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olivialandryxo's reviews
810 reviews
Foul Lady Fortune by Chloe Gong
adventurous
challenging
mysterious
tense
slow-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? It's complicated
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
3.75
This is the second time this year that I’ve read one of my most anticipated releases and it hasn’t been everything I’d hoped it would be. At this point, I’m a little bit worried that’s going to become a trend.
It’s not that this was a bad book. It wasn’t. But it did lack the intrigue that drew me into and then kept me reading These Violent Delights. I guessed one of the major plot twists back in the first quarter of the book, and was just generally not as invested in the story or characters. The only one of the seven that I really liked was Alisa. Of the others, we barely saw Celia or Oliver, and I thought both Oliver and Phoebe were kind of annoying. I was mostly indifferent toward Rosalind and Orion—although Orion was, at least, occasionally amusing—and Silas just felt bland.
I couldn’t even get behind any of the ships. Silas and Phoebe had no chemistry. If we hadn’t been told that they liked each other, I wouldn’t have known. Oliver and Celia didn’t have nearly enough page time for me to get behind them. Honestly, I feel like both Silas and Celia could do better, sorry not sorry. As for Rosalind and Orion, I’ll admit that they had a few good scenes and some good banter, but for the most part, they just kind of felt… meh. I hate to say all of this, but it’s true. I know what Chloe can do with romance—I’ve seen it in Romette and in Benmars. I adore both of those couples and was hoping to feel similar love for these new ones, but unfortunately, that wasn’t the case. I do think that Rosaorion has the most potential for the sequel, though. Maybe I could still board that ship at some point. We’ll see.
My favorite part of the book was the tiny Benmars update we got in one of Alisa’s early chapters, and the most entertaining part was searching for clues as to whether or not Roma and Juliette are still alive. I already thought they were before starting; now that I’ve finished, I’m certain not only that they’re alive, but also that we’ll see them in the sequel. If I had money, I would bet on it. I legit have a note on my phone full of textual evidence and theories.
This is unrelated to either Roma or Juliette; it’s just something I wanted to comment on. How the hell is annoying little Phoebe actually Priest??? You’re telling me a whiny, too cool for school wannabe socialite is the Communists’ best assassin??? Yeah, I know, that’s probably a cover to make sure no one guesses her identity, but still. I’m having a seriously hard time believing it, even if it would explain why Priest helped Rosalind, Orion and Alisa in the warehouse attack. I’m gonna need some convincing here, Chloe.
So, yeah. It pains me to give one of Chloe’s books less than five stars, but this just… didn’t do it for me. I had both high hopes and high expectations after reading and adoring the TVD books last year, and unfortunately, this fell flat. I’m still going to read the sequel though, partially out of curiosity, but mostly because I want to see Roma and Juliette again. 💁🏼💁🏼
Representation
It’s not that this was a bad book. It wasn’t. But it did lack the intrigue that drew me into and then kept me reading These Violent Delights. I guessed one of the major plot twists back in the first quarter of the book, and was just generally not as invested in the story or characters. The only one of the seven that I really liked was Alisa. Of the others, we barely saw Celia or Oliver, and I thought both Oliver and Phoebe were kind of annoying. I was mostly indifferent toward Rosalind and Orion—although Orion was, at least, occasionally amusing—and Silas just felt bland.
I couldn’t even get behind any of the ships. Silas and Phoebe had no chemistry. If we hadn’t been told that they liked each other, I wouldn’t have known. Oliver and Celia didn’t have nearly enough page time for me to get behind them. Honestly, I feel like both Silas and Celia could do better, sorry not sorry. As for Rosalind and Orion, I’ll admit that they had a few good scenes and some good banter, but for the most part, they just kind of felt… meh. I hate to say all of this, but it’s true. I know what Chloe can do with romance—I’ve seen it in Romette and in Benmars. I adore both of those couples and was hoping to feel similar love for these new ones, but unfortunately, that wasn’t the case. I do think that Rosaorion has the most potential for the sequel, though. Maybe I could still board that ship at some point. We’ll see.
