A very cute, very nice read about the importance of casual acceptance. I have to give this credit, not once while reading *ARC received via Netgalley*
A very cute, very nice read about the importance of casual acceptance. I have to give this credit, not once while reading did I feel I was being lectured or preached at, which is so refreshing. I really appreciate that. This was just wholesome. The importance of friendship and being yourself, and how that allows the people around you to be themselves in turn. Find your people y'all. They're out there and they need you too. ...more
This was such a interesting read. How do you start over when your life was ripped from you for two years but the rest of t*ARC received via Netgalley*
This was such a interesting read. How do you start over when your life was ripped from you for two years but the rest of the world kept turning? I loved Jack Jr. He's so understandable, he makes perfect sense even in the moments he makes no sense. My heart broke for him in so many ways. But I also really loved his family. They're all so REAL. No one is evil, no one is a caricature. They're human for all that they are just words on a page. There's really no grand messaging or life lesson here. Except maybe that, everyone is just trying their best to roll with what life throws at them. Extend some grace to the people you love, and yourself. It'll do a world of good. ...more
I liked this even more than American Dreamer. I liked Camilo and Thomas together overall just a tad bit more I think. TheReceived an ARC via Netgalley
I liked this even more than American Dreamer. I liked Camilo and Thomas together overall just a tad bit more I think. They worked together so well. I also liked the setup and how the potential problems of the power dynamic were addressed and confronted. It also didn't feel preachy. I really only have one thing that bugged me and that was towards the end. Like always. There's always that one last grasp for drama and conflict and it always irks me. I totally understand why Camilo had an issue with what Thomas did, that it was behind is back. However, I hate that no one held a mirror up to Camilo and called him out on his pride and refusal to ask for or accept help, especially given his job. He of all people should understand that sometimes people need help. I get what he was afraid of and why it was a difficult situation for him, but everyone raked Thomas over the coals and ALL the characters got to voice an opinion on what he did (which wasn't bad, it was how he went about it that was the issue) and I was expecting Camilo's friends to at least be like, "Dude, take a step back, are you upset at him going behind your back or are you upset because this hurts your pride?" and it never happened. I don't like when things feel unbalanced. The story and romance are still great aside from that. I think they were really caring together and made sense for each other. I like that Thomas also spent time alone with Camilo's mother, he forged a separate bond with her. I also appreciate the bond developed between Camilo and Thomas' daughter. I can't wait for the next book. I'm so happy to have found this author.
Merged review:
Received an ARC via Netgalley
I liked this even more than American Dreamer. I liked Camilo and Thomas together overall just a tad bit more I think. They worked together so well. I also liked the setup and how the potential problems of the power dynamic were addressed and confronted. It also didn't feel preachy. I really only have one thing that bugged me and that was towards the end. Like always. There's always that one last grasp for drama and conflict and it always irks me. I totally understand why Camilo had an issue with what Thomas did, that it was behind is back. However, I hate that no one held a mirror up to Camilo and called him out on his pride and refusal to ask for or accept help, especially given his job. He of all people should understand that sometimes people need help. I get what he was afraid of and why it was a difficult situation for him, but everyone raked Thomas over the coals and ALL the characters got to voice an opinion on what he did (which wasn't bad, it was how he went about it that was the issue) and I was expecting Camilo's friends to at least be like, "Dude, take a step back, are you upset at him going behind your back or are you upset because this hurts your pride?" and it never happened. I don't like when things feel unbalanced. The story and romance are still great aside from that. I think they were really caring together and made sense for each other. I like that Thomas also spent time alone with Camilo's mother, he forged a separate bond with her. I also appreciate the bond developed between Camilo and Thomas' daughter. I can't wait for the next book. I'm so happy to have found this author....more
Was supposed to be via Netgalley but I had an issue with the file(my fault) so I bought a copy
I wasn't sure this would be a book for me, but I was intWas supposed to be via Netgalley but I had an issue with the file(my fault) so I bought a copy
I wasn't sure this would be a book for me, but I was interested. I've never really read Manga or watched Anime before so I don't know very much about them. But even without really understanding the nods to the genre, I still enjoyed this. I loved the characters. Xander's grumpy antisocialness was great, he wasn't a jerk he just wanted to be left alone, even if he was named after one of my most hated pop culture figures. Skylar's learned charm was just what was needed to open Xander's world. I really enjoyed their relationship. It always felt equal. They both balanced the other. I struggled with the setting, it was hard to remember it was set in a made up New York town when everything is so influence by the Japanese culture, however the author does address and explain it. It's still weird though. I appreciate the subplots and how they furthered the main plot, it sounds like a given but it's not always done well. I loved how Xander stood up to Skylar's dad and how Skylar helped smooth things over with Xander's family. But the thing that probably made me the happiest, was the focus a different sexuality. Skylar isn't sure how he identifies, so he puts on an act that no one notices...until Xander. It's weird to say I liked his struggle, but I did. It felt real. I loved how nonplussed Xander was. It was just a given, a non issue. No gold star for understanding expected. I would love a revisiting, I'm a little bummed we didn't get to see Skylar connect with a certain someone mentioned in the epilogue on page, I'd like to see what happens when they return stateside.
