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jess_justmaybeperfect's reviews
781 reviews
Legendborn by Tracy Deonn
adventurous
challenging
dark
emotional
inspiring
reflective
tense
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
Content Warnings
Graphic: Confinement, Racial slurs, Racism, Slavery, Violence, Kidnapping, Death of parent, and Classism
Moderate: Rape
The Mistress Experience by Scarlett Peckham
adventurous
emotional
funny
lighthearted
reflective
fast-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? It's complicated
- Diverse cast of characters? No
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
4.0
If the final quarter of this book had kept pace with the first three quarters, this would have been an all time fave.
She’s a famed courtesan who uses her popularity to auction a month of her time to the highest bidder. With the money, she and her friends (the rest of the series) plan to build a school/home/training facility for women.
He’s a stuffy aristocrat desperate for some intimacy lessons to prepare him for marriage and has a friend win the auction on his behalf.
After her shock at the revelation of the true winner subsides, they agree to spend one month together in a small cottage living basically as man and wife.
There are so many good things: forced proximity, class differences, progressive politics, doting big brother, he cooks for her, she tries to cook for him, birthdays, helping friends, quick off the mark time and time again, sick bed, caretaking, plus the sex is HOT, and watching them fall in love is wonderful.
And then, this progressive man who has no issue pushing his liberal agenda in parliament decidesthe woman he has fallen ass over tits in love with isn’t good enough for him and he fucks it all up. Horrible jokes, terrible apologies, massively insulting offers, not nearly enough groveling, ugh, Thaïs deserved more.
Did love seeing side charactersElinor and Jack get their HEA though!
She’s a famed courtesan who uses her popularity to auction a month of her time to the highest bidder. With the money, she and her friends (the rest of the series) plan to build a school/home/training facility for women.
He’s a stuffy aristocrat desperate for some intimacy lessons to prepare him for marriage and has a friend win the auction on his behalf.
After her shock at the revelation of the true winner subsides, they agree to spend one month together in a small cottage living basically as man and wife.
There are so many good things: forced proximity, class differences, progressive politics, doting big brother, he cooks for her, she tries to cook for him, birthdays, helping friends, quick off the mark time and time again, sick bed, caretaking, plus the sex is HOT, and watching them fall in love is wonderful.
And then, this progressive man who has no issue pushing his liberal agenda in parliament decides
Did love seeing side characters
Content Warnings
Graphic: Sexual content
The Rakess by Scarlett Peckham
adventurous
challenging
dark
emotional
informative
reflective
tense
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
Sera is a woman with a reputation. And together with her friends with reputations of their own, she is fighting for the rights of women. Sera writes and speaks about marriage, work, sex, relationships, and, of course, reputations.
Returning to her childhood home (to immerse herself in depression) to write what will be her explosive memoirs, Sera goes out one night for a planned liaison and meets Adam instead.
Adam is a Scottish architect working on a nearby estate. He’s hoping this project will help him make it big. He’s a widower and a single dad.
There is instant attraction. There is innuendo and outright propositioning. There is high heat.
There is also later upon layer of devastation. The main characters in this book have been through abuse, addiction, ostracism, abandonment, betrayal, and grief, to name a few.* This is all of course while Adam is trying desperately (with help from his sister) to parent his grieving children and Sera’s detractors are getting more dangerous.
Sera and Adam are pulled together by lust and love and then separated. Both use the separation to desperately pine for the other, obviously, but also, Peckham uses their time apart to thoughtfully address the individual mental health needs of her main characters.
Also the story is just great: world class misogynistic villains; the secondary characters are a delight; the apologies are extremely extremely good; AND the epilogue and author’s note shine.
*Please check CWs for specifics.
Returning to her childhood home (to immerse herself in depression) to write what will be her explosive memoirs, Sera goes out one night for a planned liaison and meets Adam instead.
Adam is a Scottish architect working on a nearby estate. He’s hoping this project will help him make it big. He’s a widower and a single dad.
