Jerry Cooke
3.75⭐️ - Enjoyed this and although it was a little predicable it was entertaining and I liked seeing the relationships between the characters and the found family aspect ☺️
3.75⭐️ - Enjoyed this and although it was a little predicable it was entertaining and I liked seeing the relationships between the characters and the found family aspect ☺️
4.5⭐️ - A satisfying conclusion to the Bright Falls series, but I'm so sad that this might be the last I see of Delilah, Clare, Astrid, and Iris
4.5⭐️ - A satisfying conclusion to the Bright Falls series, but I'm so sad that this might be the last I see of Delilah, Clare, Astrid, and Iris
4.75⭐️ - This was an absolutely phenomenal look at the experience of doubting ones own sexuality and the way in which you can be made to feel not queer enough. This is something that many of us in the LGBTQIA+ community have experienced, as well as those of us who are neurodivergent - the imposter syndrome you feel when you're trying to work things out.
I adored the characters, the community and found family that sprung up, and the wonderful way falling for somebody was portrayed. Listening to the audiobook, I initially didn't think I was going to vibe with it, but I was so thankful to be proven wrong. By the end, I was really appreciating the humour and I really recommend this one for any other baby queers
4.75⭐️ - This was an absolutely phenomenal look at the experience of doubting ones own sexuality and the way in which you can be made to feel not queer enough. This is something that many of us in the LGBTQIA+ community have experienced, as well as those of us who are neurodivergent - the imposter syndrome you feel when you're trying to work things out.
I adored the characters, the community and found family that sprung up, and the wonderful way falling for somebody was portrayed. Listening to the audiobook, I initially didn't think I was going to vibe with it, but I was so thankful to be proven wrong. By the end, I was really appreciating the humour and I really recommend this one for any other baby queers
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.
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⭐️ - Even though I thought I'd set the bar of expectations right to the level of chaos and manoeuvring in this book, I was still blown away by the way all the numerous moving parts came together in this entry to the series. As Carl and Donut continue to move lower and lower within the dungeon, the number of threads of plot continue to expand - from the machinations of the various factions, to the friendships and rivals that have developed, to the plans of the main party itself.
It continues to be a fun and frantic time, but the states are getting higher and people are getting lost along the way, so it's also starting to really get some emotion as well.
4.5⭐️ - Even though I thought I'd set the bar of expectations right to the level of chaos and manoeuvring in this book, I was still blown away by the way all the numerous moving parts came together in this entry to the series. As Carl and Donut continue to move lower and lower within the dungeon, the number of threads of plot continue to expand - from the machinations of the various factions, to the friendships and rivals that have developed, to the plans of the main party itself.
It continues to be a fun and frantic time, but the states are getting higher and people are getting lost along the way, so it's also starting to really get some emotion as well.
4.25⭐️ - A comic book romance with a sharp turn into darkness.
Jubilee (appropriately comic named) is a higher achiever who has lost her spark recently, with the pressure to perform at her upcoming cello audition mounting up as she pins her hopes on what it could mean. When she attends a major comic convention with her step-mother (the owner of the eponymous Verona Comics) and her best friend, she has a mission to let go and to find a con crush.
Ridley is horribly anxious and hates working conventions for his father's massive comic corporation. The one that has put so many indie stores out of business and is widely panned by true comic lovers. He's temped to blow off the last night prom and when a girl dressed as his favourite comic book character appears rushing into the elevator, his stress anxiety doubles.
This book is in equal parts sweet and painful. Dealing with topics of expectation, pressure, and depression. Ridley's relationship with his parents is stranded and his former depressive periods don't help, and Jubilee finds it so hard to balance her life. Alongside these important mental health topics, there's also decision of not being queer enough, with the characters being pan and bi respectively, but in this straight passing relationship.
It's Dugan in top form, a devastating story balanced out with love and hope.
4.25⭐️ - A comic book romance with a sharp turn into darkness.
Jubilee (appropriately comic named) is a higher achiever who has lost her spark recently, with the pressure to perform at her upcoming cello audition mounting up as she pins her hopes on what it could mean. When she attends a major comic convention with her step-mother (the owner of the eponymous Verona Comics) and her best friend, she has a mission to let go and to find a con crush.