My favorite part of the book was the tiny Benmars update we got in one of Alisa’s early chapters, and the most entertaining part was searching for clues as to whether or not Roma and Juliette are still alive. I already thought they were before starting; now that I’ve finished, I’m certain not only that they’re alive, but also that we’ll see them in the sequel. If I had money, I would bet on it. I legit have a note on my phone full of textual evidence and theories.
So, yeah. It pains me to give one of Chloe’s books less than five stars, but this just… didn’t do it for me. I had both high hopes and high expectations after reading and adoring the TVD books last year, and unfortunately, this fell flat. I’m still going to read the sequel though, partially out of curiosity, but mostly because I want to see Roma and Juliette again. 💁🏼💁🏼
Representation
- demisexual Chinese protagonist
- two bisexual Chinese protagonists
- trans MTF Chinese protagonist
- unlabeled queer Chinese protagonist
- Chinese protagonist
- aromantic asexual protagonist
- various Chinese and Japanese side characters
Content Warnings
Graphic: Death, Gore, Gun violence, Violence, Blood, Grief, Murder, War, and Injury/Injury detail
Moderate: Emotional abuse, Physical abuse, Medical content, and Medical trauma
Emotional and physical abuse are there regarding mentions of them in characters’ pasts. Additional content warning for human experimentation.
I'm Glad My Mom Died by Jennette McCurdy
emotional
reflective
sad
I, like many others, was a huge fan of iCarly growing up. Learning now how hellish the experience was for Jennette really makes me look at it in a new light. I feel so unbelievably bad for her, and I’m really glad she’s doing better now. ❤️
Content Warnings
Graphic: Alcoholism, Body shaming, Cancer, Child abuse, Eating disorder, Emotional abuse, Mental illness, Panic attacks/disorders, Terminal illness, Toxic relationship, Vomit, Medical content, Grief, Death of parent, Gaslighting, and Alcohol
Moderate: Sexual content and Sexual harassment
Minor: Drug use
Jennette's mother was extremely manipulative and emotionally abusive. She caused and then encouraged her daughter’s disordered eating; Jennette suffered from anorexia, and then binge-eating and bulimia. Her mom had and recovered from cancer, and then got it again and ultimately died from it/complications related to it. To deal with her eating disorders and also her mother’s death, Jennette turned to substance abuse, namely alcohol. She does mention having panic attacks a few times. It’s important to note that sexual content and sexual harassment are listed as two separate things, and the latter didn’t involve Jennette, nor did the drug use. She talks about how her boyfriend was diagnosed with schizophrenia and, in an attempt to cope with it/the medication, turned to marijuana and ended up addicted.
Wicked Villains Shorts by Katee Robert
funny
hopeful
lighthearted
fast-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? N/A
- Strong character development? N/A
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? N/A
4.0
The temptation to just give this whole thing five stars because of the Tinkhook content is so huge. Those few little moments of domesticity, of them finally enjoying their happily ever after, made me so, so happy. I was kicking and squealing and giggling, just grinning like an absolute fool. I never expected these two to be one of my favorite KR couples, but here they are, tied with Hades and Persephone for that #1 spot. <3
Much as I love them, though, their scenes were only 15-20 pages of 150, only 3 scenes of 16, and the others did not elicit the same reaction in me. So, four stars. There were a couple of cute moments between Jasmine and Jafar, as well as between Belle, Gaeton and Beast, but I’m mostly indifferent toward both relationships. It was nice to see the other throuples again, though I would’ve liked a tiny bit more of Ursa, Zuri and Alaric. Also, I still don’t like Aurora and Malone as a couple. It pains me to say it, as a fellow sapphic, but it’s true.
So anyway. I think I’ve said all there is to say. Don’t ask me how many times I’m planning to reread those Tinkhook scenes; that’s my own business. XD
[Representation for each book can be found in my individual reviews!]
