Jerry Cooke
This was such a perfect end to the trilogy, with Margo reconnecting with her first love, Olivia. I love a second chance trope, but only when it's like this - a relationship that should have been, but didn't pan out due to circumstances. Margo is a massive over thinker and Olivia has spent a decade being controlled by her ex-husband, and so seeing them care for each other and provide what they needed was really affirming.
I'm so sad to come to the end of these characters stories, but there was a beautiful epilogue that brought things to a satisfying end and I'm very thankful to Alexandria Bellefleur for that!
This was such a perfect end to the trilogy, with Margo reconnecting with her first love, Olivia. I love a second chance trope, but only when it's like this - a relationship that should have been, but didn't pan out due to circumstances. Margo is a massive over thinker and Olivia has spent a decade being controlled by her ex-husband, and so seeing them care for each other and provide what they needed was really affirming.
I'm so sad to come to the end of these characters stories, but there was a beautiful epilogue that brought things to a satisfying end and I'm very thankful to Alexandria Bellefleur for that!
This was another wonderful entry into the series, introducing Annie (Darcy‘s best friend) who was mentioned in the first book. We see a lot more of Brendan, as he and Annie get to know each other and navigate their competing wants, desires, and fears.
This is another really sweet story, and we get to see enough of Ellie and Darcy to keep connected with them and make it all feel part of one complete story. I'm really enjoying these books and I can't wait to dive into the next one.
This was another wonderful entry into the series, introducing Annie (Darcy‘s best friend) who was mentioned in the first book. We see a lot more of Brendan, as he and Annie get to know each other and navigate their competing wants, desires, and fears.
This is another really sweet story, and we get to see enough of Ellie and Darcy to keep connected with them and make it all feel part of one complete story. I'm really enjoying these books and I can't wait to dive into the next one.
4.25⭐️ - This was such a cute story, the perfect application of a fake dating trope with a sprinkle of astrology and tragic backstory. I loved Elle's optimism and Darcy's black cat with a golden heart energy, they made the perfect pairing, and I'm so excited to read more in this world
4.25⭐️ - This was such a cute story, the perfect application of a fake dating trope with a sprinkle of astrology and tragic backstory. I loved Elle's optimism and Darcy's black cat with a golden heart energy, they made the perfect pairing, and I'm so excited to read more in this world
Greece gets a sapphic twist with a dash of forced proximity in the flashbacks to the summer. I really enjoyed the way there was the mixed chronology (I don't usually) and the way we got to see both the forming of the relationship over the summer and the queer awakening as well as the present coming to terms with what she'd always wanted vs what she wanted as the person she'd become.
It's sweet, affirming, and fun for the summer ☺️
Greece gets a sapphic twist with a dash of forced proximity in the flashbacks to the summer. I really enjoyed the way there was the mixed chronology (I don't usually) and the way we got to see both the forming of the relationship over the summer and the queer awakening as well as the present coming to terms with what she'd always wanted vs what she wanted as the person she'd become.
It's sweet, affirming, and fun for the summer ☺️
4.5⭐️ - This was stinking adorable, a totally relatable story about failing to notice what's right in front of you, even if it could be the best thing in the world.
At times, I wanted to yell at Lou to realise what was going on, but the ending was super satisfying and it gave me happy tears at how cute it all was ☺️
4.5⭐️ - This was stinking adorable, a totally relatable story about failing to notice what's right in front of you, even if it could be the best thing in the world.
At times, I wanted to yell at Lou to realise what was going on, but the ending was super satisfying and it gave me happy tears at how cute it all was ☺️
4.5⭐️ - Escaping the closet can be incredibly hard when your world is build around those who would judge, as Ruby knows all too well. Her mother's pressure and their financial situation forcing her to remain within an environment that would not support her. Morgan refuses to be untrue to herself, having been shunned and kicked from her former athletics team and school due to standing up against the homophobia of her coach. As the two girls connect, navigating those two opposing desires becomes increasingly hard to navigate in this poignant journey of discovery novel.
The more I read of Jennifer Dugan's work, the more I find the themes of self acceptance and discovery affirming and touching. I found this book really sweet and the dual perspective (something that Dugan excels at) extremely well executed and balanced in terms of showing both of the MCs perspectives.