Merged review:
Was supposed to be via Netgalley but I had an issue with the file(my fault) so I bought a copy
I wasn't sure this would be a book for me, but I was interested. I've never really read Manga or watched Anime before so I don't know very much about them. But even without really understanding the nods to the genre, I still enjoyed this. I loved the characters. Xander's grumpy antisocialness was great, he wasn't a jerk he just wanted to be left alone, even if he was named after one of my most hated pop culture figures. Skylar's learned charm was just what was needed to open Xander's world. I really enjoyed their relationship. It always felt equal. They both balanced the other. I struggled with the setting, it was hard to remember it was set in a made up New York town when everything is so influence by the Japanese culture, however the author does address and explain it. It's still weird though. I appreciate the subplots and how they furthered the main plot, it sounds like a given but it's not always done well. I loved how Xander stood up to Skylar's dad and how Skylar helped smooth things over with Xander's family. But the thing that probably made me the happiest, was the focus a different sexuality. Skylar isn't sure how he identifies, so he puts on an act that no one notices...until Xander. It's weird to say I liked his struggle, but I did. It felt real. I loved how nonplussed Xander was. It was just a given, a non issue. No gold star for understanding expected. I would love a revisiting, I'm a little bummed we didn't get to see Skylar connect with a certain someone mentioned in the epilogue on page, I'd like to see what happens when they return stateside....more
I don't read much M/F romance these days, but one surefire way to get me interested is to feature a "plus-size" model on theReceived ARC via Netgalley
I don't read much M/F romance these days, but one surefire way to get me interested is to feature a "plus-size" model on the cover, and even better have that actually be what the character in the book looks like. I had some issues with the writing, it doesn't "feel" historical and whether it's accurate or not all the F and P bombs threw me off. It felt like the author was desperately trying to be "edgy". What did work was the romance, it took a little while for me to fully be invested but I was really charmed by the end. I have to admit that I LOVED how into Patience's body Giles was. He saw the beauty in her and loved her. (*whispers*Am also intrigued by his bi-proclivities, though there's nothing on page beyond references to past happenings). Patience was awesome. I loved seeing her grow into herself and accept that she is in charge of her life and everyone else can get on board with that or not but it's not her problem. I love how she stood her ground, with her parents and Giles. Another thing that didn't quite work is the Evil Duke plot resolution. I really don't quite understand how exactly that solved their problem and what happens with their lives after their stunt. Sure there's an epilogue and they're happy and familyed up but what happens with the dukedom down the road? Do they go back to England? I'm left with questions like that. But all in all, I am happy with the story and glad I read it.
