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jae_28's reviews
150 reviews
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.
Delinquent Daddy and Tender Teacher Vol. 1 by Tama Mizuki
lighthearted
relaxing
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
I started out saying, ‘this is so sweet!’ to ‘wait a minute, it’s only the first volume!?’ I’m not used to things moving so fast in manga and I was gagged. I was prepared for 5 - 10 volumes of angst and fluff, but I closed the book with a ‘this could’ve just been one book’. And by no means do I mean that negatively. I still wished everything didn’t happen so fast, but it was really cute with a surprising amount of filth sprinkled in there. I already knew I was continuing the series one chapter in and I’m looking forward to it. Who knows what else we have to look forward to after an intro like that.
The Secret World of Maggie Grey by Granger
adventurous
dark
funny
slow-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- 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
This first book was mostly world-building but I could still appreciate that. I enjoyed watching the crew traverse this new world and creating strong relationships, learning their history, and [SLOWLY] coming to terms with what they were. This was funny, witty, adventurous, stressful, and unapologetically black which is how I love my mythical creatures and spaces.
With that said, those things are what carried me toward the end. Even 400 pages in, it still felt like I was at the beginning of the story (one could take that either way). It goes by so fast, I just wished we’d gotten more of the murder mystery element throughout the story. There was nary a plot in sight, but I think this book was a decent setup for what’s coming.
I wasn’t a fan of some POVs. There were a few that weren’t necessary and just served to drag the story out. I wasn’t a fan of the pacing throughout because of that. And there were times I had no clue whose head I was in and had to figure it out based on context clues. All the men pissed me off. That’s all I have to say about that. I didn’t like any of them! Especially that Akeem, EUGH! There was a point where Asha was making this experience insufferable for me and I think we all know what I’m talking about. She was being a big hater, and I can force myself to understand the frustration but taking it out on your friends and being all nasty was not it. I lost respect for her at that point.
Outside of all the mechanics, I am looking forward to The First Family. I kept wishing someone would make an appearance and shake shit up. I’m hoping more starts happening and I have high hopes that it will. I absolutely adore what we’ve seen in the history and lore of this world and its people. I’m eager to learn more and see more gore involved.
With that said, those things are what carried me toward the end. Even 400 pages in, it still felt like I was at the beginning of the story (one could take that either way). It goes by so fast, I just wished we’d gotten more of the murder mystery element throughout the story. There was nary a plot in sight, but I think this book was a decent setup for what’s coming.
I wasn’t a fan of some POVs. There were a few that weren’t necessary and just served to drag the story out. I wasn’t a fan of the pacing throughout because of that. And there were times I had no clue whose head I was in and had to figure it out based on context clues. All the men pissed me off. That’s all I have to say about that. I didn’t like any of them! Especially that Akeem, EUGH! There was a point where Asha was making this experience insufferable for me and I think we all know what I’m talking about. She was being a big hater, and I can force myself to understand the frustration but taking it out on your friends and being all nasty was not it. I lost respect for her at that point.
Outside of all the mechanics, I am looking forward to The First Family. I kept wishing someone would make an appearance and shake shit up. I’m hoping more starts happening and I have high hopes that it will. I absolutely adore what we’ve seen in the history and lore of this world and its people. I’m eager to learn more and see more gore involved.
American Royalty by Tracey Livesay
emotional
funny
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
4.75
I ate this book up so bad! I loved the characters, especially Dani—she did not let those people run her and I needed that. FMCs always let that old bag break them in books like this. I was laughing, smiling, grinning, kicking my feet reading this. And don’t judge me but Liam…?? I might love the guy idk. I enjoyed the quotes at the beginning of each chapter, it really gave you a sense of who the main characters were outside of what we’re shown. Jay being a philosophy professor was great—I loved seeing him in that setting. His background in that showed through his speech and he just knew the right things to say. The man breathed philosophy and poetry, Dani didn’t stand a chance.
The only thing I didn’t enjoy was the male narrator since I immersive read. He had a strong voice but that was just about it; he sounded flat and monotone for most of it and I cringed every time he switched his voice for the women. Wesleigh Siobhan did her thing as usual! She’s the only reason why I kept listening to the audio.
I’m looking forward to book two. I already have her off the shelf and ready to go, I just hope they don’t get my girl Dani! Need her to stand ten toes down in this one too cause I know the drama’s about to triple.
The only thing I didn’t enjoy was the male narrator since I immersive read. He had a strong voice but that was just about it; he sounded flat and monotone for most of it and I cringed every time he switched his voice for the women. Wesleigh Siobhan did her thing as usual! She’s the only reason why I kept listening to the audio.
I’m looking forward to book two. I already have her off the shelf and ready to go, I just hope they don’t get my girl Dani! Need her to stand ten toes down in this one too cause I know the drama’s about to triple.
