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jae_28's reviews
149 reviews
Higher Love by Alexandria House
funny
lighthearted
relaxing
fast-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Strong character development? No
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
4.0
This was so fun! This was my second time reading and I forgot how deranged these people were. I absolutely loved it, my kind of drama!
Had me grinning and laughing out loud up until the dreaded miscommunication trope. It wasn't even mis, there was no communication. We're supposed to be grown?! Like most romance books, it seems the story isn't complete without it. I just wished more of them made sense! This one was unnecessary.
Dawn by Octavia E. Butler
adventurous
emotional
informative
reflective
tense
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? No
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
4.0
All I Want for Christmas by Michelle Stimpson
hopeful
lighthearted
reflective
relaxing
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? Yes
4.0
I clicked on it because it was in my library, no regrets. Not much to say, this was very cute and wholesome. Exactly what you would expect from a holiday novella. Not too much or unnecessary drama, but enough to keep the reader engaged. And I realized I’m kind of a Grinch myself… Oh well!
Delinquent Daddy and Tender Teacher Vol. 2: Basking in Sunlight by Tama Mizuki
lighthearted
relaxing
fast-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Strong character development? N/A
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
4.0
I knew I would regret not getting the third volume. Still so cute! But there's a sad undertone to this series. They seem a bit isolated as people, but I like that the bonus stories are about the main characters.
12:01 by Bella Jay
adventurous
funny
relaxing
sad
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
This was my kind of carrying on! The drama was impeccable, loved the luxury, and the book didn’t feel like 300 pages. The majority of the story takes place in the span of a day and it felt like that’s how long I was reading it for. Pretty impressive in terms of how immersive it was and even the world-building.
The end kinda pissed me off, so I didn’t read the epilogue. I didn’t like the switch to the text threads telling us what happened in the aftermath. It felt like a copout of completing the story. It became fragmented and choppy and I just didn't like that. My biggest pet peeve in romance is watching the plot get trashed or disregarded because the main characters got together. The plot is just as important as the characters. It’s what makes their relationships and connections fun to engage with. Please, finish the story. Other than that, I enjoyed this. It was satisfying up until it wasn’t.
The end kinda pissed me off, so I didn’t read the epilogue. I didn’t like the switch to the text threads telling us what happened in the aftermath. It felt like a copout of completing the story. It became fragmented and choppy and I just didn't like that. My biggest pet peeve in romance is watching the plot get trashed or disregarded because the main characters got together. The plot is just as important as the characters. It’s what makes their relationships and connections fun to engage with. Please, finish the story. Other than that, I enjoyed this. It was satisfying up until it wasn’t.
What's A Girl Gotta Do To Get On The Naughty List? by Kimberly Lemming
funny
lighthearted
sad
fast-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? No
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? No
5.0
This is probably the only Christmas-related book I’m reading this year and it was more than enough. It was surprisingly more than I expected it to be, but it’s Kimberly Lemming, so… This was fun as it was ridiculous and even sad at times. It was hardly 60 pages but had the air of a full-on novel. So much happened and in enough detail that it wasn’t underwhelming or overwhelming. Plus, we got a visit from our friends in Two Scoops of Hellfire and that made this even more fun cause they’re all for the chaos. I loved the pacing and the end left me smiling as all Kimberly Lemming books do. I’m looking forward to her new series coming out next year!
Maid-sama! (2-in-1 Edition), Vol. 9 by Hiro Fujiwara
adventurous
hopeful
lighthearted
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
3.5
The finale *sigh* I dragged it out as long as I could. It felt like saying goodbye to a long-time friend. There was so much I loved about these last few volumes, but also things that made me borderline homicidal. No other volume has done that. I really wanted a drama-free finale, but that was too much to ask.
Misaki going after Usui was very on-brand. They’re so dramatic but they’re my favorite kind of drama. It’s crazy we went through all that just for the crinkled bastard of a grandaddy to come out and tell Usui to leave and that was it. I was happy about that because they didn’t deserve him. Misaki and Usui are the kind of characters you know will end up together no matter what. I’m happy I got to see them grow, fight, and get the happy ending they deserved. I would’ve loved a montage (at least) that captured important events in the ten years that passed after they graduated high school. Honestly, it was necessary after what followed.
