Jerry Cooke
3⭐️ - A promising premise, let down by characters choices.
I enjoyed Legendborn and I was excited to see where the story went with this, but I spent most of this book questioning why Bree just made everything worse all the time. In the first book, it was understandable at times due to her age and inexperience, but in this book she's given so many opportunities, so much advice, and yet always seems to do the one thing that will cause everything to fall apart. By the time I go to the end of the book, I found myself really not caring all that much about what happened to everyone because I was so frustrated with it all.
I'm afraid to say I won't be reading the next one, because I've lost all my investment.
That said, the focus on history and legend is still present and it's not a bad book, just not one that I enjoyed.
3⭐️ - A promising premise, let down by characters choices.
I enjoyed Legendborn and I was excited to see where the story went with this, but I spent most of this book questioning why Bree just made everything worse all the time. In the first book, it was understandable at times due to her age and inexperience, but in this book she's given so many opportunities, so much advice, and yet always seems to do the one thing that will cause everything to fall apart. By the time I go to the end of the book, I found myself really not caring all that much about what happened to everyone because I was so frustrated with it all.
I'm afraid to say I won't be reading the next one, because I've lost all my investment.
That said, the focus on history and legend is still present and it's not a bad book, just not one that I enjoyed.
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!
4.25⭐️ - Utterly hilarious and as both a fantasy fan and a D&D nerd, all the references and the setting make this super entertaining to read! The premise of the book reminds me so much of Douglas Adams - it's a very HHGTTG in concept - a human having their world destroyed by aliens and having to adjust to a whole new wider universe. The humour also feels very much in that wheelhouse.
A really engaging and captivating read and I'm jumping right into the next one!
4.25⭐️ - Utterly hilarious and as both a fantasy fan and a D&D nerd, all the references and the setting make this super entertaining to read! The premise of the book reminds me so much of Douglas Adams - it's a very HHGTTG in concept - a human having their world destroyed by aliens and having to adjust to a whole new wider universe. The humour also feels very much in that wheelhouse.
A really engaging and captivating read and I'm jumping right into the next one!
Just as fun and frantic as the first book, the growing range of characters and the way the plot of the level and the overarching plot both run together is engaging. As you learn more about the world and the way everything works, it just makes you want to learn more.
I'm very glad there's several more books in this series, because I'm already addicted
Just as fun and frantic as the first book, the growing range of characters and the way the plot of the level and the overarching plot both run together is engaging. As you learn more about the world and the way everything works, it just makes you want to learn more.
I'm very glad there's several more books in this series, because I'm already addicted
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.
4.5⭐️ - 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⭐️ - CUTE CUTE CUTE!!
When a movie rolls into town, the last person Ramona Riley expects to see is the first girl she ever kissed. Worst of all, Dylan (the wild and wounded child star) seems completely oblivious of how she changed Ramona's life.
Dylan Monroe seems to mess up every relationship in her life and on the back of her latest breakup, she wants this movie to go well. Deciding to go as method as possible in her part of a small town girl working in a café, she's immediately taken by the waitress guiding her.
As their desires, fears, and pasts collide, neither is quite ready for where they end up.
This was an an adorable story and seeing the characters navigate a lot of complex situations was really interesting. I was rooting all through for them to find their way and I wasn't at all disappointed. I'm so excited to know that there's going to be a second book, focussing on Ramona's adorable best friend April ^-^
4.5⭐️ - CUTE CUTE CUTE!!
When a movie rolls into town, the last person Ramona Riley expects to see is the first girl she ever kissed. Worst of all, Dylan (the wild and wounded child star) seems completely oblivious of how she changed Ramona's life.
Dylan Monroe seems to mess up every relationship in her life and on the back of her latest breakup, she wants this movie to go well. Deciding to go as method as possible in her part of a small town girl working in a café, she's immediately taken by the waitress guiding her.
As their desires, fears, and pasts collide, neither is quite ready for where they end up.