Before the Coffee Gets Cold by Toshikazu Kawaguchi
adventurous
emotional
hopeful
reflective
sad
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
4.75
I’ve been wanting to read this for so long and I can finally say it was an experience. It’s the best feeling in the world when that book you’re anticipating delivers. I didn’t know what I was getting myself into but I didn’t expect this and I’m not disappointed. The connection to everyone in the café was beautifully done. It was sad but comforting and hopeful. The time traveling was intriguing. The author flipped what we all thought we knew and somehow made it better. I couldn’t predict what each character would do or say once they were in the hot seat—I was on the edge of my chair myself because some of them were pushing it. All the stories made me feel something and even made me tear up a little bit tbh. I will say, I had a bit of an issue pinpointing who was who at times but I fully intend to reread this in the future. Loved the concept and execution. I’m curious what the other books have in store for me.
Personal by Alexandria House
challenging
emotional
funny
hopeful
reflective
relaxing
sad
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
5.0
This might be my favorite book by Alexandria House, but I won’t be sure until I read all her books again in order. There’s something so comforting about this one, but it’s just as heartbreaking and healing. A very strong contender. As always, I’m in love with the characters, their growth, their love, and family bond. She gave that man one hell of a redemption arc though. No matter how many times I read this book, it feels like the first time and I can’t get enough of it. I can’t wait to start from the beginning and get to know these people all over again.
Cinderella Is Dead by Kalynn Bayron
adventurous
dark
emotional
hopeful
mysterious
reflective
tense
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? No
4.5
I’ve never come across a retelling like this one. Bayron flipped the entire story completely on its head to the point where I questioned whether it’s considered a retelling. Instead of giving us concepts of Cinderella or making Sophia a caricature of her, Cinderella is basically considered a god… but used for sinister reasons. There was something very biblical about this story and also very real. I’m constantly in awe of how Bayron intertwines magic and the real world—it’s effortless and consuming. This was unpredictable, engaging, and if you want all the feels pick it up. I would love to read a novella on the aftermath and picking up the pieces of their society. Plus, I want to see more of Constance and Sophia, sue me. There’s so much I’d like to know about the after, but I want this to be the happy ending.
Two Scoops of Hellfire by Kimberly Lemming
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? No
4.0
I got to the end of this book and said, "No! That's it?!" because I honestly forgot it was a thirty-page short story. It was very funny, very filthy, loved it. Kimberly Lemming has catapulted her way onto my list of favorites.
Maid-sama! (2-in-1 Edition), Vol. 8 by Hiro Fujiwara
funny
hopeful
lighthearted
relaxing
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
4.75
This was the penultimate 2-in-1. I dragged this out as long as I could and I’m still not ready for it to be over. The second they officially got together they had to be separated. I enjoyed seeing Misaki finally open up and let her guard down around Usui. I do enjoy seeing more of Usui’s background. His “family” was really making me mad. I’m having a bitter-sweet moment as the series comes to an end, can’t wait to see how it’s all tied up. Also, the bonus story at the end of Vol 16 has been my favorite, it was very cute.
Assist by Alexandria House
emotional
funny
hopeful
lighthearted
reflective
sad
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
5.0
I smiled and laughed throughout this entire book, especially the second half. I even teared up on several occasions. Still, it was so wholesome! I got to the epilogue and groaned because there should’ve been a hundred more pages. This was the perfect end to the series.
The friendship between Jones, Ford, and Orlando was *chef’s kiss*. There was never a dull moment with those three in the room. Uncle Lee stays cracking me up, just at the fact that the man pops up everywhere and you never know what’ll come out of his mouth. Every time he comes around, I pray he doesn’t get a phone call. And not Them Boys making an appearance?? I was flabbergasted! Again, I need to reread every single last one of these series.
I loved this so much. The characters are great as usual. They’re not without their faults or trauma, and that makes them all the more real. House makes your heart ache for the people she creates. I wish them nothing but happiness and peace. These books are so perfectly intertwined. House included such important topics, focusing on healing, community, and love—how all these things contribute to a person’s well-being, and how they can be through blood or found family.
The only thing, I wanted to see— Patrick and his raggedy momma go down. Hearing about it wasn’t enough. This was not enough. There needs to be a family reunion wrap-up at some point.
The friendship between Jones, Ford, and Orlando was *chef’s kiss*. There was never a dull moment with those three in the room. Uncle Lee stays cracking me up, just at the fact that the man pops up everywhere and you never know what’ll come out of his mouth. Every time he comes around, I pray he doesn’t get a phone call. And not Them Boys making an appearance?? I was flabbergasted! Again, I need to reread every single last one of these series.
I loved this so much. The characters are great as usual. They’re not without their faults or trauma, and that makes them all the more real. House makes your heart ache for the people she creates. I wish them nothing but happiness and peace. These books are so perfectly intertwined. House included such important topics, focusing on healing, community, and love—how all these things contribute to a person’s well-being, and how they can be through blood or found family.
The only thing, I wanted to see— Patrick and his raggedy momma go down. Hearing about it wasn’t enough. This was not enough. There needs to be a family reunion wrap-up at some point.