4.5⭐️ - Escaping the closet can be incredibly hard when your world is build around those who would judge, as Ruby knows all too well. Her mother's pressure and their financial situation forcing her to remain within an environment that would not support her. Morgan refuses to be untrue to herself, having been shunned and kicked from her former athletics team and school due to standing up against the homophobia of her coach. As the two girls connect, navigating those two opposing desires becomes increasingly hard to navigate in this poignant journey of discovery novel.
The more I read of Jennifer Dugan's work, the more I find the themes of self acceptance and discovery affirming and touching. I found this book really sweet and the dual perspective (something that Dugan excels at) extremely well executed and balanced in terms of showing both of the MCs perspectives.
3.25⭐️
This was an interesting exploration on the effects of pressure to be the best, particularly in minority communities. I really enjoyed the level of diversity and representation, but as a protagonist Grace's internal dialogue was a little hard to read at times. The combination of third person perspective and multiple flashbacks, it was somewhat difficult to keep track of as well.
Specially related to the audiobook, while the narrator brought some of the prose like language to life well, an almost complete lack of variation better character voices made it a real challenge to keep track of who was taking.
That said, the relationship between Grace and Yuki was rewarding to see at times, as well as the bonds of friendship with the secondary characters. The topics of conversation brought up in Yuki's radio show were interesting
3.25⭐️
This was an interesting exploration on the effects of pressure to be the best, particularly in minority communities. I really enjoyed the level of diversity and representation, but as a protagonist Grace's internal dialogue was a little hard to read at times. The combination of third person perspective and multiple flashbacks, it was somewhat difficult to keep track of as well.
Specially related to the audiobook, while the narrator brought some of the prose like language to life well, an almost complete lack of variation better character voices made it a real challenge to keep track of who was taking.
That said, the relationship between Grace and Yuki was rewarding to see at times, as well as the bonds of friendship with the secondary characters. The topics of conversation brought up in Yuki's radio show were interesting
4.5⭐️ - Bridgerton meets Back to the Future, in a fascinating and queer take on time travel romance!
Audrey has lost her creative spark and with a looming deadline to submit an updated portfolio to RISD, she's in a spiral of panic and self doubt. When a magic coin sends her back into regency England, she must learn to navigate the confusing time period and complicated feelings.
A major focus of the story was the way in which a modern woman would be shocked by how restrictive it was in that time period and how, likewise, a woman from the 1800s would be fascinated by all the possibilities open to her in the future. The romance here is really slow burn and super cute and I adored seeing them learning about each other's worlds.
4.5⭐️ - Bridgerton meets Back to the Future, in a fascinating and queer take on time travel romance!
Audrey has lost her creative spark and with a looming deadline to submit an updated portfolio to RISD, she's in a spiral of panic and self doubt. When a magic coin sends her back into regency England, she must learn to navigate the confusing time period and complicated feelings.
A major focus of the story was the way in which a modern woman would be shocked by how restrictive it was in that time period and how, likewise, a woman from the 1800s would be fascinated by all the possibilities open to her in the future. The romance here is really slow burn and super cute and I adored seeing them learning about each other's worlds.
Added to listOwnedwith 4 books.
4.5⭐️ - Escaping the closet can be incredibly hard when your world is build around those who would judge, as Ruby knows all too well. Her mother's pressure and their financial situation forcing her to remain within an environment that would not support her. Morgan refuses to be untrue to herself, having been shunned and kicked from her former athletics team and school due to standing up against the homophobia of her coach. As the two girls connect, navigating those two opposing desires becomes increasingly hard to navigate in this poignant journey of discovery novel.
The more I read of Jennifer Dugan's work, the more I find the themes of self acceptance and discovery affirming and touching. I found this book really sweet and the dual perspective (something that Dugan excels at) extremely well executed and balanced in terms of showing both of the MCs perspectives.
4.5⭐️ - Escaping the closet can be incredibly hard when your world is build around those who would judge, as Ruby knows all too well. Her mother's pressure and their financial situation forcing her to remain within an environment that would not support her. Morgan refuses to be untrue to herself, having been shunned and kicked from her former athletics team and school due to standing up against the homophobia of her coach. As the two girls connect, navigating those two opposing desires becomes increasingly hard to navigate in this poignant journey of discovery novel.
