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onthesamepage's reviews
1010 reviews
An Earl to Remember by Stacy Reid
Did not finish book. Stopped at 27%.
Did not finish book. Stopped at 27%.
I either totally missed that the plot was amnesia when reading the synopsis, or I did notice it but figured it might work for me since I like the author's writing. Either way, it does not work for me, and I'm quitting while I'm ahead. Georgianna keeps heaping lies upon lies, and everything that happened at the beginning, with him mistaking her for a new lover, and his actual lover becoming extremely jealous even though she was about to engage in a foursome with him, was equally not my thing.
The Mysterious Case of the Alperton Angels by Janice Hallett
dark
mysterious
fast-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Plot
- Strong character development? No
- Loveable characters? No
- Diverse cast of characters? No
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
5.0
I love it when a mystery has me up way past my bedtime because I'm fully hooked by the story.
I guessed one of the twists, and was way off about most of the rest, but I had so much fun with this. The story is told through emails, WhatsApp messages, and transcribed conversations, which is along the lines of what the author usually does in her books. Something about this format makes for very fast reads for me, but it won't appeal to everyone, since it doesn't really give you the best sense of the characters. I don't mind that for these kinds of books, and the way it all comes together in the end is very satisfying.
I guessed one of the twists, and was way off about most of the rest, but I had so much fun with this. The story is told through emails, WhatsApp messages, and transcribed conversations, which is along the lines of what the author usually does in her books. Something about this format makes for very fast reads for me, but it won't appeal to everyone, since it doesn't really give you the best sense of the characters. I don't mind that for these kinds of books, and the way it all comes together in the end is very satisfying.
Content Warnings
Graphic: Gaslighting
Moderate: Adult/minor relationship
First-Time Caller by B.K. Borison
hopeful
lighthearted
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
3.5
The Mask of Mirrors by M.A. Carrick
adventurous
mysterious
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
Magic Bites by Ilona Andrews
adventurous
mysterious
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Plot
- Strong character development? No
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? No
3.5
The GraphicAudio experience was interesting. Could definitely do without the weird grunting whenever two characters kissed, though.
This was a reread and I still had a really good time with it.
This was a reread and I still had a really good time with it.
Lovelight Farms by B.K. Borison
lighthearted
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Strong character development? No
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? No
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
3.0
ARC provided by the publisher in exchange for an honest review.
Tropes:friends to lovers, fake dating
Steam level: 🌶🌶
This entire book could've been avoided if they'd had one honest conversation with each other. It's an easy read, the setting is nice, and the characters are very cute and lovable, but the drama was just so unnecessary. The way Stella reacted to Luka's confession was over the top, even taking her baggage into account, and it bothered me a bit that he was basically portrayed as a perfect specimen of a man with absolutely nothing wrong with him, while she was dealing with a lot of things.
The epilogue was really cute, and I'm curious about the rest of the books, but this one was just okay for me.
Tropes:
Steam level: 🌶🌶
This entire book could've been avoided if they'd had one honest conversation with each other. It's an easy read, the setting is nice, and the characters are very cute and lovable, but the drama was just so unnecessary. The way Stella reacted to Luka's confession was over the top, even taking her baggage into account, and it bothered me a bit that he was basically portrayed as a perfect specimen of a man with absolutely nothing wrong with him, while she was dealing with a lot of things.
The epilogue was really cute, and I'm curious about the rest of the books, but this one was just okay for me.
Codename Charming by Lucy Parker
emotional
funny
lighthearted
slow-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? No
- Flaws of characters a main focus? No
3.0
Tropes: fake dating, slow burn
Steam level: 🌶
Honestly, this was too long and too slow for me. I didn't immediately connect with the characters, either, which didn't help. There's nothing wrong with them, but where Battle Royal started with a sense of humor that immediately hit for me, that was missing here.
Pet and Matthias are both very likeable, and the romance is cute and follows the expected route. It's just longer than it needs to be which, combined with a slow burn, made it drag for me. There is a secondary plot thread related to Pet's family, but that doesn't start until about 40-50% in. The fake dating and characters alone just didn't carry the plot enough.
Spoiler for something that happens at the end:I'm also just not a huge fan of that trope where they ran into each other once as kids, never forgot, and now they're in love.
Steam level: 🌶
Honestly, this was too long and too slow for me. I didn't immediately connect with the characters, either, which didn't help. There's nothing wrong with them, but where Battle Royal started with a sense of humor that immediately hit for me, that was missing here.
Pet and Matthias are both very likeable, and the romance is cute and follows the expected route. It's just longer than it needs to be which, combined with a slow burn, made it drag for me. There is a secondary plot thread related to Pet's family, but that doesn't start until about 40-50% in. The fake dating and characters alone just didn't carry the plot enough.
Spoiler for something that happens at the end:
A Sign of Affection, Omnibus 1 (Vol. 1-3) by suu Morishita
lighthearted
medium-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
It's been years since I've read a shoujo manga, but this really reminded me why I've always enjoyed them. I was immediately sucked into Yuki's story, and quickly invested in the characters. The art is stunning, and I really appreciate that the mangakas are taking so much care to incorporate sign language—I can only imagine how difficult that must be.
