Scan barcode
teaand_tomes's reviews
503 reviews
Manacled by SenLinYu
challenging
dark
emotional
mysterious
sad
tense
fast-paced
For non-book records, review text and ratings are hidden. Only mood, pace, and content warnings are visible.
Gate to Kagoshima by Poppy Kuroki
adventurous
mysterious
slow-paced
3.0
Thank you to Poppy Kuroki, HarperCollins, and Harper Perennial for the free book!
Gate to Kagoshima is an intriguing tale that transports readers to late 1800s Japan during the era of the last samurai. The historical setting is vividly described, and the premise of a young Scottish woman, Isla, being swept back in time to confront her ancestry and a star-crossed romance with a samurai is captivating.
While the story offers a fascinating blend of history, magic, and romance, I found it lacked the emotional depth needed to fully connect with the characters. The writing leaned more factual than emotive, which made it difficult to feel fully immersed in Isla and Kei's journey or to deeply invest in their romance.
That said, the setting and historical backdrop were standout elements, and the concept of grappling with fate versus free will added intriguing layers to the plot. With a bit more emotional resonance, this story could have been truly exceptional.
If you love historical fantasy with a unique setting and are intrigued by stories of love that transcends time, Gate to Kagoshima is worth exploring.
Content Warnings
Moderate: Death, Sexual content, Violence, and War
Minor: Rape
Give Me Butterflies by Jillian Meadows
emotional
funny
lighthearted
reflective
relaxing
medium-paced
4.0
Thank you to Jillian Meadows, Avon Books, and NetGalley for the free book!
Give Me Butterflies is a tender, swoony romance that pairs a grumpy astronomer with a sunshine-y entomologist in a science museum setting. This soft grumpy-versus-sunshine trope is filled with nerdy banter, fiery chemistry, and heartfelt moments.
Millie’s bright optimism and Finn’s guarded nature create a beautiful dynamic as they navigate their budding romance amidst professional ambitions and personal struggles. The story is refreshingly low on unnecessary drama, focusing instead on two people finding love, comfort, and unwavering support in one another.
The supporting characters, especially Finn’s nieces, are sweet and endearing, adding to the warmth of the story. There’s also plenty of spice for readers who enjoy steamy moments paired with emotional depth.
This is a heartwarming, feel-good romance perfect for fans of Ali Hazelwood and Tessa Bailey. If you love soft, sweet stories with lovable characters and a touch of STEM nerdiness, you’ll want to pick this one up!
Content Warnings
Graphic: Sexual content
Moderate: Body shaming and Grief
Minor: Death of parent
Emotional abuse, Verbal abuse
She Doesn't Have a Clue by Jenny Elder Moke
adventurous
mysterious
medium-paced
3.0
Thank you to Jenny Elder Moke, Minotaur Books, and SMP Early Readers for the free book!
This was an intriguing mix of mystery and romance with a unique setting—a high-end wedding turned murder investigation on a private island off the coast of Seattle. The murder mystery was well-crafted, and I really enjoyed following the hunt for the true killer. Jenny Elder Moke does a great job weaving suspense into a backdrop of complicated relationships, old grudges, and plenty of secrets.
The love triangle added an interesting layer to the story, and the slow-burn second-chance romance between Kate and Jake was a definite highlight. Their shared history and moments of vulnerability felt genuine and engaging.
That said, the pacing of the book felt uneven at times. The beginning dropped me into the middle of the action without much setup, and some moments felt rushed, jumping quickly from one event or emotion to the next. While this kept the story moving, it also made certain scenes feel a bit jumbled.
Overall, She Doesn’t Have a Clue was an enjoyable read with plenty of twists, a strong mystery, and a touch of romance. It may not have been a standout for me, but it was definitely a fun and intriguing ride. Fans of destination mysteries and second-chance romances will want to give this one a try!
Content Warnings
Graphic: Sexual content
Moderate: Death and Murder
A Crown So Silver by Lyra Selene
adventurous
emotional
mysterious
medium-paced
5.0
Thank you to Lyra Selene, Orbit Books, and NetGalley for the free book!
Returning to the magical and perilous world Lyra Selene created was an absolute thrill! A Crown So Silver continues the saga with breathtaking world-building, high-stakes action, and a deadly tournament on the mysterious Silver Isle.
That said, Fia’s stubbornness and impulsive choices left me feeling frustrated at times. Irian, with his wisdom and experience, often provided sound advice, but Fia’s consistent dismissal of him felt more like reckless defiance than genuine independence. This dynamic created unnecessary conflict and setbacks that could have been avoided.
However, the book’s strengths more than outweighed my frustrations. The snowy Silver Isle was beautifully depicted—a dangerous and enchanting backdrop for the Tournament of Kings. The cunning smith-king and the intricate magic tied to the tournament added rich layers to the story.
The tension between Fia and Irian brought an emotional depth that heightened the stakes. Their relationship was tested in realistic ways, showcasing the difficulty of balancing love, power, and individuality in a world teetering on the edge of chaos.
Despite my struggles with Fia’s character arc, A Crown So Silver delivered a captivating and thrilling installment. The intricate plot twists and the immersive world-building kept me hooked until the very last page. Fans of A Feather So Black will not be disappointed, and I’m eagerly anticipating what comes next in this magical, treacherous tale!
Content Warnings
Graphic: Animal death, Death, and Sexual content
Moderate: Confinement, Torture, and Violence
The Merry Matchmaker by Sheila Roberts
funny
hopeful
lighthearted
fast-paced
3.5
Thank you Sheila Roberts, MIRA, and The Hive for the free book!
