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brookeisbusyreading's reviews
340 reviews
The Feeling of Falling in Love by Mason Deaver
challenging
emotional
funny
hopeful
tense
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
4.0
I’ve read a bunch of queer romances that were swimming in queer characters and, as much as I like to see that representation, it’s nice when the focus is on the main characters and a few background ones. It’s even better with how Deaver presents Neil and Wyatt’s sexualities and feelings/thoughts about gender. I think that’s what I appreciated the most from this book.
The premise of the wedding and surrounding events was well-planned in my opinion too! A lot of times I feel like writers ‘force’(?) books’ worlds to be smaller so it gives more opportunities for characters to run into each other. This book didn’t do that - another plus. And the fake dating felt just as awkward and cute as it should have.
Side Note: Pink isn’t really a color I like but I do love the cover of this book!
The premise of the wedding and surrounding events was well-planned in my opinion too! A lot of times I feel like writers ‘force’(?) books’ worlds to be smaller so it gives more opportunities for characters to run into each other. This book didn’t do that - another plus. And the fake dating felt just as awkward and cute as it should have.
Side Note: Pink isn’t really a color I like but I do love the cover of this book!
Content Warnings
Moderate: Homophobia and Transphobia
Stranger Than Fanfiction by Chris Colfer
Did not finish book. Stopped at 20%.
Did not finish book. Stopped at 20%.
The style of writing and the way each chapter focused on one character but they hadn’t gotten to the road trip yet. I would’ve preferred to have the road trip at least start then build up the characters. This book just wasn’t for me.
So This Is Ever After by F.T. Lukens
adventurous
dark
funny
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
5.0
I fell in love with Matt and his freckles!! Okay, I love each of the characters but naturally Arek and Matt take the top spot! I love how Arek can be so kind yet also a clown and extremely clumsy. It makes him very alluring, especially with Matt and his undying loyalty. Truly all of the characters have their own charms, unique roles/skills, and the group - excuse me, family - itself feels well-balanced. (Though Sionna and Lila have my attention for a different reason…)
Honestly, the premise sold me (and the cover helped)! I’ve actually had that thought so many times when I’ve finished a fantasy book or series or movie: What does the ‘happily ever after’ look like? What’s next?
Throw tons of humor donned in sarcasm, a band of compex misfits with a clumsy leader at the helm, and queer, wet-behind-the-ears cupids flinging arrows, and you’ve got So This is Ever After. It’s a wonderful romantasy comedy novel with loveable characters! Also, Sam Schechter and Rebecca Syracuse at S&S know how to come up with one hell of a gorgeous cover!
Honestly, the premise sold me (and the cover helped)! I’ve actually had that thought so many times when I’ve finished a fantasy book or series or movie: What does the ‘happily ever after’ look like? What’s next?
Throw tons of humor donned in sarcasm, a band of compex misfits with a clumsy leader at the helm, and queer, wet-behind-the-ears cupids flinging arrows, and you’ve got So This is Ever After. It’s a wonderful romantasy comedy novel with loveable characters! Also, Sam Schechter and Rebecca Syracuse at S&S know how to come up with one hell of a gorgeous cover!
Liquor & Cigarettes by Ranmaru Zariya
medium-paced
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
2.0
The art style is the best thing about this book! Camilo is also sexy as hell, and so is Diego!
But of course I’m going to mention the “see if Theo will get drunk enough to be taken advantage of” scenes. It just didn’t sit right with me. I would’ve liked the story to be more developed too. This book is the first…REALLY explicit BL/Yaoi manga I’ve read and I don’t know if this level of “detail” is for me lol
Theo, Camilo, and all the other characters are interesting though. I wouldn’t mind reading a SFW-style manga of this story, especially because of Zariya’s art style!
But of course I’m going to mention the “see if Theo will get drunk enough to be taken advantage of” scenes. It just didn’t sit right with me. I would’ve liked the story to be more developed too. This book is the first…REALLY explicit BL/Yaoi manga I’ve read and I don’t know if this level of “detail” is for me lol
Theo, Camilo, and all the other characters are interesting though. I wouldn’t mind reading a SFW-style manga of this story, especially because of Zariya’s art style!
Content Warnings
Graphic: Sexual content
Haikyu!!, Vol. 08 by Haruichi Furudate
emotional
funny
inspiring
tense
fast-paced
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
5.0
No matter how many times I see this match between Karasuno and Aoba Johsai, it’s always tense and emotional! BUT TADASHI!!! HE’S TOO DAMN ADORABLE! Precious cinnamon roll!
Volumes like this remind me why I love each character Haruichi Furudate has created in Haikyu!!. This is such a great series because of the characters. Their development, challenges, and of course the way Furudate presents the sport of volleyball has me in a chokehold, as the kids say.
Volumes like this remind me why I love each character Haruichi Furudate has created in Haikyu!!. This is such a great series because of the characters. Their development, challenges, and of course the way Furudate presents the sport of volleyball has me in a chokehold, as the kids say.