Merged review:
Received ARC via Netgalley
I don't read much M/F romance these days, but one surefire way to get me interested is to feature a "plus-size" model on the cover, and even better have that actually be what the character in the book looks like. I had some issues with the writing, it doesn't "feel" historical and whether it's accurate or not all the F and P bombs threw me off. It felt like the author was desperately trying to be "edgy". What did work was the romance, it took a little while for me to fully be invested but I was really charmed by the end. I have to admit that I LOVED how into Patience's body Giles was. He saw the beauty in her and loved her. (*whispers*Am also intrigued by his bi-proclivities, though there's nothing on page beyond references to past happenings). Patience was awesome. I loved seeing her grow into herself and accept that she is in charge of her life and everyone else can get on board with that or not but it's not her problem. I love how she stood her ground, with her parents and Giles. Another thing that didn't quite work is the Evil Duke plot resolution. I really don't quite understand how exactly that solved their problem and what happens with their lives after their stunt. Sure there's an epilogue and they're happy and familyed up but what happens with the dukedom down the road? Do they go back to England? I'm left with questions like that. But all in all, I am happy with the story and glad I read it....more
This is just a perfectly sweet, no angst, nice romance. There's no drama. There's no curveballs. The characters are decent*Received ARC via NetGalley*
This is just a perfectly sweet, no angst, nice romance. There's no drama. There's no curveballs. The characters are decent people. Nothing bad happens to them (well nothing major or permanently bad). Dovid and Sam were really sweet and good together. Rachel was a great character, supportive without being smothering or nosy (okay she's nosy but it's in a fun way not an obnoxious entitled way). But it's a tad boring for me and my current mood. And so it ends up feeling a bit long, at a certain point I was just like "what more could happened? why is there still so much story left?". I also could've done without all the behind the scenes technical talk about YT and Patreon. It was educational in regards to that, but meh, I don't really care. Again, there's nothing wrong with this book, it is GOOD...if you're in the right mood for it. I'd recommended it to anyone wanting some light fluffy sweet goodness.
Merged review:
*Received ARC via NetGalley*
This is just a perfectly sweet, no angst, nice romance. There's no drama. There's no curveballs. The characters are decent people. Nothing bad happens to them (well nothing major or permanently bad). Dovid and Sam were really sweet and good together. Rachel was a great character, supportive without being smothering or nosy (okay she's nosy but it's in a fun way not an obnoxious entitled way). But it's a tad boring for me and my current mood. And so it ends up feeling a bit long, at a certain point I was just like "what more could happened? why is there still so much story left?". I also could've done without all the behind the scenes technical talk about YT and Patreon. It was educational in regards to that, but meh, I don't really care. Again, there's nothing wrong with this book, it is GOOD...if you're in the right mood for it. I'd recommended it to anyone wanting some light fluffy sweet goodness....more
I really just love the writing in this series. It's so wonderfully descriptive and verbose, without seeming pompous or un*Received ARC via NetGalley*
I really just love the writing in this series. It's so wonderfully descriptive and verbose, without seeming pompous or unnecessarily wordy. If that makes any sense at all. I enjoy how prickly Kai is, given his past I do not blame him one bit. I also love how "there" Ryder is, he's unwavering in his want and love for Kai but he respects, even if grudgingly, that Kai needs to get to the same place in his own time. But he'll be there, solid and steadfast while Kai makes that journey. And I love how Kai is working on accepting Ryder's love, it's just easy for him but he's getting there slowly but surely. It's sighworthy. I really want to romance to happen soon but I am enjoying the ride. There was A LOT of action, Kai spends a lot of time battling bison, dragons, black dogs etc. I'm very intrigued by the action of the dragon at the end, and what it means for Kai. I really can't wait for the next in the series. I wish I had it now!
(Note: The fact that it took me four days to read this has no bearing on the book, it's because I was reading it on my phone and clearly that doesn't work for me.)
Merged review:
*Received ARC via NetGalley*
I really just love the writing in this series. It's so wonderfully descriptive and verbose, without seeming pompous or unnecessarily wordy. If that makes any sense at all. I enjoy how prickly Kai is, given his past I do not blame him one bit. I also love how "there" Ryder is, he's unwavering in his want and love for Kai but he respects, even if grudgingly, that Kai needs to get to the same place in his own time. But he'll be there, solid and steadfast while Kai makes that journey. And I love how Kai is working on accepting Ryder's love, it's just easy for him but he's getting there slowly but surely. It's sighworthy. I really want to romance to happen soon but I am enjoying the ride. There was A LOT of action, Kai spends a lot of time battling bison, dragons, black dogs etc. I'm very intrigued by the action of the dragon at the end, and what it means for Kai. I really can't wait for the next in the series. I wish I had it now!