This delightful holiday read is a heartwarming nod to Jane Austen’s Emma—one of my all-time favorite classics. Frankie Lane’s matchmaking escapades bring a festive twist to the well-loved story, complete with charming mishaps and a cozy small-town setting.
I especially loved that the characters were older, with established lives and relatable complexities. Frankie’s determination to help her loved ones find happiness—even when it leads to chaos—was both endearing and humorous. And Mitch Howard? A swoon-worthy, kindhearted hero who stole my heart.
The second-chance romance subplot was beautifully done, blending perfectly with the holiday cheer. The Merry Matchmaker is a sweet, lighthearted read that’s ideal for curling up by the fire with a cup of cocoa. If you love Austen-inspired stories or a dash of romance with your holiday spirit, this one’s for you!
Love You a Latke by Amanda Elliot
emotional
funny
hopeful
lighthearted
reflective
fast-paced
5.0
Thank you Amanda Elliot, Berkley, and PRH Audio for the free audiobook!
This heartwarming holiday romance was everything I wanted and more! Abby and Seth's grumpy vs. sunshine dynamic had me smiling from start to finish. Abby’s sarcastic wit was laugh-out-loud funny, while Seth’s earnest kindness made him the perfect counterbalance.
What stood out the most was how the story went beyond just romance. Abby’s journey of reconnecting with her Jewish faith and finding a sense of belonging within Seth’s family and community added so much depth. The fake-dating trope was handled beautifully, with a slow-burn that felt authentic and emotionally satisfying.
The cultural exploration of Hanukkah amidst the typical Christmas-centric holiday season was refreshing and meaningful. Amanda Elliot captured both the humor and heart of navigating these differences in a small-town setting.
Kelli Tager’s narration brought Abby’s grumpiness and Seth’s charm to life perfectly, adding another layer of enjoyment to the story. If you’re looking for a cozy holiday romance that’s equal parts funny, heartfelt, and full of latkes, this one’s for you!
ChloroPhilia by Cristina Jurado
dark
reflective
sad
fast-paced
4.0
Thank you Cristina Jurado, Apex Book Company, and Edelweiss Plus for the free book!
This novella is a haunting, poetic, and deeply thought-provoking piece of science fiction that lingers in your mind long after finishing. The dystopian setting, where humanity clings to survival inside domes while battling environmental devastation, creates a vivid backdrop for Kirmen's unsettling transformation.
The story beautifully intertwines elements of love, loss, and the lengths to which people will go for the greater good. Cristina Jurado's writing, brought to life in English by Sue Burke’s translation, is exquisite—blending chilling science experiments with poetic reflections on what Earth once was.
Kirmen’s journey from fear of rejection to acceptance of his metamorphosis is both heartbreaking and fascinating, and the novella doesn’t shy away from the darker truths behind survival. The ending? A powerful, WTF moment that will have you rereading just to process everything.
Sue Burke’s narration perfectly captures the mood of this story, adding another layer of depth and emotion. If you enjoy speculative fiction with a touch of poetry and darkness, ChloroPhilia is a must-read.
Content Warnings
Minor: Adult/minor relationship, Body horror, Bullying, Child death, Chronic illness, Death, Incest, Infertility, Infidelity, Miscarriage, Pedophilia, Rape, Sexual assault, Sexual content, Violence, Medical content, Murder, and Pregnancy
All I Want is You by Falon Ballard
emotional
funny
lighthearted
fast-paced
5.0
Thank you to Falon Ballard, Putnam Books, Goodreads, and PRH Audio for the free book
This second-chance romance hits all the right notes for the holiday season! Jess and Nick’s dynamic—equal parts rivalry and unresolved feelings—creates the perfect tension as they navigate classic romcom tropes. From the "just one bed" scenario to being snowed in at a cozy inn, each moment sparkles with humor, longing, and the warmth of Christmas magic.
The banter and chemistry between Jess and Nick were delightful, and I loved how their unresolved history unfolded naturally throughout the story. Their secret pining over the years and the ultimate grand romantic gesture made for a swoon-worthy conclusion.
Sarah Naughton and Marwan Salama did a fantastic job narrating, their voices perfectly capturing the humor and emotion of the characters. They truly brought Jess and Nick to life, making the audiobook an even more engaging experience.
If you love festive romcoms with heart, humor, and a satisfying HEA, this book is a must-read! Falon Ballard is definitely an author I’ll be revisiting. 🎄❤️
Content Warnings
Graphic: Sexual content
Cold Clay by Juneau Black
funny
lighthearted
mysterious
fast-paced
3.0
Thank you to Juneau Black, Vintage Books, and PRH Audio for the free audiobook.
The charming woodland world of Shady Hollow returns with Cold Clay, a delightful sequel that delivers more of the cozy noir mystery magic. Cassandra Campbell’s narration once again captures the whimsical tone, lending an extra layer of charm to this unique series.
The plot thickens as Vera Vixen, our intrepid fox reporter, investigates an old mystery involving Shady Hollow’s beloved barista, Joe. The combination of clever writing and tongue-in-cheek humor kept me hooked, while the fall setting added an atmospheric touch perfect for cozy reading.
Vera and Orville’s relationship continues to develop, and I’m relieved their connection wasn’t jeopardized by outside drama—it’s one of my favorite aspects of the series. The lovable cast of quirky woodland characters and the richly imagined town make it impossible not to root for Shady Hollow.
Fans of cozy mysteries and light fantasy will absolutely adore this installment. It’s a warm, entertaining read with just the right dash of suspense. Can't wait to see what mysteries Vera tackles next!
Content Warnings
Minor: Animal death