Wayward Son by Rainbow Rowell
adventurous
dark
emotional
tense
medium-paced
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
4.0
Definitely enjoyed this one more than the first book! I was really into the Simon-Baz relationship, though I felt like it took more of a background than I’d like. I hoped it would be more front and center.
Also wasn’t super crazy about the Agatha angle and the 5-way POV. Agatha just isn’t a character I…care about. But Shepard was an interesting character! I really liked the reveal near the end! Hoping to see him in Book 3!
I know I struggled with Carry On but I had no issues devouring Wayward Son. (And am I the only one wondering whether Carry On and Wayward Son were intentionally named that because of the Kansas song? Because Baz does reference Kansas)
Naturally, I have to read Any Way the Wind Blows after that ending too!
Also wasn’t super crazy about the Agatha angle and the 5-way POV. Agatha just isn’t a character I…care about. But Shepard was an interesting character! I really liked the reveal near the end! Hoping to see him in Book 3!
I know I struggled with Carry On but I had no issues devouring Wayward Son. (And am I the only one wondering whether Carry On and Wayward Son were intentionally named that because of the Kansas song? Because Baz does reference Kansas)
Naturally, I have to read Any Way the Wind Blows after that ending too!
Suicide Notes by Michael Thomas Ford
dark
funny
mysterious
reflective
sad
tense
slow-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Strong character development? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
3.5
[3.5]
I honestly wasn’t expecting the story to take a turn in the LGBTQ+ department. The reveal of why Jeff tries to kill himself actually ends up fitting with the rest of the story but…I don’t know. There’s something about the last third of the story that feels off to me.
The characters are all VERY interesting though! Jeff, Sadie, and especially Martha. I think Ford did a great job keeping a bit of mystery (or a lot) for each character while not leaving us completely in the dark.Sadie’s death was also fitting, though I don’t like that that had to be her fate.
This book definitely surprised me and Jeff’s sarcasm was top-tier! …But maybe I won’t finish reading a story like this on Christmas lol
The characters are all VERY interesting though! Jeff, Sadie, and especially Martha. I think Ford did a great job keeping a bit of mystery (or a lot) for each character while not leaving us completely in the dark.
This book definitely surprised me and Jeff’s sarcasm was top-tier! …But maybe I won’t finish reading a story like this on Christmas lol
Content Warnings
Minor: Death, Homophobia, Physical abuse, Suicide, Suicide attempt, and Alcohol
Haikyu!!, Vol. 07 by Haruichi Furudate
emotional
funny
hopeful
tense
fast-paced
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
5.0
This series is one I get sucked into no matter how many times I’ve experienced it! I watched the anime first (and I technically still have to finish it), but I’m surprised how easily I’m drawn to the fast-paced matches. Sometimes when reading manga I struggle to keep the continuity in my head from panel to panel. Haikyu!! is one of the few manga I can read almost seamlessly.
Suga really shone in this volume and I’m so happy! He’s adorable and underrated and a genuine great guy! And Karasuno facing off against Aoba Johsai is TENSE!! Plus, every Kageyama-Hinata attack is just epic!
Suga really shone in this volume and I’m so happy! He’s adorable and underrated and a genuine great guy! And Karasuno facing off against Aoba Johsai is TENSE!! Plus, every Kageyama-Hinata attack is just epic!
Superboy: Reign of Tomorrow, Issue #1 by Karl Kesel
adventurous
funny
lighthearted
medium-paced
3.5
I’m not sure if it’s a storytelling choice for the time or if I’m jumping into a series that follows another. It just felt a little choppy from a story prespective. Like the use of colors (because I apparently always talk sbout that lol) and the costume is cool! The dialogue is cheesy, which is exactly what I expected and wanted from this issue.
It’s both cool and strange knowing this came out a year before I was born🫣
It’s both cool and strange knowing this came out a year before I was born🫣
Fire Force, Vol. 4 by Atsushi Ohkubo
challenging
dark
funny
hopeful
mysterious
tense
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Plot
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
5.0
The introduction of two of my favorite Fire Force characters? Yes please!
Without spoiling anything, the climactic fight of the volume is really cool and showcases how useful Shinra’s pyrokinesis is. I also still think it’s cool that the creator of Soul Eater made this series too!
My favorite character in Company 1 is Karim. The man’s a badass, his abilities are cool, and the way he speaks is…entertaining lol.
[But I REALLY can’t wait until Company 8 meets Company 7!!!]
Without spoiling anything, the climactic fight of the volume is really cool and showcases how useful Shinra’s pyrokinesis is. I also still think it’s cool that the creator of Soul Eater made this series too!
My favorite character in Company 1 is Karim. The man’s a badass, his abilities are cool, and the way he speaks is…entertaining lol.
[But I REALLY can’t wait until Company 8 meets Company 7!!!]