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jess_justmaybeperfect's reviews
799 reviews
Bloodmarked by Tracy Deonn
adventurous
challenging
dark
emotional
inspiring
reflective
sad
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
5.0
A Lady, Her Lord, & Their Duke by Nicola Davidson
emotional
lighthearted
reflective
fast-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? No
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
4.0
A very Nicola premise, with very Nicola characters, and very Nicola 🔥!
Plus it’s got class differences, it’s both body and enthusiastic consent positive, and stars a FemmeDom (merchant class) and her 2 devoted subs (aristos).
Plus it’s got class differences, it’s both body and enthusiastic consent positive, and stars a FemmeDom (merchant class) and her 2 devoted subs (aristos).
Content Warnings
Graphic: Death, Sexual content, Grief, and Abandonment
Emily Wilde's Compendium of Lost Tales by Heather Fawcett
adventurous
emotional
funny
lighthearted
reflective
fast-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? No
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
5.0
Book 3 in this series picks up almost exactly where book 2 left off. Emily and Wendell are off to claim their places as King and Queen of Wendell's realm (Silva Lupi), with their trusty magical animal sidekicks. Silva Lupi is gorgeous, dangerous, confusing, and dying. The battle for the thrones is brief. The rescue of the realm takes a lot more work. Faerie Folklore (one of Emily's expertises) is particularly important in this book and weaves in perfectly with the story.
Much like the other installments this book is adventurous, funny, heartfelt, a little violent, full of found family, and women kicking ass in their careers. You also get to see many of the series' previous side characters, a reunion with Lilja and Margaret was particularly delightful. Plus, you pet lovers out there will be deeply touched by the continuation of Emily and Shadow's story.
What I liked best about Compendium of Lost Tales was seeing Emily's growth. She's an accomplished scholar throughout the series, but here the reader gets to see her come into her own as a friend, colleague, leader, lover, and even Queen. To quote the most devoted of partners, "Oh, Em."
Much like the other installments this book is adventurous, funny, heartfelt, a little violent, full of found family, and women kicking ass in their careers. You also get to see many of the series' previous side characters, a reunion with Lilja and Margaret was particularly delightful. Plus, you pet lovers out there will be deeply touched by the continuation of Emily and Shadow's story.
What I liked best about Compendium of Lost Tales was seeing Emily's growth. She's an accomplished scholar throughout the series, but here the reader gets to see her come into her own as a friend, colleague, leader, lover, and even Queen. To quote the most devoted of partners, "Oh, Em."
Content Warnings
Graphic: Violence, Xenophobia, Blood, War, and Classism
The Lady Sparks a Flame by Elizabeth Everett
adventurous
dark
emotional
funny
hopeful
reflective
sad
fast-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? No
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
5.0
The Lady Sparks a Flame is the 5th book from Elizabeth Everett, second in her new series, and my new favorite.
Set in Victorian England, it tells the story of Lady Phoebe Hunt and Mr. Sam Fenley. Phoebe is a “villain” from a previous book banished to America and back in England to help her mother and sister deal with the financial fallout of her tyrannical father’s death. Sam is an entrepreneur from the merchant class and has designs on rising above his station perhaps even with a titled wife. When the opportunity to help Phoebe's family gives him a chance to court Karolina, Phoebe’s sister, he jumps at the chance. As you might imagine, his designs on Karolina don’t last very long and Karolina’s feelings are decidedly unhurt.
As Sam learns more about the Hunt women, and deals with his own preconceived notions about what those with privilege may also endure, Phoebe confronts the awful reality of her past, including the mistakes she made and the horrifying abuse she, her sisters, and mother suffered at the hands of her father.
While Phoebe and Sam navigate cataloging the Hunt home and belongings they realize their attraction is more than it seems. Sam’s joyful, nearly goofy, personality gives Phoebe the opportunity to laugh without restraint for the first time, in, well, perhaps ever. He also gives Phoebe the space she needs to come to terms with the impact the abuse had on her and to forgive herself. Phoebe’s reserve and steadfast loyalty to her mother and sister show Sam that not all families are the same and that smart, brave, complicated, and serious women are in fact some of the best kinds of women.
Everett uses this book (written two years ago mind you) to tackle tariffs, misogyny, incels, and women’s careers along with sisters, friendship, family, forgiveness, and overprotective men (who we love but who need to chill out).
The Lady Sparks a Flame is at times a difficult read. The abuse Phoebe and her family suffered and how Phoebe dealt with it is brutal but also brutally honest. Everett acknowledges the cycle of abuse while giving her characters the opportunity to find their way out of the cycle.