Much as I love them, though, their scenes were only 15-20 pages of 150, only 3 scenes of 16, and the others did not elicit the same reaction in me. So, four stars. There were a couple of cute moments between Jasmine and Jafar, as well as between Belle, Gaeton and Beast, but I’m mostly indifferent toward both relationships. It was nice to see the other throuples again, though I would’ve liked a tiny bit more of Ursa, Zuri and Alaric. Also, I still don’t like Aurora and Malone as a couple. It pains me to say it, as a fellow sapphic, but it’s true.
So anyway. I think I’ve said all there is to say. Don’t ask me how many times I’m planning to reread those Tinkhook scenes; that’s my own business. XD
[Representation for each book can be found in my individual reviews!]
Content Warnings
Graphic: Sexual content
Most (but not all) of the shorts in this collection contain sexual content of some sort. A few specific shorts need specific warnings. ‘Rough Day’: blood, mention of murder. ‘The Baby Talk’: mention of past child/domestic abuse. ‘Valentine’s Day in the Underworld’: mention of death.
Queen Takes Rose by Katee Robert
Representation
challenging
dark
emotional
reflective
fast-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? It's complicated
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
3.5
Aurora has consistently been one of my favorite side characters in this series, and I was so excited to finally get to her book. I was doubly excited because this is the first KR book I’ve read with a sapphic couple; obviously The Sea Witch has sapphic rep, being FFM, but that’s different.
Now that I’ve finished Queen Takes Rose, I’m extremely conflicted. I love Aurora to pieces, don’t get me wrong, and I might have a not-so-small crush on her. I’d go so far as to call her one of my favorite KR protagonists, up there with Persephone, Tink, Meg and Ursa.
But Malone. She’s the one I don’t get. I respect her, for sure—I always respect ambitious, powerful women. And I’m usually not bothered if they’re “bad people” either. Morally grey women are hot. Usually. In this case, though, I found Malone obnoxious and very difficult to like. I know she’s based on Maleficent, so she’s not supposed to be nice. I get that, that’s fine. I just really don’t like the way she treated Aurora. I’ve gotten used to Dom/sub relationships from reading so many KR books, so it’s not that. Not exactly. More like, it has to do with how far she took it. The whole “you can’t speak unless I tell you to” thing, even outside of scenes??? Excuse me??? How the hell is that sexy???
[Update: I’ve been informed that this can happen in Dom/sub relationships, and apparently some find it very sexy. My ace is showing. Carry on.]
Moving on. I do my best to suspend my disbelief, at least to some extent, when reading smut; I’m not here for plot or world-building or morals. I’m here for smut. I’m here for the relationship, and I’m down for just about anything. That being said, I could not get behind this ship, no matter how hard I tried. Rant incoming in the spoiler tag.
HOW CAN AURORA LOVE THE WOMAN THAT KILLED HER MOTHER????? I know that Carver City follows its own rules. I know that her mother, according to multiple sources, was a terrible territory leader. BUT SERIOUSLY???? MALONE KILLED YOUR MOM, AURORA. STOP BEING SO HORNY. I’m all for enemies to lovers. I’m all for “I came to kill you, but I’m falling in love with you.” I’ve seen both tropes written brilliantly in other books. But I have to draw the line somewhere, and I’m drawing it here. Just because she wasn’t a good leader doesn’t mean she deserved to die. Sometimes I’m reading these books and figure that what I don’t understand must be because I’m ace. But this can’t be an ace thing, right??? IT’S ACTUAL MURDER. OF A FAMILY MEMBER. I DO NOT UNDERSTAND.
I was really hoping this would be my favorite, but honestly, it’s closer to the opposite. I settled on 3.5 stars because that’s what I gave Desperate Measures, and the two books are about on the same level for me. Neither of them are bad books. I just… I don’t know. This is very much not the review I thought I’d be writing for this book. Much confusion. Very sadness.
