF Felix. Speaking of Brady, I can't wait to read his book!
While I haven't read most of the Saden verse, I still enjoyed what was clearly cameos from previous characters, like Peyton's dads, uncles, and Brady's BFF Felix. Speaking of Brady, I can't wait to read his book!
Lover Boy: The Boys of Apartment 13 Book 2 by Brianna Flores
dark
emotional
funny
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
3.5
I loved the first half of this book, and I really liked stepbrothers Nic and Cade's hate to fuck buddies to lovers arc.
Their chemistry was volatile and intriguing and hot, and both were more insecure about feelings and self-worth than they'd ever suspect the other of being. It was a great parallel for two otherwise very different characters.
I loved Cade and his little hissy fits over finding his stepbrother hot and over possibly even liking him! Oh the horror lol
However, the pacing in the second half of the book was off to me, and felt a bit weird.
I also would've loved even more time with Nic whose background was super interesting and I wanted to dive deeper into it and him. I thought him having vitiligo was cool though, it's not something I think I've read an MC have before.
Overall, I really enjoyed a lot of this book but I felt somewhat unsatisfied after finishing it because I still wanted something *more* from it.
Their chemistry was volatile and intriguing and hot, and both were more insecure about feelings and self-worth than they'd ever suspect the other of being. It was a great parallel for two otherwise very different characters.
I loved Cade and his little hissy fits over finding his stepbrother hot and over possibly even liking him! Oh the horror lol
However, the pacing in the second half of the book was off to me, and felt a bit weird.
I also would've loved even more time with Nic whose background was super interesting and I wanted to dive deeper into it and him. I thought him having vitiligo was cool though, it's not something I think I've read an MC have before.
Overall, I really enjoyed a lot of this book but I felt somewhat unsatisfied after finishing it because I still wanted something *more* from it.
Daniel Cabot Puts Down Roots by Cat Sebastian
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 *LOVE* Cat Sebastian's Cabot books đ They fill me with such genuine warmth and joy, and they make me so giddy. Daniel Cabot Puts Down Roots is funny, heartfelt, and wonderful, just like the other books in the series, and it left me feeling so utterly delighted đĽ°
I adore a "best friends who everyone already thinks are together-to-lovers" book, and Daniel and Alex are just that! There's something so natural and easy about their friendship and relationship, and though they have to put in an effort to make it work, they just fit together perfectly.
Daniel Cabot is set a bit later than the previous two books - we're in 1973 in this one, but if you've read the first books, you'll be able to guess who makes a few appearances in this book â¤ď¸
Just, gah, this book is fantastic!! It has wonderful characters, fantatic relationship development, and excellent autism rep.
I highlighted A LOT during my read lol. Some of my fave quotes:
â¨ď¸"And then there was Alexâthe fact of him, the way Daniel shaped his days around a space that Alex might sometimes occupy, the predictable rhythm of Alexâs routine the heartbeat of Danielâs life. They werenât a couple, but they were a pair, and Daniel couldnât imagine dating someone when he had Alex."
â¨ď¸"His biceps were thick, his shoulders broad. Shoveling, he thought inanely. More men should shovel things."
â¨ď¸"I missed you like crazy." They had spoken on the phone, but it obviously wasnât the same. "Iâm so tired of talking to people who arenât you."
â¨ď¸"Daniel Cabot didnât believe in love at first sight. He refused to be the type of person who believed in love at first sight, and after all, he didnât really love Alex from the moment they met or anything. It was maybe half an hour later, when Alex cut up his burger."
â¨ď¸"I donât think weâre done talking,â Daniel said, calm but insistent.
âIâm done!â Alex opened the door, then held it open for Daniel, who mumbled âThanks,â because apparently they were both incapable of fighting like normal people"
I adore a "best friends who everyone already thinks are together-to-lovers" book, and Daniel and Alex are just that! There's something so natural and easy about their friendship and relationship, and though they have to put in an effort to make it work, they just fit together perfectly.
Daniel Cabot is set a bit later than the previous two books - we're in 1973 in this one, but if you've read the first books, you'll be able to guess who makes a few appearances in this book â¤ď¸
Just, gah, this book is fantastic!! It has wonderful characters, fantatic relationship development, and excellent autism rep.
I highlighted A LOT during my read lol. Some of my fave quotes:
â¨ď¸"And then there was Alexâthe fact of him, the way Daniel shaped his days around a space that Alex might sometimes occupy, the predictable rhythm of Alexâs routine the heartbeat of Danielâs life. They werenât a couple, but they were a pair, and Daniel couldnât imagine dating someone when he had Alex."
â¨ď¸"His biceps were thick, his shoulders broad. Shoveling, he thought inanely. More men should shovel things."
â¨ď¸"I missed you like crazy." They had spoken on the phone, but it obviously wasnât the same. "Iâm so tired of talking to people who arenât you."