The more I read of Jennifer Dugan's work, the more I find the themes of self acceptance and discovery affirming and touching. I found this book really sweet and the dual perspective (something that Dugan excels at) extremely well executed and balanced in terms of showing both of the MCs perspectives.
4.25⭐️ - This was such a cute story, the perfect application of a fake dating trope with a sprinkle of astrology and tragic backstory. I loved Elle's optimism and Darcy's black cat with a golden heart energy, they made the perfect pairing, and I'm so excited to read more in this world
4.25⭐️ - This was such a cute story, the perfect application of a fake dating trope with a sprinkle of astrology and tragic backstory. I loved Elle's optimism and Darcy's black cat with a golden heart energy, they made the perfect pairing, and I'm so excited to read more in this world
3.25⭐️
This was an interesting exploration on the effects of pressure to be the best, particularly in minority communities. I really enjoyed the level of diversity and representation, but as a protagonist Grace's internal dialogue was a little hard to read at times. The combination of third person perspective and multiple flashbacks, it was somewhat difficult to keep track of as well.
Specially related to the audiobook, while the narrator brought some of the prose like language to life well, an almost complete lack of variation better character voices made it a real challenge to keep track of who was taking.
That said, the relationship between Grace and Yuki was rewarding to see at times, as well as the bonds of friendship with the secondary characters. The topics of conversation brought up in Yuki's radio show were interesting
3.25⭐️
This was an interesting exploration on the effects of pressure to be the best, particularly in minority communities. I really enjoyed the level of diversity and representation, but as a protagonist Grace's internal dialogue was a little hard to read at times. The combination of third person perspective and multiple flashbacks, it was somewhat difficult to keep track of as well.
Specially related to the audiobook, while the narrator brought some of the prose like language to life well, an almost complete lack of variation better character voices made it a real challenge to keep track of who was taking.
That said, the relationship between Grace and Yuki was rewarding to see at times, as well as the bonds of friendship with the secondary characters. The topics of conversation brought up in Yuki's radio show were interesting
Officially my new favourite Jennifer Dugan title!
Featuring two characters who both had abandonment issues and misconceptions and seeing them so healthfully deal with them? Utterly beautiful. Total self-awareness and joking about U-Hauling and then actually taking things super slow and respectful, the clear love and support of friends and family? The whole thing was just a sweet sapphic treat and my first western themed romance and I ate it up so eagerly!
Officially my new favourite Jennifer Dugan title!
Featuring two characters who both had abandonment issues and misconceptions and seeing them so healthfully deal with them? Utterly beautiful. Total self-awareness and joking about U-Hauling and then actually taking things super slow and respectful, the clear love and support of friends and family? The whole thing was just a sweet sapphic treat and my first western themed romance and I ate it up so eagerly!
NEW ACHIEVEMENT: COMPLETELY MIND BLOWN
Honestly, I can't believe I've reached this point and there'll be no more Dungeon Crawler Carl until the winter, because I'm absolutely addicted to this story and these characters.
The shift in tone of this book to all the characters in a war zones was masterfully handled, with squad dynamics, lots of politics, and the wider universe continuing to completely get turned upside down. With the guardrails taken off the AI entirely, the chaos levels continue to increase!
NEW ACHIEVEMENT: COMPLETELY MIND BLOWN
Honestly, I can't believe I've reached this point and there'll be no more Dungeon Crawler Carl until the winter, because I'm absolutely addicted to this story and these characters.
The shift in tone of this book to all the characters in a war zones was masterfully handled, with squad dynamics, lots of politics, and the wider universe continuing to completely get turned upside down. With the guardrails taken off the AI entirely, the chaos levels continue to increase!
Honestly, these books just keep getting better and better. The overall political landscapes, all the schemes and machinations, and the way in which the whole spectacle is increasing is amazing to follow along with!
Honestly, these books just keep getting better and better. The overall political landscapes, all the schemes and machinations, and the way in which the whole spectacle is increasing is amazing to follow along with!
4.5⭐️ - Bridgerton meets Back to the Future, in a fascinating and queer take on time travel romance!