This was an an adorable story and seeing the characters navigate a lot of complex situations was really interesting. I was rooting all through for them to find their way and I wasn't at all disappointed. I'm so excited to know that there's going to be a second book, focussing on Ramona's adorable best friend April ^-^
5⭐️- A heart warming and thrilling fantasy excursion all the better for Hazelwood's romance expertise
Misery has spent her entire life as the political tool of her people and just as it seems like she's carving a living for herself, a new obligation pulls at her again. It seems as if she might get away with saying no at first, but a sudden realisation forces her into enemy territory and a match with a man she's never met.
This is a new direction for Ali Hazelwood, moving from the contemporary realism to something a bit more fantasy adjacent and I'm so very here for it. More than any of her other books, this one fully immersed me into the world she's building. Political intrigue and peril are wielded with great skill to create a narrative that twists and turns. Although there is some clear signposting of relationships, the ways in which they play out were surprising and engaging.
In the grandest romantasy tradition, the best thing about this book is the found family. Misery has faced a lot of loneliness in her life and despite her expectations to the contrary, she finds a host of people to care about. More so than in any of Hazelwood's other books, I found myself laughing out loud and grinning with joy. It was really the most beautiful story and with a sequel coming out later this year, I'm so glad she's adding to this world!
If you're a romantasy fan that is looking read some of her work, but are put off by fully contemporary romance? This is perfect, I really recommend it!
5⭐️- A heart warming and thrilling fantasy excursion all the better for Hazelwood's romance expertise
Misery has spent her entire life as the political tool of her people and just as it seems like she's carving a living for herself, a new obligation pulls at her again. It seems as if she might get away with saying no at first, but a sudden realisation forces her into enemy territory and a match with a man she's never met.
This is a new direction for Ali Hazelwood, moving from the contemporary realism to something a bit more fantasy adjacent and I'm so very here for it. More than any of her other books, this one fully immersed me into the world she's building. Political intrigue and peril are wielded with great skill to create a narrative that twists and turns. Although there is some clear signposting of relationships, the ways in which they play out were surprising and engaging.
In the grandest romantasy tradition, the best thing about this book is the found family. Misery has faced a lot of loneliness in her life and despite her expectations to the contrary, she finds a host of people to care about. More so than in any of Hazelwood's other books, I found myself laughing out loud and grinning with joy. It was really the most beautiful story and with a sequel coming out later this year, I'm so glad she's adding to this world!
If you're a romantasy fan that is looking read some of her work, but are put off by fully contemporary romance? This is perfect, I really recommend it!
4.25⭐️ - A magical Arthurian legend retelling that deals with intense grief, ancestral trauma, and the feeling of being an ethnic minority amidst the prejudices in secret societies.
Bree longs to get out of her small town and is excited when she gets offered a place at an early admission residential program at a prestigious college in North Carolina. Soon after she gives the news to her, a car crash takes her mother away from her and throws her internal world in to turmoil. Struggling at first to settle in to the college life and with clues to what happened to her mother leading her in their direction, she negotiates her way into a secret society. What she finds in her time there completely throws into question what she thought she knew about her self and her family.
This is a fascinating take on Arthurian lore and mixes the traditional historical stories with the history of colonialism and slavery in the US. Bree's ancestral connections and the midden magic tied up in this, as well as the erasure and persecution of these natural magic users, talks a lot to the treatment of minorities in the US. A lot of plot is given to the discussion of that experience, of how it feels to be in traditionally low-diversity spaces, and how it takes an immense amount of will to beat down the prejudices you face.
This was a really well done story and I'm looking forward to reading the next two!
4.25⭐️ - A magical Arthurian legend retelling that deals with intense grief, ancestral trauma, and the feeling of being an ethnic minority amidst the prejudices in secret societies.
Bree longs to get out of her small town and is excited when she gets offered a place at an early admission residential program at a prestigious college in North Carolina. Soon after she gives the news to her, a car crash takes her mother away from her and throws her internal world in to turmoil. Struggling at first to settle in to the college life and with clues to what happened to her mother leading her in their direction, she negotiates her way into a secret society. What she finds in her time there completely throws into question what she thought she knew about her self and her family.