There is instant attraction. There is innuendo and outright propositioning. There is high heat.
There is also later upon layer of devastation. The main characters in this book have been through abuse, addiction, ostracism, abandonment, betrayal, and grief, to name a few.* This is all of course while Adam is trying desperately (with help from his sister) to parent his grieving children and Sera’s detractors are getting more dangerous.
Sera and Adam are pulled together by lust and love and then separated. Both use the separation to desperately pine for the other, obviously, but also, Peckham uses their time apart to thoughtfully address the individual mental health needs of her main characters.
Also the story is just great: world class misogynistic villains; the secondary characters are a delight; the apologies are extremely extremely good; AND the epilogue and author’s note shine.
*Please check CWs for specifics.
Content Warnings
Graphic: Addiction, Alcoholism, Animal cruelty, Animal death, Bullying, Child death, Confinement, Death, Misogyny, Physical abuse, Sexism, Sexual content, Violence, Forced institutionalization, Blood, Kidnapping, Grief, Death of parent, Murder, Pregnancy, Gaslighting, Abandonment, Alcohol, and Classism
The Portrait of a Duchess by Scarlett Peckham
emotional
lighthearted
reflective
slow-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? It's complicated
- Loveable characters? It's complicated
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
Married for convenience twenty years ago, Rafe and Cornelia are thrown back together when the potential for monetary, political, and personal triumph necessities their partnership. As they build their moment their memories of their three days together, before he ruined it all by being too in love, resurface.
The premise of this book, rebel leftists subverting the aristocracy during a scandalous house party, speaks to my soul. Peckham's obvious respect for the feminist movement is engrained in all her work and that's very clear in this book too. She also writes a killer sex scene.
Unfortunately the conflict just didn't suck me in. Lots of potential for danger and drama and very little realized. After reading The Rakess this story felt slow.
The premise of this book, rebel leftists subverting the aristocracy during a scandalous house party, speaks to my soul. Peckham's obvious respect for the feminist movement is engrained in all her work and that's very clear in this book too. She also writes a killer sex scene.
Unfortunately the conflict just didn't suck me in. Lots of potential for danger and drama and very little realized. After reading The Rakess this story felt slow.
Beyond Scandal and Desire by Lorraine Heath
emotional
hopeful
lighthearted
reflective
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Plot
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? No
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
4.0
Mick Trewlove was given to a “baby farmer” moments after his birth by the Duke he assumed to be his father. When he finally gets the chance for revenge - and centers that revenge on the Duke’s heir and the woman, Lady Aslyn Hastings, all of society knows he intends to marry - Mick realizes there’s a lot more to his story.
As his scheme builds speed, he spends more time with Aslyn and what was a grotesque and humiliating plan becomes a full blown proper and romantic courtship, with a little scandalous behavior, until the secret comes out and boy does it.
Mick’s deception went on a little too long for me and wrapped up too quickly/neatly for full satisfaction. Ashlyn is, however, a great character! She’s a woman raised by very loving guardians but extremely isolated and chomping at the bit to see more and be seen.
Kate Reading is a narration goddess.
Please check CWs, the secrets behind his parentage are difficult to read.
As his scheme builds speed, he spends more time with Aslyn and what was a grotesque and humiliating plan becomes a full blown proper and romantic courtship, with a little scandalous behavior, until the secret comes out and boy does it.
Mick’s deception went on a little too long for me and wrapped up too quickly/neatly for full satisfaction. Ashlyn is, however, a great character! She’s a woman raised by very loving guardians but extremely isolated and chomping at the bit to see more and be seen.
Kate Reading is a narration goddess.
Please check CWs, the secrets behind his parentage are difficult to read.
Content Warnings
Graphic: Sexual content, Violence, and Abandonment
Moderate: Child abuse, Child death, Rape, and Murder
Spinning Our Dreams: A Girton Girl's Guide to Fellows in Love by Anne Knight
emotional
hopeful
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
Spinning Our Dreams is new novella (part of the Scandalous Daughters of Duke Street collab) out February 4, 2025.