I needed Usui to start putting his foot in everybody's ass cause they were playing with him entirely too much. That thing that happened at the airport? He should’ve unalived that boy. Also, I was upset with that ending a little bit. I wasn’t fulfilled because it felt forced. Usui devoted his career and education to the people who shunned and abandoned him since he was born… We didn’t even see his adoptive parents as much as we saw the people who DESPISED him for being alive. His grandfather still didn’t even acknowledge him as part of the family ten years later! Then all their friends and family (the people who actually mattered) had to travel from Japan to England, for what? A wedding in a dusty castle? In all that time, what happened for that to be the ending? I simply had too many questions and was too annoyed to enjoy it as much as I wanted to. I had more of an emotional reaction to that montage that showed Misaki getting into the college she wanted.
Still love the series, just disappointed in that ending. It felt rushed and I expected more.
The Duchess Effect by Tracey Livesay
emotional
inspiring
lighthearted
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
4.0
This was a whirlwind! I really couldn’t predict how this book would end, but I wasn’t mad when it did. Dani really pushed me in this one, but I was happy to see her understand what it meant to take control and stand up. She never needed those people for her company; it took too long and too much for her to realize that. This book made me angry and frustrated, but there was satisfaction and wistfulness in the end. The only thing I wished we’d gotten was that last meeting with Genesis. That deal was one of (if not) the most important part of the plot and what drove Dani to do everything she did, but we were robbed of that moment she had that epiphany, bossed up, and executed it, damn the consequences. It was so important and I’m highkey mad it wasn’t prioritized as it should’ve been. I didn’t want to hear about it, I wanted to see it! This series made me want to read more of the author’s work. I fell in love with her writing and the characters she brings to life, and I’m looking forward to seeing more of it.
Before the Coffee Gets Cold: Tales from the Café by Toshikazu Kawaguchi
adventurous
emotional
hopeful
informative
reflective
sad
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
4.0
With each story we get a little bit more about the family that runs this cafe. I’ve been curious about the ghost and it’s so heartbreaking seeing how that event unfolded and affected them. I’m still curious about the details of what happened and looking forward to uncovering it. I adore Miki. The cutest, sassiest, kid. She brings a necessary lightness to the space.
This book was a bit hard to get through in terms of separating people. Most names start with or has the letter ‘k’ in them and a lot of the same vowels. We don’t get too many descriptions so I’ve just been blindly following along without knowing ninety percent of the people who show up. Obviously, it’s a cultural thing so that’s my problem. I haven’t had problems understanding the stories, it’s just been hard pinpointing individuals even if they’re prominent characters in the series.
This book was a bit hard to get through in terms of separating people. Most names start with or has the letter ‘k’ in them and a lot of the same vowels. We don’t get too many descriptions so I’ve just been blindly following along without knowing ninety percent of the people who show up. Obviously, it’s a cultural thing so that’s my problem. I haven’t had problems understanding the stories, it’s just been hard pinpointing individuals even if they’re prominent characters in the series.
Before We Forget Kindness by Toshikazu Kawaguchi
adventurous
emotional
hopeful
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
3.75
I’m reading these books out of order, but despite me thinking they’re repetitive, every last story has made me cry or tear up. Doesn’t matter if I like the MCs or not. If these books do nothing, they evoke emotions and force readers to reflect. This series has been a rollercoaster and I love the whimsical feel of it. We’re effortlessly transported back and forth in time. Whether it be through time traveling or backstory. The author does an amazing job of keeping the reader present, no matter if they’re in the past or future.
I didn’t expect all the books in the series to feature the same aspect (the time traveling). That’s where the repetition comes in and we’re constantly going over the same rules and mechanics. I do like the little anecdotes and fun facts that come with the stories, I just wished there were different magical properties in each book. I like the messages in the stories but they’re starting to blur together for me, especially since each book has about four different stories. I suggest taking some time (maybe a few weeks) between each book so the repetition doesn’t get tedious or boring.
I didn’t expect all the books in the series to feature the same aspect (the time traveling). That’s where the repetition comes in and we’re constantly going over the same rules and mechanics. I do like the little anecdotes and fun facts that come with the stories, I just wished there were different magical properties in each book. I like the messages in the stories but they’re starting to blur together for me, especially since each book has about four different stories. I suggest taking some time (maybe a few weeks) between each book so the repetition doesn’t get tedious or boring.