This is a fascinating take on Arthurian lore and mixes the traditional historical stories with the history of colonialism and slavery in the US. Bree's ancestral connections and the midden magic tied up in this, as well as the erasure and persecution of these natural magic users, talks a lot to the treatment of minorities in the US. A lot of plot is given to the discussion of that experience, of how it feels to be in traditionally low-diversity spaces, and how it takes an immense amount of will to beat down the prejudices you face.
This was a really well done story and I'm looking forward to reading the next two!
I can't even tell you how many times this book made me cry happy tears (and some sad ones to boot). I love a D&D romance so much, but so many of them are hetero and so I was totally overjoyed to find this one and it didn't disappoint in the slightest.
As a D&D player, I can attest that it was written by an actual lover of the game, because it was accurate in its rules and knowledge, and the D&D campaign had its own subplot that was described in a narrative episodic style outside of the narrative of the story itself, but still connected through the players. It was beautifully described and had its own lovely genuinely growth and peril, etc. that worked so well alongside the main story.
The queer representation in a small red state rural setting was amazing, depicting the difficulty in coming out when you feel you're not safe to, but find that there's a community you didn't realise existed around you. It had good non-binary and asexual representation and a secondary romance subplot between two of the other players as well that was super cute.
It also really well captured gender dysphoria and dissociative episodes when a character is forced (by familial pressure) to take part in a super feminine and heteronormative bouquet toss and the description was so tenderly and perfectly written.
I listened to the audiobook and the use of three narrators was a really excellent choice. The chapters alternate semi-regularly between the two MCs, which each had their own narrator, but the D&D segments were handled by a third narrator, which really helped keep those narrative third person sections separate.
Overall, I just adored this book. It was fantastic and I really hope M.K. England writes more about this group one day!
I can't even tell you how many times this book made me cry happy tears (and some sad ones to boot). I love a D&D romance so much, but so many of them are hetero and so I was totally overjoyed to find this one and it didn't disappoint in the slightest.
As a D&D player, I can attest that it was written by an actual lover of the game, because it was accurate in its rules and knowledge, and the D&D campaign had its own subplot that was described in a narrative episodic style outside of the narrative of the story itself, but still connected through the players. It was beautifully described and had its own lovely genuinely growth and peril, etc. that worked so well alongside the main story.
The queer representation in a small red state rural setting was amazing, depicting the difficulty in coming out when you feel you're not safe to, but find that there's a community you didn't realise existed around you. It had good non-binary and asexual representation and a secondary romance subplot between two of the other players as well that was super cute.
It also really well captured gender dysphoria and dissociative episodes when a character is forced (by familial pressure) to take part in a super feminine and heteronormative bouquet toss and the description was so tenderly and perfectly written.
I listened to the audiobook and the use of three narrators was a really excellent choice. The chapters alternate semi-regularly between the two MCs, which each had their own narrator, but the D&D segments were handled by a third narrator, which really helped keep those narrative third person sections separate.
Overall, I just adored this book. It was fantastic and I really hope M.K. England writes more about this group one day!
Updated a reading goal:
Read 60 books by December 31, 2025
Progress so far: 100 / 60 166%
3.75⭐️ - This was fascinating and at times as frustrating as it was relatable.
Enid goes through life with a lot of struggles, from one sided deafness to increasing levels of paranoia and self-doubt. Her relationships are very complex too, with a strong reliance on her mother combined with a very mixed feelings regarding her half-sisters who she both wishes to know better, but also kind of wishes didn't exist. She also has a deep paranoia about bald men for some reason.
This was incredibly relatable as an autistic person, with Enid's internal processing involving high levels of masking to get through life. Add to this her sensory issues and it's very accurate how much she struggles in life. What is harder to relate to if you haven't experienced it, is the PTSD and paranoid that causes her act in ways that can feel very non-sensical to the outsider.