Spencer is the son of a baron and a tutor at Cambridge. Faith is a servant and part time student at Cambridge working for admittance to one of the women’s colleges.
He’s been pining for YEARS. He’s a keepsakes guy, memories and a pencil. She can’t figure him out but she’s intrigued. When Spencer gets the opportunity to help her with a scholarship application he jumps at it. As they work together, chat, laugh, debate, eat, and flirt, Faith finally gets the chance to know Spencer. And she likes him, a lot. But, relationships for women students are ruinous, tutors can’t marry, and there’s a band of private enforcement officers and a few Cambridge leaders making life nearly impossible for young women in town. While Spencer and Faith take the next (romantic, sexy, and sweet) steps in their courtship, they must battle for her dreams of education and against misogynists, and manage their mutual inability to stay away from each other.
The breadth of of issues Knight addresses: sexism; class differences; contraception; careers; fairness in education; sex work; police and prison reform; grief; loss; abandonment; and more- without overwhelming what is ultimately a quick (short and the bulk of the book happens in less than a week) gentle, cozy, and very happy love story- is impressive.
Thanks to Knight for an #ARC of this book in exchange for an honest review.
Spencer is the son of a baron and a tutor at Cambridge. Faith is a servant and part time student at Cambridge working for admittance to one of the women’s colleges.
He’s been pining for YEARS. He’s a keepsakes guy, memories and a pencil. She can’t figure him out but she’s intrigued. When Spencer gets the opportunity to help her with a scholarship application he jumps at it. As they work together, chat, laugh, debate, eat, and flirt, Faith finally gets the chance to know Spencer. And she likes him, a lot. But, relationships for women students are ruinous, tutors can’t marry, and there’s a band of private enforcement officers and a few Cambridge leaders making life nearly impossible for young women in town. While Spencer and Faith take the next (romantic, sexy, and sweet) steps in their courtship, they must battle for her dreams of education and against misogynists, and manage their mutual inability to stay away from each other.
The breadth of of issues Knight addresses: sexism; class differences; contraception; careers; fairness in education; sex work; police and prison reform; grief; loss; abandonment; and more- without overwhelming what is ultimately a quick (short and the bulk of the book happens in less than a week) gentle, cozy, and very happy love story- is impressive.
Thanks to Knight for an #ARC of this book in exchange for an honest review.
Content Warnings
Graphic: Confinement, Misogyny, Sexism, Sexual content, Violence, Police brutality, Gaslighting, and Classism
Minor: Chronic illness, Death, Sexual assault, Terminal illness, Grief, and Abandonment
The Ruin of Gabriel Ashleigh by KJ Charles
funny
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
5.0
Gabriel has lost all his money and his home to Francis. Francis just so happens to be the enemy of Gabriel’s extremely cruel (and series repeat villain) older brother.
When Francis invites Gabriel over the next day, the two men speak as equals for the first time. A wager is made, and it gets very scandalous, very quickly.
And they fall in love. Quick, fun, easy read.
When Francis invites Gabriel over the next day, the two men speak as equals for the first time. A wager is made, and it gets very scandalous, very quickly.
And they fall in love. Quick, fun, easy read.
Content Warnings
Graphic: Bullying and Sexual content
The Paid Companion by Amanda Quick
adventurous
funny
lighthearted
mysterious
fast-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? It's complicated
- Diverse cast of characters? No
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
4.0
Arthur is an earl on a mission. He needs a fake fiancee for cover and so he decides to hire a paid companion. That step is harder than he anticipated but when he meets Miss Elenora Lodge he knows he’s got the right one and makes a generous offer she can’t refuse. His secrets, her strength, and their proximity quickly make this much more than a standard employment contract.
It’s a murder mystery thriller and fake engagement romance. And it’s absolutely bonkers: secret water tunnels and a villain with a laser. THIS IS A HISTORICAL ROMANCE.