One positive thing: I loved seeing Aurora and Allecto’s friendship, and I loved seeing the way Hades cared for Aurora. It’s not really a father-daughter relationship, considering he’s her employer at a sex club—and they might’ve scened together at some point?? maybe?? I can’t remember—but it was still very sweet. <3
Although I won’t lie, I’m salty I was teased with getting to see Tink and Meg and then didn’t actually get to. Not a single cameo from any of my faves. Rude. :(((
This review is basically just me ranting and criticizing the book, but it wasn’t bad. I did like it. I just didn’t like it anywhere near as much as I’d hoped I would, unfortunately.
Final series ranking:
Now that I’ve finished Queen Takes Rose, I’m extremely conflicted. I love Aurora to pieces, don’t get me wrong, and I might have a not-so-small crush on her. I’d go so far as to call her one of my favorite KR protagonists, up there with Persephone, Tink, Meg and Ursa.
But Malone. She’s the one I don’t get. I respect her, for sure—I always respect ambitious, powerful women. And I’m usually not bothered if they’re “bad people” either. Morally grey women are hot. Usually. In this case, though, I found Malone obnoxious and very difficult to like. I know she’s based on Maleficent, so she’s not supposed to be nice. I get that, that’s fine. I just really don’t like the way she treated Aurora. I’ve gotten used to Dom/sub relationships from reading so many KR books, so it’s not that. Not exactly. More like, it has to do with how far she took it. The whole “you can’t speak unless I tell you to” thing, even outside of scenes??? Excuse me??? How the hell is that sexy???
[Update: I’ve been informed that this can happen in Dom/sub relationships, and apparently some find it very sexy. My ace is showing. Carry on.]
Moving on. I do my best to suspend my disbelief, at least to some extent, when reading smut; I’m not here for plot or world-building or morals. I’m here for smut. I’m here for the relationship, and I’m down for just about anything. That being said, I could not get behind this ship, no matter how hard I tried. Rant incoming in the spoiler tag.
I was really hoping this would be my favorite, but honestly, it’s closer to the opposite. I settled on 3.5 stars because that’s what I gave Desperate Measures, and the two books are about on the same level for me. Neither of them are bad books. I just… I don’t know. This is very much not the review I thought I’d be writing for this book. Much confusion. Very sadness.
One positive thing: I loved seeing Aurora and Allecto’s friendship, and I loved seeing the way Hades cared for Aurora. It’s not really a father-daughter relationship, considering he’s her employer at a sex club—and they might’ve scened together at some point?? maybe?? I can’t remember—but it was still very sweet. <3
Although I won’t lie, I’m salty I was teased with getting to see Tink and Meg and then didn’t actually get to. Not a single cameo from any of my faves. Rude. :(((
This review is basically just me ranting and criticizing the book, but it wasn’t bad. I did like it. I just didn’t like it anywhere near as much as I’d hoped I would, unfortunately.
Final series ranking:
- A Worthy Opponent
- The Sea Witch / Learn My Lesson
- The Beast
- Queen Takes Rose / Desperate Measures
Representation
- nearly full cast of queer, polyamorous and/or polysexual characters
- Black protagonist
- sapphic protagonist (Malone is the only one that’s not polyam, that I know of)
- sapphic main couple (f/f)
- nonbinary Māori side character (uses they/them)
- Black side characters
Content Warnings
Graphic: Sexual content, Grief, and Death of parent
Aurora’s mom was in a coma for a long time, living only on life support, and at the start of the book, Aurora decides to cut off the life support. She’s grieving the loss of her mom, and also the person she thought her mom was while alive.
The Sea Witch by Katee Robert
Representation
dark
emotional
hopeful
fast-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? It's complicated
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
4.0
[ETA, a few days later: Rating lowered from 4.25 to 4 stars. No, I can’t make up my mind. Move along.]
The theme with Katee Robert books, for me, seems to be that I love the women she writes, but the men are hit or miss. So, of course, I loved Ursa and Zuri, but in this case, I wasn’t as much a fan of Alaric. Though I liked him well enough by the end of the book, he rubbed me the wrong way for most of it.
Despite that, I still thoroughly enjoyed reading this. It’s the first book I’ve read with a FFM throuple instead of a FMM, and I loved that. Bring on the sapphics.
