nitya's review
emotional
funny
sad
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? It's complicated
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? It's complicated
3.5
Although I devoured this book, I can't say I enjoyed it as much as the first.
Also wasn't a big fan of the fake dating/love triangle combo. Love fake dating by itself, and I tolerate love triangles unless it becomes (preferably) polyamory, but. It felt sort of tacked on here. And what about the royal family's reaction?? After they made so much fuss about both Izumi and her mother not living up to their strict and ridiculous standards.
The author's writing style and humor are great though! It's the last of a duology so I shouldn't be so nitpicky.
I would reread Tokyo Ever After, but I probably won't do the same for this.
Spoiler
I was happy about the ending overall but it felt a bit rushed. After a lengthy break, Izumi and Akio get back together and then BAM, 5 pages later the book ends! There's very little payoff.Also wasn't a big fan of the fake dating/love triangle combo. Love fake dating by itself, and I tolerate love triangles unless it becomes (preferably) polyamory, but. It felt sort of tacked on here. And what about the royal family's reaction?? After they made so much fuss about both Izumi and her mother not living up to their strict and ridiculous standards.
The author's writing style and humor are great though! It's the last of a duology so I shouldn't be so nitpicky.
I would reread Tokyo Ever After, but I probably won't do the same for this.
Content Warnings
Moderate: Sexism
Minor: Panic attacks/disorders
renharms's review
funny
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
4.0
Content Warnings
Graphic: Classism and Panic attacks/disorders
sfbookgirl's review
emotional
hopeful
lighthearted
reflective
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 had a lot of fun reading the sequel of TOKYO EVER AFTER. While I found this super cute, I enjoyed TOKYO EVER AFTER just ever so slightly more. Without giving away any spoilers, I loved the love triangle and the further development of Izumi’s relationship with her parents.
If you haven’t read TOKYO EVER AFTER yet, I highly recommend it! It’s an excellent, slightly more modern retelling of The Princess Diaries with current teenage challenges set in Japan. If you are a fan of all things royal, you will definitely enjoy it. And Netflix, where is the show? This book needs one!
Content Warnings
Graphic: Panic attacks/disorders and Classism
Moderate: Sexism and Bullying
readingwithmeredith's review
hopeful
lighthearted
fast-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? No
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
3.0
Content Warnings
Minor: Panic attacks/disorders, Cursing, and Sexual content
sarahmarie094's review against another edition
funny
inspiring
lighthearted
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? It's complicated
4.5
Content Warnings
Graphic: Panic attacks/disorders and Classism
betweentheshelves's review against another edition
emotional
funny
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
4.5
If you like anything royalty related, you are abolustely sure to love this. Especially if you love the early 2000 movies The Princess Diaries or What a Girl Wants. It's like the perfect read-a-like for those. While I'm not a huge fan of love triangles (which is why this isn't getting 5 stars), I do understand why it was introduced into this story. It added to the drama and the conflict and made for a more interesting read! It also paralleled Izumi's own journey really well.
I also enjoyed all of the Japanese culture infused into this book. There's a lot I learned while reading it, and it made the book feel more realistic and more engaging. I will definitely read anything Emiko Jean writes after the success of this duology!
I also enjoyed all of the Japanese culture infused into this book. There's a lot I learned while reading it, and it made the book feel more realistic and more engaging. I will definitely read anything Emiko Jean writes after the success of this duology!
Content Warnings
Graphic: Classism and Panic attacks/disorders
Moderate: Bullying and Sexism
Minor: Sexual content
theespressoedition's review against another edition
lighthearted
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
3.0
WHAT. HAPPENED.
I loved Tokyo Ever After so, so much and had the highest hopes for Tokyo Dreaming. But A LOVE TRIANGLE?! What on earth possessed the sweet author to make us suffer through that turmoil?
Give me Akio! Give me sweet "Radish" references and stolen kisses!
I listened to almost this entire book within the span of 24 hours and I couldn't have been more disappointed with the majority of the story. However, there were a few redeeming factors:
- Izumi became friends with "The Shining Twins" and they were actually decent humans... hurray!
- Izumi's mom's story was actually really meaningful and the anxiety aspect was handled well
Okay, yeah, that's about it. If I'd gone into this one with no previous knowledge of the first book, maybe I would've liked it? If there had never been Akio, there's a chance the romance in this would've been cute and I would've liked how Izumi learned from it and found a good friend in Eriku. Normally, I love fake dating and would've been all about that story... but... you guessed it: AKIO.
Sorry, this one just missed the mark almost entirely for me.
I loved Tokyo Ever After so, so much and had the highest hopes for Tokyo Dreaming. But A LOVE TRIANGLE?! What on earth possessed the sweet author to make us suffer through that turmoil?
Give me Akio! Give me sweet "Radish" references and stolen kisses!
I listened to almost this entire book within the span of 24 hours and I couldn't have been more disappointed with the majority of the story. However, there were a few redeeming factors:
- Izumi became friends with "The Shining Twins" and they were actually decent humans... hurray!
- Izumi's mom's story was actually really meaningful and the anxiety aspect was handled well
Okay, yeah, that's about it. If I'd gone into this one with no previous knowledge of the first book, maybe I would've liked it? If there had never been Akio, there's a chance the romance in this would've been cute and I would've liked how Izumi learned from it and found a good friend in Eriku. Normally, I love fake dating and would've been all about that story... but... you guessed it: AKIO.
Sorry, this one just missed the mark almost entirely for me.
Content Warnings
Graphic: Classism and Panic attacks/disorders
psistillreadyou's review against another edition
inspiring
lighthearted
reflective
slow-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? No
4.5
Content Warnings
Moderate: Panic attacks/disorders
heyitscin's review against another edition
funny
hopeful
inspiring
lighthearted
reflective
fast-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
5.0
A beautiful story about finding yourself.
Content Warnings
Graphic: Panic attacks/disorders
melaniereadsbooks's review
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
4.0
Thank you to Netgalley and Macmillan Audio for an ALC of this book.
Izumi is back in this adorable sequel to Tokyo Ever After. This was so cute and I really enjoyed seeing more about Izumi. Reader beware: there is a "love triangle" in this book. I thought it was cute and well done so I didn't really mind, but I know some don't like that plot.
There was some really good character development and cute relationships in this! I especially liked the focus between Izumi and her parents and the growth to that relationship! Super cute.
Izumi is back in this adorable sequel to Tokyo Ever After. This was so cute and I really enjoyed seeing more about Izumi. Reader beware: there is a "love triangle" in this book. I thought it was cute and well done so I didn't really mind, but I know some don't like that plot.
There was some really good character development and cute relationships in this! I especially liked the focus between Izumi and her parents and the growth to that relationship! Super cute.
Content Warnings
Graphic: Panic attacks/disorders and Classism
Moderate: Sexism and Bullying