Ridley is horribly anxious and hates working conventions for his father's massive comic corporation. The one that has put so many indie stores out of business and is widely panned by true comic lovers. He's temped to blow off the last night prom and when a girl dressed as his favourite comic book character appears rushing into the elevator, his stress anxiety doubles.
This book is in equal parts sweet and painful. Dealing with topics of expectation, pressure, and depression. Ridley's relationship with his parents is stranded and his former depressive periods don't help, and Jubilee finds it so hard to balance her life. Alongside these important mental health topics, there's also decision of not being queer enough, with the characters being pan and bi respectively, but in this straight passing relationship.
It's Dugan in top form, a devastating story balanced out with love and hope.
Added to listOwnedwith 2 books.
Updated a reading goal:
Read 60 books by December 31, 2025
Progress so far: 74 / 60 123%
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⭐️ - 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 ^-^
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.
4.75⭐️ - This was an absolutely phenomenal look at the experience of doubting ones own sexuality and the way in which you can be made to feel not queer enough. This is something that many of us in the LGBTQIA+ community have experienced, as well as those of us who are neurodivergent - the imposter syndrome you feel when you're trying to work things out.
I adored the characters, the community and found family that sprung up, and the wonderful way falling for somebody was portrayed. Listening to the audiobook, I initially didn't think I was going to vibe with it, but I was so thankful to be proven wrong. By the end, I was really appreciating the humour and I really recommend this one for any other baby queers
4.75⭐️ - This was an absolutely phenomenal look at the experience of doubting ones own sexuality and the way in which you can be made to feel not queer enough. This is something that many of us in the LGBTQIA+ community have experienced, as well as those of us who are neurodivergent - the imposter syndrome you feel when you're trying to work things out.
I adored the characters, the community and found family that sprung up, and the wonderful way falling for somebody was portrayed. Listening to the audiobook, I initially didn't think I was going to vibe with it, but I was so thankful to be proven wrong. By the end, I was really appreciating the humour and I really recommend this one for any other baby queers
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
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 ☺️
3.75⭐️- I have never both loved a book and wanted to yell at a protagonist so much! The entire book is in Fallon's internal monologue/narration and good god does she undermine and overthink all the time. The reason I still rate this book highly is that A) I loved the relationship between them, B) it was super self aware overthinking, with a fourth wall breaking kind of talking to us as observers acknowledging how annoying it was and C) as a chronic overthinker.. it was painfully accurate
3.75⭐️- I have never both loved a book and wanted to yell at a protagonist so much! The entire book is in Fallon's internal monologue/narration and good god does she undermine and overthink all the time. The reason I still rate this book highly is that A) I loved the relationship between them, B) it was super self aware overthinking, with a fourth wall breaking kind of talking to us as observers acknowledging how annoying it was and C) as a chronic overthinker.. it was painfully accurate
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.
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!
4.25 ⭐️ - This was a really sweet story, with a lot of complex relationships and a focus on the way in which still being hung up on a person who broke your heart can stand in the way of fully committing to a new relationship.
Scottie has been off her game and her team has suffered since her ex-girlfriend moved to a rival school. When a fender bender puts her in close proximity to Irene, a girl who has been nothing but mean to her in the past, she find herself falling into a scheme that will improve the teams chances and take pressure off Irene.
This is your classic sports romance with a sapphic twist, a coming of age story about accepting yourself, not letting your worth be defined by people who don't love you enough, and how closeted bullies can be homophobic. It's got lovely family vibes and supportive team mates and is overall just a really fun read.
4.25 ⭐️ - This was a really sweet story, with a lot of complex relationships and a focus on the way in which still being hung up on a person who broke your heart can stand in the way of fully committing to a new relationship.
Scottie has been off her game and her team has suffered since her ex-girlfriend moved to a rival school. When a fender bender puts her in close proximity to Irene, a girl who has been nothing but mean to her in the past, she find herself falling into a scheme that will improve the teams chances and take pressure off Irene.
This is your classic sports romance with a sapphic twist, a coming of age story about accepting yourself, not letting your worth be defined by people who don't love you enough, and how closeted bullies can be homophobic. It's got lovely family vibes and supportive team mates and is overall just a really fun read.
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!