(Note: The fact that it took me four days to read this has no bearing on the book, it's because I was reading it on my phone and clearly that doesn't work for me.)...more
I have to admit this isn't my favorite of the series. I had a hard time connecting to the characters and rooting for themReceived an ARC via Netgalley
I have to admit this isn't my favorite of the series. I had a hard time connecting to the characters and rooting for them. Particularly Quill. I just...his angst felt so ridiculous to me. I mean I get it, but like...meh. And I also didn't connect much with Owen much, though more than with Quill. Because I didn't connect much with them, the plot was kind of meh. I really think all of this is a me thing, and others won't have the issue I had. There's nothing really wrong. I just didn't click. That's why I'm marking it 3 stars. It was just...fine. I didn't hate anything. I just also didn't love anything. Also explained why it took me so long to finish it.
Merged review:
Received an ARC via Netgalley
I have to admit this isn't my favorite of the series. I had a hard time connecting to the characters and rooting for them. Particularly Quill. I just...his angst felt so ridiculous to me. I mean I get it, but like...meh. And I also didn't connect much with Owen much, though more than with Quill. Because I didn't connect much with them, the plot was kind of meh. I really think all of this is a me thing, and others won't have the issue I had. There's nothing really wrong. I just didn't click. That's why I'm marking it 3 stars. It was just...fine. I didn't hate anything. I just also didn't love anything. Also explained why it took me so long to finish it....more
I'll be honest I didn't connect with this one as much as the first. It could've just been me, I read it in bits and pieceReceived an ARC via Netgalley
I'll be honest I didn't connect with this one as much as the first. It could've just been me, I read it in bits and pieces, here and there which messes with the flow so I'm not convinced it's the books fault which is why I'm rounding up. I like that Wes is flawed, like extremely...he does some pretty NOT OKAY things in the book. But he's not evil, and his reasons aren't malicious. I honestly think he's forgiven a little too easily. They just kind of move on because other major things are happening. I also was a little frustrated with Hudson and his hypocrisy and self righteousness. The plot was fine, but I didn't really care about the mystery for this book (aside from the over-arcing aspect). I also feel like the end was kind of rushed, I'm not sure what happens to the big bad. Maybe I missed something but I feel like it wasn't addressed. I like how it pushes the relationship to progess tho and I'm still looking forward to the next book.
Merged review:
Received an ARC via Netgalley
I'll be honest I didn't connect with this one as much as the first. It could've just been me, I read it in bits and pieces, here and there which messes with the flow so I'm not convinced it's the books fault which is why I'm rounding up. I like that Wes is flawed, like extremely...he does some pretty NOT OKAY things in the book. But he's not evil, and his reasons aren't malicious. I honestly think he's forgiven a little too easily. They just kind of move on because other major things are happening. I also was a little frustrated with Hudson and his hypocrisy and self righteousness. The plot was fine, but I didn't really care about the mystery for this book (aside from the over-arcing aspect). I also feel like the end was kind of rushed, I'm not sure what happens to the big bad. Maybe I missed something but I feel like it wasn't addressed. I like how it pushes the relationship to progess tho and I'm still looking forward to the next book....more
So...I mostly really enjoyed this. DO NOT READ ON AN EMPTY STOMACH. I really liked the romance and the "dates" of the journeReceived ARC via Netgalley
So...I mostly really enjoyed this. DO NOT READ ON AN EMPTY STOMACH. I really liked the romance and the "dates" of the journey. But what I didn't like was the judgement and pressure on Miller and how he decided to handle HIS diagnosis. I did not like it one bit. It's his life to decide how to handle it. No one else's. Period. I recognize that this is probably an unpopular opinion but I'm okay with that. Also didn't care for his ex-wife or the random worship she seemed to inspire from strangers. But that's just an aside not a real flaw. Again, the romance with Miller and Clancy was well done. I *do* enjoy that they each inspired the other one to go for what they want and to live to the fullest (it's a not a contradiction, I'm okay with Miller changing his mind because it's his choice). Overall, it's really a sweet romance and I enjoyed that more than the other part irked me.