Sam is kind, warm, industrious, ridiculous, forgiving, delightfully clumsy, really a nice himbo/golden retriever mix. Phoebe is smart, crass, sharp, hilarious, self protective, devoted, and powerful. Also she’s older than him. Whoop! Like the rest of Everett’s books, the sex is so good and it’ll make you think. And the epilogue, oh my goodness!!
The Lady Sparks a Flame (and book 1 in this series) is set in the same universe as Everett’s first series. You don’t have to read book one or that first series to enjoy Phoebe and Sam’s story, but you’ll be happy if you do.
Thanks to Everett for this arc!
Content Warnings
Graphic: Alcoholism, Bullying, Child abuse, Child death, Confinement, Death, Domestic abuse, Drug abuse, Drug use, Emotional abuse, Mental illness, Misogyny, Panic attacks/disorders, Physical abuse, Self harm, Sexism, Sexual content, Suicidal thoughts, Blood, Grief, Gaslighting, Alcohol, and Classism
Minor: Adult/minor relationship
A Lady Would Know Better by Emma Theriault
adventurous
emotional
funny
lighthearted
reflective
sad
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? No
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
4.0
A Lady Would Know Better is Theriault’s debut.
It’s full of tons of great romance tropes (amnesia, found family, forced proximity, class differences), lots of friends and siblings who promise great love stories of their own, a peak villain, Jane (aka _________) a stunner of an FMC, and Jasper, the MMC, a (Victorian) feminist who knows his place when it comes to the woman he loves.
Really looking forward to what Theriault puts out next!
Content Warnings
Graphic: Sexual content, Violence, Forced institutionalization, Kidnapping, and Gaslighting
Abortion: Our Bodies, Their Lies, and the Truths We Use to Win by Jessica Valenti
challenging
emotional
informative
inspiring
reflective
fast-paced
5.0
This is a difficult but important (and quick) read.
If you aren't following Valenti or subscribed to her substack, you should be. As she writes “abortion is proactively objectively good.” It is medical care and the attacks against that care are expanding exponentially. They are coming for BC. They are targeting marginalized populations for prosecutions and young people for new restrictions in the hope that Americans simply won’t care. And they are coming for the helpers. They are firing prosecutors who won’t prosecute abortion crimes. Maternal and fetal medical care generally is suffering. Doctors are leaving or declining positions in jurisdictions with restrictive abortion bans for fear of their careers, fines, and jail time. We have to stay informed and pay attention.
You should read this, even if you’re already a fervent supporter of abortion rights. It’s inspiring and informative. As Valenti says, she’s not preaching to the choir, she’s arming it.
If you aren't following Valenti or subscribed to her substack, you should be. As she writes “abortion is proactively objectively good.” It is medical care and the attacks against that care are expanding exponentially. They are coming for BC. They are targeting marginalized populations for prosecutions and young people for new restrictions in the hope that Americans simply won’t care. And they are coming for the helpers. They are firing prosecutors who won’t prosecute abortion crimes. Maternal and fetal medical care generally is suffering. Doctors are leaving or declining positions in jurisdictions with restrictive abortion bans for fear of their careers, fines, and jail time. We have to stay informed and pay attention.
You should read this, even if you’re already a fervent supporter of abortion rights. It’s inspiring and informative. As Valenti says, she’s not preaching to the choir, she’s arming it.
Content Warnings
Graphic: Animal death, Miscarriage, Racism, Sexism, Medical content, Medical trauma, and Abortion
A Gentleman's Gentleman by TJ Alexander
emotional
funny
inspiring
reflective
sad
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? No
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
5.0
A Gentleman’s Gentleman is a STUNNER of a romance novel! It’s the story of the reclusive Earl of Eden, better known as Christopher, and James Harding, the valet Christopher hires when he learns that the terms of his father’s will require that he marry and thus endure a London season. Both MCs are trans men dealing with the wonderful, and sometimes lonely, realities of their identities. Their meet cute is simultaneously hilarious, endearing, and evidence of the work both men have done to maintain their true selves.
In the country, we learn about Christopher’s crucial friendships and our MCs have a little time to become friends too. Also, it's a bit gothic! There is even a ghost. And, let me tell you I love when a HistRom makes me start jumping to wild conclusions about a potential mystery like I’m watching Law & Order. In London, we meet Christopher’s honest and kind friend (and tailor), Bee (who’s impact on the story is monumental and a stunning example of Christopher and James’ generosity), and a delightful red head who promises excitement to come. Plus there is even a race to the border.