The book isn't so much a romance as a slice-of-life, taking a period in her life where her relationships are evolving, her mental health is getting worse before it gets better, and her love life is all over the place. We see her go through a lot and it's both incredibly sad and very affirming at times.
3.75⭐️ - This was fascinating and at times as frustrating as it was relatable.
Enid goes through life with a lot of struggles, from one sided deafness to increasing levels of paranoia and self-doubt. Her relationships are very complex too, with a strong reliance on her mother combined with a very mixed feelings regarding her half-sisters who she both wishes to know better, but also kind of wishes didn't exist. She also has a deep paranoia about bald men for some reason.
This was incredibly relatable as an autistic person, with Enid's internal processing involving high levels of masking to get through life. Add to this her sensory issues and it's very accurate how much she struggles in life. What is harder to relate to if you haven't experienced it, is the PTSD and paranoid that causes her act in ways that can feel very non-sensical to the outsider.
The book isn't so much a romance as a slice-of-life, taking a period in her life where her relationships are evolving, her mental health is getting worse before it gets better, and her love life is all over the place. We see her go through a lot and it's both incredibly sad and very affirming at times.
I absolutely adored the last nerdy D&D romance that Kristy Boyce wrote (Dungeons and Drama) and this was just as perfect in the cosy vibes and found family, I adored every bit!
I absolutely adored the last nerdy D&D romance that Kristy Boyce wrote (Dungeons and Drama) and this was just as perfect in the cosy vibes and found family, I adored every bit!
I loved this book so much! Although there were some ups and downs, the communication was mostly really healthy and it was so beautiful to see. The boundary setting and finding herself that Birdie did was affirming and I adore how her and Cass were with each other.
Genuine moments of tears both happy and sad, a charming and sweet summer sapphic romance
I loved this book so much! Although there were some ups and downs, the communication was mostly really healthy and it was so beautiful to see. The boundary setting and finding herself that Birdie did was affirming and I adore how her and Cass were with each other.
Genuine moments of tears both happy and sad, a charming and sweet summer sapphic romance
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 ☺️
History will say they were roommates, and they really were!
This was the most perfect cute summer read, an affirming queer awakening, and the very best found family experience.
Coming as an adult for the summer camp experience she never had a chid, Garland is a year divorced and convinced that if it wasn't meant to be with her ex-husband, she clearly wasn't destined for love. When a burst of sunshine in human form literally falls into her arms, she realises she's found the best kind of ally in her new roommate, Stevie. It seems a sign when Stevie turns out to be the sister of Mason, the tall blonde guy she'd bumped into once, prompting her to question whether she's meant to make this vision a reality. It slowly becomes clear though that Mason isn't the sibling she's meant to fall for...
This was just the most charming scenario, a fun summer camp for adults to relive their childhood experiences, new friends and rivals to get to know, and some bad history thrown into the mix. The relationships between the characters change and expand through the story and there's really strong queer representation, with a standout character being Michelle, who offers Garland much wisdom.
History will say they were roommates, and they really were!
This was the most perfect cute summer read, an affirming queer awakening, and the very best found family experience.
Coming as an adult for the summer camp experience she never had a chid, Garland is a year divorced and convinced that if it wasn't meant to be with her ex-husband, she clearly wasn't destined for love. When a burst of sunshine in human form literally falls into her arms, she realises she's found the best kind of ally in her new roommate, Stevie. It seems a sign when Stevie turns out to be the sister of Mason, the tall blonde guy she'd bumped into once, prompting her to question whether she's meant to make this vision a reality. It slowly becomes clear though that Mason isn't the sibling she's meant to fall for...
This was just the most charming scenario, a fun summer camp for adults to relive their childhood experiences, new friends and rivals to get to know, and some bad history thrown into the mix. The relationships between the characters change and expand through the story and there's really strong queer representation, with a standout character being Michelle, who offers Garland much wisdom.
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