Merged review:
Received ARC via Netgalley
So...I mostly really enjoyed this. DO NOT READ ON AN EMPTY STOMACH. I really liked the romance and the "dates" of the journey. But what I didn't like was the judgement and pressure on Miller and how he decided to handle HIS diagnosis. I did not like it one bit. It's his life to decide how to handle it. No one else's. Period. I recognize that this is probably an unpopular opinion but I'm okay with that. Also didn't care for his ex-wife or the random worship she seemed to inspire from strangers. But that's just an aside not a real flaw. Again, the romance with Miller and Clancy was well done. I *do* enjoy that they each inspired the other one to go for what they want and to live to the fullest (it's a not a contradiction, I'm okay with Miller changing his mind because it's his choice). Overall, it's really a sweet romance and I enjoyed that more than the other part irked me....more
I really liked the friendly antagonism between Ryu and Emmett. It was fun banter. I liked the switch of them playing the Received an ARC via Netgalley
I really liked the friendly antagonism between Ryu and Emmett. It was fun banter. I liked the switch of them playing the same position on their team, instead of run of the mill rivals. It made it interesting. My favorite thing is mature they both were. When it comes time for some hard decisions, there's no fight, there's no misunderstanding. They talk about it like adults and agree on a path. It's very refreshing. The Hockey stuff in itself...eh. It's hockey. There's no drama outside of them to interfere. It was a good read.
Merged review:
Received an ARC via Netgalley
I really liked the friendly antagonism between Ryu and Emmett. It was fun banter. I liked the switch of them playing the same position on their team, instead of run of the mill rivals. It made it interesting. My favorite thing is mature they both were. When it comes time for some hard decisions, there's no fight, there's no misunderstanding. They talk about it like adults and agree on a path. It's very refreshing. The Hockey stuff in itself...eh. It's hockey. There's no drama outside of them to interfere. It was a good read....more
Ahhh I loved this so much. "Sibling's best friend" is like my favorite trope ever and this delivers SO WELL, although it's*ARC received via Netgalley*
Ahhh I loved this so much. "Sibling's best friend" is like my favorite trope ever and this delivers SO WELL, although it's just the beginning. The groundwork for the future volumes is laid so well. Wooseo has had deep feelings for his best friend for years, but was content to just stay his best friend. Until fate gets in the way, and literally ties him to Jigeon, his best friend's older brother. Now neither of them can sleep without touching the other. So they reach a deal and as they start spending time together, Jigeon arranges it so Wooseo moves in with the the brothers, Wooseo is slowly starting to realize he has options. One of which is Jigeon, who it turns out has had feelings for him for years. Jigeon is determined to make Wooseo *see* him once and for all. He has no qualms about using their new tie to get what he wants. It's so good. Ahhh I can't wait to read volume two. I hope it's soon. ...more
Itaewon Class is my favorite comfort Kdrama. I've seen it a million times and I love it so much so of course I had to jump*ARC received via Netgalley*
Itaewon Class is my favorite comfort Kdrama. I've seen it a million times and I love it so much so of course I had to jump at the chance to read this version of it. Vol 1 covers the beginning of the story, with Saeroyi as a young adult and all that happens to inform the rest of his life. The drama followed pretty much the way this plays out so if you've seen the drama you know the story. But there were minor changes that were fun to pick up on. I've never been a fan of the Sooah character but she's not as irksome here so far. I'm really looking forward to the rest of the volumes to see how it looks once the plot picks up and we've moved past the introductory part....more
I haven't read much historical romance in ages, but I saw this and had to try. I loved it so much, but I knew I would. It'*ARC received via Netgalley*