I definitely didn’t expect to love Ursa as much as I did. She’s complex and morally grey and also hot, even though I’m pretty sure she’s like 25 years older than me. I did like Zuri’s story and character arc, but I think Ursa’s was the most well-written.
If I had one complaint (aside from my opinion of Alaric), it would be that the ending felt a little rushed. The final conflict almost felt like an afterthought, added so close to the end of the book and resolved so quickly.
Current series ranking:
The theme with Katee Robert books, for me, seems to be that I love the women she writes, but the men are hit or miss. So, of course, I loved Ursa and Zuri, but in this case, I wasn’t as much a fan of Alaric. Though I liked him well enough by the end of the book, he rubbed me the wrong way for most of it.
Despite that, I still thoroughly enjoyed reading this. It’s the first book I’ve read with a FFM throuple instead of a FMM, and I loved that. Bring on the sapphics.
I definitely didn’t expect to love Ursa as much as I did. She’s complex and morally grey and also hot, even though I’m pretty sure she’s like 25 years older than me. I did like Zuri’s story and character arc, but I think Ursa’s was the most well-written.
If I had one complaint (aside from my opinion of Alaric), it would be that the ending felt a little rushed. The final conflict almost felt like an afterthought, added so close to the end of the book and resolved so quickly.
Current series ranking:
- A Worthy Opponent
- The Sea Witch
- Learn My Lesson
- The Beast
- Desperate Measures
Representation
- full cast of queer, polyamorous and/or polysexual characters
- Vietnamese protagonist
- fat Black protagonist
- FFM main throuple
- two FMM side throuples
- side characters of color (includes Black, Vietnamese and Dominican rep)
Content Warnings
Graphic: Sexual content
The Beast by Katee Robert
Representation
dark
emotional
funny
hopeful
tense
fast-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? It's complicated
- Diverse cast of characters? No
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
3.75
[ETA, a few days later: Rating lowered from 4 to 3.75 stars.]
I enjoyed this book like I enjoy all of Katee’s books. It was fascinating to me, seeing how this series was tied not only to Dark Olympus, but also to Sabine Valley, which means that now I want to read SV. I swear, this woman is an actual genius.
I loved Belle and Gaeton, but while I eventually grew to understand and respect Beast, I didn’t like him the same way. I liked the dynamics among the trio, liked the three of them well enough, but didn’t find myself shipping them as avidly as I do some of the other relationships in the series. My favorite parts of the book were those that involved other characters—namely Aurora, Tink and Hook. Tink’s book is my favorite so far, and I’m very eager to get to Aurora’s. I’m currently convinced that Ms. Robert saved the best for last. 👀 [crying because I now know that this isn’t true]
Current series ranking:
I enjoyed this book like I enjoy all of Katee’s books. It was fascinating to me, seeing how this series was tied not only to Dark Olympus, but also to Sabine Valley, which means that now I want to read SV. I swear, this woman is an actual genius.
I loved Belle and Gaeton, but while I eventually grew to understand and respect Beast, I didn’t like him the same way. I liked the dynamics among the trio, liked the three of them well enough, but didn’t find myself shipping them as avidly as I do some of the other relationships in the series. My favorite parts of the book were those that involved other characters—namely Aurora, Tink and Hook. Tink’s book is my favorite so far, and I’m very eager to get to Aurora’s. I’m currently convinced that Ms. Robert saved the best for last. 👀 [crying because I now know that this isn’t true]
Current series ranking:
- A Worthy Opponent
- Learn My Lesson
- The Beast
- Desperate Measures
Representation
- full cast of queer, polyamorous and/or polysexual characters
- FMM main throuple
- sapphic side couple
- side characters of color (includes Black and Dominican rep)
Content Warnings
Graphic: Sexual content
Moderate: Cancer, Terminal illness, Grief, and Death of parent
Belle’s father died of cancer just before the start of the book, so that’s mentioned occasionally. She’s grieving him, as are the other two protagonists, who weren’t biologically related to the man but were especially close to him/viewed him as a father figure regardless.