I did find myself initially distrusting Itsuomi's intentions, but he seems pretty smitten, and who can blame him.
I did find myself initially distrusting Itsuomi's intentions, but he seems pretty smitten, and who can blame him.
Yield Under Great Persuasion by Alexandra Rowland
emotional
funny
hopeful
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
How dare this book be so good. I feel like a little goblin about it.
I've read one other book by the author, and while I liked the characters and the romance, I didn't end up loving the whole package. It was too long, and kind of repetitive, and I honestly thought the author just wasn't for me (which is fine). I picked this up because it came heavily recommended by someone I trust, and I am so glad I did, because this was so much better. It's a lot shorter, for one, but the pacing is also very tight. I found it easy to connect to the characters, and while I guess there is still a smidge of repetitiveness in Tam's thoughts and monologues, I honestly just don't care when the book is this short, since it doesn't feel bloated as a result.
I think I related to Tam on such a deep level, that reading this impacted me more than I initially thought. Something about his journey through all his issues resonated so hard—I could see that he was being an absolute shit to Nicolau, but I could also see the layers of fear and self-loathing driving him. Joining him on his journey as he dug into all that almost felt cathartic. Seeing the way Nicolau kept trying with him, no matter what Tam did, hurt me in the best way: it was clear that Nicolau adored him, but also that he was deeply hurt, and that his pain hurt Tam too once he realized it. I loved them both so, so much. Every scene was just perfect, and I wouldn't want a single thing to be different.
Goblin is officially the cutest pet name ever, and I just hope all the other romances I read this year will take copious notes, because the way I felt while reading this is how I want to feel with every book.
I've read one other book by the author, and while I liked the characters and the romance, I didn't end up loving the whole package. It was too long, and kind of repetitive, and I honestly thought the author just wasn't for me (which is fine). I picked this up because it came heavily recommended by someone I trust, and I am so glad I did, because this was so much better. It's a lot shorter, for one, but the pacing is also very tight. I found it easy to connect to the characters, and while I guess there is still a smidge of repetitiveness in Tam's thoughts and monologues, I honestly just don't care when the book is this short, since it doesn't feel bloated as a result.
I think I related to Tam on such a deep level, that reading this impacted me more than I initially thought. Something about his journey through all his issues resonated so hard—I could see that he was being an absolute shit to Nicolau, but I could also see the layers of fear and self-loathing driving him. Joining him on his journey as he dug into all that almost felt cathartic. Seeing the way Nicolau kept trying with him, no matter what Tam did, hurt me in the best way: it was clear that Nicolau adored him, but also that he was deeply hurt, and that his pain hurt Tam too once he realized it. I loved them both so, so much. Every scene was just perfect, and I wouldn't want a single thing to be different.
Goblin is officially the cutest pet name ever, and I just hope all the other romances I read this year will take copious notes, because the way I felt while reading this is how I want to feel with every book.
Content Warnings
Graphic: Grief
Moderate: Toxic relationship
A Case of Possession by KJ Charles
I also really love the way the whole Magpie Lord thing is panning out between Crane and Stephen (not just because it forces them closer, not at all), but also the discussion this book had about what it means to have access to a lot of magic, and what that can do to a practitioner.
There was also a short story at the end of this book that I really loved, which had to do with Merrick being in danger. I just love how Crane cares about people.
adventurous
mysterious
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
4.0
I desperately hope the giant rats don't end up haunting my nightmares.
Crane and Stephen, however, are adorable, and they can invade my dreams all they want.
The character development in this book was top notch. I loved how supportive Crane was, and how he just wanted to fix everything. Stephen was forced to confront a lot of his fears, and I appreciated how that was dealt with. The romance progression was fantastic—KJ Charles can always make my heart skip a beat, no matter which of her books I'm reading. The "I love you"s are a bit fast, I guess, but would I be equally happy if I didn't get them until 3 books in? Probably not.
Crane and Stephen, however, are adorable, and they can invade my dreams all they want.
The character development in this book was top notch. I loved how supportive Crane was, and how he just wanted to fix everything. Stephen was forced to confront a lot of his fears, and I appreciated how that was dealt with. The romance progression was fantastic—KJ Charles can always make my heart skip a beat, no matter which of her books I'm reading. The "I love you"s are a bit fast, I guess, but would I be equally happy if I didn't get them until 3 books in? Probably not.
“Cor, dear.” Merrick shook his head. “You have got it bad, ain’t you?”
“Shut up.”
“I’m just saying. Round his little finger.”
“Shut up.”
“Pining, that’s what you are. I didn’t recognise it at first, but—”
“Shut up, you repulsive inebriate, or I will dismiss you without a character. And go to bed. We’re up early tomorrow.”
I also really love the way the whole Magpie Lord thing is panning out between Crane and Stephen (not just because it forces them closer, not at all), but also the discussion this book had about what it means to have access to a lot of magic, and what that can do to a practitioner.
There was also a short story at the end of this book that I really loved, which had to do with Merrick being in danger. I just love how Crane cares about people.
Content Warnings
Graphic: Animal death and Gore