I haven't read much historical romance in ages, but I saw this and had to try. I loved it so much, but I knew I would. It's Eloisa James. Torie and Dom are such fresh characters. I love Torie, she's such a nicer person than I would be in her shoes. She CHOOSES to be kind in the face of every mockery and slight. But she's never insufferable about it. I never wanted to shake her. She wasn't oblivious to the cruelty, like I said it was a choice to let it go. Dom was so out of his depths with her. I really enjoyed that he fumbled and erred so much with who he thought he was vs who he actually was in regards to how he saw people. The ways childhood trauma influence you is never to be underestimated even when you think you've moved past it. I really liked The Twins. Their dynamic and personalities were so fun and I liked how they decided to make their family. I can't wait for the next book. ...more
Honestly there's not really that much to say about this story just yet. This is only the beginning and we're just getting *ARC received via Netgalley*
Honestly there's not really that much to say about this story just yet. This is only the beginning and we're just getting the groundwork of the characters and their link up. I enjoyed this a lot. Both characters are interesting with compelling motivations for why they decide to work together. Their banter and yes, flirting is also really fun. I'm so intrigued to continue reading and seeing how it all develops. I've watched some of the live action adaptation and wanted to read this to see how it compares and how similar they kept it. So far it feels like it was a faithful adaptation, that may change in the future installments. ...more
A super cute read about two gaming pals who meet IRL and find out they're actually Boss/Employee. *Gasp!* It ultimately pr*ARC received via Netgalley*
A super cute read about two gaming pals who meet IRL and find out they're actually Boss/Employee. *Gasp!* It ultimately presents little in the way of angst or drama. Instead we get to see them slowly start to spend more time together as they game their way into love. There are tons of misunderstandings but they're not important and don't lead to real hurt so it says fun and cute the whole time. Hashimoto is SO blissfully unaware and oblivious to how much people like him. Two people ask him out and he doesn't immediately realize either time. It's amazingly dense. But when it comes to Shirase, he realizes quickly and literally runs to clarify. Their trial dating is fun as well, it's never easy to shift a dynamic from friends to more. I enjoyed the minor uncertainty and awkwardness there. ...more
Interesting journey into the past and family of the author, the pieces of which make up LLM. Really enjoyed the depth of l*ARC received via Netgalley*
Interesting journey into the past and family of the author, the pieces of which make up LLM. Really enjoyed the depth of love you can feel he has for his culture. It shines through, and as someone not deeply connected to the same shared culture it was lovely to read. ...more
A very nice quick easily readable collection of poems. But being easy to read doesn't mean they lack depth or emotions. A *ARC received via Netgalley*
A very nice quick easily readable collection of poems. But being easy to read doesn't mean they lack depth or emotions. A few really resonated with me, my favorite of them has to be "Let's Read Together", but I also enjoyed "I See You Blowing In The Wind", "Butterfly", and "A Pathway To Beautiful Peace" to mention a few. ...more
This was SUCH an enjoyable sweet read. Just two guys bonding over their names and then realizing they like each other. It'*ARC received via Netgalley*
This was SUCH an enjoyable sweet read. Just two guys bonding over their names and then realizing they like each other. It's so charming. Both characters were so chill and real, neither ever felt like a cliche. The friends teasing them all the time were great too. Definitely read this with a smile on my face. ...more
*ARC received via Netgalley in exchange for an honest review*
This was a super cute quick read. I liked the characters, I wish there was a tad more dep*ARC received via Netgalley in exchange for an honest review*
This was a super cute quick read. I liked the characters, I wish there was a tad more depth but given the format what is there is enough. There's not much too it, guy going through a tri-life? (what is the word I need, it's not a quarter life crisis, but he's not old enough for a mid-life crisis either....Jason's right in the middle.) crisis who meets someone who opens his mind and heart to all the possibilities of life. Though, that makes this sound schmaltzier than it actually is. It's warm and fuzzy while being realistic. There's no cosmic misunderstandings, there's no willful non-communication. I wish there was more to the ending, but I'm also not mad at it. It's gives enough to know where their headed together. ...more
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