The story is told entirely from Christopher’s POV yet I never felt like I was missing James’ perspective. It’s clear that Christopher is the energetic sunshine to James’ serious grump while somehow also the introvert to his extrovert. Once they happily reveal themselves and their feelings, Christopher and James have a conversation about being trans and the existence of trans people that I immediately reread and highlighted. It's romantic, honest, happy, and accurate.
And then we get to the conflict, to keep his title and fortune, Christopher must wed. And while I trusted Alexander not to make either MC live not as themselves, I was still joyfully blown away by how these two got their HEA. It's a perfect “f*ck the aristocracy, I’m in love” book!
I think where Alexander really shows off is acknowledging the trials (and pain) of their characters while letting them be funny and have joy. I cannot wait to see what else they do in HistRom. Scroll for some favorite quotes and some truly magnificent art. (I flipped the James art because I loved the idea of Christopher looking up at him.)
Thanks to the publisher and Alexander for this arc.
Content Warnings
Graphic: Death, Panic attacks/disorders, Sexual content, Grief, and Death of parent
The Merchant Match by Jenna Bigelow
adventurous
emotional
hopeful
reflective
fast-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? It's complicated
- Diverse cast of characters? It's complicated
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
3.5
Content Warnings
Graphic: Child death, Death, Rape, Sexual assault, Sexual content, and Slavery
When No One Is Watching by Alyssa Cole
adventurous
dark
emotional
funny
mysterious
reflective
tense
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Plot
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
4.5
This book takes the racism, pain, and violence of gentrification and turns it into a tense, eerie, and spectacularly adventurous story.
The MC, Sydney, is a Black woman watching her beloved neighborhood change at shocking speed while dealing with a crushing secret.
Her new neighbor, Theo, part of the white wave of gentrification, joins a group planning a block party and becomes Sydney’s volunteer research assistant. He’s also got secrets.
As Sydney and Theo navigate their new friendship, visits with neighbors, unexpected run-ins, violence, and feelings for each other, they confess secrets and make terrifying discoveries.
Cole uses some very cool terror tropes, urban legends, generational knowledge, history, and romantic elements to examine the oppression, violence, gaslighting, racism (especially against Black women), and police violence, that endure in the US.
Sydney is a powerful MC. Her determination and force is moving. I also enjoyed Cole’s decision to include Theo’s POV and watching a white man come to terms with his reality.
I’ve seen some critiques that the book starts a bit slowly and that’s fair but I don’t it took away from the story all things considered. Also saw some readers complain that the ending wrapped up to cleanly, but the joy I felt at who saved the day at how they did it was palpable.
I can’t wait to read more Cole thrillers.
Also, if you have the audio stay for the interview with Cole at the end.
The MC, Sydney, is a Black woman watching her beloved neighborhood change at shocking speed while dealing with a crushing secret.
Her new neighbor, Theo, part of the white wave of gentrification, joins a group planning a block party and becomes Sydney’s volunteer research assistant. He’s also got secrets.
As Sydney and Theo navigate their new friendship, visits with neighbors, unexpected run-ins, violence, and feelings for each other, they confess secrets and make terrifying discoveries.
Cole uses some very cool terror tropes, urban legends, generational knowledge, history, and romantic elements to examine the oppression, violence, gaslighting, racism (especially against Black women), and police violence, that endure in the US.
Sydney is a powerful MC. Her determination and force is moving. I also enjoyed Cole’s decision to include Theo’s POV and watching a white man come to terms with his reality.
I’ve seen some critiques that the book starts a bit slowly and that’s fair but I don’t it took away from the story all things considered. Also saw some readers complain that the ending wrapped up to cleanly, but the joy I felt at who saved the day at how they did it was palpable.
I can’t wait to read more Cole thrillers.
Also, if you have the audio stay for the interview with Cole at the end.
Content Warnings
Graphic: Confinement, Death, Domestic abuse, Emotional abuse, Gun violence, Hate crime, Physical abuse, Racial slurs, Racism, Sexism, Sexual content, Slavery, Torture, Violence, Forced institutionalization, Police brutality, Medical content, Grief, Medical trauma, Death of parent, Murder, Gaslighting, Alcohol, Sexual harassment, Colonisation, Injury/Injury detail, and Classism
A Dress With Pockets by PacificRimbaud
adventurous
funny
lighthearted
reflective
fast-paced
For non-book records, review text and ratings are hidden. Only mood, pace, and content warnings are visible.
Content Warnings
Graphic: Sexual content
Minor: Death and War