Iron Widow by Xiran Jay Zhao
adventurous
challenging
dark
emotional
tense
fast-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
5.0
I am FLABBERGASTED. I am NUMB. I am in PAIN. Xiran Jay Zhao is an EVIL GENIUS.
I don’t think I could write a proper review for this if I tried, but let me say this: it’s been 40 minutes since I finished the book, and I’ve done nothing except try to process what the hell just happened. Immediately after finishing the book, I had to set my phone down so I wouldn’t throw it. I bit my lip so I wouldn’t shriek. I spent several minutes just staring at the wall.
Every part of this book is absolutely brilliant—the characters, the relationships, the world-building, the plot. The world Zhao created is complex and fascinating, as are the characters. Zetian and Shimin are unhinged and I love them for it. Yizhi is a cinnamon roll on the way to becoming unhinged and I love him for it. The trio’s dynamic is my new favorite thing. It’s iconic. They’re iconic. I’ll be thinking of them for the rest of the day, definitely for the rest of the week, and probably even for the rest of the year.
I’m excited and also terrified out of my goddamn mind for the sequel. The author’s Goodreads review (which I found while looking unsuccessfully for a release date) just says, “Be careful what you wish for because you just might get it in the worst way possible.”
AND I??? EXCUSE ME??? WHAT DOES THAT MEAN????
Let the Iron Widow brainrot begin. :’)))
Representation
I don’t think I could write a proper review for this if I tried, but let me say this: it’s been 40 minutes since I finished the book, and I’ve done nothing except try to process what the hell just happened. Immediately after finishing the book, I had to set my phone down so I wouldn’t throw it. I bit my lip so I wouldn’t shriek. I spent several minutes just staring at the wall.
Every part of this book is absolutely brilliant—the characters, the relationships, the world-building, the plot. The world Zhao created is complex and fascinating, as are the characters. Zetian and Shimin are unhinged and I love them for it. Yizhi is a cinnamon roll on the way to becoming unhinged and I love him for it. The trio’s dynamic is my new favorite thing. It’s iconic. They’re iconic. I’ll be thinking of them for the rest of the day, definitely for the rest of the week, and probably even for the rest of the year.
I’m excited and also terrified out of my goddamn mind for the sequel. The author’s Goodreads review (which I found while looking unsuccessfully for a release date) just says, “Be careful what you wish for because you just might get it in the worst way possible.”
AND I??? EXCUSE ME??? WHAT DOES THAT MEAN????
Let the Iron Widow brainrot begin. :’)))
Representation
- Full cast of Chinese-inspired characters
- Bisexual polyamorous protagonist & love interests (protagonist is also disabled & uses a cane)
- FMM throuple
Content Warnings
Graphic: Addiction, Alcoholism, Body shaming, Child abuse, Confinement, Death, Domestic abuse, Emotional abuse, Gore, Misogyny, Physical abuse, Suicidal thoughts, Torture, Violence, Blood, Gaslighting, War, and Injury/Injury detail
Moderate: Sexual assault
Sexual assault is discussed, but there are no on-page depictions. As for everything else… just be careful. This is a seriously dark, brutal book.
Last Night at the Telegraph Club by Malinda Lo
emotional
hopeful
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
4.0
I have nothing bad to say about this book. I’d heard amazing things for some time prior to reading it, which had me quite eager to finally get to it. It didn’t disappoint. Lo’s writing is lovely while also being easy to read, and I quite liked both Lily and Kath. I think queer historical fiction is fascinating—it’s sad, seeing the way LGBTQ+ people were treated back then, but it’s also comforting, proof that we’ve always existed and always will, no matter what society thinks of or throws at us. I definitely want to read more of it in the future, and buy a copy of this book—which, by the way, I definitely recommend.
(It’s midnight and I have a headache and no spoons so idk if this fully makes sense, but I’m going with it.)
Representation
(It’s midnight and I have a headache and no spoons so idk if this fully makes sense, but I’m going with it.)