Audrey has lost her creative spark and with a looming deadline to submit an updated portfolio to RISD, she's in a spiral of panic and self doubt. When a magic coin sends her back into regency England, she must learn to navigate the confusing time period and complicated feelings.
A major focus of the story was the way in which a modern woman would be shocked by how restrictive it was in that time period and how, likewise, a woman from the 1800s would be fascinated by all the possibilities open to her in the future. The romance here is really slow burn and super cute and I adored seeing them learning about each other's worlds.
4.5⭐️ - Bridgerton meets Back to the Future, in a fascinating and queer take on time travel romance!
Audrey has lost her creative spark and with a looming deadline to submit an updated portfolio to RISD, she's in a spiral of panic and self doubt. When a magic coin sends her back into regency England, she must learn to navigate the confusing time period and complicated feelings.
A major focus of the story was the way in which a modern woman would be shocked by how restrictive it was in that time period and how, likewise, a woman from the 1800s would be fascinated by all the possibilities open to her in the future. The romance here is really slow burn and super cute and I adored seeing them learning about each other's worlds.
4.5⭐️ - The queer coven in Bright Falls continues to grow closer as a renovation of a local landmark calls on Astrid's skills as a designer. The pressure of a TV crew following the process isn't made any easier to deal with by the infuriating presence of Jordan Everwood, in charge of carpentry and also the granddaughter of the owner. As their adversarial relationship turns to something more supportive, they find that it's not just the designs that are getting a big reshuffle.
It was so lovely to see inside Astrid's head after seeing the relationship between her and her step-sider Delilah as a major side plot in the first book. Astrid's difficult feelings about her mother, the need for perfection she's always felt, and the desire to be the best all come unraveled over the course of this book and it's really enjoyable seeing all the characters from the first book again.
A sweet story, wonderful representation, and a small town found family I'd never want to lose.
4.5⭐️ - The queer coven in Bright Falls continues to grow closer as a renovation of a local landmark calls on Astrid's skills as a designer. The pressure of a TV crew following the process isn't made any easier to deal with by the infuriating presence of Jordan Everwood, in charge of carpentry and also the granddaughter of the owner. As their adversarial relationship turns to something more supportive, they find that it's not just the designs that are getting a big reshuffle.
It was so lovely to see inside Astrid's head after seeing the relationship between her and her step-sider Delilah as a major side plot in the first book. Astrid's difficult feelings about her mother, the need for perfection she's always felt, and the desire to be the best all come unraveled over the course of this book and it's really enjoyable seeing all the characters from the first book again.
A sweet story, wonderful representation, and a small town found family I'd never want to lose.
A wonderful introduction to the town of Bright Falls, with lovable characters, strong relationships, and a heavy serving of spice.
After over a decade of being away from Bright Falls, Delilah Green really doesn't want to go back, but can't say no to the heavy amount of money her rich and entitled step-mother is paying her to photograph her estranged step-sister's wedding.
Claire's life has been up and down since having her daughter Ruby in her late teens, with an often absent co-parent who isn't much of a parent most of the time, she really needs to blow off steam. Little does she realise that the stranger she decided to hit on has a lot more history in the town than it seems.
This was a really fun story and features a complex cast of characters with a lot of history to untangle. The relationship that blooms between Delilah and Claire is utterly adorable and fun, while the healing of the relationship with step-sister Astrid is really moving to follow.
I'm looking forward to reading more about these characters in the other two Bright Falls books ☺️
A wonderful introduction to the town of Bright Falls, with lovable characters, strong relationships, and a heavy serving of spice.
After over a decade of being away from Bright Falls, Delilah Green really doesn't want to go back, but can't say no to the heavy amount of money her rich and entitled step-mother is paying her to photograph her estranged step-sister's wedding.
Claire's life has been up and down since having her daughter Ruby in her late teens, with an often absent co-parent who isn't much of a parent most of the time, she really needs to blow off steam. Little does she realise that the stranger she decided to hit on has a lot more history in the town than it seems.
This was a really fun story and features a complex cast of characters with a lot of history to untangle. The relationship that blooms between Delilah and Claire is utterly adorable and fun, while the healing of the relationship with step-sister Astrid is really moving to follow.
I'm looking forward to reading more about these characters in the other two Bright Falls books ☺️