â¨ď¸"Daniel Cabot didnât believe in love at first sight. He refused to be the type of person who believed in love at first sight, and after all, he didnât really love Alex from the moment they met or anything. It was maybe half an hour later, when Alex cut up his burger."
â¨ď¸"I donât think weâre done talking,â Daniel said, calm but insistent.
âIâm done!â Alex opened the door, then held it open for Daniel, who mumbled âThanks,â because apparently they were both incapable of fighting like normal people"
Notorious Park Avenue Prince by Ella Frank, Brooke Blaine
lighthearted
fast-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
3.0
Really hot MMM that came through with the smut, but that's about it.
I didn't feel like I ever really got to know the three MCs, and they definitely didn't know each other, so it was hard to buy into an emotional connection.
They had fire sexual chemistry, and it was a fun read but I was a little disappointed it never really developed beyond that. I also never actually got to like East all that much, and didn't fully see what he brought to the relationship since I think King and Zac would've been great together just the two of them.
I assume this will spin off into a new series since there was a whole plotline with a secret society and King's ex that was just abandoned and might be picked up somewhere else.
I didn't feel like I ever really got to know the three MCs, and they definitely didn't know each other, so it was hard to buy into an emotional connection.
They had fire sexual chemistry, and it was a fun read but I was a little disappointed it never really developed beyond that. I also never actually got to like East all that much, and didn't fully see what he brought to the relationship since I think King and Zac would've been great together just the two of them.
I assume this will spin off into a new series since there was a whole plotline with a secret society and King's ex that was just abandoned and might be picked up somewhere else.
The Mars House by Natasha Pulley
adventurous
challenging
emotional
mysterious
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? Yes
4.0
I tore through this book in just a few days, it was incredibly compelling like most of Pulley's books are.
However, after finishing it I'm left with some issues regarding the politics in this book that I'm sure other, smarter people have articulated better than I ever could.
All that said, what I wouldn't give for a lens that allowed me to taste every option on the menu before deciding what to order. Science get on that STAT!!
However, after finishing it I'm left with some issues regarding the politics in this book that I'm sure other, smarter people have articulated better than I ever could.
All that said, what I wouldn't give for a lens that allowed me to taste every option on the menu before deciding what to order. Science get on that STAT!!
Testament of Youth by Vera Brittain
challenging
dark
emotional
informative
inspiring
reflective
sad
slow-paced
5.0
Testament of Youth is an incredible memoir by Vera Brittain, who worked as a VAD nurse during WWI, and who lost the four men closest to her in the war, including her beloved brother Edward, and her fiancĂŠ Roland.
This is the first female memoir of the time I've read, and the most well-known, and Brittain's writing is incredible. The book is beautiful, incredibly sad, and thought-provoking.
Published in 1933, VB had enough time post war to be able to contemplate and put into perspective not only her own experiences but also her contemporaries', and the war itself, while still seemingly remaining mostly faithful to describing her life as she experienced it in the moment, many years earlier. This was in large part done with the aid of her saved diaries and correspondences.
Published in 1933, VB had enough time post war to be able to contemplate and put into perspective not only her own experiences but also her contemporaries', and the war itself, while still seemingly remaining mostly faithful to describing her life as she experienced it in the moment, many years earlier. This was in large part done with the aid of her saved diaries and correspondences.
VB's memoir centers around the war, its consequences, love, and loss. She also includes a few years of her post-war life, starting her writing career, her work with peacebuilding, and becoming a feminist. It's clear how these experiences and values influence her book, and helps her contextualize the war and its consequences.
It does feel particularly upsetting to be reading VB's account of war, and her hope and ideas for how war might be avoided in the future in a book published in 1933, the year Hitler was appointed chancellor, and just a few years prior to WWII.
Testament of Youth moved me to tears several times, and while a long read that at times did feel drawn out, I highly recommend it.
Some of my favourite quotes:
"There seemed to be nothing left in the world, for I felt that Roland had taken with him all my future and Edward all my past."
"It was best, after all, that our dead who were so much part of us, yet were debarred from our knowledge of the post-war world and never even realised that we âwonâ, could not come back and see, upon the scarred face of Europe, the final consequences of their young pursuit of âheroism in the abstractâ. How futile it had all been, that superhuman gallantry! It had amounted, in the end, to nothing but a passionate gesture of negation - the negation of all that the centuries had taught themselves through long ĂŚons of pain."
"At every turn of every future road I shall want to ask him questions, to recall to him memories, and he will not be there." (on her brother Edward while visiting his grave in Italy in 1921)
"Perhaps, after all, the best that we who were left could do was to refuse to forget, and to teach our successors what we remembered in the hope that they, when their own day came, would have more power to change the state of the world than this bankrupt, shattered generation. If only, somehow, the nobility which in us had been turned towards destruction could be used in them for creation, if the courage which we had dedicated to war could be employed, by them, on behalf of peace, then the future might indeed see the redemption of man instead of his further descent into chaos."