Representation
- Chinese-American lesbian protagonist
- lesbian love interest
- sapphic relationship
- Chinese side characters
Content Warnings
Graphic: Homophobia, Racial slurs, Racism, Xenophobia, and Lesbophobia
Minor: Forced institutionalization, Police brutality, Toxic friendship, Alcohol, War, and Deportation
Racial slurs: I’m not sure if this counts; but the term “Oriental” is used several times. I’m including it just in case. Alcohol: includes a few scenes with underage drinking. Police brutality: a queer night club is raided. Minor scene. Forced institutionalization, deportation and war are only discussed in passing.
Today Tonight Tomorrow by Rachel Lynn Solomon
lighthearted
fast-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? No
- Flaws of characters a main focus? No
4.5
I’ve said before that I think Rachel Lynn Solomon is one of the best YA contemporary authors, and I stand by that. Though there were a few elements that annoyed me, overall, I thought this was a really fun, quick read. I really liked Rowan and Neil and the progression of their relationship, as well as their individual character development. While I took an immediate liking to Rowan, I wasn’t sure if it was possible for me to like Neil, given that he grated on me initially—but he did, surprisingly, grow on me. His letter in her yearbook was adorable. In general, reading this just made me happy, and that’s how I know a book is good. I’d definitely recommend this one, and upon finishing, I’m quite eager to read more from Solomon.
Representation
Representation
- Mexican-Russian Jewish protagonist
- Jewish love interest and side characters
- lesbian side character
- bisexual side character
- sapphic side couple
Content Warnings
Moderate: Antisemitism
Minor: Sexual content, Violence, and Injury/Injury detail
Antisemitism comes from side characters but is always challenged. Violence and injury details are in reference to past events, only mentioned once. As for sexual content, there’s discussion of some characters’ past experiences, but only one mild, on-page sex scene.
Rosaline Palmer Takes the Cake by Alexis Hall
emotional
funny
hopeful
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? It's complicated
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
3.5
This was good in the beginning and in the end, but my interest waned during most of the middle. While I did like Rosaline, my favorite characters were side characters—specifically, Anvita and Amelie. The banter was highly entertaining, but there were also times where some of the dialogue and even a couple of characters felt cringey. I liked Alain at first, but then he started to get on my nerves more and more, and then he outed himself as a totally pretentious, jealous asshole. I no longer like him. And while Harry is a sweetheart, no doubt about it, I… didn’t really feel any chemistry between him and Rosaline?? I liked their friendship, but never really got attached to their romance.
Also, it felt pretty obvious to me that Rosaline would win the competition. Books like these almost always either have the protagonist win, or they come in second/third place but still end up getting some sort of prize out of it. I’m happy for her, don’t get me wrong—and definitely glad that Alain didn’t win—but yeah. No surprise factor here.
Overall, this was fine. Not the new favorite I’d hoped it would be when I started, but not bad either. I’d recommend it, but there are other romances I’d recommend first/more. I’ll probably read the next one just because I’m curious, and these books are, at the very least, entertaining.
Representation
Overall, this was fine. Not the new favorite I’d hoped it would be when I started, but not bad either. I’d recommend it, but there are other romances I’d recommend first/more. I’ll probably read the next one just because I’m curious, and these books are, at the very least, entertaining.
Representation
- bisexual protagonist
- lesbian side character
- achillean side character
- Punjabi side character
- side character with an anxiety disorder (unspecified)
Content Warnings
Graphic: Emotional abuse, Sexual assault, Sexual content, and Gaslighting
Moderate: Biphobia, Toxic relationship, Alcohol, and Classism
The sexual content and sexual assault tags are there separately; there are multiple, consensual sex scenes varying from mild to moderate explicitness. The attempted sexual assault was stopped and challenged. Emotional abuse, gaslighting and classism are all in regards to Rosaline’s parents, with the former two relating to their treatment of her and the latter to their opinions of others. Biphobia is also directed at Rosaline, but from side characters, and she challenges it every step of the way.