It’s a murder mystery thriller and fake engagement romance. And it’s absolutely bonkers: secret water tunnels and a villain with a laser. THIS IS A HISTORICAL ROMANCE.
Content Warnings
Graphic: Sexual content, Violence, and Murder
A Pocketful of Lies: Collected Stories by KJ Charles
adventurous
challenging
emotional
funny
lighthearted
reflective
medium-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
The Price of Meat: A short story set in alternate universe England, dark, cannibalism, light horror, murder mystery
A Thief in the Night: A progressive, lighthearted, enemies to lovers, forced proximity, workplace, consent forward, hot, funny, romantic, and quick but complete, love story between Toby, a thief, and Miles, an Earl.
The Rat-Catcher's Daughter: Lilywhite Boys prequel novella starring Stan (The Lillywhite Boys’ fence and all around gem of a human) and Miss Christiania a singer and the target of cruelty from a series repeat villain. Stan has a bit of a crush (from afar) and goes to the Boys when he learns of Christiana’s trouble. They rescue her (and in so doing earn their, ahem, defenestration reputation). Stan’s initial meeting with Christina after the rescue is tense. She’s a trans woman more familiar with the harm men do than good. Stan, as you may have guessed, is very very good. The Rat Catcher’s Daughter is an ace romance.
Masters in This Hall: Masters in this Hall takes place some years after the conclusion of Gilded Cage (Lilywhite Boys). Set at Christmas this novella is a house party, murder mystery, opposites attract, lovers to enemies to lovers, second chance, class differences romance between John, a disgraced former hotel detective, and Barnaby, a set designer and party host, who John believes responsible for the destruction of his career. Needless to say it’s a bit more complicated than that and they work it out in the end. A Lillywhite makes a few exceptional appearances.
A Queer Trade: The beginning of Ned and Crispin’s adventure, journey to forgiveness, and their HEA (concludes in Rag & Bone), which kicks of with the alarming news that Crispin’s deceased master’s writings are missing, sold to a waste man (Ned), and wreaking havoc.
A Thief in the Night: A progressive, lighthearted, enemies to lovers, forced proximity, workplace, consent forward, hot, funny, romantic, and quick but complete, love story between Toby, a thief, and Miles, an Earl.
The Rat-Catcher's Daughter: Lilywhite Boys prequel novella starring Stan (The Lillywhite Boys’ fence and all around gem of a human) and Miss Christiania a singer and the target of cruelty from a series repeat villain. Stan has a bit of a crush (from afar) and goes to the Boys when he learns of Christiana’s trouble. They rescue her (and in so doing earn their, ahem, defenestration reputation). Stan’s initial meeting with Christina after the rescue is tense. She’s a trans woman more familiar with the harm men do than good. Stan, as you may have guessed, is very very good. The Rat Catcher’s Daughter is an ace romance.
Masters in This Hall: Masters in this Hall takes place some years after the conclusion of Gilded Cage (Lilywhite Boys). Set at Christmas this novella is a house party, murder mystery, opposites attract, lovers to enemies to lovers, second chance, class differences romance between John, a disgraced former hotel detective, and Barnaby, a set designer and party host, who John believes responsible for the destruction of his career. Needless to say it’s a bit more complicated than that and they work it out in the end. A Lillywhite makes a few exceptional appearances.
A Queer Trade: The beginning of Ned and Crispin’s adventure, journey to forgiveness, and their HEA (concludes in Rag & Bone), which kicks of with the alarming news that Crispin’s deceased master’s writings are missing, sold to a waste man (Ned), and wreaking havoc.
A Queer Trade by KJ Charles
adventurous
emotional
funny
reflective
tense
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
The beginning of Ned and Crispin’s adventure, journey to forgiveness, and their HEA (concludes in Rag & Bone), which kicks of with the alarming news that Crispin’s deceased master’s writings are missing, sold to a waste man (Ned), and wreaking havoc.
Content Warnings
Graphic: Violence